Hunting and Fishing News & Blog Articles

If you could only buy a single sleeping pad for the rest of your life, the EXPED just might be the one you would consider. The EXPED DURA 8R is built for expedition use in the most extreme and cold temperatures. It works well in the heat of summer, but where it really shines is on extreme cold nights where you might be sleeping on cold frozen ground or on snow and you want to be warm. Old bones like mine like to be warm and the EXPED DURA 8R with DOWNMAT TECHNOLOGY makes sure that I don’t wake up stiff and cranky.

The EXPED DURA 8R comes with a 9 cm air cushion in an air mat that packs down to about an 8 inch high by  6 inch container, and it fits well in my pack. It weighs 34 ounces, which could be an issue, but if you plan on hunting and camping in cold temperatures, you know you will not be going in light. The weight is one that I can live with for a sleeping pad that allows me to truly rest from dawn to dusk. 

We loved the Schnozzel Pumpbag that allowed us to get this sleeping pad filled in just under two minutes. Easy to set up and easy to pack down make this sleeping pad one that you will be happy to have in your pack or in the bottom of your canoe.  As a side sleeper, I choose my sleeping pads very carefully because I worry about pressure points on my hips and shoulders and the pads from DURA 8R keeps me comfortable all night long.

EXPED has a long and tremendous history of creating products that are sustainable. All EXPED mats are certified carbon neutral by myclimate. Recycled 75 D/ 170 D brushed polyester face fabric keeps plastic out of landfills, uses less water, energy and carbon during production and keeps our planet a little cleaner.

Did we mention how much we like that Schnozzel Pumpbag?  No more out of breath blowing into your sleeping bag which keeps moist air out of your pad, thus creating a warmer night’s sleep. The EXPED’s DOWNMAT TECHNOLOGY, with 700 cu in of down insulation for use in all seasons, ensures that you are going to be warm from head to toe. Shop locally or buy your DURA 8R direct from Expedusa.com.

The Rig’em Right HydeOut XL has been in our hands for almost six months. We had the opportunity to use it in turkey and deer season as well as a couple of trips out photographing and scouting. The ability to see through this blind as well as the GORE® OPTIFADE® Subalpine pattern on this blind makes it one a pretty cool addition to our tool set. 

The Rig’Em Right blind has a 360 degree view which is an advantage to help you see through the blind in all directions. It does require you to keep your movements to a minimum and your lights and cell phones reduced during the low light of early morning, otherwise you will get picked off quickly in dark conditions. After sunrise, you are more than okay to break out your cell phone. With the entire blind covered in Sitka Optifade you can keep your camo clothing on and ignore the black hoodie you have been wearing with other blinds. Even the case is covered in Optifade so you can stash it pit pf sight.

The blind has silent entry and clips for all of the windows. You can roll the windows up and use them to get shots all the way around the blind. The windows are large which is great but in high winds it has the tendency to turn the blind into a bit of a wind sail. We use Orange Screws to keep the blind on the ground in severe wind and we were able to secure the blind in winds well over 20 mph sustained during our Spring turkey hunt. It was an adventure and when the winds gusted up over 40 mph we decided to pull up the stakes and get out of the wind. We knew the turkeys were not coming into the open and our day was done. 

One of the issues with most blinds is the blind bag. This is one of the areas where Rig’Em Right has knocked it out of the park. It comes in a bigger than average blind bag and the backpack straps make it easy to carry in with padded shoulder straps. The blind itself comes with straps to add in sticks, twigs and grasses to the blind to color it all in. The heavy duty steel tent stakes can be tossed in the trash and replaced with small Orange Screws. 

Like with any blind, keep your voice down and your movements slow and relaxed and you will maximize success. This blind is easy to brush in and hunt with and most importantly see out of which is important to us especially when taking young hunters into the field. 

 Houston Safari Club Foundation (HSCF) and “Hunting Matters” welcomes Mark Hennelly, Vice President of Advocacy for the California Waterfowl Association.

Mark is a registered lobbyist and works primarily on legislative and regulatory issues that impact waterfowl, wetlands and hunting, including work before the State Legislature and California Fish and Game Commission. He has sponsored and helped pass several state laws and regulations affecting gamebird seasons and bag limits, water supplies for refuges and wildlife areas, hunting opportunity on private lands and the use of hunter-generated funds for game conservation purposes. Mr. Hennelly has also worked for the California Outdoor Heritage Alliance as its Vice President, the State Assembly Water, Parks and Wildlife Committee as an Associate Consultant and the Department of Fish and Wildlife as a Scientific Aide. He recently served as a panelist for Governor Newsom’s Advancing 30×30 initiative and is a fellow of the National Conservation Leadership Institute. 

Mr. Hennelly is an avid gamebird hunter and spends much of his free time in the fall and winter hunting with his family and friends. 

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 and a 2022 MARCOM Gold 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.

Whether a reloading novice or a seasoned veteran who values simplicity and function, Hornady’s Lock-N-Load® Classic will get shooters ready to rock the range. Reloading cartridges can save money and, better yet, let reloaders optimize accuracy by precisely creating the load the rifle will shoot the best.

The simple, effective engineering in this single-stage press gives reloaders complete control, dependably enabling the precision and consistency demanded. The uniquely angled, solid cast frame is designed to assure perfect die and shell holder alignment and allow reloaders to see and access the cartridge throughout the process. The frame is guaranteed never to break or fail.

The Lock-N-Load® Quick-Change Bushing System lets reloaders swap out dies in seconds, enabling quick and easy caliber changes when reloading cartridges for multiple firearms. Set the die and tighten the Sure-Loc ring onto the Lock-N-Load® bushing with a single twist. The six locking lugs on the die and press bushings hold dies in stable, secure alignment. A rubber O-ring on the die bushings gives reloaders a better feel when the die is inserted, holding it tight against the locking lugs to prevent accidental loosening. To change calibers, simply twist the die counterclockwise, remove it and insert the next preset Lock-N-Load® die and bushing. Because they remain set in their Lock-N-Load® bushings, dies will remain exactly as they were set. 

Leverage, consistently applied, ensures proper bullet and primer seating. The Lock-N-Load Classic’s solid steel arm rotates on a steel pin running completely through the frame. The long arm gets a boost from the Power-Pac Linkage, multiplying the leverage and reducing operator fatigue. The ergonomic, large, ball-style grip also reduces effort while improving comfort. 

Removing and replacing spent primers is a breeze, much easier than the process associated with old-style primer arms. The spent primer ejects at the top of the stroke. Then add a new primer to the Positive Priming System, which self-aligns to feed, and insert the primer at the bottom of the stroke where leverage is best. The self-aligning primer arm allows for easy manual primer insertion without raising the handle. All the work is done at the bottom of the stroke. Small and large punches are included.

Here for a short time only, GATORZ eyewear is releasing a limited-edition Skyhook frame with Gunmetal Cerakote® and blue mirrored lenses. Not only is the Skyhook frame the lightest frame from GATORZ, but it is one of the most popular and versatile frames in the GATORZ lineup. Known for its sleek look, the Skyhook is built for everyday wear, and offers full coverage polycarbonate lenses, giving more of an aviator look.

The limited-edition Gunmetal frame joins an already impressive collection of Skyhook frames, in both non-polar and polarized lenses. Available in an array of lens colors, the Skyhooks can be found in black/smoke, sunburst, green, blue, gold, and pink mirrored lens colors.

Constructed with a lightweight design, the Skyhook is prepared to go on any adventure, and can also be casually worn throughout your day. The limited-edition Skyhooks feature a Gunmetal Cerakote®, which is the first ever colored Cerakote® to be offered on the Skyhook frame. Cerakote®, the industry leader in thin-film ceramic coating, gives the frame a unique matte finish and added durability. The blue mirrored lenses include a gray base that helps reduce bright light and offers great color perception. These lenses are perfect for everyday use, especially sunny days.

All eyewear is built to the GATORZ standard of performance and reliability, is American-made, and backed by a lifetime frame warranty, and 30-day no hassle return policy. GATORZ frames are manufactured from lightweight, durable, aircraft-grade billet 7075-T6 aluminum, accompanied by impact resistant polycarbonate lenses, and designed to provide excellent coverage. Both the frame and the nosepiece fully adjust to you, and not the other way around. 

Gunmetal Skyhook Features: 

Smith & Wesson Brands, Inc. (NASDAQ Global Select: SWBI), a leader in firearm manufacturing and design is excited to introduce a new member of the M&P metal-framed series, the Performance Center® M&P®9 M2.0® Competitor®.

Built for competition right out of the box, this metal-framed 9mm pistol is designed to give competitive shooters the edge. The Competitor comes with a 5-inch barrel, has an enhanced sear for lighter, crisper trigger let-off, and includes a flared magazine well for fast and efficient reloads. Boasting a new look, the aggressive lightening cuts on both the top and sides of the slide ultimately reduce the amount of weight in front of the chamber and, in return, help improve the recoil balance point. The slide is cut for optics, includes a fiber optic front sight, and blacked out serrated rear sight. The Competitor comes with an oversized mag release that is reversible for both right and left-handed users and ships with a total of four magazines. Choose from models available in 10+1 or 17+1 round capacities with a Tungsten Gray Cerakote® or black Armornite® slide finish. Smith & Wesson is proud to introduce the Performance Center M&P9 M2.0 Competitor.

The Competitor has an MSRP of $999.00                                       

Check out the new Competitor and all Smith & Wesson products at www.smith-wesson.com.

To stay up to date on all of the latest news and events, connect with Smith & Wesson on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.

Giving the gift of a Bond Arms handgun for Christmas this season ensures a gift that’s exactly the right size. Bond Arms Handguns check all the boxes, whether it’s intended for self-defense, days at the range, a camp handgun, or simply an addition to a firearm collection.

Bond Arms handguns are designed with standard features, including fixed sights for reliability, retracting firing pins for ease of use, patented rebounding hammer for handling, and cross-bolt safety for security. With a wide variety of models available from Bond Arms this season, there’s a compact double-barrel handgun that’s perfect for any gift list.  

Texas Defender by Bond Arms

Built as a salute to the great state of Texas, the only state to have been a sovereign republic. The Texas Defender’s rosewood grip is inlaid with the iconic star of Texas, paired with clean-cut checkering.

The 3-in. barrels are available chambered in both .45LC / .410 shotshell or .357Mag / .38Spl; the Texas Defender is built to take care of business. This handgun weighs in at a light 20 oz but comes in heavy on reliability and dependability, and it is crafted from stainless steel for durability.

If you’re looking to get started or help someone with shooting sports, Hatsan’s ESCORT® PS Youth is the perfect beginner’s shotgun. But that doesn’t mean it lacks features! This semi-auto shotgun is just the right size for youth and smaller framed shooters. It’s easy to carry, easy to load, and easy to shoot.

The PS Youth is chambered for 3-inch magnum 20-gauge shells and features ESCORT’s Fast-Loading and Smart-Valve Piston Systems. An aircraft-grade aluminum alloy receiver is fully anodized and sports a well-designed 11mm groove for optics mounts. The chrome-plated 22-inch barrel pulls everything together utilizing a 7mm, checkered, ventilated, anti-glare rib ending with a classic brass bead.

No matter what game is being taken, the ESCORT PS Youth can handle a variety of shots, including steel (with specific chokes). The multi-choke system includes five chokes (F, IM, M, IC, CYL). A migratory plug can be installed for 2+1 capacity and removed for a complete 4+1 capacity.

The gas-operated PS Youth comes with a synthetic polymer stock and forend with checkered gripping surfaces. For comfort, there is a well-designed rubber recoil TrioPad. In addition, spacers can be added or removed to adjust the length of pull. Stock shims provide adjustment of drop and cast for a better fit. A manual cross-button safety is built in since safety is a significant concern for any firearm. Mounted sling studs make for easy carry and firing support. 

The finish is available in full black and three camo options: Realtree Timber, Mossy Oak Bottomland, and Realtree Max-5. It weighs in at 6 lbs. and 41-inches overall length.

Colt Manufacturing’s most coveted hunting revolver is the Anaconda, chambered in the truly awesome .44 Rem Mag.

Today’s Anaconda is a hunter’s dream and has been entirely re-designed to utilize an oversized Colt Python action. This double-action revolver features a Linear Leaf Spring Action for a non-stacking, smooth-as-glass trigger pull, and it boasts a solid stainless-steel frame for strength and durability.

Available with either a six- or eight-inch barrel, the Anaconda sports recoil-absorbing Hogue grips and adjustable, interchangeable sights. It is also drilled and tapped for mounting an optic. The Anaconda is a versatile hunter, easy to carry and capable of great accuracy and ethical harvests. 

Part of the challenge of handgun hunting with an Anaconda is the work a hunter will do to become a better stalker, getting closer to game when needed. Yet the hand gunner also needs to be very patient, willing to hold stone still while that buck of a lifetime decides if he’s going to approach or not.

Hunting with a wheelgun is a game-changer for the hunter, and a revolver like the Colt Anaconda can make it all happen. At the range and in the field, the Colt Anaconda in .44 Mag will get the job done–and then some.

New Size-Inclusive and Versatile Pullover and Bib Set is the Ultimate Mid-Season Apparel Set for Women 

Madison, WI – DSG Outerwear, premier makers of the most technical, high-performance and size-inclusive hunting apparel for women, is proud to introduce its newest hunting bib and pullover set that delivers a superb fit plus field-proven functional features women hunters are sure to appreciate. In fact, the new Breanna 2.0 Fleece Pullover and Drop Seat Bib Set is the ultimate midseason apparel set for women.

DSG Outerwear has paired the perfect pullover and pants set together for your next hunt. Both the Breanna 2.0 Fleece Pullover and Drop Seat Bibs are constructed of a quiet, bonded stretch fabric with a soft shearling interior. The interior is incredibly soft for extra comfort while the exterior is DWR treated, which means it’s waterproof and water repellent, keeping hunters both dry and warm during inclement weather. The set is both comfortable and silent, so whether you’re on the move or spending hours in the tree-stand, you’ll remain warm, comfortable and ready to take your shot.

The Breanna 2.0 Fleece Pullover incorporates a removable and adjustable hood; a durable quarter-zip which makes pulling the hoodie on and off a breeze; as well as adjustable cuffs for the perfect fit. A spacious two-way kangaroo pocket with hook and loop closure is ideal for storing important hunting equipment like your binos, while also allowing for easy access at all times. A vertical lapel zippered chest pocket provides even more storage for any smaller items you’d like to store on your person. The Breanna 2.0 Fleece Drop Seat Bib incorporates an adjustable snap inseam (from 28.5-inches to 32.5-inches); a drop seat feature allowing for easy access when nature calls; a large, zippered thigh pocket and an easy-to-adjust suspender system to ensure a perfect length.

Both the Breanna 2.0 Fleece Pullover and Drop Seat Bib Pants are available in the popular Realtree Edge® or Realtree Excape camouflage patterns, as well as Black. Both Realtree® camouflage patterns allow hunters to blend seamlessly into their environments at both close range and from a distance, while the Black option is perfect for sitting in a blind.

Irving, TX – Yamamoto Baits is proud to unveil the all-new Yama Craw. Designed to provide a tight and fast action that fish can’t resist, the Yama Craw is sure to fill a void in both the Yamamoto line of lures as well as the fishing industry itself.

“Our new Yama Craw has the combination of size, shape, and action that makes it a winner in all types of water,” says Yamamoto pro Cody Meyer. “This bait is pro-tested, nature-inspired, and fish-approved.”

The Yama Craw is constructed from Yamamoto’s new “Mega Floater Formula”, allowing for a softer plastic and a bait that floats.

“The formula allows you to rig a Yama Craw countless ways,” explains Crispin Powley, VP of Fishing for GSM Outdoors. “The Yama Craw will stand up every time it hits the bottom, mimicking the natural defensive posture of a crawfish. The floating claws will allow you to fish it as slow as you need to.”

Available in 19 fish-catching colors, the Yama Craw is for sale now at your favorite fishing retailer. “This is going to be a gamechanger,” says Powley. “I truly believe that because of its unique qualities and lifelike presentation, the Yama Craw is this best football jig trailer ever created.”

Gerald O’Keefe, former Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP) Board Vice Chairman, has recently assumed the role of Chairman and CEO – following the retirement of previous Chairman, Judy Legerski, this year. Legerski had been a member of the Board since the organization’s privatization in 1996 and led as Chairman/CEO for over a decade.

Mr. O’Keefe’s occupancy of the position officially began in September 2022. During his tenure, he plans to leverage the ideas and talent of both the workforce and the Board to build on the many successes of the organization. He is open to exploring modern, innovative approaches where it may benefit the organization, while staying true to the core mission and values that have defined CMP over its 26-year history.

“I’ve set a number of priorities for both my roles as the Chairman and CEO, but at a more strategic level, what I’d really like to do is simply to continue to further the CMP’s core mission of promoting marksmanship,” he said. “And with that, to set the standard for training, marksmanship safety and getting more youth into the sport – teaching them marksmanship fundamentals and safety.”

O’Keefe joined the CMP Board of Directors in September 2019 following a prominent government career. A West Point graduate, he served 27 years of active duty before transitioning into a Department of the Army Senior Executive. He culminated his government service as the Administrative Assistant to the Secretary of the Army, a historical position, as well as the Senior Career Civilian in the Army. 

There, he was responsible for a wide array of strategic engagements and portfolios, to include liaison to the CMP. Close contact to the organization allowed him to learn more about its mission and the details of the legislation that connects the Army and the CMP.  At the same time, he managed the Civilian Aide to the Secretary of the Army (CASA) program and saw the synergy between the CMP and the CASAs.

Comfort, fit, and function are some of the critical aspects hunters and outdoorsmen alike look for when chasing down a new piece of gear to assist them in the field. Innovative designs and material changes throughout the years have contributed to several product manufactures claiming to have the “next best product” or “the last upgrade you’ll ever need”. I have found it here with the Marsupial Gear Chest Pack.

Growing up, I hunted on small properties with dense, wooded areas. I keep my binoculars stowed in the bottom of my pack because I generally didn’t need them. I quickly discovered the cheap, thin shoulder straps and harnesses that typically came with a new pair compromised my use of them. Constantly readjusting the straps as they shifted on my shoulders became a frustrating burden in addition to the noise they made as I walked through the woods.

A recently renewed passion for bowhunting started me on a hunt to replace and upgrade most of my current kit. As I began practicing at our local 3D archery range, I found myself observing the various binocular chest packs fellow shooters were wearing. It didn’t take me long to start asking questions. Carrying binos, extra field tips for arrows, extra releases and a range finder seemed to be the standard among the varying configurations I saw.

Armed with some recommendations from fellow outdoorsmen, I began my search. I came upon Marsupial Gear and was impressed with their story. This small business got their start in 2015 with a goal to design high quality outdoor gear, solve problems, and build durable products. Since then, Marsupial Gear has launched themselves into being a staple in the industry and archery community. Marsupial offers standard base colors but will occasionally offer small batches with unique color and camo patterns. I made the choice to go with the limited edition Kryptek Altitude pattern because it better suited my camo. Marketing for the limited edition led me to believe the packs and accessory pouches were sold as a complete bundle. Frustration turned to relief as Marsupial Gear explained the mistake in a prompt response to my email, acknowledged the error, and shipped out the additional accessory pouch.

Out of the box, this pack was exactly what I was hoping for. I was very pleased to see the pattern blended well with my hunting wardrobe, particularly my spring turkey gear. The construction quality of this pack impressed me right away, especially with its lightweight design at just 14.5oz. As I began exploring the different side pockets and accessory pouches, I could tell this was built to last. Equipment can endure a beating during the varying conditions in any season. Marsupial offers an unconditional lifetime warranty which sweetens the deal by replacing any of their products no matter the defect.