Hunting and Fishing News Blog Articles

Savage Arms is now shipping the 334 Stevens Rifles that debuted earlier this year. Both the Walnut and Synthetic models are now shipping nationwide. The Walnut version chambered in 6.5 Creedmoor also recently drew high praise in the annual and extensive Outdoor Life gun test. 

With a two-stage adjustable trigger, the Stevens 334 bolt action rifle comes in a Turkish Walnut stock option with a silver bolt or a black synthetic stock with a matte black action to match. This rifle is offered in three popular calibers with a 60-degree bolt lift to allow faster loading on follow up shots, making it a suitable rifle option for any hunter or shooter.

The response to these rifles by retailers has been strong, and Savage expects to see large numbers of these rifles on ranges this summer and in the woods this fall. Outdoor Life further legitimized these value-driven rifles in their most recent gun test. Held each year, there are no favorites, shortcuts or edit buttons in this all-out test of the latest rifles the industry has to offer. Amongst its peers (and several priced significantly higher), the 334 performed extraordinarily and took home the “Great Buy, Hunting Rifle” award.

“The Stevens 334 Walnut was the most surprising gun of the rifle test,” wrote Outdoor Life Shooting Editor John B. Snow. “While the stock is nice enough, the metalwork and design of the action is basic—though in keeping with the rifle’s modest $489 price tag.”

“But handsome is as handsome does, and the Stevens 334 charmed the entire test team once we started shooting it for accuracy. Its five-shot groups averaged less than ¾ MOA, making it one of the most accurate rifles of the test, and easily the most accurate hunting rifle we evaluated. It shoots way better than it has any right to, was our collective takeaway.”

The Rowdy was an exciting release from Bond Arms® in 2022 and has quickly become a staple in the brand’s lineup. Bond continues to develop the design into a new and modernized version called the Rowdy XL. New for 2023, the Rowdy XL features a bigger size, a more user-friendly design, and all the power one could ask for in a double-barrel handgun.

The Rowdy XL is a straightforward design full of features and potential uses. Made from sturdy construction and given an uplift, the Rowdy XL is sure to perform and deliver in both high-stress environments and on the range. Coming in 410/45 Colt, it’s a perfect companion pistol or stand-alone defense tool.

The 3.5 in. barrel has been beefed up compared to the original Rowdy, although the larger design won’t sacrifice exceptional accuracy. The overall finish is muted slightly and does not have a hand-polished finish. Not only does this reduce glare, it also saves on production costs. These savings are therefore trickled down to the consumer!

The most drastic change in the overall design is the addition of a B6 grip. It’s a plumper grip for more hand contact and an extended grip placement for full finger placement. Not only does the B6 assist in mitigating recoil via the rubberized construction, it’s a durable material suitable for a broad range of environments.

As with most of the offerings from Bond, the barrel has two chambers, one above and one below. Overall, it’s 5.75 in. while weighing in at a full 22 oz. It’s not a lightweight pistol, and because of this, it’s excellent at handling the full power of a 410 and standard 45 Colt round. Bond ensures the shooter knows they’re ready to shoot with a reliable 7 lb trigger pull, yet protected by the integrated trigger guard. If the 410/45Colt isn’t the best option for the target, change the barrel with Bond’s ability to change barrels and chamberings quickly and efficiently!

The Ohio Triple Crown Match is waiting for its first champion. To win the Triple Crown, a competitor must win at all three competition sites: the Cardinal 4Gun Match at the Cardinal Center in Marengo on July 1-5; the Canton-McKinley Regional Match at the Canton-McKinley Rifle and Pistol Club in Canton on July 7-9; and the National Matches at Camp Perry in Port Clinton on July 10-15. The event is hosted by the Ohio Rifle and Pistol Association (ORPA).

The Ohio Triple Crown is an aggregate match derived from the top three 2700 pistol matches in the state. No one has yet won the Triple Crown, now in its third year, but even if there is no Triple Crown Champion, competitors can still walk away with cash prizes.

The competitor who has the highest overall aggregate of the three combined 2700 scores, but did not win all three matches will be named the High Aggregate Winner. Competitors can win with the highest aggregate score in their individual classes as well. Classes are High Master, Master, Expert, Sharpshooter and Marksman. This is where this match gets really fun, since you are only competing against your peers in your class.

“It’s not just for the elite shooter,” said Dane Hogle of Mt. Vernon, who has been competing in the Triple Crown since its inception. “It’s for all classes.”

To qualify for awards, competitors must pay a $50 entry fee and shoot in all three matches. Competitions at each site will require 90 rounds each using a .22 pistol, a .32 to .45 pistol and a .45 pistol.

RENO, NV – Mesa Tactical, designer and manufacturer of high-quality tactical accessories and equipment for law enforcement, military, and civilian shooters is pleased to announce the latest model of its popular Truckee® forend line for the Beretta 1301 semi-automatic shotgun is in stock and now shipping. These highly anticipated aluminum forends feature M-LOK® accessory attachment points on sides and bottom, an easy way to mount weapon lights and other accessories on a variety of semi-automatic shotguns

The Trukee Forend for the Benelli M4 was introduced in early 2019 and gained positive reviews from professional operators. Machined from 6061 heat treated aluminum, the Truckee forend is sleek, rugged, and lightweight. M-LOK slots accept Picatinny rail sections or specialized light mounts or vertical grips. The Truckee forend is offered in two lengths, the 13-inch version is available now and the 15 ¾ inch forend will become available in August of 2023.

“This new modern forend will meet the expectations of professional operators, and it is designed to perform under the most demanding field, competitive shooting, and tactical conditions. It was developed and designed in-house, to be the perfect complement to our product line,” says Zuly Rivera, Marketing Manager at Mesa Tactical. “We are excited to have law enforcement professionals or recreational shooters, take advantage of the enhanced ergonomics and modern features it offers.”

Like all Mesa Tactical products, the Truckee forend is engineered and manufactured in the USA of the highest quality aircraft grade alloys by American craftsmen and is guaranteed to provide a lifetime of accurate shooting and outdoor pleasure. All Mesa Tactical products can be easily installed without requiring modification of the firearm or special gunsmithing skills.

Features

Industry leaders bring experience and perspective to address issues that impact the recreational fishing industry and fisheries conservation

Four members of the American Sportfishing Association (ASA) were elected to fill two At-Large seats and two regional seats on the board of directors. Their three-year terms begin October 1, 2023. ASA is the national trade association that represents the sportfishing industry.

The association has six regions: West, South Central, Great Lakes, Southeast, Northeast and Northern Plains and Inter-mountain. Each member company or organization is assigned to the region where that member’s principal business is located.

Elected to the At-Large board seats:

Elected to the Regional board seats:

When Navy Corpsman Maxton (Max) Soviak was killed by a suicide bomber while assisting evacuees in Kabul, Afghanistan, on Aug. 26, 2021, he left behind a legacy of passion for life and service that lives on today in the Corpsman Maxton W. Soviak Memorial Foundation. The foundation was established by Max’s parents, Kip and Rachel Soviak, to honor their son and continue the benevolence that defined Max’s life.

This year, the Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP) honors Max’s legacy by naming the annual rimfire sporter match the Max Soviak National CMP Rimfire Sporter Match. The event will begin with a CMP Rimfire Clinic on July 7, and the Match will be held on July 8. CMP staff have long wanted to find a way to pay tribute to Max, who spent countless hours as a youth at Camp Perry.

“When the CMP staff heard that Max had been killed, we were heartbroken,” said CMP Programs Chief Christie Sewell. “When we first heard, we wanted to do a memorial to him, but there were so many people doing things, so we waited.”

Max touched many people in his lifetime.

“He was well-liked by his peers and family,” Kip said. “He had an infectious smile, and he loved to pull shenanigans. If he ever got in trouble, he could talk his way out of anything.”

Greeley, CO – Steiner Optics, a leader in high-performance, premium optics, is excited to announce its partnership in the launch of the highly anticipated Benelli Lupo KAOS hunting rifle. This collaboration for the Benelli KAOS Giveaway brings together two industry leaders in firearms and optics to offer participants a chance to win an extraordinary prize package.

The Benelli Lupo KAOS is a limited-edition series of premium, high-performance hunting rifles. Each firearm receives a custom color combination with a special hand-distressed finish, resulting in unique characteristics so that no two rifles are alike.

As part of the Benelli KAOS Giveaway, those who purchase a Lupo KAOS and register their rifle on the Benelli website can check to see if theirs is one of ten rifles paired with a finish-matched Steiner Predator 8 scope ($2,000 value). These ten lucky winners will take to the field with not only a top-of-the-line sporting rifle but also a premium optic that will maximize the rifle’s field performance and accuracy.

Built on a rugged 30mm tube chassis, the Predator 8 delivers all the key features required of a go-anywhere optic. Class-leading optical clarity with industry-leading light transmission, a massive field of view, and an illuminated reticle with 11 brightness settings ensure a fast and crisp sight picture in the most challenging lighting conditions. Foul weather and harsh climates also offer no resistance to the Predator 8’s performance thanks to the fogproof and waterproof design and broad -13°F to +145°F operating temperature. The Predator 8 2-16x42mm and the 3-24x50mm riflescopes both come with the Steiner E3 second focal plane reticle. Designed for the most popular big game cartridges with holdover compensation out to 400 yards and cascading windage dots to easily adjust for 10 mph crosswind, the E3 reticle quickly serves up aiming solutions when the pressure is on. For maximum long-range precision, the Predator 8 4-32x56mm stands ready with its high magnification and SCR (Special Competition Reticle) combination. Delivering the best in German precision, the Predator 8 series promises apex optical and ballistic compensation performance in a tough, weather-resistant platform suitable for any hunting adventure…anywhere. 

Steiner Optics has built a strong reputation for its commitment to excellence and innovation in the optics industry. Their products are known for their exceptional quality, durability, and precision manufacturing, making them the ideal choice for shooters who demand the best. By partnering with Benelli, a world-renowned manufacturer of high-quality firearms, Steiner Optics reinforces its dedication to enhancing the shooting experience for enthusiasts of all levels.

Refined ‘Ned-Miki Rig’ beats back swarms of small fish, tempts big bass at Lake Eufaula

For second-time Bassmaster Opens champ Joey Nania, it was a game of numbers. Or more precisely, a never ending keep-away contest, working a few sturdy Z-Man StreakZ 3.75 baits among hundreds, possibly thousands of “other fish” intent on machine-gunning Nania’s bait into oblivion.

Given the bait’s enduring ElaZtech® construction, good luck with that . . .

Following a tricky first day of fishing at the 2023 Bassmaster Open at Lake Eufaula, Oklahoma (June 15-17), the Alabama based Z-Man pro found himself in 25th place. But on day-two, Nania’s plan came together, as he worked a series of deep humps and brushpiles with a subtle shad-mimicking presentation known as the Ned-Miki. “It’s one of the best small shad imitations ever,” noted Nania, who also won the 2021 Bassmaster Open at Pickwick Lake, Tennessee.

Fishing a 22-foot offshore hump, which rose just above the lake’s 25-foot thermocline, Nania boated a monster 6-1/2-pounder, which, like most of the rest of his tourney-winning largemouths, at a 3/16-ounce, greenback-pattern Z-Man Finesse EyeZ jighead dressed with a shiner colored StreakZ 3.75.

SPRINGFIELD, MO – CrossBreed® Holsters, a leading manufacturer in the category of concealed carry, is pleased to announce availability of numerous holster solutions for the Lone Wolf Dusk 19 semi-auto 9mm pistols.

Lone Wolf Arms, a longstanding manufacturer of performance-driven GLOCK aftermarket components, has stood up their own line of premium handguns that are based on a widely proven platform. Available in several frame, slide, and barrel options and with an optic cut standard for red dot use, the Dusk 19 pistols fill multiple niches for personal defense, target, and competition applications.

To ensure Dusk 19 owners have holsters to meet these various needs, CrossBreed now offers several holster models to accommodate both EDC and recreational shooter needs. These include all the mainline IWB and OWB holster models like the SuperTuck IWB, SnapSlide OWB, Freedom Carry IWB, DropSlide OWB, SuperSlide OWB, and Modular Belly Band Package 2.0. In addition, the comprehensive lineup of CrossBreed’s modular holsters plus the Bedside Backup, Pac Mat, Purse Defender, and assorted magazine carriers are also available for the Dusk 19 shooter.

For more information on the full line of CrossBreed holsters and magazine carriers, as well as the company’s “Two Week, Try It Free Guarantee” program and Lifetime Warranty, visit CrossBreedHolsters.com.

About CrossBreed® Holsters:

CAMP PERRY, Ohio – In 2023, the Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP) will celebrate the 25th Anniversary of the John C. Garand Match at the annual National Matches at Camp Perry. The event has been one of the most popular and celebrated of CMP’s competitive shooting events – attracting hundreds of competitors from around the country each year.

To recognize the match’s milestone, the 2023 National Matches will feature a commemorative T-shirt for those signed up for the event.

The roots of the John C. Garand Match date back to 1998 when the CMP introduced the exciting new concept into its target competition schedule. The Garand Match is a unique event where participants use vintage “as-issued” M1 Garand rifles over a course of fire with 10 shots prone slow-fire, 10 shots prone from standing rapid-fire and 10 shots standing, all at 200 yards.

Approximately 40 percent of each year’s Garand Match competitors receive coveted gold, silver, or bronze Achievement Medals with neck ribbons. Medal presentations are decided by competitors scores. In 2023, competitors who fire 279 x 300 or higher will receive gold medals, scores of 272 to 278 will receive silver medals; 260 to 271 will receive bronze medals. Medal presentations typically take place on the range immediately after competitors finish.

The John C. Garand Trophy, awarded to the top competitor in the National John C. Garand Match at Camp Perry, was donated to the National Trophy collection by the Garand Collectors Association in 2001. The winner of the first National John C. Garand Match was Charles Goettemoeller, 69, of Coldwater, Ohio. Nick Till, 49, of Howell, Mich., is the latest winner of the trophy (2022), with a previous win back in 2012. Other past competitors with multiple wins include Brian Hunter, 65, of Huntsville, Ala. (1999, 2001), and Christopher Roberts, 50, of Charlotte, N.C. (2003, 2006, 2008).

The Scholastic Shooting Sports Foundation (SSSF), offers a scholarship program to reward deserving, graduating seniors in the Scholastic Clay Target Program (SCTP) and Scholastic Action Shooting Program (SASP) with needed college assistance. The main objective is to award as many scholarships as possible to qualifying SCTP / SASP graduating high school seniors.

Since 2013, the SSSF has awarded over $818,000 in scholarship funds benefiting over 900 student athletes, from nearly all 50 states in the Scholastic Clay Target and Scholastic Action Shooting programs. This year saw 183 student athletes awarded scholarships from the youth development programs for a total of $91,500 in assistance for pursuits of higher education.

In addition to scholarships mentioned above, at the 2023 National Championships, special scholarships will be awarded by SCTP sponsors Browning, CZ-USA, and Beretta. Eligible athletes will shoot a Browning shotgun in trap singles, a Beretta shotgun in skeet events, or a CZ shotgun during sporting clays events, respectively. The grand total for scholarship opportunities for athletes at SCTP Nationals comes in at $11,500.

SASP sponsor, Betsy Ross Arms will again be lending a helping hand to athletes unable to attend SASP Nationals due to family budget concerns. Preference is to be given to young female athletes, per the suggestion of Betsy Ross Arms, a female-owned company. Female participation continues to rise in youth shooting sports, with 42% female participation at the SASP Wisconsin State Championship, the largest state match of the year with almost 500 entries.

About the Scholastic Shooting Sports Foundation
The Scholastic Shooting Sports Foundation (SSSF) is 501(c)(3) public charity responsible for all aspects of the Scholastic Clay Target Program (SCTP) and Scholastic Action Shooting Program (SASP) across the United States. The SCTP and SASP are youth development programs in which adult coaches and other volunteers use shooting sports to teach and to demonstrate sportsmanship, responsibility, honesty, ethics, integrity, teamwork, and other positive life skills.

Provide and enhance personal growth and development opportunities for student athlete members; become the premier authority in all things pertaining to firearm-related pursuits for youth; pass on to future generations the legacy of lifelong, safe, responsible enjoyment of the shooting sports. This includes serving as the primary feeder/pipeline for organized, sanctioned shooting organizations and teams, like USA SHOOTING, TEAM USA, and the NGBs (NSSA, NSCA, ATA). 

SnapSafe® Vault Doors turn any closet or room into a safe place to store firearms and belongings. The easy-to-install door comes in three configurations for a variety of door frames. A 32-inch and 36-inch door fit most standard openings. The 36-inch version is available with an in-swing door, while the 32-inch door is available in an in-swing or an out-swing. Each model has a handy tool kit with everything needed for a quick installation. 

Vault doors open up more storage space for firearms, reloading equipment, or a storm shelter. Every door features nine 1-inch locking bolts—combined with 12-gauge steel construction for maximum security. Safe access is simple with the SecuRam digital lock. The combination lock is programmable and includes a key backup in case of power failure. In addition, the vault doors come with an internal handle to operate the door from the inside, guaranteeing entry and exit no matter the circumstances. 

To take security one step further, SnapSafe created the SnapSafe Premium Vault Doors. These doors offer the same advantages as the standard vault doors with added security, fire protection, and organizational capabilities. SnapSafe Premium Vault Doors fit standard 36-inch door openings and are available in several exclusive colors. They are constructed of the same 12-gauge steel as the standard vault doors but with an added steel trim to finish the exterior doorway. The back of every safe door includes Square-Lok technology to maximize storage space. The Square-Lok backing fits various accessories to organize handguns, long guns, ammo, and more. Whether a safe or a storm shelter, the SnapSafe Vault Doors offer ultimate security and peace of mind. 

Vault Door Features

Vault Door Specifications

Yesterday, the leading organizations representing recreational fishing and boating in the United States urged the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to reject a petition to establish a year-round 10-knot (11 mph) vessel speed limit and other vessel-related measures in the Rice’s whale “core” habitat area in the Gulf of Mexico.

The petitioners are asking NOAA to use their authority under the Endangered Species Act and Marine Mammal Protection Act to establish a “Vessel Slowdown Zone” from approximately Pensacola, Fla. to south of Tampa to protect the newly discovered Rice’s whale. On top of the mandatory 11 mph speed limit for all vessels transiting the proposed zone, the petition proposes the following additional restrictions:  

There is zero evidence that a recreational vessel has ever struck a Rice’s whale.

“As more is learned about the recently-discovered Rice’s whale, it is critical that NOAA focus from the outset on collaborating with stakeholders instead of leaping to drastic restrictions,” said Glenn Hughes, president of the American Sportfishing Association. “As an industry that cares deeply about conservation of the marine environment, the recreational fishing and boating industry is ready, willing and able to help develop solutions to support whale conservation. Relying on massive speed restrictions that effectively shut down boating and fishing is not a viable path forward for the Rice’s whale or the economy.”

“Once again, proponents of vessel speed restrictions are acting as if small recreational boats are the same as large cargo ships. They are not,” said Jeff Angers, president of the Center for Sportfishing Policy. “We invite NOAA to join with us in identifying 21st Century technological advances that can help tell mariners where whales are instead of effectively barring public access to America’s marine waters.”

Public input is requested on 48 expanded opportunities on three refuges, as well as proposal on lead ammunition, tackle

WASHINGTON – Under a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service proposal released yesterday, 48 new hunting opportunities will be implemented on three refuges within the National Wildlife Refuge System: Cahaba River National Wildlife Refuge in Alabama, Everglades Headwaters National Wildlife Refuge in Florida and Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge in Minnesota.

As posted to the Federal Register, the draft rule also includes proposals to eliminate lead ammunition and tackle at eight national wildlife refuges. In addition, none of the new hunting opportunities proposed would allow the use of traditional lead ammunition.

Backcountry Hunters & Anglers commended the USFWS’s proposed expansion of hunting access, while also offering feedback on the proposed prohibitions of lead ammunition and fishing tackle.

“Wildlife refuges in the United States have traditionally served as places to aid in the conservation of fish and wildlife, including via science-based opportunities to hunt and fish,” said John Gale, BHA vice president of policy and government relations. “The proposal from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service underscores this approach. Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge, the nation’s first wildlife refuge, established in 1903 by executive order of then-President Theodore Roosevelt, is administered as part of the Everglades Headwaters National Wildlife Refuge complex. Yesterday, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service recommended expanding hunting within that complex. We appreciate the Service’s commitment to seeking out and pursuing new public hunting and fishing opportunities within our refuge system.

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 announced their latest limited edition pattern, Multi-Cam Arid for the 6354RDS, 6304RDS and 6354RDSO holster models.

“Multi-Cam Arid has been highly requested by our customers and is a great fit for our limited edition lineup. Our team is excited to bring these limited edition holsters to the market,” said Eric Gasvoda, GM of Duty Gear for Safariland.

Originally designed to significantly minimize the visibility of individuals operating in desert environments, MultiCam Arid has become a popular choice for firearm accessories in recent years. The MultiCam Arid palette compliments and overlaps portions of the main MultiCam® pattern, seamlessly integrating gear and apparel for a well-coordinated concealment system.

Safariland’s 6354RDS, 6304RDS and 6354RDSO holsters include the Automatic Locking System (ALS®) to secure the firearm. They are red dot sight compatible, with the 6304RDS also employing the proven self-locking system (SLS) pivoting hood. The new RDSO series utilizes an open pocket design that protects the optic without the use of a flip-up dust cover. Now available in the MultiCam Arid exclusive design, these holsters provide peak protection and performance.

To purchase and learn more about Safariland’s limited edition line of holsters, visit Safariland.com.

As the NWTF continues to celebrate its 50th Anniversary, the organization’s volunteers in the Garden State take an all-encompassing approach to deliver the NWTF mission.

What started as an idea coalesced into a record-breaking fundraising event that saw thousands of dollars raised for conservation, underscoring what can happen when volunteers rally together for a cause.

“We wanted to celebrate our 50th Anniversary in a way that got people excited but also would raise significant funds for our conservation work,” said Louis Gambale, NWTF Tri-County Longbeards Chapter board member and former New Jersey State Chapter president. “Custom calls are always a hit, and we were lucky that renowned call maker Mike Lapp donated 14 custom calls for our event.”  

Through the generosity of Lapp’s donation, the Tri-County Longbeards auctioned off the 14 calls online and raised nearly $10,000 for conservation delivery.

“Mike’s passion for supporting the mission speaks for itself through his many years of donations to banquets, and this year’s custom call auction was no different,” Gambale said.

Since the NWTF’s founding, turkey call makers — be it custom call makers or callmaking companies — have supported the organization in many unique and creative ways, understanding the importance of conservation to turkey hunting. The dedication and craftsmanship of call makers still rings true nearly 50 years later as call makers across the country work with the NWTF at both a national and grassroots level. Lapp’s recent work with the volunteers in New Jersey is a shining example of call makers’ role in conservation.

And while the volunteers in New Jersey considered its recent custom call auction an undoubtable success, the grassroots approach to conservation is representative of all the work the NWTF is accomplishing across New Jersey.

Holster Series for Road or Mountain Biking

FALCO® Holsters, globally recognized for exceptional artisanship in every handcrafted, purpose-built leather holster and innovations in everyday concealed carry solutions, announces a new category of concealed carry holsters designed to attach to bicycles for off-body carry. The new FALCO Holsters G125 attaches to the bike’s frame, while the G126 attaches to the bicycle’s top tube.

“During warmer months, more people are out and about on their bikes,” said FALCO Holsters Vice President of Sales and Marketing Katarína Zacharová. “We recognize the potential danger of falling with traditional, on-body concealed carrying on a bicycle, so we developed two holster variations for attaching your everyday carry handgun to the bike itself.”

“The new Concealed Carry Bike Bags give no indication that there is a pistol or revolver inside,” said Zacharová, “and they hold firmly to your bike with three strong Velcro loops. Even in the case of a fall, these bags keep your firearm, backup gun, and extra magazines protected and secure. They’re ideal for road or mountain biking, and also keep your common items such as wallets, keys, and phone handy for quick retrieval,” she added.

FALCO Holsters Concealed Carry Bike Bags

EDGEFIELD, S.C. — Since 1980, the Utah Wildlife Board has designated a small percentage of limited-entry and once-in-a-lifetime hunting permits as “conservation and expo permits.” Funding from these permits is used for wildlife research, conservation and habitat restoration projects, raising $3.9 million this year alone.

The conservation permits are offered to conservation and sportsmen’s groups who auction them at banquets, fundraisers and other events. These groups provide 90% of the money raised from these permit sales toward conservation and research projects like habitat enhancement, wildlife transplants, aerial surveys and deer survival studies. Instead of being auctioned, the expo permits are available through a drawing that takes place once a year at the Western Hunting and Conservation Expo in Salt Lake City. Utah residents and nonresidents alike are eligible to apply for these permits.

During this year’s annual conservation permit program, the National Wild Turkey Federation purchased several of these permits. The permits will be put up for auction, and the proceeds will be directed toward habitat projects across Utah.

Over the last two decades, conservation permits have generated more than $59 million in revenue for wildlife conservation work in Utah. Without this funding, the Department of Wildlife Resources and its partners would have had significantly less resources to complete high-priority conservation projects. The funds generated by conservation and expo permits have led to the enhancement of thousands of acres of critical habitats, as well as the completion of important research to support the DWR’s efforts to manage game populations more effectively.

Many of the conservation projects that are funded by these special permits are proposed to Utah’s Watershed Restoration Initiative. This program, launched in 2006 as a partnership-based effort by the Utah Department of Natural Resources, strives to enhance priority watersheds throughout the state. By doing so, the initiative promotes healthy watersheds and biological diversity, clean and abundant water, recreational opportunities and wild turkey habitat enhancement. Thanks to ongoing efforts, the initiative has completed 2,594 projects across 2,392,035 acres of Utah’s landscape.

A MULTIFACETED COMPANY POISED FOR EXPANSION AND DIVERSIFICATION

The Edge Experts at Smith’s Consumer Products leverage 137 years of experience to deliver success in the field, on the water, in the shop, and at the kitchen table. Born in Hot Springs, Arkansas, Smith’s Consumer Products began in 1886 as a manufacturer of sharpening tools based on Novaculite – a natural stone found in Arkansas’ Ouachita Mountains. 

Smith’s history of producing exceptional sharpeners served as the platform for designing and manufacturing a wide range of specialized knife and tool offerings – engineered with anglers, hunters, hikers, and campers in mind. Now, Smith’s Consumer Products launches Smith’s Sporting Group, a multifaceted company poised for expansion and diversification in support of a lifetime of outdoor adventures.

“Smith’s Consumer Products has worked tirelessly to develop a comprehensive array of high-quality knives, tools, and sharpeners to help anglers, hunters, and other outdoor enthusiasts find success – both in the field and at the table,” notes Ricky Dukes, Vice President of Marketing at Smith’s Sporting Group. “Our launch of Smith’s Sporting Group – the new home of Smith’s Consumer Products – sets the stage for new directions and future acquisitions as we strive to support the needs of everyone who works and plays outside.”

“Although Smith’s historically focused on sharpening products, we’ve always shared a great love for the tools that provide the edge that every passionate outdoor adventurer needs to succeed,” continues Dukes. “We’re very excited to launch Smith’s Sporting Group, which will build on the quality and reputation of Smith’s Consumer Products as we reach into new markets and connect with new groups of enthusiastic consumers.”

Beretta Holding S.A., the international leading player in premium light firearms, ammunition, optics, and accessories dedicated to hunters, outdoor enthusiasts, and defense and law enforcement professionals, announces today significant figures in its 2022 consolidated financial performance. Following the acquisition in July 2022 of the state-owned ammunition business RUAG Ammotec, the Group initially born in Italy in 1526, has achieved unprecedented revenue growth and profitability, surpassing all expectations.

In 2022, Beretta Holding had an excellent year and achieved consolidated net sales of over Eur 1,4 billion (compared to Eur 958 million in 2021) and reported an EBITDA of Eur 286.5 million.

If the Group had consolidated Ammotec for the entire 2022 financial year, net revenues would have exceeded Eur 1.7 billion and EBITDA Eur 350 million.

The consolidated revenues primarily come from sales to the civil sector, accounting for almost 80%. Despite challenging circumstances, the demand for hunting products has remained strong across all key countries where the Group operates. This sustained demand, combined with the Group’s successful acquisition of multiple contracts in the defense and law enforcement sector, has led to the Group’s manufacturing plants running at total capacity.

In Europe, the Group recorded unprecedented results, with sales exceeding 2021 by 19%. The sales in Italy grew almost by 30%. After two solid years, the organic growth of the main market, North America, recorded a 6% growth and represents 48% of the Group revenue.