15 Million Gun Background Checks, ATA Show Kickoff, Bird Flu Slams Geese & More
Plus Shed Hunting, Elk & Pronghorn Tags, Ice Fishing Dangers & Land Conservation
Each week, more outdoor news hits the wires. This time around, it’s another roundup of good, bad, and everything in between. From the likes of bird flu striking geese and a man falling through while ice fishing, to tree planting grants and a successful kickoff of the ATA Show, check out this week’s news.
Archery Trade Association Show Week In Indy
Each year, the ATA Show brings the archery industry together. Companies convene to showcase their latest products. Three days of exhibit floor networking and order filling, plus other unique events and opportunities, make it a must-attend show for industry professionals.
“One of the top reasons retailers attend the ATA Show is to see new products, so we’re shining a light on the hundreds of new products released at the show with this fun, new event,” said Jeff Poole, ATA president and CEO. To learn more about the 2025 ATA Show, including on-site promotions, and view the schedule of events, visit ATAShow.com.
2024 Gun Background Checks Surpass 15 Million
According to NSSF-adjusted data, background checks topped 15.2 million for 2024. In December alone, the number exceeded 1.6 million. Of course, these are just for the sales of firearms at retail, and do not include private sales data.
“We are proud that NSSF member companies continue to serve the American public that chooses to exercise their Second Amendment rights by the millions each month,” said NSSF President and CEO Joe Bartozzi. “These background check figures show strong sales and that today’s firearm manufacturers are delivering high-quality products. We are proud that our member companies continue to exceed the high standards that law-abiding Americans demand when it comes to the products that allow them to exercise their Second Amendment rights.”
Influenza Likely Impacting Snow Geese
Pennsylvania Game Commission (PGC) officials recently located approximately 200 dead snow geese. On Monday, they recovered the carcasses, and after initial testing, influenza is the leading likelihood for the cause of death.
“Dead birds were recovered from two sites, one in Lower Nazareth Township in Northampton County and another in Upper Macungie Township in Lehigh County,” stated a PGC report. “Preliminary in-state testing indicated the presence of highly pathogenic AI (HPAI). While results are yet to be confirmed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) at their National Veterinary Services Laboratories, HPAI is presumed to be the cause of these mortality events. The situation is ongoing as sick wild birds were also observed at both locations.”
Members of the public can report sightings of sick birds by calling 1-833-PGC-WILD (1-833-742-9453), emailing [email protected], or using the online Wildlife Health Survey tool.
Arizona Encourages Preparation for 2025 Elk and Pronghorn Tag Draws
As with most western big game hunts, hunters must draw Arizona elk and pronghorn tags. Recently, the Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) compiled a list of tips for applicants to implement. It breaks the process down into steps and helps hunters better navigate the process, which can be quite tricky for those new to the point accrual scene.
Arkansas 2024 Elk Hunt Goes Well
During the Arkansas elk hunt, outdoorsmen harvested 20, including some big bulls. Wes Wright, the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission’s elk program coordinator, shed some light on it. Of the 20 elk tagged, six were from public land and 14 were private property. Nine of the 20 were bulls. Public land bulls included: Thomas Bridges, spike, Bearcat Hollow WMA; James Moorhouse, 6x6, Gene Rush WMA; and James Wray, 6x6, Richland Valley Elk Conservation Area. Private land bulls included: Jesse Deckard, 5x5; Jay Jackson, 6x6; William Linley, 7x7; Michael Saladin, 6x7; Kaitlin Sanders, 5x5; Harold Smith, 6x6; and Josh Ward, 5x5.
Take a Utah Shed Antler Hunting Ethics Class Before Scooping White Gold
Most wouldn’t assume a course must be passed to go shed hunting, but in Utah, you do. This must be passed prior to shed hunting. The course is a requirement for shed hunting activity that takes place from January 1 to May 31. If you collect antlers after that window, it’s not required.
“During winter, big game animals, especially deer, often have a difficult time obtaining enough nutritional food,” DWR Once-In-A-Lifetime Species Coordinator Rusty Robinson said. “As a result, they often survive on fat reserves they have built up before winter. If the animals receive constant pressure from people and repeatedly have to run or move, they can use up the fat reserves and energy they need to make it through the winter. Being disturbed briefly once or twice isn’t too significant, but we have over 20,000 people who routinely shed hunt in Utah each year, so ongoing, repeated disturbances can be detrimental to deer.”
Tree Planting Grants Awarded Throughout Michigan
A recent effort to increase tree planting in Michigan took root. The Michigan Department of Natural Resources, DTE Energy Foundation, and ReLeaf Michigan announced that 28 communities will receive portions of a $106,680 grant. The funding will be used to expand tree coverage in these areas.
“Trees provide essential benefits to our communities, from cooling neighborhoods to improving air quality and supporting biodiversity. This program helps to expand tree canopy while ensuring new trees are properly located to avoid utility conflicts and support long-term growth and sustainability,” said Kerry Gray, DNR Urban and Community Forestry grants specialist.
“Expanding and safeguarding Michigan’s tree population is a priority for the DTE Foundation, and this work cannot be done without partners like the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and ReLeaf Michigan,” said Rodney Cole, foundation president. “By collaborating with these dedicated organizations, we can ensure that our efforts to enhance and protect Michigan's natural beauty will have a lasting impact on our communities and the environment for years to come.” For more, visit releafmichigan.org.
Man Falls Through the Ice in Maine
Recently, a man fell through the ice in Maine. He was fishing when he broke through and remained there for some time until a game warden arrived to help him get out. The warden was checking another ice fisherman when they both heard someone yelling. They drove toward the sound and found David Beaudoin under the ice. Fortunately, they were able to pull him to safety. Beaudoin was hypothermic and unable to move or speak but is receiving care at a local hospital. After following up with the family, they noted he was fully alert and doing well.
For more information on ice safety, please visit: maine.gov/ifw/programs-resources/outdoor-safety/ice-safety-tips.html