Whether you are a wet-behind-the-ears outdoor writer, or a seasoned one; a full-time literary craftsman or a dabbler (like me), then I strongly encourage you to take a gander at the Outdoor Writers Forum. This is a great forum. The members there are very hospitable and have always been willing to answer my question, and treat me as a peer.

Drop on over - there’s a wealth of information there for those willing to ask.

LaCrosse® Launches New Alpha II With
OptiCirc Technology

Only LaCrosse Can Continue to Innovate with its Strong Heritage in Rubber

PORTLAND, OR - LaCrosse Footwear continues to reinvent the rubber boot category with the introduction of the new Alpha II Series featuring OptiCirc Technology for fall 2008. Alpha II is the most innovative line of rubber boots ever made, for the first time ever, a rubber boot is built to circulate air. Alpha II’s revolutionary OptiCirc Technology addresses the interior comfort of the boot by increasing airflow for maximum comfort.

OptiCirc Technology utilizes performance fibers and an open-air nylon mesh to form the Comfort Control lining built to circulate air around the foot to ensure feet stay comfortable no matter the conditions. This type of comfort and performance has never been offered in a rubber boot; OptiCirc Technology will forever change the way a rubber boot is expected to perform in the field. The ability to circulate air and keep feet dry ensures that a hunter will stay warm in cooler temperatures or maintain a cooler feeling in warmer, high activity environments as well.

The Alpha II Series is the next best thing in the rubber boot industry. LaCrosse is utilizing the tested-and-approved Sport Chassis™ platform for lightweight support in harsh and uneven terrain. The EVA midsole and footbed naturally insulate and cushion the foot. The Alpha II has the same fit and features that has made the LaCrosse’s Alpha boot series popular, including the adjustable gusset for a customized fit and 100 percent waterproof and scent-free protection.

LaCrosse paved the way for the industry with the development of Alpha technology in the AlphaBurly Series. The form fitting neoprene clad rubber boot changed the way a hunter thought a rubber boot should fit in the field and competition continues to emulate this fit because it has become the industry standard. LaCrosse’s new Alpha II with OptiCirc Technology will change what comfort means for a rubber boot.

The Alpha II Series can be uniquely identified by its textured rubber shell. The Alpha II 5.0 features Mossy Oak® Treestand and 5.0mm neoprene for additional insulation. Available in men’s sizes 6-16 (whole sizes only), the Alpha II 5.0mm Mossy Oak Treestand style is available for a retail price from $149.95.

For more information on LaCrosse Footwear, log on to www.lacrossefootwear.com.

LaCrosse Footwear, Inc. produces official licensed products of Mossy Oak/Haas Outdoors Inc. Haas Outdoors Inc., headquartered in West Point, Miss., was established in 1986 and is home of Mossy Oak (www.mossyoak.com). Mossy Oak specializes in developing and marketing modern camouflage designs for hunters and outdoorsmen. Mossy Oak patterns can be found on a multitude of products worldwide. Haas Outdoors Inc. is the outdoor industry leader in modern camouflage design, international licensing and marketing. Haas Outdoors Inc. markets its services and products under widely recognized brands including: Mossy Oak, BioLogic, Mossy Oak Productions, Mossy Oak Interactive, LLC and Mossy Oak Properties.

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IT’S NOT A PASSION. IT’S AN OBSESSION

Outdoor writer - aspiring or otherwise? Bird dog enthusiast? This may interest you:

Doubles and Dogs (www.doublesanddogs.com) is currently accepting submissions for volume #1 of A Gentleman’s Fireside Diary. This compilation of short stories will be published at the beginning of 2009 in hard back form. The goal of this book is to provide individual authors with an opportunity to have their short story published in a book filled with quality, individually submitted stories. Our goal will be a 200 - 300 page book. Authors whose stories are selected for the book will receive a complimentary copy from Doubles and Dogs as a keepsake. All publishing and setup fees will be underwritten by Doubles and Dogs. Additional copies will be sold only on the Doubles and Dogs website in two versions - a standard edition and a deluxe, leather bound edition.

You can read more about the book HERE

Ryan Doughty from Doubles and Dogs contacted me about a possible submission. They are seeking submissions currently. If interested in contributing a story or purchasing a book, please contact them.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Sharon Hayden (614) 888-4868 ext. 226

July 22, 2008

Introducing the New U.S. Sportsmen’s Alert Network!

Getting Sportsmen Information Fast

The U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance (USSA) is kicking off the new U.S. Sportsmen’s Alert Network. This new program informs and unites sportsmen through e-mail news releases and the weekly On Target e-newsletter. The new U.S. Sportsmen’s Alert Network is communicating with nearly 400,000 members so far.

“The network allows for the USSA and its partners to get critical information to sportsmen in a timely manner,” said USSA Senior Vice President Rick Story. “We can immediately mobilize sportsmen for action whenever their rights are threatened in the states, before Congress, right down to the local level.”

There is a lot more to protecting the future of the outdoors than simply voting for good candidates at election time, Story said.

“The process by which laws are made is a participatory endeavor,” he said. “ Even a bad legislator will vote right if given the political reasons to do so. The U.S. Sportsmen’s Alert Network is the most important tool yet to make sure hunters, anglers, trappers and wildlife management get a fair shake in the forums that make public policy.”

There are a number of ways that hunters, anglers, trappers and wildlife professionals can become involved with the U.S. Sportsmen’s Alert Network.

Individual sportsmen can submit their email address and interest to the USSA through an online form, or can email info@ussportsmen.org. By including their particular outdoor interest the USSA can make sure to send information that most pertains to them.

Small clubs and organizations can also be involved by providing the USSA their email list, which will be included in the overall database.

Large organizations can be involved by either providing their email list to USSA or by assigning a key person to receive the alerts and then forward them on to the list. Email lists will be used for no other purpose than to inform and involve members in the particular campaign for which the email is intended. Large organizations may have the right to approve any email sent to its membership. The key person in the large organization will also be able to view a draft of the alert before it is sent out in order to decide if they wish to be included in that alert.

Participants will receive first hand information and organizations will have their logo included on the alert letterhead.

For more information regarding the U.S. Sportsmen’s Alert Network, call 614-888-4868, or email Sharon Hayden, assistant director of communications data at shayden@ussportsmen.org.

The U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance is a national association of sportsmen and sportsmen’s organizations that protects the rights of hunters, anglers and trappers in the courts, legislatures, at the ballot, in Congress and through public education programs. For more information about the U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance and its work, call (614) 888-4868 or visit its website, www.ussportsmen.org.

–30–

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 2008

FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Jeff Bergmann
Ph: 763-390-5033
jeff@providencemarketinggroup.net

Big Advances In Comfort And Concealment
New Pro-Series King Kong Ideal For Longer Hunts

FLUSHING, MI - Gorilla Treestands Inc. introduces the Pro-Series King Kong, a powerful performer designed for quiet comfort and optimal concealment. With its Mossy OakTreestand camouflage and advanced comfort seating, Gorilla has taken its best-selling stand and made it even better.

The combination of the Timberscape2 metal finish, and Mossy Oak Treestand camo make the Pro-Series King Kong virtually undetectable when hanging on a tree. The Zero-G seat is innovatively designed for “weightless comfort.” This flexible, padded sling seat system completely eliminates pressure points to facilitate long-duration hunts.

The new Treestand pattern utilizes the same silhouette-altering technology found in all the Mossy Oak patterns. It was designed specifically for hunting from an elevated position, effectively erasing the outline of an elevated hunter among the bare limbs of a late fall tree.

The King Kong features padded arm rests, a padded backrest, and a welded toe-through footrest for comfort. In addition it features a generous 24″ x 30″ platform size.

Gorilla Inc. is an award-winning manufacturer of high performance treestands and accessories for hunters who demand comfort, strength and stealth. For more information on the Pro-Series King Kong, visit www.gorillatreestands.com.

Gorilla Treestands, Inc. produces official licensed products of Mossy Oak/Haas Outdoors Inc. Haas Outdoors Inc., headquartered in West Point, Miss., was established in 1986 and is home of Mossy Oak (www.mossyoak.com). Mossy Oak specializes in developing and marketing modern camouflage designs for hunters and outdoorsmen. Mossy Oak patterns can be found on a multitude of products worldwide. Haas Outdoors Inc. is the outdoor industry leader in modern camouflage design, international licensing and marketing. Haas Outdoors Inc. markets its services and products under widely recognized brands including: Mossy Oak, BioLogic, Mossy Oak Productions, Mossy Oak Interactive, LLC and Mossy Oak Properties.

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New interactive e-map shows where to fish in Arizona

Ever wish you could see a map of Arizona showing all the places to go fishing, along with what types of fish you can find and maybe even something about the facilities at each lake, river or stream?

Well, just wave a magic wand over your computer because your wish has been granted – thanks to a little computer magic from the Arizona Game and Fish Department.

The Game and Fish Department now has a computerized interactive fishing hole map of Arizona on its Web site at www.azgfd.gov/fishing under “Where To Fish.”

Most of the information for the interactive computerized map was taken from the popular “Arizona Fishin’ Holes” booklet published by the Game and Fish Department.

One of the cool things about this interactive map is it gives you the ability to locate places to fish for specific species. “Want to know where to fish for rainbow trout? Simply click on the words ‘rainbow trout’ at the bottom and the map will only show those locations with trout,” said Web Master Brian Ference, who headed up the project.

Do you need directions to a particular fishing hole? Those are there too. You can even choose the type of map you want, including topographical or satellite imagery. There are even links to Wikipedia to provide more detailed information.

Are you curious about the current weather over your prospective fishing hole? Just click on the link to “View on Google Earth” at the top of the map and with a couple of tweaks, you can see for yourself.

Don’t forget, you can also sign up to have the Arizona Game and Fish Department’s Weekly Fishing Report delivered directly to your computer each and every week. It’s always good to find out what fish are biting where, and what baits or methods to use as well.

To complete your friendly arsenal of relevant fishing information, you might want to purchase the $6 “Arizona Fishin’ Holes” publication as well – it is sized to fit most vehicle glove compartments. To obtain an order form, visit www.azgfd.gov/i_e/pubs/publications.shtml

Fixing the Firearms and Ammunition Excise Tax Inequity

CSF Briefs Congressmen on Introduced FAET Legislation

July 16, 2008 - Washington, DC – The Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation (CSF) hosted a Capitol Hill briefing, sponsored by the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF), where members of Congress, leaders of conservation organizations and industry representatives were informed about the inequity that exists in the excise tax payment schedule for firearms and ammunition manufacturers.

Representatives Ron Kind (D-WI), Paul Ryan (R-WI), Dan Boren (D-OK) and Steve Pearce (R-NM), leadership of the Congressional Sportsmen’s Caucus (CSC), have introduced legislation, H.R. 6310, seeking to rectify a longstanding inequity in the collection of the Firearms and Ammunition Excise Tax (FAET). The FAET flows from the IRS through the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service to the state wildlife agencies and is the major source of conservation funding for the Pittman-Robertson Wildlife Restoration Trust Fund.

HR 6310 will allow the firearms and ammunition industry to pay the FAET on a quarterly basis; the same payment schedule as every other industry that supports conservation. Currently firearms and ammunition manufacturers must pay the FAET bi-weekly. This payment schedule forces many manufacturers to borrow money to ensure on-time payment, and industry members spend thousands of man-hours administering the necessary paperwork to successfully complete the bi-weekly payments - monies that are due long before manufacturers are paid by their customers. Changing the schedules could free as much as $22 million annually for manufacturers to invest and contribute to industry growth, which in turn, would expand the FAET base.

One component of the schedule change would affect funding for the North American Wetlands Conservation Act of 1989 (NAWCA) to provide matching grants to organizations and individuals who have developed partnerships to carry out wetlands conservation projects North America to benefit migratory birds and other wildlife. One of several sources of funding is from interest accrued on the Pittman-Robertson Wildlife Restoration Trust Fund.

According to estimates from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), a ‘cost’ to make the FAET payment schedule change would be a loss of not more than $2.6 million over 20 years in interest payments to the NAWCA account.

A proposal from NSSF to help rectify the shortfall in NAWCA funding is supported by North American Wetlands Conservation Council (NAWCC). The proposal asserts that the NSSF and its allies will supply monetary contributions to fund certain NAWCA projects and provide educational outreach about NAWCA.

At the briefing, the CSC co-chairs, Reps. Kind and Ryan, as outdoorsmen, stressed the importance of explaining the role that sportsmen and the firearms industry plays in wildlife conservation to their Congressional colleagues so that there was a clear understanding of how the FAET schedule affected state wildlife conservation programs.

NSSF President and CEO, Steve Sanetti said, “The firearms industry is not trying to get a tax break or avoid taxes; we just want parity with the other industries that support conservation.” Sanetti explained that the bi-weekly schedule places an administrative burden on the industry, costing manufactures millions that could be better spent reinvesting in their businesses. And, Sanetti repeated the NSSF pledge for funding NAWCA programs.

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Director H. Dale Hall detailed a brief history of the conservation ethic, the North American Model of Conservation and the funding mechanisms that began in the 1930s. He pointed out that the industry voluntarily stepped forward to pay for wildlife conservation efforts through the establishment of the Pittman-Robertson Fund.

About the proposed legislation, Director Hall said, “We cannot overestimate the importance of the funds paid by the firearms and ammunitions industry. I believe we need fairness across the board and support these efforts to make it fair.”

Gary L. Taylor, Legislative Director of the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies (AFWA) stated that ‘on the ground’ state wildlife conservation programs have received $5.6 billion in funding since 1937. Each year, state wildlife agencies use $75 million to manage the 30 million acres of public lands purchased with Pittman-Robertson funding, spend $50 million on research and $25 million to fund Hunter Education programs which have, so far, served 24 million students. According to Taylor, state fish and wildlife managers support the legislation.

“It is critical that we continue to nurture and enhance the relationship between hunters and anglers, industry, and the state and federal fish and wildlife agencies in order to ensure the vitality and sustainability of the North American Model through the coming decades,” said Taylor.

Jay McAninch, President and CEO of the Archery Trade Association spoke about the 2004 change in the excise tax collection schedule for the archery manufacturers. He noted that the

change resulted in an increase in revenue from the archery industry to the Pittman-Robertson Wildlife Restoration Trust Fund of nearly $15-million; an increase of more than 50 percent.

CSF President Jeff Crane spoke about how the American system of wildlife conservation funding was the envy of the world. He said “The highly successful American system of funding wildlife conservation can benefit from the remedy this legislation would afford. It would be a big win for the firearms industry that would ultimately provide a bigger win for wildlife conservation and the sportsmen’s community.”

Quick facts: In 2007, the firearms and ammunition industry contributed a total of $303.2 million in excise taxes, up 21.2 percent from the $250.1 million in 2006. Earlier this year, the industry marked an important milestone in its longstanding support of wildlife conservation. Since 1991 manufacturers have contributed more than $3 billion dollars to the Pittman-Robertson Trust Fund.

About the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation (CSF)
The Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation is the most respected and trusted proponent for hunters and fishermen in the political arena. With support from every major hunting and fishing organization, CSF is the leader in promoting sportsmen’s issues with elected officials. CSF works directly with the bi-partisan, bi-cameral Congressional Sportsmen’s Caucus in the U.S. Congress, as well as affiliated state sportsmen’s caucuses in state legislatures around the country. For additional information, visit www.sportsmenslink.org or call 202-543-6850.

Allan Ellis

Director of Communications

Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation

110 North Carolina Ave., SE

Washington, DC 20003

202-543-6850 Extension 19

Upcoming Public Meetings in Mexican Wolf and Jaguar Conservation Projects

Jaguar Conservation Team Meeting in Lordsburg NM on September 25

Due to an abundance of urgent Mexican wolf issues (e.g. a recent series of unlawful mortalities and possible changes in management guidelines) that require immediate attention, and a shortage of staff and time to work on them, the next Jaguar Conservation Team meeting will not be held until September 25. The meeting will probably be in Lordsburg, New Mexico (depending on meeting room availability). Further information on location, time, and agenda items will be released as soon as the wolf issues are resolved, which should be in early August.

Mexican Wolf AMWG Public Meeting in Morenci AZ on July 30, 2008

Adaptive Management Work Group Public Meeting

Location: Morenci AZ, at the Morenci Club in Morenci Plaza (next to Basha’s Grocery)
Time: AZ Time: 6 pm – 9 pm
Host: Arizona Game and Fish Department
Participants: Public meeting, open to all

Note: agenda may be modified during meeting; meeting will be adjourned early if business has been completed.)

Agenda
6:00 pm Welcome, introductions, ground rules, and agenda review
6:15 pm Interagency Field Team items
· Staffing changes
· 2008 breeding season (results to date)
· Depredation and nuisance responses in 2nd quarter 2008
· Outreach activities in 2nd quarter 2008
· Other IFT items
7:15 pm Break
7:30 pm AMOC items
· Update on NEPA scoping process for possible changes in the 10(j) rule
· Project guidelines and practices for loaning radio telemetry receivers
· Discussion of population objectives for the Reintroduction Project
· Update on Clarification Memo for SOP 11.0 (Depredation Incident Investigation)
· Update on Clarification Memo for SOP 13.0 (Control of Mexican Wolves)
· Update on 2008 unlawful mortalities and possible management responses
· Other AMOC items
8:30 pm Other business
8:50 pm Dates and locations of future AMWG meeting
9:00 pm Adjournment

Notes: (1) Information on the Mexican Wolf Blue Range Reintroduction Project is available on the Internet at http://azgfd.gov/wolf and http://mexicanwolf.fws.gov. (2) Notices for AMWG meetings and other news about issues pertaining to the Reintroduction Project are disseminated electronically through a self-subscription newsletter, the Endangered Species Updates. A self-subscription form is available at: http://azgfd.gov/signup. (3) Send email messages to the Reintroduction Project to: mexwolf@azgfd.gov; this is a passive account, so messages received will be read but individual responses will not be sent. (4) Send postal mail to: Mexican Wolf Reintroduction Project, 5000 West Carefree Highway, Phoenix, Arizona 85086.

$5 raffle ticket for chance at rare Gould’s turkey hunt

The Arizona State Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF) is hosting a raffle for a chance at a 2008 Arizona Game and Fish Commission’s special turkey hunt permit-tag. The winner can hunt either the Merriam’s or the Gould’s turkey from Aug. 15, 2008 – Aug. 14, 2009 as regulated by commission order 29.

Representatives from NWTF will be on-hand selling raffle tickets this Saturday, July 19, from 10 a.m. to noon at Bass Pro Shops in Mesa, Cabela’s in Glendale, Sportsman’s Warehouse in Phoenix and the Sportsman’s Warehouse in Mesa. Tickets are $5 and may be purchased with cash only.

Monies raised are returned to the Arizona Game and Fish Department to be used for the direct management and benefit for wild turkeys in Arizona.

“We really appreciate the NWTF for hosting this fundraising event,” says Brian Wakeling, big game management supervisor. “The revenue generated allows the department to conduct projects that directly benefit turkeys. The Gould’s turkey reintroduction is a perfect example. Once eradicated from Arizona, we now enjoy a healthy and growing population of this incredible subspecies.”

There will be a public drawing for the winning ticket Aug. 4 at the Arizona Game and Fish Department’s Pinetop regional office at 2878 E. White Mountain Blvd. The time is yet to be determined. The winner does not need to be present to win.

Additional contacts for getting raffle tickets are Rich Williams (602) 881-6815 (Phoenix), Craig Kennedy (602) 531-6263 (Mesa), Anthony Chavez (623) 877-7246 or krisgchavez@yahoo.com (Phoenix AZGFD), John Millican j2dbmill@msn.com (Sierra Vista), or John Larsen (928) 537-9848 or jlarsennwtf@yahoo.com (Pinetop area).

The Arizona Game and Fish Commission may award up to three special tags for each big game species to qualifying nonprofit conservation organizations per A.R.S. § 17-346 and R12-4-120. Proceeds from the sale of these tags are used for wildlife management and conservation of the species of each particular tag sold.

Kenetrek Mountain Light Hiker

The new Kenetrek Mountain Light is a very tough and light weight hiker with a combination leather and Cordura upper that is double and triple stitched in high wear areas. Extra padded soft collars along with a special flex notch upper design for provide incredible support and superior comfort. High traction K-Talon ousoles with stiff full length nylon midsoles keep you from slipping in rough terrain while the waterproof, breathable Wind-Tex membranes keep your feet completely dry. Reinforced rubber toe guard provides extra leather protection at the toe. All of this support and comfort in a boot that only weighs 2.9 pounds per pair! Made in Italy.

Call or write for a copy of the Kenetrek boot catalog or the location of a dealer near you.

Kenetrek Boots
237 Quail Run Rd Unit A
Bozeman, MT 59718
(800) 232-6064
www.kenetrek.com

Many of you have been following my bow project. This last post in the series is here. Next on the list is my Xtreme FC Trophy Taker rest. The Vital Gear Hollow Pino w/ Single Angular Pin is on the way. I have to than Ben Afshari at Vital gear who is providing this site at no charge. VERY generous, indeed! This project is about to take a very exciting twist though. Some of you may remember me blogging about Adam over at Professional Bow Tuning Services. Adam will be mounting and timing the rest, installing the sight and string loop, checking the draw length and weight, and paper tuning the bow with his hooter-shooter. Through this process he is going to take some pics, and describe the process in a couple of guest blog posts. I am VERY excited! Excited not only about the bow work, but having a guest poster as well. I really think this is going to be neat. In the future he will tune-up my current bow as well. Once I get the new one back and Adam shows us the work, I will then do a couple of final posts showing the end result, and a mini-review on each of the components. I’m gonna have me a javelina-destruction machine!

Just saw this posted by Tom over at the Black Bear Blog: Judge places gray wolf back on endangered species list.

Tom says this:

Judge Donald Molloy of the U.S. District Court in Missoula, Montana returned the Northern Rockies gray wolf back under the protection of the Endangered Species Act. One report stated that Molloy said he thought the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service acted “prematurely” in removing the wolf from protection “despite scientific evidence”.

Once again this ruling shows us that science plays no role in the decisions that drive the Endangered Species Act or any kind of wildlife management programs for that matter. Whichever organization pushing or defending a lawsuit that can present the most emotional case wins, the rest can be put to hell.

Of course those who filed the lawsuit seeking the injunction are happy and stating that removing the wolf from protection will endanger its survival. The scientists, whose job it is to manage wildlife, say that is not true but obviously have little say in these matters anymore.

This is ludicrous. Just when I think nothing will surprise me any more, something does. I wouldn’t want this judge deciding a traffic ticket.