Weekly News Archives

                         or

       New Product  Archives

S & W Introduces new Bodyguard Line

New Compact Pistol and Revolver with Integrated Laser System

Smith & Wesson announced the introduction of company�s newest line of firearms designed for personal protection � the Smith & Wesson BODYGUARDS. The BODYGUARD 380 semi-automatic pistol and BODYGUARD 38 revolver have

150 been designed in conjunction with Insight Technology�, a leader in the laser optics field, to offer consumers a new and uniquely engineered, lightweight, self-defense firearm with built-in laser sights.

The BODYGUARDS combine the latest advancements in laser technologies with Smith & Wesson�s innovative design and manufacturing capabilities. The new BODYGUARD line features a uniquely designed compact frame, an integrated INSIGHT laser and several other new high-tech advantages.

Both the BODYGUARD 380 pistol and the BODYGUARD 38 revolver have been built with state-of-the-art manufacturing techniques. Each provides a reliable and logical choice for those seeking a firearm for personal protection. In addition, our engineers worked closely with Insight Technology to design an integrated laser that not only improves target acquisition but also reduces the price of this technology so more customers can afford to use laser sighting systems.

BODYGUARD 380 Pistol

Compact, sleek and ergonomic, the BODYGUARD 380 is chambered for .380 ACP, the lightweight pistol features a high-strength polymer frame with a black, Melonite coated stainless steel slide and barrel. The new BODYGUARD 380 is standard with a 2 �-inch barrel, which contributes to an overall length of 5 �-inches and an unloaded weight of only 11.85 ounces.

The new pistol features a double-action fire control system, which allows for rapid second-strike capability. The BODYGUARD 380 has been further enhanced with a smooth trigger pull and is standard with a manual thumb safety and an external take down lever and slide stop. On the lower portion of the frame, the pistol has been fitted with an integral INSIGHT laser, which is easily operated by both left and right-handed shooters. With its slim-line ergonomic grip, the pistol is comfortable in the hand and points naturally. To help aid in quick sight acquisition when the laser is not in use, the pistol

includes black, Melonite-coated, stainless steel, drift adjustable dovetail sights.

The BODYGUARD 380 is standard with a 6+1 magazine capacity.

About $575.00

800-331-0852

www.smith-wesson.com

BODYGUARD 38 Revolver

Chambered in .38 S&W Special +P, the BODYGUARD 38 delivers the optimal combination of accuracy and simplicity. With its lightweight design, the BODYGUARD 38 allows for discreet carry and its hammerless design provides a snag-free presentation.

Weighing in at 14.3 ounces, the BODYGUARD 38 features a one-piece aluminum alloy upper frame along with a steel reinforced polymer lower frame, and barrel and cylinder are both stainless steel. The stainless steel cylinder is coated with a durable, non-reflective, matte black PVD finish for long term carrying and low light presentation. Designed to accommodate both left and right-handed shooters, the revolver features an easily manipulated ambidextrous cylinder release on the top of the frame. The revolver is further enhanced with an ergonomic one-piece rubber grip and a smooth trigger pull.

On the right side of the frame, the revolver has been fitted with an integral INSIGHT laser, allowing precise shot placement in low light conditions. For fast target acquisition when the laser is not in use, the revolver sports a notch-style rear sight and a pinned black blade front sight. The BODYGUARD 38, with its double-action only design, can be easily concealed for discreet carry.

The five-shot revolver features a short 1.9" barrel, with an overall length of 6.6".

About $625.00

800-331-0852

www.smith-wesson.com

Browning Introduces Full Curl Wool Line of Apparel

For 2010 Browning takes wool to an even higher level with Full Curl Wool and this new wonder fabric has never been more comfortable and effective against the elements. The unique blended fabric is washable, allowing it to be easily cared for and cleansed at home.

Full Curl combines a 7 oz. wool blend outer fabric with the latest technologies like Browning's proven Windcutter windproof and water-resistant lamination and soft tricot liner for the ultimate wool fabrication. Fleece side panels are added to increase breathability. The unique blended fabric is washable, allowing it to be easily cared for and cleansed at home.

A Full Curl Wool 3-In-1 Parka, Jacket and Pant will be offered in Browning AllTerrain camouflage pattern. The 3-In-1 Parka will feature a removable down insulated vest liner, detachable hood, zippered slash pockets, lower bellows pockets with snap closures and two handwarmer pockets. Adjustable cuffs, a zip-through collar and external storm flap are also featured.
About $216.50

The Full Curl Pant has the 7 oz. wool blend with Windcutter laminate and soft tricot liner. The six pocket design provides ample storage. Other features include drawstring cuffs and button closures on rear and cargo pockets. Available in sizes S-2XL.

 About $127.00

The Full Curl Wool Jacket features the same construction as the 3-In-1 Parka but without the zip out liner. The Jacket has two upper zippered slash pockets, two handwarmer pockets, a zip-through collar and adjustable cuffs. Available in Browning AllTerrain camouflage pattern in sizes S-2XL.

 About $127.00

Browning will also offer a Full Curl Wool Base Layer Shirt and Pant that are constructed of a comfortable, no-itch Merino wool blend with breathable polyester side panels. Both have odor reduction from natural anti-microbial properties of wool. Rib knit neck and cuffs are featured on the Full Curl Wool Base Layer Shirt and rib knit waist and cuffs on Pant with fly opening. Base Layer Shirt and Pant available in Loden Green in sizes S-2XL

 About $50.50

www.browning.com/

Last Loran-C station closes

The Coast Guard decommissioned the Loran-C station in Caribou, Maine, September 1, after 35 years of service. Station Caribou was the last  station to transmit an American Loran signal. The closing ends the 67-year Loran-C program. 

Termination of the program was supported  through the enactment of the fiscal 2010 Homeland Security Appropriations bill. Transmission of the American signal ended Feb. 8, and the  Canadian signal was terminated August 3.

Ammo's Off the Hook, But Sinkers Are not

EPA says no to Lead Ammo ban, but they�re going after lead sinkers

Public comments are due by Sept 15. 2010

WASHINGTON - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, on Friday August 27 denied a petition calling for a ban on the production and distribution of lead hunting ammunition.  EPA sent a letter to the petitioners explaining the rejection.  See: www.epa.gov/oppt/chemtest/pubs/Owens_Petition_

Response.pdf

Sinkers, and lead in fishing tackle however, is not off the hook.  EPA said in their letter "As there are no similar jurisdictional issues relating to the agency's authority over fishing sinkers, EPA will continue reviewing a second part of the petition related to fishing sinkers."  The EPA acceptance of the petition comes from a group of organizations that include the Center for Biological Diversity, PEER and the American Bird Conservancy.

In their position (www.asafishing.org/government/lead_in_tackle.html ) the American Sportfishing Association says insufficient evidence exists to warrant state or federal bans on lead sinkers used for fishing. Habitat loss, the ASA asserts, is a far greater threat to all waterfowl species than lead sinkers. It would seem reasonable that anglers remind the EPA that solid scientific evidence to warrant that ban simply does not exist.

EPA�s press release reads in part:

"EPA is taking action on many fronts to address major sources of lead in our society, such as eliminating childhood exposures to lead; however, EPA was not and is not considering taking action on whether the lead content in hunting ammunition poses an undue threat to wildlife.

�As there are no similar jurisdictional issues relating to the agency's authority over fishing sinkers, EPA � as required by law � will continue formally reviewing a second part the petition related to lead fishing sinkers."

Their news release on the matter is here:  EPA Denies Petition Calling for Lead Ammunition Ban

That letter can be found On EPA�s web site: www.epa.gov/oppt/chemtest/pubs/Owens_Petition_

Response.pdf

To submit your comments: www.regulations.gov/search/Regs/home.html#docketDetail?R=EPA-HQ-OPPT-2010-0681  and click on "Comment Due" (lower left corner). That will take you to the docket comment page.  Remember, Public comments are due by Sept 15. 2010

The EPA is required to issue their decision on the petition no later than November 1, 2010.

Chicago Sanitary/Ship Canal vessel restrictions set to begin Sept. 7th delayed

Closures to facilitate U.S. Army Corps of Engineers� construction project

CHICAGO -- Restrictions to vessel traffic on the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal in the vicinity of the electric fish barrier set to begin on September 7th will be delayed for at least one day. 

The Coast Guard anticipates that vessel traffic will be permitted to transit on September 7, but that previously announced restrictions to traffic flow may start on September 8 or 9.  We still expect to permit the movement of vessels during overnight periods. We appreciate the public�s understanding of the challenges posed by this dynamic project, and will announce changes to the status of the waterway as soon as the information becomes available.

WHERE: Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal in the vicinity of the barrier, from mile 296.1 (approx 450' south of the Romeo Road Bridge) to MM 296.7 (aerial pipeline located approx 0.51 miles northeast of Romeo Road bridge).

WHEN: Portions of each day from September 8 or 9 through September 11.  We will announce the closure times once they are determined.

Questions on the waterway closure can be directed to U.S. Coast Guard Sector Lake Michigan at (414-747-7163) or to U.S. Coast Guard Marine Safety Unit Chicago at (630) 986-2155.  Questions on the construction project can be directed to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers at (312) 846-5330.

Chicago Sanitary & Ship Canal to close periodically Oct. 4-8

Closures to facilitate U.S. Army Corps of Engineers� construction project

Chicago, IL -- The Asian Carp Regional Coordinating Committee announced periodic waterway closures on the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal  each day from October 4 through October 8 for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to install underwater structures designed to limit the spread  of electric current in the waterway from the barriers that are in place to prevent the passage of Asian carp into the Great Lakes. 

The U.S. Coast  Guard will activate a safety zone on the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal.  The canal will be closed to all traffic during periods of work.  We  anticipate that the waterway will be closed each morning and afternoon, with possible openings midday and some nights.  However, there may  also be one or two overnight closures during this period

to allow for intensive fish sampling. Details are subject to change, but the ACRCC  recognizes the importance of providing maximum advance notice to waterway users.

WHERE: Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal in the vicinity of the barrier, likely from mile 296.1 (approx 450' south of the Romeo Road Bridge) to  MM 296.7 (aerial pipeline located approx 0.51 miles northeast of Romeo Road bridge).

WHEN: Portions of each day from October 4 through October 8.  We will announce the closure times once they are determined.

Questions on the waterway closure can be directed to U.S. Coast Guard Sector Lake Michigan at (414-747-7163) or to U.S. Coast Guard Marine  Safety Unit Chicago at (630) 986-2155.  Questions on the construction project can be directed to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers at (312)  846-5330

Weekly Great Lakes Water Levels for Sept 3

Weather Conditions

Temperatures across the Great Lakes basin remained above seasonal averages this week.  Most areas experienced dry conditions, with only light precipitation recorded in a few locations.  A slow moving frontal system will bring increased chances for showers and thunderstorms through Saturday along with much colder temperatures.  By Sunday and Monday, sunny skies should return and help temperatures climb back toward seasonal averages.

Lake Level Conditions

Each of the Great Lakes continue to be below what they were a year ago. Currently, the lakes range from 4 to 8 inches below last year's levels. Over the next 30 days, Lake Superior is expected to rise 1 inch, while Lake Michigan-Huron is forecasted to decline 3 inches. It is predicted that Lakes St. Clair, Erie, and Ontario will decline 6, 4, and 6 inches, respectively, during the next month.

 Forecasted September Outflows/Channel Conditions

The outflows from Lake Superior into the St. Mary's River, from Lake Huron into the St. Clair River, and from Lake St. Clair into the Detroit River are expected to be below average in September.  The Niagara River's flow from Lake Erie is also predicted to be below average, and the flow in the St.

Lawrence River is forecasted to be near average throughout September.

Alerts

Users of the Great Lakes, connecting channels and St. Lawrence River should keep informed of current conditions before undertaking any activities that could be affected by changing water levels.  Mariners should utilize navigation charts and refer to current water level readings.

Gun owners dodge the bullet ban

Leftist attempt to undermine Second Amendment misses the mark

The Washington Times, Friday, August 27, 2010

The Supreme Court's recent McDonald and Heller decisions have thus far thwarted the gun grabbers' best efforts by upholding the individual's  right to own firearms. Late Friday, the Environmental Protection Agency added another victory to the list as it shot down an attempt to  undermine the Second Amendment through the regulation of bullets. On Aug. 3, the American Bird Conservancy and groups like Public  Employees for Environmental Responsibility petitioned the Environmental Protection Agency to ban traditional lead ammunition as a "health  risk."

Obviously, the argument was not that recipients of a 45-caliber slug might suffer from lead poisoning. Instead, these activists asserted that  bullets weighing less than half an ounce might hit the ground and somehow poison the planet. It just isn't true. The Clinton administration's  EPA looked into the issue and found no cause for concern. The claim that "lead based ammunition is hazardous is in error," EPA senior science  adviser William Marcus wrote in a Dec. 25, 1999, letter. Lead on the soil surface "does not break down," he explained. It "does not pose an  environmental or human hazard. ... In water lead acts much the same as in soil."

Even eating an animal that has been shot by lead ammunition poses no risk to human health. The Centers for Disease

Control and Prevention  conducted blood tests on 736 hunters and reported in 2008 that lead ammunition produced very small changes in lead exposure, with  concentrations well below CDC benchmark levels of concern.

On the other hand, the proposed restrictions would have caused real harm. Ammunition containing lead, a dense and heavy metal, has  significant advantages, such as greater stopping power and more accuracy. Lighter ammunition has less momentum and over a longer distance  will be less accurate. Using non-lead ammunition in guns designed for lead causes them to wear out much more quickly, and the ammunition  itself is generally twice as expensive.

This time, however, the EPA did not make its decision on the merits of the argument. The agency instead agreed with an Aug. 20 filing from the  National Rifle Association that explained how Congress had specifically excluded ammunition from the Toxic Substances Control Act which  governs potentially harmful materials such as lead. This failed attempt to harass law-abiding gun owners using an unelected bureaucracy  underscores the importance of perpetual vigilance in preserving the most important of constitutional rights.

Study Finds Omega-3 Benefits Differ Among Genders

While millions of people take omega-3 fatty acid supplements to support heart health, they may not be aware that certain supplements may be  more effective based on their gender.

A new study from researchers at the U. of Newcastle in Australia found that the different varieties of omega-3s � whether  eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) or docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) � may affect men and women differently.  To test their hypothesis, investigators gave different groups of men and women either EPA or DHA supplements. They found that EPA had a  more significant impact on men�s heart health, while DHA provided more benefits for women.

Researchers wrote in their report that nutritional supplements vary in their levels of these two varieties of omega-3s, and that consumers  should be aware of the types that will provide the greatest benefits for their health.  "We have shown that gender-specific responses exist in the 24 hours following dietary supplementation with a single oral dose of EPA or  DHA rich oil capsules," they wrote.

The study concluded that the findings could change the way that people view the use of nutritional supplements.

If you can be heard, you can be Rescued on the water

The same philosophy works walking alone after dark

Sound is the #1 factor in deterring crime and finding lost victims. When you are injured, cold, lost and tired, shouting can leave you hoarse and  exhausted in a matter of minutes.

However, if you can breathe, you can easily blow a whistle and be found by Rescue Personnel. A sounding devise is one of the requirements  in order to be awarded a Coast Guard Vessel Safety Check Decal. Besides whistles, there are other types of Sounding Devices: i.e. Air Horns  and Bells. But a whistle is the least expense type of sounding devise. And is

the easiest devise to carry on your person or tied to your Life  Jacket.

In cooperation with the National Safe Boating Council and other agencies, some Coast Guard Auxiliary units give away Whistles at public  events like; boat shows, safe boating events, state fairs, etc. Before you leave the dock, be sure you have all the proper & required equipment  on board your vessel.

The same philosophy works walking alone after dark. Whistles are easy to come by and they fit comfortably and out of the way around your  neck or in a pocket. 

Coast Guard stresses boating safety

MILWAUKEE � It has been a particularly tragic summer on Lake Michigan with coastal areas tallying more deaths due to drowning than any previous year. During this year�s boating season, which runs from Memorial Day to Labor Day, Lake Michigan�s drowning death toll has reached 68, a staggering number compared to the 39 drownings recorded last season.

Law enforcement and environmental agencies have discussed a plethora of reasons for the stark increase in fatalities, including abnormally warm weather, increasingly strong rip currents and a rise in sales of small pleasure craft. Many maritime law enforcement officials around Lake Michigan share the opinion that a general lackadaisical attitude towards water safety, which has become all too common around the lake, is a primary factor in many incidents.

�The data does not point to one or even several commonalties

in these cases; the victims have been of all ages, from many locations, and have not been isolated to either swimmers or boaters alone,� said Cmdr. Jerry Davenport, the chief of response for the Coast Guard around Lake Michigan.  �The only congruity shared by every drowning case we have had this summer is that no victim was wearing a life preserver or flotation device.�

In order to ensure safety for your family and friends it is important to be proactive when preparing for a day out on the water.

The Coast Guard at Sector Lake Michigan recommends that boaters take the following precautions:

� Make a float plan: tell others of your plans

� Make sure your boat is tuned up and safe

� Don�t drink and boat

� Wear a lifejacket

Season ends at Coast Guard Air Facility Muskegon

CLEVELAND - The U.S. Coast Guard is shutting down its seasonal air facility in Muskegon, MI., Sept 6, following a busy summer.

The facility, located at Muskegon County Airport, is open during the traditional Great Lakes boating season, which runs Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend, to provide enhanced search and rescue services to the high volume of summer boaters on Lake Michigan. Since Memorial

Day, air crews from the Muskegon air facility saved one life and spent a total of 236 hours assisting in 50 search and rescue cases.

During the season, two air crews, each made up of two pilots, a flight mechanic and a rescue swimmer, and one HH-65C rescue helicopter from Air Station Detroit staff the air facility to provide search and rescue services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

BOW Workshop Sept. 24-26

There is a still an opportunity to attend the next �Becoming an Outdoors Woman� workshop, which will be held Sept. 24-26 at Pere Marquette State Park, Grafton.  The cost is $145, which

includes four classes, meals, lodging, use of equipment, giveaways and lots of fun.  Further information and registration packets can be found at www.dnr.state.il.us/lands/landmgt/bow.

Wingshooting Clinics

The Illinois DNR and participating partners are sponsoring wingshooting clinics at sites throughout Illinois to help improve the shooting skills of participants. Youth/Women's clinics are designed to teach participants basic firearm and hunter safety and the fundamentals of wingshooting.  Hunter clinics are designed to enhance the wingshooting skills of hunters and provide sound wingshooting practice techniques.

The clinics are conducted on weekends through the early fall.  For a complete schedule, check the IDNR web site at www.dnr.state.il.us. 

Upcoming clinics include:

>  September 11-12 � Youth/Women Clinic � Stephen A. Forbes State Park, Kinmundy (618/547-3381)

>  September 11 � Youth/Women Clinic � Johnson-Sauk Trail State Park, Kewanee (309/853-5589)

>  September 18-19 � Hunter Clinic � Des Plaines Conservation Area, Wilmington (815/785-8129)

>  September 26 � Youth Clinic � Decatur Gun Club, Decatur (217/521-9469)

>  Oct. 2-3 � Hunter Clinic � World Shooting and Recreational Complex, Sparta (866/850-2564)

>  Oct. 2-3 � Youth/Women Clinic, South Fork Dirt Riders Park, Kincaid (217/496-3113)

>  Oct. 16-17 � Hunter Clinic � St. Charles Sportsmen�s Club, Elburn (630/363-6180)

>  Oct. 23 � Youth Clinic � World Shooting and Recreational Complex, Sparta (866/850-2564

>  Oct. 23-24 � Youth/Women Clinic � Ten Mile Creek SFWA, McLeansboro (618/643-2862)

>  Oct. 30 � Youth Clinic � Wild Rural Park, Waggoner (217/785-8129)

Coffeen Youth Deer Hunt Drawing Sept 19

The Illinois DNR will conduct a drawing on Sun., Sept. 19 for three youth to hunt deer during the Illinois youth firearm deer season scheduled for Oct 9-10.  The special youth hunt will take place at the Coffeen Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area-Upland Management Area.  Participating youth must have a valid Montgomery County youth firearm deer permit. 

To be eligible for the Sept. 19 drawing, the youth�s name, mailing address and contact number must be printed on a 3" x 5" postcard and received at the Coffeen Lake SFWA site office

by close of business on Sept. 18.  Late entries will not be accepted.  Successful applicants will have until Sept. 30 to

apply for and report their Montgomery County youth firearm deer permit number to the Coffeen Lake site office (failure to do so will result in losing the spot for the special youth hunt and an alternate selection will take their place). 

The mailing address to apply is:  Coffeen Lake FWA, P.O. Box 517, Coffeen, IL  62017.  For more info, contact the site office at (217) 537-3351.

Commercial fishing net locations may soon change on Lake Michigan

New video, radio spots alert boaters to potential hazard posed by nets

MADISON � Boaters and anglers recreating on Lake Michigan in the Sheboygan and Manitowoc/Two Rivers area will want to keep an eye out in coming weeks for the flags and buoys that mark commercial fishing trap nets, as restrictions on where they can place those nets change after Labor Day.

�The nets may be moving after Labor Day when the restrictions end,� says Wisconsin�s Fisheries Director Mike Staggs. �We want to make sure that people are on the look out for the flags and buoys that mark the nets and avoid them, wherever they are. There�s a lot of water out there. Let�s share it safely.�

Trap nets are large underwater nets used by commercial fishers to catch whitefish in the Great Lakes. They are preferred to gillnets and trawls because sport fish that are accidentally caught in the nets can be released alive, however, the nets can pose a potential risk to boaters and anglers

because boat downriggers, fishing lines, and propellers can get caught in the nets or anchor ropes.

Commercial fishers do not set trap nets near Port Washington, Milwaukee, Racine or Kenosha harbors, but the nets have historically been set in other parts of Lake Michigan and Lake Superior from late spring into the fall.

In Zone 3, the area south of Sturgeon Bay, from June 29th through Labor Day, commercial trap nets are limited to two small areas: one south of Sheboygan harbor and one between Manitowoc and Two Rivers harbors. After Labor Day, trap nets may be found anywhere in that area. Commercial fishers can increase the number of nets they set from three each to 12 each after the time, but historically have decreased their fishing effort after Labor Day, Staggs says.

Commercial and recreational fishing are both authorized under state law and the Legislature�s policy calls for DNR to manage for �an economically viable and stable commercial fishery and an active recreational fishery."

New efforts to alert boaters to commercial fishing trap nets

New informational tools are being used to help alert boaters and anglers to watch for, and steer clear of, flags and buoys that mark commercial fishing trap nets on Lake Michigan and Lake Superior.

�We want to create a safe and enjoyable fishing environment for everybody on the Great Lakes,� says DNR Chief Conservation Warden Randy Stark. �A big part of that is awareness and vigilance, and we hope these new informational efforts by DNR and the National Weather Service will help do that.�

Radio and television spots and a revamped web page, Trap Net Safety on the Great Lakes, are among the new outreach efforts from the DNR.

Office has posted a Trap Net Hazards to Boaters story on its web site [www.crh.noaa.gov], issued a Public Information Statement through its wideband network and recorded a public service announcement on its NOAA Weather Radio All Hazards stations serving our marine community from Sheboygan to Kenosha.

�The National Weather Service is pleased to partner with other government agencies including the Wisconsin DNR in spreading the word about potential hazards,� says Marc Kavinsky, senior meteorologist with the National Weather Service Milwaukee/Sullivan.

The new materials supplement longstanding outreach efforts by UW Sea Grant, [seagrant.wisc.edu] (exit DNR) the DNR and fishing organizations that alert anglers and other boaters to watch for the flags and buoys that mark the commercial fishing trap nets and steer clear to avoid getting tangled in them.