Hunting and Fishing News Blog Articles

The Kenai Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Center and the City of Kenai are hosting the Fifth Annual Kenai Silver Salmon Derby to raise funds for management and conservation of riverbanks along the Kenai River. The family-friendly fishing tournament will run from September 14 through September 19.

As the popularity of the event has grown, so have the prizes. This year’s overall adult first place prize is $5,000, with daily adult prizes of $100. The overall youth first place prize is $1,000, with daily prizes of $50.

The Kenai Silver Salmon Derby awards prizes using a Magic Weight that is randomly generated using two wheels of identical size. With any fish over four pounds eligible to win, almost any silver you catch in the Kenai River could earn prizes in the derby.

“I am really looking forward to this year’s Derby,” says City Manager, Paul Ostrander. “Fishing in the river has been really good this year, and with $5,000 going to the overall winner in the adult category, I think we will see a lot of folks out there trying to catch the ‘one.'”

Named “The World’s Most Responsible Fishing Tournament”, the Kenai Silver Salmon Derby is a new kind of fishing tournament that reduces selective fishing practices that lead to catch-and-release injuries which compromise the health of the silver salmon population in the Kenai River. Net proceeds go to the Kenai Community Foundation to support management and protection of river banks and other riparian zones in the City of Kenai.

MADISON, Wis. – The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) received notification from the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection that a farm-raised deer on a deer farm in Taylor County tested positive for chronic wasting disease (CWD). With this new CWD-detection, Taylor County is now considered a CWD-affected county.

State law requires that the DNR enact a ban on feeding and baiting deer in counties when a farm-raised or free-roaming domestic or wild animal that tests positive for CWD or tuberculosis in the county where detected and any other counties within a 10-mile radius of the positive animal’s known location. This will create a three-year baiting and feeding ban in Taylor County as required by law starting Sept. 1, 2021.

More information regarding baiting and feeding regulations and CWD in Wisconsin is available on the DNR’s baiting and feeding regulations webpage.

To learn how to have deer tested during the upcoming 2021-22 Wisconsin hunting seasons, visit the DNR’s sampling for chronic wasting disease webpage.

Millennium for years has brought innovation to hunting from a hang-on stand. Millennium brings innovation once again with the ability to swivel and see a full 360 degrees with the M360 Revolution Hang-On Stand.

Anyone that has used a conventional treestand understands the height advantage. Thick impenetrable woods look like a snarl at ground level but open into clear shooting lanes where wildlife is identifiable from above. At the same time, the hunter stays concealed at an elevation where game typically don’t look. Treestands truly provide a bird’s eye view of the setting.

The M360 Revolution is a swiveling seat built on a 40-inch circular platform, with the seat in the middle, so the hunter is set back from the tree. This provides the ability to swivel and keep track of everything around you. Of course, Millennium has built the stand to be rugged, stable, safe, and stealthy. The oversized platform provides plenty of room to stretch your legs and use your feet to check your hunting area slowly and silently in every direction. 

Powder-coated steel will stand up to the elements and provide years of use. The checkerboard steel platform offers traction and airflow and allows rain and snow to pass through without buildup, especially on cold days. 

The spacious ComfortMAX seat is 20 inches wide and provides wiggle room for those sitting in their stand for the entire day. The level of comfort will not go unrecognized for hardcore hunters wanting to go from dawn to dusk. 

Expansion opens recreational opportunities on 2.1 million acres of public lands

U.S. Department of Interior (DOI) Secretary Deb Haaland announced the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) expanded hunting and fishing opportunities to Americans by opening 2.1 million acres to public recreational access.

“Just in time for the rapidly approaching hunting seasons, this expansion of public lands for recreational access is welcome news for hunters, anglers and other outdoor enthusiasts,” said Ducks Unlimited CEO Adam Putnam. “With all the uncertainty recently, we’ve always been able to count on the outdoors to be there for us. DU applauds Secretary Haaland for making more of America’s natural landscape available for people to pursue their outdoor passions and become reacquainted with nature.”

The welcomed expansion will open 2.1 million acres of land and water for hunting, fishing and other recreation activities on 88 national wildlife refuges and one fish hatchery. For more information from the Department of the Interior, click here.

“Increasing access to outdoor recreation opportunities is essential to advancing the Administration’s commitment to the conservation stewardship of our public lands,” said Secretary Deb Haaland. “Responsible hunting and fishing helps to promote healthy wildlife habitats while boosting local recreation economies.”

The organization’s previous Pappy raffle sold-out in an outstanding 3 days.

 Louisville, KY – Ronald McDonald House Charities of Kentuckiana (RMHCK), which is raffling five Pappy bottles packaged as a flight, is expecting the 1,750 tickets to fly off the shelves during its upcoming bourbon raffle. The raffle kicks-off Aug. 16 and will be held in partnership with bourbon expert Fred Minnick.

Each ticket will be sold for $100 each and 100 percent of the proceeds will benefit families who stay at the House when they travel to Louisville for medical care for their children.

“You can nab five coveted bottles offered as a group and support sick children and their families,” said Minnick, who serves as the organization’s exclusive partner for this charitable endeavor. Minnick personally authenticated each bottle and recently appraised this raffle at $22,000. He also has confirmed all five bourbons’ origins.“Pappy Van Winkle’s value has skyrocketed,” said Minnick. “These prestigious bottles will only continue to increase in value — it’s a beautiful tribute to Pappy’s legacy that they can raise so much money for Ronald McDonald House Charities of Kentuckiana. And, whomever wins these bottles will instantly have one of the best collections in their respective area,” he added.

The flight includes one bottle each of Pappy Van Winkle 23 Year (2018); Pappy Van Winkle 20 Year (2019); Pappy Van Winkle 15 Year (2019); Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year, lot b (2019); Old Rip Van Winkle 10 Year (2019).
“Since so many bourbon enthusiasts reached out to RMHCK and begged us to coordinate another charity raffle, we decided to hold this event on a regular basis,” said Hal Hedley, the organization’s CEO. “This raffle has gained a cult following around the nation.”

The flight will be raffled at 10am, EST, Oct. 14. Winner does not have to be present. To purchase tickets:https://bit.ly/3xiOYup. More details can be found at PappyRaffle.org.

The National Deer Association (NDA) recently conducted a custom Deer Steward training course for 41 Whitetail Properties Land Specialists from 23 states, bringing the total to 130 agents who have achieved Level 2 certification. Whitetail Properties is the only company focusing on rural real estate and hunting land that requires its agents to be certified NDA Deer Stewards.

“Over 26,000 acres of deer habitat will be directly impacted by the 41 participants in this recent class,” said Ben Westfall, NDA Conservation Coordinator, who oversees NDA’s Deer Steward program. “This is based on our evaluations in which students indicated how many acres they personally own or manage. But these professionals will undoubtedly impact far more acreage as they share their knowledge with their clients who are shopping for hunting land.”

Currently, all 300 Land Specialists have achieved or are working toward a Level 1 Deer Steward certification through NDA’s online course. This ensures that all Whitetail Properties agents have a comprehensive understanding of the key principles of deer and habitat biology, ecology and management. Following the recent in-person Level 2 course in Illinois, 130 of 300 Land Specialists have also advanced to Level 2. 

NDA and Whitetail Properties are currently planning additional Level 2 courses as well as custom Habitat Modules. In addition to training courses for their Land Specialists, Whitetail Properties TV will also share its unique talents in video production to help improve NDA’s online Deer Steward course. Whitetail Properties will film and produce an updated edition of the Level 1 course for online certification.

NDA’s Deer Steward training courses and modules are available to all deer hunters. To learn more, visit: www.deerassociation.com/steward

SENTRY Tactical and the Navy SEAL Foundation Partner to advance the Human Performance Program Initiatives for Naval Special Warfare Warriors.

Since its founding in 2000, the Navy SEAL Foundation has remained the premier benevolent organization serving U.S. Navy SEALs, Special Warfare Combatant-Craft Crewmen (SWCCs), and active-duty service members assigned to NSW commands. NSF’s support also reaches NSW dependent family members, Gold Star and Surviving Family members, and all SEAL and SWCC veterans. Today, NSF is pleased to announce it has entered into an official partnership with SENTRY Tactical. The partnership will advance the Foundation’s Human Performance Program initiatives for Naval Special Warfare (NSW) warriors through product donations and a significant funding grant from SENTRY’s Founder and CEO, former SEAL, Mike Noell.

NSF has delivered critical assistance by developing and funding evidence-based programs, including programs to advance the recovery and optimal human performance of those service members who have become ill or injured during their military service. The Foundation’s Virginia Beach-based “Return-To-Duty Program,” is an individually tailored program that takes a comprehensive approach to wellness by addressing the participant’s nutrition, physical health, and cognitive functioning. After completing the intensive multi-week program, participants have seen significant improvement in overall health, sleep patterns and reduced pain in many cases. Due to the program’s success, NSF has seen demand for increased availability and a need for an additional location in California to serve those living on the west coast reducing the burden of travel for participants assigned to west coast SEAL Teams.

“Over the years I have been fortunate to remain active with the Navy SEAL Foundation. Having experienced the NSF, VHP myself, and understanding the mission of their Return to Duty program, I felt this was the right time to provide resources to assist in the expansion of this vital program to the West Coast,” stated Mike Noell, Founder and CEO of SENTRY. “As a company, we are committed to our association with the Navy SEAL Foundation, and proud to support the mission of our country’s elite warfighters in the best way possible.”

“NSF is thrilled to expand our Return-To-Duty / Human Performance Program to the west coast with the support of Mike Noell and SENTRY,” said Robin King, CEO of the Foundation. “SENTRY’s support is a testament to Mike’s commitment to his brothers in the SEAL community, and we are grateful for this generous partnership. Together we will continue to provide the best care and programmatic support for the NSW community.”

Hosted by The Jump, the 5-Day Event Will Feature the Renovation of a Van, an RV and a School Bus

KANSAS CITY, MO –  The Jump is pleased to announce that HART Tools has joined its upcoming renovation competition, Gutted, as the presenting sponsor. Gutted is a five-day event that brings the RV Life, Van Life and Skoolie communities together.  With three teams, one RV, one van and one school bus, the goal is to see who can renovate the best vehicle in only five days. 

HART Tools will be on-hand throughout the event to supply each team with a complete line of tools. Experts from Hart Tools and other leading companies will also be available to answer questions and assist people with their own renovation needs. The Gutted event will be held September 8-12, 2021 near Alamosa, Colorado and will include educational panels, a showcase of renovated rigs as well as evening entertainment.  Over 50 top influencers will be in attendance, reaching millions of fans. The public is invited to participate, both virtually and in person. Tickets can be purchased at https://guttedevent.com.

“HART Tools is the ideal presenting sponsor for Gutted,” stated Peter McClung, Co-founder and CEO for The Jump. “Their product line offers our DIY competitors a cord-free experience across a huge selection of tools. We’re thrilled to partner with HART Tools as we grow this community.”

“We could not be more excited to join The Jump along with Steve Ford for the first-ever Gutted event,” said Kyle Edwards, Group Marketing Manager for HART Tools. “With our 20-volt battery platform and rapidly expanding lineup of cordless tools & products, there really is so much you can do when you do it with HART. We can’t wait to see how the contestants and Jump community put that mission to the test!”

NEW HAVEN, Mo. –Active Lifestyle Products & Services, has launched four new websites that are now live.

www.alpsmountaineering.com
www.alpsoutdoorz.com
www.alpscedarridge.com
www.browningcamping.com

The redesigned websites follow the continued expansion of ALPS Brands’ premium product portfolio over the last 28 years. With the increasing number of specialized camping, hiking, and hunting accessories, the folks at ALPS wanted to simplify the gear acquisition process for its loyal consumers and those who are new to the outdoor lifestyle.

The new websites offer product organization in a hierarchy that is simpler to navigate based on the consumer’s specific needs. For example, general categories such as Tents, Packs, Furniture, Hunting Blinds, Sleeping Bags, Turkey Gear, Vests, Waterfowl Gear, and More Gear are delineated by sub-categories. The new sub-categories allow consumers to quickly find products that meet their exact needs, required features, and applications.

Along with intelligent and intuitive navigation, fresh look and feel, and a mobile-friendly platform, the updated websites include all the newest products now available.

Today’s fishermen are gearheads, no doubt about it. There are a myriad of specific rods, reels, lures, terminal tackle, and accessories to help them be successful in freshwater and saltwater, no matter the targeted species. Regardless, there are three tools all anglers should always have – pliers, scissors, and a hook remover. The Anglers’ Best Tool Kit conveniently combines all three, each of the highest quality designed to last a lifetime.

The scissors are razor sharp, with a non-slip handle and are perfect for trimming everything from line tag ends to jig skirts and more. The needle nose pliers are designed as a multi-purpose tool, ideal for everything from crimping to removing lure hooks of all sizes. To accommodate the different types of lines, the pliers are crafted with a special place to cut braided line. A non-slip handle provides a perfect grip at all times. The hook remover in this kit is an oft-overlooked tool that not only makes hook removal quick, safe, and simple, it also helps you remove the hook from fish without hurting the fish itself. It creates less wound and increases the chance of the fish survival rate in water almost significantly. Thus, a fishing hook removal tool helps you to save fish and enjoy the fun of angling at the same time.

Best of all, every tool in the Anglers Best Tool Kit is designed to fit in the Lazy Joe, Anglers’ Best’s patented-designed tackle box and accessory holder that fits around your boat seat pedestal. It keeps your baits and accessories within reach without having to leave your seat or trolling motor. It saves valuable deck space and rotates around the pedestal for easy access to all your tools and accessories. The weather resistant, angled body keeps the Lazy Joe out of your way while keeping your tools and accessories within reach. The Lazy Joe comes standard with three Bait Boxes and currently available for a suggested retail price of $149.99. 

The Anglers’ Best Tool Kit is sold individually and has a suggested retail price of $44.99. For more information, visit  www.anglersbest.com.

About Anglers’ Best: Headquartered in Danville, Ala., Anglers’ Best is a designer and manufacturer of state-of-the-art fishing accessories. For additional information on Anglers’ Best write to: Anglers’ Best, 8237 Danville Road, Danville, AL 35619; Call: (833) BAS-SNET or visit www.anglersbest.com.

Savage Arms is proud to announce its sponsorship of the Canadian University Shooting Foundation (CUSF), a group dedicated to the development of competitive shooting sports between Canadian Universities and Colleges. Savage Arms has signed a three-year partnership with the CUSF and will assist with the supply of rifles and shotguns for CUSF competitors. 

“Savage is committed to supporting shooting sports, and it is honored to be able to partner with the CUSF,” Beth Shimanski, Savage Arms Marketing Director said. “Savage continues to lead the industry in innovative new firearms that help competitive shooters do what they do best. The Canadian University Shooting Foundation’s mission dovetails perfectly with that of Savage Arms, and we’re excited to introduce a new audience to the potential of Savage’s rimfire rifles and shotguns.”

“The Canadian University Shooting Federation is excited to be working with Savage Arms in a joint mission of firearms education and sport shooting skills development,” David Fahlman, President of the CUSF added. “Partnering with industry helps lower the barrier of entry and ensures a young, vibrant shooting community for years to come. Our student members are grateful for the generous support!”

The Canadian University Shooting Federation was founded in 2018 with the aim of promoting collegiate shooting sports across Canada. The CUSF sponsors matches, helps new teams get started, enables existing clubs to grow and prosper, and manages the Canadian University Trap and Skeet League.

More information about the Canadian University Shooting Foundation can be found here: https://cusf.ca/.

MADISON, Wis. – As hunters and trappers across Wisconsin begin the final countdown to the fall season openers, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources’ (DNR) 2021 fall forecast series offers all the details needed to plan for the season.

Hunters and trappers can explore forecasts at the links below and on each corresponding species page:

For more information on hunting, including regulations and season dates, visit the DNR website. Stay up-to-date throughout the fall hunting seasons by following the DNR on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

LINCOLN, Neb. – The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, along with AKRS Equipment Solutions, Ducks Unlimited, Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever, the National Wild Turkey Federation and Heartland DSC, is launching its third Take ’em Hunting challenge to hunters starting Sept. 1.

Participants are encouraged to introduce someone new to hunting during the 2021-2022 hunting seasons, and then upload a photo of their trip to the Game and Parks website. Those who do will be registered to win prizes, including a camo John Deere XUV59OM Gator crossover utility vehicle from AKRS valued at more than $15,300.

Last year, more than 1,400 entries highlighted first-time hunters getting into the field for upland, waterfowl, deer, turkey and more.

“Many of us remember someone teaching us the ropes of hunting and inspiring us to have a role in our state’s conservation,” said Game and Parks Director Jim Douglas. “With this challenge, we hope others are inspired, too, while making memories that last a lifetime.”

Hunting is critical to future conservation of our natural resources. Every time a hunter buys a hunting permit or habitat stamp, his or her purchase directly funds programs that support habitat conservation, hunting access, wildlife research and much more. Additionally, excise taxes that hunters pay on firearms, ammunition and other hunting equipment generate an additional $1 billion for conservation work each year.

Mogadore, OH. TenPoint Crossbow Technologies, the foremost manufacturer of innovative, made-in-the-USA crossbows and accessories, is pleased to announce they have been voted as the Best Overall Crossbow Company in BowHunter Planet’s annual Golden Arrow Awards.

For the 2021 Golden Arrow Awards, TenPoint was selected by the BowHunter Planet audience as the winner in the Best Crossbow Company category out of all crossbow manufacturers in the archery and bowhunting segments. The online voting concluded August 15, with the BowHunter Planet team presenting the Golden Arrow Award results on their August 27 podcast.

“In today’s competitive crossbow market, we are honored to be recognized as the best overall crossbow company by an audience of archery and hunting enthusiasts at BowHunter Planet,” said TenPoint Technologies Marketing Manager Brian Flaherty. “For over 27 years now, we have focused on the hunter and engineering better products that improve their chances of success in the field. From all of us at TenPoint, we want to thank the BowHunter Planet audience for their vote of confidence and appreciation.”

TenPoint Crossbow Technologies is 100% American owned and operated, and all its crossbow models are manufactured in Mogadore, OH. For more information on the latest crossbows and accessories, visit  TenPointCrossbows.com.

Columbia, MO –You are invited to attend the first sporting clays tournament to benefit MidwayUSA Foundation and your favorite youth shooting team.  MidwayUSA Foundation’s Day of Clays – Talladega is a sporting clays tournament held on Friday, November 19th at the CMP Talladega Marksmanship Park in Talladega, AL.  Registration for this event is open now and along with a 100-target/15 station sporting clays shoot, participants can also compete in side games, like Wobble Trap and Long Bird Extreme. 

MidwayUSA Foundation’s Day of Clays – Talladega is limited to 30, 4 person squads and will be filled on a first come, first served basis.  Unlike many other charity events, the tournament entry doubles as a donation to the shooting team of the squad’s choice.  100% of the $1,200 entry is a tax-deductible donation and qualifies for matching funds offered by MidwayUSA Foundation.  Currently, there are over 2,800 youth shooting teams that hold an endowment with MidwayUSA Foundation that can receive donations. MidwayUSA Foundation Relationship Manager, John Linquist, said, “It’s a unique and exciting way for tournament participants to see the true impact of their dollars.  Each registration grows a youth shooting team’s endowment and in turn, grows their annual cash grant that assists with crucial expenses like ammo, targets, travel, and more.”  Attendees will also be able to watch talented trick shooter, Dave Miller, of CZ-USA. 

In addition to the sporting clays tournament and side games, MidwayUSA Foundation will offer a sweepstakes to award several top quality prizes, including a Crosman Air Rifle, FAIR 12 gauge shotgun, Federal Premium ammo, Big Frig Cooler, and the limited M1 Garand.  Sweepstakes entries are just $20 and can be purchased online by anyone, not just Day of Clays attendees.  John Linquist added, “We are honored to have the support of CMP for this event.  The sporting clays course is part of their impressive 500-acre, 5-star range and will give every participant a great experience.” Day of Clays – Talladega will be held in conjunction with CMP’s popular Talladega 600. 

Every squad not only receives tournament entry and the opportunity for their donation to benefit a specific youth shooting team, but also a golf cart, lunch, and a sweepstakes entry for each shooter.  Gather your squad now and register at https://www.midwayusafoundation.org/doc/.

The MidwayUSA Foundation is a 501(c)(3) public charity working to sustain and grow the shooting sports industry by providing long-term funding to youth shooting teams. Every donation made is tax-deductible and allows the Foundation to assist in expanding and enhancing the leadership skills, confidence, and discipline of today’s youth through shooting sports activities. The Foundation supports all shooting disciplines. For more information about how the MidwayUSA Foundation is changing the future of youth shooting sports, please visit midwayusafoundation.org or call 1-877-375-4570.

If you run your rifle without a bipod, you’re missing out big time.

At DeerHuntingField, we believe that one attachment that no one should be without is a good bipod. When deployed, the bipod gives you a more stable platform to shoot from.

And as you already know, stability is conducive to accuracy. The more stable your rifle is, the better your grouping is going to be.

Better accuracy isn’t the only thing that a bipod can do for you, though. Your arms and joints won’t have a good time cradling a 6-pound rifle unsupported.

So, if you’re planning on getting yourself and your rifle one, here are all of the things to take into consideration.

As wild rice harvesting begins in northern Wisconsin lakes, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) today announced its 2021 wild rice harvest outlook.

“Pockets of good production exist, although 2021 wild rice production is generally poor across much of northern Wisconsin,” said Jason Fleener, DNR Wetland Habitat Specialist. “Harvesters can find opportunities by scouting online and on-the-ground.”

Harvest opportunities are much more limited in Vilas, Oneida and Forest counties, where most historic wild rice lakes and river stretches have produced little to no rice over the past decade. Conditions in the north-central and northwest counties are somewhat better, with drier conditions favoring rice production. Access on a few northwestern lakes may be difficult due to low water levels.   

Wild rice harvesting offers the opportunity to explore Wisconsin by water, collect wild food, support local economies and help restore this essential resource by purchasing a wild rice harvest license. Wild rice maturity ranges from mid-August through September and differs by water body and rice beds within them.

Most wild rice waters are open for harvesters to gather grains as they ripen. The DNR provides an interactive map showing many of the state’s wild rice waters, especially in the Ceded Territory in northern Wisconsin. Customers can use the Surface Water Data Viewer map by selecting the “Wild Rice Waters” layer. Anyone who discovers public waters containing wild rice not marked on the map can contact the DNR or Great Lakes Indian Fish and Wildlife Commission (GLIFWC) to add it to an inventory for consideration in conservation efforts.