Michigan parishioner, pastor cited for firing bow in church

From the Sheboygan, Mich., Press:

A Sheboygan Falls pastor and parishioner were issued municipal citations Thursday for firing an arrow during Sunday’s service as part of a sermon illustration.

About 120 people were attending the evening service at Pentecostals of Sheboygan County, when the Rev. John Putnam had Jason Wilke, 26, draw and fire a steel-tipped practice arrow across the front of the church.

Putnam called it a “teaching tool.”

Police call it illegal.

Wilke of Sheboygan Falls was cited for using a missile indoors, and Putnam was cited for aiding and abetting that ordinance violation. Both will be fined $109.

But Kohler Police Chief Bill Rutten said no criminal charges will be filed.

“Our department did not feel that it rose to the level of endangering safety,” Rutten said. “Anytime with bows and arrows or firearms, there’s always that chance for a malfunction to happen, but nothing did happen aside from the firing into the target, so we’re thinking that an ordinance violation is appropriate in this case.”

Rutten said Wilke, at Putnam’s direction, stood on the far left side of the occupied front row and fired at a foam target on the right side of the stage, shooting the arrow across the congregation but slightly away from them.

“Even if their had been a malfunction, the likelihood of something bad happening (is slim),” Rutten said.

One man stood up and objected as Wilke drew the compound bow, telling Putnam firing the arrow was unsafe and illegal, according to two parishioners. Putnam told the man to be quiet and sit down, which he did until Wilke drew the bow again.

The man objected a second time, after which Putnam said he asked the man to leave. Putnam said the church will seek a restraining order against the man, who he said was yelling and “causing a disruption.”

The man then reported the incident to Sheboygan Falls police, who responded to the church and spoke with the pastor. The incident was turned over to the Kohler Police Department on Monday since Putnam is the former chaplain of the Sheboygan Falls Police Department.

Putnam, 30, defended the illustration when contacted at his office on Thursday.

“We use props all the time for messages,” he said. “It was a completely controlled, choreographed demonstration.”

Putnam said he was challenging churchgoers to be active in sharing their testimonies with others. He was elaborating on a passage that details spiritual “equipment” given to Christians, such as the helmet of salvation, the sword of the spirit and the belt of truth.

“I used the practice arrow just as the fact that an arrow by itself — your testimony by itself — is no good, so you have to have a bow, and the bow is that equipment,” Putnam said. “And you have to have a target, and still with all that if you never pull it back and release it then it still does not accomplish its objective.”

He said the illustration — which was practiced in the church basement before the service — endangered no one.

“Was it completely safe? Absolutely — it was completely safe,” Putnam said. “If I knew it would cause this kind of problem, I certainly would have reconsidered.”

Mini-reflex sights include no-battery model

Trijicon Inc., a leader in the development of sights for the military, law enforcement and hunting/shooting markets, has introduced its new Trijicon RMR Sight — a patent-pending new generation Ruggedized Miniature Reflex designed to improve shooter precision and accuracy with any style or caliber of weapon.

Unlike other red dot sights on the market, this sight is designed for durability under the most extreme conditions. The experts at Trijicon also designed the new RMR sights to be as strong as the company’s renowned Trijicon ACOGs, and provide ease of sighting and adjustment, solving important issues often associated with other red dot sights.

Trijicon’s new design begins with a rugged, forged aluminum housing — one that is extremely sturdy, yet lightweight. This advanced housing encases premium optics for superior performance in every tactical, shooting or hunting situation. Other advancements in the Trijicon RMR sights include new large, easy-to-use adjusters that allow for quick one MOA per click adjustment for windage and elevation using a common screw driver or shell casing. The Trijicon RMR provides rapid target acquisition and enhances the shooter’s capabilities in a wide variety of applications.

In keeping with Trijicon’s commitment to battery-free illumination, a battery-free model features dual illumination using Trijicon’s patented fiber optics and tritium, and comes in dot sizes of 9 or 13 Minutes of Angle. This model is the world’s first battery-free mini reflex sight, measuring 1.78 inches long by 1.24 inches wide by 1.03 inches high weighing in at only 1.22 ounces.

Another version features LED illumination provided by a standard 2032 battery, and comes in dot sizes of 4 or 8 MOA.. Both are available in black housings and — as further testament to their rugged construction — are rated as waterproof to 66 feet. The Trijicon RMR mounts onto Trijicon ACOGs, compact ACOGs, AccuPoints, MIL-STD 1913 rail equipped weapons systems, Weaver rail-equipped weapons systems and the more popular handgun models.

For information on the new Trijicon RMR Sights or any of the company’s proven self-luminous aiming systems for tactical and sporting applications, contact Trijicon, Inc. at 49385 Shafer Ave., Wixom, MI 48393, telephone: (800) 338-0563, or visit www.trijicon.com.

Realtree Road Trips Best of Season 6

Just like previous seasons, Realtree Road Trips® Best of Season 6 hits store shelves  with three hours and nine episodes of footage as only Michael Waddell can deliver.

Waddell travels from the peanut fields of South Georgia to the mountain tops of Eastern Wyoming in search of his next target.

Find out why Realtree Road Trips won the Outdoor Channel’s award for Best Big Game Footage in 2008. Perhaps it has something to do with Waddell’s personal best New Mexico elk and Colorado mule deer.

Buglin’ monarchs, lovesick longbeards and a combination of rut-crazed whitetails and muleys are all part of this year’s Road Trips Best of Season 6.  “The Road Keeps on Callin’,” so tag along and enjoy the ride.

Back to Birmingham in 2010

BASS announced Tuesday that the 2010 Bassmaster Classic will return in February to Lay Lake in Shelby County, Ala., site of three previous Classic competitions — 1996, 2002 and 2007.

Fifty-one Classic qualifiers will hit the Coosa River impoundment Feb. 19-21 for the 2010 Classic title. As previously announced, the Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Complex in downtown Birmingham, Ala., will be the site of the daily weigh-ins and accompanying 2010 Bassmaster Classic Outdoors Expo.

This weekend BASS firmed up the location for the morning festivities at Beeswax Creek Boat Ramp, 537 Beeswax Park Road, near the town of Columbiana, Ala.

“Shelby County is excited about the opportunity to showcase our natural resources and attract an international audience as we host our fourth Bassmaster Classic,” said Shelby County Manager Alex Dudchock. “Lay Lake continues to be a destination for anglers and water recreation enthusiasts, and Shelby County will continue to promote tourism through these types of events in our local, regional and state economy.”

Alabama is no stranger to the biggest event in the sport. The state has hosted 10 Classic events, including three contested on Lay Lake.

The most recent, in 2007, is famous for being the first to be won by a home-state pro: Bassmaster Elite Series pro Boyd Duckett of Demopolis. He laid to rest the myth of “home-state jinx” when he won with 48 pounds, 10 ounces of Lay Lake bass.

Duckett bested fellow Elite pro Skeet Reese of Auburn, Calif., by just 6 ounces.

Reese, who landed his first Classic title less than a month ago at the Red River in Louisiana, said another Classic on Lay Lake could be his chance to extract about 6 ounces’ worth of revenge.

“Another Classic on Lay Lake is great news. I will get the opportunity to go back to Lay Lake and try to win. Finishing second to Boyd in 2007 was a little tough to swallow,” he said half-jokingly.

“I feel a Classic on Lay also will be an opportunity for me to repeat as champion, and I’m excited about going back there.”

With the defending champion’s automatic qualification for 2010, right now Reese is the only angler with a secured berth — the other 50 will qualify through various BASS tournament circuits.

“Birmingham is excited to host the 40th Bassmaster Classic and we anticipate another fantastic event,” said Mike Gunn, vice president, Greater Birmingham Convention & Visitors Bureau. “This is our seventh time hosting this prestigious, major sporting event.”

Florida vacationers catch too many

From The Associated Press

LAKE WALES, Fla. — Authorities say four anglers are on the hook for catching too many fish in a central Florida lake, and now face fines and possible jail time.

A Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission officer got an anonymous tip last week that led to the seizure of more than 1,200 fish caught from Lake Kissimmee.

Each angler is allowed just 50 of the fish per day, with a maximum of a two days’ catch in possession.

Authorities say the four from the Columbia, S.C., area had 1,268 fish on Friday, including shellcrackers and undersize largemouth bass.

All four were charged with over-the-limit possession, a second-degree misdemeanor punishable by a fine of up to $500 and 60 days in jail.

Microstamping legislation draws industry ire

Monday morning, representatives from America’s leading firearms manufacturers, many of whom are based in Connecticut, announced a unified industry stand against legislation that would force them to adopt a patented, unreliable sole-sourced technology to microstamp firearms.

The companies included Connecticut-based Colt’s Manufacturing Co., Marlin Firearms, O.F. Mossberg and Sons, and Sturm, Ruger and Co., as well as, Springfield, Mass.-based Smith & Wesson. The National Shooting Sports Foundation — the trade association for the firearms industry — and the Connecticut Association of Firearms Retailer also joined in the stand.

Legislation forcing firearms manufacturers to incorporate the patented technology of microstamping would require manufacturers to micro laser-engrave a gun’s make, model and serial number on the firing pin of each gun so, in theory, the information is imprinted on the cartridge casing that is discharged when the pistol is fired.

Independent peer-reviewed studies have made clear that microstamping is both flawed and easily defeated and should not be mandated without further in-depth study. This view is shared by the firearms industry and law enforcement agencies, such as the National Fraternal Order of Police and the Connecticut Fraternal Order of Police.

Passage of the Senate bill could result in all sales of firearms being halted in the state – as manufacturers are forced to abandon the market in lieu of paying to completely reconfigure their manufacturing and assembly processes. The cost, which would be astronomical, certainly would be passed on to the consumers.

Also of concern is whether Connecticut-based firearms manufacturers will move their factories – a serious threat given the increased lobbying of pro-gun states such as Idaho and South Dakota, two of many states where legislators are looking for increased tax revenue and jobs for their constituents. Colt Firearms officials testified last year they would consider leaving the state if microstamping became law.

Mike Holmes, Shop Chairman at Colt Manufacturing, UAW Local 376, expressed outrage about the microstamping legislation.

“The proposed microstamping technology would jeopardize the employment of all hard-working union members that I represent at Colt,” Holmes said “The effects would in turn be far reaching by also hurting our vendors and suppliers around the state also placing their jobs at risk.”

The firearms industry, which has contributed $743.8 million to Connecticut’s economy  in 2008, employs more than 1,750 people in the state and generates an additional 3,100 jobs in supplier industries. In written testimony submitted Monday, industry officials made clear that many of these jobs would be at risk if microstamping passes into law.

Gunmakers said the passage of a microstamping bill could force them to raise prices of guns as much as $200 per firearm because of the complete reconfiguring of the manufacturing and assembly processes.

Steiner launches new binocular line

German optics company Steiner is introducing the Safari Pro binocular line.

This compact line of binoculars features three models: 8×30 Sports Auto-Focus model and an 8×22 and 10×26 pocket binocular. While the Steiner Safari Pro Binoculars feature an aggressive new design, it is the performance that sets these binoculars apart.

Steiner has completely redesigned its popular Safari line.  All three models of the new Safari Pro series feature new optical and internal enhancements and bold styling. The most notable performance updates include longer eye-relief and an improved, ergonomic focus wheel to the two pocket sized compacts. All models feature a more durable chassis and outer armoring that is both durable and comfortable.

The 8×30 Safari Pro, housed in a rugged Makrolon rubber armored and shockproof body, is the ideal all-purpose outdoor companion. This binocular features Steiner’s proprietary Sports Auto-Focus that, once set for your eyes, gives you a sharp, clear view of everything from 20 yards to infinity without any further adjustment.

All three models feature the brilliance of Steiner optics, but screen UV light and reduce glare. They come equipped with a soft-sided case and comfortable carrying strap. All have the 30-year limited warranty.

Headquartered in Bayreuth, Germany, Steiner has been manufacturing quality binoculars since 1947.     

Steiner specializes in the design and manufacture of binoculars for outdoor, hunting, marine and military markets, Steiner Binoculars are marketed and distributed through Pioneer Research in North America.   

For more information contact: Pioneer Research, 97 Foster Road, Moorestown, NJ 08057 or call toll free (800) 257-7742 or visit the interactive Web site at www.steiner-binoculars.com.

Firearms industry calls National Park Service ban on traditional ammunition over-reactive

The National Shooting Sports Foundation strongly encourages the National Park Service to reconsider its policy banning the use of traditional ammunition made with lead components on park lands and points out that neither humans, wildlife populations nor the environment are harmed by the use of such ammunition.
“The National Park Service’s decision is arbitrary, over-reactive and not based on science,” said Steve Sanetti, president of the National Shooting Sports Foundation, trade association for the firearms and ammunition industry. “Studies show that traditional ammunition does not pose a health risk to humans, or wildlife populations as a whole.”The park service appears to have made its decision without requesting input from wildlife management and conservation groups, or ammunition manufacturers. “There is no evidence of traditional ammunition harming humans or wildlife populations that would warrant this kind of drastic policy change,” said Lawrence G. Keane, NSSF senior vice president and general counsel.
Hunting is allowed in some national parks in order to reduce herd populations or remove wounded or sick animals, and NSSF maintains that traditional ammunition is best suited for these tasks. Traditional ammunition costs less, and hunters are more familiar with its performance. Hunters also are agreeable to taking voluntary measures, such as burying entrails after field dressing game, to prevent scavengers from ingesting lead fragments.
Maintaining healthy wildlife populations has always been a priority for hunters, who have contributed approximately $5.6 billion to protect wildlife and habit over the past 70 years through excise taxes paid on firearms and ammunition.
The park service’s news release does not cite scientific evidence that wildlife populations are being negatively impacted by the use of traditional ammunition, and there is no indication that park visitors’ health was affected in any way by hunters and wildlife managers using traditional ammunition.
Ammunition containing lead components has been the choice of hunters for well over 100 years, during which time wildlife populations in America have surged. While lead ingestion appears to occur in a small number of individual animals, overall populations are unaffected. Also, there has never been a documented case of lead poisoning among humans who have eaten game taken with traditional ammunition, and a recent Centers for Disease Control and Prevention study on North Dakota hunters who consumed game confirmed that there was no reason for concern over eating game taken with traditional ammunition.
Unfortunately, the park service’s decision to ban traditional ammunition adds to the misinformation being circulated by anti-hunting groups to promote fear among wildlife managers and hunters about traditional ammunition. The park service’s news release makes erroneous comparisons between organic lead found in gasoline and the metallic lead used in ammunition. Banning lead in gasoline and paint was related to public health concerns because of the widespread nature of these substances and ingestion of paint chips by young children. These issues are not associated with lead in ammunition.
NSSF and its member companies who possess significant knowledge about lead and its use in ammunition hope to be part of any regulatory process to encourage the park service to reconsider this hastily concluded policy before it goes into effect by the end of 2010.

Jason Williamson wins at Lake Amistad

DEL RIO, Texas – Jason Williamson of Aiken, S.C., posted a backbreaking total of more than 68 pounds through the final two days, which was enough to advance from 38th position to third heading into Day 3, then secure his first BASS victory and the accompanying $100,000 top prize Sunday at the 2009 Bassmaster Elite Series season opener on Lake Amistad.

Williamson’s four-day total of 96 pounds, 6 ounces, was enough to hold off 2008 Classic winner Alton Jones of Waco, Texas, who finished second with 87 pounds, 15 ounces.

Williamson has been close to BASS victory before, scoring two second-place finishes, but was able to close the deal this time at Amistad with a final-day total of 34-12, the biggest bag of the tournament. His limit was buoyed by a 10-4 lunker, the largest Williamson has ever landed.

Jared Lintner of Arroyo Grande, Calif., and Stephen Browning of Hot Springs, Ark., were able to take advantage. Like Williamson, both made charges after Friday. Lintner (76-10) advanced from 20th after two days to finish third, while Browning moved from 25th to fourth. Rounding out the top five was Day 2 leader Gary Klein of Weatherford, Texas, who finished with 74 pounds, 8 ounces.

Day 1 leader Mike Iaconelli, who landed the biggest bass of the tournament on the first day, a 12-13 behemoth, placed seventh and was followed by four-time Toyota Tundra Bassmaster Angler of the Year Kevin VanDam of Kalamazoo, Mich., (eighth) and 2007 Bassmaster Classic champion Boyd Duckett of Demopolis, Ala., (ninth).

The next Bassmaster Elite Series event is set for March 26-29 on Lake Dardanelle and Russellville, Ark. Duckett scored victory in 2007 on Dardanelle at a Bassmaster Major with 55 pounds, 9 ounces.

Consistent Texan looks for homestate victory

DEL RIO, Texas –  While the rest of the leaderboard has shuffled around him, 2008 Bassmaster Classic champion Alton Jones of Waco, Texas, has rode a consistent bite to the top position Saturday at the OPTIMA Batteries Battle on the Border on Lake Amistad with a three-day total of 68 pounds, 11 ounces. 

Friday leader Gary Klein of Weatherford, Texas, struggled but remained in contention and is Jones’ closest competitor with 66-13. 

Over the course of three days, Jones has yet to weigh a bag more than 24 pounds or less than 22 pounds, 4 ounces. His biggest bass tipped the scales at just more than 6 pounds and all of his weighed fish have been in the 4- to 6-pound class. While the big bite has eluded Jones thus far, he said his pattern is as solid as oak. 

But Amistad is a fickle fishery and can yield some monster weights. For instance, four Elite anglers weighed limits more than 26 pounds Saturday. So, while consistency is nice, Jones is aware that the field of 12 finalists could make a move today in the battle for the $100,000 top prize. And the weather calls for sun, which could move the fish shallow and provide anglers with ideal conditions for sight fishing. 

“I guess I’m as confident as you can be when you have a field with this much skill,” said Jones, 45. “But consistency has been the name of the game for me and my areas are replenishing. I feel very good.”

Klein was oozing confidence Friday after weighing a limit more than 29 pounds, but his jig pattern fell off Saturday  In fact, Klein was without a fish at noon and was forced to move close to the bank and pick up a drop-shot to fill out his limit.

He managed only 12 pounds, 6 ounces Friday, but nonetheless was pleased that he remained in contention. 

“I let everyone catch up so I’m a little disappointed,” said Klein, a two-time Toyota Tundra Bassmaster Angler of the Year. “But this is a humbling sport, and I’m just glad I didn’t let the thing slip away. It’s going to be a one-day shootout tomorrow.  I think it’s going to be a crazy day and someone is going to have to catch a lot of weight to pull it out.”

Making a charge to third was Jason Williamson of Aiken, S.C. Williamson, 28, weighed the biggest bag of the tournament on Saturday, a 33-13 monster, and put himself in contention. He is looking for his first BASS victory and said he found something special Saturday. Williamson’s three-day total is 61 pounds, 10 ounces.

“I’m pretty excited,” said Williamson, who finished fifth at the Amistad Elite event in 2008. “It’s an all-day bite and I probably culled another 18- to 20-pound bag from that area  I’m a little wired right now but I absolutely think I can repeat this Sunday.”

Rounding out the top five was Kenyon Hill of Norman, Okla., with 61 pounds, 5 ounces, in fourth while Day 1 leader Mike Iaconelli of Runnemede, N.J., with 60 pounds, 2 ounces, was fifth.

Safely in today’s top 12 cutline was 2007 Bassmaster Classic champion Boyd Duckett (6^th) and 2008 Amistad Elite champion Todd Faircloth (12^th). Faircloth engineered a dramatic comeback last year on Amistad, surging from eighth place to the top spot on the final day of competition.

For more information, visit Bassmaster.com.