Hunting and Fishing News Blog Articles

Salt Lake City, Utah – Easton unveils the new 6MM Venture—the feature-packed  beginner hunting and target arrow.  Venture is a premium carbon arrow loaded with added extras for lower-poundage and shorter draw bowhunters and archers. Crafted with 100% carbon-fiber construction, the 6MM Venture is meticulously engineered to meet the same high-performance standards synonymous with Easton’s 100-year legacy of building premier archery arrows.

Designed for low-poundage or short-draw bowhunters in mind, the 6MM Venture comes in a 600 spine size and boasts a reduced 6mm outside diameter enhanced penetration and improved performance in windy conditions. Venture is factory crested at the nock end for a premium aesthetic and flight visibility.

Key features of the 6MM Venture include:

– Multi-layer wrapped 100% carbon-fiber construction

– 6mm parallel reduced diameter

As spring approaches, turkey hunters gear up for their favorite season with the Swagger Bipods QD Series, revolutionizing how hunters approach their sport. Offering unparalleled stability, versatility, and mobility, the Swagger Bipods QD Series ensures hunters can pursue a boss tom with confidence and precision.

With its lightweight design, weighing in at just 15 ounces, the QD42 model provides hunters with the ultimate combination of portability and strength. Its effective range spans 14 to 42 inches, offering adaptability for various shooting scenarios. The innovative Quick Adapt Technology allows hunters to adjust the bipod’s height with a button, ensuring optimal positioning in any environment, whether seated or in a ground blind.

One of the key benefits of the Swagger Bipods QD Series is its ability to enhance accuracy for turkey hunters. Hunters can quickly make precise shots by providing a stable shooting platform, even in the most challenging conditions. The bipod’s adjustable height and spiked foot option ensure hunters can maintain a steady aim on uneven terrain, increasing the likelihood of a successful hunt.

Moreover, the QD series aids hunters in utilizing turkey calls such as slate or box calls. By eliminating the need to balance or hold their firearm steady, hunters can focus entirely on operating their calls, resulting in more realistic and enticing sounds that easily attract turkeys.

In addition to seasoned hunters, the Swagger Bipods QD Series is also an invaluable tool for youth hunters. By offering stability and support, younger hunters can build confidence and improve their shooting skills with every hunt. With the QD bipod, youth hunters can enjoy a safe and rewarding turkey hunting experience, fostering a love for the sport that will last a lifetime.

NEW HAVEN, Mo. – Browning Camping and Hunting Blinds, a licensed line from ALPS Brands, introduces two new products developed for on-the-move outdoor adventurers and campers. The new Browning Basin series camp furniture combines comfort, ease of use, and practical function for those who favor a small, lightweight camping footprint or who desire convenient, highly portable furniture options for any number of outdoor pursuits.

Browning Basin Chair

Designed for maximum comfort and support, the Basin Chair features a low-slung profile with a rugged 420D polyester honeycomb ripstop fabric supported by a durable, folding steel frame. Side bolsters, courtesy of the square frame construction, and generous back support provide supportive seating. The Basin Chair has a weight capacity rating of up to 275 lbs. and includes a nylon mesh center fabric that makes for comfortable lounging in warm weather.

To ensure easy setup, the steel frame folds quickly and uses integrated shock cords to eliminate set-up hassle and to allow the unit to stow conveniently into its mesh carry bag. The carry bag features clips so you can attach it to the front of the seat bottom, where it can serve as an accessory pouch when the chair is deployed. The overall weight of the Basin Chair is 4 lbs., 6 oz. MSRP is $49.99.

Browning Basin Table

Evolution Outdoor is announcing a new partnership with Bassmaster Elite pro-fisherman Jay Przekurat. Przekurat, 24, is an up-and-coming professional bass fisherman from Wisconsin.

“Evolution Outdoor is proud to announce our partnership with such a young and talented fisherman,” said Reece Martin, E-Commerce and Marketing Coordinator for Evolution Outdoor. “Jay has already proven that he will be one of the best in the professional bass fishing circuit for years to come. We’re looking forward to watching his career unfold and having Evolution Outdoor play a role in that process. Jay will play a vital role in developing some new innovative tackle solutions as we launch our tackle management program in 2024.”

Przekurat made a big splash in his debut year, becoming the first-ever angler in sportfishing history to weigh-in over 100 pounds of smallmouth bass in an event. He owns three first-place finishes including the Bassmaster Elite Series, and was the 2022 Bass Elite Series Rookie of the Year. He is also the son of two-time Angler of the Year and two-time National Walleye Championship Tour victor Jason Prezekurat.

To learn more about Evolution Outdoor and view the full line of products, visit www.evolutionoutdoor.com. Details about future product launches can be found on Evolution Outdoor’s Instagram and Facebook.

For more information on Przekurat’s professional career visit his Bassmaster page here, or follow along on his Instagram.

Washington, D.C. – The Council to Advance Hunting and the Shooting Sports (Council) has been honored by the National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF) with the prestigious Lynn Boykin Hunting Heritage Award, recognizing its commendable contributions to conservation and the preservation of the hunting heritage in the United States.

Expressing gratitude, Dr. Steven Leath, the executive director of the Council, remarked, “I am deeply honored to accept the 2024 Lynn Boykin Hunting Heritage Award on behalf of the Council to Advance Hunting and the Shooting Sports. Our commitment to enhancing participation in hunting and the shooting sports aligns with the mission of fostering national R3 initiatives and educating the public about the vital role hunters play in wildlife conservation. This recognition is particularly meaningful, considering the esteemed recipients who have come before us. Accepting this award is a moment of genuine appreciation and humility for the Council’s Board of Directors and our dedicated team, and we cherish this moment with pride and a sense of accomplishment.”

The award was presented to Dr. Leath during the NWTF’s 48th annual Convention and Sport Show, sponsored by Mossy Oak.

The Lynn Boykin Hunting Heritage Award is named after a former president and chairperson of the NWTF’s National Board of Directors, Lynn Boykin, who emphasized the significance of hunting heritage during her tenure, shaping a new vision for the organization.

Following in Boykin’s footsteps, the Council, a nonprofit organization formed 14 years ago, functions as a coalition of state fish and wildlife agencies, conservation organizations, and the shooting sports industry. It has gained national recognition as an expert in coordinating and advancing recruitment, retention, and reactivation (R3) of hunters and shooters, with the overarching mission to grow and promote the hunting and shooting sports.

The sixth annual Providence Cup & American FITASC Grand Prix will take place from April 30 through May 5, 2024. The six-day tournament is hosted by Providence Hill, the South’s premier sporting club and America’s professional shooting destination of choice, endorsed by the world’s best. Located at 2400 Carsley Road, in the heart of the Mississippi countryside, Providence Hill features two sporting clay courses, a seven-machine duck flush, 5-stand, helice, FITASC, skeet, trap, pistol, and rifle ranges.

Providence Hill expects over 300 participants across two main events at this year’s tournament. The 200 Target American FITASC Grand Prix runs from April 30 to May 5 and the 200 Target Providence Cup takes place May 4 and 5 and includes eight additional events. Payouts for the event include $2,500 and $1,000 for Highest Overall and $1,500 and $750 for Runner-Ups.

“We’ve had incredible success hosting some of the largest shooting events in the world, and we are especially proud of establishing Providence Cup as a leading tournament for outdoor sports enthusiasts and welcoming some of the top shooting professionals,” said Jimmy Grant, director of sporting operations and the conservancy. “These distinguished events allow us to showcase to the world the one-of-a-kind destination that is Providence Hill.”

The tournament will be attended by world-class shooters Gebben and Karen Miles, Will Fennell, Zachary Kienbaum, Mike Haas, Barry Kelly, Theo Ribbs, and longtime visiting coaches to Providence Hill, John Woolley and Dale Bouchillon.

Jamie Peckham and Eric Dorsey will be the target setters for Providence Cup. Peckham is a World Championship-level target setter and one of eight official course designers for FITASC. He is responsible for several world championship courses including the World English, World FITASC and the British Open. Dorsey is an entrepreneur and a full-time target setter, a Life Member of the NSCA and a Master Class competitor having shot 9000+ registered targets in 2017. He has set layouts including Sporting, FITASC, Compak, Super Sporting and Five Stand.

EDGEFIELD, S.C. — Longtime National Wild Turkey Federation member Ron Jones was recently selected as the winner of the Renovation Hunter’s free hunt camp renovation solely for a member of the NWTF

Jones’ property, located in the prime hunting territory of Forest County, Pennsylvania, will receive updates to the camp’s facilities that currently span 800 square feet, and the surrounding 80 acres of private property will also be enhanced to best support healthy habitats and healthy harvests.

“We at Renovation Hunters, on behalf of the NWTF, are thrilled to announce the recipient of the free renovation of their hunting camp and property,” said Hal Shaffer, host of Renovation Hunters. “The winner, Ron Jones, has dedicated his life to introducing individuals of all ages to the outdoors. His humble commitment to the process of teaching others and preserving hunting traditions make him a truly worthy recipient.”

Jones, 77, has devoted his life to mentoring and guiding the next generation of outdoor enthusiasts. With plans to pass on his legacy to his family, Jones’ camp now requires essential maintenance, including deck upgrades and expansion of the bunkhouse to ensure its ongoing use for future generations. Jones’ longtime hunting partner, Don Davis, nominated Jones for the camp renovation prize. Top of Form

“Ron has been an avid outdoorsman all his life and loves nothing more than sharing that passion with others,” Davis said. “He has used that camp to bring hunters old and young in to get their first turkey or deer. The camp is an annual tradition for many during deer season and is always open for friends and family, not only to hunt but come to for outdoor recreation. The impact he has had on young people during his life is immeasurable.”

Team Colt’s Captain, Mark Redl, is a top-tier pro shooter, consistently winning local, state, and national championships. For the past 15 years, Redl has proudly represented Team Colt. More recently, he became the team’s captain, and together, the group of four action pistol shooters promotes Colt at competitions and training events nationwide. Redl also works as Colt’s manager of R&D Product Testing. He provides valuable product feedback from prototyping through endurance testing—a position that allows lots of trigger time with the next generation of Colt firearms. 

Redl’s shooting disciplines include USPSA (United States Practical Shooting Association), IDPA (International Defensive Pistol Association), Steel Challenge, and NRA Action Shooting/ Bianchi Cup, where he competes in 14-16 major (plus several local matches) each year. “I travel a lot as a pro shooter, and I’m fortunate to have a wife who helps me balance my shooting, work, and family life,” added Redl.

In 2022, Redl’s USPSA wins included Florida Open, Limited 10 Champion, Area 6 Championship, Limited 10 Champion, and Battle at the Beach, Single Stack Champion. His IDPA accolades included Rust Belt Regional, Enhanced Service Pistol (ESP) Champion, Potomac Grail, Custom Defense Pistol (CDP) Champion, and New England Regional, Custom Defense Pistol (CDP) High. The 2023 season is underway, and Redl is gunning for more titles this year. 

“I started my competitive shooting with a Colt Combat Elite 1911. Over the years, this pistol has severed me well. It now has over 180,000 rounds through it. I still use it for the occasional match,” Redl said, noting a championship win with it in 2022, “but in the last two years, with the release of the Colt Competition series guns, I’ve switched to the 1911 Gold Cup Trophy as my primary pistol.” Colt competition guns are ready to win right out of the box. “I don’t use aftermarket parts. Colt features high-performance National Match Barrels and American-made parts in its Competition Series pistols.” 

Redl has two pieces of advice for new action pistol shooters. “Buy top quality; you won’t regret it! My Combat Elite is a testament to Colt’s durability. A competition pistol is an investment; with care and regular maintenance, these pistols will last a lifetime.” For a shooter who wants to win, “Learn and practice the fundamentals. The difference between a pro and a novice is the amount of time learning the basics. In competition, you need to focus on the stage, not the mechanics of shooting.” 

GUN DOG Production Features Heart-pounding Upland Adventures Behind Hard-Charging Bird Dogs

DENVER (February 23, 2024) – GUN DOG magazine and Outdoor Channel announce the premiere of season two of Wild Upland on April 2 at 6:30 p.m. ET. Following the acclaimed first season, host Kali Parmley, returns with her trusty bird dogs, Lincoln and Jones, for more heart-pounding adventures across North America. From the mesquite prairies of Texas to the lush lands of Oregon, this season promises more thrills, more breathtaking scenery, and exceptional dog work that will captivate viewers.

Hosted by Kali Parmley, Editor-in-Chief and Associate Publisher of GUN DOG magazine, and Associate Editor Nathan Ratchford, WildUpland takes viewers on journeys through America’s untamed landscapes in pursuit of wild birds.

This season, Parmley embarks on a personal journey to hunt her first sage grouse, revealing the emotional voyage of hunter and dog alike. In the premiere episode, viewers will witness young setter Jones showcase his growing skills as a bird dog, culminating in a shared victory with Parmley as they both achieve a milestone with the bagging of their first sage grouse.

Parmley’s passion for upland hunting and her companions resonates deeply with viewers. She states, “The hunt for wild birds takes you to untouched landscapes in far off places. Any state that I am hunting behind my dogs is my favorite place.” This simple sentiment captures the essence of Wild Upland, which is much more than a hunting show—it’s an exploration of the bond between hunter and dog and the exhilarating challenge of working as one in pursuit of wild upland game.

This week “Hunting Matters” welcomes Heidi Rao!

Heidi Lyn Rao was hired by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) in 1998 and has recruited, trained, and retained volunteers, as the Hunter Education Specialist for Southeast Texas. In 2010 she also assumed the role as statewide Becoming an Outdoors-Woman (BOW) Coordinator. 

During her TPWD career, she developed many partnerships and organized many education & outreach events. She started “Take Me Outdoors Houston” in 2009, when the Texas Wildlife Expo ended, and brings this annual family-friendly, free, hands-on outdoor event to Discovery Green, Downtown Houston. She hosts wildlife workshops ranging from alligators to big game. She promotes hunting and outdoor safety to groups ranging from elementary school aged to flying offshore via helicopter to speak to oil and gas employees in the middle of the Gulf of Mexico on a platform. From teaching firearm safety to Rodeo Clowns during the Houston Rodeo, to hosting Hunter Education classes at the Sam Houston (horse) Raceway, conducting National Archery in the Schools Program and Student Air Rifle certifications, and partnering with many hunting, shooting and conservation organizations across Texas.

She has coordinated twenty-seven statewide BOW workshops across Texas, including the first-ever VIRTUAL BOW in 2020. She has reached over 7,000 Ladies who have attended BOW and continued their outdoors skills ultimately becoming hunters, anglers, and archers, especially through mentored BOW hunts. To date, ten Texas Outdoor Women Network (TOWN) groups have launched across the state because of the statewide BOW. 

She received IHEA’s Professional of the Year; IHEA’s Executive Director’s Award; TPWD’s Terry Erwin Hunter Education LEGACY award, Houston Safari Club Educator of the Year and she is also in the Texas Hunter Education Halls of Fame.