Hunting and Fishing News Blog Articles

Caroline Martin, 17, of Nemo, Texas, has been a member of the Granbury High School Marine Corps JROTC precision air rifle team since her freshman year. The team is full of talent – recently earning its fifth consecutive JROTC National Three-Position Air Rifle Championship national title in March while producing a number of other team and individual honors.

A junior, Martin was part of the fourth place overall precision team at the event and even finished in seventh place as an individual out of over 80 other cadets from around the country. She’s one of four Granbury team members who will graduate next year, and she’s been working hard to reach a strong finish to her high school career as well as to build a positive foundation into her future.

“I’ve always grown up around marksmanship,” she said. “My dad is an avid competitor in field target competitions, and I was usually right behind him at those competitions.” 

Ready to get involved within the sport herself, Martin attended Granbury’s summer rifle camp for three years in a row before becoming a member of the team when she entered high school. Though she had a successful freshman start, her sophomore year put her into an unexpected performance slump. It was a frustrating time for the young athlete.

“It lasted a really long time,” she said. “I wasn’t really sure why I wasn’t performing as well as everybody else – I was doing all of the same things as them and even practicing more.”

Largest Format Packages of Beef Jerky Provide Snacking for the Whole Family

Forest Grove, Ore. –– Old Trapper today announced that their 18-ounce bags of beef jerky are available nationwide in grocery, club, and convenience stores. The largest package on the market to date, Old Trapper’s family size is a result of consumer demand for larger, sharing sized bags. All four of Old Trapper’s signature flavors including Old Fashioned, Peppered, Teriyaki and Hot & Spicy are now more accessible than ever. 

Recently recognized as one of the best beef jerkys by Taste of Home Magazine, Old Trapper’s commitment to quality and transparency is clear. The 18-ounce bag was designed to provide consumers with a bag big enough for sharing and is the perfect snack for road trips, to take to outdoor activities, and to stock pantries. Packed full of the highest quality beef where every single piece is tender and delicious, and in Old Trapper’s signature transparent bag so that consumers can clearly see what they are getting.   

“As the second largest beef jerky brand in the world, we listen closely to what our customers are wanting, and they have told us they want more beef jerky in the bag,” said Robert Leary, Chief Marketing Officer of Old Trapper. “Now available nationwide, not only is this the largest bag available today, but each piece of beef jerky in an Old Trapper 18-ounce package is tender, deliciously savory, and smoked to perfection.”

Old Trapper 18-ounce family sized bags of beef jerky are now available at retailers nationwide. MSRP $21.99.

The Firearm Industry Trade Association has renewed its contract with the SHOT Show® Industry Day at the Range, returning as Title Sponsor for the next three years. Now in its 10th year, Industry Day at the Range will be backed, yet again, by one of the most prominent organizations in the shooting sports industry. More information about current sponsors, exhibitor registration, pricing and more can be found online.

“We’re thrilled to welcome back the NSSF as Title Sponsor for our 2023 event,” said Kelsey Puryear, Industry Day at the Range Manager. “Extending this partnership with a multi-year agreement just builds on our prominence in the industry and bolsters the relationship we have with the NSSF and annual SHOT Show. We have high expectations for 2023 and are excited to bring together the best our industry has to offer—alongside the NSSF and other returning sponsors.”

“NSSF is proud to renew its title sponsorship of Industry Day at the Range, an event of great value to SHOT Show exhibitors, media and buyers. It’s essential for members of the media and potential buyers to be able to handle and test new products being introduced at the SHOT Show.”

Important Event Details

Industry Day at the Range is the most influential one-day trade event in the hunting and shooting sports industry. Plus, it’s the only range event officially associated with SHOT Show, and it’s sponsored by the NSSF. Held annually the day before the opening of SHOT Show, Industry Day at the Range brings together invited media members, buyers and manufacturers to preview and test the latest products—some of which have never seen the light of day.

ZEISS introduces new binoculars featuring maximum optical performance with a lightweight and compact design for your next hunt.

ZEISS is excited to introduce the ZEISS SFL 40, the newest member of the ZEISS SF line of binoculars. The ZEISS SFL (SmartFocus and Lightweight) provides exceptional optical performance combined with a compact and lightweight design. The new binoculars come in two models, the ZEISS SFL 8×40 and 10×40. “Our new ZEISS SFL 40 allows users to experience special hunting moments with incredible ease by combining the advantages of high-performance binoculars with the compact design of smaller binoculars,” said Tammo Lueken, Head of Category Management Hunting at ZEISS.

Lightweight and Compact Design

“Especially when on long hunts in challenging terrain, all of the gear you carry can become a burden as every ounce adds up,” Lueken explained. “That’s why our primary goal was to develop binoculars that are not only lightweight, compact and tripod adaptable, but also offer incredible image quality for memorable moments in the field.” Thanks to the reduced lens diameter, the use of thinner and more closely spaced lens elements, and the rugged and durable magnesium housing, the ZEISS SFL 40 is an exceptionally lightweight yet reliable companion. 

Color Fidelity and Sharpness of Detail – Thanks to New UHD Concept

Plan for Your Guns Before You Land On the Wrong Side of the Law

U.S. LawShield®, industry leader and America’s largest provider of Legal Defense for Self Defense®  coverage, presents the National Travel Guide for Gun Owners and state-specific Travel Guides for Gun Owners. The guides feature practical information for people traveling through nearly every state in the U.S. 

According to Kirk Evans, President of U.S. LawShield, “Don’t wait until after the fact to plan for your guns when preparing for your trip. Because there are so many details for people to understand before they leave home, we developed state-specific guides to help folks stay on the right side of the law.”

As responsible firearms owners, people have questions about taking their guns with them when traveling. “Unfortunately, not every state has a common-sense attitude when it comes to gun laws, and you want to make sure that a criminal conviction isn’t one of the souvenirs you bring home,” stated Evans. “Take the time to learn the laws before hitting the road because they are not the same everywhere.”

Check out the U.S. LawShield YouTube video “Get Packin’: Traveling with Guns,” presented by Independent Program Attorneys Richard Hayes and Emily Taylor. Discussion includes essential information needed to stay safe and responsible while traveling with firearms.

Long-term commitments by Corporate Sponsors are vital to the continued success and growth of Safari Club International (SCI) and its mission to promote and protect hunting and wildlife conservation in North America and across the world. Kenetrek Boots (www.kenetrek.com) recently renewed their SCI corporate sponsorship and has been a partner and Corporate Sponsor since 2015.

“We’re excited to continue our partnered relationship with Kenetrek. Their commitment to their product, customer and the preservation of the outdoors makes them a natural fit for Safari Club International’s mission and the rights of hunters worldwide,” said W. Laird Hamberlin, CEO of SCI. 

Established in 2002, Kenetrek Boots’ dedication to designing and building boots to keep up with hunters, backpackers and hikers is the catalyst for its many products. After an eight-day hunt in the Mackenzie Mountains of the Northwest Territories, owner Jim Winjum decided he had to design and build a better boot that could keep up with a high-country mountain sheep hunter. Kenetrek is an American-owned company headquartered in Bozeman, Montana. However, the production of Kenetrek boots occurs at a manufacturing facility located in Italy. Kenetrek boots have earned a reputation as one of the premier hunting boots on the market.

“Kenetrek is proud to partner with SCI to promote wildlife conservation all over the world and protect our freedom to hunt,” said Jim Winjum, President of Kenetrek. “The right to hunt and enjoy the outdoors is precious to us at Kenetrek, and we are thankful for all SCI does to support wildlife conservation.”

Safari Club International, First For Hunters, is the leader in protecting the freedom to hunt and promoting wildlife conservation worldwide. SCI’s approximately 200 Chapters represent all 50 of the United States and 106 other countries. SCI’s proactive leadership works with the SCI Foundation and other conservation groups, research institutions and government agencies on a host of cooperative wildlife conservation, outdoor education and humanitarian programs.

SCI announced today that it had hired Christopher LaCivita Jr. to serve as its Digital Marketing Specialist in its Washington D.C. office. 

Christopher, a recent graduate of Virginia Tech, has spent the last year as a part-time content creator for SCI while finishing his senior year. In that time, Christopher has proven himself to be an adept communicator and a valuable member of the SCI team who has brought and will continue to bring fresh, creative angles to SCI’s advocacy mission. 

“As an avid sportsman, I am thrilled to join the greatest hunting organization in the world,” said Christopher LaCivita Jr. upon accepting his job offer at SCI. “I’m excited to work with the staff, our chapters, and our loyal members on enhancing the freedom to hunt worldwide.” 

“Safari Club International is excited to have Christopher join our team and continue to strengthen our efforts to promote and protect the freedom to hunt in America and around the globe. Christopher is an exemplary hunter as well as an accomplished communicator. His efforts will greatly benefit SCI’s membership and hunting worldwide,” says Ben Cassidy, SCI’s Executive Vice President of International Government and Public Affairs.

Christopher LaCivita Jr. was born and raised in Powhatan, Virginia, and graduated in May 2022 from Virginia Tech with a degree in Digital Marketing. Christopher’s digital marketing skills were utilized even before his college education when in 2017, his lifelong passion for hunting drove him to create Sportsman’s Culture, a unique outdoor marketing company. Sportsman’s Culture boasted high-profile clients and over 23,000 social media followers at its peak.

SnapSafe® In-Wall Safes install securely between wall studs safeguarding valuables out-of-sight. In-Wall Safes are available in two sizes – a 22-inch and a 44-inch-tall version – depending on individual storage needs. SnapSafe makes peace of mind made easy with its new In-Wall Safes. 

The In-Wall Safe mounts flush against the wall allowing concealment behind pictures, furniture or other household objects without detection. If discovered, its 16-gauge steel body and extra-thick 8-gauge door thwart unauthorized access. An innovative latch mechanism maximizes usable interior space while hidden hinges impede prying and cutting attacks on the container. Thanks to its innovative design, it fits perfectly between wall studs that use the industry-standard 16-inch on-center spacing; the pre-drilled safe then lags tight to the framing using the included bolts. SnapSafe In-Wall Safes are easy to install in minutes, and the design allows orienting the door for either a left- or right-hand opening. 

A battery-powered electronic keypad provides quick entry to the In-Wall Safe. After entering the access code, its spring-assist door opens and reveals the safe’s contents. The lock has audio and LED warnings when the battery levels are running low. And just in case, SnapSafe includes a barrel key backup.

Removable storage shelves customize the interior layout, accommodating different-sized objects. On the floor, a padded mat prevents damage to delicate items. Magnetic jewelry and key hooks organize smaller pieces. Likewise, a magnetic document holder stows essential papers on the door in a flat and accessible location. 

The SnapSafe In-Wall Safe is an affordable, concealable security container that fits perfectly into any home.

In late April, the Judges Panel for the Boone and Crockett Club’s 31st Big Game Awards completed the official scores on 71 of the top trophies in 32 categories from 26 distinct species or subspecies that were taken through fair chase hunting or were picked up and entered into the B&C Record Book over the last three years. The mounts that were panel scored for the 31st Big Game Awards—and those of 25 youth-harvested trophies that were added to the record book—are now on display to the public at Johnny Morris’ Wonders of Wildlife National Museum & Aquarium in Springfield, Missouri. Hosted by Bass Pro Shops and Cabelas’, Centennial Sponsor Federal Ammunition, and presenting sponsor the Wild Sheep Foundation, the 31st Big Game Awards final recognition event will be held July 21-23, 2022. 

“Since 1947, the triennial Big Game Awards program recognizes the biggest heads, horns, and antlers from North America entered into the Boone and Crockett Club’s record book over the last three years. The Club has been measuring North American big game since 1895 and the book serves as a vital record of biological, harvest, and location data on hunter-taken and found trophies based on the principle that the existence of mature, male specimens is an indicator of overall population and habitat health,” commented Tony Schoonen, Chief Executive Officer of the Club. “The mounts in the 31st Big Game Awards that are now on display at the Wonders of Wildlife Museum are magnificent animals and continue to show the effectiveness of conservation measures for many big game species.”

This year’s Judges Panel, sponsored by Fiocchi, included 16 official measurers from across the United States and Canada. Each of the measurers has decades of experience measuring trophies, and some have been measuring for the Boone and Crockett Club since the 1970s. The judges work in teams of two and each mount is scored by two separate teams who work independently to verify the final score for the animal. Noteworthy trophies validated by the Judges Panel that are on display in Wonders of Wildlife include the new World Record muskox that scored 130 4/8, and the new #2 tule elk scoring 369 1/8 that is the largest hunter-killed tule elk in the book. In addition, the Kyress whitetail found in a garage in Pennsylvania was panel-scored at 204 6/8 which is an increase from its original score of 202 7/8 making it the #4 typical whitetail in the book.

In addition to the mounts included in the Big Game Awards, any youth who harvests an animal that was entered into the record book is invited to the judges panel and to receive recognition during the Jack Steele Parker Generation Next Youth Awards. This year, 25 youth-harvested trophies are on display in Wonders of Wildlife and several more youth will also be in attendance for the Generation Next awards banquet in July. The Jack Steele Parker Generation Next program is sponsored by Buck Knives.

After the official measurers completed their task, Boone and Crockett Club staff worked to build the 4,450 square foot display which is in the Bucks and Bulls exhibit hall adjacent to the Club’s National Collection of Heads and Horns. Within the display, there are educational posters about the individual animals as well as information about conservation and hunting. Species displays are sponsored by industry and conservation partners including: Fiocchi sponsoring the whitetail display, the Mule Deer Foundation sponsoring the mule deer display, the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation sponsoring the elk display, the Wild Sheep Foundation sponsoring the sheep display, Dallas Safari Club sponsoring the bears and cats display, and the Anne Brockinton Lee Trustee for the Robert M. Lee Foundation sponsoring the caribou display.

Blue Payment Agency of Windham, Maine, a second-amendment-focused payment gateway provider, has just announced a simplified credit card payment acceptance process for multiplatform FFLs.

FFL dealers that sell online using both the popular auction site GunBroker and the WordPress shopping cart WooCommerce can now benefit from a streamlined application, approval, setup, integration, and reporting process.

According to Alex Roy, the president of Blue Payment Agency, “Over the years, we have found that many WooCommerce FFLs also sell on GunBroker. These online dealers that accept consumer transactions online and then ship to other FFLs for the necessary National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) check run into unnecessary complexity when setting up their firearms payment processing. We have seen dealers forced to set up – and subsequently pay for – a separate GunBroker and WooCommerce merchant account and payment gateway. In addition to the added costs, these FFLs also must deal with multiple logins and a far more complicated approval process. Our all-in-one, WooCommerce/GunBroker program simplifies that.”

BluePaymentAgency.com has designed a program and trained its staff to streamline the process for gun business owners. Their WooCommerce/GunBroker FFL program facilitates approvals and actively helps integrate an FFL’s payment processing into both WordPress and GunBroker using a single application.

According to Blue Payment Agency, the ability for online FFLs to track sales, process refunds, and perform general reporting on both their auction sales and their shopping cart sales from one payment gateway is a welcome relief to many FFLs.

Crappie have become one of my favorite species to target in the winter because of how lucrative a single fishing trip can be. In Florida, we tend to hibernate when it drops below 50 degrees, so venturing out on those freezing mornings separates the dedicated anglers from the fair-weather fishermen. Be sure to de-winterize your boat early on 

Here are four reasons why winter is the best time to fish for crappie:

1. Spots are Easy to Identify

Winter is all about location. The cold water makes the fish lethargic and slows down their metabolism. This may sound unappealing because you typically want active prey, but it actually allows you to catch the same amount of fish in fewer spots.

Crappie often bundle together under docks, submerged trees, or bridge pilings. Anywhere you can find underwater debris or sudden depth changes are ideal locations. You want to dial in on deeper water than you would in the warmer months, typically 15-25 ft.

If you use a fish finder to scout the perfect spot, you may fill the cooler without having to move. Just remember to slow down your retrieve for whatever rig you are using due to a less aggressive winter crappie.

Chestnut Hill Outdoors trees are on the way to select Walmart locations. Arrival is expected to select stores between May 8th – May 11th in the following states:

Stay tuned – More trees are shipping out next week!

Arrival times may vary per store, please visit your local store to see if they have arrived.

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.

Irving, TX – TekMat, an industry leader for gun cleaning and gunsmithing mats, is proud to announce their new line of GLOCK® gunsmithing mats for GLOCK® 42/43, GEN 3, and G44 models.

Designed to keep firearm components organized and protect workbenches, the new TekMat GLOCK® mats feature dye sublimation printing diagrams and parts listings of the specific firearm to aid in takedown and reassembly. This ultra-soft, oil- and water-resistant gunsmithing mat’s 11″ x17″ size provides enough room to fully disassemble a handgun with extra room for tools and accessories. TekMats also include non-skid neoprene backing to secure the workspace to a workbench or table while keeping harmful chemicals, oil, and dirt from penetrating down to finished surfaces. The mat is pliable and will easily roll up for compact storage.

Every TekMat is proudly designed and manufactured in the great state of Texas. Each mat is a complimentary accessory to your firearms.

New GLOCK® TekMat models

GLOCK® 42/43

The Solo Buck Hut raises the standards for shooting houses to an entirely new level with an elevated shooting enclosure perfect for rifle, crossbow, and compound hunters. Outdoor-minded men and women in any season quickly embrace the comfort and concealment of a fully enclosed blind that maximizes effectiveness from the first hot day of the early season to the bone-chilling conclusion of the season. With unrestricted movement inside, hunters can increase their chances to see more game and hunt more comfortably. 

The Solo Buck Hut’s framework, platform, and ladder are constructed of heavy-duty powder-coated steel using Millennium’s SteelTOUGH construction to last for years of heavy use. The rugged exterior shell is made of heavy-duty water-resistant fabric. The Solo Buck Hut incorporates Millennium’s SilentHUNT Design to keep it nice and quiet. The Solo Buck Hut’s sturdy steel ladder features non-slip steps, and a pair of steel rail handles to help keep hunters steady as they enter and exit the shooting house through its large side door.

The blind tower utilizes a reinforced tripod design creating the most stable engineering principles. A sturdy 10-step ladder supports the blind, creates easy access, and puts a hunter nearly 10 feet above a deer’s field of view. The Hut enclosure dimensions measure 7’x4’x4’, enough space to provide mobility for the perfect shot while keeping the profile of the blind to a minimum. The 7-foot interior height means there’s plenty of room to take a standing shot. 

With 5 large windows that can be configured for most hunting shots– and each window has an adjustable shooting rest. Even the door doubles as a window so hunters can see what’s happening from behind. Black windows and an all-black interior provide the ultimate in hunter concealment. The blind offers a zip-open door in “walk-through” size with convenient handrails on each side for a safe entry and exit.  

The Q250 Solo Buck Hut is another Millennium Treestands product designed and built by the pioneers of the exceptional hunting experience to provide good service for a long time to come.

Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership grants leverage public-private funds to support 27 projects in 26 cities across the country

ST. PAUL – Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland and Assistant Secretary for Fish and Wildlife and Parks Shannon Estenoz visited Minnesota today to announce $61.1 million in grant funding is available to communities in 26 cities across the United States to create new parks and trails, or substantial renovations to existing parks, through the Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership (ORLP) program.  

The ORLP program, established in 2014, enables urban communities to create new outdoor recreation spaces, reinvigorate existing parks, and form connections between people and the outdoors in economically underserved communities. Secretary Haaland announced the list of selected cities invited to submit final applications for their proposals during her visit.  

“Access to the outdoors is essential to the health, well-being and prosperity of every family and every community in America but not everyone has the same equitable opportunities to enjoy green spaces,” said Secretary Haaland. “Funding from the Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership will continue to expand our communities’ connections to urban green spaces, where children can play, families can connect, and a love and appreciation for the outdoors can be nurtured.”   

During her visit, Secretary Haaland joined Minnesota leaders to see firsthand the enhancements and opportunities ORLP grants bring to urban communities. Secretary Haaland, Governor Tim Walz, Lt. Governor Peggy Flanagan, Senator Amy Klobuchar, Senator Tina Smith, and Representative Betty McCollum visited the recently completed Midway Peace Park in St. Paul, which received ORLP funding in 2020. Secretary Haaland, Lt. Governor Flanagan and Rep. Illhan Omar also visited Willard Park in Minneapolis, which stands to receive a $1.3 million grant to expand and renovate park amenities.  

Nutritional needs of wildlife vary throughout the year, and to better meet those changes, it’s essential to plant a variety of hard and soft mast-producing trees and shrubs. Hard mast addresses the late season, but spring and early summer are also important nutritional periods that are best addressed by planting soft mast. Chestnut Hill Outdoors offers an array of soft mast producers that are ideal for filling gaps in the nutrition calendar.

Mulberries

Mulberries are among the first shrubs to bear fruit in spring, as early as April and May in the deep south, and early June further north – peak periods for young and growing wildlife. Chestnut Hill Outdoors offers several varieties. Everbearing mulberry (Morus rubra), which includes black, white and native red varieties, grows in a bush-like form providing an abundance of both fruit and cover – another important component of wildlife habitat. Black Mulberry (Morus nigra) grows in a taller tree form and produces what many consider to be the highest quality mulberry fruits. 

Plums

Chestnut Hill Outdoors also offers a pair of native plums. American plum (Prunus americana) produces abundant early summer fruit and creates a thicket of cover for many wildlife species. Its wide temperature tolerance range makes it a great option in most zones. Chickasaw plum (Prunus angustifolia) also does well in all but the coldest zones and forms suckers that create thickets wildlife use for bedding and security cover.

APEX Ammunition is pleased to congratulate Rob Keck on winning the Top Gun award at this year’s Kansas Governor’s One-Shot Turkey Hunt and placing second in the Alabama Governor’s One-Shot Turkey Hunt. Keck, who served as CEO of the National Wild Turkey Federation for 27 years, bagged both birds with a TriStar Viper G2 .410 shotgun and APEX Ammunition’s Turkey Ninja TSS load.

“The Ninja TSS 9.5 shot in .410 performs extremely well in my Tristar Viper topped with a Carlson TSS Turkey choke,” said Keck. “The consistent, even and dense patterning on paper has given me the confidence on quick, clean kills of ranges out to 50 yards. The Ninja 9.5s in .410 has completely changed the game for me in the most positive ways and were critical in anchoring both the big birds in Alabama and Kansas.”

“Winning a Governor’s turkey hunt is impressive but finishing in first and second place in two states in the same year is absolutely remarkable,” said Jason Lonsberry, CEO, APEX Ammunition. “Our congratulations to Rob on his great shooting, and our thanks to him for all he has done over the years on the conservation front to help grow the wild turkey population across North America.”

Keck recently retired after 12 years as Director of Conservation for Bass Pro Shops. He has been a US Open and World Turkey Calling Champion and was the first person to take a wild turkey in every state that has a turkey season.

About APEX Ammunition

Dayton, OH – Full Forge Gear, manufacture of tactical bags, pistol & rifle cases, tool bags and other everyday life backpacks that are specialized for everyday life, invites all NRA members attending the 2022 NRA Annual Meetings & Exhibits to their booth #1947. Attendees will have the opportunity to try out several packs, bags, cases and learn from the company’s friendly staff about the benefits Full Forge Gear products offer firearm owners, outdoorsmen, and preppers.

On display at the NRA Show, guests can check out the Storm Range Bag, a water-resistant rugged bag with a reinforced hard base are designed to carry handguns, extra magazines, cleaning gear, ear pro, targets and other items typically need for range day. The Storm range bag features a wide-mouth opening, 10 external accessory pouches and 14 internal pockets providing amble amount of storage space. Carrying the Storm is easy with its reinforced handles and hard base that provides the support needed for the weight of guns, ammo, and range gear. 

Also on display in booth #1947 will be the CAT-2 double pistol case, a gun case made from strong 500 denier polyester fabric with a full wrap-around zipper for an easy-to-access, lay-flat design. Protecting pistols and shooting gear on the go, the CAT-2 features two padded pistol compartments and a front pocket with MOLLE webbing for accessories and attachments. See first-hand how this double pistol case has everything needed to hit the range in style without breaking the bank.

For rifle shooters visiting the Houston show, Full Forge Gear will have the Torrent double rifle case available for demonstration. Loaded with storage, this double rifle case fits most modern rifles, (37” x 14” x 12.5”) has internal straps and has a divided padding for added protection for shooters on the go. The Torrent also features a MOLLE webbing exterior for accessories and attachments, three exterior accessory pockets, a reinforced carry handle, and a padded shoulder strap for added comfort.

Adventure seekers, survival preppers, and weekend warriors are encouraged to see the Hurricane Backpack, a medium-sized pack built for maximum storage, functionality and durability. This pack features up to 1,870cu in of storage space with an easy to access main compartment, two large interior pockets with individual organization pockets and two large exterior pouches with its own organizational pockets. The Hurricane Backpack is constructed from 600 denier polyester fabric with a water-resistant exterior, has a 210 denier polyester lining, 10- gauge nylon zipper, larger internal hydration pocket, reinforced nylon straps, padded shoulder straps, and MOLLE webbing exterior for easy to access accessories and attachments.

New Haven, Mo. – ALPS Mountaineering, manufacturer of performance-driven technical support gear for wilderness exploration, trekking, and family camping, has just announced its newest low-profile folding camp chair, the Axis.

Many camp chairs, while comfortable, are often bulky, heavy, and take up a lot of room when folded. The new Axis is designed to be lightweight and minimally sized for easy storage and transportation. When stowed in its carry bag, the folded chair measures 6x3x16 inches and weighs only 1 lb., 8 oz. Deployed, the Axis expands to 22.5x24x21 inches to provide a comfortable, slightly reclined seating configuration that is ideal for sitting around the campfire, on the lake, or at the beach.

The 420D polyester honeycomb ripstop fabric surrounds a nylon mesh center fabric to deliver a 250-lb. weight capacity. The mesh center panel ensures air flow to prevent sweat buildup and to keep campers cool on those sweltering summer nights.

The compact foldable design comes courtesy of an all-aluminum frame construction. The mesh carry bag features clips that secure the bag to the front of the chair frame, allowing it to serve as an accessory pouch.

The new Axis Chair is available in Deep Sea/Charcoal with an MSRP of $79.99.

EDGEFIELD, S.C.—The National Wild Turkey Federation awarded Helen Bailey of Mechanicsville, Maryland, with the $10,000 Dr. James Earl Kennamer Academic Scholarship, sponsored by Mossy Oak. 

“Hunting has been a family tradition that has been passed down through generations,” Bailey said. “Continuing these traditions will keep hunting alive and is something that is important to me and my family.”

As the recipient of the NWTF’s 2022 Dr. James Earl Kennamer National Academic Scholarship, Bailey distinguished herself as a dedicated conservationist, hunter, intellectual and a steward of her community. Throughout her high school career, Bailey has excelled in her studies, taking nearly all AP courses and concluding her high school career with a 4.0 GPA and second in her class of 379.

Bailey has exemplified leadership by balancing her extracurricular activities with her scholastic achievements. She has served as captain and team leader for Chopticon High School’s softball and volleyball teams, both of which she has been a part of throughout her four years in high school. In addition, she has served four years on the Chopticon Class of 2022 Officer Team, where she was previously the school publicist and is currently the vice president. Bailey is also her school’s current National Honor Society president.

The Maryland native is as involved with her community as she is in her academics, as an active member of the NWTF, Ducks Unlimited, Mechanicsville Optimist Club, Southern Maryland Impact travel softball team and her church.