Hunting and Fishing News Blog Articles

The funding Congress is expected to approve this week for the State and Tribal Wildlife Grant program — at a moment when America’s wildlife crisis is accelerating — underscores exactly why Congress needs to pass mandatory funding for state, territorial, and Tribal wildlife conservation. The legislation reduces the funding available in FY24 for essential state and Tribal wildlife conservation funding by more than $1.4 million below what Congress approved for the current fiscal year.

“America’s wildlife are in the crisis, with more than one-third of species in the United States at heightened risk of extinction. The appropriations process affirms what states, Tribes, and territories have been saying for years: They need dedicated, consistent federal funding to ensure the fish, wildlife, and plants that support local jobs, hunting and angling, and our outdoor heritage thrive for future generations,” said Mike Leahy, senior director of wildlife, hunting and fishing policy at the National Wildlife Federation. “Congress should heed the calls of states, Tribes, and territorial leaders and pass the bipartisan Recovering America’s Wildlife Act.”

The consolidated appropriations bill that Congress is expected to approve this week will provide only $66.2 million for state and territorial wildlife conservation grants and only $6.1 million for Tribal wildlife conservation grants. Congress approved $67.6 million for state and territorial wildlife grants and $6.2 million for Tribes in its FY23 appropriations bill

The Recovering America’s Wildlife Act would give the states and territories up to $1.3 billion a year to implement their Wildlife Action Plans — their science-based blueprints for protecting at-risk wildlife and plants. Collectively these plans identify more than 12,000 species of plants and animals in need of assistance.

The State Wildlife Grants Program is the current federal funding for implementing these plans. The proposed level of funding is just 5 percent of what would be needed to implement these federally-mandated plans in a meaningful way.

Sheridan, WY – March, 5th. Weatherby, a leading name in firearms innovation, proudly introduces the SORIX Semi-Auto Shotgun, a groundbreaking addition to its esteemed lineup. Weatherby has been offering quality shotguns for over 50 years and the SORIX promises to elevate the shooting experience with a host of features designed for reliability, performance, and adaptability.

Key Features of the SORIX Shotgun:

MSRP: $1499

Inertia Reloading System: The SORIX is built on Weatherby’s field-proven inertia recoil system. This simple and robust system makes it extremely easy to maintain and running at the highest level. After years of testing and tuning spring rates, this system can efficiently run a wide range of lighter small game loads or heavy magnum loads. Available in 12 ga 3” or 3.5” chambers and 20 ga in a 3” chamber there is a SORIX option that is right for your hunting style.

Shift System for Left-Handed Shooters: The SORIX uniquely accommodates left-handed hunters with Weatherby’s Shift System. A cut on the left side of the receiver allows lefties to easily swap the charging handle and the safety can be reversed. The Shift System ensures a tailored left-handed shotgun experience without compromising performance.

Looking outside at a foot of snow with temperatures in the single digits and below, I am not thinking about deck shoes nor a day on the water. But maybe I should start thinking about this! In a few short months, the Arctic blast will have receded to where it belongs, and we will all be itching to get outside.

Once I head outside, I will be wearing the Sharkbyte shoes from Xtratuf. These comfortable and functional shoes are water-resistant and slip-resistant which is what I need. Once on dry land, these shoes transition to an all-around shoe I might wear to the grocery store or out to lunch. The gray leather of this particular pair of shoes is highlighted by an art-inspired section designed by Fishe Wear, which I just love. These shoes tend to run small, so you might want to order a half-size up.

We are also looking at the Men’s Sharkbyte ECO, a similar pair but for the men. This shoe is made with ECONYL, a 100% regenerated nylon fiber. Its breathable mesh lining is in contrast to the nubuck leather of the women’s leather sharkbyte. As with the women’s shoe, the men’s Sharkbyte is slip-resistant and non-marking. They are comfortable even after a day on your feet. The tab at the heel makes slipping these shoes on easy.

The team at Xtratuf creates footwear along two lines: commercial grade that performs in the harshest conditions and explorer grade which provides that function plus the versatility that many of us look for. From deck shoes and legacy boots to insulated and fleece lined boots and shoes, Xtrafuf offers enough of a selection to cover many needs while allowing you to show a bit of your own personality. Check out your favorites at xtratuf.com.

MOJO® Outdoors, World Leader in Motion Decoys is proud to announce that their all new, patent pending 3-in-1 Hen Turkey Decoy is in stock and currently shipping to Dealers. 

Apply named the “Feeder/Breeder” it is a high detail hen turkey decoy that can be deployed in any one of 3 positions by a specially designed, patent pending housing mounted inside of the decoy body that allows the decoy to be easily rotated and secured in either the upright or feeding positions OR, by removing the stake and mounting on the ground in the breeding position. Multiple hen decoys are no longer needed. 

The decoy design was a collaborative effort between MOJO® and Preston Pittman, often referred to as the World’s Greatest Turkey Caller, and MOJO® is proud to say it is a Preston Pittman Signature Series Decoy. 

Preston had this to say “All of my life I have wanted to design and offer to the public a hen decoy; as the hen is my number one tool in turkey hunting, and I am privileged to have been able to do that with MOJO®, the World Leader in Motion Decoys. I think the patent pending 3 in 1 feature makes this decoy the most versatile decoy EVER! I am proud to have my name on it and to hunt with it. I recommend you give it a look. 

Terry Denmon, President & CEO of MOJO® Outdoors said “MOJO® was fortunate to work hand-in-hand with Preston on this innovative decoy. Combining MOJO’s long experience at designing and manufacturing decoys with Preston’s great knowledge of decoying turnkeys produced a magical combination and we are proud to offer and recommend this decoy to the public.”

SK Customs®, the Nation’s only series-driven, limited-edition manufacturer of custom firearms, is proud to announce its new “Gold Series” as part of the Early Italian Renaissance collection. Drawing inspiration from the 15th century, the Early Italian Renaissance Series showcases the masterpieces of renowned artists such as Michelangelo, Da Vinci, Andrea del Sarto and Raphael.

The new “Gold Series” will be limited to only 25 completed series sets, consisting of one custom-engraved knife, and four custom-engraved firearms that feature the iconic figures of the Early Italian Renaissance. Each knife and firearm set will have consecutive serial numbers and matching edition numbers.

SK Customs is partnering with Springfield Armory on this collection of limited-edition engravers model 1911 pistols chambered in 45 ACP. The Gold Series guns are accompanied by limited-edition engraved 24k gold etched blades, by renowned knife maker Coltellerie Maserin. Established in 1960, Coltellerie Maserin has been a reference in that artisan tradition since the beginning of the company and has led Maniago, “City of Knives,” to excel everywhere in the quality of its products.

“The goal of the Gold Series is to symbolize the cultural rebirth of the 15th century. With each installment, we aim to pay homage to the knowledge, art and humanism of the era,” said Simon Khiabani, owner and founder of SK Guns. “The firearms in this series have remarkable beauty, and this collection is truly set apart by the addition of the knives created by Coltellerie Maserin. This striking combination of gold, wood and steel is a fantastic tribute to the innovation and beauty of the Early Italian Renaissance.”

SK Customs’ proprietary color conversion engineering ensures a highly reflective and permanent color on the steel slide of each firearm. The pistols also boast Italian Olivewood grip panels engraved with Italy’s Fleur De Lis, which are hand-painted to match the color accents on the slide. The semi-polished finish on the frame and slide flats, high polished barrel and selective 24k gold plating on the art and select parts complete these works of art.

Today, Chairman of the House Committee on Natural Resources, Congressman Bruce Westerman (AR), introduced the America’s Wildlife Habitat Conservation Act (AWHCA), a comprehensive bill that seeks to enhance fish and wildlife habitat across the country.

“The Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies appreciates Chairman Westerman’s commitment to providing funding to state fish and wildlife agencies for wildlife habitat restoration in the America’s Wildlife Habitat Conservation Act (AWHCA),” said Chuck Sykes, Director of the Alabama Division of Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries and President of the Association.

The AWHCA would authorize $300 million in annual funding for the next five years to each state and territorial fish and wildlife agency as well as the District of Columbia to help conserve and manage fish and wildlife species, including at-risk species and those already listed as threatened or endangered. States have developed comprehensive conservation plans that outline important habitat projects and actions that will aid in species recovery. The bill also encourages states and federal agencies to work collaboratively with private landowners to achieve positive conservation outcomes.

“The America’s Wildlife Habitat Conservation Act will empower states and local communities to use proven practices to restore and maintain habitat, which will benefit species in their state’s wildlife action plans. Good habitat management is integral to wildlife management and without it, species have little chance of maintaining sustainable populations and surviving. By strengthening relationships between states, tribes, private landowners and the federal government, we can empower them to implement proactive habitat conservation that will make a difference where it counts: on the ground across our abundant outdoors. I’d like to thank my colleagues who have supported this logical and forward-thinking legislation, and I look forward to working with them and members across the aisle to move this commonsense, financially responsible bill through the legislative process and ultimately into law.” – House Committee on Natural Resources Chairman Bruce Westerman (R-Ark.)

“This bill is a positive step forward to providing funding that state agencies can use to deliver habitat conservation for fish and wildlife on public and private land,” added Sykes. “It is clear that the Chairman has a vision for conserving habitat, and we appreciate that his legislation will provide states with a set of tools to help us accomplish this work.”

EDGEFIELD, S.C. — Former NWTF CEO Rob Keck received the NWTF’s Tom Kelly Communicator of the Year Award for his efforts sharing the NWTF’s story to conserve the wild turkey and preserve our hunting heritage.

“There is no greater conservation story to tell than the return of the wild turkey and the role that NWTF played in making that happen,” Keck said. “What a privilege and a distinct honor to be recognized with this prestigious award. Having Tom Kelly’s name attached to it adds to the pride and integrity of its importance. I sincerely thank the Federation for this recognition, but more importantly thank the many volunteers and professionals that enabled this story to be told. Having shared this conservation success with millions, through so many different platforms of speeches, of national television, radio, video, and print media for over four decades, it is clear, together we must do an even better job of selling the sizzle of conservation. As hunter-conservationists, we have an obligation to the next generation for all of us to communicate this remarkable story and how it continues to improve the quality of life for all Americans.”

Formerly known as the Communicator of the Year, the NWTF renamed the award in 2018 to honor Tom Kelly, the poet laureate of turkey hunting and author of the iconic Tenth Legion, published in 1973.

As former CEO of the NWTF, working for the wild turkey from 1978 to 2008, and Conservation and Hunting Ambassador for Bass Pro Shops, Keck remains a driving force in conservation, promoting our hunting heritage, advocating for hunters and the wise use of our natural resources. He helped fuel the return of the wild turkey in North America during the 1980s and ‘90s as turkey hunting popularity rose and, with it, more funding for conservation.

Keck influenced conservation and natural resource policy issues, having been appointed and serving on the Sporting Conservation Council under President George W. Bush, advising both the Secretaries of Interior and Agriculture on conservation matters. Keck hosted the NWTF’s award-winning national television program, “Turkey Call,” and served as executive producer for the NWTF’s other two national TV programs, “Turkey Country” and “Get in the Game.”  From March of 1977 to March of 2008 he was a featured columnist for Turkey Call magazine. He founded the Grand National Calling Championships beginning in 1977, kickstarting the NWTF Convention and Sport Show. Keck is known for being the first hunter to ever complete the wild turkey Super Slam – harvesting a bird in all 49 states with a huntable turkey population – plus Canada, Mexico, Guatemala and New Zealand.