Hunting and Fishing News Blog Articles

Henry Repeating Arms, one of the country’s leading firearms manufacturers, is proud to announce donations totaling $200,000 to Arkansas Children’s Hospital and the Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center at Nebraska Medicine. The funds will go directly toward supporting the hospitals’ efforts in treating and caring for pediatric cancer patients, ensuring that children and their families have access to the world-class care these healthcare providers are known for.

“If I could snap my fingers and resolve one thing in this world, without a doubt, it would be childhood cancer. It’s impossible to imagine what these kids and their parents endure throughout treatment and beyond,” said Anthony Imperato, Founder and CEO of Henry Repeating Arms. “Seeing the smile of positivity and confidence on the face of a kid fighting the battle of their life is all the inspiration and motivation I need to try and help support these children and their families in any way I can. Guns for Great Causes has always been about the kids, the future of America, and I am proud to make these donations in their name.”

Arkansas Children’s is the only healthcare system in the state solely dedicated to caring for children and is nationally ranked by U.S. News & World Report in seven pediatric specialties, including cancer.

“I would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to Henry Repeating Arms for their incredibly generous donation benefiting our Hematology-Oncology Unit,” said Taylor Speegle, Executive Director of Philanthropy for Arkansas Children’s Foundation. “This gift will help our commitment to making the children of Arkansas better today and healthier tomorrow. Thank you for your commitment to our mission and for your unwavering support of our efforts to improve the health and well-being of children.”

The Nebraska Medicine Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center opened in 2017 and harnesses the most advanced biomedical and technological tools available to further understand cancer causes and create more personalized care for each patient with precise therapies to improve outcomes.

Every year the Association of Great Lakes Outdoor Writers recognizes the standout content of its members from across the country during its Awards-In-Craft (AIC) ceremony at the annual conference. The submission window for the 2023 year is now open, with the awards given out on September 21, in Bemidji, Minnesota. 

Every year the Association of Great Lakes Outdoor Writers recognizes the standout content of its members from across the country during its Awards-In-Craft (AIC) ceremony at the annual conference. The submission window for the 2023 year is now open, with the awards given out on September 21, in Bemidji, Minnesota. 

Every year the Association of Great Lakes Outdoor Writers recognizes the standout content of its members from across the country during its Awards-In-Craft (AIC) ceremony at the annual conference. The submission window for the 2023 year is now open, with the awards given out on September 21, in Bemidji, Minnesota. 

Mark Smith, Executive Director of AGLOW commented on the importance of that agility. 

“We talk about it all the time, we may have ‘writers’ in our name, but our members are content creators of all kinds. We welcome that. We celebrate that. We don’t care if you’re a writer from Michigan or a podcaster from Texas, if you’re doing good work in the outdoor industry, we want you here and we want to recognize you.”

The Hyper XP 405 is built around the narrow diameter HyperFlite arrow. Barnett® is the first crossbow company to improve the “ammo” in the crossbow category by advancing the technology of narrow diameter arrows into the crossbow platform. HyperFlite narrow diameter arrows provide numerous advantages. Deeper penetration, less wind drift, increased durability and engineered to deliver maximum kinetic energy. This is truly a do-it-all crossbow that is maneuverable, powerful, and versatile. 

The Hyper XP 405 features a narrow 10 in. axle to axle profile when cocked, making it super maneuverable in tight quarters. The short, custom composite laminated limbs and Hunter Pro Scaled HPX cams provide plenty of power without added fore-end weight for a more stable shooting platform. The parallel limb configuration, combined with a track-mounted string dampener, significantly reduces recoil and noise during the shot while enhancing accuracy. 

As its name implies, the Hyper XP 405 is built around Barnett’s HyperFlite narrow-diameter arrow technology. Pairing the Hyper XP 405 with 22 in. .204-diameter HyperFlite arrows provides a deadly accurate combination of blistering speed, maximum kinetic energy, and deeper penetration. Increasing the arrow’s 21% FOC and 61% greater ballistic coefficient reduce wind drift and improve downrange accuracy. 

As a result, the Hyper XP 405 sends the small-diameter HyperFlite arrows downrange with incredible speed – up to 405 ft. per second and delivers 138 ft. lbs. of kinetic energy! The Hyper nock increases string-to-nock engagement by 30 percent resulting in increased accuracy, reduced string wear, and no dry fires. The arrows boast a straightness tolerance of +/- .001 inches for supreme accuracy and consistency.

The Hyper XP 405 also features a metal-injected molded trigger and TriggerTech Frictionless Release Technology (a $200 value). This provides a reliable, crisp, 3-pound pull for consistent shots and improved accuracy. An Anti-Dry Fire (ADF) system and a nock sensor ensure the crossbow cannot fire unless the arrow is loaded correctly. Finger safety reminders above the generous pass-through foregrip keep fingers well out of the string path, and an adjustable buttstock allows for a perfect length-of-pull fit so the XP 405 can be fitted for youth, women and men. 

Umarex Airguns is pleased to announce a new multimedia partnership with Brian “Pigman” Quaca.

One of the most entertaining hunting show hosts, Pigman has developed a dedicated following via his long-running TV series and social media.

“We are excited to begin a relationship with the Pigman and look forward to working with him,” Justin Biddle, vice president of marketing, said. “Brian is a dedicated outdoorsman whose passion for hunting is obvious whether you’re watching his TV show or talking to him in person.”

While Quaca is known as “Pigman” his passion for hunting isn’t restricted to feral hogs and javelinas. From whitetails to elk to turkey, he is ready to get after any game animal. 

“The pigs are in trouble when I’ve got a .50-caliber Umarex Hammer in my hand,” Quaca said. “Less than 12 hours after I picked up my new rifle, we pinched our first hog with a Hammer. It dropped that pig quick.”

The SnapSafe® Keypad Vault is a lightweight, durable, quick-access handgun storage solution. It is built with reliability and safety in mind. This safe is perfect for at home or mobile storage of firearms and other valuables.

The Keypad Vault door operates with a four-to-six keypad combination. Users can choose from over 12 million unique access codes. When time is of the essence, oversized buttons deliver fast and precise operation of the keypad. Four AA batteries power the safe, and in the case of emergencies, backup keys guarantee access.

The safes are designed with ultimate security in mind. The 20-gauge gauge steel frame stands out amongst other safe manufacturers. Rarely used, this material is exceptionally strong. Attach the included 1500 lb. rated cable to an anchor point and slide the cable into the designated space as an added security measure. The ingenious safe cable attachment creates a secure connection while maximizing safe storage space. Once open, the interior of the Keypad Vault is covered in a foam lining to protect handguns, electronics, and valuables. Whether used as a mobile safe or secured in a home, SnapSafe Keypad Vault is the definitive solution for handgun safety. 

Keypad Vault Features

Keypad Vault Specifications

Columbia, MO – The conclusion of April brought an excellent finish to MidwayUSA Foundation’s April Online Donation Drive (ODD). This month-long fundraiser encourages the community to support their local youth shooting team by donating online to the team’s MidwayUSA Foundation endowment. This recent ODD brought in over $236,000 for youth shooting teams, making it the Foundation’s most successful donation drive to date. Over 300 teams from across the United States received a qualifying online donation during this fundraising event, and the Foundation collectively awarded an additional $45,000 in awards. The top five teams, and fifteen random teams selected through a drawing, were awarded additional endowment funds. Check out the final tally and see all the winners by visiting MidwayUSA Foundation’s Latest News Blog at midwayusafoundation.org/blog/.

Those funds donated to youth shooting teams in April will also be matched through the MidwayUSA Foundation’s current Matching Program. This year, donations to youth shooting team endowments are matched at a 1:1 per dollar ratio. Matching dollars are allocated the following month for each gift received. For example, if a team received a $100 donation in April, then the Foundation’s Matching Program will add an additional $100 this month (May), making the total contribution to the endowment $200. Learn more about MidwayUSA Foundation’s Matching Program at midwayusafoundation.org/matching-program/.

Every youth shooting team with an endowment at MidwayUSA Foundation has a team page on the MidwayUSA Foundation website (midwayusafoundation.org/find-team-fund-team). These team pages provide overall endowment funding details, team contact information, and a list of donors to that team. Most importantly, every unique page allows donors to donate directly to their favorite youth shooting team. Approximately 2,800 youth shooting teams nationwide have a funded endowment, and this online donation capability.100% of the donation, as well as the match, benefits the team.

The MidwayUSA Foundation is a 501(c)(3) public charity working to sustain and grow youth shooting sports by providing long-term funding to youth shooting teams. Every donation made is tax-deductible and allows the Foundation to assist in expanding and enhancing the leadership skills, confidence, and discipline of today’s youth through shooting sports activities. The Foundation supports all shooting disciplines. For more information about how the MidwayUSA Foundation is changing the future of youth shooting sports, please visit midwayusafoundation.org  or call 1-877-375-4570.

TrueTimber has teamed up with multiple top brands from the outdoor industry for the Fully Loaded Father’s Day Giveaway. Three winners will be randomly selected to win a variety of prizes from TrueTimber®, Remington Ammunition®, Black Rifle Coffee®, SA Consumer Products®, Mossberg®, Silencer Central®, Burris Optic® and Eberlestock®. The giveaway entry period begins today and ends June 18, 2023, at 11:59 p.m. EST.

To enter, use the following link. This page contains giveaway details, entry instructions and the full terms and conditions.

Fully Loaded Father’s Day Giveaway Prize List:

“We want to celebrate Father’s Day by getting dads outdoors and this is one great way to do it,” said TrueTimber CEO Rusty Sellars. “This lineup of prizes is beyond impressive and it’s really exciting to see so many industry leaders come together and offer up so many great options for the dads out there who enjoy living the outdoor lifestyle that so many of us cherish.”

This giveaway is open to continental U.S. residents only and entrants must be age 21 or older. Other restrictions apply. For more information and additional coverage on the giveaway, fans are encouraged to follow the TrueTimber social media pages.

Houston Safari Club Foundation (HSCF) is pleased to announce its quarterly publication, Hunter’s Horn and its weekly radio program and podcast, Hunting Matters, were award winners at the 2023 NYX Marcom awards.  

Hunter’s Horn was named a Silver award winner in both the Design-Magazine Cover category and the Publications-Magazine category. This is the fourth year in a row the publication has been recognized by Marcom. Hunting Matters radio and podcast was named a Silver award winner in the Audio & Podcasts-Nonprofit category. 

NYX Awards is the leading international awards program that recognizes, celebrates, honors excellence in marketing, communication, and creativity across all facets of industries and mediums, to advocate valuable and significant projects. Since its establishment in 2018, NYX Awards has thrived tremendously, receiving thousands of exquisite entries, from more than 60 countries, each year.

“We are honored to be recognized by NYX-Marcom. Congratulations to our podcast producer and co-host, Ramon Robles, and our publishing team including Carla Nielsen, HSCF’s Marketing & Publications Manager, the team at Madavor Media, HSCF’s publishing partner, and the team at Alliance Graphics & Printing for continually producing an incredible publication,” stated Joe Betar, HSCF Executive Director.

The NYX Awards is an internationally acclaimed and prestigious awards program that discovers, celebrate, honor, and recognize the media works in the form of marketing to communication, print to digital as well as creative industries conceived by the most creative minds ranging from large, big-budget firms to independent solo creators. With a diverse selection of numerous category programs such as Marketing & Communication, Design & Print, Digital Media, Video Productions, Broadcast, Non-Broadcast, and many more, IAA wishes to push the boundaries and raise the bar in creativity and innovation in all forms of media.

Forest Conservation Easement Program will support jobs, clean drinking water

Today a coalition of conservation, sportsmen and forest management organizations and companies applauded the introduction of the Forest Conservation Easement Program (FCEP) Act of 2023. The bipartisan legislation will fill a critical gap and help keep private forestland intact and sustainably managed for timber, allowing the lands to continue providing numerous benefits to rural and urban communities.

The legislation was introduced today in the U.S. House by U.S. Representative Trent Kelly, R-Miss., and U.S. Representative Annie Kuster, D-N.H., with the goal of including the legislation in the 2023 Farm Bill.

“I am excited to introduce legislation that creates the Forest Conservation Easement Program. The forest industry employs a large amount of Mississippi’s manufacturing workforce. The FCEP will aid in producing more good-paying manufacturing jobs, supplying wood and fiber for forest products, and protecting wildlife,” U.S. Representative Trent Kelly said.

“New Hampshire is home to some of the most beautiful land in the world — we have a generational responsibility to protect our environment for our children and grandchildren. That starts with preserving our forests,” said U.S. Representative Annie Kuster. “I’m proud to introduce this legislation to keep private forestland intact and encourage responsible stewardship so we can enjoy our forests and preserve our natural resources for years to come.”

VIRGINIA BEACH, VA— May 2023 has served as the official start to a process that began back in 2022 when it was designated by an independent commission that nine Army posts previously commemorating Confederate officers were renamed. Of those nine, iSportsman is proud to serve eight of the newly named Army posts, aiding in the outdoor recreational land management process through their SaaS to help each installation remain compliant with the Sikes Act.

As such the iSportsman portals, the log-in and information gateway for the iSportsman system that allows recreationists on these eight Army posts to access fishing, hunting, and other outdoor activities, have been or will be updated in turn to reflect the new names granted to each installation. The updated iSportsman portals are as follows:

During the name-change process, iSportsman is responsible for updating the portal URL, training area and permit names/titles, map titles and labels and portal logo. The content of the portal pages themselves are the responsibility of the wildlife department directors at each installation. Currently within the business development department, iSportsman is also working to change all historical mentions of these bases to reflect the proper titles. 

There are further planned name change ceremonies in June, September, and October of this year. When appropriate and required, iSportsman will follow suit and announce the new portal URLs for the benefit and convenience of the recreationists who frequent them.

About iSportsman: iSportsman is the leading recreational program management solution in the nation, serving as the enterprise-level provider for the U.S. Army’s and U.S. Air Force’s hunting, fishing and firewood permit sales programs, as well as providing services to the U.S. Marine Corp, Army National Guard, and the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Services. iSportsman has been delivering SaaS and customized solutions to meet the needs of large-scale recreational programs for more than 12 years and currently manages permit sales, access control, reporting and more for more than 10.6 million acres of forest, fields, trails and waterways across the continental United States, Alaska and Hawaii. Visit isportsman.com for more information.  

Whether you’re just beginning to reload or you’re a seasoned veteran, Hornady offers a full line of reloading equipment to suit your needs. Their wide range of presses includes the AP, Classic®, Iron Press®, and 366 Auto®. They are built with tight tolerances capable of delivering consistent, high-quality ammunition. The Hornady Lock-N-Load® system makes changing between dies and calibers lightning fast. The Hornady Handbook of Cartridge Reloading is available in three convenient forms: the Hornady® Reloading App, hardcover book, and electronic book. It features load data for 1,500 combinations and a variety of calibers. The 11th edition includes the latest Hornady bullets, new cartridges, new powders, loading techniques, and ballistic information. 

Hornady offers press accessories to make the job easier. The Custom Grade and Match Grade dies are designed to build repeatable, precision ammunition. The Match Grade dies also incorporate interchangeable neck size bushings to eliminate the chance of oversizing cases. With one of the finest internal finishes in the industry, Hornady Custom Grade and Match Grade Dies provide a lifetime of reloading. They’re so well-crafted that they’re guaranteed never to break or wear out from normal use.

In addition to dies and presses, Hornady offers numerous case prep tools for trimming, cleaning, and drying cases. The Lock-N-Load® Power Case Prep Center is an all-in-one solution to case prep. It features a power case length trimmer, chamfer/deburr tools, large and small pocket primer cleaners, and neck brushes to prep cases for reloading quickly. The Cam Lock Trimmer is a micro-adjustable case trimmer for calibers up to 50 cal. The unique shell holder lock system ensures shell trimming is accurate and repeatable.

Built to the highest standards, Hornady makes reloading tools for all skill levels, from beginner to advanced reloading. Their tools cover all reloading needs, including case prep, precise dies, presses, and press accessories. Every tool comes backed with a lifetime warranty for craftsmanship and material, ensuring users get the most out of the reloading experience.

Founded in 1949, Hornady® Manufacturing Company is a family-owned business headquartered in Grand Island, Nebraska. Proudly manufacturing products that are made in the USA, Hornady® Manufacturing is a world leader in bullet, ammunition, reloading tool, accessory and security product design and manufacturing.

Little is more disheartening than inadvertently dropping a favored pair of sunglasses into a river or lake and helplessly watching style and sun protection sink out of sight. That’s why Hobie® Eyewear created an entire Floating Collection of fishing and outdoor lifestyle sunglasses. 

“I tell everyone that if you haven’t lost a pair of sunglasses to the drink, then you haven’t spent enough time on the water. With our Floating Collection, you have peace of mind that one of your most crucial pieces of equipment will rise to the surface and stay with you on your next adventure,” said Dylan Coates, Marketing Manager for Hobie® Eyewear.

The sunglasses’ floatability stems from our proprietary blend of frame and lens materials. It is important to note that quality nor durability is not sacrificed for affordability and being lightweight. Hobie® Eyewear’s engineering, material choices, and understanding of eyewear allow for the creation of premium sunglasses that are light enough to float and can be sold at a surprising cost, with prices starting at $89.99.

“Like most fishermen or boaters, I’ve left many glasses at the bottom of the lake. Not only does it hurt your wallet, but it’s not great for the environment either, said Stephen Vaughan, Sr. Director of Product Development. 

The Floating Collection prevents lost sunglasses from littering lakes and rivers, aligning with Hobie® Eyewear’s ongoing sustainability efforts. 

Leading enthusiast lifestyle agency, Gunpowder, has added Ozonics to the growing list of outdoor and lifestyle brands it represents. Ozonics, the leader in ozone and oxidation technology for active scent control while hunting, will look to Gunpowder as a comprehensive marketing partner to help lead public relations, creative, digital and social strategy and execution.

Since 2015, Gunpowder has become a prominent agency in the outdoors, working with industry leaders such as SITKA, Pure Fishing, Academy Sports + Outdoors, and THOR Industries among others. The agency’s leadership in the industry and its integrated approach to marketing will help bring awareness to the Ozonics brand and its rich and impressive history, while sharing its products with a wider consumer base of outdoorsmen and women. 

“Our team is always looking for creative ways to push the boundaries to help brands achieve success in this competitive industry,” said Ryan Chuckel, Gunpowder founder and CEO. “Ozonics has built its business on creating a category and challenging the status quo. We look forward to helping shape the next chapter of growth alongside a great group of people.”

Ozonics has been on the forefront of hunting industry innovation since 2007 as the only brand to offer in-the-field scent elimination ozone generators. The company has built a trusted reputation for providing hunters with industry leading ozone tools to increase overall success in the woods. After a successful launch of the HR500 model in 2022, and with a detailed plan to release revolutionary products and features within ozone technology, the brand is equipped for significant growth throughout the coming years. 

“In choosing Gunpowder as our strategic marketing partner, we are continuing on a path of success and growth that we are thrilled to see the results of,” said Ozonics CEO and founder Scott Elrod. “Their experience and industry reputation make them a perfect fit for our company and we believe that this partnership will clearly underscore our position as a leader in ozone technology.”

The National Deer Association’s Public Lands Conservation Initiative has received a significant boost in the form of a $200,000 grant from the Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s Outdoor Fund. The Fund has now contributed a total of $350,000 to the effort, which NDA launched in 2021 and which is ahead of pace to reach the goal of improving 1 million acres of public hunting land by 2026.

“We are incredibly appreciative of the generous support of Johnny Morris and the Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s Outdoor Fund, which will help us accomplish important work on the ground for deer and hunters,” said Nick Pinizzotto, President and CEO of NDA. “The Fund and the organizations it has helped over the years have had immeasurable positive impacts on fish and wildlife conservation, and we’re proud to be part of it.”

NDA’s initiative – entitled Improving Access, Habitat and Deer Hunting on Public Lands – addresses landscape-level access and forest health issues nationally. By the end of 2022, NDA and our conservation partners, including the Outdoor Fund, had invested $2,164,206 into the initiative. In addition, NDA matched $335,000 in funding against the original $150,000 Outdoor Fund grant, as well as secured an additional $1.5 million in federal funding through stewardship agreements and appropriated funds, creating a total funding leverage of 12-to-1 for conservation.

By the end of 2022, NDA had initiated access and forest health projects in six states, on six National Forests in three U.S. Forest Service (USFS) Regions, ultimately improving 316,218 acres of public land.

“Thanks to the visionary leadership of our founder Johnny Morris, alongside the generous support of passionate customers, we are incredibly proud to partner with NDA to continue investing in the deer habitats on our public lands,” said Bob Ziehmer, Bass Pro Shops Senior Director of Conservation. “Bass Pro Shops is committed to protecting the rich American heritage of spending time in the woods with our families.”

Bodie Turner continues his winning ways, storming to the top of the podium and riding the legendary Redding Elk in one of America’s most prestigious events—the Western Classic Trail Shoot in Redding, California.  This latest title for Turner adds to his winning résumé as he sent a final X10 arrow confidently downrange to take his first win in this prestigious event. The X10 shaft is known for dominance in Olympic recurve archery but has also been utilized by the world’s best compound competitors for the same precision, ballistic efficiency, and unmatched outdoor scoring ability.

Easton has a complete line of arrows for all types of competitive archery.  See the lineup at your local archery dealer or visit www.eastonarchery.com

Providing leadership, coordination, and support for R3 programs on a national level

Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever are proud to announce the hiring of Ashley Chance as the organization’s hunting heritage program manager. In her new role, Chance will focus on leadership, coordination, and support of nationwide programs to recruit, retain & reactivate (R3) hunting conservationists through strategic, outcome-based initiatives.

“Ashley has worked in wildlife conservation for more than a decade and understands the value that a vibrant hunting community plays in making sure nature remains relevant in a technological society,” said Colby Kerber, Pheasants Forever’s director of conservation education programs. “Her passion for the uplands and America’s hunting heritage was evident throughout the interview process. I’m confident she will build upon our existing Path to the Uplands initiatives to continue elevating Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever as a national leader in the space of hunting heritage.”

Prior to joining Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever, Chance honed her skills in the R3 realm as the Artemis southeast regional coordinator for the National Wildlife Federation. In that position, she recruited, trained, and managed volunteers across the country to host conservation, hunting, and angling programs for sportswomen on private and public lands. She formerly worked as an agricultural livelihood specialist in Ghana-West Africa with the U.S. Peace Corps, focused on community building via sustainable working lands and bolstering native species. She holds a bachelor’s degree in wildlife ecology research and management from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, and an M.S. in wildlife, fisheries, and aquaculture from Mississippi State University.

Chance will manage all of Pheasant Forever and Quail Forever’s hunting heritage programs, including Learn to Hunt and Learn to Shoot events, as well as the Hunter Mentor Pledge — a partnership between Pheasants Forever and ALPS OutdoorZ that works to educate, advocate, and inspire hunters from all walks of life to create responsible future conservation advocates. All these programs are designed to help youth and adults interested in hunting do it responsibly. By connecting the dots of conservation, ethics, and hunter engagement, Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever’s authentic experiences provide opportunities focused on quality events with relevant outcomes.

For a limited time, Easton is offering a great deal on the industry’s flagship hunting arrow—the 4mm and 5mm FMJshaft line.  FMJ arrows and shafts are made in Easton’s Utah factory. The FMJ shafts are made with an advanced carbon core foundation for lightweight strength.  A full metal jacket adds kinetic energy, enhances accuracy, and offers easier pull from targets.  The combination of both materials provides more pass-through impacts for quicker kills and better blood trails. 

Easton’s FMJ rebate runs now through October 15th. See the complete details of this offer at www.eastonarchery.com/rebate

EDGEFIELD, S.C. — Over the first weekend in May, the NWTF South Dakota and Montana state chapters held their annual NWTF Camp Crook Youth Turkey Hunt.

The event welcomed four young hunters, ages 12 to 17, who had completed their hunter safety course but had never hunted turkey before. The annual youth hunt has occurred for the last eight years and has become a highly anticipated event for the community, which is enthusiastic to aid in its organization.

Located approximately 1 mile inside the western border of South Dakota, Camp Crook serves as a meeting point for ranching families from both South Dakota and Montana. The youth hunt was carried out on both public and private lands, as several landowners in the vicinity generously allowed the use of their property for the hunt.

The activities for the NWTF Camp Crook Youth Turkey Hunt began on May 5, with the kids arriving in the afternoon for a safety briefing, as well as a presentation on turkey biology, behavior and hunting techniques. Afterward, the young hunters were paired with their guide and embarked on their late afternoon hunt and to roost birds for the following morning.

The following day, the young hunters went on their first morning turkey hunt accompanied by their guides. After returning to camp, the local 4H youth shooting program organized a lunch for the kids, their parents and the guides. “We are very grateful for the 4H support, which involves helping to sign up and select the youth hunters and putting together the lunchtime meal and a breakfast bag for everyone,” NWTF District Biologist Collin Smith said.

BELLEVUE, WA – The Second Amendment Foundation has filed a federal lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of SB1, a bill signed by Gov. Wesley Moore, which has added new restrictions on where legally-licensed citizens may carry firearms for personal protection. 

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

Named as defendants are Gov. Moore, Harford County State’s Attorney Alison M. Healey, Baltimore County State’s Attorney Scott D. Schellenberger, Baltimore City State’s Attorney Ivan J. Bates, Frederick County State’s Attorney J. Charles Smith III, Maryland State Police Supt. Col. Roland L. Butler, Jr., Transportation Secretary Paul J. Wiedefeld and Natural Resources Secretary Joshua Kurtz, in their official capacities.

“SB1 was enacted in response to the Supreme Court’s ruling in New York State Rifle & Pistol Association v. Bruen last year,” said SAF founder and Executive Vice President Alan M. Gottlieb. “Instead of trying to comply with the new guidelines set down in that decision, Maryland lawmakers scrambled to make gun laws more restrictive than they were before. Indeed, the additional restrictions make it nearly impossible to legally carry firearms for personal protection, even on public land. This is government regulation at its worst.”

“There is no well-established, representative historical analogue for the carry prohibitions included in SB1,” added SAF Executive Director Adam Kraut, “which appears to be in direct conflict with the Supreme Court’s directive set forth in Bruen. The new law bans permitted carrying in facilities where alcohol is served, in health care facilities, and even in museums. These restrictions are facially unconstitutional under the Second Amendment, forcing us to take this action in court.”

Coalition Releases Comprehensive Recommendations for Farm Bill Reauthorization to Protect and Improve U.S. Forests and Rural Landowners’ Quality of Life

EDGEFIELD, S.C. — Forests in the Farm Bill (FIFB), a coalition of more than 70 forestry and conservation organizations, released today a set of recommendations focused on improving the forest-related sections of the upcoming Farm Bill. The coalition urges legislators to strengthen the Farm Bill’s ability to protect the health and wellbeing of U.S. forests while supporting rural American communities.  

“Rural landowners hold enormous potential to improve the health and wellbeing of our country’s forests – and the FIFB coalition’s recommendations will help realize that potential,” said Rita Hite, president and CEO of the American Forest Foundation. “By accepting the Coalition’s recommendations, Congress will remove the financial and administrative barriers that often stop landowners from realizing their full conservation potential and open the doors of opportunity for rural communities, provide more funding for meaningful forest conservation, and a stronger stance in climate resilience.”  

Farm Bill programs provide resources and information to support federal, state, local, Tribal, and private forest owners. Improving these programs will better enable critical forest management practices that reduce risk and increase resilience to wildfire, protect water supplies, improve wildlife habitat, and support forest products and environmental markets to bolster rural economies. 

“Forests are our nation’s greatest renewable resource. They generate economic opportunity, mitigate key factors in climate change, provide critical ecosystems to support biodiversity and improve human health. Removing barriers inherent in the Farm Bill’s existing language, like the need to consider arbitrary ‘ownership’ boundaries when orchestrating crucial wildfire mitigation efforts, is a critical step in the right direction. When it comes to the major threats facing our forests – wildfire, pests, disease – boundaries don’t matter. These things easily spread across ‘ownerships’ to lay waste to even the healthiest of landscapes,” said Jay Farrell, Executive Director of the National Association of State Foresters. “The thoroughly researched, focused recommendations our coalition has delivered to Congress highlight key opportunities to fortify the Farm Bill so that it more closely resembles the resource our nation’s forests deserve.”