Hunting and Fishing News & Blog Articles

First Responders are at the front lines of nearly every major conflict. Dangerous situations are on the rise and can happen at any given moment, and while being active in self-defense is paramount, passive defense is just as important. This is why Bodyguard Armored Backpacks has created and released a line of backpacks designed explicitly for passive defense.

The First Responder is a 40-liter, bullet-resistant, slash-proof, waterproof, stab-resistant backpack. It is the “Ultimate GO Bag,” designed to be stored in a vehicle, office, or classroom and put on at a moment’s notice. The First Responder appears like any other backpack but converts instantly into a bulletproof vest, providing instant front and back protection. It can hold two 10-inch by 12-inch hard ballistic plates or two 11-inch by 14-inch soft plates in the plate carriers. 

Users can easily activate the armor while wearing it via the patented deployment system. A quick pull of the tabs and pulling them over the user’s head extends the front protection plate in the ideal placement. The Stay Put Armor system keeps any standard armor plate in place. When not in use, the front plate is stored behind the user, offering discreet and concealed use of the armor system.

Besides ballistic protection, the overall construction of 1000 Denier nylon, triple stitched seams, and staked stress points offer superior construction in design alone. The First Responder Backpack can carry equipment for daily use and provides space for the largest laptops on the market. It is TSA Compliant for ease of use while traveling into unsecured, unfamiliar areas.

Equipped with a complete MOLLE carrier system, pouches and accessories are easily attached to meet the needs of each user. This also allows for the quick compatibility of medical kits and holsters when an emergency strikes.

HOIST®, one of the fastest growing hydration beverages in the U.S., is thrilled to sponsor two respected events in the U.S. Army community: the 40th annual Best Ranger Competition and the International Sniper Competition. These two events bring together elite soldiers from around the world to compete in challenges which demand outstanding levels of strength and endurance.

The International Sniper Competition, held April 5-11, 2024, is located at the Maneuver Center of Excellence in Fort Moore, Ga. Here, sniper teams from across the U.S. and NATO allies connected to demonstrate their unparalleled precision, observation and reconnaissance skills.

The Best Ranger Competition stands as a testament to the dedication and prowess of the U.S. Army Rangers. This grueling competition has evolved into a showcase of the finest two-man teams from the entire U.S. Armed Forces to test marksmanship, physical and cognitive ability and tactical skills across 32 events. As the chosen electrolyte source for the previous two years’ winning teams, HOIST is proud to continue to support the individuals who will push their mental and physical limits to the test in Fort Moore, Ga., April 12-14.

“HOIST is built to provide hydration that works harder and longer than other options on the market,” said HOIST Director of Marketing Taryn Lawson. “When the opportunity arose for us to be sponsors for these competitions which recognize our shared values of endurance and toughness, it was an easy yes. The HOIST team congratulates the U.S. Army sniper teams who competed this week, and we look forward to supporting the U.S. Army rangers this weekend.”

The HOIST formula is scientifically tested and proven to supply rapid hydration and recovery, without compromising taste, and is offered across a lineup of bottled beverages, powder sticks and liquid pouches. All of HOIST’s products provide three times the electrolytes and half the sugar of traditional sports drinks, without adding artificial sweeteners or dyes.

As a seasoned outdoor enthusiast, I’ve had the privilege of testing and reviewing a myriad of optics designed to enhance the outdoor experience. Today, on the ten-year anniversary of my venture into the world of product reviews, I’m thrilled to delve into the remarkable Lucid Optics B8 Binoculars. These binoculars are more than a mere tool; they’re a testament to precision engineering and thoughtful design that elevate the very essence of exploring the great outdoors.

Unboxing Experience: A Glimpse into Craftsmanship

From the moment I laid eyes on the packaging, it was evident that Lucid Optics had invested time and effort into creating an immersive unboxing experience. The B8 Binoculars arrive in an elegant, durable case that not only serves as a protective enclosure but also foreshadows the quality within. The hardshell case, embossed with the Lucid Optics logo, exudes a sense of rugged sophistication. It’s a fitting introduction to the optics that await inside, and a great “premium” addition to a quality purchase. More optics manufacturers should do this.

On that same note, I am surprised to see that the binoculars come wioth a standard neck strap. It’s not as big of a deal as with heavier optics, but for just a couple dollars more, Lucid could include a shoulder-type harness that is today’s preferred method of transporting optics.

Opening the case reveals a meticulously organized interior, with custom-cut foam cradling the B8 Binoculars snugly. This attention to detail ensures that your investment is not just protected but presented with a touch of finesse. The case, with its secure zipper closure, is more than just a means of transportation; it’s a statement of Lucid Optics’ commitment to delivering an exceptional user experience.

Neoprene Lens Covers: A Touch of Practicality and Elegance

The Lucid Optics B8 Binoculars come equipped with unique neoprene lens covers, and it’s evident that the designers have prioritized both functionality and aesthetics. The neoprene material offers excellent protection against dust, scratches, and light impacts, ensuring that your lenses remain in pristine condition during your outdoor escapades.

JACKSONVILLE, Florida – 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, is proud to host its annual SAVES CLUB® Presentation on April 11, 2024, at its Jacksonville headquarters. The Safariland SAVES CLUB recognizes and honors officers who endured a life-threatening incident while in the line of duty, in which their Safariland Group armor or gear played a crucial role in saving their lives.

“The event serves as a platform to celebrate the bravery and resilience of the remarkable 2,193 SAVES members. We are excited to welcome three officers to share their inspiring SAVES stories,” said Brad Williams, president of Safariland. “These officers have not only survived life-threatening situations but have also become advocates for the law enforcement community. They are living proof of Safariland’s creed: Together, We Save Lives.”

Safariland will proudly host Officer Genevieve Bone, SAVES #2186, from the Memphis Police Department. On September 3, 2023, Officer Bone responded to an armed party disturbance at a convenience store. Despite facing a suspect armed with guns, knives, and a hand grenade, Officer Bone fearlessly confronted the assailant. She sustained three strikes to her chest with a fixed-blade knife. Thanks to her Safariland XT03 level II armor, Officer Bone’s life was spared, and she successfully apprehended the suspect, who has since been charged with attempted second-degree murder.

Officer Derek Williams from the Dallas Police Department, SAVES #2185, will also be honored. On September 14, 2023, Officer Williams and his partner witnessed a suspect commit a homicide. During the pursuit, the assailant opened fire with a .9mm handgun, hitting Officer Williams in the lower right abdominal area. Fortunately, his Safariland SX02 Level IIIA armor stopped the round. The Dallas SWAT team later apprehended the assailant, and Officer Williams has since returned to full duty.

The third honored SAVES member is Narcotics Detective Sean Stumpf from the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, SAVES #2168. On January 2, 2023, Detective Stumpf and his partner engaged in a high-stakes pursuit of a suspect who had taken the life of the Chief of Police of a local agency earlier that day and injured another officer. During the pursuit, the suspect opened fire with a fully automatic 9mm Glock, hitting Detective Stumpf in the arm and center of his chest. His Safariland SM02 Level II armor protected his chest, and he was able to return fire alongside his partner, ultimately ending the threat. After undergoing surgery on his arm, Detective Stumpf made a full recovery and is back on active duty.

FAIRFAX, VA – Randy Kozuch, Executive Director of the NRA Institute for Legislative Action (NRA-ILA), released the following statement on today’s posting of the DOJ/ATF Final Rule dealing with the definition of firearms dealers:

“This latest Biden Administration attack on law-abiding gun owners is a blatant attempt to coerce Americans to forego legal activity with firearms under threat of potential confiscation of their lawfully acquired and constitutionally protected property. The Administration has conceded that it cannot enforce this unlawful rule in criminal cases because they know that it exceeds the limited authority granted to them by Congress and, in some cases, expressly contradicts the statutory text. NRA is already working to use all means available to stop this unlawful rule.”

Incorporated in 1871, the National Rifle Association is America’s longest-standing civil rights organization. Together with our millions of members, we’re proud defenders of history’s patriots and diligent protectors of the Second Amendment.

Follow the NRA on Facebook, Instagram, and X (Formerly Twitter).

What happens when a state spends its dedicated fisheries and wildlife funding on potholes or property taxes?

By Andrew McKean

Like many Americans, Joe Arterburn’s money doesn’t go as far as it used to. On the one hand, it’s being whittled away by inflation. On the other hand, Arterburn is spending a disproportionate share of it on his Nebraska state property taxes, which are going up as property values rise.

His governor has proposed some relief. Gov. Jim Pillen’s “Operation Clean Out the Closets,” initiative, which he announced in his state-of-the-state address in January 2024, proposes to sweep cash “hoarded” by state agencies into Nebraska’s general fund, where it could be used as a one-time windfall to reduce property taxes.

That clean-sweep might work for state agencies that hold taxpayers’ funds, but Pillen’s initiative also affected Nebraska’s Game Fund and the state’s Habitat Fund, both of which hold user fees from hunters, and can be matched to and hold federal money that’s generated by the sale of guns, archery equipment, and ammunition. Those funds are part of America’s conservation-funding mechanism, and the potential action threatened to destabilize a system that’s funded fish and wildlife management for nearly a century.

The action in the Cornhusker State mimics a similar proposal last year in Pennsylvania, in which the state’s senate proposed to transfer $150 million from the Game Fund. That action was walked back after a firestorm of protest from Pennsylvania hunters and anglers as well as national conservation groups.

The legislative actions in both Pennsylvania and Nebraska are defined as “diversions” of specially earmarked funds, and because diversions are so disruptive to America’s conservation funding, it’s worth detailing here what diversions are, their consequences, and how hunters and anglers can resist similar diversions in their state.

EDGEFIELD, S.C. — In a landmark bipartisan vote, the U.S. House of Representatives has passed the Expanding Public Lands Outdoor Recreation Experiences (EXPLORE) Act. 

The EXPLORE Act’s passage through the House represents a historic moment as it is the first-ever outdoor recreation-specific bill package, and it achieves this without cost to taxpayers. The bipartisan legislation is poised to stimulate local and national economies, enhance access for Americans—including those in underserved communities—to green spaces, and modernize policies to bolster the recreation businesses that bridge people with nature. The bill complements the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee’s America’s Outdoor Recreation Act (AORA).

“One of the main barriers to getting people into the outdoors for recreational opportunities, especially hunting, is that it is oftentimes difficult to find places to go,” NWTF co-CEO Jason Burckhalter said. “The EXPLORE Act will increase access and infrastructure on our nation’s public lands for all types of outdoor enjoyment, offering everyone greater opportunities to experience the life-changing power of the outdoors.”

The outdoor recreation economy, recently valued at over $1.1 trillion, continues to build upon the success of the Great American Outdoors Act of 2022—one of the most significant public lands and waters legislations enacted in our nation’s history.

The NWTF and its membership applaud this significant progress in the House and call for the expedient passage of the outdoor recreation package through the Senate. This action is vital for the protection and enjoyment of our public lands, waters, and the communities prospering from them.

Over 150 junior female athletes competed in the 2024 USA Shooting Rifle Junior Olympic Championships at the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, Colorado, April 1-6 in hopes of earning the coveted title of Junior Olympic Champion.

Elizabeth Probst, of Grady Texas, and Emme Walrath, of Kenosha, Wisconsin, were crowned champions in Women’s Air Rifle and Women’s Smallbore Rifle, respectively.

Every athlete that competed had to qualify at a state level competition before receiving an invite to the Colorado Springs competition. The first half of the competition, Women’s Air Rifle, saw 178 competitors who represented a whopping 42 states across the country.

The air rifle athletes participated in two full 60 shot matches to determine the top eight finalists. The top eight overall athletes then competed in a final where bronze, silver, and gold medalists were decided.

Probst, the 2023 Smallbore Rifle champion, finished first in air rifle, Walrath finished second, and Rachael Charles of Urbandale, Iowa, finished third.

Willard Franklin, III is the CEO of Four W’s Fishing Team and Four W’s Outdoors. Four W’s Outdoors is a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization. They specialize in safety, diversity, equity, inclusion, accessibility and careers in the outdoors. Their team of expert guides and outdoor enthusiasts are dedicated to providing unforgettable experiences. Their mission is to include all Americans in outdoors sports, especially hunting, shooting and fishing. The R3 effort (Recruit, Retain and Reactivate) is a big part of their program as well. 

Four W’s Outdoors believes in the transformative power of nature. Their team is made up of experienced and passionate outdoor enthusiasts who are dedicated to sharing their love and knowledge of nature with others. They offer a range of outdoor sports and activities that are designed to challenge, inspire, and enthuse, no matter the participants level of experience. 

About Hunting Matters
“Hunting Matters with Joe Betar”: An acclaimed podcast celebrating the wonders of the great outdoors. Join hosts Joe Betar, Executive Director of HSCF, and Houston media personality Ramon Robles as they delve into captivating discussions with a diverse array of guests. From hunting and fishing to sport shooting, conservation, policy, and even culinary arts, this podcast covers it all. Available on all major podcast platforms—subscribe, listen, rate, and review!

About Houston Safari Club Foundation
Houston Safari Club Foundation (HSCF) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization whose mission is to preserve the sport of hunting through education, conservation, and the promotion of our hunting heritage. HSCF has awarded 668 scholarships totaling $3.05 million dollars. HSCF conducts youth outdoor education programs, career training, hunter education and field experiences throughout the year. HSCF has provided over $4 million in grants worldwide. Visit our website at wehuntwegive.org or call 713.623.8844 for more information. HSCF. We Hunt. We Give.

During their recent spring meeting, the Boone and Crockett Club presented Robert Bonnie, USDA Under Secretary for Farm Production and Conservation, with its Conservation and Stewardship Award. The Club’s most prestigious award for conservation partners, the Conservation and Stewardship Award is given annually to the organization or individual that best exemplifies excellence in natural resource conservation and stewardship—core values of the Boone and Crockett Club and its founder, Theodore Roosevelt. Bonnie accepted the award after presenting keynote remarks during the Club’s annual spring dinner on March 27 at the 89th North American Wildlife and Natural Resources Conference in Grand Rapids, Michigan. 

“The Boone and Crockett Club’s Conservation and Stewardship Award was created to recognize an individual or organization that plays an essential role in implementing Theodore Roosevelt’s vision of Conservation: acts of guarding, protecting, developing, and using natural resources wisely and sustainably; and Stewardship: planning for and managing natural resources responsibly,” commented James L. Cummins, President of the Boone and Crockett Club. “Robert Bonnie clearly represents this vision through his actions to implement collaborative conservation on working landscapes across this country. I have personally worked closely with Robert for many years, as have many other members and staff of the Club—we all agree that he is most deserving of this prestigious award for his commitment to conservation and stewardship throughout his career.” 

Robert Bonnie is an avid outdoor enthusiast and a dedicated conservation leader. For four decades, he has worked toward developing innovative approaches to conserving America’s natural resources by creating incentives for farmers, ranchers, and forest owners to implement stewardship activities on private lands. From August 2013 to January 2017, Robert served as Under Secretary for Natural Resources and Environment at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), and in 2021, he began serving as USDA’s Under Secretary for Farm Production and Conservation. In these roles, he has developed collaborative, landscape-scale conservation approaches, including policies to restore ecosystems, address climate change, conserve endangered species, and protect watersheds. Bonnie has also led USDA’s efforts to improve habitat for big game migration corridors through the department’s highly successful Working Lands for Wildlife initiative.

Cummins concluded, “The Boone and Crockett Club is honored to recognize Robert’s tireless and selfless devotion to furthering conservation and stewardship of our natural resources on public and private lands across America.”

About the Boone and Crockett Club

TALLADEGA, Ala. – The Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP) has announced it will be hosting several informative Steyr firearm courses in April, all available at the Talladega Marksmanship Park in Alabama.

Steyr Arms, Inc. is a firearms manufacturer with over 150 years of innovation. A world-renowned leader, the company specializes in products that are often utilized by military and law enforcement, due to their incomparable reliability standards.

As a subsidiary to their production division, Steyr Academy trains individuals on practical uses of firearms through valuable instruction, led by Brian Marshall, a 28-year veteran of local and federal law enforcement with two decades of instructor experience.

Two Steyr courses held at Talladega in April will be held on the covered firing points at the 100, 200, 300 and 600 yards, using CMP’s electronic target lines. The classes will also fire on Talladega’s unknown distance range. These courses include:

Steyr AUG Marksmanship Course – Saturday, April 13 – 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Anyone who has spent any significant amount of time in the outdoors knows about the Vasque brand of boots and shoes for the outdoors. This brand has been creating best in class boots for decades and it is one of the trusted boots for hikers and backpackers. They are known for comfort and durability as well as a variety of styles to suit various terrains and weather conditions.

The new RE:connect collection from Vasque has heads turning for the great style as well as the environmentally friendly ethos for this line up. The lineup includes two completely different shoes the RE:CONNECT HERE and the RE:CONNECT NOW. The HERE is designed to breath with a recycled polyester upper mesh with an anatomical last wrapping around your foot allowing you to move. The NOW is designed for comfort and stability with a wider heel and forefoot design and internal sleeve for midfoot support and comfort.

We chose the RE:CONNECT NOW to test and we are super pleased with the results of this shoe. We had the opportunity to put both a men’s and women’s shoe through testing from this line. These shoes are wide and comfortable and they remind you that it is okay to be comfortable and outside at the same time. We chose these shoes specifically for getting outside. Every winter my wife and I look for a pair of shoes each to take us out on Spring walks to get back into shape after a long winter spent mostly inside. We need to get in shape and the dog needs to gets back in to shape.

RE:CONNECT NOW Key Features

Comfort and Durability

Vasque has long built great boots and these shoes are no exception. They are comfortable and enjoyable to wear all day. I chose the white pair for testing the men’s shoes and Marjorie chose the black pair for day to day wear. I haven’t owned a pair of white shoes in several years and these look fantastic no matter what I am wearing and they just take a little more effort to keep clean. The soles of these shoes are outstanding providing a tremendous amount of grip whether you are walking on trails, the street or on dirt. These soles really help whether you are on dry or wet ground and provide the kind of grip that you want regardless of the conditions.

The vast amount of these shoes come from Recycled materials from the 100% Recycled Ripstop Mesh Upper and that kind of goes all the way through the shoes including the 60% content laces. One of the features I really like is the internal fit sleeve and the thicker wider feel of these shoes. The lightweight feel of these are fantastic and I really enjoy the way these lace up allowing you to lace them in a variety of strengths for secure support for hiking and more open for everyday use.

Meet the People Practicing Time-Honored Methods of Traditional Barbecue and Live Fire Cooking Monday, May 6 at 9 p.m. ET

DENVER (April 8, 2024) –  Outdoor enthusiasts, barbecue aficionados, and all who savor the primal allure of cooking over fire are in for a treat as Outdoor Channel unveils its latest culinary adventure, Life of Fire, premiering on Monday, May 6 at 9 p.m. ET. The show, hosted by renowned Tennessee pitmaster Pat Martin, takes viewers on a journey into America’s rich barbecue culture and the art of live fire cooking.

In Life of Fire, Pat Martin goes on a cross-country expedition to discover those who’ve mastered the art of traditional barbecue methods and live fire cooking. Each episode is a window into diverse practices—ranging from classic Tennessee pithouses to the open-flame pit barbecues of Alabama, the age-old techniques of North Georgia, the early American traditions of Virginia, and the unique fusion flavors of California.

The series not only showcases different barbecue styles and techniques but also casts the spotlight on the resilient heritage and storytelling that forms the bedrock of these cultures. Including forays into international terrains with episodes highlighting Greek and Laotian customs, Martin’s quest is a testament to the enduring legacy of cooking with fire.

“Life of Fire comes at a time when there’s renewed interest in culinary history and a growing desire for content from our viewers that showcases the elemental connection between food, fire, and community.” said Tim Cremin, Head of Programming at Outdoor Sportsman Group.

Galveston, Texas—More than 100 anglers and their families joined a dozen retired NFL players and other volunteers at Galveston Bay State Park on Saturday, March 30, for a day of surf fishing and beach time.

The Union Sportsmen’s Alliance (USA) joined Texas native and former Kansas City Chiefs fullback Kimble Anders and other members of the NFL Players Association (NFLPA) Houston Chapter, Running Back Giving Back Foundation, and Texas Parks and Wildlife to provide a free, community-based event. All the youth anglers received a free fishing rod and reel to take home at the USA’s first-ever NFLPA-led Take Kids Fishing event.

With sunshine, temperatures reaching the upper 70s, and a light breeze, the waves were still pretty rough, said Kyle O’Haver, superintendent of Galveston Island State Park. Even so, participants caught a few hardhead catfish and whiting using cut squid and mullet for bait.

“As a park manager, it’s pretty exciting to partner with NFL greats like Kimble Anders,” said O’Haver. “More importantly, we had a beautiful beach day for the kids.”

“The kids didn’t care about the surf. They were just happy to play at the beach,” said LaChelle (LJ) Jackson, a community affairs specialist who works with current and retired professional athletes to organize events like this. She took her six-year-old niece who had a blast. “I’ve been getting calls all week about when we’re doing another one,” added Jackson.