Hunting and Fishing News Blog Articles

German Precision Optics (GPO) USA, is pleased to announce that it has been named as the official optics of the Archery Shooters Association (ASA) for third consecutive year. Created in 1993, and the world’s premier 3D archery federation and tournament host, the ASA will kick off its 2022 season on February 24-27 in Foley, Ala.

“We are proud to be the official optics of the ASA for another year,” said Mike Jensen, president & CEO of GPO USA. “We see so much growth in this sport. It is such an amazing opportunity for both GPO and ASA.

“GPO continues to be a leader in the engineering, design and development of premium binoculars and rangefinders, with products that are clearly setting new standards. These optics are the perfect match for 3-D shooters and archers alike. We look forward to a great relationship with ASA, its shooters and an even stronger presence at the tournaments in the coming year,” continued Jensen.

GPO will have a booth showcasing its newest products at all ASA tournaments and will offer special pricing on select products to all participants. Be sure to stop by the booth at the tournaments to see what is new.

Each ASA tournament consists of a course with 20 3-D animal targets. Each animal has scoring in rings which are worth 14,12, 10 or eight points. Depending on the class of competition, the targets can be set at a designated distance or at unknown yardages. Shooters can use binoculars to view the targets but cannot use any devices that give them distances.

Columbia, MO – MidwayUSA Foundation recently hosted its first sporting clays tournament to benefit youth shooting sports.  Held on November 19th at the impressive CMP Marksmanship Park in Talladega, Alabama, Day of Clays was not only a success for the 85 competitors, but every dollar raised will benefit youth shooting sports.  In total, the event raised over $70,000 and an additional $20,000 was added through a special match offered by MidwayUSA Foundation. G. Scott Reynolds, MidwayUSA Foundation Executive Director said, “I could not be happier with the turnout, community support, and money raised to support our youth shooting teams!  It was an exciting day of shooting and camaraderie, just what we hoped for in our first-ever in-person fundraising event!”

Attendee and MidwayUSA Foundation influencer, Makayla Scott, shared her experience. “I had an extraordinary time at the MidwayUSA Foundation’s Day of Clays shoot in Talladega! This event was certainly a wonderful way to help our shooting team’s endowment account, and it helped hundreds of youth shooters from so many different places fund their team and grow our amazing sport. A huge thank you to the MidwayUSA Foundation!” 

All donations made to MidwayUSA Foundation benefit the specific endowment of the donor’s choice and this event was no different.  Every squad registration doubled as a donation to the youth shooting endowment of the participant’s choice.  Event participants also enjoyed side games throughout the day, including long bird and wobble trap, and purchased sweepstakes tickets to benefit the endowment of their choice. Thanks to industry sponsors, sweepstakes and side game prizes included Federal Premium Ammunition, a CZ-USA shotgun, a FAIR shotgun, a Walther pistol, a Crosman air rifle, and Vortex scopes. The grand prize awarded was an M1 Garand. The HOA shooter and the top squads of the day were awarded belt buckles and additional prizes generously donated by sponsors.

“Our participants not only made a difference by contributing to their favorite youth shooting team, but they had a great time doing it!  It was a joy to see the variety of shooters that joined us. I saw high school shooting squads, college squads, new shotgun shooters, and professional level shooters enjoying their time at this world class CMP facility,” added G. Scott Reynolds.  Professional shooter, Dave Miller of CZ-USA, also performed an exciting trick shooting exhibition to entertain attendees.  Check out more photos from the Day of Clays event on MidwayUSA Foundation’s website. 

Top shooters
High Overall:  James Powell [Ty Ty, GA]
First Place Squad:  Flint River Academy [Woodbury, GA]
Team Members:  Seab Massey, Cole Grizzaffe, Eli Perrin, Mason Williams
Second Place Squad:  Utility Trailer Sales of Alabama [Birmingham, AL]
Team Members:  Adam McNutt, Joel McNutt, Zack Calhoun, Cody Sikes
Third Place Squad: South Carolina Youth Shooting Foundation [Florence, SC]
Team Members:  Nicholas Wise, McCants Aull, Brandon Smith, Alex Miller

Lafayette, LA – Grey Man Tactical is proud to announce the #401 Backpack RMP Insert – Universal Concealed Carry Package. Travel in style with your favorite bag knowing your everyday carry items are concealed and easily accessible for whatever life throws your way.

The pre-configured Universal Concealed Carry Package features the Backpack RMP Insert to provide added stability to any bag, while keeping the contents of your backpack hidden. Finding the correct RMP for your bag is made simple with over twenty different sizes to choose from.

Pre-configured Universal Concealed Carry Package with Backpack RMP Insert includes:

QTY 1 – Backpack RMP [Rigid MOLLE Panel] of your choice

QTY 1 – Universal Pistol Holster – MOLLE

Federal Ammunition is proud to announce a new limited availability monthly subscription service has been added to its robust eCommerce capability. With this new service, consumers can subscribe to receive five boxes of ammunition to be delivered to their door step every month with a 12-month service commitment. This new service includes free shipping for all subscription orders.

“We are very excited to launch this new service which is loaded with benefits for our online customers,” said Jason Nash, Federal’s VP of Marketing. “Interested consumers should visit our web site to learn all the details of the new program. At the time of the subscription service launch, available calibers at the initial rollout will be 9mm, 40 S&W and 45 Auto, with possible expansion into other loads and cartridge options, pending market demand.”

Since early 2020, continual enhancements have been made to update Federal’s web site. This includes increased functionality and enhanced product search to help people find what they’re looking for faster. An industry first loyalty program offers online shoppers the chance to get exclusive merchandise for points and new products and merchandise are added regularly.

For more information on all products and online services from Federal or to shop online, visit  www.federalpremium.com.

Available exclusively at Lowe’s, the new Char-Broil Cruise Gas Grill is the first of its kind, allowing grillers to set and maintain a cooking temperature

For over seven decades, Char-Broil has been one of the most trusted names in outdoor cooking by offering innovative products that make grilling enjoyable for everyone, no matter their skill level. Now, Char-Broil welcomes grillers to the next generation of gas grilling with the Char-Broil Cruise Gas Grill — the first gas grill that can set and maintain a cooking temperature from start to finish.

The Cruise gas grill (MSRP $699) features Cruise Control Technology which sets and maintains a cooking temperature from start to finish using the digital control dial — replacing high, medium or low knobs. The grill’s built-in auto-calibration keeps the heat consistent as you cook, allowing you to grill things in a way you never thought possible. The result is an unprecedented level of temperature control.

“The Cruise gas grill is the first gas grill of its kind to put this kind of temperature control into the hands of grillers,” says Mark Werner, president and CEO of Char-Broil. “People have come to believe that all gas grills are the same and that working hard to manage heat variations has to be part of the outdoor cooking process. We believe in ‘grilling smarter, not harder,’ so we’ve created a grill that is capable of producing reliable and consistent cooking temperatures, allowing people to spend more time enjoying every aspect of backyard cooking.”

In addition to total temperature control, the Cruise gas grill also features:

SilencerCo is excited to appoint Rich Wilkins as the new Creative Marketing Director. Wilkins will be responsible for the creative strategic direction of SilencerCo.     

Wilkins brings over fourteen years of marketing experience to the team. Most recently, he held the position of Director of Marketing at Dead Air Silencers. Wilkins specializes in creative, eCommerce, brand development and digital marketing among many other marketing tools. 

“It’s an honor to work with a team of talented professionals that speak the same language and share a strong vision for the future,” said Wilkins. “I’ve admired the way SilencerCo has led the industry through their clear brand message and marketing efforts over the years. I hope the industry is ready–SilencerCo is going to bring some heat in 2022.”

“I am thrilled to have Rich come on board in this role,” said Director of Marketing, Customer Service and Warranty, Jessica Kallam. “He is a marketing veteran who, throughout his career, has proven himself as someone who can deliver results.” 

SilencerCo

Following an illustrious 14-year professional baseball career, Jay Bruce has purchased a full ownership stake in Sure-Shot Game Calls, it was announced today. 

As one of the oldest and most historical game call companies in the world, Sure-Shot has provided hunters of all experience levels top of the line products for more than 60 years. Under his leadership, Sure-Shot Game Calls will continue its legacy of timeless and classic products and is already developing new calls set to be released in 2022.  Mr. Bruce will also infuse a revitalized energy to the brand and products with an updated logo, website, apparel and headwear.

A three-time All-Star and two-time Silver Slugger Award winner, Bruce is not only an accomplished baseball player, 

“Sure-Shot has been part of the fabric of the hunting community of Southeast Texas for more than 60 years, and I’m really excited to become part of the brand’s legacy,” said Bruce. “My main focus is to maintain the elite craftsmanship of our products while introducing the brand to the next generation of hunters.”

For more information about Sure-Shot’s complete line of game calls, visit sureshotgamecalls.com and follow Instagram, Twitter, Facebook and YouTube.

Introduction

It’s possible that there are beings that adore cleaning firearms in a galaxy far, far away. Even with our society’s diversity and derangement, there may be a few folks that share the same sentiment. They aren’t one of them, and I am not one of them. Cleaning weapons is not enjoyable, but it is frequently essential.

Let’s have a look at when cleaning a gun is important before we get into how to clean a pistol. Gun cleaning is something that many veterans have done. However, simply because a gun has been discharged does not need cleaning. It is for training that the military and Grandpas insist on cleaning all the time. They want you to be able to do it on your own.

Why clean your gun?

Cleaning your gun is an essential element of gun safety and maintenance. Experts also feel that a clean barrel improves shooting accuracy because dust and gunpowder deposits can change the intended trajectory of a bullet.

The time you spend disassembling and cleaning your gun is an investment that will help you understand more about how your weapon works mechanically. This is also an excellent time to look for weaknesses that might lead to a dangerous situation.

Cleaning properly, which includes avoiding the two fatal enemies of firearms: salt and water, guarantees that all systems work as intended, preventing seizing, extending the weapon’s general condition, and safeguarding its visual appeal. Let’s dive in to the few simple steps of cleaning your firearm.

EDGEFIELD, S.C.— The Alabama State Chapter of the NWTF recently approved its Super Fund allocations for 2022, apportioning $122,000 over the course of the year, which will be leveraged to $602,358.25 in partner match and impact nearly 100,000 acres throughout Alabama. 

2022 funds will be used to aid much of the collaborative work the NWTF is engaged in throughout the state, including projects with Alabama Division of Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries, USDA Forest Service, The Nature Conservancy and the Longleaf Alliance, in addition to funding wild turkey research and NWTF Hunting Heritage events. 

Of the total allocations, $60,676 will be specifically used to aid the Alabama Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Division for conservation projects throughout the state, primarily on wildlife management areas. 

“We thank the NWTF and the Alabama Chapter Board of Directors for helping to support the conservation of wild turkeys in Alabama,” said Chris Blankenship, Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Commissioner. “With their assistance we will continue working to ensure the future of this resource for generations to come.”

Working at both a regional and landscape scale, the NWTF’s conservation projects in Alabama are far-reaching. NWTF’s support to the Longleaf Alliance’s Ecosystem Support Team is part of the larger America’s Longleaf  Restoration Initiative. Working within the 1.3 million-acre Gulf Coast Plain Ecosystem Partnership landscape in southern Alabama, this team assists with habitat restoration, prescribed burning, invasive species control and other restoration practices on public and private land. 

TALLADEGA, Ala. – Pistol competitors arrived ready to play at the Talladega 600 marksmanship series – reaching three new event records along the way. The match was held Nov. 15-23, 2021, as part of the Civilian Marksmanship Program’s (CMP) annual schedule at the Talladega Marksmanship Park in Alabama.

Known as “A Southern Classic,” the Talladega 600 is designed for marksmanship enthusiasts of all ages, disciplines and experience levels. The event features popular recreation-oriented competitions, such as the Garand/Springfield/Vintage/Modern Military rifle and As-Issued 1911 and Military & Police pistol matches, while also adding more advanced challenges like the Congressional 30, Rifle and Pistol Excellence-In-Competition (EIC) and Aggregate competitions.

Making a memorable debut at the Talladega 600 was Justin Tracy, 46, of Cave City, Arkansas, who shattered the Military & Police Service Pistol Match event record by nearly 20 points – firing an overall score of 380-5X.

Eric Herrin, 58, of Raleigh, North Carolina, obtained a record score of 385-8X in the As-Issued 1911 Match, breaking the former record of 376-4X set back in 2016.Herrin went on to earn yet another record score in the EIC Aggregate (competitors firing in the EIC Service Rifle, EIC Service Pistol & .22 Rimfire Pistol EIC Match) with 1006-22X, 16 points over the previous record he had originally marked himself in 2017.

Also giving noteworthy showings in pistol categories was John O’Donnell, 64, of Saint Louis, Missouri, who claimed overall wins in the Pistol EIC, .22 Rimfire Sporter 900 Aggregate, Center Fire Pistol 900 Aggregate, .45 Pistol 900 Aggregate and Match Pistol 2700 events. O’Donnell additionally earned High Senior honors in the Military & Police Service Pistol and As-Issued 1911 matches as well as the Rifle Rimfire Sporter T-Class.

[h2]Can you build a top notch AR for hunting with a simple Upper Receiver Swap?

This article is about building the best AR for hunting and considering how easy to work on and affordable lower receivers are, plus the wide variety of components and build styles that exist in the AR market, there are plenty of options. The obvious first question is – can you build the RIGHT AR with a simple AR upper receiver swap? The quick answer is for some people – yes you can. Especially if you hunt a single game type and use it generally for hunting purposes, and don’t need cross-discipline capability. 

The longer, more accurate answer is that it’s not usually just as simple as committing to a cartridge or a dedicated upper, if you need to use the AR you’re building for more than one thing, or if you want to hunt a wider range of game. 

Let’s address the elephant in the room early on, though: The AR is a versatile hunting option for just about any game option up to 450lbs in common market-plentiful options. For many, the standard market offering for the AR rifle is going to cover a wide range of game for their annual hunting needs.  

The above information in the simplest form is this: A standard 5.56/.223 AR with a mainstream build is going to get you from prairie dogs to big deer pretty easily – though, you’ll need to rely on specialty rounds to do it most effectively. 

Rock River Arms, one of the industry’s most respected name in Modern Sporting Rifles and pistols, is now offering select models of its popular semi-auto rifles in California-compliant configurations. Dealers and customers in California are encouraged to contact Rock River Arms to place orders on these select models.

Starting December 1, 2021 dealers can purchase select RRA rifles chambered in 9mm and .308 for legal sale in California. These rifles will include modifications specific to meet California regulations and will utilize “fin grips” as part of the compliance package.  There will be an upgrade package available on the.308 models that will have the Juggernaut maglock with a standard grip and adjustable stock.

California-compliant RRA 9mm carbine rifles will be offered in competition or A4 configurations with 16-inch barrels, RRA two stage triggers, CA legal fin grips, A2 premium stocks, billet aluminum or forged uppers and lowers, and more great features. Select rifles are compatible with GLOCK magazines and Colt pattern magazines.

For the long range and competitive shooters, Rock River Arms will offer California-compliant platforms chambered in.308. These rifles will be offered in 18- and 20-inch stainless steel barrels, billeted uppers and lowers, RRA two stage triggers, A2 buttstocks, fin grips, and more. A RRA hard case is included with each rifle purchased. More models will be available during 2022.

To place new orders and for any questions regarding these California-compliant models, please contact Dawn Wehunt, [email protected], 309-792-5780.

Redfin Polarized is pleased to announce Source Outdoor Group of Gainesville, Georgia, as its Agency Of Record. In this role, Source Outdoor Group will be tasked with a wide range of responsibilities for the up-and-coming brand, including media planning, public relations, social media management, influencer management and creative design.

Source Outdoor Group has a diversified list of clients across the country. The firm is an industry-leading marketing-communications company known for building brands in the outdoor industry.

“I look forward to working alongside Source Outdoor Group in their effort to help build Redfin as a leader in quality eyewear,” said Hunter Johnson, Chief Executive Officer of Redfin Polarized. “As our integrated marketing partner, Source Outdoor Group will be tasked to translate the company’s growth strategies into marketing campaigns that drive results. We look forward to expanding our marketing capabilities through our new partnership with Source Outdoor Group.”

Redfin’s mission is to offer our customers the most innovative and finest eyewear that modern technology allows. Redfin Polarized is designed and built by a community of passionate outdoor enthusiasts.

“We are excited to work with Redfin Polarized through developing and executing strategies to further the growth of the brand,” said Aaron McCaleb, President/Owner of Source Outdoor Group. “We look forward to connecting consumers with their brand through meaningful marketing, content, and communication strategies.”

Ranew’s Outdoor Equipment offers a full line of implements for all your food plot needs. The Firminator G3 is by far the most versatile piece of equipment in the industry. It allows you to do all the necessary work of planting a food plot from start to finish with one implement.

A wide range of angle and pitch adjustments allows the Firminator’s heavy, 18-inch, notched 9-gauge steel disks to work the soil in a variety of situations. From the first cut into heavy sod, to lightly opening thatch and soil for over-seeding without disturbing existing forages, the Firminator is your best option. 

The Accurate Seeding System handles seeds of all sizes, from the tiniest clovers up to beans, peas and sunflowers. The system is ground-driven so seed is metered out relative to your speed. The seed will stop falling when the Firminator stops rolling to eliminate seed waste. An optional seed hopper agitator is also available for keeping seed blends thoroughly mixed and preventing small seeds from sifting through too quickly.

Disk blades can be adjusted up and out of the way, allowing the cultipacker to roll on the soil with additional frame weight being transferred to enhance the seed-to-soil contact that is critical for good germination rates.

For those who use a larger implement for ground tillage, but still want the precision of the Accurate Seeding system combined with a cast-iron cultipacker, there’s the 4′, 5′, 6′ or 8′ Firmiseeder.

Orgain was also the top finisher in the 2021 Precision Rifle Series season. Orgain credits his personalized rifle build including the PROOF Research® steel competition contour barrel.

PROOF Research®’s sponsored shooter, Austin Orgain, took home the Precision Rifle Series Pro Series Golden Bullet award for the second year in a row and is ranked #1 in the PRS Bolt Gun Series PRO Division. The PRS PRO Series Finale was held Nov. 6 – 7, 2021 at the NRA Whittington Center in Raton, New Mexico. Some 200 of the country’s most elite precision rifle shooters competed in the challenging course of fire Finale. Orgain competes using a rifle build with a PROOF Research steel competition contour barrel in 6mm Dasher in PROOF’s .243, 1:7.5 twist.

Orgain commented, “The consistency and accuracy that I see from PROOF barrel to barrel makes my job so much easier. Break one in, load the same charge, and go hammer.”

PRS matches were “born out of Military, Law Enforcement and Hunting scenarios,” with no two matches alike. The competitions are known to not only pit shooter against shooter, but the individual competitor against him or herself. Whether it’s the extreme shooting stages or rugged environments, PRS competitors require high-performance tools to weather the often changeable and challenging conditions. The Competition Contour barrel and all of PROOF Research’s barrels are single-point cut rifled, lead-lapped, and thoroughly inspected at multiple quality control stations.

PROOF Research is proud to have some of the top long-range shooting competitors in the country using PROOF Research barrels. They know that PROOF Research delivers a world-class barrel for extreme accuracy and performance.

Friday, December 10 will be the last day to take advantage of the early bird entertainment ticket package, the prices increase at midnight. Don’t miss out on the chance to celebrate the organization’s 50th anniversary with can’t miss entertainment and once-in-a-lifetime opportunities.

During the SCI annual convention Jan. 19-22, 2022, at the Mandalay Bay Casino & Resort in Las Vegas, attendees will be able to walk the exhibit floor to see the latest and greatest in hunting gear, fine art, taxidermy, and other outdoor-themed goods. Plus, convention-goers will get the chance to meet with other hunters, outdoor celebrities, and outfitters from around the globe. 

The annual convention will feature more than 70 seminars, meet and greets, keynote speakers, and more than 20 auctions, showcasing items ranging from rare firearms to once-in-a-lifetime hunts. 

For nightly entertainment, SCI is bringing in an all-star line-up. On the first night, comedian Larry the Cable Guy will kick things off. Thursday, professional hunters and personalities Jim Shockey and J. Alain Smith will host the “Night of the Hunter” Banquet. Friday, businessman and outdoorsman Donald Trump, Jr. will be the keynote speaker and host a very special meet and greet with SCI life members at the first SCI Life Member Reception. Closing out the show Saturday night will feature conservative talk show host Tucker Carlson and country recording artist Craig Morgan.

Celebrate SCI’s 50-year history at the SCI annual convention at the Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino in Las Vegas on Jan. 19-22, 2022. Registration is open now at www.safariclub.org/convention.

Starting December 7 at 7:00pm CST, Brownells customers will get their chance at the second limited edition Dixxon Flannel shirt in the unique, Brownells exclusive “Big Iron” pattern.

The newest Brownells Dixxon Flannel combines shades of yellow, gray, and black in a finely-lined pattern for a classic look – perfect for autumn or winter wear.

To help celebrate the release, Brownells will be giving customers the chance to win a complete BRN-180 rifle Cerakote finished to color coordinate with the “Big Iron” flannel shirts.

On December 7 at 7:00 pm CST the www.Brownells.com/Dixxon page will go live, giving visitors their chance to buy their very own “Big Iron” custom flannel shirt and sign up for a shot to win the color matching BRN-180.

About Dixxon Flannel

Missoula, Montana – To help hunters replenish their gear arsenal as the year comes to a close, onX Hunt is offering a week-long array of deals for Elite members, featuring special offers from 17 of its favorite brands. Elite Days kicks off Monday, December 6th and runs through the entire week. 

onX Hunt Elite members will find a different set of deals each day, with Monday focusing on Western Big Game. Tuesday follows with a Whitetail focus, while Wednesday is for the wingshooters. Thursday, ambassadors get into the mix, and then the week closes out with a delicious set of culinary offers.

In addition to partner offers, limited-edition merchandise from onX Hunt will be available every day, including apparel and other branded items. Deals will be unveiled daily and can be claimed through December 10th. Be sure to check in every morning for that day’s deals.

Members of the onX Hunt Elite tier enjoy nationwide coverage for $99.99 annually, and Premium or Basic users can upgrade at any time. Members enjoy access to special offers, discounts from Elite partners and other industry opportunities. For more information, please visit https://www.onxmaps.com/hunt/app/elite/benefits.

Elite Days Schedule and Partners