NRA-ILA :: FBI Reports Huge Decrease In Murders As Firearm, Ammunition And “Large” Magazine Sales Soar

NRA-ILA :: FBI Reports Huge Decrease In Murders As Firearm, Ammunition And “Large” Magazine Sales Soar

The Best Guns for Home Security

The best home defense weapon is a handgun, and the most important element in selecting a handgun is finding one you feel comfortable with. Look for a handgun that will be effective and reliable. There are many options for handguns that you need to consider, but it's most important to find the best fit in your price range and learn to use the gun by practicing often.
Glock
The Glock 17 is the most popular handgun for law enforcement for one reason: reliability. With a low weight and high magazine capacity, the Glock 17 is an easy-to-use and reliable handgun with good accuracy at a reasonable price. No external safeties make it simple to operate when faced with a high-stress situation. The safety is built into the grip and trigger system, making it an effective home defense weapon. When you need it, the Glock 17 will be reliable, effective and accurate.
Kimber
The Eclipse II 1911 from Kimber offers unmatched accuracy with an adjustable night sight system. The sight system allows for accurate shooting in low light conditions. Magazine capacity of seven is on the lower end for most self-defense handguns but the Eclipse II offsets that with excellent accuracy from the 3-inch barrel. A checkered grip gives a positive grip with cold or wet hands. If you are looking for the same reliability and accuracy as the Eclipse II but at a lower price, check out the Kimber Pro Carry II. This short-barreled handgun provides enough power, ammo capacity and reliability for effective home security.
Springfield Armory
The XD Compact from Springfield Armory offers the best combination of price, reliability and accuracy for the home security handgun. The XD Compact's black polymer frame can withstand the harshest conditions. The handgun's 30 oz. weight and 4-inch barrel make the XD easy to carry. The 10-round magazine, which can expand to 13 rounds with the grip extension, brings a lot of firepower into home security. Front and rear steel sights provide reliability. Another option from Springfield Armory is the 1911 model GI .45. The military sights and titanium firing pin make this a great choice for home security.

New Mexico Whitetail Deer Hunting

New Mexico and whitetail deer are not typically associated. New Mexico is known for trophy elk, and whitetail deer are mostly hunted throughout the Midwest and eastern half of the United States. However, if you take the time to research and travel to New Mexico looking for whitetail deer, you will not be disappointed.
History
New Mexico always produces a few trophy class bucks in every unit with no specific unit consistently producing more good bucks than another. Throughout the years, one whitetail and 32 Coues whitetails have made the Boone & Crockett record books.
Features
Two types of whitetails are found in New Mexico: the Texas subspecies are found in the central and eastern parts of the state and the Coues whitetails are spread throughout the southeastern portion. Overall, the Coues provides the greatest trophy potential.
Benefits
In the southern latitude the rut kicks in later than in the northern states. The rut usually starts around the end of December and runs into February, which allows for an extended hunting season for anyone who spent October and November hunting the rut in the rest of the United States and Canada.
Considerations
There are plenty of guides and outfitters who specialize in whitetail deer hunts. You can also plan a do-it-yourself hunt with a little research and planning.
Geography
Whitetails inhabit most of the public hunting land in New Mexico, and Coues whitetails are typically found between 4,000 and 7,000 feet. New Mexico offers 9 million acres of National Forest and 13 million acres of Bureau of Land Management land.
Fun Fact
New Mexico is the only state where you can hunt both the Coues whitetail deer and the regular whitetail deer.

How to Choose Scope Rings

Overview
You just purchased a new rifle and it is time to mount your scope. Quality rifle scopes can provide safer and more-accurate shooting. The link between your scope and rifle are the rings and bases. Deciding what kind of bases and rings you are going to mount to the rifle can be very confusing considering there are so many different types of guns. Choosing scope rings can be much easier if you know how you are intending to use the rifle. A varmint rifle will need different rings than a dangerous game rifle.
Step 1
Determine whether your rifle has been drilled and tapped. Consult the rifle's manual if you have any questions about whether or not your rifle has been tapped. The majority of today's rifles come with pre-drilled holes to install the scope mount bases and rings.
Step 2
Choose your scope and determine the objective size. This is very important when determining the scope rings to ensure that the objective clears the barrel. The goal is to get the shortest rings that the scope allows without the scope actually touching the barrel.
Step 3
Consider steel and aluminum rings. Steel provides the strongest rings, but aluminum can be used if weight is a factor. Also consider quick-release rings if you intend on using your rifle with open sights.
Step 4
Determine ring height based on the rifle and objective size of the scope, and make sure that the ring inside diameter matches the scope's tube diameter. Typical measurements are 1 inch and 30 mm. Consider bolt lift, objective size, eye relief, and barrel when choosing ring height.
Skill-Moderately Easy

Things You'll Need
Rifle
Rifle scope
Bases
Rings
Screwdriver

Tips
Choose the strongest rings and bases that you can afford and install correctly with professional help using a gun vise. Always consult the manual if you have any questions about compatibility with your rifle.
Warnings
Do not overtighten or use adhesives once you choose the scope rings. The rings and bases are the weakest link on your rifle so make sure you have a properly fitted connection to the rifle and scope.

How to Choose a Hunting Lease

Overview
All hunters dream of owning their own hunting land, but high land prices have made that dream more difficult for the average hunter to realize. In the last decade, real estate companies have started specializing in land leases, which grant access for a hunter or group of hunters for a set fee. Choosing a hunting lease that meets your hunting needs and offers good potential for trophy game involves tough choices. With proper research, however, you can find a productive hunting lease within your budget.

Step 1
Decide on your ultimate hunting priorities and goals. If you want to pursue waterfowl, you should not search for land that is populated with deer and turkeys. Very few properties offer everything in terms of wildlife, so narrow your search to the specific species that you wish to pursue.

Step 2
Determine the amount of land you can afford. Lease packages can vary from a few hundred acres to thousands of acres, depending on the area. Consider forming a group with your closest hunting friends to increase the amount of land you can lease.

Step 3
Search for land that is a reasonable driving distance from your home. When you invest in a hunting lease, you want to get the most out of the investment. Driving distance is an essential element in choosing a hunting lease that you and your family can enjoy for years to come.

Step 4
Review aerial maps on Google Earth, or purchase maps online from MyTopo. Aerial maps offer a different perspective on the lease property and neighboring properties that cannot be seen from ground level.

Step 5
Obtain a property condition report from the leasing agent or owner. This can reveal important information about mineral rights or other unseen situations, such as oil tanks buried in the ground. Inspect every detail before agreeing to the lease.

Step 6
Verify if the land is ready to hunt or if you will need to establish food plots or dig ponds. As a general rule, land that is ready to hunt is more expensive. Having the ability to plant food plots and other crops allows you to customize your lease based on how you intend to hunt.

Things You'll Need
Google Earth
Maps

Tips
Take your time during the research process, and do not jump into a buying decision. Consult several different leasing agents. Talk to the owners of the neighboring properties to see how they manage wildlife.

Warnings
Beware of trespassers on your property. Some local hunters may have hunted the property for years and are not aware that the land is leased.Verify public access to your hunting lease, as certain landowners may block access to your leased property.

What is the best GPS for hunting?

Overview
A Global Positioning System, or GPS, is a navigation system based on a network of satellites. Today, hunters use the many features of a GPS while in the field. You can mark waypoints, track routes, and view topographic maps on the GPS. Determining the best GPS for your hunting needs can be a daunting task. The Garmin Colorado 400t is the most advanced GPS unit that provides everything a hunter needs to be safe and successful.

Features
The Colorado 400t is loaded with features including barometric altimeter, electronic compass, picture viewer, and detailed topographic maps. The maps show rivers, lakes, forests, and elevation information.

Share Information
Additional maps are available for the Colorado 400t and waypoints, tracks, and routes can be shared wirelessly with other Colorado GPS units. Share information on twitter and facebook.

Size
Overall size fits in the palm of your hand with a large screen. Unit dimensions are 2.4"x5.5"x1.4" and screen dimensions are 1.53"x2.55".

Benefits
The color screen and one-handed operation make the Colorado 400t the best gps for hunting. The altimeter and compass keep you safe and the map keeps you on track.

Fun Fact
Use the preloaded topographic maps to plan your trip and analyze your hunting area. Review the maps to determine game funnels, ridges, and creeks.

Late Season Whitetail Deer Hunting

The December cold has swept through the United States and late season firearm seasons are in full swing. Bucks that survived the early seasons are traveling to the food sources to replenish from the rut and prepare for the winter.What states are you planning to hunt the rest of this season and what gear are you going to use to stay warm?

Recipe: Hot Turkey Poppers

Ingredients:
Wild turkey breast
Jalapeno peppers
Bacon
Cream cheese
Toothpicks

Leave no seed behind: Halve about 12 jalapenos then gut them so you won't inflame the sinuses and other senses of your guests' nasal passages.Italian soak: Marinate one wild turkey breast in your favorite brand of Italian dressing for 24 hours. Cut the turkey meat into pieces that will fit easily inside the pepper halves.Culinary glue: Spread cream cheese inside the pepper halves and place the turkey strips on top of the cream cheese. For insurance, add a toothpick. Wrap a bacon strip around the outside for a second insurance policy.

The Not-Hots: Not everyone wants to cry and have hot flashes while they're eating. Another high-yielding garden pepper, the banana pepper, is a great jalapeno substitute.

Grill Away: Place the peppers on the bbq grill and cook until the bacon is done. Let them cool before serving.

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Recipe: Sour Cream Smothered Catfish

Ingredients:
4 catfish fillets
1 cup zesty Italian salad dressing
1 onion, coarsely chopped
1 green bell pepper, chopped
1 tomato, chopped
1 lemon, thinly sliced
8 oz sour cream
1 tsp Cajun seasoning
Salt and pepper
3 cups cooked rice

Pat the catfish fillets dry and cut into large chunks (about 6 pieces per fillet). Combine the fish with the dressing in a plastic bag and marinate for 30 minutes. Remove the fish and discard the marinade.Preheat the over to 350F. Place the fish in a baking dish and cover with the onion, bell pepper, tomato and sliced lemon. Cover all with sour cream. Sprinkle with Cajun seasoning then salt and pepper to taste.
Bake until the fish flakes easily with a fork, about 35-45 minutes. Serve over cooked rice with a green salad and freshly baked beans.
Maked 4 servings.

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Hoyt Maxxis vs Hoyt Matrix

Hoyt does it again. Last year when I started shooting the AlphaMax it was the best bow ever. I knew it would be hard to top the performance and features of the AlphaMax but Hoyt hit a homerun with the 2010 bows. The radical new designs appeal to the hunter looking for a good looking bow. Anyone looking at the 2010 Hoyt bows will be faced with plenty of decisions. The Carbon Matrix or the Maxxis? Bottom line is if the price tag doesn't make a difference buy the bow that fits you and feels most comfortable in your hands. Go to your local pro shop and setup both bows identical and spend time in the range. For me, I chose the Maxxis 31 because it simply felt better and fits my style of hunting.

Recipe: Grilled Bass

Ingredients:

1/4 cup of butter

Juice of one lemon

Juice of one lime

3 pounds of bass with ribcage

Cajun seasoning or freshly ground pepper

Finely chopped fresh garlic

Whole fresh basil leaves

Melt the butter then add the lemon and lime juice and mix well. Pour over the fish. Season well. Sprinkle garlic over each fish and top with a basil leaf. Refrigerate for 30 minutes. Heat the grill pan or similar appliance and grill the fillets for 4-6 minutes or until the fish flakes easily. Serve with broiled new potatoes in garlic butter sauce, fresh green beans and cornbread.

Makes 4 servings.

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Recipe: Sauteed Fish with Citrus

Ingredients:

2 small, skinned fish fillets

Bread crumbs

2 Tbsp butter

Grapefruit and orange sections

Coat the fish with bread crumbs. Melt the butter in a medium skillet over medium heat and saute the fish until brown. Serve with grapefruit and orange sections. This recipe may be cooked on an outdoor stove. Makes 2 servings.

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October: Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Did you know that nearly 1 out of 3 cancer diagnoses among women in the U.S. are breast cancer? Thanks to early detection and treatment, breast cancer mortality rates are decreasing substantially. And we'd like to shed the light on some of our advertisers who are helping with the financial weight of the research.

What is Endurance Outdoors?

Who and what is Endurance Outdoors? Our motto is "Train Hard! Hunt Hard!". With our passion for the outdoors and outdoor adventure we also bring you the best gear available for that adventure. The passion to be successful in the backcountry burns through our souls every day and the elements we experience require rugged and sturdy gear. In our online superstore we offer the best brands available today and are working to increase our catalog every day. Check back to the blog to find our newest gear.Post thoughts to comments.

National Hunting & Fishing Day

NHF Day, formalized by Congress in 1972, has been called the most effective grassroots effort in history to educate the American public about hunting, fishing and conservation.
3 Reasons for Americans to Respect Hunters, Anglers

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. -- National Hunting and Fishing Day is set for Sept. 26, 2009.

Congress formalized the annual celebration 37 years ago but organizers say hunters and anglers deserve America's respect now more than ever.

"Recent-year surveys show nearly 8 in 10 Americans approve of hunting and more than 9 in 10 approve of fishing. That's strong support. But, when viewed in the context of a recession and other modern headlines, our sporting traditions look even better today," said Denise Wagner of Wonders of Wildlife museum in Springfield, Mo., the official home of NHF Day.

She added, "On NHF Day, I hope people will pause to reflect on hunter and angler contributions to society. And for those of us who've long understood and enjoyed these passions, share the pride by introducing someone new to hunting, fishing or shooting."

Here are three reasons for the American public to value hunting and fishing today:
Economic Impact
No bailouts needed here. Hunting and angling together are an economic force worth $76billion a year. In 2010, America's economic stimulus package will generate its highest level of federal spending at $236 billion—but hunters and anglers will spend almost a third of that amount all by themselves. A Congressional Sportsmen's Foundation report shows if hunters and anglers were a nation, their Gross Domestic Product would rank 57 out of 181 countries. About 1.6 million jobs depend on hunters and anglers. Gas stations, stores, restaurants, hotels and other businesses benefit, especially in rural America. And these recreations are comparatively recession proof. In the first half of 2009, hunting and fishing license sales actually gained 7.6 and 5.4 percent, respectively, over 2008, say the National Shooting Sports Foundation and Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation.

Wildlife Management
Rabies, crop damages, nuisances. Hunting helps control these wildlife issues and many others—none more dramatic than highway accidents involving deer. White-tailed deer once were on the verge of extinction but rebounded behind historic conservation efforts. Today, deer numbers are skyrocketing. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety estimates 1.5 million deer collisions occur each year. Over 200 people are killed annually. According to a Western Transportation Institute calculation that includes costs of emergency response, injuries to driver and passengers, damages to vehicle and more, the 2009 average cost of hitting a deer is $6,600. Total public cost: $9.9 billion a year. Now consider that, nationwide, for every deer hit by a motorist, hunters take six. Imagine the human casualties and costs if hunting ended.

Conservation Funding
What if Congress announced a tax increase to cover $2 billion in annual expenses for conservation programs? Don't worry. Hunters and anglers are already paying that tab. For the privilege of consuming surplus, renewable game and fish resources, hunters and anglers purchase licenses. They also pay special excise taxes on firearms, ammunition, bows, arrows, rods and reels. Combined, these fees generate $100,000 every 30 minutes, more than $1.75 billion per year, for wildlife, fisheries and habitat programs. Hunters and anglers also contribute another $300 million a year to nonprofit organizations that extend conservation benefits even further. Results have brought many species—turkey, elk pronghorn, Canada goose, wood duck and others—and their habitats from vanishing to flourishing. These efforts enabled restoration of other species such as wolves. America's living landscape is a precious asset for all citizens who enjoy wildlife and wild places.

Country music star Luke Bryan is serving as honorary chairman of National Hunting and Fishing Day 2009.

NHF Day sponsors include Wonders of Wildlife, National Shooting Sports Foundation, Bass Pro Shops, Sportsman Channel, Realtree, GunBroker.com, Hunting Heritage Trust, Cabela's, Boone and Crockett Club, Smith & Wesson, Field & Stream/Outdoor Life, Woolrich, Yamaha and Pope and Young Club.

For more information, visit www.nhfday.org.

Recipe: Super-Stuffed Tenderloin

Ingredients:

2 lb pork tenderloin

1 cup reduced-fat ricotta cheese

1/2 tsp dried basil

2 cups chopped fresh baby spinach leaves

1 jar (5 oz) artichoke hearts, drained and diced

Olive oil

Butterfly the loin by splitting it down the center, cutting it almost but not all the way through, and then opening the two halves so they lie flat (the shape should resemble a butterfly). Stir the cheese, basil, spinach and artichokes together and spread the mixture on the inside of the cut loin. Roll the loin closed and tie it with cord in at least five places. Preheat the oven to 400F. Place the pork in a roasting pan, brush it lightly with oil and sprinkle it with salt and pepper. Roast for 25-35 minutes. Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer until 160F. Makes 4 servings.

Per serving: 350 calories, 7g carbs, 10g fat, 1g fiber, 54g protein

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Backcountry Training: Top Race Picks

We compiled a list of our Top 10 favorite races in preparing for your backcountry adventure. These races range from a 10K to ultramarathons. Whatever the distance, it's about moving out of your comfort zone and pushing yourself mentally and physically.

1. Pikes Peak Ascent/Marathon

2. Bighorn Mountain Wild & Scenic Trail Run

3. Mount Washington Road Race

4. Mountain R.A.T.S.

5. Bolder Boulder

6. Teva Mountain Games Trail Run

7. Ni-Bathska-Ke Trail Run 12K

8. Canadian Death Race

9. The Jay Challenge

10. The North Face Endurance Challenge

Do you know of any other races or competitions that test mental and physical strength?

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College Football vs Hunting Season

The fall is full of activities: school is back in session, hunting season is underway and college football is kicking off. For a family and all these activities it can be difficult to schedule time for everything. When the leaves start to turn how do you manage your schedule to allocate enough time for family, hunting and football?

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Opening Day of Hunting Season

Ah, the feeling of opening day. The preparation has finally paid off and the time has come to hit the field. You've spent so much time scouting, preparing, hanging stands, working food plots and tuning your gear and now everything come together. Today was the archery opener here in Nebraska and the weather has been absolutely great. Early season hunting is different because the weather is tough but the deer can be patterned.
How soon before the season do you hang deer stands or set up ground blinds? How many trail cameras do you use? Let us know any other tips that you use to push the odds in your favor once opening day hits.
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Backcountry Hunting Gear List

The final decisions have been made on our gear for the 2009 hunts. It looks like we should have several opportunities at quality animals and the gear needs to be in perfect order. When we are in the field, it is imperative that we use the best hunting and outdoor products on the market. We have spent countless hours in the field and on the trail testing and comparing products. If you have any questions about a certain product, we've probably researched it. Drop an email and let us know what you use at info@enduranceoutdoors.com.

Here's our equipment list for 2009:

Bow - Hoyt AlphaMax 32 (70#)

Sight - Spot-Hogg 7-pin Hunter Hogg-It with Hogg-Wrap

Stabilizer - Fuse Carbon Connexion Hunter 8"

Quiver - Fuse Satori 2-piece

Release - Scott Little Goose

Rest - Trophy Taker Full Containment Drop-Away

Arrows - Easton FMJ (27", 432 grains, 275 fps, 72 ft lbs of kinetic energy) with NAP QuikFletch

Broadheads - NAP Spitfire XP 100 grains

Sleeping Bag - Eureka Casper 30

Sleeping Pad - ThermaRest RidgeRest

Bivy - Cabela's Bivy Sack

Pack - Badlands 4500

Optics - Leupold Golden Ring 10x42

Rangefinder - Leupold RXII

Footwear - Cabela's Meindl

Clothing - RutWear Big Game Technologies EST

Camo: Realtree AP HD or Realtree Max-1

Cameras & video equipment - Olympus WP Digital Camera, Sony FX7 Video Camera

GPS - Garmin Vista

"Success is directly proportional to the level of training."

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Finding Out Who We Really Are - Mental Toughness

I found this quote the other day and immediately started thinking about the backcountry, "People begin running for any number of motives, but we stick to it for one basic reason-to find out who we really are."--George Sheehan, M.D.

For everyone at Endurance Outdoors our "motive" is to train and prepare for the backcountry and then the backcountry lets us know who we really are. DIY hunts are tough and the adventurers who embrace the elements need to be tougher if they plan on being successful.Let us know your "motive" and other ways you find out who you really are?

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Training for your Backcountry Hunt

If you hunt like us, success during hunting season is directly related to the level of preparation. Preparing for DIY (do-it-yourself) public land hunts doesn't come from properly placed food plots or trail cameras. Instead it comes from intense training, like shooting archery 3D tournaments, running local road/trail races, and strength training. Hunting in the harsh conditions of the backcountry is rough mentally and physically. Year after year elk hunting success is around 10%. How can you be in the 10% who punches their tag? Follow these tips to push the odds in your favor.

Bowhunter's Strength Training: Strength is perhaps the most important factor to success in the backcountry. On the 10th day of a hunt, your body is worn down; you're hungry, thirsty, and tired. If you prepared properly, you can push through the pain and continue working hard to get in position on that bull elk of your dreams.

Strength training sessions should last 30-60 minutes and occur 4-5 times per week. Focus on total body movements like squats, dead-lifts, pull-ups, and push-ups. For example, a typical week would consist of lower body on Monday and Thursday and upper body on Tuesday and Friday. Everyone has 30 extra minutes that they can spare during the course of the day. It all comes down to commitment and how much you want to punch the tag. Hiking up and down the mountains at 10,000 feet is a total body adventure. Your strength workouts should simulate these conditions.

Backcountry Cardio Training: Getting out of your comfort zone during training will make those long epic hunting trips seem so much easier. The best way that we've found to escape from the comfort zone is to enter local road/trail races. These races can range from a 5K to a 50K. Whatever the distance, the key is pushing your personal limit and running as fast and as hard as you can. A minimum amount of training would include running for 45-60 minutes at least three times per week. I know plenty of bowhunters who routinely replace their lunch breaks with a run.Everyone lives close to a city that hosts a half-marathon or marathon. Entering these races keeps you motivated, brings out your competitive spirit, and ultimately prepares you for the backcountry. Our personal favorites are trail races with terrain that resembles the backcountry.

Details in the Equipment: Now that you have built a solid foundation of strength and cardiovascular endurance, your hunting equipment needs to be finely-tuned. Get to know your local pro-shop dealer and enter as many archery 3D tournaments as you can during the summer. Our favorite is running a local 5K or 10K in the morning and then heading to a 3D after the race. Shooting the 3D in a fatigued state is the pinnacle of training for DIY backcountry hunts. Making sure that your equipment is ready for the harsh mountain conditions will help you finish the long stalk on your P&Y bull. There's nothing worse than working hard to get into position and then your equipment fails. Don't overlook any details when it comes to your equipment.Like you, our lives revolve around hunting. We dream of big bucks and big bulls every day and we convert these dreams into motivation and use the energy in the weight room, on the trail, and at the archery range. Remember to push the limit, get out of your comfort zone, and prepare with no regrets. Follow these tips and you'll be closer at punching that elk tag this September. Train Hard! Hunt Hard!

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Welcome to Endurance Outdoors

Our online superstore is up and running and the website is still undergoing updates. Feel free to browse and shop at http://www.enduranceoutdoors.com/. Drop us an email at info@enduranceoutdoors.com.

Is the site easy to use and follow? Did you find useful information on the site?
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