Deer Meat Recalls, PA Elk, MTN OPS Helps Whitetails & Christmas With Mariah Carey? 

Much happens in the outdoors. In a week’s time, a lot can change. From bear attacks to deer meat advisories to new products and more, check out the latest Hook & Barrel Magazine Field Notes & News!

Bear Mauls Hunter in Alaska

It seems that bear attacks are on the rise, and the latest mauling occurred in Alaska. According to a report from the Alaska Department of Public Safety it happened to Tad Fujioka, a 50-year-old resident of Sitka, who had been reported overdue from a deer hunting trip on Tuesday. Hunters should take note and always be vigilant in the field. Be aware of your surroundings and have precautionary bear-repelling gear on hand.

Silencer Central Partners with Guns.com

Silencer Central is taking the silencer world by storm. It’s expanding at a rapid pace, too. “We are all quite excited about Guns.com joining us for the Delivered by Silencer Central program,” said Brandon Maddox, Silencer Central CEO. “Like us, they are focused on simplifying the ownership process and customer support. They saw the value in allowing the experts in the suppressor buying process to handle the fulfillment of their customer’s online silencer purchases.”

“Our mission is to provide millions of gun owners across our nation an unparalleled shopping experience,” said Greg Minkler, Guns.com Co-CEO and CMO. “Our partnership with Silencer Central is yet another milestone in our commitment to connect our customers with some of the best products supported by the best service in the firearms industry. With the addition of suppressors, customers can have a seamless online shopping experience saving them time and money.”

Mariah Carey-Themed Bar To Open In Dallas, TX

Well, Halloween is over, so let’s kick into Christmas vibes. What, you think it’s too early to start listening to Christmas music? Don’t read another lick of this news section before reading Hook & Barrel's November-December issue’s “Last Laugh” column, otherwise, you’ll have no clue as to why we’re giving you this bit of news we just learned from The Dallas Morning News article. Yup… as the slug of the story reads, “A festive pop-up bar sanctioned by the singer-songwriter will open later this month at the Virgin Hotels Dallas.” Said pop-up bar/picture-taking zone will take place in the Virgin’s Commons Club on the ground floor of the hotel. For all of you “Black Irish” fans, get all the details at the mariahsholidaybar.com.

Hardees Feeding Deer Hunters In Arkansas

Hunters headed to deer camp to get things ready for opening weekend of modern gun deer season may want to make a quick pitstop to fuel up at their local Hardee’s restaurant. All participating Hardee’s restaurants in Arkansas will give a free sausage biscuit to anyone who shows their valid hunting license to the cashier during normal breakfast hours on November 6.

“It’s a great way of recognizing hunters’ contributions to Arkansas conservation,” said Trey Reid, assistant chief of communications for the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission. “Having a business show its appreciation for hunters and wildlife conservation in this way points to the importance of hunting to both Arkansas’s outdoor culture and our economy. This is the sixth year we’ve worked with Hardee’s to promote this special day for hunters.”

Hunters may show their license just like they would to a wildlife officer in the field to claim their free food. Printed paper copies, a screenshot of the image on your phone, or a Commission-issued reloadable license card may all be used. Visit www.agfc.com and click the green button labeled “Get a License” today.

Deer Unfit for Eating?

According to this WMUR article, Maine and New Hampshire Fish & Game is warning hunters in certain areas to throw out deer meat. Tests revealed high levels of forever chemicals (PFAS) and the wildlife agencies are recommended against consuming these. New Hampshire and Maine hunters should look to their DNRs to see if they are hunting in a “Do Not Eat” advisory area.

MTN OPS Becomes Whitetails Unlimited National Sponsor

Supporting conservation is important, and MTN OPS is one such brand that realizes this. “MTN OPS is a company that sells products dedicated to supporting your fitness goals and outdoor adventures. They have everything from energy and hydration supplements to apparel and gear to help support your on-the-go lifestyle,” said Schinkten. “We are excited to welcome MTN OPS into the WTU family.”

Located in Fruit Heights, Utah, MTN OPS provides quality supplements for the outdoor lifestyle, improving lives with its science-backed product. For 10 years, MTN OPS has been dedicated to fueling your adventures and supporting your fitness goals with their premium products. From humble beginnings to a trusted name, they’ve been here to help you conquer every challenge. Their commitment to innovation and quality is driven by the customer’s needs. MTN OPS also started Operation Conquer Hunger, a program where every time a purchase is made at mtnops.com, a nutritious meal is prepared for families in need. To see MTN OPS’ complete product line visit mtnops.com.

CWD Detected in Flathead Valley, Montana

CWD was recently discovered in wild deer in the Flathead Valley. The deer was in Kalispell, marking the first time CWD was detected in Hunting District 170. The sick deer was reported, and it was soon euthanized. Then, it was tested, which showed it was positive for CWD. CWD is a contagious neurological disease that infects members of the deer family, including elk, moose, mule deer, and whitetails. It is always fatal, and there is no known cure. It was first detected in Montana’s wild herds in 2017. Visit FWP’s website for more details on how and where to get harvested animals tested.

More Elk Hunting in Pennsylvania?

Thanks to work from the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, more elk range is coming to the state. RMEF worked with the Pennsylvania Game Commission to acquire 1,731 acres of land.

“This transaction conserves and protects crucial winter, year-round and transitional habitat for elk but also for whitetail deer, black bears, small mammals, turkeys, upland and songbirds, and many other wildlife species,” said Jenn Doherty, RMEF managing director of Mission Operations. “And it conserves nearly two miles of Big Run, more than a mile of Trout Run and other stream tributaries that supply vital riparian habitat for wild brook trout.”

“Since their first land acquisition project east of the Mississippi in 1991, RMEF has been a vital partner in expanding and protecting habitat for elk and other Pennsylvania wildlife, said Pennsylvania Game Commission Executive Director Steve Smith. “With this most recent project, RMEF continues to demonstrate their commitment to elk and elk habitat protection in the core of Pennsylvania’s elk range. By getting this land into public ownership, RMEF has helped the Game Commission expand habitat management opportunities, as well as opportunities for both hunters and non-hunters who enjoy the outdoors. We look forward to future partnerships with RMEF and thank them for assisting in another great addition to the state game lands." (Source: outdoorwire.com)

UK Hunters Sentenced for Deer Hunting with a Dog

The use of dogs for deer hunting is permitted in some areas. In others, it is not allowed. Recently, according to BBC, two hunters were sentenced for deer hunting with a dog in an area that did not permit it. The UK-based hunters received significant punishments.