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TUESDAY, MARCH 24, 2020

- TOP STORY -
The Second Amendment Foundation has filed a federal lawsuit against New Jersey Gov. Philip D. Murphy and State Police Supt. Patrick J. Callahan, asserting violation of civil rights under color of law by shutting down firearms dealerships in the Garden State under a COVID-19 order, preventing citizens from exercising their rights under the Second and Fourteenth amendments.
- AMMUNITION -
Two higher velocity (1,300 feet-per-second) loads have been added to the Top Gun product line. These are 1-ounce, 12-gauge, 2 ¾-inch loads in shot size 7.5 or 8. Shipments of this product have begun to arrive at dealers.
- BIRDING -
Though most of the nation has halted travel and started practicing social distancing to prevent the spread of COVID-19, birds across Nebraska have something very different in mind: Migration and in big numbers.

- BOATING -
For FY 2021, there will be approximately $20 million in funds available to local governments, port agencies, public and private marinas, and boat clubs. However, before applying for a grant, you need to know how the program works.
- CANCELLATIONS/POSTPONEMENTS -
The Wyoming Game and Fish Department is cancelling the 2020 Wyoming Outdoor Expo in Casper Wyoming, scheduled for May 9-11.
CCA Florida has postponed all events through May, as recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): The CCA Tampa Banquet & Auction has been rescheduled and will be held on September 3, 2020.
- COMPETITION -
North Carolina S3DA recently held their Indoor State Championship in Clyde, North Carolina. With over four-hundred spectators in attendance throughout the day, one-hundred and twenty-six archers from ten clubs and teams competed.

Reading Archery Club recently hosted the 2020 Pennsylvania S3DA Indoor State Championship. With a packed house of spectators throughout the day, dozens of archers from across the state gathered to shoot their largest indoor event of the season so far.
Team Bushnell delivered a strong showing at the recent Accuracy International Long Range Classic, earning multiple top place finishes. Bushnell Pro Shooter Mark Cooper earned First Place in the Tactical Division while teammate Bryan Sikes finished the match in ninth place overall.
- CRIME -
As scammers are leveraging the Coronavirus to steal money, personal information, or both, the FBI Is advising everyone to be on the lookout for fake CDC emails, Phishing emails, and counterfeit treatments or equipment.
- FISHERIES -
The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission will open approximately 900 miles of Hatchery Supported Trout Waters at 7 a.m. on April 4.

- GEAR -
The two award-winning hang-on stands are comfortable, easy to set up, built to last and priced to fit any hunter’s budget.
TETRA AmpPods are premium hearing devices designed to fit inside the ear canal to maximize the ear’s natural sound collection, enabling hunters to once again hear the sounds of a wild turkey, and better judge distance and direction.
The RapidStop Tourniquet is an award-winning, rapid application tourniquet that maximizes the chances of survival. Born out of the Boston bombings, developed at MIT and perfected by EMS, military and industry specialists - RapidStop is a hemostatic solution with military-grade ruggedness, all age suitability, superior single-handed application and the fastest average occlusion time.
ALPS OutdoorZ expands its waterfowl line with the all new Deluxe Wetland Seat.

- HUNTING -
ALPS Outdoorz has announced the launch of the newest version of its Deception Ground Blind, now offered in Mossy Oak Bottomland. Last year, ALPS launched the Deception blind in Mossy Oak Obsession, the official camo of the NWTF.
- INDUSTRY -
Plano Synergy announces the promotion of Joe Snatchko to Vice President of Sales- Outdoors. Snatchko was formerly Senior Director of Brand-Archery.
All of Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A.’s U.S.-based manufacturing subsidiaries have decided to pause production in response to the increase in COVID-19 infections nationwide.
MidwayUSA is excited to announce the promotion of Travis Pollard to Merchandising Manager - Shooting. Prior to his promotion, Travis was a Purchasing Specialist for the Ammunition and Reloading lines.

After having been declared an “essential infrastructure business operation” by Governor Mike DeWine, Rocky Brands, Inc. (Nasdaq:RCKY) will continue operations and shipments from its distribution center in Logan, Ohio.
The National Shooting Sports Foundation has established a special webpage to track governmental orders and how they affect firearm and ammunition manufacturing and retailers. State-by-state listings are available clicking the COVID-19 Information and Resources for FFLslink.
- INSTRUCTION -
QDMA has partnered with Kalkomey, the leading provider of online hunter safety courses, to provide a comprehensive Deer Hunting 101 online course.
- INVASIVE SPECIES -
If invasive zebra and quagga mussels ever are transported into the state, the harsh winters and freezing temperatures would hardly slow their ability to persist, per Wyoming GFD.

- NEW PRODUCTS -
1791 Tactical presents their 1791 Tactical IWB Kydex Holster for the newly released Springfield Hellcat. The RMR/Optic cut accommodates most pistol optics.
Treat your pet to the comfort and quality offered in our Orthopedic Deluxe Insulsoft. ThermaBed’s SOFTEK foam offers your pet the “bean bag” experience, and uses an ultra-plush fabric to allow your pet to enjoy the full comfort of a deluxe bed.
Galco Gunleather introduces a wide range of popular holsters for the new FN 503 slim 9mm pistol. They include ankle and pocket holsters as well as inside-the-waist and belt holsters.
American Tactical, US manufacturer and world-wide importer of firearms, ammunition and tactical equipment, is proud to offer the Nomad Turkey Shotgun.
The Colosseum Realtree EDGE Camo Gun Rest holds your gun in a steady, fire-ready position when you're waiting for that stubborn longbeard to commit. Made of rigid foam, it can be affixed to a shotgun or rifle barrel to allow for easy hands-free use when using turkey calls.
Athletic shoe agility meets rubber boot utility, along with Mossy Oak’s vintage Greenleaf pattern in the all-new LaCrosse Alpha Agility.
Legacy Sports International’s Howa Gen 2 GamePro Scoped Combo Series are in stock and now shipping. All blued barrel calibers are available with threaded barrels and there are stainless offerings in .308 and 6.5 Creedmoor as well.
- ORGANIZATIONS -
While holding banquets in person to raise funds for SCTP scholarships is currently not an option, the SCTP is preparing to launch the latest opportunity to support graduating seniors: the SCTP “Virtual” Banquet

 

- PARTNERSHIPS -
In addition to continuing to host select Vortex® products in the USA Archery store at a great discount as a benefit to our membership and supporters, Vortex® is increasing their digital presence and sales programs.
- PUBLIC LANDS -
With the COVID-19 pandemic ushering in a variety of school, business, and organizational closures over the last few days, NMMA has compiled the latest operating status of our nation's federal, state, and local lands and waterways.
- PUBLISHING -
From its financial history to its corporate personalities, The Browning Superposed: John M. Browning’s Last Legacy was a story written by firearms historian, Ned Schwing, about the gun and the companies and men who made it.
- RADIO -
Lakes all over the northwest are being stocked with trout and Bob Loomis with Mack's Lure has a great lure to use to catch them, while Shelby Green from Northern Idaho will share the story behind a 40-inch long northern pike.
- RETAIL -
In response to COVID-19, West Marine has updated its policies and enacted new measures to ensure the safety and health of its customers and associates.
Primary Arms Optics has opened pre-orders for the brand-new SLx MD-25 Red Dot and 3rd Generation 3x and 5x Prism Scopes.
SAR USA by Sarsilmaz announces the introduction of new B6C compact pistol frame colors: Flat Dark Earth and OD Green.
- SPONSORSHIPS -
The Association of Collegiate Anglers announces a new partnership with Tactacam and the new Fish-i camera for the 2020-2021 season.
- STATES -
While all offices are closed to public visitation, conservation areas, nature center trails, and boat accesses remain open to the public. Hunting, fishing, and trapping seasons continue as scheduled.
Online Hunter Education, without the Hunt Safe Session requirement, is being allowed temporarily for all ages in Nebraska.
With the uncertain and evolving health situation in the U.S., the Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center in Athens, Sea Center Texas in Lake Jackson are closed temporarily to public visitation in efforts to minimize the potential risks associated with large public gatherings and close-quartered spaces to our visitors, volunteers and staff.
The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission (Parks), Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW), and the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) announces the closure of all state campgrounds across Washington. Campgrounds will remain closed through April 30, but day use areas and trails remain open.
It may be best to check with your guide if you have a trip planned during the few weeks as coronavirus response ramps up.
The 16th annual Step Outside Day, an outdoor education program hosted by the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF), United States Fish and Wildlife Service and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers at Sherburne Wildlife Management Area (WMA), scheduled for April 25, has been canceled.
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, in accordance with guidance from state health officials, is postponing, adjusting, and canceling a variety of public events, including open houses, safety education training, naturalist programs and other meetings.
The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) will be closing campgrounds, cabins, golf courses, restrooms, shower houses, playgrounds, and state park marinas at all ODNR properties effective March 24, 2020, to protect the health of both visitors and staff.
The Indiana Department of Natural Resources has adjusted services, events and operations to protect Hoosiers and prevent further spread of COVID-19.
- SWEEPSTAKES -
Shoot-On.com announces that its Spring Fever Giveaway is still open to registrants. Participation in this giveaway is free to all and no purchase is necessary.
- TELEVISION -
Today on “Deer and Wildlife Stories,” Keith is at the United Deer Farmers of Michigan, one of the biggest deer farming conventions making a huge impact in the industry.
- WILDLIFE -
With North Carolina Hatchery Supported Trout Waters set to open on April 4, the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission is asking the public, in particular anglers, to continue to report any sightings of hellbenders (“water dogs”) to the agency.
 

Editor’s Note: The toll of COVID-19 is not always something we can see. Today, Frank Sargeant takes a look at how many of our traditional outdoor professionals are suffering. Seasonal activities, once gone, are gone until next season.


By Frank Sargeant, Editor

I just spent a couple hours listening to a collection of my Florida fishing guide buddies complain that all their spring charters are cancelling just at the time when the spring bite has gone off both inshore and offshore. It’s a time when many of them make a major portion of the income that carries them through the rest of the year.

Each year, beginning around St. Patrick’s Day and continuing through May, the coastal fish in Florida go bonkers as all the bait begins to move in and the fish gorge themselves, packing on weight prior to late spring and summer spawning times.

Inshore, it’s snook, reds and trout, while off the beach it’s king mackerel, Spanish mackerel and cobia. Tarpon will be along soon, typically when water temperature hits about 75. Fish are practically jumping into the boats. Some guides run two trips a day during this period.

This year, they’re sitting at the docks. And they’re pissed. Many blame over-reaction by the government and the media. Even driving down to the Florida Keys as a non-resident is impossible. Hotels and marinas are shut down. Most of the big fishing piers are closed statewide.

Most of my pals are not math majors. Me either—that’s why I started adult life as a fishing guide instead of an astro-physicist. But it seems to me the part a lot of us are still not getting is that we are, unfortunately, very early in the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic.

While the overall percentage of those who have tested positive in the U.S. is relatively low as this is written, about 20,000 on a population of 320 million, it’s the rate that the infection number is going up that is concerning the smart, dedicated people charged with controlling this outbreak.

In fact, I’m writing this Saturday—it’s safe to say that by Monday, the number is going to be closer to 30,000 than it is to 20,000. It’s doubling about every 6 days per the CDC. Multiply that out a few weeks (yes, I’ll have to use a calculator) and even us guide-types can begin to see a very serious potential problem. A problem, in fact, the likes of which we have not had to face in the modern era.

What’s happening in Italy, a fully modernized Western democracy where hospitals—and morgues—are completely overwhelmed, is a more likely projection of where we’re headed than what happened in China, where the Communist regime clamped down with vice-like restrictions that would stop cold the hearts of every member of the ACLU, but also stopped the virus spread among the populace, at least for the time being.

I was among those who early-on believed “it can’t happen here”, but clearly it can and it is. We can hope that the malaria drug with antibiotic turns out to be a miracle cure or at least a palliative, and that a vaccination arrives super fast—but super-fast in that world is at least 12 months. Until then, the only remedy is for us to pretty much stay away from each other, and to wash hands and/or disinfect pretty much anything that comes to our door.

To be sure, the people that are most hurt by a complete shutdown will be small businesses and single-operators like fishing guides. They aren’t going to get unemployment checks, but their boat payments will continue. So will their rent or mortgage payments, and the cost of groceries and shoes for their kids. While some go to other work when guiding slows, there won’t be as many of those jobs available this year as the economy grinds to a halt. (Amazon and Walmart are hiring fast to handle online ordering, but other jobs are disappearing faster than the last ice in Minnesota.)

One plus out of this, when we come out the other side, is that the fish—which don’t catch COVID-19—are getting a long vacation from fishing pressure. Fishing should be great when we can get back to it. And for the meantime, if you have a secret angling spot you like to sneak off to on your own, there’s very little risk—and the fresh air and the chance to get away from CNN and FOX will probably do you good.

We’ll come through this, and it won’t take long for the American economy to gear up and get back to business as usual. In the meantime, we’re all going to have to hunker down and play with what we’ve been dealt, in the Spring that wasn’t.

 
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