UplandFeathers

Since the Shot Show, Benelli has been teasing about the launch of the new Vinci model. According to Benelli the new shotgun is revolutionary. Benelli drew their inspiration from the great Renaissance artist, scientist and inventor, Leonardo Da Vinci, who is known for his far-seeing inventions and ideas. Hence the name Vinci. The shotgun has been tested in Cordoba, Argentina, which you may know is dove shooting nirvana. When most guns rattle apart from the high volume shooting, the Vinci, according to Benelli, took it in stride. Stay tuned on March 31 for the unveiling and in the meantime goes to the Benelli Security Portal to get the pre-buzz blitz. Benelli’s are known for simplicity, efficiency and high-tech innovations—Inertia Driven actions, ComforTech stocks, Crio System treated barrels. They also have a flare for style. You can pick out a Benelli in rack of guns as easily as you can spot a Ferrari in rush hour traffic. Buona fortuna!

Posted by SwampYankee at 12:24 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

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DU and partners received a $1 million grant through the North American Wetlands Conservation Act to protect and enhance over 20,000 acres of wildlife habitat in southeastern NC. DU’s partners contributed over $3 million in matching funds toward the federal grant. An it is none too soon, according to DU over 50% of NC's original wetlands have been lost due unprecedented growth and development. The funds are targeting sites located within the Holly Shelter Game Lands in Pender County, the Suggs Mill Pond Game Lands in Bladen County, and within a newly acquired public game land along the Lower Cape Fear River.

Posted by SwampYankee at 04:59 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

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The RGS recently tabulated the results from a woodcock hunting survey that they randomly mailed to some 2,000 hunters. The response suggests that the typical woodcock hunter is a guy over 40 years old, who hunts woodcock primarily while hunting grouse, quail and rabbits. He hunts woodcock 10 days or less each year and bags 10 or fewer woodcock each season. Sounds like the RGS profiled me. When I hunt birds I am an opportunistic hunter. I leave the rabbit alone, but grouse and woodcock go hand-in-glove. Most hunters, according to the survey, some 56% in fact, shot five or less birds, 24% between 6 and 10, 14% 11-20 and 6% killed between 21-50.That seems a pretty fair average if you ask me and most hunters taking the survey—some 70%—thought the current season and bag limit of three birds a day is adequate. The quality of woodcock hunting was a mixed bag, though. Some 38% stated the overall quality of woodcock hunting has remained the same over the past five years, while 33% of hunters felt it has gotten worse. In our neck of the woods, there still are pockets of birds but not the numbers of yore. Maybe I’m glad the perceived notion of the steep decline in the woodcock population will dissuade hunters. If that is the case it sounds like my bag limit average may increase. I’m going to tell all my hunting buddies to stop chasing woodcock—they taste awful, the dogs refuse to retrieve them, and there aren’t any to be found anyway. And by the way, come fall I'll be a bit busy. Good thing I have two dogs.

Posted by SwampYankee at 04:45 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

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A recent survey compiled the brands and products that hunters and target shooters preferred most in 2008. care to guess the mst favorite shotgun brand? How about the most preferred shotshell? I know the anticipation is excruciating. Here's the list:

• Top shotgun brand: Mossberg (29.9% of all purchases)
• Top shotgun ammunition brand: Winchester (35.7% of all purchases)
• Top game call brand: Primos (35.9% of all purchases)

Posted by SwampYankee at 06:53 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

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