Wingshooting

And just like that, the best hunting boots on the planet are not what they were previously.  The owner died and the new owners haven't figured out what made Russell Moccasins successful.  It wasn't being a mass market brand, that's for damn sure.  And, you can't get the custom ones anymore, thought they are supposedly coming back later this year, and the offerings are down to just a couple handful.  What a shame, as they were by far the best boots available anywhere in the world, for hunting, wingshooting and safari.  Here's their email trying to explain their changes, I am so heartbroken as I have owned many pairs: Russell Moccasin Transitions in the leadership of companies like Russell are never easy, especially when that company has been operating virtually unchanged for nearly 125 years. I hope that through the articles, interviews, and countless hours spent with customers talking about our plans for the future, that we have helped everyone understand Russell's future trajectory. Over the last few months we have been taking a long hard look at each part of Russell to help us prepare for that future. What I hope to do today is provide customers some answers to questions you may have been thinking of, but may have not seen answers for. Where are all the products I know and love? The new website just launched over Thanksgiving and, for now, it will primarily be for informational purposes. We do have a few select styles in-stock, as well as accessories like boot conditioner and socks. Most of our core boot and shoe styles will be returning in 2023, so don't be alarmed. Right now our focus is on the custom orders in

There are 20 million AR-style weapons in circulation in the US, according to the NSSF.  They're part of a total 393 million guns owned by US civilians, more than the American population.  And, interestingly enough, none have been used by anyone who is Hunter Safety Certified in a mass shooting. Around 19.8 million AR-15 style rifles are in circulation in the US, a nationwide tally that's surged from around 8.5 million since a federal assault weapons ban expired in 2004.  About 30% of rifle owners, own an AR.  The more recent estimate comes from a November 2020 statement by the National Shooting Sports Foundation. In the statement, its President and CEO Joseph Bartozzi called the AR-15 the "most popular rifle sold in America" and a "commonly-owned firearm."  A November 2020 Gallup poll found that 44% of Americans said they live in households with guns.

To protect hens with chicks, Washington sets back forest grouse hunting by two weeks Sun., Aug. 22, 2021A hunter walks a high ridge in the Colville National Forest searching for dusky grouse. (PHOTO BY RICH LANDERS/FOR THE SPOKESMAN-REVIEW) By Rich Landers FOR THE SPOKESMAN-REVIEW In 2006, the American Ornithologists’ Union split the species known as the blue grouse into two species -- dusky and sooty grouse. Washington is the only state where the ranges of these two very similar forest grouse species meet. Generally, the sooty is found west of the Cascades and the dusky ranges to the east through Idaho and western Montana. Labor Day weekend this year will be time for scouting rather than hunting for grouse in Eastern Washington’s mountains. Breaking a schedule that goes back nearly five decades, Washington’s forest grouse hunting season will open Sept. 15 instead of Sept. 1. State Department of Fish and Wildlife biologists have tried to nudge wing shooters into a later start of the season for about 13 years, citing evidence that it would help stem declining numbers of dusky, spruce and ruffed grouse. But a significant portion of grouse hunters are locked into their traditions. They didn’t want to give up the chance to procure delicious grouse breasts for the camp skillet during the three-day Labor Day weekend. Their comments were heard and heeded by state wildlife managers and the Fish and Wildlife Commission, until this year when the case for protecting more mother hens and their chicks took priority. “Back East, they wouldn’t dream of opening grouse season on the first of September,” said Mike Schroeder, a wildlife researcher and WDFW’s grouse specialist. Forest grouse populations are difficult to survey, he said, but

REPOSTED FROM: UPLANDJITSU – THE ART OF UPLAND HUNTING https://uplandjitsu.com/index.php/2020/04/01/how-to-be-a-hip-uplander-the-ultimate-guide-to-being-a-hipster-in-the-uplands/ How to be a Hip-Uplander – The Ultimate Guide to Being a Hipster in the Uplands APRIL 1, 2020 / JORGE RAMIREZ The covey flushed. A whir of wings and a cloud of Valley Quail rose from the scrub oak into the clear and bright October sky. The shotgun raised instinctively and with a crack of the muzzle, one of the plump quail descended in a long arch back down to earth. Marking where the bird landed, you make your way up the hill where your prize lies. You smell him before you even see him. Not the quail, weirdo. Him. Crossing over the horizon stands a figure. The sun is shining behind him, giving him a celestial aura. The bearded figure tilts his wide-brim fedora-wearing head up and sticks a pipe between his lips. The aroma of bespoke beard oil and pomade fills the valley as you look in awe. “How many coveys did you bump today?” His dog sits beside him. A Drahthaar named Jaeger. No electronics on this dog. Only a locater bell. He rolls up the sleeves of his plaid shirt, revealing fully tattooed arms. Carefully cradling his 28-gauge side by side shotgun, he strikes a match with his thumb and lights his pipe. He fiddles with his flush-counter, adjusting the counter. “That’s 15 flushes for me. I already got my limit, but I enjoy watching my dog work those coveys. Plus I like taking as many photos as I can out here. Say, do you like IPA’s? Because I have a couple back at my Subaru.” Could this be? Is this..? Yes! You just encountered your first Hip-Uplander. __________ You may have read all those

For the upland hunter, the promise of a new season sits like a mountain on the horizon that never gets closer on the long highways of life, until the moment comes each year when the season opens. A cool breeze suddenly turns the trees a crisp yellow, while the long heated days of summer begin to fade. The smell of leather and powder perfume the air and the flashes of brilliance in a young pup begin to shine. New adventures become traditions, dogs seal their place in our hearts and ancient instructs are driven by shrinking light and the steady descent of reds and golds from the mountain tops, or at least so says my Orvis catalog. While we are on the topic of great quotes, a perennial favorite of times is, “You must be shapeless, formless, like water. When you pour water in a cup, it becomes the cup. When you pour water in a bottle, it becomes the bottle. When you pour water in a teapot, it becomes the teapot. Water can drip and it can crash. Become like water my friend.” —Bruce Lee.  This is always great advice for those who live life in the outdoors.  You don't have to be a granola to live the life.  Yes, the word "granola" is still used as a slang term to describe someone who is environmentally aware, has liberal political views, and uses natural products and health foods. For example, someone who loves the outdoors, is free-spirited, and buys all-natural products might be described as a "granola girl." So while you don't have to be a granola, living the #UplandLife you do have to learn to be adaptable, be like water. Seasons come and