Hunting and Fishing News Blog Articles

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.

Primos® Hunting, a pioneer in game calls and hunting accessories, earned its fifth consecutive title with Primos Trigger Sticks being voted the Readers’ Choice Gold Award for Best Shooting Sticks for 2024 by the readers of Predator Xtreme® magazine.

A must-read publication for serious predator hunters for more than 25 years, Predator Xtreme tallies votes from thousands of readers on the products they think are the best when it comes to hunting equipment.

Hunters and shooters of all kinds have relied on Primos Trigger Sticks for years. Available in monopod, bipod and tripod configurations, Primos Trigger Sticks are made of high-quality materials and provide stable support with patent quick adjustments for rifles, crossbows, spotting scopes, cameras, and anything else a hunter or shooter needs help holding steady.

In 2023, Primos introduced the ApexTM Tripod extension to the Trigger Stick family. A carbon fiber tripod that can instantly adjust in height or angle on any sort of terrain, the Apex Tripod also offers the innovative MagnaSwtich attachment system.

Powered by rare earth magnets, the MagnaSwitch system lets the operator effortlessly change what is mounted on the tripod, from rifle to optics to camera – anything the hunter wants.

I really thought my knees were going to explode under the weight of my pack.  It was October 2022 and my close friend; DJ and I were struggling to help each other stand up to begin the multi-mile pack to the truck. Under the final hour of daylight, I had been fortunate to arrow a gross Boone and Crocket size mule deer. DJ is a fisheries and wildlife biologist and estimated the weight of the animal to be north of 350 pounds. Since it was just the two of us, we had split the meat in half and I had the cape and antlers, plus gear testing the limits of the pack. We estimate the weight of each pack to exceed 80lbs. I’ve had elk hind quarters in my pack which are supposed to be the epitome of “heavy” for us lower 48 guys, and this mule deer made those elk packs feel easy. We would shuffle a few feet and have to stop, over and over again for about two hours to make it a few miles. I loved every single step of that hike out of that little basin.  It was just like every daydream come true. Last fall, I killed a bull that required hiking up 700 vertical feet.  It took multiple trips and after two seasons of hunting with the Spika Dover Hauler pack, it hasn’t flinched when things get tough. As someone who is a sticker for gear I have been entirely pleased with this pack. 

The brand Spika is an Australian company through which DJ, and I had purchased our packs from a few years ago. I’ve been so impressed with it; I’ve been an evangelist amongst my circle of hunting buddies. The pack is comparable to many of the brands we have here, but it fits a great price point for the value and toughness.

https://amzn.to/4cGevTaThe Dover Hauler Pack: 

It comes with two sizes of packs on the hauler frame.  It’s a metric so bear with me. It comes in 40L and 80L packs. The 80L pack is equivalent to about 4,800 cubic inches. The fabric is durable 500 denier DWR treated nylon body and reinforced base. Essentially a soft and quiet body, but moisture resistant material. It held up really well throughout my adventures. There is a quick detach rain cover built into the bottom pocket of the pack. Last elk season I got caught in a rain storm and hid under the pack to stay as dry as possible. One element I really like is the expandable capacity for the top of the main bag.  It makes things easy to organize. In fact, there have been situations where I have placed entire meat backs in garbage bags directly into the main compartment of the bag. It will fit an entire quarter of an elk. 

Biarri Camouflage is a pattern specific to the company and while I am not the foremost expert on camo patterns. I’ll say, I like it and find no problems here. 

The Third U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals has denied a petition for a rehearing in the Second Amendment Foundation’s victory in a case challenging Pennsylvania statutes that prohibit law-abiding young adults from carrying firearms for self-defense and prevents them from acquiring a state license to carry (LTCF) because of their age. The case is known as Lara v. Evanchick.

The petition for an en banc rehearing had been filed by attorneys representing the Commissioner of the Pennsylvania State Police. SAF is joined in the case by the Firearms Policy Coalition and three private citizens, including Madison M. Lara, for whom the case is named. They are represented by attorneys David H. Thompson, Peter A. Patterson and John D. Ohlendorf at Cooper & Kirk, Washington, D.C.

Writing for the majority, Circuit Judge Kent A. Jordan explained, “The petition for rehearing filed by appellant in the above-entitled case having been submitted to the judges who participated in the decision of this Court and to all the other available circuit judges of the circuit in regular active service, and no judge who concurred in the decision having asked for rehearing, and a majority of the judges of the circuit in regular service not having voted for rehearing, the petition for rehearing by the panel and the Court en banc, is DENIED.”

“We’re satisfied with the court’s decision,” said SAF founder and Executive Vice President Alan M. Gottlieb. “It’s an important win. The Third Circuit has affirmed that the Second Amendment applies to young adults, and that 1791 is the historical marker for understanding the right to keep and bear arms. Finally, the court has said 18-to-20-year-olds can open carry during a state of emergency in Pennsylvania.”

“We’ve been fighting this battle for more than three years,” noted SAF Executive Director Adam Kraut, who is a Pennsylvania resident and practicing attorney in the state. “The court’s decision is an important step forward to getting this issue resolved.”

Christensen Arms, renowned for its innovation and production of precision rifles, is now shipping the new Modern Precision Rifle Rimfire to retailers nationwide.

A list of authorized Christensen Arms retailers can be found online at christensenarms.com.

“The Modern Precision Rifle Rimfire embodies two things for which Christensen Arms has become synonymous: accuracy and carbon-fiber technology,” said Christensen Arms Executive Vice President of Marketing Willie Vernon. “This tack-driving rifle packs an incredible number of performance-driven, shooter-friendly features into a compact design thanks to its folding stock, so it’s perfect for tossing into a range bag or strapping to your backpack. This is going to be your new favorite rimfire, hands down.”

With a design based on the popular chassis-style Modern Precision Rifle centerfire rifle, the Modern Precision Rifle Rimfire, which made its debut at SHOT Show 2024, is equipped with a carbon-tension barrel to be extremely accurate, rigid and lightweight. Accuracy is the cornerstone of the new Modern Precision Rifle Rimfire, which comes with Christensen Arms’ guarantee to shoot three-shot, sub-MOA groups at 50 yards. Equipped with a side-folding, magnetically secured stock for easy storage and transport, the Modern Precision Rifle Rimfire delivers a Triggertech Trigger, a lightweight aluminum chassis, an FFT carbon fiber handguard with M-LOK, as well as an adjustable FFT carbon fiber cheek piece and 6 QD flush cup mounts.

Available with either a 16-, 18- or 20-inch barrel and chambered in .22LR, .22WMR, and .17HMR, the Modern Precision Rifle Rimfire is at home in the field or on the range and is easy to operate for new and experienced shooters alike, delivering shooters the opportunity to train with economical rimfire rounds. Additional options include three color finishes (Black, Desert Brown, and Tungsten) and two different handguard lengths (10.5” and 14”) along with an adjustable length of pull and cheek riser to meet the needs and preferences of a variety of shooters.

What do you think about this?

How long have you been hunting?

I have been hunting for well over 30 years, born and raised in Northern Ontario, Canada. Hunting is a way of life, it always has been, growing up immersed in the outdoors I actually was ignorant to the rest of the world and the hunts it includes from the Savannahs of Africa to the badlands of Alberta and I feel blessed to have been able to travel and experience these exotic hunts.

What got you interested in hunting in the first place?

My father is the one that got me interested in hunting. He taught me that what we hunt and harvest is what we eat. I always found it very peaceful to be out in the outdoors with him and rewarding to bring home meat to my family. That connection to nature and the tradition of providing for my loved ones really sparked my interest in hunting. My father was a man that loved the outdoors and shared as much as he could with his family. My mom was the angler in the family and my dad the hunter, although mom loved to eat the meat we brought home and liked to target practice she was not one to harvest animals.

What is your favorite type of game to hunt?

 My favorite game to hunt changes as I grow and have new experiences, but thus far, I still find the Northern Ontario Moose hunt to be a favorite. It allows me to reflect on my family and upbringing, and hunt in the same way my grandfather did. It’s a special connection to my roots and a tradition that holds a lot of meaning for me.

What challenges do you face when hunting?

There are various challenges that come with hunting for myself including physical, and mental. As I get older, weather tends to play into my hunts with extreme conditions and cold gets to my bones so I find that wearing the proper equipment for me and my needs gets me through my days. I have a condition called Graves Disease which I argue with every day, but it still wins and one of the intolerances are to cold. Sometimes the terrain gives me a challenge since I broke my talus bone in my foot in 2021 but I overcome it by keep on trekking making sure the footwear I have is going to support my needs.

Based on customer requests, Hydra Weaponry introduces the Hydra 10; a powerful and highly accurate .308 rifle with caliber conversion barrels available soon.

Hydra Weaponry, Maine’s largest firearms employer, designers, and manufacturers of the truly modular MARCK-15 Hydra® Weapon System, unveil the Hydra 10, a .308 with the hard-hitting performance expected of this leading American AR-rifle manufacturer.

Based on customer demands, the Hydra 10 is built upon years of research, development, and real-world testing. It combines advanced engineering with user-centric features to deliver a rifle platform that excels in any scenario. From long-range precision shooting to tactical applications, the Hydra 10 offers unmatched adaptability and performance.

Key features of the Hydra 10 include:

“We are proud to introduce the Hydra 10, a rifle platform that embodies our commitment to innovation, quality, and performance,” said Mack Gwinn III, CEO at Hydra Weaponry. “The Hydra 10 represents a new standard of excellence in the world of .308 caliber rifles.”