Hunting and Fishing News & Blog Articles

Irving, TX – Yamamoto Baits is proud to announce the addition of Evan Barnes to their 2022 pro-staff team. Barnes, a native of Arkansas, has 21 top-10 finishes under his belt on the Major League Fishing circuit, including a Toyota Series win at Lake Texoma.

“I am beyond blessed to have an opportunity to join such a storied company. Any serious angler knows that Yamamoto Baits are a must-have come tournament day,” says Barnes. “I’ve used these products for years and being able to promote them on a national level has me more excited than ever about the upcoming year.”

Crispin Powley, VP of Fishing at GSM Outdoors, is excited as well. “Evan Barnes is a spectacular young man that I’ve known for a long time, not only as an angler but also as a person. He has proven his prowess on national lakes over the last few years, and he’s undoubtedly going to be an asset to Yamamoto – not only as an ambassador, but with product development as well,” says Powley.

Barnes will compete on the Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit in 2022. He can be found on Facebook HERE.

For almost 40 years, Yamamoto Baits have proven themselves to be a leading brand for every level of angler – from professional to entry-level. For more information on the full line of products by Yamamoto Baits, visit their website HERE, or connect with them on Facebook and other social media platforms.

In today’s world, buying body armor has become very common as you never know what situation you might put yourself into. These armors are designed to protect people from different levels of threat such as guns, knives, daggers, and even protect you from certain explosions. Amongst the many armors available in the market, the plate carrier vest is one of the most common vests you will find. 

Body armor comes in different shapes, sizes, and colors that are suitable for people in different professions. Earlier armor was only given to the military or police as they were the first line of contact in any kind of situation whether riots, disasters, crime, or even terrorist attacks. However, today people have direct access to these vests so that they can defend themselves and their families without any worry.

A plate carrier is a piece of armor gear that is fused or combined with ballistic plates that are bulletproof and protect from your different types of guns. These are most commonly used by law enforcement or the military as they harder pierce through. You will also find many fitness regimes that have been making full use of these plates as it helps them reach their maximum workout potential. 

If you are looking for a plate carrier vest, there are several things you need to know on how it can benefit you. These vests offer various levels of protection so when choosing one think about the reason behind the purchase. Bulletproof Zone has a great collection of Plate Carrier that you can choose from and works best for you.

In this article, we will explore some of the benefits of using a plate carrier vest:

SK Customs® restores history by launching “The Lost States of America Engravers Series” production line with “The Lost State of Jacinto – Sam Houston” Colt 1911 pistols engraved in 24KT gold.

An important battle of the Texas Revolution, the Battle of San Jacinto took place in 1836 in present-day Harris County, Texas. General Sam Houston led the Texian Army against General Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna’s Mexican Army in a critical victory. The battle lasted only eighteen minutes and changed the world. 

In the end, the United States would gain not only Texas, but also New Mexico, Nevada, Arizona, California, Utah and parts of Oklahoma, Kansas, Colorado, and Wyoming. As a result of the Battle of San Jacinto, nearly a third of what is now the United States of America changed ownership. It is one of the most decisive and consequential battles in the history of the United States and indeed the Western world.

“We commemorate General Sam Houston and the Texian Army for avenging the Alamo and Goliad by launching this very exclusive limited edition of only 200 full size government model Colt 1911 pistols chambered in .45ACP,” said Simon Khiabani, owner and founder of SK Customs. “Each pistol includes a special engraved edition number and will be accompanied with a beautiful antique silver commemorative challenge coin.”

Details on each side of the gun include a beautiful custom scroll pattern which flows to the top of the slide. On the left side of the gun, SK Customs has engraved the iconic quote by General Sam Houston, “Texas has yet to learn submission to any oppression, come from what source it may.”

BISMARCK, NORTH DAKOTA — In February, life is generally at its easiest for North America’s mallards. Hunting season is over. Nearly all have formed pair bonds for the year. The major focus of ducks is taking things easy and building energy for the return flight back to northern breeding grounds.

But the shortest month of the year is quite busy for Delta Waterfowl’s Hen House delivery specialists in the prairie pothole region. There, Delta technicians are working furiously to maintain and add to Delta’s fleet of nearly 10,000 Hen House mallard nesting structures. This important work contributes to the PPR’s overall production of as many as 70 percent of the juvenile ducks in next year’s fall flight — the birds most critical to successful hunting seasons.

Hen Houses consistently boost nest success to more than 60 percent and commonly to 80 percent. Without them, nest success in these same areas is often 10 percent or less. On average, a mallard using a Hen House is 12 times more likely to hatch her clutch than one nesting in the uplands of the Canadian parklands.

Matt Chouinard, Delta’s senior waterfowl programs and Delta Marsh property manager, oversees a team of 19 technicians who install and maintain Hen Houses in Minnesota, North Dakota, Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Alberta.

“February is the time,” he said. “All of our Hen House specialists appreciate good ice for doing their work, so it’s go-time to make ducks this spring. Ice makes getting around and doing the job so much easier than dealing with open water and mud. February is also late enough in the winter so that Hen Houses will remain in pristine conditions until the hens arrive.”

GATORZ Eyewear announces lens expansion for its popular Specter frame, introducing polarized mirrored lens options.

The Specter frame, introduced last year, has become a popular frame for those looking for an edgier, full coverage frame. A high-performance frame, with thin temples that fit comfortably under helmets or ear protection, Specters are versatile for any activity.

The Specter frame offers recessed pockets in the temple providing added dimension and style while reducing the overall weight of the frame. It also features a flatter front with curved edges adding strength, and an interlocking hinge area that eliminates peripheral light from getting in.

With the growing popularity of the Specter frame, it was an easy decision to expand the lens offerings. This new release of polarized mirrored lenses offers an enhanced lineup of options for those looking to add a little flair to their everyday eyewear needs. Like all GATORZ eyewear, the new polarized, mirrored Specters are high velocity impact resistant, and offer increased glare reduction and contrast. Available in green, sunburst, gold, chrome and blue mirrored lenses. 

American-made, and backed by a lifetime frame warranty, GATORZ frames are built from lightweight, durable, aircraft-grade billet 7075-T6 aluminum and are designed to provide excellent coverage. Both the frame and the nosepiece fully adjust to you, and not the other way around. 

The Boone and Crockett Club welcomes the U.S. Senate’s confirmation of U.S. Department of Agriculture Under Secretary Homer Wilkes and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Director Martha Williams. Dr. Wilkes was sworn in February 11 as the USDA Under Secretary for Natural Resources and Environment and will oversee the U.S. Forest Service. Wilkes has more than 40 years of experience in conservation on working lands in leadership positions with the NRCS and most recently served as the director of the Gulf Coast Ecosystem Restoration Task Force. The Club worked directly with Williams during her tenure as the director for Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks and has a strong relationship with her. In response to the confirmation vote, Boone and Crockett Club President James Arnold stated:

“The Boone and Crockett Club is the oldest conservation organization in the country and has a long history of working closely with the leaders of our federal government agencies regardless of the Administration they serve. Our country faces significant challenges in managing our national forests as well as ensuring we have healthy, sustainable wildlife populations. Under Secretary Wilkes and Director Williams both have extensive experience and a proven track record of supporting the collaborative conservation efforts necessary to make a difference for wildlife and their habitat. We look forward to working with them in their new roles as the Administration and conservation partners address forest health, big game migration corridors, endangered species, and much more.”

About the Boone and Crockett Club

Founded by Theodore Roosevelt in 1887, the Boone and Crockett Club promotes guardianship and visionary management of big game and associated wildlife in North America. The Club maintains the highest standards of fair chase sportsmanship and habitat stewardship. Member accomplishments include enlarging and protecting Yellowstone and establishing Glacier and Denali national parks, founding the U.S. Forest Service, National Park Service and National Wildlife Refuge System, fostering the Pittman-Robertson and Lacey Acts, creating the Federal Duck Stamp program, and developing the cornerstones of modern game laws. The Boone and Crockett Club is headquartered in Missoula, Montana. For details, visit www.boone-crockett.org.

Celebrating outdoor traditions treasured by millions of Americans, NRA’s Great American Outdoor Show is one-of-a-kind.

FAIRFAX, Va.  – Large crowds filled with smiling faces packed exhibit halls at this year’s NRA Great American Outdoor Show, held at the Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, February 5-13. After state pandemic restrictions brought the show to a halt in 2021, the NRA was thrilled to return to Dauphin County for the world’s largest outdoor show.

Over 165,000 people made the trip to Harrisburg for GAOS this year, and local officials estimate that the show contributes $75 million to the local economy each year. This year’s attendance came close to the record setting turnout of approximately 179,000 GAOS experienced in 2020.  Covering 650,000 square feet, this year’s show included more than 1,000 exhibitors demonstrating products and technologies that drive the way we work and play outdoors, along with hunting and fishing outfitters, both domestic and international.

“After a one-year hiatus due to the pandemic, the Great American Outdoor Show roared back to life welcoming outdoor enthusiasts and vendors from every corner of the globe and gave NRA members and like-minded friends the opportunity to once again gather to celebrate our cherished hunting and outdoor heritage,” said Joseph DeBergalis, Executive Director of NRA General Operations. “Simply put, there is no show in the world of this size and scope, and we are grateful for the continued support of our members, exhibitors, and local partners in south central Pennsylvania.”

The show kicked off with a ribbon-cutting ceremony that included the presentation of a $29,900 NRA Foundation grant to the Dauphin County Sheriff’s Office K-9 Unit. Other organizations that were awarded grants included Hunters Sharing the Harvest, the Kutztown Area High School Rifle Team, the Hawk Mountain Council of Boy Scouts of America, and the Chambersburg Area Senior High School Navy Junior ROTC Marksmanship Team. In addition, the NRA honored Pennsylvania resident and NRA Board member Maria Heil and Jeff Haste, former Chairman of the Dauphin County Board of Commissioners, with the Great American Outdoor Show Patriot of the Year award.

Last night, the U.S. Senate voted to confirm the nomination of Ms. Martha Williams to serve as the next Director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) under a voice vote, a sign of the wide-spread and impressive bipartisan support for Ms. Williams. She now awaits to be officially sworn in.

Since soon-to-be Director Williams was first nominated by President Biden, the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation (CSF) has enthusiastically expressed support for her to serve as the Service Director and CSF is excited to see the Senate move swiftly to confirm her for this critical position. In January, the Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee passed Ms. Williams’ nomination out of Committee and to the Senate floor on an outstanding vote of 16-4. Prior to the Committee level vote, CSF sent an alert to members of the Congressional Sportsmen’s Caucus on EPW, urging them to favorably pass Director Williams’ nomination out of Committee. Additionally, CSF and nearly 30 of the nation’s leading sporting-conservation organizations sent a letter to the leadership of the EPW Committee expressing community support for Ms. Williams prior to her confirmation hearing.

As a former Director of the Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife, and Parks, Ms. Williams brings a unique and critically important perspective to her new role as Director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, which is the premier federal agency that is dedicated to conserving our nation’s fish, wildlife, and their associated habitats. The Service also facilitates more than 2.4 million hunting related visits and 7.3 million fishing related visits annually. Before her time as a state director, Ms. Williams spent time at the Department of the Interior serving as Deputy Solicitor for Parks and Wildlife.

Prior to her confirmation, Ms. Williams served as the Principal Deputy Director of the Service where she oversaw the expansion of hunting and fishing opportunities on 2.1 million acres of public land and water across 88 national wildlife refuges and on one national fish hatchery. This effort is the largest expansion of access opportunities for sportsmen and women in recent history.

“The Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation applauds the Senate for confirming Martha Williams to serve as the next Director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, one of the most important federal agencies for America’s 55 million sportsmen and women,” said CSF President and CEO Jeff Crane. “Director Williams is a pragmatic problem solver who thoroughly understands the nuances of fish and wildlife management, strongly supports sportsmen and women, and we look forward to working with her.” 

MISSOULA, Mont. – Following a Senate voice vote last night confirming the nomination of Martha Williams as director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service with overwhelming bipartisan support, Backcountry Hunters & Anglers President and CEO Land Tawney offered this response:

“Martha Williams brings considerable knowledge, expertise and a deep appreciation of our public lands and waters to her role as director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service,” said Tawney. “She has dedicated her career to ensuring the responsible, science-based management of our natural resources and fish and wildlife populations. She’ll bring a steady hand and foresighted leadership to the Fish and Wildlife Service.

“Backcountry Hunters & Anglers remains committed to working alongside our federal resource agencies to conserve the places and opportunities critical to our longstanding outdoor traditions in the United States,” Tawney continued. “Martha Williams is a hunter and angler who appreciates and understands these values. We commend the Senate for its decision to swiftly confirm her nomination, and we look forward to working with Director Williams in the future.” 

Williams formerly served as the principal deputy director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. She also was director of the Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks and an assistant professor of law at the University of Montana, where she co-directed the university’s Land Use and Natural Resources Clinic. She has worked at the Interior Department in the past, serving as deputy solicitor, parks and wildlife.

Backcountry Hunters & Anglers is the voice
for our wild public lands, waters and wildlife.

U.S. Senate approves Martha Williams in bipartisan vote

Ducks Unlimited (DU) applauds the U.S Senate’s confirmation of Martha Williams as Director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). Williams has served as the Principal Deputy Director of the USFWS since January 2021.

DU works closely with federal and state agencies, including the Department of the Interior (DOI) and USFWS, across North America to put conservation dollars to work. These partnerships are critical for fulfilling DU’s mission to conserve, restore and manage wetlands and associated habitats for North America’s waterfowl. DU’s work also benefits more than 900 other species of wetland-associated wildlife, as well as people and the communities in which they live.

“We’re thrilled to see Martha Williams confirmed as Director of USFWS with such bipartisan support,” said DU CEO Adam Putnam. “It’s a testament to her genuine love of the outdoors and proven track record as a responsible steward of America’s natural resources. We look forward to our continued partnership as we work together to support waterfowl habitat and further our conservation mission on America’s public lands.”

Prior to her appointment as Principal Deputy Director of the USFWS, Williams served as Director of the Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks from 2017 to 2020. Previously, she was an Assistant Professor of Law at the Blewett School of Law at the University of Montana and served two years as Deputy Solicitor for Parks and Wildlife at Interior. From 1988 to 2011, Williams was agency legal counsel for the Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks. Raised on a farm in Maryland and developing a love for the outdoors at an early age, Williams earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Virginia and a Juris Doctor degree from the University of Montana School of Law.

A strong bi-partisan Senate vote ensures a supporter of hunting and conservation will lead the USFWS

BISMARCK, NORTH DAKOTA — Delta Waterfowl applauds the U.S. Senate’s confirmation of Martha Williams as U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service director. Previously serving as principal deputy director of the USFWS since January 2021, Williams was confirmed by a voice vote, indicating the level of her bi-partisan support.

Delta has supported Williams’ confirmation from the moment she was nominated by President Biden.

“Martha Williams will be a wonderful leader for the Service,” said John Devney, chief policy officer for Delta Waterfowl. “Throughout her career, she has demonstrated strong leadership, a pragmatic approach to conservation and, importantly, a willingness to work with duck hunters to achieve positive policy outcomes for waterfowl.”

Delta Waterfowl consults closely with the USFWS on a number of key issues impacting ducks and duck hunters, from habitat conservation to the recent, broad expansions of waterfowl hunter access on national wildlife refuges. As USFWS principal deputy director, Williams oversaw the expansion of hunting and fishing opportunities on 2.1 million acres of public land and water across 88 national wildlife refuges.

EDGEFIELD, S.C.—The NWTF applauds the U.S. Senate for confirming Martha Williams as the 26th director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

Williams, an avid hunter and angler, has served as the principal deputy director of the Fish and Wildlife Service since January 2021 and has performed all of the duties of the director during that time.

Preceding her last appointment, she served as the director of the Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks from 2017-20, overseeing the state’s diverse fish and wildlife populations and public lands while balancing recreational and resource management needs of the state. She also is a veteran of the Department of the Interior, having served as deputy solicitor of Parks and Wildlife for two years, providing counsel to the National Park Service and the FWS.

Williams is uniquely capable to run the FWS, having diverse experiences and valuable multi-agency perspectives of wildlife and natural resource management. She also is skilled at balancing the needs of multiple stakeholder and user groups while understanding the legal implications of regulatory changes and implementation.

Her experience ensures the nation’s rich fish and wildlife resources and our National Wildlife Refuge System are properly managed for the enjoyment of anglers, hunters and many other outdoor recreationists.

The right Overlanding vehicle will depend on what you want to do with it, where you plan to drive and how often you anticipate being on the road. There are many things to consider when selecting a car or truck for a long-term expedition, but these are some of the most important!

Vehicle Size

How much space do you need? One of the most important things to consider when choosing a vehicle for Overlanding is how much space do you need once all your gear and equipment are in. First, decide on what activities you will be doing with this vehicle. Will there be enough room for sleeping inside or will a rooftop tent be required? A Land Rover SUV might just be the right choice for you according to this car dealer in San Diego. Do you want an open cargo area to store extra fuel, water, and supplies? Some vehicles tend to have smaller 4×4 wheel drive options while others offer both types. The size of the doors can sometimes come into question if choosing a foreign-made vehicle where the driver and passenger doors are smaller than American or Japanese-made vehicles. This can be solved by choosing an SUV model rather than a smaller pick-up truck option. 

Comfortable Interior & Suspension

If you plan on doing longer excursions, you will want to choose a vehicle with plenty of legroom and comfortable seats that are easy to take out in the event they need cleaning. A back seat is great for adding more storage space but can be uncomfortable if not folded down or removed entirely when not needed. Is there enough room for your legs to stretch while sitting in the front seat? Some vehicles may feel smaller than others due to their compact design. If this is the case, consider choosing an SUV which has ample head-and-shoulder room.

Do You Want Four Wheel Drive Or Two Wheel Drive?

Four-Wheel Drive (4WD) systems are typically designed for off-road and according to this car dealer, will offer the best control and traction than any other type of system. This is because most 4WD systems offer a transfer case that distributes power equally to all four wheels rather than just two with a 2WD option. A 2WD option will be cheaper to maintain but will not fair well in off-road activities. You are better off choosing a 2WD vehicle if you are looking for an exclusively on-road activity Overlanding vehicle. Not all four-wheel-drive vehicles are created equally. For example, a Nissan Xterra may not do as well in heavy snow conditions but can take you almost anywhere you need to go. Remember that this vehicle should support any outdoor activity such as camping, hiking, and fishing where there might be difficulties reaching certain areas due to bad weather conditions such as snow or mud. Think about what types of things you want to do with this vehicle before buying it.

Driving Requirements

Perhaps the all-time most important question you should ask yourself is, do I want to drive this car every day? If your answer is no, then perhaps choose a larger SUV made by companies like Nissan or Chevrolet that have enough room inside where it doesn’t feel claustrophobic while driving. It can be incredibly uncomfortable driving for long distances in any compact car especially when the roads get bumpy and require more steering corrections. This can tire out even the most experienced of drivers so take caution when choosing a smaller vehicle. Are you planning on driving both on-road and off-road? If your answer is yes, then a small SUV or pick-up might be the way to go. 

Lightweight and compact handheld adds Garmin Explore app capability and navigation features so you can explore with confidence

Garmin® International, Inc., a unit of Garmin Ltd. (NYSE: GRMN), today announced the inReach® Mini 2, a compact satellite communication device with two-way texting and SOS capabilities1. Purpose-built to support outdoor enthusiasts of all skill levels, the lightweight inReach Mini 2 communicator provides up to 30 days of battery life2, as well as integrated location and situational awareness features such as TracBack navigation and Garmin Explore™ Mobile app compatibility. Explorers will feel confident knowing the inReach Mini 2 provides two-way text messaging, location tracking, and weather updates thanks to the global Iridium® satellite network. Additionally, should an emergency occur, inReach Mini 2 users can trigger an interactive SOS message to the Garmin IERCC, a 24/7 staffed professional emergency response coordination center.

“Whether on a casual afternoon hike or climbing a mountain on an extended expedition, inReach Mini 2 is the perfect choice for a rugged, ultra-light tool to help you stay connected with friends and family around the clock. Its compact size, robust location features, and significantly increased battery life add peace of mind to any trip without adding weight to your pack,” said Dan Bartel, Garmin vice president of global consumer sales. “Moments of communication can become critical on any adventure and the best plan is to always be prepared, which is why Garmin satellite communicators, like inReach Mini 2, have become trusted tools for anyone who ventures outdoors.” 

Enduring battery life

Whether by land, air or sea, inReach Mini 2 users can explore longer, knowing their device features up to 14 days of continuous run time in default 10-minute tracking mode. To further extend battery-life, users can customize inReach Mini 2 tracking intervals and receive up to 30 days of continuous use when in 30-minute tracking mode2. Individuals who find themselves only occasionally off the beaten path will feel confident knowing inReach Mini 2 can remain charged and ready for use when powered off for up to one year, making inReach Mini 2 a valuable addition to any car, boat or plane emergency kit. 

Silencer Central, America’s largest silencer dealer, has been awarded the Ballistic’s Best Editors’ Select Award for Best Consumer Service. Ballistic’s Best is unique in the shooting sports industry, and these awards recognize excellence in the industry in a wide range of categories including handguns, shotguns, rifles, accessories, and service.

“Receiving the Editors’ Select Award is a genuine reflection on the efforts our team has put into our direct-to-consumer sales,” said Brandon Maddox, CEO of Silencer Central. “How we interact and connect with our consumer can initiate an immediate and long-term relationship of trust and loyalty with that individual. This recognition reinforces our mission to bring quality, thorough service to those who purchase our products.”

Ballistic Magazine is a publication of Athlon Outdoors. Taking pride in delivering the best content to their audience across nine publications and four digital networks, Athlon Outdoors brings their news to over sixty-million total audience members.

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

For more information visit them online at SilencerCentral.com, or call 888-781-8778.

Hundreds of wildlife students at four Tennessee universities will experience waterfowl hunting’s critical role in conservation

BISMARCK, NORTH DAKOTA — The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency has cemented its support of Delta Waterfowl’s University Hunting Program by awarding a $104,000 grant. The grant covers the costs of delivering UHP to students at four Tennessee universities for four years.

Delta’s UHP arose in response to a brewing crisis: Unlike in past generations, today up to 70 percent of wildlife management students — who’ll one day make critical decisions about waterfowl hunting and conservation — do not come from hunting backgrounds. The UHP curriculum includes firearms safety, wild game preparation, hunting’s role in conservation, and most popular with the students, an actual waterfowl hunt.

Since 2019, a surprising number of students even went from curious, first-time hunters to avid waterfowlers.

“Delta’s success in R3 — recruitment, retention and reactivation — of waterfowl hunters, especially at the university level, is extremely impressive,” said Jennifer Wisniewski, TWRA chief of communications and outreach. “The Delta Waterfowl University Hunting Program is a great model, and we wanted to get on board with it in a big way. At TWRA, we realize we can’t do hunter R3 alone, so we seek out quality partners like Delta and support them with funding. It’s a winning solution for everyone.”

Blackhawk®, a leader in law enforcement and military equipment for over 20 years, is pleased to sponsor tactical athlete Zach Rodman during this year’s Tactical Games. Rodman’s first competition of the nine-match season will be at the Tactical Games Meridian, held February 19-20 in Meridian, Mississippi.

Outside of competition, Rodman has been a police officer for 15 years in Kokomo, Indiana. Rodman holds the rank of lieutenant and has been a member of the Kokomo SWAT Team for 12 years and a UC drug task force member for seven years. A family man, Rodman also coaches his son’s baseball team and is involved in the Kokomo community.

“The Tactical Games provide an arena where competitors can test their decision making, training, equipment and mental approach,” Rodman said. “The community surrounding the Tactical Games is second to none. Everyone learns from everyone. It’s not often that you find a sport in which a competitor lends advice to another competitor. I believe these athletes help each other because they understand that elevating those around them is one of the most important things in life. Many competitors are servants in their everyday professions, so it’s really no surprise.”

Throughout the season, Rodman will be running Blackhawk T-Series holsters and new Foundation Series Tac Nylon gear, including plater carrier, belt and pouches. Blackhawk’s T-Series holsters with leg straps are optimally designed to maintain proper holster position and security as competitors navigate unconventional obstacles throughout the Tactical Games. “Our team is outfitted with the same T-Series holster, so it’s important to me to maintain a consistent draw between competition and work,” said Rodman. “The T-Series leg strap adapter lets my leg move naturally but still secures the mid-ride holster to my leg when I run.”

Foundation Series Tac Nylon gear gives competitors some of the lightest weight gear in its class without sacrificing durability or modularity, which is critical to maintaining speed and endurance while wearing heavy plater carriers. “On the carrier, the shoulders straps are flat in the chest area, which helps prevent the sling from snagging and allows for good placement of the stock while shooting,” said Rodman. “It’s a minimalist design that allows you to build it for the task at hand.”

Military Warriors Support Foundation’s Skills4Life program hosted a geese and duck hunt for eight Heroes at Patriot Point on Taylors Island, MD, on January 24-26, 2022. The participants traveled from Texas, Georgia, Virginia and Maryland for this fun opportunity. Even though these Heroes came from across the East Coast, the group connected throughout the event as they engaged in various activities.

Our Heroes spent their first day traveling to Patriot Point and finished it with a delicious barbecue dinner grilled outdoors in the chilled winter air. On day two, there were no geese nearby to hunt, so our Warriors started with a five-stand clay shoot. This gave everyone some practice in preparation for the hunt. While no one is perfect, the first miss made it easy for everyone to joke around and connect a bit more. During this clay shoot, each attendee had an opportunity to meet their guides for the next day. Following a full day of practice, each attendee warmed up in the main house and provided a chance to share stories while connecting in the Hemingway room on site.

Dawn of the third day was met with excitement for the hunt from everyone. As the temperature dropped, ducks were flying in and were very good at escaping. However, our Heroes persevered and eventually harvested 24 ducks in total. After the successful hunt, they warmed up with a hot breakfast prepared by Joy at Patriot Point. While the hunting time was short, this trip offered some respite for our Skills4Life participants. It was a wonderful getaway and opportunity for fellowship with one another. When it was time to say goodbye, our Heroes had become fast friends and exchanged their contact information with one another; it was a completely different feeling than their arrival. Patriot Point will be a special place in their memories.

Military Warriors Support Foundation wants to thank Patriot Point for hosting the duck hunt and accommodating our Heroes during this trip. As always, we appreciate each of our Combat-Wounded Veterans for their enthusiasm and participation that made our time together at this Skills4Life event outstanding.  

If you or someone you know would like to apply, please visit our website at: https://militarywarriors.org

Winchester Ammunition is excited to participate in the inaugural Jack Link’s Cup as one of the main sponsors this weekend. This event is one of the first big sporting clays tournaments of the 2022 season, and many of the best shooters from around the world are flocking in to compete for their piece of a staggering $150,000 guaranteed prize pool.

Team Winchester will attend in force with Rollins Brown, Connor Daniel, Kemble DuPont, Desirae Edmunds, Eric Harvey, Zack Kienbaum, Anthony Matarese, Theo Ribbs, and Mike and Kayla Wilgus all competing.

The Jack Link’s Cup will take place at Quail Creek Sporting Ranch near Okeechobee, Florida, with the award ceremony taking place on Sunday, February 20. Winchester ammunition is available for sale to all competitors on-site.

To learn more about the Jack Link’s Cup, including an in-depth interview with Tim Davis, general manager of Quail Creek Sporting Ranch, tune in to this week’s episode of the “Shotgun Sports USA” podcast, Powered by Winchester.

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

Lyons Falls, NY: Otis Technology is proud to announce the 2021 International Customer of the Year awards. Otis named two awards – one for the Otis Technology brand and one for the Shooter’s Choice brand.

Otis Technology recognized TSA Outdoors/TSA Defense as International Distributor of the Year.   ”TSA Outdoors/TSA Defense has been a strategic partner in Australia for Otis since 2017,” remarked Brad McIntyre, Vice President of International Sales.  He continued, “TSA focuses on Sporting Goods, Military and Law Enforcement and has grown the brand to be a household name. They have done an amazing job representing our brand across all 3 markets and for that we are proud to call them the Otis International Distributor of the Year.”

Heinz Henke was named International Distributor of the year for Shooter’s Choice.  “Heinz Henke has been a strategic partner in the EU for Shooters Choice since 2019”, stated McIntyre. He continued, “we are proud of the growth they’ve shown year over year and look forward to 2022 and beyond.”

Otis Technology is known for manufacturing the most advanced gun cleaning systems and accessories available.  The superior Breech-to-Muzzle® design combined with unmatched quality has positioned Otis as the gun care system of choice with the US Military.