Hunting and Fishing News Blog Articles

The United States Association of Gun Owners (USAGO), a pro-Second-Amendment association dedicated to protecting individuals’ liberty to keep and bear arms for self-defense, partnered with Source Outdoor Group, a full-service marketing agency with nearly a decade of experience representing companies both regionally and nationally across the U.S., with a focus on B-2-C marketing.

“USAGO represents a vibrant community of active firearm owners and supporters of the Second Amendment,” said Taylor Wood, President of USAGO. “Source Outdoor Group shares our commitment to supporting the Second Amendment and firearm community education. Our collaboration aims to empower responsible gun ownership, promote safety, and enhance public awareness surrounding firearms. USAGO strives to cultivate a culture of knowledge, respect, and responsible engagement within the firearm community. By working with Source Outdoor Group, we will uphold the rights and responsibilities enshrined in our Constitution, fostering a safer and more informed society for all.”

USAGO will benefit from its partnership with Source Outdoor Group’s knowledge and experience navigating the business/consumer relationship, as the organization’s primary goal is to provide its members with pertinent, comprehensive information spanning self-defense and firearms training. Furthermore, USAGO helps members select the best equipment to accomplish their personal self-defense objectives by offering members exclusive pricing on guns, gear, and ammo in the firearms marketplace. Source Outdoor Group’s ability to grow awareness of USAGO is a crucial part of USAGO’s membership expansion. It enables USAGO to achieve the ideal of furthering firearms training and education to the public.

“We couldn’t be more proud to welcome USAGO to our family of clients,” said Aaron McCaleb, president of Source Outdoor Group. “Over our nearly two-decade history, our primary focus is to connect relevant organizations and the public, and USAGO’s innovative organization is sure to make a distinct impact on the public.” Source Outdoor Group is proud to partner with an organization like USAGO that not only works to secure Second-Amendment Freedoms for all Americans but takes the concept of firearm ownership a step further and, initiates training, education, and helps its members implement what they learned from USAGO’s programs.

Through this relationship, USAGO’s community of members will be enabled more than ever and will continue to grow and have a positive influence. For more information, please visit https://www.usago.org/

Savage Arms is proud to announce its continued partnership with Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation (CSF). Savage supports CSF’s mission to work with public officials to protect and advance hunting, angling, recreational shooting and trapping. Savage reaffirms its status as a Gold partner and plans to donate rifles for various fundraising opportunities as a component of this partnership.

“Savage Arms recognizes the importance of the work CSF is doing on behalf of outdoorsmen, and the outdoors industry itself,” said Beth Shimanski, Director of Marketing at Savage Arms. “They’re a prominent leader in the legislative community when it comes to policy issues related to hunting, shooting and wildlife. We want to recognize and support that – so we’ve decided to double down on our partnership with them.”

“Our partnership with Savage allows the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation to protect, promote, and advance our outdoor sporting mission. They have emphasized the vital importance of giving a voice to hunters and recreational shooters during the legislative process,” said CSF’s President and CEO, Jeff Crane. “Their position as one of the nation’s most storied firearms producers, along with their contributions as a CSF Mission Partner, work well to enhance the effect of policy on the great outdoors. We are grateful for Savage’s support of the critical work we are pursuing at the CSF on behalf of the hunting and shooting community.”

Savage press releases can be found at https://savagearms.com/content?p=news.

More information on the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation can be found at   https://congressionalsportsmen.org/.

Book Review by Tony Martins

CALL ME HUNTER is a “debut” novel by Jim Shockey, a man who is not unfamiliar to consumers of outdoors media and award-winning television productions. For the past 30+ years, he has traveled the world experiencing and documenting a mind-boggling array of cultural diversity with adventures in hunting and wildlife conservation, while promoting a “field-to-table” lifestyle that has grown exponentially during this period. In the Preface, Shockey says: “This is my story. I mean that figuratively… but also literally.” Fans of the author and his “Hunting Adventures” will recognize the names of people and objects, a favorite saying or two, and locations and events in the book – but likely not the murder confessed in the first two lines!

Readers expecting a hunting story could be disappointed. Shockey expertly provided dozens of these in two previous volumes: Ultimate Big Game Adventures (©2003) and Ultimate Big Game Adventures – Part II (©2004). Loaded with photos, both are excellent reading; recounting hunting experiences across North America and around the world. There is no hunting in CALL ME HUNTER per se. Nevertheless, the hunter/outfitter/adventurer – who also happens to be a recognized expert in tribal and folk art – found ways to cleverly work products from some of his leading sponsors into the manuscript, by name! Hunting is however, an important theme for the two protagonists that is referenced in a positive light – unusual in a novel, particularly in today’s world. (More on this, later.)

Categorized as a fictional, abstract “thriller” by the publisher, googling fact-checkers may soon start to question its fictionality, as Shockey relates specific details and spins his intricate and enthralling tale. By cleverly emulsifying provable facts with an astounding array of details, his intention for the blend is to catch the reader like “quicksand” – struggle and you will likely sink deeper into the story’s hold. Attempting to decipher and predict where the story is heading as many will do, will typically lead down a trail that turns cold, even when excellent tracking skills are applied, and then… surprise! If the fact that I had trouble putting the 400-page novel down once I started reading is any indication, the author likely has achieved this lofty goal.

The Plot: A clandestine, well-connected, and unbelievably powerful 250-year-old syndicate searches the world for its greatest art treasures. Our World operatives possess innate abilities to sense exquisite beauty and thus, recognize the most valuable works of art. These operatives are trained to acquire their targets, doing so with callous regard for the method – theft, bribery, forgery, and even murder… whatever it takes. When a masterpiece is acquired, it is secretly sold to the highest bidder – an opportunity offered to only the wealthiest of the world’s private art collectors – and subsequently disappears. Old World profits handsomely… collecting billions.

The title character, Hunter, is involved in this scheme – deeply and intricately. His story and the evolution of his involvement is revealed in an unusual manner for a novel, through both first and second person narratives, switching from one to the other throughout the book. This style leaves a few loose ends, which are eventually and neatly tied together for the reader. As Hunter grows with maturity, so does his disenchantment with Old World and its methods – particularly the unrepentant brutality, which has invaded his soul. When the life of his daughter is threatened, he is compelled to act, prompting a cross-continent, investigative and ultimately life or death journey to destiny.

Sheridan, WY – July, 27th Leaning on decades of ballistic knowledge and proven performance, Weatherby will now load some of the industry’s most popular hunting cartridges. Initial cartridges being loaded will be 300 PRC, 7mm PRC, 6.5 PRC, 28 Nosler, and 280 AI. Tested and developed to lead the industry in velocity and terminal performance, consumers can expect hand loaded precision in commercially produced ammo. Like Weatherby’s current ammo selection, each new premium offering will feature bullets and brass known for tight tolerances and accurate groups. All new offerings will fall into Weatherby’s Select Plus line of premium ammunition. 

THE LINEUP

300 PRC 

Click here for load data https://weatherby.com/store/300-prc/

7mm PRC

In 2012, Brian Williams became the 2098th person to earn the Distinguished Rifleman Badge since the badge program was established in 1884. In June, he became the very first person to earn the Garand Collector’s Association (GCA) Master Marksman Medal. Williams shot his last qualifying shot during the Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP) D-Day Games in Talladega, Alabama, on June 8.

The GCA Master Marksman Program, which was launched in January 2023, was established to acknowledge consistently top performers at designated CMP John C. Garand Matches using as-issued M1 Garand rifles.

“The reason the Master Marksman Program was created was to draw excitement and move people into that style of shooting,” Williams said.

The GCA Master Marksman Program is based on an Achievement Award point system where 10 points are classified as gold, 8 points as silver, and 6 points as bronze. To earn the Master Marksman Medal, competitors must earn a total of 40 points overall and achieve one gold and one additional gold or silver.

Williams worked to earn GCA Master Marksman Medal #1 as soon as he heard the first whispers of a possible master program.

TANDEMKROSS, manufacturer of aftermarket parts upgrades for the action shooting sports competitor, has continued its support of the Scholastic Action Shooting Program (SASP) as a Platinum Sponsor of the youth development program. Doubling down on their support, TANDEMKROSS has committed additional resources to youth shooters through the SASP’s scholarship fund, which focuses on assisting high school senior athletes as they prepare to attend higher education.

“It’s our absolute pleasure to support SASP and their wonderful scholastic youth shooting program. No one in the industry works harder to make young Americans aware and responsibly exercises their Second Amendment rights.” -Bryan Haaker, President and Co-Founder of TANDEMKROSS

“TANDEMKROSS has worked closely with our organization since 2018 to support youth shooting sports in every way they can,” said Rick Leach, SASP National Director. “Their dedicated team has attended our National Championship events for a couple of years now, leaving with completely sold-out inventory and countless new connections. Their commitment to supporting youth shooting sports is made further evident by providing additional funds for scholarships on top of their Platinum level sponsorship of our program. We look forward to working with them for many seasons to come.”

About the Scholastic Shooting Sports Foundation
The Scholastic Shooting Sports Foundation (SSSF) is 501(c)(3) public charity responsible for all aspects of the Scholastic Action Shooting Program (SASP) and Scholastic Clay Target Program (SCTP) and Sacross the United States. The SASP and SCTP are youth development programs in which adult coaches and other volunteers use shooting sports to teach and to demonstrate sportsmanship, responsibility, honesty, ethics, integrity, teamwork, and other positive life skills.

The mission of the SSSF is to provide and enhance personal growth and development opportunities for student athlete members; become the premier authority in all things pertaining to firearm-related pursuits for youth; pass on to future generations the legacy of lifelong, safe, responsible enjoyment of the shooting sports. This includes serving as a feeder/pipeline for organized, sanctioned shooting organizations and teams.

Steelhead Outdoors adds two more modular gun safes in its popular 32 size.

Leading the way in firearm safety and protection, Steelhead Outdoors announces the expansion of its premium modular gun safe series with two new offerings in the popular 32 size. The Rustic Nomad 32 and the Recon 32 are built to provide security, versatility and American-made quality for hunters, shooters, and firearm collectors. The 32 model number corresponds with the gun safes’ exterior width. Depending on the adjustable interior configuration, a Steelhead Outdoors 32 safely store 8-19 long guns.

The Rustic Nomad 32 is a unique addition, featuring the Rocky Mountain Rust finish, featuring the beauty of natural age, patina, and rust. The rugged yet refined exterior is created using a meticulous process of oxidizing and neutralizing raw steel panels before applying a matte clear powder coating. Prices for the Rustic Nomad 32 start at $4,000.

Joining the Recon series of tactical safes, the Recon 32 modular gun safe sets itself apart with a custom roof rack, designed to store extra gear and range bags securely. The rack’s raised perimeter helps prevent items from falling off, and the flat textured black finish with blacked out hardware adds a stealthy, minimalistic look. Prices for the Recon 32 start at $3,900.

The Nomad 32 provides offering a mid-size option for those seeking a perfect fit for their firearms collection. All of Steelhead Outdoors’s modular safes are proudly made in the USA, ensuring unmatched quality and precision-engineered versatility. Customers can choose between a dial mechanical lock or a push-button digital lock for their safe.

Introducing the All-New Proven Off-Road Yamaha Wolverine X2 1000

Yamaha Motor Corp., USA, expands its Proven Off-Road lineup of recreational Side-by-Sides (SxS) with the launch of the all-new Wolverine X2 1000. Designed to embody the power and performance of Yamaha’s flagship Wolverine RMAX 1000 lineup, the Wolverine X2 1000 offers exceptional capability, comfort, and confidence within a compact and value-packed machine.

Inspired by the success of the Wolverine X2, the new Wolverine X2 1000 blends a range of enhancements, derived from both the 850 platform and premium RMAX 1000 series. Key upgrades include a 999-cc twin-cylinder engine, a premium automotive-style interior, switch prewiring for the optional Yamaha D-Mode technology, fully adjustable suspension, and 28-inch Maxxis Bighorn tires mounted on all-new tuning-fork inspired aluminum wheels.

“The all-new Wolverine X2 1000 is a superior value, providing the perfect combination of power and performance in a compact and nimble chassis that excels in a variety of terrain,” said Steve Nessl, Yamaha motorsports group marketing manager. “This new model slots right into the Yamaha lineup between the Wolverine RMAX2 1000 and the Wolverine X2, expanding customers’ options to choose one of the most versatile, reliable, and affordable Side-by-Sides on the trail.”

Key Features of the All-New Yamaha Wolverine X2 1000:

The Duck Hunters Organization’s annual expo returns to the Natural State on Friday

LITTLE ROCK, ARKANSAS — The weekend of July 28 to 30 has been officially proclaimed as “Delta Waterfowl Duck Hunters Weekend” in Little Rock, Arkansas. Mayor Frank Scott Jr. signed the proclamation into effect on Tuesday, July 25—days before the second-annual Delta Waterfowl Duck Hunters EXPO opens its doors to welcome waterfowlers from across North America.

“Last year we were already thrilled to have Delta Waterfowl pick Little Rock to have this usually nomadic event,” said Lance Hines, City Director of Ward 5 in Little Rock. “I understand as a duck hunter the impact Delta Waterfowl has had not only for duck hunters, but the economic impact the organization has had on our city of Little Rock. We wanted to recognize Delta as an organization and all of the duck hunters who are going to be participating in the festivities this week.”

An excerpt from the proclamation officially reads:

“NOW, THEREFORE, I, Frank Scott, Jr., Mayor of the City of Little Rock, Arkansas, do hereby proclaim the weekend of July 28-30, 2023, as Delta Waterfowl Duck Hunters Weekend in the City of Little Rock, and encourage all residents to join me in celebrating Delta Waterfowl, The Duck Hunters Organization for their conservation efforts as well as their work to produce ducks, conserve breeding duck habitat, enhance duck hunting opportunities and ensure the continuing tradition of waterfowling in North America.”

Safety and Efficiency are Key

Summer is the heart of hiking season, luring hikers outdoors for favorable weather, fresh air, wildflowers, and more. Millions will hit the trails this year for day hikes, overnights, and soul-searching through hikes. Before setting out, though, they will all need to choose their gear carefully.

Getting home safely at the end of the day should be a primary concern. In order to ensure a good trip, experienced hikers know there are a few things they need to bring with them, like rain gear or a simple first aid kit.

Possibly the best prevention for a disastrous hike is knowing where you are at all times, as well as how to navigate in a time of crisis. For this, a physical map and compass are timeless and indispensable. Smartphones are capable of sophisticated navigation, but they are vulnerable to battery loss and water damage. Simple compasses with see-through baseplates and orienting lines, like those made by Silva, fit easily in any pack.

Like a map and compass, Smith’s Tinder Maker with Fire Starter is a small item that is easy to bring along for “just in case” scenarios. It is a clever little device that helps build a fire in a pinch. The removable cover is a stainless steel grate used for making wood shavings, which are collected in the main compartment. The fire starter and striker generate copious sparks. Even if they get wet, the starter and striker can be dried and used in mere seconds—a clear advantage over matches. 

New YXZ Amplifies Proven Off-Road Prowess, Elevating Versatility and Thrills on Adventures

Yamaha Motor Corp., USA, the pioneer in delivering the industry’s first and only direct-connection pure-sport Side-by-Side (SxS), announces enhancements to the 2024 YXZ1000R and YXZ1000R SS (Sport Shift), highlighted by a new 6-speed transmission and all-new Yamaha Auto-Shift Technology in the SS variant. Assembled in Yamaha’s state-of-the-art manufacturing plant in Newnan, Georgia, the new YXZ1000R lineup raises the bar in terms of capability, comfort, and versatility, promising unforgettable off-road adventures for pure-sport SxS enthusiasts across the country.

The highlight of the 2024 YXZ1000R SS is Yamaha’s exclusive Auto-Shift Technology, featuring three modes of direct-connection, conveniently accessible via a dash-mounted dial. This groundbreaking technology provides automatic-transmission drivers with the pure sport experience while offering the flexibility of switching to manual gear selection for an unparalleled direct-connection driving experience. The new 6-gear, close-ratio transmission is designed to excel during low-speed operation on various terrains, ensuring the vehicle stays within the ideal powerband without compromising high-speed performance. Furthermore, the enhanced transmission boosts clutch durability, delivers smoother engagement, and optimizes the overall driving experience. The new YXZ1000R SS also showcases increased accessory integration with a higher electrical output and added accessory ports and plugs.

“The YXZ1000R Sport Shift is the epitome of pure sport adventures without compromise, and the enhancements introduced in the 2024 model year take the thrill of a direct-connection transmission to a whole new level – appealing to a broader audience regardless of the terrain,” said Steve Nessl, Yamaha motorsports group marketing manager. “With our all-new Yamaha Auto-Shift Technology, enthusiasts can enjoy the excitement of a manual transmission or two fully-automatic options, all while experiencing Yamaha’s unmatched durability, reliability, and Proven Off-Road capability to REALize Your Adventure.”

Key Features of the 2024 YXZ1000R SS Include:

As the Official Ammunition of the Amateur Trapshooting Association (ATA), Winchester continues its commitment to one of the longest running shooting events in the world, the Grand American Championship.  

More than 10,000 competitive shooters and spectators from across the country will journey to Sparta, Illinois for the 2023 ATA AIM Youth Championship and Grand American World Championship, which runs July 27-August 12.  

“It’s the Super Bowl of trapshooting and Winchester has been a part of this historic event since 1899,” said Jason Gilbertson, director of marketing for Winchester Ammunition. “Winchester has once again teamed up with the Grand American shell house, bringing in truckloads of the world-famous AA® shotshell target load, the venerable Super-Target® target load and AA Diamond Grade® Elite Trap featuring 8% Antimony shot, which is suited specifically for long-yardage shooters.” 

The two-week “Grand Event” kicks off with the AIM Grand Championships, a youth shooting competition where kids from elementary school through college compete against others in their class in Singles, Doubles and Handicap Trap events. After the AIM event, individuals of all ages begin the 11-day Grand American Trap Shoot which consists of daily events like the Winchester AA® Class Singles. 

Team Winchester members Matt Bartholow, Foster Bartholow, Harlan Campbell, Keith Ditto and young phenom Dagen Voigtman will be battling thousands of talented shooters in their quest for more championship rings. The Bartholow Brothers will also be hosting their famous youth clinic on Sunday, July 30 by the ATA Grand Stands.  

Houston Safari Club Foundation (HSCF) and “Hunting Matters” welcomes Brandon Maddox, CEO and owner of Silencer Central. 

Brandon is recognized as a national thought leader on Class 3 firearms. What began as Maddox’s home-based Federal Firearms License (FFL) evolved into a Class 3 Dealership and has grown into the nationwide brand it is today. Maddox’s NFA expertise makes him a popular voice for the industry, and he speaks regularly at National Compliance Conferences. He recently joined the board of directors for Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation, working to protect and advocate for the hunting and shooting industry.

Before his work with Silencer Central, Maddox practiced pharmacy and served as a marketing executive in the pharmaceutical industry. He is a graduate of the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill and holds a master’s in business administration (MBA) from Duke University. Megan, Maddox’s wife, is a 5th generation South Dakotan, and together they have two daughters. Maddox is passionate about varmint hunting and has spent more than a decade honing his expertise in the Western Dakota prairies.

About Hunting Matters
Tune in to “Hunting Matters” with Houston Safari Club Foundation Executive Director Joe Betar as he engages in conversations with guests, from various backgrounds, who have a passion for hunting and conservation. Great discussions, news, hunting legislation updates and more! “Hunting Matters” airs each Saturday, 6am-7am CDT on KPRC AM 950 – Real Texas, Real Talk, a Houston iHeartMedia station, and Houston’s longest running radio station. “Hunting Matters” is also available via podcast on Apple/iTunes, iHeartMedia, Google, Overcast, PodBean and Spreaker. Subscribe, listen, rate and review. Hunting Matters is the recipient of a 2022 Gold AVA Digital award, a 2022 NYX/Marcom Silver award, a 2022 MARCOM Gold award, a 2022 Gold Davey Award, and a 2023 NYX/Marcom Silver award. 

About Houston Safari Club Foundation
Houston Safari Club Foundation (HSCF) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization whose mission is to preserve the sport of hunting through education, conservation, and the promotion of our hunting heritage. HSCF has awarded 646 scholarships totaling $2.92 million dollars. HSCF conducts youth outdoor education programs, career training, hunter education and field experiences throughout the year. HSCF has provided over $4 million in grants for hunter-funded wildlife, habitat, and various conservation initiatives. HSCF is an independent organization, is not affiliated with Safari Club International (SCI) or its affiliates and is not a chapter or affiliate of any other organization. Visit our website at wehuntwegive.org or call 713.623.8844 for more information. HSCF. We Hunt. We Give.

Safari Magazine, the official publication of Safari Club International, recently released the July/August  issue to its members, who are sportsmen and women dedicated to defending hunters’ rights and wildlife  conservation worldwide.  

“This issue is bursting with great content,” said Steve Comus, Editor-in-Chief at Safari Magazine. “We  are very proud of how it turned out, and we know our members will enjoy this snapshot of world hunting, adventure and advocacy.” 

The issue includes an in-depth profile of legend Jim Shockey.  

“Jim is a modern Renaissance Man who is passionate about family, hunting, First Nation culture and the  future of the field-to-table lifestyle,” said John Geiger, managing editor and author of the piece. “He’s  now branching out in the book-publishing world and has released a new novel, which may just flip the  script when it comes to the perception of hunters in our society.” 

“Call Me Hunter” goes on sale this summer and has been getting excellent reviews.  

The governor will welcome all to Delta’s 2nd annual celebration of ducks and duck hunting

LITTLE ROCK, ARKANSAS — When the waterfowl hunting world convenes on Friday, July 28 for the Delta Waterfowl Duck Hunters EXPO, it’s fitting that the opening salvo—the show’s first hail call—would come from Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders, a duck hunter herself and champion of the outdoor economy in the Natural State.

Gov. Sanders will open the EXPO during a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 11:45 a.m. Friday in the main entrance of the Statehouse Convention Center in Little Rock, Arkansas.

“We’re honored that Gov. Sanders will join us to celebrate conservation, ducks, and duck hunting in the great state of Arkansas,” said Dr. Scott Petrie, chief executive officer of Delta Waterfowl. “Our board of directors, staff, volunteers, and members deeply appreciate the governor’s passion for duck hunting and her belief in the economic and recreational benefits it brings to the people of Arkansas and throughout North America.”

Gov. Sanders was inaugurated in January as the first female governor of Arkansas. Before being elected as the state’s 47th governor, she served as White House press secretary from 2017 to 2019 for President Trump. In Arkansas, Sanders has enacted reforms to education, public safety, taxes, and state government. She also introduced the Natural State Initiative to grow the outdoor economy of Arkansas.

CAMP PERRY, Ohio – With a newly configured National Matches calendar, the Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP) may have found a formula for success.

The refreshed lineup for 2023 was designed to allow individuals to compete in the Smallbore matches on Camp Perry’s outdoor Petrarca Range as well as in Air Gun events within the Gary Anderson CMP Competition Center located just next door – all during the same day. The change caused participation to double in some events while also rising significantly in others.

“I was blown away by the turnout for this year’s championship,” said Brad Donoho, CMP smallbore manager. “We created a very ambitious schedule and somehow pulled it off.”

A total of 245 individuals attended the CMP’s Smallbore series this year, taking part in the mix of Prone and Three-Position aggregate and team opportunities offered to adult and junior athletes. Age awards were also presented to those under 18 and beyond, with 25 athletes over the age of 60 competing in the matches and some even over the age of 70.

The enhanced schedule is part of the persistent effort from those within CMP’s Air Gun and Smallbore departments to make competitions as accessible as possible while also introducing new lifelong options for athletes of a variety of ages within the expanding world of marksmanship.

Pro and Co-Angler earn top-10 finishes at last weekend’s St. Croix Bassmaster Open
at St. Lawrence River and take home St. Croix Rewards

Widely recognized as one of the top smallmouth bass fisheries in the world, the St. Lawrence River made history in 2022 when rookie Bassmaster Elite angler, Jay Przekurat, tallied 102-9 over four days of competition to become the youngest ever Bassmaster Elite Series Champion. Additionally, Przekurat’s historic 102-9 bag was the heaviest all-smallmouth limit ever weighed in a Bassmaster tournament.

The history-making fishery continued to impress this past weekend, with the St. Croix Bassmaster Open at St. Lawrence River wrapping up there last Saturday. Shaftsbury, Vermont angler, Jody White, caught a three-day 15-fish limit of 71-15 from a single spot to earn the Pro-Angler Division Open championship trophy and nearly $50,000. Meanwhile, Perry See of Rochester, Minnesota caught a two-day total of six bass weighing 25-6 from the back of the boat to earn top honors in the Co-Angler Division, taking home over $22,000 in cash.

Further down the list, but firmly within the top-ten, Rich Ortiz weighed a three-day 15-bass total of 60-13 to finish 8th in the Pro Division, while Cade Bacon tallied a two-day six-bass weight of 22-10 to finish 7th in the highly competitive Co-Angler Division. What did Ortiz and Bacon have in common? They were the highest finishers in their respective divisions fishing St. Croix rods.

“It’s a good fit for me because it allows me to travel and fish,” says the 20-year-old who calls Oneida Lake his home water. “I live within an hour’s drive or so from the Lake Ontario end of the St. Lawrence fishery, but don’t get to fish further down in the river itself very often. A lot of the same smallmouth techniques and presentations we use on Oneida and Lake Ontario definitely play there, though.”

Bushnell®, an industry leader in performance optics, congratulates pro shooter KC Eusebio for winning his last three major matches using the new Bushnell RXM-300 Reflex Sight. Eusebio’s latest win occurred at the 2023 USPSA Staccato Area 4 Championship in Whitewright, Texas, where Eusebio took first place in the Open Division en route to being named the Overall Champion.

Eusebio’s Area 4 Championship win follows his 10th World Speed Shooting Championship and his victory at the US Steel Nationals. During all three matches, Eusebio used the new Bushnell RXM-300 Reflex Sight.

“This was my first USPSA match of the year and it felt good to stretch my legs out and add another win with the RXM-300,” said Eusebio. “This is hands down my favorite red dot, ever! The glass is super clear, the dot is crisp and clean, and the housing is robust. What more could someone ask for? A big thank you to the Bushnell family for always being there for me. I can’t wait to take home some more wins with the RXM-300.”

Available for purchase later this summer, the RXM-300 is a versatile, large lens, 4 MOA red dot with 12 brightness settings plus an optimized hood geometry for faster target acquisition and shot follow-up without sacrificing durability. That not only makes it the perfect competition sight for pro shooters like Eusebio, but also makes it a great option for carry, home defense and hunting on long-guns and handguns alike. Other premium features of the RXM-300 are user selectable auto-ambient intensity, shake-awake with selectable defeat, and button lockout.

To learn more about the RXM-300 Reflex Sight or to see the full lineup of Bushnell optics, check out Bushnell.com.  

New for 2023, Barnett® presents a full line of King Rat Slingshots sure to bring adventure to hunters of all ages. The King Rat series is rooted in David Barnett’s childhood and draw from over 60 years of hunting and adventure.

Barnett was founded in the early 1960’s by David Barnett’s Father in the industrial market town of Willenhall, West Midland, England. As a boy, David Barnett visited his father’s workplace, often after school, waiting to be taken home. For his seventh birthday in 1972, his father brought back from America a tubular band slingshot. The new contraption was so different from all the things he had seen from classmates and neighbors. 

Mesmerized by the slingshot, he couldn’t wait to kill some vermin with the “Pocket Full of Power.” Armed with marbles, David Barnett set out amongst the overloaded trash bins in the backyards of the local buildings as he set his sights on the numerous Black rats that scavenged in the area. 

“One day, I was in luck and hit one so square, it slid up against the wall and started screeching loudly, bouncing up and down until it finally froze still. As I walked over to it with the excitement of the kill, it started screeching loudly again, and to my horror, the ugliest and biggest Black rat I had ever imagined ran in and started tearing it apart, 10ft from me. Looking at me with a bald, fire-burnt red face, it hissed, unflinching and unafraid,” recalled David Barnett.

To this day, half a century later, he still remembers that day so vividly. It wasn’t long after that that the family business started to make slingshots. So, to commemorate the 60th anniversary of Barnett and to try to put this “demon” to rest, David Barnett has decided to relive the excitement of a young boy’s adventures with slingshots with the King Rat Slingshot designs.

Military Warriors Support Foundation Accepts Vehicle Donations in Any Condition and Here is How it Works…

Over the years a collection of used cars, boats, and tractors have taken up valuable space in the yard and on the farm, and now it’s time to figure what to do with them? Donate them.

Donating used vehicles, tractors, boats, ATVs and RVs to Military Warriors Support Foundation is a great way to support an organization that is dedicated to positively affecting the lives of combat-wounded veterans.

Generous donors and supporters make the mission of Military Warriors Support Foundation’s (MWSF) possible. Donations help significantly change the lives of combat-wounded veterans and Gold Star families. Contributions go toward housing, vehicles, and support that are all part of each unique MWSF program. These programs go on to help our heroes in different ways.

One program that Military Warriors Support Foundation offers is the Skills4Life program. Skills4Life provides recreational outings and peer-to-peer mentorship through hunting, fishing, and golfing adventures. This program provides a great opportunity for combat-wounded veterans to connect and find comaraderie through outdoor activities. More details about this program and the other programs can be found on MilitaryWarriors.org