Weekly News Archives

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       New Product  Archives

Streamlight Waypoint Rechargeable Spotlight

Eagleville, PA Streamlight, Inc., a leading provider of high-performance flashlights, today introduced a lithium ion rechargeable version of its Waypoint� spotlight. The new handheld, pistol-grip searchlight, featuring C4� LED technology, is designed to provide extremely bright lighting with an integrated long-range targeting beam. The waterproof light will float if dropped in water.

"The Waypoint Lithium Ion Rechargeable is the ideal spotlight for boating, camping and other outdoor pursuits, as well as for a wide variety of search and rescue and other first responder applications," said Streamlight Vice President, Sales and Marketing, Michael Dineen. "It's not only rugged and dependable, but it also uses a long-running rechargeable battery that is dependable in low-light situations, whether used as a handheld mobile searchlight, or as a hands-free stationary light to illuminate a scene."

The Waypoint's deep-dish parabolic reflector produces a long-range targeting beam while also optimizing peripheral illumination. Powered by a lithium ion battery with an on-board safety control circuit, the Waypoint Rechargeable provides 5 hours of run time on the high setting, 50 hours on low and 35 hours in emergency signal mode.

The rechargeable Waypoint model offers three lighting settings, including high, low, and emergency signal modes. On the high setting, the light delivers 300 lumens measured system output and 80,000 candela peak beam intensity, over a range of 560 meters. On low, the light provides 25 lumens and 6,100 candela, over a range of 155 meters. The light's C4 LED is impervious to shock and features a 50,000 hour lifetime.

The new spotlight features a trigger-style switch with momentary or click on/off operation. It has a cushioned handle grip that eliminates user hand fatigue, comes with a high-strength wrist lanyard, and features an integrated stand for hands-free scene lighting.

The lightweight Waypoint Rechargeable weighs 1.5 pounds and measures 6.75 inches long by 7.14 inches high. The Waypoint features an IPX8 rated design for waterproof operation to two meters. The new spotlight is available in black and yellow, and comes with Streamlight's Limited Lifetime Warranty.
 

About $200.00

(800) 523-7488

www.streamlight.com

Bushnell Fall Riflescope and Spotting Scope Rebate Program

Overland Park, Kan. - Bushnell Outdoor Products has announced a rebate offer on its Elite, Legend Ultra HD and Trophy XLT riflescopes and spotting scopes.

The rebate program is available to consumers who purchase an Elite, Legend Ultra HD or Trophy XLT riflescope or spotting scope before Oct. 31. Bushnell is offering a $75 rebate on Elite, $50 rebate on Legend Ultra HD and $25 rebate on Trophy XLT.

To redeem the rebate offer, consumers are required to complete the rebate form and mail it with the UPC bar code from the original packaging and a copy of the sales receipt. All rebate redemptions must be postmarked by Nov. 15, 2012 to be valid.

For more than 60 years, Bushnell has been guided by a vision to provide the highest quality, most reliable and affordable sports optics products on the market. To bring that vision to life, in 2012 Bushnell introduced the Bulletproof Guarantee. With the purchase of any Elite, Legend UHD or Trophy XLT product (binocular, laser rangefinder, riflescope or spotting scope), consumers have up until one year from the date of purchase to test the product. If it's not the best optic in its class, Bushnell stands behind the purchase with a 100 percent money-back guarantee.

For more information about the Bushnell fall optics rebate, visit the promotions page online.

800-423-3537

www.bushnell.com

M-Pro Tactical Rifle Cleaning Kit

M-Pro 7, a leading provider of military-grade weapons maintenance products, introduces the first BoreSnake cleaning kit specifically designed for all M-16 and AR-15 style rifles. The Tactical Rifle Cleaning Kit contains everything needed to properly maintain 5.56mm/.223 caliber and 7.62mm/.300 caliber rifles in the field or at the range.

The kit was designed with simplicity in mind, giving marksmen a compact, all-in-one solution to simplify and speed up the weapon maintenance process. The kit contains the crucial products and tools needed to clean, maintain and condition a rifle to perform consistently round after round.

Essential items in the kit include the M-Pro 7 Gun Cleaner, M-Pro 7 Gun Oil LPX and two M-Pro 7 BoreSnakes. The M-Pro 7 Gun Cleaner improves weapon performance by removing layers of fouling and embedded carbon while conditioning the bore to help prevent future build-up. Formulated from technology with the lowest known friction coefficient, M-Pro 7 Gun Oil LPX provides unparalleled protection against wear, humidity and moisture (including salt water) and leaves a long-lasting film that repels dust and dirt.

With one pass, the M-Pro 7 BoreSnake loosens large particles, scrubs out the remaining residue with a bronze brush, and then swabs it all spotless with a cleaning area 160x larger than a standard patch. The M-Pro 7 BoreSnake is completely washable and reusable.

Each Tactical Rifle Cleaning Kit contains the following gun care and maintenance tools:

-  4 oz. M-Pro 7 Gun Cleaner

-  4 oz. M-Pro 7 Gun Oil LPX

-  5.56 mm M-Pro 7 BoreSnake

-  7.62 mm M-Pro 7 BoreSnake

-  Dual-Headed Nylon Utility Brush

-  Lint Free Cleaning Cloth

-  Foam Gun Pad

-  Weapons Maintenance and Product Guide

M-Pro7 Weapons Maintenance products were specially designed for the military, law enforcement and high use weapons. M-Pro 7 technology reduces weapon maintenance time up to 80 percent, exceeds MILSPEC cleaning system requirements and is commercially transportable worldwide. In line with the standards for safe technology established by Pantheon Enterprise, all M-Pro 7 products are odorless, non-toxic, non-hazardous, biodegradable, non-flammable and environmentally friendly.

About $92.95

800-937-4677

www.mpro7.com

Browning Citori 725 Awarded Field & Stream Best of Best Award

Browning announced that the Citori 725 shotgun has received the Field & Stream Best of the Best award in the firearms category for 2012.

"Our staff spent the better part of the past year finding and testing the gear that will make readers' time in the woods more productive and more fun," says Slaton White, Deputy Editor of Field & Stream. "The winning products not only withstood our tough testing, but they stood head and shoulders above the rest displaying absolute excellence in their field. The Best of the Best is the highest honor Field & Steam bestows on gear and the winning products are the best of the year; worth your time, worth your money."

In their evaluation, testers said tinkering with a classic rarely makes it

better, but Browning accomplishes the difficult feat of making over a

legend with the new Citori 725. Browning engineers trimmed metal from the bottom of the receiver and thinned the barrel walls. The result is a slimmed-down Citori that weighs nearly 3/4 pound less than the standard model.

Phil Bourjaily, Shotguns Field Editor from Field & Stream, commented, "I hunted with and shot the 725 in both field and sporting models last fall, and it is by far the best-�handling, liveliest Citori ever. As if improving the gun's dynamics wasn't enough, Browning also made the �welcome change of converting the triggers from an inertia design to a mechanical system. The nicely figured Grade II/III walnut with a satin finish won't show the inevitable dings you'll put on this gun, because the 12-gauge 725 is one you won't want to leave behind on any trip to the field."

www.browning.com

Jessie Duff with AR15.com 3-Gun Win

Jessie Duff won in the Ladies Tactical Division at the AR15.com/Rockcastle Pro-Am 3-Gun Championship on August 24-26, 2012. 

Scoring a win against the nation's top 3-Gun women professionals was a great accomplishment for Taurus� Team Captain.  �I am still fairly new to 3-Gun competition and feel like it�s a learning experience every time I shoot it. I had a great match this weekend, probably my best 3-Gun match to date,� comments Jessie. �Going into this match, my expectations were placed more on myself rather than on overall performance. I just wanted to come and make it through the match without any major mistakes and learn as much as I can. I think with that mindset, I was able to focus on shooting, resulting in a great match for me!�

The nation's top 3-Gun professionals competed over two and a half days,

running eight technically challenging stages designed by former and

current 3-Gun champions. �I thought that this match was a great combination of pistol, rifle and shotgun, pairing them well through out the stages,� Jessie continues, �The difficulty level of the match was just right! It was a challenging, but very enjoyable course.�

About Jessie Duff:

Jessie Duff has taken her shooting career of a beginner, all the way to a top ranked professional, earning multiple World and National Champion shooting titles, in five different shooting disciplines. Among these are the prestigious Bianchi Cup and the World Speed Shooting Championships. Jessie has also ranked in numerous regional and state champion matches as well. Outside of shooting, Jessie is a TV personality on the hit series Friends of NRA, on the Outdoor Channel. Reaching this level of shooting performance in her career, defines a well-disciplined competitor and role model for the Taurus Shooting Team.

NSSF Files Motion to dismiss suit against Traditional Ammo

NEWTOWN, CT -- The National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) has filed a motion to dismiss a second lawsuit brought by the radical anti-hunting Center for Biological Diversity (CBD) and six other groups demanding the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) ban commonly used traditional ammunition containing lead components, representing 95 percent of the ammunition sold in the United States today. The suit is before the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia.

The EPA already has twice denied attempts by CBD to have the agency ban traditional ammunition, noting correctly that it does not have the authority to regulate traditional ammunition under the Toxic Substances Control Act. The Court has already dismissed an earlier case brought by CBD seeking the same relief.

The CBD's transparent goal in petitioning the EPA and repeatedly filing lawsuits is to end hunting in America by banning the ammunition millions of hunters and shooters choose to use safely and responsibly.

"There is quite simply no sound science that shows the use of traditional

ammunition has harmed wildlife populations or that it presents a health risk to humans who consume game taken with such ammunition," said Lawrence G. Keane, senior vice president and general counsel for NSSF. "Banning traditional ammunition would cost tens of thousands of jobs in American and destroy wildlife conservation that is funded in part by an 11 percent excise tax on the sale of ammunition. The protection and management of wildlife is properly handled the professional biologists in the state fish and game agencies as it has been for over a hundred years.

"This second frivolous lawsuit, which is essentially the same as the one dismissed last year, is equally without merit. This is a waste of taxpayers' dollars and EPA resources in having to defend a baseless lawsuit. The suit should be dismissed with prejudice to discourage future litigation of a similar nature."

Organizations that joined CBD in its lawsuit were the Cascades Raptor Center of Oregon, the Loon Lake Loon Association of Washington, Preserve Our Wildlife of Florida, Tennessee Ornithological Society, Trumpeter Swan Society and Western Nebraska Resources Council.

Blackhawk KNOXX Rifle Stocks and Adjustable AR/M4 Buttstocks Offer Multiple Benefits

BLACKHAWK! Knoxx Axiom II rifle stocks deliver superior performance, and the BLACKHAWK! AR/M4 adjustable buttstock provides shooters with a durable high-impact carbine buttstock. Each Knoxx Axiom II rifle stock utilizes the Knoxx Recoil Suppression Technology, which reduces felt recoil up to 85 percent. BLACKHAWK! continues to provide stocks and accessories that increase shooter confidence and accuracy whether on duty or in the field.

NORFOLK, VA -- BLACKHAWK!� rifle stocks and rifle accessories provide shooters with valuable features that get the job done. Whether used for special applications or just patrolling the streets, the complete line of Knoxx� Axiom� II rifle stocks and the adjustable AR/M4 buttstocks deliver increased confidence to shooters when the shot presents itself.

Reduced Recoil Produces Increased Success
For pain-free accuracy, the BLACKHAWK! Knoxx Axiom II Ultra-Light (UL) and Thumbhole (TH) rifle stocks combine the benefits of dual recoil-compensation systems with the lightweight resilience of a fiberglass-reinforced polymer forestock.

Incorporating a traditional-style rifle forend, an ambidextrous thumbhole pistol grip and a dual recoil-compensation system, the Axiom II TH elevates shooting performance. With an 85 percent reduction in felt recoil, the innovative stock design gives shooters added confidence when it is needed the most. For individual customization, the Knoxx Axiom II TH features interchangeable rubber pistol grip and forend inserts for an ideal fit.

The lightweight, durable polymer construction of the stock and 13 � -inch length-of-pull allows shooters to comfortably use the rifle in a variety of shooting positions, while making all rifle calibers easier to handle. The rugged, fiberglass-reinforced polymer construction with aluminum pillar

bedding ensures stability on any bolt-action rifle and the completely free-
floated barrel channel fits all barrel diameters.
 

Featuring a convenient, 14-cubic inch, rear storage compartment the Knoxx Axiom II TH gives shooters ample storage for shooting and cleaning supplies. Ambidextrous in nature, the Knoxx Axiom II TH is designed to cut muzzle rise for faster target acquisition. The Knoxx Axiom II TH is standard with a traditional comb and is compatible with bipods.

Utilizing the proven Knoxx Recoil Suppression Technology, the Axiom II UL rifle stock effectively eliminates shoulder fatigue, harsh recoil, muzzle rise and other related injuries. Shooters, whether law enforcement, hunters or recreational, will find the ergonomic pistol grip and forend well suited for a variety of shooting situations.

With a rapid-adjust seven-position stock, the Axiom II UL weighs only two pounds, nine ounces, giving shooters a lightweight, durable stock that delivers remarkable comfort when shooting bolt-action rifles. The stock�s aluminum pillar bedding provides increased stability and its all-weather construction is well suited for any environment.

Each BLACKHAWK! Knoxx Axiom II rifle stock is easily installed and available in Black or King�s Desert Shadow camo finish.

Adjustable, Durable and Ready to Rock
The BLACKHAWK! Adjustable AR/M4 buttstock is made of a durable, high-impact polymer that is designed for quick and easy adjustment with multiple sling attachment options. Law enforcement and shooting enthusiast understand that quick means efficiency. The adjustable AR/M4 buttstock is precision fit for quick and smooth length adjustment. Designed with comfortable cheek weld and featuring ambidextrous sling mounting locations, the AR/M4 buttstock is available in Black, Olive Drab and Desert Tan.

About $189.00 � 219.99

For more info: www.blackhawk.com

Blackhawk Products featured on NBC�s New Reality Show, Stars Earn Stripes

BLACKHAWK! , manufacturer of high-quality gear and accessories for the tactical industry, products are featured on NBC�s new reality show, Stars Earn Stripes. Featuring eight celebrities in a fast-paced competition, the television show pays tribute to the men and women who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces as well as first-responder services. Cast members will utilize BLACKHAWK! products during military-style operations. The show premiered on Monday, August 13. Tune in on Mondays at 9 p.m. ET on NBC.

NORFOLK, Va. BLACKHAWK! announced its high-quality products are being featured now on NBC�s new reality show, Stars Earn Stripes. Cast members will utilize BLACKHAWK! high-quality gear during tactical missions inspired by real military exercises. The show premiered on Monday, August 13, after coverage of the Olympics. The next episode airs on Monday, August 20 at 9 p.m. Eastern on NBC.

The fast-paced competition is hosted by General Wesley Clark (retired) and Samantha Harris. It features eight celebrities at a remote training

facility facing challenges such as helicopter drops and long-range weapon
tactics. Paired with a special operative from a military branch or one of the first-responder forces, the competitors will be tested physically, mentally and emotionally as they compete in live action missions.

BLACKHAWK! gear is known for its high quality, durability and dependability and used by military personal, law enforcement members and shooting enthusiasts. Competitors in Stars Earn Stripes will use BLACKHAWK! S.T.R.I.K.E. Pistol Mag Pouches, S.T.R.I.K.E. M4/M16 Mag Pouches, CQB Rigger�s Belts, M16 �Y� Thigh Rigs and S.T.R.I.K.E. Cutaway Carrier Vests.

Cast members for the new show are Dean Cain, Eve Torres, Todd Palin, Laila Ali, Terry Crews, Nick Lachey, Picabo Street and Dolvett Quince. Executive producers for the show are Dick Wolf, Mark Burnett and David Hurwitz.

To learn more about BLACKHAWK products used in Stars Earn Stripes, visit BLACKHAWK.com. For show listing, episode guide and details about Stars Earn Stripes, visit NBC.com/stars-earn-stripes/.

NHF Day to take place Sept. 22, 2012

National Hunting and Fishing Day, the official federal commemoration of hunters, anglers and conservation will take place Sept. 22.

NHF Day continues to grow and reach new outdoorsmen and outdoorswomen each year with the continued support of generous sponsors. Through licenses, permits and special taxes, hunters and anglers generate $100,000 every 30 minutes� totaling more than $1.75 billion per year�for fish, wildlife and habitat. No one contributes more for conservation.

In 1972, Congress formalized NHF Day to remind the public that

conservation depends on funding and leadership from hunters and anglers. Every president from Richard Nixon through Barack Obama has issued official proclamations of support for the annual commemoration, now recognized as one of the most effective grassroots campaigns ever undertaken to promote traditional outdoor sports.

The growing list of sponsors for NHF Day 2012 includes Wonders of Wildlife, NSSF, Bass Pro Shops, Smith & Wesson, Sportsman Channel, Realtree, GunBroker.com, Yamaha, Pope and Young Club, Ducks Unlimited, North American Hunting and Fishing Club and the Izaak Walton League of America.

IJC Public Comment Extended, Teleconference Planned Sept 19

IJC invites public comment on Upper Great Lakes water levels study via teleconference

The International Joint Commission (IJC) announced today that it is inviting public comment via a bilingual public hearing by teleconference on the final report of its International Upper Great Lakes Study Board, Lake Superior Regulation: Addressing Uncertainty in Upper Great Lakes Water Levels.

The teleconference will be held at 7:00 p.m. (EDT) on September 19, 2012 and will provide an opportunity to be heard for those who were not able to attend one of the 13 public hearings that the IJC conducted in upper Great Lakes communities during July 2012.  The deadline for comments has also been extended to September 30th, 2012.

The report examines whether the regulation of outflows from Lake Superior through the compensating works and power dams on the St. Marys River at Sault Ste. Marie might be improved to take into consideration the evolving needs of users on Lakes Superior, Huron, Michigan and Erie. The report also examines the potential future impacts of climate change, a management strategy to better anticipate and respond to future extreme water levels, the feasibility and implications of restoring water levels in lakes Michigan-Huron and multi-lake regulation and its impacts throughout the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence system. A presentation on the study findings, as well as the full Study Board report, supporting

documents and peer review are available online. 

Participants may join the teleconference on either of the following lines and are encouraged to dial in 10 minutes before the 7:00 p.m. (EDT) start time:

English speaking line: Telephone 877-413-4814, PIN 7297456

French speaking line: Telephone 877-413-4814, PIN 2641187

Written comments may also be submitted to the IJC for receipt by September 30, 2012 via the Upper Great Lakes Public Hearings website or to either address below:

U. S. Section Secretary

International Joint Commission

200 L Street NW, Suite 615

Washington, DC 20440

Fax: 202-632-2006

[email protected]

Canadian Section Secretary

International Joint Commission

234 Laurier Avenue West, 22nd Floor

Ottawa, ON K1P 6K6

Fax: 613-993-5583

[email protected]

Weekly Great Lakes Water Levels for August 31, 2012

WEATHER CONDITIONS

Some precipitation fell on Sunday and Monday this week across the Great Lakes region.  Near record high temperatures have arrived to end the week with many locations seeing readings in the 90s.  A weak front is expected to move through the area cooling temperatures back to near seasonal averages for the weekend.  The total precipitation for the month of August is near average for the Lake Michigan-Huron and Lake Erie basins, but it is below average for the other Great Lakes.  Altogether, the Great Lakes region has received a half inch less precipitation than it usually does during August.  Depending on the path of Tropical Storm Isaac, eastern areas of the basin are expected to receive significant showers to start the month of September.

LAKE LEVEL CONDITIONS

The water level of Lake Superior is 1 inch lower than the level of one year ago, while Lake Michigan-Huron is 11 inches lower than its level of a year ago.  Lakes St. Clair, Erie, and Ontario are 12, 13, and 11 inches, respectively, lower than their levels of a year ago.  Over the next month, Lake Superior is forecasted to drop 1 inch from its current level, while Lake Michigan-Huron is expected to fall 2 inches.  The water levels of Lakes St. Clair, Erie and Ontario are forecasted to fall 3, 4, and 3 inches, respectively, 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 August  Lake Huron's outflow into the St. Clair River and the outflow from Lake St. Clair into the Detroit River are also expected to be below average throughout the month of August.  Lake Erie's outflow through the Niagara River and the outflow of Lake Ontario into the St. Lawrence River are predicted to be below average in August.

ALERTS

Lake Michigan-Huron is below chart datum.  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. 

The Top 8 State Parks for Boating and Fishing

Convenient, affordable and family-friendly, state parks offer the perfect balance for a family trip. There are 7,804 state parks in the U.S, with most offering options for family activities like hiking, fishing, picnicking, sightseeing and enjoying the water. Which park to choose? Offered by the Take Me Fishing.org government web site, here are a few that offer all the above, not to mention camping, boating and fantastic views.

These parks also provide family-friendly activities like camping, swimming or scuba diving in Florida�s Blue Spring State Park, or beach fun at Presque Isle State Park in Pennsylvania.

Most importantly, the fishing in these parks is top-notch. You�ll find miles of lake, river and ocean water, all with convenient boat ramps for kayaks or motor boats. Once on the water, you�ll find large and smallmouth bass in Lake Murray, Oklahoma�s largest state park; trout and crayfish in Cave Lake in Nevada; muskie and Northern pike in the 100+ lakes of Itasca State Park; and of course, walleye and flathead in El Dorado State Park�s  8,000 acre reservoir

 Itasca State Park, Minnesota

Location: 36750 Main Park Drive

Park Rapids MN, 56470

Profile Manager: TakeMeFishing

Coordinates: 46.9221, -95.0283

Public email: [email protected]

Public phone: (218) 266-2100

Website URL: http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/itasca/index.html

Facility Features: Boating, Camping, Lodging, State Park, Fishing

Public/Private: Public

Description: Whether you are visiting in the spring, summer, fall, or winter, Itasca State Park offers many enjoyable activities and attractions for you and your family. Established in 1891, Itasca is Minnesota's oldest State Park. In this 32,000 acre sanctuary, the mighty Mississippi River begins its 2,552 mile journey to the Gulf of Mexico. 

 Presque Isle State Park, Pennsylvania

Location: 301 Peninsula Drive, Suite 1

Erie PA, 16505-2042

Profile Manager: TakeMeFishing

Coordinates: 42.1631, -80.1011

Website URL: http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/StateParks/parks/presqueisle.aspx

Facility Features: Boating, Camping, State Park, Fishing

Public/Private: Public

Description: Presque Isle offers its visitors a beautiful coastline and many recreational activities, including swimming, boating, fishing, hiking, bicycling and in-line skating. The gateway to Presque Isle is the new Tom Ridge Environmental Center (TREC). An educational center at heart,

TREC is dedicated to teaching visitors about Presque Isle and the many

different forms of life that inhabit this unique peninsula. TREC also serves as a center for research, contributing to conservation efforts and promoting environmental awareness, helping to preserve the unparalleled beauty of Presque Isle. There is even free admission to the interactive exhibits and the 75-foot observation tower!

The other six parks:

� Lake Murray State Park, Oklahoma

� Blue Spring State Park, Florida

� El Dorado State Park, Kansas

� Cave Lake State Park, Nevada

� Fall Creek Falls State Park, Tennessee

� Wellington State Park, New Hampshire

Harrisburg � Anglers and boaters have named Presque Isle State Park among the nation�s best state parks for fishing and boating in a national competition sponsored by the Recreational Boating & Fishing Foundation.

Presque Isle State Park is a 3,200-acre sandy peninsula that arches into Lake Erie. As Pennsylvania's only �seashore,� Presque Isle offers its visitors a beautiful coastline and many recreational activities.

In announcing the Northeast�s winner, the foundation noted, �Presque Isle offers its visitors a beautiful coastline and many recreational activities, including swimming, boating, fishing, hiking, bicycling and in-line skating. The gateway to Presque Isle is the Tom Ridge Environmental Center (TREC), an educational center at heart, dedicated to teaching visitors about Presque Isle and the many different forms of life that inhabit this unique peninsula ...�

Boaters find four free park launches at Presque Isle. The launches, along with abundant piers and miles of beach and other shoreline, offer easy access to Lake Erie and Presque Isle Bay and their populations of bass, walleye, muskellunge, Northern pike, steelhead and other trout, and a wide variety of pan fish.

With 7,804 state parks across the United States, benefits of sampling water-based activities at these parks go beyond quality family time and exposure to nature, Peterson noted. Funds from fishing license sales and boat registration help preserve natural places and aid aquatic conservation efforts, he said.

For details on Presque Isle�s selection and the �Nature�s Waterpark Showdown,� visit http://www.takemefishing.org/community/blog/state-parks-boating-fishing/.  For more information on Presque Isle and Pennsylvania�s other 119 state parks: www.dcnr.state.pa.us (Select �Find a Park�). 

Economy, Recruitment Programs Lead to Growth in Hunting, Fishing Participation

FERNANDINA BEACH, Fla. � When the USFWS recently reported the number of hunters grew by nine percent since 2006 and the number of anglers grew by 11 percent in that same time frame, sportsmen and the sporting industry were thrilled. The numbers, which are preliminary results released as the initial look into the USFWS�s 2011 National Survey of Fishing, Hunting and Wildlife-Associated Recreation, reversed what had been dropping participation levels in fishing over the past 10 years and indicated the first jump in hunter numbers in more than two decades. But what were the reasons for the turnaround?

Rob Southwick, president of Southwick Associates, which is a leading research and data analysis firm focused on the sportfishing and hunting industries, says the evidence points to several key factors.

�The slow economy has certainly had an impact�, says Southwick. �When the economy took a hit, a lot of people went back to enjoying more traditional activities that were also less costly than other options. Fishing license sales and tackle sales data all back that up.�

In addition to simple economics, on-going efforts to recruit new anglers are paying off. Southwick points to programs such as the Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation�s Take Me Fishing National Campaign, which has been instrumental in introducing the sport to thousands of new anglers. Demographic shifts are also having an impact.

�Initial feedback indicates more baby boomers may be taking to the water�, says Southwick. The company and the USFWS will be looking at additional data in the coming months to identify other potential trends among youth and other segments of the angling community.  �We�ll be

looking closely for shifts in youth and female participation. By the end of

the year, we�ll know more�, says Southwick.

On the hunting side, the growth in participation is due to the same factors where the economy and recruitment programs are concerned.  �This is the first measured large increase in the number of hunters in years�, says Southwick. �Conservation and firearms industry organizations have been particularly effective at communicating the benefits of hunting.�

Organizations such as the National Shooting Sports Foundation, the National Wild Turkey Federation and the U.S. Sportsmen�s Alliance all have programs geared toward growing youth and overall participation and have even teamed up to ease age restrictions that deterred many young people from participating in hunting. Additionally, expanded hunting opportunities such as allowing the use of crossbows in a number of states has made hunting more attractive to many new and returning hunters.

�Probably one of the most significant changes has been an apparent cultural shift regarding the acceptance and use of firearms�, says Southwick. Whether hunting or target shooting, many younger adults in their twenties and early thirties, are taking to shooting sports. Firearms sales have been strong for four years.  Whether this is attributable to returning soldiers with a newly found appreciation of the shooting sports or to adults who want to get outside after spending too much of their youth indoors, we need to learn more about the reasons behind the increase�,  says Southwick.

Southwick says there will be more details to come as his team reviews the data to identify more trends behind the growth in hunting and fishing and offers organizations the insight to keep these trends headed in a positive direction.

Sample results found Asian carp eDNA in Sandusky Bay

On July 30-31, the Ohio DNR, Michigan DNR), USFWS and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers collected 150 water samples from the Sandusky Bay and Sandusky River. Analysis of these water samples indicated 20 samples out of 150 taken from throughout Sandusky Bay and Sandusky River tested positive for the presence of silver carp environmental DNA (eDNA).

The eDNA samples were collected as part of extensive sampling effort conducted earlier this summer for Asian carp in Sandusky Bay and Maumee Bay in western Lake Erie. No Asian carp were found through intensive electrofishing and test netting. Maumee Bay eDNA results are currently being analyzed.

�We will continue to address the uncertainties about the status of Asian carp in Lake Erie with our partner agencies,� said Rich Carter, ODNR Executive Administrator of Fish Management and Research. �This includes ramping up our search efforts for live fish or other sources of eDNA. We will keep working with our angling public to be vigilant in watching for these species.�

In response to the positive findings, both state and federal officials have already started collaborative discussions to implement additional investigative work in early September, including additional eDNA testing. All parties continue to work together to assess the current status of bighead and silver carp within western Lake Erie bays and select tributaries.

Researchers say eDNA analysis provides a tool for the early detection of Asian carp at low densities, and these latest positive results heighten concern about the presence of Asian carp in western Lake Erie. However, the analysis cannot provide or confirm information about the number or size of possible fish.

At present, eDNA evidence cannot verify whether live Asian carp are present, whether the DNA may have come from a dead fish, or whether water containing Asian carp DNA may have been transported from other sources such as bilge water, storm sewers or fish-eating birds. The Service, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the U.S. Geological Survey are leading a two-year Asian Carp Environmental DNA Calibration Study (ECALS), funded through the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative to reduce the uncertainty surrounding Asian carp environmental DNA (eDNA) results.

�The breadth of positive samples from the Sandusky Bay area was not expected,� said Michigan Department of Natural Resources Fisheries Chief Jim Dexter. �We need to understand the source of the eDNA in order to address it and keep silver and bighead carp from establishing a viable population in the Great Lakes.�

Since extensive sampling conducted for this species this summer, as well as extensive sampling conducted historically, have yielded no live fish, the data suggests that if Asian carp are present, then they are in very low abundance. 

�These eDNA samples provide useful information to help guide our monitoring of Lake Erie and our response to any threat of Asian carp to the Great Lakes,� said U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Midwest Deputy Regional Director Charlie Wooley. �While there is still uncertainty about the source of eDNA, the recent findings provide another point of data as we work with Ohio and Michigan to assess the status of Asian carp in the area.  I want to stress that recent fish sampling activities, such as gill netting and electrofishing, have not provided any physical evidence that live Asian carp are present in western Lake Erie.�

Asian carp, including bighead and silver carp, pose a significant threat to the Great Lakes ecosystem and economy. Help from the public, especially Great Lakes anglers, will be imperative moving forward. All anglers are highly encouraged to learn how to identify Asian carp, including both adults and juveniles, as the spread of juvenile Asian carp through the use of live bait buckets has been identified as a possible entry point into the Great Lakes. A video teaching people how to identify bighead and silver carp is available on the Service�s YouTube channel at http://youtu.be/B49OWrCRs38.

If anglers or constituents have observed or captured an Asian carp, immediately notify ODNR at 800-WILDLIFE (945-3543). Photograph the fish from nose to tail, and retain the fish on ice for verification. Photographs can be sent directly to ODNR at www.wildohio.com by clicking on the Asian Carp link and following the instructions.  

Identification guides, frequently asked questions and management plans are also available online at www.michigan.gov/asiancarp  and www.wildohio.com.  For more info of Sandusky Bay process: www.flickr.com/photos/acrcc/sets/72157630854558566/.

Proposed Salmon stocking reductions for Lake Michigan

ANN ARBOR, MI�Following more than a year of consultation with angler groups and other stakeholders, the Lake Michigan Committee (LMC) has proposed a new management strategy for Lake Michigan salmon. Beginning in spring of 2013, the LMC recommends that Chinook salmon stocking in Lake Michigan be reduced to one-half of current stocking levels. With salmon egg collections to begin in September, 2012, fisheries management agencies are now developing plans to decrease fingerling production targets to levels supporting reduced stocking, for a minimum of three years.  The LMC comprises representatives from each of the state fisheries management agencies in Indiana, Illinois, Michigan, Wisconsin, and the Chippewa Ottawa Resource Authority (CORA). The Great Lakes Fishery Commission (GLFC) facilitates the committee�s activities.

The proposed Chinook salmon reduction is in response to recent increases in natural reproduction of Chinook and declines in the forage base. Recent studies have shown that approximately 55% of Chinook salmon in Lake Michigan is produced naturally, and prey fish (e.g., alewife) are currently at or near historic low levels, conditions similar to those leading to the collapse of prey fish populations in Lake Huron.  The planned stocking reductions are intended to maintain a quality Chinook salmon fishery, while reducing the predation on the forage population.

While Chinook salmon are highly dependent on alewives, all Great Lakes salmonids use those forage fish to varying degrees. Balancing predator and prey populations by reducing predation pressure is necessary to stabilize the ecosystem as well as to preserve the quality and diversity of the multi-billion-dollar sport fishery.

The LMC�s approach gained widespread support from all agencies and their constituents throughout the decision-making process. Along with the proposed reductions, an adopted monitoring plan should allow management agencies to react quickly if conditions change.

Each LMC member agency must still approve and implement the committee�s recommendations. Under the proposed agreement, the 3.3 million Chinook salmon annually stocked into Lake Michigan would be reduced by 1.6 million fish, for a total of 1.7 million fish to be stocked. Of the reduced stocking, Michigan would shoulder the largest reduction, stocking 1.1 million fewer fish, since Michigan streams currently contribute the majority of the natural reproduction. Wisconsin would reduce its stocking by 440,000 fish, while Illinois and Indiana would reduce by 20,000 and 25,000 fish, respectively.  The CORA tribes do not stock Chinook salmon. This proposed stocking reduction should still provide for fall spawning runs for stream and nearshore anglers. Each agency will work with their respective management teams to implement these changes in the manner most appropriate to each jurisdiction.

Contacts:

Tom Gorenflo, CORA:  906-632-0072                            

Marc Gaden, GLFC:  734-417-8012

Steve Robillard, Illinois:  847-294-4134                            

Jeremy Price, Indiana:  260-244-6805

Jay Wesley, Michigan:  269-685-6851 x 117                      

Brad Eggold, Wisconsin:  414-382-7921

2012 Waterfowl regs reminder

Due to ongoing drought conditions in Illinois, some farmers are mowing or tilling their unharvested crop fields to collect crop insurance payments.  The Illinois DNR reminds hunters that the manipulation, including mowing or tilling, of unharvested crop fields is not a normal agricultural practice for waterfowl hunting purposes.

The IDNR has received guidance on this issue from the USFWS.  Federal baiting laws still apply, even during times of drought.  Therefore, it is a violation of the baiting laws under the federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act if scattered grain is not totally removed 10 days prior to hunting.  Hunters should familiarize themselves with baiting laws in Illinois.  For more information on waterfowl baiting regs, refer to the USFWS site link regarding baiting regulations at www.fws.gov/le/waterfowl-hunting-and-baiting.html.

Questions regarding hunting crop fields mowed or tilled due to drought insurance claims;

1. If a standing grain crop is 100% void of any ears (corn field produced no ears), can the field be mowed then hunted?  Yes, as

long as there is no grain present in the field.  A field that produces NO ears of corn will probably be a rare occurrence.

2. If a standing grain crop has any amount of grain present after it is mowed, can it be hunted?  No, it is a �baited area� until 10 days after the complete removal of the grain.

3. Can a standing crop that was mowed be disked and made legal for hunting?  The field can only be hunt�ed after all exposed grain has been completely removed or buried for a period of 10 days.  Hunters should keep in mind that if a dry field is tilled to the extent that no grain is visibly present, strong winds or the first rain is likely to wash off some covered grain, thus still making it a baited situation.

4. Why can a person not hunt over a mowed area?  Under federal baiting regulations, mowing or tilling of a standing crop is not a �normal agricultural planting, harvesting, post-harvest manipulation, or normal soil stabili�zation practice� as determined by the U.S. Department of Agriculture�s Cooperative Extension Service.

For questions about federal baiting regulations, call 217-782-6431, Monday-Friday 8:30 a.m. � 4:30 p.m