Hunting and Fishing News Blog Articles

MADISON, Wis. – The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) today announced that following a U.S. District court’s ruling on Feb. 10 returning wolves in the lower 48 states (except the northern Rocky Mountains region) to the Federal Endangered Species List, Wisconsin is not authorized to implement a wolf harvest season. The DNR is reviewing the ruling to determine how it impacts hunters and trappers who purchased licenses for the Fall 2021 wolf hunt.

Wisconsin’s wolf population remains healthy and secure in the state. The department will continue its robust wolf population monitoring program to ensure the population remains healthy and sustainable into the future.

The DNR will also continue working towards promulgation of rules and the completion of a wolf management plan to guide management decisions. The DNR is reviewing the decision to determine how it impacts Wisconsin’s wolf management program. 

Other immediate implications of this ruling include the following:

The DNR remains committed to assisting individuals that experience conflicts with wolves through an interagency cooperative agreement with USDA-Wildlife Services for abatement and control.

Columbia, MO – Minnesota based outdoor company, Reed’s Family Outdoor Outfitters, has joined the growing list of sponsors supporting MidwayUSA Foundation. “Reeds Family Outdoor Outfitters has a long history supporting youth shooting sports across the Midwest. They understand how critical it is to get the next generation outdoors and connecting with nature. We cannot thank them enough for stepping up and supporting our mission to change the future of youth shooting sports,” said John Linquist, MidwayUSA Foundation Relationship Manager.

Thousands of youth shooting teams, including approximately 200 in Minnesota, rely on the annual cash provided by their MidwayUSA Foundation endowment to fund their youth shooting team’s activities. Every team can grow its respective endowment through donations and fundraising. This Reed’s sponsorship will provide products for fundraising opportunities and assist MidwayUSA Foundation events that also serve as endowment fundraisers.

MidwayUSA Foundation and its industry partners offer quality items teams can use in their local fundraisers. Proceeds raised with the items can be split between the team’s endowment, where they are matched for long-term funding, and used to cover immediate expenses of the team. In addition, every team can receive a donation through the MidwayUSA Foundation website and donations are generously matched by Larry and Brenda Potterfield, owners of MidwayUSA.

Industry leaders interested in joining Reed’s Family Outdoor Outfitters as a sponsor of MidwayUSA Foundation can receive great brand exposure with current and future consumers. Interested business leaders are encouraged to contact John Linquist, MidwayUSA Foundation Relationship Manager, by email  JLinquist@Midwa​yUSAFoundation.​org or phone 573-219-7688.

About Reed’s Family Outdoor Outfitters: Since 1952, Reeds Sports has been known for providing the best service, best brands, and best price anywhere. We do the deals the big box stores can’t and won’t do. Reeds is nationally known for its award-winning professional sales expertise and always offering the best deals. Reed’s Family Outdoor Outfitters is one of the nation’s oldest, most renowned outdoor outfitters. Family-owned, customer-driven for 50 years. Reeds offer a complete hunting department with firearms, ammunition, scopes, binoculars, spotting scopes, duck & goose decoys, tree stands, duck blinds, electronic dog training collars, and containment systems. Learn more about Reeds at reedssports.com.

Notes from the Publisher

By Kevin C. Paulson

This is our third issue, and we have a quick announcement: we have hired a professional editor for the magazine. I will remain on as the publisher but editing is not a skill I have readily available. This change will allow me to focus the lion’s share of my time on our monthly notes, an article for every issue and running our business, HuntingLife.com. I am excited about our new editor, and we will make formal introductions in our next issue.

January is show month to all of us in the hunting industry. In most cases, but not all, we wrap up our hunting for the year on the first couple of days in January. Then it is off to the races for the rest of the month with shows across the country. We rounded out our hunting season on December 31st with a young doe (black powder) bringing a last bit of luck and some meat into our freezer for the season. We had the good fortune of taking six hunters out in 2021, a combination of old and new friends, and we put them through the paces on public land. We saw a few dream bucks that gave us serious hope for the 2022 season, and then called it a season.

This year’s line-up for January included Dallas Safari Club, Archery Trade Association (ATA) Show, Wild Sheep Show, Grand Slam Ovis, SCI and the big daddy of them all – the NSSF SHOT Show. We focused on two shows this year, choosing to concentrate our efforts on one big trip where we knew it would bring the most bang for our efforts. They did come through for us. 

No matter what kind of hunting you’re excited to dive into for the first time, there is always a lot to learn and a lot to stock up on. A hunting trip is not something to do on a whim and requires quite a few essential pieces of equipment.

From hunting basics to exciting trinkets and gadgets that could improve your experience, you might never finish building your hunting gear stockpile. However, if you’re just getting started, here are the 6 most important things you’ll need to pack to take along with you every single time.

You’ll thank yourself in the long run for investing in good quality options for each of these items since you’ll use them over and over again.

Guns and Ammo or Other Weapons

Of course, the most important part of your hunting trip is your weaponry – you won’t be taking anything down without the right equipment.

You’ll need to take along your weapon of choice, whether that’s a bow or a gun, as well as any add-ons you might need for it. Ammunition, arrows for a bow, and additional pieces for your weapon such as an enhanced ALG AK trigger will be the foundation of your hunting gear.

EDGEFIELD, S.C.—The National Wild Turkey Federation announced Benelli as a returning sponsor for the NWTF Convention and Sport Show, set to return to Nashville, Feb. 16, 2022.

“Strong conservation organization support is part of Benelli’s mission and we applaud the work done by NWTF to conserve wild turkeys, wild turkey habitat and turkey hunting for future generations,” said Timothy Joseph, vice president of brand marketing, Benelli USA. “Many Benelli employees are avid turkey hunters and we are proud to partner with NWTF throughout the year, including being a Gobbler Sponsor at the national convention.”

As a Gobbler Sponsor, Benelli—shotgun and rifle manufacturer as well as convention sponsor since 2009— is one the sponsors for Saturday’s Grand National Auction and dinner. During this event, participants can bid on once-in-a-lifetime vacations and hunting trips and unique outdoor gear. The firearm manufacturer will not be exhibiting in the Sport Show this year, but attendees will have a chance to win Benelli firearms at various fundraising events throughout the weekend.

“Having Benelli renew their convention sponsorship was welcomed news. They continue to support the NWTF not only as a convention sponsor, but also in our JAKES program, our banquet program and other events throughout the year,” said Natalia Daniels, NWTF national director of corporate relations and licensing. We are grateful for their ongoing commitment to conservation and the NWTF.”

The NWTF Convention and Sport Show, officially sponsored by Mossy Oak, is set to begin Thursday, Feb. 17 with the Rendezvous sessions, the Kickoff Party and the opening of the Sport Show floor, which features more than 400 of the best vendors in the outdoor industry. The NWTF Sport Show runs from Thursday to Saturday in the Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center. Convention festivities conclude with a worship service on Sunday, Feb. 20.

Warne Scope Mounts, the industry leader in scope mounting solutions and accessories, has launched its line of magazine extensions for both handguns and rifles.

Warne’s magazine extensions are made from 6061 T6 aluminum and are available in five anodized colors (Black, Red, Blue, Grey, Tan). Capacities range from +2 for the small compact pistols such as Glock 42, 43 and 43X to +0, +3 and +5 for the larger frame pistols such as Glock 17/19, Sig 320, S&W M&P, and CZ-75 (+2/+4). 

Rifle magazine extensions for Magpul PMAG magazines. Models for both AR15/5.56mm and AR10/7.62 and provide +5 capacity. 

Magpul PMAG AICS 7.62 magazines enjoy +4 capacity with the Warne extension.

Many additional fitments will be available later in 2022 for handguns including the Ruger 57, Springfield Armory Hellcat, Glock 40/41, Staccato, and more!

EDGEFIELD, S.C.—The National Wild Turkey Federation welcomes TriStar Arms as a returning sponsor for the NWTF Convention and Sport Show, set to return to Nashville, Feb. 16, 2022.

“We are delighted to again to team up with NWTF as a Gobbler Sponsor. The NWTF Convention is like no other, the excitement and energy in the room is hard to duplicate,” said Ryan Bader, vice president of sales and marketing at TriStar. “Anytime you can find a corporate partner that shares the same passion and energy as you do, it’s always a win. Throw in conservation, great programs that introduce women and children to the outdoors and it’s easy to see why TriStar continues to be part of this great event.”

As a Gobbler Sponsor, TriStar Arms—a premiere importer of quality Turkish firearms and convention sponsor since 2014—will be one of the sponsors for Saturday’s Grand National Auction and dinner. The auction is the convention’s largest auction with the greatest collection of once-in-a-lifetime vacations and hunting trips and unique outdoor gear. TriStar Arms also will be occupying booth 1741 in the exhibit hall.

“We are grateful for the continued support of TriStar as a sponsor and exhibitor in the Sport Show, said Natalia Daniels, NWTF national director of corporate relations and licensing. “TriStar’s commitment to NWTF helps us provide a great experience for our convention guests, but it reaches many other aspects of our mission delivery.”  

The NWTF Convention and Sport Show, officially sponsored by Mossy Oak, is set to begin Thursday, Feb. 17 with the Rendezvous sessions, the Kickoff Party and the opening of the Sport Show floor, which features more than 400 of the best vendors in the outdoor industry. The NWTF Sport Show runs from Thursday to Saturday in the Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center. Convention festivities conclude with a worship service on Sunday, Feb. 20.

NEW HAVEN, Mo. – ALPS OutdoorZ, premiere manufacturer of extreme-duty hunting packs and outdoor gear, continues its commitment to develop innovative products for hunters, outdoor enthusiasts, and daily activities with the introduction of the new Ghost 20 pack.

The Ghost 20 is a hybrid pack suitable for use as a backpack, briefcase, or messenger bag in a size that is slightly smaller than the original Ghost 30 pack.

Although built to accommodate a laptop, books, documents, and other essentials of everyday work life, the heart of the Ghost 20 is an integrated back panel pocket intended to secure a handgun for EDC/CCW practitioners. An ambidextrous, zippered pocket in the back panel is lined with a material that works with common hook-and-loop style holsters, allowing the user to securely stow their defensive handgun discretely and within easy reach. The bag’s main compartment panel is similarly lined with hook-and-loop material, providing users with an alternative location for stowing a holstered gun or spare magazines.

Constructed of 500D nylon Cordura, the Ghost 20 features PU coating, making it highly water-resistant. Built-in and adjustable shoulder straps allow the Ghost 20 to be worn as a backpack while sewn-in handles permit hand carry. A removeable shoulder strap can be used for over-the-shoulder or cross-body carry. Additional features include an organizational front panel pocket, large main compartment with a padded laptop/tablet sleeve sized to accommodate up to 16-inch laptops, side water bottle pockets, and a pass-through sleeve to attach to rolling luggage handles.

The Ghost 20 measures 19H x 12.5W x 5.5D inches and has a 1,220 cubic-inch capacity.

Brownells fans get their chance to score big during Super Barrel IV, with a big red Winchester barrel chock-full of 14,000 rounds of 5.56 ammo up for grabs, along with deals on shipping and a special Super Barrel IV promo code. 

Super Barrel IV kicks off on Thursday, February 10, when contestants can enter their email addresses at the Brownells Super Barrel page  for a shot at the 14,000-round barrel full of freedom, valued at over $6,000 retail.

In addition, Brownells will be offering free standard and ground shipping on orders leading up to Super Barrel IV, along with promo code SB4 getting $20 off an order of $250 or more.

The big red Winchester barrel contains enough ammo tor the winner to take 100 people to the range to fire 100 rounds each — and still have 4,000 rounds of ammo left over. 

The ammo alone weighs close to 378 pounds, or more than all but the largest pro football linemen to ever take the field in a championship game. Ready for prime time, this heavyweight prize is every bit as big and bold as the All-American week leading up to Super Barrel IV.

EDGEFIELD, S.C.—The National Wild Turkey Federation announced Boyt Harness as a returning sponsor for the NWTF Convention and Sport Show, set to return to Nashville, Feb. 16-19, 2022.

“Boyt is honored to be a partner with one of the greatest conservation organizations in the world,” said a representative from Boyt Harness. “We wish the NWTF family a safe and prosperous convention.”

Boyt Harness — a manufacturer of gun cases, hunting accessories and specialty hunting clothing, and convention sponsor since 2015 — will be one of the sponsors for the Waterin’ Hole, the main gathering place where NWTF faithful enjoy fellowship and daily country music entertainment. While they will not be exhibiting on the sport show floor, Boyt is an official NWTF licensing partner and offers NWTF branded products on their online store.

“We are elated to have Boyt sponsor our Waterin’ Hole at convention,” said Natalia Daniels, NWTF national director of corporate relations and licensing. “They have been such a strong supporter of NWTF and our convention over the years. We are grateful for their part in making our convention and sport show enjoyable for our attendees.”

The NWTF Convention and Sport Show, officially sponsored by Mossy Oak, is set to begin Thursday, Feb. 17 with the Rendezvous sessions, the Kickoff Party and the opening of the Sport Show floor, which features more than 400 of the best exhibitors in the outdoor industry. The NWTF Sport Show runs from Thursday to Saturday in the Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center. Convention festivities conclude with a worship service on Sunday, Feb. 20.

Hornady Security’s family of RAPiD® security vaults provide for quick, dependable, touch-free access to firearms – day or night. The new RAPiD Safe Keypad Vault is a budget-friendly option for securing up to two handguns, ammo and other valuables and provides the advanced features included in all Hornady Security RAPiD products.

Access the RAPiD Safe Keypad Vault in three ways. The RFID reader is the go-to method offering the quickest access. Swipe the RFID tag over the sensor, and the vault opens. The Keypad Vault includes two RFID tags: a watch band tag and a decal. If an RFID tag is out of reach, a user-programmed 4–6-digit push-button access code provides a fast secondary means of entry. A mechanical key is the failsafe in the entry trio, ensuring the vault opens even in the case of a low battery. The vault’s gas shock assisted door opens nearly straight up, allowing easy access to firearms and other contents – a design well-suited for discrete mounting inside a drawer or anywhere convenient for top-down access.

RAPiD Safe Keypad Vault features heavy-duty, tamper-proof construction, exceeding the rigorous industry standards for safe firearm storage. A 14-gauge steel housing and internal locking lug prevent unauthorized entry, keeping loved ones safe. The padded interior protects valuables from contacting the steel container.

The battery-powered RAPiD Safe Keypad Vault mounts virtually anywhere, and it can be secured to a stationary object using the pre-drilled mounting holes. 

The Hornady Security Keypad Vault is ideal for firearms owners seeking an advanced secure storage solution for a defense handgun.

This morning, Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation’s (CSF) President and CEO Jeff Crane participated in the ringing of the opening bell by Black Rifle Coffee Company (BRCC) at the New Year Stock Exchange, an event marking the occasion of BRCC’s debut on the exchange. At the event, CSF was honored to receive a Mission Partner donation from BRCC. For the past year, BRCC Founder and CEO Evan Hafer has served as a member on the CSF Board of Directors. As an avid outdoorsman, veteran, and business leader, Mr. Hafer has lent his expertise to CSF in several areas. 

Speaking to BRCC’s FreeRange American in 2021, Mr. Hafer said he was motivated to join CSF’s Board of Directors by the goal to bring a veteran’s perspective, “I want to help activate the veterans’ community around giving back to our country, to wildlife, and wild places. Hunting and fishing can provide a new mission to veterans, and it’s worth protecting.” 

For more than 30 years, CSF has been working with Congress, governors, and state legislature to protect and advance hunting, angling, recreational shooting, and trapping. In 2021, CSF was able to achieve several key conservation victories across the country, including securing over $40 billion in conservation funding via the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, the repeal of antiquated Sunday Hunting laws, and increasing access to public lands and water that support hunting, fishing, and recreational shooting through the Great American Outdoors Act. Through its presence on Capitol Hill and its expert State Policy Team, CSF tracks an average of 5,000 conservation related bills per year and over the past three years has successful advocated for the passage of over 700 pro-sportsmen’s bills. 

“CSF is grateful to Mr. Hafer and the team at Black Rifle Coffee,” said CSF President and CEO Jeff Crane. “It has been a pleasure watching BRCC grow over the past few years, and we are thrilled to continue our partnership with a business that reflects and embraces the values of the sportsmen’s community. BRCC is a mission driven company, and we are excited to see how this listing will help them further their work for our country.”  

Over the past eight years BRCC has grown from a one-pound roaster in Mr. Hafer’s garage to a national brand with a dedicated following and countrywide distribution. At the core of the BRCC mission is the dedication to support veterans, first responders, and the conservation community. To this end, BRCC has established the BRCC fund, which focuses on helping people connect with nature through bridging the gap between the outdoors and the modern world.

Federal Ammunition launched its new High Overall Competition Target Loads for competitive shotgun shooters in the early fall of 2021. The company also showcased these exciting new loads at the 2022 SHOT Show in Las Vegas, Nevada, January 2022.

“It was great to show shooters how effective and smooth-shooting these new loads are while at the SHOT Show Industry Day at the Range event,” said Dan Compton, Federal Ammunition Shotshell Product Manager. “We are proud of this new product and anyone who tried it was impressed.”

Federal Premium High Over All leaves a trail of shattered targets in its wake and more reloads per shell. It’s hard, high-antimony lead payload and exclusive one-piece Podium wad produce the most consistent patterns, while the solid brass head and tapered, one-piece hull make reloading easier than ever.

“Our new High Overall Competition Target Loads offer maximum performance on the range and at the hand loaders bench,” said Dan Compton, Federal Ammunition Shotshell Product Manager. “We made them with five-percent antimony shot to reduce fliers for consistent patterns and to crush clays on impact. And the newly designed single piece Podium wad delivers soft shooting and great patterns.”

From beginners to elite and all shooters in-between, it’s the ultimate load for anyone wanting to knock down more clay targets at the range. The complete list of sixteen 12-gauge, 2 3/4-inch offerings have a wide range of payloads, velocity, dram, and in shot sizes of 7.5, 8, 8.5 or 9, to accommodate the needs of any discipline of competitive shooting.

Tigress Outriggers and Gear will be showcasing their innovative fishing products at the world’s most anticipated boating event, the Discover Boating Miami International Boat Show. It is held at Miami Beach Convention Center in Miami, Florida, from February 16 through 20, 2022.

Discover Boating Miami International Boat Show attendees get hands-on access to the world’s leader in trolling solutions, Tigress Outriggers and Gear. Consumers can view and handle many of Tigress’ state-of-the-art products by visiting booth OP138. Representatives from Tigress will be present to help attendees select the correct products to get the most out of their new or existing offshore boat and likely catch more fish.

Visit Tigress Outriggers and Gear at the Discover Boating Miami International Boat Show, North America’s largest boat show. The Discover Boating Miami International Boat Show will take place at the Miami Beach Convention Center, Miami, Florida, February 16-20, 2022. To set up an appointment with Tigress at booth OP138, contact Boone Oughterson at [email protected].  

For more information, please visit www.tigressoutriggers.com. 

Since our inception, our mission has been to raise the bar for innovation, quality, ease of use, and convenience of the products we offer to the salt water sports fishing enthusiast.

When you spend time outside, you’ll inevitably have to deal with a few mishaps, like breaking a tent pole which can leave you with an unusable shelter, or getting snagged by a tree branch that can tear your jacket.

However, with the proper knowledge and preparedness, many of these minor outdoor problems can be solved on the spot, saving you money in the long run by avoiding unnecessary gear replacements at professional stores. After all, obstacles are the true cost of greatness, so if you want to experience extraordinary outdoor adventures be prepared that you’ll probably have to fix a thing or two along the way.  

For that reason, as a precaution, before heading outdoors for a long weekend hike, or hunt, it’s always a good idea to plan and bring along a few items in a reasonably sized emergency kit, which doesn’t have to be expensive. 

Therefore, prepare yourself for your upcoming adventure, sit down and create a checklist of all the items and gear you plan to bring, and then think about what could go wrong with them. Although these failures will most often occur due to normal wear and tear, it’s always good to be ready, so here are some things you need to know to repair your gear like a pro.

Make Sure You Have The Right Tools With You

Equipment faults usually happen while you’re away from home without a stack of tools, and no matter how well you preserve your gear and check for damage before you depart, you’ll need to do emergency repairs in the vast outdoors most of the time.

The National Deer Association (NDA) February Beer and Deer Webinar will feature NDA’s Chief Conservation Officer, Kip Adams. Supporters can tune in today, February 9 at 7:00 p.m. EST for this month’s episode: Deer Report 2022 – Trends in Harvest and Management Programs. To register for this, and other NDA Beer & Deer webinars, please visit the Beer & Deer webpage at DeerAssociation.com. 

“All of our frequent listeners know that Kip is such a key player within our organization and offers and endless amount of knowledge on a variety of topics so important to our mission,” said NDA President and CEO, Nick Pinizzotto. “We were able to gather a ton of valuable information from our 2022 Deer Report, and this segment will cover all of that and more.”

Kip Adams is a certified wildlife biologist and NDA’s Chief Conservation Officer. He has a bachelor’s degree in wildlife and fisheries science from Penn State University and a master’s in wildlife from University of New Hampshire. He’s also a certified taxidermist. Before joining NDA, Adams was the deer and bear biologist for the New Hampshire Fish & Game Department.

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. 

The Murray Road Agency has added Kara Ahl, Events and Project Manager, to its growing team. Ahl will work out of the company’s Charleston, South Carolina headquarters. Ahl will oversee the coordination and facilitation of Murray Road client and agency events, and manage projects within the agency’s client base.

Ahl has extensive experience in events, hospitality and tourism, specializing in marketing and events management. She has overseen local event promotion and content creation for the Charleston area as well as special events for local organizations, major national magazines and legislative trips to Columbia, SC and Washington DC. With Murray Road, Ahl’s knowledge and expertise in event and project management will help elevate client events through new strategies and approaches and create strong plans for agency projects.

“Kara is another talented and experienced professional joining the Murray Road Team,” said Tim Brandt, President and CEO. “Kara’s work on large consumer and trade events, her local ties and her hands-on management with integrated projects immediately bolsters our team’s abilities. Murray Road continues to run point on a growing number of industry hunts, and we look forward to offering a more premium and impactful service in this area. Look for fresh takes and improvements on even the most tried-and-true events in our space.”

Prior to joining Murray Road, Ahl planned and managed events for organizations in the Charleston area. Ahl graduated from the School of Business at the College of Charleston in 2014 with Bachelor of Science degrees in Business Administration and Hospitality and Tourism. She is an Institute for Organization Management graduate through the US Chamber of Commerce for Non-Profit Management, earning her IOM certification in 2019. Outside of the office, Ahl enjoys spending time with her family, fiancé and Boykin spaniel and working on creative projects in graphic design, home design, jewelry making and creating custom paintings and signs. Ahl resides in Moncks Corner.

About Murray Road Agency

Viridian Weapon Technologies will attend and exhibit at the Nation’s Best Sports (NBS) upcoming show at the Fort Worth Convention Center in Fort Worth, Texas February 11-14, 2022. Viridian join will showcase several new products and joins several other leading hunting and shooting hardgoods brands and products on display.

Recent introductions from Viridian include the E SERIES Red Laser Sight for Stance, Savage Arm’s new Micropistol and HS1 AR Handstop Infrared Laser. Several other exciting new products, line extensions and model-specific offers are coming soon. Attendees are encouraged to stop by booth #2145 to see some of these introductions first-hand.   

“The year has started strong for Viridian,” said Viridian President and CEO Brian Hedeen. “We’re excited to showcase new products and talk through some of the other reasons we’re excited about 2022 and beyond. It will also be a great chance to see so many customers we haven’t been able to visit over the last two years.”

The NBS Show runs from 1PM Friday, February 11 to Monday, February 14 at 12 noon. Viridian’s team is available to meet during show hours and by appointment. Contact can be made via Russ Datson, Vice President of Sales at [email protected].

About Viridian Weapon Technologies

ProLine Baits is set to attend the National Fishing Expos Columbus event, February 11-13, 2022, at the Ohio Expo Center in Columbus, Ohio. The ProLine Baits team will be on site, showcasing the entire lineup of multi-species fish attractants (Booth 301). ProLine Baits brand ambassador, David Dudley, will be in attendance as an event speaker and will make an appearance during the show at the ProLine Baits booth.

Dudley is slotted for four speaking events throughout the Expo. On the topic, ‘The Power of the Drop Shot,’ Dudley is scheduled at 4:00 p.m. on Friday and 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, both will take place the Hawg Trough. Dudley will be covering a second topic, ‘Advanced Wackyworm Fishing,’ on Friday at 6:00 p.m. at the Hawg Trough and again on Saturday at 3:00 p.m. on Stage A. To access the full seminar schedule, attendees should visit the National Fishing Expos website. Additionally, fans should follow ProLine Baits on Instagram and Facebook for updates on when Dudley will be making his appearance at the booth.

“This is a really exciting time to get on the road and we are thrilled to have David join us in Columbus,” said ProLine Baits owner Keith Cisney. “David has quickly become a huge part of the team and we are really excited to have him at the booth sharing his insight and how he puts our scents to work on the water.”

The original expo in the National Fishing Expos series, the Columbus Fishing Expo has been drawing a crowd of fishing enthusiasts since 2017. For three information-packed days, hundreds of vendors come to showcase, demonstrate and sell their innovative products at the Ohio Expo Center. It is one of largest groups of handmade tackle, guides and Canadian outfitters in the country.

Attendees can explore over 150,000 square feet of indoor exhibit space featuring nearly 300 vendors representing every corner of the fishing industry. The event also includes many free seminars, where a top lineup of expert anglers share fishing tips and secrets during live demonstrations.  

By Adam S. Jones, Distinguished Rifleman #2548

This article is dedicated to the memory of the author’s father, Donald E. Jones – “a kind, dear man.”

Make no mistake, there is much improvement I am excited to pursue, so what follows is not advice from a record setter or one of the Zen Masters. I simply wish to contribute to this culture as others have done before me and pass along some things that benefited me. Also, what follows will be a blend of what was shared with me, thoughts from Raymond Prior who authored Bullseye Mind (if you haven’t already, read and savor this book!), sessions with an excellent cognitive therapist, good reading and what seems to add up and follow from experience.

I went Distinguished this past September – a journey that was seven years in the making. The fact that it occurred is a testament to the generous and encouraging culture of the highpower rifle community. Is there another sport where one’s competitors go out of their way to encourage and instruct you in hopes you improve?

I could not begin to calculate, let alone properly express gratitude for, the time and effort others have provided. Strangers on Viale at Camp Perry offering observations on the line fresh after a string of fire; experiential knowledge shared through casual conversation in the pits, the parking lot or online; phone conversations with friends; mental management suggestions; equipment corrections; reloading improvements and on and on.  A local friend and excellent rifleman even commuted an hour to coach me during live fire in 35-degree weather, not having trigger time for himself. And, of course, there was the loving support of my wonderful wife and daughter who could see the benefits competitive rifle was providing for me.