Hunting and Fishing News Blog Articles

Deer hunters in the United States harvested an estimated 6.3 million white-tailed deer in the 2020-21 hunting season, the most since 2011, according to the National Deer Association’s latest Deer Report released this week. Harvests of both antlered bucks and antlerless deer were up over the 2019 season, but the estimated buck harvest of 3,041,544 was the most in 21 years.

“2020 saw the highest buck harvest in the new century, and amazingly we estimate that we set another new record for the percentage of those bucks that were 3½ years old or older,” said Kip Adams, NDA’s Chief Conservation Officer. “U.S. hunters are taking fewer yearling bucks and killing more of them as mature deer, but this doesn’t mean fewer bucks harvested overall. We’re killing older bucks and more bucks than ever in America.”

The steadily climbing percentage of 3½-and-older bucks in the harvest is the result of declining pressure nationwide on yearling bucks (1½ years old). Only 26% of the 2020 antlered buck harvest was yearlings, another new record low in modern history. The total buck harvest of 3,041,544 was up 5.3% from the previous season. It is estimated 41% of them were 3½ or older, or 1.2 million. While hunters killed slightly more bucks in total in the record 1999 season, the national harvest at that time was more than 50% yearlings, therefore the 2020 season likely saw the greatest number of mature bucks killed by American hunters in modern history.

The new Deer Report covers data for the 2020-21 hunting season, the most recent season with complete harvest data available from all major deer states. NDA’s new Deer Report is available for free download at this link: https://www.deerassociation.com/2022-deer-report/

Nationally, the antlerless harvest (which includes does and buck fawns) jumped 12% from the previous season to 3,207,937, reversing a three-year decline and putting the number back above 3 million for the first time since 2013. The antlerless harvest estimates also climbed above the antlered buck harvest for the first time since 2016. Modern antlerless harvests first surpassed the buck harvest in the 1999 season and remained there until it dipped slightly below the buck harvest in 2017, 2018 and 2019.

Savage Arms is pleased to announce that Matt Alwine has joined Team Savage. Alwine will be competing in the PRS Series production division with a Savage 110 Elite Precision.

“We are thrilled to have someone of Matt’s caliber on our team,” said Beth Shimanski, Director of Marketing at Savage Arms, “and we are excited for what’s to come in 2022 for him! The 110 Elite Precision is the perfect platform for this division and we wish Matt the best of luck this upcoming season.”

“I am excited to be partnering with Savage to shoot in the PRS production division,” Alwine added. “I believe the production division has been overlooked by many and is poised for huge growth in the coming years.”

Alwine has competed in two PRS Series production division seasons and has seven wins, five overall top-five finishes, and was the first shooter in the PRS Pro series to win the production division and place top-five overall at the same match—a feat he accomplished with a Savage rifle at the JC steel shootout in 2020.

Alwine’s winning streak for 2022 is off to a solid start; he won the production division in the first PRS pro series match of the 2022 season—the MPA fall shootout.

Nukem Hunting has announced the new ‘Grab and Go’ ground blind is now available for purchase. Nukem Hunting blinds were developed by outdoorsmen with decades of experience to meet the needs of the mobile hunter. The lightweight design and versatile nature of Nukem Hunting blinds allows hunters to set up in seconds, not minutes. To see the Nukem Hunting blinds in action or purchase, please visit nukemhunting.com.

“We are thrilled to announce the ‘Grab and Go’ blinds are now available, and we are really excited for more people to get their hands on it,” said Nukem Hunting Owner Pat Newcomb. “I’ve spent my entire life in the outdoors, hunting and fishing everything you can imagine. We knew we could make a blind that stood far above the rest and after years of development, we know our customers will have the ultimate advantage with this blind.”

Nukem Grab and Go hunting blinds are perfect for the run and gun hunter who likes to take the hunt to the animal. The compact construction allows users to move silently through the woods and set up at a moment’s notice. The no-stake, easy folding design eliminates the headache associated with conventional ground blinds and gives hunters the ability to set up virtually anywhere.

The U.S. Utility Patent Approved Grab and Go hunting blind is constructed with 150 Denier Nylon, delivering durability with a total unit weight of only 3.5lbs. Each blind folds up to 32 inches and fits inside a carrying case with shoulder strap for easy transport. The stake free design allows the blind to extend up to seven feet, easily concealing two hunters. Nukem Hunting blinds are available in TrueTimber Strata or HTC Green camo to deliver ultimate concealment across a variety of landscapes. MSRP $99.99.

About Nukem Hunting

Nosler, Inc. is proud to introduce its boldest and most innovative product line to date: Nosler Suppressors. Designed specifically for hunters using today’s centerfire rifles, the new Nosler Suppressor line includes two families totaling four models. The new suppressors incorporate cutting edge materials, features and manufacturing methods. 

Weighing in at just over 13 ounces, the all-titanium family includes the SR-22Ti (22 caliber) and SR-30Ti (up to 30 caliber). They are designed to strike an ideal balance between size, light weight, exceptional durability and sound mitigation.   

At 9 ounces, the hybrid aluminum/titanium family has two models.  The 22-ALTi (22 caliber) and 30-ALTi (30 caliber) are engineered to offer the same balance of size, light weight, and sound mitigation at an attractive price point. 

Both Nosler Suppressor families utilize an innovative modular design that attaches the baffle stack to the blast chamber with an exterior jam nut. Nosler suppressors are simple to disassemble for ease of maintenance, cleaning, or replacement of key parts. All four models attach over the Nosler Muzzle Brake, or via direct thread with the included thread adapter, and are compatible with 5/8-24 (30 caliber models) and 1/2-28 (22 caliber models) threaded muzzles.  

“Hearing protection is a critical part of shooting firearms safely, but traditional methods such as plugs and muffs can be challenging to use in the field. I’ve used these models for several big game hunts in a variety of conditions, not to mention many range sessions and they have impressed me at every turn. I am confident they will impress you, too.” John Nosler, President. 

WORKPRO Tools Introduces Pink 11-in-1 Multi-tool in its Continued Partnership with National Breast Cancer Foundation, Inc.

WORKPRO® Tools, the Do-it-Yourself hand and power tool brand, proudly announces an addition to its Pink Tools for Hope line. The new 11-in-1 Multi-tool is designed to be not only a convenient and efficient multi-tool for a wide range of uses but also to be an effective soldier in the war against breast cancer. Continuing its partnership with the National Breast Cancer Foundation, Inc. ®, (NBCF), WORKPRO Tools will donate a portion of the sales from each purchase of the new tool to the NBCF to support its mission as it works to offer early detection, education, and support services to those affected with breast cancer.

Compact and portable, the new 11-in-1 Multi-tool is a multi-function device that is power in a small package.  It handles a wide variety of applications, all at a customer’s fingertips.  Its features include a fire starter and safety whistle, removable scissors, spring-action pliers, a stainless steel compact portable knife, wire cutters, a bottle opener, an SAE ruler, a Phillips screwdriver, and more! And the tool is stored in a durable pink nylon sheath, an appropriate reminder of the good work it does not only in the hands of a DIYer, but also in the fight against breast cancer.

For more information, please visit WORKPRO TOOLS on Amazon.com.

About National Breast Cancer Foundation, Inc.
Recognized as one of the leading breast cancer organizations in the world, National Breast Cancer Foundation (NBCF) is Helping Women Now® by providing early detection, education and support services to those affected by breast cancer. A recipient of Charity Navigator’s highest 4-star rating for 14 years, NBCF provides support through their National Mammography Program, Patient Navigation, breast health education, and patient support programs. For more information, please visit  www.nationalbreastcancer.org.

For anyone looking to get serious about rimfire competition shooting without the costs of a full-on custom rifle, a new day has dawned. CZ-USA has released its match-grade MTR chamber and the extremely tight tolerances that come with it in one of the gunmaker’s most popular 22 LR bolt guns—the 457 Varmint Precision Trainer (VPT). 

The MTR chamber has already proven itself in its namesake, CZ 457 Varmint MTR rifle, and has garnered an excellent reputation for accuracy. The MTR variant of the VPT allows shooters to buy an affordable, match-chambered rifle that’s ready to compete right out of the box. This eliminates the perceived need to upgrade any major components, putting this rifle a step above the competition. 

The Precision Trainer series was designed to provide the same look and feel as a full-size tactical rifle while allowing for more economical training. Though the golden days of cheap and plentiful 22 LR ammo may be behind us, the Precision Trainer has become more popular than we ever could have imagined.

The 457 VPT MTR merges the best of both models with the Manners carbon-fiber composite stock and the MTR chamber. This model utilizes a cold hammer-forged and lapped 16.2-inch barrel for superior accuracy. It is also threaded to allow easy installation of a suppressor or muzzle device. 

New for 2022 the Manners carbon fiber stock now features an adjustable cheekpiece. The forend is recessed, drilled, and threaded for use with an Arca Rail. It still comes with the basic features that have set the 457 family of rifles apart; a fully adjustable trigger, a 5-round detachable magazine, and integrated 11mm dovetails for scope installation with an MSRP of $1,635.

Designed for shooters by shooters and manufactured in Greeley, Colorado; Burris announces the new Xtreme Tactical (XTR) Pro line of riflescopes. Elevating the XTR family to the next level, this optics features new illuminated reticle designs, Pro Accessories, and the best glass and mechanical system ever featured in a Burris optic. Inspired by tactical and competition shooting and built on the success of the XTR III, precision and reliability are at the core of the XTR Pro.

Available in 5.5-30x56mm, the XTR Pro is built with a 34mm nitrogen-filled tube for maximum strength and adjustment range. Elevation adjustments up to 29 MIL and expanded side parallax tuning make this line a top contender for the most serious shooters – easily compensating for shots at extreme long ranges or fine-tuning focus at shorter distances.

Premium ED Glass, better anti-reflective lens coatings, and improved optical design, including a smaller eyepiece signature and larger eye box, provide best-in-class field-of-view, greater depth of focus and outstanding light transmission. Advanced machining and incredibly tight tolerances provide the most precise optical and mechanical system ever created by Burris.

Three front focal plane reticle designs each featuring both red and green illumination provide shooters a variety of options. Demanded by tactical and competition shooters, the XTR Pro line includes the new Horus TREMOR5 reticle as well as the popular Special Competition Reticle (SCR) 2 reticle which features an efficient grid design, allowing extremely fast and accurate windage and elevation compensation and clear communication with spotters. The SCR ¼ MIL is also available.

New for 2022, the XTR Pro features a tool-less Zero Click-Stop elevation turret allowing shooters to quickly adjust zero with an innovative tool-free cam system. Users can easily swap between two new Quick Detach turret caps including the Burris QD Race Dial and standard black QD Dial by squeezing two release buttons located on the sides of each cap. The Burris Race Dial was designed specifically around the needs of PRS and NRL shooters with a smooth powder coat finish and .75-inch surface height to fit Scotch brand clear tape perfect for making custom notes in the field.

Silencer Central, America’s largest silencer dealer, will attend the 2022 Grand Slam Club/Ovis (GSCO) Hunter & Outfitter Convention, January 27-29 at the Westgate Resort and Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada. Silencer Central will have sales staff on hand to answer questions about the new E Forms process which is expected to cut the suppressor buying process to under 90 days.

“The 18th Annual GSCO Hunter & Outfitter Convention looks to be exciting,” said Brandon Maddox, CEO of Silencer Central. “Silencer Central is thrilled to be a part of this event. Silencer Central knows the benefit of hunting with suppressors, and we’re bringing two new big-bore hunting suppressors to GSCO this year—the new Banish 46 and Banish 338. These new silencers will cut the noise and reduce recoil and are perfect for hunting sheep, goats and other big game.”

Founded in 1956 by Bob Housholder, The Grand Slam Club/Ovis is an organization of hunters and conservationists dedicated to improving and perpetuating wild sheep and goat populations worldwide, as well as North American big game. As an organization GSCO works to encourage the use of legally issued permits, tags, and licenses for the hunting of wild mountain sheep, goats and other big game.

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

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

FISHERS, IN -Base Camp Leasing is proud to support Freedom Hunters, an organization that focuses on honoring our nation’s finest from field to field. Base Camp Leasing believes in their mission to salute the noble work of our courageous men and women of our Armed Forces by taking them on outdoor adventures. The support that BCL provides will help enhance the outdoor adventures for soldiers that have been deployed, families of the deployed, honoring the wounded and remembering the fallen.   

“We are proud to support Freedom Hunters, their focus on the military community is outstanding. Our business is all about enjoying hunting and the outdoors, so this is a great match for us” -JT Kreager, CEO Base Camp Leasing.

“Thank you to Base Camp Leasing for giving Freedom Hunters life-changing and generous support. We know how important having access to great properties can be. Your partnership will open more doors to the great outdoors and witness the power of bringing healing to our military community through our adventures. Your gift helps combat warriors like Joel, who Freedom Hunters recently took on this great private land buck in Nebraska. The healing and camaraderie that takes place on hunts like this is priceless. Thanks to your support, people like Joel feel the depth of gratitude for their service. Together we are changing lives. From all of us at Freedom Hunters, thank you!” -Anthony Pace, Founder Freedom Hunters.

About Freedom Hunters: Freedom Hunters is a 501©3 military outreach program dedicated to honoring those who protect our Freedoms. Freedom Hunters reflects the outdoor community’s appreciation to our troops by taking select active duty and combat veterans, families of fallen heroes, children of the deployed as well as those wounded or injured, on outdoor adventures. Empowered by help from conservation groups, outfitters, corporation, government agencies, and landowners, Freedom Hunters honor individuals from all branches of the military. It is with immense pride and enthusiasm that Freedom Hunters carries on the American tradition of hunting fishing, and marksmanship. Click here to donate to Freedom Hunters.

About Base Camp Leasing: Base Camp Leasing was established in 1999 and developed a mutually beneficial business model to serve both landowners and hunters alike. Base Camp Leasing has led the way in the hunting lease industry and continues to expand into new states. Base Camp Leasing is  “Powered by the American Landowner”, where we see first-hand the joy, memories, and trusted relationships between our landowners and hunters. If you own land and would like to lease it out please give us a call at 866-309-1507.

Savage Arms is pleased to announce its sponsorship of The National Rifle League (NRL) Hunter Series—an evolving rifle competition that challenges participants with exciting ways to practice shooting skills in hunting-like conditions.

“As much as we’d all like to be out hunting all the time, that’s not the way it happens,” said Beth Shimanski, Director of Marketing at Savage Arms. “But the NRL Hunter Series builds dynamic hunting scenarios into a shooting competition format, allowing participants to develop practical skills while competing in realistic conditions. Savage is pleased to be a sponsor of these events and to have Savage rifles in the approved list of firearms participants can use to compete.”

“Savage has long been a leader in the hunting community,” Travis Ishida, President of the NRL, said. “Their drive and innovation has catapulted them to continuously adapt to needs and demands of hunters. Today’s modern hunter is evolving, and Savage is listening. We are very excited to have their support as we continue to train hunters to become better marksman through competition.”

NRL Hunter Series Matches consist of 12 or more stages, each with four target engagements. Match directors replicate hunting scenarios which may be encountered in the regions which their matches are held or test the shooter’s skillset in a field scenario.

The NRL’s rules limit the ways factory rifles can be modified for competition. AccuTrigger®, AccuFit®, and AccuStock® all come standard on many Savage rifles, making these ideal options for competitors that want adjustable fit and control of trigger weight on rifles that meet the NRL’s demanding factory qualifications.

Adjustable Bipods Available in Prone, Sitting and Standing Models

Primos® Hunting, a pioneer in game calls and hunting accessories, announces the new Trigger Stick® Gun Mounted Bipod. Highly portable and fast to deploy at any desired height thanks to its built-in one-handed trigger mechanism, the Trigger Stick Gun Mounted Bipod helps hunters make accurate shots with speed no matter where they are.

These bipods are quick-detachable and will clamp to the sling swivel stud of bolt-action rifles or to a picatinny rail on a modern sporting rifle. The design allows the shooter to utilize their sling and does not impede when shooting off-hand. The hinged design also allows the bipod to be folded parallel to the barrel when not in use.

With a sleek head design for ultimate portability and heat-treated steel and alloy construction, the Tigger Stick Gun Mounted Bipod can strap onto the outside of a pack and easily withstand whatever the elements throw its way.

Average retail price on the Tigger Stick Gun Mounted Bipod is $149.99 (short height), $164.99 (medium height) and $179.99 (tall height). To learn more about Primos Trigger Sticks, check out Primos.com.

Live Tournament Action Will Be Made Available to Viewers for the First Time

The Sport Fishing Championship (SFC) and CBS Sports have agreed to an exclusive agreement to televise all SFC tournaments on CBS Sports Network, beginning with the first regular-season event from Grand Isle, Louisiana from April 28-30, 2022.

The multi-year deal includes two hours of live final day tournament coverage on CBS Sports Network from the SFC’s 12 regular season events, including the season-ending Championship from Puerto Rico. The post-season SFC Champions Cup, held in October, will air in a made-for-TV event.

SFC telecasts will bring live, high-stakes saltwater tournament action to viewers directly from the boats competing in the events from up to 200 miles offshore.

“This is a historic day for championship fishing,” said Mark Neifeld, CEO & Commissioner of the Sport Fishing Championship. “Teaming up with CBS Sports to televise competitive saltwater angling will be the catalyst that elevates the sport to new heights.”

London gunmaker John Rigby & Co. has released two new gun care accessories – horn snapping blocks and boiling out funnels – to help keep your Rigby in top condition and stand the test of time.

The new Rigby Horn Snapping Blocks are designed for decompressing the mainspring on your double rifle or shotgun, releasing pressure and aiding its longevity. To use, simply hold the snapping block next to the face of the action and pull the trigger to engage the mechanism, thus de-cocking the mainspring.

Rigby’s new Boiling Out Funnels are specially devised for pouring fluids, usually boiling water from the chamber end of your rifle down the barrel, to flush out corrosive residues left by cordite propellants and mercuric primers. Crafted from brass and available in three size configurations, each funnel is engraved with the Rigby name.

Marc Newton, managing director of Rigby, commented: “At Rigby, we are devoted to creating guns to be enjoyed not only a lifetime, but to be passed from generation to generation. With this in mind, we have decided to expand our gun care accessory line, so Rigby users worldwide, will have access to the right tools to help keep their guns in top condition between servicing.”

Horn Snapping Blocks RRP (incl. VAT): £90 plus P&P
Brass Boiling Out Funnels RRP (incl. VAT): £200 plus P&P

Encourages landowners to submit applications citing higher payment rates and other incentives

Today the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Farm Service Agency (USDA- FSA) announced a general signup for the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) running from January 31st – March 11th, 2022, and a Grassland CRP signup from April 4th – May 13th. CRP has long been the nation’s most important tool for targeting environmentally sensitive lands with conservation practices that produce wildlife habitat, cleaner waters, healthier soils, and a more resilient climate. Landowners should visit their nearest USDA Service Center to learn more about general CRP eligibility.

“At a time when the country is looking for opportunities to improve the environmental and economic health of our nation, CRP once again shines as a tool for American farmers, ranchers, and landowners,” stated Jim Inglis, Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever’s director of governmental affairs. “CRP enables producers to enroll difficult-to-farm acres in the program to improve soil health, water quality, climate resiliency and wildlife habitat, and is a key part of the ecological and economic safety net for rural communities.”

The Conservation Reserve Program has supported wildlife populations and rural communities since President Ronald Reagan signed CRP into law on December 23, 1985. The program reached peak enrollment in 2007 with 36.8 million acres, corresponding with modern-day highs for upland bird harvest in many Midwestern states. Producers and landowners enrolled 4.6 million acres into CRP signups in 2021, including 2.5 million acres in the largest Grassland CRP signup in history. There are currently 22.1 million acres enrolled with a 25.5-million-acre cap set for fiscal year 2022. Additionally, producers and landowners can enroll acres under the Continuous signup, including through the Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP) and State Acres for Wildlife Enhancement (SAFE) initiative.

“We highly encourage farmers, ranchers and private landowners to consider the enrollment options available through CRP,” said Zach Ducheneaux, Administrator of USDA’s Farm Service Agency. “Last year, we rolled out a better, bolder program, and we highly encourage you to consider its higher payment rates and other incentives. CRP is another way that we’re putting producers and landowners at the center of climate-smart solutions that generate revenue and benefit our planet.” 

Blue Payment Agency, an online payment gateway provider that focuses on firearms-friendly integrations, has just announced support for My FFL Cart clients looking to process credit cards for legal FFL-to-FFL shipments within the United States.

According to Blue Payment Agency, they have built out support and established a partnership with My FFL Cart for the following reason: “Blue Payment Agency is always looking for a way to serve the online FFL payment processing space better. Based on feedback from clients and others in the industry, it is clear that My FFL Cart is an affordably priced, easy to set up, mobile-friendly, and custom-made shopping cart developed exclusively for online FFL dealers. Because My FFL Cart is a Second Amendment-friendly shopping cart that is designed to be added to existing websites, we felt its appeal was unique and well worth supporting.”

The My FFL Cart website describes their service this way: “My FFL Cart’s main purpose is to provide an online storefront. Most people already have a website but are now ready for a store. You cannot add ‘pages’ containing custom content such as blogs or forums, etc. There are 1000s of tools and services built just for that purpose already and are better suited for those needs. You will be better off to just have your ‘website’ hosted somewhere containing your custom content, etc., and then link to your online store {shopping cart} from there.”

Blue Payment Agency has been building out its online FFL-dealer payment gateway program over the past few years, emphasizing clarity and service. According to Blue Payment Agency staff, the online payment processing industry in general and the FFL payment gateway business specifically have a very mixed reputation in terms of fully disclosing, in a clear, easily understood manner, the fees associated with accepting credit cards online for FFL-to-FFL transactions. This reputation has prompted Blue Payment Agency to emphasize transparent pricing in writing when working with new and established My FFL Cart clients.

Without the ability to accept credit cards for online sales and the criminal background checks that go with them, the ability for My FFL Cart-based businesses to thrive would be severely restricted.  

What do you give to that special someone in your life for Valentine’s Day? Will you bore them to death again this year with the same old, same old box of chocolates? A dozen roses? Take them to dinner at the same place you’ve been going to for years? Go to the movies? Will any of that really add some zing to your relationship?

Here’s a thought. Why not prepare a special unique, spicy, flavorful dinner for two using Aubrey D. Rebel ultra-spicy, all natural hot sauces from Gourmet Chips & Sauces?

Born out of the fires of rebellion, Aubrey D. Rebel Hot Sauces are the only full line of hot sauces in the world where each sauce is designed around the unique flavors and heat of each individual pepper. Whether it’s the milder Chipotle’s smokey richness, the wildness of the Jalapeno classic, the fiery heat of the Habanero, the insanity of the savory Scotch Bonnet, or the crazy burn of the Red Savina, there is an Aubrey D. Rebel Hot Sauce that is sure to please every chilihead’s pallet.

There’s Aubrey D. Carolina Mustard Sauce with Ghost and Wiri Wiri peppers, a Carolina-style Mustard BBQ sauce that’s tasty, sweet and tart, flavorful yet spicy. There’s Aubrey D. Classic Habanero BBQ with Datil peppers, a delicious sauce that will introduce you to the fires of Vulcan. Or how about Aubrey D. Habanero Louisiana BBQ Sauce with Cayenne peppers, a tasty sauce inspired by the fires of the bayou? There’s also a full line of Rebel rubs, including Wild Jalapeno, Montreal Reaper Steak, Scorpion Stinger, Smokin’ Chipotle, and Memphis Ghost. And so much more! And don’t forget the company’s hot dips, hot snacks, and hot sauces, and hot condiments.

And as a unique gift, why not wrap up one of our new series of Aubrey D. Rebel Hot Caddy products? Each caddy features four 150 ml (5.07 fl. oz.) bottles of Aubrey D.’s most popular hot sauces. The first features four bottles of Aubrey D. Rebel’s most popular medium to hot sauces: Jalapeno Hot Sauce, Chipotle Hot Sauce, Habanero Hot Sauce, and Scotch Bonnet Hot Sauce, with a MSRP of $29.99-$34.99. The second features four bottles of Aubrey D.’s most popular ultra-hot sauces: Red Savina Hot Sauce, Jolokia Hot Sauce, Scorpion Hot Sauce, and Reaper 51 Hot Sauce, with a MSRP of $34.99-$37.99. The third features four bottles of Aubrey D.’s most popular creamy hot sauces: Jalapeno Creamy Hot Sauce, Chipotle Creamy Hot Sauce, Habanero Creamy Hot Sauce, and Ghost Creamy Hot Sauce, with a MSRP of $27.99-$29.99. All Hot Caddy products come shrink-wrapped in a sturdy carboard caddy for easy carry and storage. Best of all, all Aubrey D. Rebel hot sauces are both gluten and peanut free, are vegetarian and kosher, and contain no additives or artificial preservatives.

Over the decades, hunting became a sport for recreation rather than a necessity. As older hunters quit the sport, and young hunters failed to replace them at the same rate there has been a sharp decline in the activity. The number of hunters steadily increased from 1960, attaining a peak of 16.7 million in 1982. Thereafter, it started to decline, from 13.6 million in 2011 to 11.5 million in 2016.  There have been many reasons for this downtrend namely rapid urbanization in the US, a lack of interest among the younger generations, and the development of farmland. Some experts also suggest a demand-supply imbalance, where sporting communities don’t have access to hunting grounds, even with huge acres of countryside underused, and under-visited.

However, the pandemic led to a resurgence in hunting activities in the US. It comes as no surprise as many outdoor recreation activities increased with the closure of restaurants, sports centers, and gyms. Hunting license sales increased 12% nationwide, leading to 1 million new hunters in 2020. More than 53K new licenses were given in Pennsylvania alone consisting of new hunters, and those who had not hunted in the previous 5 years. In Indiana, there was a 28% rise in sales of turkey licenses in May 2020, in the first weeks of the season. Michigan saw similar trends too in 2020, with a 95% increase in new hunter licenses, with a 25% increased participation from female hunters since 2019.

This renewed interest in hunting is a welcome one, and states must sustain this momentum for the long term.

Hunting Licenses Fund Conservation Efforts and More

It’s ironic to say that it’s hunting that is a serious contributor towards funds needed for wildlife conservation. Years of decline in hunting activity has had an impact on state wildlife agencies, leaving them in need of money to staff themselves inadequately, to protect critical habitat and implement management programs for animals. They are also responsible for tracking wildlife diseases, managing invasive species, and recovering endangered species.

As per the 1937 Pittman-Robertson Act, there is an 11% excise tax placed on the sale of firearms and angling equipment, which goes towards wildlife conservation projects, access to outdoor recreation, and hunter education. Since 1937, more than $14 billion has been contributed to conservation under this Act. Apart from that, the profits from hunting licenses are also used to fund conservation. In 2021, money generated from license sales and federal excise tax still accounted for 60-80% of the funding for state wildlife agencies.

German Precision Optics (GPO, USA), together with fellow sponsor Mossberg, has proudly partnered with The Hunting Wire and National Deer Association in the quest to identify new hunters, take them afield, and tell their story from their point of view in the exclusive “The Rookie” series. “We organized hunts in different regions of the U.S. from the woods of New York to the fallow farm fields of Michigan, to Kansas cornfields, and along Virginia’s Blue Ridge skylines,” said Mike Jensen, GPO USA owner and CEO. “We hope you’ll learn from these profiles, but ultimately, we hope you’ll be inspired to identify and mentor a new hunter yourself next season.”

All rookie hunters and their mentors will be using the appropriate GPO riflescope and binocular for the species and area that they are hunting, as well as one of GPO’s award-winning RANGEGUIDE laser rangefinders to accurately range their target.

“I was fortunate to have a brother get me into hunting, but many kids aren’t so lucky,” said Mike Jensen. “Without this type of hands-on mentoring, it will be difficult, if not impossible, to recruit the number of new hunters into the fold that we need to keep our way of life going strong. Every company in our industry needs to step it up and support this, and similar programs going forward.”

The accounts of each new hunters’ experiences will be shared on the Hunting Wire. Be sure to follow at www.huntingwire.com. 

About GPO USA
German Precision Optics was founded on the premise that design, engineering and quality management is 100 percent controlled in Germany to its strictest standards, yet products can be produced at some of the largest production facilities around the world. This unique corporate structure allows GPO to offer the highest quality products with better features at a significantly better price. The company is 100-percent confident that all of its products will not only function perfectly but will exceed all expectations. Therefore, GPO, USA has created an industry-leading Spectacular Lifetime Warranty. With outstanding professional service, GPO USA will take care of its products before, during, and after the purchase at no charge—EVER. Founded in 2016, GPO has its US headquarters in Richmond, VA. For more information on GPO US visit  www.gpo-usa.com or call 844-MY BINOS (844-692-4667.)

EDGEFIELD, S.C.—The National Wild Turkey Federation welcomes Mossberg as a Gobbler Sponsor for the upcoming NWTF Convention and Sport Show, set to return Nashville in February of 2022.

“We are extremely proud to support the NWTF Convention at the Gobbler level in 2022,” said John MacLellan, vice president of Sales and Marketing at Mossberg. “We’re also looking forward to getting back to Nashville to spend time with our NWTF friends and family—it’s been way too long!”

As a Gobbler Sponsor, Mossberg—an industry leader in introducing design breakthroughs to the firearms industry as well as long-time supporter of the NWTF—will sponsor the convention Virtual Continuous Silent Auction and will also occupy booth 1131 in the exhibit hall.

“Mossberg continues to sponsor the NWTF Convention and Sport Show in several areas and we are so grateful for their support and presence,” said Natalia Daniels, NWTF national director of corporate relations and licensing. “Their participation year after year adds to the success of our show.”

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 350 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.

EDGEFIELD, S.C.—The National Wild Turkey Federation welcomes Vortex Optics as a Longbeard Sponsor for the upcoming NWTF Convention and Sport Show, set to return Nashville in February of 2022.

”Vortex® is proud to support NWTF and its mission to enhance wild turkey populations, preserve critical wildlife habitat and bring new hunters into the fold to share the outdoor traditions we all cherish,” said Sawyer Briel, Marketing Communications Manager at Vortex®. “We are excited for what the future holds and look forward to seeing everyone at the 2022 NWTF Convention.”

As a Longbeard Sponsor, Vortex®—an American-owned optics manufacturer known for its VIP Warranty and first-time convention sponsor—will sponsor the convention’s Product Showcase featuring the industry’s hottest new gear as well as raffles and auctions. They will also occupy booth 1519 in the exhibit hall.

“We are thrilled to have Vortex onboard as a convention sponsor this year. They have supported this event in the past, but made an even bigger commitment this year,” said Natalia Daniels NWTF national director of corporate relations and licensing. “It would be impossible to host our convention without the support of partners like Vortex.”

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 350 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.