Hunting and Fishing News Blog Articles

For today’s angler, sonar is the name of the game in finding fish. With sonar technology that scans straight down, off to the side and most recently, all around the perimeter of the boat in real-time, crappie, panfish and bass anglers are more dialed in than ever before regarding the location of the fish and their underwater habitat.

With the influx of sonar options comes the need for placing these screens in strategic locations, at both the bow and console, in a manner that’s visible, accessible and out of the way. Mounting the sonar screens to the boat demands sturdy, yet lightweight materials that are built to accommodate the added weight of the big 12-15” screens – often placed side by side in many modern bass boats.

One of the companies filling that need is a new entrant into the sonar bracket market, Rose Metal Products (RMP), makers of the Trophy Graph Systems mounts. Based in Springfield, MO, Trophy Graph Systems offers an assortment of mounting hardware for any sonar configuration of any size, with versatile options available for single or dual screens at the bow and console.

Outdoor Specialties Boat Center in Eastland, Texas has a steady stream of customers requesting a variety of sonar mounting configurations of their new or used Ranger, Nitro and Tracker boats. Outdoor Specialties also handles all three major electronic brands: Humminbird, Garmin and Lowrance, so they’re well acquainted with what makes a quality mounting configuration and bracket. Their service manager, Hunter Starr, agreed to look at the various mounting offerings in the Trophy Graph Systems lineup and provide his initial reactions. In a word: “Impressive”.

Hunter states, “My first thought in handling the Trophy Graph Systems mounts is they’re very lightweight, but also very solid. I have no concerns about stability in holding these expensive sonar units in place – even in rough water. They also have a good powder coating on the metal brackets, so it’s a clean appearance that appears very durable.”

Global Angling Achievements Enabled by Shimano, G. Loomis and PowerPro 

Fishing success boils down to being in the right place at the right time and having the proper equipment in hand, an adage that is particularly true for anglers pursuing record-size game fish. In 2021, Shimano brands took top honors in the International Game Fish Association’s annual compilation of world record tackle, attesting to the powerful advantages anglers leverage with Shimano, G. Loomis and PowerPro products.

Governing the rules of angling and recognizing extraordinary achievements in recreational fishing since 1939, the IGFA maintains world record categories for both freshwater and saltwater game fish in All-Tackle, Line Class, Tippet Class, Junior, Smallfry and Live Release categories. The IGFA added an incredible 422 new records to its 2021 IGFA World Record Game Fishes book, documenting angling achievements across 28 countries. Notably, record-setting anglers relied on products from Shimano, G. Loomis and PowerPro for 262 new world records – over 60% of the total records established in 2021.

Shimano products enable success and set new standards for performance and reliability across the globe. Leveraging more than 100 years of purposeful design and innovation, Shimano reel technologies continue to elevate the on-the-water experience. Shimano engineering helped anglers set 102 new IGFA records in the Saltwater Reel category, including Lily Simms’ gargantuan 322.50 kg (711 lb) black marlin captured with help from a Shimano Tiagra TI130A – a fish that bested the existing record by more than 300 pounds. No stranger to world record accomplishments, Simms also caught a 15.10 kg (33 lb 5 oz) black marlin on a Shimano Talica in 2020, a fish that still stands as the Women’s 2-pound-test record. Shimano performance also enabled anglers to set 60 new IGFA world records in the Freshwater Reel category. Notably, Texas angler Wyatt Frankens set the new All-Tackle world record for a smallmouth-largemouth bass hybrid at 3.43 kg (7 lb 9 oz) with help from a Shimano SLX DC baitcasting reel. 

Shimano rods deliver a masterful blend of technology and intelligent design to a wide range of fishing styles. Anglers used Shimano conventional rods to set 42 new records in the Saltwater Rod category and G. Loomis fly rods to establish 8 Tippet Class records in the Saltwater Fly Rod category. Shimano and G. Loomis freshwater rods combined to help anglers set 20 additional world records, making Shimano-family conventional and fly rods responsible for an astonishing 70 new IGFA records in 2021 alone.

Pass It On – Outdoor Mentors, Inc. Board Chairman Ryan Bronson announced the addition of a new member to the Board of Directors. Joining the board is Pete Alfano of a founding partner of Whitetail Properties. Pete will join members Ryan Bronson, Eric Dinger, Brett Walton, Scott Vance, and Julie McQueen.

“Pass It On has been experiencing tremendous growth and delivering high quality outdoor adventures every year and as our program grows, we have been building out a board of directors with diverse expertise and skill sets,” said Ryan Bronson, PIO Board Chair.  “Pete Alfano and Whitetail Properties have been significant contributors to Pass It On both financially and providing access to quality properties and we are pleased to add him to our governing board of directors.”Pete Alfano said, “I am happy to announce my acceptance to the board of directors with Pass It On – Outdoor Mentors! Getting youth in the outdoors is a huge passion of mine and I am looking forward to bringing my network of Whitetail Properties family and friends to the program. I was fortunate enough to have a mentor when I was a teenager and that pivotal opportunity led to my passion in the outdoors and ultimately created my career in the outdoors. So many kids do not have the opportunity to experience the outdoors and I am excited to be part of a mission that can offer kids more opportunity in the outdoors.”

Pete Alfano: Pete Alfano is a founding partner of Whitetail Properties. Pete remains an agent at Whitetail Properties, continuing to serve as a Land Specialist for buyers and sellers seeking expertise in rural property markets and values. Whitetail Properties also relies on Pete as an advisor to the company’s leadership team on rural-market trends and buyer tendencies. Many in the hunting community and industry recognize Pete by his frequent appearances on Whitetail Properties TV. The company’s television show, which airs on The Sportsmen Channel, helps promote property listings and showcases extraordinary hunts because of science-based wildlife management and habitat enhancements of rural properties. 

Over the years, Pete’s has also owned a couple of successful hunting lodges: one in Kentucky and another in southern Illinois. He’s owned rural properties in Minnesota, Illinois, Iowa, Colorado, Missouri, Oklahoma, New Mexico, Arizona and Kansas. And he’s been published in numerous outdoor publications including North American Whitetail, Wired to Hunt and Minnesota Outdoor News.

While Pete’s unorthodox experience in business ownership — having assumed these responsibilities at such a young age — have proven invaluable to his success at Whitetail Properties, his success can also be attributed to simply pursuing the things that he was personally passionate about. Pete, a second-generation Italian American whose father migrated to the U.S. from Sicily, was born in Chicago, and moved to Pittsfield, Illinois when he was 15. He currently lives with his wife Christie in Oak Grove, Minnesota, northwest of the Twin Cities.

Remington Ammunition has announced a new line extension to the popular Gun Club Target Load series of shotshells for 2022. Sporting Clay enthusiasts can now go to the range with Gun Club 12 gauge 1oz, #7.5 shot loads, with a velocity of 1250 FPS. This new load is demanded by and optimized for sporting clay shooters, while being a great choice for other clay shooting disciplines as well.

This announcement follows recent expansions to the Gun Club line from earlier this year including low recoil options and the popular Gun Club Cure, a product benefiting children’s hospitals nationwide. All Remington Ammunition products are developed with shooters in mind and continue to deliver the trusted performance the brand is known for.

Features:

“Remington shooters asked, and we delivered with this new expansion to the Gun Club lineup,” said Ronnie Evans, Remington Ammunition’s Shotshell Product Line Manager. “The Gun Club Target Load series is one of our most popular lines and we are excited to bring these to market just in time to test out at the course this summer.”

More information about these new products and all Remington Ammunition can be found at www.remington.com, on Remington’s e-newsletter and on Facebook, YouTube and Instagram.

New Ulm, Minnesota – The Archery Trade Association has launched a new quarterly Retail Business Tracker Survey to gain insight from retailers across the country to help members adapt to changing conditions both regionally and nationally. 

The survey collects information quarterly from shop owners and managers in four different regions used by the census bureau. A statistically significant number of ATA retail members were chosen in each region to provide information on overall sales, types of sales, customer demographics and retailer sentiment.

“Data and reliable facts are crucial to our members as they make critical business decisions every day,” said Jeff Poole, ATA’s president and CEO. “The purpose of this new survey is to provide our members with meaningful information they can use to help manage their business.” 

Additionally, open-ended questions on what customers are talking about and the challenges and concerns shop owners face can provide insight into customer interests. The survey results are presented nationally as well as regionally. 

A preview of the results can be found here, where members can also download the free report. To join the ATA and gain access to the full survey, visit archerytrade.org/membership.

Outdoor Sportsman Group, in partnership with Michael Waddell and his brand Bone Collector, announce an extended, exclusive partnership in the outdoor entertainment industry. The announcement was made today by President and CEO of Outdoor Sportsman Group Matt Hutchings.

Michael Waddell and Bone Collector have a long history with Outdoor Sportsman Group and continue to be an industry-leading content provider for audiences across the country. Known for their entertaining personalities, Bone Collector hosts Waddell, Nick Mundt and Travis “T-Bone” Turner documents the culture of hunting – whether bugling elk in Colorado, chasing big whitetails in Kansas or giant Nebraska mule deer. The camaraderie, laughs and passion for the outdoors brings together family and friends and makes for a great show. Bone Collector is a true depiction of the hunting lifestyle and highlights the brotherhood and sisterhood of hunting while also providing world-class production. 

“We’re excited to have Michael and the Bone Collector team as an exclusive partner with our media businesses as we continue to lead the future of outdoor entertainment across all current and future platforms,” Hutchings said.

“My passion for the outdoors and belief in the people that make up the culture are worth celebrating,” Waddell said. “Having the chance to share this and distribute the best of the outdoors on national TV and many other places is a must! I’m excited that now, and in the future, Outdoor Sportsman Group gives us that opportunity.”

“We continue to invest and build on what is the best content available in outdoor entertainment,” Outdoor Sportsman Group Head of Programming Tim Cremin said.  “Michael is the perfect partner for us on all our platforms moving forward into the future.” 

MKS Supply, the marketer and exclusive distributor for Barnaul Ammunition, Hi-Point Firearms, Inland Manufacturing, and Full Forge Gear, continues its support of the WTTA mission through financial contributions and placing a self-assessment card in every Hi-Point shipped.

Walk The Talk America (WTTA), a non-profit organization designed to bridge the gap between the firearms industry and owners and the mental health industry, welcomes the continued support of its corporate sponsor, MKS Supply. MKS Supply is the marketer and exclusive distributor for Barnaul Ammunition and well-known shooting brands Hi-Point Firearms, Inland Manufacturing, and Full Forge Gear. It supports WTTA’s efforts by donating financial resources and by placing a WTTA self-assessment card in every new Hi-Point firearm it ships. This helps expose hundreds of thousands of firearm buyers to be mindful and aware of their mental health and to take a free and anonymous screening.

“We feel it is very important to support mental health awareness, not only in the firearms community but in every community. WTTA is the most focused organization to help accomplish that goal and we are proud to partner with them on that mission,” commented Charles Brown, president of MKS Supply.

As a proud corporate sponsor, MKS Supply ships all Hi-Point firearms with a WTTA information card. In addition, the company continues to make donations in support of WTTA’s charity efforts, including a recent charity auction that included a Hi-Point C9 Pistol, a Hi-Point .45 carbine, and a Full Forge Gear double pistol bag and backpack.

“We are so honored by the commitment that MKS Supply has made to the WTTA mission,” Michael Sodini, WTTA founder, said. “They were one of the first companies to start placing our self-assessment cards within their product boxes. As the sales and marketing branch of Barnaul Ammunition, Hi-Point, Inland Manufacturing, and Full Forge Gear, they have a large reach and have done a great job helping us to spread our very important message.”

During the 2022 Precision World Championships held in France, Aug. 6 – 12, 2022, Rusty Ulmer took the Individual Senior Open with a clean score of 100 percent.

PROOF Research®’s sponsored shooters, Austin Orgain and Rusty Ulmer, were part of Team USA at the first International Precision Rifle Federation World Championship that took place Aug. 6 – 12, 2022, in Bitche, France. Four days of competition from the best long-range shooters from 26 countries across four continents were held at the CSA Bitche extreme long-range shooting facility in northern France. The International Precision Rifle Competition was held in partnership with the host, the French Precision Rifle Association (FRPRA), and Ultimate Ballistics.

The competition included twenty stages with 93 targets in six divisions. Over 249 of the world’s best long-range shooters and 300 participants convened for four days of tough competition. Among Team USA, PROOF Research sponsored shooter and two-time PRS Pro Series Golden Bullet Award winner Austin Orgain shot his personalized rifle build with the PROOF Research competition contour steel barrel chambered in 6 Dasher. Rusty Ulmer, another PROOF Research sponsored shooter, took home the prize in the Individual Senior Division for 55+. Rusty’s win caps off his shooting competition career with six national wins, 15 top three national finishes, 25 top five national finishes, 13 regional wins, and now an IPRS Senior Division win.

“For a match this important, I won’t trust anything but the best,” Rusty commented. “That’s why there was a PROOF barrel on my rifle.”

PROOF Research is proud to have some of the top long-range shooting competitors in the country using PROOF Research barrels. They know that PROOF Research delivers a world-class barrel for extreme accuracy and performance.

NASA is headed back to the moon, and Fisher Space Pen® will be there to see them off! On August 29th, Artemis 1 will set a course for the moon from launch pad 39B at Kennedy Space Center. This marks the first test of a new and innovative flight system and the first step towards a deeper voyage beyond Earth. Fisher has long been a partner of space travel with NASA and is proud to attend this event that sets a new tone for space exploration.

The Artemis 1 moon mission features the first ever integrated flight test of NASA’s deep space exploration system: the Orion spacecraft, Space Launch System (SLS) rocket, and the ground systems at Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Florida. This will be an uncrewed launch that hopes to pave the way for a new generation of space travelers and astronauts. Test objectives for the mission include modal survey, optical navigation camera certification, large file delivery protocol uplink, and many other groundbreaking technological functions. This launch will indeed mark a new day in discovery.

Since being aboard the Apollo 7 mission in 1968, Fisher Space Pen has been aboard every crewed spacecraft mission along the way for NASA. Fisher’s now permanent exhibit inside the Kennedy Space Center honors the relationship between these two parties to this day. Although this uncrewed mission means no Fisher pens will be aboard, executives and representatives from the company will still be in attendance. 

“We are so excited for this new chapter in NASA’s story, and we’re honored to attend and continue this partnership as both Fisher Space Pen and NASA continue to explore new ideas” said Fisher Space Pen VP of Sales and Marketing Matt Fisher. The ties between NASA and Fisher Space Pen couldn’t be stronger, and this new venture begins an exciting journey.

Fisher Space Pen Co. is a 74-year-old American manufacturer of ballpoint pens, with the notable distinction of being the only ballpoint pen used on every crewed flight into space since Apollo 7 back in 1968 and most recently with Space X. While pressurized technology made it possible for NASA’s astronauts to write in space, it also provided writing capabilities in all-weather, underwater, over oil and grease and from -30 to +250 degrees Fahrenheit. These pens are the perfect tool for trade professionals, first responders, military, rugged outdoor enthusiasts, trekkers, backpackers, industrial manufacturers, underwater divers and anyone who values a pen that doesn’t fail.

Houston Safari Club Foundation (HSCF) and “Hunting Matters” welcomes Chris Williams of Williams Knife Company. 

Inspired by his grandfather, Chris Williams is a second-generation knife maker. He watched his grandfather craft knives from discarded bandsaw blades in his workshop. This prompted Chris to create his own style of knives that were as beautiful as they were functional. This “hobby” continued to blossom as he made knives for friends until he ultimately walked away from a promising career as an investment banker to fully dedicate his energy into creating legendary knives. 

In 2005, Williams Knife Company was born and what has evolved has become a veritable artform. His big break came in 2010 when he crafted a new style of oyster knife that he named “The Edisto”, designed specifically for the small cluster oysters found along the east coast, which won the overall 2011 Made in the South award from Garden & Gun Magazine.

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

About Houston Safari Club Foundation
Houston Safari Club Foundation (HSCF) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization whose mission is to preserve the sport of hunting through education, conservation, and the promotion of our hunting heritage. HSCF has awarded 646 scholarships totaling $2.92 million dollars. HSCF conducts youth outdoor education programs, career training, hunter education and field experiences throughout the year. HSCF has provided over $4 million in grants for hunter-funded wildlife, habitat, and various conservation initiatives. HSCF is an independent organization, is not affiliated with Safari Club International (SCI) or its affiliates and is not a chapter or affiliate of any other organization. Visit our website at wehuntwegive.org or call 713.623.8844 for more information. HSCF. We Hunt. We Give.

While setting the industry standard in Performance Fishing Gear, Huk is also taking a more environmentally conscious approach by incorporating lightweight, recycled yarns to produce their Waypoint Collection. The Waypoint Collection features a hoodie, long sleeve shirt, polo, men’s 7.5” shorts, women’s 2.5” shorts, and men’s pants.

Converting plastic waste into more practical applications like clothing made from recycled materials is an effective way to reduce the impact of single-use plastics on the environment. Huk partnered with REPREVE® to incorporate these recycled materials into its Waypoint line to help reduce plastic pollution. The collection will have the same unique Huk style but with an eco-friendly twist. On average, nine recycled plastic bottles are used to create one item in the Waypoint collection. The blended fabric provides flexibility and stretches while maintaining shape and fit.

The Waypoint hoodie and long sleeve shirt feature 62% recycled polyester, 33% rayon, and 5% spandex. The lightweight recycled yarns are used to create an environmentally sound garment without sacrificing comfort or functionality. The hoodie and long sleeve shirt feature cooling fibers that work to remove heat from the surface of the skin, keeping anglers more comfortable and on the water longer. The hood is built taller around the neck, allowing for extra protection from the sun. Both hoodies and long sleeve shirts are rated 50+ UPF for ultimate protection against the sun and feature a chest pocket for storing lightweight items. The hoodie is available in men’s and women’s sizes. 

The Waypoint polo is the perfect choice for dressing up an outfit a little bit. The polo features 62% recycled polyester, 33% rayon, and 5% spandex resulting in a comfortable, lightweight product. The polo has the same cooling fibers as the hoodie, which will keep outdoorsmen cool and out in the sun longer. It is rated 50+ UPF for ultimate protection against the sun and features a chest pocket for storing lightweight items.

The Waypoint men’s 7.5” shorts are a perfect combination of style and comfort. The performance shorts are made from 37% recycled polyester, 35% polyester, 20% cotton, and 8% spandex and feature a moisture-wicking waistband. This combination provides superior stretch, mobility, and sun protection for a full day of water-filled activities. Ideal for both fresh- and saltwater fishing applications, the shorts are quick-drying and stain-resistant. The shorts are constructed with zippered front fly, zippered back pockets to secure gear and wallets while moving around the boat. A conveniently designed plier pocket helps keep essential gear close at hand.

Colona, IL – There is no doubt we are in the “golden age” of semi-auto rifles with companies like Rock River Arms continuing to offer top-quality rifles designed with premium materials and strict quality control — all sold at reasonable prices. Rock River Arms earned their reputation by manufacturing some of the most accurate and reliable semi-auto rifles for the law enforcement and civilian markets. Now for 2022, the company ups the game for hunters with the introduction of the All-Terrain Hunter (ATH), a mid-length rifle that stands tall in the field of AR-platform hunting rifles.

Designed specifically with the modern hunter in mind, the ATH rifle’s precision 18-inch heavy match stainless steel barrel is cryogenically treated for maximum stability and accuracy even under high-volume shooting conditions. Chambered in .223 WYLDE to accommodate both 5.56mm and .223 Remington hunting ammunition, the ATH barrel incorporates a 1:8 twist rate and boasts a guaranteed 3/4 MOA accuracy at 100 yards.

The barrel mates to a forged A4 upper receiver and is shrouded by a 13-inch extended lightweight free-float handguard. The co-witnessed, full-length rail system offers plenty of room for high-magnification optics and thermal gear for late-night varmint hunting while the M-LOK® compatible handguard ensures ample mounting positions for bipods, slings, and lights.

Hunter ergonomics also score high marks with the RRA ATH. A winter trigger guard provides ample room for the trigger finger even when wearing heavy gloves. The Hogue pistol grip also accommodates gloved hands with its no-slip rubber coating and prominent finger grooves. To meet changing shooting scenarios and clothing requirements, a six-position RRA Operator CAR buttstock rounds out the lower receiver assembly. With its generous cheek weld and textured buttplate, this stock makes it easy to maintain a secure and comfortable sight picture in a fast-paced hunting environment. The stock also incorporates multiple quick-detach sling mounting points and a watertight battery storage compartment.

Hunters will appreciate the ATH’s operational controls. The star safety selector, for example, is easy to manipulate when wearing gloves. More noteworthy is the inclusion of RRA’s world-class Two-Stage Ultra Match Varmint Trigger. With its light take-up, crisp break and 3.5 – 4 lbs. pull weight, this trigger goes a long way toward minimizing shooter-induced shot disturbance—a critical factor in long-range accuracy.

OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. – Registration is currently open for the Civilian Marksmanship Program’s (CMP) annual Oklahoma Games & HP Rifle Matches! The event is scheduled to return to the Oklahoma City Gun Club, Oct. 16-23, 2022. As in the past, the assorted lineup of rifle and pistol competitions is set to accommodate both new and experienced enthusiasts, so if you’ve never been to a marksmanship event before, now’s your chance!

The Oklahoma Games is comprised of staple CMP vintage and modern rifle competitions like the .22 Rimfire Sporter, M1 Carbine, Vintage Sniper and Garand/Springfield/Vintage and Modern Military (GSMM) matches alongside 1911 Pistol, Military & Police Service Pistol, Pistol Two-Man Team, Pistol EIC and .22 Rimfire Pistol EIC matches. Aggregate competitions using .22, .45 or Centerfire pistols are also included on the event schedule to allow even more options for competitors to enjoy.

Outside of competition, educational opportunities like CMP’s Rifle Marksmanship 101 and Pistol Marksmanship 101 courses provide hands-on learning in the classroom and on the firing line. Students enrolled in the courses learn gun safety, target shooting skills, positioning, basic rifle mechanics and more! All firearms and equipment will be provided for the classes and are conducted by trained industry professionals.

Additionally, an M1 Maintenance Clinic will give participants specific instruction on how to properly preserve the historic M1 Garand rifle.

Those searching for highpower (HP) rifle matches, featuring service rifles, will be able to take part in CMP’s HP series of 80 Shot Aggregates, a 4-Man Team match and a Service Rifle EIC competition – all held on CMP’s own line of outdoor electronic targets.

One essential thing on any worksite facing a deadline is a bright, realizable lighting source.

Whether the job runs late into the evening or an indoor worksite that needs a lot of illumination, a tool that can brighten up the workspace so the job can get done is invaluable. In these situations, the last thing needed is a heavy, bulky, hot work light with twisting power cables that leave half of the job site not adequately illuminated. Plus, this is an additional work hazard. These situations call for a bright, easily maneuverable LED-based lighting source that will keep the site brightly lit while being simple to power, easy to carry, and a snap to use.

The new NEBO OMNI 3K is that lighting source, the world’s most versatile work light.

With a powerful 3,000-lumen DUAL C•O•B output, the OMNI 3K is an Omni-directional work light with an adjustable, magnetic handle and dual rotating lighting panels for bright, hands-free light all around the work project.

With six light modes, including two dual light, two single light and two red light settings ranging from 8 – 70 meters, the OMNI 3K is perfect for any size job site. It has a battery range of 1 – 8 hours in white light mode and 11 – 20 hours in red light mode depending on the chosen setting.

Improvements For Brill Area Sportsmen’s Club 100/200-Yard Rifle Range

MADISON, Wis. – The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is seeking public comment on a draft environmental assessment (EA) for the proposed issuance of a grant award to the Brill Area Sportsmen`s Club for a 100/200-yard rifle range project in Rice Lake, Barron County, Wisconsin.

The project will clear about one acre of forested area, construct a berm in the newly cleared space, and increase the height of an existing berm by four feet. These berm adjustments will increase safety between the two firing lanes on either side.

The DNR is dedicated to promoting hunter safety, hunting and shooting sports. To meet this objective, the DNR developed the Shooting Range Grant Program to assist with the development of new ranges and improvements to existing ranges that make their facilities available to the public. The DNR’s vision for shooting ranges in Wisconsin is to increase opportunities for shooting in a safe environment. Doing so will maintain Wisconsin’s hunting heritage and the economic impact those activities have.

According to the National Environmental Policy Act (42 U.S.C. §§ 4321-4347, as amended), the DNR developed an environmental assessment for the Brill Area Sportsmen’s Club: New berm construction and ADA pathway project. Subject grant funds originate with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Pittman-Robertson Wildlife Restoration Program.

RT-QuIC (Real-time quaking-induced conversion) testing for Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) is  a new testing technology with a long and successful track record in research studies. The key advantage for RT-QuIC over past  CWD testing technologies is dramatically improved sensitivity through PCR-like amplification of the CWD agent.  

Benefits RT-QuIC technology can bring hunters include better control of CWD, reduced introduction of CWD to new regions,  easier and simpler sample collection for testing of harvested game, timelier CWD test results, and the possibility of live animal  testing for wildlife management agencies and game farms.  

CWD Evolution founder Davin Henderson offered, “RT-QuIC offers new testing technology that will give wildlife managers badly  needed new tools in their tool chest to combat CWD.” He also added “The addition of a predictive live animal test for CWD is  a game changer. Many states are poised to use this test as soon as it becomes available.” VMRD CSO, Don Knowles, added,  “Providing quality-controlled RT-QuIC reagents to the diagnostic community is an important first step in reducing CWD and  preserving wildlife.”  

CWD Evolution has a decade of RT-QuIC testing experience and VMRD is a USDA-licensed manufacturing facility that has  commercialized over twenty USDA-licensed diagnostics over the last four decades. Together the companies are partnering to  commercialize a USDA-licensed RT-QuIC laboratory test. Pending the license process, the companies began offering RT-QuIC  reagents for research purposes June 15th. These reagents can be used by state agencies in pilot studies before the USDA licensed test is available commercially. 

ABOUT CWD EVOLUTION – CWD Evolution offers the first commercial RT-QuIC test and has been a leader in advancing RT-QuIC  testing in the diagnostic world.  

Chestnut Hill Outdoors trees are on the way to select Walmart locations. Arrival is expected to select stores between August 22 – 24 in the following states:

This is the first of many Fall shipments to other states!

Arrival times may vary per store, please contact your store to see if they have arrived, or travel to the store.

Click here for more detailed information!

This is a one-time shipment to the stores linked above. To minimize emails from Chestnut Hill Outdoors, please reply to us with the state(s) you wish to purchase your trees.

For most professionals, the idea of an enjoyable weekend is a distant dream. Unfortunately, slumps in life are real and feel like they will last forever—a cycle of working hard and reaching nowhere. People in a slump would rather spend their weekends indoors, lazily curled up on the couch or bed, or catching up on tasks they might have missed during the week.

Overcoming a slump is challenging because it evolves into a routine you follow every day once you fall into its web. You feel that it’s better to deviate from activities that are “too” comfortable if they alienate you from others and limit you from experiencing new things. 

However, help is here! Here are some practical tips to reclaim your weekend after a slump.

A Weekend in or Out

Weekends are extremely valuable for the average working person or small business owner, because it’s when they catch up on pending tasks or get more work done, whether self-imposed or company mandated. According to a recent study, nearly seven out of ten people treat Saturdays and Sundays just like any other weekday.

WildEar, a leader in innovative hearing protection for the avid outdoor enthusiast, the weekend warrior, the swimmer, music lovers, cell phone users and those desiring comfortable, undisturbed sleep, announced today that it is now a distributor for Minuendo’s Lossless Earplugs, a fully adjustable hearing protector.

Hearing loss prevention, while usually regulated on major job sites, is a concept that is not a primary consideration for many musicians who are playing or listening to music for prolonged periods. The Minuendo Lossless Earplugs have been designed specifically for musicians and anyone who is exposed to loud noise in recreational settings. The amount of noise reduction is adjustable, allowing the user to choose the amount of protection suitable for the noisy setting. The ability to self-adjust gives users more control over reducing the potential for hearing loss over the long term.

The earplugs from Minuendo are high fidelity hearing protectors featuring a patented membrane technology that mimics nature and translates to a clear and natural sound. They keep the user protected by providing a seamless adjustment between light (-7dB) and heavy (-25dB) sound reduction. They offer unmatched comfort without electronics or batteries. Currently available at www.wildear.com for $159.

About WildEar

Founded in 1998 and headquartered in Walker, Minn., CavCom is the leader in innovative industrial hearing protection and communication systems. CavCom’s WildEar designs provide innovative electronic and passive hearing products and protection for the avid outdoor enthusiast, the weekend warrior, the swimmer, music lovers, cell phone users and those desiring comfortable, undisturbed sleep. For more information on the full line of state-of-the-art products visit https://www.wildear.com/ or call 855-494-WILD(9453).

Shoot Like A Girl® is excited to announce their new partnership with MTN OPS for the Sea to Shining Sea Tour and the 2022 Season. MTN OPS offers a full line of performance products and gear to elevate your training and improve your life. Their product lineup includes energy products, protein supplements, recovery and general wellness supplements. MTN OPS is also the creator of Operation Conquer Hunger, which utilizes MTN OPS purchases to donate nutritious meals to children around the world. 

“The partnership with MTN OPS is an exciting addition to the products we can offer our attendees and guests,” said Karen Butler, Founder and President of Shoot Like A Girl. “They share so many of our values in fostering community bonds, the desire to succeed and contributing to conservation. They are truly an amazing partner, and I am excited for our participants to be introduced to the brand and all it has to offer.” 

Shoot Like A Girl strives to empower women through shooting sports demonstrations and events while opening a discussion surrounding sports and outdoors. Through partnerships like those with MTN OPS, they’re able to bring their state-of-the-art mobile gun range and certified female instructors to cities across the country to share their extensive knowledge of firearms, archery, outdoor accessories and safety with guests and attendees who are never charged. Those present are given one-on-one attention from passionate experts in the shooting sports field. 

“MTN OPS is excited and grateful to be able to partner with Shoot Like A Girl and to empower individuals looking to be in the outdoor community,” said Matt Lloyd, the VP of Marketing. “MTN OPS’ mission is to improve the lives of individuals and families by inspiring them to achieve their ultimate level of performance through high-quality energy and performance products, backed by science. Through its Operation Conquer Hunger initiative, the company has donated more than three million meals to children in need through charity partners.”

To learn more about MTN OPS, visit their website. During the Shoot Like A Girl Sea to Shining Sea Tour, MTN products will be showcased at the mobile range for the public to view, sample and learn more about. The Sea to Shining Sea Tour dates are available online.