Hunting and Fishing News Blog Articles

How James Elam Adjusts His Summertime Gameplan to Find Bass Consistently 

Late summer bass fishing is often referred to as the “dog days” for a reason. Air temps have been bumping triple digits throughout the months of July and August, baking the water’s surface to a boil, and the bass seem to go into a funk, making many anglers wait for the first cool front of the fall before venturing back out on the water.

Major League Fishing Pro, James Elam, can’t do anything about the heat; however, he does tweak his game plan from his midsummer strategy to stay on the bite in late summer. He explains, “During early to midsummer, the bottom techniques like deep cranking, worms and jigs work well because the bass are grouped up and feeding in schools along the lake bottom. But, there’s a point in time that those schools of shad start to suspend up higher in the water column and the bass start to break up into smaller groups to chase them. So, in late summer, I shift my approach to hunt them down with forward facing sonar”.

The Oklahoma pro starts by searching out schools of shad with his Lowrance electronics, focusing his search in the middle of deep coves, the mouths of major creeks, as well as the deeper flats along the main lake area. Once the shad are located from the driver’s seat, Elam will move to the front deck to drop the trolling motor and start scanning the area with his Lowrance Active Target looking for individual bass feeding below or within the balls of shad. “When you see those shad pods grouped tightly toward the surface, that means the bass are pushing them and actively feeding on them. The surface acts as a backstop, meaning there’s simply nowhere else for the shad to escape,” continued Elam.

His approach to catch suspended bass is a 1-2 punch, depending upon the mood of the bass. As he details, “I’ll start with a 4-5” LIVETARGET Slow Roll-Shiner rigged on a ⅜ oz Mustad Impact Spring Lock Jig Head. The 5” is easier to see on forward sonar and imitates those larger shad extremely well and I’ll go with a shad pattern such as Silver Pearl”. Elam explains that the technique is rather simple: maintain a good cast away from the fish to avoid spooking with the trolling motor, casting beyond the fish and swimming the paddle tail design of the Slow-Roll Shiner just under the shad, but above the bass below. “The goal is to make that Ghost Minnow appear as a stray baitfish that’s wandered away from the bigger school”, he adds. “Just keep a slow, steady retrieve and if you see the bass following on forward sonar, but not committing, increase the retrieve speed to make them think the shad is getting away. That usually seals the deal”.

The ultimate in style and all-day comfort, Huk’s Tide Point Collection features long and short sleeve shirts equally on the water or at the local hangout. The new Tide Point line is available in multiple colors and patterns for just about any style preference.

Available in long and short sleeve, Tide Point shirts are designed to keep anglers cool and dry, no matter how intense the action gets or how much the temperature rises. Hydrophobic fibers transport water and sweat away from the skin to the exterior of the clothing where it can evaporate more efficiently. Also, both the short and long sleeve shirts are quick-drying and feature laser perforation in the back of the shirt and underarms to deliver supreme breathability. Built for fun in the sun, Tide Point shirts feature a 30+ UPF rating to keep your skin protected at all times. Two mesh-backed chest pockets offer storage and a hidden microfiber wipe to keep glasses clean throughout the day. Four-way stretch material allows for a serious range of motion and a uniquely comfortable fit.

The Tide Point collection features a 100% polyester woven design that features a collar and classic design that’s plenty stylish for a night on the town. Huk offers solid colors and plaid patterns that incorporate a fish design for those looking to up their style game. Huk’s new Tide Point collection is designed for serious comfort and function on the water yet offers style and design that easily transitions to everyday wear.

Tide Point Features:

Tide Point LS:

The organization’s Pappy raffle is back and it’s hotter than ever.

Back by popular demand, Ronald McDonald House Charities of Kentuckiana (RMHCK) is raffling five Pappy bottles packaged as a flight. https://bit.ly/46WJ444 Each ticket will be sold for $100 each and 100 percent of the proceeds will benefit families who stay at the House when they travel to Louisville for medical care for their children. All programs and services are free of charge to families.

This year, the organization has sweetened the raffle pot. Julian Van Winkle III signed each bottle, adding value as well as bragging rights to this year’s collection. Van Winkle is a long-time supporter of RMHCK and serves as president of Old Rip Van Winkle Distillery.

The PappyRaffle.org flight includes one bottle each of Pappy Van Winkle 23 Year (2021); Pappy Van Winkle 20 Year (2021); Pappy Van Winkle 15 Year (2021); Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year, (2019); Old Rip Van Winkle 10 Year (2022). Marc Abrams, a well-known bourbon expert based in Louisville, has personally authenticated each bottle and appraised the flight at more than $18,000.

“We’ve chosen to sell 1,984 tickets to commemorate the year 1984, when Ronald McDonald House Charities of Kentuckiana first opened its doors to families,” said Hal Hedley, the organization’s CEO.

Chasing mule deer in the high country of the west can be one of the best hunting experiences of your life.  The breathtaking views from mountain peaks are hard to explain. There is nothing quite like hiking up to a glassing knob before day break to find bachelor groups of bucks as they feed to their bedding areas. Some may argue there are few better places to chase big bucks.

But like most things, something worth having doesn’t come easy.

Residing above timberline, high country mule deer generally live in elevations of 10,000+ ft.  This equates to a very physically and often mentally challenging hunt. Hunting at higher elevations comes at a cost. One of the first things you will notice is the effect of limited oxygen at altitude has on your body. Most commonly, you will be short of breath and more easily fatigued.

Training, acclimating, and having high quality lightweight gear will help you be more effective at altitude. With technological advancements, brands like Stone Glacier and Swarovski are always pushing the limits to bring consumers the best gear they can offer without sacrificing quality.  The correlation of light weight gear lacking durability and reliability is quickly becoming a thing of the past.

Following are our top picks for high performing lightweight gear:

Swarovski NL Pure 12×42

Let’s face it, optics are heavy, but something we cannot leave without when glassing is the name of the game. Much of the time spent on the mountain hunting mule deer is spent behind the glass. Having quality binoculars and spotting scopes can often be the difference in locating hard to find game.  But as mentioned, quality glass often comes at a major cost  in weight.  Swarovski solved this problem with their offering of the NL Pure 12×42.  The NL Pure 12×42 comes in at 29.5 oz which is average of most 10×42 high end binoculars.  Not only do you get more magnification, but also a better field of view than many 10×42 binoculars.

Stone Glacier Terminus

New for 2022 and 2023, Stone Glacier released the Terminus 7000 and 8700 packs.  The Terminus line was designed with the alpine hunter in mind. They achieved a very lightweight system by sewing the pack directly to the frame system, simplifying and streamlining the design, and by using lightweight but strong fabrics.

The Terminus packs utilize the same carbon stays used in their frames.  This means they still maintain a load rating of 150+ lbs.  The proprietary SG Ultra fabric combined with X-pac fabrics keep the pack very light weight and nearly waterproof (seams are not sealed). When compared to packs of similar size, the Terminus is a major contender especially when weight is a deciding factor.

Choosing the best gun safe for hunters can be a daunting task.

The market is flooded with countless options, each claiming to be the ‘best’.

Navigating through this maze of choices becomes overwhelming. But that’s what separates an average hunter from a responsible one.Choosing the right gun safe is key to both ensuring security and keeping firearms in optimal condition. Without a doubt, choosing the best gun safe for hunters plays a crucial role in achieving these goals.

Champion Safe for Hunters

The need to securely store firearms is a significant responsibility that comes with owning them. Champion Safe, an industry leader in gun safes, addresses this concern by offering high-quality products designed specifically for hunters.

In the realm of security-infused products like gun safes and home safes, quality construction, and reliable locking mechanisms are non-negotiables. It’s these factors that make Champion Safes stand out from other brands on the market.

CZ SHADOW 2 COMPACT – A Smaller, Lighter, Optics-Ready DA/SA Competition Pistol The new CZ SHADOW 2 COMPACT is the latest member in the CZ family of high-performance pistols. Designed with the same instinctive fit as CZ’s full-size flagship sport pistol – the CZ SHADOW 2 – the CZ SHADOW 2 COMPACT has been specifically engineered for shooters who want a top-tier, highly accurate pistol that is easier to handle and carry. And as with all models in the CZ SHADOW 2 series, it is constructed from advanced materials and comes with match-ready features.

The CZ SHADOW 2 COMPACT retains the key, competition-proven features, accuracy, ergonomics, and handling that made its big brother so popular among elite sport shooters and contributed to its status as a world championship firearm, with numerous world championship titles under its belt in the IPSC Production and Production Optics divisions. The overall size of the CZ SHADOW 2 COMPACT is 7.5 (L) × 1.4 (W) × 5.4 (H) inches. A light and strong forged 7075 aluminum frame shaves precious ounces off the total weight, bringing its weight down to 2 lbs. As a result, it’s the perfect choice for all-day carry and concealed carry.

Like the full-size CZ SHADOW 2, it features butter smooth trigger pull (single action 3.4 pounds; double action 10.3 pounds) and shortened reset, allowing for quick and accurate follow-up shots. It comes with a 4-inch barrel that glides quickly from holsters while still achieving impressive ballistic performance; its magazine holds 15 rounds. Racking the CZ SHADOW 2 COMPACT’s slide from various positions is easy and intuitive, thanks to deep-cut front and rear cocking serrations. The rear of the slide is equipped with an extremely low and robust mounting interface for the attachment of a red dot sight. In fact, its mounting interface is identical to what is found on the CZ SHADOW 2 OR model and is compatible with the same mounting plates. Shooters who prefer running standard sights will appreciate its high-visibility fiber optic front sight for aiming in all lighting conditions and height-adjustable rear sight for precision.

Right- and left-handed shooters are equally at home with its low-profile ambidextrous manual safety and reduced height magazine release button that can be swapped from side-to-side. The CZ SHADOW 2 COMPACT also includes other features that are shared with the full-size CZ SHADOW 2, such as a spacious trigger guard, checkered grip and dust cover with accessory rail for mounting lights and other devices.

The new CZ SHADOW 2 COMPACT is a dream come true for shooters who have been waiting for a light, compact pistol with all of the winning features found in the CZ SHADOW 2 series.

Capitol Hill regular takes policy helm to advance mission of The Habitat Organization

Pheasants Forever (PF) and Quail Forever (QF) are proud to announce the hiring of Ariel Wiegard as the organization’s incoming vice president of government affairs. Wiegard, a 15-year veteran of Washington D.C., will now lead policy/advocacy efforts to advance the mission of The Habitat Organization among lawmakers, industry partners, private lands stakeholders, and other conservation advocates. She will start her new role at PF & QF on September 5.  

“The Federal policy work of today creates the habitat programs of tomorrow,” said Ron Leathers, Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever’s chief conservation officer. “North American wildlife populations, including our most coveted upland species, are directly tied to Capitol Hill. To that end, Ariel will oversee an experienced government affairs team who will continue to be a catalyst for the habitat issues members and landowners care about most.”

Wiegard will help strengthen PF & QF’s national-level advocacy efforts to improve policies that benefit pheasants, quail, and other wildlife, especially as they relate to the ongoing deliberations for a new and improved Farm Bill. Likewise, overarching concepts such as voluntary public access, North American Grasslands Conservation Act, and other initiatives with major, positive ramifications for members, landowners, and hunters will fall under her job purview.

As a regular face on Capitol Hill, Wiegard came to PF & QF after serving as director of government relations for the American Soybean Association. In her role, she advocated on behalf of 500,000 U.S. soybean farmers and 26 state and regional affiliates on policy to improve market access, environmental & economic sustainability, and movement of crops to market. Previously, she served as the federal government relations lead for the global agribusiness Syngenta, developing and executing the company’s legislative strategy and sustainability goals. Wiegard also notably served as the director of the Center for Agriculture & Private Lands for the Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership, helping to enact policy to improve privately owned habitat and waters important to hunters & anglers.

H&K remains one of the most recognized names in the firearms industry. The prestige that follows H&K is well warranted. They have continually made some of the world’s best-functioning and most reliable pistols. Born from a strong German heritage, the H&K brand is tough, durable, and elite. However, not many companies cater to pistol optics for H&K; until now. 

The SCS-VP9-GR (Solar Charging Sight) is designed for optics-ready H&K VP9 handguns. The new optic attaches directly to the slide without needing an adapter plate. For perfect reticle illumination, the unit uses multidirectional light sensors in complement with a solar charging system to adjust brightness automatically. The SCS can operate indefinitely using an internal, rechargeable 20,000-hour battery, meaning you will never need to change batteries again. While brightness is automatically calibrated, an intensity override function locks the optic into a high-brightness mode for 30 minutes.

The reticle comes in three styles: MRS 32 MOA circle with 2 MOA dot, standalone 2 MOA dot, or standalone 32 MOA circle. Adjustments are 1 MOA per click with a full +/- 30 MOA travel range. No matter the conditions, a 7075 T6 aluminum housing offers superior strength. An IP67 waterproof rating means the SCS-VP9 optic is ready for all wet weather, with a 0.77×0.58 inch optical window that remains compact enough for carry while offering exceptional space for fast target acquisition.

Holosun has heard the needs of shooters. It has answered the call of VP9 owners who want a well-priced optic packed with features that can tolerate constant use and provide exceptional concealability. Learn more about the SCS-VP9 at http://www.holosun.com

Warranty information can be found at: https://holosun.com/index/category/items/id/94.html

BELLEVUE, WA – Attorneys representing the Second Amendment Foundation (SAF) and its partners in a federal lawsuit challenging New Jersey’s “sensitive places” statute have filed a response brief to the state’s appeal. The case is now known as Koons v. Platkin.

In May, U.S. District Court Judge Renee Marie Bumb granted a preliminary injunction against the state. New Jersey sought a stay of that order pending appeal, to which SAF filed a brief in opposition. 

SAF is joined by the Firearms Policy Coalition, the Coalition of New Jersey Firearm Owners, New Jersey Second Amendment Society and four private citizens. They are represented by attorney David Jensen, Beacon, N.Y.

“The state is trying to justify the challenged provisions of its ‘sensitive places’ law, which makes it virtually impossible for people with carry permits to actually go to most places,” noted SAF founder and Executive Vice President Alan M. Gottlieb. “Essentially, Garden State residents can walk out the front door with their legally-carried firearms, but they can’t really go anywhere.”

“We maintain the District Court acted properly by issuing a preliminary injunction against enforcement of this ‘sensitive places’ statute,” added SAF Executive Director Adam Kraut.  “The Anti-Carry Default provision of the law, which prohibits carrying on private property without the owner’s express permission, is tantamount to prohibiting lawful carry in most public places. The section prohibiting carrying a gun in a vehicle, unless the gun is unloaded and placed in a securely fastened case literally makes legal carry impossible while traveling.”

Bushnell®, an industry leader in performance optics, is now shipping the Match Pro ED 15×56 binocular, a premium optic designed for precision and competition rifle shooters. Designed from the ground up to offer unparalleled image quality and resolution, the Match Pro ED binoculars offer ED Prime glass and the market’s only proprietary, rotating Shot-Call MRAD reticle in a high-magnification binocular. 

Since being introduced, the Match Pro ED 15×56 binocular has become a game-changer on the competitive circuit. Bushnell pro shooter Robert Brantley has used the Match Pro ED binocular in recent PRS matches where he’s won four consecutive Tactical Division titles.

“The new Match Pro binos offer the perfect setup for spotting and calling shots on the range,” said Brantley. “They offer the all-day comfort of your favorite binos with the ability to fine tune corrections with the Shot-Call reticle. It truly does offer the best of everything and I’m not ever going back to shooting without them.”

Two unique features that have already impressed pro shooters testing the Match Pro ED’s are the binocular’s Shot-Call reticle and BridgeSet Stabilizer. The offset MRAD reticle is designed for target sizing, ranging and follow-up shot correction. The reticle has a dedicated focus adjustment and can be rotated for leveling after IPD (interpupillary distance) adjustment. Users can lock in their preferred IPD with the integrated bridge-lock, which ensures the binoculars are set for quick use and increases the durability of the bridge mechanism. 

Designed for premium optical performance, the Match Pro ED binocular boasts fully multi-coated ED (Extra-Low Dispersion) Prime objective lenses and BaK4 Abbe-Koenig roof prisms with PC3 dielectric phase coatings to ensure 92% light transmission. The Match Pro ED binocular also features Bushnell’s EXO-Barrier for high resolution regardless of weather conditions. Rugged magnesium housing protects the binocular’s internal mechanisms while IPX5 waterproof sealing shields the optic from serious moisture.

GREELEY, CO – Burris Optics, a leading manufacturer of premium observation and archery optics, announces their 2023 partnership with Major League Bowhunters (MLB), a popular bowhunter show that airs on The Sportsman Channel across the country. This partnership marks a significant collaboration between two industry leaders and aims to enhance the hunting experience for enthusiasts through cutting-edge technology and expertise.

As part of this new relationship, the Burris Optics LRF 2000, Signature LRF 10×42 and other binoculars, will be showcased this season. These innovative rangefinders are engineered to elevate the performance and accuracy of bowhunters, giving them the edge they need in the field. Additionally, the MLB team will showcase the Oracle X on any crossbow adventures.

Taking this partnership to new heights, the Burris Oracle X sets an unprecedented standard in crossbow hunting technology. The Oracle X offers advanced features, including on-demand ranging and aiming capabilities, 2-7x variable zoom, and helps hunters with better ethic shot placement. This cutting-edge device empowers crossbow hunters to conquer challenging hunting situations with unmatched precision, making it an essential tool for every serious crossbow hunter.

As part of this collaboration, Major League Bowhunters host, Matt Duff and Chipper Jones, will gain access to Burris Optics’ latest products, as well as receive specialized training and support to optimize their bowhunting experiences. Both brands are excited about the potential this partnership holds for the future of bowhunting and the broader outdoor sports community.

For more information about Burris Optics and our products, please visit www.burrisoptics.com.

On August 9, the Idaho Fish and Game Commission awarded $100,000 in grants to various organizations spanning the state, with the National Wild Turkey Federation among the recipients.

The NWTF Southeast Idaho Chapter successfully applied for the regional grants, securing $8,000 in funding. This funding will provide essential resources to conservation efforts in the region, including tree watering boxes, support stakes and tree seedlings. These materials are integral to the success of tree-planting endeavors across multiple Wildlife Management Areas within the Southeast region.

Over the past 15 years, NWTF volunteers have played a vital role in propagating and planting approximately 10,000 trees across 18 projects in the Southeast Idaho region. These tree plantings have contributed significantly to enhancing the habitat for a diverse array of wildlife species.

However, the most recent winter has been exceptionally challenging for all wildlife in Southeast Idaho. The persistent severe winter conditions have resulted in damage to many of the previous plantings that have occurred on the WMAs as well as the supply of young trees necessary for future plantings. 

For many years now, Joe Foster, NWTF Idaho State Chapter president, has been propagating a wide variety of trees and shrubs on his property for use on WMAs across the state to improve wildlife habitat. These seedlings are planted and nurtured for several years under the care of nursery conditions until they are ready to grow in the wild. However, extreme cold temperatures can be deadly these young seedlings.

SK Customs®, the Nation’s only series driven, limited edition manufacturer of custom firearms, is proud to introduce Alacrán, the second production in The Untamed series. This exclusive production run consists of only 200 Colt 1911 Full Size Government Models pistols, each meticulously crafted to embody the essence of one of the world’s most dangerous predators, the scorpion.

“Following the success of the Untamed Anaconda, which paid homage to the mighty reptile, we are thrilled to introduce Alacrán as the second edition in The Untamed series,” said Simon Khiabani, owner and founder of SK Customs. “Chambered in 38 Super, these Colt firearms represent the world’s highest diversity of scorpions found in Mexico, known for their extreme venomous nature.”

Alacrán, meaning Scorpion, is a yellow scorpion endemic to Mexico. The study of their venom is crucial for the development of lifesaving antivenom, which can cost up to $36 million per gallon.

The Untamed Alacrán pistol showcases a semi-polished stainless finish on the slide and frame flats, adorned with selective 24k gold controls. Each pistol features a special engraved edition number, making it a truly unique collector’s item. The custom engraved scroll pattern on the firearm resembles the intricate design of a scorpion’s stinger, while the top of the slide showcases a depiction of a “super” scorpion in 24k gold. To further enhance the firearm, SK Customs has included Beechwood grips complemented by the 24k gold Colt Rampart.

The Untamed Alacrán is a testament to SK Customs’ commitment to excellence and innovation in the world of firearms. With only 200 available, this collector’s item is sure to captivate gun enthusiasts and collectors alike.

Performance Eyewear Brand Introduces Radically Clear, Blue Light-Blocking Reader Lenses for All Full-Wrap Frame Styles

Bajío Sunglasses, a maker of blue-light filtering, sustainably-made, performance sunglasses that are built to save the world’s saltwater flats and estuaries, has officially added a Readers line to their expanding collection of lenses.

Bajío’s radically clear, polarized, blue light-blocking readers are designed to magnify the user’s visual experience. Created for anglers who don’t require prescription sunglasses, but would like more focal power for tying knots and reading electronics, Bajío Readers offer both magnification and superior fish spotting in one single pair of shades. The brand’s goal with this series of lenses is to help those who have been switching back and forth between readers and their favorite fishing sunglasses out on the water. Built to order, Bajío Readers are available in every full-wrap frame style and increase four different lens options by three magnification powers. Bajio’s readers are built by hand in New Smyrna Beach, Fla and shipped within 48 hours.

“We constantly see people walking around with clear readers hanging around their necks while wearing high-performance sunglasses. Our customers have asked us, and we provided them with a solution with our industry-leading LAPIS polarized lens technology” said Renato Cappuccitti, VP of Operations/Rx. “Bajío Readers are available in all our full-wrap sunglass styles with our most popular lens color options, and built for our core customer who needs a little extra magnification power in their lenses.”

Built to order, Bajio Readers are fully customizable in all of Bajío’s frames that are made from plant-based Nylon that degrades quickly and is gentler on our oceans after being disposed of. Bajío Readers are available in polycarbonate lens options Green Mirror, Blue Mirror, Rose Mirror & Gray, and magnification powers +1.50, +2.00 & +2.50. Every lens features durable anti-scratch properties and oleophobic coatings, which make sunscreen and water easy to remove. In addition, these lenses feature the brand’s proprietary LAPIS technology offering exceptional clarity and providing a visual experience that is second to none.

Stick ladders provide hunters with fantastic versatility, ease of mobility and efficiency for a quick setup. Millennium Treestands® is excited about the 2023 release of the M-215 Double Step 20 ft. Stick Ladder. Combining the rigid security of a ladder while borrowing from the portability of a climbing stick, the M-215 Stick Ladder is a go-to tool for tree stand hunters. 

The M-215 Stick Ladder’s interlocking design provides a rock-solid climbing platform. The five 4-foot sections allow hunters to ascend to a 20 ft. full ladder height. When paired with a Millennium hang-on stand like the M-100, savvy hunters can quickly change hunting locations to key in on the area’s hottest activity. Additionally, the stick ladder features a single tube design with dual steps for sure-footing while climbing and makes it safer and easier to step onto a hang-on stand. 

Weighing in at only 23 lbs., the M-215 is adaptable and nimble. It also features even-foot cam buckle straps that eliminate unwanted wiggle and noise and can attach to larger trees. The Millennium Treestands M-215 Double Step Stick Ladder is the perfect solution when the hunt calls for adaptability and enhanced positioning among the tree line.

M-215 Double Step Stick Ladder Features:

M-215 Double Step Stick Ladder Specs:

CAMP PERRY, Ohio – In only its second year, the Civilian Marksmanship Program’s (CMP) National Air Gun Championships are growing, thanks in part to its new home on the National Matches schedule.

The Air Gun Championships consist of two days of 60 shot competitions for Air Rifle and Air Pistol adult and junior athletes – all fired upon the electronic targets within the Gary Anderson CMP Competition Center. Also held concurrently with the individual 60 shot matches is a four-member team championship, while a three-round Team Elimination Match adds an exciting challenge to the lineup.

In 2023, the Championships were aligned with the CMP Smallbore series to allow athletes the opportunity to compete in both disciplines during their trip to Camp Perry. The change emerged as beneficial to athletes, with Air Pistol participation remaining steady and Air Rifle expanding by 50 athletes.

“The resulting number of participants in our Smallbore and Air Gun events is exactly what we had hoped for when we made changes to the National Matches calendar,” said Katie Harrington, CMP program coordinator. “We had 130 athletes shooting both disciplines, so it only made sense to have these series take place at the same time.”

“It was encouraging to not only see those talented athletes on the range that we’ve become accustomed to,” she went on. “But it was also promising to see new faces as we work toward bringing awareness to our sport and the opportunities it presents.”

Millennium Treestands® understands the passion and drive to be successful in the whitetail woods. Millennium’s ladder stands offer the best combination of comfort, strength, and durability. New for 2023, the Millennium Bowlite L-116 Single Ladder Stand provides another solid addition to Millennium’s legendary ladder stand lineup.

The Bowlite L-116 Single Ladder Stand is a versatile hunting platform that excels in ease of use and quiet design. The classic form and functionality of this 16 ft. ladder stand affords unmatched stability and versatility in an ultra-compact hunting platform. Featuring Millennium’s famous ComfortMAX Seat and powder-coated steel construction, the Bowlite L-116 Single Ladder Stand is sure to be a go-to stand for many seasons of use for hunters large and small.

Weighing in at only 53 lbs., the single ladder stand is made to be mobile and versatile. Now hunters have a dependable and portable hunting solution in a ladder stand. Position it along a feeding area for early season sits, and easily move it into a core bedding area when the rut is hot and the time is to punch that tag.   

Check out the new Millennium Bowlite L-116 Single Ladder Stand for affordable, portable comfort.

Bowlite L-116 Single Ladder Stand Features:

Pass It On – Outdoor Mentors announced today the Iowa Chapter of SCI has awarded a $21,000 grant to Pass It On – Outdoor Mentors to further their Shooting Sports Outreach Program in Iowa. This program bridges the gap between target shooting and hunting and fishing. 

Last year, Pass It On – Outdoor Mentors Iowa Program Coordinator, Steph Lane, with support from the Iowa DNR, organized 126 events that engaged 223 youth and 37 different Scholastic Clay Target Program teams (SCTP). In 2023 thus far, Lane has already coordinated 48 events with plans to coordinate 90+ more this year! 

“Pass It On! Outdoor Mentors has been a tremendous partner in helping with our Chapter’s R3 mission – Recruitment, Retention and Reactivation of hunters. Stephanie works hard setting up opportunities across Iowa to introduce shooting sport athletes and others to hunting”, said Ken Carlson, President, Iowa Chapter SCI

“In 2019, Pass It On – Outdoor Mentors kicked off the Shooting Sports Outreach Program with 89 hunts involving over 220 youth from 44 different high schools across Kansas. Last year we coordinated over 500 events that yielded over 1,200 kids out hunting and fishing. We are on track to plan over 700 events in the 2023 season” said Brittany French CEO of Pass It On – Outdoor Mentors. 

“Many of these youth have taken hunter safety, they have been taught hands-on safe gun handling and have learned one of the basic skills needed to hunt,” Brittany said. “Our goal is to increase their interest and motivation to hunt by providing as many different hunting opportunities as we possibly can.”

Emerging as the best-selling side-by-side on the market year over year, CZ BOBWHITE G2 has established itself as not only the finest side-by-side in its category but stands out as the most accessible with both left-handed and intermediate-sized variants available. CZ’s BOBWHITE is built using Italian barrel steel hand-fit to a CNCed steel action. The BOBWHITE’s crisp double triggers, Circassian walnut furniture and hand-engraved details are befitting a shotgun priced well beyond its $799 base MSRP. 

Building on a long history of quality side-by-side models, CZ’s second-generation BOBWHITE improved on its preceding model in nearly every way. As a result of the newly built and state-of-the-art manufacturing facility, all metalwork, from actions to triggers to hammers, gained a level of precision previously unimaginable. Improved spring systems resulted in even greater longevity and reliability, and attractive laser-engraved checkering elevated the shotgun’s handling and feel on clays and in the field. 

With classic lines, the CZ BOBWHITE G2 features a slender English-style grip allowing a shooter to slide their hand forward and rearward to easily choose which of the two triggers they wish to pull. An elegant splinter forend gives a good purchase while helping manage the weight and balance of the shotgun. 

With its action, barrels, and other metalwork finished in a hardy and attractive black chrome, the CZ BOBWHITE G2 wards off the elements far better than shotguns with a standard blued finish. Chrome-lined bores do the same to prevent corrosion internally, and a common Mobil-style choke system makes fitting aftermarket choke tubes an easy proposition. 

Not only is the CZ BOBWHITE G2 available in standard form in 12, 20, and 28 gauges, but it also has specific sub-models to fit shooters who might need help finding a modern side-by-side without going the custom route. 

CAMP PERRY, Ohio – With his consistent top scores on the range during the Civilian Marksmanship Program’s 2023 National Trophy Rifle Matches, Staff Sgt. Ben Cleland, 30, of the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit (USAMU), earned the Mountain Man Trophy for the second consecutive year. The award is a culmination of repeated excellence in the President’s, National Trophy Individual (NTI) and National Trophy Team (NTT) events and a sought after recognition at the annual National Matches – especially by Cleland himself.

“I really wanted to win the Mountain Man,” he said. “I had it in my mind that even if one specific match or piece of it didn’t go well, I was just going to try my best at the best aggregate score I could.”

“It’s the biggest one for me,” he went on of the Mountain Man Trophy. “It’s the aggregate of all the matches, so I feel like that’s kind of the most important one. It shows you were consistently good all week.”

Before reaching the National Trophy Rifle events, Staff Sgt. Cleland competed in the CMP Highpower series the week prior and led the Service Rifle 2400 Aggregate. His performance gave him confidence in his equipment going into the first of the Trophy events, the prestigious President’s Rifle Match, where he finished second overall.

“It could’ve been worse,” he joked of his finish. “Obviously, you want to win everything you can, but I shot as good as I could, so, can’t be mad about that.”