Michigan: 2018 deer hunting forecast predicts successful season

For many years, the DNR has provided a forecast of the upcoming deer seasons. In the 2018 Michigan Deer Hunting Prospects report, the DNR anticipates a successful year for many deer hunters, with indicators showing deer numbers to be up over last year. Biologists are expecting the number of deer taken to increase slightly from last year’s numbers, which were up more than 10 percent from the previous year across the state. Specific regional information is included within the forecast.

The DNR encourages hunters to familiarize themselves with current regulations before hitting the field. Deer regulations can be found at michigan.gov/deer. Other important resources include this year’s Hunting Digest and Antlerless Deer Digest – both available to download at michigan.gov/dnrdigests. Read more

Hunting

Sauer S100 Pantera Precision Rifle in 6.5 Creedmoor

New SAUER S100 Pantera Precision Rifle Now Shipping in 6.5 Creedmoor

San Antonio, Texas – J. P. Sauer & Sohn, Germany’s oldest gunmaker, is now shipping its S100 Pantera compact precision rifle chambered in 6.5 Creedmoor. Distributed by Blaser USA Inc., the S100 Pantera is a highly efficient yet elegant platform for long-range shooting featuring a heavy fluted 20-inch barrel. The adjustable cheek piece on the stock in combination with the recoil pad, which is adjustable sideways and in height, makes the rifle a perfect fit for any shooter. The sculpted pistol grip provides an additional and extremely natural shooting position for first round hits at long range.

The Pantera also has a Cerakote coating on the barrel surface and action while an ultra-rugged special coating protects the underlying laminate wood stock. All SAUER 100 rifles feature a crisp, user adjustable single-stage trigger, three-position safety, cold hammer-forged SAUER barrel, and smooth action bolt. These rifles are designed for accuracy, delivering a guaranteed five-shot sub-MOA performance.

In addition to 6.5 Creedmoor, the SAUER S100 Pantera is currently available in .223 Rem, .243 Win, .308 Win, .30-06 Springfield, and .300 Win Mag with 6.5 PRC to follow.

MSRP: $1,599.99 Read more

Firearms

Savage Rascals: Pint-Sized Performance

New Savage Rascals Raise the Bar in Pint-Sized Performance

WESTFIELD, Massachusetts – – Savage is pleased to take micro rimfire rifle performance to new heights with the new Rascal FV-SR (Suppressor Ready), Rascal Target and Rascal Target XP. Shipments of these firearms have been delivered to dealers.

The Rascal FV-SR enhances accuracy with a heavy barrel featuring a threaded (1/2-28) muzzle. Like the original Rascal, the single-shot rifle cocks by lifting the bolt and unloads easily—without pulling the trigger. The design also builds superior shooting skills thanks to full-size rifle features, including a peep sight, tough synthetic stock and Savage’s user-adjustable Accu-Trigger system. The two new suppressor-ready Rascal models are available in pink or black.

The new Rascal Target is built for accuracy and adaptability, thanks to a precision hardwood stock, heavy 16 1/8-inch barrel, one-piece Picatinny rail and threaded (1/2-28) muzzle. Like the Rascal FV-SR, the Rascal Target offers full-size rifle features, including Savage’s user-adjustable AccuTrigger system and suppressor-ready barrels. Collectively, the platform offers far better safety, functionality and accuracy than competing designs.

The Rascal Target XP offers all the Rascal Target amenities in a ready-to-shoot package that comes with a mounted and boresighted 4x32mm scope, as well as a bipod sling swivel stud mount. A left-hand model of this configuration is also available. Read more

Firearms

New Glocks Gen 5

SMYRNA, Ga. – GLOCK, Inc. expands the 5th Generation of GLOCK pistols with the addition of two modular optic ready platforms. The GLOCK 17 Gen5 MOS and GLOCK 19 Gen5 MOS come optic ready right from the factory and enable users to mount their preferred reflex sights to their pistol in order to improve their target acquisition.

The G17 Gen5 MOS and G19 Gen5 MOS complete the evolution of perfection for the 9X19 family of Gen5 pistols

“The MOS platform offers a convenient way for users to mount reflex sights without costly alterations to an original GLOCK slide,” said GLOCK, Inc. VP Josh Dorsey. “The resulting combination of optical sighting and the unparalleled accuracy and reliability of the new generation of GLOCK pistols set a new standard for this class of pistol.”

These Gen5 models are precision-machined to provide a mounting system for all popular optic sights. With multiple adapter plates, you can quickly and easily mount electronic sights to the rear of the slide. The Gen5 MOS family of pistols also feature front serrations for easier and quicker manipulations. This includes the addition of front serrations on the G34 Gen5 MOS which was first introduced to the market in January, 2018.

The G17 Gen5 MOS and the G19 Gen5 MOS will be available for purchase starting October 5th, 2018 at participating dealers.

Firearms

Treestand Safety

By Glen Wunderlich

In 1997, the Michigan DNR changed hunting rules to allow firearm hunters to hunt from raised platforms. Since that time, the accident rate from falls has climbed and is now the leading cause of injury to hunters every year.  Not unlike people that do not wear seat belts while operating vehicles, accidental falls while hunting are largely preventable.  Whether it’s laziness, a lack of safety-related education, or the cost of safety equipment, each excuse pales in comparison to a life-threatening, paralyzing – or worse yet – a life-ending fall.  

Here are some tips.

·         If you tend to use the same tree and stand year after year and just leave it up, understand that live trees continue to grow.  As a result, fasteners, chains, and straps can become stressed, even though they may appear to be in good order.  It’s a simple and inexpensive matter to add a fresh ratchet strap or two.

·         When setting up a stand initially, it’s important to use a lineman’s belt and lifeline with a proper knot when climbing or descending.  Because most accidents occur while climbing, or stepping onto a stand, or descending, the lineman’s belt and lifeline allow a person to remain in contact with a tree at all times.  Plus, the hands-free aspect of the system facilitates stand installation and takedown safely.

·         Learning how to tie and use a Prusik knot is crucial to safety when climbing.  It is a friction hitch commonly used in rope rescue, mountaineering, climbing, canyoneering, and more. Prusik loop material should be approximately 60 percent to 80 percent of the standing (or static) line diameter. If the hitch is too small, the hitch will be tight, making it difficult to free and then move the loop. If the diameter is too large, the hitch will not tighten up enough to grip and will slip.

·         Flexibility is important. A cord that is too stiff will not allow the hitch to tighten enough to grip the standing line. In life safety applications such as rescue and belays, many authorities recommend the use of two tandem triple wrap Prusik hitches. Many authorities suggest using 8mm cord for 1/2? rope and 7mm cord for 7/16? ropes.

§  Ensure you do not exceed the stand manufacturer’s maximum height or weight settings.

§  Select a healthy, straight tree for your tree stand.  There are still some standing ash trees in the woods that may topple at any time.  Make sure to be able to identify them and avoid them.

§  Set up the stand with another person.

§  Let someone know where you are setting up your stand ahead of time.

§  Bring an emergency signal device, such as a cell phone or a whistle.

§  Use a full-body safety harness at all times, and remain connected to the tree from the time you leave the ground to the time you return to the ground.

§  Consider using a padded universal shooting rail for added safety and for a reliable shooting rest for firearms or crossbows.

§  Use a haul line to raise and lower equipment.  Never carry anything as you climb and make sure firearms are unloaded.

§  Familiarize yourself with your gear before you go.  The morning of opening day is poor time to learn.

§  Only use stands certified by the Treestand Manufacturers Association (TMA).

 

If any of this is too much to be concerned with, just hunt from the ground.

Hunting

Remington’s V3 Compact Shotgun

Ilion, NY – Remington’s advanced, patented gas-operated system is now available with a shorter length of pull for smaller statured shooters

The V3 blends Remington’s legendary pointability with the reliability of the revolutionary VersaPort® gas system in a compact lightweight platform. A match only made in America. The Remington V3 flawlessly cycles all 2 ¾ to 3-inch 12 gauge loads while reducing recoil to a level previously unheard of in autoloaders.

Unlike other gas operated semi-automatic shotguns, the V3 VersaPort gas system is located directly in front of the receiver. This results in a properly designed forend for ideal ergonomics and centers the weight between the shooter’s hands – delivering superior balance and swing performance.

At the heart of the V3 autoloading shotgun is the patented VersaPort gas piston system, an extremely-reliable, semi-automatic operating system consisting of gas ports and gas pistons for enhanced load versatility, while softening recoil and reducing maintenance. The VersaPort gas system self-regulates gas pressure based on the length of the shell, for reliable cycling no matter the load. From the lightest of target loads to the heaviest of magnum loads, the V3 is as comfortable on the sporting clays range as it is in the duck blind. Read more

Firearms

National Park Service Finalizes Rule Change to Benefit Bow Hunters

GW:  The rule change may not seem like a big deal; however, it’s always much more difficult to regain rights after having lost them.  It just didn’t make much sense as indicated, but look at the hoops to be navigated to comply and then to overturn.  Dang good work!

Earlier this week, the National Park Service (NPS) issued a final rule that will now provide archery hunters with better access to public lands that surround the National Park System.

Prior to the rule change, hunters could only transport archery equipment through National Parks if their bow or crossbow remained in a motor vehicle or other form of mechanical transport. As a result, bowhunters have been limited in their ability to cross National Parks (where hunting is generally not allowed) on foot or horseback to gain access to adjacent lands where hunting is legal – such as those managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and U.S. Forest Service (USFS).

Concerns about traversing NPS lands have been particularly relevant since Congress passed the law to allow individuals to carry firearms in National Parks in 2009. While these expanded allowances gave firearm hunters the opportunity to cross NPS properties to access adjacent huntable lands, the same privileges were not afforded to bowhunters. Due to the misguided interpretation of the law, access to certain parcels of BLM, USFS and even private land was made available to one type of hunter but not another.

In a press release announcing the rule change, NPS also noted that, “Some roads maintained by the National Park Service bisect private property, making it necessary to enter park land in order to cross the street from one section of private land to another. When other means of approach are otherwise impractical or impossible, those transporting bows and crossbows across national park lands will now have equal access.”

While the rule change provides much needed relief for archery hunters, those crossing NPS lands should remember that possessing bows and crossbows on Park Service property is subject to applicable state laws and is not allowed if the individual is otherwise prohibited by law from possessing a bow or crossbow. In addition, bows and crossbows carried across National Parks may not be “ready for immediate use.”

Hunting

Ed Brown Products Magazine Exchange Program

PERRY, MO – Ed Brown Products, Inc. is proud to announce the release of the Magazine Exchange Program, focusing on their new line of Performance Magazines.

Ed Brown has been expanding their presence in the 1911 magazine arena with the recent release of their Performance Magazines. Now they are breaking new ground with the magazine exchange program. Confident that you will love their new line of magazines, they are allowing customers to send old magazines of any make to upgrade to an Ed Brown Performance Magazine of their choice for only $10! Black Nitride magazines are also included in the program for just $15. It is a one-to-one exchange, so for each one magazine sent in, the customer can select one Ed Brown magazine of their choice, up to 20 magazines per exchange. The process is simple, just go to their website,https://www.edbrown.com/magexchange to print and complete the form and send in with your old magazines. Read more

Firearms

NC Wildlife Commission Reminds Hunters to Practice Tree Stand Safety

RALEIGH, N.C. – As deer season ramps up, the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission reminds hunters to follow safety guidelines when hunting from a tree stand.

“Tree stand accidents are the leading cause of injury to hunters every year,” said Chet Clark, the Commission’s eastern outreach manager. “Most of these accidents are avoidable. Always remember to wear a fall-arrest system and use it properly. Also, follow your tree stand manufacturer’s recommended safety procedures. This little bit of precaution can mean all the difference when out in the field.”

The Commission’s hunter safety education campaign, Home From the Hunt, offers these tree stand safety recommendations: Read more

Hunting

REX Firearms Releases Zero 1 Tactical Compact

Rex Firearms has expanded its existing line of high-quality pistols by introducing the REX Zero 1 Tactical Compact. The standard REX Zero 1 Tactical pistol has been a favorite amongst consumers due to its renowned reliability and the fact that it comes from the factory ROR (Rex Optics Ready). The new REX Zero 1 Tactical Compact offers the convenience of a smaller handgun without compromising firepower, reliability or the popular ROR features. By combining all of the benefits of the REX Zero 1 Tactical in a smaller, compact package, Rex Firearms have once again hit the mark.

The REX Zero 1 Tactical Compact comes loaded with features such as a hard anodized aluminum frame, nitrocarburized steel slide made from a solid bar stock, forward cocking serrations, 1 piece cold hammer forged barrel, a short accessory picatinny rail, an ambidextrous safety and magazine release, de-cocker, 1/2×28 threaded barrel, suppressor height sights, 4 plates for optics mounting, a hard polymer case, (1) 15 round and (1) 17 round magazine, and more. Read more

Firearms
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