Archive for March, 2006
Image of new cover design of the upcoming issue
of Hunting Illustrated
There are many of you wondering where the next issue of Hunting Illustrated Magazine is. You have been waiting very patiently and we appreciate it very much. We apologize for the very long delay. King’s Outdoor World is currently involved in an acquisition and hope to have this wrapped up in the next few weeks. The magazine (Hunting Illustrated), calendars (King’s Calendars) and camouflage (Desert Shadow, Mountain Shadow, Snow Shadow) will still be what you have come to expect and enjoy. In fact, the people behind these great products have not changed. Unfortunately we have been at a stand-still until everything has been finalized and can then continue as normal. We are working hard to finish this up as soon as possible and our new issue is actually at the printers waiting for the green light to be printed and sent out. Thank you to all of our loyal and trusted customers and subscribers, as we are working hard to make the future of these products better than ever. We appreciate your patience and support.
More information will be posted as it becomes available. I will try and post through this transition and keep everyone up to date and current to the latest happenings.
David King
King’s Outdoor World
UPDATE: Good News
March 30th, 2006
The Colorado Division of Wildlife has launched a web page that gives you the coordinates and tracking ability to follow along with two moose which have been transplanted from Utah. This is very cool and great for teachers to use as an activity in their classes. In the information below it just gives a general link to the web site. Here is the actual link that will take you to the page:
http://wildlife.state.co.us/Education/StudentActivities/MooseTrack.htm
STUDENTS CAN TRACK MOVEMENTS OF MOOSE IN COLORADO ON THE INTERNET
For the first time, students can access satellite information via the Internet that allows them to track the movements of wildlife in Colorado.
Two female Shiras moose, captured in Utah and released on the Grand Mesa in January, are fitted with special telemetry collars. The collars send a signal to satellites which use Global Positioning System technology to determine latitude and longitude coordinates of the animals’ locations. The information is sent back to computers on earth to allow biologists – and anyone who has Internet access – to track recent movements of of of the moose.
“While anyone can access the information through our web site, we believe this project will be especially valuable to students and their teachers,” said Stan Johnson, education coordinator for the Colorado Division of Wildlife’s northwest region. “Now students can explore moose movements just like biologists do.”
The educational program is being funded by the DOW and the Glenwood Springs Chapter of Safari Club International.
The tracking program provides a variety of learning opportunities, Johnson said. Students can sharpen their computer skills, work on reading comprehension, learn about how technology is applied in wildlife biology and develop skills for reading topographical maps.
To access the tracking information, go to the DOW’s web site at http://wildlife.state.co.us, click on the Education button at the top of the page, then click on “Student Activities” to go to the moose education page.
Numerous links on that page will provide students with the information they’ll need to track and learn about the moose. Teachers will also find information that will help them set up lesson plans.
Besides information about the moose, the Education section of the DOW’s web site presents information about hundreds of wildlife species in Colorado, a game that tests wildlife knowledge and a variety of educational programs and activities.
Teachers who want to learn more about the moose educational program and how to use it in their classrooms can contact Johnson at (970) 255-6191.
March 28th, 2006
There have been many reports in the news lately about the positive growth of many companies within the hunting industry. I have compiled a list of some news bits that I have been reading the last few months and thought it would give a good indication of some of the companies and the industry as a whole on how things are going.
EQUIPMENT SALES UP 8 PERCENT IN ’04 . . . Hunting-related equipment sales saw the highest percentage increase of all athletic and sports equipment in 2004, according to new data from the National Sporting Goods Association (NSGA). NSGA’s report “The Sporting Goods Market in 2005″ estimates sales of hunting-related equipment totaled $2.8 billion in 2004, up 8 percent from the previous year. The next-highest category was tennis-related equipment sales, which rose 5 percent. Archery increased 4 percent, camping 3 percent, golf 3 percent, bowling 3 percent, fishing 2 percent, and baseball/softball 2 percent.
Within the hunting-related equipment category, firearms saw a 9.5 percent sales increase in 2004 to $1.9 billion, according to the report. Rifle sales ($722 million) showed a 16.5 percent increase, handgun sales ($524 million) increased 10.4 percent, shotgun sales ($534 million) were up 1.9 percent and air gun sales ($120 million) rose 3 percent. At $2.8 billion in total sales, hunting-related equipment ranked third among all athletic and sports equipment categories in 2004, with only golf ($3.1 billion) and exercise equipment ($5 billion) ranking higher.
SMITH & WESSON SALES JUMP 24% . . . Smith & Wesson Holdings Corp. on Wednesday reported sales of $38.6 million in the third quarter, a 24 percent jump over the previous year. It was the highest quarterly revenue in the company’s history. “This has been a good quarter for us,” said Michael Golden, president and CEO. “In addition to achieving 24 percent sales growth, attaining profitability versus breakeven for the same quarter one year ago, and establishing a record level of revenue, we also achieved some significant milestones in our strategy to grow our core handgun business, to diversify the company, and to enter into new markets with new products.” The company expects fiscal 2006 sales to increase by 19 to 20 percent from 2005. Smith & Wesson is traded on the American Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol SWB.
GANDER MOUNTAIN 4Q PROFIT SOARS . . . Outdoor retailer Gander Mountain Co. on Wednesday reported fourth-quarter profit increased 26 percent over the previous year. At $22.2 million, or $1.45 per share, net income for the quarter topped Wall Street expectations. With the help of strong equipment and fieldwear sales during the hunting seasons and solid sales during the holidays, sales were up 18 percent to $280.8 million during the fourth quarter, the company said. “The record fourth quarter results reflect our ability to manage our business profitably,” said Mark Baker, president and CEO. “We are encouraged by the early results from initiatives we launched in 2005 that gained traction in the fourth quarter. We look forward to a balance of growth and improved profitability in 2006.” Gander Mountain is traded on the NASDAQ National Market under the ticker symbol GMTN.
FINAL SHOT SHOW NUMBERS . . . This year’s SHOT Show in Las Vegas was the largest in its 28-year history. Final figures for the Feb. 9-12 show reveal there were 24,366 buyers, 14,753 exhibiting personnel from 1,846 companies, 1,385 members of the press and 388 guests for a record total attendance of 40,892. The show encompassed 616,300 square feet of exhibit space, surpassing last year’s mark of 569,030. Owned and sponsored by NSSF, SHOT Show is the world’s largest showcase of firearms, hunting and outdoor products.
STRONG EARNINGS FOR CABELA’S . . . Cabela’s Inc. on Thursday reported that revenue rose nearly 17 percent in the fourth quarter to a record $675.4 million, compared to $579.1 million in the same period in 2004. The results topped Wall Street expectations. Total revenue for the 2005 fiscal year increased 15.7 percent to a record $1.8 billion. “We are extremely pleased with our record fourth quarter results, which represent a strong finish to another solid year,” said Dennis Highby, Cabela’s president and CEO. “The positive momentum we experienced during the holiday season gives us a heightened degree of confidence as we head into 2006.” Cabela’s is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol CAB.
JULY-SEPT. INCREASE A WELCOME SIGN . . . Excise taxes collected on firearms and ammunition from July to September were up slightly when compared to the same period in 2004. The increase indicates a slight rise in sales, a welcome sign for the firearms industry. Excise taxes collected totaled $60.3 million during the quarter, up from $60 million last year, according to the U.S. Treasury Department. The totals point to an estimated $557.9 million in sales of firearms and ammunition for manufacturers during the quarter. From January to September, $169.3 million in excise taxes was collected on all firearms and ammunition, an increase of 3.8 percent over 2004.
WINCHESTER AMMO SALES UP . . . Olin Corp., makers of Winchester Ammunition, reported ammunition sales totaled $80.7 million in the fourth quarter of 2005, up slightly from $78.7 million in the same period the previous year. The company reported overall revenue of $604.1 million in the fourth quarter, a 24 percent increase from last year. In addition to manufacturing Winchester sporting ammunition, canister powder, reloading components, small caliber military ammunition and industrial cartridges, Olin is a manufacturer of metals and chemicals. The company is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol OLN.
HOLIDAY GUN SALES HELP UTAH BREAK RECORDS . . . ‘Tis the season for Utah gun shops to sell 12,728 guns, breaking sales records for the Christmas season and for the year. Holiday sales were up 17 percent over 2004. Annual sales have been inching upward nearly every year, reaching this year’s new record of 72,000 rifles, shotguns and handguns sold, a 10 percent increase over 2004. Part of the increases are attributed to a new Cabela’s store in Lehi, Utah.
March 21st, 2006
I was heading to work on Friday and came across this car that was off the road pretty bad. It had swerved off the road, went over a drain pipe, dropped down a three foot drop, took out a fence and was not getting back without major help. It took a while to get him turned the right way since we could only get back on the road where he had taken the fence out. A good 30 minutes later, a tow strap, and four-low we had him finally back on the road. I had my camera in my bag in my front seat, so I couldn’t resist taking a few quick pics.
The roads were completely dry so I was very curious as to what caused him to swerve off the road. He admitted that you shouldn’t try and change the preset on the radio while driving on a narrow, winding road. Good advise…?
March 20th, 2006
If you are going to the ISE (International Sportsman’s Expo) in Salt Lake City, come by our booth and say hi. I didn’t have a chance to be there on Thursday and Friday (today), but plan on being there later on Saturday. The show is at the Southtowne Expo Center.
Show Details
UPDATE: We had a great show and thanks to everyone who stopped by our booth. The show once again pumped a lot of people in the building and there were some great booths. Here are just a couple of photos taken on Saturday of our booth.
March 17th, 2006
The above picture has been circulating the Internet since last fall. This tremendous typical mule deer was taken in British Columbia by Randy Bedell. One misconception is that the person holding the deer rack in the photo above is not Randy. I thought this buck was the largest typical mule deer taken in 2005 and made a post about it earlier. This amazing typical mule deer officially scores 219 5/8 gross and 209 0/8 net B&C and is the new British Columbia typical record.
However, over the weekend I received an email of a gigantic typical mule deer from Saskatchewan taken in 2005. Could this buck overtake the monster British Columbia buck shown above? Yes it will. The buck has been officially scored by Boone and Crockett at an incredible 210 2/8 net! Here is a short breakdown on the score:
27 7/8″ wide
220 gross (total)
3 3/8 abnormal points
216 5/8 gross typical frame
210 2/8 net typical (official B&C after all deductions)
This buck really would have net scored 213 if there were not the two small abnormal points. The buck was taken by hunter Jamie Gerein. The British Columbia buck actually has a bigger typical frame, but has more deductions than the Saskatchewan buck. The interesting part is that both deer average 28-inches wide. So much for worrying about the magical 30-inch mark, huh. Where does this buck rank within SK? It would be the new #2 for the province. The SK record is a buck taken in 1950 by Lars Svenson that scores 218 4/8 and is also a pending #2 in the world for B&C. There is no question Saskatchewan had an incredible year.
You will see more on both of these record mule deer in Hunting Illustrated Magazine.
March 15th, 2006
Alberta suspends (ban) the spring grizzly hunt stating that there are too few grizzlies than originally thought. Alberta’s provincial Ministry of Sustainable Resource Development has announced a suspension of its spring grizzly bear hunt while DNA census data is collected, which will continue “over the next few years.” Minister Dave Coutts said, “While we pursue better grizzly bear population estimates, Alberta will take the most precautionary approach possible with the spring hunt.” Two experts from Montana universities will provide scientific peer review of the provincial Draft Grizzly Bear Recovery Plan.
What does this mean? There is a ban on grizzly hunting in Alberta for three years. During this time they want to get more conclusive evidence of the true population of the grizzly bears. They claim there are projected population numbers of 1000 plus, however, the numbers could be as low as 500 or less. Because of the lack of valid population data, they are suspending the hunt to ensure the future of the grizzly bear.
I have my concerns about this. Whenever something is taken away, it is very difficult to re-instate. There is a tremendous push from the animal rights groups to ban bear hunting altogether. They are using this as a tremendous moral victory and now have three years to put the pressure on the government to keep it banned even if numbers are stable and on the rise. Will this be the last of the grizzly bear hunt for Alberta? Even in British Columbia, where there are an estimated 13,800 grizzly bears, a debate has been raging over the hunt. We will know in three years.
Information from CBC News state that Alberta issued 73 grizzly licences in 2005. Ten bears were killed in the hunt, and another 12 were killed in other circumstances, including two “problem bears,” two shot illegally and two killed in self defence. Conservationists wanted the hunt stopped because Alberta’s grizzly population is shrinking, but the Alberta Fish and Game Association favours a modest hunt to deal with “problem bears.”
Another article posted an interesting twist to the positive affects of hunting:
Ray Makowecki, a wildlife biologist and past president of the Alberta Fish & Game Association, said Alberta’s grizzly bears don’t need Mr. Bonko’s help. “There was a debate a few years ago as to whether there was less than 500 or more than 900 grizzly bears in Alberta,” Mr. Makowecki said. “It’s very difficult to count bears. The new estimates are in the 700 range.” That means the population has been stable during the 15 years that the hunting-draw system has been in place, he said. And it may even be increasing. “There is some anecdotal, very important indicators of trends, and these are the people who are outdoors, the conservation officers, the biologists, outfitters and hunters. … If you talk to someone who’s spent 30 years in the bush, there’s no question but that there are more grizzlies. “From that perspective, we say the hunt has no impact … and it should continue.” Mr. Makowecki, a former regional wildlife director for the province, said there’s also the important matter of continued grizzly bear monitoring. As long as there is a hunt, he said, wildlife biologists will keep a close watch on the bear population to make sure a decline doesn’t begin. Without the hunt, such monitoring would stop.
Hunting
March 14th, 2006
Bret got his moose shoulder mount back over the weekend from the taxidermist. With a little help from a neighbor he was able to get the beast up on the wall. Bret was the lucky Utah Sportsman Moose tag holder for 2005 and was able to knock down this great 45-inch moose in northern Utah.
March 13th, 2006
I got my mountain goat hide and horns back yesterday. I am wanting to do a full body mount with the goat coming down a big rock, but that is going to be for another day. However, I needed to preserve the beautiful hide and therefore just got it tanned for now. The fur is nice and thick and really came out nice. I can’t wait for the day to have this fully mounted.
hunting
March 10th, 2006
Current Hunting Illustrated subsribers who are getting close to renewing are sent a special renewal form. When sending back their renewal, they are also put in a special drawing for a free set of King’s ShadowCamo. It only includes magazine renewals using this special form, so the odds are pretty good since we pick a winner just from what we receive for that month.
Our February winner goes to Armand Labrucherie of Morgan Hill, California. Armand is the lucky winner and we appreciate you renewing your subscription to Hunting Illustrated. A full set of ShadowCamo is on the way.
March 8th, 2006
Previous Posts
