Hunting and Fishing News Blog Articles

Can you share more about your story starting MKC? How did you first get interested in the business?

Starting Montana Knife Company was really the culmination of a lifelong passion. I made my first knife when I was just 11 years old, and I became obsessed with bladesmithing, eventually earning my Master Bladesmith title at age 19.. Over the years, I realized there was a need for quality, American-made knives specifically built for hunters and outdoorsmen, designed to hold up to the tough demands of our environment. That’s where MKC was born. I wanted to combine my skills as a bladesmith with my love for Montana to create knives people could rely on for generations.

How did growing up in Montana influence your interest in starting MKC?

Montana is a big part of who I am. Growing up here, you learn to respect the land and the work that goes into making something last. We’re a state of hunters, ranchers, and hard-working folks who rely on good tools, and that’s a huge influence on MKC. It’s about building something that’s practical, tough, and true to the Montana way of life. I wanted to create a product that’s as rugged and reliable as the people who use it.

How has the business evolved since 2020 when it first started?

When we launched in 2020, it was a leap of faith. I started out small, with just a one design and the help of my kids in my garage, but we quickly saw demand take off. Since then, we’ve expanded our lineup and grown our team, but the core of what we do—crafting high-quality knives with purpose—has stayed the same. Now, with our new facility being built in Missoula, we will be able to bring even more jobs to the community and keep up with demand, while still focusing on craftsmanship.

How does your role as the Master Bladesmith keep you engaged in the work and business?

As a Master Bladesmith, I’m deeply involved in every aspect of the knife-making process, from design to testing. Being hands-on with the craftsmanship keeps me connected to what makes MKC unique. It’s not just about running a business for me; it’s about creating products I’m proud to put my name on. Every knife that leaves our shop has to meet the standards I’ve set as a bladesmith, and being involved in that process is what keeps me passionate about the work.

What differentiates MKC from other knife manufacturers?

Our knives are built for the real-world needs of hunters and outdoorsmen, and they’re made right here in Montana. No other major knife company is actually led by a master bladesmith. We focus on creating tools that are dependable, versatile, and durable enough to pass down. We also do things a little differently with our drop releases, so we’re producing in smaller, focused batches that let us keep quality high. We’re proud to offer knives that are made with precision and designed specifically for people who share our love for the outdoors.

Traditional optics often leave a graying silhouette in low-light conditions, leaving a hunter doubtful about their target. Buck Commander, with 17 years of hunting experience, knows that many opportunities have been missed because of guesswork on a target. This is why Buck Commander is proud to launch the latest addition to any hunter’s arsenal with the BUK OPS® Buknoculars, the only binoculars to change how hunters can utilize low-light conditions to maximize their time in the stand.

The Buknoculars Prime Binoculars feature an industry-first technology called Primetime Color Vision. This patent-pending technology enhances low-light conditions to maximize every moment of shooting time. Hunters can quickly identify their target buck in vivid color when traditional optics only provide a graying silhouette. Primetime Color Vision does not use thermal imaging or infrared; it uses its own proprietary technology unlike any other. Gain the advantage during dawn or dusk, effortlessly identifying bucks and optimizing chances of success in the field.

The Buknoculars come equipped with a shielded viewing screen, adding an extra layer of convenience and protection for hunters. With the manual focus lens, 1-5x zoom, large HD viewfinder, and 4k high-resolution recording capabilities, the Buknoculars are the most versatile prime binoculars on the market. Included in the package is BUKSKIN, a premium neoprene protective skin in Veil Tac Black Camo to keep Buknoculars in like-new condition. Add a set of Buck Commander’s BUK OPS Buknoculars to your optics arsenal and make primetime count!

Buknoculars Features:

About BUK OPS

In 2024 the Mule Deer Foundation sponsored, the Wild Women’s Rendezvous, an event bringing over 50 women into the field to learn about hunting, shooting, archery, survival, trapping, health, wilderness safety, connection and Conservation.

“These women came from different states, countries, cultures and ethnicities. They were young and old. Some were seasoned outdoors women and some were brand new babies in the outdoor world. One thread connected them all, and that is the thing that makes them different in their circles at home. It’s the unique and precious quality of curiosity and adventure they all shared, and that unquenchable lust for anything wild and untamed. This event had the potential to change the trajectory of women in the wild and it far exceeded those expectations.” -Tana Grenda, Founder of Bristol Bay Retreats 

“This is an event by strong, confident, outdoor women to forge more strong and confident outdoor women because our daughters need us, the next generation needs us. Passing on these skills and this mindset is becoming more and more rare and isolated. This lifestyle is not forgotten and connection with likeminded women is important for its preservation for us all. Women have created waves of change throughout history and last June, a new wave formed.”- Tara Bell, CEO of the Thrival Foundation

The week was filled with learning, bonding and growing as the women participated in workshops ranging from big game hunting, butchering, long range shooting, health and survival. Each woman who came was instantly bonded by their mutual love of the outdoors and everything wild but the relationships forged grew stronger and stronger every day as they stepped out of their comfort zones with each other. Sun filled days of learning were capped in the evening by fires, music and laughter. 

Many of these women had experience with hunting and the outdoors but none of them had been given the opportunity to not only witness but to get hands on experience in everything related to hunting. For many it was a week of firsts. The first time they had skinned an animal themselves, the first time they had rung steel at 1000 yards, the first time they had started a fire with a flint and steel.

Wildlife Management Institute (WMI), Outdoor Stewards of Conservation Foundation (OSCF) and Tyee Resources have partnered to develop the Connecting with Conservation Podcast.

The Connecting with Conservation Podcast (CWC Podcast) was created to allow for a broad mix of guests from wildlife agencies, manufacturers and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to share their stories about how they and their organizations support outdoor recreation and conservation.

“The outdoor industry doesn’t get the credit it deserves when it comes to conservation,” said WMI SE Field Representative and podcast host Dr. Jon Gassett. “The Connecting with Conservation Podcast will serve as an outlet to hear stories of conservation from folks that don’t actively seek attention, but certainly deserve credit for all they do to support conservation.”

The format for the CWC Podcast is more conversational than Q&A and episodes average 30 minutes in length.

“Available in both video and audio format, the new Connecting with Conservation Podcast provides a unique look deep inside the world of conservation,” stated podcast co-host and Executive Director of OSCF, Jim Curcuruto. “The audience will be treated to rarely told stories about how land, fish and wildlife conservation is truly managed and funded in America.”

For as long as man has lived, the combo of a hunter and his dog has been an iconic image recognized all throughout history and culture. But more than just a companion in the field, a hunting dog can also be a loyal companion for camping, sports, and outdoor-related activities as well as a wonderful friend to families.

With their keen instincts, physical prowess, and ability to track or retrieve game, these dogs are quintessential to the hunting experience. Hunters also know that the dog also gets something in return for their hard work: for them, hunting serves as an engaging activity and a source of healthy exercise and mental stimulation.

There are different ways to prepare your dog for a life hunting alongside you. One option is to enroll them in a training program handled by professionals, and another is to train your dog yourself. No matter your choice, it’s important to ensure that your dog has received proper training and has been raised for the experiences before you take them hunting. To that end, here are some practical tips to raise your dog to become a skilled and dependable hunting buddy:

1) Enroll Your Dog in a Professional Training Program

If you’re new to raising hunting dogs or want expert guidance, professional training is an excellent starting point. Trainers with experience in the field can teach your dog critical skills like scent tracking, retrieving game, and responding to commands in high-pressure situations. They also handle specialized training, such as gunfire acclimation, which can be challenging for beginners to manage on their own.

The Second Amendment Foundation (SAF) has filed an important amicus brief with the U.S. Supreme Court supporting the firearms industry in its defense of the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act (PLCAA), which is being attacked through a lawsuit against gun manufacturers by the Mexican government. The case is known as Smith & Wesson Brands, Inc., et al., v. Estados Unidos Mexicanos. 

SAF is represented by attorneys Thomas R. McCarthy and Tiffany H. Bates of Consovoy McCarthy PLLC in Arlington, Va., through the Antonin Scalia Law School Supreme Court Clinic. 

“Allowing Mexico to pierce the Protection in Lawful Commerce of Arms Act would result in foreign countries dictating the types of arms that should be commercially available to Americans,” explained SAF Executive Director Adam Kraut. “These types of lawsuits, like the one brought by Mexico, are designed with one purpose in mind – to bankrupt the firearms industry and drive it out of existence. Such a result is untenable and directly impacts the right to keep and bear arms. SAF will continue to assert itself in matters that impact American’s ability to acquire arms to exercise their Second Amendment rights.” 

“Mexico’s attempt to hold U.S. firearms manufacturers legally responsible for the criminal activity of others, in a foreign country, is precisely the type of lawsuit that Congress designed the PLCAA to block,” noted SAF Executive Vice President Alan M. Gottlieb. “Mexico’s lawsuit isn’t just an attack on gun makers, it’s an effort to undermine the authority of Congress to protect manufacturers and consumers alike. As we note in our brief, if Mexico’s lawsuit is allowed to stand, it will result in a new wave of massively expensive litigation solely designed to crush the firearms industry and ultimately eviscerate the Second Amendment. That cannot be allowed to happen.” 

Mexico’s lawsuit was originally rejected by U.S. District Judge Dennis Saylor — a George W. Bush appointee — in 2022. However, his decision was appealed to the liberal Boston-based U.S. First District Court of Appeals and overturned earlier this year.

Ryan Teach and Dan Johnston tapped for expanded roles in support of better fishing experiences

St. Croix Rod, handcrafters of the Best Rods on Earth® for over 75 years and parent company to the SEVIIN Reels, St. Croix Fly, and Rod Geeks brands, announces the promotions of Ryan Teach and Dan Johnston. Teach, formerly Product Manager and Brand Manager, is appointed to the newly created position of Vice President of Innovation. Former National Sales Manager Dan Johnston has been appointed Director of Sales.

“St. Croix has always been and will always be an angler-focused company,” says St. Croix CEO, Scott Forristall. “We have grown significantly over the past five years, but that growth hasn’t come from any simple desire to become larger. It’s been a deliberate response to the needs of anglers, fueled by our unique ability and desire to provide new and better products that help them enjoy fishing even more. That takes imagination and innovation, but it also requires experienced leadership. Ryan and Dan have proven their ability to spearhead the desired growth of our brands through creative execution and by always putting anglers at the forefront of our decision making.”

As a new member of St. Croix’s Executive Leadership Team, Teach will lead the product-development activities of all St. Croix brands.

“I’m grateful to the Executive Team for entrusting this role to me, but I’m most excited about what actually having a newly created Vice President of Innovation means to our anglers,” Teach says. “It’s an outward show of our continued commitment to support anglers with new products that deliver better fishing experiences on all fronts. Our Product, Engineering, Operations, Marketing, and Sales Teams are completely aligned in this commitment, and everything we’ve done during my tenure with St. Croix has been for that purpose.”