Hunting and Fishing News Blog Articles

EDGEFIELD, S.C. — The National Wild Turkey Federation is proud to announce the return of Nomad and Huk as Longbeard Sponsors for the 49th Annual NWTF Convention and Sport Show, set to take place Feb. 12-16 in Nashville, Tennessee.
“Marolina Outdoor, home to the Nomad and Huk brands, is proud to participate in this year’s 49th Annual Convention and Sport Show,” said Mike Tussey, Nomad director of marketing. “At Nomad and Huk, we are excited to continue our sponsorship and support for this remarkable event for many years to come.”

As leading outdoor brands and proud representatives of the NWTF’s home state of South Carolina, Nomad and Huk have supported the NWTF Convention and Sport Show since 2016. This year, their sponsorship includes the Waterin’ Hole and the Ryman lobby banners, solidifying their presence as champions of the NWTF mission. Convention attendees can explore Nomad and Huk’s quality outdoor apparel and gear at booth 501 in the exhibit hall.

“Nomad and Huk have been steadfast allies in our mission and longstanding contributors to the success of our Convention and Sport Show,” said Natalia Daniels, NWTF national director of corporate relations and licensing. “Their continued support elevates the experience for attendees, and their exhibit hall presence offers essential gear for spring turkey hunting and beyond.”

The NWTF Convention and Sport Show, officially sponsored by Mossy Oak, kicks off with an exciting concert on the evening of Wednesday, Feb. 12. The convention officially begins on Thursday, Feb. 13, with the morning opening of the sport show floor, showcasing over 500 premier exhibitors from across the outdoor industry. The day concludes with the high-energy Kickoff Party that evening. The sport show runs through Saturday, Feb. 15, at the Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center, with the convention wrapping up on Sunday morning following a free worship service.

For additional details, including the full schedule of events, visit https://www.nwtf.org/get-involved/nwtf-convention.

RICE LAKE, Wis., January 23, 2025 — Henry Repeating Arms, one of America’s leading firearms manufacturers, is unveiling its new Special Products Division (SPD), a collaborative hub dedicated to pioneering advancements in firearms design and technology to explore what’s possible. In pursuit of solving real-world problems posed by the outdoorsmen, hunters, and hobbyists of today and tomorrow, SPD will serve as the home for Henry’s most technically advanced firearms.

“The Special Products Division represents a significant leap forward for us,” states Andy Wickstrom, President of Henry Repeating Arms. “Over the last few years, we’ve brought in some of America’s brightest minds in firearms design and developed a deeply rooted culture of exploring the unknown. This isn’t about following trends; it’s about leading with purpose and innovation to create new ones.”

The Special Products Division, headquartered in Rice Lake, Wisconsin, is born from a singular mission: to lead while others follow. With a focus on advanced materials and metallurgy, cutting-edge manufacturing processes, and collaborating with other leaders in their respective spaces, SPD aims to deliver practical solutions that set a new bar for their use cases, whether it’s a backcountry hunter seeking the most rugged, ultralight, long-distance hunting rifle, or a discerning hobbyist wanting the best platform for their suppressor.

“As an engineer, the unique challenges and questions being answered by those in the Special Products Division are exhilarating,” said Nick Chappell, Vice President of Engineering. “Our team is empowered with the autonomy necessary for these types of projects, and backed by an extensive array of tools, resources, and connections both within and beyond the firearms industry to ensure results of the highest quality. We foster a culture of discovery and originality and are excited to showcase the capabilities of the Special Products Division to the world.”

Henry Repeating Arms plans to roll out its first offerings under the SPD banner by Spring 2025

For more information about the Special Products Division about upcoming product launches, please visit henryusa.com/spd.

For more information about Henry Repeating Arms and its products, visit henryusa.com or call 866-200-2354 for a free catalog. 

Powerful Alpha XL handles all terrains and communicates directly with Garmin dog collars 

OLATHE, Kan./Jan. 21, 2025/Outdoor Wire – Garmin (NYSE: GRMN) today unveiled the Alpha® XL sporting dog device. This hunting-focused vehicle navigator easily guides users to their favorite hunting spot thanks to a high-resolution 10” touchscreen display and cutting-edge Garmin navigation features, then transitions to an all-in-one dog tracking and training device. Eliminating the need for a dog tracking handheld, the rugged Alpha XL navigator communicates directly with compatible Garmin dog collars, providing hunters track and train capabilities on the display. Users can view their dogs or other hunters’ handhelds from the cab of their truck or remove Alpha XL from the mounting dock and grab a seat at the tailgate for up to two hours of portable use. 

“We created Alpha XL for users who wanted all the power and durability of an Alpha handheld but in a form factor better suitable for vehicles. This device guides you to your favorite hunting spot, no matter how far off the beaten path, and then helps bring you and your dogs back when it’s time to head home. It’s perfect for users who travel large distances on the hunt.” 

–Dan Bartel, Garmin Vice President of Global Consumer Sales 

Notable Alpha XL features 

WESTFIELD, Massachusetts – January 23, 2025 – Savage Arms®, an iconic firearm manufacturer, has received a 2024 Editors’ Choice Award from On Target Magazine. Awarded by the editors of On Target, this achievement signifies a product as best-in-class and serves as one of the editorial team’s strongest recommendations.

Savage received this Editors’ Choice Award for its new REVEL Classic, a modern take on the classic rimfire lever action. The REVEL debuted in September 2024, quickly gaining popularity amongst lever-action and rimfire enthusiasts due to its ability to appeal to veteran and novice shooters alike.

“Savage Arms has done something remarkable with the REVEL Series,” said On Target Editor Chris Mudgett. “By blending the timeless appeal of the lever action rifle with modern enhancements, they’ve created a firearm as functional as it is beautiful:”

The Savage REVEL is crafted with precision engineering and advanced materials. With a smooth and reliable lever action and crisp trigger pull, the REVEL ensures precise shot placement. A simple, quick take-down mechanism sets the rifle apart as the go-to backpack gun.

“Savage Arms is honored to receive this Editor’s Choice Award from On Target,” said Beth Shimanski, Director of Marketing at Savage Arms. “Our engineers worked day and night to create lever action rimfire rifle that they were proud of, and that honored the age-old traditions of lever gun enthusiasts.”

January 2025, Accokeek, MD – Waterfowl enthusiasts throughout the world count Franchi’s Affinity shotguns as their trusted partners in the duck blinds (next to their faithful and hard-working dogs, of course). With its refined ergonomics, dependable performance, and Inertia Driven® semi-auto action cycling everything from standard to magnum loads, the Affinity series has delivered enviable results from ag fields and marshes to flooded timber.

Now, 13 years after its introduction, Franchi presents a redesigned platform with the all-new Affinity 3.5 Waterfowl Elite and Affinity 3 Waterfowl Elite. Built for the waterfowler, the Affinity Waterfowl Elite series enters 2025 with a fresh look that holds to the manufacturer’s Italian craftsmanship heritage while advancing performance-driven refinements in operation, comfort, and handling.

A quality waterfowling piece must be smooth to mount, easy to swing, and maintain a solid grip in the hands under the toughest of conditions. The Affinity Waterfowl Elite’s upgrades meet those criteria with a thinner forend and more robust checkering, offering exceptional grip for decisive mounting and muzzle control.

To ensure fast, fumble-free loading, the Affinity Waterfowl Elite comes with a new two-piece shell latch. This innovative design, combined with a larger loading port, makes reloads quick and easy when the birds are coming in hot. Other functional upgrades include a larger, elongated bolt release button and an oversized and textured bolt handle so you never miss a beat — even when wearing gloves.

The Affinity is known for its soft-shooting yet hard-hitting manners, and the revised Affinity Waterfowl Elite continues that tradition with a new adjustable TSA recoil pad system. In addition to its up to 50% reduction in felt recoil, this pad can be adjusted for length-of-pull by adding or removing the included spacer.

January 2025, Accokeek, MD – Benelli kicks off 2025 with the release of its next-generation pump-action shotgun, the Nova 3 Hunting. Building on the rugged, no-fail construction of the original Nova, the new Nova 3 Hunting furthers the brand’s workhorse mission to provide price-conscious, performance-minded hunters a tough and dependable shotgun for any outdoor adventure.

The Nova 3 Hunting continues the Nova’s innovative one-piece and corrosion-proof framework with a 100% Poly-Mod construction, forming a strong, unitized receiver and buttstock configuration. This gen 3 version includes a reshaped buttstock and forend with the more aggressive Ergo-Evolved Diamond Grip scalloping for improved grip and operation in all weather conditions. The trigger guard is also enlarged and re-profiled for enhanced use when wearing gloves.

Continuing the functional upgrades, the Nova 3 Hunting boasts a larger ejection port and faster 3-inch chamber to deliver a 14-percent shorter cycling stroke when compared to the original Nova. The ejection port contour lines now blend with the receiver for a sleeker look and aesthetic continuity.  All this, combined with a beveled loading port for smoother, faster loading, Benelli’s rugged M4 bolt face, and a manual shell stop for clearing the chamber without releasing a round from the magazine, translates to a fast-operating, ergonomic pump-action shotgun hunters can depend on.

The Nova 3 Hunting debuts with a 12-gauge 2 3/4- and 3-inch chamber in 26- or 28-inch barrel lengths. Each configuration is offered in black synthetic, Realtree® Max-7 camo, and Mossy Oak® Bottomland camo. Standard features include IC, M, and F Mobil choke tubes, vented rib with red bar sight, and a drilled and tapped receiver for optic installation. MSRP: $529 – $629 depending on model.

For more information on Benelli USA’s full line of premium shotguns and centerfire hunting rifles, visit BenelliUSA.com.

January 2025, Accokeek, MD – Shotgun enthusiasts have come to know Stoeger’s M3000 semi-auto shotgun as a go-anywhere, do-anything platform for all manner of hunting and clay-busting pursuits. For 2025, Stoeger expands its M3000 lineup into the personal defense realm with the addition of the all-new M3000 Tactical.

Powered by the “cycles-anything” Inertia Driven® system, with its clean operation and rotating bolt head for positive lockup, the M3000 Tactical is the practical choice for those looking for a highly capable, always dependable semi-auto shotgun for home and personal defense.

The M3000 Tactical begins with a Tungsten Cerakote® receiver fitted with an 18.5-inch barrel. The barrel comes with a breacher-style choke and a pedestal front sight that is built to take the hard knocks. This sight works in conjunction with a robust ghost ring rear sight for fast and accurate sight picture acquisition. Those who prefer an optic can take advantage of the included Picatinny rail or the factory optic cut using supplied adaptor plates that have an RMR or Burris footprint. 

Validating the shotgun’s fighting credentials is a tactical-style stock hosting an ergonomic pistol grip with an integrated buttstock. The stock includes both M-LOK and QD mounting points for diverse sling positioning and a prominent cheek riser to ensure good eye alignment with the open sights or an optic.

As with all M3000-series shotguns, the M3000 Tactical features a large bolt handle, an oversized bolt release, and a large safety button to assist in high-stress operation. Similarly, the loading port is beveled to promote fast reloading.

Irving, TX – January 2025 – Walker’s, the leader in developing innovative hearing protection and sound enhancement technology solutions for hunting, shooting, and commercial applications for more than 30 years, recently revealed their revolutionary SUPPRESSOR and SUPPRESSOR BT Earbuds—all-new for 2025.

Available in two styles, one with and the other without Bluetooth® 5.3 Low Energy (LE) connectivity, the SUPPRESSOR Earbuds are efficient at canceling potentially damaging noises*, enhancing desired environmental sounds, and relaying audio from cell phones, tablets and other devices.

Through their delivery of 360° Directional Sound, thanks to four microphones (two per earbud), they improve audio clarity so hunters, individuals in industrial environments, and other end-users can identify where noises come from during times of work and play. Both models also feature full dynamic range HD speakers for clear, balanced sound via four frequency modes—Universal, Clear Voice, High Frequency and Power Boost—ensuring users are prepared for any situation.

Thanks to the integration of secure, energy-efficient Bluetooth 5.3 Low Energy (LE) connectivity, users can count on the SUPPRESSOR BT Earbuds to deliver reduced power consumption and improved avoidance of congested channels, which minimizes overall interference.

Adding to the buds’ overall convenience is their ease of operation via the Walker’s Link 4.0 app. With the app, users can quickly adjust volume, monitor battery levels, and adjust the auto shut-off time through their mobile device or smartwatch**.

LAS VEGAS, Nev. January 23, 2025 – The Industry Day at the Range Safety Award, sponsored by Action Target, honors the participating company that demonstrates the highest standard of safety throughout the event. The 2025 Action Target Safety Award was awarded to Aero Precision at the Action Target SHOT Show booth.

“Safety through innovation is foundational to our industry’s growth. Action Target is proud to sponsor this award and recognize Aero Precision’s outstanding commitment to safety at Industry Day at the Range. Their dedication mirrors our mission to advance responsible firearms training through cutting-edge range technology and equipment,” says Kevin Tomaszewski, Sr. Vice President & General Manager at Action Target. “Together, we’re setting new standards for safety excellence in the shooting sports industry.”

Safety auditors judged shooting exhibitors during Industry Day, and the score was determined by range safety criteria such as providing hearing and eye protection, control of ammunition and safe handling of firearms on the firing line. Scoring also took into consideration the posting of rules, availability of first aid kits at the shooting stations and crowd management.

“Precision, discipline, and a commitment to safety are the true marks of excellence on the range. Winning the Range Safety Award isn’t just an achievement—it’s a testament to Aero Precision’s unwavering dedication to ensuring every shot is safe and controlled.” – Ryan Donahue | President of Sales and Marketing, Aero Precision

With a steady stream of individuals, media and buyers flowed through the exhibitor lanes testing products and watching demonstrations by top manufacturers and suppliers. The 2025 Industry Day at the Range was held at the Boulder Rifle and Pistol Club in Boulder City, Nevada on Monday, January 20. For more information about SHOT Show Industry Day at the Range visit ShotShowRangeDay.com.