Wildlife Plot Planting

My Dad and I have put a lot of work into ensuring our hunting success this year. It really has made a world of difference. We have several soybean plots, some clover plots, and some turnip/clover/alfalfa mix we just planted this past weekend. Thought I would share some of the pictures on the blog. Here you are for your viewing pleasure:

Photo Gallery:

Quinn Strikes Again: Illinois Now Required to Have Background Checks On All Firearm Sales

I was minding my own business out on AR15.com when I stumbled on this and wasn’t even aware. I grew up in Illinois but man am I glad that I live in Missouri now. Quinn strikes again… Read more in the article below:

Link to Article: http://news.yahoo.com/illinois-expands-background-checks-gun-purchases-015848692.html

Yahoo New Snippet:

“Illinois Governor Pat Quinn signed a gun-control measure into law on Sunday that expands background checks to cover all firearms purchases in the state, closing what he said was a loophole that exempted gun sales between private parties.

The new law also requires all gun owners to report any lost or stolen firearms to local police within 72 hours.“

Read More in the Link Above

Gun Grabber Alert: Federal Court Upholds Obama/Holder Gun Registration Scheme

Just got an article from a fellow blog follower about a case that was recently upheld by a federal court about notifying the ATF if firearms are sold online from different states and are above 22 caliber they must let the ATF know. You might want to take a few seconds to read this article:

“On May 31, a three-judge panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit upheld the Obama administration policy that requires federally licensed firearms retailers in states bordering Mexico to report multiple sales of certain semi-automatic rifles. The case, National Shooting Sports Foundation v. Jones, was brought by two NRA-backed firearms retailers and the National Shooting Sports Foundation acting on behalf of its members in the Southwest.

The requirement imposed by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives forces all licensed firearm dealers in California, Arizona, New Mexico and Texas to report all sales of two or more semi-automatic rifles within five consecutive business days, if the rifles are larger than .22 caliber and use detachable magazines.

In its decision, the panel argued that ATF’s use of “demand letters” to seek this information is legitimate, even though the law only allows ATF to issue letters demanding “information required to be kept” under the Gun Control Act—not information such as action type that is not “required to be kept.” The panel also held that the reporting requirement is “limited,” even though it applies to every licensed firearm retailer in four large states.

Two other NRA-supported cases challenging the registration scheme are still on appeal in the Fifth and Tenth Circuits. “

Magpul Releases 40 Round PMAGS

I finally got to snatch some of these from Cabela’s online, other than that I haven’t seen them online but a handful of times. They were selling them at MSRP price but hey at least I didn’t have to pay a premium. Better snatch em up fast before the gun grabbers want to take these too. Product description from Magpul’s site:

Product Link: http://store.magpul.com/product/MAG233/PMAG

Product Description:

“The next-generation PMAG 40 GEN M3 is a 40-round 5.56×45 NATO (.223 Remington) polymer magazine for AR15/M4 compatible weapons. Along with expanded feature set and compatibility, the GEN M3 incorporates new material technology and manufacturing processes for enhanced strength, durability, and reliability to exceed rigorous military performance specifications.

Modified internal and external geometry also permits operation with a wide range of non Colt-spec platforms such as the HK® 416 and MR556A1, M27 IAR, British SA-80, FN® SCAR™ MK 16/16S, and others. A redesigned bolt catch notch in the rear of the magazine provides increased bolt catch clearance, while an over-travel stop on the spine helps ensure the magazine will not over-insert on compatible weapons.

Similar to the MOE PMAG, the GEN M3 features a long-life stainless steel spring, four-way anti-tilt follower and constant-curve internal geometry for reliable feeding, and simple tool-less disassembly to ease cleaning. In addition, an included pop-off Impact/Dust Cover can optionally be used to minimize debris intrusion and protect against potential damage during storage and transit. Low profile ribs and new aggressive front and rear texture gives positive control of the GEN M3 in all environments, and a paint pen dot matrix has been added to the bottom panel of the body to allow easy marking by the end user for identification. The new, easy to disassemble flared floorplate aids extraction and handling of the magazine while providing improved drop protection, but is slightly slimmer than before for better compatibility with tight double and triple magazine pouches.

Made in U.S.A.”

 

Magpul Files Patent Infringement

I had heard about this over the wire so decided to do some digging and found a news update on Magpul’s site. This text is taking directly from their site

“25-Jul-13 13:29

MAGPUL SUES FOUR MAGAZINE MANUFACTURERS FOR PATENT INFRINGEMENT

BOULDER, Colorado — July 25, 2013

Magpul Industries Corp announced today that it has filed patent infringement lawsuits against four companies for offering for sale, selling, and distributing magazines for AR15/M16 compatible weapons in violation of Magpul’s patents. The company’s lawsuits allege infringement of Utility Pat. No. 8,069,601 for a novel ammunition magazine, in addition to numerous Magpul design patents.

The lawsuits, filed in United States District Court, Colorado, provide another example of Magpul’s dedication to protecting its valuable brand while sending a warning to others attempting to infringe on our innovations. “These patents exemplify the industrial design-focused spirit at Magpul, which drives us to create novel solutions that enhance user experience with our products,” said Duane Liptak, Director of Product Management and Marketing for Magpul Industries. “People who use Magpul products have high expectations and a great deal of trust regarding the value, quality, and amount of thought put into every design we release. As such, we cannot allow others to misappropriate the patented technology that helps us generate that consumer confidence and trust.”

The lawsuits are the largest and most significant to date brought by Magpul, and are part of the company’s ongoing proactive efforts to combat the unlawful production, distribution, and sale of products that infringe on its valuable intellectual property rights.”

Starbucks: Bring Your Gun To Starbucks Day!

Today is Bring your gun to Starbucks Day as put together by a firearm advocacy group which has more than 234,000 likes and setup as a public event on July 29. More than 3,000 plan to attend. Thought it was interesting as both of my sisters texted me earlier this morning to let me know so it peaked my interest enough to go out there and see what it was all about. Here is the full article in case you are interested.

Link: http://mashable.com/2013/08/09/bring-your-gun-starbucks/

Overview of Illinois Concealed Carry

NRA Legislative branch released an overview of the new Illinois CCW law that has taken effect recently. It highlights some of the FAQ’s that everyone will have. If you have any additional questions, you can go to the Illinois State Police website. They have a FAQ section setup. See below for more info:

Link to Article: http://dailycaller.com/2013/07/13/nra-ila-on-illinois-overview-of-the-new-concealed-carry-law/

Link to ISP Website FAQ Section: http://www.isp.state.il.us/firearms/ccw/ccw-faq.cfm

Article Highlights:

“Concealed Carry Licensing:

• Five-year concealed carry permits will be issued to Illinois residents at least 21 years of age with a valid FOID card 90 days after a qualified application is submitted.
• Illinois will not recognize carry licenses or permits from other states at this time; however, non-resident Illinois Concealed Carry Licenses will be available with an increased fee of $300 if the interested applicant’s state’s concealed carry license laws are “substantially similar” to Illinois’. Illinois State Police must first establish which elements of other state’s permits meet the “substantially similar” requirement.

To qualify for a license to conceal carry, an Illinois resident must:

• Pay a $150 fee;
• Be subjected to fingerprinting for an additional fee in order to avoid delayed processing of one’s application;
• Undergo 16 hours of training (which includes a “live fire” component). Eight hours of prior training may be credited if it is “approved by the Department [of State Police] and recognized under the laws of another state or if the applicant is an active, retired, or honorably discharged member of the Armed Forces.”

An applicant will be disqualified if

Convicted or found guilty in Illinois or any other state of:

• 2 or more violations related to driving while under the influence of alcohol, other drug or drugs, intoxicating compound or compounds, or any combination thereof, within the last 5 years.
• A misdemeanor involving the use or threat of physical force or violence to any person within the last 5 years.
• Applicant is the subject of a pending arrest warrant, prosecution, or proceeding for an offense or action that could lead to disqualification.
• Applicant has been in a residential or court-ordered treatment for alcoholism, alcohol detoxification, or drug treatment within the last 5 years.
• Any law enforcement agency may object to the issuance of a license to an otherwise qualified applicant on the basis of reasonable suspicion that the applicant presents a danger to self or others or is a threat to public safety. Such an objection sends the application for review by the Concealed Carry Licensing Board, which consists of a total of 7 judicial, law enforcement, and mental health professionals appointed by the Governor. The Board generally will issue a decision in 30 days as to whether it has determined, by a preponderance of the evidence, if the applicant is eligible or ineligible for a license.

Training:

• HB 183 mandates that the Illinois State Police begin approval of certified firearms instructors and firearm training courses within 60 days of enactment. At that time, ISP will provide a registry of instructors and approved classes.

Preemption:

• The language of HB 183 contains comprehensive preemption of handgun and handgun ammunition-related local ordinances for anyone with a valid FOID card, and preemption of “assault weapon” bans enacted by July 19th (see here for more information). Regulation of laws relating to the concealed carrying of handguns is now reserved to the state.
• Illinois law now contains increased protection for those who are traveling with firearms, since the preemption of local firearms ordinances applies to all individuals with a valid FOID card who are transporting firearms in compliance with all state regulations. A personal vehicle is also a safe haven for transport of firearms by non-Illinois residents not otherwise prohibited from possession.

Storage:

• In addition to the safe harbor found in one’s vehicle, licensees who wish to store their firearm in the trunk of their vehicle while visiting an otherwise prohibited location may exit their vehicle while in the parking lot in possession of the firearm for the purposes of storing it in the trunk. They may also store the firearm in the passenger compartment of their vehicle in some sort of container as long as either the vehicle or container is locked and the firearm remains out of plain view.

Prohibited Places:

Under HB 183 there is an extensive list of places where carrying firearms is prohibited, even with a concealed handgun license. Three or more violations will result in a permanent revocation of license. The list of prohibited places includes, but is not limited to:

• Schools and child care facilities
• Colleges and Universities
• Courthouses
• Libraries
• Government buildings
• Public playgrounds
• Public parks (trails excluded)
• Bars (and any restaurant deriving more than half of its profits from alcohol)
• Public transportation
• Permitted public gatherings, such as festivals or parades
• Museums
• Stadiums
• Zoos

”

Blog Update

So my fellow blogging readers, I have let you down! I have been a total slacker lately even though I have been doing a ton of cool stuff that revolves around my blog. I had an avid reader an personal friend remind me of that several times in the past couple weeks and I’m going to try and get back on track and back to releasing all that quality content you so desire. Stay tuned there is some good stuff coming down the pipeline.

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Deer Camera Pics 2013 The Potential Hitlist

Fellow readers, by now you probably know that I’m an avid hunter and my father and I like to practice some quality deer management on the farm we have in Illinois near Pike County. In the pics you will see some of the bucks I have been getting off of one camera in particular. Let me know what you guys & gals think. They are labeled below.

• PRMS0169 Is the typical 10 with a sticker he might crab claw out yet and be a typical 12. What do you think he scores?
• PRMS0307 Is the decent 9 pointer that will be really nice next year if he makes it
• PRMS0439 Is the typical 10 again you can see where he might crab claw
• PRMS0883 Is the 14 pointer
• PRMS0569 Is the 8 pointer that will be really really nice next year or the year after if he makes it
• PRMS1356 Is a decent 8 will be a nice one in a year or two
• PRMS1467 Is decent not sure what he will be next year but his G1’s Fork he’s kinda got a basket rack though
• PRMS0200 Is another pic of the 14 but you can see his left side kinda hes got 7 on the main beam with a G1 that forks and a tine that kind of comes back of his main beam that forks and then he might have crab claws on both side which would make him a 16.

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prms0169

prms0307

prms0439

prms0883

prms0569

prms1356

prms1467

prms0200

Chris Kyle: American Hero

Never got a chance to talk a little more about Chris Kyle but I want to say that Obama and his bunch of liberal idiots should be paying more attention to the things that matter most. What is this country coming to when Obama and his wife congratulate people for announcing they are gay but omit people that die and have gave their blood, sweat, and tears for this country so that we can sleep safely at night. Chris Kyle should be more known in this country and get some of the recognition that he didn’t ask for but definitely deserves. He was an American Hero that fought for this country. His life ended in a tragedy.

Steven Speilberg is going to direct a film based off of his book American Sniper. I am going to be vacationing soon and am looking forward to reading the book in my leisure time while on vacation. Also looking forward to the movie in the future which will store Bradley Cooper.

Most importantly my thoughts and prayers go out to his family, he will be missed. God Bless him for fighting for this country.

Read more about his book here:

http://www.amazon.com/American-Sniper-Autobiography-Military-History/dp/0062082353

Read more about the movie here:

http://www.usatoday.com/story/life/movies/2013/05/02/steven-spielberg-bradley-cooper-american-sniper-movie/2130785/

Read more about his death here:

http://www.realclearpolitics.com/articles/2013/02/14/he_shot_160__and_died_because_he_cared_116995.html

His wife speaking at a NRA convention:

http://www.foxnews.com/us/2013/05/05/widow-american-sniper-navy-seal-speaks-at-nra-convention/