Rower Rescued 530 Miles off Cape Cod

BOSTON — The Coast Guard coordinated the rescue of a man aboard ocean rowboat Alba Friday after he activated his emergency position indicating radio beacon about 530 miles off the coast of Cape Cod.

Niall Macdonald triggered his EPIRB around 12:30 a.m.Friday, alerting Coast Guard watchstanders to his distress.

Due to sporadic connectivity, Macdonald was able to call watchstanders at the United Kingdom Mission Control Center via satellite phone. He reported facing 36 hours of rough seas causing his rowboat to take on water. He abandoned the ocean rower for his life raft.

Watchstanders from the First Coast Guard District in Boston coordinated with the United Kingdom Mission Control Center to relay satellite phone messages. Coast Guard watchstanders sent out an urgent marine bulletin to vessels in the area requesting assistance and coordinated with the Rescue Coordination Center in Halifax, Canada, to launch a Canadian C-130 aircraft to assist in the rescue due to the distance offshore. Read more

General

The Importance of a Good Trigger

By Glen Wunderlich

With summer knocking on the door, summertime priorities make their way to the top of one’s list.  As a gardener, I understand Michigan’s short growing season and take full advantage of the warm weather, just as boaters, golfers, campers and other outdoor aficionados do.  And, then there are chores such as car washing, lawn mowing, exterior painting, etc. that garner their fair share of attention.  Meanwhile, our hunting firearms are collecting dust, never to be thought of until hunting season begins. 

Here are some thoughts that can make hunting season more productive.

A good trigger is a good place to start.  Optics have improved immeasurably over the years with electronics and good cheap glass.  However, without a clean-breaking and lightened pull weight, a piece of $600 glass will only show a shooter where his misses are hitting.  As an ex-shooting range officer, I’ve seen and heard it all when it comes to excuses.  Some perplexed shooter were glad to hand off their unworthy firearm to me to test shoot.  I’ve handed them back, as soon as I’ve discovered the malady in their marksmanship:  poor triggers.  No thanks.

Fortunately, there is no better time than the present to upgrade that inaccurate shooting iron, because gunsmiths are typically not as busy now, as they will be when deer season arrives.  With this in mind, you may want to consider dishing off that deer gun for a trigger “massage” or replacement. 

For liability reasons, many modern firearms have heavy-pulling triggers as a means to minimize exposure to lawsuits relative to accidental discharge.  On the other hand, some newer models employ adjustable triggers that can perform quite well for hunting firearms.

Hunting firearms can and should be tools used for a specific purpose, although some can double as varmint and deer guns.  Apart from that, when discussing big game guns, we need to understand there is a difference between how they perform compared to quality target guns.  Think of it this way:  A target gun can hit dime-sized targets consistently at 100 yards, whereas a big game gun only needs to hit dinner-plate sized targets at the same range.

Doing so, doesn’t mean inconsistency is to be considered “good enough” when groups are best described as patterns.  Smaller groups are still better than larger ones, but we must be cognizant of trade-offs if we get caught up in precision alone.  That’s because target triggers set below 2.5 pounds or less can be downright dangerous in hunting firearms – especially, in the colder weather inherent in fall seasons. 

The first consideration is that cold conditions can lessen feel in fingers.  Extremities are the first to suffer from the effects of cold and operating a trigger that is set too light can mean that a bullet is sent downrange before a shooter is actually on target.

Secondly, gloves are often worn and that complicates matters for the same reason:  feel is compromised.

Thirdly, many big game hunters just are not very familiar with their chosen firearms – sometimes not shooting them at all from season to season.  Although a good trigger pull is paramount to the notion of being surprised when a trigger breaks, it shouldn’t be such a surprise that it becomes dangerous.  Handing such a firearm to another shooter for any reason should never be done for the same reason, unless it’s done at the firing range under close supervision and in a controlled environment.

No doubt, too much of a good thing can be bad and next week a discussion on hunting optics will follow the same logic.

Firearms

Michigan DNR Upper Peninsula wolf survey shows healthy wolf population

Michigan Department of Natural Resources Wildlife Division officials said Thursday the state’s wolf population has remained relatively stable over the past four wolf surveys, the most recent of which occurred this past winter.

DNR wildlife biologists estimate there was a minimum of 662 wolves found among 139 packs across the Upper Peninsula this past winter. The 2016 minimum population estimate was 618 wolves.

“Based on our latest minimum population estimate, it is clear wolf numbers in Michigan remain viable and robust,” said Russ Mason, chief of the DNR’s wildlife division. “A similar trend is apparent in Wisconsin and Minnesota. The western Great Lakes states’ wolf population is thriving and has recovered.”

Fifteen more wolf packs were found during this past winter’s survey than in 2016, but pack size has decreased slightly and now averages less than five wolves.

The survey was conducted from December through April, before wolves had produced pups, and when the population is at its lowest point in the annual cycle.

“As the wolf population in the Upper Peninsula has grown and spread out across the region, packs are situated closer together,” said Dean Beyer, a DNR wildlife research biologist who organizes the sampling and generates the wolf population estimate for the biannual survey. “This makes it harder to determine which pack made the tracks that were observed in adjacent areas.

“Movement information we collect from GPS-collared wolves helps us interpret the track count results, because these data allow us to identify territorial boundaries. The minimum population estimate we generate is a conservative estimate, which takes these factors into account.”

The wolf survey is completed by DNR Wildlife Division and U.S. Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services staff who search specific survey areas for wolf tracks and other signs of wolf activity, such as territorial marking or indications of breeding.

In 2017-2018, approximately 63 percent of the Upper Peninsula was surveyed.

After wolves returned naturally to the U.P. through migration from Minnesota, Wisconsin and Ontario in the 1980s, the population rebounded remarkably over time. The pronounced long-term increase in wolf abundance is evident, despite human cause-specific mortality, such as poaching.

However, over the past few years, Michigan’s minimum estimate has hovered between 600 and 700 wolves, which could be indicative of a stabilizing population.

“Research suggests prey availability and the geographical area of the U.P. are the key limiting factors of wolf population expansion,” said Kevin Swanson, a wildlife management specialist with the DNR’s Bear and Wolf Program in Marquette. “This is proving to be true.”

Since the winter of 1993-94, combined wolf numbers in Michigan and Wisconsin have surpassed 100, meeting federally established goals for population recovery.  The Michigan recovery goal of a minimum sustainable population of 200 wolves for five consecutive years was achieved in 2004.

Wolves in Michigan remain a federally-protected species which may only be killed legally in defense of human life.

Wildlife

Savage Introduces New 110 Tactical Line

WESTFIELD, Massachusetts –– When the stakes are high, settle for nothing less than the extreme precision, unflinching performance and industry-leading adaptability of the new Savage 110 Tactical. Caliber options include 308 Win, 6.5 Creedmoor and 6mm Creedmoor. Shipments of these firearms are currently being delivered to dealers.

The 110 Tactical’s revolutionary AccuFit system lets tactical and competitive shooters perfectly customize comb height and length-of-pull for the utmost consistency in all situations, while the user-adjustable AccuTrigger provides a light, crisp pull.

Together with the AccuStock, which secures the action three-dimensionally along its entire length, the 110 Tactical provides the fit and function of a custom rifle—right out of the box. It also features a suppressor-ready threaded barrel, a one-piece scope rail and 10-round detachable box magazine. Available in right- and left-hand models.

Features & Benefits
• AccuFit system lets shooters quickly adjust comb height and length-of-pull
• User-adjustable AccuTrigger
• AccuStock rail system secures the action three-dimensionally along its entire length
• Detachable 10-round Magpul AICS magazine
• Threaded heavy barrel with end cap
• 20 MOA EGW rail
• Gray or Desert Tan synthetic stock
• New Model 110 design and ergonomics
• Tactical oversized bolt handle

Part No. / Description / MSRP

110 Tactical (Gray)
57006 / 308 Win., 20-inch barrel / $784
57007 / 308 Win., 24-inch barrel / $784
57232 / 6.5 Creedmoor, 24-inch barrel / $784 Read more

Firearms

Federal funding boosts DNR’s efforts to improve public shooting ranges throughout Michigan

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service approves $1.25 million partner range grant

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service recently approved a total of $1.25 million over a five-year period for the Department of Natural Resources to provide up to 75 percent of funding for improvements to partner shooting ranges throughout Michigan.

The DNR received these additional federal funds via the Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration Program (Pittman-Robertson Act), through which hunters and sport shooters who purchase firearms, ammunition, archery equipment or hunting licenses help fund wildlife management, habitat improvement, hunter education and shooting ranges in Michigan. The federal funds will be available to partner shooting ranges around the state to improve, expand or develop archery and firearm range facilities. Entities selected by the DNR for funding must provide the needed 25-percent matching funds for their project. Read more

Archery, Firearms

Arizona: Game and Fish Commission Modifies Proposed Rules on Trail Cameras

Ban on use of live-action trail cameras remains in place; prohibition on use of other trail cameras within one-fourth mile of a developed water source is lifted

PAYSON, AZ — In a 5-0 vote, the Arizona Game and Fish Commission agreed to retain the provision that prohibits use of live-action trail cameras for the purpose of taking or aiding in the take of wildlife, but removed the provision that prohibits the use of other trail cameras within one-fourth mile (440 yards) of a developed water source.
The provisions were in the amended Article 3, “Taking and Handling of Wildlife,” Notice of Final Rulemaking, which was submitted to the Commission for consideration during Friday’s public meeting in Payson.
A live-action trail camera is defined as an unmanned device capable of transmitting images, still photographs, video or satellite imagery, wirelessly to a remote device such as, but not limited to, a computer, smartphone or tablet. This does not include a trail camera that records photographic or video data for later use (such as on an SD card), provided the device is not capable of transmitting wirelessly. Read more

Hunting

Michigan: Arctic grayling reintroduction gets critical support from Oleson Foundation

Michigan’s historic effort to reintroduce Arctic grayling to the state’s waters will be supported by a $5,000 grant from the Oleson Foundation to the Department of Natural Resources.

To develop Michigan’s broodstock – a group of mature fish used for breeding – the DNR plans to source wild Arctic grayling eggs from Alaska. However, a vital piece of equipment is needed first at Oden State Fish Hatchery in Emmet County where the broodstock will be developed. Support from the Oleson Foundation will help the DNR acquire this urgently needed piece equipment that will ensure no invasive disease or virus is inadvertently introduced to Michigan’s waters. Read more

Fishing

Birchwood Casey Gun Scrubber Wipes

Birchwood Casey Gun Scrubber™ has been a go-to cleaning product used by shooters and hunters for years. Now the cleaning power of Gun Scrubber is more portable than ever with Birchwood Casey® Gun Scrubber Firearm Cleaning Wipes.

Birchwood Casey Gun Scrubber Firearm Cleaning Wipes easily dissolves greases, oils and carbon fouling in firearms. The 4” x 5” size wipes work perfectly for precise, mess-free cleanup. They can be easily taken along in a bag, gun case, vest or pocket to provide cleaning power while in the field.

Birchwood Casey Gun Scrubber Firearm Cleaning Wipes come in packs of 12 and sell for $12.70. Read more

Firearms

Auburn University Offers New Degree in Wildlife Enterprise Management

By Charles Martin

Contacts: Jamie Anderson, School of Forestry and Wildlife Sciences, 334-844-9248,jla0015@auburn.edu; or Preston Sparks, Office of Communications and Marketing, 334-844-9999, pjs0027@auburn.edu

Hunting or fishing for a new degree?

Auburn University’s new degree in wildlife enterprise management to equip students for careers in outdoor industries

AUBURN Ala. – Students who enjoy the outdoors will want to explore Auburn University’s new degree program that provides the education and skills needed for a variety of careers in hunting and fishing industries.

“The degree will help develop Auburn students as future leaders in outdoor enterprises nationally and internationally,” Auburn President Steven Leath said.

Auburn’s Board of Trustees approved the new wildlife enterprise management degree at its June 8 meeting. Official enrollment will begin in fall 2019 pending approval by the Alabama Commission on Higher Education this December.

Students will take classes across the Auburn campus, primarily in the School of Forestry and Wildlife Sciences, College of Human Sciences and the Harbert College of Business. Courses will include wildlife management, hotel and restaurant management, accounting and marketing, to name a few. In addition to earning the new bachelor’s degree, students will earn a minor in business.

“Graduates will hit the ground running with lodges, hunting preserves, fishing resorts, outdoor experience companies and many other types of consumptive-use businesses,” said Dean Janaki Alavalapati, dean of the School of Forestry and Wildlife Sciences. Read more

Wildlife

New Jersey Elected Officials Blast Newest State Gun Control Measures

Statement from Senator Steve Oroho and Assemblymen Parker Space and Hal Wirths (R-Sussex, Warren, Morris) on the Democrats’ new gun control laws:

Unfortunately, there was a rush once again in Trenton to “do something” that will not stop violent criminals nor mentally unstable individuals from perpetrating harm, but will infringe upon the Second Amendment rights of law-abiding gun owners. Gun ownership is an individual right enshrined in the Second Amendment of the United States Constitution and reiterated in the Heller and McDonald United States Supreme Court decisions.  New Jersey already has some of the strictest gun control laws in the nation and law-abiding gun owners have abided by them even when they have not necessarily agreed with the strict limitations.  The efforts of Governor Murphy and the Democrat majority in Trenton represent another attack on our freedoms.

We believe that several pieces of legislation which have been rushed through the Legislature overstep our constitutionally protected right to keep and bear arms.  We are certain that most of them will be taken to federal court to determine their constitutionality.

Read more

Gun Control
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