Hunting and Fishing News Blog Articles

Cranston, Rhode Island – SWAROVSKI OPTIK NORTH AMERICA, a subsidiary of the Austrian based company, announces the NEW KAHLES SKMR4 Reticle now in the K624i riflescope. This fourth variation of this SKMR reticle has been offered in the K525i and DLR riflescope. We are now offering it in the K624i riflescope, which now qualifies for the production class of the Precision Rifle Series. The K624i features a wide field of view, an exceptional eyebox and a high contrast image. Along with precise, clearly defined click mechanism and repeatable accuracy making this scope the professional choice for long distances. Since the orginal introduction of the SKMR there has been continuing modifications leading us to our fourth iteration. The latest improvements on the SKMR4 give you a greater reticle hold precision with an addition of 0.2 MIL holds. While also having the number of Marker Bars increased by 3 MILS, from 12 to 15 MILS, for longer-range capability. While no adjustment was needed to the windage bar spacing, the bars themselves were changed from hollow to solid for better visibility. Due to the great success from the SKMR3 reticle, many attributes remain the same, while fine tuning others. We now further enhance the K624i riflescope by offering it with the latest SKMR4 reticle.

By Breanne Orey, Manager of Competitions & Membership, USA Shooting

Colorado Springs, Colorado- For the second year in a row, USA Shooting is proud to announce it will host Winter Airgun Rifle National Championships happening December 8-12, 2021 in close partnership with the Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP) at both CMP locations in Anniston, Alabama and Port Clinton, Ohio. This match will serve as the Air Rifle National Championships for 2021 and is a designated National Rifle Team ranking match. 

Winter Airgun Pistol National Championships will be held at a different location during different, potentially earlier dates. We will make the announcement about this competition as soon as the information is finalized.

“Hosting a Rifle-only and Pistol-only Winter Airgun Nationals allows us to host larger groups for both disciplines. Moving forward with competitions, we want to emphasize competitiveness and develop younger athletes, and hosting separate Winter Airgun National Championships allows us to do just that,” said Breanne Orey, Director of Competitions at USA Shooting. 

New and exciting events will take place at 2021 Winter Airgun Rifle National Championships including “Super Finals” and a team event for chances to win cash prizes and cases from our partners at SKB. 

Afghanistan is in the midst of a crisis. Unknown numbers of Americans and Afghan allies are in desperate need of assistance. Operation Recovery, a group of individuals who served in Afghanistan, vows not to sit idly by while so many lives are in jeopardy. Operation Recovery is a charitable organization who supports the efforts of Task Force Pineapple, a group of U.S. veterans who are working to repatriate American Citizens and Afghan allies by helping fund safe cover, movement, and medical services to injured and displaced people. 

All donations, including a major contribution from EOTECH, directly influence operations for the movement of at-risk individuals out of Afghanistan as well as continuing efforts for resettlement and reintegration once back in the United States at the community level. It is expected that Operation Recovery will take on a full spectrum of refugee aid in the coming months and time is of the essence – Operation Recovery’s list of assistance requests has swelled to over 4000 people!

The war in Afghanistan lasted 20 years and has left heroes broken mentally and physically. Some never made it home. Many are still in Afghanistan. EOTECH believes in the time-honored principle of No Man Left Behind. “American patriots and Afghan allies desperately need our help now,” warns Lisa Kemp, EOTECH Director of Marketing. In the true American spirit, EOTECH is donating $50K to Operation Recovery, supporting their grassroots mission of moving people to safety now, as well as the longer-term settlement of our veterans and Afghan allies. 

Success stories from Operation Recovery give donors hope and encouragement. Currently, support personnel are caring for over 550 individuals while others are protecting 70+ persons at high risk of reprisal from the Taliban. To date, Operation Recovery has moved over 800 people to safety and there is still a great deal of work left to do amidst many challenges both now and in the future. 

Veteran-friendly businesses like EOTECH recognize the urgent need for donations – critical funds that provide transport, food, lodging, medical care, and safety to those within the Task Force Pineapple network. The United States owes its freedom to the sacrifices of its brave military men and women, and now is the time to help veterans, fellow Americans and allies in need. “We hope our contribution to Operation Recovery encourages like-minded businesses and individuals to donate to this time-sensitive operation,” encourages Kemp.  

Gamakatsu®, the longtime leader in hooks for everything from bluegills to blue marlin, has expanded its footprint beyond hooks and related terminal tackle. Gamakatsu introduces the Spiral Z, a beaded attractor that’ll call trout and salmon from a distance while also doing double duty with other species.

If the fish on the local lake or river have grown weary of the same old spinning lures, the Spiral Z offers up a new package with a distinct look, vibration and sound appeal. It is built around a stainless-steel wire with colored beads in a variety of colors for attraction and a ball-bearing line swivel to eliminate line twist. Anglers can add their favorite hook to the end, and it’s infinitely customizable to match local forage. The Spiral Z can also be used as an attractor by rigging it any distance in front of a favorite lure.

Unlike a traditional spinner where the blade rotates on a clevis, with the Spiral Z, the entire package rotates, creating an undulating lifelike meal for gamefish of every species. Traditional dodgers and flashers will get left in the dust. Pick the combination of size and color that fits the local baitfish and water color, add the lure or hook of choice to complete the profile, and anglers can spin their way to bigger catches than ever before.

Spiral Z 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. 

New Facility Improvements; Adds Accessible Walkways

WAUTOMA, Wis. – The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) today announced the Waushara County shooting range on Bicentennial Road in Wautoma has reopened to the public following facility improvements and the addition of accessible walkways.

Following a Sept. 6 closure for improvements, Coloma Local 139 Operator Engineers donated labor and equipment to complete maintenance updates that allowed the popular shooting range to reopen within days of its initial closure.

The Coloma Local 139 Operator Engineers represent over 10,000 heavy equipment operators in the construction industry throughout Wisconsin. Their members originally built the range in 2012. After years of use, the engineers returned to provide maintenance at no charge to the DNR.

The Waushara County shooting range is open seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Range users should follow all posted safety rules and clean up after use.

Ducks Unlimited (DU) Engineer Forrest Downing, Regional Biologist Matt Kaminski and Regional Engineer Brett Williams received a DU Excellence in Conservation Award for their work as DU’s San Joaquin Valley Conservation Team.

DU’s Conservation Programs Committee (CPC) created the awards to recognize outstanding conservation accomplishments and the DU staff who made them possible. Thanks to the continued commitment of DU’s staff, the organization reached an historic milestone this year, conserving more than 15 million acres.

Any extraordinary accomplishment that supports DU’s conservation mission of filling the skies with waterfowl today, tomorrow and forever is eligible for recognition. The 2021 awards were announced Sept. 9, during the CPC summer meeting.

“These awards recognize Ducks Unlimited’s exceptional conservation professionals and the work they do every day,” said CPC Chair Dr. Christine Thomas. “The awards were created to support morale, motivate our staff and convey the gratitude of DU supporters and volunteers.”

Downing, Kaminski and Williams received the award for more than five years of conservation work in California’s San Joaquin Valley, a priority area for Ducks Unlimited’s on-the-ground conservation mission.

Holosun is pleased to return to the Concealed Carry & Home Defense Expo presented by USCCA in Fort Worth, Texas from October 1-3 2021. Holosun will debut exciting new products including recent green reticle optics from the X2 line of pistol sights.

Attendees of the show will get hands-on time with products at the Holosun booth along with having their questions or concerns answered by the Holosun team. When visiting the expo at the Fort Worth Convention Center, be sure to visit Holosun at booth #214.

For questions or to schedule an appointment, please contact [email protected]

Holosun Technologies, Inc., located in City of Industry, California, is committed to creating innovative optic and laser/IR technologies that benefit a broad range of shooting, hunting, law enforcement and professional needs. Using the quality manufacturing standards demanded by some of the best-known optics brands in the world, with a wide range of affordable options, Holosun is at the forefront of development of new sight technologies. Key innovations include Shake Awake TechnologyTM, 50,000-hour battery life, Solar FailSafeTM, Multiple Reticle SystemTM (MRS), Super Green LED, and IR/Laser units that utilize the most recent advancements in laser and LED technology. At Holosun, we pride ourselves on providing cutting-edge equipment at a competitive price that astounds the competition and the end-user.

For more information, please visit
www.holosun.com

LINCOLN, Neb. – The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission is offering special antlerless deer hunting opportunities within Eugene T. Mahoney and Platte River state parks, as well as Schramm Park State Recreation Area.

Successful applicants will be issued a special access permit that allows them to hunt antlerless deer in designated areas of a park on certain dates using specific equipment. Successful applicants and interested alternates must attend an orientation session to receive the access permit.

Applications, limited to one per person, will be accepted through 5 p.m. Oct. 31. If more applications are received than can be accommodated, a drawing will be held Nov. 4.

Hunters may obtain an application at OutdoorNebraska.org or by calling Mahoney State Park at 402-944-2523, ext. 7122, Platte River State Park at 402-234-2217, Schramm Education Center at 402-332-3901, or Game and Parks’ Southeast District office at 402-471-5431. Individual, mentor and buddy applications are available.

Legal equipment at Mahoney and Platte River state parks are archery and muzzleloaders. The legal equipment at Schramm Park is archery.

Yesterday, the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation (CSF) hosted its 32nd Annual Banquet & Auction, to celebrate the ever-growing accomplishments of the bipartisan Congressional Sportsmen’s Caucus  (CSC). This year, CSF was joined by more than 70 members of the CSC, yet again marking one of the largest bipartisan gatherings of Members of Congress in D.C.

For the last 32 years, the Annual Banquet and Auction has provided the opportunity for hundreds of the nation’s leading sporting-conservation professionals and industry leaders to celebrate the achievements of the Congressional Sportsmen’s Caucus, whose members work to protect and advance our hunting, fishing, trapping, and recreational shooting traditions on Capitol Hill.

As the largest and most-effective bipartisan caucus on Capitol Hill, the CSC has been the driving force behind countless pro-sportsmen policy victories since the founding of the Caucus over 30 years ago. Just last year, the CSC secured the passage of historic legislation including the Great American Outdoors Act and the America’s Conservation Enhancement Act, two of the most significant pieces of legislation for sportsmen and women in a lifetime. This year, the CSC is continuing their tradition of bipartisan work on landmark legislation such as the Recovering America’s Wildlife Act and the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.

“The Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation and our partners in conservation are grateful for the members of the Congressional Sportsmen’s Caucus who, above all, demonstrate their steadfast commitment to sportsmen and women every day in the U.S. Congress,” said CSF President and CEO Jeff Crane. “This event provides an opportunity for CSF and partners to thank the CSC for their devotion to our time-honored outdoor traditions.”

Joining the event to celebrate the work of CSF and the CSC was Deputy Secretary of the Interior Tommy Beaudreau. In his remarks, Deputy Secretary Beaudreau emphasized the Department of the Interior’s commitment to working with sportsmen and women as a significant driver of conservation success across the nation.

Annual survey of BHA membership shows commitment to public service, resources, hunting, fishing, advocacy

MISSOULA, Mont. – Backcountry Hunters & Anglers members depend on North America’s public lands and waters for their time afield. Their diets rely on wild game and wild harvested foods. They’re young. They’re politically active and politically diverse, not gravitating to any one party or shunning party affiliations outright. They serve in the military at rates more than twice that of the U.S. average.

This is the portrait of the BHA membership as revealed by BHA’s 2021 membership survey, the annual demographics study of the growing organization of public lands sportsmen and women.

“Why are North American hunters and anglers a growing force in decisions surrounding policy and management of our public lands and waters?” asked BHA President and CEO Land Tawney. “Look at BHA’s membership demographics for the answer.

“We’re young, we’re driven, we have intimate knowledge of our shared landscapes…and we can’t be pigeonholed into any political stereotype,” Tawney stated. “We believe in public service, in working together in the name of the greater good. And together, BHA’s members are creating a new playbook for the administration of our public lands and waters – one that will ensure that healthy fish and wildlife habitat, important landscapes, and critical access opportunities endure for the sake of our kids, grandkids and irreplaceable outdoor heritage.”

Tales of two extraordinary bass tournaments

Situated strategically on the front decks of nearly every boat in a 120-team field of anglers, the same aqua-blue bag of softbaits sat poised for action. That scant few of the anglers waved sponsor logos matching their bait-bags suggested a rather interesting puzzle: Perhaps it’s not always the signage on the shirt, but rather, what’s rigged on rods that proves providential. 

Indeed, something remarkable occurred at the recent Bassin for Bucks tourney, a Lake of the Woods based derby that’s become one of the most esteemed and competitive smallmouth bass events in Canada. “I’d estimate that pretty much every boat in this tourney had a pack or two of Jerk ShadZ on board,” observed Jamie Bruce, an exceptional bass stick who won the September 2021 event alongside his partner and wife, Ashley. 

A few weeks earlier and a hundred-fifty miles to the south, touring pro and fishing guide Adam Rasmussen had just subjected himself to an extreme case of bass thumb, boating an astonishing number of fish—and crushing the field at a Classic Bass Champions Tour contest by 142-pounds of bass. In a single 8-hour day of fishing, Rasmussen lipped and logged 98 bass for 247-pounds total—every one of which engulfed a Z-Man bait. 

But before divulging the full details, consider an authentic “this happened to me” tale—events that would set the stage for some of the most mind-blowing bass bites in recent memory. 

RCBS App for iOS and Android Puts More Precision at Shooters’ Fingertips

RCBS®, the leading manufacturer of ammunition reloading equipment for rifles and pistols, is pleased to announce the launch of its new and improved RCBS app, now available to download free for both Apple  and Android devices.

The recently released app goes above and beyond with the ability to work across the entire lineup of RCBS Bluetooth-enabled dispensers: MatchMaster, ChargeMaster Supreme and ChargeMaster Link. With the app at a user’s fingertips, calibrating any of these dispensers is a breeze.

Once calibrated, a user can go straight to dispensing, entering in powder information and required dispensation weights. When paired with the MatchMaster, dispensing can be completely customized as well. Each loading session provides intelligent feedback, including notations on over- and under-charges, length of the session, and number of charges thrown, all of which aids the shooter during future loading sessions.

At the range, the RCBS app’s “Load Log” tracks the progress of your reloading / handloading process. Start by creating a firearm profile with make, model, cartridge, round count, rate of twist, scope manufacturer, scope height, free-bore length and any other data that might affect accuracy. Then create a new load profile, entering critical load data such as:

Irving, TX – Hawk, the leading name in elevated hunting stand and ground blind solutions, has developed a durable solution for trimming those hard-to-reach limbs and branches with the new Helium Pole Saw.

The Helium Pole Saw eliminates the problems hunters have historically had with portable saws intended for clearing brush around tree stands and ground blinds—specifically, flimsy telescoping extensions, loose clamping mechanisms, and weak saw blades. The new Helium Pole Saw takes an innovative, robust approach to this invaluable field tool, combining strength and light weight to make short work of trimming shooting lanes and opening strategic stand locations.

Featuring sturdy yet lightweight aluminum pole sections, the Helium Pole Saw uses progressive tensioning clamps to secure the pole sections at the desired length. The saws are offered in 10-foot (41 inches closed) and 14-foot (46 inches closed) versions and weigh 2.5 and 3.5 pounds, respectively. A soft-sleeve grip provides a positive purchase and maximum control when working tough branches.

Topping the Helium Pole Saw is an 11-inch SK5 high carbon steel blade. The patented teeth design and black nitride, corrosion-resistant finish work to deliver long life and efficient cutting power. A plastic blade protector is included for safe field transport.

For more details about the Hawk Helium Pole Saw and all of Hawk’s new products for 2021, please visit www.hawkhunting.com.

The National Deer Association (NDA) is stepping up to assist Indiana DNR increase the number of chronic wasting disease (CWD) samples they can collect from hunter-harvested deer by designing and implementing a CWD sampling program among Indiana taxidermists and deer processors. 

“I am happy we can assist the Indiana DNR in increasing the number of CWD samples they’re able to collect in the upcoming deer season,” said Kip Adams, NDA Chief Conservation Officer. “Utilizing taxidermists and deer processors is a great targeted surveillance strategy, and this program will enhance the state’s disease monitoring efforts.”

CWD has not been detected in Indiana, however it has been detected in several bordering states including Illinois, Michigan and Ohio. Should it spread into Indiana, early detection is critical to preventing its growth and holding prevalence rates low.

NDA will help identify participating Indiana taxidermists and deer processors who will collect hunter-harvested, wild deer CWD samples then issue payments based upon the number of samples collected by the participating taxidermist/deer processor. The extra administrative help from NDA will increase the number of samples DNR can collect, making it possible to better monitor for CWD in Indiana.

For more information about CWD, visit  https://www.deerassociation.com/cwd/

Continuing a highly successful outdoor mentorship program to recruit, retain, and reactivate outdoorsmen and women in the uplands, Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever is proud to announce the renewed national sponsorship of ALPS OutdoorZ. The partnershipprovides ALPS OutdoorZ with a wide array of marketing opportunities for its innovative product lines while delivering financial support to the overarching mission of the nation’s leading upland conservation organizations, including direct endorsement of the Hunter Mentor Pledge campaign.

“As a renewing national sponsor, upland hunters should recognize ALPS OutdoorZ as a leading outdoor gear manufacturer who maintains uncompromising, incredible support for conservation and hunting traditions,” says Colby Kerber, hunting heritage program manager for Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever. “The partnership’s first year successes highlight how by working together, industry frontrunners and conservation nonprofits can make enormous strides for hunting heritage and wildlife habitat conservation.”

In fiscal year 2021, launch of the Hunter Mentor Pledge and support for Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever’s Call of the Uplands®  national campaign highlighted the beginnings of the productive partnership. In its first year, the Hunter Mentor Pledge generated 577 submissions from outdoor mentors across 46 states and Canada, detailing their successful outdoor endeavors with new or re-introduced hunters. The Pledge supports Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever’s Call of the Uplands initiative, helping to reach 1.5 million participants with new and expanded programs for outdoor recreation, shooting sports, and hunting, while also contributing direct financial support for the goal of conserving 9 million acres nationwide through various conservation programs and strategies.

“We truly value the partnership with Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever,” says Adam Brune of ALPS OutdoorZ. “PF & QF have been great partners in our quest to Save the Lifestyle. With the common goal to get more people outside and save our hunting heritage, we are truly making more of an impact together than we could individually.”

In addition to continuing the previous partnership, ALPS OutdoorZ has amplified their dedication to R3 (Recruit, Retain and Reactivate efforts) through new direct program support for PF & QF’s Education and Outreach efforts. ALPS OutdoorZ’s commitment will provide assistance to support Path to the Uplands program delivery, including Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever’s innovative Learn to Hunt program.

ALPS Brands established ALPS OutdoorZ in 2007 with the mission of developing affordable, performance-driven hunting gear. Years later, after releasing their first group of hunting products, the company has grown to offer packs, furniture, gun cases, sleeping bags, and ground blinds. Additionally, the corporation’s unmatched dedication to wildlife habitat conservation and hunting heritage for future generations makes them an outstanding addition to Pheasants Forever & Quail Forever’s current list of national sponsors.

In addition to print publication advertising, the following highlights key components to the relationship between ALPS OutdoorZ and The Habitat Organization:

Houston Safari Club Foundation (HSCF) and “Hunting Matters” welcomes Will Morgan is the Marketing Director for Outdoor Edge Knives & Tools.

Will Morgan is the Marketing Director for Outdoor Edge Knives & Tools. Upon graduation in 2007, Will moved to Steamboat Springs, CO where he began working as a manager of outdoor recreation for a shared ranch community. His responsibilities included overseeing mountain biking, Nordic skiing and fly-fishing operations until the fall of 2012. 

Will then moved to Eagle, CO where he began his professional career in marketing with UrgeMedia. While there, he advanced quickly to become the Director of Producer Relations where he managed twenty-five multi-faceted marketing strategies across television, social and digital media. In the spring of 2020 he came on board with Outdoor Edge as their Marketing Director.

About Outdoor Edge
Our goal at Outdoor Edge is to combine functional design with the sharpest, best edge holding steels, state of the art production processes and hand craftsmanship to create the finest quality knives and hand tools for the outdoors. I personally develop and field test each product to ensure the highest performance and stand behind everything we make with a Lifetime Warranty.

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. 

Following the massive success of archers using Easton arrows at the Tokyo Olympic Games, target archery’s biggest stage shifted to the United States for the 2021 World Archery Championships, hosted at the NFAA Easton Yankton Archery Center in Yankton, SD. 

For Team Easton, the domination continued, with archers using Easton X10 or X10 Pro Tour arrows winning 11 of 12 individual medals and taking every World Champion title. 

Some of the highlights of the weekend include Sara Lopez of Colombia, the most decorated Women’s Compound archer of all time, finding the elusive Outdoor World Championship title that had evaded her thus far, and doing so in dominant fashion. Bolstering an already legendary career, South Korea’s Kim Woojin won his third World Championship in the Men’s Recurve category. South Korea’s Jang Minhee won her first World Championship, earning a victory over 17-year-old American Casey Kaufhold. Silver medal winner Kaufhold knocked off Olympic Champion An San in the semis, with San going on to win Bronze. In Men’s Compound, rising star and past Junior World Champion Nico Wiener of Austria came through with the upset over Mike Schloesser of the Netherlands, earning his first World Championship in the premier category.

The Team Easton Archer’s earning medals include:

Men’s Recurve Individual

The .300 Blackout is an exceptional intermediate cartridge born from special operations’ demands for superior performance over the 5.56 NATO while still using familiar weapon systems. The .300 Blackout delivers flatter trajectories and excellent terminal ballistics with supersonic ammunition or a quiet yet powerful option with subsonic rounds. EOTECH has developed a cartridge-specific optic that maximizes this versatile round. 

The EOTECH XPS2-300 HWS works with both ammo types thanks to a specially calibrated, two-dot ballistic drop reticle. It allows zeroing for both subsonic and supersonic .300 Blackout rounds using the same reticle for instant access to both zeros where and when needed. The XPS2-300 model features a laser-etched ballistic drop diagram on the housing, which provides a quick reference for subsonic and supersonic ammunition drop data. 

At only 3.8-inches long and a mere 9-ounces, shooters will love EOTECH’s shortest and lightest HWS sight. Its compact profile pairs perfectly on short-barreled weapon systems such as those used on some .300 Blackout rifles. A single CR123 battery powers the sight, adding to its sleek design. The XPS2-300’s small footprint leaves ample rail space for rear iron sights or magnifiers, making it a go-to mission adaptable holographic weapons system. 

The XPS2-300 includes a waterproof housing, long battery life, and 20 daylight brightness settings. User-friendly features like auto battery check and auto shutdown ensure the sight powers up when needed and the large 68MOA ring and (2) 1MOA aiming dots offer uncompromising speed and precision for critical shot placement.
Like all EOTECH products, the XPS2-300 is rugged and reliable. The waterproof, fog-proof, battle-tested sight works even if the sight window breaks or becomes partially obstructed. The EOTECH HWS XPS2 is proudly made in the USA and is backed by EOTECH’s 10-year Prestige Warranty. 

EOTECH XPS2-300 Blackout Features