Professional Shooter Lays Down the Law on Brotherhood Outdoors

The Union Sportsmen’s Alliance’s award-winning hunting and fishing TV show, Brotherhood Outdoors, will feature a Texas quail and hog hunt with professional shooter and veteran, police chief Diane Sorantino, at 11 a.m. ET on Sunday, April 7 on Sportsman Channel.

A proud member of PBA Local 59 in Cape May County, New Jersey, Sorantino is also a member of Team Beretta and the National Sporting Clays Association Team USA. She has two World Championship titles to her name—making her a quick shot when it came to pursuing quail at Wildcat Creek Resort in Detroit, Texas.

“While filming Diane’s adventure, we mounted a camera to her shotgun,” said Brotherhood Outdoors co-host Julie McQueen. “We discovered that she doesn’t even blink when she pulls the trigger. In fact, she keeps her eye on the target and only pulls her gaze away after the target has fallen.”

To level the playing field, the Brotherhood Outdoors crew added a wild hog hunt to the mix. Not only did Sorantino get to experience her first shot at a Southern hog but she got to pursue one of America’s most invasive species and help remedy the problem at Wildcat Creek Resort.

“In her more than 25 years on the force, Diane has dedicated her time to protecting people in her community,” said USA Executive Director Fred Myers. “We are honored to share her story and get people excited about hunting by marrying her unparalleled shooting skills and sportsmanship together in this episode.”

Winner of a 2012 Sportsman Choice award, Brotherhood Outdoors awards union sportsmen and women who are committed to preserving North America’s outdoor heritage with a guided trip or the opportunity to show off their guiding skills and local hunting or fishing destinations on national TV.

Presented by Bank of Labor, Brotherhood Outdoors is also sponsored by Employee Benefit Solutions, International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers, International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Workers, International Brotherhood of Boilermakers, International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, National Electrical Contractors Association, United Association/International Training Fund as well as Buck Knives and Burris/Steiner Optics.

To see what happens when the coveys fly and the hogs run for cover, tune in to Sportsman Channel at 11 a.m. ET on Sunday, April 7.

Read and join the discussion on Professional Shooter Lays Down the Law on Brotherhood Outdoors at OutdoorHub.com.

Teen with Cerebral Palsy Bags Mountain Lion

Fifteen-year-old Leif Holman of Melville, Montana uses crutches to help him walk, but that doesn’t get in the way of his love for the outdoors. The high school freshman has a type of cerebral palsy that makes it difficult for him to move some muscles in his legs, a major challenge to any hunter who has to track over thick snow and rough terrain. For Holman however, it is just another obstacle to be overcome.

Thankfully, the teen has a loving family and friends who make his active lifestyle all that more fulfilling. So far Holman successfully harvested deer, elk, bighorn sheep, black bears and, as of late last month, he can now add mountain lion to that list.

It was a school day with an unusually exciting twist. According to the Billings Gazette, Holman had finished his classes when his father picked him up and started talking excitedly about the tracks they had found. The Holmans and a family friend had been on the trail of one particular mountain lion for a while but had difficulty finding tracks before that day. While his father and another hunter went ahead of him, Holman hitched a ride with a friend to climb a steep hillside. When he got to the scene, the cougar had been already treed by his father’s hunting dogs. By all accounts Holman is an excellent shot, and he took the 76-pound mountain lion with a 7mm-08 rifle that was a present from his grandfather.

Upon closer inspection, the hunters realized that the cougar had a radio collar on it, and quickly reported in to the local Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks office. As it turns out, the animal had been on a 500-mile trek from South Dakota.

Wildlife biologist Justin Paugh was as confused as the Holmans when he received the tracking collar. As far as he knew, nobody in south central Montana was running any tracking projects. When he called regional and state agencies, they could only guess at where it came from. Finally, Paugh placed a call to the collar manufacturer and discovered the device was involved in a study by the South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks in conjunction with South Dakota University.

The traveling cougar was first collared near Rapid City, roughly 500 miles from where it was eventually taken. Paugh said it was highly unusual for a mature female to make such a journey.

Holman, elated over his recent accomplishment, is planning on bagging even bigger game. His parents couldn’t be prouder.

“If it wasn’t for Leif, we wouldn’t eat,” his mother said. “He gets our meat.”

Images of Holman and the cougar have yet to be released.

Read and join the discussion on Teen with Cerebral Palsy Bags Mountain Lion at OutdoorHub.com.

Sons Shoot Grizzly at 10 Feet to Save Father, No Charges Filed

David Trembly, 48, was taking his two sons out for an annual elk hunt in Wyoming’s Grand Teton National Park when a male grizzly stopped them in their tracks.

According to the Associated Press, the three hunters had encountered the bear early in the day on Thanksgiving Day last year and had tried unsuccessfully to scare it off. An elk carcass found after the incident by park rangers would indicate that the bear was defending its food. The father and sons were equipped with bear spray and had it out at the ready while the bear confronted them.

However, to an angry 534-pound male rapidly closing at the range of a few yards, the sting of the spray could do little. When the bear charged, David Trembly engaged it with the spray while his sons, aged 20 and 17, held fast with their hunting rifles. They fatally shot the grizzly three times at a range of 10 feet, barely enough to step out of the way as the animal came to a crash on the ground.

Federal investigators concluded last week that the shooting was in self-defense and will not be filing charges against the young men. Investigators reportedly complimented Trembly and his sons on their quick thinking and well-placed shots that more than likely saved their lives.

Although bear spray has deterred animals in the past, they are not fool-proof. Wildlife officials recommend keeping the spray close at hand and to practice drawing it quickly. Generally, avoid cooking near camp in grizzly country and leave the area if you sight an animal carcass or bear cubs.

Grizzly bears are protected under federal law and shooting one illegally could earn a $50,000 fine and/or prison time. Grizzlies are legal to hunt in Alaska.

Read and join the discussion on Sons Shoot Grizzly at 10 Feet to Save Father, No Charges Filed at OutdoorHub.com.

Kansas Muzzleloader, Youth/Disabled, Archery Deer Seasons on Tap

Three deer seasons open this September: the muzzleloader season, which runs Sept. 17-30; the archery season, which runs Sept. 17-Dec. 31; and the youth/disabled season, which runs Sept. 8-16. Resident hunters who have yet to obtain a Resident Any Season White-tailed Deer permit may still obtain one at Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) offices, select license vendors, online at ksoutdoors.com (click “License/Permits” on the top menu bar), or by phoning 1-800-918-2877 toll-free.

The Any Season permit is valid statewide and allows the hunter to harvest one antlered or antlerless white-tailed deer during any season with equipment legal for that season.

Resident hunting licenses, required of anyone age 16 through 64 in addition to the deer permit, cost $20.50. Resident Any Season White-tailed Deer permits cost $32.50. Antlerless-Only White-tailed Deer permits, which may be purchased only after an antlered deer permit has been purchased, cost $17.50.

After Dec. 30, deer hunters may purchase Antlerless-Only White-tailed Deer permits valid during January seasons without having first purchased an antlered deer permit.

There is no minimum age to apply for and receive a big game permit, and youth younger than 16 may hunt without hunter education if supervised by an adult 18 years or older. For more information, visit the KDWPT website, ksoutdoors.com.

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McMillan Introduces EOL Mountain Extreme Ultra-Long Range Hunting Rifles

McMillan Group International introduces the EOL Mountain Extreme rifle line optimized for extreme performance while hunting at long ranges. Developed in conjunction with TV host Bob Beck of Extreme Outer Limits, EOL McMillan Mountain Extreme rifles are built for the EOL Mag series of cartridges. The EOL Mag series utilizes a standard Ultra Mag parent case, but with very long, high-VLD bullets that are seated out longer than usual to free up additional powder capacity inside the case. The result is higher velocity and less bullet drop at extreme ranges.

McMillan’s EOL Mountain Extreme rifles feature a McMillan G30 Long Action, ejection ports and magazine boxes that can accommodate .338 Lapua and other similar length cartridges. Throats are specifically cut for the EOL Mag cartridge series. EOL Mountain Extreme rifles will deliver extreme performance with EOL Mag ammunition, but can also fire factory Remington Ultra Mag ammunition when desired.

Long barrels maximize velocity and benchrest quality precision components deliver superior accuracy. A unique nickel plated bolt shroud, bolt stop and muzzle brake set the EOL Mountain Extreme series apart visually from the rest of the McMillan line of hunting rifles.

“Everything about the EOL Mountain Extreme line is designed for extreme performance at ranges where standard rifles and standard cartridges are at their design limits,” said Kelly McMillan, president of McMillan Group International

Three models are available featuring traditional and tactical styled stocks. Custom EOL Mountain Extreme line includes three custom rifles: EOL Mountain Extreme Yukon™, EOL Mountain Extreme Alpine and EOL Mountain Extreme Denali .

The EOL Mountain Extreme Yukon features a McMillan Outdoorsman stock with a Monte Carlo cheekpiece for scope use. The stock geometry tames the recoil of large magnum cartridges. McMillan’s EDGE graphite technology is used in the stock to save weight. A long 27″ barrel maximizes velocity at long range. Barrels are premium, hand-lapped match grade for superior accuracy. Barrel fluting preserves stiffness of the heavy contour barrel, but saves weight and facilitates cooling.

EOL Mountain Extreme Yukon Specifications:

• Action: McMillan G30 Long Action
• Caliber: 7 MM EOL Mag, 7 MM Rem Ultra Mag, 300 EOL Mag, 300 Rem Ultra Mag, 338 Lapua
• Trigger: Jewell
• Stock: EDGE Outdoorsman, Khaki Base with Gray and Brown Specks, 13.75″ LOP with 1″ Decel 2 UM Studs
• Barrel: 27″ Match Grade Stainless, 1-8″ Twist – 7MM EOL Mag, 1-10″ Twist – 300 EOL Mag, 1-10″ Twist – 338 EOL Mag, #4 ½ Contour, Fluted with Vais Brake
• Floorplate: Standard Hinged
• Finish: Black Metal Finish, NP3 Muzzle Brake, Bolt Stop and Cocking Piece Housing
• Case: Hard Gun Case Provided

The EOL Mountain Extreme Denali adjustable A3-5 tactical stock caters to hunters who prefer tactical features in a firearm. The adjustable cheekpiece positions the head optimally for scope use in any shooting situation. The vertical pistol grip is suited for comfort during long shooting sessions. McMillan’s EDGE graphite technology is used in the stock to save weight. A long 28″ barrel maximizes velocity at long range. Barrels are premium, hand-lapped match grade for superior accuracy. A heavy varmint barrel contour is employed for accuracy-enhancing stiffness, with fluting to save weight.

EOL Mountain Extreme Denali Specifications:

• Action: McMillan G30 Long Action
• Caliber: 7 MM EOL Mag, 7MM Rem Ultra Mag, 300 EOL Mag, 300 Rem Ultra Mag, 338 EOL Mag, 338 Lapua
• Trigger: Jewell
• Stock: EDGE ADJ A3-5, Khaki Base with Gray and Brown Specks, 14″ LOP 
• with 1″ Decel 3 UM Studs
• Barrel: 28″ Match Grade Stainless, 1-8″ Twist – 7MM EOL Mag, 1-10″ Twist – 300 EOL Mag, 1-10″ Twist – 338 EOL Mag, Varmint Contour, Fluted with Vais Brake
• Floorplate: Standard Hinged
• Finish: Black Metal Finish, NP3 Muzzle Brake, Bolt Stop and Cocking Piece Housing
• Case: Hard Gun Case Provided

EOL Mountain Extreme Alpine features a McMillan Dynasty stock with a comfortable palm swell, Monte Carlo cheekpiece for scope use, and stock geometry specifically designed to tame the recoil of large magnum cartridges. It utilizes McMillan’s EDGE graphite technology to save weight. A 26″ barrel maximizes velocity at long range. The heavy #4 contour barrel is premium, hand-lapped match grade quality for superior accuracy. Barrel fluting preserves stiffness of the #4 contoured barrel, but saves weight and facilitates cooling. The Alpine is offered in 6.5 x 284 Norma.

EOL Mountain Extreme Alpine Specifications:

• Action: McMillan G30 Long Action
• Caliber: 6.5×284 Norma
• Trigger: Jewell
• Stock: McMillan Dynasty, Khaki Base with Gray and Brown Specks, 13.5″ LOP with 1″ Decel 2 UM Studs
• Barrel: 26″ Match Grade Stainless, 1-8″ Twist, #4 Contour, Fluted with Vais Brake
• Floorplate: Standard Hinged
• Finish: Black Metal Finish, NP3 Muzzle Brake, Bolt Stop and Cocking Piece Housing
• Case: Hard Gun Case Provided

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Wisconsin Hunter Reunited with Missing Half of Broken Trophy Rack

Kelly Sokel of Menasha, Wisconsin was suitably surprised when he received a call last week telling him the second half of his missing rack had washed up. According to the Wisconsin Radio Network, Sokel had lost it after a hunting trip two months ago. Returning from a successful hunt in which he bagged a 165-pound eight-pointer, Sokel got into an argument with two women in a local bar. The women pulled the deer out of his truck and drove over the body repeatedly in their car, which broke off half of the rack onto the parking lot.

After the gruesome act the women sped away from the scene. Unfortunately the buck was caught under their car and they ended up dragging the animal for several blocks before stopping. The two then called an aquintance to help transport the deer to a nearby river where it was dumped.

“The prank kinda went a lot farther than I think they intended on it going,” said Department of Natural Resources warden Ryan Propson in an interview with WHBY.

Authorities caught the perpetrators soon after and fined the women $2,100 each for larceny of wild game, and the friend $260 for assisting a crime. Sokel retrieved the rack half from the parking lot and called it quits, thinking he would never see the deer again. Then last week the buck was found on the Fox River shoreline.

The meat had already decomposed but Sokel was able to salvage the other half of the rack.

Read and join the discussion on Wisconsin Hunter Reunited with Missing Half of Broken Trophy Rack at OutdoorHub.com.

Vermont Hunters Harvested 13,850 Deer in 2012

Vermont deer hunters had successful deer hunting seasons in 2012.  The archery, youth, rifle, and muzzleloader deer hunting seasons’ harvest totals were all within management objectives set by the Fish & Wildlife Department.

The total harvest for all four seasons increased in 2012 by 14 percent from the previous year’s harvest.  Hunters harvested 6,300 deer during rifle season, an increase of 9 percent over last year’s rifle harvest of 5,759 deer.

“There are going to be fluctuations in the deer harvest from year to year based on the severity of the previous winter, food availability, and deer density,” said Mark Scott, director of wildlife for the Fish & Wildlife Department.  “We anticipate those fluctuations in harvest and try to manage for a healthy and stable deer herd; to keep the fluctuations small rather than seeing big booms and crashes.”

Last winter’s relatively mild weather and shallow snow depths likely contributed to this fall’s elevated deer harvest.  Additionally, the low availability of traditional food sources such as apple orchards and beech and oak stands this past summer and fall resulted in deer changing their movement patterns.

The archery season harvest rose this year by 25 percent, to 3,384 deer.  This number was also above the previous three-year average of 2,825 deer.  Youth hunters harvested 1,784 deer this year, representing a 9 percent increase over the 2011 harvest, and an increase from the previous three-year average of 1,661 deer.

“Youth weekend continues to prove successful in recruiting young hunters to help preserve Vermont’s hunting heritage,” said Adam Murkowski, deer project leader for the Fish & Wildlife Department.  “This weekend is important for providing young hunters with opportunities to make memories with family and mentors that will last a lifetime.”

Hunters harvested 2,482 deer with muzzleloaders in 2012, representing a 16 percent increase from last year.  “This year’s successful muzzleloader harvest is the result of a moderate increase in the number of antlerless permits approved by the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Board,” explained Murkowski.  “The antlerless limit allows for a slow growth in the herd while maintaining deer densities within population objectives set forth in Vermont’s big game plan.”

“This was a particularly good year for hunters taking deer with larger body and rack sizes,” added Curtis Smiley, President of the Big Game Trophy Club.  “There were multiple deer throughout the state that were reported to weigh over 230 pounds and one that was reported at 247 pounds.”

All harvest totals are subject to recount, which may result in small changes in harvest totals in the final report due in March.  Hunters interested in deer management and Vermont’s new deer planning process are encouraged to attend one of two public input meetings, held from 7-9 p.m. at the Kehoe Conservation Camp in Castleton on January 30 and at Spaulding High School Cafeteria in Barre on January 31.

Read and join the discussion on Vermont Hunters Harvested 13,850 Deer in 2012 at OutdoorHub.com.

West Virginia Hunters Harvest 131,444 Deer in 2012

Preliminary counts of game checking tags indicate West Virginia hunters harvested a total of 131,444 white-tailed deer during the recently completed bucks-only, antlerless, muzzleloader, archery and youth/Class Q/Class XS deer seasons, according to Division of Natural Resources Director Frank Jezioro. This year’s total harvest was three percent below the 2011 deer harvest of 135,696. A total of 56,658 bucks, 45,169 antlerless season deer, 24,571 bow-killed deer and 5,046 muzzleloader season deer were taken during the 2012 season.

Antlerless Deer Season

The 2012 antlerless deer season, which includes the youth/Class Q/Class XS deer season, was 12 percent above 2011 and one and one-half percent below the five-year average of 45,845.  “It is important to note that the antlerless harvest is the key component to any deer management strategy, as it controls the future deer population,” said Jezioro. “Many counties had liberalized antlerless hunting seasons in 2012, including 10 counties that required hunters to harvest an antlerless deer before harvesting a second buck with a gun or bow, and a new October antlerless firearms season in all open counties.  These modifications to the antlerless season structure led to an increase in the harvest and will ensure that deer populations do not exceed management objectives.”  The top 10 counties are: Preston (2,343), Mason (2,026), Jackson (1,759), Wood (1,608), Lewis (1,575), Upshur (1,569), Harrison (1,511), Ritchie (1,391), Monongalia (1,340) and Randolph (1,325).

Muzzleloader Deer Season

The 2012 muzzleloader harvest of 5,046 was 36 percent less than the 2011 harvest of 7,873 and was 37 percent below the five-year average of 7,969.   “A change in season dates and an above-average acorn crop contributed to the decline in the muzzleloader harvest,” Jezioro said. The top 10 counties are: Preston (237), Randolph (230), Nicholas (219), Braxton (216), Webster (203), Jackson (173), Fayette (170), Upshur (160), Lewis (157) and Mason (147).

Archery Deer Season

The bow hunters take of 24,571 deer was 10 percent below the 2011 harvest of 27,404, 10 percent below the five-year average harvest of 27,339. Archery harvests are directly correlated to hard mast crops, and the above average acorn crop was the primary factor for the lower harvest in 2012.  The top 10 counties are: Preston (1,089), Kanawha (863), Raleigh (796), Randolph (791), Monongalia (769), Wyoming (765), Logan (739), Greenbrier (727), Fayette (707) and Nicholas (693).

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Final Iowa Deer Hunting Season Begins January 11

The final deer hunting season begins Jan. 11, in the 38 counties in southern and western Iowa where antlerless deer licenses are available.

Success during the January antlerless season depends on finding where deer are feeding and upon the weather. Cold weather will spur the deer to feed more heavily, so browse lines and food plots will be attractive. Although hunters may see fewer deer as numbers have declined, the season offers some excellent hunting opportunities.

Party hunting is legal and firearm hunters must wear blaze orange. Shotguns, muzzleloaders, handguns, and bows are legal options in all open counties. Centerfire rifles (.24 caliber or larger) are legal in the 21 counties in the southern two tiers of the state.

Last year, 81 percent of the 8,300 deer reported during the January antlerless season were does.  To avoid harvesting a shed-antlered buck, hunters should pass up shots at lone deer and wait for deer traveling in groups of does and fawns.

In late December and January, bucks may be found traveling together in bachelor groups of 2-4 animals, but these groups will usually consist of only adult deer. If a small group of adult deer contains even one antlered buck, then the group is typically all bucks. But, if the group contains fawns, it is likely composed of does and fawns. Patience and binoculars are especially useful for identifying the type of deer.

Hunters are encouraged to work with landowners to determine if deer are at desirable levels, and base decisions on how they use the remaining antlerless tags on local herd conditions to avoid over-harvesting deer where they hunt.

Hunters may observe the added effect of this year’s EHD outbreak as areas south of I-80 and in counties bordering the Missouri River had higher incidents of the disease. Counties open during the January antlerless season are within that region.

Hunting hours are from one-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset. Beginning Jan. 11, a 2013 hunting license and habitat fee will be required. The January antlerless season closes Jan. 20.

Deer must be reported using the harvest reporting system by midnight the day after the deer is tagged. Hunters’ accurately reporting their harvest is an important component of Iowa’s deer management program and future hunting opportunities.

Hunters may report their harvest at www.iowadnr.gov, by calling 1-800-771-4692 or at any license vendor. For hunters with internet access, reporting the harvest online is the easiest way to register the deer. Hunters preferring to donate their deer may do so through the Help Us Stop Hunger (HUSH) program, which provides needed meat to Iowans through the Food Bank of Iowa. Iowa has one of the largest programs in the nation.

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Ohio Offers Hunters Additional Weekend for Deer-gun Season

Ohio’s deer-gun season returns Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 15-16, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources’ (ODNR) Division of Wildlife.

Hunters can use a legal shotgun, muzzleloader or handgun to pursue white-tailed deer Dec. 15-16 from a half-hour before sunrise to sunset. The extra weekend days were added in 2006 in response to hunters’ requests for extended weekend hunting hours.

Ohio hunters and birdwatchers are reminded to be aware of one another as they pursue deer and birds on the shared weekend. Hunters need to remember that there may be other people — both hunters and non-hunters — in the woods. Birders are also reminded that hunters are allowed to hunt on private land where they have written permission. Deer hunters are required to wear a hunter orange vest, coat, jacket or coveralls in the field. Birders should consider wearing a hunter orange vest or hat during the deer-gun weekend for their own safety.

Hunters may take only one antlered deer, regardless of zone, hunting method or season. A deer permit is required in addition to a valid Ohio hunting license. Hunters must purchase an additional permit to hunt more than one deer. Hunters harvested 86,964 deer during the traditional deer-gun season, Nov. 26-Dec. 2.

Ohio is divided into three deer hunting zones. One deer may be harvested in Zone A (six counties) and two deer in Zone B (44 counties). Three deer may be harvested in Zone C (38 counties).

Those hunting in urban units and at Division of Wildlife-authorized controlled hunts will have a six-deer bag limit, and those deer do not count against the hunter’s zone bag limit.

The white-tailed deer is the most popular game animal in Ohio, frequently pursued by generations of hunters. Ohio ranks eighth nationally in annual hunting-related sales and 10th in the number of jobs associated with hunting-related industries. Hunting has an $859 million economic impact in Ohio through the sale of equipment, fuel, food, lodging and more.

More information about Ohio deer hunting can be found in the 2012-2013 Hunting and Trapping Regulations or at wildohio.com. Hunters can also share photos by clicking on the Photo Gallery tab online.

Hunters must still report their deer harvest, but they are no longer required to take their deer to a check station for physical inspection. Hunters have three options to complete the automated game check:

• Online at wildohio.com.
• By telephone at 877-TAG-ITOH (824-4864). This option is only available to people required to have a deer permit to hunt deer.
• At all license agents. A list of these agents can be found at wildohio.com or by calling 800-WILDLIFE (945-3543).

Hunters are encouraged to donate any extra venison to organizations assisting Ohioans in need. ODNR Division of Wildlife is collaborating with Farmers and Hunters Feeding the Hungry (FHFH) to help pay for the processing of donated venison. Hunters who donate deer are not required to pay the processing cost as long as the deer are taken to a participating processor. To see which counties are involved in this program, go to fhfh.org.

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