NASCARs & Pheasants & Bears, Oh My!

Bear Attack, Winchester NASCAR, Nebraska Upland Birds, New Bass Pro Outdoor World Store

Montana Angler Survives Bear Attack

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks recently reported that an angler was injured in a black bear attack on the Stillwater River near Beehive on the afternoon of Wednesday, Aug. 21.

The Encounter: The angler, an adult male, was fishing solo on the bank of the Stillwater River when he encountered a black bear. The bear swatted the man’s face and immediately left the incident site. The man sustained non-life-threatening injuries and did not seek medical attention. The bear’s behavior was likely defensive in the surprise, close encounter. 

Tips For Bear-Country Adventures: Montana is bear country and bears of both species can be especially active this time of year as they prepare for winter hibernation. People should be prepared to encounter grizzly or black bears in Montana. Avoiding conflicts with bears is easier than dealing with conflicts. Here are some precautions to help avoid negative bear encounters while exploring the outdoors:

• Carry bear spray in an accessible place and know how to use it.
• Stay alert and look for bear activity, especially where visibility or hearing is limited (woods, bushy areas, streams).
• Travel in a group and keep members together (especially kids).
• Make noise whenever possible to avoid surprising a bear, especially where visibility or hearing is limited.
• Avoid traveling at night, dawn or dusk.
• Avoid carcass sites and scavenger concentrations.

For more information on bear safety, visit: fwp.mt.gov/bear-aware.

Winchester NASCAR Race Report

The Cook Out Southern 500 on Sept. 1 at Darlington (S.C.) Raceway marks the NASCAR Cup Series regular-season finale and the last race where the Winchester brand will be featured on the No. 10 Ford Mustang Dark Horse from Stewart-Haas Racing. Winchester has already taken to the track for nine NASCAR Cup Series races in 2024 and secured several strong finishes with driver Noah Gragson, most recently with a ninth-place effort in the Brickyard 400 on July 21 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

“The legendary Winchester brand has certainly been well received this race season by NASCAR fans across the country, and this is another opportunity to be aligned with a terrific driver and team,” said Jason Gilbertson, Director of Marketing for Winchester Ammunition. “Noah and the entire Stewart-Haas Racing team have been phenomenal to work with this year. They are extremely dedicated to performance and supporting their partners. It’s been an exceptional opportunity.”

The Cook Out Southern 500 is one of the NASCAR Cup Series’ crown-jewel races and this year’s contest serves as its milestone 75th anniversary. The 1.366-mile Darlington oval is known as “The Track Too Tough To Tame” thanks to its unique, egg-shaped layout that has remained relatively unchanged since hosting NASCAR’s first 500-mile race on asphalt on Sept. 4, 1950.

Viewers can catch the race on USA and listeners can find it on MRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio.

For a full list of NASCAR Playoff races and more, visit the NASCAR Cup Series schedule.  

Upland Bird Hunting In Nebraska

In conservation (bird-hunting news), positive surveys and field reports point toward a more optimistic outlook for Nebraska’s upland bird-hunting seasons this fall.

“Surveys conducted earlier this summer looked more promising entering the breeding season, and with improved habitat conditions, good production is expected,” said Bryan O’Connor, upland game program manager for the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission.

Birds By The Numbers

Pheasant: Statewide, pheasant counts were up 19% during this year’s July rural mail carrier surveys and were near or exceeding five-year averages in all areas except the Sandhills.

Pheasant habitat is more isolated in eastern Nebraska, but where quality cover exists hunters should find good bird numbers. Portions of the Panhandle and southwest continue to support some of the highest pheasant numbers, but populations remain variable because of drought in recent years.

Northern bobwhite: The recent mild winter benefited northern bobwhite populations across much of the state, and numbers increased in five of six management regions. The current nesting season holds promise and could boost numbers even more, though populations are expected to remain below recent peak years.

According to surveys, southeastern and south-central regions support some of the state’s highest quail densities and should provide some of the better hunting opportunities.

Prairie grouse: The southeastern and extreme western parts of the Sandhills should offer the best hunting for greater prairie chickens and sharp-tailed grouse. Summer moisture has improved habitat conditions and cover throughout much of the state’s prairie grouse range.

According to field reports, production appears to be average or slightly above this year. There is hope a year of good reproduction will increase populations following decreased populations due to drought.

The hunting season for pheasant, quail, and partridge is Oct. 26 through Jan. 31, 2025. The prairie grouse season is Sept. 1 through Jan. 31, 2025.

For more information:

OutdoorNebraska.gov/hunt/game/upland

OutdoorNebraska.gov/guides-maps/public-access-atlas.

Bass Pro To Open New Michigan Outdoor World

As Bass Pro Shops fans have come to expect, the Great American Outdoor Store’s newest Michigan location in Lansing will showcase a vast assortment of quality gear at low prices!

Bass Pro Shops’ newest store will be the company’s sixth in the great state of Michigan. The 85,000-square-foot Outdoor World retail destination will be in the Delta Crossing development and is expected to open in early 2026.

“It’s an honor to have the opportunity to serve the sportsmen and women in the Lansing area. We are excited to provide a broad selection of high-quality products at remarkably low CLUB prices and to support customers with genuine friendly, expert service,” said legendary angler, noted conservationist, and Bass Pro Shops founder Johnny Morris.