Hunting and Fishing News Blog Articles

This year, ICAST has added a first-of-its-kind event hosted by Shimano North American Fishing on Tuesday, July 19th from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm in room S310G/S310H at the Orange County Convention Center.

The two-hour networking event will include presentations from Recreational Boating & Fishing Foundation (RBFF) and Camber Outdoors along with facilitated round-table discussion on topics surrounding women’s participation and leadership roles within fishing. Attendees are encouraged to be active participants in discussions and topics that will help drive the future of diversity in the industry. 

Stephanie Vatalaro, RBFF Marketing and Communications Vice President will introduce and discuss research on female participation in the fishing industry. Attendees will learn more about RBFF’s consumer-facing brand, Take Me Fishing and its Women Making Waves initiative, supporting the growth of female participation in fishing and boating.

Tiffany Smith, newly appointed CEO of Camber Outdoors, a non-profit organization that equips partner organizations to implement workplace diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), will share the important work that the organization does to encourage best practices for corporations, nonprofits, and small businesses.

“As participation among women and minority groups rises in fishing and boating, there also should be an increase of women in leadership positions and systemic changes within workplaces to ensure gender equality,” noted Smith. “I am eager to connect with women at ICAST to learn more about their experiences and shed light on how DEI-focused mentorship powers inclusion and how allyship strengthens the advancement of gender equality in workplaces – in particular, the fishing, boating, and marine industry,” she added.

Outdoor Edge, America’s leading manufacturer of knives and tools for all things outdoors, is pleased to announce the continued partnership with the popular Live the Wild Life outdoor show hosted by Gus Congemi. 

Now in its 12th season, Live the Wild Life is an adventure style television show featuring host Gus Congemi. Each week Gus and his team take viewers on an adventure as they travel the world in search of exciting exploits chasing the biggest, wildest game they can find. Each week is a different exotic journey that keeps viewers entranced and coming back week after week to Live the Wild Life alongside Gus. 

“I’ve used Outdoor Edge for the past 20 years.  Their quality and variety of products is unmatched in the industry, “ said Gus. “Outdoor Edge consistently introduces innovative new products which makes my job in the field much easier.  I still have and use my original, 20 year old skinning knife which is a testament to the quality and durability of their products. “ 

Be sure to tune in for the exciting 2022 season of Live the Wild Life on the Sportsman Channel. Check local listings for dates and air times. 

About Outdoor Edge:

EDGEFIELD, S.C. — The Meadows Clay Sports in Forsyth, Georgia, will soon be vibrant again with the sights and sounds of healthy shotgun sports competitions as the National Wild Turkey Federation’s annual Turkey Shoot is set to return August 11-14, 2022.

“Turkey Shoot is one of the longest-running big sporting clays shoots in the country,” said Rhett Simmons of the NWTF. “Shooters from all over the country look forward to attending each year as they enjoy the atmosphere, the challenging targets, the great prizes and the knowledge that proceeds generated by the Turkey Shoot are going to assist the NWTF’s wildlife conservation efforts across North America.”

The highlight of the three-day shoot is the 200-target main event, taking place on Saturday and Sunday. Separate super sporting and prelim competitions, with 100 targets each, will be taking place on Friday. Additional daily shooting events include 50-target FITASC, 5-stand, subgauge (20- and 28-gauge and .410), pump and side-by-side competitions.

Newcomers and families alike also can join in the fun with non-competitive games stationed around the complex.

Saturday night, event participants are invited to take part in a social hour and dinner with raffles, auctions and the chance to win other awesome NWTF gear. Tickets are included with main-event registration, but additional banquet tickets may be purchased prior to the event.

SPRINGFIELD, MO – CrossBreed® Holsters, a leading manufacturer in the category of concealed carry, is excited to announce the launch of the Modular Belly Band 2.0. The Modular Belly Band 2.0 represents a refinement of the original multi-configurable, highly ergonomic Modular Belly Band.

Designed for maximum comfort and function for EDC practitioners who live an active lifestyle, the Modular Belly Band 2.0 takes the belly band concept to the next level with several upgrade features.

Most significant is a new polyester jersey outer shell that delivers a soft, form-fitting feel against the skin while maintaining breathability so wearers can stay cooler on hot days or during strenuous activity. Further, the jersey outer comes with an anti-microbial feature that withstands up to 25 hand washes.

To ensure the concealed firearm stays in place, the band includes anti-slip panels. These panels minimize rotation or slippage of the band so the holstered firearm stays comfortably positioned where you want it.

The Modular Belly Band 2.0 is designed to accept Crossbreed’s Modular holster. These holsters feature model-specific Kydex pockets with a leather backer that includes a hook panel that secures to a corresponding loop panel on the Modular Belly Band 2.0. With the modular system, the holstered firearm can be custom positioned for optimal comfort, carry positions, and draw angle. Simply secure the holster to the Velcro panel and stretch the elastic band over top to secure. This system also comes with two integrated pockets that fit most semi-auto pistol magazines magazine carriers as well as a pocket for a mobile device.

Z-Man® cultivates first-ever, side-propelled inshore crab swimbait

Call it a ruse. An evolutionary act of deception. An athletic, evasive action, not unlike the quick-footed sidestep of a running back. In water, a crab’s forward-facing eyes and claws trick predators into thinking slow, straightforward easy meal. But when a redfish or tarpon attacks, a crab launches into an unexpected sideways flush of bubbles and debris. Claws and appendages fold back and trail its shell in an oddball orientation that doesn’t make sense. 

Unless you’re a crab. 

In which case, the sideways sashay offers your best means of escape; and your worst chance to survive. All of which explains the excitement surrounding Z-Man’s new Kicker CrabZ™, the first-ever true-to-life imitation of a crab’s active, side-swimming, claw-kicking antics. 

“While anglers today can choose from a pile of different soft plastic crab imitations, few are angler friendly, and exactly none of them match the way a crab truly swims when fleeing predators,” suggests Daniel Nussbaum, Kicker CrabZ designer and president of Z-Man Fishing. “We’re especially eager to get this new ElaZtech® inshore bait in angler’s hands because it not only moves just like a side-swimming crab, but it also matches the active way most anglers prefer to cast and retrieve lures. 

Icemule Coolers built the ICEMULE BOSS Cooler a few years back, and over the last several years this cooler has continued to hold its own. In fact, it has continued to hold off quite a few new challengers that continue to break ground in the cooler market.

The ICEMULE BOSS is a solid backpack cooler for when you need to carry a case of beer and some ice a long way. Or you can use the Icemule Boss to carry some food a long way. Carrying drinks and food long distances is a problem for most coolers. Many coolers are awkward and heavy to move more than a few hundred yards. The ICEMULE BOSS is built to carry heavy weight long distances. The ICEMULE BOSS is also built with three external pockets to hold additional food, cozies or forks, knives or gear.

The welded seems and the insulation keep this cooler secure and leakproof. The cooler has enough room to carry 24 cans plus ice and is lightly larger than most backpack coolers. It is a little harder to get into through the top than some coolers but if you are looking for overall size, this is one of the largest backpack coolers on the market. Even when not in use, this cooler keeps its shape and is as solid as can be. The outside pockets keep things secure and the two clips on the bottom front allow you to secure and lash gear to the bottom of the cooler like a small picnic blanket or a chair. 

We liked that the cooler stands up on its own, it is easy to carry and fully loaded the thick air mesh shoulder straps do not cut into your shoulders. The padded hip pad and hip belt easily keep the weight right where it needs to be. This cooler is easy to use and you can pack in the cooler several miles. If you really need a backpack cooler, this is the one to get.

Specs for the ICEMULE BOSS Backpack Cooler:

Saltwater Anglers Embrace Excellence with New Spheros SW Combos

Responsible for trophy catches and personal bests across demanding saltwater environments, the Spheros family resonates with anglers more powerfully than ever. Paired with high-quality graphite rods, the all-new Spheros SW Combo delivers a remarkable balance of performance and durability to a broad range of anglers and fishing styles. 

The Spheros SW Combo is a dependable saltwater stalwart, now available in four well-balanced models suitable for a host of different species. Durable blanks with tapered EVA handles and comfortable reel seats pair with powerful Spheros SW spinning reels, offering versatility for both live bait and artificial enthusiasts. FUJI Aluminum Oxide guides allow anglers to spool with monofilament or PowerPro braided line, while a rubber gimbal butt increases comfort when locked into extended battles and provides added security. 

Every Spheros SW combo features a Spheros SW A reel, first introduced in 2021. Fortified with Shimano’s exclusive cold-forged HAGANE Gear, Spheros SW A provides long-lasting smoothness, durability and the unwavering confidence that saltwater anglers demand. Drawing many of its design attributes from Shimano’s flagship spinning reels, Spheros SW A integrates HAGANE Body technology to enhance rigidity and eliminate flexing, transforming angler inputs into more direct and effortless cranking power. Further improving winding torque under load, Infinity Drive and X-Ship technologies optimize the overall drive gear design for exceptionally smooth handle rotation and efficient power transmission. Whether live lining baitfish for the likes of striped bass, snook and tarpon or casting plugs and poppers to jack crevalle, cobia and blackfin tuna, the Spheros SW A reel delivers strength and efficiency with every turn of the handle.

Immune to harsh saltwater environments, Spheros SW A spinning reels feature X-Protect and X-Shield technologies. X-Shield consists of sealing structures and gaskets at 12 critical locations to keep water and fine contaminants from disrupting the internal components of the reel. X-Protect further enhances the reel’s ability to withstand unforgiving habitats through a water repellent coating and channeling architecture that prevents water from seeping into the drive gear shaft and spool shaft bearing. Shimano also leverages sealed S A-RB bearings to eliminate the possibility of salt or sand inhibiting the bearing’s rotation.

Success Awaits with Smith’s RegalRiver Ice Fishing Took Kit 

Hardwater adventures are tough on gear. Nothing separates the contenders from the pretenders like bone-chilling cold, piercing wind and a moonscape of jagged ice and hard-packed snow. To work here – to survive here – equipment must be engineered to exacting specifications and packed with functional insights specific to the challenges of ice fishing. At ICAST 2022, Smith’s Consumer Products – the Edge Experts since 1886 – will introduce the RegalRiver Ice Fishing Tool Kit: A collection of seven essential tools designed to connect hardwater anglers with many seasons of success.

Smith’s RegalRiver Ice Fishing Tool Kit is perfect for both run-and-gun ice anglers and groups spending weekends in a hard house. Toothy fish like pike and walleyes are common targets through the ice, so Smith’s tool kit includes a 9-inch Jaw Spreader to safely remove hooks and reduce damage to fish destined for release. Unhook fish and cut line and leader easily using a 6.5-inch Stainless Steel Pliers and Line Scissors combo, complete with a convenient Sheath and belt hook. Trim knots to perfection using a handy Line Clipper, perfect for use with gloved hands. Clean a mess of panfish using Smith’s new 4-inch Folding Flex Fillet Knife. Collect all these essential ice fishing tools in one place using Smith’s marine-grade Mesh Tool Bag, perfect for stowing in a bucket or sled, mounting on a snow machine, or hanging in a shelter.

With an MSRP of $84.99, Smith’s RegalRiver Ice Fishing Tool Kit fills a critical need for hardwater anglers, gathering ice fishing’s essential tools into one convenient collection. Don’t drill a single hole without it! Look for Smith’s RegalRiver Ice Fishing Tool Kit in the Ice Fishing category in the ICAST New Product Showcase, and learn more about all of Smith’s innovative products for anglers and outdoor adventurers by visiting Booth 2508 at ICAST 2022. 

Smith’s RegalRiver Ice Fishing Tool Kit Features

SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH— Founded in 1922 in California, this year marks the 100th anniversary of Easton as an archery equipment manufacturer. Easton’s inception began with a young Doug Easton crafting his own wooden longbows and arrows in a garage. By the time he was 17, his craftsmanship was renowned in target archery, and his arrows were regarded as the finest in the country. In 1929, Doug moved to Los Angeles, opening Easton’s Archery Shop, where he would hit the sport full force with a host of wood-arrow innovations including the first screw-in point system. A real pivoting point came in 1949 with the production of the world’s first aluminum arrow, the 24SRT-X. The 24SRT-X shafts were far superior to wood in accuracy. Tournament scores skyrocketed and archery would never be the same.

The small family shop moved and grew. Over the next decade, Doug and team created the venerable XX75, the best-selling arrow shaft of all time. Jim Easton came to work for his dad in 1960, and his engineering mind expanded the company to new altitudes with ski pole shafts, aluminum baseball bats, the use of carbon in hockey sticks, and new frame technology for road and mountain bikes.

Doug Easton was laid to rest in December 1972, but his legacy lived on with his son, Jim, and his grandson, Greg Easton, who would help pioneer virtually every major advancement in arrow technology to this day.  Under Jim and Greg’s leadership, the introduction and evolution of carbon, and aluminum-carbon (A/C & FMJ) hybrids would be the next innovations to dominate bow hunting and sweep Olympic podiums.

The powerful draw of the sport, and the relentless push to innovate are the hallmarks of the company and archery success is what keeps Easton looking down-range, since 1922 and to the next 100 years.  

Easton’s archery products continue to be produced in the United States at their facilities in Utah, Indiana, and Iowa. To learn more about Easton arrows, visit: www.eastonarchery.com

By: Nancy Jo Adams, Life in Camo Media

Rarely will you find a company so invested in the wellness of our planet than BAJÍO Sunglasses. When I learned about the efforts BAJÍO makes to run a sustainable business, I quickly realized those efforts are nothing short of amazing.

The Mission

The BAJÍO mission is to protect the World’s saltwater flats, and through that mission is its pledge to sustainable business choices. Using eco-materials and stringently choosing sustainably driven partners ensures accountability to their mission. From the recycled glass in the optics to the cactus leather cases to the bamboo display cases, BAJÍO uses the most sustainable resource in all its business practices. They even go as far as to vet the vendors they choose to support their products.

By BAJÍO using recycled glass for lenses, greener options for frames, cactus leather cases, recycled packaging, and bamboo display cases, you can rest assured you are receiving eco-friendly products. Those products result from a company built around a higher performance standard using the most sustainable resources and the highest eco-friendly practices. You can read more about BAJÍO’s sustainability here.

The Introduction

Innovative Fish Transport Solution Simplifies the Grocery Run

Nothing beats a saltwater fishing adventure, inviting snapper, grouper, tripletail, and Mahi to be guests of honor at feasts held on terra firma. Standing between you and hours spent relaxing with friends is time spent at the cleaning station, as those fresh fish are transformed into thin slices for the world’s freshest Sushi, fillets for the deep fryer, and steaks for the wood-fired grill. Moving the day’s catch from the boat to the cleaning table can be a tiresome task – but it doesn’t need to be. With help from Smith’s Insulated 60-Inch Fish Cooler Bag, the final step in your grocery run will be quick and easy.

Perfect for the inshore or offshore angler, Smith’s 60-Inch Insulated Fish Cooler Bag is an exceptional multipurpose tool. At the start of the day, the bag is ideal for hauling live bait to the boat. A non-corrosive zipper with pulls keeps water and bait where they belong as the trip begins. At the end of a successful trip, the insulated fish bag simplifies the entire fish cleaning process. Built tough for the long haul, Smith’s fish cooler bag is constructed from washable, marine-grade tarpaulin inside and out, enclosing a half-inch of dense, closed-cell insulation to keep fish fresh and cold. An adjustable, padded shoulder strap makes loading and carrying your catch or bait a breeze. Four heavy-duty grab handles – including two center padded handles and two large end handles – allow for a four-person carry when the bag is fully loaded with fish and ice. Thanks to the integrated drain port, you can easily remove any water to keep your catch fresh and ready to clean, or quickly rinse fish right in the bag to reduce mess. This 30-inch by 60-inch insulted bag has a 12-inch, gusseted, sit-flat bottom that keeps it standing upright on the boat, in the truck, or beside the cleaning table. 

With a capacity of 205 quarts and an MSRP of $349.99, Smith’s 60-Inch Insulated Fish Cooler Bag is engineered to handle the heaviest catches over many seasons of demanding saltwater adventures. Look for Smith’s 60-Inch Insulated Fish Cooler Bag in the Boating Accessories Category in the ICAST New Product Showcase, and be sure to visit Booth 2508 at ICAST 2022 to learn about all of Smith’s innovative new products for anglers and outdoor adventurers. 

Smith’s Insulated 60-Inch Fish Cooler Bag Features

At Kentucky’s annual PGA Tour event, the 2022 Barbasol Championship, GALLS, an Official Sponsor, will be sponsoring the Patriots’ Outpost July 7-10.

GALLS®, the nation’s leading supplier serving America’s Public Safety and Military professionals, is an Official Partner of the 2022 Barbasol Championship; Kentucky’s annual PGA Tour event. This year, the event will be held July 7 – 10, 2022, at the Champions course at Keene Trace Golf Course in Nicholasville, Kentucky.

“GALLS will be hosting the Patriots’ Outpost, where active-duty military members, veterans, and first responders can come and enjoy complimentary food and beverages, and relax,” Mike Fadden, CEO of GALLS, commented. “GALLS is proud to partner with the Barbasol Championship in recognizing our men and women in the military and first responders.”

On Thursday, July 7, opening day, Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear will be making an appearance at the golf championship during the Barbasol Military & First Responder Appreciation Day. Additional events are planned on July 7th to show support and thanks to service members and first responders. Military members can receive up to two complimentary tickets to attend the Barbasol Championship on any day.

2021 Barbasol Champion, Seamus Power will be returning alongside some of the world’s top golf champions, competing for the coveted Barbasol Championship, 300 FedEx Cup Points, and a PGA Tour exemption to the 2022 Open Championship.

Fairfax, Va. – The NRA Hunters’ Leadership Forum (HLF) is pleased to announce the return of support for the Hunters for the Hungry (HFH) subsidy program. A total of $60,000 has been committed to fund affiliates throughout the country. An NRA-supported initiative, Hunters for the Hungry donates millions of meals to charities and programs focused on feeding the less fortunate every year. 

“Last year, HFH affiliates across America applied for and received funding totaling $50,000,” said Joseph P. De Bergalis, Jr., Executive Director of NRA General Operations. “Due to the generosity of the NRA Hunters’ Leadership Forum, these subsidies went towards processing and distributing millions of pounds of harvested meat to feed those in need in our communities. We are grateful to HLF for again offering funding support for this meaningful program.”

Available in awards up to $1,500 at https://hfth.nra.org/hfh-subsidy/, the fund will cover the cost of processing, shipping, and distributing donated meat. 

Hunters for the Hungry is comprised of state and independent programs that have provided millions of pounds of venison to homeless shelters, soup kitchens, and food banks across the United States. Working closely with the NRA, these programs connect interested individuals with programs in their area while fostering public awareness through education, fundraising, and publicity.

“The research HLF completed in 2019 proved that one of the most supported aspects of hunting, by non-hunters, was that the meat from the harvested animal is used for consumption by humans,” said HLF Director Peter Churchbourne. “Hunters are providing healthy organic protein to their families’ tables, and through this program, we are helping Americans in need. We are honored to be a part of this hunger solution.”

Eastern Metal Supply (“EMS”) announces the acquisition of G&L Materials (G&L). Headquartered in Morehead City, NC, G&L is a leading distributor of marine extrusions and parts essential to boat manufacturers, fabricators, and DIY builders. Founded in 2017, G&L Materials quickly developed a strong reputation in the marine industry by delivering great service, extensive product expertise, and reliable product availability.

This acquisition will increase G&L’s product offerings while further strengthening EMS’s presence in the marine market.

Casey Gillikin, President of G&L, said, “We are excited to partner with EMS and join their team. EMS’ extensive product offerings and broad geographical reach will enable us to better serve our customers and continue to be a leader in the marine market.”

“Casey and everyone at G&L have built an incredibly strong reputation within the marine market,” said EMS President Greg Weekes. Greg added, “Partnering with G&L is a tremendous growth opportunity that will allow us to further expand our services up the East Coast and will also provide G&L’s customers with a broadened offering of aluminum products.”

About G&L Materials:

Anglers have trusted Gamakatsu® to provide the most critical link between them and their quarry for years. They can also rely on the innovative manufacturer to provide secure storage for all of their gear. A complete line of bags provides plenty of organization for a variety of outings.

Gamakatsu’s new water-resistant Hybrid Duffel Backpack offers 110 liters of space to take gear wherever anglers may roam. The innovative pack can be carried in three different ways, thanks to the removable backpack straps, shoulder strap, or side-carrying handle. All straps are padded to keep anglers comfortable even when the bag is fully loaded. The large main opening provides easy access to the pack’s contents. The large, zippered internal pocket and zippered mesh pocket inside the main compartment opening keeps everything organized. A separate, external zippered-access compartment keeps dirty clothes or gear separated. The large exterior zippered storage pocket and MOLLE-type webbing for attaching and securing gear further add to the organizing potential. The pack folds into itself for compact storage when not in use.

For those that prefer to roll along, Gamakatsu offers the Rolling Gear Duffel. The pair of sturdy wheels allow for easy transport of 90 liters of belongings. When anglers decide to pick it up, use the adjustable, removable padded shoulder strap or padded handles to carry in comfort. An external zippered pocket and a large inner zippered pocket keep things tidy. Water-resistant construction keeps the elements at bay, so anglers won’t have to worry about rain clouds or rough boat rides. A convenient carrying case allows compact storage when anglers are not on the road or at the lake.

When anglers don’t have a ton of stuff to tote around, the new water-resistant 30-liter Gear Duffel would be the best to pack up. The large main opening is secured with heavy-duty zippers for easy access, with an external zippered pocket that keeps oft-needed items at the ready. A separate, outer zippered access compartment for dirty clothes or gear keeps anglers clean stuff clean. An adjustable, padded removable shoulder strap lets anglers carry stuff hands-free, though the hook and loop fastener on the main carrying handles works as well. 

Gamakatsu has a gear bag designed for all anglers, whether hitting the fishing hole for a couple of hours or a week. And they’re all built with Gamakatsu’s dedication to quality, so anglers know they’ll perform as well as their legendary hooks.

Unique Hand-Controlled Motors Provide Boat Control from the Bow and Stern

Anglers ask their electric trolling motors to do two very different things: transport them to the hot spots as quickly as possible with powerful propulsion from the stern, and then provide precision boat positioning from the bow as soon as the casting and the catching begins. A single motor that can easily perform both tasks – quickly moving from the stern to the bow and back again as often as needed – never existed before, so we invented one. At ICAST 2022, the engineering experts at Pro Controll will reveal a full lineup of Revolution Trolling Motors, the only motors on the market to give anglers the freedom to fish how they want.

Revolution Trolling Motors from Pro Controll are engineered to powerfully push the boat from the stern, and to provide precise boat positioning from the bow, by quickly and easily moving back and forth between these two fishing positions. Each Revolution Trolling Motor features a unique mounting bracket that securely attaches to the gunwales of most Jon and utility boats at nearly any position – the transom, bow, or even along the sides – making it easy for anglers to move the motor to wherever it’s needed at any given time. The control head of hand-controlled Revolution Trolling Motors easily rotates by 180 degrees, allowing the extendable tiller handle to be positioned opposite the propeller when powering the boat from the transom, or to be aligned over the propeller to facilitate precise positioning and intricate boat movements while fishing from the bow. In addition, each Revolution Trolling Motor is compatible with Pro Controll’s available Trolling Motor Battery Harness that allows anglers to quickly and easily move the motor around the boat while leaving their heavy 12-volt batteries in one place. This is true fishing freedom made accessible to all anglers, provided only by Pro Controll’s new family of Revolution Trolling Motors. 

Anglers will find all the power and versatility they need to succeed in the Revolution Trolling Motor family. Every motor in the Revolution lineup has a 48-inch shaft, perfect for the bow or the transom of most Jon and utility boats. Available 12-volt thrust ratings of 32, 40, and 50 pounds provide the power that all anglers need for long days on the water chasing bass, panfish, catfish, and more. All Revolution Trolling Motors have five forward speeds and three reverse speeds, each selectable by twisting the tiller handle. L-Type Revolution Trolling Motors feature a 12-inch extendable tiller and have MSRPs of $329.95 to $359.95. The control handles of S-Type Revolution Trolling Motors, with MSRPs of $339.95 to $369.95, also rotate up and down to make steering easier whether standing at the bow or sitting at the transom. Every Revolution Trolling Motor includes a two-year limited warranty for peace of mind and confidence on every trip. 

A trolling motor that quickly and easily moves between the bow and the stern never existed – so Pro Controll invented it – giving all anglers the freedom to fish how they want at a price they can afford. Vote for the Revolution Trolling Motor in the ICAST New Product Showcase in the Boating Accessories category, and learn more about all of Pro Controll’s innovative products by visiting Booth 1508 and ICAST 2022. 

With costs of ammunition not going down anytime soon and shelves slow to replenish, the Mantis X10 Elite offers a unique way to train and practice without live ammunition. Dozens of drills are available for both live fire and dry fire practice with handguns, long guns and even bows, though you may need a special mount. The device itself is small, roughly an inch and a half long by an inch wide, and rechargeable with an included micro-USB.  It secures to any Picatinny rail, a feature most modern firearms have. Mantis also offers stick on rails, replacement baseplates for pistol magazines, and a barrel mount for long guns. No matter what firearm you have, Mantis likely has thought of a way to mount it.

The X10 elite system doesn’t use lasers. You don’t aim at a target and have a hit show. Instead, everything is contained inside Mantis’s mobile app. As a competitive rifle shooter used to aiming at something specific each time I venture onto the range, this concept was a bit hard for me to grasp at first. Rather than focusing on where you are hitting, the MantisX system focuses on movement, diagnosing problems based on the movement of your shot. I’ve spent the most time in the “Open Training” feature with pistols. There is no time limit and you choose the aiming point.

As long as you make good shots, the aiming point can vary. For each shot, the app kicks back a number. The easiest way to think of it is as a grade. Your “hit” doesn’t have a target value of “98.9 or 72.5,” but rather a score of such. In case you’re confused, along with each trigger pull and grade, small text appears on the bottom of the screen with messages like: “Great shot!” “Good shot” or “jerking the trigger.” This provides immediate response. Open training also returns a sort of circular graph with red bars indicating the direction of the shot. Selecting each of the red bars opens a page with what you are likely doing wrong and how to correct it. Examples of this are jerking the trigger, too much trigger finger, etc. The width of each bar indicates the frequency of the error.

This is only one area of analysis the Mantis provides. Swipe the screen to “replay” each shot. This is shown visually on a target center but the end point isn’t representative of where each shot did or would land on a target (whether you are using live or dry-fire.) Rather than focus on shot location, it is to show you how much movement there is leading up to the trigger break.

Other drills measure speed and skills like drawing from a holster, making this an excellent training tool for competitive shooters and self-defense. It’s also a great opportunity for the frugal and performance-minded person. Practice makes perfect. One Mantis system will work on all the guns you have and want to train with. In time, dry-fire practice with the X10 should improve your shots with live ammunition. To be clear, the X10 isn’t just for dry-fire, though it is a good way to save money on ammo. Used in conjunction with live fire, it can help quantify things you can’t see with dry-fire. For example. The Recoilmeter function allows you to test how different changes in grip and hand position, even ammunition and gun type, affect your ability to handle recoil.

Most sporting dog owners and handlers know how to calculate daily amounts of food, but is there a way to determine how much water your dog should drink? According to Eukanuba’s Pet Health and Nutrition Center’s Director, Dr. Jill Cline, there is.

“In a 2005 summary of working dogs, it was stated that while dogs can recover from the loss of most of their fat and half of their muscle, a loss of more than 10% of a dog’s body water stores can result in death1,” Dr. Cline said. That statement alone should have handlers asking, “how much water does my dog require?” Dr. Cline continues with, “daily water losses for a 44 lb. dog can range from 0.5 -1.5 US gallons depending upon activity and environmental setting2.” Half a gallon to a gallon and a half is a wide range, especially considering that an English pointer running in hot, Montana fields is different from a Labrador’s work in marshes and rivers.

Dr. Cline says, “there is another way to determine a dog’s recommended daily water intake. This reliable method calculates minimum water intake through food consumption. Simply multiply the number of cups of dry food offered daily by 3 cups. So, two cups of food means the dog should drink 6 cups of water, and so on. Keep in mind that this target is the minimum amount of water your dog should be drinking daily when working under adverse conditions. That amount or more will help reduce the risk of dehydration but may not prevent it.”

A dog’s fitness level plays an important role in proper hydration. “I can’t over emphasize the importance of regular, pre-season conditioning,” Cline said. “To avoid injury, exercise programs for sedentary dogs should always begin slowly and increase as the dog becomes more fit. Second, proper feeding creates healthy dogs, and healthy dogs have an easier time working in the heat. Feeding dogs a healthy diet gives them strong muscles, healthy joints, and energy to run hard. Dogs that are more fit are more resistant to dehydration and heat stroke than those that are not in shape.”

When running in hot, humid conditions, pre-hunt hydration is an option. “A strategy is to pre-hydrate your dog prior to a hunt,” Cline said. “Instead of feeding your dog dry kibble for his morning meal, add water to the food. Measure out water in a 1:1 ratio and feed immediately so the kibble doesn’t soak up the water. Pre-hydration by adding water to dry food can significantly help improve your dog’s water intake, and likely performance.

Visit Booth 833

U.S. LawShield®, industry leader in self-defense law and America’s foremost provider of educational resources on safe firearm ownership, invites attendees of the 2022 NSSF Range-Retailer Business Expo™ to visit Booth 833. Hosted by the NSSF® (National Shooting Sports Foundation), the Expo runs July 11-13 in New Orleans, Louisiana, at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center. U.S. LawShield will be on-site to explain how they help protect responsible gun owners who may face legal encounters resulting from the lawful, defensive use of firearms or other weapons.

According to P.J. Hermosa, CEO of U.S. LawShield, “We support gun ranges and firearm retailers and are proud to be a sponsor of this year’s NSSF Range-Retailer Business Expo. We look forward to sharing useful information with attendees as we promote the industry through education.”

The Expo offers three days of high-quality education, networking opportunities, and educational tracks that benefit established firearm ranges, retail operators, and entrepreneurs focused on launching new ranges or FFL (Federal Firearms License) retail shops.

“Considering the recent changes to firearm laws across the United States, we recognize how the legislation affects those purchasing firearms, plus lawful gun owners. Whether you’re a vendor at the Expo, considering expanding your firearms industry business, or simply attending to network, U.S. LawShield offers legal knowledge and unrivaled services that deliver protection to members who may be involved in a lawful act of self-defense,” said Hermosa.