Hunting and Fishing News Blog Articles

The Sporter Class National Championship was held on June 22-24 at the Gary Anderson CMP Competition Center in Camp Perry, Ohio. Two matches were run, the CMP and Junior Olympic Three-Position National Championships, and saw over 150 competitors and 50 teams compete.

Nation Ford High School from Fort Mill, South Carolina, won the National CMP Sporter Team Title with a score of 2194-69. They were awarded $4000 from the CMP, and this marks the sixth consecutive National Title for Nation Ford.

In second place was Zion Benton Township High School (Illinois) after posting a score of 2169-65. They were awarded a $3000 cash award from the CMP. Rounding out the podium was North Brunswick JROTC from Leland, North Carolina. With a score of 2168-74, they edged Fontana MCJROTC by nine center shots. North Brunswick was awarded $2000 from the CMP.

The High Club Team was Gallatin Valley Sharp Shooters from Montana. Team members were Natalie Samson, Nicole Berger, Marlie Sampson and Naya Talarico. Team Coach was Lee Nelson.

In the individual category, Zion Benton saw Kalinn White win the championship title. Along with her championship medallion, White was awarded a Crossman Challenger donated by the Crosman Corporation. Emma Allen, representing Appling County 4-H placed second, and Hope Dobek representing Des Moines Central High School placed third. The top three finishers were each awarded $1000 from the CMP.

OFFER VALID JULY 1, 2023 – AUGUST 31, 2023

Smith & Wesson Brands, Inc. (NASDAQ Global Select: SWBI), a leader in firearm manufacturing and design, announced today the start of its Summer Freedom Days promotion program that will offer three free magazines with the purchase of select qualifying concealed carry Smith & Wesson pistols purchased between July 1st, 2023 and August 31st, 2023. Participants can receive the following in added magazine value per each NEW eligible firearm purchase:

Pistol magazine capacities vary depending on model of pistol and applicable state law, with no substitutions. This offer may be redeemed either online or by mail. Load up on extra magazines and carry confidently during Summer Freedom Days!

For full Terms & Conditions and eligible Sku list, visit smith-wesson.com/rebates. To redeem online, visit www.swrebates.com

To stay up to date on all the latest news and events, be sure to follow Smith & Wesson on Facebook,  Twitter, Instagram and YouTube. 

Lafayette, LA – Grey Man Tactical introduces the versatile #207 Vehicle Rifle Rack – Rubber Clamps + 12.25 X 21 RMP [Nut & Bolt] Package. Designed to securely store and transport firearms in a vehicle, the #207 Package is a great solution for loose gear in the back seat of any vehicle. Ensuring the firearm and gear remain in place during transportation minimizes the risk of damage to your gear or person.

The Rubber Clamps offer superior security by firmly holding the firearm in position, even when traveling over rough terrain. The design of the RMP enables the user to customize their loadout and have essential gear readily available, enhancing both convenience and efficiency in the field.

The #207 Package contents include:

This system utilizes the Rifle Rack – Rubber Clamps that secure onto the RMP with the nut + bolt hardware instead of RMP Backer plates, bringing the price point lower and offering the most cost-effective preconfigured RMP Rifle Rack. Woven MOLLE for mounting the accessories rather than mounting hardware also helps with the overall cost reduction of this package.

MSRP $149.99

Very few experiences compare to hunting in terms of thrill and adventure. Besides triggering an adrenaline rush, hunting is one of the few pastimes that bring us ever so close to Mother Nature.

But despite its numerous benefits, a hunting experience can turn out to be a smashing success or epic failure. The outcome mainly depends on the levels of preparedness. That explains why experts recommend having some form of a hunting plan before hitting the woods.

Read below to uncover what a hunting plan is and why you need it while planning your next hunting trip.

Introducing a Hunting Plan

A plan, in the context of traveling, is essentially a document that lays out a roadmap for the trip. You’re probably already familiar with terms like travel plan, charter plan, flight plan, or voyage plan. A hunting plan is no different.

Perhaps the question now boggling your mind is – what should a hunting plan include?

Thousands of visitors come to Camp Perry each summer to take part in the Civilian Marksmanship Program’s (CMP) annual National Matches – a staple event to the National Guard Training Center since 1907. The month-long series of marksmanship events features a variety of rifle and pistol competitions and learning opportunities that attract enthusiasts to the grounds, but the base has much more to offer for those exploring behind the firing lines.

If you want to stay directly on base, Camp Perry offers several accommodation options from lodging to camping sites. Family cottages to motel rooms to transient quarters, the grounds cater to many budgets – offering air conditioning/heat, kitchen units and free Wi-Fi. If camping is more your style, feel free to set up your tent or hook up on one of the RV sites with full water, electric and sewer access. A nearby shower facility also allows campers to get cleaned up after a long day outdoors. The facilities are smoke-free and pet-free (pets are allowed at the campground only).

Those staying on Camp Perry will have access to the beach and the famous Camp Perry pier. Spend the day listening to the waves crash ashore, fishing, sunbathing, swimming or simply taking in the gorgeous view of the open water of Lake Erie. Keep your eyes peeled toward the north on a clear day to see the silhouette of the Perry’s Victory & International Peace Memorial – one of the tallest monuments in the United States (at 352 feet), located on the island of South Bass. 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. Take a look to the east and you may even be able to see along the coastline of downtown Port Clinton and Catawba Island! Don’t forget your fishing pole – the pier is a perfect spot to spend a few hours fishing with friends.

If you just can’t get enough of marksmanship, CMP houses a few ranges of its own on the Camp Perry grounds, open to the public all year.

The Gary Anderson CMP Competition Center is home to an 80-point indoor electronic air gun range. The targets are capable of simulating different distances and facilitate both air rifle and air pistol firing for any experience level (even if you’ve never fired before!). Rental equipment is available at the range. The National Match Air Gun Events and the CMP’s Aces Postal are exciting opportunities to participate in Air Gun Competitions. And, don’t forget to check out the wall-sized mural inside! Outside the range, the facility displays authentic items from the celebrated career of Olympian and two-time Gold Medalist and range-namesake, Gary Anderson. There’s even a piece of the Berlin wall, gifted to Anderson, and a letter from President Kennedy himself. Find out more at https://thecmp.org/ranges/cmp-competition-centers/.

Dual-petition approach answers court’s concerns, provides pathway for protecting remnant populations while delisting and returning recovered wolf populations to state management.

The Sportsmen’s Alliance, together with Michigan Bear Hunters Association, Upper Peninsula Bear Houndsmen Association and Wisconsin Bear Hunters Association, filed a pair of petitions under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) with the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (FWS) on gray wolves. One petition is to recognize and delist a Western Great Lakes Distinct Population Segment (WGL DPS) of wolves within Michigan, Minnesota, and Wisconsin (and areas of adjoining states) while the other petition requests FWS to exercise specific management options on remnant wolf populations existing outside of the WGL DPS and the Northern Rocky Mountain Distinct Population Segment (NRM DPS) created by Congress in 2011.

“It’s critical that we put together a long-term plan to get the science back in wildlife management on wolves,” said Todd Adkins, vice president of government affairs at the Sportsmen’s Alliance. “The ESA petition process is abused by the animal extremists to handcuff wildlife managers, but in this case, we are using the same process to get the state agencies and science back into the mix.”

In the WGL DPS petition, the coalition points out that wolf populations have far surpassed FWS recovery goals in the WGL region, with the total population now exceeding 4,000 wolves. This includes estimates of 2,700 wolves in Minnesota, 1,000 in Wisconsin, and more than 600 in Michigan. FWS’ original recovery goals for the species was 1,400 for Minnesota and a minimum combined population of 100 wolves for Michigan and Wisconsin together. In all three states, fish and wildlife managers estimate that wolves occupy nearly all suitable habitat throughout their range.

FWS has delisted the WGL DPS at several points in the past, but each of these delisting actions has been challenged by animal-extremist organizations in federal court. In these cases, the courts have repeatedly ruled against delisting, not because of a concern over the wolf population within the WGL, where gray wolf recovery is well established, but due to FWS’ failure to address “remnant” wolves that exist outside of established population segments like the WGL and NRM. The concern repeatedly raised by federal judges is that delisting the WGL DPS could remove protections for remnant wolves elsewhere in the country.

Twenty-four women enjoyed an evening of learning new outdoor skills in an engaging environment at an NWTF Women in the Outdoors event, held at the Garretson Gun Club near Garretson, South Dakota.

The Brandon Boss Gobblers Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation, based in Brandon, South Dakota, hosted the event for women of all ages and skill levels, from beginner to advanced.

Those attending could choose four of the eight stations available. Seventeen volunteers instructed the ladies in activities, including fishing, kayaking, archery, firearm safety and handling, shooting on pistol range, rifle shooting and sporting clay shooting.

“We have some women attend that have hunted or fished before, and many come back to this event every year to have fun and meet new friends,” said Eric Olson of the Brandon Boss Gobblers. “But some women have never had the opportunity to spend a day in the woods or on the water. Seeing someone discover the outdoors for the first time, or rediscover something they tried as a kid, is why we’ve hosted this event for over 10 years.”

Women who seek outdoor adventures or more quality time with family and friends can find the connection through hundreds of Women in the Outdoors events hosted by NWTF chapters around the United States. Events are affordable and offer enriching outdoor opportunities that create lifelong pursuits.

Professional walleye angler, Dylan Nussbaum, is experiencing a dream season at the highest level of competition on the Cabela’s National Walleye Tour. This is evidenced by his most recent second-place finish at the Lake Francis Case pro event in South Dakota.  

What’s more, the young angler from St. Marys, Pennsylvania, currently sits third in the highly competitive Cabela’s NWT Angler of the Year race.   

Nussbaum, however, is no stranger to success at this level. At 20 years of age, he was the youngest angler to win a coveted Cabela’s NWT Championship in 2018. KastKing rods and reels have been with Nussbaum since the 2019 season and have proven to be an integral part of his success over the past five seasons on tour.

Nussbaum explains the relationship forged with KastKing, stating, “This is my 5th year with KastKing, and I couldn’t be more pleased to be around such a group of super positive people with an attitude of ‘how can we make it better’ in every product they make. They really stress quality in every rod and reel they produce, and I’d also add that pursuit of quality is their biggest attribute. I’m putting their gear to use at the highest levels of competition, and they continue to prove themselves over and over again”.

Nussbaum relies on a variety of tactics for his success on the NWT, using a combination of spinning, baitcasting, and trolling rods and reels. For his most recent 2nd place finish in South Dakota, he had a two-tiered approach to both shallow and deep water walleyes. “I used a #9 Rapala Jigging Rap in water over 25 feet deep”, he explains, “and fished it on a 6’8” medium fast action KastKing Wideye Walleye Rod with a 2000 size KastKing Sharky III reel. The Sharky III is just a workhorse reel that I use for a lot of different techniques”.

BELLEVUE, WA – The federal judge presiding over a Second Amendment Foundation challenge to the Biden administration’s new arm brace rule has denied a request by the National Rifle Association to intervene in an effort to get the same protections for its members as SAF members have been granted.

However, the order denying NRA’s intervention does not mean NRA members are out of luck, said SAF founder and Executive Vice President Alan M. Gottlieb. They can join SAF and be covered under the judge’s ruling issued last month. The case is known as SAF, et.al. v. ATF, et. al.

“While we’re certain NRA members are disappointed,” Gottlieb said, “by joining SAF they can get the protection of the judge’s ruling.”

SAF offers several different tiers of memberships, available at https://www.saf.org/join-saf/. Annual membership is $15, a five-year membership is $50 and a life membership is $150. Membership is effective upon date of receipt. For questions regarding membership, please contact [email protected].

In her ruling, U.S. District Judge Jane J. Boyle wrote, “For intervention as of right, the NRA’s motion fails on two independent grounds. First, the Court finds the NRA’s application for intervention is not timely. Second, the Court finds the NRA’s interests are adequately represented by the current Plaintiffs…In sum, the NRA knew of the Rule more than a year before it moved to intervene, and the NRA had no basis to assume a nationwide injunction would be issued in this case. Moreover, allowing an intervention under these circumstances risks incentivizing opportunistic “injunction shopping” under the auspices of “timely” interventions to protect a threatened interest. The NRA’s Motion is not timely.”

Bushnell, an industry leader in performance optics, is proud to announce its 75th anniversary of developing innovative, affordable, and high-quality optics that enhance the pursuit of outdoor enthusiasts and professionals alike. For three-quarters of a century, Bushnell has been at the forefront of designing products that are “Built for the Pursuit” – whether that’s hunting, shooting, birdwatching or any other outdoor passion.

Since its founding in 1948, Bushnell has remained committed to its mission of providing top-notch options that deliver exceptional performance without breaking the bank. Over the years, the brand has earned a reputation for its dedication to quality, reliability and precision, making it the go-to choice for those seeking to experience life through a new lens.

From its humble beginning, Bushnell has evolved into a global leader in the optics industry. Known for decades for its dependable riflescopes and binoculars, Bushnell’s success can also be attributed to its patented technologies that reshaped the industry. The brand’s market leading innovations such as RainGuard® HD water-repellant lens coating, EXO Barrier lens protection and ARC (Angle Range Compensation) technology, have set new standards in optics while earning consumer trust along the way.

In addition to its focus on technology, Bushnell takes great pride in its partnerships with renowned outdoor enthusiasts and experts who share the brand’s passion for the pursuit. Prominent Bushnell ambassadors such as Michael Waddell and the Bone Collectors, acclaimed shooters KC Eusebio and Jessie Harrison and legendary hunters Will and Jimmy Primos, have relied on Bushnell optics to achieve their remarkable feats and inspire others to follow in their footsteps. Their expertise and feedback, along with that of many others, has been invaluable in reshaping the development of Bushnell’s products.

“The 75th anniversary is a significant milestone for Bushnell, and we are incredibly proud of our journey so far,” said Jim Bruno, President of Vista Outdoor Hunting and Shooting Accessories. “Our success can be attributed to our loyal customers, dedicated employees, and unwavering commitment to delivering superior optics that are built for your pursuit. We are grateful for the trust they have placed in us and look forward to many more years of innovation and excellence.”

Primos® Hunting, a pioneer in game calls and hunting accessories, has partnered with Pursuit Energy to introduce a new line of energy drinks to the outdoor market. As part of the brand licensing partnership, the Primos® Hunting – Pursuit Energy® drinks are now available in limited assortments aligned to various wild game species, with the first offering starting with turkey hunting Blazin’ Orange and Original Gobbler flavors. Offered in sugar and sugar free options, the new drinks bring great tasting energy for your next all-day hunt.

Eric Martinez, Owner & CEO of Pursuit Energy® said, “The combination of the Primos® Hunting and Pursuit Energy® brands was a natural fit. Outdoor enthusiasts are looking for products designed with their needs in mind from trusted brands. Partnering with an iconic outdoor brand and extending it into the consumables space is a win-win for Primos and the consumer. This is a big opportunity for our respective companies.”

Pursuit Energy works hard to be America’s hunting lifestyle energy drink, designing products that are essential gear for America’s hunters. Pursuit Energy® delivers a caffeine-kick without the bitter aftertaste found in other energy drinks. Pursuit also knows hunters don’t want spikes, crashes or ‘jitters.’ Pursuit’s energy formula eliminates those side effects. Pursuit Energy is truly the hunter’s choice.

“The new energy drinks were recently introduced at both SHOT Show and the NWTF convention, and we were very excited to see the positive response at our booth,” said Jason Harris, Director of Product & Marketing for Primos. “Retailers and consumers seemed to love the energy drink flavors and creative can designs. We think this partnership will be a big hit for hunters all season long.”

For more information on Primos® Hunting Energy Drinks, visit www.primos.com or pursuitenergy.com. Distribution and retail inquiries should be directed to Eric Martinez at [email protected].

Federal Ammunition recently awarded the 2023 Tom Knapp Memorial Scholarships to two 4-H student ambassadors: Ryer Roberts from Colorado and Colt Shackley from Nevada. The scholarships were presented to the recipients at the National 4H Shooting Sports Invitational held in Grand Island, Nebraska June 26-30. During the opening ceremonies on June 26th Jon Zinnel, Senior Manager of Youth Shooting Programs for Federal Ammunition, announced the winners.

“As a former National 4H Ambassador myself, reviewing these applications is a highlight to my year. All these Ambassadors are tremendous citizens which made the decision challenging,” said Jon Zinnel. “Both Ryer and Colt demonstrated an impressive understanding of how wildlife is managed, plus how hunting and shooting sports programs play a vital role in operating and funding the North American Model of Wildlife Conservation in our country.”

This annual scholarship program was created to honor legendary exhibition shooter Tom Knapp, who passed away in April 2013. In 2016, Federal Ammunition and Champion Traps & Targets teamed with the National 4-H Shooting Sports Committee to continue the Tom Knapp Memorial Scholarship program. Knapp, a vocal advocate for supporting the next generation, was a long-time ambassador for both Champion and Federal Premium Ammunition. With the support of Knapp’s wife, Colleen, Champion extended Tom’s licensed products program to fund an endowed scholarship that awards $2,500 each to two National 4-H Ambassadors per year.

Federal ammunition can be found at dealers nationwide. For more information on all products from Federal or to shop online, visit www.federalpremium.com.

Assegai Bass Rods Appeal to Avid Bass Anglers

Some of the best time on the water is found in a back cove where the lily pads grow and the lunkers are found – the perfect money spot. The bass are ready to strike anything thrown at them, especially a realistic frog or worm. Who hasn’t had their heart leap out of their chest as the water explodes and the rod nearly jumps out of their hands? FISH ON! In these conditions, only the best gear in skilled hands will get the job done.

It’s experiences like this that make purpose-driven rods shine. With the right tool, bass anglers are able to fish more effectively while gaining much more enjoyment in their angling pursuits. It’s the reason so many anglers carry multiple rods on their front deck. 

KastKing has released a new series of technique specific bass rods to appeal to the hardcore bass fishing enthusiast. KastKing’s Assegai Bass rods are where cutting-edge technology, precision craftsmanship and thoughtful design converge to deliver an unparalleled fishing experience.

“ICAST will be the launch pad for our brand-new Assegai series of Bass Fishing Rods that we feel will offer the pinnacle of performance in the Bass market. The Assegai series will feature a new, proprietary rod blank that sets a new standard in power, strength and sensitivity. A new rolling process will deliver higher sensitivity, increased twist resistance and strength improvement all while reducing weight,” said Al Noraker, KastKing President.

New Z-Man® TRD GobyZ transcends traditional goby baits with next-level action, buoyancy and toughness

Bass lead charmed lives. Unlike humans, they’re obliged to eat whatever bugs them. Consider bass and their mortal enemy, the round goby— those ubiquitous underwater invaders that harass smallmouth nests by the dozen, gulping bass eggs like Skittles. Helps explain why smallmouths and predators of all species exhibit unquenchable appetites for the pudgy little pests—and why gamefish balloon to impressive proportions by way of an endless goby buffet.

A natural enticement for bass in goby-rich environments—Great Lakes and beyond—the new 2.4-inch TRD GobyZ reinforces Z-Man’s trendsetting finesse bait lineup with a surprisingly adaptable shape. Poured with extra malleable, 10X Tough ElaZtech®, the TRD GobyZ compresses as easily as the live version, meaning bass snap and don’t let go. Yet even after dozens of aggressive attacks, a single one of these runt-sized swimbaits is no worse for wear. That’s the ElaZtech advantage, those difference making rewards that separate the TRD GobyZ from all other goby-imitating swimbaits in existence—optimal combinations of softness, action and all-day durability.

“Although it almost perfectly mimics a snack-sized round goby, the new TRD GobyZ is also an incredibly versatile finesse bait,” notes Z-Man pro Grae Buck, whose Pennsylvania homebase puts him a cast from lakes Ontario, Erie and other bass and goby rich environments. “Put the bait on a Pro ShroomZ or my favorite Ned jighead, the Football NedZ, for an enticing bottom-crawling, slow swimming presentation. The bait’s natural buoyancy gives it a nice leisurely spiral and glide on the drop. Smallmouths always react to this slow-spiraling action, like a tube only with way more visual realism and allure.

“What’s really cool is that after letting the bait freefall, you’ll pick up slack and often detect the tug of a bass already hanging on.”

SK Customs® is proud to commemorate Independence Day along with with Omar “Crispy” Avila to honor recipients of the Military Badge of Merit, the modern-day Purple Heart Medal.

“As Independence Day approaches, we recognize the sacrifice and unwavering dedication of those who have served our great Nation,” said Simon Khiabani, owner and founder of SK Customs. “Last year, we partnered with Purple Heart Homes, the Purple Heart Integration Project and U.S. Army veteran and content creator, Omar “Crispy” Avila. This partnership pays homage to our combat-wounded veterans through the limited-edition 240th Purple Heart Colt 1911 firearm, representing the spirit of freedom as we celebrate America’s independence.”

After being deployed to Iraq in 2007, Avila’s vehicle was struck by a 200 lb IED, resulting in burns up to 75% of his body and amputation below the knee of his right leg. Sergeant Avila retired from the U.S. Army in 2010 after serving for nearly a decade and devoted his life to serving other Veterans and helping wounded warriors across the Nation.

As a Purple Heart recipient, Avila shows us what it means to commemorate wounded veterans through his video of the Purple Heart Commemorative Colt.

Through the SK Gives Back initiative, SK Customs donates a portion of the proceeds raised by the sale of this production to Purple Heart Homes and Purple Heart Integration Project.

Jacksonville, Florida – Safariland®, a brand of The Safariland Group, a leading global provider of safety products designed for the public safety, military, professional, and outdoor markets and one of Cadre Holdings, Inc.’s (NYSE: CDRE) (“Cadre”) key brands is proud to offer a limited-edition Liberator® HP and HP-R line in a patriotic We The People theme.

“Liberators are designed, engineered, and assembled with excellence right here in the USA,” said James Imhoff, GM of Communications for Safariland. “The We The People hydrodip launch is timed with Independence Day to highlight the celebration of America’s freedom. We’re thrilled to offer this limited-edition Liberator headset, born and built in our great Nation and chosen by so many first responders and shooting enthusiasts.”

The Liberator HP provides enhanced hearing protection in all environments, including high-decibel, constant background audio. The wearer is fully protected, while advanced sound localization allows for maximum situational awareness and sound detection.

In addition to the Liberator HP, Safariland will also offer the all-new rechargeable Liberator HP-R as part of this limited-edition offering. As the only premium hearing protection offering this state-of-the-art rechargeable system, the Liberator HP-R is engineered to provide extended usage between charges, supplying a quick and effortless recharge. The headset offers a high level of protection from the environment and industry-leading sound localization.

Designed, made, and worn in America, Safariland’s Liberators provide our Nation’s heroes and tactical community with the tools needed to get the job done. Now available, the exclusive Liberator HP and HP-R in We The People print represents the sound of American pride.

In the world of fly fishing, a nymph is an artificial insect that various freshwater fish (especially trout) find alluring.

Why are nymph flies with striking shades so tempting to trout? And how can fly fishing utilizing a nymph improve your likelihood of a successful fly fishing trip amid certain water conditions? 

Explore the nuances of using bright-colored nymphs for fly fishing below, and check out Wild Water Fly Fishing’s variety of nymphs.

WHAT IS A NYMPH?

The nymphal stage is considered to be an aquatic insect’s infancy. Nymphs are frequently spotted in streams, lakes, rivers, and ponds and are often a fish’s favorite food. Trout absolutely love to chow down on nymph insects — which is good news for us fly fishers looking to catch fish.

Nymphs are one of several types of flies, including egg flies, dry flies, streamers, poppers,  foam flies, saltwater flies, deer hair flies, and terrestrials.

Z-Man® forges ElaZtech®-embracing ZWG Weighted Swimbait hook

If anglers have learned anything about ElaZtech®—that seemingly extra-terrestrial superplastic formula endowed with unmatched softness, action and longevity—it’s that bait performance rises to another level when married to the right specialized hook or jighead. What catches more Ned rig bass than a Finesse TRD / Finesse ShroomZ combo? Or ensnares more saltwater slams than a DieZel MinnowZ swimbait on a DieZel Eye jighead? Sure, ElaZtech shines on traditional hooks, too. But when a Z-Man bait-and-hook unite to create a cohesive fish catching system, lure movement and maxed out fish-per-bait ratios ascend to incomparable heights of awesome.

Creating a next level softbait-to-hook tandem, Z-Man’s new ZWG Weighted Swimbait Hook aligns, grips and holds ElaZtech and other conventional soft plastics, cast after cast. Completely customized and forged to spec, the ZWG hook eases softbait rigging, locking baits into place with specialized “keepers” fore and aft. For ballast and dead-on alignment, a slim-profile weight rides the hook shank. Weights such as “1/8” or “3/16” are clearly marked and stamped into the lead, offering easy identification for strategic hook selection.

“We’re constantly looking for ways to improve the angler’s on-the-water experience, simplifying the rigging process, elevating bait performance and helping extend the life of a single ElaZtech bait—even beyond its already-bulletproof nature,” notes Jose Chavez, Z-Man Director of Product Development. “The new ZWG hook immediately boosts angler success, simply by shortening rigging time and effort, keeping baits locked perfectly in place for the long haul.”

To position the hookpoint perfectly straight and parallel to a chosen softbait, a low-vis silicone bead pins the hook bend flush to the bait. The bead effectively eliminates the requirement to Texpose-rig the bait, freeing the angler to Texas/weedless rig or Texpose, if they prefer. The specialized “sticky” bead grasps and pins the bait in place, maintaining a natural, optimal presentation at all times.

For the first time in several years, the National Matches at Camp Perry will feature a mess hall for competitors. The Shooter’s Mess Hall will be managed by WP Catering and will offer a breakfast buffet and boxed lunches.

WP Catering owner, Mike Miller, owned the popular but now-closed Waldo Peppers restaurant in Port Clinton, Ohio, for several years. He is a longtime caterer for the Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP).

“I’ve been catering for CMP for 12 years,” Miller said. “I catered for the NRA when they were there, for the junior nationals at Gary Anderson, and for volunteer lunches.”

The breakfast buffet will feature eggs, breakfast meats, breakfast breads, hashbrowns and drinks. The Shooter’s Mess will offer boxed lunches of cold-cut sandwiches or salads. Breakfast customers are welcome to dine in, but lunches are pickup only. Miller chose lunch options that will remain fresh during the competitions.

“They can pick them up and take them out to the range, and they’ll still be stable to have out there,” he said.

POMA’s 2023 Pinnacle Award honorees were announced during POMA’s 17th Annual Business Conference in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, on Thursday, June 15.

The Pinnacle Awards, sponsored by Toyota, honor journalists for remarkable achievement in traditional outdoor sports-focused communications, including magazine publication, writing, photography/illustration/art, broadcasting and content focused on wildlife conservation.

“Toyota is a proud sponsor of POMA’s Pinnacle Awards,” said Curt McAllister, Midwest Public Relations Manager and Outdoor Media Communications Manager at Toyota Motor North America. “The Pinnacle Awards program represents some of the best outdoor writing, reporting and photography in the nation.”

The awards were judged by an anonymous panel of industry members who aren’t members of the organization.

The 2023 POMA Pinnacle Award Winners are: