Hunting and Fishing News Blog Articles

Federal Ammunition recently hosted its annual Conservation Breakfast at the National Wild Turkey Federation’s (NWTF) 46th Annual Convention and Sport Show, held February 16-20, 2022 in Nashville, Tennessee. Federal Premium Ammunition was also a Gobbler Sponsor of the event.

“We’re proud to be celebrating 100 years of continuous operation this year. As we’ve gone through our archives to prepare for our official birthday this April 27th, we’ve been reminded again of how important conservation is to the history of Federal and our entire industry,” said Jason Nash, Vice President of Marketing. “Since 1984 the National Wild Turkey Federation has been one of our great program partners. The organization and its dedicated staff, members and volunteers have been instrumental in benefitting game and habitat for future generations to enjoy.”

Federal Ammunition and the National Wild Turkey Federation have been working hand in hand for decades. The company has participated at every NWTF convention and has hosted the Conservation Breakfast for 39 years. Federal Ammunition is one of the five longest-running sponsors and the only licensed ammunition partner of the NWTF.

“We appreciate everything NWTF members do to grow our sport and pass along this great heritage,” continued Nash. “Our copper-plated Grand Slam, 3rd Degree and Heavyweight TSS loads are all a priority for us as we continue to share a portion of the proceeds from the sale of those products with the NWTF. We thank NWTF for their longstanding partnership with us and we look forward to another 100 years of improving habitat and growing the sport we all love.”

With turkey populations in good shape throughout much of the country, hunters anticipate a memorable 2022 season. Now they can go afield knowing Federal’s new Premium turkey loads will not only deliver consistent, devastating performance, but also help turkeys themselves through their partnership with the NWTF.

RICE LAKE, WI, Feb. 24, 2022

Leading lever action firearm manufacturer, Henry Repeating Arms, is donating a custom series of 55 “Miss Milah’s Miracle” edition rifles to raise funds for four-year-old Milah Schevenius of Decatur, Indiana. Milah was diagnosed with bilateral Wilms’ tumor at just 3-year-old, a rare occurrence affecting less than 10% of all children’s kidney cancer cases. All proceeds of the fundraising campaign will be presented to the Schevenius family to assist with the associated healthcare costs of Milah’s treatments.

In 2021, Milah underwent surgery to remove the affected kidneys, leaving her with less than half of her right kidney and no left kidney. A follow-up surgery was performed in December 2021, after a legion was found on her remaining partial kidney. Additionally, Milah is going through 42 weeks of chemo with radiation treatments at a children’s hospital in Indiana. She loves to color, play with her dolls, have tea parties, and spend time with her sisters. Milah wants to be a doctor when she grows up so that she can help kids going through what she is experiencing.

“Never judge a book by its cover, because this little girl is tough,” says Ryan Knapp, Milah’s grandfather. He continues, “She has been through more than anyone should in less than 4 years of life but does it with a smile and she does not quit.”

Anthony Imperato, CEO and Founder of Henry Repeating Arms says, “To go through what Milah and her family are going through in the middle of a worldwide pandemic is almost incomprehensible.” Imperato continues, “Milah’s courage is nothing short of inspirational, and I hope these rifles or the money raised gives her a reason to gift her family with a smile and a big hug.” Last year, Henry Repeating Arms raised over $75,000 for the families of two sick children with all rifles selling out within hours.

Have your last fishing trips ended with an empty bucket? Well, it’s common to go empty-handed when you go fishing. It also happens even with the most experienced enthusiasts every once in a while. But you should never let it stop you from going out and trying again. 

Although there are some facets of catching fish that you can’t control, there are also certain techniques and strategies that can dramatically increase your chances of catching more fish. 

The number one tip is to know the best spots for fishing. To catch more fish, you need to know where they live and eat. In this case, research becomes crucial as it will help you find the best fishing locations around the local area. 

It’s not that hard to find these places, though, because other fishing enthusiasts may have found the best fishing areas. Like-minded people often share locations on online forums and fishing websites.

Ideally, you should look for areas of water where there is food, cover, and where fish can easily blend in. Some of the proven locations where you can usually catch more fish include bridges, inlets, docks, points, and river banks. However, each fishing spot is unique. So, you will need to do your research first before heading out so you won’t go home with zero catch again.  

Bowhunters who pursue spring gobblers need stuff, and lots of it. A ground blind. A blind chair. Decoys. Your bow. And all that other stuff. How do you haul it quickly, easily, and safely from your truck to the field in one trip? And what if you’re a run & gun hunter, needing to move often during the day? You almost need to be an octopus to haul it all – unless you incorporate the Bow Spider bow packing system.

Bow Spider is the quickest and easiest hands-free bow retrieval system on the market. Here’s how it works. An aluminum arm attaches to the bow’s riser, and slides into a slot on the lightweight, injection-molded receiver, which can be worn on the included belt or attached via long bolts to other objects, including your backpack. You can choose either to temporarily or permanently mount Bow Spider to your pack. By using the straps provided it can be mounted temporarily. For a permanent or semi-permanent mount you can use the provided bolts. The bow is held securely in place via a gravity-locking system, yet slides out with minimal effort. It’s versatility also allows it to be mounted to the back of your car seat, tree trunks, a waist belt, binocular harness — any flat surface. The bow can be quickly and effortlessly removed with one hand when it’s time to swing back into action.

Now chasing gobblers is simple. Your calls, pruning tools, and other small accessories are in your turkey vest. Binocular and rangefinder on your chest in its harness. The blind on your back, backpack style. The chair in one hand, decoys in a decoy bag either slung over the blind or in the other hand. Your bow securely held in the Bow Spider on your belt. Boom! You’re off to the races with everything you need. Of course, all this can be modified to your individual needs – and the versatility of Bow Spider makes it the perfect accessory to do just that – keeping your hands free of carrying the bow.

The complete Bow Spider bow packing system comes in either green, tan, or black, and has a MSRP of $89.95. To see how easy, it is to use the Bow Spider, check out these video clips:  https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=bow+spider+packing+system. For more information on the entire Bow Spider product line, visit www.bowspider.com.

About Recreational Archery Development LLC (RAD, LLC): Founded in 2019 and headquartered in Kinnear, WY,  RAD, LLC  is a leading designer and manufacturer of innovative products for the outdoor industry, including the Bow Spider brand of products. Bow Spider’s intuitive design makes bow retrieval fast and easy in any situation. The product is proudly made in the USA and gives one percent of all sales to conservation. The company also offers veterans a 15 percent discount on all products. (To take advantage of this offer orders need to be called in directly to the company at 307-438-9290.) For additional information on RAD, LLC and the Bow Spider brand of products write to: RAD, LLC, PO Box 171, Kinnear, WY 82516; call 307-438-9290; email [email protected]; visit www.bowspider.com.

EDGEFIELD, S.C.—The National Wild Turkey Federation’s Making Tracks with the USDA Forest Service awards recognize people and projects that best incorporate conservation education, partnerships and wild turkey management.

The NWTF presented the awards during its 46th annual Convention and Sport Show, sponsored by Mossy Oak, to projects and programs that bolstered NWTF’s Save the Habitat. Save the Hunt. goals.

Partnership Achievement Program: Daniel Boone National Forest

Through NWTF’s partnership with the Forest Service on the Daniel Boone National Forest, the two are working to improve forest health and wildlife habitat with forest management, including timber harvest, mid-story reduction, wildlife openings management and tree planting on more than 1,700 acres.

The DBNF staff went above and beyond for the NWTF as the organization was navigating the COVID-19 pandemic. The Forest Service staff stepped up to the plate and provided additional assistance with on-the-ground inspection and also provided additional dollars to hire an inspector.

The award-winning team from Heartland Waterfowl on the Sportsman Channel will be at the Kansas Open Season Sportsman’s Expo at the Overland Park Convention Center on Saturday, March 12. Heartland Waterfowl will offer a pair of presentations at the Croft Trailer Supply Booth at 2 p.m. and 2:30 p.m.

The crew of Heartland Waterfowl have traveled across North America for a decade, filming a variety of waterfowl hunts in different flyways. The hunts have included Snow Geese in Saskatchewan, Mallards in North Dakota, Canada Geese in Kansas and Missouri to Sandhill Cranes in west Texas.

The experts from Heartland Waterfowl will share their experiences and discuss important waterfowl hunting topics such as scouting, concealment, weather, getting permission and necessary products. A Q&A session will be held as well as a meet and greet with Expo attendees.

There will also be a chance to register to win a Heartland Waterfowl Prize Pack, which will be awarded to a lucky attendee.

For more information on the Kansas Open Season Sportsman’s Expo and to purchase discount tickets in advance online, visit OpenSeasonSportsmansExpo.com.

Gamakatsu’s new series of extra wide-mouth tackle bags come in various sizes so anglers can take everything they need and nothing they don’t. The G-Bag EWM storage solutions open wide, giving anglers fast, easy access to tackle so anglers can rig up in a hurry and take advantage of a changing bite. 

The smallest bag in the new series, the G-Bag EWM 100, is the perfect size for holding a variety of soft plastic packs. The Extra Wide Mouth (EWM) provides easy access to the interior, and the internal wire frame keeps the top open while finding the right bait. The 8 x 4 x 6-inch size stows easily in other bags, and anglers can take as many as needed while remaining organized. Pick up a few and keep all smaller items organized and ready.

The larger 9.5 x 5 x 7-inch size of the G-Bag EWM 200 Tackle Bag stows more gear using the same innovative easy-access stay-open top. The 200 easily accommodates magnum packs of soft plastics and oversized bulk bags, so that anglers can stash their largest swimbaits or enough tubes for the season in one convenient location. In addition, there’s enough space to store a wide variety of tackle and gear, so anglers can keep rigging tools and other essentials handy as well. 

Stuff up to four Gamakatsu G-Box 3600 or eight 3200 utility cases into the G-Bag EWM 300 using the innovative Extra Wide Mouth opening. The biggest size in the lineup is designed to carry a variety of tackle comfortably, thanks to the adjustable, padded removable shoulder strap. The generous 13 x 8.5 x 11-inch bag lets anglers stockpile all of their finesse baits and power fishing lures in the same place so they can be prepared for anything.

All of the bags in the G-Bag EWM series feature water-resistant TPU construction that sheds water from rainstorms or the occasional rogue wave, so contents stay protected. Plus, a see-through I.D. tag window on the 100 and 200 size, allows anglers to slide in their customized labels for easy identification, so they grab the right bags for each trip. Anglers will always find the contents easily, courtesy of the Extra Wide Mouth and stay-open design.

MADISON, Wis. – The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) today announced Jim Fischer, DNR Mississippi River Team Leader, was presented the 2021 Rebecca Wallace Memorial Award from the Wisconsin Natural Resources Board during their meeting on Wednesday, Feb. 23, 2022.

This prestigious award honors DNR employees who improve relationships with external partner agencies and organizations on environmental quality issues or mentor staff. The Wisconsin Natural Resources Board created the award as a memorial to DNR employee Rebecca Wallace, who was tragically killed alongside her husband in an automobile accident in 1997. Wallace served at the DNR for 18 years and was known for her dedication to her work and her ability to bring people together to problem solve.

Fischer began his career with the DNR as a water quality specialist at the Upper Mississippi River Restoration Monitoring Station in January 1993. In 2005, he became the Mississippi River planner and transitioned into his current position as team leader in 2011 where he serves as the DNR’s lead on the Upper Mississippi River Restoration program, administering critical environmental monitoring and habitat restoration programming.

“Fischer has spent his career dedicated to building the world-renowned Upper Mississippi River Restoration program, resulting in Wisconsin’s portion of the Mississippi River being in a healthier more resilient condition,” said Kirsten Wallace, Executive Director of the Upper Mississippi River Basin Association.

Fischer is well-known for his ability to develop and foster partnerships across a wide range of state, federal and non-governmental organizations. He understands the ecological needs of the Mississippi River and is a proven leader and mentor.

SPRO® adds the new Aruku Shad Silent to its essential series of baits. The Essential series provides anglers with premium hard baits at affordable prices. Ideal for finicky fish in clear water, the Aruku Shad Silent will be a top choice among serious anglers. 

Predatory fish key in on the eyes before they strike. Like other Aruku Shad baits, the Aruku Shad Silent features SPRO’s Mean Eye to make it even more effective. The unique lipless design of the Aruku Shad creates lots of vibration to draw fish from a distance; the new Mean Eye seals the deal. The exaggerated eye taunts gamefish, forcing them to attack on sight. 

The nose-down attitude of the Aruku Shad allows it to move through cover without hang-ups so it can get to where the big boys hide. The front-first weighting makes the bait stand on its nose like a feeding baitfish for even more realism. Once they strike, the premium-forged steel Gamakatsu trebles ensure they get hooked.

The Aruku Shad Silent comes in an array of fish-catching colors. Like all of the lures in SPRO’s Essential series, they feature premium Gamakatsu treble hooks for sure hook sets every time. SPRO’s Aruku Shad Silent is so good it’s essential.

Aruku Shad Silent 75 Features:

MISSOULA, Mont. – Backcountry Hunters & Anglers is proud to announce the Aidan Long Outdoors for All Scholarship, a fund dedicated to help young people with disabilities get outdoors by providing access to adaptive equipment or provide assistance with outdoor education. BHA is currently seeking applicants for this new opportunity. 

Aidan Nichols Long, 2004-2021, loved life and nature every day. Growing up in Montana his best times included camping, canoeing and fishing with his mom and dad, Karen Nichols and Ben Long. Despite catastrophic epilepsy, Aidan remained a joyful explorer of the natural world. The Outdoors for All Scholarship is a tribute to his joy by leveling the playing field for young people to enjoy exploring the outdoors.

“Millions of kids across North America want to get outdoors but face challenges because of physical or developmental disabilities,” said Ben Long, Aidan’s father and a past BHA board chair. “We are excited that this scholarship honors our son’s memory by helping others like him enjoy their lives to the fullest. Together we can lower the unfair obstacles life has thrown at these kids. Everyone deserves to enjoy the Great Outdoors.”

This scholarship is open to anyone ages 10-20 to mitigate the expense of outdoor recreation and conservation education, as well as to expand experiences and opportunities for people with disabilities via the purchase or temporary acquisition of adaptive recreation equipment. The fund was established through a generous donation by MeatEater, friends and family of Aidan Long and Backcountry Hunters & Anglers. BHA is currently raising funds to make sure Aidan’s scholarship will continue to grow and provide opportunities for young people in the future.

Application and submission process:

TrueTimber has announced a new licensee partnership with Slick Woody’s Cornhole Co., maker of premium cornhole supplies, tailgate games and accessories. TrueTimber fans can now find a variety of Slick Woody’s products including cornhole boards, cornhole bags, tailgate games and more in multiple popular TrueTimber camouflage patterns.

“We always say everything looks better in TrueTimber camo and this whole lineup of products definitely proves it,” said TrueTimber CEO Rusty Sellars. “We are a family company and always find ourselves gathering in the outdoors, often over a game of cornhole. There are a lot of families out there just like us, and we are thrilled TrueTimber fans can now get boards, bags and more in their favorite TrueTimber patterns.”

The new lineup of products in TrueTimber camo products includes cornhole boards, cornhole bags, cornhole pitch pads, washer toss sets, hook and ring game sets and even wall stickers. These items are now all available in TrueTimber’s Kanati, RipTide and Viper Urban camo patterns.

Slick Woody’s cornhole boards are made in the U.S.A. using premium wood supplies. Offered in a variety of styles and sizes from tailgate to tournament, Slick Woody’s offers the perfect board for any level of user. A proprietary process used to adhere a vinyl layer on top of the boards offers consistent play no matter the temperature of humidity. UV-resistant inks paired with solid construction ensures Slick Woody’s cornhole boards are built to look great and last for many seasons to come.

To learn more about the entire TrueTimber product line and see all available patterns, visit  TrueTimber.com. Details about future product launches can be found on TrueTimber’s Facebook  and Instagram pages.

 The Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies is pleased to see the first ever economic analysis of how America’s hunters and sport shooters contribute to national and state economies for all 50 states and their legislative districts.  This report was released last week by the Sportsmen’s Alliance Foundation, and showcases recreational hunters and sport shooters contributed $149 billion to the national economy, supported nearly 970,000 jobs and created over $45 billion in wages and income in 2020.

“As shown in this report, outdoor recreation is one of our nation’s largest economic engines and benefits vital conservation and education programs that benefit all Americans,” stated Tony Wasley, Director of the Nevada Department of Wildlife and President of the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies. “Hunting and shooting sports, along with fishing and wildlife watching, are part of our national heritage and continue to be powerful forces in our nation’s economy.”

Key highlights of the report include:

Click here to view the complete report and download your state or district graphic, or visit  www.sportsmensalliance.org/reports or www.southwickassociates.com.

The Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies—the organization that represents North America’s fish and wildlife agencies—promotes sound resource management and conservation, and speaks on important fish and wildlife issues. Found on the web at www.fishwildlife.org, on Facebook /AssociationofFishandWildlifeAgencies and on Twitter @fishwildlife.

Boating-centric inland lakes with distinction

There are 123,439 freshwater lakes – those water bodies generally larger than 20 acres – in the continental United States. Which ones may be best for recreational boating?

BoatUS Magazine senior editor Rich Armstrong and contributing editor Fiona McGlynn consider the question in the magazine’s February/March issue with the feature “Freshwater America,” which highlights nine boating-centric lakes from New York to Washington.

“Americans continue to explore their backyards, and so do America’s recreational boaters,” said BoatUS Magazine editorial director Bernadette Bernon. “With a look inland, away from saltwater and tides, “Freshwater America” captures each lake’s distinct boating identity and includes waters in Arizona, California, Michigan, Montana, Nevada, New York, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Utah, and Washington.” The availability of BoatUS member discounts and services are also noted.

Lake Powell, Arizona: While its water level was 30% of capacity last year, America’s second largest man-made lake with 96 major canyons and 2,000 miles of shoreline remains in the top realm of houseboating destinations. It’s also popular with wakesports enthusiasts, anglers and kayakers who paddle the slot canyons. Dozens of fish species are stocked, and if a houseboat is too big for you, runabouts, ski boats, pontoons and PWCs are available for rent. This is a true desert boating experience.

SHOT Show® Industry Day at the Range™ returned to Boulder City on Monday, January 17. Through the uncertainties surrounding the pandemic, Industry Day was attended by eager and enthusiastic exhibitors, media members and buyers. With over 200 exhibiting manufacturers and businesses, the buzz at Industry Day at the Range was alive and well and the hottest new products on the market were demoed to those in attendance and exceeded expectations.

“It was great to be back at the range,” said Kelsey Puryear, Industry Day at the Range Manager. “It was full steam ahead when we opened the gates and welcoming back our exhibitors and invited attendees got everyone excited for the day and for SHOT Show.”

As the only range event officially associated with SHOT Show, Industry Day at the Range brings together invited media members and buyers who were met with an expansive event and shooting companies expanding the range from one end to the other. This year, Industry Day featured an expanded Demo Track area which featured eBike demonstrations from Bakcou, QuiteKat, and Rambo as well as demonstrations by Powersports companies CFMOTO and Segway.

Also at Industry Day, shooting companies provided demonstrations of highly-impactful, state of the art products, and the non-shooting pavilion was filled with exhibitors. Media and buyers in attendance were able to spend the day among the companies taking in their new products, demonstrations and information. With a buzz generated leading into SHOT Show, Industry Day at the Range once again proved to be impactful and provide exclusive coverage of brands the day prior to the start of the show.

Industry Day at the Range is proud to announce that the 17th annual event will take place on January 16, 2023. Registration for returning exhibitors will open on March 1, 2022. Prospective new exhibitors should complete this form to be kept up to date on exhibiting opportunities. Registration will open to new exhibitors on May 2. There are shooting lanes for all firearm types, dedicated archery spots, tents for non-shooting companies and ample space for on and off-road vehicles and product demonstrations.

Taurus®, manufacturer of premium handguns for defense, hunting, and sport shooting, has announced a limited-time rebate on all new Taurus® G3c handgun purchases.

From January 24, 2022 through April 15, 2022, handgun buyers are encouraged to take advantage of the Taurus G3c 2022 Savings Event. For every new Taurus G3c compact 9mm pistol purchased, buyers can receive a $25 mail-in rebate redeemable through the manufacturer. Add the rebate to a tax refund and there has never been a better time to acquire one of Taurus’ most popular everyday carry handguns.

The G3c is a polymer-frame, striker-fired semi-auto 9mm that offers the handling, operational function, and overall performance of a full-size handgun but in a size ideally suited for EDC use and deep concealment. Sporting a rugged, wear-resistant finish and 10- or 12-round capacity, the single-action G3c includes restrike capability, exceptional ergonomics, integrated accessory rail, and a drift-adjustable rear sight that can be upgraded to a popular aftermarket night sight system.

The Taurus G3c 2022 Savings Event mail-in rebate applies to all G3c models, including the new Taurus® G3c T.O.R.O., which readily accepts the most common red dot optics without the need for a gunsmith.

For more information on the Taurus G3c, visit TaurusUSA.com. To learn more about or to redeem the Taurus G3c 2022 Savings Event mail-in rebate, go to TaurusUSA.com/G3cRebate.

Houston Safari Club Foundation (HSCF) recently announced its annual winners in photography, hunting, service, and conservation excellence, at its 2022 Worldwide Hunting Expo and Convention. 

Each year, HSCF celebrates achievements in various disciplines. Winners were announced for hunting accomplishments in several North American and international categories. In addition, winners were named for distinction in outdoor photography, with HSCF Life member Suzanne Hixson taking home the “Best of Show” award for her photographic prowess. 

HSCF Life members Susan and David Kalich were named as the 2021 Frank Green Award winners and Mark King, HSCF Life member, and past President, took home the honors for the 2022 Frank Green Award. HSCF Life member and Gazelles Co-Chairperson Jody Simpson was named the 2022 HSCF President’s Award winner by HSCF President, Jeff Birmingham. Louis van Bergen of Spiral Horn Safaris was named the 2022 Outstanding Professional Hunter of the Year. HSCF Life member Kaylee Ann Stacy garnered the HSCF Youth Hunter of the Year award while HSCF Life member and Board member Will Perry took home the honors for Male Hunter of the Year. Trey White was acknowledged for his dedication as HSCF’s convention chairperson for the third straight year. Conservationist and professional hunter Ivan Carter was named the 2022 HSCF Conservationist of the Year for his outstanding achievements in conjunction with The Ivan Carter Wildlife Conservation Alliance. 

HSCF thanks the 2022 Convention sponsors for their commitment to hunting and conservation: Gunwerks (Title Sponsor), Capital Farm Credit, Wildlife Partners, LLC, FORLOH, Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks, S&B Engineers and Constructors, Enterprise Products Partners LP, Bass Pro Shops/Cabela’s, Global Rescue, Farm & Ranch Publishing, LLC, McCorvey Sheet Metal, L.P., Conroe Taxidermy, ProCargo USA, Texas Hunt Lodge, Prairie Mountain Wildlife Studio/Brush Country Studios, and Ruple Properties. 

Exhibitor applications for the 2023 HSCF Worldwide Hunting Expo & Convention are now being accepted at https://hscfdn.org/convention/exhibitor-info/. 

Washington, D.C. – The Council to Advance Hunting and the Shooting Sports (Council) named Lance Cherry as the new Communications and Marketing Manager and Storia Azamy as the new Administrative Assistant.

Cherry brings more than three decades of advertising, marketing and media experience to the Council and is a national award-winning news editor, photographer and graphic designer. He spent the previous two decades directing and leading media relations and conservation education efforts for the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish.

Under Cherry’s leadership, New Mexico’s recruitment, retention, reactivation (R3) efforts have been one of the great success stories in the U.S., reversing the decline in hunting and fishing participation in the state. He has been actively engaged with the Western Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies (WAFWA) R3 and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion committees and was recognized as the 2016 Outstanding WAFWA Contributor of the Year.

Cherry, as the Council’s marketing and communications manager, will work with the team to increase awareness of the Council’s brand, mission, vision, products and services and drive communications and marketing strategies.

“I am honored to join such a strong team of professionals who share a passion for hunting and shooting sports,” said Lance. “The Council is a strong voice for R3 and the inclusion of diverse participants, which I passionately believe is essential to protecting wildlife conservation and the shooting sports for future generations.”