Hunting and Fishing News Blog Articles

The PileDriver is Hatsan’s first .50 caliber air rifle, and the market’s most powerful production PCP rifle. The PileDriver is designed exclusively for high-powered hunting applications. Capable of producing over 800 ft-lbs. of energy in .50 cal, it is also available in a 700+ FPE-generating .45 caliber model. Although this rifle utilizes a 33-inch barrel, its bullpup design keeps the maximum length under 4 ft. The side lever cocking mechanism is easy to reach and operate. A 480cc carbon fiber bottle fills to 4350 PSI and will provide up to 6 high-powered shots on a single fill. The PileDriver’s unique, patented hammer design eliminates traditional steel coil springs in favor of a smoother, easier-to-cock, gas piston mechanism. This top-loading single-shot rifle also features an extra-large loading port that will accommodate ammo up to 34mm in length.

The all-weather synthetic bullpup stock features an ergonomic pistol grip with textured grip surfaces for enhanced feel and control. The soft rubber buttpad is both elevation and angle adjustable to ensure controlled recoil and a comfortable fit. An elevation adjustable cheek rest ensures proper sight alignment with any optic. The rifle’s 14-inch-long scope rail is cut to accept both Picatinny and 11mm Dovetail mounts, offering plenty of real estate for a wide variety of optics. Three Picatinny accessory rails are attached around the air bottle for added customization. The high-strength steel barrel is precision rifled for long-range accuracy, and the absence of a shroud allows for the use of sabot rounds, further expanding one’s ammunition options.

MSRP: $1,199.99PileDriver Features

PileDriver Specifications

HatsanUSA is the exclusive distributor of Hatsan airguns and Escort firearms in the U.S. Recognized for craftsmanship and precision performance, Hatsan products provide an exceptional shooting experience. The brands are purpose-driven and renowned for outstanding power, performance, reliability, and value. Hatsan takes pride in its vertically integrated manufacturing process, which enables it to maintain the highest levels of quality, workmanship, and a competitive advantage.

Houston Safari Club Foundation (HSCF) and “Hunting Matters” welcomes Ryan Spinks, Director of Brand and Product Development at QuietKat electric bikes.  

Born and raised in the Vail valley of Colorado. Spinks has spent most of his life in the mountains which has fostered a passion for the outdoors. Spinks has competed at the highest levels of competition in both skiing and mountain bike racing, at events such as the XGames and Enduro World Series, which has led to a passion for product development and innovation. Today Spinks focuses on new product development to enhance the QuietKat experience and innovate how we explore and recreate in the great outdoors.

About Houston Safari Club Foundation
Houston Safari Club Foundation (HSCF) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization whose mission is to preserve the sport of hunting through education, conservation, and the promotion of our hunting heritage. HSCF has awarded 600 scholarships totaling $2.7 million dollars. HSCF conducts youth outdoor education programs, career training, hunter education and field experiences throughout the year. HSCF has provided over $4 million in grants for hunter-funded wildlife, habitat, and various conservation initiatives. HSCF is an independent organization, is not affiliated with Safari Club International (SCI) or its affiliates and is not a chapter or affiliate of any other organization. Visit our website at wehuntwegive.org or call 713.623.8844 for more information. HSCF. We Hunt. We Give.

Effort ensures tomorrow’s wildlife management leaders understand hunting’s role in conservation

BISMARCK, NORTH DAKOTA — A decade ago, Delta Waterfowl recognized a startling reality: Though in past generations, people who desired to become wildlife management professionals were typically raised in families that hunted, today up to 70 percent of wildlife management students have no hunting background.

“That’s a problem,” said Jacob Bushaw, HunteR3 coordinator for Delta Waterfowl. “Without an understanding of the important role sportsmen and women play in conservation, these future biologists and decision makers — many of whom will use hunting license and permit revenues to manage waterfowl — might make ill-informed choices about ducks and duck hunting.”

Delta’s innovative University Hunting Program is proving the solution. Introduced in 2017 at five partner universities, the program grew to 24 schools by 2019 and a whopping 39 for the current waterfowl season. Those numbers greatly exceed the program’s forecasted rate of expansion, which ultimately calls for it to be offered at all 494 North American schools with wildlife management programs.

“We’ve recently added UHP programming at such schools as Cornell, Penn State and Alabama A&M, while maintaining the curriculum at Clemson, Colorado State and other major wildlife institutions,” Bushaw said. “Thanks to a generous grant from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, we hope to offer the program to a minimum of 50 schools in 2022.”

The National Deer Association (NDA) November Beer and Deer Webinar will feature NDA’s Chief Conservation Officer, Kip Adams. Supporters can tune in today, November 10 at 7:00 p.m. EST for this month’s episode – Rubs and Scrapes: The 411 on How Deer Communicate. To register for this, and other NDA Beer & Deer webinars, please visit the Beer & Deer webpage at  DeerAssociation.com. 

“Kip is not only our Chief Conservation Officer, but one of our many in house experts on most things deer,” said NDA President and CEO, Nick Pinizzotto. “We always work hard to make sure each webinar in this series delivers useful information to our listeners and Kip has a ton of knowledge that can really be useful for hunters and land managers everywhere.”

Kip Adams is a certified wildlife biologist and NDA’s Chief Conservation Officer. He has a bachelor’s degree in wildlife and fisheries science from Penn State University and a master’s in wildlife from University of New Hampshire. He’s also a certified taxidermist. Before joining NDA, Adams was the deer and bear biologist for the New Hampshire Fish & Game Department.

Join NDA the second Wednesday of every month to sit in with NDA’s staff and guests as they cover a topic related to deer hunting, habitat management, or the latest in deer research. Additionally, each episode includes a message from Nick Pinizzotto where he discusses everything from behind-the-scenes business at NDA, to important updates in grassroots conservation, advocacy and hunter recruitment efforts.

To catch up or watch previous episodes, please visit the Beer & Deer playlist on NDA’s YouTube channel. 

Recreational fishing and boating saw record growth in 2020

The Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) released economic data for 2020 on outdoor recreation’s powerful and positive economic impact on the U.S. economy today. These new numbers show outdoor recreation generates $688 billion in economic output, comprises 3% of U.S. employees and creates 4.3 million jobs. The report, a snapshot in time of a challenging and uncertain year, includes national and state level data.

This is the fourth consecutive year that BEA, an agency of the U.S. Department of Commerce, has released government data on this critical industry sector. Today’s release shows how the outdoor industry, despite the impact of widespread public lands and business closures, suspended trips and travel, gathering restrictions, supply chain issues and more, continued to support communities across the country during the pandemic. Prior to 2020, the outdoor recreation economy was growing faster than the economy in every indicator and served as a resilient economic growth engine and job creator.

“As the BEA numbers indicate, 2020 was an extraordinary year for recreational fishing,” said Glenn Hughes, president of the American Sportfishing Association and ORR’s Vice Chairman. “When the COVID-19 pandemic took hold, people turned to the outdoors like never before. We saw a big uptick in fishing participation from families with children as well a new generation of young anglers. That’s why it is so important that we continue to increase and improve access to our public lands.”

“COVID-19 inspired huge participation growth in 2020, as outdoor spaces became places of refuge to safely socialize, improve physical and mental health, connect with family and recover from screen fatigue,” said Lise Aangeenbrug, executive director of the Outdoor Industry Association. “In 2020, 53 percent of Americans ages 6 and over participated in outdoor recreation at least once, the highest participation rate on record. Remarkably, 7.1 million more Americans participated in outdoor recreation in 2020 than in the year prior. Early indications are this trend continued into 2021 and sales data comparing August 2020 to August 2021 show that the sales of tents, backpacks, coolers and camping equipment, trail running shoes, and other outdoor gear are up more than 20 percent year over year.”

Safari Club International will host more than 40 seminars at the upcoming annual convention in Las Vegas. There will truly be something for everyone at the show, with topics ranging from hunting tips to estate planning with firearms to cartel monitoring. Seminars and other events will be scheduled each day of the convention, January 19-22, 2022, at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center. 

On Wednesday, you can join pro hunter and TV host Dan Adler as he reveals “Giant Bull Elk Secrets from the Pros.” Afterward, grab some advanced reloading tips during “Reloading with Hornady,” and then hear some long-range shooting advice or pick up hunting fitness workouts. 

Then, on Thursday, expand your hunting horizons with big game hunting with modern air-powered rifles, or learn about the effort to reclaim America’s wetlands from drug cartels. Find out how SCI puts your membership dollars at work during “SCI in the Courts” or get more involved at “Legal Nuts and Bolts of SCI Chapter Operations.”

Friday, set your goals big with “Bucket List Hunts,” and don’t forget about the hour-long Q&A session with pro hunter Jim Shockey. And lawyers at the show mustn’t forget to attend the four-hour “Wildlife Law CLE” where you’ll get updates on ongoing legal issues, both domestic and international, for hunting affairs. 

Finish out the show on Saturday by answering any lingering questions you may have at the “State Wildlife Agency Directors’ Forum.” For the event, SCI invited wildlife managers from all over the western U.S. to address the future of hunting and ongoing issues. 

On October 8th-10th Skills4Life heroes met for a local deer hunt at Purple Heart Ranch in Sterling City, Tx. Four heroes participated, and each had multiple opportunities to tag multiple deer for freezer meat as well as a trophy for taxidermy.

While a local hunt, several veterans came from opposite ends of the country. Two veterans represented Texas, while the others came from California and New York. All of them had the pleasure to share a hunting blind and swap some stories. What really stood out was the local community that came together to support our Heroes by providing meals for them and the guides.

This is not the first visit to Purple Heart Ranch, and as with all the past stays, this one was a success. We look forward to sharing blinds with more Heroes in the future at Purple Heart Ranch.

If you or someone you know would like to apply, please visit our website at: https://militarywarriors.org

Military Warriors Support Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit charity, founded by LTG Leroy Sisco (Ret), in 2007. Their mission is to provide support and programs that facilitate a smooth and successful transition for our nation’s combat-wounded heroes and Gold Star families. Their programs focus on housing and homeownership, recreational activities, transportation assistance and leadership development. Through their programs, they have awarded nearly 900 mortgage- free homes and 100 payment-free vehicles to combat-wounded heroes, Gold Star spouses and their families in all 50 states. In addition to the home or vehicle, the families receive family and financial mentoring.

Five new pouches to customize your backpack, vest, or chest rigs for greater tactical performance on the job.

Tasmanian Tiger®, a tactical nylon line of products distributed exclusively for the US market by Proforce Equipment, Inc., offers five new tactical pouches for greater modularity and customization on vests, plate carriers, or backpacks: the TT Tac Pouch 1.1, TT Tac Pouch 4.1, TT Tac Pouch 5.1, TT Tac Pouch 6.1, and TT Tac Pouch 7.1. These new accessory pouches are enhanced with many different features. All of the pouches are easily accessible with wrap-around zippers, which allows them to lay open flat. On the interior, each is designed with various elastic loops, mesh pockets, and hook-and-loop patches. All have the MOLLE reverse system. The 5.1, 6.1, and 7.1 have a zippered compartment on the front to store documents, etc.

The new, smart design of the TT Tac Pouch 1.1 features an extra-wide zipped opening with a MOLLE reverse system. The inside of the accessory pouch features flat mesh pockets and elastic loops. It also features a strap system to hold additional equipment. Made from Cordura® 700 den (Multicam 500 den), the TT Tac Pouch 1.1 weighs 3 oz. (85 g.) and measures 6 x 4 x 1.4 in. (15 x 10 x 4 cm). Needs two MOLLE loops. Available in Black, Olive, Coyote, and Multicam. MSRP $22.95 and $25.95 for the Multicam.

The second new pouch is the TT Tac Pouch 4.1 featuring an extra-wide zipped opening with a MOLLE reverse system. This accessory pouch features flat mesh pockets inside and elastic loops. It also features a strap system to hold additional equipment. Made from Cordura 700 den (Multicam 500 den), the TT Tac Pouch 4.1 weighs 2.8 oz. (80 g.) and measures 4 x 6 x 1.5 in. (10 x 15 x 4 cm). Needs four MOLLE loops. Available in Black, Olive, Coyote, and Multicam. MSRP $22.95 and $25.95 for the Multicam.

The third new pouch is the TT Tac Pouch 5.1 featuring a front compartment with a zipper and hook-and-loop patch on the inside (loop). It also features a large opening, flat mesh pockets inside, elastic loops, a strap system to hold additional equipment, and a MOLLE reverse system. Made from Cordura 700 den (Multicam 500 den), the TT Tac Pouch 5.1 weighs 5 oz. (140 g.) and measures 6 x 6 x 2.3 in. (15 x 15 x 6 cm). Needs four MOLLE loops. Available in Black, Olive, Coyote, and Multicam. MSRP $34.95 and $39.95 for the Multicam.

Leading Outdoor Lifestyle Media Company Partners with PRIME Bows

Memphis, Michigan — Prime Archery®, by G5® Outdoors—the leading manufacturer of premium archery equipment, is pleased to announce that the MeatEater team will be shooting Prime Bows this fall.  

“The entire MeatEater crew is looking forward to shooting Prime this fall,” said MeatEater Founder and Chief Creative Officer Steven Rinella.  “Many of us have been shooting Prime over the years.  Prime Bows are deeply respected by skilled hunters and the MeatEater team is thrilled to formalize a relationship with them.”

Mark Kenyon, Tony Peterson, Clay Newcomb, and Spencer Neuharth will all be hitting the woods with the Prime bows this fall in pursuit of whitetails for an upcoming YouTube series, while Steven Rinella will be using the Prime Nexus 4 to chase big game on the MeatEater television series.

“We have had the opportunity to work with the MeatEater team in various ways over the years,” stated G5 Prime President Matt Grace.  “They are true ambassadors in the field, and it is an honor to have all of them shooting Prime this fall.  We look forward to helping them continue their successful pursuit of big game across the country.”  

Round head jigs are among the most popular styles, largely because of their versatility. Gamakatsu® adds a weedless option to their versatile jig head selection with the Round 26 Weedless Jig Hooks. 

Like the original Round 26, this version features a standard lead collar, but adds dual offset rebarb wire keepers to securely and firmly hold a wide range of soft plastic baits. It also features a dual-titanium, wire weed guard that will not break, offering the added versatility to fish in and around heavy cover, where the bigger, more elusive lunkers lie.

The symmetrical round head sinks quickly with minimal action on the drop, then a 90-degree bend allows the hook shank to sit flat with the eye pointing upward for a vertical or lateral retrieve. It also features Gamakatsu’s 604 series jig hook with a deep gap for more reliable hook-ups and the sharpest points in the industry for penetrating and holding more fish. Go ahead and toss the Round 26 Weedless at heavy cover this season.

Round 26R Weedless Features:

From humble beginnings as Japan’s smallest fishing hook manufacturer in 1955, Gamakatsu® Ltd has evolved to become the world’s preeminent hook manufacturer. Over the years, manufacturing upgrades and cutting-edge innovations have fueled Gamakatsu® USA’s rise as a top producer of fishing hooks, apparel, and fishing related items. 

Slayer Calls CEO Bill Ayer shares the heritage of his call company and how newcomers to duck hunting can find their way into the sport.

It’s always exciting when a business joins the hunting community with new gear to test out during the season. 

Slayer Calls is the new kid on the block, with an impressive array of waterfowl calls that are meticulously designed, hand-crafted and fully made in America. CEO Bill Ayer, aka the Duck Slayer, is the man behind the calls. Hunting Life talked to Ayer about the inspiration behind Slayer and how his business is making it easier for new hunters to get into duck hunting. 

What influenced you to start Slayer Calls?

Oh, it’s a long story, but I’ll try to put it in a nutshell. Obviously hunting, fishing and the outdoors is my passion — has been since I was a child. I was doing it with my father and friends ever since I can remember

My uncle was a cobbler, third generation from Italy. Built shoes, fixed shoes, did a bunch of orthopedic-type stuff for people that had foot problems. So I always was at his shop watching him work with his hands. My grandfather was an immigrant from Sicily, was a cabinet-maker, custom furniture-maker. That’s how he made a living. I was always seeing him work with his hands, work with wood. So I took what I grew up with and I was always intrigued with — my passion — and kind of blended the two together and started making my own duck calls.

It was a hobby for quite a few years. I started giving them to friends and family and so forth. And people were like, “Dude, these things rock — you should sell them.” [I’m thinking,] I’m making a lot more money in the software world than I’m going to be sitting here tooling on duck calls. It takes me two, three hours to build each one. 

Late yesterday, the House of Representatives voted to pass the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (H.R. 3684), delivering a significant victory to the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation (CSF) and the sporting-conservation community. Having passed the Senate on August 10 on a strong bipartisan vote of 69-30, the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act awaits to be signed into law by President Biden.

For the last two years, CSF has been championing the sporting-conservation community’s infrastructure priorities through various Congressional policy briefings, numerous community sign-on letters, and direct outreach to members of the bipartisan Congressional Sportsmen’s Caucus (CSC). Most recently, CSF organized a letter that was sent to House Leadership, which was signed by more than 35 of the nation’s leading hunting and fishing organizations in strong support of the historic investments contained in the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.

As a result of these efforts, this bipartisan bill will help provide over $40 billion in funding to support targeted fish and wildlife habitat conservation projects, enhance public access to our federal public lands, and help spur near-term job creation across the nation by:

“The passage of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act is the culmination of years of hard work and outreach,” said CSF President and CEO Jeff Crane. “This historic bill would not be possible without the commitment and leadership of members in the bipartisan Congressional Sportsmen’s Caucus, who recognize the important role our nation’s infrastructure systems play in habitat conservation, hunting and fishing access, and our outdoor recreation economy.”

CSF will work with the Administration to ensure this bill is signed into law by President Biden.

From Crossbow Specific to Budget-Friendly, Rinehart Has a Durable Bag Target for Every Shooter

Janesville, WI — Rinehart Targets®, makers of the Best Archery Targets in the World is proud to offer its customers a wide range of bag target options for every shooting need and budget. Choose from the company’s original Rhino Bag Target, its popular Crossbow Bag or its newest budget-friendly Badger Bag. All three Rinehart Bag Targets deliver unmatched stopping power at every level.

“With the addition of our new entry-level Badger Bag this year, we truly have a quality bag target for every shooter and budget available in the line,” said James McGovern, President of Rinehart Targets. “Whether you’re new to the sport or are a long-time archer, Rinehart’s durable bag targets will help you get those practice reps in.”

Rinehart’s original Rhino Bag Target is constructed with superior materials when compared to competitor polypropylene bags that can quickly deteriorate from the sun’s UV rays. Each Rhino Bag is equipped with Rinehart’s Dual Layered Power Band Technology for the ultimate in stopping power. This means the bag was carefully crafted with five layers of quality materials, each specifically designed to enhance the bag’s performance. It starts with an outer shell of durable polyester, which is the most UV stable protection. Second layer in features a polypropylene wrap for long-term arrow durability. The bag’s third layer is a plastic cover providing a waterproof barrier from the elements. The fourth layer is a cut foam blend which allows for easy, single-arm arrow removal. Finally, the fifth inner layer is a burlap center, which is the bag’s arrow stopping core. All five layers combine for unmatched stopping power and long-lasting durability that few bag targets possess, easily handling shots from both compound bows and crossbows.

Rhino Bags come in three sizes: 18-inch (18-inches height x 18-inches length), 22-inch (22-inches height x 22-inches length) and 26-inch (26-inches height x 26-inches length). Two shooting sides are available to suit all needs and scenarios, from long distance zones on one side to smaller zones on the flip side for further honing shooting skills.

Bill reauthorizes the Sport Fish Restoration and Boating Trust Fund and much more

Late Friday, November 5, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the historic Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, which includes $550 billion in infrastructure funding that supports some of ASA’s top legislative priorities that address conservation and sportfishing. These investments will create jobs, conserve the aquatic environment and preserve one of our nation’s most cherished pastimes. After passing the Senate earlier this year, the bill now heads to the desk of President Biden, who is expected to sign it into law.

“After many months of intense negotiations, the sportfishing industry is pleased that Congress has advanced many of our top priorities as part of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. These investments in fisheries conservation and access reflect the growing recognition among policymakers that outdoor recreation in general, and recreational fishing specifically, is a major economic driver,” said Mike Leonard, the American Sportfishing Association’s (ASA) vice president of Government Affairs. 

The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act includes provisions that directly benefit ASA’s membership including reauthorization of the Sport Fish Restoration and Boating Trust Fund. Funded in part by the federal excise tax on fishing equipment, the trust fund is the backbone of state-based aquatic resource conservation, benefitting all U.S. states and territories. Champions of the reauthorization were U.S. Senators Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.) and Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), and Representatives Debbie Dingell (D-Mich.) and Garret Graves (R-La.).

The bill also authorizes $1 billion for the National Culvert Removal, Replacement and Restoration Program, a landmark program that will address challenges with hundreds of culverts around the country that block upstream migrations of anadromous fish such as salmon, steelhead and sturgeon. Championed by Senators Cantwell and Wicker, this program will substantially invest in culvert restoration and benefit recreational fishing opportunities that are dependent on anadromous fish passage and recovery efforts.

Atlanta, GA – Governor Brian P. Kemp today announced Remington Firearms (RemArms), America’s oldest firearms manufacturer, will locate its global headquarters and open a new advanced manufacturing operation as well as a world-class research and development center in LaGrange, Georgia. Through these projects, RemArms will invest $100 million and create 856 jobs over a five-year period in Troup County.

“Georgia’s firearms industry is responsible for thousands of jobs and millions of dollars of investment in our communities,” said Governor Kemp. “I am a proud owner of some of Remington’s first-class product, and now, I am excited to welcome them to their new home in the Peach State. As yet another big manufacturing win for our state, I look forward to seeing the oldest firearms manufacturer in America thrive in Georgia’s pro-business environment.”

Founded in 1816, Remington Firearms is one of the United States’ largest domestic producers of shotguns and rifles. Several of the company’s strategic products will be manufactured in Georgia. The new headquarters will also become home to an innovative research and development center.

“We are very excited to come to Georgia, a state that not only welcomes business but enthusiastically supports and welcomes companies in the firearms industry,” said Ken D’Arcy, RemArms CEO. “Between the support we’ve received from the state and from Scott Malone and Kelley Bush of the City of LaGrange Economic Development Authority, we cannot wait to expand our company in Georgia. Everyone involved in this process has shown how important business is to the state and how welcoming they are to all business, including the firearms industry.”

The company will be hiring for positions in production, operations, engineering, and management, as well as careers in HR, finance, and administration in Remington’s onsite executive offices. For more information, please visit www.remarms.com.

Customers of America’s Premier Outdoor Retailer to Support Folds of Honor this Veterans Day, Every Hometown Hero to Receive Legendary Salute in Appreciation

SPRINGFIELD, MO – Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s are proud to partner with customers during the week of Veteran’s Day to support Folds of Honor, a renowned organization that pays tribute to the profound sacrifice of fallen and disabled servicemen and women. During the week of Veterans Day, November 7th – 13th, customers at all U.S. Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s locations will have the chance to “round-up at the register,” with 100 percent of proceeds going to support Folds of Honor and the educational opportunities they provide.

Additionally, in special recognition of Veterans Day, Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s are doubling their normally offered “Legendary Salute” discount. Veterans and members of the military will receive 10 percent off their purchases November 11-14. And, to honor Hometown Heroes from across the country, this discount will be made available to all first responders and law enforcement officers.

“Our entire company takes tremendous pride in honoring and saluting the service of our veterans and members of the armed forces,” said Johnny Morris, founder of Bass Pro Shops. “This Veterans Day, we are humbled to be able to support a great organization like Folds of Honor. Because of their dedication, the sacrifice of our nation’s veterans is honored through education – an everlasting tribute to their service. We appreciate all of our nation’s veterans and groups like Folds of Honor for their work to support our military.”

“We will also pause and say thank you to our country’s Hometown Heroes this week,” Morris continued. “Extending a Legendary Salute to law enforcement officers and first responders over the weekend will serve as a small demonstration of our gratitude for their service as well. May God bless and keep all of America’s heroes!”

OKLAHOMA CITY – At the Civilian Marksmanship Program’s (CMP) 2021 Oklahoma Games and Highpower Rifle Matches, past champion Keith Schachle, 63, of Brooks, Georgia, returned to the plains of Oklahoma after a year off from the event to claim overall wins in all of the Garand, Springfield, Vintage and Modern Military matches – including a new Oklahoma Games record score of 295-5X in the Modern Military course. His outstanding showing allowed him to later take home both the Three-Gun and Four-Gun Aggregate honors, earning yet another record in the latter, with a score of 1155-34X.

The 2021 Oklahoma CMP Games and Highpower Rifle Matches were held Oct. 17-24, at the Oklahoma City Gun Club. Over 400 entries covered the ranges in a variety of modern and vintage military rifle and pistol matches held throughout the week. The Highpower event added both team and individual service rifle matches for competitors, with the chance to earn EIC (Excellence-In-Competition) points.

Schachle made his first trip to the Oklahoma Games in 2019, where he claimed the Three- and Four-Gun Aggregates along with the Springfield and Garand Match events. The weather during that initial trip challenged him – with what he claimed to be the worst wind he had ever competed in, at the time. Luckily for competitors at the 2021 Oklahoma event, conditions greatly improved and even made for an enjoyable experience.

“It was probably the best weather we’ve ever had in Oklahoma,” said Steve Cooper, CMP’s education and training manager who has traveled to every Oklahoma Games since the event was added to the CMP schedule a decade ago.

The 2021 event happened to occur right after a stream of tornadoes hit the area, leaving a beautiful window of weather for competitors, staff and guests. Another occurrence that made the 2021 Oklahoma Games unique was the appearance of a few interesting rifles not commonly seen on the firing line during the Garand/Springfield/Vintage/Modern Military (GSMM) matches.

Easton Archery, the world’s largest arrow company, is expanding and increasing capacity at their Salt Lake City, Utah manufacturing facilities. Recent investments in people, equipment, and facilities have allowed Easton to greatly increase output to meet the demand for Easton products.  

The strong demand for archery products has been challenging in the current environment of labor shortages and supply chain difficulties.  The recent investments made by Easton put it in a better position to meet the needs of retailers and consumers moving forward.  “It’s exciting to see the incredible growth and excitement surrounding archery.  Easton’s top priority is to help ensure we have the capability and capacity to meet this demand and continue providing quality products and superior service.” said Easton President Aaron Lucky. “In the current environment this takes significant investment and effort which we believe will better position us to meet the needs of our customers in the future.”

“We expect 2022 to be another busy year for everyone in the archery industry. We have a new arrow coming out, our Sonic 6.0 series, that will be made in the USA at our Utah factory that we expect will be a popular addition to our line. This expansion to the carbon facility is part of our continued effort to be a great partner for our retailers,” said Tyson Yates, Easton’s Director of Sales.

Easton’s Salt Lake City factory, distribution center, and office headquarters total approximately 164,000 square feet over two neighboring buildings, with an additional facility located in Indiana representing another 43,000 square feet used for fletching arrows and distribution.

For more information, visit www.EastonArchery.com  

American start-up company ROCT Outdoor® is proud to debut its game-changing hammock that features new and innovative technology and unprecedented versatility into a growing product market.

“Seeing the hammocks hit the market and experiencing the initial response from customers is extremely gratifying,” said owner and co-founder Deb Seyfert. “As the company was built on an idea our son developed in his high school entrepreneur class, its launch is the embodiment of the American Dream.”

ROCT Outdoor (pronounced “rocked”) is a small, family-owned company breaking into a dynamic market by developing a product that changes the hammocking game on hot and sweaty days. As outdoor enthusiasts, the ROCT Outdoor Team knows it can be difficult finding comfort in the elements. The ROCT Outdoor 3-N-1 AirFLOW Hammock System was born to solve the problem of temperature management in a class of its own.

“Our hammocks are truly different in design and perfect for the backyard or backcountry,” noted Seyfert. “Designed for everyone from campers, hikers, hunters, and explorers or just who likes to get off the beaten path, our hammocks are perfect for the casual outdoorsman.”

The 3-N-1 Single AirFLOW Mesh Hammock System: Perfect for one person and designed for comfort and versatility in all seasons, the AirFLOW Mesh is a durable, soft fabric constructed to provide cool solutions in warm weather. When the temperatures drop, parachute nylon can be added to block wind and provide insulation against the elements. The hammocks can be hung separately, or combined, and arrive in a compact, easily transported string bag.

One random winner will receive $6,000 worth of Lyman® and Mark 7® products from Lyman Products. Only 22 days left to sign up to win between Nov. 1 – 29, 2021.

What one lucky winner will receive:

An Apex10 – 10 Station Loading Machine complete with a Mechanical Powder Measure
Mark 7® 11” High Speed Case Feeder
Autodrive
Mr. Bullet Feeder®
Lyman® Pro Die Set

Altogether, a $6,000 value

The Apex 10 manual press operates so smoothly it feels like an automated press! That’s because it was designed with automation in mind. It features a solid cast 10-station toolhead to enable one-pass loading, our all-new Mark 7 Case Feeder, a Mechanical Powder Measure, our new, shuttle-disk priming system, ambidextrous operation, and so much more. Watch the Mark 7 Apex 10 in action by clicking on the video image above.