Hunting and Fishing News Blog Articles

Primary Weapons Systems will have the full lineup of BDE suppressors on the range for the first time, as well as several rifles and pistols for attendees to shoot and enjoy.

PWS (Primary Weapons Systems) will showcase the BDE® (Bravo Delta Echo) line of modular suppressors with caliber-specific options for 22 LR, 9mm Luger, 5.56x45mm and 7.62x51mm at the range in Clinton, South Carolina. PWS will also have multiple rilfes and pistols featuring the tried and true long stroke piston system. Attendees are encouraged to see these products first hand at the event featuring 17 live fire shooting bays, 2 clay courses, a 1000 yard range, a mile range and much more. The event brings together the firearms community, media and the public March 24-25th at the Clinton House Plantation.

The BDE line of suppressors started in 2022 with original an 7.62x51mm offering—the BDE762. The 2023 BDE9 and BDE556 additions are also made of Titanium and are 3D printed. These suppressors are lighter and quieter. An exterior design dissipates heat and mirage, regardless of round count. Tapered threading and symmetrical baffles allow for modality and enhance accuracy. All models are shipping now and available for purchase through select retailers and direct from PWS at https://www.primaryweapons.com/.

“We’re excited to get the full BDE line in front of so many shooters,” said Director of Sales Ben Peters. “It’s hard to see how much the lightweight Titanium enhances the shooting experience unless you actually have our suppressors on a rifle and get to put rounds down range. We’ve pushed the team hard to get a full line up and running. Now that we have multiple solutions for all shooting applications and we are shipping each SKU, we really can help anyone looking to get a suppressor.”

Also on display will be the long stroke piston driven uppers and complete firearms within the MK1 series. New for 2023 is the MK1 Compound line of firearms, which uses the MK1 MOD 2-M lower receiver and MK1 MOD 1-M upper.

KastKing is revolutionizing the fishing industry with its affordable innovations that deliver exceptional quality at accessible prices.

As the popularity of fishing continues to grow, so does their commitment to supporting brick-and-mortar retailers, ensuring products are accessible and affordable to all. Their seamless supply chain delivers products on time with exceptional margins, creating a win-win partnership for all..

Here are four reels that will increase success and confidence on the water.

A $300 REEL WORTH TWICE THE PRICE!

KASTKING MG12 ELITE

Maryland House Bill 983 and Senate Bill 327 promise major investments in waterfowl conservation and enhanced access to quality hunting.

BISMARCK, NORTH DAKOTA — Delta Waterfowl applauds the Maryland General Assembly for passing a bipartisan, bicameral, pro-hunting omnibus (Senate Bill 327/House Bill 983) late last week. The legislation will provide historic funding levels for vast conservation enhancements—including to habitats that attract and support migrating waterfowl—and improvements to infrastructures that provide access to quality waterfowl hunting.

The Duck Hunters Organization was joined by numerous conservation partners in supporting the legislation. Cyrus Baird, Delta’s senior director of government affairs, served as a key voice for duck hunters in Annapolis through written and oral testimony in both legislative chambers, and through strategic meetings with partners and lawmakers.

“This is a big win for hunting, conservation, and the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, and it represents more than a year’s worth of input and effort on behalf of duck hunters,” Baird said. “This legislation will allow the DNR to take revolutionary steps to benefit ducks and duck hunters, including objectives it has had in mind for a long time but lacked the financial and staffing resources to make a reality.”

The law authorizes the Maryland DNR to increase license fees for resident hunters by $9.50 and for nonresidents by $20 to $30—the first such increases since 1989—while also raising the price of state migratory game bird stamps (a.k.a. state duck stamps) by $6.

While trolling is one of the more entertaining–and rewarding– forms of fishing, it does require more effort, gear, and a trolling motor battery that can last from daybreak to sunset. Traditional lead-acid batteries are heavy, cumbersome, and take hours to recharge, costing anglers valuable space, weight, and time that could be better spent with their lines in the water. Lithium Pros® newest addition to their Trolling Motor (TM) Series of Lithium Ion batteries solves all of the problems associated with traditional lead-acid batteries; at a price point that makes sense for any dedicated fisherman. 

Lithium Pros’ Trolling Motor series of batteries is specifically designed for trolling motors and other deep-cycle marine applications. The TM24100 Lithium Ion Trolling battery was explicitly manufactured to upgrade standard BCI group 24 lead-acid batteries and is intended to provide power to 12V trolling motors, 12V marine electronics, electric motors, motive power, and other forms of energy storage. It is perfect for trolling motors up to 36V. As with all Lithium Pros’ lithium-ion batteries, the TM24100 is powered by top-quality lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) chemistry and is built with the best lithium-ion cells tested to the UL1642 standard.

A single TM24100 Trolling Motor battery contains more stored energy that a typical Group 31 AGM battery and yet fits in a typical group 24 case. At only 26 lbs, it weighs even less than one standard lead-acid battery. 

The TM24100 offers 100 amp hours (1280 whr) and 230 reserve minutes of energy, so you can fish from dawn till dusk. Then, it recharges up to five times faster than a traditional lead-acid battery, so you’ll be ready to do it all over again at first light. The TM24100 provides a cycle life of over 2000 cycles, so you can troll every day, all day, without worrying about your battery. 

Unlike traditional lead-acid batteries, lithium-ion batteries contain no toxic materials and emit no harmful gasses, so they’re a positive environmentally-conscious choice. Additionally, the TM24100 Trolling Motor battery features one of the most advanced internal battery management systems in the industry. The system detects over and under temperature, voltage, and current, as well as short circuits, and then automatically balances the cells to protect the battery if necessary. 

The Fisheries in the Farm Bill Coalition emphasize the important role America’s farmlands have on inland and marine waters.

Today, as Congress prepares for the 2023 Farm Bill, the American Sportfishing Association, the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation and Trout Unlimited announced the Fisheries in the Farm Bill Coalition’s priorities for the bill.  

The coalition’s priorities represent key investments in agricultural conservation that will benefit freshwater and saltwater fisheries.

Every five years, Congress must turn its attention to the reauthorization of the Farm Bill. As the bill was most recently authorized in 2018, Congress must reauthorize the package before it expires in September 2023. America’s farms, ranches and forests are intrinsically linked to fisheries. Through the Farm Bill’s Conservation Title – the nation’s largest private investment in land and water conservation – farmers, ranchers and forest owners have dedicated their lands for conservation purposes, including many programs that benefit fisheries conservation and fishing access.

“As the largest investment in conservation on private lands, the Farm Bill is crucial to the health of America’s waterways and its fishing pastime,” ASA Inland Fisheries Policy Manager ConnorBevan. “ASA and the sportfishing industry encourage Congress to consider the Coalition’s priorities to safeguard aquatic habitat, expand opportunities for recreational fishing and ensure healthy fisheries.”

Testing Escort’s newest 360c Radar Detector in the Midwest

Radar detectors have been around for decades, and Escort has been at the leading edge of producing some of the best radar detectors on the market. We are testing the Escort Max 360c MKII with the M2 Radar-Mounted Smart Dash Cam. While we are not here to encourage you to speed on public highways and backcountry roads, we know that sometimes we just want to get to our destination without constantly staring at the speedometer. The cost of tickets and the increase in insurance rates attached to a ticket can be more expensive than a quality radar detector. Having a little warning can help to keep you honest and prevent you from getting an unwanted ticket. I found over the last 60 days of testing that when I use the Escort Max, I am way more conscious of how I am driving.

We have been testing this radar detector across Nebraska over the last 2-3 months on day trips in preparation for a roadtrip through the southwest. Testing the Escort Max 360c MKII together with the M2 Radar-Mounted Smart Dash Cam allowed us to see how these two work in tandem. Setting up and connecting these two units together works seamlessly. I like that it is all runs off of one power source and attaches to windshield as one unit. When we stopped and left the vehicle unattended for a period of time, I would take the unit off the windshield which then meant I would have to put it back on when we returned to the car. This is not necessary, but I prefer to keep electronics out of site when my vehicle is parked.

Radar detectors pick up K and Ka-band frequencies as well as X-bands (New Jersey & Ohio) that police use to gauge speed. As well, some police use a laser beam that can be picked up by detectors. In most occasions by the time your detector goes off, the police already have your speed. If you are speeding, police may be able to give you a ticket regardless of whether your slow down or have heard the alert. The MKII offers a 50 percent improved alert range over the MKI. This means you can pick up police radar from well beyond visual range, thus allowing you to prepare in advance. It’s noticeable how much time to focus and pay closer attention once you are alerted.

I have to be honest that over the past decade I have not owned a radar detector. In the two decades prior to that I lived in locations where radar detectors are illegal. Past detectors would give accurate readings but also a lot of false alerts. Today, technology has improved over the last 30 years. The Escort Max 360c MKII uses new filtering software that helps to let you know when an alert is real. It is also one of the quietest radar detectors around due to the new DSP chip. Please keep in mind that there are restrictions you should know about. In some states, radar detectors are illegal. In all 50 states radar detectors are illegal if your are driving a commercial truck or semi truck. As well, they are illegal to use on United States military bases.

What I Like about the Escort Max 360c MKII

First and foremost this is a quiet radar detector. On a recent 100 mile round trip from Lincoln, NE to Omaha, NE and back again, the unit went off twice. On the first occasion it was about 3/4 of a mile before we saw the police officer and on the second occasion it was after we had passed a police officer giving someone else a ticket in the lanes. That person was going in the opposite direction. It did beep twice inside of Omaha as we were close to a mall but was quick with a single beep. With practice, you can kind of tell when it feels like a false alarm. On each of these occasions I was able to glance down at the speedometer and clearly see that I was under the speed limit in both locations. I have the current top speed set at 70mph so when I go over that on the highway (we have a 75mph speed limit on our highways) it tells me that I am traveling over the limit with a voice prompt.

Job Description – Scholastic Shooting Sports Foundation

Job Title: Foundation Director

Location: Remote, Contiguous USA

Full-time position, Salary: $80K – $90K a year with competitive benefits

Reports to the Scholastic Shooting Sports Foundation Board of Directors

CAMP PERRY, Ohio – The Civilian Marksmanship Program’s (CMP) National Long Range series will again be fired July 31 through Aug. 5, 2023, highlighted by a new event. For the first time, 2023’s schedule will include a Mid-Range 3×600 Match – 20 shots slow prone at 600 yards in 22-minute block times. The addition is just the beginning of CMP’s Mid-Range offerings, with more planned to be implemented in the near future.

Open to competitors of any experience level, the CMP’s National Long Range Series features 10 individual and team events in Service, Match and Palma rifle classes on Camp Perry’s 1,000-yard Viale Range. The matches are open to Match Rifle, Service Rifle, Palma, F-Open, F T/R or AR Tactical categories. Awards will be presented to overall competitors from each rifle class during their respective competitions, along with overall aggregate awards to leading individuals through the duration of the Long Range series. The National Long Range series is part of the CMP’s annual National Matches, held at Camp Perry, Ohio.

Other events and courses of fire include:

View CMP’s Highpower Rifle Competition Rules (2023) at https://thecmp.org/competitions/cmp-competitions-rulebooks/. For additional information on the CMP’s National Long Range Matches and to register, visit https://thecmp.org/cmp-matches/national-long-range-matches/ or contact CMP’s Sara Rozanski at [email protected].

About the Camp Perry National Matches:

New Fixed-Blade SPL Pack Knife Blends All the Right Features into One Package

Ontario Knife Company® (OKC®), the award-winning cutlery maker with more than 130 years of experience designing and creating blades for every need, is proud to release the new SPL Pack Knife. If you’re looking for the perfect do-it-all knife for every outdoor adventure, this is the one you’ve been waiting for.

With the SPL (Sport Leisure) Pack knife, OKC set out to design a do-it-all tool for the adventurous type. Whether you’re a hunter, hiker, camper or survivalist, you will appreciate what this knife has to offer. The 3.9-inch Magnacut blade uses a classic drop-point design. It has a thin blade with a full, flat grind that makes it a great blade for slicing and other delicate work, but with enough strength to it for light chopping. Being made from Magnacut, it is corrosion free in even the harshest conditions.

The SPL’s high-visibility orange handle is made from tough G10 that has a thin comfortable contour and full tang construction. Overall, the SPL has a length of 8-inches, making it a compact fixed-blade knife with a big-knife feel. The orange sheath is designed to snap-lock onto the depression in the hilt of the handle, so the knife stays put while you trek over rough terrain, giving you a little added peace of mind. The sheath has molded belt loops for multiple configuration choices when attaching it to a belt, pack or other space. This is an American-made knife that you’ll be proud to own. Find out more information on the OKC website.

Founded in 1889, the Ontario Knife Company® is an award-winning knife, cutlery, and tool manufacturer operating out of Upstate New York for over 125 years. OKC® produces a wide range of tools, including cutlery and kitchenware, hunting and fishing knives, machetes, survival and rescue equipment, science and medical tools, and tactical knives. OKC has a long tradition of building knives and tools for the U.S. military, producing high quality equipment that has seen continuous service since WWII. In addition to being a major supplier to the U.S. Armed Forces, OKC leverages a network of distributors, dealers, and major commercial retailers to sell its products nationwide and internationally to over 35 countries. OKC’s custom manufacturing division Jericho® Tool, advances capabilities including a broad-spectrum of injection molding, tool and die, and machining operations to provide white label and OEM manufacturing services for consumer and industrial goods. Collectively OKC’s product lines and manufacturing services reach the housewares, sporting goods, tactical, security, law enforcement & first responders, education, science & medical, and industrial & agricultural industries.

From the rod to the fly and everywhere in between, there are several components to a fly fishing outfit ‒ and the weight of your fly line is one of them.

Fly line weight matters because it determines what you fish for and the success of your casts. However, fly lines come in various weights, and beginners don’t always understand the nuances of choosing the appropriate weight.

You can’t cast properly with the wrong weight fly line. Wild Water Fly Fishing is here to break down everything you need to know about fly line weight. Let’s get started!

FLY LINE WEIGHT AND ROD

Every fly rod is designed to work best with a specific weight fly line. Each rod blank will specify the weight line with which the rod performs best. Our most popular rod, the AX56-090-4, specifies a line weight of 5/6 on the blank. Because the line weight should match the rod’s specifications, you would want to use a 5 or 6-weight line on the AX56-090-4 rod.

WHY DOES THE FLY LINE WEIGHT DETERMINE THE FISH I CATCH?

Your fly line weight must also align with the size and type of the fly you use ‒ because, ultimately, your fly determines the fish you catch and the rod you use. In other words, your fly line weight and the type and size of your fly need to work in harmony to optimize your cast and help you catch the fish you’re targeting.

I’ve used a variety of scopes over the years — fixed power, variable power, and more recently, “smart scopes.” More officially known as electro-optics, there are several types from several different manufacturers. The technology is still developing and not 100% mainstream, though it is becoming more popular.

Personally, I’ve had experience with a few electro-optics. SIG SAUER’s BDX system combines ballistics calculators and Bluetooth to show a personalized aiming point within a traditional scope reticle based on your distance and ammunition. While I haven’t thoroughly tested this system, I was especially impressed with it.

ATN’s X-Sight 4K Pro scope

ATN’s X-Sight 4K Pro scope incorporates even more features. It has a built-in rangefinder, but is also Bluetooth and Wi-Fi equipped. It can stream photos and videos at 1080p (also saved to an SD) — ideal for content sharing. You can also change the reticle color and style. I found this especially helpful as I have discovered different shooting applications require different reticles. The ATN X-Sight 4K Pro allows for this.

The main display provides a host of information ranging from wind conditions to cant, zoom and more. Five buttons atop the scope allow for navigation through the various menus. They are easy to reach while maintaining my view through the scope, but I did find the number of options both impressive and overwhelming. It took some time to work through everything within the scope and at times the system froze. All ATN scopes come with a warranty, which they honored in sending a second test model.

This day-night scope comes with scope mounts and an infrared light for night vision. The “night vision” on this scope isn’t true night vision. You still need some sort of ambient light to see at any lengthy distance. In my opinion, the value of this scope comes with the ability to see more clearly in low-light conditions. I was very impressed with this ability. While ideal for coyotes, it also gives big game hunters a better field of view than a traditional scope for approximately the last half hour of legal shooting light.

Salt Lake City, UT—Easton, an industry leader in innovative archery equipment for 100 years, introduces the Generation II BowTruk roller bow cases.  The 2023 BowTruk has all the innovative features of its predecessor but now comes with even more durability, easier access to the interior pockets, and is feature in three sizes to accommodate virtually any bow.

Improvements for 2023 include a fully TPU coated exterior fabric for the ultimate in wear and scuff resistance. Accessory and arrow compartments are now fully accessible from the outside making access to gear super easy and without having to open the main compartment. BowTruk now comes in three sizes: 47, 40, and 36-inch configurations to offer the perfect solution for any archer’s needs.

The BowTruk case concept was designed from the ground up with innovative functionality to conveniently secure bows, arrows, and archery gear.  BowTruk models have a full-size main bow compartment built for full-size compound and recurve bows and is roomy enough for additional clothing and accessories. A double seatbelt system securely anchors bows, three internal pockets keep gear organized.

BowTruk’s hybrid hard/soft shell offer 360-degree content protection, allowing for equipment to be kept safe during airline handling and transport. Cases roll easily with heavy-duty bearing-type wheels.  A handy “trailer hitch” strap allows duffle attachment for one-handed wheeled mobility.

The outer shell is made of the most durable, TPU coated 1680D ballistic nylon available. This material was originally developed for military body armor and affords the best abrasion and tear resistance. Incorporates a reliable YKK woven-in main zipper that is far superior to conventional stitched-in zippers. 

The Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies is pleased to see the National Fish Habitat Partnership program assist in providing more than $39.2 million to support 95 fish habitat conservation projects in 24 states. Collaborative partnerships between the state fish and wildlife agencies, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Tribes nongovernmental organizations, and other partners are key to implementing these conservation priority projects.

“These partnerships empower and boost locally led conservation efforts to protect, restore and enhance the nation’s fish and aquatic communities,” said Curt Melcher, Director of the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife and President of the Association of Fish & Wildlife Agencies. “The Association is pleased to be one of many partners coordinating to conserve and address the nation’s biggest fish habitat challenges.”

“Conservation is a team sport, and no program embodies that quite as well as National Fish Habitat Partnership and our network of partnerships across the country,” said Robert Boyles, Director of the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources and Chairman of the National Fish Habitat Board. “Our nation’s rivers and waterbodies connect us, and NFHP projects take actions to directly improve aquatic resources and fish populations for all. The implementation of these projects announced today is critical in meeting our objectives to protect, restore and enhance fish habitat.”

View the full list of projects here.

Since 2006, the USFWS has provided over $56.5 million to conservation projects which leveraged at a 4:1 ratio to provide over $292.7 million in funding support for fish habitat conservation projects that improve angling and recreational opportunities across the nation. NFHP assembles the collective expertise of federal, state, and non-governmental organizations to identify and prioritize conservation work to achieve significant benefits for fish and other aquatic resources for the American people.

Will Focus on Continued Company Growth and New Products/Technology;

Sales, Marketing, and Customer Services Areas Will Come Under His Leadership

SAN MARCOS, CA (March 20, 2023) – Fieldsheer, a technology company that produces high-quality, temperature-controlled apparel under the Mobile Warming® and Mobile Cooling® brands, announces that John Cacopardo has been named Chief Revenue Officer (CRO). 

As CRO, Cacopardo will lead the company’s sales, marketing, and customer service efforts. Prior to his new role, Cacopardo served as Senior Vice President for Mobile Warming, one of the company’s two lines of temperature-controlled apparel.  Before that, he held the position of Executive Vice President, Sales and Business Development, where he was tasked with reinvigorating both Mobile Warming and Fieldsheer back to greater relevance.

In broader terms, Cacopardo is being entrusted with a mission to align all the company’s departments for future growth. He already has a solid head start: Fieldsheer had a record-breaking year in 2022, posting its highest revenues in the company’s history. This was not only a result of solid management, but greater awareness of the Mobile Warming line by both retailers and consumers. Plus, the addition of the Mobile Cooling line – a line of apparel that can lower a person’s temperature by up to 5 degrees – played an integral role in the revenue boost.

During the year, Fieldsheer also signed some high-profile marketing deals – one with the Buffalo Bills of the National Football League, the other with Meyer-Shank Racing. Cacopardo will continue to pursue similar deals to increase the brand’s exposure as well as promoting the category of temperature-controlled clothing to consumers unaware of its existence. 

Cacopardo is enthusiastic about his new role and the responsibilities that come with it. “There are a large number of people who aren’t familiar with the concept of temperature-controlled clothing, and our marketing efforts going forward will help familiarize them with it,” he said. “Educating the consumer to this category significantly increases our potential market. 

GoWild officially released SquatchBot, a mad scientist creation that combines the folklore legend Sasquatch with the power of artificial intelligence. The furry chatbot is live on the GoWild social media app and is actively helping thousands of outdoor enthusiasts.

GoWild, a social gear shop for anglers and hunters, has a feature that allows members to ask questions of the community. This feature uses the platform’s algorithm to find other members who are knowledgeable with the question topic. With the addition of AI chatbot, members get an immediate answer to their question from SquatchBot. Members can also ask SquatchBot questions via direct message.

GoWild quietly launched a beta version of SquatchBot in early December 2022. The company monitored and refined the bot for several months, fine tuning his responses to be more accurate. The product is now live for everyone in the app, and is actively being trained on content he creates, as well as historical content.

SquatchBot’s creator and GoWild Cofounder, Chief Development Officer, Chris Gleim, predicts that SquatchBot will make hunting forums and Facebook Groups obsolete when it comes to Q&A. 

“When you ask redundant questions in forums or Facebook groups, generally one of two things happen,” said Gleim. “You’re either scolded for asking something that has already been asked, or you are ignored because people grow tired of answering the same questions. SquatchBot never tires of helping, and is constantly digesting historical content to make him smarter.”

EDGEFIELD, S.C. — On March 1st, the NWTF received a commendation from the Governor of Georgia, Brian Kemp, celebrating the federation’s 50th anniversary and dedication to the conservation of wild turkey and preservation of our hunting heritage.

“We are extremely proud to be recognized by Georgia Governor Brian Kemp for our last 50 years of conserving the wild turkey and preserving our hunting heritage,” said NWTF district biologist Ricky Lackey. “We have a long history of wild turkey conservation in the great state of Georgia, and we are humbled to be recognized by Governor Kemp.”

The commendation details the impact of the NWTF’s mission:

“…WHEREAS, the National Wild Turkey Federation has invested more than half a billion dollars to conserve or enhance more than 22 million acres of critical wildlife habitat, forests, and grasslands across public and private lands since 1985, and more than $8.5 million in research to ensure healthy wild turkey populations into the future; and

WHEREAS, The National Wild Turkey Federation is the largest and longest-serving nongovernmental stewardship partner of the USDA forest service, conserving habitat on National Forest System Lands for more than 40 years and engaging in the development and implementation of the USDA’s Wildfire Crisis Strategy; now

TALLADEGA, Ala. – Chuck Cranford, 56, of Albertville, AL, was the High Overall competitor in the Main Event category of the most recent NSCA (National Sporting Clays Association) match held at the Talladega Marksmanship Park in Alabama. Cranford reached a total score of 97 out of 100 for the win.

The match was held March 4-5 on Talladega’s own 15-station Sporting Clays Loop, facilitated by the Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP). A total of 57 shooters participated in the event, with eight becoming new members to NSCA.

“We had a wonderful and beautiful weekend for our March Monthly NSCA Shoot,” said William Chapman, CMP Talladega Archery/Shotgun supervisor. “Participants commented on how well the targets were set during the shoot. We had lots of positive feedback.”

Runner Up behind Cranford was Bob Carleton, 61, of Pell City, AL, with a score of 89, as Bruce Park, 54, of Huntsville, AL, took third with 84.

The next Talladega Monthly NSCA Shoot will be held April 15-16. Other upcoming monthly NSCA Shoots at Talladega in 2023 include: June 3-4, July 8-9, Aug. 5-6, Sept. 9-10, Oct. 14-15 and Nov. 18-19. Talladega’s Monthly NSCA Registered Target Sporting Shotgun Shoots are open to new or experienced competitors, featuring 100 targets for score. Cost to register is $55.

Mark your calendars as the Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP) will again welcome competitors and guests to its annual Talladega D-Day rifle and pistol event, set to be held June 7-11, 2023, at Talladega Marksmanship Park in Alabama. Registration is currently open, so sign up now to join in on this commemorative occasion!

Talladega’s D-Day celebration honors the anniversary of the 1944 Allied Forces landing at France’s Normandy Beach. The event allows visitors to pay homage to the valiant heroes of the World War II generation through diverse marksmanship competitions and activities scattered throughout the 500 acres of Talladega Marksmanship Park. Guests will also be able to fully immerse themselves within the Talladega Hall of Heroes display in the Club House, which displays authentic memorabilia from local veterans.

The 2023 D-Day event will include the return of contemporary match favorites like the Garand Iron Man EIC Rifle Match, where competitors fire a Service M1 Garand or As-Issued M1 Garand toward possible Excellence-In-Competition (EIC) points. A Rimfire Sporter Rifle Benchrest Match, which incorporates the use of sandbags for increased stabilization for competitors as they fire .22 rifles in O-, T- or TU classes, and a Benchrest Vintage Match are ideal for those just beginning in rifle competition or those with ailments, eager to get back on the range.

The Roosevelt Commemorative Match, using vintage M1903 Springfield or U.S. Krag rifles, will further tribute military firearms of the past through friendly, recreational competition. CMP’s traditional schedule of select Games events such as the GSMM, Carbine and Vintage Sniper rifle matches will intertwine with a series of popular pistol competitions, like the 1911 As-Issued and Military & Police matches.

For the first time at D-Day, those competing in the John C. Garand Match with As-Issued M1 Rifles will have the chance to earn points towards a GCA (Garand Collectors Association) Marksman Medal. Like other disciplines within CMP’s Distinguished Badge Program, the GCA Marksmanship Medal will work on an Achievement Award point system, based on performance at designated events.

KEEP YOUR CATCH FRESH WITH SMITH’S CONSUMER PRODUCTS

Whether fishing from boat, kayak, beach, bridge, dock, or pier, fish bags—or what are often called “kill bags”—are a convenient way for storing and transporting the fish you keep. Transferring fish from a boat’s fish box to a cooler and then to the location where you clean the fish is much more efficient if you store and move the fish using a fish bag (plus, if you put your fish directly into the kill bag, you don’t have to clean the fish boxes on your boat). On the beach, pier, kayak, or bridge, putting fish into the fish bag makes transportation easy and the insulating properties of the bag keep fish fresh, unlike using a bucket. Likewise, many fish bags also double as live bags, fitted with aerators for transferring live fish from live well to weigh stations at tournaments or for keeping live bait. So, fish bags can be important and efficient parts of your gear, but it is important to understand what to look for in a fish bag to find the right one for your fishing applications. These are the primary criteria to consider when selecting a good kill bag:

Kill bags are available in a range of sizes. Two factors play into deciding what size bag to select. 

First, your targeted fish species should be the primary guide in what size bag you need. A 40-inch pike or a 40-inch snook isn’t going to fit in a 30-inch bag. If you’re targeting panfish or mangrove snapper, you probably do not need a 60-inch bag (unless you plan to keep a lot of fish). 

SIZE

EDGEFIELD, S.C. —America’s Outdoor Recreation Act was reintroduced today in the 118th Congress with strong bipartisan support, and the Outdoor Recreation Roundtable and its members across the $862 billion outdoor recreation economy urge swift approval of this bill so that many more Americans can enjoy outdoor spaces and their associated benefits to health and wellness. This groundbreaking legislation not only boosts local and national economies, it also gives more Americans — especially those in underserved areas — greater access to green spaces and public lands and waters while not costing taxpayers a dime to implement.

“This is a commonsense, no-cost bill that will help equalize and improve access to green spaces and wild outdoor places in every state in the country,” said Chris Perkins, Senior Director of the Outdoor Recreation Roundtable. “We are seeing unprecedented interest in outdoor recreation, but many of the policies supporting outdoor recreation are outdated. This package will make it easier for Americans to access the outdoors and provide agencies with new tools to address long-standing outdoor recreation needs. We need solutions that enhance outdoor recreation opportunities while protecting America’s public lands and waters, and AORA is an historic step to update these policies.”

Outdoor recreation is an $862 billion industry, providing 4.5 million American jobs and boosting economies in communities large and small. And studies have shown that enjoying time outside helps benefit a person’s mental and physical health.

“Thanks to the work of Senator Manchin (D-WV), Senator Barasso (R-WY), and the many other champions of the outdoor industry in Congress, Americans will have the opportunity to reap these benefits for generations to come,” Perkins continued. “ORR encourages swift, bipartisan action to send this bill to the president’s desk.”

America’s Outdoor Recreation Act would: