Hunting and Fishing News Blog Articles

A coldwater finesse Q&A with the Ned rig maestro

While you’re reading this, huddled around the warm glow of your computer screen, Ned Kehde is almost certainly on the water. So long as one of the dozen or so of his local community reservoirs near Kansas City remain ice free, Ned will be afloat, casting his little finesse jigs, and hooking astonishing numbers of coldwater bass. 

“For years, our goal was to catch 101 bass in a four-hour trip,” Ned concedes. “These days, especially on cold winter outings, we’re content to fish for two to three hours between 11am and 3pm. On average, we’re still catching about ten bass per hour—just enough bites to keep this old codger warm.” 

Now nearly 83 years young, Ned still fishes more than most, adding hundreds of clicks to his well-worn fish-counter. Recently, between trips, we caught up with our friend, the legendary Ned Kehde, to talk shop and discover his latest tricks. As he’ll graciously tell you, anyone can catch bass with Midwest finesse . . .

Where are you fishing these days and what’s happening in these fisheries?

Spring Hill, Tenn.—Nearly 200 youth and their families turned out at San Antonio’s Woodlawn Lake Park on Saturday for the Union Sportsmen’s Alliance’s (USA) 2nd Annual Fishing Lines at Christmas Time event.

The free, community event was organized by the San Antonio Building and Construction Trades Council (BCTC) with support from the Priest Holmes Foundation and NFLPA San Antonio/Austin Former Players Chapter. The Bexar County Sheriff’s Office was also on-site with a safety officer and sheriff’s boat.

“I grew up in the outdoors—that’s how I raised my kids. It’s such a crucial part of conservation, but there’s a clear disconnect between kids today and the outdoors,” said San Antonio BCTC Representative Shane Denn.  “Anything we can do to engage kids in nature is worth every penny. Me and the other union volunteers had a blast, and I want to make this an annual event.”

Thirteen union volunteers representing the San Antonio BCTC, Electrical Workers Local 60, United Association Local 142, Insulators Local 87, Sheet Metal Workers Local 67, Roofers International, and the NFLPA San Antonio/Austin Former Players Chapter, donated their time to rig fishing poles and provide youth with instruction and assistance in baiting, casting, and landing fish.

“The event was outstanding,” said Jordan “Gig” Ritenour, assistant to the international president of the United Union of Roofers, Waterproofers and Allied Workers. “We got to interact with a lot of different people. Many of the parents were learning as we taught the kids, and they were just as excited to get their hands on a fishing pole—many for the first time.”

Federal is proud to announce its Springfield Armory Model 2020 Waypoint Special Edition ammunition is now available from its Online Custom Shop. A dedicated webpage takes Custom Shop users to an order form, where they select their bullet options and caliber, then purchase the handloaded ammunition direct at: Custom Shop Waypoint 2020 (federalpremium.com).

“The new Model 2020 Waypoint rifle from Springfield represents a level of features and customization you won’t find in other factory firearms. It’s only fitting that Federal Custom Shop would offer loads specifically built for the revolutionary platform,” said Federal Ammunition’s Marketing Director Brian Anderson. “Shoppers can now choose from several Custom Shop offerings loaded with Terminal Ascent and Nosler AccuBond bullets and optimized for the best ballistics and overall performance from their Model 2020 Waypoint rifle.”

Watch video here: https://youtu.be/RWqRRAEfVIU

The Federal ammunition plant is in Anoka, Minnesota, and its online Custom Shop is a separate, secured room inside the massive factory. It is a state-of-the-art reloading workshop focused on the utmost attention to detail, quality and care for each hand-loaded round produced. An elite group of Federal’s most experienced employees were selected to work in the Custom Shop. Using the best components available, these expert engineers handcraft this ammunition to order. Each round is hand-checked with a final cleaning and inspection before being packed in Custom Shop packaging and shipped out. Each box of Custom Shop ammunition is signed by the Federal employee who hand-loaded it. Since this ammunition is made-to-order, typical lead time is approximately two weeks.

Springfield Armory Model 2020 Waypoint is precision manufactured in the USA. Each Model 2020 is built to deliver the accuracy and performance expected from a custom-grade rifle. The Model 2020 Waypoint features a carbon fiber stock and a steel or carbon fiber barrel with an impressive .75 MOA accuracy guarantee.

Greeley, CO – Steiner, the leader in high-performance optics for military and law enforcement, expands its line of hunting riflescopes with the release of the new Predator 8 series optics. Boasting 8x zoom, the Predator 8 riflescopes join the Steiner Predator 4 series to provide discerning big game hunters the pinnacle of versatility and precision in premium hunting optics.

Built on a rugged 30mm tube chassis, the Predator 8 delivers all the key features required of a go-anywhere optic. Class-leading optical clarity with industry-leading light transmission, a massive field of view, and an illuminated reticle with 11 brightness settings ensure a fast and crisp sight picture in the most challenging lighting conditions. Foul weather and harsh climates also offer no resistance to the Predator 8’s performance thanks to the fogproof and waterproof design and broad -13°F to +145°F operating temperature.

The Predator 8 is offered in three different 8x zoom ranges: 2-16×42, 3-24×50, and 4-32×56. Hunters looking to take advantage of the riflescopes’ precision reticle adjustment to accurately compensate for bullet drop at long distances will appreciate the audible and tactile 1/4 MOA ballistic turret. Included are different numbered turret rings that allow the shooter to customize the turret for quick elevation adjustment at pre-selected distances. The ballistic turret also provides a zero mode to permit fast and precise dial-back to the zero setting.

The Predator 8 2-16x42mm and the 3-24x50mm riflescopes both come with the Steiner E3 second focal plane reticle. Designed for the most popular big game cartridges with holdover compensation out to 400 yards and cascading windage dots to easily adjust for 10 mph crosswind, the E3 reticle quickly serves up aiming solutions when the pressure is on. For maximum long-range precision, the Predator 8 4-32x56mm stands ready with its high magnification and SCR (Special Competition Reticle) combination.

Delivering the best in German precision, the Predator 8 series promises apex optical and ballistic compensation performance in a tough, weather-resistant platform suitable for any hunting adventure…anywhere.

Supporting the children and families of first responders who have been killed or injured in the line of duty

Today, Henry Repeating Arms, one of America’s leading firearms manufacturers, announced a donation of $50,000 to First Responders Children’s Foundation (FRCF).  

FRCF was founded in 2001 in the immediate aftermath of 9/11 for the 800 surviving children who lost a first responder parent on that tragic day. Since then, FRCF has grown to be a national non-profit focusing on four key program areas: scholarships for children of first responders injured or killed in the line of duty; Financial Assistance Grants/Line of Duty Death Bereavement Support; a Mental Health Resiliency Program; and First Responder Community Engagement.

“The primary focus of our Guns for Great Causes program has always been about children, which is why we are extremely proud to help support such an esteemed and worthwhile organization,” said Henry Repeating Arms CEO and Founder Anthony Imperato. “No one does a better job of meeting the real financial needs and taking care of the children and families of our fallen heroes.” The donation is part of a $1 million pledge made to celebrate the company’s 25th anniversary through a charitable branch called Guns for Great Causes.

“FRCF is deeply grateful to Anthony Imperato and Henry Repeating Arms for their generous commitment to supporting first responders and their children. This donation will help to support our mental health resiliency program, which provides confidential, trauma-informed counseling at no cost to children of first responders,” said FRCF President and CEO Jillian Crane. “Henry is an iconic American family-owned business supporting the first responder community since day one. This partnership will make a real difference in the lives of first responder families.”

Few things are worse for the diehard deer hunter than climbing into a poorly positioned or ill-fitting stand. A serious hunter is already running with the big dogs and demands a treestand that will measure up to your stature and hunting potential. Enter Millennium Treestands’ M150 Monster, a workhorse hang-on stand rated to safely and securely support 300 lbs. 

Find a good location to hang your M150 Monster, ideally a straight, thick tree positioned over a deer feeding area or a travel corridor. Optimal stand locations often don’t have great tree options, so any tree with up to a 15° lean will work. The M150 Monster is easily adjustable to compensate for slight variations in tree “straightness.” Set up is fast and quiet. Climb aboard and secure the safety harness, then haul up the gun, bow, pack, and other gear. Remember, the M150 Monster boasts a capacity of 300 lbs. 

Comfort counts on any treestand hunt. This is where the M150 Monster shines, thanks to the patented, adjustable ComfortMAX seat, with its full backrest and side supports. This 20-in. wide, 17-in. deep sling seat is adjustable from a height of 16-in. to 20-in. above the platform. Gun and crossbow hunters can add an optional M101 shooting rail for added support. Traditional and compound bow hunters will like the easy move to a standing position while quietly raising the seat to a folded position, enabling greater flexibility on the large 24-in. wide, 37-in. deep aluminum platform. 

This aluminum hang-on weighs just 19.5 lbs and easily folds for backpacking. The durable, powder-coat finish knocks out any shine and protects the aluminum.  

The package includes a full body harness and the SafeLink system, a 35 ft. rope with a prusik knot, and a carabiner for controlled, safe ascent and descent from hang-on, climber and ladder stands.

Recommended Determination marks the furthest step reached in the Clean Water Act 404(c) process, supported by record numbers of Bristol Bay residents and Alaskans 

ANCHORAGE, Alaska – Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) took an important step toward safeguarding Bristol Bay’s fisheries, communities, and economy by deploying the authorities of the Clean Water Act to protect the headwaters of Bristol Bay, Alaska. The agency announced a Recommended Determination for the headwaters of Bristol Bay that could prohibit and restrict mine waste in rivers, streams and wetlands of the North and South Fork of the Koktuli River and Upper Talarik Creek.  

“EPA did the right thing today. Bristol Bay is the world’s finest salmon fishery. The vast majority of local Alaska Native villages and sportsmen and women across America want to see it protected. Thanks to EPA for applying common sense to a common problem for the common good,” said Chris Wood, president and CEO of Trout Unlimited. “We thank the EPA for their commitment to carrying out the Clean Water Act 404(c) process for Bristol Bay and honoring the wishes of the affected Alaska Native villages. We urge Administrator Regan to finalize the protections for Bristol Bay as soon as possible.” 

“We are excited to see this important step happen and won’t let our guards down until these safeguards are across the finish line. It would be fantastic to start 2023 with the final approval of these protections. So many Alaskans, like myself, that depend on Bristol Bay’s salmon and clean water, need certainty that the resources that sustain us won’t be threatened by incompatible development,” said Brian Kraft, president of the Katmai Service Providers and owner of two Bristol Bay sportfishing lodges.  

“The Recommended Determination is a big step forward in a process that Alaskans have championed for more than a decade,” said Nelli Williams, Alaska director for Trout Unlimited. “We thank the EPA for continuing to move forward with Clean Water Act 404(c) safeguards for the headwaters of Bristol Bay. We encourage the EPA to move swiftly to issue a Final Determination. The science and public support are overwhelmingly in favor of Clean Water Act protections for Bristol Bay.” 

Premier Body Armor is proud to announce their continued collaboration with Vertx, including the Gen 3 line of products and custom-fit ballistic inserts compatible with the Gamut, Ready Pack and Navigator Sling. American-made armor plus industry-leading Vertx bags and packs offer the perfect solution for an off-body carry system.

“We are thrilled to continue our partnership with Vertx,” said Alex Stewart, President of Premier Body Armor. “This line offers consumers 100% USA made, custom cut armor inserts that maximize the potential of the packs and provide on-the-go ballistic protection. The Gen 3 Vertx line puts a focus on advanced feature sets without compromising the industry-leading CCW DNA that we’ve all come to love.” 

The Gamut, Ready Pack, and Navigator Sling all improve upon their Gen 2 predecessors, offering a new Rapid Access Pull tab compatible with every zipper for a fully customizable EDC setup. With a gatekeeper G-hook, you can avoid unwanted gear exposure in the CCW compartment. Premier’s custom-fit ballistic inserts provide comfortable and incognito protection while you’re on the go.

The new ballistic panels continue to uphold the high standards of Premier’s body armor, meeting the NIJ Level IIIA standard while being the thinnest and lightest ballistic protection on the market. Available in bundles or standalone inserts, it’s easier than ever to update your bag & armor. Load out your Gamut with all the gear you need, pack the Navigator and be ready for travel or blend in with other “average” backpacks with the Ready Pack.

Enjoy the peace of mind body armor provides. Premier Body Armor is proud to provide high-quality, Made in the USA, custom-fit body armor for Vertx products.

The Civilian Marksmanship Program’s (CMP) Advanced Highpower Clinic, held each year at the annual Camp Perry National Matches in Ohio, is a great place to learn something new – whether it’s technique, wind reading, equipment issues or mental management.

“I’m going to keep taking this clinic every year, even after I reach my shooting goals – I’m certain that I can keep learning stuff from your instructors,” said one attendee.

“This clinic is an excellent opportunity for highpower shooters who really want to advance to the national level in the sport,” said another. “I learned more in two days than I have in 10 years. Unbelievable opportunity.”

The purpose of the Advanced Highpower Rifle Clinic is to provide participants with fine-tuning that will make them more effective on the range, like a different hand position, moving the sling up or down the arm, tightening jacket straps or a myriad of other subtle changes.

“Highpower is a game of points – gaining a point here and there means moving up a classification, winning your class, or winning an entire match,” said Dan Arnold, one of the instructors of the course.

The National Deer Association (NDA) strongly opposes the recent action by the Mississippi Commission on Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks (Commission) to remove Claiborne County from Mississippi’s Chronic Wasting Disease Management Zone (CWD-MZ). The move arbitrarily and unnecessarily places the state’s wild deer herd – a resource held in the public trust – at significant risk to exposure and spread of CWD.

Claiborne County was placed into the CWD-MZ after CWD was detected in wild deer in Tensas Parish, Louisiana. Tensas Parish and Claiborne County are separated only by the Mississippi River, and the western border of Claiborne County is within one mile of the location of the positive CWD detection in Tensas Parish. The Mississippi Chronic Wasting Disease Management Plan (Plan), which was approved by the Commission in April 2021, requires that, following a confirmed CWD positive within an existing positive county or a new county, all counties within 10 miles of the positive, including the county containing the positive, will be placed in a CWD-MZ for a minimum of three years.

The Commission’s removal of Claiborne County from the CWD-MZ was based on the erroneous conclusion that the Mississippi River serves as a physical barrier to deer movement between Louisiana and Mississippi. This is inaccurate as evidenced by GPS collar data collected by the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks (MDWFP), other state agencies and educational institutions. Multiple studies have concluded that deer can, and regularly do, cross the Mississippi River. The removal also ignores the qualified expertise of MDWFP biologists in recommending the inclusion of Claiborne County in a CWD-MZ and the forming of the CWD Management Plan, which is founded in many of the best management practices for CWD as outlined by the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies (AFWA).

“Unfortunately, this isn’t the Commission’s first foray into scientific disregard, which is a dereliction of duty in favor of special interests and politics,” said Nick Pinizzotto, NDA’s President and CEO. “The Commission has displayed a pattern of prioritizing – unabashedly, at times – the interests of a small subset of private landowners and captive cervid facility owners with disregard for the citizens of Mississippi and the state’s precious wildlife resource.”

Earlier this year, and again in opposition to advice from MDWFP biologists, the Commission passed a motion to remove distance-from-positive and disease testing as components used to determine a county’s inclusion in a CWD-MZ. This move was troubling, at best. Specifically, the Commission elected to remove the 10-mile-radius provision and a minimum disease sampling threshold, instead opting to institute a framework that only requires a county to have no positive CWD detections for three years before it can be removed from the CWD-MZ. This model is harmful in two ways: first, removal of the proximity component unnecessarily exposes the highest-risk counties to spread of CWD, and second, the removal of sampling requirements removes the incentive to sample. The decision resulted in the removal of several counties from the CWD-MZ.

As part of the 100-year anniversary celebration, Federal Ammunition is featuring monthly online content celebrating Federal’s rich history. The month of November showcased the Premium ammunition product line and the honorary company historian, Doc Fred. Content can be found on the 100-year anniversary website: A Century Of Authority (federalpremium.com).

The life and history of the Federal company historian are documented in the article “Federal’s Doc Fred”. Dr. David Frederickson M.D. or known as “Doc Fred” was never a paid employee of Federal Ammunition but since the late 1960s was a collector of Federal Ammunition packaging and won display awards at ammunition collector shows. 

“Without Doc, many parts of Federal’s history would be lost to time,” said Jason Nash, Federal Ammunition Vice President of Marketing. “Doc was an extremely passionate collector of Federal Ammunition and built relationships with company executives and employees. Thanks to his collection we have been able to better document any past product packaging. Generations to come can still enjoy his collections in museums and at the Federal factory buildings.” 

The article “Federal Premium Product Line” follows the journey of Federal Ammunition providing hunters and shooters with the finest rifle ammunition. Federal combines the best casings, primers, bullets, plated shot and cleanest burning powder to produce the premium line of ammunition. From 22 LR to shotshells up to the 500 Nitro Express, the line of Federal Premium ammunition covers a wide range of uses.

“The Federal Premium product line has been trusted by hunters and shooters since the 1970s,” said Nash. “Hunters and shooters need the best possible tools to help them in the field and Federal Premium loads fit that need.” 

The Rig’em Right HydeOut XL has been in our hands for almost six months. We had the opportunity to use it in turkey and deer season as well as a couple of trips out photographing and scouting. The ability to see through this blind as well as the GORE® OPTIFADE® Subalpine pattern on this blind makes it one a pretty cool addition to our tool set. 

The Rig’Em Right blind has a 360 degree view which is an advantage to help you see through the blind in all directions. It does require you to keep your movements to a minimum and your lights and cell phones reduced during the low light of early morning, otherwise you will get picked off quickly in dark conditions. After sunrise, you are more than okay to break out your cell phone. With the entire blind covered in Sitka Optifade you can keep your camo clothing on and ignore the black hoodie you have been wearing with other blinds. Even the case is covered in Optifade so you can stash it pit pf sight.

The blind has silent entry and clips for all of the windows. You can roll the windows up and use them to get shots all the way around the blind. The windows are large which is great but in high winds it has the tendency to turn the blind into a bit of a wind sail. We use Orange Screws to keep the blind on the ground in severe wind and we were able to secure the blind in winds well over 20 mph sustained during our Spring turkey hunt. It was an adventure and when the winds gusted up over 40 mph we decided to pull up the stakes and get out of the wind. We knew the turkeys were not coming into the open and our day was done. 

One of the issues with most blinds is the blind bag. This is one of the areas where Rig’Em Right has knocked it out of the park. It comes in a bigger than average blind bag and the backpack straps make it easy to carry in with padded shoulder straps. The blind itself comes with straps to add in sticks, twigs and grasses to the blind to color it all in. The heavy duty steel tent stakes can be tossed in the trash and replaced with small Orange Screws. 

Like with any blind, keep your voice down and your movements slow and relaxed and you will maximize success. This blind is easy to brush in and hunt with and most importantly see out of which is important to us especially when taking young hunters into the field. 

If you could only buy a single sleeping pad for the rest of your life, the EXPED just might be the one you would consider. The EXPED DURA 8R is built for expedition use in the most extreme and cold temperatures. It works well in the heat of summer, but where it really shines is on extreme cold nights where you might be sleeping on cold frozen ground or on snow and you want to be warm. Old bones like mine like to be warm and the EXPED DURA 8R with DOWNMAT TECHNOLOGY makes sure that I don’t wake up stiff and cranky.

The EXPED DURA 8R comes with a 9 cm air cushion in an air mat that packs down to about an 8 inch high by  6 inch container, and it fits well in my pack. It weighs 34 ounces, which could be an issue, but if you plan on hunting and camping in cold temperatures, you know you will not be going in light. The weight is one that I can live with for a sleeping pad that allows me to truly rest from dawn to dusk. 

We loved the Schnozzel Pumpbag that allowed us to get this sleeping pad filled in just under two minutes. Easy to set up and easy to pack down make this sleeping pad one that you will be happy to have in your pack or in the bottom of your canoe.  As a side sleeper, I choose my sleeping pads very carefully because I worry about pressure points on my hips and shoulders and the pads from DURA 8R keeps me comfortable all night long.

EXPED has a long and tremendous history of creating products that are sustainable. All EXPED mats are certified carbon neutral by myclimate. Recycled 75 D/ 170 D brushed polyester face fabric keeps plastic out of landfills, uses less water, energy and carbon during production and keeps our planet a little cleaner.

Did we mention how much we like that Schnozzel Pumpbag?  No more out of breath blowing into your sleeping bag which keeps moist air out of your pad, thus creating a warmer night’s sleep. The EXPED’s DOWNMAT TECHNOLOGY, with 700 cu in of down insulation for use in all seasons, ensures that you are going to be warm from head to toe. Shop locally or buy your DURA 8R direct from Expedusa.com.

Gerald O’Keefe, former Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP) Board Vice Chairman, has recently assumed the role of Chairman and CEO – following the retirement of previous Chairman, Judy Legerski, this year. Legerski had been a member of the Board since the organization’s privatization in 1996 and led as Chairman/CEO for over a decade.

Mr. O’Keefe’s occupancy of the position officially began in September 2022. During his tenure, he plans to leverage the ideas and talent of both the workforce and the Board to build on the many successes of the organization. He is open to exploring modern, innovative approaches where it may benefit the organization, while staying true to the core mission and values that have defined CMP over its 26-year history.

“I’ve set a number of priorities for both my roles as the Chairman and CEO, but at a more strategic level, what I’d really like to do is simply to continue to further the CMP’s core mission of promoting marksmanship,” he said. “And with that, to set the standard for training, marksmanship safety and getting more youth into the sport – teaching them marksmanship fundamentals and safety.”

O’Keefe joined the CMP Board of Directors in September 2019 following a prominent government career. A West Point graduate, he served 27 years of active duty before transitioning into a Department of the Army Senior Executive. He culminated his government service as the Administrative Assistant to the Secretary of the Army, a historical position, as well as the Senior Career Civilian in the Army. 

There, he was responsible for a wide array of strategic engagements and portfolios, to include liaison to the CMP. Close contact to the organization allowed him to learn more about its mission and the details of the legislation that connects the Army and the CMP.  At the same time, he managed the Civilian Aide to the Secretary of the Army (CASA) program and saw the synergy between the CMP and the CASAs.

Irving, TX – Yamamoto Baits is proud to unveil the all-new Yama Craw. Designed to provide a tight and fast action that fish can’t resist, the Yama Craw is sure to fill a void in both the Yamamoto line of lures as well as the fishing industry itself.

“Our new Yama Craw has the combination of size, shape, and action that makes it a winner in all types of water,” says Yamamoto pro Cody Meyer. “This bait is pro-tested, nature-inspired, and fish-approved.”

The Yama Craw is constructed from Yamamoto’s new “Mega Floater Formula”, allowing for a softer plastic and a bait that floats.

“The formula allows you to rig a Yama Craw countless ways,” explains Crispin Powley, VP of Fishing for GSM Outdoors. “The Yama Craw will stand up every time it hits the bottom, mimicking the natural defensive posture of a crawfish. The floating claws will allow you to fish it as slow as you need to.”

Available in 19 fish-catching colors, the Yama Craw is for sale now at your favorite fishing retailer. “This is going to be a gamechanger,” says Powley. “I truly believe that because of its unique qualities and lifelike presentation, the Yama Craw is this best football jig trailer ever created.”

New Size-Inclusive and Versatile Pullover and Bib Set is the Ultimate Mid-Season Apparel Set for Women 

Madison, WI – DSG Outerwear, premier makers of the most technical, high-performance and size-inclusive hunting apparel for women, is proud to introduce its newest hunting bib and pullover set that delivers a superb fit plus field-proven functional features women hunters are sure to appreciate. In fact, the new Breanna 2.0 Fleece Pullover and Drop Seat Bib Set is the ultimate midseason apparel set for women.

DSG Outerwear has paired the perfect pullover and pants set together for your next hunt. Both the Breanna 2.0 Fleece Pullover and Drop Seat Bibs are constructed of a quiet, bonded stretch fabric with a soft shearling interior. The interior is incredibly soft for extra comfort while the exterior is DWR treated, which means it’s waterproof and water repellent, keeping hunters both dry and warm during inclement weather. The set is both comfortable and silent, so whether you’re on the move or spending hours in the tree-stand, you’ll remain warm, comfortable and ready to take your shot.

The Breanna 2.0 Fleece Pullover incorporates a removable and adjustable hood; a durable quarter-zip which makes pulling the hoodie on and off a breeze; as well as adjustable cuffs for the perfect fit. A spacious two-way kangaroo pocket with hook and loop closure is ideal for storing important hunting equipment like your binos, while also allowing for easy access at all times. A vertical lapel zippered chest pocket provides even more storage for any smaller items you’d like to store on your person. The Breanna 2.0 Fleece Drop Seat Bib incorporates an adjustable snap inseam (from 28.5-inches to 32.5-inches); a drop seat feature allowing for easy access when nature calls; a large, zippered thigh pocket and an easy-to-adjust suspender system to ensure a perfect length.

Both the Breanna 2.0 Fleece Pullover and Drop Seat Bib Pants are available in the popular Realtree Edge® or Realtree Excape camouflage patterns, as well as Black. Both Realtree® camouflage patterns allow hunters to blend seamlessly into their environments at both close range and from a distance, while the Black option is perfect for sitting in a blind.

Colt Manufacturing’s most coveted hunting revolver is the Anaconda, chambered in the truly awesome .44 Rem Mag.

Today’s Anaconda is a hunter’s dream and has been entirely re-designed to utilize an oversized Colt Python action. This double-action revolver features a Linear Leaf Spring Action for a non-stacking, smooth-as-glass trigger pull, and it boasts a solid stainless-steel frame for strength and durability.

Available with either a six- or eight-inch barrel, the Anaconda sports recoil-absorbing Hogue grips and adjustable, interchangeable sights. It is also drilled and tapped for mounting an optic. The Anaconda is a versatile hunter, easy to carry and capable of great accuracy and ethical harvests. 

Part of the challenge of handgun hunting with an Anaconda is the work a hunter will do to become a better stalker, getting closer to game when needed. Yet the hand gunner also needs to be very patient, willing to hold stone still while that buck of a lifetime decides if he’s going to approach or not.

Hunting with a wheelgun is a game-changer for the hunter, and a revolver like the Colt Anaconda can make it all happen. At the range and in the field, the Colt Anaconda in .44 Mag will get the job done–and then some.

If you’re looking to get started or help someone with shooting sports, Hatsan’s ESCORT® PS Youth is the perfect beginner’s shotgun. But that doesn’t mean it lacks features! This semi-auto shotgun is just the right size for youth and smaller framed shooters. It’s easy to carry, easy to load, and easy to shoot.

The PS Youth is chambered for 3-inch magnum 20-gauge shells and features ESCORT’s Fast-Loading and Smart-Valve Piston Systems. An aircraft-grade aluminum alloy receiver is fully anodized and sports a well-designed 11mm groove for optics mounts. The chrome-plated 22-inch barrel pulls everything together utilizing a 7mm, checkered, ventilated, anti-glare rib ending with a classic brass bead.

No matter what game is being taken, the ESCORT PS Youth can handle a variety of shots, including steel (with specific chokes). The multi-choke system includes five chokes (F, IM, M, IC, CYL). A migratory plug can be installed for 2+1 capacity and removed for a complete 4+1 capacity.

The gas-operated PS Youth comes with a synthetic polymer stock and forend with checkered gripping surfaces. For comfort, there is a well-designed rubber recoil TrioPad. In addition, spacers can be added or removed to adjust the length of pull. Stock shims provide adjustment of drop and cast for a better fit. A manual cross-button safety is built in since safety is a significant concern for any firearm. Mounted sling studs make for easy carry and firing support. 

The finish is available in full black and three camo options: Realtree Timber, Mossy Oak Bottomland, and Realtree Max-5. It weighs in at 6 lbs. and 41-inches overall length.

Giving the gift of a Bond Arms handgun for Christmas this season ensures a gift that’s exactly the right size. Bond Arms Handguns check all the boxes, whether it’s intended for self-defense, days at the range, a camp handgun, or simply an addition to a firearm collection.

Bond Arms handguns are designed with standard features, including fixed sights for reliability, retracting firing pins for ease of use, patented rebounding hammer for handling, and cross-bolt safety for security. With a wide variety of models available from Bond Arms this season, there’s a compact double-barrel handgun that’s perfect for any gift list.  

Texas Defender by Bond Arms

Built as a salute to the great state of Texas, the only state to have been a sovereign republic. The Texas Defender’s rosewood grip is inlaid with the iconic star of Texas, paired with clean-cut checkering.

The 3-in. barrels are available chambered in both .45LC / .410 shotshell or .357Mag / .38Spl; the Texas Defender is built to take care of business. This handgun weighs in at a light 20 oz but comes in heavy on reliability and dependability, and it is crafted from stainless steel for durability.

Smith & Wesson Brands, Inc. (NASDAQ Global Select: SWBI), a leader in firearm manufacturing and design is excited to introduce a new member of the M&P metal-framed series, the Performance Center® M&P®9 M2.0® Competitor®.

Built for competition right out of the box, this metal-framed 9mm pistol is designed to give competitive shooters the edge. The Competitor comes with a 5-inch barrel, has an enhanced sear for lighter, crisper trigger let-off, and includes a flared magazine well for fast and efficient reloads. Boasting a new look, the aggressive lightening cuts on both the top and sides of the slide ultimately reduce the amount of weight in front of the chamber and, in return, help improve the recoil balance point. The slide is cut for optics, includes a fiber optic front sight, and blacked out serrated rear sight. The Competitor comes with an oversized mag release that is reversible for both right and left-handed users and ships with a total of four magazines. Choose from models available in 10+1 or 17+1 round capacities with a Tungsten Gray Cerakote® or black Armornite® slide finish. Smith & Wesson is proud to introduce the Performance Center M&P9 M2.0 Competitor.

The Competitor has an MSRP of $999.00                                       

Check out the new Competitor and all Smith & Wesson products at www.smith-wesson.com.

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