Hunting and Fishing News & Blog Articles

This week “Hunting Matters” welcomes Jon LaCorte, Co-Founder of TRACT Optics. 

Jon LaCorte grew up in Queens, New York, an area not known for having large numbers of hunters. So you might say it takes some folks by surprise when they find out Jon’s been doing it his entire life. Luckily, taking to the outdoors in pursuit of wild game is a long-standing tradition in the LaCorte family and it’s no surprise that after spending a few years following his father, grandfather and uncle through the woods as a boy, Jon found one of his true loves and never looked back. 

Now, many hunts and many miles traveled, Jon has never forgotten his roots or what guides his life – the love and support of his wife and children, an unwavering faith in God and a passion for the outdoors – all of which have served to make TRACT Optics a reality. Having spent more than 15 years working in product development and marketing for the hunting optics division of Nikon, he learned a great deal about every aspect of the outdoor industry, from sales and logistics to press relations and customer service. Jon worked to develop patented reticle systems as well as expand the product offerings from just a few SKU’s to a plethora of options in riflescopes, binoculars, rangefinders and spotting scopes.

While it was a great experience helping build Nikon into a major player in the optics category, Jon had the opportunity to go to work for Flint Holdings, a family-owned group that controls Montana Decoy and WASP Archery Products. Being a die-hard bowhunter, he jumped at the chance to work more closely within the archery product category and take on the challenge of helping grow these companies from a product and marketing standpoint.

It became apparent to Jon that the consumer market has evolved in a new way. Instant gratification, meaning people with less time are looking for easier methods of purchasing products. As many large corporations are more concerned with satisfying investors and increasing their top and bottom lines, the focus on what is really important, the customer, has diminished. This spurred the idea to start an optics company with a vision of providing you, the customer, not only a great product and a great value, but a truly awesome experience.

HeyDude shoes was founded way back in 2008 by Alessandro Rosano have been making a tremendous stir online, specifically on TikTok these days. The shoe company has been bought recently by Crocs for two billion dollars which is a tremendous sum for a shoe company. The HeyDude shoes are known for the comfort-focused design and the ‘open’ lace design unique to the brand. These shoes are easy slip-on and slip-off and the brand while focused on comfort-first isn’t afraid of stylish aesthetics and unique colorways. We liked many of the cool models focused on American stars-and-stripes to fish, denim but overall our favorite is the Mossy Oak Elements HeyDude.

The mainstay of HeyDude is without question the Wally. It features a fabric upper, foam insert and a flexible sole on the bottom of the shoe. These can be folded in half in your luggage and they will always spring back. You can machine-wash these shoes and they are super easy to take care of. Of course, with any shoe that has gone viral like the HeyDude’s, you are going to have folks divided on the internet. There are plenty of folks who praise the shoes for their comfort and showing off the collections they have built online. These folks are absolute raving fans. On the other side, critics question their appeal comparing them to Kleenex boxes because of the oversized look.

The brand seems to have found the right fan base among the country community seeing folks wearing these instead of cowboy boots at summer venues. HeyDude’s focus on affordability and comfort seem to appeal to those looking for practical footwear. Whether you like them or not, you cannot deny that these shoes are growing in popularity and they make a pretty great house shoe or camp shoe. With a 300% increase on TikTok over the last six months these shoes are going to continue to grow in popularity. After wearing them for the past 2 months around the house they are comfortable and easy to get on and off. They are not shoes that I personally will be wearing out on the town, I just need a little more ankle support when I step outside. Around the house though, they are super comfortable and at the price point, I can see why people are gravitating to the brand.

The HeyDude shoes may not be to everyone’s taste but they are affordable, comfortable and they are resonating with a growing number of folks old and young. If you are in the market for a comfortable, easy-to-wear shoe and don’t mind making a bit of a statement, the Mossy Oak Elements HeyDude might be worth a look.

The Affordable and Adaptable RA-9 9mm Handgun Packs Serious Value with an Accurate Punch

Dickinson Arms, a world-renowned leader in high-quality firearms, enters the polymer pistol market with the adaptable and affordable RA-9. This 9mm striker-fired handgun brings accuracy, attention to detail, and a comfortable feel, with a price tag that is on target to lead the category.

Every company has a striker-fired, polymer-framed pistol these days. What sets the Dickinson Arms RA-9 apart from the pack is a high level of attention to detail and a seriously low price point. These imported handguns will impress you with accuracy and quality – two things Dickinson Arms is known for.

The RA-9 is a striker-fired, single-action, semi-auto pistol chambered in 9×19 parabellum. It has a 4.15-inch steel barrel and a trigger-actuated safety. The overall length is 7.57 inches. The RA9 has a 17+1 capacity with a polymer frame with two interchangeable backstraps to help give you the perfect fit and finger groves molded into the grip for an added feel. This is a comfortable pistol that you’ll enjoy shooting.

The RA9 slide has a QPQ non-glare finish and comes in matte black, OD Green, FDE, and camo. There is also an aluminum-framed competition version coming that has a longer 7.92-inch threaded barrel, optic-ready slide, and an aluminum competition magwell for faster reloads. The RA-9 series from Dickinson Arms is on target to be the handgun you need. Learn more at the Dickinson Arm’s website.

The USA Shooting trap team earned four medals at the 2024 Shotgun Championship of the Americas (CAT) Games, medaling in four out of the five events they participated in.

Derrick Mein, 2022 World Champion, earned gold in Men’s Trap after besting Eduardo Lorenzo of the Dominican Republic. Mein earned himself a spot in the finals by shooting a qualification score of 120 out of 125.

Mein, a Tokyo Olympian, also saw international success in 2023. He earned a total of four medals at International Shooting Sports Federation (ISSF) competitions to include gold in Men’s Trap Team alongside Will Hinton, and Derek Haldeman at the 2023 World Championships.

Mein added a second medal to his 2024 CAT Games count when he helped the Men’s Trap Team take home a bronze medal. Mein, Ramsey Bodeen, and Matthew Killeen shot a combined score of 206 out of 225 to land them in the bronze medal match. The trio earned their medal by defeating the Peruvian team.

Killeen made his international competition debut while both he and Bodeen earned their first international medals.

Having the right Every Day Carry (EDC) is an important topic to focus on in your life. Choosing the right products that fit in to your every day life, style and needs allows you to have the right tools in your pocket and kit when you need it. The things that are currently in my every day kit include a knife, multitool, keys, phone, headphones and a flashlight. A good number of folks I know skip both the multitool and flashlight and while I sometimes skip a multitool, I never skip the flashlight. I am currently bouncing back and forth between two – three different flashlights depending on where I am and where I might be going on any given day.

Half of Every Day is Dark or You are in a Dark Location

Just in the last week, I have had 3-4 opportunities to pull out my flashlight. Working in my garage in a dark corner looking for pots to get our garden started, I was able to pull out a flashlight and see exactly what I needed to grab to get started. Working in the car to check wiring in broad daylight, I could get down on the floorboard and pull out a light and see what I needed. Light is incredibly important and while hunting I always have a flashlight with me as well as a headlight. A headlight is great but it doesn’t always light up what I need. Having an actual flashlight that can help me find gear, find trails, light up something specific and actually utilize the flashlight for blood tracking. My current favorite flashlight for hunting is the Olight Arkfield Pro. It is flat and comes with a UV setting allowing you to track blood quickly and easily.

Flashlights Allow You to Get Away From Danger

High quality flashlights keep you away from danger and allow you to get farther away from danger quickly. Tactical flashlights today are getting better and better and whether that flashlight is in your pocket or attached to your daily carry weapon. Having a quality flashlight can allow you see danger, blind the eyes of dangerous people and allow you to make the moves to either get away or neutralize the situation.

Flashlights Keep you Safe

Having a quality flashlight with you allows you to stay safer in dangerous situations like being on the side of the road working on your car, being in the mountains and/or being lost. Lighting up your body, lighting up the trail and turning on the light can let others know you are there and aware of them. I had one night coming off the mountain in a wildlife management area alongside the Shenandoah. We got followed off the mountain by a black bear. It was past hunting light and we were coming off the mountain with an old weak headlamp and it was just not enough. Having a flashlight in our pack that we could quickly pull out and flash at the eyes of the young curious bear kept us out of harms way.

Choosing the Best Flashlight for your needs.

How do you choose what is best for you. In some circumstances having a small compact flashlight is all you need. I am currently carrying the KL20R from Coast. This flashlight can be charged by USB-C and it has a mode that hits 380 lumens. It is small enough on my key ring that I don’t have to worry about it being with me because it always there. I am currently carrying the Olight Arkfield Pro with UV on a daily basis as well as the Coast as a secondary backup to a more powerful light. I chose the Arkfield Pro because it is flat and fits well within my pocket and does not roll around. It also has the UV functionality that can truly make a difference while tracking wounded game in the field.

The annual JROTC Three-Position Service Championship sporter and precision air rifle competition, facilitated by the Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP), stands as one of the most celebrated youth competitions of the air rifle season. Through the weekends of Feb. 8-10 and Feb. 15-17 at three separate locations (Utah, Alabama and Ohio), leading scorers emerged from the field of over 860 cadets who participated in the 2024 event.

The JROTC Air Rifle Service Championship is a 3×20 air rifle competition, where competitors fire 20 record shots from three positions: prone, standing and kneeling. Both individual and team awards were presented.

Finding the top spot in the Navy precision competition for the second consecutive year was Danjela “Jordan” DeJesus, 18, of Camden County High School in Georgia with a score of 1285-94X. She was also the second highest scoring competitor overall in the precision class, bested only by Army athlete Piper Wentland, 18, of Concordia Lutheran High School in Indiana, who reached a score of 1287-86X.

Leading the Navy sporter match was Raymond Tevlin, 18, of Cienega High School in Arizona, with a score of 1188-37X, while Nathan Krokstrom, 18, of Mariner High School in Florida, reached a score of 1213-42X to lead the Army sporter event (and the sporter competition overall).

In the Marine Corps match, Kameron Wells, 18, of Granbury High School in Texas found the top spot in the precision category with a score of 1278-87X. Nanchaya Bailey, 17, of Daniel Boone High School in Tennessee, claimed the overall place in the Marine Corps sporter results, with a score of 1198-45X.

The funding Congress is expected to approve this week for the State and Tribal Wildlife Grant program — at a moment when America’s wildlife crisis is accelerating — underscores exactly why Congress needs to pass mandatory funding for state, territorial, and Tribal wildlife conservation. The legislation reduces the funding available in FY24 for essential state and Tribal wildlife conservation funding by more than $1.4 million below what Congress approved for the current fiscal year.

“America’s wildlife are in the crisis, with more than one-third of species in the United States at heightened risk of extinction. The appropriations process affirms what states, Tribes, and territories have been saying for years: They need dedicated, consistent federal funding to ensure the fish, wildlife, and plants that support local jobs, hunting and angling, and our outdoor heritage thrive for future generations,” said Mike Leahy, senior director of wildlife, hunting and fishing policy at the National Wildlife Federation. “Congress should heed the calls of states, Tribes, and territorial leaders and pass the bipartisan Recovering America’s Wildlife Act.”

The consolidated appropriations bill that Congress is expected to approve this week will provide only $66.2 million for state and territorial wildlife conservation grants and only $6.1 million for Tribal wildlife conservation grants. Congress approved $67.6 million for state and territorial wildlife grants and $6.2 million for Tribes in its FY23 appropriations bill

The Recovering America’s Wildlife Act would give the states and territories up to $1.3 billion a year to implement their Wildlife Action Plans — their science-based blueprints for protecting at-risk wildlife and plants. Collectively these plans identify more than 12,000 species of plants and animals in need of assistance.

The State Wildlife Grants Program is the current federal funding for implementing these plans. The proposed level of funding is just 5 percent of what would be needed to implement these federally-mandated plans in a meaningful way.

Sheridan, WY – March, 5th. Weatherby, a leading name in firearms innovation, proudly introduces the SORIX Semi-Auto Shotgun, a groundbreaking addition to its esteemed lineup. Weatherby has been offering quality shotguns for over 50 years and the SORIX promises to elevate the shooting experience with a host of features designed for reliability, performance, and adaptability.

Key Features of the SORIX Shotgun:

MSRP: $1499

Inertia Reloading System: The SORIX is built on Weatherby’s field-proven inertia recoil system. This simple and robust system makes it extremely easy to maintain and running at the highest level. After years of testing and tuning spring rates, this system can efficiently run a wide range of lighter small game loads or heavy magnum loads. Available in 12 ga 3” or 3.5” chambers and 20 ga in a 3” chamber there is a SORIX option that is right for your hunting style.

Shift System for Left-Handed Shooters: The SORIX uniquely accommodates left-handed hunters with Weatherby’s Shift System. A cut on the left side of the receiver allows lefties to easily swap the charging handle and the safety can be reversed. The Shift System ensures a tailored left-handed shotgun experience without compromising performance.

Looking outside at a foot of snow with temperatures in the single digits and below, I am not thinking about deck shoes nor a day on the water. But maybe I should start thinking about this! In a few short months, the Arctic blast will have receded to where it belongs, and we will all be itching to get outside.

Once I head outside, I will be wearing the Sharkbyte shoes from Xtratuf. These comfortable and functional shoes are water-resistant and slip-resistant which is what I need. Once on dry land, these shoes transition to an all-around shoe I might wear to the grocery store or out to lunch. The gray leather of this particular pair of shoes is highlighted by an art-inspired section designed by Fishe Wear, which I just love. These shoes tend to run small, so you might want to order a half-size up.

We are also looking at the Men’s Sharkbyte ECO, a similar pair but for the men. This shoe is made with ECONYL, a 100% regenerated nylon fiber. Its breathable mesh lining is in contrast to the nubuck leather of the women’s leather sharkbyte. As with the women’s shoe, the men’s Sharkbyte is slip-resistant and non-marking. They are comfortable even after a day on your feet. The tab at the heel makes slipping these shoes on easy.

The team at Xtratuf creates footwear along two lines: commercial grade that performs in the harshest conditions and explorer grade which provides that function plus the versatility that many of us look for. From deck shoes and legacy boots to insulated and fleece lined boots and shoes, Xtrafuf offers enough of a selection to cover many needs while allowing you to show a bit of your own personality. Check out your favorites at xtratuf.com.

SK Customs®, the Nation’s only series-driven, limited-edition manufacturer of custom firearms, is proud to announce its new “Gold Series” as part of the Early Italian Renaissance collection. Drawing inspiration from the 15th century, the Early Italian Renaissance Series showcases the masterpieces of renowned artists such as Michelangelo, Da Vinci, Andrea del Sarto and Raphael.

The new “Gold Series” will be limited to only 25 completed series sets, consisting of one custom-engraved knife, and four custom-engraved firearms that feature the iconic figures of the Early Italian Renaissance. Each knife and firearm set will have consecutive serial numbers and matching edition numbers.

SK Customs is partnering with Springfield Armory on this collection of limited-edition engravers model 1911 pistols chambered in 45 ACP. The Gold Series guns are accompanied by limited-edition engraved 24k gold etched blades, by renowned knife maker Coltellerie Maserin. Established in 1960, Coltellerie Maserin has been a reference in that artisan tradition since the beginning of the company and has led Maniago, “City of Knives,” to excel everywhere in the quality of its products.

“The goal of the Gold Series is to symbolize the cultural rebirth of the 15th century. With each installment, we aim to pay homage to the knowledge, art and humanism of the era,” said Simon Khiabani, owner and founder of SK Guns. “The firearms in this series have remarkable beauty, and this collection is truly set apart by the addition of the knives created by Coltellerie Maserin. This striking combination of gold, wood and steel is a fantastic tribute to the innovation and beauty of the Early Italian Renaissance.”

SK Customs’ proprietary color conversion engineering ensures a highly reflective and permanent color on the steel slide of each firearm. The pistols also boast Italian Olivewood grip panels engraved with Italy’s Fleur De Lis, which are hand-painted to match the color accents on the slide. The semi-polished finish on the frame and slide flats, high polished barrel and selective 24k gold plating on the art and select parts complete these works of art.

MOJO® Outdoors, World Leader in Motion Decoys is proud to announce that their all new, patent pending 3-in-1 Hen Turkey Decoy is in stock and currently shipping to Dealers. 

Apply named the “Feeder/Breeder” it is a high detail hen turkey decoy that can be deployed in any one of 3 positions by a specially designed, patent pending housing mounted inside of the decoy body that allows the decoy to be easily rotated and secured in either the upright or feeding positions OR, by removing the stake and mounting on the ground in the breeding position. Multiple hen decoys are no longer needed. 

The decoy design was a collaborative effort between MOJO® and Preston Pittman, often referred to as the World’s Greatest Turkey Caller, and MOJO® is proud to say it is a Preston Pittman Signature Series Decoy. 

Preston had this to say “All of my life I have wanted to design and offer to the public a hen decoy; as the hen is my number one tool in turkey hunting, and I am privileged to have been able to do that with MOJO®, the World Leader in Motion Decoys. I think the patent pending 3 in 1 feature makes this decoy the most versatile decoy EVER! I am proud to have my name on it and to hunt with it. I recommend you give it a look. 

Terry Denmon, President & CEO of MOJO® Outdoors said “MOJO® was fortunate to work hand-in-hand with Preston on this innovative decoy. Combining MOJO’s long experience at designing and manufacturing decoys with Preston’s great knowledge of decoying turnkeys produced a magical combination and we are proud to offer and recommend this decoy to the public.”

Today, Chairman of the House Committee on Natural Resources, Congressman Bruce Westerman (AR), introduced the America’s Wildlife Habitat Conservation Act (AWHCA), a comprehensive bill that seeks to enhance fish and wildlife habitat across the country.

“The Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies appreciates Chairman Westerman’s commitment to providing funding to state fish and wildlife agencies for wildlife habitat restoration in the America’s Wildlife Habitat Conservation Act (AWHCA),” said Chuck Sykes, Director of the Alabama Division of Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries and President of the Association.

The AWHCA would authorize $300 million in annual funding for the next five years to each state and territorial fish and wildlife agency as well as the District of Columbia to help conserve and manage fish and wildlife species, including at-risk species and those already listed as threatened or endangered. States have developed comprehensive conservation plans that outline important habitat projects and actions that will aid in species recovery. The bill also encourages states and federal agencies to work collaboratively with private landowners to achieve positive conservation outcomes.

“The America’s Wildlife Habitat Conservation Act will empower states and local communities to use proven practices to restore and maintain habitat, which will benefit species in their state’s wildlife action plans. Good habitat management is integral to wildlife management and without it, species have little chance of maintaining sustainable populations and surviving. By strengthening relationships between states, tribes, private landowners and the federal government, we can empower them to implement proactive habitat conservation that will make a difference where it counts: on the ground across our abundant outdoors. I’d like to thank my colleagues who have supported this logical and forward-thinking legislation, and I look forward to working with them and members across the aisle to move this commonsense, financially responsible bill through the legislative process and ultimately into law.” – House Committee on Natural Resources Chairman Bruce Westerman (R-Ark.)

“This bill is a positive step forward to providing funding that state agencies can use to deliver habitat conservation for fish and wildlife on public and private land,” added Sykes. “It is clear that the Chairman has a vision for conserving habitat, and we appreciate that his legislation will provide states with a set of tools to help us accomplish this work.”

EDGEFIELD, S.C. — Former NWTF CEO Rob Keck received the NWTF’s Tom Kelly Communicator of the Year Award for his efforts sharing the NWTF’s story to conserve the wild turkey and preserve our hunting heritage.

“There is no greater conservation story to tell than the return of the wild turkey and the role that NWTF played in making that happen,” Keck said. “What a privilege and a distinct honor to be recognized with this prestigious award. Having Tom Kelly’s name attached to it adds to the pride and integrity of its importance. I sincerely thank the Federation for this recognition, but more importantly thank the many volunteers and professionals that enabled this story to be told. Having shared this conservation success with millions, through so many different platforms of speeches, of national television, radio, video, and print media for over four decades, it is clear, together we must do an even better job of selling the sizzle of conservation. As hunter-conservationists, we have an obligation to the next generation for all of us to communicate this remarkable story and how it continues to improve the quality of life for all Americans.”

Formerly known as the Communicator of the Year, the NWTF renamed the award in 2018 to honor Tom Kelly, the poet laureate of turkey hunting and author of the iconic Tenth Legion, published in 1973.

As former CEO of the NWTF, working for the wild turkey from 1978 to 2008, and Conservation and Hunting Ambassador for Bass Pro Shops, Keck remains a driving force in conservation, promoting our hunting heritage, advocating for hunters and the wise use of our natural resources. He helped fuel the return of the wild turkey in North America during the 1980s and ‘90s as turkey hunting popularity rose and, with it, more funding for conservation.

Keck influenced conservation and natural resource policy issues, having been appointed and serving on the Sporting Conservation Council under President George W. Bush, advising both the Secretaries of Interior and Agriculture on conservation matters. Keck hosted the NWTF’s award-winning national television program, “Turkey Call,” and served as executive producer for the NWTF’s other two national TV programs, “Turkey Country” and “Get in the Game.”  From March of 1977 to March of 2008 he was a featured columnist for Turkey Call magazine. He founded the Grand National Calling Championships beginning in 1977, kickstarting the NWTF Convention and Sport Show. Keck is known for being the first hunter to ever complete the wild turkey Super Slam – harvesting a bird in all 49 states with a huntable turkey population – plus Canada, Mexico, Guatemala and New Zealand.

Salt Lake City, Utah – Easton unveils the new 6MM Venture—the feature-packed  beginner hunting and target arrow.  Venture is a premium carbon arrow loaded with added extras for lower-poundage and shorter draw bowhunters and archers. Crafted with 100% carbon-fiber construction, the 6MM Venture is meticulously engineered to meet the same high-performance standards synonymous with Easton’s 100-year legacy of building premier archery arrows.

Designed for low-poundage or short-draw bowhunters in mind, the 6MM Venture comes in a 600 spine size and boasts a reduced 6mm outside diameter enhanced penetration and improved performance in windy conditions. Venture is factory crested at the nock end for a premium aesthetic and flight visibility.

Key features of the 6MM Venture include:

– Multi-layer wrapped 100% carbon-fiber construction

– 6mm parallel reduced diameter

The sixth annual Providence Cup & American FITASC Grand Prix will take place from April 30 through May 5, 2024. The six-day tournament is hosted by Providence Hill, the South’s premier sporting club and America’s professional shooting destination of choice, endorsed by the world’s best. Located at 2400 Carsley Road, in the heart of the Mississippi countryside, Providence Hill features two sporting clay courses, a seven-machine duck flush, 5-stand, helice, FITASC, skeet, trap, pistol, and rifle ranges.

Providence Hill expects over 300 participants across two main events at this year’s tournament. The 200 Target American FITASC Grand Prix runs from April 30 to May 5 and the 200 Target Providence Cup takes place May 4 and 5 and includes eight additional events. Payouts for the event include $2,500 and $1,000 for Highest Overall and $1,500 and $750 for Runner-Ups.

“We’ve had incredible success hosting some of the largest shooting events in the world, and we are especially proud of establishing Providence Cup as a leading tournament for outdoor sports enthusiasts and welcoming some of the top shooting professionals,” said Jimmy Grant, director of sporting operations and the conservancy. “These distinguished events allow us to showcase to the world the one-of-a-kind destination that is Providence Hill.”

The tournament will be attended by world-class shooters Gebben and Karen Miles, Will Fennell, Zachary Kienbaum, Mike Haas, Barry Kelly, Theo Ribbs, and longtime visiting coaches to Providence Hill, John Woolley and Dale Bouchillon.

Jamie Peckham and Eric Dorsey will be the target setters for Providence Cup. Peckham is a World Championship-level target setter and one of eight official course designers for FITASC. He is responsible for several world championship courses including the World English, World FITASC and the British Open. Dorsey is an entrepreneur and a full-time target setter, a Life Member of the NSCA and a Master Class competitor having shot 9000+ registered targets in 2017. He has set layouts including Sporting, FITASC, Compak, Super Sporting and Five Stand.

Washington, D.C. – The Council to Advance Hunting and the Shooting Sports (Council) has been honored by the National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF) with the prestigious Lynn Boykin Hunting Heritage Award, recognizing its commendable contributions to conservation and the preservation of the hunting heritage in the United States.

Expressing gratitude, Dr. Steven Leath, the executive director of the Council, remarked, “I am deeply honored to accept the 2024 Lynn Boykin Hunting Heritage Award on behalf of the Council to Advance Hunting and the Shooting Sports. Our commitment to enhancing participation in hunting and the shooting sports aligns with the mission of fostering national R3 initiatives and educating the public about the vital role hunters play in wildlife conservation. This recognition is particularly meaningful, considering the esteemed recipients who have come before us. Accepting this award is a moment of genuine appreciation and humility for the Council’s Board of Directors and our dedicated team, and we cherish this moment with pride and a sense of accomplishment.”

The award was presented to Dr. Leath during the NWTF’s 48th annual Convention and Sport Show, sponsored by Mossy Oak.

The Lynn Boykin Hunting Heritage Award is named after a former president and chairperson of the NWTF’s National Board of Directors, Lynn Boykin, who emphasized the significance of hunting heritage during her tenure, shaping a new vision for the organization.

Following in Boykin’s footsteps, the Council, a nonprofit organization formed 14 years ago, functions as a coalition of state fish and wildlife agencies, conservation organizations, and the shooting sports industry. It has gained national recognition as an expert in coordinating and advancing recruitment, retention, and reactivation (R3) of hunters and shooters, with the overarching mission to grow and promote the hunting and shooting sports.

Evolution Outdoor is announcing a new partnership with Bassmaster Elite pro-fisherman Jay Przekurat. Przekurat, 24, is an up-and-coming professional bass fisherman from Wisconsin.

“Evolution Outdoor is proud to announce our partnership with such a young and talented fisherman,” said Reece Martin, E-Commerce and Marketing Coordinator for Evolution Outdoor. “Jay has already proven that he will be one of the best in the professional bass fishing circuit for years to come. We’re looking forward to watching his career unfold and having Evolution Outdoor play a role in that process. Jay will play a vital role in developing some new innovative tackle solutions as we launch our tackle management program in 2024.”

Przekurat made a big splash in his debut year, becoming the first-ever angler in sportfishing history to weigh-in over 100 pounds of smallmouth bass in an event. He owns three first-place finishes including the Bassmaster Elite Series, and was the 2022 Bass Elite Series Rookie of the Year. He is also the son of two-time Angler of the Year and two-time National Walleye Championship Tour victor Jason Prezekurat.

To learn more about Evolution Outdoor and view the full line of products, visit www.evolutionoutdoor.com. Details about future product launches can be found on Evolution Outdoor’s Instagram and Facebook.

For more information on Przekurat’s professional career visit his Bassmaster page here, or follow along on his Instagram.

NEW HAVEN, Mo. – Browning Camping and Hunting Blinds, a licensed line from ALPS Brands, introduces two new products developed for on-the-move outdoor adventurers and campers. The new Browning Basin series camp furniture combines comfort, ease of use, and practical function for those who favor a small, lightweight camping footprint or who desire convenient, highly portable furniture options for any number of outdoor pursuits.

Browning Basin Chair

Designed for maximum comfort and support, the Basin Chair features a low-slung profile with a rugged 420D polyester honeycomb ripstop fabric supported by a durable, folding steel frame. Side bolsters, courtesy of the square frame construction, and generous back support provide supportive seating. The Basin Chair has a weight capacity rating of up to 275 lbs. and includes a nylon mesh center fabric that makes for comfortable lounging in warm weather.

To ensure easy setup, the steel frame folds quickly and uses integrated shock cords to eliminate set-up hassle and to allow the unit to stow conveniently into its mesh carry bag. The carry bag features clips so you can attach it to the front of the seat bottom, where it can serve as an accessory pouch when the chair is deployed. The overall weight of the Basin Chair is 4 lbs., 6 oz. MSRP is $49.99.

Browning Basin Table

As spring approaches, turkey hunters gear up for their favorite season with the Swagger Bipods QD Series, revolutionizing how hunters approach their sport. Offering unparalleled stability, versatility, and mobility, the Swagger Bipods QD Series ensures hunters can pursue a boss tom with confidence and precision.

With its lightweight design, weighing in at just 15 ounces, the QD42 model provides hunters with the ultimate combination of portability and strength. Its effective range spans 14 to 42 inches, offering adaptability for various shooting scenarios. The innovative Quick Adapt Technology allows hunters to adjust the bipod’s height with a button, ensuring optimal positioning in any environment, whether seated or in a ground blind.

One of the key benefits of the Swagger Bipods QD Series is its ability to enhance accuracy for turkey hunters. Hunters can quickly make precise shots by providing a stable shooting platform, even in the most challenging conditions. The bipod’s adjustable height and spiked foot option ensure hunters can maintain a steady aim on uneven terrain, increasing the likelihood of a successful hunt.

Moreover, the QD series aids hunters in utilizing turkey calls such as slate or box calls. By eliminating the need to balance or hold their firearm steady, hunters can focus entirely on operating their calls, resulting in more realistic and enticing sounds that easily attract turkeys.

In addition to seasoned hunters, the Swagger Bipods QD Series is also an invaluable tool for youth hunters. By offering stability and support, younger hunters can build confidence and improve their shooting skills with every hunt. With the QD bipod, youth hunters can enjoy a safe and rewarding turkey hunting experience, fostering a love for the sport that will last a lifetime.

Team Colt’s Captain, Mark Redl, is a top-tier pro shooter, consistently winning local, state, and national championships. For the past 15 years, Redl has proudly represented Team Colt. More recently, he became the team’s captain, and together, the group of four action pistol shooters promotes Colt at competitions and training events nationwide. Redl also works as Colt’s manager of R&D Product Testing. He provides valuable product feedback from prototyping through endurance testing—a position that allows lots of trigger time with the next generation of Colt firearms. 

Redl’s shooting disciplines include USPSA (United States Practical Shooting Association), IDPA (International Defensive Pistol Association), Steel Challenge, and NRA Action Shooting/ Bianchi Cup, where he competes in 14-16 major (plus several local matches) each year. “I travel a lot as a pro shooter, and I’m fortunate to have a wife who helps me balance my shooting, work, and family life,” added Redl.

In 2022, Redl’s USPSA wins included Florida Open, Limited 10 Champion, Area 6 Championship, Limited 10 Champion, and Battle at the Beach, Single Stack Champion. His IDPA accolades included Rust Belt Regional, Enhanced Service Pistol (ESP) Champion, Potomac Grail, Custom Defense Pistol (CDP) Champion, and New England Regional, Custom Defense Pistol (CDP) High. The 2023 season is underway, and Redl is gunning for more titles this year. 

“I started my competitive shooting with a Colt Combat Elite 1911. Over the years, this pistol has severed me well. It now has over 180,000 rounds through it. I still use it for the occasional match,” Redl said, noting a championship win with it in 2022, “but in the last two years, with the release of the Colt Competition series guns, I’ve switched to the 1911 Gold Cup Trophy as my primary pistol.” Colt competition guns are ready to win right out of the box. “I don’t use aftermarket parts. Colt features high-performance National Match Barrels and American-made parts in its Competition Series pistols.” 

Redl has two pieces of advice for new action pistol shooters. “Buy top quality; you won’t regret it! My Combat Elite is a testament to Colt’s durability. A competition pistol is an investment; with care and regular maintenance, these pistols will last a lifetime.” For a shooter who wants to win, “Learn and practice the fundamentals. The difference between a pro and a novice is the amount of time learning the basics. In competition, you need to focus on the stage, not the mechanics of shooting.”