Author: Adam Back

The Department of the Interior’s Restoration and Resiliency Framework identifies strategic investments designed to enhance important ecosystems, enhance climate resiliency, restore key species such as bison

WASHINGTON – Backcountry Hunters & Anglers praised a strategy released this morning by the Department of the Interior that commits to restoring healthy, wild populations of American bison on US public lands as part of an overall plan to conserve the prairie ecosystem.

A secretarial order from Interior Secretary Deb Haaland prioritizes the department’s work to restore both bison populations and prairie grasslands through cross-departmental collaboration and partnerships with states, tribes, landowners and other entities in a approach based on the best available science and indigenous knowledge. More than $25 million from the Inflation Reduction Act will fuel the new program.

BHA President and CEO Land Tawney praised the Interior’s announcement, noting that more than two-thirds of US grasslands have already been removed and that sagebrush grasslands and landscapes are critical to a variety of wildlife species, including mule deer, pronghorn, and upland birds, as well as bison.

“Today’s announcement by the administration outlines the most pressing conservation issues in our great country,” Tawney said. “We applaud your commitment and look forward to helping advance the work that will anchor the conservation of our public lands both immediately and in the long term. In particular, we are excited to work with tribes, government agencies, conservation partners, and hunters to restore robust bison populations to our nation’s lands.

“Secretary Haaland is laying out an approach that refines and sharpens current bison restoration efforts and lays the foundation for a more cohesive strategy,” Tawney continued. “In 2008, the formation of the Bison Task Force as part of the department’s Bison Conservation Initiative took important steps forward. Today’s announcement builds on the good work tribes and other stakeholders have already done so that we can finally take meaningful action to make free bison a reality once again. We appreciate the secretary’s commitment to a plan that will unite stakeholders around this shared purpose and ensure that a comprehensive but flexible framework is established with partners, as well as integrating the best available science and indigenous knowledge.

“Over the past century, we have collectively built a conservation restoration pyramid that stands as a shining example of what conservation success can and should look like,” Tawney said. “It is time to redouble our efforts and focus our collective attention on the American bison, the cornerstone of that conservation pyramid. Protect grasslands, restore ecological engineers, and connect cultures and people. We are ready!”

The Department of the Interior’s Restoration and Resiliency Framework outlines a comprehensive plan for coordinating agency programs and effecting change on the ground by making targeted strategic investments in critical landscapes that enhance climate resiliency. The components of the plan will impact a variety of ecosystems, species, and key priorities in the US as the focus now shifts to its execution and implementation.

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BELLEVUE, WA – A federal judge in Texas has granted a preliminary injunction against the federal government’s enforcement of the final rule regarding partially manufactured firearm parts and kits in a case known as VanDerStok vs. Garlandthat challenged the authority of the Department of Justice and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) to regulate items that are not firearms, as if they were firearms.

“This is a huge victory,” said Alan Gottlieb, founder and executive vice president of the Second Amendment Foundation, which was allowed to intervene in the case last summer, along with Defense Distributed, a Texas-based company. “The court’s preliminary determination is fairly straightforward and notes that SAF and Defense Distributed are likely to prevail on the merits of their case against the receiver rule.”

The decision was issued by Judge Reed O’Connor of the US District Court for the Northern District of Texas, Fort Worth Division. Its preliminary mandate applies to Defense Distributed and its customers.

“We are pleased with the courts’ ruling, which correctly finds that we are likely to be successful on our claims,” said Adam Kraut, SAF’s chief executive. “Judge O’Connor agrees that ATF’s final rule expanded the agency’s authority over parties who can ‘easily become’ frames or receivers, exceeding the authority granted by Congress. Even more compelling is that the judge agrees that the ATF rule illegally treats kits as firearms. It is reassuring to see rogue administrative agencies find themselves controlled by the checks and balances of our system of government.”

Last August, the ATF enacted its “Final Rule” purporting to regulate partially manufactured firearm parts and kits, building on nearly 45 years of precedent, during which the agency refused to interpret the term “firearms fire” as stated in the Gun Control Act 1968 to apply to partially manufactured frames and receivers. The government reversed course in December, stating that certain products are considered “frames” and therefore firearms. Subsequently, a lawsuit was filed challenging the legality of the “Final Rule” on the grounds that the regulation exceeds the scope of ATF’s statutory authority.

The injunction takes effect immediately.

The Second Amendment Foundation (www.saf.org) is the nation’s oldest and largest tax-exempt legal action, research, publishing, and education group focusing on the constitutional right and inheritance to own and own guns. fire privately. Founded in 1974, the Foundation has grown to more than 720,000 members and supporters and runs many programs designed to better inform the public about the consequences of gun control.

During the Kinsey’s Dealer Show, February 17-19, SPYPOINT won the inaugural Dealer’s Choice Award in the hunting accessories category.

“To say that we are honored would be an understatement,” said Alexandre Ratté, SPYPOINT’s vice president of sales. “Kinsey’s represents such an important and respected group of retailers that receiving recognition from that group of customers, especially as the first award winner, is something to be incredibly proud of,” Ratté continued.

“Kinsey’s is proud to present SPYPOINT as the winner of the Best Hunting Accessory category for our inaugural Dealer Choice Awards. We value our association and relationship with SPYPOINT and it’s clear our distributor base does as well,” said Alex Cameron, Kinsey’s Director of Purchasing. “We congratulate them on the honor and look forward to continuing to serve our distributors with their products,” he concluded.

The awards were given to companies in six categories, including firearms, ammunition, optics, archery, hunting accessories, and archery accessories. Winners were chosen by Kinsey’s own distributors, during a voting window in late 2022. Joe Harker, SPYPOINT Key Account Manager, was in attendance and accepted the award on behalf of SPYPOINT.

“We know we can’t do what we do without the support of knowledgeable and passionate retail partners. Being recognized like this is fantastic and only serves to make the entire sales team even stronger. As a brand, we are committed to not only delivering a great product to our end users, but to all of our partners along the way,” Ratté concluded.

ABOUT SPYPOINT: SPYPOINT, the world’s #1 cellular tracker camera brand, revolutionized the hunting industry by making mobile scouting accessible to everyone. Our reliable, easy-to-use cameras and innovative camera and photo management app with customizable maps, weather and BUCK TRACKER AI filters are designed with one goal in mind: to make you a more prepared and efficient hunter. With SPYPOINT you have the whole hunt in the palm of your hand.

For more information on SPYPOINT products and technology, visit www.spypoint.com.

During their meeting at the recent Western Hunting & Conservation Expo, the Mule Deer Foundation (MDF) board of directors elected to add Alexa Sandoval and Grant Foster as new board members. Additionally, longtime board members Dan Harrison and Bob Jacobs have stepped off the board.

“I know I speak for the entire board when I say we are excited to have Alexa and Grant join the Mule Deer Foundation Board of Directors. Both are passionate about mule deer and mule deer hunting and bring important skill sets to our already outstanding board of directors,” said MDF President and CEO Joel Pedersen. “I would also like to thank Dan Harrison and Bob Jacobs for their many years of service on the board. Each has played a key role as we have experienced significant growth and change in the organization and appreciate their volunteer leadership.”

Alexa Sandoval retired in 2018 as director of the New Mexico Game and Fish Department after 24 years of service. She began her career with the department as a game ranger and held various other positions, including game manager, federal grants coordinator, and chief financial officer until she was appointed director in 2014. She considers herself a lifelong conservationist and is an avid hunter, fisherman and outdoorswoman She shares her passion for wildlife conservation with her husband, Ernie, who also retired from the NMDGF after 25 years of service as a sergeant in the Law Enforcement Division. Ms. Sandoval currently She is the CFO for a rural electric utility in central New Mexico.

“I have spent my career dedicated to the conservation of all wildlife, but particularly the iconic western mule deer,” Sandoval said. “I am honored to serve as a board member of the Mule Deer Foundation and look forward to working with our dedicated staff and volunteers to promote our success.”

Grant Foster is an avid hunter and a partner at the Dorsey & Whitney law firm. He has more than 30 years of legal experience helping companies, including many of the largest companies in the hunting industry, protect and enforce his intellectual property. For decades, Foster has been active in helping conservation organizations develop, promote, and establish conservation policies, goals, and laws that promote wildlife conservation and management. Among others, Foster helped draft Utah constitutional amendment language, known as Prop 5, which now requires a two-thirds majority vote before hunting laws can be changed on ballot initiative.

“Mule deer have a special place in my heart. Each fall my mind turns to the mule deer’s brown bodies and velvety antlers that roam the mountains and valleys of the west. This passion, which began when I was a child, has been fueled by the toil and sweat of many others who have come before me,” Foster said. “As a member of the MDF board of directors, I look forward to giving back and passing this passion for mule deer to future generations.”

“Alexa and Grant will be outstanding additions to the MDF board and we welcome them to the team,” said Board Chairman Chad Schearer. “Each brings an important perspective that will help our board continue to navigate the path of growth for MDF. As an organization, we have been able to increase our visibility and become a key leader for mule deer and black-tailed deer conservation, and we appreciate individuals with a valuable set of credentials who volunteer to help define our future.”

About MDF
The Mule Deer Foundation is the only conservation group in North America dedicated to restoring, enhancing, and protecting mule and black-tailed deer and their habitat, with a focus on science and program efficiency. MDF is a strong voice for hunters on issues of access policy, wildlife management, and conservation. MDF recognizes regulated hunting as a viable management component and is committed to recruiting and retaining youth in shooting and conservation sports. Get involved in your state or become a member at www.muledeer.org or call 801-973-3940.

Baschieri & Pellagri USA, maker of the world’s leading shotshells for sporting and hunting clays, offers duck and goose wreckers two new top-tier shell options that promise to hit hard and take down birds in no time. an instant: dual steel and dual bismuth.

The new Dual Steel shotshell combines two overlapping layers of high-end steel shot (steel and plated steel) of different sizes to maximize the effectiveness of the standard and external choke tube pattern for long-range killing power. Dual Steel is available in #2 + #3 12-gauge 3-inch shots in 1 1/8 and 1 1/4-ounce payloads.

The equally new Dual Bismuth shotshells use shot that is denser than lead but softer than steel, meaning undeniable penetration and maximum energy transfer. With two shot sizes stacked but offering consistent shot patterns, migratory birds don’t stand a chance. Dual Bismuth is available in 12 gauge 2 3/4 and 3 inch, filled with #3 + #4 buckshot in 1 1/5 and 1 1/4 ounce payload offerings.

Dual Steel and Dual Bismuth feature B&P’s tried-and-true GreenCore Wad, designed to protect the barrel and ensure maximum performance no matter the environmental conditions. GreenCore is a 100 percent biodegradable wad that leaves no particles or toxic residue.

B&P has built its reputation on offering competitive shooters and hunters the very best ammunition, and the new Dual Steel and Dual Bismuth lines take this renowned quality and performance to the next level.

For more information on B&P shotshells, visit Baschieri-PellagriUSA.com.

About Baschieri & Pellagri USA

Baschieri & Pellagri, founded in 1885, has led the world in innovation and quality standards of buckshot ammunition for the hunting and competitive shooting segments and is the developer of the Gordon Recoil Attenuator Case. B&P shotshells have long been the industry benchmark for world-class competition and field sports performance.

TALLADEGA, Ala. – On February 23, the Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP) hosted its first installment of the new Talladega Quarterly Games, to great success. More than 90 competitors attended the inaugural event, which featured outdoor rifle and pistol competitions.

“The matches were great and we had a good crowd!” said Jim Henderson, CMP pistol coordinator. “For our first Talladega Quarterly, we had over 15 people for each of the EIC games! It was good to see that not only the .22 and Service Pistol EICs were well taken care of, but the Revolver EIC as well!

Those who earn Excellence in Competition (EIC) points are on their way to earning a Distinguished Badge, a prestigious honor in the marksmanship community. The Talladega Quarterly lineup provides ample opportunities to earn those points, which are comprised of competitions such as Service Rifle EIC matches along with Service Pistol, .22 Rimfire and Service Revolver Pistol EIC events. Other competitions, such as 80-shot and mid-range matches, add even more opportunities for guests to find fun challenges on the course.

“I certainly see these quarterly matches as a great place to accumulate EIC points in the future,” Henderson added.

A Rifle Marksmanship 101 training class was also held during the Talladega Quarterly event (led by members of the US Army Marksmanship Unit) and included an accompanying M16 EIC rifle bout. In February, Todd Chandler, 58, of Mobile, AL, reached a score of 385-15X for the overall victory, as James Diehl, 61, of Hardinsburg, KY, earned his introductory 4 EIC points in the match. with his third place. finish. Also earning introductory points were Richard Young, 75, of Marietta, GA, and Steven Irvan, 40, of Gilbertsville, KY.

Also, Robert Meyer, 49, of Athens, GA, will receive 6 points for his fifth place finish in the Service Pistol EIC Match.

Giving another notable performance was PFC Dustin Carr, 21, of San Diego, CA, who shot a score of 278-4X to take a 10-point lead in the Service Pistol EIC event, while Chance Cavin, 35, of Madison, MS , collected a similar score of 278-2X to earn the win and 6 EIC points in the .22 Rimfire Pistol EIC match by just one point. John O’Donnell, 65, of St. Louis, MO, also earned a victory by a double-digit margin, adding 6 EIC points and a score of 347-7X in the Service Revolver Match, which led by 11 points over the field of competitors.

SSG Verne Conant, 26, of Cataula, GA, ruled in the February Talladega Quarterly Rifle Matches and had victories in the EIC 80-Shot, Medium Range 3×600 and 50-Shot Rifle matches. Rebecca Harrington (27, of Cataula, GA) earned 8 points in the 50m Rifle EIC Match, while Jeffrey Smith (60, of Pleasant Garden, NC) and David Fugate (56m Kingston, TN) each earned 6 points if.

Overall winners of the February quarterly games at Talladega:

EIC M16 rifle:

Todd Chandler, 58, of Mobile, AL – 385-15X

80 shot rifle:

SSG Verne Conant, 26, of Cataula, GA – 792-38X

3×600 Medium Range Rifle:

Service Rifle: SSG Verne Conant, 26, of Cataula, GA – 596-40X

Match Rifle: James Diehl, 61, of Hardinsburg, KY – 588-21X

F-Open: Robert Barnes, 64, of Grove Hill, AL — 589-27X

EIC Service Pistol:

PFC Dustin Carr, 21, of San Diego, CA – 278-4X

.22 EIC Rimfire Pistol:

Chance Cavin, 35, of Madison, MS – 278-2X

service revolver:

John O’Donnell, 65, of St. Louis, MO – 347-7X

EIC 50 shot rifle:

SSG Verne Conant, 26, of Cataula, GA – 492-20X

If you missed the February games, no problem! Talladega’s next set of quarterly games will take place May 13-14. Registration and more information are now available online at https://thecmp.org/cmp-matches/talladega-Quarterly-matches/. Questions or help with registration can be directed to CMP’s Christina Roguski at [email protected] or 419-635-2141 ext. 714.

For a complete list of results from the February quarterly games at Talladega, visit the CMP Contest Tracker page at https://ct.thecmp.org/23FebTQMresults. Photos from the event can be viewed and downloaded for free at https://cmp1.zenfolio.com/p682734452.

About the CMP Talladega Shooting Range:

Aptly named “The Home of Marksmanship,” the park is a worthy destination for firearms supporters and visitors seeking opportunities to practice, compete, and mindfully learn. With CMP electronic targets and scoring monitors that can only be found at the 500-acre facility, the park regularly hosts rifle, pistol, and shotgun events throughout the year. CMP’s Unknown Distance Range at Talladega also allows visitors to practice their skills on the range of over 100 steel targets, up to 625 yards, while the 20-lane, life-size 3D target archery range offers even more aiming fun in the park.

The public is welcome every day, year-round, to try out their firearms or simply take a tour of the grounds. Out of the line of fire, the Clubhouse features a fully stocked Pro Shop featuring an exclusive collection of CMP rifles, ammunition, marksmanship and memorabilia that is always open during park hours. Learn more about the Talladega Marksmanship Park at https://thecmp.org/ranges/talladega-marksmanship-park/.

The Civilian Marksmanship Program is a federally chartered 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation. It is dedicated to firearms safety and marksmanship training and the promotion of marksmanship competition for United States citizens. To learn more about the CMP and its programs, log on to www.TheCMP.org.

The fastest and easiest bow retrieval system on the market, the Bow Spider will be on display at the Central Oregon Sportsmen Show in Redmond, Oregon from March 9-12, 2023. This event will be held at the First Interstate Bank Center and Deschutes County Fair and Exposition Center in Redmond. It will be open to the public on Thursday. March 9 and Friday March 10 from noon to 8 pm, Saturday March 11 from 10 am to 8 pm and Sunday March 12 from 10 am to 4 pm Tickets are available online and at the door for $12 for adults $5 youth (ages 6-16), children are free and members of the military are $8 each.

With hundreds of fishing, hunting, and outdoor recreation-related businesses showcasing and selling newly launched products and services, the 2023 Central Oregon Sportsmen Show in Redmond promises to be the biggest and most successful show in its history. Educational seminars will be available throughout the 4 days of the Expo and are free with paid admission. Raffles, games and other activities will keep everyone fully entertained.

Bow Spider will be exhibiting its entire line of premium products at the show. Whether you’re an avid bow hunter, 3-D shooter, or just new to the sport, you’ll find the Bow Spider Retrieve System will make your bow experience that much more enjoyable.

Bow Spider will be exhibiting at booth #248. Be sure to stop by so you can see the newest products available from Bow Spider.

About Recreational Archery Development LLC (RAD, LLC): Founded in 2019 and headquartered in Kinnear, WY, RAD, LLC is a leading designer and manufacturer of innovative products for the outdoor industry, including the Bow Spider brand of products. The Bow Spider’s intuitive design makes bow retrieval quick and easy in any situation. The product is proudly made in the USA and dedicates one percent of all sales to conservation. The company is also offering veterans a 15 percent discount on all products. (To take advantage of this offer, orders must be called directly to the company at 307-438-9290.) For additional information on RAD, LLC and the Bow Spider brand of products, write to: RAD, LLC, PO Box 171, Kinnear, WY 82516; call 307-438-9290; email [email protected]; visit www.bowspider.com.

EDGEFIELD, SC — The National Wild Turkey Federation honored Steve Williams, Ph.D., of Gardens, Pennsylvania, with the CB McLeod Award for his long and productive career as a wildlife manager and dedication to conservation.

“It is a tremendous honor to receive the CB McLeod Award from the National Wild Turkey Federation,” Williams said. “The award recognizes individuals who have dedicated their careers to wildlife conservation and our hunting legacy. Receiving this award from the NWTF is particularly gratifying given the NWTF’s 50-year history and outstanding and longstanding commitment to conservation. As I approach retirement after nearly 40 years of service, I will always treasure the NWTF recognition, and I dedicate this award to NWTF staff and their thousands of volunteers across the country.”

Williams received the CB McLeod Award during 50 years of the NWTF^he 47th anniversary celebration^he NWTF annual convention and sports extravaganza, sponsored by Mossy Oak.

CB McLeod, a former member of the NWTF National Board of Directors, was instrumental in laying the foundation for the NWTF. The favorable lending practices coupled with his diligent efforts to maintain the financial solvency of the NWTF during the early years were invaluable. McLeod had a heart for conservation and believed in the mission of restoring the wild turkey. This award in his honor recognizes individuals who dedicate their lives to wildlife conservation.

Williams is currently the president of the Wildlife Management Institute. He is a member of the Board of Directors of the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, American Wildlife Conservation Partners, the Wildlife and Hunting Heritage Conservation Council (a federal advisory committee of the Secretaries of the Interior and Agriculture), the Council to Advance Hunting and the Shooting Sports, and President of the National Institute for Conservation Leadership. He is also a professional member of the Boone and Crockett Club and The Wildlife Society.

Prior to joining WMI, Williams served as director of the US Fish and Wildlife Service, Massachusetts Division of Fish and Wildlife.

The fruits of Williams’ enduring career have helped conserve wildlife across the country, and the NWTF is proud to recognize his exceptional leadership as a staunch conservationist.

“Steve’s impressive career in conserving our nation’s natural resources is marked by incredible accomplishments,” said NWTF Co-Executive Director Kurt Dyroff. “Steve understands the important relationship between hunting and conservation, and through his leadership, he has strengthened both efforts. We are immensely grateful for his contributions to our nation’s conservation success story, and we are proud to honor him with the CB McLeod Award.”

About the National Wild Turkey Federation

Since 1973, the National Wild Turkey Federation has invested more than half a billion dollars in wildlife conservation and has conserved or improved more than 22 million acres of critical wildlife habitat. The organization continues to advance wildlife conservation, forest resiliency, and robust recreational opportunities across the US by working beyond borders at the landscape scale.

2023 is the 50th of the NWTF^he anniversary and an opportunity to push the organization’s mission into the future while honoring its rich history. for his 50^he anniversary, the NWTF has set six ambitious goals: positively impact 1 million acres of wildlife habitat; raise $500,000 for wild turkey research; increase membership to 250,000 members; dedicate $1 million to education and outreach programs; raise $5 million to invest in technology and the people of NWTF; and raise $5 million to build a $50 million endowment for the future. Find out how you can help us achieve these lofty goals.