Week of June 4, 2012

Hunting & Shooting Products/Issues
National

Regional

Michigan
Minnesota
Pennsylvania
Other Breaking News Items

 

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Hunting & Shooting Products/Issues

Smith & Wesson M&P Shield
Comes in 9mm or .40 cal
#180020 or #180021 (9mm)
Officially unveiled at the 2012 NRA Show, the new M&P SHIELD is a powerful, slim, lightweight, and concealable polymer pistol. Designed as an extension to the popular M&P pistol line, the M&P SHIELD delivers outstanding comfort, accuracy and performance in a carry or concealed carry platform.

The M&P SHIELD is a slim, concealable, lightweight, striker-fired polymer pistol. Available in 9mm and .40 S&W, the new M&P SHIELD features a slim design combined with the proven and trusted features found in the M&P Pistol Series. From the pistol�s easily concealed one-inch profile to its optimized 18-degree grip angle, the M&P SHIELD offers professional-grade features that provide consumers with simple operation and reliable performance.

The M&P SHIELD features a high-strength polymer frame with a black, Melonite coated stainless steel slide and 3.1" barrel, an overall length of 6.1" and an unloaded weight of 19 ounces. For fast tracking and smooth target acquisition, the M&P SHIELD is standard with a 5.3-inch sight radius and has been enhanced with a short, consistent trigger pull measuring 6.5 lbs.

Additional features include Striker fired action � which delivers a smooth, short, consistent and dependable

trigger pull, a Stainless steel internal chassis - which
reduces flex & provides an extremely stable shooting platform, Patented take down lever & sear deactivation system � which allows service without pulling the trigger, and Optimized 18 degree grip angle � which provides a natural point of aim and rapid target acquisition. Front & rear sights come with White dots for easier and quick site pictures.
 

The M&P SHIELD comes standard with two magazines � one compact for easy concealment and the other extended for full grip and increased capacity, and Smith & Wesson�s lifetime service policy.

Features include:
Action: Striker Fire
Barrel: 3.1"
Front Sight: White Dot
Rear Sight: White 2-Dot
Overall Length: 6.1"
Frame Width: .95�
Overall Height: 4.6�
Weight: 19.0 oz
Frame Material: Polymer
Barrel/Slide Finish: Black Melonite
Trigger Pull: 6.5 lbs. +/-
Sight Radius 5.3� /13.3 cm

About $449.00

800-331-0852 [email protected] 

www.smith-wesson.com/MPShield 

 


Smith & Wesson SD9 VE & SD40 VE Pistols
Self Defense Handguns offer High-Grade features at affordable prices
#123400 & 223400 (.40 cal), 123900 & 223900 (9mm)
Smith & Wesson has introduced two new handgun models - each with two different magazine capacities - designed to assist with personal protection and home defense needs. The new SD9 VE and SD40 VE semi-automatic pistols, chambered in 9mm and .40 S&W, combine value with enhanced features to deliver top-grade performance in a reliable option for home and personal protection.

The design of the new SD9 VE and SD40 VE pistols incorporates the best features of the Smith & Wesson SD and Sigma models and evolves them into a new generation of pistol that delivers on function and price.

The foundation of the SD VE is the lightweight polymer frame, designed for both comfort and durability. The Self Defense Trigger (SDT�) provides a smooth, consistent trigger pull, enhancing both accuracy and user confidence. The accompanying stainless steel slide features aggressive front and rear slide serrations for improved handling and is fitted with white-dot front and rear sights.

For optimal comfort and control, the SD VE features an 18� natural point of aim, an ergonomic grip, aggressive

front and back strap texturing and textured finger locators
placed directly above the trigger guard on both sides.
The SD VE also features a universal Picatinny-style equipment rail for optional accessories.

 

The SD9 VE is available in 16+1 or 10+1 magazine capacity while the SD40 VE comes standard in 14+1 or 10+1. Both models have an unloaded weight of 22.7 oz and a slim profile of 1.29 inches. The 4-inch barrel and overall length of 7.2 ", makes the SD VE fully compatible for personal protection or home defense measures.

Features included on all models:
SDT-Self Defense Trigger for Optimal, Consistent Pull
Dovetailed, White Dot Sights
Standard, Picatinny-Style Rail
Slim, Ergonomic, Textured Grip
Textured Finger Locator
Front and Back Strap Texturing
Two-Tone Finish
Front and Rear Serrations
Two Magazines
Weight 22.7 oz
4" barrel
Lifetime warranty

About $379.00

800-331-0852 [email protected] 

www.smith-wesson.com/MPShield 


National

New Bill prevents Importation of Harmful Non-native Critters
Congress can give USFWS authority to stop costly invaders like Asian carp from ever being imported to the U.S.
Right now, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service can only react to threats to native animal and plant species already present on United States soil. To give the USFWS the authority to stop harmful invaders from ever being imported to the U.S. in the first place, the Invasive Fish and Wildlife Prevention Act of 2012 (H.R. 5864) was introduced May 30. The bill was introduced by a bipartisan group of nine original co-sponsors from six states.

This legislation would strengthen the FWS ability to designate animals as �injurious,� which cannot be imported or shipped between states without a permit. The legislation would empower the FWS to become proactive rather than reactive in its listing and restriction process, and stop harmful invasive fish and wildlife from ever arriving at U.S. shores.

Especially fresh on the minds of legislatures are Asian carp which have already cost taxpayers $204 million in damage control, Burmese python now menacing the Florida Everglades, and venomous red lionfish now invading the Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico.

The bill would implement a new regulatory process to more rapidly evaluate risks of importing non-native wildlife, and restrict those species that pose serious risks before they are imported to the United States. Current legislation regulating animal imports does not require that animals being imported first be screened for invasiveness, for diseases they might carry, or for the risks they pose to human or wildlife health.

 

This proposed legislation will create a new FWS screening system within six years, while immediately giving the agency greater flexibility and authority to make science-based decisions regarding prohibiting or restricting live animals in trade. The FWS also would get emergency authority to respond to the animal and human health threats posed by the live animal trade, a known potential vector for pathogens such as the West Nile and monkeypox viruses.

The United States is a leading import market which receives hundreds of millions of non-native animals every year. Currently, it takes an average of four years for the government to stop their importation. The bill was introduced following years of unsuccessful bills that have attempted to modernize what many see as a flawed regulatory system.

 


EPA forms Advisory Board on Great Lakes Issues
CHICAGO (May 31, 2012) - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency today announced the creation of an advisory board to support federal agencies with the implementation of the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative and the updated Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement.

The new board, the federal government�s first advisory committee on Great Lakes issues, will provide advice and recommendations to EPA Administrator Lisa P. Jackson in her capacity as federal Interagency Task Force chair. EPA will consider candidates from a broad range of interests including environmental groups, businesses, agricultural groups, funders/foundations, environmental justice groups, youth groups, academia and state, local and tribal representatives as needed. Nominees will be solicited through a second Federal Register notice in the coming weeks. EPA anticipates that board will be established this summer.

"The health of the Great Lakes affects the health of millions of people. These waters also play a vital role in the historical, cultural, educational and economic progress of this region," said EPA Administrator and Task Force Chair Lisa P. Jackson. �As we work to set a new standard of care for these waters, it's important that we hear from experts and stakeholders who can strengthen our efforts. By providing insight from those who know these waters best, the Great Lakes Advisory Board will ensure the continued success of the work already underway, and help move us into the next phases of Great Lakes restoration and protection."

The Great Lakes provide more than 30 million Americans with drinking water and underpin a multi-billion dollar economy. In February 2009, President Obama proposed and Congress funded the GLRI, the largest investment in the Great Lakes in two decades.

 

The Interagency Task Force is made up of 16 federal agencies and departments. In 2010 they developed an action plan to implement the president�s historic initiative.

It calls for aggressive efforts in five areas:
� Cleaning up toxics and toxic hot spot Areas of Concern.
� Combating invasive species.
� Promoting near-shore health by protecting watersheds from polluted runoff.
� Restoring wetlands and other habitats.
� Raising public awareness, tracking progress, and working with partners.

The plan also establishes annual benchmarks for success and progress. For more on the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, see www.glri.us .

To view a copy of the Federal Register notice announcing EPA�s intent to establish the advisory board see www.federalregister.gov/articles/2012/05/31/2012-13186/establishment-of-the-great-lakes-advisory-board-glab 

Federal Register Notice: www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/FR-2012-05-31/pdf/2012-13186.pdf  .

 

 


Regional

Great Lakes Water Levels for June 1, 2012
WEATHER CONDITIONS
The Great Lakes experienced light precipitation across much of the basin this past week. The coming weekend is expected to see additional precipitation across the southern lakes while the Lake Superior basin is likely to remain dry. After a cool start to the weekend, temperatures are expected to return to their averages for this time of year.
LAKE LEVEL CONDITIONS
Lake Superior's level is 2 inches higher than year while Lake Michigan-Huron is 5 inches lower than its level of a year ago. Lakes St. Clair, Erie, and Ontario are 11, 15, and 19 inches, respectively, lower than their levels of a year ago. Over the next month, Lakes Superior and Michigan-Huron are forecasted to rise 3 and 2 inches, respectively, from their current levels. The water levels of Lakes St. Clair and Erie are each expected to fall 2 inches, while the level of Lake Ontario is expected to remain near its current level over the next thirty days.
FORECASTED MONTHLY OUTFLOWS/CHANNEL CONDITIONS
Lake Superior's outflow through the St. Marys River is projected to be below average for the month of June. Lake Huron's outflow into the St. Clair River and the outflow from Lake St. Clair into the Detroit River are expected to be

below average throughout the month of June. Lake Erie's outflow through the Niagara River is forecasted to be near average and the outflow of Lake Ontario into the St. Lawrence River is predicted to be below average in June.

ALERTS
The water level of Lake Superior is below chart datum and is forecasted to remain below chart datum through July. Users of the Great Lakes, connecting channels and St. Lawrence River should keep informed of current conditions before undertaking any activities that could be affected by changing water levels. Mariners should utilize navigation charts and refer to current water level readings.
 

 

Superior

 

Mich-Huron

St. Clair

Erie

Ontario

Level for June 1

600.85

577.59

574.05

571.62

245.73

Datum, in ft

601.10

577.50

572.30

569.20

243.30

Diff in inches

-3

+1

+21

+29

+29

Diff last month

+5

+1

0

-2

0

Diff from last yr

+2

-5

-11

-15

 -19

 


Michigan

New Michigan record catfish
The Michigan DNR has confirmed the catch of a new state record flathead catfish.

Caught by Rodney Akey of Niles, MI on May 22, on the St. Joseph River in Berrien County at 8 p.m., the fish weighed 49.8 lbs and measured 45.7". Akey was still-fishing from shore with an alewife when he landed the record fish. The record was verified by Scott Hanshue, a DNR fisheries biologist, at the DNR's Plainwell office.

�I�ve been fishing catfish on the St. Joseph River for the last 20 years, but it never crossed my mind that I would catch a state record,� said Akey, and beating a nearly 70-year record � that�s a feat in itself!�

The previous state record flathead catfish was caught by Elmer Rayner of Hastings, MI., on the Maple River in Ionia County on Aug. 6, 1943. That fish weighed in at 47.5 lbs and measured 44". State records are recognized by weight only. To qualify for a state record, fish must exceed the current listed state record weight, and identification must be verified by a DNR fisheries biologist.

For more info on Michigan records, visit www.michigan.gov/masterangler .


Minnesota

MN angler snagged with 400 fish over the limit
Faces thousands in fines
A Conservation officer with the Minnesota DNR busted Chien Van Tran, 39, of Otsego, with 413 sunfish and 30 crappies over the legal limit.
That�s a gross misdemeanor offense carrying a maximum $3,000 fine and one year in county jail. Restitution value for the fish is $2,015. If convicted, Tran could lose his fishing privileges for three years.

Officer Rick Reller of Buffalo found 134 sunfish and 19 crappies in Tran�s boat. The state daily/possession limit is

20 sunfish and 10 crappies. Reller asked Tran if he had any more fish at home. With Tran�s permission, a check of a freezer found 11 bags of fish containing 299 sunfish and 21 crappies bringing the total number to 413 sunfish and 30 crappies over the legal limit. Reller seized the fish and his boat, motors, trailer, and fishing license as part of a gross misdemeanor over limit of fish.

 

Anyone witnessing a fishing or wildlife violation is encouraged to contact the nearest conservation officer, law enforcement agency or the toll-free Turn-In-Poacher (TIP) hotline at 800-652-9093. Also, #TIP is available to most cell phone users in Minnesota


Pennsylvania

New PA Lake Trout Record
Harrisburg, PA � The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) has certified a lake trout caught by Todd Young of Nazareth, Pa., as the new state record for that species.

The fish caught by Young on May 6, while fishing Lake Erie aboard a charter boat, weighed 29-pounds, 4-ounces. Young�s catch exceeds the previous record by 1 pound, 7 ounces. The prior record was 27-lbs, 13-ounces and was caught in 1996 by Tom Illar Jr. of Apollo, Pa., while fishing in Lake Erie.
Additional study of the fish proved that it has an impressive pedigree. Published photographs of the fish gave biologists from the USFWS Allegheny National Fish Hatchery (ANFH) a clue that the fish may have been raised and stocked by the hatchery several years ago. Prior to stocking, wire tags are inserted

into the snout of each fingerling and the adipose fin is removed. Photographs of Young�s fish published in several
newspapers clearly showed that the adipose fin was missing. PFBC biologists found a wire tag during additional examination of the fish, confirming that the fish was indeed spawned and raised at ANFH.

 

The Fish and Boat Commission certifies state records based on total body weight. Potential record fish must exceed the established mark for that category by at least 2 ounces, as weighed on a certified scale. To be considered for state record certification, a fish must be caught using legal means, in season, from Pennsylvania waters open to the public, and without charge or fee. Fish taken from farm ponds, fee-fishing lakes, ponds or streams or in waters restricted to use by club members or their guests do not qualify. Staff from the PFBC must examine the fish.

For complete rules and application: http://fishandboat.com/strecord.htm  The PFBC is the only entity that can certify an official state record fish in the Commonwealth.

 


Other Breaking News Items

(Click on title or URL to read full article)

River community: BV7 water plan for Lake Ontario not perfect; but a balanced compromise 
During the International Joint Commission�s public session earlier this year, the consensus was that while the new BV7 management plan was not perfect, it�s still the best water plan the upper Lake Ontario-Thousand Islands region has seen so far.

Canada pledges $17.5 million in Asian carp fight
Canada said Monday it will devote $17.5 million to protecting the Great Lakes from Asian carp, including development of an early warning system with U.S. agencies so authorities can react quickly if the invasive species is detected.

 

 

The opinions expressed here are those of the authors and not necessarily those of the GLSFC, its officers or staff. 

Reproduction of any material by paid-up members of the GLSFC is encouraged but appropriate credit must be given. 

Reproduction by others without written permission is prohibited.

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