Hunting and Fishing News Blog Articles

-PACT PRESENTS $7,200 CHECK TO TUNNEL TO TOWERS FOUNDATION-

Summer is typically a time when businesses slow down or go on furlough.  Not so with Connecticut’s corrugated moving container manufacturer Packaging And Crating Technologies, LLC (PACT), which created a grassroots fundraising opportunity for the Tunnel to Towers (T2T) Foundation that ran from Memorial Day until the 4th of July based on sales of its popular LiftVan product line, the most in-demand moving and shipping crate used by the military.  On Tuesday, July 11, 2023, the Watertown-based company presented a $7,200 check to the national charity that directly benefits American military veterans and first responders, especially those involved with the 9/11 NYC tragedy, at its company headquarters.

“Summer is the prime season for moving within all branches of the military, so we anticipated a positive result, but are ecstatic that our small, family-owned business was able to raise thousands of dollars for such a great cause that helps our wounded war heroes who are still struggling long after their service on the battlefronts and in their daily line of duty,” said Rodger Mort, Chief Operating Officer at PACT.

The T2T Foundation provides mortgage-free homes for America’s catastrophically injured veterans and first responders, Gold Star and fallen first responder families.

One of those families is the reason the Tunnel to Towers Foundation was founded. Firefighter Stephen Siller, who was assigned to Brooklyn’s Squad 1, had just finished his shift when he got word over his scanner of a plane hitting the North Tower of the World Trade Center. He drove his truck to the entrance of the Brooklyn Battery Tunnel, but it had already been closed for security purposes. Determined to carry out his duty, he strapped 60 lbs. of gear to his back, and raced on foot through the tunnel to the Twin Towers, where he gave up his life while saving others. Siller had everything to live for; a great wife, five wonderful children, a devoted extended family, and friends.

Evolution Outdoor continues to expand its Rigger Series product line with new kayak fishing tackle storage offerings, including the Rigger Series Roll-Up Bag and the Rigger Series Linemaster Leader Bag. The Rigger Series lineup of products was designed specifically with the kayak and small craft angler in mind. Rigger Series products have been on display in the Evolution Fishing booth at the 2023 ICAST Show at Booth #4251.

“Angler interest in kayak fishing has grown significantly over the past few years and as a result so has the need for adequate tackle storage solutions to accommodate the needs of these anglers”, said Colt Fadal, Evolution Outdoor’s Executive Director of Sales and Marketing. “The team at Evolution Fishing works hard to develop products that meet the specific needs of different angling types, and so we have built and continue to expand our Rigger Series lineup of products to provide the absolute best storage solutions for the small craft angler. We hope to see you at our ICAST booth so we can show you these versatile products firsthand and in person.”

Rigger Series Linemaster Leader Bag

Designed with convenience in mind, the LineMaster Leader Bag can hold up to five spools of line, allowing you to easily store and organize your fishing line leaders. The bag features a clear label for quick identification, making it easy to find the line you need when you need it. What sets the LineMaster apart is its ability to spool a reel without the need for removing the line from the bag. This means that you can easily and quickly change out your fishing line on the go, without having to remove the line from the bag. Crafted from high-quality materials, the LineMaster Leader Bag is designed to withstand the harsh conditions of the outdoors. The bag is durable and water-resistant, ensuring that your fishing line leaders stay protected and dry. The LineMaster is an essential tool for any fishing trip. Don’t let disorganized fishing line hold you back – choose the LineMaster Leader Bag and always be ready to reel in the big one.

Rigger Series Roll-Up Bag

Prestigious industry awards highlight the best of the best in Orlando

Astronaut Mike Massimino captivated a sold-out State of the Industry Breakfast with tales of space shuttle flights and interstellar telescope repairs as the recreational sportfishing industry’s largest trade show officially blasted off from the Orange County Convention Center on Wednesday.

“Mike Massimino was rejected by NASA three times before he became an astronaut,” said St. Croix Rods V.P. of Sales & Marketing, Jeff Schluter. “For our industry, it was an inspirational message of overcoming obstacles and sticking together to work as a team.”

Massimino’s inspiring stories of unity in space started a countdown clock to one of the most anticipated events at the annual trade show hosted by the American Sportfishing Association—the ICAST Industry Awards Reception. After a jam-packed day of activities on a show floor bustling with thousands of retailers, media members and exhibitors, the votes were tallied for the ICAST’s prestigious “Best of Category” awards. From a field of 1,087 new products representing 292 companies, 37 winners were crowned.

“Winning an award at ICAST puts a product on the map,” said Westin Fishing COO, Thomas Sonotra, who traveled from Denmark to attend the show and will fly back across the Atlantic as a winner. “To get exposure at a show like this really shows that your team has done something remarkable. A lot of hours go behind each product from field testing to making sure that what you design is super unique and capable of competing against tough competition.”

ICAST crowds continue to grow while the industry benefits from increased numbers of anglers

The future of recreational fishing continues to shine bright at the sportfishing industry’s largest trade show. After a full week of activities like fishing tournaments, workshops and product demonstrations, the 13,346 attendees from ICAST 2023 are heading home.

While some ICAST visitors will make a short drive to homes within the Sunshine State; others will set off for far-flung domestic destinations in the northeast, the pacific northwest and the desert southwest. Still more will board flights for places like Australia, Denmark, Peru and Japan.

ICAST is produced by the American Sportfishing Association (ASA), a national, non-profit trade association made up of more than 800 member companies and organizations who share a stake in promoting sportfishing for community and commerce. This year, the show’s 13,346 attendees came from all 50 U.S. states and Puerto Rico as well as 80 countries. This year, 633 exhibitors set up booths inside of the Orange County Convention Center featuring an astounding array of products from full-size bass and bay boats to camper trucks, live trolling motor demonstrations, lounges and—of course—the show’s legendary social hours. 

“This is one of the most impressive shows we have had since I’ve been here,” said ASA Trade Show and Membership VP Blake Swango. “The booth spaces are bigger, better and more impressive each year and I think this is probably the most beautiful show that I have worked on.”

BELLEVUE, WA – The Second Amendment Foundation has filed a 29-page amicus brief supporting a motion for a temporary restraining order and preliminary injunction in a challenge of Hawaii’s restrictive concealed carry law, in a case known as Wolford v. Lopez.

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

As explained in the court document, Hawaii “has followed New York, New Jersey, and Maryland in taking deliberate action to undermine the Supreme Court’s landmark Bruen ruling and the fundamental general right to carry an effective mechanism of self-defense it affirmed. Hawaii’s SB 1230 and similar laws specifically, and unfairly target those who have taken their rights most seriously in attempting to exercise them, even submitting to Defendants’ background check and training requirements.”

Following the 2022 Supreme Court ruling in New York State Rifle & Pistol Association v. Bruen, Hawaii passed SB 1230, a sweeping law designed to severely limit the places where licensed, law-abiding citizens can legally carry firearms for personal protection. So restrictive in its nature, the new legislation was colloquially dubbed the “Bruen response bill.”

“As we contend in our brief,” said SAF founder and Executive Vice President Alan M. Gottlieb, “Hawaii’s new law is written to make citizens afraid to exercise their constitutional right to bear arms, to the point they’re even afraid to enter a coffee shop without first being invited. We cannot have law-abiding citizens afraid to exercise a right for fear of being prosecuted and made into criminals. That is not how constitution works, and specifically, it is why the Second Amendment includes the phrase ‘shall not be infringed.’ SB 1230 constitutes a serious infringement.”

Rapala VMC to become the majority owner of DQC International, consolidating the 13 Fishing rod and reel brand into its global product offering, and accelerating the growth of 13 Fishing in the U.S. market.

Helsinki, Finland – Rapala VMC Corporation and James Coble, current majority shareholder of DQC International, which manufactures and markets 13 Fishing rods and reels, have reached an agreement in which Rapala VMC will increase its ownership of DQC International to 60% of the Florida-based company while Coble will retain a 40% share of the company.

Rapala VMC introduced 13 Fishing (13fishing.com) freshwater, saltwater and hardwater (ice fishing) rods and reels to markets outside the United States following the 49% acquisition in DQC International in 2019. Rapala VMC will continue to invest in the marketing and product development of the 13 Fishing brand with the intent of building brand loyalty for 13 Fishing among retailers and consumers around the world, including the United States.

Under the agreement, Coble will continue as Chief Executive Officer of 13 Fishing with a key emphasis on building the 13 Fishing brand and driving new and innovative 13 Fishing products into the worldwide market.

The amalgamation of 13 Fishing’s and Rapala’s product ranges will maximize mutually beneficial distribution and operative synergies.

Dove hunting is often the first serious bird hunting event many hunters experience.  In September, every year in almost every state across the United States, tens of thousands of hunters will step into the field to shoot wild dove.  Dove season is a great opportunity to experience the camaraderie of hunting and it is one of the best opportunities to introduce new and young hunters to the sport of hunting.  Dove are quite sporty and fantastically fun to shoot.  Our HuntingLife guide to dove hunting will cover everything you need to be successful in the field this fall.  Dove hunting is pretty simple: all it requires is a shotgun, shells, a license and your HIP (Harvest Information Program) number.  Everything else comes down to a little knowledge, time and practice.

North American Dove

The American Mourning Dove populations are at an all-time high across the country.  Current estimates place the population of dove close to 475 million.  In an average year, almost 20 million doves are taken by hunters in the United States.  Some years, as many as 70 million dove are taken by hunters.

Dove are gregarious birds who love to be in the same area with lots of other dove.  Dove like structure and topography; it makes them feel safe.  Dove generally stay on the edges of woods, tree lines and power lines as well as in open and semi-open fields.  Dove survive by eating seeds; and only 1% of their diet is made up of insects.   They must find a good supply of gravel, grit and sand in order to help them break down the seeds they eat.  Dove also visit water at least a few times a day.  If you find the combination of great topography, roosting trees, plenty of food on the ground and access to grit and water you will most likely find an abundance of dove.

Dove are most active before 9 a.m. and after 3 p.m.   They will be seen moving between feeding, water and roosting locations.  Dove will move from roost to water and then to feeding areas.  In mid-day, doves will perch or hang out on lines, snags, trees, or water and gravel sites.  Doves hit the feeding fields for the remainder of the afternoon, head to water and then to the roost for the evening.

Dove are prolific breeders and can have up to six broods of two young each in a single year.  Mortality rates on mourning dove are high so the prolific breeding and hunting has almost no effect on the population numbers year to year.  Mourning dove are generally monogamous pairs.  Males and females work together to raise the young.  It is difficult to tell males and females apart.  There are three subspecies of dove across North America with the collared dove growing across the North American Range.  Some states have an unlimited season on the collared doves so check your state regulations.

By Bethany Beathard

Background

Tess Maune is an award-winning news anchor and outdoor reporter for News On 6 in Tulsa, Oklahoma. She has a passion for journalism and has blended that with her love for the outdoors. Tess hosts a daily “Outdoor Adventures with Tess” segment and additionally features hunting and fishing pictures submitted by viewers. When Tess is not on TV, she is in the woods or on the water. In addition to her show, on social media, she shares her personal journey and adventures with her husband Matt, who is a Sr. Wildlife Biologist with the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation. Many Oklahomans have dubbed her “Oklahoma’s Noodlin’ Queen.” Read on to get to know her story more:

Interview

How did you get into hunting and fishing?

By Bethany Beathard

Women have become the fastest-growing demographic in the hunting and fishing industry. It is no secret that gun manufacturers are catching on to the increase of sportswomen. Many have begun developing firearms specifically designed for women. Others are now offering compact models built for smaller structured hunters. Shotguns are one of the most versatile tools in an avid hunter’s arsenal. Hunters use shotguns for upland, big and small game hunting, waterfowl, and sporting clays on the range. Since this firearm will receive an abundance of use. Taking time to consider the versatility of options and manufactured specifications is crucial. Here are 7 shotguns made for or used by women in the outdoor world today.

Myths

Get the Youth Model

First, to let’s debunk a few myths that have plagued female firearm choice for years. “Get the youth model.” On average, women are smaller than men in stature. This does not exactly put women in the youth classification. Though, I, 5’2, do own one youth edition firearm. It is on the smaller size of all my hunting guns. Youth models are not the best options for most women, especially those over 5’2. According to heathline.com, the average height for women in the United States is 5’4. Thus, is it bad advice to give that recommendation to a woman seeking a new shotgun.

(Washington, D.C.) Today, Safari Club International (SCI) CEO W. Laird Hamberlin and Grand Slam Club/Ovis (GSCO) Executive Director Jason Price are announcing a first of its kind agreement between their respective organizations to create a long-term partnership to yield a groundbreaking experience for their memberships, beginning with SCI’s 52nd Annual Hunter’s Convention from January 31 through February 4, 2024, in Nashville, Tennessee.

For more than 50 years SCI’s and GSCO’s paths have run parallel and today marks the beginning of a true partnership in conservation. Beginning in 2024, SCI and GSCO will partner to bring two of the oldest, most prestigious organizations together under one roof. SCI will hold its 2024 convention from January 31 through February 3, 2024, while GSCO will have its event on February 4, 2024. Both events will be held at the fantastic Music City Center in Nashville. 

Hosting SCI’s Annual Hunter’s Convention and GSCO’s annual events consecutively will foster the emerging alliance between SCI and GSCO, bringing the greatest outdoor advocacy opportunities under one roof to further expand what Forbes calls “the Super Bowl of hunting shows.”

SCI members will have the unique opportunity to stay for an extra day in Nashville to experience this first-of-its-kind collaboration. Complementing SCI’s Annual Hunter’s Convention, GSCO will hold a life-member breakfast, awards luncheon, and evening banquet and auction on February 4, 2024, highlighting their core mission and objectives. GSCO’s Pantheon Award will be presented during SCI’s Saturday, February 3, 2024, banquet. Registration for all events will be available on the SCI and GSCO websites shortly. 

This new partnership extends beyond the floors of the convention and is a huge step forward in uniting all hunters.

EDGEFIELD, S.C. — On June 29, the North Dakota Industrial Commission approved more than $6.3 million from the Outdoor Heritage Fund and Renewable Energy Program matching grants, including a $200,000 grant to the National Wild Turkey Federation for wildlife habitat enhancements.

“The funding from Outdoor Heritage Fund will result in more conservation implemented on the ground in North Dakota,” said Clayton Lenk, NWTF district biologist in Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wisconsin. “All of the funds will go toward either on the ground implementation or materials to help us achieve the desired practices.”

The use of these funds will further build upon the NWTF’s riparian restoration efforts, such as the Waterways for Wildlife initiative, which prioritizes the restoration and conservation of riparian areas. By directing resources from the Outdoor Heritage Fund (OHF) toward selected Waterways for Wildlife projects in North Dakota, the NWTF can allocate internal dollars to projects in other states. This approach enhances annual conservation efforts and maximizes the effectiveness of member-generated contributions. With the OHF support, we can broaden our conservation footprint and achieve greater conservation outcomes for riparian health and wildlife habitat conservation.

It is anticipated that a significant portion of the projects will focus on riparian areas, predominantly emphasizing grazing improvement practices. These practices include the installation of off-site water facilities, as well as the creation of rotational grazing systems. By implementing these measures, managers can effectively remove livestock from riparian zones, promoting longer growth of native species and enhancing wildlife habitat. These initiatives also have the added benefit of improving water quality through increased infiltration, reduced compaction and decreased erosion potential, among other positive impacts.

This year’s proposal encompasses riparian areas as well as upland areas, targeting vital habitats that may extend beyond riparian corridors. The practices implemented in these upland areas can vary greatly, ranging from tree planting and native grass establishment to grazing improvements and forest thinning, among others, all with the aim of positively impacting turkey populations.

Smith & Wesson Brands, Inc. (NASDAQ Global Select: SWBI), a leader in firearm manufacturing and design, today announces the release of the new M&P22 MAGNUM pistol, chambered in 22 WMR.

This latest addition to the M&P series is all about bringing more. More capacity, more reliability, and more features. Its internal hammer-fired design, paired with the TEMPO gas-operated barrel system, keeps components locked in place until the bullet passes the gas port, increasing performance. With a staggering 30-round capacity, the full-size polymer frame M&P22 MAGNUM ships with two magazines so you can spend less time reloading and more time training. It comes with a fiber optic front sight, black notched rear sight, and is optics-ready, allowing you to direct-mount most of the popular micro red dots available today.

“The M&P22 MAGNUM combines the best features of our internal hammer fire control system with the patented TEMPO barrel design, creating a smooth operating experience for the shooter. The 22 WMR is a versatile and field-savvy cartridge that has been a legacy among American shooters, hunters, and trappers for decades. Smith & Wesson is proud to offer a new pistol that further supports the use of this cartridge outdoors or on the range,” said John Myles, Senior Manager of New Products.

The M&P22 MAGNUM is fully ambidextrous, has a 4.35-inch stainless steel barrel with Armornite® finish, includes a flat-face trigger, and Picatinny-style rail for mounting accessories. This pistol is proudly made in the U.S.A. and has an MSRP of $649.00.

GET MORE – with the new M&P22 MAGNUM. For more information visit www.smith-wesson.com. 

Greeley, CO — Burris Optics, a leading manufacturer of high-performance optics for shooters and hunters, announces it has officially reduced the price of the popular Oracle 2 Rangefinding Bow Sight to $720 MSRP and $599 MAP. This price adjustment is the result of production streamlining intended to make cutting-edge rangefinding technology more accessible to a wider range of bowhunters and target shooters.

The Oracle 2 Rangefinding Bow Sight is well-known for its accuracy and ease of use. Combining a bow sight and rangefinder into a single compact unit, the Oracle 2 reforms the archery experience by providing compound bowhunters exact distance to target and an exact aiming point while at full draw. With its simple-to-use design and advanced ballistic features, users can quickly take shots with confidence, even in challenging shooting scenarios.

The Oracle 2 Rangefinding Bow Sight is water-resistant, shockproof, and features a durable housing to ensure long-lasting performance. A glassless sight window houses the 0.019 thick pin array, and since there is no glass, there is no potential for glare, fog, or debris to block the sight picture. Locking micro adjustment knobs provide quick and precise tuning and allow second and third axis adjustments. An optional rear peep system eliminates the need for a string-mounted peep sight and improves shot accuracy and consistency by helping the shooter properly torque the grip.

The Oracle 2 includes an auto-brightness sensor and easy-to-reach buttons for manual adjustment, giving hunters the ideal brightness setting — whether in low or bright light. Additionally, a bubble level is integrated into the aiming ring to eliminate bow cant. The mounting arm has an improved dovetail interface for a more precise fit to modern bows and offers extended elevation and windage travel. The entire sight can be flipped for left-handed operation.

The laser rangefinder adjustment mechanism allows users to adjust the laser’s point of aim without the use of special tools. The point of aim can be adjusted much like a rifle scope and employs a similar precision click-adjust mechanism.

Few things are worse for the diehard deer hunter than climbing into a poorly positioned or ill-fitting stand. A serious hunter is already running with the big dogs and demands a treestand that will measure up to your stature and hunting potential. Enter Millennium Treestands’ M150 Monster, a workhorse hang-on stand rated to safely and securely support 300 lbs. 

Find a good location to hang your M150 Monster, ideally a straight, thick tree positioned over a deer feeding area or a travel corridor. Optimal stand locations often don’t have great tree options, so any tree with up to a 15° lean will work. The M150 Monster is easily adjustable to compensate for slight variations in tree “straightness.” Set up is fast and quiet. Climb aboard and secure the safety harness, then haul up the gun, bow, pack, and other gear. Remember, the M150 Monster boasts a capacity of 300 lbs. 

Comfort counts on any treestand hunt. This is where the M150 Monster shines, thanks to the patented, adjustable ComfortMAX seat, with its full backrest and side supports. This 20 in. wide, 17 in. deep sling seat is adjustable from a height of 16 in. to 20 in. above the platform. Gun and crossbow hunters can add an optional M101 shooting rail for added support. Traditional and compound bow hunters will like the easy move to a standing position while quietly raising the seat to a folded position, enabling greater flexibility on the large 24 in. wide, 37 in. deep aluminum platform. 

This aluminum hang-on weighs just 19.5 lbs and easily folds for backpacking. The durable, powder-coat finish knocks out any shine and protects the aluminum.  

The package includes a full body harness and the SafeLink system, a 35 ft. rope with a prusik knot, and a carabiner for controlled, safe ascent and descent from hang-on, climber and ladder stands.

Partners set to begin 16,000-acre forest health project in southwest Montana

A new Memorandum of Understanding recently signed between Pheasants Forever, Blue Forest, and the U.S. Forest Service sets the stage for meaningful conservation work across Montana’s Bitterroot Valley through 2028. Starting later this summer, the partners will begin implementation in the Nez/Mud area of the Mud Creek Project, a 16,933-acre restoration plan to improve forest health, reduce fuel loads, and contribute to watershed/habitat improvement in southwest Montana. While work is being executed, the partnership is working to develop new financial solutions that will allow them to implement future forest health and fire risk reductions much more quickly.

Located in the Rocky Mountains, the Bitterroot National Forest/Mud Creek project was selected for restoration efforts due to a current, unhealthy forest system. Overstocked with small trees and brush due to fire suppression and a decline in active, sustainable forest management, the region’s communities, infrastructure, and wildlife are at significant risk for wildfire. Recognizing community safety and forest health are intertwined, public and private stakeholders are acting together to reduce wildfire risk, protect communities, and improve wildlife habitat at a pace and scale never witnessed before in Montana.

“By implementing forest management efforts at this scale, Pheasants Forever and its partners can safeguard communities from the threat of catastrophic wildfire events while helping grow world-class wildlife populations and robust outdoor opportunities – a winning proposition for southwest Montana,” said Michael Brown, Manager of Innovative Finance for Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever and an implementation partner of the Mud Creek Project. “In terms of forest management, the positive implications this project has for forest grouse, mule deer, elk, native trout, bighorn sheep, and other regionally sensitive species will be tangible.”

The MOU is the first step the partners are taking to explore how conservation finance can accelerate restoration work on this landscape. Conservation finance tools, like the Forest Resilience Bond, provide upfront funding to tackle the cost of restoration now, avoid greater costs of inaction, and accelerate the pace and scale of forest management and riverscape restoration projects.

Biologists are continuing to tag and track walleye and sauger in the Missouri River and Lewis and Clark Lake between Fort Randall and Gavins Point dams as part of an effort to understand declines in the fishery following historic flooding in 2011.

Since 2021, 201 fish have been tagged in the river and reservoir as part of a study of fish movement. The fish sport metal jaw tags, but also have acoustic transmitters implanted in their abdomens. Fifteen receivers spaced every 5 miles throughout the system record any fish that passes within a half mile. So far, 44 fish have been caught and 39 harvested. Two fish have been caught three times.

Biologists hope to use this information to help determine why fishing has declined in the reservoir since 2011, when months of high flows flushed many fish through the Gavins Point dam. The loss included emerald shiners, the primary forage base in the reservoir, which hasn’t recovered. Neither have walleye, despite more than 100 million fry and fingerlings being stocked since 2014.

Will Radigan, the University of Nebraska-­­­­­Lincoln graduate student doing the field work for the project, said so far the study has shown about 25% of the nearly 200 tagged fish are moving less than a mile, while 10% have moved more than 60. One fish tagged in May 2022 below Fort Randall dam moved 66 miles downstream to Gavins Point dam by September, turned around and went back upstream and was caught in April near where it was tagged.

Two walleye and two sauger have passed through Gavins Point Dam, a fact that is suspected to be part of the issue facing the fishery. Radigan is also sampling larval fish in the spillway below the dam and has found during peak entrainment, more than 20,000 fish per hour pass through the dam. More than 90% are freshwater drum, which is now the primary forage base in the reservoir, but walleye and sauger are also moving through the dam.

A bigger than ever Super Tuesday signals start of ICAST 2023

The International Convention of Allied Sportfishing Trades, the flagship event for the worldwide recreational fishing industry – better known as ICAST – launched today with Super Tuesday. From sunrise to sunset, activities filled the docket of attendees both inside and outside of Orlando’s Orange County Convention Center (OCCC).

Produced by the American Sportfishing Association (ASA)—the national association that represents the business interests of the sportfishing industry—ICAST offers an unequaled array of tackle, gear, apparel and accessories all at the fingertips of attendees ranging from tackle dealers to wholesalers and industry media.

Now in its 66th year, ICAST is the face of the multi-billion-dollar recreational fishing industry. Nationally, recreational fishing has a $128 billion impact on the economy supporting 825,000 jobs. In Florida – The Nation’s Sportfishing Capitol – anglers and boaters have a $13.8 billion economic output supporting 119,678 jobs.

“There is no place like ICAST for the entire sportfishing industry, both domestic and international,” said ASA President Glenn Hughes. “We bring more manufacturers, buyers and media together than any other sportfishing industry event.”

Throughout the history of storytelling, many loyal and supportive sidekicks have made the stories richer and more enjoyable. But there is absolutely no reason that the role of sidekicks should be limited to entertainment. All of us can use one that can help us when needed. Especially for those who are always on the go but still want to be able to write down new ideas or tend to their business, a pen they can count on would make a delightful companion.

Fisher Pen Company® offers a perfect sidekick for lovers of the outdoors in the form of a pen that embodies the adventurous spirit and unmatched reliability. Fisher’s Anodized

Aluminum Backpacker Space Pen features a slick design in several colors and carries

their pressurized PR4 medium point cartridge in black.

While these features already make the Backpacker attractive and functional, what sets it apart from all the other pens is its unique feature: a keyring attached to the cap. This key ring enables the Backpacker to attach to absolutely anything and everything an active person would need for their activities. You name it: backpacks, fishing sling packs, hiking equipment, belt loops, camping gears, running belts and pouches!

Sporter Air Rifle Coach, Col. Sean Mulcahy, led the Nation Ford High School MCJROTC rifle team to an extraordinary championship record with a unique philosophy: he doesn’t focus on winning. Between the time he formed the team in 2008 and his retirement in June, Mulcahy’s teams earned 64 national championship titles and claimed 26 national record certificates. His coaching success came, he said, because he was more concerned with fostering character than creating winners.

“I don’t focus strongly on winning. The joy of winning is fleeting,” Mulcahy said. “I focus on performance and personal goals. I don’t judge them on whether they came in first place or won a medal. I ask them, ‘Did you do your best?’ ‘Did you refuse to give up?’ If the answer is yes, then they have met my expectations. If you do your best, you can celebrate your success.”

Mulcahy’s philosophy doesn’t mean he is soft on his cadets. On the contrary, he places high demands on them. Accountability is an underlying principle to his coaching style, and he insists his cadets meet standards of conduct that will breed lifelong success. Students who arrive late for practice or express sloppy commit to the team are called out.

“I instill basic life skills in them to make them successful in life. When you come in here, the golden rule is respect yourself and others,” he said. “I hold them accountable. If I don’t, I’m letting them down.”

Part of that discipline is a heavy practice schedule. Mulcahy offers ten practice sessions every week, and his athletes must commit to five. Mandatory double practices begin two weeks prior to every national championship match. That means athletes are on the range for two hours before and two hours after school for two weeks. That discipline leads to strong character and a lot of championship titles.

Firearms Industry Podcast

HeadHunters NW, the premier executive recruiting firm focused exclusively and deliberately on talent acquisition for the shooting, hunting, and outdoor industry, recently launched a new episode of the HeadHunters NW Podcast featuring Jeff Stawiarski of Insight LPR. This episode, hosted by Shaylene Keiner, President of HeadHunters NW, explores Stawiarski’s career experiences and leadership insights.

“Jeff is constantly learning from teammates in whatever role he pursues,” said Keiner. “His enthusiasm for digging in to understand how organizations operate from the ground up has served him and the companies he’s worked for exceptionally well.”

Stawiarski has led teams for various outdoor industry companies, including W.L. Gore, Excelda Manufacturing, and Vista Outdoors. He was pivotal in preparing and selling EOTECH to a private equity group, and today he helps Insight LPR as they provide advanced license plate recognition data systems that detect and solve crimes in homes, businesses, and neighborhoods.

HeadHunters NW Podcast