Hunting and Fishing News Blog Articles

Remington Ammunition has announced sporting clays phenom Todd Hitch, aka “The Tennessee Terror,” has joined Team Remington’s impressive roster of top trap, skeet, and sporting clays professionals. A young rising star, Hitch has quickly become one of the most dominant shooters on the National Sporting Clays Association (NSCA) circuit, recently taking 3rd place at the National Sporting Clays Championship in San Antonio, Texas.

“Todd is a great addition to the team, and we are really excited to see him burn up the competition with Remington loads,” said Joel Hodgdon, Remington Marketing Director. “He brings a level of passion and confidence rarely seen from someone his age and it really shows on the score card and at the podium. Todd has a really bright future and Big Green is thrilled to have him as part of the family.”

Hitch will now be competing and winning with Remington’s Premier STS® and Premier Nitro Sporting Clays® Target Loads. With consistent velocities and pattern uniformity, Remington Premier shotshell ammunition is the choice of champions at major skeet, trap and sporting clays shoots across the country. Both loads are part of the full lineup of competition-winning shotshell offerings from Remington that are now being produced and shipped nationwide.  

To see Todd Hitch put Remington Ammunition to the test, fans can follow his Instagram and other social media channels. Find Remington at dealers nationwide and online. For more information on Remington Ammunition and accessories, visit  www.remington.com.

LINCOLN, Neb. – Hunters taking to the field for the November firearm deer season will have bagging a deer on their minds. Safety should be uppermost on their minds.

Deer hunters always should heed the following tips from the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission during the season:

Live on Gun Owners Radio “MAGNUM” Show

U.S. LawShield®, industry leader and America’s largest provider of Legal Defense for Self Defense® coverage, protects members from legal fallout if forced to defend themselves. U.S. LawShield member Jack Wilson will describe his harrowing self-defense experience with a deranged criminal gunman on the Gun Owners Radio program “MAGNUM” this Thursday, November 11, from 9 to 10:30 PM.

“Jack Wilson’s life-saving actions during the December 29, 2019 attack at the West Freeway Church of Christ in Texas stopped a killer,” said P.J. Hermosa, CEO of U.S. LawShield. “As an armed civilian volunteer, Wilson led the church’s security program when a gunman attacked churchgoers inside the sanctuary. Within a matter of seconds, Wilson confronted the church shooter and defended his friends and family,” said Hermosa.

“Unfortunately, even after Governor Greg Abbott presented Wilson with the Governor’s Medal of Courage for his heroic act, the legal system was not as quick to name him a hero,” Hermosa stated. “But because of his membership in the U.S. LawShield Legal Defense for Self Defense program, Wilson was protected from legal landmines the moment he fired his firearm.”

Tune in as Wilson details his account of defending himself, his family, and his church from a murderous criminal as it airs live on “MAGNUM.” The Gun Owners Radio program features in-depth conversations with Second Amendment community leaders.  MAGNUM LIVE: Interview with Jack Wilson.

The Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s Outdoor Fund has awarded a grant to the national Farmers and Hunters Feeding the Hungry (FHFH) venison donation ministry. This funding will help FHFH pay meat processing bills to transform donated deer into nutritious meat for local food banks and feeding ministries while helping people across the nation see and understand the incredible value of the various “hunters for the hungry” programs.

Guided by the visionary leadership of Bass Pro Shops founder Johnny Morris, the Outdoor Fund empowers Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s 200 million annual customers to support conservation efforts by rounding up their purchases. Rallying passionate customers alongside dedicated team members, industry partners and leading conservation organizations, Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s is creating North America’s largest conservation movement to collectively shape the future of the outdoors and all who love it for generations to come.

“On behalf of those in our country who struggle with hunger, we thank Johnny Morris and the Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s Outdoor Fund for their generosity and support of our mission to end hunger in America,” said FHFH Executive Director Josh Wilson.

About FHFH – People across America who struggle with food insecurity are often desperate for meat and protein items. FHFH gives nutritious meat to food banks, food pantries and feeding ministries that help those in need by paying inspected and approved local butcher shops to process deer and livestock that are donated by farmers and hunters. Meat for over 21.5 million meals has been donated, processed and distributed by FHFH since 1997. The organization welcomes new supporters and volunteers to join the cause. To learn more please visit www.fhfh.org, call toll-free 866-438-3434, or email [email protected].

New VP will provide essential support for the association’s future plans 

The American Sportfishing Association (ASA) is pleased to announce that Mary Beth Long has joined the ASA staff as Vice President of Communications. Long will lead the communications team in their efforts to promote the association and its initiatives through its influential government affairs policy work, its angler-based advocacy campaign, Keep America Fishing; ICAST, the sportfishing industry’s annual trade show; and fisheries conservation advocacy efforts.  

”Mary Beth comes to us with a wealth of experience in communications, public affairs and marketing,” said ASA President Glenn Hughes. “She is the perfect complement to our growing organization and will be a key factor in the fulfillment of our new, and ambitious, strategic plan.”

Long has more than 25 years of experience in public affairs, communications, marketing and government relations. She joins ASA after a long career working for the American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA) where she was Vice President of Marketing and Workforce Development. At the AAPA she had oversight over a team tasked with marketing and promoting membership and programming, publications and advertising, social media and professional and workforce development. In addition, she co-managed the association’s annual convention and launched the roll out of a $6 million dollar Department of Labor grant.
 
“I’m looking forward to working with ASA’s members and the recreational fishing community where I can use my maritime and association background to assist in the implementation of ASA’s new strategic plan,” said Long. “The association will be rolling out a number of new initiatives to better communicate with the sportfishing community and I’m excited to do my part to support ASA’s efforts.”

Long further noted, “Fishing was always a big part of my life growing up. Both my grandfather and father enjoyed taking my sister and I fishing. Whether at a local pond, on the beach or at the lake, fishing with my two favorite role models brings back a lot of special memories. I look forward to spending more time on the water and growing my love of fishing with my family and with the industry.”
 
In addition to spending time out on the water, Long enjoys singing and spending time with her family. She resides in Alexandria, Va., with her husband, three teenagers and two dogs. 

One of the most difficult parts of knife ownership is finding the time and tools to sharpen a dull blade properly. There’s nothing more annoying or dangerous than a dull knife when being used for fine tasks. Injuries from a completely or partially dull blade can be not only annoying but also life-threatening.

True brings to market a rugged and durable knife that features a unique system, allowing users to easily swap their knife blades. This Replaceable Blade Knife has a 2-step locking system and comes prepackaged with three blade options: two 3.5” drop point blades and one 3.5” saw blade.

A blade storage case is also included for a safe carry of extra blades while on the move. This unique 2-stage locking system is locked in place with the thumb stud. It slides back and forth for a lock and unlock setting. The blade must be released via a lever in the spine of the knife once unlocked.

Despite being able to replace them, each blade edge is made from 3CR13 stainless steel. 3CR13 is 0.3% carbon, 13% chromium and 0.6% nickel, along with other trace elements. This composition makes it highly corrosion-resistant while retaining a sharp edge for a longer period of time. Pairing the steel with a black oxide finish means that these blades can handle some extreme environments without showing signs of corrosion.

Black fiberglass-filled nylon scales house the liner lock system to keep the blade locked tightly in position. It is textured enough to add some gripping surface without collecting particles. A small deep pocket carry clip is attached on the right-hand side for a tip down right-handed carry. When opened, the Replaceable Blade Knife measures 8” overall, and closed it comes in at 4.5”. The knife is 0.75” thick and from top to bottom measures in at 1.5”. The overall size makes this an excellent every day carry option, fishing knife, utility knife or any various activity when general cutting is necessary.

The organization announces innovative advances effective November 1, 2021 

For more than a decade, the U.S. Concealed Carry Association (USCCA) has continued to grow and improve the benefits offered to its members. Established on the premise of “continuous improvement,” the USCCA is dedicated to helping ensure membership benefits never become obsolete. 

As an industry-leading organization in firearms training and education, the USCCA continues its commitment to training responsibly armed Americans who want to be their family’s first line of defense. The organization offers its members access to online training and education and continually works with its firearms experts to provide new and improved training courses. 

“We are proud to offer our members access to an increased library of lifesaving training and education resources,” said U.S. Concealed Carry Association Founder and CEO Tim Schmidt. “The training resources help our members defend themselves and their families before, during, and after an act of self-defense.” 

The organization boasts over 7,000 certified instructors located throughout the United States. The training and education offered by the USCCA are also available to members, whether at home or on the go, through the recently launched Protector Academy app.

Deer hunting can be challenging – and when you’re hunting mature bucks, it’s usually very tough. This is why most whitetail hunters love to hunt during the rut when bucks of all ages are driven by a burning urge to breed. It seems bucks throw caution to the wind at times as they travel more than usual to seek out potential mates. Big & J offers feed supplements and attractants that can help boost hunters’ rut-hunting success.

Bucks need energy for searching far and wide to find receptive does and fighting with other bucks. Placing a reliable and ready source close to heavy cover can bring big bucks back time & time again to refill their tanks so they can get back to the chase. That’s where a nutrient-rich attractant such as Big & J’s BB2 can be extremely useful for hunters.

Thanks to a proprietary refining process, BB2’s powerful aroma will draw deer in from long distances. But it’s more than just a deer magnet. BB2 offers exceptional nutritional supplements which are considerably more digestible than most. BB2 is available in granular, apple granular, liquid and cube packaging, making it one of the most flexible nutritional attractants ever.

When bucks are on the move, hunting for does, sometimes the best place to hunt is where there is a concentrated supply of females. A good feed site, well-supplied with Big & J’s To Die For keeps doe groups in one area. Mature bucks quickly learn to check feed sites to find receptive does. This can go a long way towards helping hunters see more bucks during the seek-chase phase of the rut.

To Die For Granular combines hybrid corn that’s more than five times sweeter than field corn with highly digestible nutritional supplements. To Die For Liquid adds molasses for even more attractive value and can be poured on corn to create an ultimate whitetail honey-hole.

Safety eyewear innovator Pyramex®, is adding an affordable new eyewear option to its Venture Gear Tactical line of stylish safety eyewear for shooters and tactical wearers — providing ballistic-grade vision protection and crystal-clear vision for demanding conditions. Featuring a rugged half-frame design with anti-fog lens options, the new Drone 2.0 is the next level in vision protection for avid shooters and tactical wearers.

The new Drone 2.0 combines advanced eye protection with distraction-free vision at an incredible value. Its lightweight half-frame style, adjustable rubberized nose piece and stylish dual-injected temples deliver a secure and comfortable fit during any rigorous activity outdoors. Anti-fog, scratch-resistant polycarbonate lenses ensure vision stay crystal clear even when the action heats up. The lenses are also UV rated, providing 99% protection from harmful UVA/B/C rays.

Choose from two frame and anti-fog lens combinations to suit your style, environment and shooting needs. The new Drone 2.0 is offered in a black or OD green frame with either clear or gray anti-fog lens options. Whichever lens/frame combination you choose, trust you’ll have the unmatched ballistic-rated vision protection trusted by elite military and tactical wearers across the globe, plus the proven performance of the Venture Gear Tactical brand. The Drone 2.0 meets stringent MIL-PRF-32432 military ballistic high-velocity standards as well as ANSI Z87.1 for high-impact protection. This means the Drone 2.0 combines both good looks with advanced protection that’s up for any challenge.

With Venture Gear Tactical, wearers can experience high quality, military-grade protection from the harshest environments without the high price tag. The new Venture Gear Tactical Drone 2.0 glasses have an MSRP of just $28.99.

Pyramex Safety delivers high quality safety products through its innovative and stylish product lines. The company designs and manufactures a variety of personal protective equipment from eye, head, hand, welding, cooling and hearing protection to hi-vis work wear, respirators and ergonomic gear. Founded in 1991, the company has more than 3,000 distributors in over 65 countries and is committed to investing countless hours to research, design and testing to ensure Pyramex products meet the highest industry safety standards. To learn more about Pyramex Safety, go to www.pyramexsafety.com. 

The PileDriver is Hatsan’s first .50 caliber air rifle, and the market’s most powerful production PCP rifle. The PileDriver is designed exclusively for high-powered hunting applications. Capable of producing over 800 ft-lbs. of energy in .50 cal, it is also available in a 700+ FPE-generating .45 caliber model. Although this rifle utilizes a 33-inch barrel, its bullpup design keeps the maximum length under 4 ft. The side lever cocking mechanism is easy to reach and operate. A 480cc carbon fiber bottle fills to 4350 PSI and will provide up to 6 high-powered shots on a single fill. The PileDriver’s unique, patented hammer design eliminates traditional steel coil springs in favor of a smoother, easier-to-cock, gas piston mechanism. This top-loading single-shot rifle also features an extra-large loading port that will accommodate ammo up to 34mm in length.

The all-weather synthetic bullpup stock features an ergonomic pistol grip with textured grip surfaces for enhanced feel and control. The soft rubber buttpad is both elevation and angle adjustable to ensure controlled recoil and a comfortable fit. An elevation adjustable cheek rest ensures proper sight alignment with any optic. The rifle’s 14-inch-long scope rail is cut to accept both Picatinny and 11mm Dovetail mounts, offering plenty of real estate for a wide variety of optics. Three Picatinny accessory rails are attached around the air bottle for added customization. The high-strength steel barrel is precision rifled for long-range accuracy, and the absence of a shroud allows for the use of sabot rounds, further expanding one’s ammunition options.

MSRP: $1,199.99PileDriver Features

PileDriver Specifications

HatsanUSA is the exclusive distributor of Hatsan airguns and Escort firearms in the U.S. Recognized for craftsmanship and precision performance, Hatsan products provide an exceptional shooting experience. The brands are purpose-driven and renowned for outstanding power, performance, reliability, and value. Hatsan takes pride in its vertically integrated manufacturing process, which enables it to maintain the highest levels of quality, workmanship, and a competitive advantage.

Houston Safari Club Foundation (HSCF) and “Hunting Matters” welcomes Ryan Spinks, Director of Brand and Product Development at QuietKat electric bikes.  

Born and raised in the Vail valley of Colorado. Spinks has spent most of his life in the mountains which has fostered a passion for the outdoors. Spinks has competed at the highest levels of competition in both skiing and mountain bike racing, at events such as the XGames and Enduro World Series, which has led to a passion for product development and innovation. Today Spinks focuses on new product development to enhance the QuietKat experience and innovate how we explore and recreate in the great outdoors.

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 600 scholarships totaling $2.7 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.

Effort ensures tomorrow’s wildlife management leaders understand hunting’s role in conservation

BISMARCK, NORTH DAKOTA — A decade ago, Delta Waterfowl recognized a startling reality: Though in past generations, people who desired to become wildlife management professionals were typically raised in families that hunted, today up to 70 percent of wildlife management students have no hunting background.

“That’s a problem,” said Jacob Bushaw, HunteR3 coordinator for Delta Waterfowl. “Without an understanding of the important role sportsmen and women play in conservation, these future biologists and decision makers — many of whom will use hunting license and permit revenues to manage waterfowl — might make ill-informed choices about ducks and duck hunting.”

Delta’s innovative University Hunting Program is proving the solution. Introduced in 2017 at five partner universities, the program grew to 24 schools by 2019 and a whopping 39 for the current waterfowl season. Those numbers greatly exceed the program’s forecasted rate of expansion, which ultimately calls for it to be offered at all 494 North American schools with wildlife management programs.

“We’ve recently added UHP programming at such schools as Cornell, Penn State and Alabama A&M, while maintaining the curriculum at Clemson, Colorado State and other major wildlife institutions,” Bushaw said. “Thanks to a generous grant from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, we hope to offer the program to a minimum of 50 schools in 2022.”

The National Deer Association (NDA) November Beer and Deer Webinar will feature NDA’s Chief Conservation Officer, Kip Adams. Supporters can tune in today, November 10 at 7:00 p.m. EST for this month’s episode – Rubs and Scrapes: The 411 on How Deer Communicate. To register for this, and other NDA Beer & Deer webinars, please visit the Beer & Deer webpage at  DeerAssociation.com. 

“Kip is not only our Chief Conservation Officer, but one of our many in house experts on most things deer,” said NDA President and CEO, Nick Pinizzotto. “We always work hard to make sure each webinar in this series delivers useful information to our listeners and Kip has a ton of knowledge that can really be useful for hunters and land managers everywhere.”

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. 

Recreational fishing and boating saw record growth in 2020

The Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) released economic data for 2020 on outdoor recreation’s powerful and positive economic impact on the U.S. economy today. These new numbers show outdoor recreation generates $688 billion in economic output, comprises 3% of U.S. employees and creates 4.3 million jobs. The report, a snapshot in time of a challenging and uncertain year, includes national and state level data.

This is the fourth consecutive year that BEA, an agency of the U.S. Department of Commerce, has released government data on this critical industry sector. Today’s release shows how the outdoor industry, despite the impact of widespread public lands and business closures, suspended trips and travel, gathering restrictions, supply chain issues and more, continued to support communities across the country during the pandemic. Prior to 2020, the outdoor recreation economy was growing faster than the economy in every indicator and served as a resilient economic growth engine and job creator.

“As the BEA numbers indicate, 2020 was an extraordinary year for recreational fishing,” said Glenn Hughes, president of the American Sportfishing Association and ORR’s Vice Chairman. “When the COVID-19 pandemic took hold, people turned to the outdoors like never before. We saw a big uptick in fishing participation from families with children as well a new generation of young anglers. That’s why it is so important that we continue to increase and improve access to our public lands.”

“COVID-19 inspired huge participation growth in 2020, as outdoor spaces became places of refuge to safely socialize, improve physical and mental health, connect with family and recover from screen fatigue,” said Lise Aangeenbrug, executive director of the Outdoor Industry Association. “In 2020, 53 percent of Americans ages 6 and over participated in outdoor recreation at least once, the highest participation rate on record. Remarkably, 7.1 million more Americans participated in outdoor recreation in 2020 than in the year prior. Early indications are this trend continued into 2021 and sales data comparing August 2020 to August 2021 show that the sales of tents, backpacks, coolers and camping equipment, trail running shoes, and other outdoor gear are up more than 20 percent year over year.”

Safari Club International will host more than 40 seminars at the upcoming annual convention in Las Vegas. There will truly be something for everyone at the show, with topics ranging from hunting tips to estate planning with firearms to cartel monitoring. Seminars and other events will be scheduled each day of the convention, January 19-22, 2022, at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center. 

On Wednesday, you can join pro hunter and TV host Dan Adler as he reveals “Giant Bull Elk Secrets from the Pros.” Afterward, grab some advanced reloading tips during “Reloading with Hornady,” and then hear some long-range shooting advice or pick up hunting fitness workouts. 

Then, on Thursday, expand your hunting horizons with big game hunting with modern air-powered rifles, or learn about the effort to reclaim America’s wetlands from drug cartels. Find out how SCI puts your membership dollars at work during “SCI in the Courts” or get more involved at “Legal Nuts and Bolts of SCI Chapter Operations.”

Friday, set your goals big with “Bucket List Hunts,” and don’t forget about the hour-long Q&A session with pro hunter Jim Shockey. And lawyers at the show mustn’t forget to attend the four-hour “Wildlife Law CLE” where you’ll get updates on ongoing legal issues, both domestic and international, for hunting affairs. 

Finish out the show on Saturday by answering any lingering questions you may have at the “State Wildlife Agency Directors’ Forum.” For the event, SCI invited wildlife managers from all over the western U.S. to address the future of hunting and ongoing issues. 

On October 8th-10th Skills4Life heroes met for a local deer hunt at Purple Heart Ranch in Sterling City, Tx. Four heroes participated, and each had multiple opportunities to tag multiple deer for freezer meat as well as a trophy for taxidermy.

While a local hunt, several veterans came from opposite ends of the country. Two veterans represented Texas, while the others came from California and New York. All of them had the pleasure to share a hunting blind and swap some stories. What really stood out was the local community that came together to support our Heroes by providing meals for them and the guides.

This is not the first visit to Purple Heart Ranch, and as with all the past stays, this one was a success. We look forward to sharing blinds with more Heroes in the future at Purple Heart Ranch.

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

Military Warriors Support Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit charity, founded by LTG Leroy Sisco (Ret), in 2007. Their mission is to provide support and programs that facilitate a smooth and successful transition for our nation’s combat-wounded heroes and Gold Star families. Their programs focus on housing and homeownership, recreational activities, transportation assistance and leadership development. Through their programs, they have awarded nearly 900 mortgage- free homes and 100 payment-free vehicles to combat-wounded heroes, Gold Star spouses and their families in all 50 states. In addition to the home or vehicle, the families receive family and financial mentoring.

Five new pouches to customize your backpack, vest, or chest rigs for greater tactical performance on the job.

Tasmanian Tiger®, a tactical nylon line of products distributed exclusively for the US market by Proforce Equipment, Inc., offers five new tactical pouches for greater modularity and customization on vests, plate carriers, or backpacks: the TT Tac Pouch 1.1, TT Tac Pouch 4.1, TT Tac Pouch 5.1, TT Tac Pouch 6.1, and TT Tac Pouch 7.1. These new accessory pouches are enhanced with many different features. All of the pouches are easily accessible with wrap-around zippers, which allows them to lay open flat. On the interior, each is designed with various elastic loops, mesh pockets, and hook-and-loop patches. All have the MOLLE reverse system. The 5.1, 6.1, and 7.1 have a zippered compartment on the front to store documents, etc.

The new, smart design of the TT Tac Pouch 1.1 features an extra-wide zipped opening with a MOLLE reverse system. The inside of the accessory pouch features flat mesh pockets and elastic loops. It also features a strap system to hold additional equipment. Made from Cordura® 700 den (Multicam 500 den), the TT Tac Pouch 1.1 weighs 3 oz. (85 g.) and measures 6 x 4 x 1.4 in. (15 x 10 x 4 cm). Needs two MOLLE loops. Available in Black, Olive, Coyote, and Multicam. MSRP $22.95 and $25.95 for the Multicam.

The second new pouch is the TT Tac Pouch 4.1 featuring an extra-wide zipped opening with a MOLLE reverse system. This accessory pouch features flat mesh pockets inside and elastic loops. It also features a strap system to hold additional equipment. Made from Cordura 700 den (Multicam 500 den), the TT Tac Pouch 4.1 weighs 2.8 oz. (80 g.) and measures 4 x 6 x 1.5 in. (10 x 15 x 4 cm). Needs four MOLLE loops. Available in Black, Olive, Coyote, and Multicam. MSRP $22.95 and $25.95 for the Multicam.

The third new pouch is the TT Tac Pouch 5.1 featuring a front compartment with a zipper and hook-and-loop patch on the inside (loop). It also features a large opening, flat mesh pockets inside, elastic loops, a strap system to hold additional equipment, and a MOLLE reverse system. Made from Cordura 700 den (Multicam 500 den), the TT Tac Pouch 5.1 weighs 5 oz. (140 g.) and measures 6 x 6 x 2.3 in. (15 x 15 x 6 cm). Needs four MOLLE loops. Available in Black, Olive, Coyote, and Multicam. MSRP $34.95 and $39.95 for the Multicam.

Leading Outdoor Lifestyle Media Company Partners with PRIME Bows

Memphis, Michigan — Prime Archery®, by G5® Outdoors—the leading manufacturer of premium archery equipment, is pleased to announce that the MeatEater team will be shooting Prime Bows this fall.  

“The entire MeatEater crew is looking forward to shooting Prime this fall,” said MeatEater Founder and Chief Creative Officer Steven Rinella.  “Many of us have been shooting Prime over the years.  Prime Bows are deeply respected by skilled hunters and the MeatEater team is thrilled to formalize a relationship with them.”

Mark Kenyon, Tony Peterson, Clay Newcomb, and Spencer Neuharth will all be hitting the woods with the Prime bows this fall in pursuit of whitetails for an upcoming YouTube series, while Steven Rinella will be using the Prime Nexus 4 to chase big game on the MeatEater television series.

“We have had the opportunity to work with the MeatEater team in various ways over the years,” stated G5 Prime President Matt Grace.  “They are true ambassadors in the field, and it is an honor to have all of them shooting Prime this fall.  We look forward to helping them continue their successful pursuit of big game across the country.”  

Round head jigs are among the most popular styles, largely because of their versatility. Gamakatsu® adds a weedless option to their versatile jig head selection with the Round 26 Weedless Jig Hooks. 

Like the original Round 26, this version features a standard lead collar, but adds dual offset rebarb wire keepers to securely and firmly hold a wide range of soft plastic baits. It also features a dual-titanium, wire weed guard that will not break, offering the added versatility to fish in and around heavy cover, where the bigger, more elusive lunkers lie.

The symmetrical round head sinks quickly with minimal action on the drop, then a 90-degree bend allows the hook shank to sit flat with the eye pointing upward for a vertical or lateral retrieve. It also features Gamakatsu’s 604 series jig hook with a deep gap for more reliable hook-ups and the sharpest points in the industry for penetrating and holding more fish. Go ahead and toss the Round 26 Weedless at heavy cover this season.

Round 26R Weedless Features:

From humble beginnings as Japan’s smallest fishing hook manufacturer in 1955, Gamakatsu® Ltd has evolved to become the world’s preeminent hook manufacturer. Over the years, manufacturing upgrades and cutting-edge innovations have fueled Gamakatsu® USA’s rise as a top producer of fishing hooks, apparel, and fishing related items. 

Slayer Calls CEO Bill Ayer shares the heritage of his call company and how newcomers to duck hunting can find their way into the sport.

It’s always exciting when a business joins the hunting community with new gear to test out during the season. 

Slayer Calls is the new kid on the block, with an impressive array of waterfowl calls that are meticulously designed, hand-crafted and fully made in America. CEO Bill Ayer, aka the Duck Slayer, is the man behind the calls. Hunting Life talked to Ayer about the inspiration behind Slayer and how his business is making it easier for new hunters to get into duck hunting. 

What influenced you to start Slayer Calls?

Oh, it’s a long story, but I’ll try to put it in a nutshell. Obviously hunting, fishing and the outdoors is my passion — has been since I was a child. I was doing it with my father and friends ever since I can remember

My uncle was a cobbler, third generation from Italy. Built shoes, fixed shoes, did a bunch of orthopedic-type stuff for people that had foot problems. So I always was at his shop watching him work with his hands. My grandfather was an immigrant from Sicily, was a cabinet-maker, custom furniture-maker. That’s how he made a living. I was always seeing him work with his hands, work with wood. So I took what I grew up with and I was always intrigued with — my passion — and kind of blended the two together and started making my own duck calls.

It was a hobby for quite a few years. I started giving them to friends and family and so forth. And people were like, “Dude, these things rock — you should sell them.” [I’m thinking,] I’m making a lot more money in the software world than I’m going to be sitting here tooling on duck calls. It takes me two, three hours to build each one.