New York officials have proposed allowing hunters to use crossbows for big game and eliminating a permit system for some physically disabled hunters to use special archery equipment.   AP—New York officials have proposed allowing hunters to use crossbows for big game and eliminating a permit system for some physically disabled hunters to use special archery equipment. Environmental Commissioner Joe Martens says crossbows are gaining popularity in the state and there's high demand for modified equipment for use by disabled hunters. Crossbows could be used to take deer and bear during regular big game seasons in places where shotguns or muzzleloaders are permitted and during all late muzzleloader seasons. They wouldn't be allowed during early bear or archery seasons or in any archery only wildlife management units. Hunters would have to complete a special training course before being allowed to use them. DEC will be accepting public comments on the proposal through July 11.

Bug out bag - We sell all of your product needs for Ammunition, Gun Gear, Shooting Supplies, and Discounted Weapons Accessories.

In Major Setback for Anti-Hunting Efforts; FWS Rejects Attempts to Stop Lion Hunting For Immediate Release:   October 27, 2014 Washington, D.C. -- Today, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) rejected the claim that the African lion merited listing as an endangered species under the Endangered Species Act. After a long and comprehensive review of the species status, which included information from the foremost lion researchers in the world, the FWS concluded that the African lion simply is not on the brink of extinction and did not merit listing as an endangered species.   The FWS concluded “[s]port-hunting was not found to be a threat to the species at this time.” This conclusion is a blow to the anti-hunting rhetoric put forward by organizations such as the Humane Society of the United States and International Fund for Animal Welfare. The FWS's conclusion contradicts the assertions made by these anti-hunting organizations in the petition they filed with FWS to have the lion listed as endangered. The on the ground facts and the science simply did not support their position.   “By rejecting an endangered listing, the FWS has officially recognized the reality that the African lions are not actually on the brink of extinction. More important, today’s decision will likely help further the cooperative efforts of the African nations, and the many organizations and individuals who are working to study and ensure lion populations are sustainable today and into the future.” said Safari Club International Foundation (SCI Foundation) President Joe Hosmer. “Given the outstanding efforts of African governments in creating and maintaining protected strongholds for a large majority of the lion population, it is doubtful that the Service will be able to defend its conclusion that the lion is threatened with extinction in the foreseeable future.”   “The simple fact is the majority of lions live in protected areas. Efforts like that of the SCI Foundation play a critical role in assisting African range states utilizing best management efforts to ensure the lion has a bright future, not glossy advertisements and hyperbole. We will work with SCI Foundation to ensure the FWS is accountable to the facts and the law going forward,” said David Bernhardt, former Solicitor of the Department of the Interior. The U.S. FWS will now collect comments from the public in response to their proposed new regulations. Conservationists around the world should be encouraged to participate in the public comment period. As the regulatory proposal moves forward, we can expect the anti-hunting and animal rights organizations to continue their calls to ignore the on the ground reality and to push for an endangered determination, which Safari Club International (SCI) and SCI Foundation will oppose.   "SCI raised over $1 million for SCI Foundation to combat the listing of the African lion as endangered. We will continue to ensure funding is available for science-based conservation of the African lion in the future,” said SCI President Craig Kauffman. “SCI is proud of our Foundation which has won this battle against anti-hunting activists.   As the FWS moves forward, the concerns of American voters must be addressed. Eighty percent (80%) of voters agree that while we care about the future of the African lion, there are higher priorities that need to be addressed in the United States.* The FWS should focus on those species found here, that the government actually has the ability to manage.   While voters recognize the importance of protecting endangered species through science based management, 81% of voters want the FWS to focus its efforts and taxpayers dollars on protecting domestic species. And for those non-domestic species, two-thirds of voters agree that we should be working under international treaties to ensure protection and global cooperation. Voters clearly want the U.S. government to work within existing international agreements instead of squandering precious resources by implementing unnecessary regulations of foreign species.   * Current Lion Facts: 1. Recent comprehensive studies of the conservation status of the African lion conclude that there are between 32,000 and 35,000 lions living in the wild in Africa. 2. According to Riggio et al. 2012, a significant 24,000 lions, which is at least 68% of the estimated total population, live in what the study terms “strongholds.” “Strongholds” are areas that are legally protected as lion habitat or where hunting is managed and that meet “the necessary requirements for [the] long-term viability” of the lion populations living there. There are at least 10 such “strongholds” in Africa, covering an area almost as large as the United States east of the Mississippi River. Riggio affirms with science that lion populations living in these areas are “large, stable, and well protected,” and the populations are therefore “likely to persist into the foreseeable future.” 3. SCI Foundation has invested hundreds of thousands of dollars into the development of regional and national science-based lion management plans across east and southern Africa. 4. For twelve years, SCI Foundation has supported the African Wildlife Consultative Forum, where the African lion has been a leading conservation issue, with a total investment approaching US $750,000.   * The Tarrance Group was commissioned by the Safari Club International Foundation to conduct a telephone survey with N=1,013 registered likely voters nationally. Live interviews were conducted April 28-30, 2013. Respondents were selected at random and were part of a fully representative sample reflective of the latest voter registration figures. A random sample of this type is likely to yield a margin of error of + 3.1% with a 95% confidence level. ###   MEDIA CONTACT: Media@safariclub.org   Safari Club International – First For Hunters is the leader in protecting the freedom to hunt and in promoting wildlife conservation worldwide. SCI’s approximately 200 Chapters represent all 50 of the United States as well as 106 other countries. SCI’s proactive leadership in a host of cooperative wildlife conservation, outdoor education and humanitarian programs, with the SCI Foundation and other conservation groups, research institutions and government agencies, empowers sportsmen to be contributing community members and participants in sound wildlife management and conservation. Visit the home page http://www.safariclub.org or call (520) 620-1220 for more information. Safari Club International Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that funds and directs worldwide programs dedicated to wildlife conservation and outdoor education. Any contribution may tax deductible under Internal Revenue Code section 170(c) as a charitable contribution to the extent permitted by law. Tax deductible amount of gift is reduced by the “Fair market Value” of any goods, services, or advantages that a sponsor receives for the donation. EIN #86-0292099

Happy Father’s Day! by Mia Anstine We've all got one. Some of you are one. Some have lost one. I find myself in the latter this year. I can not say it has been easy to find myself with out someone to make a plan with this year, but I do have lots of memories of the years past and of [...] Read more of this post

DailyNews daily-politics Remington CEO: SAFE Act impacted decision to expand--in Alabama BY KEN LOVETT NEW YORK DAILY NEWS Monday, November 17, 2014, 5:55 AM   Here is the expanded version of the second item from my "Albany Insider" column from Monday's editions:   Remington Arms has confirmed what many already long suspected — New York’s tough gun control laws played a role in the upstate gun manufacturer’s decision to expand outside the state.   Remington, which has operated in New York State since 1816, shifted 100 jobs down south in August. Another 126 people were laid off last week as a result of a decline in gun sales.   The company says one reason behind its decision to open a new plant in Alabama rather than expand in New York was “state policies affecting use of our products,” Remington Outdoor Company CEO George Kollitides wrote to some upstate officials Oct. 20.   The statement was taken by some as a direct shot at a tough gun control measure enacted by New York in early 2013 in the wake of the Newtown, Conn., school shootings.   Indeed, one part of the gun control measure, also known as the SAFE Act, banned AR-15 rifles in New York — the very gun Remington made at its plant in upstate Ilion.   Those assault guns will now be made in Alabama.   Kollitides also said workforce quality, business environment, tax and economic incentives, and existing infrastructure impacted the decision to open a plant in Alabama.   “What the letter is really saying to us is we need to take action as a state to solidify and recognize the businesses we already have here and make it hospitable for them to stay,” said Assemblywoman Claudia Tenney, a Republican who represents the upstate district that is home to Remington and who received the letter.   “I don’t think Remington was even given the courtesy of a phone call or a discussion when the whole (gun legislation) discussions were going on,” she added.   A Remington spokesman did not return calls for comment.   A Cuomo administration source denied that it played a role in Remington’s departure, saying the company “is consolidating from states all across the country.”   “The company has repeatedly stated that’s driven by national consumer trends,” the source said. “If anything, local politicians constantly playing politics only hurts."   New Yorker Against Gun Violence Executive Director Leah Gunn Barrett said she believes Remington’s decisions are based more on New York’s business climate than its gun control laws.   But regardless, she said, public safety should trump economic decisions.   Critics “love to use the New York SAFE Act as a whipping boy, but let’s face it, that law is keeping New Yorkers safe and keeping New York communities safe and our kids safe and guns out of the wrong hands, to me that’s more important,” she said.    

The best bet of tagging bucks during the second rut lies in shifting our placement strategies to revolve around the hottest food source that the area holds. by Steve Bartylla Continued from Part 1 Hunting Strategies In the Deep South, the stand placement strategies really don’t change much after the first does come into estrus. Although the comparative lack of breeding intensity may result in funnels receiving a lessened amount of buck travel for a typical day of the rut, they’re often still good choices on the last day of season. The same holds true for catching bucks prowling family group bedding areas and scent checking food sources. All three locations are still good choices for stand sites. However, that’s not the case in the Upper Midwest or northern regions. In fact, for those of you that hunt areas where deer commonly yard up during winter, the best options for tagging a buck after the first rut will be found in the next chapter. Frankly, even those that hunt the lower areas of the northern regions and the Upper Midwest would be best served to spend the remaining days of season alternating between the tactics about to be described here and those in the post rut chapter. As you will find is the case with the post rut, the best bet of tagging bucks during the second rut lies in shifting our placement strategies to revolve around the hottest food source that the area holds, keying on the areas within the food source that yield the most concentrated feeding activity. Certainly, there are times when the bruiser will still check the family group bedding area, but, unless continued hunting pressure has soured him on daylight visits to the food source, that placement option no longer wins the risk and reward comparison. Simply put, in most settings, the odds of catching him at the food source are better and offer less of a risk of altering the deer’s patterns. That’s not to say that there isn’t a risk in hunting food sources. Even more so than earlier in the season, routes to and from the stand, being properly concealed and not getting winded are challenges. To make it worse, frozen ground and reduced living plant life each reduces the natural odors that help mask our own. Throw in the fact that the surviving deer have already made it through the brunt of the war and our prey is now not anywhere near as tolerant of our intrusions. Sure, in areas of limited options, it may take a lot to drive deer completely away from using a prime food source. However, the slightest trace of danger sends them dashing for cover faster than any phase before this. Where before the old doe may have eventually disregarded a flicker of movement or slight trace of odor after a brief investigation, now she will stare, test the wind, stomp, stare and repeat the process until, more often than not, she blows and flees for cover, only to spend the next 10 minutes snorting in the woods. It doesn’t take many of these world-alerting encounters to convince the local deer that coming out after dark isn’t a bad idea. All of this makes selecting stand sites that provide good routes, cover and placement for the wind of critical importance. After the first rut, far more than during any other phase of season, I will sacrifice a stand that offers superior placement for intercepting deer for one that provides higher odds of going undetected. Far too many late afternoons filled with snorting deer have taught me that lesson well. The saving grace to selecting stands that are slightly off from where we really would like to be is that deer seldom enter a food source and camp in one location. They tend to spread out, milling around as they feed. At the same time, the more mature bucks often feel compelled to pay a visit to each new doe that enters the food source. In doing so, they often cover much of the area, presenting shot opportunities that otherwise wouldn’t be there. Luckily, there are tactics that we can use to draw bucks to our stand. The combination of still being interested in breeding and far fewer receptive females makes bucks susceptible to estrus scents. Placing several doctored scent wicks around our stand, as well as laying a scent trail leading to it, can bring bucks into shooting range that otherwise may have remained feeding out of range. Decoys are yet another way of drawing them in. However, if surrounded by does, traditional decoys can do more harm than good. Given that does already have a hair trigger at this time, an up close look at a motionless decoy often sends them running. Using the decoy as a buck can help to avoid this. Because most does don’t want to be harassed, they commonly steer clear of bucks. On the other hand, the mature bucks typically like to introduce themselves to the new guy. It’s there own special way of letting them know that he’s the man and you best mind your place. When paired with both dominate buck and estrus urines, a buck decoy can bring results. However, because of the still burning urge to breed, a doe decoy and estrus urine combination works best. One way to avoid getting it busted by does is to set it in a less popular region of the food source. Hopefully, the buck’s urge to check every doe will bring him into shooting range. A better alternative is using the RoboCoy. Produced by Custom Robotic Wildlife in Mosinee, Wisconsin, it’s essentially a full body mount of a deer. Made with real deer hide covering a foam frame, it has built in robotics that allow for remote controlled movement of the head and tail. It’s the only decoy I’ve ever used that can consistently withstand close inspections from family groups and put them at ease, along with being a deadly draw for bucks. Conclusion By switching between using scents, decoys and relying on nothing but the placement of the stand, keying on food sources during the second rut can produce. The added advantage that this placement strategy yields is that it also has the ability to capitalize on bucks that don’t have any interest in does. Because the bucks still must recuperate from the rigors of the rut, they rely heavily on prime food sources. Hunting stand sites bordering food capitalizes on both of those possibilities.  

From a mountain top I am connected to all things by Mia Anstine Time to catch up. I've been up on top of the world for quite a few days. It's a place I love. If you've been "On top of the world" you know what it feels like to be so close to the Heaven's. Alwyn Torquil Francis Ladell There is something very spiritual about the mountain [...] Read more of this post

Club's Black Rhino Hunt Awaits Federal Permit   Posted Tuesday, November 18th 2014 @ 5am by iHeartRadio's Nik Rajkovic   The federal government could force the Dallas Safari Club to scrap it's controversial Black Rhino hunt which fetched $350,000 at auction early this year.   The Club says it may have to return the money to the auction winner if his federal application to bring his trophy back to Texas is rejected. “We want to know what benefits will be provided to go back to the species,” says Tim Van Norman with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. “So its not just an animal is taken, but is that provided something for the long term management of the species?”   “In the case of Corey Knowlton, he is contributing a large sum of money that will go into Namibia's wildlife management fund specifically providing resources for ongoing Black Rhino efforts,” he tells KTRH News.   Comments on the application are being taken through December 8. “We certainly are getting quite a few that are opposed to it, but these are more of just a letter-writing campaign expressing dissatisfaction with the idea of hunting Black Rhino,” says Van Norman.   Messages seeking comment from the auction winner were not returned. Read more: http://www.ktrh.com/articles/houston-news-121300/clubs-black-rhino-hunt-awaits-federal-12981146/#ixzz3JWu6vEaZ

Hunting and fishing are on a steady decline in Connecticut, and the state is attempting to reverse the trend.   WATERBURY, Conn. (AP) — Hunting and fishing are on a steady decline in Connecticut, and the state is attempting to reverse the trend. The question is whether the efforts, which include more programs for children and stocking city ponds with catfish, will counteract a dwindling interest and experience in the outdoors. "Younger people aren't gravitating toward outdoor activities the way they used to,'' said Dennis Schain, spokesman for the state Department of Environmental Protection. "Lifestyles have changed, and electronics are drawing young people away.'' Fewer hunting and fishing licenses issued by the DEP means less money to stock fish and conduct other programs. It also carries a broader concern, said Schain. Fresh and saltwater fishermen pump $300 million annually into Connecticut's economy, and hunters spend another $68 million, according to a 2006 study by the U.S. Department of Interior. Additionally, "as these numbers decline, there is less of a constituency for environmental stewardship,'' Schain said. The number of licenses has been dropping as far back as 1990, when 227,510 inland fishing licenses were issued, and then grew more precipitous after hunting and fishing license fees were increased in 2009. Those increases prompted a public outcry and rollback on the cost. In 2010, Connecticut residents bought 123,405 fishing licenses worth about $4.5 million. About 41,000 various hunting licenses were issued, less than half of the 91,000 sold in 1990. Hunting license sales recently brought in $2.5 million. A combination license for both costs $38 without "tags'' for bow, rifle or muzzleloader deer and turkey hunting seasons. A fishing license is $28. Several programs have been launched to lure more people outside. This year, the state will step up efforts to invite more outdoor activities through its six-year-old No Child Left Inside programs, including Connecticut Acquatic Resources Education, which relies on volunteer involvement in school and community activities to put fishing poles in children's hands and get them involved in activities like fish stocking. "We want young peoples' attention by putting a fishing pole in their hands and connecting with nature,'' said Peter Aarrestad, the director of the DEP's Inland Fisheries Division said. In Hamden, for example, fifth-graders were enlisted to help the DEP stock trout. "They just loved getting fish slime on their hands,'' Aarrestad said. "It makes it more likely that they will go back and fish.'' Since 2007, the state has stocked catfish in ponds within city limits, hoping to get more urban residents fishing. Statewide this year, 15,000 catfish were stocked, including at Great Brook Reservoir at Lakewood Park in Waterbury. "We are trying to make fishing available to everyone,'' Aarrestad said. "Catfish, which we have stocked since 2007, are easy and fun to catch, and good to eat.'' Aarrestad said he'd also like to see the state create a new fee structure that rolls back the $28 license fee for young people between the ages of 16, when they are first required to buy a license, and 21. Increases in fees in 1992, 2003 and 2009 resulted in far fewer licenses sold the following years. In 2009, 149,000 fishing licenses were sold. The following year, 123,405 were sold. "We blew it when the state doubled the hunting and fishing license fees,'' said James Fedorich of Torrington, president of the Northwestern Connecticut chapter of Trout Unlimited and a lifelong fisherman. "It was a mistake to increase the fees on a revenue source that was already declining.'' Broader sociological changes are also involved in what is a national trend, Aarrestad and Fedorich agreed. Parents are reluctant to allow their children to be unsupervised outdoors, and fewer parents spend time outside. That's sad for Fedorich, 69, who recalls growing up fishing the upper reaches of the Naugatuck River, and shooting for practice before hunting season at local ranges. "Everybody had a fishing pole, and after school we rode our bikes with them, or your dad took you fishing on Saturdays,'' Fedorich said. "Every town had a fishing derby.'' License money: Where it goes Revenue from hunting and fishing licenses goes into the state's General Fund. Under federal and state law, an allocation is returned to the state Department of Environmental Protection to fund fishing programs and staffing that is at least equal to the amount generated by license sales. Of the DEP's $145 million budget, it costs nearly $14.8 million to fund fisheries and wildlife programs. About $12 million comes from anglers and hunters, licenses and a federal excise tax on fishing and hunting equipment which comes back to the state. About $7 million is license revenue, said Bill Hyatt, bureau chief for the DEP's Bureau of Natural Resources. Not funded by the fees are periodic capital improvement needs related to stocking, such as the replacement of outdated oxygenation equipment on stocking trucks and improvements to two of the state's three hatcheries in Burlington and Kensington. "Those projects come out of the Bond Commission,'' said Dennis Schain, DEP spokesman. "We are well aware that these are difficult financial times. The staff here is committed to making the best possible fishing opportunities available to the anglers of this state with the resources available to us.''

In HUNTING & HOLIDAYS we make the dreamed hunting day a reality, we organize it with the utmost care, guarantee, reliability and confidentiality. We hunt in the best and most prestigious private and state areas of Spain. Our team is formed by professionals with extensive and proved experience in this field, to give an excellent assistance to our customers. We adapt to your needs and preferences to give you a personalized service at the highest level, for both you and your companions, as well as hunting we offer a wide range of leisure options, tourism and outdoor sports. We have other destinations in Europe and other continents. We care about absolutely everything since your arrival to the country where you contract hunting or services.   We have an estate in Ciudad Real of 2500 hestares of surface, exclusively dedicated to hunting. Just 10 km away form the AVE Train Station. We give the best service at the highest level. It has a main building of 4000 m2 and another smaller building of 500 m2 with skeet area, PRE horses, stables, bullring, pool, game room, library, relaxation room... you can organize any type of event. In this fantastic estate we organize driven partridge shoot up to 12 hunters and pheasants shooting, and we can combine the beatings with any other kind of hunting, depending on the date.