MARCH 20, 2023
 
 
 

Letter From The Editor

Welcome to another edition of The Hunting Wire! Life is good here in Virginia. I had the privilege and honor to serve with Woodford Warriors for an Introduction to Upland Hunting Clinic at Shady Grove Shooting Preserve in my hometown of Remington, Va. Fellow industry partners joined us, Outdoor Stewarts of Conservation Foundation, the National Rifle Association, Mossberg, and the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources to conduct the free clinic. Ten military veterans shot sporting clays, ate a wild game lunch, and hunted chukar with local guides who donated their time to the event. Thank you to the veterans and sponsors who helped make this event possible.

We have a great issue in store for you. As always, if you have questions or suggestions, please email me at jay@theoutdoorwire.com

Voice of Leadership Panel

By Paul Kugelman, Jr., Legal Compliance Officer - Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources

On February 21st, The Hunting Wire ran "The World is Run by Those Who Show Up" by Ryan Brown, the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources Executive Director and a 2022-23 Leadership Panelist for The Voice of the Outdoors. I found that article on LinkedIn, read it, and posted a comment agreeing with what Ryan had to say (while admitting that he is the head of the agency where I work). I also mentioned that it's about showing up and "how" you show up. That comment prompted Jay Pinsky to ask me to put something together.

I think a little bit about my background may lend some credence to what I have to say. Before coming to the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources a couple of years ago, I had been with the Office of the Virginia Attorney General for 18 years, most of that with the Environmental Section, including a few years as the head of that section. I represented various boards, commissions, and agencies and sat as legal counsel during countless public meetings. All of those meetings involved issues that were important to Virginia's citizens. Some of those meetings were quite contentious. One of the things I learned over those years was how the members of the boards and other government officials processed the public's comments during those meetings – how public comments influenced decision-making.

As with most things in life, some approaches are better than others. No approach has guaranteed results. What follows is what I suggest is a "better approach" to showing up. Essentially, there are three phases – preparation, presentation, and follow-up.

Preparation

First, you'll need to ensure that the public body you will appear in before you can take the action you want. Typically, public bodies take general public comments for issues, not on the current agenda and receive comments on agenda items. If the issue you're concerned about is on the agenda, you're in the right place. If you're going to comment during the general comment period, please make sure that the public body is the one that can take care of your concerns.

Second, you should determine the public body's meeting schedule and agenda. These are posted on the agency's website.

Third, could you sign up for public comment? If you are still getting familiar with how this is done, don't hesitate to contact the agency staffing the meeting a few weeks beforehand to be sure you know what to do. Also, many public bodies now allow citizens to participate remotely by calling in. Sign-up procedures may vary between public bodies and differ for those commenting in-person and remotely. Please sign up so you can comment.

Fourth, please determine if the public comment has a time limit. Many bodies have a three-minute limit for individual commentators and five for those commenting on behalf of a group. Please feel free to submit any comments in writing if you need to provide the public with more information than the time limit. You can do both.

Fifth - put your presentation together.

The format that I recommend states:

  1. Your name.
  2. Where you are from.
  3. If you are speaking for an organization, I would say that.
  4. The action you would like the body to take or let the body know about your concern.
  5. Why do you want the body to act, or why do you have the concern?
  6. Thank the body for your time if you'd like to do so.
 

Last - practice your presentation. Please know that you can be flawed in making your point, but it helps if you can deliver it with some level of familiarity and know if it keeps within the time limit.

Also, I'd like to point out that public comment differs from when interacting with the public body. You will be invited to make your comment if you don't mind. The public body will listen and most likely thank you for your time. It will then call the next person. Also, personal attacks and questioning people's motives or character will not be persuasive and will likely detract from your good points.

You'll need to attend a public meeting you'd like to see before to understand how its meetings are run. You'll see the earlier meeting in the same way you will seem to comment. If you are making comments in person, attending an earlier meeting will give you a better sense of travel, parking, and physical space. If you are making comments remotely, following an earlier meeting remotely will allow you to become familiar with how to access the meeting.

Presentation

Preparation is where the work happens. Please make sure you are at the meeting on time and have signed up to comment. After that, you must wait for your name to be called and present as you have practiced. You will do just fine.

Are others discussing the issue you will be discussing? In that case, you may want to adjust your presentation to highlight something others have not raised or adopt the comments already made by others who agree with your position.

Follow-up

If all you want to do is inform the public of an issue, you will have accomplished that.

If you spoke about an action item on the agenda, you might see the outcome before you leave the meeting. For action items, the public body will likely vote on the matter after public comment and any discussion that the body may have.

You'll need to follow up with the public body about other things. Most often, this will involve monitoring the public body's meeting agenda to see if any further action will be taken. It is also worth paying attention during the meeting to see the public body's actions and comments. This may give you insight into what you want to do next.

Disclaimer

The views expressed in this article are those of its author. They do not necessarily reflect the views of the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources.

Paul is a late-onset hunter and has worked at the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources for two years. His advice here comes from nearly 20 years of service to the Virginia state government as an attorney, including representing during public meetings the Board of Game and Inland Fisheries (now the Board of Wildlife Resources), Virginia Marine Resources Commission, Virginia Gas and Oil Board, State Air Pollution Control Board, State Water Control Board, and Virginia Waste Management Board.

The National Account Manager is responsible for meeting their sales objectives at their assigned accounts (Distributor or Big Box Retailer). This includes developing an account specific sales plan, 12 month rolling marketing plan, new product training, promotion development and special projects.

NSSF, The Firearm Industry Trade Association, celebrates the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s (USFWS) announcement that $1.6 billion is being apportioned to state conservation and wildlife access programs, driven mostly by firearm and ammunition manufacturers.

HUNTING NEWS & INFORMATION

Federal Ammunition congratulates sponsored shooter Paul Giambrone for his outstanding performance at the 2023 Triple J Classic held at the National Shooting Complex in San Antonio, TX March 9-12, 2023.

Hawke Optics, a world leader in quality sporting optics that perform outstanding in the field while maintaining optimum value for the consumer, knows that accuracy at any range requires an optic built with precision, clarity, and light transmission.

Primary Arms Optics has announced its attendance at DSEI Japan 2023, which will be held March 15-17 in Makuhari Messe in Chiba, Japan. Attendees are invited to visit Primary Arms Optics at Booth #H7-231. 

NSSF, The Firearm Industry Trade Association, takes exception with President Joe Biden’s Executive Order to increase gun control measures. In the name of “doing something,” the Biden administration is chilling fundamental Constitutional rights and simply rehashing existing law, many of which were previously supported by the firearm industry.

Legacy Sports International is excited to announce the popular 6MM ARC caliber is now shipping in the HOWA Mini Action Series of rifles.

Hawke Sport Optics is remaining as a Whitetails Unlimited national sponsor, announced WTU President Jeff Schinkten.

TrueTimber is proud to announce support of The Double D Foundation 2023 banquet. TrueTimber will support as a Gold level sponsor, donating $10,000 towards their important mission of protecting the Second Amendment and advancing freedom through shooting sports. The event is set to take place today, March 9, in Columbia, SC. 

NSSFis pleased to announce that the training series titled “Completion of the ATF Form 4473 2023 Edition” is now available through the SHOT University Online education center.

NSSF, The Firearm Industry Trade Association, is encouraged by the announcement from Visa and MasterCard that they will “pause” plans to implement a special Merchant Category Code (MCC) specific to purchases at firearm retailers with their credit cards.

HeadHunters NW, the premier executive recruiting firm focused exclusively and deliberately on talent acquisition for the shooting, hunting, and outdoor industry, announces it will host weekly live meetings to provide resources for those who work in the firearms industry.  

Turf Titan K9 Correcter’s time-tested formula of beneficial bacteria and humates works deep in soil to promote healthy green grass and protect from future urine burnout.

Remington Ammunition is proud to announce that Team Remington’s Madison Sharpe won 1st place in the Seminole Cup Main Event Ladies Division during the 30th Anniversary of the Seminole Cup Sporting Clays Championship in Woodbine, Ga., March 1-5, 2023. 

Field Ethos officially announces Shane Meisel as President. 

The Headrest Safe Company, LLC, innovators of the ultimate discreet vehicle safe storage system, is proud to announce they have partnered with Evernham Sales Associates.

The National Deer Association has joined a coalition of timber companies and conservation organizations formed to fight chronic wasting disease (CWD) among deer in the Southeast.

=Steelhead Outdoors will exhibit at Minnesota Deer & Turkey Classic – March 10-12, 2023, in Shakopee, MN at Canterbury Park Expo Center. Steelhead Outdoors proudly makes its modular Made-in-USA gun safes nearby in Shakopee.

RCBS, the leading manufacturer of ammunition reloading equipment for rifles and pistols, has added three new cartridges to its collection of full-length die sets: 7mm PRC, .360 Buckhammer and .338 Weatherby RPM

The National Account Manager is responsible for meeting their sales objectives at their assigned accounts (Distributor or Big Box Retailer). This includes developing an account specific sales plan, 12 month rolling marketing plan, new product training, promotion development and special projects.

The  IHEA-USA announced that Megan Fedrick has assumed a new role within the organization, Director of Partnerships and Development. 

The Mossy Oak Bottomland camo pattern on the G-450 ground blind chair sets it apart from its predecessor and blends in with its natural surroundings. 

SK Customs, the Nation’s only series driven, limited edition manufacturer of custom firearms, is bringing the history of ancient Egypt alive through its launch of a brand-new series, the Gods of Egypt.

AG Composites, a veteran-owned company that designs and manufactures advanced composite products, combines the best of both worlds – advanced computerized design and manufacture with hand finishing – to produce the world’s finest composite rifle stocks, each with a unique look.

The National Bowhunter Education Foundation (NBEF) invites you to participate in the R100 National Archery Tour as it heads to Homer, GA and Roanoke, TX this month.

Get ready for the future of firepower, because the future is now! Take one look at the cover of the February/March 2023 issue of Ballistic and you’ll know exactly what we mean.

Victory Archery is excited to announce a new partnership with professional archer Bella Otter.

Blackhawk®, a leader in law enforcement and military equipment for over 20 years, congratulates tactical athlete Zach Rodman for his second-place finish at the Tactical Games 2023 New Mexico Regional event.

The Nomad Pursuit Series paves the way for an innovative turkey hunting apparel line that provides hunters with comfort and concealment on every hunt. Top to bottom, the Pursuit Series has hunters covered with state-of-the-art technology. The Pursuit Series features everything from sun-protective and stain-resistant fabric to styles worn comfortably at every temperature.

The National Bowhunter Education Foundation (NBEF) offers educational items to increase success and safety for bowhunters. The shot placement guide can help wild turkey hunters improve shot accuracy for a quick harvest and game recovery.

APEX Outdoor Rewards is excited to announce this season's APEX Elite Challenge Brands who will be facing off to score big in the interest of Turkey Conservation.  

X-Vision Optics and its line-up of thermal optics and infrared products will be on display at the Minnesota Deer and Turkey Classic, which will be on Friday, March 10th through Sunday March 12th  at Canterbury Park in Shakopee, Minnesota. 

MTM Case-Gard, the first name in innovative polymer-based solutions for shooting and hunting enthusiasts, expands its shooting support system offerings for 2023 with The Bull rifle rest.

APEX Ammunition, makers of high-performance, handloaded, ultra-high-density Tungsten Super Shot (TSS) shotshells, is pleased to announce its partnership with Country Outdoors.

As the seasons change, there’s no better time to spend quality time at your favorite camping spot with your family in the great outdoors.

PARD is pleased to announce that Sports South is now an authorized PARD distributor. Established in 1841, Sports South is the country’s oldest and largest firearms, ammunition, and accessories distributor.

Designed as the ultimate long-range, high-performance riflescope, the German Precision Optics (GPO) SPECTRA 6X 4.5-27x50i SFP has been built to give premium performance for those who hunt game in environments where shooting at extended ranges is often required. 

SLG2, Inc. recently launched its Safe LivinG program, empowering men, women, families and communities to live securely through interactive experiences and web resources.

A new year brings a new batch of fresh product introductions from the firearm industry! And, the May-June issue of Combat Handguns brings all the new guns and gear right to your living room!

From increasing your effective range to shooting faster without sacrificing precision, the benefits of running a red dot on handguns are numerous and proven.

Beretta is pleased to announce that Team Beretta athletes have had a strong performance during the start of the 2023 competition season.

Outtech is seeking candidates for a Regional Manager in the Washington, Oregon, Wyoming, Idaho, Montana and Alaska territory.

Antler King is happy to announce it’s heading to the 2023 Open Season Sportsman’s Expo in Overland Park, Kansas from March 10-13. 

We all love fried chicken and fried potatoes, right? The smell, the taste ... But we also know that eating fried foods is about as unhealthy as it gets.

 Rock River Arms, the industry's most respected name in Modern Sporting Rifles and pistols, introduces its new Operator DMR (Designated Marksman Rifle) series for 2023. 

SEVR Broadheads is now shipping the all-new innovative archery practice target—the 21” SEVR HD.  

C&H Precision Weapons – a leader in the industry of mounting pistol optics – has a storied history of use in the hands of many DoD and agency hands. The FBI has used C&H as their optics mounting plate for many years. These mounting plates can accommodate an entirely different optic footprint by taking the older pistol slides and upgrading them. This begs the question,” is it good enough for me, a consumer?”

Citizens of the Commonwealth who would like to participate in a one-of-a-kind outdoors experience are encouraged to take part in the 7th Annual Old Dominion One Shot Turkey Hunt scheduled for April 21-22.

NDA’s mission to secure the future of wild deer, wildlife habitat and hunting could not be realized without the tireless work of grassroots volunteers.

Hornady congratulates Doug Koenig on his victory at the Accuracy International Long Range Classic hosted by Altus Shooting Solutions, March 11-12, 2023 in Baker, Florida.

Primary Arms Government has announced its attendance at the upcoming International Law Enforcement Educators and Trainers Association (ILEETA) 2023 Annual Conference and Expo, which runs from March 20th to 25th at the St. Louis Union Station Hotel in St. Louis, Missouri. 

Krieghoff International proudly sponsors all three of the FITASC events at this year’s 2023 NSCA U.S. Open.  

Federal Ammunition congratulates sponsored shooter Vincent Hancock—a three-time Olympic gold medalist and four-time World Champion—for winning two medals at the 2023 International Shooting Sports Federation (ISSF) World Cup in Doha, Qatar, March 4-13.

Safariland, a brand of The Safariland Group, a leading global provider of safety products designed for the public safety, military, professional, and outdoor markets and one of Cadre Holdings, Inc.’s (NYSE: CDRE) (“Cadre”) key brands recently launched the next evolution of duty rated retention holsters.

Wildlife Farming is attending the 2023 Open Season Sportsman’s Expo in Overland Park, Kansas from March 10-12. Held at the Overland Park Convention Center, the show will feature a wide variety of hunting exhibitors, exclusive show specials, special seminars, and door prizes.

Brownells unveiled the BRN-180SH complete upper – the newest addition to the popular BRN-180 line – announcing it at the IWA Outdoor Classics show in Nuremberg, Germany. 

The Dead Level Hunter XS Lite .5-inch micro-diameter, ultra-lightweight stabilization system allows bowhunters to customize the balance of any bowhunting setup without adding excessive overall mass weight. 

Hunting vests are a necessary piece of gear. The Nomad Pursuit Convertible Turkey Vest is a leading-edge design delivering a highly functional yet minimalist spin on the Turkey hunting vest. 

onX Hunt has teamed up with Mossy Oak to provide the industry’s first Turkey Academy–a premier online resource to help turkey hunters get the most out of their time in the woods.

Henry Repeating Arms recently discovered a safety issue affecting certain lever action .45-70 Gov’t rifles manufactured between December 14, 2022, and January 11, 2023.

 
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