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A Benelli First: The 828U Over-and-Under

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Bucking convention while honoring classic design has always been the Benelli stock in trade, and the advent of their new 828U over-and-under shotgun promises to exceed that expectation nicely.

For the double-gun purist, Benelli’s newest offering delivers the mandatory point-ability, custom comb and drop adjustments and the kind of ergonomic feel and balance inherent to all fine shotguns. And the Benelli faithful who are familiar with the brand’s iconic semi-auto’s will instantly see the trademark Benelli performance design aesthetic. The 828U is at once both contemporary and beautifully practical, from the smooth body and exquisite checkering to the wide, low-profile rib bridge, no side rib and monoblock treatment. Continue reading

President Requests $1.6 Billion U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

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WASHINGTON, D.C. — The President’s Fiscal Year 2016 discretionary budget request supports $1.6 billion in programs for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, an increase of $135.7 million over the 2015 enacted level to fund the agency’s high-priority needs. The budget also contains an additional $1.4 billion available under permanent appropriations, most of which will be provided directly to states for fish and wildlife restoration and conservation.

“Investing in the conservation of our wildlife and habitat resources results in myriad health and economic benefits to U.S. communities,” said Service Director Dan Ashe. “Investing in the next American generation is also critical, so we are creating new ways to engage young audiences in outdoor experiences, both on wildlife refuges and partner lands. With 80 percent of the U.S. population currently residing in urban communities, helping urban dwellers to rediscover the outdoors is a priority for the Service.” Continue reading

Kaumeyer Named Delta Waterfowl Board Chairman

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BISMARCK, N.D. — Larry Kaumeyer has been named chairman of the board for Delta Waterfowl.

Kaumeyer, 52, a life-long waterfowl hunter from Edmonton, Alberta, has served on Delta’s Board of Directors since 2007.

Kaumeyer credits his father, Gerry, for igniting his passion for waterfowling as a young man.

“I absolutely love hunting ducks,” he said. “If I have a choice of doing anything in the outdoors, I will hunt ducks. I enjoy every aspect of being out there.”

The chief executive officer of Infracon Energy Services said he joined the board because he respected Delta’s long history of excellent waterfowl research and involvement in protecting hunters’ rights. Continue reading

Migration Update – Jan 31, 2015 – Snow Goose Report

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Special Youth waterfowl seasons in the south wrapped up this weekend and marked the official end 2014-2015 General Waterfowl season. While the fat lady has sung on duck hunting across the nation, the song of the light goose can be heard in portions of the Central, Mississippi and Atlantic Flyways. Light goose hunting under the Conservation Order is underway and another season of epic population control is already underway.

Since the passing of the Arctic Tundra Habitat Emergency Conservation Act in 1999, the waterfowl hunting community has done their best to reduce the population of mid-continental light geese and protect fragile nesting areas on the tundra. Despite the extend hunting season and significant increase in the total annual harvest, the Conservation Order has only slowed population growth — not reduced it.

Light geese, being a very adaptable species, have expanded their breeding range inland, away from damaged coastal regions, and continue to increase their population size. Since 1999, spring snow goose hunting has evolved into a multi-million dollar industry that is expected to continue growing for years to come. Continue reading

Eliminate Decoy Line Tangles

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Any duck hunter who has been at this great pursuit for any length of time has experienced the exasperation of dealing with hopelessly tangled decoys.

Duck hunting is hard work, no doubt about it. Just getting to a duck hole is often a
rigorous adventure, whether it’s a dark-of-night boat ride or a long trudge in waders
pulling mud through chest-deep water. Then it’s time to set the decoy spread. All
that time spent in the garage the night before the hunt, carefully wrapping decoy
lines, securing anchors and bagging the dekes… a waste of time. With shooting light
approaching and the sound of wings overhead, you’re still trying to untangle decoys.

Decoy Buddy, by Game Smart, is a weighted 8-ounce reel that hooks onto your
floating decoy. Simply pull out the amount of line needed for the depth of water you
are hunting, and toss out the decoy. No wasted time unwinding decoy lines, and best of all, no tangled mess of decoy lines to deal with in the dark. Continue reading

New FLX Series of Electronic Game Calls

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The need for high quality, great-sounding Electronic Game Calls has never been higher. The exhilarating experience of hunting with electronic calls is attracting many newcomers to the world of electronic calls for the first time. Others are introduced to electronic calls out of necessity. Vermin like coyotes are taking too big a bite out of wildlife populations in many areas, and those sportsmen realize something needs to be done. In either case, the new FLX Series of Electronic Game Calls from Flextone Game Calls has you covered.

Flextone Game Calls is proud to announce the FLX Series of Electronic Game Calls, new for 2015. The FLX Series includes four models ranging from the easy-to-handle FLX 50, a lightweight remote caller, on up to the FLX 1000. Continue reading

Defy the Elements with STORMR Waterfowl

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If you are passionate about waterfowl hunting, the most important tool you can
bring to the duck camp this time of year is superior clothing like the products offered
by STORMR. The best hunting is usually brought on by the worst possible weather. Brutal cold, north winds, rain, sleet and snow is what brings new ducks into an area. Waterfowl hunters simply can’t wait on milder weather.

Waterfowlers face harsh environments that command superior gear. STORMR’s
outerwear provides maximum comfort and maneuverability, as well as huge thermal benefits in a thin, soft, flexible, windproof and waterproof shell. There’s simply nothing else like it on the market today. The old days of bulky layers on top of layers of clothing made it nearly impossible to shoot. STORMR products have combined comfort and protection from dangerous weather conditions with the ability for a hunter to move freely. Continue reading

Plano announces purchase of Zink Calls

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Plano Synergy Outdoors, the leading manufacturer of hunting, fishing and other outdoor related products announces its purchase of Zink Calls, Avian-X and 24/7 Productions. Zink Calls and Avian-X are leaders in the premium waterfowl call, turkey call, A-Frame blind and hunting decoy categories. With field tested products, the long-term mission of Zink Calls and Avian-X is to promote waterfowl and turkey hunting to the consumer in a traditional, ethical, responsible, and enjoyable manner.

The acquisition of Zink Calls and Avian-X, along with its existing brands, enhances Plano Synergy’s ability to provide retailers with a one-stop shop for all waterfowl-hunting accessory and product needs. Tom Hurt, President & CEO at Plano Synergy comments, “The brands are a natural fit for the growth of Plano Synergy. They represent best of class in innovation and quality- driven products that consumers and retailers demand, while at the same time complementing our existing position within the category. The addition of Zink Calls and Avian-X helps to further our position as the nation’s premier hunting and fishing outdoor products company.” Continue reading