Hunting and Fishing News Blog Articles

EDGEFIELD, S.C. — The National Wild Turkey Federation is set to return to Nashville, Tennessee, in under two weeks for its annual Convention and Sport Show and the celebration of 50 years of mission delivery. Long-time partner Mossy Oak is again supporting the celebratory event as the Official Convention Sponsor.

“Each and every year, the NWTF convention is the highlight of the Mossy Oak annual business cycle,” Mossy Oak CEO Toxey Haas said. “It is truly our ‘family reunion’ each year as we reconnect to our strongest and deepest relationships, both personal and business. It’s a celebration of love for the wild turkey and all things wildlife conservation like none other. And, for Mossy Oak, it is where we get the greatest of privileges to pour support behind what we love so dearly and our life’s work — our beloved wild turkeys!”

Mossy Oak, the Official Convention Sponsor since 2018, will continue to provide support for many aspects of the Convention and Sport Show, including youth calling competitions, the newly added Family Adventure Trail, sponsorship of the Waterin’ Hole and much more. Mossy Oak also will occupy booth No. 701 on the Sport Show floor.

Outside of convention support, Mossy Oak’s partnership with the NWTF includes its continuation as the Official Camouflage of the NWTF and annual support for wild turkey research efforts.

“What a special convention this is going to be; we are elated to have Mossy Oak as our Official Convention Sponsor again,” said Natalia Daniels, NWTF national director of corporate relations and licensing. “The Mossy Oak team is fully engaged and has big plans for the show. Be sure to stop by their booth and see for yourself.”

KITS, SHARPENERS, FILLET KNIVES, AND WAYS TO KEEP YOUR FISH FRESH

BY: KRISTINE OSTERTAG

The heart of the ice fishing season is upon us. Whether you are chasing flags, hole hopping, or enjoying the warmth of a hard house, a set of quality tools will help to make your adventure on the ice successful. I am always on the move, rarely sitting in a shack and fishing the same hole. Being on the move requires me to pack light, keeping the tools I need with me. These are some of the essential items I keep nearby when I’m on the ice. 

Smith’s Ice Fishing Tool Kit 

This tool kit has all the essential tools needed when out on the ice. It comes with pliers for getting hooks out of a fish, a jaw spreader for unhooking those toothy critters, scissors for cutting line, a clipper, and a 4-inch folding fillet knife that is perfect for any panfish. It also has a marine-grade mesh bag to keep it organized and in good condition. The scissors are stainless steel and have a serrated edge for cutting mono and braided lines. The clippers come with a line pick for getting knots out of your line, a lure tuning tool, and a knife. So not only is this a great tool kit for ice fishing, but it is also helpful for open-water fishing. Smith’s Ice Fishing Tool Kit: $84.99

Now Available to the U.S. market, Tasmanian Tiger® unveils the TT Multipurpose Equipment Insert, the TT Modular Equipment Case, and the TT Modular Laptop Case.

Tasmanian Tiger®, a tactical nylon line of products distributed exclusively for the US market by Proforce Equipment, Inc., is pleased to introduce three new products to the U.S. market from its tactical accessories line: the TT Multipurpose Equipment Insert, the TT Modular Equipment Case, and the TT Modular Laptop Case. These products will be available for purchase through TT Authorized Dealers.

The TT Multipurpose Equipment Insert is a padded inner bag with flexible dividers, suitable for the TT Modular Pack 45+. The main compartment features a lockable slider. It has a padded, zip-off front lid with a top handle. There is an external second opening for a camera on the top side. It also features transparent mesh interior compartments and a small organizer. With the hook and loop strips on the outside, it can be fixed precisely to modular hook and loop panels. The loops on the upper edge can be used to attach the insert to all MOLLE panels or the TT Modular Front Seat Panel with TT SE 256 Safety QA Buckles.

The TT Multipurpose Equipment Insert weighs 2.78 lbs. (1.26 kg.) and measures 12.5” H x 16” W x 6” D. It is made from T-Square Rip FD. Available in Olive, Black, and Titan Grey for an MSRP of $239.

The  TT Modular Equipment Case is an all-around padded shoulder bag with a 15-liter volume. It is versatile and can be used as a weapon bag, equipment bag, or camera bag. It features a MOLLE hook and loop panel on the inside, as well as flexible, padded dividers. The separate, width-adjustable laptop compartment (suitable for up to 12” laptops) can also be used as a weapons compartment. The flap is secured with hook-and-loop and quick-release fasteners. An extra zipper allows quick access from the top.

If you want your hunting gear to serve you well and last for many seasons, you must keep maintaining your hunting equipment. Here are a few pointers that will keep your hunting gear in tip-top form.

Cleaning and Storing Your Firearms

Maintaining a clean and secure space for your weapons is an important part of preserving your hunting gear. This will ensure that they function as intended and help to lengthen their useful life. 

Use the right cleaning tools

It’s essential to clean your firearms with the right products and tools for the specific model you own. The barrel of a rifle should be cleaned with a bore snake, while the barrel of a shotgun should be cleaned with a cleaning rod. The handgun’s action and other moving parts should also be cleaned to remove any debris hindering its operation. If you clean your equipment well, you won’t have to take as much time preparing for opening day. While preparations are also necessary, nobody likes to spend time in preparation instead of hunting. So make sure your equipment is ready beforehand.

Storage is important

After you’ve cleaned your weapons, put them away somewhere secure. They will be protected from danger, and no outsiders will be able to gain access to them. Keep your firearms secure in a gun-safe or locked cabinet. You need to keep it in a safe place when you are not hunting. There are many specialized storage solutions that you can choose from, so that shouldn’t be a problem.

Maintaining Your Hunting Clothing and Boots

Keeping your clothing and boots in pristine condition is also essential for your hunting gear. It’s important to take care of your hunting gear so that it lasts for many seasons and can withstand the abuse it can receive in the field.

Plans for more than 300 classes to take place at 5.11-owned retail locations

COSTA MESA, Calif. (Feb. 8, 2023) – 5.11 Tactical, the global innovator of Purpose-Built Gear, today announced the return of its popular ABR (Always Be Ready) Academy in 2023 in collaboration with the United States Concealed Carry Association (USCCA). Together, the companies plan to host more than 300 free instructional classes at 5.11-owned retail locations across the U.S. to provide tips, tactics and insight on readiness skills for local community members.

“Last month marked 20 years for 5.11 on our quest to develop innovative gear for life’s most demanding missions. We strive to help our families, friends and communities be prepared for anything to happen,” said 5.11’s CEO, Francisco Morales. “The ABR Academy is designed to help attendees become more equipped for challenges and emergencies by building proper mindsets, readiness skills and gear. It’s all part of living the 5.11 mantra of Always Be Ready.”

The ABR Academy classes will provide first-hand learning and guidance on topics ranging from building emergency preparedness kits and bug-out bags to self-defense and trauma care. Each course is free to attend and will be hosted by certified experts, including instructors from the USCCA.

“Our mission is to save lives and help build safer, more prepared communities through education and training,” said Tim Schmidt, President and Co-founder of the USCCA. “Collaborating with 5.11 on the ABR Academy classes will help us strengthen that mission while reaching thousands of attendees in communities all across the country.”

The USCCA is the largest, fastest-growing self-defense association dedicated to responsible firearm owners, with over 700,000 members and 10,000 instructors nationwide. It offers industry-leading training, lifesaving education and self-defense liability insurance to help members build preparedness and confidence.

New filters seamlessly integrate with existing products

Oakland, CA (February 1, 2023) – Offering a wide range of hydration solutions for outdoor enthusiasts, HydraPak has developed a new line of water filtration systems to allow access to potable water in the backcountry. Designed to seamlessly work with their water storage, flexible bottles, and reservoir lines, the filters deliver fast and easy water filtration around camp or on the trail. 

“We’re excited to introduce filtration products into our ever-expanding line of hydration solutions. The addition of filters ensures clean drinking water is never in short supply,” said HydraPak President Matt Lyon. “Adventure depends on water, and we’re constantly looking for the best way to help keep athletes hydrated so that they can continue to do what they love.” 

Each HydraPak filter effectively removes common waterborne bacteria and protozoa from approximately 1,500 liters of water at a rate of >1L per minute*. There are two filter accessory designs available: A 42mm filter cap and a 28mm filter kit.

42mm Filter Cap – The new 42mm Filter Cap is compatible with all HydraPak 42mm opening products, including running flasks, Seekers and Flux bottles. The cap is equipped with a high-flow nozzle and dust cover that opens and closes with one hand while preventing contact with dirty hands. Users can drink directly from the nozzle or squeeze filtered water into another vessel. Weighing in at 2.0 ounces, this filter offers a lightweight and durable filtration solution for just about any activity. 

February 2, 2023 – The National Deer Association (NDA) is excited to announce the launch of the 3rd edition of their Deer Steward 1 online course. Deer Steward is the world’s foremost personal training on deer biology and land management, and the Level 1 online course has been rebuilt from the ground up to feature an updated look, new learning platform, a broader variety of topics, and the absolute latest deer and habitat research from the nation’s top researchers. The state-of-the-art video course is administered through Today’s Hunter, the official provider of online hunter safety education for all state wildlife agencies and the NDA’s own Deer Hunting 101 course.

“The third edition of Deer Steward 1 is the best educational resource available for anyone interested in deer and habitat management,” said Ben Westfall, NDA Conservation Coordinator. “The complete overhaul of the program gives folks the opportunity to learn about the newest deer research from some of the most renowned researchers in the country, some of which are featured in Deer Steward for the first time. This is an extremely powerful tool that has shown to have a major impact on land management throughout the country, and it continues to improve.”

In addition to the NDA’s Kip Adams, Matt Ross, and Ben Westfall, you will hear from prominent deer experts like Dr. Gino D’Angelo, Dr. Will Gulsby, Dr. Craig Harper, Dr. Marcus Lashley, and Dr. Bronson Strickland. Filmed in front of a live audience in 2022, the more than 15 hours of engaging video instruction covers 20 topics ranging from biology, herd and habitat management, herd health, hunting strategies and much more.

Upon completion of the Level 1 online course, graduates will become eligible to attend an in-person Deer Steward level 2 course where you will apply the principles learned online through hands-on and field experience in real life situations. Continuing education credits from the Society of American Foresters and The Wildlife Society are available, and we’re also proud to announce that level 1 is compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Registration for the all-new Deer Steward 1 course opened February 1, and in honor of the NDA’s 35th anniversary, the first 350 registrants will get a special price of 35% off! Get registered today at deerassociation.com/deer-steward-online.

CAMP PERRY, Ohio – Whether an experienced marksman or a beginner who has never fired before, the Civilian Marksmanship Program’s (CMP) wide variety of programs provide something for everyone throughout the year on the grounds of Camp Perry – located in northern Ohio. Utilizing advanced facilities and qualified professionals for indoor air gun and outdoor rifle and pistol events, there’s no shortage of marksmanship opportunities to enjoy in 2023.

Each month, the CMP hosts Monthly Air Rifle and Air Pistol Matches within the Gary Anderson CMP Competition Center’s 80-point electronic air gun range. The event includes Junior 3×10, 60 Shot Air Rifle Standing and 60 Shot Air Pistol as well as 3×20 Three-Position Air Rifle competitions for adult and junior athletes.

The 2023 Monthly Matches are scheduled for March 11, April 29, Sept. 16, Oct. 14 and Nov. 18.

Outside of Monthly Matches, the Gary Anderson CMP Competition Center features authentic Olympic memorabilia and other items from the career of renowned American marksman, Gary Anderson. The air range is open for public use Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. and by appointment Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. 

No equipment? No problem. Those new to the sport or who may not own an air gun are welcome to rent one from the CMP during their visit. To learn more about the Gary Anderson CMP Competition Center, visit http://thecmp.org/air/cmp-competition-centers/. 

LaCrosse just unleashed the New Ursa MS (Mid-Season) hunting boot on to the North American market.  The team at LaCrosse spent five years working on this boot design.  It has been built, torn down and rebuilt until it was finalized to outperform the current market of stable, elite, lace-up boots on the market.  If this boot performs as well as it looks, it is going to be a game changer from the prairies of Nebraska to the mountains of Wyoming, Alaska and everything in between.

The upper construction is made up of TecTuff® PU-infused leather with proven abrasion resistance  built to outlast and outshine traditional leather with a quick-drying, breathable SuperFabric® quarter panel and gusset for protection against abrasion; and a large Hexguard rubber rand that has been cemented and double stitched for unrivaled durability. A GORE TEX® breathable liner provides ultimate waterproofing and breathability, and the iconic Vibram® MONT outsole is optimized for traction, support and durability, offering the highest reliability when packing a heavy load and trekking thru unforgiving conditions. Now all of that sounds like a whole heck of a lot of marketing mumbo jumbo but watching and learning about the design process has me convinced this is a booth they are absolutely excited about in the halls of LaCrosse and that this boot took five years means they have a lot invested in this boot and the team expects it to be a flagship boot for the forseeable future.  We are pretty excited to get our hands on this boot and we are going to test it out as soon as possible.  We have hikes planned in Arizona, Colorado and some spring turkey hunting to put it through its paces.  Of course we know that the team from LaCrosse has already had elite teams testing this in Nevada, Alaska, Oregon, Utah and of course the mountains of Idaho. 

We test a lot of boots here at HuntingLife each and every year.  This one, we are excited to get in our hands.  Look for these soon in your local retailers like Scheels and Sportsman’s Warehouse.

Ursa MS Specifications:

Winchester, the largest manufacturer of small caliber ammunition for the U.S. military, today announced that the U.S. Army has awarded the company a contract to manufacture, test, and deliver 5 million 6.8mm Next Generation Squad Weapon (NGSW) cartridges. 

The NGSW cartridges will be produced at the Lake City Army Ammunition Plant (LCAAP) in Independence, Mo., the United States’ only government-owned, contractor-operated small caliber ammunition production facility. 

“The award of Lake City’s first production order of the 6.8mm NGSW cartridge represents several years of hard work, dedication, and collaboration between Winchester, the U.S. Army, and industry partners,” said Brett Flaugher, President of Winchester. “The Winchester team is honored to have been entrusted with the opportunity and responsibility of producing the ammunition which will keep our nation safe for years to come.”

About the Lake City Army Ammunition Plant

The Lake City Plant, which began production in 1941, provides small-caliber military ammunition for both training and combat purposes. The plant, encompassing nearly 4,000 acres, also serves as a national test center for ammunition performance and weapons firing. For information regarding Winchester’s Lake City operations visit https://winchestermilitary.com.

About Winchester Ammunition

Winchester is the largest small caliber ammunition enterprise in the world and the leader in delivering innovative ammunition products to hunters, sport shooters, law enforcement and the U.S. Warfighter. The 157-year-old Winchester brand is built on integrity, hard work and a deep focus on its loyal customers. Learn more about Winchester by visiting Winchester.com or connecting with us on Facebook at Facebook.com/WinchesterOfficial.

Team Federal had an excellent showing at the Leupold Steel Classic Texas Precision Match held January 27-29 in Navasota, Texas. Federal sponsored shooters Cory Klemashevich took first place in the Gas Gun Division and Greg Bell won first place in the Tactical Division. The match was the first Precision Rifle Series competition of the 2023 season. There were 224 competitors total at the match.

“We build a match that we ourselves would want to shoot, we show folks true southern hospitality, and feed them the best food we can. The rest takes care of itself,” said Klemashevich, who also helps organize and run the match. “This year, we had shooters from three other countries including Norway, Mexico, and Canada. Plus, many shooters from within the U.S., from as far away as Washington, Florida, Michigan, California, and Maine. Seeing old friends and meeting new ones, really makes for a fun event.”

Klemashevich shoots Federal Premium Gold Medal Match 109-grain Berger Hybrid 6mm Creedmoor rifle ammunition.

“Conditions at this match were rainy, muddy, and windy,” said Klemashevich. “Having accurate ammo that performs reliably is always a massive advantage in any competition. Rifles will get water and grime in the chamber especially in the Gas Gun division, where pressure and dwell times can affect point of impact, and bolt velocity can affect reliability. There is no question that the Gold Medal Match product line is the most consistent precision ammo available. I certainly relied upon it during this match, and I am happy with the results.”

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

Viridian Weapon Technologies is proud to present a variety of new products at the 2023 Nation’s Best Sports Spring Semi-Annual Market. Attendees are encouraged to stop by booth #304 in the Fort Worth Convention Center from February 2 to 6, 2023 for a first-hand look at Viridian’s upgraded and groundbreaking lasers, lights, optics, holsters and more.

“After launching a record number of new Viridian products at SHOT Show 2023, we’re thrilled to continue the momentum at this year’s NBS Spring Semi-Annual Market,” said Viridian President and CEO, Brian Hedeen. “This event showcases the latest and greatest hunting and shooting products on the market, and we’re honored to exhibit alongside amazing brands to present our new rechargeable C Series Lasers and lights with SAFECharge, the RFX 45 closed emitter green dot, new E SERIES products and more.”

The NBS Spring Semi-Annual Market offers independent retailers a diverse portfolio of buying opportunities in all categories of outdoor sports and general sporting goods. Members have access to hundreds of vendors and advantageous buying programs while finding the newest, hottest and cutting-edge products in the industry, coupled with the ability to purchase products at deeply discounted rates.

Viridian products will be included in the Hot Show Buying Special on Thursday evening. NBS members and invited vendors will get the chance to kick off the event with a first-hand look at these new products, along with exclusive deals on selected items.

For more information on Viridian Weapon Technologies’ groundbreaking firearm innovations and self-defense products, visit  ViridianWeaponTech.com.

Bear Forest Knives introduces PuuMuk. Raw 80CrV2 High Carbon steel with micarta scales never looked better in leather—all made in the USA!

Collectors, reenactors, campers, and outdoors people alike have endeared this 1800s knife pattern. Since prolific writer and adventurer George Washington Sears, known as “Nessmuk,” popularized this pattern, it has been one of the most emulated styles in the cutlery industry. The hump on the spine, close to the point, and deep belly define the general look of a Nessmuk-style knife. In fact, it was an old butcher’s knife pattern suitable for woodland carry.

The PuuMuk is a Scandinavian puukko and a Nessmuk-style combination knife. It features the straight handle of a puukko without a guard and the blade shape of a Nessmuk. It has an overall length of 8.25 inches, with a 4-inch blade. Unlike the book diagram of Nessmuk’s knife, with an antler handle and what seems to be a partial tang, the PuuMuk is a full tang knife. It features a 90-degree spine for an added scraping and peeling wood tool. 

Thin blades are back, and Bear Forest Knives captured the essence of this iconic classic with the PuuMuk. The .093″ (3/32″) thick blade stock is meant to slice bacon, butcher, skin game, sharpen tent pegs, and whittle. And it will be comfortable at home on the kitchen cutting board, slicing cheese, summer sausage, or veggies for stew. 

The Bear Forest Knives PuuMuk is a modern-day mountain man’s EDC—if there ever was one!

GPO USA’s original 10×50 rangefinding binocular has recently been named the Best Rangefinding Binocular by POPULAR MECHANICS Magazine. This honor was first bestowed upon the product in an article titled “The 7 Best Range Finders for Hunters and Golfers” published October 27, 2021. It was recently honored again as the Best Rangefinding Binocular on January 11, 2023, in “Best 8 Binoculars for Hunting, Birding and other Outdoor Activities.”

Author Justin Park carefully did his research to come to his conclusion about the GPO 10×50 RangeGuide. According to Park, “I’m one of those people. I’ve used the best and the worst binoculars on the market, and I spent time hands-on testing several models during fall big-game hunting seasons in Colorado. I also spoke with optics dealers and shop owners, fellow hunters, and brand representatives to get a full sense of all the different binoculars available. My picks—mostly 10x magnification with objective lens sizes ranging from 32mm to 54mm—are meant to give options for each type of end user, from brands old and new.”

Founded in 1902, POPULAR MECHANICS is one of the oldest magazines in the United States. Since its debut it has remained true to its audience continually publishing articles on home improvement, automobile maintenance and new advancements in technology and science. It has been published since 1958 by Hearst Magazines Corp. Inc.

“It is a real honor to receive this type of recognition, not just one time, but two separate years,” said Mike Jensen, GPO USA owner/CEO. “Our continued efforts to provide our customers with top-quality innovative products has clearly paid off and we are proud of the fact that we continue to receive such prestigious distinctions.”

Since the introduction of the GPO 10×50 RangeGuide, the company has introduced two new compact rangefinding binoculars: an 8×32 RangeGuide and a 10×32 RangeGuide. All three RangeGuides are available at retailers and conveniently online at www.gpo-usa.com. For more information on the RangeGuides Click Here

SK Guns®, the Nation’s only limited-edition, series-driven production manufacturer of collectible firearms, has officially named Peter Grillone as Chief Creative Officer. Grillone will be responsible for leading a team of designers, historians and copywriters on the rapid growth of the SK brand.

“We’re thrilled to announce Peter as our new chief creative officer,” said Simon Khiabani, owner and founder of SK Guns and SK Customs. “Peter brings a wealth of talent as one of the most published media creators in the firearms industry. With his unique style and extensive experience in photography and creative services, I have no doubt he will contribute greatly to the growth of SK Guns and SK Customs.”

Prior to joining SK Guns®, he served as the commercial photographer for a variety of brands in the firearm industry such as Wilson Combat and Nighthawk Custom. With experience in providing creative direction for these brands, Grillone has established himself as one of the top firearm photographers. He is now able to use his past experiences and talented creative eye to manage the creative team at SK Guns.

“I’m extremely honored to serve as CCO of SK Guns,” said Grillone. “These limited-edition, custom firearms continue to create a huge impact on the industry as they illustrate the rich history of historical events, influential leaders, rituals, places and more. I’m excited to use my experience to tell each gun’s unique story and help our creative team continue to grow.”

To learn more about SK Guns®, and SK Customs®, visit skguns.com.    

Traditions® Performance Firearms will be exhibiting at the 2023 Great American Outdoor Show in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania February 4-12. The show is a 9 day event and features over 1,000 exhibitors covering 650,000 square feet of exhibit space at the Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex. Traditions® will be displaying their 2023 line of products in booth number 693.

As the leader in the muzzleloading industry, Traditions® will have on hand their entire product line including the ground-breaking, award-winning NitroFire® as well as the new ShedHorn® rifle. Along with their performance-driven muzzleloaders, Traditions® will also display their centerfire, revolver, Build-It-Yourself Kit, optic, and accessory lines.

Gregg Ritz of Hunt Masters will be making a special appearance on Thursday February 9 from 11AM-12PM for a meet and greet at Traditions® booth.

Traditions® looks forward to welcoming GAOS attendees and industry colleagues to their booth #693.

To learn more about Traditions® products, visit www.traditionsfirearms.com.

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah. –  ALPS OutdoorZ, premiere manufacturer of extreme-duty hunting packs and outdoor gear, is excited to be displaying at the 2023 Western Hunting & Conservation Expo this week in Salt Lake City, UT. The expo will be held February 2-5 at the Salt Palace Convention Center. 

The Western Hunting Conservation Expo is THE consumer event of the year for western big game hunting enthusiasts. In addition to displays from hundreds of outdoor industry manufacturers and retailers, the expo includes free seminars, game calling contests, auctions and drawings, and vendors displaying or selling gear for the western hunter.

ALPS OutdoorZ will be displaying in booth #2966. The company welcomes all expo attends to stop by and see the latest in hunting pack technology, including the award-winning Elite frame and pack system. Developed specifically for remote wilderness hunting, the Elite system is comprised of a redesigned frame and pack that combines light weight and added strength for multi-day trips and game pack-out.

To see the new products offered by these ALPS Brands, visit ALPS OutdoorZ at booth #2966

For more information about ALPS OutdoorZ, visit https://alpsoutdoorz.com. 

Leading tackle company’s conservation commitment moves toward carbon neutrality, zero waste and healthy fisheries

Beyond an obsession for battling big fish, there’s one thing upon which anglers almost universally agree: Clean, healthy waterways and flourishing fish habitat lie at the heart of everything we hold sacred. 

Count the people at Z-Man Fishing among America’s 60 million anglers—everyday folks you might meet at the tackle shop or along the shoreline. At some point each day, we’ll stop casting, survey our surroundings and simply marvel at the beauty both above the surface and below; we’ll pause to ponder what this awe-inspiring place might look like, 5, 10 or 100 years from now. It’s at times like these that anglers grasp their power to write the future—the same reason Z-Man has for years been working creatively, quietly, to help sustain healthy, vibrant fisheries behind the scenes.

It began early in the company’s 30-year history. From the beginning, Z-Man understood the value of supporting causes that ensure long-term sustainability of fisheries and aquatic environments. These motivations are evident in Z-Man’s product line itself, as its 10X Tough ElaZtech® soft plastic material exhibits advantages that lessen its environmental impact relative to other soft baits. 

Not only does ElaZtech’s boosted durability reduce the number of soft plastic baits used by anglers, ingested by fish or discarded in the water, Z-Man’s specialized material is also one-hundred percent non-toxic and free from harmful chemicals like phthalates. Additionally, ElaZtech floats and is FDA Food Grade compliant—as opposed to traditional plastisol baits, which sink to the bottom and can be ingested by fish and other wildlife, sometimes causing digestive problems among other issues. Conversely, any inadvertently discarded ElaZtech baits will float and can be easily scooped from the water’s surface for proper disposal. 

SilencerCo is excited to give away a free suppressor each day at the Western Hunting & Conservation Expo. The event will be held at the Salt Palace Convention Center in Salt Lake City, Utah from February 2 – 5, 2023.  To learn about the benefits of hunting suppressed and to enter for a chance to win a Harvester EVO, Omega, 36M, Hybrid 46M or Velos LBP come by the SilencerCo booth (#5714).  

The Harvester EVO is SilencerCo’s flagship hunting suppressor – designed specifically with hunters in mind. This .30 caliber silencer is short, lightweight, constructed out of extremely durable materials, and affordably priced. It ships with both a 1/2 x 28 and 5/8 x 24 direct thread mount so it’s hunting-ready right out of the box. 

he Hybrid 46M is a great choice for big bore hunters since it accommodates calibers ranging from 9mm to 10mm on pistols and 5.56 NATO to .458 SOCOM on rifles. It’s also modular and can be run in a shorter configuration to trim down on overall weight and length. 

The Omega 36M is the most versatile and modular suppressor on the market. It can be used on both rifles and pistols with calibers ranging from .22 Hornet to .338 LM and 9MM Luger. The Omega 36M performs well on all of these calibers and does not sacrifice sound suppression quality for versatility. 

“Perhaps the most exciting suppressor we are giving away is SilencerCo’s newest release, the Velos LBP,” said VP of Marketing, Customer Service and Warranty, Jessica Kallam. “This durable 5.56 silencer minimizes gas blow-back, has no barrel restrictions and is rated for full-auto.

EPA’s Clean Water Act 404(c) Final Determination prohibits and restricts mine waste discharge in the Bristol Bay watershed and safeguards fish, rivers and a way of life; move is celebrated by Alaskans, anglers, hunters. 

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Today, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) publicly announced a Clean Water Act 404(c) Final Determination finding that mine waste would harm the Bristol Bay watershed, and restricted its discharge into rivers, streams and wetlands of the North and South Fork of the Koktuli River and Upper Talarik Creek, rivers in the vicinity of the Pebble deposit.  

The decision effectively prevents development of the long-proposed Pebble gold and copper mine, which for decades has threatened the world’s most productive wild sockeye salmon runs, Alaska’s strongest Chinook salmon run, and the region’s famed sport and commercial fishing industries.  

“This is an incredible day for the Bristol Bay region.” said Nelli Williams, Alaska director for Trout Unlimited. “For more than a decade, the science has remained strong and public support has been unwavering for Clean Water Act protections. An Alaska-sized thank you to the Biden Administration and the EPA for listening to Alaskans, Tribes, anglers and hunters, and for doing the right thing for a world-class renewable resource and the people and jobs that depend on it. The work in Bristol Bay isn‘t done, but today is a milestone to be celebrated.”  

“Pebble Mine would destroy massive amounts of water and land in the heart of a wild, pristine and productive landscape. These safeguards are reserved for special places and Bristol Bay fits the bill perfectly. While there is more work to be done, with this news we can begin to work toward a bright future for Bristol Bay without the shadow of the Pebble mine constantly hanging over our heads,” said Brian Kraft, president of Katmai Service Providers and operator of two Bristol Bay fishing lodges. “This sends yet another very strong message to the Pebble Partnership: your mine is not wanted here; we have better plans for Bristol Bay.”