A Southern California woman walking her leashed dog has been knocked to the ground by a coyote that snatched her pooch and ran away. California City Authorizes Firm To Shoot Coyotes LAGUNA WOODS, Calif. (AP) — A Southern California woman walking her leashed dog has been knocked to the ground by a coyote that snatched her pooch and ran away. Karen Sherif was on her usual Tuesday morning walk in Laguna Woods when she suddenly felt a tug on the leash and was knocked down. Her 12-year-old Yorkshire Terrier named Pooh was in the mouth of a coyote. The coyote took off, dragging the 64-year-old woman into the road by Pooh's leash. Sherif let go of the leash and neighbors rushed out of their homes to help. The woman's injuries aren't serious. Pooh's body was found about 100 feet away, her neck broken. Laguna Beach police Lt. Jason Kravetz tells the Los Angeles Times that authorities are looking for the coyote involved in Tuesday's attack. California City Authorizes Firm To Shoot Coyotes On the shady paths of this sprawling Southern California retirement community, neighbors have been told to carry sticks. TUSTIN, Calif. (AP) — On the shady paths of this sprawling Southern California retirement community, neighbors have been told to carry sticks. The menace is a group of emboldened coyotes who have attacked leashed pets, killing two dogs in the last week and dragging down pet owners who rushed to their rescue. On Thursday, the city of Laguna Woods voted to take matters into its own hands by authorizing professional exterminators or animal control experts who obtain permits to shoot the wild animals. Officials promptly issued a permit to one such firm, which is required to notify law enforcement within 10 minutes if any shots are fired, said Orange County Sheriff's Lt. Steve Doan. The city — a network of gated retirement communities shrouded in trees — already has tried other tactics to round up the pack of roughly seven animals who, unlike most coyotes, don't scatter at the sight of humans. Officials used pepper spray to disrupt trails and dens. Tranquilizer guns and traps were also utilized. But most of the coyotes have eluded capture. "We just have not been able to catch the other four and the incidents just seem to be escalating,'' City Manager Leslie Keane said. Coyotes are often a problem in the vast suburbs in Southern California where homes are built right up to creeks and foothills where the animals roam. But coyotes are perfectly content to live in urban environments where the food supply outstrips that of the wild _ garbage, tree fruit, pet food and pets offer ample grub, said Kevin Brennan, a wildlife biologist with California's Department of Fish and Game. Laguna Woods is unique because the city made up of retirees has a median age of 77 — which has local officials concerned that such a tussle could take a bigger toll. But confrontations between coyotes and suburbanites aren't new. Jurisdictions including Riverside and the county of San Bernardino also have hired private firms to trap or shoot the animals when preventative measures to keep them out have failed, Brennan said. "What happens is familiarity breeds contempt,'' he said, "The longer coyotes hang around people, they lose their fear and they start becoming more bold.'' "Basically you should never allow a coyote to feel comfortable around your home. You should always scare it off.'' In Laguna Woods, two women were injured in the last week when they were knocked over after coyotes pulled on leashes to maul their small pet dogs. City officials said they don't want to wait until someone gets attacked by a coyote to take action and state authorities only get involved when there an imminent threat to public safety. One of the challenges is many retirees have smaller pets who keep them company. In the absence of their now-grown children, the dogs and cats often become family and are attractive to coyotes. Lorraine Barr, 92, said she took her 7-pound Yorkshire Terrier named Pumpkin on a late-night walk last week and was watching out for coyotes, but was still stunned when one of them went for her dog and ran off with it. "My wrist was yanked so hard that I fell forward on my stomach, and I'm a heavy woman,'' Barr said. One of her neighbors later found the collar, bloody. The dog was not found. Barr called the loss of Pumpkin "exceptionally difficult emotionally.'' "We understood each other. She followed me around my small apartment, and after her naps the first thing she would do was get up and make sure how I was,'' Barr said. "It's the hardest thing I've ever experienced since the first person I loved ended the relationship 65 years ago.'' Another woman, Karen Sharif, suffered a black eye, a swollen cheek and a cut lip when a coyote snatched her dog Pooh in the middle of a midmorning walk. Sharif refused to let go of the leash, and she fell on her face before eventually having to let go. The coyote soon dropped the dead dog, and she got it back. "Dog owners know that when they buy a dog, they're going to face their pet dying in 10 years, 15 years, but they don't expect to see the vision of it in the mouth of a wild animal,'' Sharif said. "That's what's causing me sleepless nights.'' But some in the community don't want to see the animals shot. Organizations like People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals and some Laguna Woods residents have said the city could review other options before reaching for a gun. That includes Barr, who despite losing her dog to coyotes said she doesn't want them dead. "Everyone I know is aghast, and I'm aghast, at the thought of killing the coyotes,'' she said. "They serve a purpose too. I would hope that they could be captured and re-released.'' Sharif agreed, saying "I am not blaming this coyote. It did a natural thing.'' But Sharif said she learned from city officials that the coyotes can be trapped but there is nowhere to take them. "In the short run you've got to kill them, I'm afraid,'' she said. Officials say the problem likely starts in communities where residents didn't take measures to keep coyotes away before they got aggressive. Local officials have found leftover meatloaf and mashed potatoes left outside, leading them to believe residents were feeding the wild animals, Keane said. That would lure coyotes to retirees' homes instead of shooing them away. Mayor Bert Hack said most coyotes run off when they see people. He said he recently spotted one take off down the street with a cat in its mouth. "We have dealt with this — it waxes and it wanes,'' Hack said. "But when people get hurt, you tend to want to do something about it.''

Here is a library of some great digital dog training videos that will help any dog owners, no matter what comfort level they have for training dogs.  http://k9-health-club-by-upland-game-adventures.myshopify.com/collections/all/training-videos    

Bank of America – The Un-American Bank   By Chris Avena, President of SeeMeHunt.com     Is Bank of America The Un-American Bank? Only a few short months ago Bank of America severed their business relationship with McMillan Firearms because they were a gun manufacturer. As much as Bank of America portrayed their statements as just a misunderstanding, their sincerity was just a little hard to swallow. When a financial institution takes a political position about a particular industry, they walk a very dangerous line.   Should a financial institution be able to decide that they do not want to do business with a legal and federally regulated business because they do not agree with their industry? Should they be able to freeze your account without provocation? Should they be able to act on their own accord while putting their client’s financial interests in jeopardy? That is exactly what Bank of America has done.   According to Joe Sirochman the President of American Spirit Arms, he was told by a Manager at Bank of America     “WE BELIEVE YOU SHOULD NOT BE SELLING GUNS and GUN PARTS ON THE INTERNET “   With the recent surge in recent firearm sales, American Spirit Arms e-commerce sales have increased by 500%. Naturally, they have had much larger than normal bank deposits at Bank of America. You would think that a financial institution would value a client whose business is growing. Instead, Bank of America decided to hold the deposits for “Further Review”. They did not clear those payments or make the money available to American Spirit Arms. Their account was frozen in a state of flux or as Bank of America stated –   “They were keeping the account Under Review”.   While they were holding those payments under review, American Spirit Arms was fulfilling their obligation by shipping product to their customers that they rightfully paid for. When a financial institution’s political beliefs inhibits their customer’s ability to operate their business, that institution has just crossed the line. Where does the legal obligation to their customers end?   As a firearms manufacturer, American Spirit Arms holds a FFL (Federal Firearms License). They are bound to abide by ALL of the State and Federal rules and regulations. They are audited regularly by ATF (Alcohol Tobacco & Firearms) and Homeland Security.   Bank of America Also has State and Federal Rules and Regulations that they Must abide by and they are regulated by the SEC (Securities & Exchange Commission).   By acting as Bank of America has, they may have broken several SEC Regulations. A financial Institution has a fiduciary duty to act in their clients best interests. Bank of America’s actions shows a complete disregard for their clients well being and in doing so, put their financial future at risk.   If a gun manufacturer was not working within their legal guidelines, ATF and Homeland Security would shut them down. What will it take for the SEC to do their job as a Federal Regulator to make sure that Bank of America lives up to their Obligation.        

                      Carl Zeiss Sports Optics Promotes Joel Harris to Global Position   NORTH CHESTERFIELD, VA., November 22, 2015 – Carl Zeiss Sports Optics proudly announces the promotion of Joel Harris to the position: Head of Global Public Relations – Sports Optics Division. Harris will report to Mike Jensen, President of Carl Zeiss Sports Optics SBE, LLC USA and Dr. Simone Zaha, Senior Director Marketing & Communications Carl Zeiss Sports Optics, GmbH.   In this global role, Harris will handle all public communications for the Sports Optic Division worldwide including communication tasks that relate to brand and business development, strategic planning, product and company advertising, public/media relations, copywriting and new product launches. Harris came to Zeiss with 20 years of outdoor industry brand management and public relations experience. Prior to joining Zeiss, Harris was brand manager for G5 Outdoors. In this role, he was responsible for all aspects of marketing, public relations and brand management. Prior to G5, Harris led key account management for Eastman Outdoors (Carbon Express and Gorilla Treestands), and brand management for Kahles Optics. Harris is an extremely accomplished outdoorsman with a lifetime of hunting, shooting and archery experience.   "While at ZEISS, Joel has been able to provide our partners a level of support that is second to none in this industry", said Michael Jensen, President of Carl Zeiss Sports Optics, SBE, LLC. "Joel‘s extensive network and industry expertise, combined with his premium optics product knowledge, makes him an extremely valuable asset to our team at Carl Zeiss, not only in the U.S. but worldwide. We look forward to him applying his industry expertise for the rest of the world.”   "I have always had a deep understanding of premium optics and the premium optics market," said Harris. "ZEISS is clearly the leading brand in sports optics, providing cutting edge technology and products for all sportsmen and women. I am truly thrilled to work with a very talented global team to elevate the ZEISS brand to the highest possible level."    

A favorite in the blind or at the range – Winchester® Ammunition’s AA® TrAAcker™ by Mia Anstine In visiting with other instructors, shooters and outdoor enthusiasts post SHOT Show I have been asked the same question numerous times. "What was your favorite thing at SHOT Show?" There are always many things that impress me at the show. I will over the next few weeks, be sharing some of the great new releases [...] Read more of this post

                                                                Sure-Shot Game Calls Upgrades the Yentzen One   Groves, TX - In 2014, when Sure-Shot Game Calls introduced the Yentzen ONE duck call, it followed on the heels of the World Champion Original Yentzen which, as the first ever double-reed system, revolutionized the duck call industry back in the 1950s. Now, the new and improved Yentzen ONE is taking it into the next generation.   The Sure-Shot Yentzen ONE has earned respect among duck hunters due to the tonal quality which makes the true sounds of waterfowl and the Yentzen ONE nearly undistinguishable. The new proprietary CNC machined body of the Yentzen ONE also features a Cerekote™ khaki-colored band giving it a sure grip. The newly patented Screw-Lock System makes it the loudest and strongest duck call on the market. The re-engineered Screw-Lock System protects the integrity of the call, eliminates the need for O-Rings, while also preventing air loss.   The Yentzen ONE features a Sure-Quack reed system which better controls the vibration within the call. This, combined with the Sure-Quack trough system provides better tonal qualities. Lastly, the Sure-Quack peg design allows the reed to pivot for better control. The new and improved Yentzen ONE has an MSRP of $155.98.   About Sure-Shot Game Calls: The 60+ year old company was founded by James "Cowboy" Fernandez and George Yentzen in Nederland, Texas in the early 1940s. After many prototypes, their first product, the 1950 patented Yentzen, became the very first double-reed duck call introduced to the marketplace. In 1959, Cowboy Fernandez entered several duck calling competitions and both he and the Yentzen Caller became world class champions. When the elderly Cowboy Fernandez backed off of production, Charlie Holder purchased the company in 2011. Today, Sure-Shot offers over two dozen game calls for waterfowl, predator, deer, and turkey.   For more information about Sure-Shot's complete line of game calls, visit their website at SureShotGameCalls.com

TenPoint Crossbows supports 2nd Amendment Rights with NRA membership by Mia Anstine I am proud to represent a company that stands for so much. Yesterday Rick Bednar, CEO of TenPoint released this statement which is not about what type of bow should be used in which season. It is in support of our second amendment rights. “The NRA, more than any other entity, has led the effort to [...] Read more of this post

NSSF Statement on the Eastern Sports and Outdoor Show January 24, 2013 By nssfnews   We have just learned that Reed Exhibitions has decided to postpone the 2013 Eastern Sports and Outdoor Show. In the days following Reed Exhibitions’ announcement that modern sporting rifles would be prohibited from the Eastern Sports and Outdoor Show, the leadership of the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) has been in intense, frank discussions with Reed Exhibitions management in an effort to reverse this unacceptable decision. These discussions reached an impasse. NSSF is in no way affiliated with, nor does it participate in or exhibit at this show in any way. Reed Exhibitions does, however, manage the NSSF-owned SHOT Show (though Reed manages the SHOT Show, all SHOT Show decisions, policies and actions are made at NSSF’s direction). Because of Reed’s recent actions, NSSF is considering all options regarding the management of future SHOT Shows. _________________________________

                                                                                                                            MEDIA ADVISORY                                               Outdoor Sportsman Group at SHOT Show 2016   DENVER (January 11, 2016) – Outdoor Sportsman Group brands – including premier outdoor lifestyle cable networks, Outdoor Channel and Sportsman Channel, as well as the industry-leading publishing and digital brands from Outdoor Sportsman Group – Integrated Media, such as Guns & Ammo, Petersen’s Hunting, North American Whitetail, Rifle Shooter and Game & Fish – are once again an integral part of this year’s National Shooting Sports Foundation’s (NSSF) annual Shooting, Hunting, and Outdoor Trade Show (SHOT Show) and Conference. The Las Vegas, Nevada gathering, taking place from Tuesday, January 19 through Friday, January 22, is one of the largest and most comprehensive trade shows for hunting, shooting, military and law enforcement industries.   Fans of the brands are invited to stop by the Outdoor Sportsman Group booth #13923 on the show floor for giveaways – including branded buffs and camo stress balls – and to learn about the world’s largest multimedia portfolio dedicated to the outdoor lifestyle.   Take Aim: Introducing American Marksman Tuesday, January 19 to Friday, January 22 ▪ During Show Hours | Sands Expo & Convention Center ▪ Booth L218, Level 2   In 2016, Outdoor Sportsman Group will be launching a groundbreaking new target shooting competition called American Marksman, which gives amateur shooters the chance to compete and earn their way to a national championship. Throughout the year, competitors in four categories – Men’s Open, Women’s Open, Junior (ages 12-17) and Military/Law Enforcement – will participate in local and regional events and a national championship that will be filmed for a network television series.   If you think you have what it takes, stop by the American Marksman booth #L218 to sign-up for a local qualifying event near you. For more information about the nationwide shooting competition, go to www.ammarksman.com, or join the conversation on Twitter and Facebook by using: #AmericanMarksman.   SHOT Show Retailer Seminar: Merchandising to Women Hunters Thursday, January 21 ▪ 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. PT | The Venetian Hotel & Casino ▪ Lando Ballroom, Room 4302   This year, several Outdoor Channel and Sportsman Channel all-stars will be featured on an educational panel targeted towards helping endemic retailers attract and retain female customers. From merchandising to store layout and marketing initiatives, this session will address the specific needs of women hunters.   The panel will feature: Tiffany Lakosky, co-host of Outdoor Channel’s Crush with Lee & Tiffany; Melissa Bachman, host of Sportsman Channel TV show Winchester Deadly Passion; Shannon Reaser, a young hunter and TV personality; Judy Rhodes, founder of the DIVA Women Outdoors Worldwide; and panel moderator Barbara Baird, publisher Women’s Outdoor News. To register, visit your dashboard at www.shotshow.org after applying to attend the 2016 SHOT Show and add this event to your shopping cart.   And the Outdoor Sportsman Award Goes to… Thursday, January 21 ▪ 8 - 11 p.m. PT | The Venetian Hotel & Casino ▪ The Venetian Theatre   Outdoor Channel and Sportsman Channel are joining forces for the 16th Annual Outdoor Sportsman Awards Powered by RAM (OSA) to honor the networks’ notable talent and production teams. The invitation-only signature event will be co-hosted by Michael Waddell of Outdoor Channel’s Realtree Road Trips with Michael Waddell and Michael Waddell’s Bone Collector. Joining him as co-host this year is Tom McMillan of Sportsman Channel’s McMILLAN. Kristy Lee Cook, country singer, seventh place American Idol finalist and co-star of Sportsman Channel’s The Most Wanted List, is kicking off the ceremony with The Star-Spangled Banner. The star-studded red carpet event also will include a musical performance by a legendary rock & roll singer, songwriter and guitarist whose music helped shape a generation.   This year, 17 accolades will be handed out, including the Fan Favorite Best Host/s for Outdoor Channel and Sportsman Channel as voted on by loyal viewers. Among the OSA presenters are Taya Kyle, wife of the late U.S. Navy SEAL Chris Kyle, the most prolific sniper in American history and frequent Outdoor Channel guest star; Krissy Wejebe, daughter of the late legendary angler and Spanish Fly star Jose Wejebe; Willie Robertson, star of Duck Dynasty and Buck Commander protected by Under Armour on Outdoor Channel; Eva Shockey co-star of Outdoor Channel’s Jim Shockey’s Hunting Adventures; Louie Tuminaro, host of Outdoor Channel’s The Gunfather presented by Brownells; Jana Waller, star of Sportsman Channel’s Skull Bound TV; David and Karin Holder of Outdoor Channel’s Raised Hunting; National Rifle Association Vice President Pete Brownell; and Bass Pro Shops Director of Conservation Rob Keck.   For fans at home, the Outdoor Sportsman Awards will be streamed live at www.OutdoorChannel.com/OutdoorSportsmanAwards, starting at 11 p.m. ET / 8 p.m. PT. Live updates from the awards ceremony will be posted on the networks’ respective Facebook and Twitter platforms. Viewers can join the conversation by using: #OutdoorSportsmanAwards. Moreover, key moments from the OSA red carpet and SHOT Show will be available live on Periscope. Check the networks’ Twitter feeds for direct Periscope links.   Live from SHOT Show: Down Range TV Live Stream Tuesday, January 19 to Thursday, January 21 ▪ 1 - 3 p.m. PT | Sands Expo & Convention Center   For the first time ever, Outdoor Sportsman Group will be live streaming directly from the SHOT Show floor on Down Range TV Live Stream. Hosted by Outdoor Channel personality Michael Bane, the program will provide an inside look at what's new and trending within shooting sports, hunting and personal defense. Swing by booth #L218 or tune in online via www.OutdoorChannel.com/SHOTShow to see Bane interview a surprise lineup of Outdoor Channel and Sportsman Channel talent, as well as makers of firearms, ammunition, outdoor apparel, optics, and related products and services, throughout the week.

Hunting in America: An Economic Force January 17, 2013 By Bill Brassard    National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) and The Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation (CSF) released two new reports today documenting the importance of sportsmen’s activities in America. NSSF’s Hunting in America: An Economic Force for Conservation and CSF’s America’s Sporting Heritage, Fueling the American Economy reports provide detailed information about participation and expenditures by American sportsmen and women. The reports were released to the country’s top outdoor writers and industry professionals during the Shooting, Hunting and Outdoor Trade Show (SHOT Show) in Las Vegas. The reports utilize information provided in the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service five-year study released late last year–data that is available only every five years. Some key facts: Hunter spending has a total economic impact of $90 billion on the U.S. economy. Hunter numbers increased by 9 percent between 2006 and 2011. Spending on hunting-related products grew by 30 percent during that same time frame. Money that sportsmen and women spend helps support more than 680,000 jobs. In some rural communities, the dollars brought in during hunting seasons alone can be enough to keep small businesses going from year to year. Sportsmen contribute nearly $8 million a day that goes to support wildlife agencies and conservation. Read the NSSF report Hunting in America: An Economic Force For Conservation. Read the CSF report America’s Sporting Heritage: Fueling the American Economy. Read the press release.