Hunting and Fishing News Blog Articles

Rails-to-Trails Conservancy reports hundreds of organizations and thousands of people took to the trails on Celebrate Trails Day, illustrating the shared role of infrastructure, programming and investment in encouraging people to be active.

WASHINGTON—Rails-to-Trails Conservancy (RTC), the nation’s largest trails and active-transportation advocacy organization, today announced results from its latest survey of outdoor trail use and physical activity. The findings illustrate the role that access to safe places to walk, bike and be active outside, such as multiuse trails, serves in encouraging Americans to be more physically active, especially when paired with events and activities—and alongside investments to connect and maintain this infrastructure.

Celebrate Trails Day, which the organization facilitates annually on the fourth Saturday of April, invited thousands of people across the country to get outside on trails in their community for events and activities that encouraged physical activity, stewardship, community engagement and opportunities to swap out a routine car trip for a walk or a bike ride, helping to lower their individual carbon footprint. Many of the more than 120 events that took place aligned with emerging trail and active transportation networks across the country, creating an opportunity for communities to learn more about the infrastructure developments and to experience the benefits of creating connected trail and active transportation systems.

“Events like Celebrate Trails Day showcase the impact of safe, connected walking and biking infrastructure while serving as a call to action, encouraging more people to discover the trails in their community and become part of the movement to prioritize this infrastructure as essential to the nation,” said Ryan Chao, president of RTC. “When trails are connected, their benefits are magnified—use increases by as much as 80% and they become fundamental to people’s everyday lives, whether that’s for recreation, transportation or as way to build deeper connections in the community.” 

RTC reported that more than 13,000 people participated in  Celebrate Trails Day on April 22, 2023, and that those who did spent an average of 96 minutes being physically active outside on the trail. The time spent on the trail was 20 minutes more than they report being active on a typical day. In total, participants in Celebrate Trails Day logged more than 1.3 million minutes of physical activity. This underscores the impact of park, trail and greenway infrastructure interventions—combined with additional interventions, such as events and programming in these spaces—to increase awareness, enhance access and encourage participation as outlined in recommendations by the Community Preventive Services Task Force to increase physical activity.

It’s been a long winter, but spring is finally here – and with it, some of the best panfish action of the year. As panfish like crappie and bluegill move into the shallows to spawn, they are eager to bite, making them the perfect target for both novice and experienced anglers, who still remember the fun, excitement – and tasty eating! — of panfishing with their parents.

Not only are they aggressive biters and tough fighters, but crappie and bluegill are also some of the tastiest freshwater fish found in all North America. For a scrumptious and healthy way to fry up those tender fillets, don’t go old school and bread them before frying. Instead, try marinating them in Hi Mountain Seasonings’ delicious Soy Ginger Marinade. This mouthwatering combination of soy and ginger will bring out the natural flavors of your fish and take it to a new level of deliciousness. A 37 gram (1.3 oz.) packet of Hi Mountain Seasonings Soy Ginger Marinade will marinate approximately 2 lbs. of panfish fillets and has a suggested retail price of just $3.99. As an added bonus, this same marinade is also perfect for marinating garden vegetables, as well as other fish fillets and cuts of meat.

The Soy Ginger Fried Panfish recipe below is taken directly off the Hi Mountain Seasonings’ website, www.himtnjerky.com, where you can find dozens of other free recipes for wild game, fish, weekend meals, quick and easy weekday dinners, breakfasts and side dishes, as well as tips and techniques for smoking and brining, sausage and jerky making, and much more. Hi Mountain Seasonings Soy Ginger Marinade can be purchased directly from the website, as well as retailers nationwide.

Soy Ginger Fried Panfish recipe (makes approximately 4 servings)

Ingredients:
2 lbs. skinned and filleted panfish
4 tbs. Hi Mountain Seasonings Soy Ginger Marinade
8 tbs. olive oil
2 tbs. white vinegar
Cooking oil for frying the fish

EDGEFIELD, S.C.—While the NWTF celebrates 50 years of mission delivery, the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department is celebrating its 50th year of wild turkey hunting. The coinciding anniversaries shed light on how far the wild turkey has come – both across the nation and in Vermont – in just 50 years. It also underscores the productive partnership the NWTF and the department have forged over the decades to ensure wild turkeys continue to thrive while also introducing new hunters to the spring season and conservation.

Wild turkeys originally were found in the southern two-thirds of Vermont, until the mid-1800s when Vermont’s forested area was reduced to an estimated 25%, ultimately eliminating the wild turkey from the landscape.  

In 1968, Vermont’s wild turkey restoration program started when the VFWD determined that forests across the state had bounced back enough to support wild turkeys again. But with no turkeys, the department had to start from scratch. 

John Hall, a VFWD information specialist at the time, helped release the first translocated birds from southwestern New York in 1969. Fifty-four years later, Hall still works for the department in a part-time role and reflects nostalgically on his diary entries that chronicle working with Bill Drake, VFWD’s first wild turkey biologist, and the first few translocation efforts in the state. 

“Feb. 28, 1969, Bill met me in West Pawlet [southwestern Vermont] with two gobblers that he had canon-netted the day before, so those were the first two birds we released that afternoon around 2 o’clock,” he said. “And then on March 4, I went back down there again and met Bill, and we put out five turkey hens in the same location.”

GOOD PICKS FOR A GOOD TRIP

Spring is in the air. As the world greens up and birds return, our thoughts turn to fresh air and far-flung destinations. Now, while the camping season is still young, is the best time to make sure we’ll have everything we need. 

Since space is often at a premium, tools that serve multiple functions are a real asset. One such tool is the Survival Camp Shovel from Smith’s Consumer Products. It can be used for ordinary shoveling chores like digging temporary fire pits, making catholes, and burying food waste where necessary. 

In addition to its spade end, it also has a pick for penetrating harder soils. Integrated teeth enable it to act as an improved saw, and the adjacent hook can be used to cut rope. When you’re finished, the Survival Camp Shovel folds neatly and fits into a hand-sized carrying case, easily stowable with built-in pouches for other small items. 

On a campout, life usually revolves around the campfire, whether for fun or cooking, or both. Making that fire and keeping it going is a lot of work and requires having the right tools on hand. 

EDGEFIELD, S.C.—With many states across the country experiencing a decline in wild turkey populations, the NWTF and state agencies are deeply invested in better understanding what is happening to America’s favorite game bird.

And this is especially true in Tennessee and Kentucky, where the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency, Kentucky Department of Fisheries and Wildlife Resources, Tennessee Tech University and the NWTF are engaged in a collaborative, multi-state research project.

The Tennessee-Kentucky collaborative banding project is in the second year of its four-year duration and is one year closer to better understanding harvest and survival information that may be impacting populations. 

The banding project seeks to gather data that will lead to a better understanding of the biological (i.e., mating phenology or timing), landscape (i.e., habitat quality) and regulatory factors (i.e., season timing, bag limits) that influence male harvest and survival rates across Tennessee and Kentucky.

Harvest rates can influence populations in two ways: one, the direct removal of juvenile and adult gobblers and, two, the removal of dominant males from the population.

BHA continues fight for public waters access in the Centennial State 

DENVER, Colo. – As the Colorado Supreme Court takes up consideration of Hill v. Warsewa, a lawsuit that has the potential to drastically change public access to the state’s waters, Backcountry Hunters & Anglers is continuing to fight for the interests of public lands hunters, anglers and others who rely on our shared lands and waters in the Centennial State.  

The proceedings unfolding now in the state supreme court are the latest step in plaintiff Roger Hill’s battle to rightfully access his favorite fishing hole in a case that by extension could provide clarity to the public’s right to access the state’s navigable waterways.  

BHA and two of its partners, American Whitewater and the Colorado River Outfitters Association, have filed an amicus brief in the case. The brief argues that without Hill’s case proceeding, Colorado will fail to do what other Western states have already done: actually engage with the question of navigability and open and sustain access opportunities to the public.  

Don Holmstrom, a Colorado BHA member, has been coordinating the chapter’s response to this important public access case and is attending the court proceedings.   

Houston Safari Club Foundation (HSCF) and “Hunting Matters” welcomes SilencerCo Director of Business Development, Chase Glenn. 

Chase Glenn is the Director of Business Development for SilencerCo and has been with the company for two years. He oversees all of SilencerCo’s strategic relationships, brand representation, and development of new Licensing and OEM opportunities. 

Prior to SilencerCo, Chase spent 15 years in the healthcare industry overseeing program expansion, strategic planning, referral relations, and executive-level mergers and acquisitions. He also oversaw the creation of one of the first nationally recognized and accredited private healthcare facilities to accept VA benefits for Veterans suffering from mental health and substance abuse diagnoses.

The SilencerCo Brand. Since our birth in 2008, our dedication to authenticity and innovation has never wavered. Today, we continue to focus on exceptional customer service and industry-leading products; products that are crafted by people with the utmost dedication to our industry. We are hunters, shooters, and gun enthusiasts, just like you. Our mission is to bring you products that will enhance your shooting experience. SilencerCo manufactures suppressors for hunting, home defense, long range and tactical uses.

About Hunting Matters
Tune in to “Hunting Matters” with Houston Safari Club Foundation Executive Director Joe Betar as he engages in conversations with guests, from various backgrounds, who have a passion for hunting and conservation. Great discussions, news, hunting legislation updates and more! “Hunting Matters” airs each Saturday, 6am-7am CDT on KPRC AM 950 – Real Texas, Real Talk, a Houston iHeartMedia station, and Houston’s longest running radio station. “Hunting Matters” is also available via podcast on Apple/iTunes, iHeartMedia, Google, Overcast, PodBean and Spreaker. Subscribe, listen, rate and review. Hunting Matters is the recipient of a 2022 Gold AVA Digital award, a 2022 NYX/Marcom Silver award, a 2022 MARCOM Gold award and a 2022 Gold Davey Award. 

Hornady makes reloading quick and easy with the Lock-N-Load® AP (Auto-Progressive) system. Set up the Hornady Lock-N-Load AP (Auto-Progressive) system and calibrate it for the shooter’s specific load, then start filling the ammo cans quickly and reliably. This professional grade system helps let shooters reload hundreds of rounds per hour.

This automatic indexing, 5-station progressive press features Hornady patented Lock-N-Load bushing system. Dies lock in place with a twist, secured by six locking lugs. To change calibers, twist the die counterclockwise, remove it, and insert the next preset Lock-N-Load die and bushing. Because they remain set in their Lock-N-Load bushings, the dies remain as set – in perfect, solid alignment.

Pull once, and the shell plate delivers five cases upward to their respective position in the process. The auto-indexing function moves the plate half a stage on the down stroke and half on the up stroke, making for ultra-smooth functioning compared to other presses that do all their indexing on the down stroke. Every pull of the handle delivers precise measures of powder, bullet seating, priming, and ejection, resulting in a perfectly loaded cartridge.  

Experienced reloaders will feel the difference the first time they use the Hornady Lock-N-Load AP. The unit’s Power-Pac Linkage System multiplies and accelerates leverage, giving reloaders more power with less effort, letting you smoothly reload without arm fatigue. 

The 29-pound unit mounts quickly and securely to a favorite level bench with two 5/16-inch bolts. All reloaders need to begin are dies and shell plates. The quick-change bushing system allows easy transitions. Go from loading .223 Rem. to .45s in fewer than five minutes. A case-activated powder drop dispenses measured powder charge only when a cartridge case is present. The Lock-N-Load powder measure uses quick-change metering inserts that allow reloaders to switch from one powder to another with the push of a button. Add one to each die set for the ultimate in quick changeovers. Changing from large to small primers is similarly straightforward. Swap out the primer seater punch, the primer shuttle, and the feed tube.

Built to be rugged and dependable, the Stinger RS handgun by Bond Arms® makes everyday carry a breeze. This double-barrel handgun is constructed from quality stainless steel for unmatched durability. The Stinger RS is paired with sturdy nylon grips providing a positive grip that’s no-nonsense for carrying, and rubber grips for comfort and trigger time at the range. The new, much thinner design compared to its predecessor in the Stinger makes this stainless steel version better for concealed carry. Wherever you carry this handgun, you’ll have comfort and security at your side.

Weighing in at a mere 16 oz in overall weight, Bond Arms developed the Stinger RS to be light enough for everyday carry while retaining the fit and finish for which Bond Arms is famous. This pistol provides plenty of firepower while keeping the recoil manageable for shooting ability in a lightweight firearm and is offered in 9mm, .380 ACP and .38 Special.

Safety features include a cross-bolt safety, a rebounding hammer, and retracting firing pins. The Stinger is a comfortable and functional handgun that gun enthusiasts at all levels of experience can appreciate. The carrying feel is upgraded with a slimmer frame than the original Stinger from Bond Arms. 

Whether it’s a corrosive salt spray on the coast, hard days working in nature’s roughest elements, or simply plinking at the range, the stainless steel Stinger RS is tough enough for the job and slim enough to be comfortably at your side anywhere. If handgun collectors are looking for a durable, lightweight and comfortable EDC double-barrel handgun that packs a punch, the Stinger RS will end their search.

Stinger RS Features:

New for 2023, HatsanUSA® highlights the big brother to the Factor RC with the Factor BP. This highly customizable, pre-charged, pneumatic, bullpup airgun is available in 2 popular big bore calibers – .30 and .35. 

Among its many features, is the adjustable soft rubber pistol grip that is textured to provide maximum grip and control. The 5-position telescoping buttstock also features an elevation adjustable cheek rest that can be moved in 5 mm increments up to 40 mm tall or removed for low-profile optics. Hatsan’s famous fully-adjustable Quattro Trigger includes a trigger pad that can be moved vertically and rotated left or right for maximum precision and comfort. 

The Factor BP’s power output is highly adjustable, featuring an externally adjustable pressure regulator with an output pressure gauge and an externally adjustable hammer preload adjuster helps fine-tune power output and cocking effort. The Factor BP features a removable 580 cc carbon fiber air tank and is also equipped with a Foster-style quick-disconnect fill inlet. An integrated, color-coded manometer allows the system pressure to be easily monitored.

The 32 in. long precision rifled barrel will ensure accuracy, while Hatsan’s QuietEnergy technology, full-length barrel shroud, will reduce noise output. A standard ½ in. UNF threaded muzzle piece is included to allow a larger sound moderator or air stripper to be added without modifications. Two high-capacity SwingLoad magazines (that can be linked together to facilitate faster mag changes) and a single-shot tray for precision loading are included to round out the Factor BP’s features. A picatinny rail is installed beneath the forearm, along with a combination picatinny and 11 mm dovetail rail that accepts a wide range of optic mounts.

These premium features add another level of precision and consistency that can place over 25 shots on target from a single fill and come in a package that weighs just 9 lbs. The Factor BP provides ultimate power, performance, customization, and competition.

Following the announcement of the company’s plans to construct a second facility in Liberty, South Carolina, FN America, LLC, U.S. subsidiary of FN Herstal, S.A., a global firearms manufacturer, is pleased to share that an $18 million expansion of its Columbia, South Carolina facility will occur later this year with an expected completion in the first half of 2024.  

This plan will add more than 40,000-square-feet of manufacturing capacity and office space as well as create a Design Center of Excellence geared toward enhancing the company’s research and development for new products. The expansion will add 102 new positions to the company’s existing workforce and will allow the company to meet the ever-increasing demand for FN products.

“The record growth that our company has had these last several years has enabled us to invest in our  South Carolina manufacturing footprint with our soon-to-be new facility in Liberty and now the expansion of our Columbia facility,” said Mark Cherpes, President and CEO for FN America, LLC. “We were established in Richland County more than 40 years ago to manufacture small arms for the U.S. Army, and we are proud to expand our capacity to support that sector of our business.”

For more than 40 years, FN’s production facility has been located in Richland County, South Carolina and has produced more than 1 million small arms under contract to the U.S. Department of Defense. The company was originally established in the United States in 1979 and opened its doors in 1981 to produce the M240 medium machine gun, a variant of the FN MAG-58, under contract to the U.S. Army.

Currently, FN America employs more than 600 individuals to produce firearms, accessories and other adjacent products for the U.S. military, law enforcement agencies as well as consumers. The company has produced the M4A1, M16A4, M249 light machine gun, M240 medium machine gun and FN SCAR under contract for the U.S. military as well as the FN 509 striker-fired pistol line used by U.S. law enforcement agencies like the Los Angeles Police Department and individual officers nationwide.

Due to venue issues, two of the Civilian Marksmanship Program’s (CMP) Junior Rifle Camps planned for Annapolis, Md., in July have been cancelled. The camps were set to take place July 18-20 (Advanced Standing Camp) and July 24-27 (3P Camp).

To supplement the withdrawn camps, the CMP has acquired a new location during the same dates – the Virginia Military Institute in Lexington, Va. – where an Advanced Standing and a three-position (3P) camp will be held. A total of 18 spots will be available for each camp. Additionally, the CMP has included a bonus 3P Air Camp from May 30 to June 2 at the Judy Legerski CMP Competition Center in Anniston, Ala.

Those who have already paid and registered for the Maryland camp will be fully refunded, unless wishing to attend the supplemental camp in Lexington, Va. Since the new venue offers less firing points than the Maryland location, registration will be conducted on a first come, first served basis.

Questions on the date changes may be directed to CMP camp director, Ryan Hinson, at [email protected]. If you’d like to change over your registration to one of the new camps, contact CMP’s Alana Kelly at [email protected].

About CMP Junior Rifle Camps:

Hoppes Named Best Gun Cleaning Product by Shooting Sports Retailer, Tactical Retailer and Predator Xtreme Readership

Hoppe’s®, the No.1 name in gun care products, has been awarded three Readers’ Choice 2022 Gold Awards in the Gun Cleaning Products category by the readers of Shooting Sports Retailer®, Tactical Retailer® and Predator Xtreme® magazines. A predominant favorite by readers across all three publications, Hoppe’s has now won the prestigious award three years in a row.

“I think anyone who owns a firearm knows the smell of Hoppe’s,” said Derrick Nawrocki, Publisher of Shooting Sports Retailer, Tactical Retailer and Predator Xtreme. “Once again, Hoppe’s has been voted the best in the Gun Cleaning Products category, and is still the undisputed, unbeaten Gold winner. These wins make it 3 years in a row for both Shooting Sports Retailer and Tactical Retailer.”

Since its inception 120 years ago, the Hoppe’s brand has been synonymous with high quality gun care products. Today, the brand remains the most trusted name in gun care as it continues to make gun cleaning and maintenance a simple and straightforward process. From the ever popular and versatile Hoppe’s No.9 Bore Cleaner to the quick and easy BoreSnake, Hoppe’s has been the preferred choice of shooters, hunters and soldiers for decades.  

Voting for the Readers’ Choice Awards is conducted via an online submission system. Thousands of ballots are submitted by readers for various product categories and brands. The votes are then tallied to determine the 2022 Readers’ Choice winners. The readers of all three publications have used these awards to voice what brands they believe belong on the top shelf, giving insight into the products both retailers and consumers believe are the strongest.

The hunt for the most versatile 2-12×44 riflescope is over! Riton Optics is excited to introduce the all-new 5 PRIMAL 2-12×44 to its feature-packed lineup of riflescopes. Designed for both hunting and tactical applications, Riton Optics has cracked the code for compact versatility.

At the heart of the 5 PRIMAL 2-12×44 is Riton Optics’ fully multi-coated HD glass for superior edge-to-edge clarity, light transmission and exceptional field-of-view throughout the magnification range. Housed in a rugged 30mm 6061-T6 Aircraft Grade Aluminum main body tube that is waterproof, shockproof and fog proof, this riflescope is designed and built to withstand the harshest environments and conditions that a hunter or shooter may encounter.

Windage and elevation adjustments on the 5 PRIMAL 2-12×44 are made with tactile, low-profile turrets that offer 1/4 MOA adjustments. Sturdy, machined aluminum turret caps ensure extreme durability and confidence under just about any environment.

The Riton Precision Hunting Dot (PHD) reticle and second focal plane optical design in the 5 PRIMAL 2-12×44 provide hunters and shooters a precise aiming center dot, as well as holdover and wind-hold references for quick target acquisition and accuracy when the shot counts. Additionally, hunters can utilize the PHD reticle for estimating the range of deer-size animals while at 12x magnification by utilizing the Riton Ranging Chart online.

As with every magnified optic from Riton Optics, the 5 PRIMAL 2-12×44 is also backed by a Limited Lifetime Warranty and the Riton Promise, providing users with a lifetime of confidence in the field.

EDGEFIELD, S.C. — Both the New Hampshire Senate and House of Representatives recognized the NWTF with resolutions acknowledging the conservation organization’s 50 years of mission delivery and its impact across the country and in the Granite State. Similarly, New Hampshire Gov. Christopher Sununu signed a commendation praising the NWTF’s mission to conserve the wild turkey and preserve North America’s Hunting Heritage.

“To be recognized by the New Hampshire House, Senate and our governor is an absolute honor,” said Peter Toepfer, NWTF New Hampshire State Chapter president. “The work of the NWTF would not be possible without the expertise of its staff and its countless volunteers across the country who dedicated their lives to delivering the mission. And while we do not do this for recognition, it is humbling to be recognized for our efforts, and it gets us excited to continue to deliver our mission throughout the state for the decades to come.”

The verbiage for the resolution and proclamations are similar. The Senate resolution, in part, reads:

“… Whereas, the National Wild Turkey Federation, its members and chapters have invested more than half a billion dollars to conserve or enhance more than 22 million acres of critical wildlife habitat, forest and grasslands across public and private lands since 1985 and has invested more than $8.5 million in research throughout North America to ensure healthy wild turkey populations will continue to exist into the future; and …

“Now therefore, the New Hampshire Senate would like to recognize and celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the National Wild Turkey Federation and salutes the organization, its members and chapters from across the United States for their tremendous efforts to further the state-led wildlife management and conservation efforts and their continued efforts and dedicated passion for conversation.”

Lumberton, Texas— The 3rd Annual Provost Umphrey Get Youth Outdoors Day, held April 29 at the 1-in-100 Gun Club near Lumberton drew a record attendance of 83 youths from the area who came to learn about firearms safety, shooting sports, archery, fishing and conservation. 

A cooperative effort between the Union Sportsmen’s Alliance (USA), national partner Provost Umphrey Law Firm and local union members, the free community event, designed to provide hands-on outdoor experiences for kids aged 9-16, followed on the heels of the USA’s 2nd Annual Provost Umphrey Texas State Sporting Clays Shoot the day prior. 

“Our goal in sponsoring the Get Youth Outdoors Day is to teach young people about gun safety and responsibility,” said Provost Umphrey Managing Partner Joe Fisher, “as well as offer them a chance to enjoy the outdoors by engaging in a few of the many activities it offers. For some, it was the first time they’d ever held a shotgun or fishing rod in their hands.” 

Coaches and shooters from the Jefferson County 4-H Sporting Clays Club led the young participants through a firearms safety instruction session. Then, union volunteers from Roofers International and UA Local 68 as well as members of Provost Umphrey Law Firm helped them learn to break clay targets at the sporting clays stations and hit the bullseye on the archery range. At the club’s on-site pond, children learned casting and fishing techniques while catching bass, bluegills and catfish that had been especially stocked for the event. 

“The Roofers and I have been involved in Get Youth Outdoors days for 11 years,” said Kinsey Robinson, president emeritus of the United Union of Roofers, Waterproofers and Allied Workers, “and this was the best run event I’ve ever seen. Provost Umphrey must be commended for their efforts in organizing and promoting such a special occasion; the facility is wonderful and the support they received from their employees and union volunteers was phenomenal. 

ALL NEW FOR 2023, HAWKE ADDS THREE MODELS OF MONOTUBE PRISM SIGHTS TO PRODUCT LINEUP

Hawke® Optics, a worldwide leader in quality sporting optics that perform outstanding in the field while maintaining optimum value for the consumer, introduces three models of monotube Prism Sights with digital control. These new models enhance Hawke’s expanding lineup of high-quality, crisp, clear, and durable optics.

Hawke’s new Prism Sights includes a 1×15 model featuring the Speed Dot reticle with center dot and horseshoe. The 4×24 and 6×36 models feature a Bullet Drop Compensating (BDC) reticle designed for 5.56 NATO ammunition. Supplied with a low-profile mount and a lower 1/3 co-witness mount, these sights are designed for AR pattern rifles.

With 10-stage digital brightness control, exposed 1 MOA click turrets, and an auto shut off and shake awake feature, the allnew Prism Sights from Hawke are ideal for use on ARs, hunting rifles, and pistols. Like all Hawke scopes, the Prism Sights are nitrogen-purged, shock-, water-, and fog-proof, and are all caliber rated. The sights are constructed out of high-quality aluminum, which means they can easily withstand recoil and in-the-field use. All of Hawke’s scopes are built with standards of extreme durability, so from your .17 HMR to your .50 BMG, you won’t have to question if your optic will stand up to the test.

Hawke’s new Prism Sights feature a quick focus diopter and digital brightness controls. They are parallax error free from 10 yards. The red illuminated Speed Dot reticle in the 1×15 model offers unrivaled accuracy for pinpoint shot placement and fast paced target acquisition scenarios. The 4×24 and 6×35 models boast additional holdover aimpoints for the popular 5.56 NATO ammunition out to 600 yards. The 4x and 6x models are supplied with Honeycomb sunshades, while all models are supplied with rubber lens covers for glass protection. At an MSRP of under $300, the new Prism Sights Hawke has to offer in 2023 should be on your must have list!

LandTrust Connects Landowners with Outdoor Recreationists

Among the 77 Nebraska listings covering 260,000 acres available to book for recreational opportunities on the LandTrust website, Henry Beel’s family ranch near Ainsworth has been earning additional income since the spring of 2021.

Dubbed “the Airbnb for Outdoor Recreationists,” LandTrust is an online marketplace that allows landowners to connect directly with outdoor enthusiasts, providing opportunities to recreate on their property and allowing them to generate additional passive income. Landowners can host experiences like hunting, bird watching, farm tours, RV stays and more, with complete control over every booking.

“At LandTrust, we believe the future of working lands is dependent on a portfolio of income from agricultural production, conservation and recreational opportunities,” said Nic De Castro, Founder and CEO of LandTrust. “We help landowners tap into the income potential of those recreational opportunities and at the same time open up millions of acres of private land for outdoor enthusiasts to have new experiences and create lasting memories.”

Recreational opportunities on the 900-acre Beel ranch include deer hunting, turkey hunting, coyote hunting and bird watching. Beel’s family is extremely focused on keeping animal populations healthy and appreciates the control they have with LandTrust, which allows them to turn bookings on and off as populations fluctuate.

Huk performance fishing gear is committed to designing clothing for the hardcore angler, and no angler resembles that commitment more than Luke Palmer. With a phenomenal four-day total of 96 lbs and 14 oz on Santee Cooper Lakes, Palmer weighed in a dominant Sunday total of 25 lbs and 15 oz to slam the door on the field and take home his first blue trophy.

“I’ve been waiting a long time to hear you say that,” Palmer told Bassmaster Emcee Dave Mercer after his ‘Elite Series Champion’ announcement. “I was so close to doing it last year, to finally get it done — I wanted to break 100 pounds, but I’ll take 96-14.” Palmer’s eyes were set even higher than his incredible tournament total, even though his winning margin was sixth all time in Bassmaster history.

“This is special,” said Palmer, who finished fourth in the 2022 Elite on Santee Cooper. “You work your whole life and you start second guessing yourself and you wonder ‘Am I good enough to do it?’ I was good one time and one time is better than no time. You always look for that perfect day, and today was my perfect day.”

“Luke’s embodies everything it means to be a Huk angler. It’s clear that he loves this sport, as well as the opportunity to represent our brand on the national stage,” said Paige Hill-Murphy, Community Manager for Huk Performance Fishing. “We are very proud of his incredible performance, and look forward to the rest of his season this year.”

Palmer relies on Huk’s clothing to keep him cool and comfortable on the water all year. From shirts, pants, outerwear, rainwear, and footwear, Huk has anglers covered regardless of season or pursuit.

Finding a marine battery with enough power and life to last all day on the water has been challenging for both professional and recreational boaters. Anglers need up to three separate Group 31 AGM batteries to ensure enough battery life to last an entire day of trolling. This takes up valuable storage space and adds approximately 231 pounds of unnecessary weight–until now! Just one of Lithium Pros® N3265-36 lithium-ion marine trolling batteries has enough life and power to provide anglers with a full day on the water at just ⅕ the weight, weighing in at only 41 lbs! This translates into better fuel efficiency, not to mention a faster boat. The reduced onboard weight can give anglers better access to shallow coves and inlets, giving them an advantage over their weighed-down competitors and making the N3265-36 the ideal battery for bass and other shallow-water fishing boats. 

In addition to the benefits of longer life and lighter weight, the Lithium Pros N3265-36 provides an impressive 65 amp hours (2,496 Whr) and 152 reserve minutes. It can be recharged onboard from the outboard engine’s charging system with a compatible DC charger. It fits most marine batteries’ standard footprint and trays, except for being two in. taller (measurements are 12.88 in.L x 7.13 in.W x 10.50 in.H).    

The N3265-36 is among the world’s first series of lithium-ion batteries connected directly to the NMEA 2000 network. The embedded BM-21 battery monitor is NMEA 2000 certified and features a port on the battery for true “plug and play” with NMEA 2000 function displays. Once connected to the network, the BM-21 is fully addressable and monitors and records individual battery voltage, current, time remaining, state of charge, cumulative lifetime amp hours, and temperature. Warnings and alerts are recorded with time/date stamps. The monitor reports all required Parameter Group Numbers (PGN) and standard battery-related PGNs. All information is available on the optional OLED display. 

All Lithium Pros lithium-ion batteries are powered by high-power lithium-iron phosphate (LiFePO4) chemistry. They hold a higher voltage, provide more power, are more efficient, have longer battery life, and recharge up to five times faster than traditional lead-acid batteries. Additionally, they are safe, eco-friendly, and durable.   

The Lithium Pros N3265-36 Trolling Battery with NMEA 2000 is the battery of choice for professional and recreational anglers looking for the best equipment with the highest level of communication available on the market. Lithium Pros lithium-ion batteries stay “strong all day long.”