Tuesday, December 22, 2009

snowmobile trail closeing

A local snowmobile trail needed to be closed for a time due to heavy traffic. Can't think of a better excuse for waiting. Submitted photos - unknown


Tuesday, December 15, 2009

Nice deer












Some hunters were in the right place at the right
time. From 7 points to 12 points.
Submitted photos by Blomberg and Sons



Sunday, December 6, 2009

Remington .17 HMR Product Warning


Remington recently learned from its supplier that its .17 HMR ammunition is unsuitable for use in semi-automatic rifles, and Model 597 .17 HMR semi-automatic rifles are unsuitable for use with any ammunition. Such use could result in property damage or serious personal injury. Remington recommends discontinuing the use of Remington .17 HMR in semi-automatic rifles and discontinuing the use of the Model 597 .17 HMR in all applications.

Te return any Remington .17 HMR ammunition or Model 597 .17 HMR rifle, contact Remington Consumer Service at (800) 243-9700, Prompt No. 3. For each complete box of 50 rounds of Remington .17 HMR ammunition returned, Remington will provide a coupon good for the purchase of any Remington Ammunition at your local dealer.

Remington will provide a $200.00 coupon for a Model 597 HMR synthetic stock semi-automatic rifle, and a $250.00 coupon for one with a laminate stock; each coupon is good toward the purchase of a replacement Remington firearm. Remington will also reimburse the consumer for the postage needed to return the rifles.

Please allow up to six weeks after Remington receives the products for the appropriate coupons to arrive. Instructions for redemption of the coupons will be contained on the coupon.
Submitted photo - Unknown











Saturday, December 5, 2009

Ice Survival

A day of enjoyment can quickly turn tragic. Know how to prevent accidents on ice.

1. Never assume the ice is safe.
2. Carefully observe ice conditions.
3. Get local information.
4. Have a safety plan in place; never icefish alone.
5. Follow ice-thickness guidelines:
a. 4 inches or less: Stay off!
b. 4 to 6 inches: Icefishing should be safe. However, carefully observe local conditions.
c. 6 to 10 inches: Snowmobiles and ATV travel is generally considered safe.
d. 10 to 16 inches: Although it is probably best avoided when possible, small cars and pickups can begin to hit the ice.
e. 16-plus inches: Generally safe to mid-size pickups.


Photo by Dick



More Young Hunters



These two boys got there first deer this fall. The youngest of the two is 10 years of age.
Submitted photos by Just Bite Me Bait Shop

First Time Hunt

These two young ladies made their first hunt this fall. Both made great shots.

Submitted Photos by Blomberg & Sons



Thursday, December 3, 2009

December 2009 Gun Shows


Dec 5-6 Brooklyn Park Armory, 5500-85th Ave N. (763) 754-7140
Dec 12-13 Saint Paul River Center Exhibit Hall (612) 721-8976
Dec 19-20 Duluth National Guard Armory 4015 Airpark Blvd (off of Haines Road(218) 724-8387
Dec 19-20 Brainerd National Guard Armory
(218) 845-2530

NOTE; Show maybe cancelled without notice.
Submitted photo by Blomberg & Sons
Nice marble eyes


Saturday, October 31, 2009

Hunting Facts

** An average hunter spends $1,638 every year on the sport.
**Teenage girls are the fastest growing market in sport shooting.
** According to research, 72 percent more women are hunting with firearms today than just five years ago. And 50 percent more women are now target shooting.
** Americans hunt 228 million days per year.
** More than 38 million Americans hunt and fish.
** Hunters and anglers support more jobs nationwide than the number of people employed by Wal-Mart.
** Through license sales and excise taxes on equipment, hunters and anglers pay for most fish and wildlife conservation programs.
** Hunters and shooters have paid more than $5 billion in excise taxes since 1939.
** More Americans hunt and shoot than play golf.
** Firearms are involved in less than 1 percent of all accidental fatalities. More Americans are killed in accidents involving vending machines than guns.
** Hunting gear sales are growing faster than all other sporting goods categories.
** Americans annually buy 1.1 billion shotshells.
** Non-resident hunting license, tag, stamp and permit sales have risen 41.2 percent since 1993.

Sources: US Fish and Wildlife Service; 2001 National Survey of Fishing, Hunting and Wildlife-Associated Recreation; National Shooting Sports Foundation.

Photo by Dick

Sunday, October 25, 2009

Safety Refresher


You hear these every year, but accidents still happen. As a refresher, we offer the following hunter safety tips:
**Always point the muzzle of your firearm in a safe direction.
**Treat every firearm with the same respect you would show a loaded gun.
**Be sure of your target and what is in front of and behind your target.
**Unload and safely store firearms when not in use.
**Handle firearms and ammunition carefully.
**Never climb a fence or tree, or jump a ditch or log with a loaded firearm.
**Carry your firearm safely, keeping the safety on until ready to shoot.
**Never point a firearm at anything you do not want to shoot.
**Don't drink alcohol or take mood-altering drugs before or while handling firearms.
**Be aware of changing weather conditions.
Photo by Dick

Monday, October 12, 2009

Tree Stands




What goes up must come down, so the key element to safely hunting from a tree stand is coming down, how and when you choose to, not when the law of gravity makes the decision for you. The best precaution from falling is to wear a safety harness from the time you leave the ground until you return. Carefully inspect your stand before using it. Always use a haul line. Don't leave safety up in the air when hunting from a tree stand. The proper use of tree stands, fall-restraint equipment and safety measures will help prevent injury or even death from such falls. Always let others know your exact hunting location and when you plan to return.
Photos by Dick

Saturday, October 10, 2009

October BCC Business Meeting

The Club business meeting for the month of October will be held at the club house on Tuesday, October 13th beginning at 7:00 pm. The agenda is full. Sighting in days will be conducted Oct 24/25 and Oct 31/Nov 1. All members and guests are welcome.

Tuesday, October 6, 2009

October 2009 Gun Shows


Photo by Dick



Oct 10-11 Armory 408 E. Main Street, Anoka

Oct 10-11 National Guard Armory, Fergus Falls

Oct 17-18 Armory 100 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, Mankato

Oct 24-25 Backus Center, Internation Falls

Oct 30-Nov 1 Minnesota State Fairground Coliseum Building, Saint Paul


NOTE: Shows can be cancelled without notice. Always check.









Tuesday, September 29, 2009

Sighting-in Time




Deer season is coming before you are ready. Did your rifle get bumped during the summer? Are you sure that the sights and/or scope are exeactly correct? Now is the time to get out to the range. There is no line. The weather is nice. You can take your time.


One thing to remember tho. We are all sportsmen. If someone is shooting when you get to the range. Ask if you can set up your targets or how long before they are done. Don't try taking over.


Official Club sighting-in days will be the last two weekends in Oct/Nov before the rifle deer season start.

Friday, September 25, 2009

Road Kill


Road kill this past month just south of Bemidji, Minnesota.
Submitted photo.

Tuesday, September 22, 2009

Take a Kid Hunting Weekend


Take A Kid Hunting Weekend -- September 26-27. During Take-A-Kid-Hunting Weekend adult residents accompanied by a youth under age 16 may hunt small game without a license, but must comply with open seasons, limits and other regulations. If you don't have a kid of your own, take one of the neighbors. And remember, setting on a log eating peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, it just doesn't get any better than that.
Photo by Dick

Sunday, September 20, 2009

September2009 Gun Shows


Sep 26/27 - Event Center, 8155 Paradise Ln, Waconia

Sep 26/27 - National Guard Armory, Cloquet

Sep 26/27 - Bloomington Armory, 3300 W. 98th Street, Bloomington
Photo by Dick



Note: Shows can be cancelled without notice.

Thursday, September 17, 2009

How Smart are you?


Wild Bill Hickock commonly carried a brace of:

A. Remington 1858s in .44

B. Colt Peacemakers in .44-40

C. Colt 1860 Armys in .44

D. Colt 1851 Navys in .36Add Video


* * * * * * * *


Following the Civil War, Hickock received a matching pair of silver-plated .36 Navy revolvers from a wealthy hunter. These were his daily carry pieces. When expecting trouble, he would often carry heavier Dragoon or 1860 models. There is no record of him carrying Remingtons or Peacemakers.
Photo by Dick





Wednesday, September 16, 2009

Smith & Wesson Recall


Smith & Wesson recalls certain Model 22A pistols. Smith & Wesson has recalled certain Model 22A rimfire pistols. This recall applies only to 22A pistols manufactured from August 1, 2008 to February 19, 2009. Smith & Wesson has determined that the slides of certain pistols manufactured during the time frame noted may not meet the design specifications. This can create a situation where insufficient head space exists, creating a risk of unintended discharge. The pistols fall within the following serial number range: UBW 0000 - UBW 9999; UBY 0000 - UBY 4104.

If you have a gun in this serial number range, send an email to this address: 22A@smith-wesson.com, and ask for further directions.
Photo by Dick

Colt's Recall


Colt's has determined that the slide lock safety and/or the recoil spring guide pad in certain Colt model pistols were not manufactured to Colt specifications and must be replaced. All of the Colt models were sold after March 2007. Only the New Agent model needs replacement of both parts. For all models listed, you must return the pistol to the Colt factory for part(s) replacement. To learn more, Colt's customer service department call be reached online at www.coltsmfg.com.
Photo by Dick

Sunday, September 13, 2009

Go Grousin'

This fall could offer the best ruffed grouse hunting since the legendary 1971 and 1989 seasons, when Minnesota hunters harvested 1 million birds. This past springs drumming counts increased 44 percent from spring 2008 in the northeast survey region. The last cycle peak was in 1998.


Photo by Dick

Friday, September 11, 2009

New Shooting Bench



Club members John Nicholas, Jerome Wiener and Dick Klinzing have modified two existing shooting benches on the 50 yard line by lowering them and built and installed a double bench for the 100 yard line. The two modified benches are more for youth and those of us who are closer to the ground. When using the range, pick the bench that you feel the most comfortable in. Photos by Dick

Saturday, September 5, 2009

September 2009 Club Meeting

The Babbitt Conservation Club will be holding its monthly business meeting on Tuesday, September 8th at 7:00 pm at the rifle range club house. All members and guests are welcome.

Blair Holt's Firearm Licensing & Record of Sale Act (H.R. 45)

Correspondence from Minnesota Congressman James Oberstar dated August 21, 2009 regarding the Blair Holt's Firearm Licensing and Record of Sale Act (H.R.45). "This legislation has been introduced in the 111th Congress and has been referred to the House Judiciary Committee. This legislation would prohibit an individual from possessing a firearm unless he or she has been issued a firearm license.
Similar legislation was introduced in the 110th Congress and it was not considered by the House Judiciary Committee. It is unlikely to be considered in the 111th Congress either.
Rest assured that I will continue to oppose efforts to undermine Second Amendment freedoms.
Withe best wishes. Sincerely, James L. Oberstar, M.C."

Friday, September 4, 2009

Blind Alleys on the Internet

During World War II, soldiers stuck on troopships or remote bases would often start rumors, just for the sake of seeing how fast a tall tale would get back to them. The Internet is a wonderful tool for gun owners. You can go online and order hundreds of thousands of gun parts and accessories, look up gun manufacturers catalogs, and download reloading data and ballistics tables from your favorite bullet or powder makers. The same goes for range information, hunting tips, firearm history and everything else you can imagine in the world of guns. But there's a price to pay for all this. Part of that price is that misinformation travels just as fast as the truth. A good example is S.B. 2099, a bill that would supposedly require you to report all your guns on your income tax return every April 15. Like many rumors, there's only a small grain of truth in this one. It turns out someone's recycling an old alert that wasn't even accurate when it was new. There actually was a bill called S.2099 that would have taxed handguns - nine ears ago. It disappeared without any action by the Senate.

And now for the ammunition shortage. We all know that ammunition's been getting more expensive, and lately some calibers can be hard to find at any price. Naturally, according to the Internet buzz, there must be a conspiracy. Fortunately, this time fiction is stranger than truth. Ammunition is scarce because - Suprise! - people are buying a lot of it. Far from cutting back, manufacturers are running three shifts a day to keep up with demand. Eventually, things may get back to normal. But in the meantime, the only place busier than the ammo factories is the rumor mill.

Puppy Training
















Carol Nyholm, owner of Roaring Winds Kennel of Babbitt, has been conducting puppy training on the Babbitt Conservation Club grounds every Monday evening for the last six weeks. Carol has graciously been donating her time and experience in training and handling dogs to help local hunters give their young retrievers key obedience and field training before the September 19th grouse opener. Article by Dave Youngman and photos by Joan Youngman

Sunday, August 16, 2009

Either-Sex Deer Permits

Minnesota hunters who hope to harvest an anterless deer this fall will want to review 2009 regulations prior to Sept 10, the deadline to apply for an either-sex permit.
That's because over-the-counter, either-sex permits will be valid in significantly fewer areas this hunting season, especially in portions of Northern and Southwester Minnesota.
Detailed information about deer season licenses and permit requirements is in the 2009 Minnesota Hunting and Trapping Regulations and on the DNR Web Site.

Friday, August 7, 2009

Senator Klobuchar responds

Shortly after the post, a response was received from Senator Klobuchar via e-mail. We feel her letter should be read in its complete form.

"Thank you for sharing your thoughts on gun ownership. I appreciate having the benefit of your comments on this important issue.
I believe that the Second Amendment gives American citizens the right to own guns for collection, protection and sport. This right is an important part of our shared history and heritage, and should be protected. With that in mind, I supported the recent Heller Supreme Court decision which upheld an individual's right to bear arms. And, as the former chief prosecutor of Minnesota's largest county, I have worked to enforce the gun laws already on the books.
As you know, an amendment was offered to the recent Department of Defense Authorization bill to allow citizens of any state with a concealed carry law to possess a firearm in any other state with a concealed carry law, regardless of whether the permit criteria were similar. While I have supported other gun ownership legislation in the past, including the recent vote to extend concealed carry laws to national parks, I was concerned that this one proposal would have undercut states' rights.
We worked hard to develop standards to allow law abiding citizens in Minnesota to carry weapons. Minnesota currently has reciprocal arrangements with 15 other states so that individuals with permits from those states can legally carry concealed weapons in Minnesota; in most cases, the agreements also allow Minnesota residents reciprocal rights to possess weapons in other states. In determining which states' permits ought to be accepted in Minnesota, our state Department of Public Safety considers several factors. I believe that our state is making good, informed decisions about the states with which we ought to have reciprocity. This is not a decision that the federal government ought to make for Minnesota.
While we may disagree on this amendment, I understand your concerns. I hope you understand that my decision was based solely on the principle of states' rights. I respect your views and will keep them in mind as the Senate considers gun ownership issues in the future.
Again, thank you for taking the time to contact me. One of the most important parts of my job is listening to what the people of Minnesota have to say to me. I am here in our nation's capital to do the public's business and to serve the people of our state. I hope you will contact me again about matters of concern to you.
Sincerely,
Amy Klobuchar
United States Senator"

August Club Meeting

The Club will be holding its monthly business meeting on Tuesday, August 11 at 7:00 pm at the rifle range clubhouse. Non-members are welcome. Trap shooting starts at 5:00 pm. Youth shoot free.

Senate Vote

On Wednesday, July 22nd, the United States Senate voted on Senate Amendment 1618 and 1390 (National Defense Authorization Act) to allow citizens who have concealed carry permits from the State in which they reside to carry concealed firearms in another state that grants concealed carry permits, if the individual complies with the law of the State.
The Amendment was defeated by two votes.
Minnesota Senators Al Franken and Amy Klobuchar voted against the Amendment.
The Washington DC offices of both Senators were immediately contacted asking why they voted as they did. As of this posting date and time, neither office has replied.

Button Buck

A local cabin owner has had this little button buck hanging around and the other evening while out in the yard, the little buck came right up to him and sniffed his shirt. The buck did this three times. Jim was finally able to get his wife outside with the camera and we got photos, but not one with its nose against Jim's shirt. Photos by Richards



Thursday, July 30, 2009

August 2009 Gun Shows

Jul 31 - Aug 02 - National Guard Armory, Chisholm, MN
Aug 15/16 - Ice Arena, 4111-7th Ave. (7th Ave & Co Rd 116), Anoka, MN
Aug 15/16 - Douglas County Fairgrounds, Alexandria, MN
Aug 22/23 - Minn Weapons Collectors, Florest Lake Sports Complet, Forest Lake, MN
Aug 29/30 - Orr Airport, Orr, MN

NOTE: Shows can be cancelled without notice. Check before you go.

Friday, July 3, 2009

July 2009 Business Meeting

Our next business meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, July 14th at 7:00 pm at the rifle range.

Trap shooting every Tuesday beginning at 5:00 pm. Bring out a beginner.

Guests and visitors are welcome.

July 2009 Gun Shows

July 18 & 19 - Hastings - Hastings Armory, 3050 Hwy 316
July 25 & 26 - Brooklyn Park, Military Show, Brooklyn Park Armory, 5500-85th Ave. N.
July 31 - Aug 02 - Chisholm - National Guard Armory

NOTE; Check before you go as shows can be cancelled without notice.

Wednesday, June 17, 2009

Grouse







The Minnesota Dept of Natural Resources has come out with the spring survey and said that the grouse population is on the rise. I wonder if they counted this one. Picture was taken off Route 1 and the Kawishiwi River.

Photos by Don S.




Trap Range

The Trap Range is now open for the summer. Non-League shooting is every Tuesday beginning at 5:00 pm. The shooting is fun with no pressure and is for beginners and experts alike. As a new feature this year, the Club has available a Remington 870 20 gauge youth model for young beginners. Also, school kids can shoot free. Knowledgeable adults will be happy to instruct the young shooters. So come out and enjoy the fun.

Friday, June 12, 2009

bottle rocket




This is NOT what one should use as a plinking target. Bringing something like this to a target range and getting caught could get you expelled. If this had been a full tank you would get to see what a rocket taking off would be like. Not a safe idea.
Photo by Dick

Thursday, June 11, 2009

Election of Club Officers and other information

The election of officers was held Tues night with the results as follows: President - Bill Hammond, Vice President - Ed Zupancich, Secretary - Dave Youngman, Treasurer - Jim Richards, Two year Trustee - Ken Schlueter, One Year Trustee - Tony Serena and Dick Klinzing finishing the last year of his two year position. Shooting benches to be replaced. Summer projects such as loon nesting platforms, wood duck homes, etc was discussed. More ideas needed. Trap shooting started with a BANG.

Monday, June 8, 2009


While walking in the woods just outside of town, you can find what you should not see. Someone does not want to take his disposable trash to the landfill. It's sad to say this, but this has become the norm around our small village. A number of dump sites are worse than this.
Photo by Dick K

Saturday, June 6, 2009

safety item


Just think about what happened. This individual rested the muzzel of his shotgun on his toe like a lot of us do. But somehow, he pulled the trigger. It was loaded with a 12 guage slug. Remember: A SAFETY IS A MECHANICAL DEVICE THAT CAN FAIL.

Minor Damage


Recently, a party or parties unknown decided to use the field by the trap house as a driving track and tore up sod in a few places. The damage was light and quickly repaired by replacing the sod. and packing it down. In another case, again a party or parties unknown took a 12 guage to the 25 foot target stand and after six or so rounds, the target stand no longer exits. In both case, repairs were made by Jim R. THANKS JIM.
Photo by Dick

Wednesday, June 3, 2009

June 2009 Business Meeting

The next business meeting will be held at the rifle range on Tuesday, June 9th at 7:00 pm. We will be voting for the 2009/2010 club officers. There are also other items that President Bill has on his agenda. GUESTS ARE WELCOME..

DON'T FORGET THAT THIS WEEKEND, JUNE 6th, IS TAKE A KID FISHING.

Wednesday, May 27, 2009

May 2009 Gun Shows


Minnesota
June 13 - 14 National Guard Armery Brainerd
June 12 - 14 Hinckley Community Center
June 27 - 28 DECC (Pioneer Hall) Duluth

Shows maybe cancelled without notice...........

Minnesota Youth Firearms Hunter Safety Class




Eleven Babbitt-Embarrass area young adults recently completed the week long Minnesota Firearms Hunter Safety Course directed by the Division of Enforcement and Field Service of the Department of Natural Resources and sponsored by the Babbitt Conservation Club and the Babbitt Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1539. Congratulations to the students and a Thank You to the instructors and assistants who volunteered their time.
Photo on top is the local Conservation Officer with students in the class room. Photo on bottom is instructor and class doing tree stand usage and safety.
Photos by Dick K

Monday, May 25, 2009

Birch Lake



Birch Lake and landing just a mile from town.
Life is good!!!!
Photos by Dick