Hunting and Fishing News Blog Articles

SPRO® adds the new Aruku Shad Silent to its essential series of baits. The Essential series provides anglers with premium hard baits at affordable prices. Ideal for finicky fish in clear water, the Aruku Shad Silent will be a top choice among serious anglers. 

Predatory fish key in on the eyes before they strike. Like other Aruku Shad baits, the Aruku Shad Silent features SPRO’s Mean Eye to make it even more effective. The unique lipless design of the Aruku Shad creates lots of vibration to draw fish from a distance; the new Mean Eye seals the deal. The exaggerated eye taunts gamefish, forcing them to attack on sight. 

The nose-down attitude of the Aruku Shad allows it to move through cover without hang-ups so it can get to where the big boys hide. The front-first weighting makes the bait stand on its nose like a feeding baitfish for even more realism. Once they strike, the premium-forged steel Gamakatsu trebles ensure they get hooked.

The Aruku Shad Silent comes in an array of fish-catching colors. Like all of the lures in SPRO’s Essential series, they feature premium Gamakatsu treble hooks for sure hook sets every time. SPRO’s Aruku Shad Silent is so good it’s essential.

Aruku Shad Silent 75 Features:

MISSOULA, Mont. – Backcountry Hunters & Anglers is proud to announce the Aidan Long Outdoors for All Scholarship, a fund dedicated to help young people with disabilities get outdoors by providing access to adaptive equipment or provide assistance with outdoor education. BHA is currently seeking applicants for this new opportunity. 

Aidan Nichols Long, 2004-2021, loved life and nature every day. Growing up in Montana his best times included camping, canoeing and fishing with his mom and dad, Karen Nichols and Ben Long. Despite catastrophic epilepsy, Aidan remained a joyful explorer of the natural world. The Outdoors for All Scholarship is a tribute to his joy by leveling the playing field for young people to enjoy exploring the outdoors.

“Millions of kids across North America want to get outdoors but face challenges because of physical or developmental disabilities,” said Ben Long, Aidan’s father and a past BHA board chair. “We are excited that this scholarship honors our son’s memory by helping others like him enjoy their lives to the fullest. Together we can lower the unfair obstacles life has thrown at these kids. Everyone deserves to enjoy the Great Outdoors.”

This scholarship is open to anyone ages 10-20 to mitigate the expense of outdoor recreation and conservation education, as well as to expand experiences and opportunities for people with disabilities via the purchase or temporary acquisition of adaptive recreation equipment. The fund was established through a generous donation by MeatEater, friends and family of Aidan Long and Backcountry Hunters & Anglers. BHA is currently raising funds to make sure Aidan’s scholarship will continue to grow and provide opportunities for young people in the future.

Application and submission process:

TrueTimber has announced a new licensee partnership with Slick Woody’s Cornhole Co., maker of premium cornhole supplies, tailgate games and accessories. TrueTimber fans can now find a variety of Slick Woody’s products including cornhole boards, cornhole bags, tailgate games and more in multiple popular TrueTimber camouflage patterns.

“We always say everything looks better in TrueTimber camo and this whole lineup of products definitely proves it,” said TrueTimber CEO Rusty Sellars. “We are a family company and always find ourselves gathering in the outdoors, often over a game of cornhole. There are a lot of families out there just like us, and we are thrilled TrueTimber fans can now get boards, bags and more in their favorite TrueTimber patterns.”

The new lineup of products in TrueTimber camo products includes cornhole boards, cornhole bags, cornhole pitch pads, washer toss sets, hook and ring game sets and even wall stickers. These items are now all available in TrueTimber’s Kanati, RipTide and Viper Urban camo patterns.

Slick Woody’s cornhole boards are made in the U.S.A. using premium wood supplies. Offered in a variety of styles and sizes from tailgate to tournament, Slick Woody’s offers the perfect board for any level of user. A proprietary process used to adhere a vinyl layer on top of the boards offers consistent play no matter the temperature of humidity. UV-resistant inks paired with solid construction ensures Slick Woody’s cornhole boards are built to look great and last for many seasons to come.

To learn more about the entire TrueTimber product line and see all available patterns, visit  TrueTimber.com. Details about future product launches can be found on TrueTimber’s Facebook  and Instagram pages.

 The Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies is pleased to see the first ever economic analysis of how America’s hunters and sport shooters contribute to national and state economies for all 50 states and their legislative districts.  This report was released last week by the Sportsmen’s Alliance Foundation, and showcases recreational hunters and sport shooters contributed $149 billion to the national economy, supported nearly 970,000 jobs and created over $45 billion in wages and income in 2020.

“As shown in this report, outdoor recreation is one of our nation’s largest economic engines and benefits vital conservation and education programs that benefit all Americans,” stated Tony Wasley, Director of the Nevada Department of Wildlife and President of the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies. “Hunting and shooting sports, along with fishing and wildlife watching, are part of our national heritage and continue to be powerful forces in our nation’s economy.”

Key highlights of the report include:

Click here to view the complete report and download your state or district graphic, or visit  www.sportsmensalliance.org/reports or www.southwickassociates.com.

The Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies—the organization that represents North America’s fish and wildlife agencies—promotes sound resource management and conservation, and speaks on important fish and wildlife issues. Found on the web at www.fishwildlife.org, on Facebook /AssociationofFishandWildlifeAgencies and on Twitter @fishwildlife.

Boating-centric inland lakes with distinction

There are 123,439 freshwater lakes – those water bodies generally larger than 20 acres – in the continental United States. Which ones may be best for recreational boating?

BoatUS Magazine senior editor Rich Armstrong and contributing editor Fiona McGlynn consider the question in the magazine’s February/March issue with the feature “Freshwater America,” which highlights nine boating-centric lakes from New York to Washington.

“Americans continue to explore their backyards, and so do America’s recreational boaters,” said BoatUS Magazine editorial director Bernadette Bernon. “With a look inland, away from saltwater and tides, “Freshwater America” captures each lake’s distinct boating identity and includes waters in Arizona, California, Michigan, Montana, Nevada, New York, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Utah, and Washington.” The availability of BoatUS member discounts and services are also noted.

Lake Powell, Arizona: While its water level was 30% of capacity last year, America’s second largest man-made lake with 96 major canyons and 2,000 miles of shoreline remains in the top realm of houseboating destinations. It’s also popular with wakesports enthusiasts, anglers and kayakers who paddle the slot canyons. Dozens of fish species are stocked, and if a houseboat is too big for you, runabouts, ski boats, pontoons and PWCs are available for rent. This is a true desert boating experience.

SHOT Show® Industry Day at the Range™ returned to Boulder City on Monday, January 17. Through the uncertainties surrounding the pandemic, Industry Day was attended by eager and enthusiastic exhibitors, media members and buyers. With over 200 exhibiting manufacturers and businesses, the buzz at Industry Day at the Range was alive and well and the hottest new products on the market were demoed to those in attendance and exceeded expectations.

“It was great to be back at the range,” said Kelsey Puryear, Industry Day at the Range Manager. “It was full steam ahead when we opened the gates and welcoming back our exhibitors and invited attendees got everyone excited for the day and for SHOT Show.”

As the only range event officially associated with SHOT Show, Industry Day at the Range brings together invited media members and buyers who were met with an expansive event and shooting companies expanding the range from one end to the other. This year, Industry Day featured an expanded Demo Track area which featured eBike demonstrations from Bakcou, QuiteKat, and Rambo as well as demonstrations by Powersports companies CFMOTO and Segway.

Also at Industry Day, shooting companies provided demonstrations of highly-impactful, state of the art products, and the non-shooting pavilion was filled with exhibitors. Media and buyers in attendance were able to spend the day among the companies taking in their new products, demonstrations and information. With a buzz generated leading into SHOT Show, Industry Day at the Range once again proved to be impactful and provide exclusive coverage of brands the day prior to the start of the show.

Industry Day at the Range is proud to announce that the 17th annual event will take place on January 16, 2023. Registration for returning exhibitors will open on March 1, 2022. Prospective new exhibitors should complete this form to be kept up to date on exhibiting opportunities. Registration will open to new exhibitors on May 2. There are shooting lanes for all firearm types, dedicated archery spots, tents for non-shooting companies and ample space for on and off-road vehicles and product demonstrations.

Taurus®, manufacturer of premium handguns for defense, hunting, and sport shooting, has announced a limited-time rebate on all new Taurus® G3c handgun purchases.

From January 24, 2022 through April 15, 2022, handgun buyers are encouraged to take advantage of the Taurus G3c 2022 Savings Event. For every new Taurus G3c compact 9mm pistol purchased, buyers can receive a $25 mail-in rebate redeemable through the manufacturer. Add the rebate to a tax refund and there has never been a better time to acquire one of Taurus’ most popular everyday carry handguns.

The G3c is a polymer-frame, striker-fired semi-auto 9mm that offers the handling, operational function, and overall performance of a full-size handgun but in a size ideally suited for EDC use and deep concealment. Sporting a rugged, wear-resistant finish and 10- or 12-round capacity, the single-action G3c includes restrike capability, exceptional ergonomics, integrated accessory rail, and a drift-adjustable rear sight that can be upgraded to a popular aftermarket night sight system.

The Taurus G3c 2022 Savings Event mail-in rebate applies to all G3c models, including the new Taurus® G3c T.O.R.O., which readily accepts the most common red dot optics without the need for a gunsmith.

For more information on the Taurus G3c, visit TaurusUSA.com. To learn more about or to redeem the Taurus G3c 2022 Savings Event mail-in rebate, go to TaurusUSA.com/G3cRebate.

Houston Safari Club Foundation (HSCF) recently announced its annual winners in photography, hunting, service, and conservation excellence, at its 2022 Worldwide Hunting Expo and Convention. 

Each year, HSCF celebrates achievements in various disciplines. Winners were announced for hunting accomplishments in several North American and international categories. In addition, winners were named for distinction in outdoor photography, with HSCF Life member Suzanne Hixson taking home the “Best of Show” award for her photographic prowess. 

HSCF Life members Susan and David Kalich were named as the 2021 Frank Green Award winners and Mark King, HSCF Life member, and past President, took home the honors for the 2022 Frank Green Award. HSCF Life member and Gazelles Co-Chairperson Jody Simpson was named the 2022 HSCF President’s Award winner by HSCF President, Jeff Birmingham. Louis van Bergen of Spiral Horn Safaris was named the 2022 Outstanding Professional Hunter of the Year. HSCF Life member Kaylee Ann Stacy garnered the HSCF Youth Hunter of the Year award while HSCF Life member and Board member Will Perry took home the honors for Male Hunter of the Year. Trey White was acknowledged for his dedication as HSCF’s convention chairperson for the third straight year. Conservationist and professional hunter Ivan Carter was named the 2022 HSCF Conservationist of the Year for his outstanding achievements in conjunction with The Ivan Carter Wildlife Conservation Alliance. 

HSCF thanks the 2022 Convention sponsors for their commitment to hunting and conservation: Gunwerks (Title Sponsor), Capital Farm Credit, Wildlife Partners, LLC, FORLOH, Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks, S&B Engineers and Constructors, Enterprise Products Partners LP, Bass Pro Shops/Cabela’s, Global Rescue, Farm & Ranch Publishing, LLC, McCorvey Sheet Metal, L.P., Conroe Taxidermy, ProCargo USA, Texas Hunt Lodge, Prairie Mountain Wildlife Studio/Brush Country Studios, and Ruple Properties. 

Exhibitor applications for the 2023 HSCF Worldwide Hunting Expo & Convention are now being accepted at https://hscfdn.org/convention/exhibitor-info/. 

Washington, D.C. – The Council to Advance Hunting and the Shooting Sports (Council) named Lance Cherry as the new Communications and Marketing Manager and Storia Azamy as the new Administrative Assistant.

Cherry brings more than three decades of advertising, marketing and media experience to the Council and is a national award-winning news editor, photographer and graphic designer. He spent the previous two decades directing and leading media relations and conservation education efforts for the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish.

Under Cherry’s leadership, New Mexico’s recruitment, retention, reactivation (R3) efforts have been one of the great success stories in the U.S., reversing the decline in hunting and fishing participation in the state. He has been actively engaged with the Western Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies (WAFWA) R3 and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion committees and was recognized as the 2016 Outstanding WAFWA Contributor of the Year.

Cherry, as the Council’s marketing and communications manager, will work with the team to increase awareness of the Council’s brand, mission, vision, products and services and drive communications and marketing strategies.

“I am honored to join such a strong team of professionals who share a passion for hunting and shooting sports,” said Lance. “The Council is a strong voice for R3 and the inclusion of diverse participants, which I passionately believe is essential to protecting wildlife conservation and the shooting sports for future generations.”

EDGEFIELD, S.C.—For its unfaltering partnership and its consistent support of the NWTF mission, Benelli USA received the National Wild Turkey Federation’s Corporate Achievement Award.

Benelli accepted the award during the NWTF’s 46th annual Convention and Sport Show, sponsored by Mossy Oak.

“While the manufacture of premium shotguns is Benelli’s core mission, we understand that our company is but one pillar among many working to ensure our future hunting heritage and outdoor lifestyle,” said Tom DeBolt, Benelli USA general manager. “The National Wild Turkey Federation’s wildlife and habitat conservation efforts and its ongoing initiatives to recruit and educate new hunters through its JAKES program and Turkey Shoot events are fundamental to these goals. We sincerely thank the NWTF for their tireless work and commitment to preserving wild land across the country along with the wildlife it supports. Benelli is honored and humbled to receive the NWTF Corporate Achievement Award. We look with great optimism toward a future of expanded hunter participation, healthy habitats and flourishing wildlife populations.”  

Presented annually by the NWTF, the Corporate Achievement Award recognizes the outstanding work and dedication corporate partners have displayed in conserving wildlife and habitat and preserving America’s outdoors lifestyle. 

Benelli’s support of the NWTF and its mission through the pandemic remained unchanged, even when many companies suffered budget cuts and unforeseen changes. Benelli has been a consistent supporter of NWTF’s JAKES program, its Turkey Shoot, a banquet firearm provider and numerous other gifts that help bolster the NWTF’s mission. 

Heritage Manufacturing, Inc., producers of the classic-style Rough Rider series single-action revolvers, has declared 2022 the “Year of the Rimfire.” To kick off the celebration, Heritage is offering a mail-in rebate on all small-bore Rough Rider handgun purchases.

With the renewed interest in rimfires for plinking, small-game hunting, training, and “something a little different,” Heritage is presenting a $20 mail-in rebate offer to help qualifying buyers to get in on the fun. From now through March 31, 2022, buyers of small-bore Rough Rider single-action revolvers can submit an online form to receive a $20 rebate in the mail.

Heritage Rough Rider’s small-bore revolvers bring back the spirit of the Old West with their single-action styling, classical interchangeable grips, .22 LR- and .22 WMR-chambered cylinders, multiple barrel lengths, and numerous sight and finish options. These revolvers are suitable for everyday ranch and farm carry, a fun time on the range, collecting, or to complete a western-themed display.

Visit your Heritage dealer to see the Rough Rider single-action rimfires for yourself or visit  HeritageMfg.com for “Year of the Rimfire” rebate details and to learn more about the Heritage Rough Rider series.

About Heritage:

London gunmaker John Rigby & Co. has added three new limited-edition prints to its acclaimed art collection, each taken from an original work by the company’s in-house engraver and artist, Geoffrey Lignon. The three prints each feature a study of a beautiful and majestic animal, focusing in particular on their eyes. The resulting works are utterly captivating, absorbing the viewer and drawing them in. 

State of Alert is Lignon’s depiction of a zebra scanning the savannah, responding to its deepest, strongest instinct – to survive. The viewer feels the tension and how survival is the only priority for this zebra and must be fulfilled at whatever the cost.  In contrast, The Lone Prince is “a tribute to the strength of the leopard who must fight, hunt and survive alone”, perfectly depicting the poise and watchfulness of an apex predator in its prime. The Pearl of Sumatra is a mesmerising study of a Sumatran tiger, a powerful animal under serious threat by human activity and a lack of genetic variety. As Lignon comments: “in a few years, possibly decades, the beauty of these creatures will only be witnessed through windows of the past”.

The print runs for all three works are strictly limited to 25, and each giclée print has been personally signed and numbered by the artist and embossed with the Rigby “double R” logo.

For more information about Rigby Art, visit: www.johnrigbyandco.com. 

RRP £575 per 1,189 x 280mm -sized giclée print, plus P&P. 

Houston Safari Club Foundation, as part of its efforts to support the future of hunting, shooting sports, conservation and youth education, recently awarded $39,500 in grants to various organizations. 

Grants were provided to Wild Sheep Foundation, Ashby Bowhunting Foundation, Operation Game Thief (Texas), Sportsmen’s Alliance Foundation, Ivan Carter Wildlife Alliance, Trinity Oaks Foundation and Higher Calling Wildlife. HSCF has provided over $4 million in grants to protect and promote the future of hunting, shooting sports, education, conservation, habitat, and wildlife. The programs supported effect efforts in hunting, conservation and education, both domestically and abroad.

About Houston Safari Club Foundation
Houston Safari Club Foundation (HSCF) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization whose mission is to preserve the sport of hunting through education, conservation, and the promotion of our hunting heritage. HSCF has awarded 550 scholarships totaling $2.5 million dollars. HSCF conducts youth outdoor education programs, career training, hunter education and field experiences throughout the year. HSCF has provided over $4 million in grants for hunter-funded wildlife, habitat, and various conservation initiatives. HSCF is an independent organization, is not affiliated with Safari Club International (SCI) or its affiliates and is not a chapter or affiliate of any other organization. Visit our website at wehuntwegive.org or call 713.623.8844 for more information. HSCF. We Hunt. We Give. 

EDGEFIELD, S.C.—The National Wild Turkey Federation honored Jody “Putt” Rohm with the Dick Kirby Award for his excellence in turkey call making and his commitment to the NWTF mission.

“I was 17 when I went to NWTF’s first-ever convention,” Rohm said. “To receive this award 45 years later and see how much turkey hunting and conservation have shaped my life is profound and an honor.” 

Rohm was recognized with the Dick Kirby Award at the 46th annual NWTF Convention and Sport Show, sponsored by Mossy Oak. 

The award is named for turkey hunting legend Dick Kirby, who was the brains and heart behind Quaker Boy Calls. He also was one of the original members of the NWTF, serving nine years on the NWTF National Board of Directors in the 1990s.

Rohm has been in the call making business nearly his entire life. It started with his love of turkey hunting when he was younger. He is one of four sons of the legendary Dale and Ann Rohm. Dale introduced Jody to call making as a young man, and for the last 20 years, Jody has taken ownership of the D and A Private label after his father retired from full time call making at the company.

Huk, the nation’s leading manufacturer of performance fishing gear, has tapped up-and-comer basketball star, Keon Johnson, as their newest brand ambassador. The goal of this unique partnership is to grow awareness of Huk’s outstanding line of outdoor gear as well as make fishing more accessible to a new audience. The partnership is fairly new but Keon’s love for fishing and Huk gear is not. 

While most fans know about Keon’s accomplishments on the court, very few have seen what drives him when he’s not in the gym. “Most of my fans know about me from my accomplishments in basketball, but I really want to connect with people and share my love of fishing.” He continued, “I hope they can see how fun it is and want to try it themselves.”

Keon has been wearing Huk clothing for quite a while and is pleased to share his own personal picks. “Some people don’t know you can go fishing and still look good. I love the way Huk fits me and the way their clothes look.” He continued, “It was tough to narrow it down, but here are my three favorite Huk items.”

Huk ICON X Long Sleeve

One of Keon’s favorite shirts, Huk’s ICON X Long Sleeve pullover shirt is great to wear around town as well as out on the water. Keon appreciates how it keeps him cool and dry when the heat cranks up. The shirt features a breathable material consisting of synthetic fibers which allow air to pass through unhindered. These fibers have a hydrophobic coating that transports sweat away from the skin to drier areas and spreads the moisture over a larger surface area to promote rapid drying with a cooling effect. Check it out here for more info.

I picked up the GOBI HEAT Colorado Mens Heated Hunting Vest in Mossy Oak this summer. It finally got cold enough to break out a heated vest this month. A little snow and five degrees is cold enough to start wearing your heated vest. In fact, I probably could have brought it out a few weeks before but I forgot that I had the jacket with me when I was out hunting and it never got pulled out. I remember it on an early morning dog walk and it was a little brisk outside.

The vest is seriously well built. The inside has a soft fleece liner, the outer material is a wind resistant lightweight polyester. The vest has four pockets: two pockets for your hands, one on the chest and one internal pocket specifically for the battery pack. The battery is a 7.4 volt, 6500 lithium ion battery that lasts on low for 10 hours, medium for 7 hours and high for 5 hours. The crazy thing is this jacket is machine washable and can be tumble dried to keep it clean.

The heat pads include two in the chest and one large one on the lower back. The lower back pad keeps you warm from a low of 113 degrees to a high of 140 degrees. These vests from Gobi Heat are super impressive and come in at a price point that is pretty impressive overall. The freedom having one of these vests provides you is incredible. Knowing you have heat can keep you in the outdoors longer which allows you to have more success in the field. I am happy to have this vest as a tool in my arsenal especially for predator season at the end of the month.  Knowing I have a little bit of heat in the cold snow of windy prairie will allow me to focus on the task at hand, calling in coyotes and thinning out some of the number on the ranch I hunt.

Knowing that when I get the chills, I will be able to turn on the heat and get in one more set will make it all worthwhile. The one touch button on the upper chest makes it easy to see when the unit is on and it makes easy to move from low to high and back again. Check out some of the vests at Gobiheat.com and don’t forget to check out the Terrain Heated Camping Chair; it is a game changer.

EDGEFIELD, S.C.—The National Wild Turkey Federation honored Vicki Christiansen with the C.B. McLeod Award for her productive and enduring career with the USDA Forest Service and her dedication to conservation, forest health and public land access.

“I’m very humbled to receive the C.B. McLeod Award from an absolutely great organization,” Christiansen said. “My passion is connecting people to their natural resources and conserving those resources for current and future generations. We can do that best by sharing stewardship across landownerships and across disciplines. NWTF is a leader in wildlife conservation by welcoming all people to connect to their natural resources through their very successful Save the Habitat. Save the Hunt. initiative. It is truly an honor to receive this award from NWTF because they are an exemplary leader in sharing stewardship for the greatest good.”

Christiansen was announced as the C.B. McLeod Award winner at the 46th annual NWTF Convention and Sport Show, sponsored by Mossy Oak. Christiansen was unable to attend in person.

C.B McLeod, former NWTF National Board member, was a pillar in establishing the foundation of the NWTF. He kept the NWTF financially solvent during the early years and had a heart for conservation and the mission to restore the wild turkey. This award honoring him recognizes individuals who dedicate their lives to wildlife conservation.

Christiansen served as Forest Service chief from 2018 to 2021 and led the agency through multiple obstacles, including challenging hurricane and fire seasons and the pandemic, and through it all, she led the agency with empathy and integrity.  

EDGEFIELD, S.C.—The National Wild Turkey Federation presented the Mississippi Department of Wildlife’s Lieutenant Sheila Smith, Master Sergeant Randy Cooley and Sergeant Major Jake Guess with the inaugural NWTF CEO/Chairman Award.

“On behalf of Department of Wildlife Fisheries and Parks of Mississippi, we like to thank all of you,” said MDWFP Sergeant Major Jake Guess. “We can’t do our job without y’all.”

The award was created to recognize a significant national or regional contribution to the conservation of the wild turkey, habitat management, public awareness, policy work or hunting heritage. The award is not an annual award and will be awarded at the discretion of the NWTF CEO and Chairman of the National Board Directors.

The Mississippi Department of Wildlife Fisheries and Parks officers were presented with the prestigious award for their involvement in what is regarded as the largest wild turkey poaching arrest in history, dubbed Operation Longbeard.

After thorough investigation with over 100 pieces of evidence, it was determined that federal wildlife violations had been discovered in three states (Mississippi, Kansas and Nebraska), leading to arrest warrants for 15 Mississippi residents, four of whom were charged with Federal Lacy Act violations. Moreover, the poachers were found to have trespassed on 15 different properties in Mississippi.

The Association of Fish & Wildlife Agencies enthusiastically commends the Senate for confirming the nomination of Martha Williams, who will serve as Director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service). On February 17, 2022, the Senate confirmed the former Director of the Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife, and Parks, by voice vote.

“We thank the Senate and President Biden for ensuring the Service will continue to have strong, collaborative leadership,” said Tony Wasley, Director of the Nevada Department of Wildlife and President of the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies.  “Ms. Williams’ deep understanding of cooperative management and commitment to science-based conservation, most recently exemplified during her tenure with the Service, make her an ideal choice to lead the federal agency most critical to our natural resources. As a former State Director, Ms. Williams has an established record of working with hunters, anglers, trappers, outdoor recreationists, and state and federal agencies to secure our nation’s fish and wildlife and their habitats for future generations.”   

Ms. Williams’ resounding confirmation follows a bipartisan, 16-4 vote in the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works that advanced her nomination to the full Senate. The Association proudly supported her nomination and joined many other conservation organizations in advocating for her advancement, including through a public letter of support submitted to the Committee. The Association thanks the Biden-Harris Administration and the Senate for their commitment to continuing the success of collaborative, state-led conservation.

The Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies—the organization that represents North America’s fish and wildlife agencies—promotes sound resource management and conservation, and speaks on important fish and wildlife issues. Found on the web at www.fishwildlife.org, on Facebook /AssociationofFishandWildlifeAgencies and on Twitter @fishwildlife.

Houston Safari Club Foundation (HSCF) recently announced its annual winners in photography, hunting, service, and conservation excellence, at its 2022 Worldwide Hunting Expo and Convention. 

Each year, HSCF celebrates achievements in various disciplines. Winners were announced for hunting accomplishments in several North American and international categories. In addition, winners were named for distinction in outdoor photography, with HSCF Life member Suzanne Hixson taking home the “Best of Show” award for her photographic prowess. 

HSCF Life members Susan and David Kalich were named as the 2021 Frank Green Award winners and Mark King, HSCF Life member, and past President, took home the honors for the 2022 Frank Green Award. HSCF Life member and Gazelles Co-Chairperson Jody Simpson was named the 2022 HSCF President’s Award winner by HSCF President, Jeff Birmingham. Louis van Bergen of Spiral Horn Safaris was named the 2022 Outstanding Professional Hunter of the Year. HSCF Life member Kaylee Ann Stacy garnered the HSCF Youth Hunter of the Year award while HSCF Life member and Board member Will Perry took home the honors for Male Hunter of the Year. Trey White was acknowledged for his dedication as HSCF’s convention chairperson for the third straight year. Conservationist and professional hunter Ivan Carter was named the 2022 HSCF Conservationist of the Year for his outstanding achievements in conjunction with The Ivan Carter Wildlife Conservation Alliance. 

HSCF thanks the 2022 Convention sponsors for their commitment to hunting and conservation: Gunwerks (Title Sponsor), Capital Farm Credit, Wildlife Partners, LLC, FORLOH, Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks, S&B Engineers and Constructors, Enterprise Products Partners LP, Bass Pro Shops/Cabela’s, Global Rescue, Farm & Ranch Publishing, LLC, McCorvey Sheet Metal, L.P., Conroe Taxidermy, ProCargo USA, Texas Hunt Lodge, Prairie Mountain Wildlife Studio/Brush Country Studios, and Ruple Properties. 

Exhibitor applications for the 2023 HSCF Worldwide Hunting Expo & Convention are now being accepted at https://hscfdn.org/convention/exhibitor-info/.