Hunting and Fishing News & Blog Articles

The National Deer Association (NDA) March Beer and Deer Webinar will feature special guest, Dr. Mike Tonkovich, Ohio DNR Program Administrator. Supporters can tune in today, March 8 at 7:00 p.m. EST for this month’s episode: Q&A with Ohio DNR’s Deer Program Administrator. To register for this, and other NDA Beer & Deer webinars, please visit the Beer & Deer webpage at DeerAssociation.com. 

“We look forward to having Dr. Tonkovich join us for this exciting webinar and look forward to his insight on many key topics important to our mission,” said NDA President and CEO, Nick Pinizzotto. “Mike has spent his entire career studying, teaching and supporting most things deer and he has an abundance of knowledge on so many subjects. It is a real treat having him join us and we know all of our listeners will get a lot out of this one.”

Tonkovich has been with the Ohio Department of Natural Resources for over 26 years and currently holds the title of Deer Program Administrator. He earned his Bachelor’s degree in Wildlife Management from the Ohio State University and earned both his Master’s and Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Fisheries and Wildlife Sciences from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University.

Join NDA the second Wednesday of every month to sit in with NDA’s staff and guests as they cover a topic related to deer hunting, habitat management, or the latest in deer research. Additionally, each episode includes a message from Nick Pinizzotto where he discusses everything from behind-the-scenes business at NDA, to important updates in grassroots conservation, advocacy and hunter recruitment efforts.

To catch up or watch previous episodes, please visit the Beer & Deer playlist on NDA’s YouTube channel. 

NEW HAVEN, Mo. – ALPS OutdoorZ, premiere manufacturer of extreme-duty packs and specialized outdoor gear, is excited to attend the 2022 National Pheasant Fest & Quail Classic. This year’s event will be held March 11-13 at the CHI Health Center in Omaha, NE.

Produced by the Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever conservation associations, the NPF & QC is the country’s largest trade show and convention for upland hunters, landowners, bird dog fans, and everyone who supports wild habitat conservation. The event features booth displays and informational stages where attendees can learn a broad range of topics from expert presenters across the hunting and shooting disciplines.

Building on its commitment to preserving our hunting heritage and to recruit new hunters, ALPS OutdoorZ is proud to be the official sponsor of the Path to the Upland Stage. In addition to the scheduled speakers, the ALPS OutdoorZ team will be onstage Saturday at 4:30 p.m. and Sunday at 10:30 a.m. to discuss “Mentoring 101 – Save the Outdoor Lifestyle.”

ALPS OutdoorZ, along with Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever, will also host a mentor pledge sign-up to promote recruitment of new hunters. Mentors who sign up to take the pledge will be entered to win an ALPS OutdoorZ Browning Blind and Chair package. The drawing will take place at the end of the show.

ALPS OutdoorZ will be displaying in booth #700 throughout the weekend. To learn more about the 2022 National Pheasant Fest & Quail Classic, visit Pheasants Forever or Quail Forever. For more information about ALPS OutdoorZ, visit  http://www.alpsoutdoorz.com/.

Millennium’s ComfortMAX contoured, tight sling seats have brought peace and comfort to the backsides of untold numbers of hunters and fishermen. For anglers who play in harsh, saltwater environments, Pro-M Series Boat Seats are the obvious choice.

Millennium Marine’s ComfortMAX contoured, tight sling seat with breathable, cool fabric that dries quickly for those wet days is at the heart of every Pro-M Series product. The mesh seat fabric’s mold-, mildew-, and UV-resistant properties provide years of solid use, and the tough reinforced anodized aluminum frame will ward off unruly saltwater corrosion. 

The Pro-M 100 Boat Seats lets anglers sit back and relax or cast and reel all day long. They feature an adjustable folding backrest with lumbar support, which folds down flatter than competitors’ seats, allowing better visibility when the boat is underway. The included adjustable armrest straps help support the seat back when it’s unfolded and allow extra comfort for the anglers. With a generous 19” wide by 16.5” deep seat bottom, the Pro-M 100 provides unmatched comfort from all angles that diehard anglers will appreciate. 

Pro-M 300 Palma Horse Seats are designed with generous downward curves on front and rear to allow fishermen to comfortably lean, sit, or straddle the seat. With a 

Every Millennium Pro-M Series boat seat carries a 1-year warranty and features a standard bolt hole pattern so that they can be mounted on any standard boat seat pedestal. Each model is available in white or gray.

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s is celebrating the kickoff of fishing season with the largest nationwide fishing sale of the year, the 2022 Spring Fishing Classic. This iconic annual event is a free celebration of the great sport of fishing for anglers of all skill levels from March 10 through 30.

Rod and Reel Trade-Ins for a Good Cause, Big Savings
Taking place at every Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s retail location across the U.S., the 21-day Spring Fishing Classic invites customers to trade in used fishing gear for big savings. Customers can donate used rods and reels, in working order, to receive trade-in savings of up to $150 toward the purchase of a new rod and reel.

The refurbished fishing equipment will be donated to local youth nonprofit organizations so more kids can learn how to fish. Since the program’s inception six years ago, Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s, alongside their customers, has donated more than 400,000 products to youth-focused nonprofit organizations. The equipment donated by Bass Pro Shops & Cabela’s customers has given countless children the ability to discover fishing, teaching the next generation of anglers to enjoy, love and conserve the great outdoors.

Our Biggest National Fishing Sale of the Year
During the Spring Fishing Classic, customers can save on fishing tackle, rods and reels, the latest in marine technology and more. Some of the hottest deals include:

Free Seminars and Family Events
The 2022 Spring Fishing Classic also offers opportunities for customers to learn about the latest in fishing with free seminars hosted at each location. Local pro anglers, along with Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s Outfitters, will hold lessons on the latest equipment, innovations and tips and tricks on the local waters so customers can get the most out of their time outdoors.

Adams Arms, industry leading pioneers of piston-driven AR platform firearms, announces that the rifles they have recently built for Ukraine will make it in country and be used to support the efforts to fight the invading Russian army. Adams Arms has also designed a T-Shirt to recognize the Ukrainian Border Guard Unit stationed at Zmiinyi “Snake” Island. All proceeds from that sale will go directly to the Ukrainian National Bank’s war funds.

“Adams Arms has supported Ukraine and other international customers for years,” said Adams Arms President Jason East. “We have been assembling their latest orders for the last few months. From the onset of the Russian invasion, we have been working around the clock to ensure our shipment of firearms will arrive unmolested and in its entirety. We stand with the people of Ukraine and are proud to know Adams Arms products are going to be used to support the independence of a sovereign nation.”

In addition to shipping firearms to the embattled country, Adams Arms is raising funds through the sale of T-shirts. These shirts feature the emblem of the Ukrainian Border Guard Unit that showed unwavering courage and extreme bravery as they faced down a Russian Warship. Despite being offered the chance to surrender, and under almost insurmountable odds, they chose to fight. They let the Russians know their decision by broadcasting the now infamous words, “Russian warship, go f—k yourself.”

Support from Adams Arms’ customers has been strong with initial sales rolling in over the weekend and quickly out-pacing initial sales numbers on the T-shirt. For the latest updates and to learn more, individuals are encouraged to go to the  Adams Arms website and follow its social channels.

About Adams Arms

Complete Search-to-Purchase Process Launched on Cycle Trader with Proprietary Platform

Norfolk, VA (March 8, 2022) – Trader Interactive, the parent company of leading online marketplaces in the lifestyle vehicle and commercial equipment industries, announced today a digital retailing (DR) initiative being rolled out on all of its marketplaces, starting last month with its Cycle Trader site for motorcycles. For many months now, the company has focused development resources on building a proprietary, intuitive online purchase experience for consumers.

The new components of Cycle Trader’s digital retailing platform went live last month with a “Buy Online” option available on the site’s premium vehicle listings. Consumers interested in purchasing online from the convenience of home are guided through trade-in valuation, delivery and payment preferences, appointment scheduling and deal summary details with full pricing including city taxes, title and dealer fees. This process leads to the powersports industry’s first digitally signable, dealer-specific purchase agreement with the option to complete the purchase either on CycleTrader.com or at the dealership.   

“Most consumers begin their vehicle shopping online, and completing the purchasing process online is the next logical step while also being demanded by the marketplace,” said Troy Snyder, Vice President of Digital Retailing for Trader Interactive. “We’ve handled the technical complexity of stitching together all motorcycle purchase activities and necessary data points to create an easy-to-use digital retailing platform.”

Benefits for dealers include:

“We are building the market’s most complete, intuitive and advanced digital retailing platform possible to give consumers, dealers and lenders a true online purchase experience,” said Lori Stacy, CEO of Trader Interactive. “As the company with the largest portfolio of lifestyle vehicle and commercial equipment marketplaces, we are leading the way in supporting dealers with the creation and execution of an effective, end-to-end digital retailing strategy.”   

In the coming months, Trader Interactive’s DR solution will continue to expand the ways in which buyers and sellers are brought together. For more information, email [email protected] or call 853-575-7277.

FN America, LLC is pleased to announce the FN 509® Free Magazines Promotion for all FN 509 models, valid on purchases made between March 1, 2022 and April 30, 2022. Consumers who purchase a new FN 509 are eligible to receive either two or three magazines through this offer depending on the model.

Qualifying purchases of any new FN 509 Standard or MRD model are eligible to redeem for two 24- or 10-round magazines; purchases of new FN 509 Tactical models are eligible to redeem for three 24- or 10-round magazines; and purchases of any new FN 509 LS EDGE™ are eligible to redeem for three 17- or three 10-round FN 509 LS EDGE magazines.

To review the program’s full terms and conditions, eligible models list or to redeem purchases for this offer, please visit www.fnamerica.com/promotions. To learn more about the FN 509 series of pistols, please visit fnamerica.com.

Carry the Future® | FN America, LLC, the U.S. subsidiary of Belgium-based FN Herstal, S.A. provides U.S. military, law enforcement, and commercial customers with a complete range of state-of-the-art, groundbreaking solutions developed around small caliber firearms and associated ammunition under the FN brand name.  

FN Herstal is the Defense & Security entity of Herstal Group that also includes a Hunting & Sports Shooting entity (Browning and Winchester Firearms’ brand names) and operates globally. 

Remington Ammunition congratulates Team Remington’s Reanna Frauens on an impressive, championship-caliber performance in the Bradford Sportsmen’s Farm Florida Challenge. Frauens earned both the Lady Champion and Junior Champion titles in five different events- Prelim, FITASC, 5-Stand, Super Challenge and the Main Event. She was also HOA Runner-Up in the 5-Stand competition.

“Reanna dominated!” said Joel Hodgdon, Director of Marketing for Remington Ammunition. “She goes toe-to-toe with the best and we’re thrilled to have Reanna shoot for Big Green. Her successful performance over the weekend has all of us at Remington excited to see what she’s able to accomplish as she competes for the remainder of the season.” 

Frauens, a sophomore at the University of Florida, began her shooting career at Quail Creek Sporting Ranch on their “Young Guns” youth shooting team and began shooting competitively during her freshman year of high school within the Scholastic Clay Target Program (SCTP). She branched out into the National Sporting Clay Association (NSCA) and later began shooting within the NSCA Championship Tour. 

Most recently, Frauens was the 2021 NSCA Florida State Lady Champion, 2021 ATA Florida State Lady HOA Champion and the 2021 Lady All-American Team Captain.

Reanna and all of Team Remington’s championship roster are excited for the season ahead and look forward to competing- and winning- at all major trap, skeet and sporting clay shoots this year.  

Silencer Central, America’s largest silencer dealer, had the honor of welcoming U.S. Senator John Thune to their facilities on Friday. Senator Thune, a major proponent of the Second Amendment, has committed his time in office to promoting issues that protect hunting traditions and individual rights regarding firearms.

Senator Thune met with CEO Brandon Maddox to discuss the impact of Silencer Central’s business and its impact on his constituents. Silencer Central has continued to bring jobs and growth to South Dakota, positively impacting the state’s economic growth. During his time in Sioux Falls, Senator Thune emphasized his support of several key items including funding for e-Forms and streamlining the tax stamp process which would allow for law-abiding consumers to purchase suppressors efficiently and legally.

“It was a privilege to meet with Senator Thune this afternoon,” said Brandon Maddox, CEO of Silencer Central. “Having strong representation in Congress is critical to our business, and his support of the Second Amendment and the state of South Dakota’s economic development is a key component of ensuring our product can safely reach the hands of the consumer. We hope to continue conversations with Senator Thune and encourage support of American freedoms.”

Silencer Central delivers silencers directly to customers in the 42 states where silencers are legal. The shipping process has revolutionized the way suppressors are sold and allows for customers to streamline their purchasing experience by cutting out unnecessary hurdles to silencer ownership. 

Customers can buy direct from Silencer Central at the event. For more information, call 888-781-8778 or visit SilencerCentral.com.  

Legislation would allow Sunday hunting on public lands in the state for the first time; legislature votes to advance bill to governor’s desk

RICHMOND, Va. – Today, public lands hunters in Virginia scored a major win when the state legislature voted to advance to the governor’s desk a bill that would allow Sunday hunting on public lands in the state for the first time.

The legislation, Senate Bill 8, would permit Sunday hunting on public lands where hunting is allowed the other six days of the week. Inasmuch as Sunday hunting would vastly expand hunter opportunity – doubling the number of hunting days for youth during the school year and providing flexibility for adults who are unable to hunt during the work week – the bill would benefit Virginia’s economy, facilitating increased expenditures by hunters at sporting good stores, restaurants, hotels and other businesses.

Backcountry Hunters & Anglers’ Capital Region chapter, comprised of members residing in Virginia, Maryland and the District of Columbia, activated BHA members in support of the legislation, working with a broad coalition of hunting groups to promote its passage.

“Capital BHA is thrilled to see the legislature’s passage of legislation that would legalize public land hunting on Sundays in the Commonwealth of Virginia,” said Isaac Weintz, a Capital Region board member from Richmond. “We would like to thank our members and partners in conservation for the collective efforts to advocate for this bill. Our thanks also go to Senator Petersen for introducing the bill and Delegate Edmunds for championing this issue in the House of Delegates. It is our hope that Governor Youngkin will sign this bill into law when it arrives on his desk.

Outdoor Edge, America’s leading manufacturer of knives and tools for all things outdoors, is proud to introduce the RazorGuide™ Pak, the latest addition to its trendsetting lineup of knives featuring the company’s patented RazorSafe™ replaceable blade change system.

The RazorGuide Pak is the perfect hunter’s combo kit for taking care of the largest big game animals in the field all the way to the table. It is built to withstand the use and abuse of guides, outfitters, and serious hunters while being small enough to fit into your daypack, truck, or side-by-side. Included in the Pak are two of Outdoor Edge’s most popular knives – the RazorBone™ and the RazorCape™, as well as the multipurpose Flip N Zip™ folding aluminum saw that works equally well on bone or wood. Both knives feature the Outdoor Edge patented Replaceable Blade System and a host of different blade profiles, including two of the newly designed 3.0-inch caping blades, a single 3 ½-inch gutting blade, two 3 ½-inch drop-point blades and two 5.0-inch boning/fillet blades. 

The RazorGuide Pak comes in a premium waxed canvas roll pack, which converts into a belt scabbard. This unique design keeps everything separated, protected, and organized until it’s time to get to work.

Make The Cut™ and get the job done fast with the all-new RazorGuide Pak from Outdoor Edge. MSRP is $139.95. For more information on the RazorGuide Pak, as well as the full line of Outdoor Edge products, call toll-free 1-800-477-3343; email [email protected]; or visit www.outdooredge.com.

RazorBone™: 

Fairfax, Va. – The National Rifle Association’s Institute for Legislative Action (NRA-ILA) has partnered with Safari Club International, Sportsmen’s Alliance Foundation, and Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation and filed motions to intervene in and dismiss a lawsuit challenging the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s decision to expand hunting and fishing opportunities on more than 2.3 million acres of land at 106 National Wildlife Refuges. 

“The National Wildlife Refuge System was created to increase opportunities for families to engage in traditional outdoor actives including hunting, fishing, hiking, and more,” said Erica Tergeson, NRA-ILA’s director of hunting policy. “Denying access to more than 2.3 million acres runs counter to the entire concept of public lands.”

In 2020, the Trump Administration opened 2.3 million acres across 97 national wildlife refuges and nine national fish hatcheries. That expansion created 900 distinctly new hunting and fishing opportunities for America’s outdoorsmen and women. It was the largest expansion in U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service history. 

“The NRA has always fought to ensure America’s sportsmen and women have ample access to this country’s great outdoors. On behalf of our more than five million members, we urge the courts to dismiss this blatant attempt to turn public lands private,” Tergeson concluded. 

The case is captioned as Center for Biological Diversity v. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

Mogadore, OH.  TenPoint Crossbows recently announced their continued partnership with Takedown Eventures. Founded in 2015 with the mission to Get America Outdoors, Takedown Eventures is set to host over 150 events across 35 different states in 2022.

“At TenPoint, we have always been committed to not just growing the sport of crossbow hunting, but to growing the overall numbers of hunters and outdoor enthusiasts through the means of any legal and ethical weapon,” said TenPoint Marketing Manager Brian Flaherty. “With Takedown, we cultivate new shooters through their Educate. Excite. Empower. process and aim to ignite within them a new passion for the outdoors.”

Takedown’s events provide thrilling outdoor experiences through the introduction, education, and safe use of archery equipment, crossbows, tomahawks, shotguns, and more.

“We are excited to continue or partnership with TenPoint in 2022 with 5,000 projected participants at over 150 events across the U.S.,” said Jason Amato, Takedown Eventures President and CEO. “Their rich history of crossbow leadership, strong customer base, and a commitment to growing the sport of archery and hunting equates to a perfect brand partner for Takedown.”

Crossbows have and will continue to be a terrific recruitment and retention tool for the sport of hunting and Amato was quick to note the popularity the crossbow station always seems to garner at his events.

Congratulations to the newest member of Team Winchester, Joe Fanizzi, for his win at the inaugural Jack Link’s Cup held at the Quail Creek Sporting Ranch. Fanizzi, a freshman at Texas A&M University, made a rushed trip to Florida around his class schedule to compete and dominated with a five-target lead in the main event. This win comes on the heels of Fanizzi’s recent title of national champion from the 2021 National Sporting Clays Association (NSCA) Nationals.

Team Winchester members Zach Kienbaum locked up a first-place win in Master Class (third overall), and Connor Daniel was the Sub-Junior runner-up.

This was the first year for the Jack Link’s Cup, which sold out with more than 750 total shooters vying for over $150,000 in prize money.  

The next stop for Team Winchester this season will be the Gator Cup in Griffin, Georgia, taking place March 15-20.

About Winchester Ammunition

Winchester is the largest small caliber ammunition enterprise in the world and the leader in delivering innovative ammunition products to hunters, sport shooters, law enforcement and the U.S. Warfighter. The 156-year-old Winchester brand is built on integrity, hard work and a deep focus on its loyal customers. Learn more about Winchester by visiting Winchester.com or connecting with us on Facebook at Facebook.com/WinchesterOfficial.

London gunmaker John Rigby & Co. has added eyewear to its impressive apparel offering. As with the rest of the Rigby range, the new Syncerus sunglasses combine robust practicality with classic style and expert craftsmanship.

Handmade in France from ethically sourced buffalo horn, each pair of glasses is built to order with particular focus on durability and a comfortable fit to ensure you get the most out of days in the sun, whether you’re in the field or relaxing with friends. With lenses manufactured and supplied by German camera legends, Leica, the Syncerus offer a high degree of protection from UV rays and excellent optical clarity. Featuring Rigby’s ‘double R’ logo on the left arm, each pair is supplied with a sturdy leather case to keep them scratch free when not in use.

Marc Newton, Rigby’s MD, commented: “It’s easy to underestimate the value of a good pair of sunglasses: squinting into the sun is uncomfortable and also compromises your view and can lead to missed opportunities when hunting. Our new Syncerus glasses not only help you stay sharp-eyed, they also support craftsmanship and let you take a bit of buffalo spirit with you, whether you’re deep in the bush or taking on the concrete jungle.”

RRP: £1,490

For more information, visit: www.johnrigbyandco.com

We got a pair of the Swiftwick Flight XT Trail to test out this last week and we threw them on over the weekend and did a few miles of trail work. These socks are warm and wicking and will be trail favorites through out the summer. These are easy to put on, easy to wear and short coming in 2 inch and 5 inch heights and I will be buying more for using all summer and in the gym. The grip on these has them stuck to your insole and they come in four different sizes.

Swiftwick Flite XT Trail offers the best of all worlds as a performance sock: a natural merino wool upper that wicks moisture and regulates temperature, along with grip fibers and ankle support to maximize stability. This sock was made to tackle all of your outdoor adventures, from runs to hikes and more. 

Stability Technology

Comfort-Driven Design

The Flite XT Trail will launch in five-inch and two-inch cuff heights and these are training and summer hunting socks that do the job.

MITCHELL, S.D. – Boyds announces the release of their newest gunstock design, the Agility.  The new Agility stock shape is the answer to many shooters’ prayers.  The Agility is a modern version of a traditional gunstock; in other words, the Agility is on steroids.  The Agility gives your gun the performance features you need along with the traditional look and traits you love in a gunstock.

The Agility buttstock incorporates Boyds’ now-famous adjustable butt pad from the very popular At-One stock design, giving this stock the ability to fit anyone and in any shooting situation.  The adjustable butt pad quickly adjusts the length of pull to fit your body perfectly with just the push of a button, from 12 ½ to 14 inches. 

The Agility sports a Monte Carlo comb and ambidextrous cheek piece to give you the proper cheek weld.  An optional adjustable comb is available with certain gun models, helping to make the Agility even more optics-friendly.

The Agility is designed with a Hybrid Grip that is more vertical than the traditional gunstock grip, but not as vertical as the professional shooters’ grip.  It’s a perfect blend of performance with traditional to give you a comfortable grip for offhand and prone shooting positions.

The forearm employs a sleek but comfortable semi-beavertail shape that fits your hand really well and gives you a solid, comfortable hold for steady shots.  There are two sling swivels; one on the forearm, the other on the butt stock.

What is a hero? Merriam-Webster defines a hero as “a person admired for achievements and noble qualities; one who shows great courage.”

There are certainly days when I feel like a hero: as a middle school teacher in a city school, it takes great courage to return day after day to a classroom full of 11 and 12 year old students. And, truly, it doesn’t take much to boost me up, to give me the strength and courage to come back the next day. Simply acknowledging the achievements and qualities of a hero is all that is needed most days.

HERO Beverage Company aims to do just that with their line of specialty coffee. HERO offers several light, medium, and dark roast coffees, each product honoring an American Hero: Schoolhouse Blend, 911 Dispatcher Blend, Hero Shield Blend, Never Forget Blend, and Farmer Organic Blend are a few of the blends aimed at American Heroes who keep our country safe and running.

HERO (Help Everyone Remain Operational) Beverage Company is owned and operated by first responders and serves those who love supporting American Heroes. Our Firefighters, Special Agents, Police, Military Personnel – these are some of the Heroes that HERO works to support. And beyond just slapping an image of a soldier and a the word “Hero” on the packaging, HERO directly support these heroes with every purchase.

So the next time you wish to recognize or support a hero in your life, order some coffee beans, pods, or steeped bags of coffee from HERO Beverage Company. HERO Specialty Coffee: Recognizing everyday American Heroes while supporting American Heroes at the same time.

Columbus, Miss. (February 24, 2022) – Turkey season is around the corner and APEX Ammunition, makers of premium handloaded ultra-high-density Tungsten Super Shot (TSS) shotshells, is now shipping its highly sought-after Turkey TSS loads. APEX’s TSS offerings include the renowned Turkey TSS line, Smalltown Blend and Ninja Turkey TSS. 

Designed for maximum penetration at extended ranges, APEX turkey loads are available in multiple gauges – 10 ga., 12 ga., 16 ga., 20 ga., 28 ga., and .410 bore – and a variety of shot sizes, shell lengths, and blends.

“We’re always excited when turkey season rolls around and are handloading as many of our turkey loads as we possibly can in every gauge while maintaining the exceptional quality hunters have come to expect from APEX,” said Jason Lonsberry, CEO, APEX Ammunition. “The power and performance of ultra-high-density TSS has definitely fueled the surge in popularity of sub-gauge guns for turkey hunting, and we continue to see strong demand in those gauges in addition to 12-gauge.”

Handloaded for ultimate consistency and quality control, the density of APEX TSS at 18.1 g/cc allows the use of smaller shot sizes and larger payloads. This means more pellets on target and maximum downrange energy. 

For more information, visit Turkey – Apex Ammunition (apexmunition.com).

Workers Officially Form the First Union at Any REI Store

(NEW YORK, NY) – Today, the Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union (RWDSU), announced that by an overwhelming majority vote of 86 percent, workers at the REI Co-Op in Manhattan, New York have voted to join the RWDSU, making REI SoHo the first unionized REI store in the nation. Despite enduring a union busting campaign that included captive audience meetings, a halt on promotional opportunities, and even a 25-minute union busting podcast, workers have stood together to make REI the inclusive, progressive workplace it claims to be through their union.

“I am proud to be here in this moment with my coworkers at REI SoHo as a part of this new wave of unionization efforts that is sweeping the nation. As members of the RWDSU, we know we will be able to harness our collective strength to advocate for a more equitable, safe, and enriching work environment. A union is necessary for many of us to achieve more stability and security in our lives which could allow for us to explore and play more outside of work! As green vests, we believe ‘a life outdoors is a life well lived’ and in order for that to be viable and accessible to us, we need to be at the bargaining table alongside REI leadership to work out a collective bargaining agreement that works for us. Hence, we’re hopeful that REI meets us in good faith during negotiations for our first contract, while keeping our co-op values in mind and applying them to workers, so we can all demonstrate that we really do go further…together!” said Claire Chang, Member of the REI SoHo Organizing Committee and Retail Sales Specialist-Visual at REI SoHo.

“History was made today! We’re excited to welcome the workers of REI SoHo into the RWDSU, marking the first-ever unionized REI store in the whole country. These workers have vast expertise in their field and have worked tirelessly throughout the pandemic to serve the outdoor community. They have stuck together through a horrendous union-busting campaign and have come out the other side stronger. The workers of REI SoHo are ready to negotiate a strong contract that will allow them to uphold the co-op’s progressive values while providing the top-notch service REI customers have come to expect. With a seat at the table, workers can make working at REI safe and sustainable for years to come,” said Stuart Appelbaum, President, Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union (RWDSU).

The vote to unionize REI SoHo was conducted by an in-person vote in the REI SoHo breakroom on March 2, 2022, by the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB). The RWDSU will represent approximately 116 workers at the outdoor sports equipment company in contract negotiations, which will commence this year. The workers in the bargaining unit include all full- and part-time sales specialists, technical specialists, visual presentation specialists, shipping and receiving specialists, certified technicians, operations leads, sales leads, and shipping and receiving leads.