Hunting and Fishing News Blog Articles

One hundred years ago in 1922, Doug Easton began creating the finest hand-crafted custom bows and cedar arrows in his garage in Watsonville, California. Today, there’s no better testament to Doug’s unmatched legacy of quality and innovation than the NEW 5mm Carbon Legacy Fred Eichler Signature Edition.  Easton has partnered with renowned bowhunter Fred Eichler to create the world’s finest traditional hunting arrow to date. The new Carbon Legacy combines an exotic, dark teakwood finish, a high-visibility white dip, and hand-feather fletched craftsmanship. These features marry perfectly with the Easton-engineered 5mm carbon shaft to optimize in-the-field performance for today’s traditional archers.

Constructed with the utmost attention to detail, Legacy pays tribute to the history of archery with its realistic woodgrain finish, hand-dipped white cresting, and barred feathers. Built-in five spines, from 340 to 700 to match any traditionalist shooter’s custom tune, the finger-friendly nocks, and 4” left-helical natural turkey feather fletching provides for ideal arrow flight and delivers results on game or in the field. HIT components and Easton 5mm X Nocks are included.

To pick up a set of Easton Fred Eichler 5mm Carbon Legacy contact your local authorized Easton dealer.  For more information, visit www.eastonarchery.com

Outdoor Sportsman Group Also Held a Meet-and-Greet with Legendary Bill Dance on ICAST Show Floor

Outdoor Sportsman Group (OSG) welcomed outdoor industry friends and partners to two VIP social gatherings at ICAST 2023. The first event was a meet-and-greet with legendary angler Bill Dance at the OSG booth on July 12. Fans were stacked in lines to get the bass angler’s signature and celebrate his 55th year on television. The second event was hosted alongside Outdoor America featuring LOCASH and a surprise appearance by Toby Keith held at Tin Roof Orlando on July 13. Industry attendees heard outstanding performances thanks to sponsors Fish Monkey, Plano, Fin-Nor, Penn, Berkley, Fenwick, and HUK.

The Tin Roof after-hours social gathering included food, drinks, and live music performed by American country music songwriting duo LOCASH featuring a fusion of modern country music and classic heartland rock with an edgy vocal blend. 

“Our third annual event again brought together the vibrant fishing community who share our passion for all the outdoors has to offer. The energy was palpable and we were thrilled to connect with our audience in such a dynamic, engaging setting,” shared Jason Brist, Executive Vice President of Advertising Sales for Outdoor Sportsman Group.

About Outdoor Sportsman Group: Outdoor Sportsman Group is comprised of the world’s foremost media and entertainment brands for outdoor adventure enthusiasts. It includes three leading multichannel networks: Outdoor Channel, Sportsman Channel and World Fishing Network, as well as Sportsman Channel (Canada) and MOTV, the world’s leading subscription streaming platform created for outdoor lifestyle enthusiasts. The Group also consists of numerous established publishing assets: 15 outdoor magazines, including Guns & Ammo, Game & Fish, Petersen’s HUNTING, In-Fisherman, and 20 top websites, including OutdoorChannelPlus.com. Additionally, Outdoor Sportsman Group includes television production operations, Winnercomm. For more information, visit www.outdoorsg.com. 

Houston Safari Club Foundation (HSCF) has awarded its annual Dan L Duncan scholarships. Houston Safari Club Foundation is committed to furthering the education of students pursuing careers in the outdoors, supporting the future of tomorrow’s conservation leaders and protecting the future of hunting.

HSCF’s Dan L Duncan Scholarship Program annually awards scholarships to students involved in the study of Wildlife Management, Range Management, Biology and Wildlife and Fisheries Science. This year, twenty-one scholarships were awarded. Since the program’s inception in 1999, 671 scholarships have been awarded, totaling over $3.07 million dollars. 

HSCF proudly recognizes and encourages students, who have exhibited academic excellence and exemplary character, through its prestigious scholarship program. HSCF understands the future of conservation depends on the education of bright and gifted scholars who will work to protect hunter’s rights and wildlife conservation for decades to come. Many past HSCF scholarship recipients have become some of the top thought leaders, decision makers, educators, and research scientists in the conservation world. To learn more: https://hscfdn.org/giving-back/scholarships/. 

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 671 scholarships totaling $3.07 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.

Maximize Stealth and Concealment with the Intercept Collection: SITKA Gear Redefines Hunting Apparel with Innovative Design and OPTIFADE Concealment

SITKA Gear, the manufacturer of high-performance hunting apparel, introduces the Intercept Collection, featuring the groundbreaking Intercept Hoody and Pant. With a commitment to concealment, and designed for scent, sight and sound suppression this collection helps keep hunters undetected from game while spot and stalk hunting.

The carefully chosen and engineered textiles in the pant and hoody of the Intercept Collection eliminate noise from arm, thigh or leg abrasion during movement. The hoody features elbow pads, and the pants feature removable knee pads made from military-grade D30 to provide protection while enabling hunters to crawl silently into bow range.

To cater to the dynamic situations hunters encounter, SITKA has integrated specific technical materials into each piece, such as ArmorSpun Merino Wool into the hoody and stretch nylon with bonded poly/wool into the pant, providing the finest in performance, durability and comfort. Available in SITKA’s renowned OPTIFADE Subalpine camo and Deep Lichen in a solid, the Intercept Collection enables backcountry hunters to keep out of sight when hunting rugged and challenging terrain.

“Bowhunting demands traversing through unforgiving landscapes filled with dense vegetation, rocky and rugged terrain,” stated John Barklow, Senior Product Manager at SITKA Gear. “This advanced product collection benefits the hunter through merino wool’s remarkable temperature regulation and natural odor control with the durability required for the demanding pursuit of spot-and-stalk hunting.”

South Dakota — Melissa Bachman, host of the “Winchester Deadly Passion” television series on Sportsman Channel, and avid hunter, is taking her mix of engaging and educational deer hunting seminars on the road beginning July 31 at select Fleet Farm stores in Minnesota, Iowa and Wisconsin.

Fleet Farm Seminar Tour Store Lineup: 

July 31-Monticello, Minn. 8:30 a.m. -12:30 p.m. 

July 31- Blaine, Minn. 3:30 p.m. -7:30 p.m.
Aug 1- Hudson, Wisc. 8:30 a.m. -12:30 p.m.
Aug 1- Lakeville, Minn. 3:30 p.m. -7:30 p.m.
Aug 2- Winona, Minn. 8:30 a.m. -12:30 p.m.
Aug 2- Cedar Rapids, Iowa 4:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Aug 3- Oconomowoc, Wisc. 8:30 a.m. -12:30 p.m.
Aug 3- Appleton, Wisc. 4:30 p.m. -7:30 p.m.
Aug 4- Wausau, Wisc. 8:30 a.m. -12:30 p.m.
Aug 4- Steven’s Point, Wisc. 3:30 p.m. -7:30 p.m. 

Attendees of the seminars will receive a 4 oz. Wildlife Research Center Active-Cam Lure, an autographed photo from Bachman, free Fleet Farm branded swag, plus the chance to win a hunting gear prize basket valued at $1,000.

New Merino wool base layers create an intuitive, durable three-tiered system for outdoor enthusiasts

Merino wool base layers have long been relied on for key features like temperature regulation, breathability and odor resistance properties, with one drawback—longevity. Now, SITKA, the leader in high-performance hunting apparel, is introducing its new ArmorSpun Merino Wool that allows for the best of both worlds with materials built for rigorous, extended use while maintaining the properties of wool that outdoor adventurers demand in the field.

The Core Merino Collection features a simple, intuitive and easy-to-shop three-tiered system that allows consumers to easily adapt their comfort level given their day-to-day needs. Unlike other wool products, the easy-care Merino fabric is pre-shrunk and can be washed with other active gear with options in three weights – 120 gram, 220 gram and 330 gram – the SITKA Core Merino Collection offers endless possibilities when worn on their own during warmer early season temperatures or as foundational base layers in colder late season weather.
 
“Merino wool base layers have long been sought out by outdoor enthusiasts for their exceptional qualities. However, longevity has been a common concern,” said Chris Derrick, Product Manager at SITKA Gear. “With our ArmorSpun Merino Wool, we have bridged the gap, creating materials that improve durability while preserving the properties of wool that are indispensable.”  

Core Merino 120 Series
The Core Merino 120 Series, the lightest of the three series, is expertly designed for demanding outdoor activities. Whether worn independently during early season warmth or as a foundational base layer as temperatures drop, the 120 series offers a range of options, including four men’s and two women’s variations, to suit individual preferences.

Men’s Core Merino 120 LS Crew

While visiting Camp Perry, Ohio, for the Civilian Marksmanship Program’s (CMP) annual National Matches, don’t miss out on the opportunity for your family or even for yourself to discover the many offerings along the shore of Lake Erie! There are countless dining, artistic, outdoor, historical and other activities available in the area, so be sure to plan ahead! Here, we’ve marked the Top 5 areas you need to explore outside of Camp Perry this summer.

The Western Basin of Lake Erie, where Camp Perry is located, is home to several unique islands – open to visitors all year long. Just a short ferry ride away, guests may rent golf carts, bikes or take their own transportation over to explore the many happenings the islands present.

Such islands include South Bass, home to Put-In-Bay. The town is full of history and entertainment suitable for the whole family, like Victorian-era buildings, parks, restaurants, a candy store, butterfly house, putt-putt and more! The island is also home to Heineman Winery, a Put-In-Bay staple since 1888. While at the winery, explore Crystal Cave, one of the largest geodes in the world, and Perry’s Cave, a limestone cavern discovered in 1813. Families may also travel up inside Perry’s Victory & International Peace Memorial – one of the tallest monuments in the United States at 352 feet. The site commemorates long-lasting peace between Great Britain, Canada and the U.S. after a victory by Commadore Oliver Hazard Perry and the U.S. Navy during the War of 1812. At night, the island comes alive with a row of historical taverns (including the world’s largest bar) and features live bands, a sand-floor bar and other exciting spots. See more about Put-In-Bay at https://putinbay.com/.

Larger in land mass and viewable from South Bass is Kelleys Island, another fun and fascinating destination in Lake Erie. The island offers beautiful historic homes, bed & breakfasts and a state park for camping that includes its own scenic sand beach where families may sunbathe, swim or even rent kayaks. Right across the street from the beach is the Glacial Grooves – a 400-foot long natural phenomenon created when a massive glacier moved through the area millions of years ago, forming the Great Lakes. Visitors are able to walk right alongside the grooves, making it one of the most accessible geological destinations in the world. The island provides a series of restaurants (with world-famous fried walleye and perch), a general store and other shopping opportunities, as well as a variety of island wineries. Adults – don’t forget your Brandy Alexanders! Learn more about Kelleys Island at https://kelleysisland.com/.

Marblehead is a small village about 18 miles east of Camp Perry. The downtown area offers a strip of quaint shops and restaurants along with an eclectic array of artist galleries and events. Here, catch the Kelleys Island ferry or drive slowly down the picturesque coastline of the peninsula to reach the Marblehead Lighthouse – a state park with the oldest continuously operating lighthouse on the Great Lakes (since 1822). The spot is known to be one of Lake Erie’s most photographed landmarks and holds a captivating nautical museum on the grounds. Fish off the rocks, have a picnic or take in views of the world-famous amusement park, Cedar Point, located just across the bay. Don’t forget to grab your goodies from Mutach’s Market, a full-service grocery store that has served the area since 1907. For more outdoor activities, Marblehead holds East Harbor State Park, with a public beach, a marsh pond, camping and breathtaking views. For American History enthusiasts, the peninsula allows access to Johnson’s Island – Ohio’s most significant Civil War site. Drive across the causeway to tour the Johnson’s Island Museum with several images, stories, artifacts and letters all covering the history of the site, which served as a Prisoner of War Depot for Confederate Soldiers.

The Tactical Games returns to Iowa, with 180 competitors scheduled to compete at the Big Springs Range in Searsboro, Iowa, July 15 and 16. 

Founded in 2018, the Tactical Games combines shooting with active physical fitness — as competitors perform physical challenges including runs, obstacle courses and weightlifting before engaging targets at various distances with rifles and pistols — all under time.

Competitors are organized into different divisions based on experience, age, sex and skill level.

Hosted by Brownells, the July 2023 games marks the second time the Tactical Games has operated a competition in the Hawkeye State, less than a year after the inaugural Iowa edition of the games back in October 2022. 

“We are very happy to be part of the Tactical Games again,” said Brownells CEO Pete Brownell.  “The Tactical Games challenges athletes to be excellent in many different activities from running and lifting, to climbing and shooting.  The intensity is inspiring and the community spirit is awesome. It’s a perfect partnership, and we hope folks come watch these games at Big Springs range this Saturday and Sunday”

The first time Mark Del Cotto of Lexington, Kentucky, stepped onto the grounds of Camp Perry, he was just a kid tagging along while his father competed in the National Matches. From 1971 to 1983, Del Cotto joined the ranks of competitors at Camp Perry, but then he graduated college and life got in the way. In 2008, Del Cotto decided it was time to return to his early passion for competing at the National Matches, and on July 8, he came in third in the Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP) Smallbore Prone Iron Sight Championship.

“I was an early shooter, and I love it,” he said.

Del Cotto is a two-time NRA Smallbore Prone Champion. When he first returned to the sport, he competed in CMP Service Rifle Matches and NRA Highpower Championships, but he found he couldn’t devote space in his busy life to everything. He chose to focus on Smallbore.

“I didn’t have time to do Highpower and Smallbore, so I picked Smallbore Prone,” he said. “Smallbore is a better experience for me. You get to shoot more shots in a day.”

The CMP Smallbore Prone Iron Sight Championship is part of a four-day competition that includes two days of Iron Sight Championship Matches and two days of Any Sight Matches.

Volunteer-driven partnership with private landowner and Game and Fish Commission provides full and permanent legal access to prime fish and wildlife habitat in western Arkansas

FORT SMITH, Ark. – The Arkansas chapter of Backcountry Hunters & Anglers achieved a major public access win today, inking the deal on a land purchase that will provide permanent access to thousands of acres of public lands and waters located in Scott County in the western portion of the state.

The volunteer-led effort by members of AR BHA built a partnership with a private landowner and the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, ultimately brokering a deal to purchase land from that willing seller that secures public access to adjacent public lands. By the purchase of a single acre, the public now will have guaranteed access to 103 acres of the Cedar Creek Wildlife Management Area and, from there, access to 150,000-plus acres of Muddy Creek Wildlife Management Area, a cooperatively managed portion of the Ouachita National Forest.

The access agreement arose during a series of meetings convened to improve public access to state-owned lands that currently have no fee title access. The opportunity to purchase the parcel was flagged for Arkansas BHA. Following its purchase of the critical acre, the Arkansas chapter of BHA donated the property to the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, which now will oversee its management.

BHA Arkansas chapter board member James Brandenburg acknowledged the importance of collaborative efforts in notching this public access win.

Groundbreaking carbon rod building component takes home top honors in Orlando

A decade of design work paid off on Thursday as American Tackle Company took home “Best of Show” honors at sportfishing’s largest trade show with a sleek, nearly weightless custom rod component: the Tsuka 2 Complete Carbon Handle.

“Components are often overlooked,” said American Tackle Company’s Darrin Heim. “But at this point, it’s hard to overlook them because this is true innovation.”

The Tsuka 2 Complete Carbon Handle is a masterwork from the Florida-based custom rod manufacturer, well-known for introducing the MicroWave Guide System about a decade ago. Heim said the company has been working for almost ten years to refine the manufacturing process for its carbon rod handles, first working with reel seats and rod butts before finally borrowing a blown carbon building technology from the bicycle industry to create the new ICAST Best of Show champion.

According to Heim, carbon rod handles have been available in the fishing industry since the 1980s; however, his team believes the time has finally arrived for the material to be seen as a widespread replacement for traditional handles made of cork.

ATLANTA, GA – The American Suppressor Association (ASA) has partnered with some of the top brands in the gun industry to raffle over $12,000 in prizes.  This raffle will run from July 14th  through July 31st, 2023, participate and help protect your rights.

Owning a suppressor is your constitutionally protected right. However, anti-gun legislators and activists are fighting  to deny your rights! Eight states and the District of Columbia still don’t allow law-abiding citizens to possess  suppressors. Nine U.S. Senators and fifteen members of the House openly support legislation to ban and confiscate  every legally obtained suppressor in the United States. Noncompliance to their tyranny would turn you into a felon! 

This year, state legislators in Virginia, New Mexico, Colorado, and Washington all tried to ban or restrict your ability  to use these hearing safety devices. This year it happened in four states. Next year it will happen more.  

Help ASA protect your right to own and use suppressors by buying a raffle ticket today. Your donations are the  lifeblood that gives us the resources to fight for your rights! Visit asaraffle.com 

The Freedom Raffle Prize Packages:  

The wide scope of the 2023 Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP) Long Range National Matches provides an opportunity for just about anyone to test their skill at long distance shooting including a new Mid-Range Match. Participants can compete with six different rifles in three different classes, making the matches accessible to marksmen of all skill levels. The matches will be held on July 31 to Aug. 5 during the National Matches on Camp Perry’s Viale Range.

“Pretty much anyone who has a long range rifle or AR can shoot the matches,” said CMP Highpower Rifle Coordinator Sara Rozanski. “We could get anyone to fall into one of the categories offered.” 

The Long Range series featuring 800, 900, and 1,000-yard matches was launched by CMP in 2018. This year, a 600-yard Mid-Range match was added.

“This is the first time we’ve had a mid-range match. It’s three matches, shot at 600 yards,” Rozanski said. “This is a program we’d like to grow.”

The Long Range series includes ten individual and team events. The matches are named for citizen soldiers and those whose vision and determination made Camp Perry, Ohio, the site of one of the finest ranges in the world and permanent home of The National Matches. Participants can compete with a Match Rifle, Service Rifle, Palma, F-Open, F T/R or AR Tactical in the Service, Match and Palma rifle classes.

When Max Soviak’s family entered Camp Perry for the Max Soviak National CMP Rimfire Sporter Match on July 8, they were flooded with memories of long ago matches they competed in as a family. Max was a skilled and enthusiast marksman, and he and his family spent countless hours shooting inside the Gary Anderson Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP) Competition Center and outside on the Camp Perry ranges.

On Aug. 26, 2021, Max, a Navy Corpsman, was killed by a suicide bomber while assisting evacuees in Kabul, Afghanistan. This year, the CMP paid homage to Max’s service, sacrifice and memory by naming the annual CMP Rimfire Sporter Match in his honor.

About 240 marksmen competed in the match. Among them were his father, Kip Soviak, two siblings and a brother-in-law. It was an emotional day for the family.

“It was a lot today,” Kip said. “This place has always meant a lot to us. It felt like coming home.”

The family hasn’t competed at the National Matches since 2014, when the kids were young and life was simpler.

EDGEFIELD, S.C.—The NWTF invests in an all-encompassing Iowa wild turkey research project that seeks to identify how predation may inform the broader understanding of turkey nesting habitat needs.

One of the primary areas of concern among hunters, landowners and many others who care deeply about the wild turkey is the effect predators have on the bird’s presence on the landscape. 

While many predators no doubt eat wild turkeys and ransack their nests, the birds have co-evolved with predators and are experts at evading them (hunters know this all too well), especially when the bird’s habitat needs are being met.

This begs the question, though, what is impacting the wild turkey population to a higher degree: increased predators or lack of sufficient habitat to avoid becoming prey? Or both?

This question is at the heart of a comprehensive wild turkey research study in southeastern Iowa – where there is no shortage of predators and the five-year poult-to-hen ratio averages 1.9, indicating the population is in decline. The ongoing project is being conducted by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, Luther College and the USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service. The NWTF Iowa State Chapter is providing funding for the project, and the NWTF also invested in this project as part of its 2023 investment in wild turkey research.

SK Customs®, the Nation’s only series driven, limited edition manufacturer of custom firearms, is proud to introduce “Venustiano Carranza,” the second production in the historic Mexican “La Revolución” Series. This limited-edition design of the Colt 1911 Full Size Government Model chambered in 38 Super honors the rich history of the Mexican Revolution.

“After 7 years of civil unrest, Carranza provided much-needed hope for the Mexican Revolution,” said Simon Khiabani, owner and founder of SK Customs. “This limited-edition production follows the first firearm in the series, “Pancho Villa,” and represents the restoration of lands to native peoples, the separation of church and state and dramatic economic and educational reforms.”

Carranza, also known as “Primer Jefe” or First Chief, consolidated power in the capital, leading to a convention in 1916 to revise the liberal constitution. Carranza was elected the first president under the new revolutionary Mexican Constitution of 1917, serving from 1917 to 1920.

Each Carranza Colt 1911 Full Size Government Model, only 300 in production, features a highly polished royal blue finish with selective 24k gold controls. Each gun includes a special engraved edition number.

The left side of the firearm showcases the “Monument to the Revolution” in Mexico City with a Cannas floral scroll. An illustration of Carranza in 24k Gold on horseback, saluting as his constituents cheer, is engraved with, “Primer Jefe del Ejército Constitucionalista” (First Chief of the Constitutional Army). The forward slide art displays the Constitutional Army following Carranza into the city center with the words “Paseo De La Reforma” (Promenade of the Reform) engraved in 24k Gold.

BELLEVUE, WA – Attorneys representing the Second Amendment Foundation and its allies in a federal challenge of Maryland’s restrictive concealed carry statute today filed their reply to the state’s arguments against an earlier motion for a preliminary injunction in the case known as Novotny v. Moore.

The response brief was filed in U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland.

SAF is joined in the case by Maryland Shall Issue, the Firearms Policy Coalition and three private citizens, all of whom possess “wear and carry permits,” including Susan Burke of Reisterstown, Esther Rossberg of Baltimore, and Katherine Novotny of Aberdeen, for whom the lawsuit is named. They are represented by attorneys David H. Thompson and Peter A. Patterson at Cooper & Kirk in Washington, D.C., Mark W. Pennak at Maryland Shall Issue in Baltimore, and Matthew Larosiere from Lake Worth, Fla.

The lawsuit focuses on SB1, a bill signed by Gov. Wesley Moore, which has added new restrictions on where legally-licensed citizens may carry firearms for personal protection. Maryland is attempting to wildly expand so-called “sensitive places” in an attempt to virtually prohibit lawful, licensed concealed carry in almost every venue in the state outside of someone’s home or business.

“As we maintained in our initial lawsuit, the State of Maryland is desperately trying to justify its extremist policy by offering alleged historical analogues that don’t really exist,” said SAF founder and Executive Vice President Alan M. Gottlieb. “As we noted earlier, instead of trying to comply with the new guidelines set down in the Supreme Court’s Bruen ruling last year, Maryland lawmakers responded by adopting gun laws more restrictive than they were before. This is tantrum-level stubbornness usually confined to elementary school playgrounds, and it doesn’t belong in state legislatures or governors’ offices.”

Trail Closed From 76th St. To 89th St.

MADISON, Wis. – The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) today announced the Hank Aaron State Trail will be closed effective immediately between the 76th St. and 89th St. access points.

Due to recent rain events, a sinkhole has formed in the trail surface. Upon staff inspection, it was determined that the hole extends multiple feet below the paved surface, creating an unsupported void beneath the asphalt layer and posing a safety concern for both trail integrity and trail users. A portion of the trail will require excavation and replacement before further use.

The non-motorized Hank Aaron State Trail extends from Milwaukee’s lakefront to the Waukesha County line utilizing both on-street and rail trail segments. Approximately 200,000 cyclists, hikers and walkers utilize the urban paved trail annually.

Various alternative routes may be used based on preference and destination. Signage for the shortest detour route will be posted at temporary barricading at the 76th St. and 89th St. access points and on the trail ahead of the closure. Additional closure associated with the 70th St. bridge reconstruction is still expected on July 14, July 17 and July 18 between the 68th St. and 72nd St. access points.

Chêne Gear, a leading maker of technical waterfowl apparel, is launching a new collection of apparel that will serve a wider range of waterfowl hunters, including its new Hydro-Lok Field Bib, Flyweigh Primaloft Jacket, and two new colors of its flagship wader. To celebrate its two-year anniversary, Chêne is giving back to its customers and supporting waterfowl conservation by providing a free Ducks Unlimited membership to the buyer of every wader for the rest of the year.

“After going to market two years ago with our wader, we’ve selectively put together a comprehensive collection of waterfowl hunting essentials that are built better. We’re now able to better serve hunters across all flyways, whether you need protection in frigid temperatures, hunt geese in fields, or simply want comfortable performance apparel that won’t fall apart on you,” said Jeff Jones, co-founder and chief operating officer of Chêne Gear. “Like all of our other technical hunting products, we’ve spent the last two years field testing and improving these products to ensure they meet Chêne’s standards for performance and durability.”

As part of its commitment to conservation, Chêne’s gifting of Ducks Unlimited memberships is an effort to raise awareness of the non-profit’s critical work. Ducks Unlimited was founded in 1937 during the Dust Bowl to save North America’s drought-plagued waterfowl population and has since conserved more than 15.5 million acres of crucial waterfowl habitat. In 2022, the volunteer-based non-profit protected and restored more than 575,000 acres of wetlands and associated habitat in the United States.

“For the last 86 years, Ducks Unlimited has focused on wetlands and waterfowl, and the results are astounding. We’ve lost 3 billion birds across North America, but waterfowl are the only bird species increasing in population, thanks to the support of those hunters out there and the members of Ducks Unlimited that do so much to support that vision to fill the skies with waterfowl today, tomorrow and forever” said Adam Putnam, CEO of Ducks Unlimited.

“Whether its habitat conservation, working with waterfowl biologists, or grassroots engagement with hunters across the country, Ducks Unlimited has made an invaluable contribution to North American waterfowl populations and the sport of waterfowl hunting,” Jones said. “By providing this membership to our customers, we want them to experience the value of this organization and encourage them to get more involved, whether it’s renewing their membership, attending a banquet, or volunteering on a project.”

This FREE event also offers fun for the
whole family and a chance to win prizes.

BARNEVELD, Wis. – Vortex® invites hunters to register today for one of two free, family-friendly “Hunter Sight-In” events held at the company’s state-of-the-art shooting facility in Barneveld, WI.

WHEN
August 15th-16th or November 8th-9th
3:30pm-7:30pm

WHERE
Vortex Edge, 4 Vortex Dr., Barneveld, WI 53507

This year’s event will also feature a family-friendly “deer camp,” with a wall tent, food, drinks, pull tabs for prizes, big buck stories, and much more. To be a part of the fun, all you have to do is register online.