Hunting and Fishing News Blog Articles

Newly Enhanced 1/3-Scale Elk Target Now Constructed with Renowned Signature Series Foam

Janesville, WI — Rinehart Targets®, the worldwide leader in quality archery targets, is proud to announce that its popular 1/3-Scale Elk Target has received a significant upgrade, now incorporating Rinehart’s proprietary advanced Signature Series self-healing foam technology throughout. With this new construction enhancement, shooters can trust that this new and improved mini elk will deliver the long-standing durability and ease of use Rinehart Signature Series targets are known for.

The Rinehart 1/3-Scale Elk Target is meticulously designed with sculpted details to simulate the real animal and a real hunting experience. Measuring 38-inches tall and 44-inches long, this mini elk target is a scaled-down representation of a 600-pound bull elk. At 60-yards, shots taken on this target mimic a 20-yard shot in the wild, delivering both challenging and incredibly realistic practice sessions. This means shooters can experience realistic elk hunting practice without investing in a full-sized elk target.

Rinehart’s innovative and proprietary Signature Series foam has been long celebrated for its impressive self-healing attributes, ensuring the target’s long-lasting durability and resilience from even the fastest arrows. It also means arrow removal is a breeze.

Not only does the target now feature a Signature Series foam body that provides a solid foundation for consistent performance, but it also incorporates a Signature Series replaceable, patented locking insert, which can be changed out for a brand new one (sold separately) to further enhance the longevity of the target.

Ten Paralympic USA Shooting athletes are headed to Lima, Peru, for the 2023 World Shooting Para Sport (WSPS) World Championship Sept. 17-29. The roster is as follows: 

Rifle 

Kevin Nguyen 
John Joss 
Taylor Farmer 
Madison Champion  
Stetson Bardfield 
Robert Beach 
Landon Ruggera 

Pistol 

Yan Xiao Gong 
Mike Tagliapietra 
Marco DeLaRosa 

During its annual conference in Gulf Shores, Alabama, the Outdoor Writers Association of America (OWAA) announced it selected El Paso, Texas, as the host for its 2024 conference.  

OWAA’s conference brings together more than 220 attendees, 72% of whom are world-class, vetted outdoor media. Attending media include writers, photographers, bloggers, podcasters, videographers and more, who come together from a broad spectrum of outdoor specialties to learn, connect and discover all outdoor offerings of the local hosts. 

El Paso’s event will be Sept. 20-22, 2024. The conference will be held at the downtown El Paso Convention Center while guests will stay at The Doubletree El Paso Downtown. 

“El Paso couldn’t be more thrilled to welcome the Outdoor Writers Association of America in 2024. This is an amazing opportunity to bring writers from all over to experience the unique topography of El Paso and our unmatched hospitality and incredible culture.  El Paso’s outdoor scene is an undiscovered gem, and we look forward to all the amazing stories each person has to tell about the guaranteed unforgettable experiences they will have in the Sun City,” says Brooke Underwood, Executive Director for Visit El Paso. 

In its nearly 100 years, OWAA has held two previous conferences in Texas (both in McAllen), but this is the first time the event has come to El Paso. 

BELLEVUE, WA – The Second Amendment Foundation has scored an important First Amendment victory before a federal appeals court panel in San Francisco which unanimously reversed a lower court’s denial of a preliminary injunction in a challenge of California’s law prohibiting advertising of firearms products in a way that may appeal to minors.

At issue is California Business and Professions Code § 22949.80, which prohibits advertising of any “firearm-related product in a manner that is designed, intended, or reasonably appears to be attractive to minors.”

Writing for the three-judge panel, District Judge Kenneth K. Lee noted, “California has many tools to address unlawful firearm use and violence among the state’s youth. But it cannot ban truthful ads about lawful firearm use among adults and minors unless it can show that such an intrusion into the First Amendment will significantly further the state’s interest in curtailing unlawful and violent use of firearms by minors.

“But given that California allows minors to use firearms under adult supervision for hunting, shooting, and other lawful activities,” he continued, “California’s law does not significantly advance its purported goals and is more extensive than necessary. In sum, we hold that (the statute) is likely unconstitutional under the First Amendment…”

Elsewhere, the judge observed, “In short, there are good reasons to believe the First Amendment subjects viewpoint-discriminatory commercial speech restrictions to strict scrutiny. “

Ammunition manufacturer continues four decades of support for upland habitat

Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever are proud to announce Federal Ammunition as a renewing national sponsor, including its title as the Official Ammunition Sponsor of The Habitat Organization. The renewal continues a partnership that has existed since the mid-1980s between the world’s leading ammunition manufacturer and North America’s foremost upland habitat conservation group.

“Spanning four decades, Federal Ammunition has recognized the connection between their customer base, healthy bird populations, and publicly accessible lands,” said Chris Kalis, vice president of corporate partnerships for Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever. “Their brand speaks directly to the mission work accomplished by our chapters, members, and partners on a daily basis. As a company who covets conservation of wild things and wild places, we’re proud to call them part of the Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever family.”

Included in its sponsorship, Federal Ammunition has an on-box royalty program that donates a portion of proceeds from the popular Prairie Storm and Upland High Velocity shotshell ammunition lines to habitat conservation projects nationwide. The company also supports Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever land acquisition projects in Minnesota which can be viewed on the organization’s Public Land Acquisitions Map web application.

“Creating community and conserving our heritage are in the mission statement of Federal Ammunition and our continuing partnership with Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever aligns perfectly,” said Jason Nash, Federal’s VP of Marketing.  “Their mission connects local communities across the country and their conservation and outreach efforts truly do conserve our hunting heritage,” continued Nash.  “Our dedicated employees here in Anoka, MN, are not only passionate about their jobs, they are users of our products like the many members of Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever. They work day in and day out to provide the highest quality American made ammunition such as our renowned Prairie Storm or Upland loads.”

BELLEVUE, WA – The Second Amendment Foundation has filed a federal lawsuit in California seeking declaratory and injunctive relief from the freshly inked Senate Bill 2 (SB 2), which makes nearly every public place in the state a “sensitive place” and forbids the carrying of firearms even by citizens who have gone through the lengthy and expensive process of obtaining a concealed handgun license. 

SAF is joined by Gun Owners of America, Gun Owners Foundation, Gun Owners of California, the California Rifle & Pistol Association and eleven private citizens. Named as Defendant is California Attorney General Rob Bonta. The lawsuit was filed in U.S. District Court for the Central District of California, Southern Division. Plaintiffs are represented by attorneys C.D. Michel, Sean A. Brady and Konstadinos T. Moros at Michel & Associates in Long Beach, and Donald Kilmer, Law Offices of Don Kilmer, Caldwell, Idaho. 

“SB 2 is designed to frustrate and ultimately discourage individuals from exercising their right to bear arms by creating a patchwork of locations where Second Amendment rights may, or may not, be exercised,” noted SAF Executive Director Adam Kraut. “That is not how constitutional rights work. SAF is happy to add California to the list of states that we have sued for adopting so-called ‘Bruen Response Bills’ that make it impractical, if not impossible for people to exercise their rights by essentially making carry permits useless.” 

“Under SB 2,” said SAF founder and Executive Vice President Alan M. Gottlieb, “legally armed California citizens might be able to carry on some streets and sidewalks, and in a few private businesses that post signs allowing legal carry on their premises. Overall, however, SB 2 is a massive prohibition on legal carry throughout the Golden State, which runs counter to what the U.S. Supreme Court said in its Bruen ruling last year, and which Gov. Gavin Newsom and anti-gun-rights state lawmakers are desperately trying to get around.” 

“The right to keep and especially bear arms is under direct attack via SB 2,” Kraut observed. “California continues its trend of ignoring rights safeguarded by the Constitution. Such disregard cannot be allowed to go unchallenged.” 

BELLEVUE, WA – The Second Amendment Foundation has scored an important First Amendment victory before a federal appeals court panel in San Francisco which unanimously reversed a lower court’s denial of a preliminary injunction in a challenge of California’s law prohibiting advertising of firearms products in a way that may appeal to minors. 

At issue is California Business and Professions Code § 22949.80, which prohibits advertising of any “firearm-related product in a manner that is designed, intended, or reasonably appears to be attractive to minors.” 

Writing for the three-judge panel, District Judge Kenneth K. Lee noted, “California has many tools to address unlawful firearm use and violence among the state’s youth. But it cannot ban truthful ads about lawful firearm use among adults and minors unless it can show that such an intrusion into the First Amendment will significantly further the state’s interest in curtailing unlawful and violent use of firearms by minors. 

“But given that California allows minors to use firearms under adult supervision for hunting, shooting, and other lawful activities,” he continued, “California’s law does not significantly advance its purported goals and is more extensive than necessary. In sum, we hold that (the statute) is likely unconstitutional under the First Amendment…” 

Elsewhere, the judge observed, “In short, there are good reasons to believe the First Amendment subjects viewpoint-discriminatory commercial speech restrictions to strict scrutiny. “ 

The September 12 launch of Unguided—a new short film presented by Franchi in association with Fiocchi and Banded—drives right to the heart of the waterfowl hunting. Delivered through the experience of friends and fellow Wyoming big game outfitters, Unguided perfectly underscores the true reasons dedicated waterfowlers return to the stubble fields, marshes, and flooded timber year after year.

For Dustin Decroo, owner/outfitter of Bighorn Outfitters and Tony Larsen, owner/outfitter of American Outfitters, a waterfowl adventure is a much-needed respite after four grueling months of guiding clients on their dream hunts.

“Being an outfitter, there’s a lot of stress involved,” says Decroo. “You care about that client who’s saved up a bunch of money over the years to go on this hunt. Sometimes the money is not as important as it is the preference points because it takes so many points to draw these tags that you don’t want to feel like he wasted the last six, seven, eight, ten years on this hunt. So, there’s a lot of pressure involved. And that’s why I love bird hunting…nobody asks me, ‘What does that duck score? What’s that goose score?’ The whole burden of all that’s lifted and it’s 100-percent about having a good time with your buddies.”

As viewers will note in the film, the duck blind offers the perfect venue to not only satisfy the wild callings in all of us but to also capture the fun and joy of spending a long day in the field with friends and faithful companions. On this Missouri hunt, Larsen brought his aging retriever, Wilma, for what would likely be her last hunt.

“We really don’t care about having a master hunter to, you know, go out and pick up our birds,” Decroo continues. “To be very honest, it’s much more entertaining to watch Tony go out and try to chase the birds down, and then chase Wilma down.”

Legislation heeds the calls of hunters, anglers for Congress to expediate cleanup of old mining sites

WASHINGTON – Senate legislation introduced in the 118th Congress today, the Good Samaritan Remediation of Abandoned Hardrock Mines Act, would facilitate the cleanup and restoration of public lands and waters negatively impacted by past mining activities.

Backcountry Hunters & Anglers, along with other hunting and angling groups, have resoundingly urged Congress to provide a path forward for interested entities to tackle cleanup projects of public lands mining sites without assuming liabilities. Introduced by Sens. Martin Heinrich (D-NM) and Jim Risch (R-ID), the bill would authorize a pilot program that allows a limited number permits for “Good Samaritans” to carry out remediation projects on abandoned mine sites over the next seven years.

Hunters and anglers have long advocated for Good Samaritan legislation to address acid mine drainage that compromises the health of public lands and waters and fish and wildlife populations. Currently, only the Environmental Protection Agency has the authority to treat discharged mine water from abandoned mine sites, leaving entities wishing to clean up mining sites permanently liable for the site and any remaining pollution. Giving these entities the ability to restore these sites will help address remediation of many of the thousands of smaller abandoned mines that are not a priority for the EPA.

Original cosponsors include Sens. Mike Crapo (R-ID), Ben Ray Lujan (D-NM), Jon Tester (D-MT), Steve Daines, (R-MT), Michael Bennet (D-CO), John Hickenlooper (D-CO), John Barrasso (R-WY), Cynthia Lummis (R-WY), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Kyrsten Sinema (I-AZ), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), John Thune (R-SD), Kevin Cramer (R-ND), John Boozman (R-AR), Dan Sullivan (R-AK) and Ron Wyden (D-OR).

For being a small patch of Ohio, Pickaway County has a lot to offer. Part of the Columbus metropolitan area, its home to a world-famous pumpkin show, beautiful state parks and, for young firearm enthusiasts, its own marksmanship club.

The Pickaway Diabolos is a youth-orientated organization located in the Everts Center in Circleville, Ohio – Pickaway’s county seat. The Diabolos club was started in 2013, simply, to give local youth the opportunity to compete in the shooting sports.

“There was the local 4-H and Boy Scouts that had basic introduction and safety shooting programs, which is good, but I felt that more opportunity to compete was needed,” said Pat Cherry, club leader and instructor.

He personally invested in several rifles and equipment to get the program started and since then has relied on supportive donations from the National Rifle Association Foundation and MidwayUSA Foundation grants.

“American Legion Post 134, VFW post 7941 and Hilltop Sportsmen’s club have been generous to us, as have the Pickaway County Sportsmen’s Inc., which gives us range time and equipment use,” he added.

In 2011, the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks, in collaboration with its partners, initiated a landowner incentive initiative known as “Fire on the Forty” to promote the use of prescribed fire on privately owned land.

Controlled burning is a time-tested and invaluable tool for managing native plant communities upon which wildlife populations across the United States depend upon. Through the deliberate and controlled application of fire, prescribed fire helps promote the growth of beneficial plants, reduce undesirable vegetation and decrease the risk of destructive wildfires.

“In general, what we are trying to do is set back succession, which is the change in the vegetation inhabiting an area over time, to favor early successional plant communities and diverse plant communities,” said John Gruchy, Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks state private lands coordinator.

Numerous species currently experiencing population declines rely on diverse plant communities at various stages of their life cycles. Whether it’s for shelter during brooding or nesting, as well as feeding purposes, plant communities that have undergone prescribed fire management play a pivotal role in fulfilling many of these essential requirements for species that rely on fire disturbance on the landscape.

By strategically focusing its efforts on ecologically important regions, the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks intends to nurture clusters of “habitat patches” situated close to one another. This approach benefits less mobile wildlife species, such as bobwhite quail, rabbits and wild turkey poults, improving their chances of survival.

Wildlife Research Center® introduces the New Active-Branch Mock Scrape Kit. The Anywhere Mock Scrape Solution.  Scrape hunting is one of the most effective ways to hunt trophy bucks.  Mock Scrapes are an effective tool, but sometimes it is hard to find the right tree in a good location at your favorite hunting spot.

The Active-Branch Mock Scrape Kit solves this problem and allows you to create an attractive mock scrape and interaction branch set up with the perfect presentation, exactly where you want it.

You can easily set up Active-Branch on a tree or wooden post in the perfect location for the perfect shot.  If there is not a convenient place to mount it to, you can even set it up on your own post, right where you want it.  Perfect for making mock scrapes in fields, by mature trees, or just about any spot at your favorite hunting location.

The innovative patent pending branch holder allows you to easily mount two branches at the same time.

An interaction branch at the perfect height for the perfect presentation and a second higher branch to mount your Magnum Scrape-Dripper® above. 

Award-winning Scottish based artist Justin Prigmore, known for his captivating wildlife artworks, is proud to announce the release of two exquisite limited edition canvas prints, now available for purchase exclusively through the Rigby Shikar Store. 

“Highland Rendezvous” Limited edition canvas print

Inspired by the breathtaking landscape of the North West Highlands of Scotland during the October red deer rut, “Highland Rendezvous” transports you to a remote and timeless scene, where a dominant stag stands tall, surrounded by his harem of hinds—a spectacle that echoes the essence of Highland stalking.

“The Dagga Boys” Limited edition canvas print

Invites you to embark on a captivating journey to the heart of Africa, where three old-aged buffalo bulls command attention with their stern glares. The canvas comes alive with the presence of oxpeckers diligently searching for ticks and parasites. Egrets gracefully drift around, patiently awaiting insects stirred up by the massive creatures. As you gaze into the background, you will notice four red lechwe grazing by the river’s edge and all framed by the lush mopane forest.

EDGEFIELD, S.C. — The NWTF Missouri State Chapter recently met in Columbia to review Hunting Heritage Super Fund project proposals for the 2024 Fiscal Year. After the reviewing and ranking process, the Missouri State Chapter approved $240,000 to mission-related activities across the Show Me State, including $162,092 for priority conservation projects and $77,908 for hunting-heritage-related projects, such as education and outreach events, chapter scholarships, 4H Shooting Sports, mentored hunts and more.

NWTF awarded funding will be matched with almost $740,571 in partner funds for the approved projects in Missouri.

“Our volunteers in Missouri are steadfast in both raising funds for the mission and delivering the mission,” said John Burk, NWTF district biologist for Missouri, Illinois and Iowa. “Through our volunteers and dedicated partners, we are addressing some of the biggest conservation challenges in our state while also ensuring future generations get the opportunity to enjoy our natural resources.”

The Super Fund is a funding model where NWTF volunteers raise money at banquets and other types of fundraisers and then allocate a significant portion of those funds back into meaningful conservation and outreach projects in their respective states. For Missouri 2024 Super Fund allocations, projects include:

$56,000 as an unrestricted gift to the conservation program for use in Missouri. 

SPRINGFIELD, MO – CrossBreed® Holsters, a leading manufacturer in the category of concealed carry, expands its OutRider leather holster lineup with the introduction of the all-new OutRider Modular Holster.

The OutRider series is CrossBreed’s only full-leather, multi-fit holster designed to accommodate a wide range of handgun sizes and configurations. Made of premium-quality leather to withstand daily use and to deliver years of reliable performance, the OutRider is now offered in a modular design to expand carry options beyond the belt.

The new OutRider Modular Holster is made with the same quality leather, reinforced stitching, and hand-crafted construction as the original OutRider OWB holster. The difference is that the OutRider Modular Holster includes a hook-and-loop backing that allows mounting to CrossBreed’s Modular Systems for off-body carry in packs and purses or stationary mounting in the home, in vehicles, and more. This system lets the user confidently carry their firearm in situations where on-body carry may not be the optimal solution.

Versatility of the OutRider Modular Holster extends beyond the diverse carry and storing options to its multi-fit design. Engineered to accommodate an extensive range of firearms, it’s a perfect option for subcompact, compact, and even select full-sized handguns.

The OutRider Modular Holster is offered in right- or left-hand draw and comes in brown or black leather.

New Series Debuts Friday, September 29 at 9 p.m. ET

DENVER (September 15, 2023) – Outdoor Channel’s extreme, off-grid, original, docu-series Life on the Edge will showcase the stamina and grit it takes to survive on the Aleutian Islands beginning on September 29 at 9 p.m. ET. Life on the Edge chronicles the lives of fearless homesteaders and daring American entrepreneurs as they live off-the-grid in some of the harshest and most unforgiving terrain in the world. The series follows the lives of maverick Alaskans in America’s most brutal region. The entire island chain is their playground: dubbed the ‘’Cradle of Storms”, the Aleutians arc west for over 1,000 miles towards Russia, occupying a total area of 6,900 square miles.

The show focuses on three adventure-seeking storylines and the people that have opted to live a solitary life in some of the most remote, inaccessible, and extreme conditions on the face of the Earth. It is in this exact environment these hearty souls, who built their own infrastructures and life off-the-grid, choose to live in radically different ways. 

“We’re excited to bring our viewers closer to the raw beauty and harsh realities of nature through ‘Life on the Edge’,” said Tim Cremin, President of Winnercomm and head of programming for Outdoor Sportsman Group. “The series not only showcases breathtaking landscapes but also the resilience and determination of individuals who’ve chosen a life less ordinary.”

At the center of the series is Captain Charlie Summerville, extreme homesteader, and wilderness guide. His reputation precedes him as a fearless off-grid homesteader, a premier guide and bush pilot with more than 35 years and 6,000 flying hours under his belt. In the series, viewers will see Captain Charlie take on the biggest challenge he’s ever faced, building an epic new wilderness lodge right in the middle of brown bear and wolf territory. His new lodge will gaze upon a stunning bay and will be the prime location for experiencing and helping to conserve the region’s extraordinary wildlife. From shipping in his materials in 90 mph winds to erecting the lodge’s timber frame in sub-zero temperatures, this is an epic construction challenge – even for someone like him.

Which is why viewers meet experienced carpenter, Brent “Whitt” Whittenberger. Brent originally hails from Wisconsin and has worked on building sites from a young age. He’s the mastermind behind Charlie’s off-grid construction project with one slight personal challenge – he’s never built in Alaska before and needs to engineer a lodge that can withstand the extreme climate. Besides battling the daily winds, Brent also must be aware of unwelcomed visits from the local brown bears.

Outdoor Life Selects Nature-Trek 13-39×56 Spotting Scope as Editor’s Choice Best Value for 2023

Hawke® Optics, known as a worldwide leader in quality sporting optics that perform outstanding in the field while maintaining optimum value for the consumer, is proud to announce that Outdoor Life editors have selected the Nature-Trek 13-39×56 Spotting Scope as their Editor’s Choice, Best Value in compact spotting scopes for 2023. Read the full article here.

“The top performers in our rigorous test protocols earn the right to wear the Editor’s Choice badge,” says Outdoor Life Gear Editor Scott Einsmann. “To receive the coveted award a product must be innovative, provide value to the user, and be the best new product in its category. From accurate rifles to crisp binoculars to sensitive rods, our Editor’s Choice winners represent the elite outdoor products we test each year.”

The 13-39×56 Nature-Trek Spotting Scope is packed with impressive features. Built using System H2 optics, the spotter offers exceptional optical performance in a lightweight compact frame that makes it a solid choice for pack-in situations where space is a concern. This spotter uses a fully multi-coated optical system with BAK-4 Porro prisms that produce extremely clear and sharp images to really bring far-off items to view. The ultra-compact 56mm frame has barrel focusing for ease of use and 39x magnification in a spotting scope that is small enough for any pack. It has a field of view of 162 to 81 feet at 1,000 yards. Weighing in at a mere 33.3 oz, it’s extremely compact and ideal to slide into a backpack or glove box and is a superior option on long hikes or hunts.

The Nature-Trek Spotting scope is digiscope compatible, so you can use it to take photos with a digital camera. It comes with a twist-up eye cup, lens caps, a window mount, and a neoprene stay-on case for protection. This spotter is nitrogen purged, waterproof, and fog proof, and carries Hawke’s legendary No-Fault Lifetime Warranty, so it can handle whatever you throw at it while giving you the peace of mind of knowing it is backed by the best warranty in the business. With an MSRP of $349, the new Nature-Trek Spotting Scope with Window Mount is an affordable, compact, and clear choice for hunters looking for an ultra-compact spotting scope.

Moultrie Mobile, a leading pioneer in cellular trail cameras that also offers an all-in-one remote monitoring app for hunters and property owners, has launched an exciting lineup of accessory products, including two Universal Solar Battery Packs and several items for its Edge Series cameras. 

“We want to round out our product offering and user experience by providing a collection of purpose-built accessories,” said Daniel Wilson, General Manager for Moultrie Mobile. “Each item was created as a solution to end-user feedback and requests, whether it’s power options, security, or proper mounting. We plan to offer a convenient, easy-to-use product to meet those needs.”

Moultrie Mobile has recently introduced a range of power accessories that can help customers avoid expensive AA batteries. These power accessories include two Universal Solar Power Packs: a 3.4-watt option priced at $99.99, and a 10-watt option priced at $129.99. These solar power packs are designed to provide a durable and reliable power option for trail cameras and game feeders. They deliver up to three times more power than other solar solutions currently available on the market. The packs feature a built-in rechargeable lithium battery capacity of 10,000mAh (for the 3.4-watt option) and 15,000mAh (for the 10-watt option) that can provide backup power on overcast days. Moreover, both solar options include a Flex Mount (a new accessory) and a tree strap that ensures proper sun-gathering positioning. The universal power packs also include connectors that enable compatibility with most brands of camera or spin-cast feeder kits that accept a 12V or 6V barrel jack style power input, making them a flexible and convenient option for customers.

Additional Moultrie Mobile accessories designed for the Edge series cameras include a Rechargeable Lithium-Ion Battery Pack ($79.99), a Flex Mount ($19.99), and a new steel Security Box ($34.99).

The new Rechargeable Lithium-Ion Battery Pack keeps Edge series cameras running longer and offers approximately 1,000 charge cycles, equivalent to more than 16,000 alkaline AA batteries. Additionally, the versatile Flex Mount solution connects easily to the Edge Series and securely mounts to most surfaces, providing multi-direction adjustment for easy aiming and clear views. Users can also protect Edge Series cameras from theft and bears with the new Security Box. Constructed with 16-gauge powder-coated steel for long-lasting durability that won’t interfere with cellular connectivity, it’s padlock and cable lock compatible and comes with lag bolts for secure mounting.

Kansas City, Mo. — Nearly 200 young anglers and their guardians reeled in hundreds of fish from Penn Valley Lake in the heart of Kansas City alongside local union members, former Kansas City Chiefs and other community volunteers on Saturday at the Union Sportsmen’s Alliance (USA) 3rd Annual Greater Kansas City BCTC Take Kids Fishing Day.

Hosted by the USA and the Greater Kansas City Building and Construction Trades Council (BCTC), the free event was supported by the Greater Kansas City AFL-CIO, Priest Holmes Foundation, Kansas City Former Players Chapter, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Kansas City Parks, Outdoors Tomorrow Foundation (OTF), Missouri Department of Conservation, Marriott Hotels and Humana.

According to USA Conservation Programs Manager Sam Phipps, the lake was stocked with bluegill and catfish from Osage Catfisheries, which kept the kids busy the entire event. “It was one of the most rewarding events I’ve been part of,” Phipps said. “I bet every child caught at least five fish, and I think everyone who attended the event is now hooked on fishing.”

“It’s very rewarding to see the excitement of kids catching their first fish or even touching a live worm for the first time,” said Bricklayers Local 15 MKN President Dustin Himes. “I’m a huge fan of the outdoors and love sharing my passion with others, especially with kids who might not get to experience fishing and other outdoor activities without the help of volunteers.”

Twenty union volunteers representing the Greater Kansas City BCTC and AFL-CIO, Ironworkers Local 10, NFL Players Association, Plasterers’ and Cement Masons’ Local 518, Bricklayers Local 15, Sheet Metal Workers Local 2, Steelworkers Local 12561, Insulators Local 27, Electrical Workers Local 124, Fire Fighters Local 42 and Teamsters Local 41 along with staff from supporting organizations provided young anglers as well as their guardians with hands-on instruction on baiting hooks, casting lines and landing fish.

St. Croix of Park Falls, LTD, the 75-year-old parent company to St. Croix Rod, SEVIIN Reels, St. Croix Fly, Rod Geeks, and the St. Croix Factory Store, is pleased to announce a new partnership agreement with three-time Collegiate Bass Fishing Championship School of the Year, the University of Montevallo. The partnership includes a two-year sponsorship of the university’s renowned Falcons Fishing Team and a six-month marketing internship at St. Croix for one of the team’s student athletes.

Jesse Simpkins, St. Croix Vice President of Marketing, says the agreement represents great opportunities for both organizations. “The University of Montevallo gets a lot of well-deserved attention for the accomplishment of its bass-fishing team,” says Simpkins, referencing the program led by President’s Outdoor Scholars Program Director and Head Fishing Coach, William Crawford. “But behind all the titles and honors the Falcons have earned on the water, there’s a wonderful university supporting the personal and professional growth of these young people, many of whom aspire to work in the fishing industry after graduation. We’re providing one of them with an immersive six-month internship within our marketing department for which they’ll receive both real-world experience and college credit for their work. But, beyond that, we have a variety of additional marketing projects and opportunities planned that will allow participation and growth for as many Falcons team members who want to get involved in the day-to-day marketing activities that help fuel the growth of our brands.”

Simpkins says the partnership also includes direct support to the 2021/2022 MLF National School of the Year, 2022/2023 Bassmaster Team of the Year, and 2022/2023 MLF National Champions in the form of product sponsorship. “St. Croix Rod and SEVIIN Reels will be sponsors of the Montevallo Falcons Fishing Team in name, meaning that we’re providing rods and reels to the team to use as they see fit,” Simpkins says. “We’re not dictating their use by any individual team member; we want and expect to earn the right to be in their hands and on their decks.”

In addition to serving as the Falcons Fishing Team’s Head Coach, William Crawford also serves as Director of the University of Montevallo’s President’s Outdoor Scholars Program, which provides scholarships and other special opportunities for students with a special passion for wildlife and conservation.

“The program gives outdoor-minded students a pathway to stay actively involved in their passions… taking an active role in preserving Alabama’s significant natural resources while earning their degrees,” says Crawford. “We also strive to provide insights into future employment opportunities within the fields of conservation and game management, as well as within the greater outdoors industry.”