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WEDNESDAY, JULY 3, 2024

- EDITOR'S NOTE -
In observance of Independence Day, we will not be distributing any of our services on Thursday, July 4 and Friday, July 5. We will resume our normal distribution schedule on Monday, July 8. Due to the holiday long weekend, we request you submit news for Monday’s editions no later than 3:00pm ET Saturday, July 6.
- AWARDS -
An ambitious marsh restoration project supported by MassWildlife and a group of conservation partners was honored by the Environmental Business Council of New England.
- BIRDING -
Tucked in to the rolling hills of southern Iowa’s Decatur County is Sand Creek Wildlife Area, a 3,700-acre destination for deer hunters and bird watchers. Here, cell service disappears and nature’s sounds take over – this isn’t a white noise machine – it’s the real thing.
- COMPETITION -
Remington Ammunition congratulates Team Remington’s athletes on each of their spectacular finishes at the recent World FITASC Championship tournament.
Aguila Ammunition announces the return of the prestigious Copa Aguila. The 2024 edition of this highly anticipated event will be held in Saltillo, Coahuila, México from September 27th to 29th.

Nearly 200 shooters competed in the 2024 Hornady Precision Rifle Challenge, June 28-29, 2024, near Evanston, Wyoming. Shooters from numerous states tested their talent in the match that featured 19 challenging stages.
Winchester AA target shotshells were the overwhelming choice of ammunition among more than 800 competitors from all over the world at the recent 2024 FITASC World Sporting Championship in Hudson, WI.
Over 160 competitors took to the firing line June 20-23, as the Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP) hosted the first Highpower Warm-Up Matches on the historic ranges of Camp Perry. The Warm-Up Matches served as a preview to the CMP’s upcoming National Rifle & Pistol Matches.
Team Blaser’s Haylyn Hanks gave another stellar performance at this year’s World FITASC Championship, placing Runner-Up Lady after a three-way tie.

- COURTS -
The United States Supreme Court vacated the Second Circuit Court of Appeals' ruling in a challenge to New York’s mistakenly named “Concealed Carry Improvement Act,” which was brought by Gun Owners of America (GOA) and Gun Owners Foundation (GOF).
NSSF® is disappointed by the U.S. Supreme Court’s denial of a writ of certiorari in Barnett v. Raoul, one of several challenges to Illinois’ bans on Modern Sporting Rifles (MSRs) and standard-capacity magazines. The decision not to review the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit’s decision at this early stage of the litigation, while disappointing, does not mean the Supreme Court will not review the matter later after final judgment.
- EVENTS -
The most widely attended and leading firearm industry-specific Import / Export conference is taking place in Washington, D.C., from July 30 - August 1. This is the event to attend to learn more about policy and procedural changes BIS is implementing which directly affect your company’s export business.
The Wyoming Game and Fish Commission’s next meeting is July 15-16 in Buffalo. The meeting kicks off with a field tour that will provide an overview of fish passage work on Clear Cleek, the Monument Boat Ramp and the Bud Love Wildlife Habitat Management Area.

The Pennsylvania Board of Game Commissioners will meet Friday, July 12 at the agency’s Harrisburg headquarters. This meeting is one day only, and will begin at 10 a.m. with staff presentations.
- FISHERIES -
A substantial fish kill, affecting all species in the lake, has occurred at Big Indian Recreation Area south of Wymore in Gage County. Angler reports prompted Nebraska Game and Parks Commission biologists on July 1 to visit the lake, where they observed numerous dead fish of all species. Dissolved oxygen was tested, confirming extremely low levels in the lake caused the fish kill.
The Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council met in Houston, Texas from June 24 – 27, 2024. During the meeting, the Council honored outgoing Council members Susan Boggs, Dale Diaz, and Bob Gill. The following is a brief description of items that were addressed:
Trout anglers looking to beat the heat may want to add a little more precaution than usual to their catch-and-release regimen during summer, particularly on The Little Red River, which has seen temperatures exceeding the comfort level for rainbow and brown trout.

Montana has a new state record largescale sucker. Wade Merschat, 12, of Trout Creek, used a nightcrawler to land a 6.72-pound largescale sucker from Noxon Reservoir in Sanders County on June 19.
Many of Idaho’s lakes and ponds are soon going to be bolstered with Idaho Fish and Game stocking roughly 150,000 catchable-sized rainbow trout this July. Many of these fisheries highlighted are easy to access, family-friendly fishing destinations.
- GEAR -
THROOM Targets' Dueling Tree is both rimfire and centerfire ready. No need to keep two sets of plates as these 6″ Round Dueling Tree Plates function with .22s, 9mm, 40 cal and 45s.
- GRANTS -
The popular Trees for Kids grant program is accepting applications through August 26. Grantees can be awarded up to $2,500 to purchase trees and mulch. All trees for this program must be planted on public community grounds.

- HUNTING -
Hunters who recently applied for Idaho’s 2024 big game controlled hunts - as well as some who did not apply - are receiving blue postcards with incorrect information that the hunter drew a tag (or tags) this year. The controlled hunt drawing results that are posted on hunters’ online profiles, and that were emailed to hunters, have the correct information, but the blue postcards do not.
A policy implemented by the Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) that allowed students to defer from scheduling the in-person field day requirement of the Hunter Education program expired June 30.
Landowners can now enroll their property in the Ohio Landowner-Hunter Access Partnership, according to the Ohio DNR Division of Wildlife. Enrollment in the program is open until Monday, July 15 and incentivizes property owners to provide land access to hunters. Since the program’s launch in 2021, nearly 20,000 acres have been enrolled.
- INDUSTRY -
The June 2024 NSSF-adjusted NICS figure of 1,059,037 is a decrease of 4.7 percent compared to the June 2023 NSSF-adjusted NICS figure of 1,110,696. For comparison, the unadjusted June 2024 FBI NICS figure of 1,958,447 reflects a 9.0 percent decrease from the unadjusted FBI NICS figure of 2,152,187 in June 2023.

Federal Ammunition is proud to continue its longstanding partnership with the Sportsmen’s Alliance. The organization creates a powerful and unified voice for sportsmen and women nationwide.
Bidding begins Thursday, July 4, on the July collection of Collector’s Elite Auctions. The auction runs for two weeks, closing on the evening of Thursday, July 18.
Silencer Central, a large American silencer dealer, announces a strategic partnership with EuroOptic.com, a leading resource in optics, firearms and shooting accessories. Look for more information coming soon from this newly established partnership that will impact how you buy optics, firearms and silencers in the future.
- INVASIVE SPECIES -
Invasive hydrilla, an aquatic weed, has been confirmed for the first time in Robert S. Kerr Reservoir in far eastern Oklahoma, according to the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation. This aquatic nuisance species (ANS) was discovered by ODWC fisheries biologists during recent sampling efforts.

- NEW PRODUCTS -
1791 Outdoor Lifestyle Group announces two exciting new holsters for US Military history enthusiasts, the G.I. Hip Holster and the M3 Tanker Holster. Both holsters are faithful replicas of the classic military leather holsters used by US GIs to carry their sidearms.
Smith & Wesson Brands, Inc. announces the release of the new Model 1854, chambered in 45 Colt. The Model 1854 comes with additional features like a 4 ¾-inch Picatinny base for mounting optics, an adjustable XS Sights ghost ring rear sight, a gold bead front sight, flat-face trigger design, and removable magazine tube that allows you to safely unload the rifle.
- ORGANIZATIONS -
NSSF joined with industry partner Gunsite Academy along with Sheriff David Rhodes of the Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office and representatives of the Prescott Police Department, Prescott Valley P.D. and Chino Valley P.D. to bring NSSF’s Project ChildSafe and its message of preventing unauthorized access to firearms to greater Prescott.
- PODCASTING -
On this week’s Gamekeeper Podcast Dr. Philip Lavretsky of UTEP and Dr. Brian Davis of Miss State University join us to explain the frightening scenario of the degradation of wild mallard genetics.
- POWERSPORTS -
A long holiday weekend means many people will enjoy one of the fastest-growing recreation activities in Michigan – off-road vehicle riding. If you’ll be on a quad, side-by-side, dirt bike or other type of ORV, the DNR wants everyone to Ride Right to ensure you ride again.
- PRODUCT NEWS -
Winchester announces its commemorative AA shotshell ammunition in 2024, celebrating 125 years of The Grand American World Trapshooting Championships. The ammunition features the Grand American 125th Anniversary badge and imagery celebrating the rich history of the event.
- PROMOTIONS -
Luth-AR announced its latest giveaway, this one for the month of July 2024. This month, participants have the chance to win a prize package consisting of a MBA-5 Carbine Buttstock and a Chubby Grip.
- PUBLISHING -
Hook & Barrel Magazine® announces the launch of its new Spotify channel, offering a unique blend of music from the many talented artists featured on its pages and online, as well as specially curated playlists by those artists.
The Armory Life announced the release of the Summer 2024 issue of The Armory Life print magazine, featuring a cover story interview with Hilton Yam of 10-8 Performance. This quarterly print magazine complements the daily digital content available on TheArmoryLife.com.
- RADIO -
This week, Outdoors Radio features Sheboygan charter captain “Dumper Dan” Welsch, Pappas Trading Post archery expert JC Chamberlin, and Wisconsin DNR fish biologist Aaron Schiller. Jeff Kelm reports on recent NWT and MWC tournaments.
- STATE AGENCIES -
There are a variety of opportunities to help the DNR take care of Michigan’s natural and cultural resources this month. Here are a few ways to lend a hand.
For the third consecutive year, the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources will be coordinating with the Ashley National Forest to conduct follow-up treatments to two drainages in the High Uintas to help restore native Colorado River cutthroat trout.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is eager to announce the two new license hard card designs featuring student artwork from this year’s Florida State Fish Art Contest.
- STATE PARKS -
Bannack State Park’s signature event, Bannack Days, is scheduled for the third weekend in July, with many traditional activities, displays, vendors, and re-enactments celebrating Montana’s first territorial capital.
- STATES -
The Arizona Game and Fish Department and partner agencies will be patrolling Arizona’s waterways over the Fourth of July holiday weekend to provide heightened enforcement and awareness about the dangers of drinking alcohol while boating.
- TELEVISION -
Pursuit Channel invites viewers to tune-in to Wildlife Adventure Wednesday…presented by MOJO Outdoors, for a great lineup of shows from some of the industry’s longest running and most popular content creators.
Outdoor Channel is thrilled to announce that Pat and Nicole Reeve, the beloved hosts of the acclaimed hunting series Driven with Pat & Nicole, are celebrating 20 successful years on the network this week with the premiere of their 20th season airing Tuesdays at 9:30 p.m. ET.
- WILDLIFE -
A young male black bear that had been getting into garbage in and around Colstrip residential areas in recent days was successfully captured, tranquilized, tagged and relocated to a remote area Friday by Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks Region 7.
The Wyoming Game and Fish Department is seeking Game and Fish Commission approval to identify the Upper Wind River mule deer migration corridor.
The two female and one male peregrine falcons raised at the Nebraska Capitol this summer now have lofty names to match their lofty nest box home near the top of the building. Cirrus, Stratus and Cumulus were the names submitted by Shawn Meyer of Beatrice and received the most public online votes.
 

"We, therefore, the Representatives of the united States of America, in General Congress, Assembled, appealing to the Supreme Judge of the world for the rectitude of our intentions, do, in the Name, and by Authority of the good People of these Colonies, solemnly publish and declare, That these united Colonies are, and of Right ought to be Free and Independent States; that they are Absolved from all Allegiance to the British Crown, and that all political connection between them and the State of Great Britain, is and ought to be totally dissolved; and that as Free and Independent States, they have full Power to levy War, conclude Peace, contract Alliances, establish Commerce, and to do all other Acts and Things which Independent States may of right do. And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes and our sacred Honor."

— Declaration of Independence, 1776

When I was a kid, it was referred to as “the Fourth.” For me, it was fireworks and the midway point to the (all-too-quick) end of summer. As time passed, the day was known more for family, for time off, for comforting skittish canines unhappy with the sudden racket of celebratory explosions.

It’s more than that. It’s a celebration of a revolution – a term that’s fallen on hard times due to its adoption by those with tyrannical ends, and for those who forgot that the Greatest Country in the World© began “with a bang and not a whimper.”

We are wandering through a 21st Century that seems to have forgotten the costs paid by those who were here before us. There are those who decry “nationalism” who, in 1942, would have been absolutely behind the crowd of patriots.

A few things to consider while we wander into the mid-summer holiday –

The poor in this country tend to have all or nearly all of the following: a place to sleep, heating/air conditioning, a means of communication (cell phones), access to an automobile, food to eat, medical care. Not so long ago, many of our population lived in shacks, lots of them with dirt floors, with no indoor toilets and no running water.

This country consists of people whose ancestors came from every corner of the Earth; there are nearly no cultures that haven’t seen some of their populations relocated to these shores. We are an aggregate, an amalgam of all that’s out there. In one single nation, we’re the example of humanity.

Everyone heard – or should have heard – of the risks taken by those who signed the Declaration we celebrate tomorrow. A good number paid the heaviest price for freedom.

We’re not the country we were. We can’t be. The nation is a grand experiment, a test of human freedom within social constraint. It’s self-contradictory – law and order … and chaos. That internal contradiction – and our collection of diverse cultures -- are what makes us unique.

We can win wars – if certain people will leave us alone to do so – but we’re lousy conquerors in the historical sense. We’re not good at the land acquisition game since the country finished growing in the mid-20th Century.

We leave the vanquished – in the cases of Japan and Germany – better than we found them when we got there. They flourished. Now if we can just stay out of wars for a while.

We can be (and have been) the engine of industry, the pantry for the world’s hungry, the designers and engineers of devices that have taken humanity off the Earth and put machines on other planets.

At the same time, we can forget “who (and what) brung us.” Like any humans of any lineage, any ethnicity, we too often forget the lessons that others learned through sacrifice.

It’s an election year. The warring tribes are driving division. Their accomplices in various media are using fear and outrage as tools. They’re not trying to make us forget who we are; they’re trying to win something and to feather their own nests.

It’s routine and raucous, the ‘chaos’ that accompanies the move of functionaries to sew fear and discontent. “It’s the most important election in our lifetimes” has become “the most important in history.”

Like the last one, except we survived that one.

Complaints? Well, it’s the right of the enlisted to gripe and the expression of that tendency was made into high art before any of us got here.

As for the holiday, I’d counsel family time; unplug. Watch the children and grandchildren grow. Enjoy the food and festivities. Keep the family pets secure and calm during the celebration.

And be grateful. It’s not November, but it’s still a great time to give thanks.

Happy Independence Day.

— Rich Grassi

 
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