Hunting and Fishing News Blog Articles

Yamaha’s Partnership with Recreate Responsibly Coalition Expands to Promote Proper Use

Yamaha Motor Corp., USA, announces the Yamaha Outdoor Access Initiative (OAI) second quarter grants, totaling more than $115,000. The powersports industry’s leading land access program has contributed more than $350,000 in 2021 alone, delivering crucial funding to grassroots efforts across the country, aiding in protecting and improving access to public land for outdoor recreation. Projects in the current funding cycle support the development of new off-road riding areas and popular trail systems requiring maintenance to remain open and safe for ATV, Side-by-Side (SxS), motorcycle, and snowmobile enthusiasts.

“After over a dozen years and $4.5 million donated, Yamaha is steadfast in making our efforts to support powersports enthusiasts and outdoor recreation,” said Steve Nessl, Yamaha’s Motorsports marketing manager. “Ensuring individuals working in resource-limited areas have what they need to maintain and improve entry to public land for recreation is why the Yamaha Outdoor Access Initiative exists, and we’re continuing to put in the time and energy to address situations posing a threat to everyone’s ability to get out and enjoy outdoor spaces.”

The second quarter 2021 Yamaha OAI grants totaling more than $115,000 were awarded to the following organizations:

Yamaha OAI is also expanding its partnership with the Recreate Responsibly Coalition (RRC), delivering signage to public land managers seeking to educate visitors on appropriate, responsible use while enjoying trails and riding areas. Those interested in applying for the signs funded by OAI to RRC can simply complete a form at the following link:  Yamaha OAI / RRC Responsible Use Signage Request.

German Precision Optics (GPO) has entered the high magnification first focal plane scope market with its new premium tactical riflescope, the GPOTAC 4.5-27x50i FFP. Designed for professional use, as well as shooters and hunters who demand the very best in long distance and tactical shooting, the 4.5-27x50i FFP mates superior materials and meticulous manufacturing processes and tolerances to produce a riflescope on par with the world’s finest.

This scope’s optical features are superb, using a 50mm double HD objective lens system for enhanced resolution coupled with the GPObright high transmission lens coatings. A 34mm main tube maximizes optical performance while supporting incremental elevation adjustment capabilities. It is crafted from a solid, one-piece dust-proof, waterproof, nitrogen-filled body for ultimate strength and durability. An illuminated mil-spec LRpro magnifying reticle powered with the GPO iCONTROL illumination system will assist the shooter in placing the perfect shot in even the lowest light conditions. Custom designed turrets are mil-based and include a ZERO-STOP system for those shooters sure to be dialing for their distance. Also provided is an adapted magnification system throw lever for ease of use in every shooting situation.

The 4.5-27x50i GPOTAC FFP comes with a throw lever, cleaning cloth, see-through bikini ocular and objective lens scope covers, and an extra CR2032 battery. All GPO products purchased in the USA include the GPO, USA’s Spectacular Lifetime Warranty. Full details on this industry-changing warranty can be found at www.gpo-usa.com. It’s currently available at both retailers nationwide and at www.gpo-usa.com.

MSRP for the 4.5-27x50i GPOTAC FFP is $1499.99. More information is available at www.gpo-usa.com or by calling 844-MY BINOS (844-692-4667.)

About GPO USA
German Precision Optics was founded on the premise that design, engineering and quality management is 100 percent controlled in Germany to its strictest standards, yet products can be produced at some of the largest production facilities around the world. This unique corporate structure allows GPO to offer the highest quality products with better features at a significantly better price. The company is 100-percent confident that all of its products will not only function perfectly but will exceed all expectations. Therefore, GPO, USA has created an industry-leading Spectacular Lifetime Warranty. With outstanding professional service, GPO USA will take care of its products before, during, and after the purchase at no charge—EVER. Founded in 2016, GPO has its US headquarters in Richmond, VA. For more information on GPO USA visit www.gpo-usa.com or call 844-MY BINOS (844-692-4667.)

LINCOLN, Neb. – Bird dogs and blaze orange returned to the fields across rural Nebraska on Oct. 30, the state’s season opener for pheasant quail and partridge.

According to field reports, hunter success for pheasants was highest in the Northeast (0.62 birds per hunter), with some of the better reports coming from the northernmost counties in the district. Pheasant hunters also had relatively good success on public lands in the Rainwater Basin region in south-central and southeastern Nebraska – with many groups averaging more than 0.5 birds per hunter.

Further west, drought conditions appear to have limited production this year as many hunters reported seeing fewer pheasants than in recent years. Harvest success was highly variable among parties in the Southwest and Panhandle regions but below average overall, at 0.37 and 0.16 birds per hunter, respectively.

Most hunters were observed on publicly accessible lands such as wildlife management areas, waterfowl production areas, and private lands enrolled in the Open Fields and Waters Program.

Nebraska Game and Parks Commission staff contacted 926 upland bird hunters while making bag checks during the opening weekend. Those hunters harvested 338 pheasants, 79 quail, and nine prairie grouse. Hunter success for pheasants averaged 0.37 birds per hunter, slightly below that observed in 2020 (0.48) and 2019 (0.56).

PHOENIX, Ariz. – The Civilian Marksmanship Program’s (CMP) Western CMP Games and Highpower Matches are back at the Ben Avery Shooting Facility in 2022 with all of the classic favorites and an entire lineup of new ones to enjoy. This recreational marksmanship event will bring a week of friendly competition and educational opportunities to the desert sands of Arizona on March 11-20, 2022, and is open to anyone with an interest in the sport of marksmanship.

The Western CMP Matches offer a little something for everyone. Though traditionally comprised of only rifle events like the Garand, Springfield, Vintage Military, Modern Military, Rimfire Sporter, Carbine and Vintage Sniper, the 2022 event will now feature four days of rousing pistol competition. Such matches added to the schedule include the Pistol 2700, .22 Rimfire Pistol, EIC Pistol, 1911 and Military & Police Service Pistol.

Those wanting to learn more about the discipline may sign up for the Pistol Marksmanship 101 Course, which teaches firearm fundamentals and competition techniques in a one-on-one setting in the classroom and on the range.

“The Pistol 101 class isn’t just for the Novice pistol shooter. With the way the class is structured, you not only get the bones of pistol shooting geared towards that brand new shooter, an accomplished shooter may find some new takes on current techniques that could spark that jump to the next level. Each student receives a thumb drive with the class slides on it along with several hours of on the range Q&A and discussion.” said Jim Henderson, CMP pistol coordinator.

Like pistol, a Rifle Marksmanship 101 Course will also be held. Both courses are conducted by certified CMP and industry professionals and will conclude with a first-hand look into the world of competitive shooting in a true M9 or M16 match. Firearms and ammunition will be provided for each class, making it ideal for those completely new to the sport. Don’t forget, experienced marksmen looking to hone their skills may also sign up for the course!

Guns & Ammo announced Winchester as the winner of its highly coveted 2021 Ammo of the Year Award for its innovative new cartridge, 6.8 Western.  Each year the editors, contributors and staff at Guns & Ammo (G&A) evaluate all the new ammunition products that have been brought to market.  

“Our goal with each new product introduction is to find a meaningful improvement or new innovation that better equips the Winchester consumer,” said Matt Campbell, vice president of marketing and sales.  “A lot of hard work and innovative thinking contributed to the 6.8 Western cartridge and we’re extremely grateful that the experts at Guns & Ammo recognized our brand as a leader in cartridge development.”

With long-range shooting and hunting interest growing rapidly, engineers at Winchester and Browning were both seeking a solution that could offer magnum performance with a modern high BC projectile, yet chamber in a short action rifle; offering lighter guns and shorter bolt-throw.  The 6.8 Western was designed from the ground up to be the ultimate long-range cartridge that is capable in any big-game hunting scenario and a great fit for those who enjoy long-range target shooting.

HEAVIER BULLET WEIGHTS 
than 6.5 Creedmoor, 6.5 PRC & 270 WSM
MORE ENERGY
than 6.5 Creedmoor, 6.5 PRC & 7mm Rem Mag
LESS RECOIL
than 300 WSM, 300 Win Mag & 300 PRC
LONG, HEAVY BULLETS 
ideal for Big Game Hunting & Long-Range Precision Shooting
SHORT ACTION 
for fast cycling, high accuracy & reduced rifle weight

About Winchester Ammunition

A world leader in delivering innovative products, Winchester is The American Legend, a brand built on integrity, hard work and a deep focus on its loyal customers. Learn more about the history of Winchester by visiting Winchester.com or connecting with us on Facebook at Facebook.com/WinchesterOfficial.

Elite Tactical Pro Shooter Achieves 4th Place Finish at Finale, and 3rd Overall for Season

Bushnell®, an industry leader in performance optics, is celebrating pro shooter Troy Livesay’s strong finish at the PRS Great Lakes Regional Finale, which took place October 23 at Turkey Creek Rifle Club in Pleasureville, Kentucky.

Livesay finished fourth at the Finale, as well as third overall for this year’s Great Lakes Regional Series. Throughout the match, Livesay used the new Bushnell Elite Tactical DMR3 scope with G4P reticle.

“The Great Lakes Precision Rifle Series is packed full of talented shooters,” Livesay said. “I’m proud to finish third among them for the 2021 season. Just one mistake or one equipment malfunction will put you out of the running in this group. Big thanks to Bushnell and the Elite Tactical DMR3 – this scope is top notch and I have faith it will perform even in very unfavorable conditions.”

The newly released DMR3 3.5-21×50 FFP and XRS3 6-36×56 FFP scopes feature the most advance Elite Tactical optical system ever. Both the DMR3 and XRS3 come with a high magnification ED Prime objective, as well as fully multi-coated elements, EXO Barrier protection and a proprietary G4P reticle with new reticle element coating. The new coating pushes the limits of the ultrawideband coating system by increasing light transmission by nearly 2% over previous designs. The culmination of these improvements delivers state-of-the-art optical performance in an already proven, durable and reliable package.

XS® Sights, manufacturer of the fastest sights in any light, is now offering a wide variety of its popular night sights for the new Taurus® GX4 micro-compact 9mm pistol. These line extensions are also available for the Taurus G3c.

XS sights give shooters an advantage 24/7 thanks to the company’s proprietary sight technology. XS’s photoluminescent Glow Dot surrounds the tritium vial in the front sight and activates even before the tritium does, giving defensive shooters an edge in any light, day or night.

DXT2 Big Dot

The Big Dot leads the industry in size and has a self-illuminating tritium center surrounded by XS’s photoluminescent Glow Dot technology which drives focus to the front sight. The Big Dot is available in Optic Yellow or Optic Orange. The DXT2 Standard Dot is available in Green. All DXT2 sights feature a V-notch rear with vertical tritium stripe, creating a dot-the-“i” sight picture and eliminating the possibility of confusing the front and rear sights in high-stress situations. 

R3D

The Association of Fish & Wildlife Agencies (Association) commends Congress and the White House for their continued commitment to improving fish and wildlife habitat and habitat connectivity. By including critical conservation priorities within pending legislative packages, they have once again reaffirmed their commitment to empowering state and federal agencies to conserve and restore healthy habitats and species for future generations.

The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (HR 3684) will fulfill long-running priorities for the Association and its conservation partners, including the authorization of $350 million in competitive grants for wildlife crossings structures and over $1 billion in funding for hydro connectivity projects and aquatic organism passage. Once enacted, the bill will reauthorize the Sport Fish and Restoration Boating Trust Fund, directing $650 million annually in user-generated fees on fishing equipment and motorboat and small engine fuels to fund restoration of aquatic habitats, provide recreational access, and educate the public on boating safety. In addition, the Abandoned Mine Land Trust Fund will be reauthorized, which is used by states to address billions of dollars in outstanding projects at the center of water quality, public safety, and species health issues.

“This legislation will be a monumental step forward for the future of conservation and America as a whole,” said Tony Wasley, Director of the Nevada Department of Wildlife and President of the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies. “Critical programs like the Sport Fish Restoration and Boating Trust Fund are foundational to our ability to responsibly steward fish, wildlife, and their habitats. We thank the champions behind these provisions and the leadership of the House and Senate, as well as the White House, for recognizing that the hunters and anglers who provide the backbone for our system of conservation are vital to our national and local economies.”

Further, the Build Back Better Act (HR 5376) in its current form would enable a multitude of benefits for fish, wildlife, and their habitats by authorizing additional funding for many conservation programs supported by the Association. These include funds for mapping and conserving wildlife corridors, protecting and restoring grassland habitats, and increased resources for projects on National Wildlife Refuge Systems and State Wildlife Management Areas. The bill would also provide funding for marine fisheries and hatcheries as well as address urgent needs for wildfire risk reduction. The Association is also encouraged by Congress’ and the Administration’s recognition of the need for increased funding for coastal resilience among the states, as well as their support for farm bill conservation programs that continue to be successfully implemented by the Department of Agriculture in partnership with state agencies.

“Multi-benefit solutions building on the success of proven conservation strategies are essential to securing public safety and healthy habitats and populations,” said Ron Regan, Executive Director for the Association. “We look forward to continuing to work with both sides of the aisle and the Administration to secure enactment of these provisions and other conservation legislation, including the Recovering America’s Wildlife Act of 2021.”

Winter is fast approaching, and with it will come an event that a growing number of cold-country anglers anticipate every year – lakes and ponds will freeze over. It’s time to go ice fishing! And smart ice anglers do not head to the lake without a tackle box containing a good selection of the sport’s most effective lures – Al’s Goldfish Lure Company’s Ice Jigs.

The popularity of ice fishing has grown significantly over the past couple of years due to several factors – the pandemic lockdowns and families looking for ways to get their kids outdoors, a budding interest in acquiring and preparing your own food, and the simple fact that few meals are tastier than those prepared around trout, char, walleye, pike, and panfish caught in the frigid waters of winter lakes. And with today’s technological improvements — space-age clothing, electric powered ice augers, reasonably-priced electronic fish finders, even insulated portable shanties – it’s easy to stay toasty warm and comfortable all day, even in frigid conditions.

But it all comes down to catching fish, and that’s where Al’s Ice Jigs come in.

Al’s Goldfish Ice Jig is based on the original Al’s Goldfish lure which is a wobbling spoon design that was developed in 1952 and has been a staple of serious ice anglers for more than six decades. For the Goldfish Ice Jig, the 3/16 oz. lure body is turned upside down with a single J hook off the nose. It can be jigged as is, or with the optional red tag, or paired with a creepy-crawly and the lure body acts as a flasher. With this tried and true lure you will be cleaning fish before you know it.

Al’s Lil’ 49er Ice Jig is a brass spoon with a distinct shape and action, weighing in at 1/4 oz., and measuring 1 3/4-inches long. Anglers watching the lure’s jigging action with sonar will see the lure zigzag erratically in and out of the transducer beam as the lure is pulled up, and observe a pronounced flutter on the drop. Configured for vertical jigging with a treble hook off the nose, the Lil’ 49er is set to catch smaller freshwater species such as panfish, trout, and bass. If you like the shape and action of this lure but want a little bigger action for species such as lake trout, walleye and northern pike, the Lil’ 49er’s big brother –- the Forty Niner  — is an outstanding bait when jigged vertically through ice.

Stryk Pay today announced a credit card processing partnership with Firearms Depot, a Newberry, Fla.-based retailer that offers an extensive line of firearms, ammunition, optics, firearm parts and accessories. The partnership is effective immediately.

“Stryk Pay has enabled our company to rapidly scale without being concerned about payment processing,” said Jon Faulkner, CEO. “Their next day deposit option streamlines our cash flow so that we can increase our inventory turns and grow our online presence.”

“Our recent partnership with Firearms Depot has allowed our team to implement another secure processing solution in the 2A community. We have been able to exceed this merchant’s needs in their current state, and will continue as they scale their business larger,” said Chase Wheeler, director of merchant services, Stryk Pay.

“We are proud to offer them a business specific solution, with back-end services and redundancies, while still reducing their bottom line. The Stryk Pay team looks forward to long standing partnership with Firearms Depot,” concluded Wheeler.

Stryk Pay was created by Stryk Group USA — the Bozeman, Montana-based impact consulting company serving several leading hunting, fishing, and firearms brands – as a solution to current discriminatory business practices. It’s staffed from top to bottom with people who are endemic shooters, hunters, and outdoor enthusiasts with experience in everything from running firearms companies and retail operations for firearms brands to high-risk credit card processing for e-commerce, wholesale, and retail companies. More information about Stryk Pay can be found at https://strykpay.com/. Information on Stryk Group USA can be found at https://strykgroup.com/. More information about Firearms Depot is available at https://firearmsdepot.com/

MADISON, Wis. – The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) confirms largemouth bass virus in smallmouth bass taken from the bay of Green Bay near Door County.

In September 2021, 14 diseased smallmouth bass were collected from the waters surrounding Door County and examined by DNR fisheries staff. Collected fish had skin wounds that appeared red, ulcerated, and varied in size and location. These skin lesions often had a cream-colored layer of dead tissue in the center of the wound.

Since 2008, smallmouth bass displaying similar skin lesions have been sampled during several outbreaks in Lake Michigan and Green Bay waters. While test results from fish sampled during those episodes had been inconclusive, the virus was detected in all 14 of the diseased fish sampled this year.

Largemouth bass virus has been found throughout the Eastern United States and previously identified in Wisconsin’s Mississippi River Basin. The virus can cause weakness, abnormal swimming, swimbladder over-inflation, reddening and death in largemouth bass populations.

While it is suspected that largemouth bass virus is involved in the development of the skin lesions on the 14 smallmouth bass, little is definitively known about its ability to cause disease or death in the species. DNR staff will continue to monitor smallmouth bass populations and collect additional samples to confirm largemouth bass virus in future outbreaks.

APEX Ammunition is now shipping its premium, non-toxic, ultra-high-density Tungsten Super Shot (TSS), TSS / S3 Steel Blend, and S3 Steel Waterfowl loads. 

All APEX Waterfowl loads feature the advanced Tungsten-grade wad system used in the company’s legendary Turkey TSS loads to deliver the tightest patterns and best barrel protection possible. 

Waterfowl TSS

APEX Waterfowl TSS loads are meticulously handloaded for ultimate performance. Made from 18.1 g/cc density tungsten alloy, Tungsten Super Shot is the most versatile and hardest hitting shotshell pellet in existence today. It is denser than Lead (11.34 g/cc), Bismuth (9.8 g/cc), Copper (8.8 g/cc), or Steel (7.84 g/cc), which allows the use of smaller-sized shot and significantly more pellets in TSS loads than other shotshells (No. 9 TSS hits like No. 4 Lead).  More pellets per ounce means a more powerful payload with higher pattern density and superior knockdown power at extended ranges. TSS is also highly effective in sub-gauge shotguns for those who prefer hunting waterfowl with 20-gauge or even 28-gauge guns.

MSRP: $49.99 – $65.99 (per 10 round box)

The Escort SD-X is part of Hatsan’s Versatile Tactical Shotgun series. Available in either 12 ga or .410 cal, this modern sporting shotgun is offered in all black or FDE Cerakote. A new gas piston design is mounted around the barrel itself, eliminating the secondary tube that is typically mounted below the barrel of a semi-automatic shotgun. This reduces the weight and bulk of the gun while minimizing felt recoil and muzzle rise. The synthetic polymer lower receiver features an alloy magazine well that ensures a smooth, durable product designed to last. Hatsan’s patented ThermoDefend forend absorbs and dissipates heat from the barrel while offering a comfortable, controlled grip on the weapon.

An active buffer tube absorbs recoil and sports a removable buttstock with elevation-adjustable cheek rest. The soft rubber ergonomic pistol grip is also removable and can be replaced with a wide variety of already available aftermarket options. The cocking bolt is reversible to suit a wide variety of shooter preferences. A carry-handle rear sight and fixed front sight come equipped on each gun, but the included flip-up sights can be installed for use with mounted optics. The forend also features 4 Picatinny rail locations to accommodate multiple accessory mounting options.

The 12-gauge models feature an 18″ barrel with removable chokes, including an extended cylinder bore choke brake that helps tame recoil with heavy shot or slugs. Standard Full and Improved Cylinder chokes are also included, with other options available from HatsanUSA. Each gun ships with two 5-round magazines, and a 2-round magazine that can be stored in the buttstock. The gun is chambered to accept both 2 ¾” and 3″ shells and will cycle them interchangeably with no external adjustments required by the shooter.

The .410 models feature a 20″ barrel with an integrated choke suitable for both shot and slugs. Offering the same recoil-absorbing characteristics as the larger caliber models, this shotgun is extremely smooth. Also shipping with two 5-round magazines, this gun features a spare 3-round magazine stored in the buttstock. The gas piston operates in the same manner, cycling both standard and magnum loads reliably.

As with all Escort shotguns, the barrels are proof tested at the factory to ensure quality and durability. The hard chrome and/or Cerakote coatings are built to withstand the harshest conditions and look good while doing it. HatsanUSA offers a 5-year limited warranty with all Escort firearms.

YETI is releasing a limited-edition Rambler 30 oz Tumbler and a portion of the proceeds will be donated to Folds of Honor a non-profit that helps provide scholarships to spouses and children of fallen and disabled service members. The rambler will be available in Brick Red, Navy or White and features the YETI logo etched with an American flag. The YETI Rambler is ringed in copper just like the American penny. This is a Limited Edition and I expect that this will be sold out within the next week or maybe sooner.

I bought mine earlier today and I am excited to get it because I am super proud of the work Folds of Honor does for our nations children of fallen heroes and the work they do for disabled American service members.

Order A Folds of Honor Limited Edition YETI Rambler and support a great cause!

From Nov. 1 – 30, 2021, five percent of all net proceeds of purchases made from BHA’s website will be donated to the WWF’s Hunters for the Hungry Program to help feed food-insecure families during this holiday season.

Big Horn Armory (BHA), makers of big-bore firearms, is pleased to announce it has partnered with the Wyoming Wildlife Federation (WWF) for the second year in a row for the Pay it Forward campaign to help support WWF’s Hunters for the Hungry Program (H4H). From Nov. 1 – 30, 2021, five percent of all net proceeds from any sale made from the BHA website will be donated to WWF’s H4H program. This donation will help to offset the costs of processing donated game meat, which will then be distributed to local food banks, pantries, and other food services within Wyoming.

“Last year we were able to donate $3,000 that was used to process meals for donation to food-insecure families within Wyoming, and this year our goal is higher. We are excited to work with the WWF’s Hunters for the Hungry Program again to help ensure that even more Wyoming residents will get healthy meals,” commented Greg Buchel, president of Big Horn Armory.

WWF’s H4H Program began in the fall of 2018. It has grown from supporting two to four counties in 2020. The counties include Sheridan, Johnson, Teton, and Fremont and H4H is looking to deepen the hunter donations to those incredible partnering processors in the coming years. During the last three years, over 4,700 meals have been donated through the program to food-insecure families in these counties and the Wind River Reservation.

“This is the second year we have partnered with Big Horn Armory to help bring healthy wild game to families in need. It is great to see a Wyoming company supporting this crucial program and those in need,” commented Dwayne Meadows, executive director of WWF.

If you always wanted to build your own high-quality handgun but were unsure of how to get started, Polymer80 (P80) has a solution: the Polymer80 AFT Kit. Designed with the home builder in mind, AFT stands for Assemble for Thyself. The P80 AFT Kit contains all the necessary components to build a complete, serialized PFS9 or PFC9 pistol quickly and easily.

The new Polymer80 AFT Kit includes everything needed to build a fully operational firearm: a serialized pistol frame, complete pistol frame parts kit, complete slide assembly, Locking Block Rail System & Rear Rail Module, magazine, and a hard-sided black pistol case. The Polymer80 PFS9 and PFC9 pistols are loaded with features from top to bottom for comfort, ease of operation and peak performance. Each pistol offers next generation ergonomics, high-strength reinforcement, polymer construction, Picatinny accessory rail, double undercut trigger guard, extended beavertail, right & left thumb rail, 1911 grip angle, and PTFX texture pattern.

The Polymer80 AFT Kit is fully customizable, so you can easily make changes to suit your individual needs. It’s also designed to be very “user friendly,” even for those who are not experienced gun builders. They come pre-drilled, therefore no hand tools are required. For those who prefer to build a complete, serialized firearm, the new Polymer AFT Kit is the one for you.

“The popularity of building your own firearm continues to grow exponentially,” said Loran Kelley, Polymer80’s founder and CEO. “We have had customer requests for a kit that offers a little less work and a serial number. We are happy to comply with our customer requests. The AFT Kit provides them with an easy way to build their own high-quality handgun from the ground up, which meets their requirements and still creates a tremendous sense of pride in their completed firearm. It’s one more example of our company motto, ‘Engage Your Freedom.’”  The company offers its customers a wide array of build components, from 80 percent pistol frame kits, AR parts & magazines, pistol barrels, slides, pistol parts kits, pistol magwells, holsters, and more, as well as completed PF-Series handguns.

For more information, or to locate a dealer near you, visit the company website, www.polymer80.com or call 800-517-1243.

Honored American Veterans Afield (HAVA) hosted three, one-day shooting competition events at the  Bandera Gun Club in Bandera, Texas on October 21, 22 and 23. Each day of shooting featured  45 different active-duty military members and disabled Veterans, for a total of nearly 125 participants, 7  of which were hosted by The Independence Fund.

“I really appreciate everything HAVA and The Independence Fund has done for me and this crew this  weekend and overall,” said Army Veteran Curt Oswalt. “I just wanted to say thank you for all of this from  this weekend. I had a great time with everyone, even before winning the SIG SAUER!”  

The goal of each day was to give Veterans and their guests a chance to show their skills at five different  shooting stages, including steel challenge, cowboy action, and sporting clays, as well as enjoy a patriotic  day of appreciation for the military.  

“HAVA is honored to host these fine warriors in Bandera for the weekend. Great food, music and the  smell of gun powder made for a special time for all attending,” said Chris Fleming, event manager and  firearms instructor for HAVA. “With the help of the finest companies in the shooting and outdoor  industry, we were able to bring in more than 200 Veteran guests, friends, family members and volunteer  staff to host an awesome range day to celebrate these men and women.”  

The Independence Fund, a national non-profit for catastrophically wounded Veterans, has partnered with  HAVA for other Veteran shooting events and competitions, and was invited for a second year in a row to  bring 7 Veterans from throughout Texas for this year’s shooting competition.

CMC Triggers made significant changes to staffing and sales to serve customers faster, smarter, and better.

CMC Triggers Corp., a Texas-based, family-owned and operated company designing and producing quality aftermarket gun parts and accessories, is revamping areas of the business to become a more agile and proficient supplier of their products to retailers, distributors, and end-users.

During the pandemic, shoppers across the board relied more on the online shopping experience for everything from food products to firearms accessories. CMC Triggers President, Jack Biegel, quickly identified his customers’ changing purchasing habits, and responded with meaningful changes within the corporate structure.

CMC Triggers reduced its internal sales staff and is in the process of streamlining online ordering for retailers. As part of their new corporate strategy, CMC Triggers ensures all customers, including retailers and distributors, that the same high-quality aftermarket gun parts will continue to be available through a faster, better, and smarter system. CMC Triggers’ outstanding customer service will also continue to surpass customer expectations.

“In our highly competitive market, it is important for a company to respond aggressively, without sacrificing the quality of product and customer service,” Biegel stated. “We want to eliminate layers within our business to become nimbler and give our customers the best American-made products and service in a streamlined approach. There is one thing, though, that CMC Triggers will not sacrifice, and that is the amount of research and development, testing, and quality control that goes into each product designed at our facility. When we announce a new model or product, our customers can rest assured it meets our rigorous standard and can stand up in any environment from the range to the battlefield.”

LINCOLN, Neb. – Nebraskans who want to donate or receive harvested deer can participate in the Deer Exchange.

This program is designed to accommodate the additional harvest of deer. It brings together hunters who have a surplus of deer with recipients willing to accept the deer meat.

The Deer Exchange, which is available annually from Sept. 1 through March 1, allows hunters and potential venison recipients to join a database and search for other participating parties in their area. Parties will work out the details of the transfer. While the venison cannot be sold, recipients may pay for the processing or butchering of the meat. Donors and recipients can register online for free.

Recipients will have the choice of accepting whole field dressed deer, skinned and boned deer, wrapped and frozen deer or processed meat. Donors are responsible for properly field dressing and checking deer at a check station before transfer.

When transferring game animals, the hunter must provide the following information on a transfer tag: name, phone number, permit number or seal number, estimated weight of meat (in pounds), species of animal, date taken, signature of donor and name of recipient. A transfer tag is available on page 36 of the 2021 Big Game Guide. Go to OutdoorNebraska.gov/guides.

LINCOLN, Neb. — The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission reminds hunters and parkgoers of safety tips as limited managed hunting begins Nov. 1 in some state park areas.

For more than 15 years, limited managed hunting has been offered at state park and state historical parks as part of wildlife management for healthy and sustainable wildlife populations.

Standard hunting regulations apply, and parks with managed hunting have several safety requirements in place, including distancing requirements from campgrounds, parking lots and other areas, hunter check-ins and signs posted at designated hunting areas.

Park guests are encouraged to use the following safety guidelines:

Hunters should be sure to follow the same safety guidelines recommended for any hunting season, such as following all firearm safety rules, including being sure of one’s target and what is beyond it. Find additional recommendations at  OutdoorNebraska.org/HuntSafe.