Hunting and Fishing News Blog Articles

A new collaborative project in the Eldorado National Forest is underway between the National Wild Turkey Federation, USDA Forest Service and the Great Basin Institute.

The Threefer Project, completed under the Cleveland-Icehouse Stewardship Project, addresses hazardous fuel buildup and habitat degradation in the Western Wildlands’ region, particularly in the Northern Sierra Nevada area.

With a project estimate of $383,000 and partnerships with the Forest Service and the Great Basin Institute, the Threefer Project takes an integrated approach to restore crucial ecosystems and benefit various species, including Merriam’s and Rio Grande wild turkey, as well as deer, elk and grouse.

Partners on this project will masticate (grind, chop or shred) about 362 acres, as well as, hand thinning an additional 76 acres to help reduce hazardous fuels in a highly recreated area. The project aims to complete all work by this fall.

The Threefer Project will greatly benefit the wild turkey population in this area. The mastication and hand thinning management practices will effectively reduce the thick understory brush and create a more dispersed landscape. This will directly benefit wild turkeys as they rely on open spaces to forage for food.

Close to 1 million acres of public lands in Arizona permanently conserved via Antiquities Act

TUSAYAN, Ariz. – This morning, a broad coalition of Tribes, Arizonans, hunters and anglers, and other stakeholders applauded the Biden administration for taking action to permanently conserve nearly 1 million acres of fish- and wildlife-rich public lands and waters in Arizona via the federal Antiquities Act.

Baaj Nwaavjo I’tah Kukveni – Ancestral Footprints of the Grand Canyon National Monument includes Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management lands near Grand Canyon National Park. No state or private lands are a part of the national monument. In addition to being culturally important to a dozen Tribes, the new monument will safeguard a critical watershed, healthy fisheries and valuable habitat for big game, including mule deer and elk.

The monument will continue to be managed by multiple-use agencies, and the state of Arizona will retain wildlife management authority. The proclamation recognizes the central role of the region’s wildlife to hunting and fishing as well as the importance of access to continue those traditions. Further, hunters and anglers and the Arizona Game and Fish Department will be represented on an advisory council that will help guide management.

“Baaj Nwaavjo I’tah Kukveni – Ancestral Footprints of the Grand Canyon National Monument is a wild landscape that supports a world-renowned mule deer herd,” said Michael Cravens, vice chair of the Arizona chapter of Backcountry Hunters & Anglers. “Declaring this iconic landscape a national monument, along with preserving recreational access and keeping authority over wildlife management in the capable hands of our Arizona Game and Fish Department, not only successfully protects this region from the adverse effects of uranium and hardrock mining; it also preserves the imperative connection that people have to the land.”

EDGEFIELD, S.C. — For the third year, the National Wild Turkey Federation is hosting NWTF Conservation Week — Sept. 17-22 — to bring awareness and emphasis to its national conservation mission and the critical role hunters play in creating Healthy Habitats and Health Harvests.

“Conservation Week showcases the scope of our year-round mission delivery, which is made possible through our organization’s volunteers, staff and partners,” said NWTF co-CEO Kurt Dyroff. “While the spring season may be over, our work to conserve the wild turkey and preserve our hunting heritage never stops. This is a week all about putting the spotlight on our incredible work and celebrating the people who make our unfaltering mission possible.”

Throughout the NWTF’s 2023 Conservation Week, the organization will highlight its conservation accomplishments, organizational milestones and ongoing initiatives, including:

The NWTF challenges its members, volunteers, staff and partners in the outdoor community to use its 2023 Conservation Week to help promote conservation efforts and educate others on the importance of hunting and conservation. 

This can include:

The Optics-Ready FN 510 and 545 MRD Offer Pinpoint Control and Accuracy

FN America, LLC is pleased to announce the release of the striker-fired FN 510 MRD and 545 MRD optics-ready big bore pistols. With dimensions just slightly larger than an FN 509, these two big bore pistols are ideal for users who want to carry with a lot more stopping power. The pistols feature 15+1 rounds of 10mm or .45ACP at the ready, a target-grade 6-pound trigger pull with crisp break, and the company’s patented optics mount that enables enhanced accuracy, making them the perfect tool for personal and home defense. Harness the stopping power of these big bore calibers and be ready to face any situation that may come.

“Following the overwhelmingly positive response to the FN 510 and 545 Tactical, which released in January, we received customer feedback requesting models in these calibers with flush-fit barrels, day sights and magazines that were more carry-friendly, as well as accessible in states that restrict threaded barrels or capacity,” said Chris Cole, Vice President of Sales and Marketing for FN America, LLC. “These MRD models, following the successful formula of the FN 509 MRD models, feature our patented optics mounting technology in a 15-round grip frame optimized for accuracy and shootability.”

The FN 510 and 545 MRD feature a flush-fit, 4.1-inch barrel housed within a machined steel slide with front and rear cocking serrations for ease of manipulation. The barrels are cold hammer-forged with a recessed target crown to extend accuracy and a polished feed ramp to ensure reliable feeding of the majority of commercially available loads in both 10mm and .45ACP.

The MRD slide is equipped with FN’s patented Low-Profile Optics-Mounting System that accepts all major optics footprints and enables consumers to direct-mount nearly any optic in minutes with the included hardware while a set of fully adjustable blacked-out iron sights co-witness with most optics and are to provide a clear sight picture, allowing the user the focus on the red dot of the optic.

In recent years, the world has witnessed a surge in the popularity of electric bikes, and not just for urban commuting or recreational rides. Adventure enthusiasts and hunters have also embraced this revolutionary mode of transportation for their outdoor pursuits. Electric bikes, also known as e-bikes, have opened up new avenues for hunters, transforming the way they approach the wilderness. The marriage of modern technology with traditional hunting practices has paved the way for an exhilarating and efficient hunting experience like never before. In this article, we will delve into the myriad advantages of using electric bikes for hunting, exploring how they enhance mobility, stealth, and overall hunting efficiency. From rugged terrains to remote locations, e-bikes are proving to be invaluable companions for modern-day hunters.

Enhanced Mobility: Navigating Challenging Terrain

Hunting often takes enthusiasts into terrains that are both challenging and unforgiving. Whether it’s traversing dense forests, tackling steep inclines, or crossing rocky paths, these terrains can prove to be obstacles for traditional forms of transportation. This is where the electric hunting mountain bike shines. Equipped with powerful motors and sturdy frames, e-bikes enable hunters to effortlessly conquer even the most rugged landscapes. The electric assist provided by these bikes amplifies human pedaling power, making ascents and traversing rough terrains significantly easier. With a variety of power settings, hunters can adapt the level of assistance based on the terrain, conserving energy for when it’s needed the most.

Stealthy Approach: Silent and Unintrusive

One of the key challenges in hunting is approaching wildlife without alerting them to human presence. Conventional modes of transportation such as ATVs and trucks generate noise that can spook animals long before the hunter gets within shooting range. Electric bikes, however, operate almost silently, allowing hunters to get closer to their prey without alarming them. The absence of engine noise grants hunters a stealthy advantage, increasing the likelihood of a successful hunt. This silent approach not only enhances the overall experience but also showcases a deep respect for wildlife and their natural habitats.

Extended Range: Covering More Ground

Hunting often requires covering vast expanses of territory, and walking on foot can be time-consuming and physically demanding. Electric bikes offer a solution by extending the hunter’s range and reducing travel time. With e-bikes, hunters can cover greater distances in a shorter period, maximizing their chances of spotting game and exploring new areas. This extended range is particularly advantageous when hunting in expansive wilderness areas or when tracking elusive species that inhabit remote regions.

Environmental Friendliness: Leave No Trace

Hunters are increasingly recognizing the importance of minimizing their environmental impact and preserving the natural habitats they explore. Electric bikes align with these values, as they are eco-friendly alternatives to traditional gasoline-powered vehicles. E-bikes produce zero emissions and have a smaller carbon footprint, making them an environmentally responsible choice for hunters. By opting for electric bikes, hunters can enjoy their outdoor pursuits while leaving minimal traces behind, thereby contributing to the conservation of the environment for future generations.

By Brittany Nelson, USAS Public Relations & Communications Manager 

USA Shooting junior athletes brought home a grand total of 13 medals from the 2023 International Shooting Sports Federation Junior World Championship in Changwon Korea, July 14-25.

Shotgun athletes showed their strength by earning nine of those medals. Benjamin Keller, of Johnstown Colorado, was crowned Junior Men’s Skeet World Champion, making him the first ever person in ISSF history to win back-to-back junior world champion titles, as he won gold in 2022.

“It’s an honor to have earned the opportunity to compete in the Junior World Championships again,” said Keller, the 2023 USA Shooting Junior National Men’s Skeet Champion. “These are the best junior skeet shooters in the world, and it feels amazing to have defended my title.”

Keller went on to help his teammates win silver in the Men’s Skeet Team Event. Keller, Joshua Corbin, from Reedsburg, Wisconsin, and Jordan Sapp, of Gilbert, Arizona, earned second after defeating Cyprus in the finals.

The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission confirmed mountain lion presence in Omaha on Aug. 2 via tracks and photo evidence.

The animal was moving south along Papillion Creek between Interstate 80 and 96th Street.

Also, a Game and Parks law enforcement officer and the Sarpy County Sheriff’s Office responded to a reported observation of a mountain lion east of Walnut Creek Recreation Area near the southern city limit of Papillion around midnight Aug. 3. This observation is considered probable but unconfirmed by Game and Parks due to a lack of definitive evidence.

Game and Parks and other agencies will continue to monitor and search for the animal and are requesting people call Game and Parks or local police if they observe a mountain lion.

Game and Parks cannot relocate mountain lions for the following reasons:

Frank Gill of Oil City, Pennsylvania, didn’t initially have much interest in earning the Distinguished Rifleman Badge that was presented to him on July 28 during the 2023 National Matches at Camp Perry. He earned his first four Excellence-in-Competition (EIC) points inadvertently after finishing in the top ten of the Small Arms Firing School in 2011, yet he still didn’t make the badge a goal.

Gill had a passion for shooting and for winning, but he wasn’t yet ready to do the hard work to earn the Distinguished Rifleman Badge, which is among the most prestigious awards authorized by the U.S. Government to recognize marksmanship excellence. CMP is the governing body for Distinguished Badges and CMP issues the Distinguished points and Badges to civilians. Military branches also award points towards the Distinguished Badge.

When a friend became interested in the badge, and Gill got caught up in the excitement. When his friend died, Gill carried on, hoping to honor his friend as he pushed himself to finish what the two had started.

“I’m an old pistol shooter, so I wasn’t really into it. But then my best friend, Dennis, bought a service rifle, and I had to get one, too, like best friends do,” Gill said. “I didn’t get into this to achieve the badge. I got into it because a friend wanted me to come shoot. It just started, and it kept drawing me in.”

During a 2016 competition, Gill earned an additional 10 points toward the needed 30 points, and he set his sights on the badge.

Jacksonville, Florida – Safariland®, a brand of The Safariland Group, a leading global provider of safety products designed for the public safety, military, professional and outdoor markets and one of Cadre Holdings, Inc.’s (NYSE: CDRE) (“Cadre”) has partnered with Haley Strategic Partners to launch the newly redesigned, RDS compatible IWB IncogX holster.

“This collaboration represents a significant milestone for both companies as we team up to introduce the 10th-anniversary edition of the all-new IncogX,” said Tim Drnec, VP of Marketing for Safariland. “With Safariland’s proven history of duty holster innovation and Haley Strategic Partner’s rich history in experience-based training, we’ve developed an elite concealed carry option for the market.”

IncogX boasts passive retention and adjustable tension capabilities, providing precise customization for a smooth fit and draw. The holster accommodates concealed carry for a diverse range of handgun models while allowing for various carry positions.

“As we celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Incog holster, this redesign and relaunch was perfect with Safariland as a partner. Their development, manufacturing capabilities and traction within the market will help deliver the next evolution of our original concealment holster on a whole new scale,” said Travis Haley, CEO of Haley Strategic. “We’re excited to harness our collective expertise and reshape this game-changing IWB holster.” 

Key features of the IncogX include:

NWTF Maryland volunteers are no strangers to introducing folks from across their state to the outdoors, and their new WITO event was no different.

Co-hosted by the NWTF Maryland State Chapter and the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, the recently held Women in the Outdoors event was the first of its kind in the state.

“We’ve always had events that engaged new women hunters, be it mentored hunts or other educational opportunities,” said Russ Leith, NWTF Maryland State Chapter board member and NWTF Monocacy Valley Chapter president. “However, we’ve never had an event with new or novice women hunters on this scale. It was great to see such a large amount of interest.”

Over 50 women showed up to learn about wild game cooking and processing, shotgun patterning, fishing, archery and, of course, turkey hunting. 

“I was happy to help organize the event, but the real rock stars were the talented female instructors who we able to engage with the aspiring hunters on a deeper level and who better understood the challenges women face with getting into the outdoors,” Leith said. “It was great to see everyone so engrossed in the outdoors lifestyle; I suspect I will be hearing about many first-time harvests this fall season.”

Silencer Central, America’s largest silencer dealer, will attend the 2023 Sturgis Motorcycle Rally and pre-rally events in Sturgis, S.D., August 4-13, 2023 to showcase its extensive line of leading suppressors.

“We’re excited to return to the thrilling atmosphere of the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. Silencer Central embraces the event as a longstanding tradition,” said Brandon Maddox, CEO of Silencer Central. “The rally’s energy offers us a prime opportunity to engage with both our valued customers and prospective ones.”

Celebrating 83 years, the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally needs no introduction as it stands as one of the most exciting festivals, embracing the rich culture of motorcycle enthusiasts. Whether you’re a casual weekend rider or fully immersed in the biker lifestyle, Sturgis has something remarkable to offer. Silencer Central will be spread across the Rally at three different locations, ensuring accessibility and convenience for all attendees.

Attendees can find Silencer Central at the following locations:

“We are partnering with our friends at Black Rifle Coffee Company to hand out free RTDs (Ready to Drink coffee) to visitors of Sturgis,” said Maddox. “We will be doing our part to keep the crowd caffeinated and there is no better group to do that with than the Black Rifle Coffee Company team!”

EDGEFIELD, S.C. — In 1992, a group of passionate hunters and conservationists in the North Central Heartland area came together with a vision to make a difference in the world of turkey hunting and wildlife conservation. At that time, turkey hunting was still in its infancy, establishing its first hunting season only nine years earlier in 1981. However, these dedicated individuals saw an opportunity to promote ethical hunting practices and contribute to the conservation of wild turkey habitats.

The driving force behind this endeavor was Roger M. Demanette, whose dedication and leadership brought the group together. Recognizing the need for organized efforts, Demanette reached out to the NWTF’s regional director during this time and an organizational meeting was held March 10, 1992. An overwhelming response of 103 attendees came to show their support for the cause. And so, the North Central Heartland Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation was established. Demanette was elected as its president, marking the beginning of a decades-long journey of conservation and community building in Kansas.

The chapter held its first banquet on June 9, 1992.

Over three decades later, the chapter remains active, committed to the mission of its founding members to conserve the wild turkey, educate individuals and protect our hunting heritage. After 31 years as the head of the chapter, Demanette stepped down as chapter president following this year’s annual banquet.

“I’m proud to say we have hosted an NWTF North Central Heartland Chapter banquet every year since,” Demanette said. “I always tell our members that hunting and fishing feed the outdoors, so keep at it, and keep attending our banquets faithfully as you always have in the past and never forget to bring another guest with you. Without you and without them, we wouldn’t be here.”

Sweetgrass at Thunderbasin comprises of nearly 6,000 acres of the Western Black Hills and is located in Northeast Wyoming. The ranch is accessible by car, commercial or private aircraft. Sweetgrass offers a unique getaway appropriate for corporate retreats, board meetings and special events and as an exclusive Upland Bird Hunting Lodge, you can expect diverse topography for walk-up and driven-style hunts in the Fall season. Activities include: warm water fishing, hiking trails, hundreds of miles of ATV touring trails, and guided horseback riding.  Additionally, there’s a sporting clays course designed by professional sporting clay competitors and Promatic, a handgun, rifle flat range, 3-gun range as well as an archery flat range walking course with 3-D targets allowing for all shooting levels.  

Sweetgrass maintains an organic culinary garden, worm composting farm, greenhouse, apiary, and coop with chickens, rabbits and ducks all raised sustainably and designed to provide the freshest ingredients for gourmet farm-to-table cuisines. Other activities include garden tours, culinary classes, canning classes, and homesteading experiences customized for visits to the ranch as a once-in-a-lifetime experience.  

The property venues include: an equestrian facility with an indoor riding arena, Rendezvous Event Center with a late 1800’s era antique bar, mercantile store and commercial kitchen; The Covey Conference Center with state-of-the-art meeting facilities, dining room, wine cellar and deck with breathtaking views; A 1910 Birdsall chuck wagon venue in the backcountry for the ultimate western experience; and lodging accommodations include 21 private rooms appropriate for individuals or couples – a 5-star Lodge with three king suites, a deck overlooking a pond and the black hills, the ranch’s Western art and artifact collection, and an 1800s era whiskey bar; plus five well-appointed cabins each themed after desirable hunting destinations around the globe.  

“No detail was overlooked at Sweetgrass at Thunderbasin. The level of service, expertise on hand and professionalism can’t be beat.  You will not be disappointed!!”– Louis – Owner at Backcountry Custom Firepits.  

Sweetgrass at Thunderbasin is open August – November for Fall wing-shooting season. Exclusive use buy-outs of the property are common, however, several weekends are available for 3-16 person groups. Special events, corporate retreats, and family reunions can be accommodated in May-June. The 2023 season has very limited availability. 

Private landowners from Missouri recently attended a workshop to learn about the importance of private land habitat management and the programs available to facilitate it.

The NWTF recently partnered with the Missouri Department of Conservation to host 17 private landowners on a field-tour workshop in Wright County, presenting information about active management and its benefits for private landowners. 

“While the terms forest and woodland are often used to mean the same thing in everyday language, they are two distinct habitats,” said Will Rechkemmer, NWTF Missouri wildlife biologist. “Forests have a predominately closed canopy and allow little light to reach the ground. Woodland habitats, however, have an open canopy that allows sunlight to reach the forest floor and allows native grasses and wildflowers to flourish, creating the early successional habitat that wild turkeys and many other species need. It enhances overall ecological value while providing landowners with better wildlife viewing and hunting opportunities. Restored woodlands also provide high quality nesting and brooding cover for wild turkeys, which is severely lacking across the landscape.”

Additional benefits of active management include increased soil health, biodiversity and resiliency to natural disturbances, such as drought and wildfire. 

Participants were taken through three stages of management progression on a loop through the Wright County property. They began the tour in an unmanaged area, typical of many landowners’ properties in Missouri, predominately a closed canopy without much beneficial understory growth. 

Summer vacation destinations vary from family to family. Depending on the budget, some might take a big trip down to Disney World, some might rent a house on the beach, and some may go camping.  The Wingard Family does things a little differently. They come to Camp Perry for the National Matches every year to compete and bond as a family.

Blake Wingard, who is currently on the University of Alabama Rifle Team, was the first to attend the National Matches in 2015.  It seems that he adds a sibling to the roster every year or so.  Today, Drake, Rhett, Wade and Kent join in on the fun shooting air rifle and smallbore during their vacation. Eventually, they would like to try different events and disciplines.

The Wingard’s youngest sibling Charlotte, who goes by “Sissy” has it made in the shade… literally.  She brings her own pint sized tent, complete with crafts, stuffed animals and a cot, so she can take a nap if she gets tired on some of the longer days. She’s not quite old enough for the competitions, but something tells me we’ll see her out on the firing line soon enough. 

The Wingard Family drives up from Alabama with mom, Aimee, at the wheel.  They shoot with the Magic City Gun Club in Pinson, Alabama.  Aimee expressed that the family was very fortunate to get to shoot with the club saying, “Perry Mitchell and Don Trawick worked very hard to establish gear, rifles and ammo at inexpensive prices so that youth could compete.”  The club provides support for the family to be able to compete at the National Matches every year. “We absolutely could not do this without them,” Aimee added.

So what is the best thing about shooting with all of your siblings? The competition. I know, who saw that one coming? Nothing like a little sibling rivalry to bring you closer together on family vacation. Oldest brother Blake used to be top dog, but now, his brothers are definitely giving him a run for his money. 

For a limited time, Easton is offering a great deal on the industry’s flagship hunting arrows—the 4mm and 5mm Full Metal Jacket.  FMJ arrows are built in Easton’s Utah factory using an advanced carbon shaft core with a metal jacket overlay.  The carbon core gives the arrow lightweight strength while the aluminum alloy jacket adds kinetic energy, enhances accuracy, and pulls easier from targets.  The synergy of both materials results in a unique blend of high broadhead accuracy with extra momentum for arrow penetration. 

Easton’s FMJ rebate runs now through October 15th. See the complete details of this offer at www.eastonarchery.com/rebate

HEVI-Shot is proud to launch a new product line for waterfowl hunting: HEVI-Shot’s all-new HEVI-Metal Xtreme. The new loads feature a layer of HEVI-Shot’s original 12 g/cc HEVI-XII tungsten pellets (30 percent) stacked over steel pellets (70 percent) in the same shell. The new loads also feature the FLITECONTROL FLEX wad for consistent long-range patterns and is set to high velocities. These new loads are available in four total options, in 12- and 20-gauge.

HEVI-Metal Xtreme | Hevi Shot

“For 2023, HEVI-Metal Xtreme is our new product that I am most enthusiastic about,” said HEVI-Shot Product Manager Scott Turner. “Our original HEVI-Shot 12g/cc density tungsten shot stacked on top of precision steel pellets certainly makes for a powerful load. That leading layer of 12 g/cc density tungsten hits 53-percent harder than the steel layer.”

Two product design elements really make this new product standout. The dense, 12 g/cc tungsten pellets are three shot sizes smaller than the steel pellets to ensure the two layers of different shot types have similar downrange performance. The FLIGHTCONTROL FLEX wad is a rear-braking wad designed to improve pattern density and consistency. It can be used with any steel-rated choke—ported or non-ported alike.

“We took our Pattern Density Technology one leap forward by utilizing the venerable FliteControl Flex wad,” continued Turner. “I think the FLIGHTCONTROL FLEX wad is the magic ingredient that makes this load even more impressive. I am extremely confident that any hunter that tries it will agree. Hunters owe it to themselves to give it a shot!”

Industry Veteran Eager to Grow Business While Upholding Company’s Long-Standing Tradition of Customized Tackle Solutions

Punta Gorda, Florida – Tall Pines Tackle Inc. is the leading custom manufacturer of OEM and private label fishing equipment in the Western Hemisphere. Their expert team ensures the delivery of high-quality, state-of-the-art fishing tackle. The company has a tradition of involving the sport’s most passionate anglers to develop innovative fishing products. In keeping with this practice, Tall Pines Tackle recently recruited Eric Naig as Vice President of Business Development.

Naig brings decades of experience to his new role. A fishing industry veteran and diehard multi-species angler, Naig spent six years with Pure Fishing managing field services, public relations, marketing, and product development. He spent the next 14 years in executive sales, marketing, and product development roles at Northland Fishing Tackle.  

An accomplished angler, Naig competed for 11 years as a professional walleye angler on the PWT, NAWA, and FLW walleye circuits.

“I’m extremely honored and grateful that Tall Pines Tackle has provided me this opportunity,” said Naig. “I look forward to working with our current customers and others to expand our OEM and Private Label business. I’m thrilled to share the entire Tall Pines team’s values and mantra: We will always operate under the three T’s: Truth, Trust, and Transparency.”

Eduardo Negrete was born in 1967 in Mexico City, Mexico. From a very young age he started accompanying his uncles to shoot birds and ducks near Acapulco and Mexico City. As he got older he traveled to Tamaulipas with his best friends and business partners, the Martinezes, to hunt doves, ducks, geese and partridges. They all now own a ranch together.

In 1993, he started his first business – selling wholesale shoes – but in 2000 he began working in the real estate business and continues to do so today.  In 1995 he married Julia and they have been together for 28 years, raising a daughter and a son, Julia and Eduardo.

In 2001 he went on his first big game hunt in South Africa with his brother Gervasio, on which he shot a Cape eland. On that same trip they went to Zimbabwe where he hunted his first Cape buffalo. That trip got him hooked on hunting forever.

During those first years Gervasio was his hunting partner. Now his son Eduardo is his hunting partner and they have shared many hunts. He considers this one of the greatest blessings in his life. His hope is that some day his daughter will hunt with him again.

He has done 178 hunts with 92 in North America, 4 in South America, 32 in Africa, 27 in Asia, 20 in Europe and 3 in the South Pacific. His favorite animals to hunt are buffalo, spiral horned antelope, mountain game and mule deer. He has collected 65 rams and 58 billies, all of the spiral horned subspecies, and he is only missing a bongo to complete the 9 Spiral Horns of Africa for the third time.

Greeley, CO – Burris Optics, a leading manufacturer of premium optics, announces Dorgan Trostel and Ckye Thomas as the first place winners of 2023 Burris Optics Team Challenge. This long-range team shooting event, showcasing the apex of marksmanship and teamwork, took place over the weekend of June 22nd in Douglas, Wyoming.

Dorgan and Ckye, members of the Burris Optics Team, applied their hard-earned marksmanship skills, team proficiency, and applied strategy throughout the intense competition. The duo overcame a series of demanding challenges, including the 30+ mph cross winds on the second day, to successfully push through the many complex shooting scenarios.

The team’s victory at the 2023 Burris Optics Team Challenge demonstrates Burris Optics’ position as an industry leader in competition and hunting optics. The company’s relentless pursuit of technological innovation and commitment to delivering exceptional products has consistently empowered shooters in both real-world scenarios and competitive environments.

Burris extends a heartfelt congratulations to all the participants who took part in the competition, and applaud their skills and determination. Additionally, Burris expresses gratitude towards the entire staff and volunteers at Competition Dynamics for their exceptional efforts in organizing yet another challenging and safe event. Their dedication and hard work ensured a memorable experience for everyone involved.

For more information about Burris Optics and its products, visit BurrisOptics.com.