Hunting and Fishing News & Blog Articles

Kim Rhode, the most iconic Olympic shooting sport athlete ever is continuing her career with Winchester Ammunition, The American Legend. Rhode will continue to take on the world’s best competition, shooting the famous Winchester AA® shotshells.  

Kim has been shooting Winchester ammunition products in training and competition for more than 30 years. 

“Kim Rhode has established a legacy in competitive shooting that is unmatched. She is a fierce competitor but also one of the most genuine ambassadors of the shooting sports,” said Matt Campbell, Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Winchester Ammunition. “Kim and Winchester will continue to work together at the highest levels of competition, but also in driving more people to participate in the shooting sports.”

Rhode continues her pursuit of the highest achievements in the shooting sports as she chases her goals of representing the United States in the 2024 Olympics in Paris and in her home state of California at the Los Angeles games in 2028.

“Winchester has been with me since the very beginning of my career and their support has been remarkable,” said Rhode. “I’ve always tried to do my very best in representing the shooting sports as an inviting activity, for people of all ages and skill levels. I love talking to people who want to get started in shooting just as much as I love to compete.”

Shoot Like A Girl has partnered with Beretta USA to launch the Hunt Like A Girl Contest to give one lucky winner the opportunity to participate in a guided turkey hunt at Midwest Whitetail Adventures in Clay Center, Kansas on April 21-25th. This contest will provide one entrant, who is new to hunting or who has never hunted before, the chance to experience the spring turkey season for the first time with an all-female team from Shoot Like A Girl and Beretta. The winner will also receive a comprehensive turkey hunting gear package and transportation, meals, lodging and guide fees, and tips that will be provided. This experience is the second annual turkey hunt in partnership with Beretta and the first of several hunts planned this year.

“We’re excited to continue our partnership with Beretta to share a hunting experience with a fantastic group of women,” Karen Butler, Founder and President of Shoot Like A Girl, said. “As we continue to offer experiences for new hunters, we work to enhance our mission of empowering women and building confidence in their abilities by bridging Beretta’s lineage with our shared goal of encouraging women to embrace shooting sports and nurture a love of the outdoors.”

Contest Details

To enter for a chance to win the hunting experience of a lifetime, entrants must complete the online requirements in their entirety. To be included in the contest, all submissions must be received by Shoot Like A Girl and Beretta by 11:59 p.m. on March 28, 2022. Entries with video submissions will be considered first.

While everyone is encouraged to enter and all entries will be considered, Shoot Like A Girl and Beretta are explicitly looking for an individual who is new to hunting or has never hunted before. The contest begins March 11, 2022, at 9:00 a.m. EST and ends March 28, 2022, at 11:59 p.m. EST. A winner will be selected following the conclusion of the entry window. The winner has three business days to respond to the selection email. Full terms and conditions are also available online.

Extra calls? Check. Ammo? Check. Gloves, mask, water bottle, maybe a lightweight decoy? Check. When turkey season rolls around each spring, having all the gear needed for a successful hunt is a cinch with the NOMAD Bull Lounger turkey vest.

The new Bull Lounger is an outstanding option for hunters who want a tough, lightweight vest that handles anything. Whether it’s in the early season before full greenup or the last day when the woods are thick with humidity, the vest handles any condition with plenty of storage and comfort.

The Bull Lounger features an aluminum frame back design that allows hunters to sit upright and rigid without needing a tree to lean against while seated. The removable, high-density foam seat cushion has magnet attachments and an adjustment handle. Whether the hunt lasts 20 minutes or two hours, the seat will be comfortable from start to finish. It also has an external pocket to hold a ThermaCELL repellent unit.

The Bull Lounger has 14 points of adjustment for a “one size fits most” customization. It is designed with 28 general and specialized pockets for everything from diaphragm mouth calls and box calls to chalk pouches, a large rear game pouch. A ridged foam pocket protects friction calls while strikers have their own dual zippered pockets and specialized holders. The horizontal box call pocket has an adjustable buckle and is designed to be more easily accessible standing or sitting, instead of a vertical design that is tougher to access.

The rear game pouch is generous enough to hold a big gobbler for the walk back to the cabin or truck. It also has a water bottle pocket and three internal general organization pockets for gear, such as a folding foam decoy, pop-up blind or tail fan. The Bull Lounger vest is available in Mossy Oak Original Bottomland and NOMAD Exclusive Mossy Oak Shadow Leaf.

AG Composites, a veteran-owned manufacturer of premium composite rifle stocks, has begun enthusiastically supporting Oconto River Kids (ORK), a Wisconsin-based non-profit volunteer charity group dedicated to providing hunting and fishing opportunities for children with life-threatening illnesses and their families. 

“When AGC’s Matt Tandy asked how the company could help ORK, we advised of our need to set up one of our shooting systems with a shorter stock, one that would fit 12-year old Cain, a smaller-framed shooter who has been battling cancer for six years now,” said Brandon Baudhuin, Oconto River Kids Western Hunt Coordinator. “AG built, inletted, and sent that youth stock our way in short order.  After a quick stock swap on our Bergara Premier Mountain 2.0, we had a rifle that was perfect for Cain. It was really that simple. The fit was perfect and Cain was soon shooting tiny little groups with it at the range — and later harvested a tremendous antelope and bull elk in the high desert of Wyoming. AG Composites was amazing with their monetary support of our mission and equipment support for this hunt of a lifetime.

“In the three years that Oconto River Kids has been operating in Wyoming, our youth hunters have harvested 20-plus big game animals, with about 60 percent of those using one of our AG Composites outfitted rifles. We cannot thank this veteran-owned company enough for their continued support.”

“Oconto River Kids is the kind of organization that our company believes in,” said Matt Tandy, AG Composites owner. “These young people have been dealt a tough hand, and any way we can help make their lives better is something we enthusiastically support.”

Oconto River Kids began in 2012 with a landowner who envisioned a local volunteer group providing hunting and fishing opportunities for children with life-threatening illnesses and their families. He contacted the local DNR Conservation Officer, who shared a passion for mentoring young hunters. They immediately recognized the possibilities and identified other key individuals who shared their vision and passion. That group of individuals dedicated themselves to the idea and moved forward to create Oconto River Kids. The group continues to grow, but maintains its simple grass roots approach to providing unique hunting and fishing experiences for children with life threatening illnesses and their families. In 2014 Oconto River Kids reached a milestone when it was incorporated as a non-for-profit corporation in the State of Wisconsin and now operates as a Wisconsin charitable organization. More information is available at http://www.ocontoriverkids.com/.

Realtree and Ocean+Coast have collaborated on their fourth exclusive collection together, this time featuring the new Realtree ASPECT fishing pattern. These exclusive designs, available only at Belk, will start hitting shelves in select stores this week.

The new O+C Realtree collection will feature fishing shirts, performance tops, graphic tees, boardshorts and accessories that cater to those who love and live the outdoor lifestyle. The collection is designed and produced by Realtree’s trusted licensed partner Colosseum Outdoors, which was selected for its expertise in outdoor gear and its quality product designs.  

“At Belk…we feel like we can offer a better outdoor experience than any of our competitors,” Jon Bollman, Belk’s Men’s Sportswear GVP/GMM, said. “It’s not a trend for us…it’s truly a way of life. The partnership that we have built with Realtree showcases how truly authentic our exclusive brand Ocean & Coast is and the name it is developing in the industry.”

Since Fall 2020, Ocean+Coast and Realtree have successfully collaborated every season to offer apparel lines that reflect a love of the outdoor lifestyle with on-trend designs and features that flatter and perform up to the standards of sportsmen and women around the country.

“Realtree continues to collaborate with Ocean+Coast because it just makes sense,” Bill Jordan, Realtree CEO and president, said. “Our two iconic brands exude that unique Southern lifestyle, and this newest line of apparel, featuring the Realtree ASPECT fishing pattern, effortlessly combines the best of both brands for a lineup that is exceptional in both quality and design. This new collection helps round out an already abundant selection of outdoor gear and apparel, which makes Belk a natural choice for outdoors enthusiasts who are looking to prepare for their next big adventure. The strong partnership between Realtree and Belk is unmatched and continues to expand and evolve each year.”

The Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP) is excited to announce a new set of awards specially created to recognize those competitors who attend several Competition Games series of events, formerly known as CMP Travel Games, during a single year.

The 2022 schedule includes Western Games (Phoenix, Arizona), Eastern Games (Butner, North Carolina), New England Games (Jericho, Vermont) and the Oklahoma Games (Oklahoma City, Oklahoma). Competitors that attend at least three of these four events will receive a collectible t-shirt and will be entered into a drawing for a chance to win free match fees to one Competition Game of their choice for the 2023 shooting season. Names will also be drawn to receive a 50 percent discount on match fees for one Competition Game for the 2023 Shooting Season. Four winners will be chosen for each drawing. Additional prizes will be awarded to those competitors who fire in all four Competition Games.

The Competition Games are regional events held around the country throughout the year, featuring CMP’s unique rifle and pistol outdoor matches. Recognized as staple events of the CMP schedule, the Games are centered around recreation-oriented competition and educational activities that are designed to accommodate experienced marksmen as well as those hoping to learn more about the sport.

Dates for this year’s Competition Games:

Questions on the Competition Games awards may be directed to Christina Roguski at  [email protected]. Find additional details about the CMP Competition Games at  https://thecmp.org/competitions/cmp-travel-games/. We hope to see you at these events and more!

Madison, WI – DSG Outerwear, premier makers of the most technical, high-performance and size-inclusive hunting apparel for women, is proud to offer the Breanna 2.0 Fleece Camo Pullover – the versatile piece that provides all the field-proven performance features women hunters need, along with a fit they will love.

Constructed of a quiet, bonded stretch fabric with a soft shearling interior, the Breanna 2.0 is so comfortable and silent, it’ll move right along with you as you track your prey. The interior is incredibly soft for extra comfort while the exterior is DWR treated, which means it’s waterproof and water repellent, keeping you both dry and warm during inclement weather.

The Breanna 2.0 incorporates a host of additional hunt-friendly, versatile features that hunters will find invaluable including a removable and adjustable hood; a durable quarter-zip making pulling the hoodie on and off a breeze, as well as adjustable cuffs. A spacious two-way kangaroo pocket with hook and loop closure along with a vertical lapel zippered pocket provides easy access storage of lightweight gear. The pullover comes in the popular Realtree Edge® camouflage pattern allowing hunters to blend seamlessly into their environments at both close range and from a distance.

Like the rest of the DSG Outerwear apparel line, the Breanna 2.0 Fleece Camo Pullover is made for women of all sizes and shapes and is offered in a wide variety of sizes from XS-5XL.

Need a good pair of pants to pair with the Breanna 2.0 Pullover? Take a look at its matched counterpart, the Breanna 2.0 Fleece Drop Seat Bib in Realtree Edge®. Made of the same quality and functional materials as the pullover inside and out, the bib pants also incorporate an adjustable snap inseam (from 32.5-inches to 28.5-inches); a drop seat feature allowing for easy access when nature calls; and a large, zippered thigh pocket.

Taurus, manufacturer of premium handguns for defense, hunting, and sport shooting, is excited to announce the hiring of Cody Osborn as Marketing Director for the Taurus, Rossi, and Heritage Manufacturing brands.

Osborn comes to his new position from Walther, where he held the responsibility of Marketing Manager. A BA and MA graduate of Texas A&M University and a USPSA and IDPA competitor, Osborn served three years on the Walther Pro Team in addition to his managerial work, where he oversaw several key initiatives, including the Walther Defense Division, PDP launch, and the Q5 Match Steel Frame launch.

In his new role as Taurus, Rossi, and Heritage Mfg. Marketing Director, Osborn will be responsible for defining and implementing yearly marketing plans, new product launches, public relations, product development, and advertising.

“I want everyone to be able to own a firearm and to participate in the shooting and hunting lifestyle,” said Osborn. “With that goal in mind, I look forward to helping guide these brands to establish a more personal interaction with their enthusiasts and to introducing everyone interested in firearms to the potential these brands can offer.”

For more information, go to TaurusUSA.com.

Edgefield, S.C. — The National Wild Turkey Federation and the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission are co-hosting the 12th National Wild Turkey Symposium June 6 – 10, 2022 at the Renaissance Asheville Hotel in Asheville, North Carolina.

The symposium brings together wild turkey experts from all arenas, including state, federal and private wild turkey researchers; land managers; and wild turkey enthusiasts, to exchange ideas to ensure the sustainability of wild turkeys and their habitats. The symposium provides an avenue for managers, student researchers and academia to present current and recent research updates.

The first National Wild Turkey Symposium was held in 1959 and has been held about every five years since the second symposium held in 1970. The 12th Symposium was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. 

The 12th Symposium will highlight the shifting paradigms and challenges that face turkey hunters, wildlife managers and wild turkeys. Areas of emphasis will include wild turkey habitat selection and movements, harvest dynamics, disease ecology, nesting ecology, population dynamics and human dimensions of turkey hunting.

“The symposia have been integral in the wild turkey restoration story,” said Mark Hatfield, NWTF director of conservation services. “Wild turkey population declines, particularly in the southeast, are increasingly raising many new questions and concerns. The NWTF is proud to sponsor, facilitate, and contribute to this immense body of research to ensure the wild turkey is thriving in all corners of the country.” 

TrueTimber is proud to announce camo offerings on the new ATK Series from PSE Archery®. Bow hunters can benefit from the added concealment of TrueTimber Strata camo on the Brute ATK and Stinger ATK  compound bows newly added to PSE’s Core Series lineup. Affordably lethal, the 2022 PSE ATK Series gives users everything they need in a hunting bow without paying for the things they don’t.

“The new ATK Series from PSE is an awesome addition to the lineup of PSE bows available in TrueTimber camo and we are really excited for hunters to get their hands on these,” said TrueTimber CEO Rusty Sellars. “The technology available on bows these days is pretty remarkable and it’s really exciting to see highly capable bows packed full of features offered at a price any hunter can get behind.”

To help celebrate the launch, TrueTimber and PSE have teamed up to host a sweepstakes for one lucky winner to receive the new Brute ATK bow in TrueTimber Strata camo and a $500 gift card to the TrueTimber online store. Fans can enter via the giveaway post on TrueTimber’s Facebook, Instagram, or on both platforms for multiple entries. To enter, fans simply need to follow both PSE Archery and TrueTimber and tag a friend in the comments section of the giveaway post. One winner will be randomly selected at the end of the promotion period. Giveaway ends March 14, 2022, at 11:59 p.m. EST. To see the giveaway terms and conditions, please visit TrueTimber.com/giveaway.

Enter the 2022 Spring ATK Giveaway on Facebook

Enter the 2022 Spring ATK Giveaway on Instagram

Earlier this week, your ATA and 44 other members of the Hunt Fish 30×30 Coalition submitted formal comments to the Federal Register regarding the American Conservation and Stewardship Atlas (Atlas), a key component of the Biden Administration’s “America the Beautiful” Initiative, also referred to as “30×30.” The recommendations urge the Administration to identify the lands and waters considered to be “conserved” based on conservation outcomes rather than arbitrary criteria. The groups also highlight the importance of working with entities such as state fish and wildlife management agencies, regional fish and wildlife management authorities, tribes, conservation focused NGOs and private landowners who are most knowledgeable and best equipped to advance pragmatic and successful conservation efforts throughout the U.S.

“There are tremendous variable benefits associated with ‘conservation’ lands across this country,” said Dan Forster, ATA Vice President and Chief Conservation Officer. “ATA’s direct involvement with this initiative, as well as that of the other coalition members, is to ensure that active management and recreational opportunities that include hunting are not only allowed but prioritized in these expansion efforts. 

“Conservation lands not only provide the foundation for quality of life attributes for all Americans but also provide wildlife and associated recreational benefits like bowhunting opportunities that are critical for our industry, customers and the recreational economy that fuels much of rural America. 

“The bowhunting community is dependent upon having access to wildlife and wild places to hunt. This effort to ensure a robust existence of conservation of lands into the future, provides great opportunity and hope for long term participation and growth of archery hunting provided we engage to ensure that active management and recreation prevail as high priority objectives.”

The ATA and other organizations believe that for America the Beautiful to be successful, the following fundamental elements must be included in any “30×30” policy:

Government funding legislation increases funding for NAWCA, other programs

 The U.S. Senate and U.S. House of Representatives passed legislation to fund the federal government through September. Funding for several critical conservation programs was included in the legislation, with increased funding for one of DU’s highest priority programs, the North American Wetlands Conservation Act (NAWCA).

The legislation also provides funding for several programs that allow farmers, ranchers and private landowners to conserve, protect and be the best possible stewards of their land.

“When legislators are debating funding for the federal government, it’s reassuring to know conservation has a seat at the table.” said DU CEO Adam Putnam. “DU’s volunteers, members and staff work tirelessly to ensure legislators understand the importance of our priority conservation programs, such as NAWCA, and the funding included in this legislation is a significant pay-off for that hard work. This Congress clearly values the work of DU and our conservation partners, and we’re eager to help transition these dollars onto the landscape for the betterment of waterfowl habitat, farmers and ranchers, local communities and our environment.”

Notable conservation programs to receive funding:

Tradeshow and convention moves to Minneapolis in February 2023

Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever’s 2022 National Pheasant Fest & Quail Classic, presented by Federal Ammunition, drew 21,939 attendees to the CHI Health Center in Omaha, Nebraska, during the three-day event. The nation’s largest gathering of upland hunters and conservationists raised critical funds and awareness for habitat and access in The Cornhusker State for the first time since 2011.

“After more than a decade away, the reception Omaha provided to our members and followers was absolutely incredible,” said Howard Vincent, President and CEO of Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever. “Nebraskans are such a core part of our organization. Their state is rich with hunting and conservation tradition, and we were proud to celebrate that outdoor heritage in Omaha. I’d like to thank all of our sponsors, vendors, community partners and attendees for making National Pheasant Fest and Quail Classic 2022 one to remember.”

Saturday afternoon Vincent, along with other national conservation CEOs, helped headline a panel discussion for the concept of a North American Grasslands Conservation Act. The group discussed the importance of implementing critical legislation to provide landowners with voluntary incentives and opportunities to improve and conserve disappearing grasslands. The idea borrows many of its core principles from the North American Wetlands Conservation Act (NAWCA), which has been widely successful in helping conserve America’s wetlands since its introduction in 1989. In the 32 years since, NAWCA has contributed to the conservation of nearly 30 million acres of habitat.

Over 1,400 people attended Saturday night’s sold out banquet, which featured a keynote address from James Beard award winning chef Hank Shaw. Shaw talked about the importance of making food a priority in the pursuit of game.

Bowhunting World magazine has announced the winners of its prestigious Reader’s Choice Awards which are presented annually to the leading manufacturers of bowhunting equipment. This year all votes were submitted online which yielded a record response. For the third consecutive year, Outdoor Edge, based in Denver, Colorado received the prestigious Gold Award for the “Knife Category”. 

“It is truly an honor to receive this type of recognition three years in a row,” said Will Morgan, Marketing Director. “We constantly strive to provide our customers with high performing and innovative knives. We are thrilled that our efforts have paid off, and we are proud of the fact that we continue to receive such prestigious distinction.”

Outdoor Edge was also the recipient of the Predator Xtreme’s Silver Reader’s Choice Award for the Knife category.

Voting for this year’s Reader’s Choice Awards was 100 percent online. Voters were able to make their voice known by using an online form with a dropdown menu selection for each product category. 

To learn more about the award-winning knives from Outdoor Edge visit www.outdooredge.com.

Strategic Acquisition Expands AOB Portfolio Into Outdoor Cooking 
Diversifies AOB and Drives Growth in Outdoor Lifestyle Category
Expands AOB Direct-to-Consumer Brand Offering
AOB Credit Facility to be Expanded by $25 million

American Outdoor Brands, Inc. (NASDAQ Global Select: AOUT), an industry leading provider of products and accessories for rugged outdoor enthusiasts, today announced that it has entered into an agreement to acquire privately owned Grilla Grills (“Grilla”), a provider of high-quality, barbecue grills, Wi-Fi-enabled wood pellet grills, smokers, accessories, and modular outdoor kitchens for $27 million in cash, or approximately $24 million after factoring in the future tax benefit resulting from the asset purchase. The acquisition of Grilla will allow American Outdoor Brands to enter the estimated $7 billion, U.S. barbecue grill market with an authentic, direct-to-consumer brand that can benefit from the company’s Dock & Unlock™ strategy and drive growth in the company’s outdoor lifestyle product category.

The grill market has been growing, with an estimated 9 million grills sold in the U.S. each year, driven by recent trends toward outdoor cooking. Grilla, founded in 2015 by Dave Shidler, Owner & President, and Mark Graham, Engineering & Sales Manager, has generated net sales growth of over 161% in the past two years, with a compound annual growth rate of approximately 50% over the last five years, and calendar 2021 net sales of totaling over $15 million. The company has amassed a loyal consumer following, and its products are sold 100% direct-to-consumer on the company’s website, and through two retail locations in Holland, Michigan and Dallas, Texas.  

Brian Murphy, President and CEO of American Outdoor Brands, said, “Expanding our outdoor lifestyle category is an important component of our long-term strategic plan, and today, we are excited to welcome Grilla Grills into the American Outdoor family of brands. We have carefully searched for acquisitions that are a fit for our brand lane structure, have plenty of runway for future growth, and allow us to leverage the investments we have made in our e-commerce platform by bringing complementary products and consumers into our brand portfolio. Through its commitment to quality, innovation, and its customers, Grilla has developed a highly respected and authentic brand that aligns well with our core values, and is a perfect fit within our outdoor lifestyle brand offering. We look forward to leveraging our Dock & Unlock™ strategy to take Grilla to the next level by further expanding its innovative and high-quality product line, broadening its loyal consumer base, and delivering sustainable future growth. 

Dave Shidler, President of Grilla, said, “We founded Grilla Grills over seven years ago out of a desire to provide consumers with high-quality, innovative grills and exceptional customer service, allowing them to be stars in their own backyards. Once we met the team at American Outdoors Brands, it quickly became clear that they share our passion for innovation, the customer experience, and the outdoors. We are excited to join forces and take Grilla into its next phase of growth as part of the American Outdoor Brands family.”

Real Avid, the leader in DIY for Guns®, is excited to announce that the company will be displaying at The Gathering in Clinton, SC, March 18-20. The Gathering 2022 is a combination firearm range day and product expo presented by Palmetto State Armory and held at The Clinton House Plantation. The event includes a media-only day on Thursday, March 17 followed by three days of general public admission.

Real Avid will be displaying in the vendor area, where attendees are invited to see first-hand the broad range of firearm maintenance and innovative do-it-yourself tool solutions for the gun enthusiast. From firearm-specific build products to general gunsmithing tools, Real Avid is the one-stop-shop for gun maintenance, repair, and modification tools and supplies. Also on hand will be several of the newest Real Avid products for 2022.

To learn more about Real Avid’s gun cleaning chemicals and tooling solutions designed for the do-it-yourself firearm owner, visit www.realavid.com

Join the Real Avid family and become a dealer! Contact us at [email protected] or call 800.286.0567.

About Real Avid: 

Wildlife Research Center® expands more of its premium scents into their popular pressurized spray cans. 

Buck Nip® is a Powerful Deer Attractor made from secret plant derivatives.  This Intense Curiosity Scent really brings in the deer all season long!  Simply spray some in your hunting area and watch the results.

Golden Scrape® with Scent Reflex® Technology; The Ultra-Premium Scrape Scent, now also available in an easy-to-use spray to help add to your scent presentation and get even more results.  Made with premium Golden Estrus Scent, intruding Buck Scent, fresh scraped earth, and Territorial Musk™, to simulate fresh scrape activity.   Perfect for making scent trails, mock scrapes, freshening scrapes, and for use on Key-Wicks to attract bucks in the area.

Golden Estrus Elk, the Fresh and Super Premium Estrus Scent with Scent Reflex® Technology for even stronger results.  This premium elk scent now available in a high-performance Super Charged® scent spray helps make your scent strategy more mobile and easy to use while in the field zeroing in on that trophy bull. 

These 3 OZ pressurized cans come standard with a High-Output sprayer.  The Bag on Valve system separates the premium scent from pressurized air used to propel it out of the can. Some spray scent aerosols may be diluted with propellants, which in turn might contaminate the scent.  Only high-quality propellant free scent is dispersed from these cans.

Based on strong territory growth, combined with proactive and responsive service, HatsanUSA is proud to announce Donaldson & Associates as its 2021 Sales Group of the Year. The Donaldson team earned the award representing HatsanUSA’s line of Escort shotguns and Hatsan performance airguns in the Midwest and Upper Midwest states.  Donaldson & Associates consist of principals Greg Gershon and Dan Rogers, along with their sales force Adam Gershon, Shannon Shipley, John Eberhart, Chuck McGannon and Kody Johnson.  

The Sales Group of the Year award is based on the following criteria: HatsanUSA brand growth, existing customer growth, new customer acquisition, customer command, professionalism, and responsiveness.

“I am very pleased and proud to present Donaldson and Associates as HatsanUSA’s 2021 Sales Group of the Year.  It’s a rarity for a group to win this award in back-to-back years.  This is a testament to the group’s professionalism, customer service and tremendous drive,” stated Blaine Manifold CEO/President.

HatsanUSA is the exclusive distributor of Hatsan airguns and Escort firearms in the U.S. Recognized for craftsmanship and precision performance, Hatsan products provide an exceptional shooting experience. The brands are purpose-driven and renowned for outstanding power, performance, reliability, and value. Hatsan takes pride in its vertically integrated manufacturing process, which enables it to maintain the highest levels of quality, workmanship, and a competitive advantage.

For more information, please visit 
WWW.HATSANAIRGUNSUSA.COM.

Union Sportsmen’s Alliance hosts annual youth ice fishing event on East Rush Lake

Rush City, Minn. —Despite snow, freezing rain and thunderstorms Friday night and icy roads Saturday morning, nearly 40 young anglers and their families joined local labor union volunteers on East Rush Lake in Rush City, Minnesota, for the annual Minneapolis Area Take Kids Ice Fishing Day on Saturday, March 5. 

A joint effort by the Union Sportsmen’s Alliance (USA), International Union of Elevator Constructors (IUEC) Local 9 and a coalition of other supporters, the free event aimed to introduce the next generation of anglers and conservationists to the joys of ice fishing.

“The weather failed me again,” said Dave Morin, an executive board member of IUEC Local 9 who began the annual event in 2019. “The first year, we held the event in January, and it was below zero. The next year, there were winter storm warnings with 50 mph winds and a pile of snow.”

The 75-80 youth and adults who braved the conditions this year had a blast and received plenty of assistance from 20 union volunteers representing IUEC Local 9, Operative Plasterers’ and Cement Masons’ (OPCMIA) Local 633, Sheet Metal Workers (SMART) Local 10, Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 949, the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME), and the teacher’s union.

Ellen L. Wehr of Los Banos, Calif., was recently elected to Ducks Unlimited’s (DU) national board of directors.

“Ducks Unlimited’s leadership assures our organization conserves, restores, and manages wetlands and associated habitats for North America’s waterfowl,” said DU Chairman Rogers Hoyt Jr. “Our board members volunteer their time and resources because they are passionate about conservation. I welcome each new board member and look forward to working with them for years to come.”

As a California water attorney, Wehr has worked in partnership with DU for more than a decade to secure and protect water supplies for wetland habitat areas throughout the state. She represents the Grassland Water District in California’s Central Valley, which delivers water to an extensive network of privately managed wetlands and state and federal wildlife refuges. She also regularly partners with DU biologists and policy experts to advance restoration projects, secure funding, and address regulatory and legislative issues.

“I am honored and excited to serve on the DU Board of Directors, particularly at a time when the organization is growing, expanding the scope of its initiatives, and taking on today’s conservation challenges at a continental scale,” Wehr said.

Wehr grew up in rural upstate New York and attended school in the Pacific Northwest. When not working on wetland conservation, she enjoys exploring our national public lands and traveling to remote parts of the world.