Hunting and Fishing News & Blog Articles

Salt Lake City, Utah—With increased globalization and lower labor costs driving companies to outsource hunting products, bowhunters might just assume their equipment is made overseas.  However, Easton arrows are one notable exception.  Hunters may not know as they draw an Easton arrow, the shaft on their rest came off the production line in Salt Lake City, Utah—the only dedicated arrow factory in the United States. Using their unique manufacturing position, Easton is taking their message to the bowhunting community through their “Made-in-USA” campaign. “Our goal is to provide the highest quality, USA-made arrows for all types of archery that instill maximum confidence when an archer draws his or her bow in the field.” stated Gary Cornum, Easton Marketing Director. Easton employs workers in its arrow manufacturing facilities in Utah and Indiana where they produce a complete line of arrows for the target and bowhunting markets. 

Visit www.eastonarchery.com to see the complete Made-in-America product lineup.

EDGEFIELD, S.C. — The Cross Charitable Foundation, dedicated to supporting organizations actively promoting the conservation of wildlife and the environment, recently awarded a $10,000 grant to the National Wild Turkey Federation.

The grant from the Cross Charitable Foundation will be used for the Big Sky Forestry Initiative, a collaborative effort between the NWTF and the USDA Forest Service, in Montana. The project aims to reduce the threat of wildfire to keep our communities safe, improve wildlife habitat, offer accessible recreation opportunities with more healthy game animals and enhance water quality.

Working with diverse organizations and agencies to find shared values and goals is key to the Big Sky Forestry Initiative. The initiative will also help to fulfill the NWTF’s mission by tackling these significant ecological challenges in Montana and promoting the conservation of natural resources.

“The Big Sky Forestry Initiative is another phenomenal example of shared stewardship at work and bringing together organizations for our natural resources,” said Elizabeth Dowling, NWTF Rocky Mountain Restoration Initiative coordinator. “We are immensely thankful for the Cross Charitable Foundation’s investment in BSFI and the pivotal work we will accomplish through their generosity.” 

Montana’s forests are currently facing deteriorating health, due to fire suppression, climate change, drought, insects, disease and other factors. Traditionally, fire has played a significant role in shaping the state’s landscape; however, in recent decades, wildfire seasons have become more severe and prolonged. Consequently, this has posed challenges for the state’s wildlife, including the wild turkey population.

GPO USA today announced its presence at the 151st NRA Annual Meetings & Exhibits at the Indiana Convention Center April 14-16, 2023, in Indianapolis, Indiana. The Exhibit Hall is open all three days and will showcase over 14 acres of the latest guns and gear from the most popular companies in the industry. GPO USA will join thousands of exhibitors and attendees at this in-person convention. They will be exhibiting in booth #1712

GPO USA will be showcasing its new line of SPECTRA riflescopes and GPOTAC tactical riflescopes as well as its award-winning rangefinders and binoculars. The company will be offering exclusive NRA show specials. All NRA attendees are encouraged to stop by booth #1712 for daily specials and giveaways.

“We are proud to exhibit and be a part of the NRA Annual Meetings again this year,” said Mike Jensen, president and CEO. “We are a staunch believer in our second amendment rights and know that the NRA fights for these rights for us, our industry and all Americans. We are glad to be here in support of them.”

The NRA offers free admission for all NRA members and their immediate family (spouse & children under 18 years old.) Don’t miss this opportunity to see all the latest guns and gear and join fellow Second Amendment patriots for a freedom filled weekend. And be sure to stop by the GPO USA booth #1712 for the latest in state-of-the-art optics.

About GPO USA
GPO USA, an American company, was founded on the premise that design, engineering, and quality control can be 100 percent conducted in Germany to its strictest standards, yet products can be assembled at some of the largest production facilities around the world. This unique production process allows GPO to offer the highest quality products with better features at a significantly better price. GPO USA is confident that its products will not only function perfectly but will always exceed its customer expectations. Therefore, GPO USA has created an industry-leading Spectacular Lifetime Warranty. With outstanding professional service, GPO USA will take care of its products before, during, and after the purchase at no charge—EVER. Founded in 2016, GPO USA is headquartered in Richmond, Va. For more information on GPO USA visit www.gpo-usa.com or call 844-MY BINOS (844-692-4667.)

Deer Eater podcast host Jason Say and Josh Kinser are back with a brand-new episode. Say and Kinser recorded the most recent episode of the popular podcast live from the 2023 ATA Showroom floor.

In the recent episode, co-hosts Say and Kinser invites their good friend Mark from Moultrie into the booth to share some teasers on two exciting new products from Moultrie. Jason visits with Mark and lets him share a few memories of Mark’s nine-year-old daughter’s past season, in which she was fortunate enough to harvest a mature Alabama whitetail buck. After sharing their past experiences, Say and Mark share some features of Moultrie’s new Edge Pro cellular camera. The new camera features Moultrie’s ability to find the strongest cellular signals without a phone carrier contract and no SD cards needed. Next, Josh Kinser talks to Mark about the Moultrie’s new Ranch Series of feeders that feature a unique auger design that provides waterproof feed and the ability to keep away small critters, such as those pesky raccoons that anyone who has ever used feed, hates.

Later in the episode, the new product teasers continue when Jason grabs Big and J and Swagger Bipods Aaron Keller to discuss Big and J and Swagger’s plans for the 2023 season. Keller shares an exciting new product from Swagger Bipods. This company has recently made big waves in the predator-hunting world with the original Swaggers and more recent models such as the QD series. Say and Keller spill the beans on the upcoming launch of a new tripod-design rest named, The Coyote Vice. The new design will feature a quick-release gun grip and a rock-steady tripod design that will benefit all hunters and shooters. The Coyote Vice is scheduled to be available to the public later in the spring of 2023.

Staying on the trend of new product sneak peeks, Keller shares that Big and J products will feature a new look this year, including a new collab with the Bone Collector, Michael Waddell. Keller explains how the new signature Bone Collector formula was inspired by Waddell and his past years of success with Big and J products. As a bonus, Keller shares that by scanning a QR code on the new packaging, hunters can enter a drawing to win a future deer hunt with Waddell. The podcast doesn’t stop there; it also covers other giveaways and prizes that Big and J has planned for the 2023 season.

As always, Say and Kinser bring another informative and action-packed episode of Deer Eater for listeners to hear on multiple podcast platforms. 

Pro-Tracker Archery Makes It Easy to Increase Your Arrow’s FOC For Greater Impact on Game

Pro-Tracker® Archery, the highly acclaimed manufacturer of archery equipment for hunting, invites you to check out the Bad Boys, the innovative FOC sleeve that increases your arrow’s inertia on impact. There has never been an easier way to make your arrow carry more momentum, giving it added “thump” on impact with game.

“In bowhunting, next to accuracy, momentum is everything when it comes to making a clean, ethical kill shot,” said Gary Christensen, owner of Pro-Tracker Archery. “You need to have the broadhead go where you need it to go, and you need it to carry enough speed and inertia on impact to effectively take an animal down the right way. That’s what the Bad Boy Sleeves can do – give you the added thump you need.”

Available for compound and crossbow hunters, the Bad Boys sleeves come in various weights and colors. This lets you find the right amount to get the accuracy and inertia you need for the distances you are shooting at. FOC is not a new concept. Having a weightforward arrow helps deliver the most impact on the shot, and helps make for a clean, ethical kill shot. To use the Bad Boys, you simply slide it over the arrow shaft and secure it with the broadhead, or field point for practice. It is designed to use your current 20- 30 yard zero, so you add it as needed. Longer shots will only require minor adjustments.

The Pro-Tracker Archery Bad Boys FOC Sleeves come in 62- to 300-grain weight, as well as variety packs to let you dial in what suits you best. There are multiple color options, as well as standard black. These sleeves fit both standard and micro-diameter arrow shafts and include head shrink tubes to adapt to smaller shafts. You can switch sleeves in the field without re-tuning, making it the easiest way to add momentum to your arrow. Sold by the three-pack. For more information, go to the Pro-Trackery Archery website.

Having served over 20 years as a leading sales executive in the firearms industry, Bill Silver has signed on as vice president of sales for Caracal USA®.

Caracal USA, a leading international manufacturer of small arms for the law enforcement and defense markets, announces Bill Silver, a firearms industry sales veteran, as the new vice president of sales for the American Market. Silver worked for ten years in distribution, and served as the vice president of sales for three well-known firearms brands, including over a decade at SIG Sauer as the vice president of sales.

“Over the years, Bill has built a solid reputation within the shooting sports market as a tireless sales executive with deep knowledge of our distribution chain and strong working relationship with distributors, box stores, and dealers,” Jeffrey Spalding, president and CEO of Caracal USA, said. “Bill will be driving our commercial programs and expanding the brand nationwide.”

“The Caracal brand is well-known and admired worldwide, especially in law enforcement and military communities,” Silver added. “With our profit-inducing sales programs, we fully intend to bring the Caracal name and its high-quality products to as many retailers as possible.”

Currently available are the US-made CA816A2 in 5.56x45mm NATO short-stroke push rod, gas piston rifle, and the CAR814A2 centerfire, direct impingement, gas-operated rifle in 5.56x45mm NATO. Caracal USA’s long-range precision rifles, the CSR308 and 338, are anticipated to be released in the next few weeks, and the highly-awaited US-made upgraded Enhanced F pistol is just a few months away. Additional new products include the CMP9/9k, the Lynx DS, and Lynx DS Compact, all to become available later this year.

Bond Arms® is well known for producing some of the best quality derringers in the North American market. Not only do their handguns come in a wide range of calibers, but they make a statement, and the manufacturing of these derringers is second to none. Built rugged, tough, and dependable, each of the offerings from Bond Arms® often surpasses consumer expectations.

And yet, Bond Arms® is exceeding expectations again. While derringers are often considered small rimfire calibers and expand into standard pistol calibers, including some magnum cartridges, they don’t usually come chambered in a traditional rifle caliber. That is, until now.

Announced at SHOT Show 2023, Bond Arms began production of a .45-70 derringer named the Cyclops. Coming in at 28 oz, the Cyclops is built stronger and more durable than ever. This 4.25 in. barrel is fitted into a single action frame and is only the first release in a new series of big bore derringers slated to be released in 50 AE, 454 casull, and 44 magnum.

This model does vary from other pistol options from Bond Arms. Unlike the traditional over/under staple, the Cyclops is a single shot only. The lack of a secondary chambering adds additional weight to the pistol and mitigates some felt recoil in a cartridge as large as the .45-70. It comes with an extended and proprietary B6 resin grip. Changes have been made to the grip to make it more ergonomic and easier to shoot. These sights are no different than most Bond Arms’ options and fixed to the frame and barrel. 

The Cyclops comes in at a mesmerizing 6.75 in. overall and a hefty 7 lb trigger pull. This handgun is a TON of fun to shoot. So, if someone wants to make a statement at the range, the Cyclops is the perfect derringer!

Whether waiting for an extended period on a “hung up” longbeard or making that last call to break away a tom from his hens, having a steady rest is a must. A proper bipod, such as the Swagger Bipods QD42, prevents the hunter from holding a heavy gun, allows freed-up hands to use a slate call, and is essential in a turkey hunter’s arsenal.

The Swagger Bipods QD System is hybrid by design, taking the Quick Adapt Technology from Swagger’s popular original Hunter Series and the Quick Detach design with the QD, creating the most versatile shooting system that turkey hunters have ever experienced. By simply attaching the QD42s directly to a wide variety of shotguns, many turkey hunters now have the advantage of keeping their shotguns up in the ready position for an extended period. Less movement in the setup position prevents the keen eyes of the wild turkey from spotting the hunter when trying to keep the gun in an up position. 

If you are a hunter who prefers hunting from a ground blind or enjoys bringing a kid hunting, the QDs can also be the answer. The QD42s range from 14” to 42”, allowing every size of turkey hunter to have the advantage of a stable rest. For on-the-move turkey hunts or having to make a reposition, the QD can detach and reattach with the snap of a button. Weighing only 15 ounces makes a move easier because there is not a significant amount of extra weight. 

Every experienced turkey hunter knows that one missing link can make or break a hunt. Because the Swagger Bipods QD42 provides turkey hunters with many advantages to outsmart a mature spring gobbler, it is no surprise that the QD42 has become one of the essential tools that turkey hunters carry in their vests on every hunt.

QD42

Group encourages public engagement to ensure a successful outcome

(Washington D.C.)—Today, the Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership responded to the Bureau of Land Management’s announcement of a proposed Conservation and Landscape Health Rule. The rule intends to clarify and support the agency’s multiple use and sustained yield authority provided through the Federal Land Policy and Management Act, with a focus on restoration, protection, and balanced development.

The TRCP supports the restoration and conservation of fish and wildlife habitat on BLM lands as part of the agency’s multiple use and sustained yield mission, and we appreciate the opportunity to engage in this process,” said Joel Webster, VP of western conservation at the Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership. “BLM public lands and habitat are under increased pressure from drought, severe wildfires, and invasive species, and the Conservation and Landscape Health Rule has the potential to improve the BLM’s ability to address those challenges.”

The BLM manages more than 245 million acres, primarily in the American West, and the agency is tasked with balancing a multitude of uses, including conservation, recreation, and resource development. The proposed rule is open for a 75-day public comment period.

“We plan to roll up our sleeves to ensure that the BLM’s Conservation and Landscape Health Rule improves management of our public lands to benefit sportsmen and sportswomen,” continued Webster. “TRCP encourages the BLM to engage with a range of stakeholder groups when refining the rule to make sure it is workable, durable, and successfully implemented.”

The newly redesigned Scorpion 3+ pistols build on the success of the original’s proven features with enhancements throughout the gun and are now $899 MSRP. The popular CZ-USA Scorpion 3+ Micro crushes the competition. Ballistic Magazine recently announced, “CZ-USA has officially won our 2022 Ballistic’s Best Editors’ Select “Best Large Format Pistol.” 

The new CZ Scorpion 3+ builds on those proven features, adding customer-requested upgrades. The fully redesigned pistol not only improves the Scorpion’s ergonomics and user-friendly operation, but it incorporates advanced materials that are tougher and lighter than before. 

Ballistic Magazine’s writers and editors evaluate dozens of firearms annually, 100-plus in 2022 alone! The winners are chosen in an unbiased method, with category rankings determined by testing teams based on a nine-point criteria system that includes esthetics, ergonomics, sights, trigger control, recoil control, reloading ease, accuracy, reliability, and value/price. The magazine only uses the final tallies on the score sheets to crown the winners in each category. Objectivity is paramount for Ballistic, and its parent company, Athlon Outdoors. 

“We are honored to be recognized by Ballistic’s Best. This award validates the effort that went into upgrading the Scorpion 3 platform. The improved feature set and lower price deliver the best value ever to the Scorpion platform,” said Jason Morton, Vice President of Marketing Colt CZ Group North America.

Since 1997, CZ-USA has offered American shooters and hunters the best firearms the Czech Republic has to offer. CZ-USA will continue to improve, innovate, and add to the CZ-USA line-up of high-quality, affordable handguns, rifles, shotguns, plus custom-quality handguns from Dan Wesson. See how CZ-USA can make your shooting better, easier, and a lot more fun at cz-usa.com/.

The Association of Fish & Wildlife Agencies is excited to see the Native American Fish & Wildlife Society (NAFWS) partner with the International Hunter Education Association (IHEA), allowing Native American tribes to become certified to teach Hunter Education.  This announcement was made last week during the North American Wildlife and Natural Resources Conference in St. Louis, MO.

“The Association is thrilled to see the inclusion of NAFWS in partnership with the Hunter Education community,” said Curt Melcher, Director of the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife and President of the Association of Fish & Wildlife Agencies. “This new partnership will provide the opportunity for Native Americans to provide hunter education training to their members and lawfully participate in hunts all over the world.”

This partnership allows for NAFWS associated tribes to teach Hunter Education and issue valuable official Hunter Education cards certifying new hunters to buy licenses anywhere in the United States, Mexico, Canada, Australia, South Africa, and other IHEA-WORLD partner countries. Continuing education training for Hunter Educators in the tribes is already available through the IHEA-USA’s Learnhunting.org portal, and Hunter Education classes are expected to launch in tribal territories in the summer of 2023.

“Kwak kway (Thank you) to the International Hunters Education Association and the Native American Fish and Wildlife Society for collaborating together to accomplish the Hunt Safe Program under the Native American Fish and Wildlife Society,” stated Darren Talayumptewa, Program Manager for the Hopi Tribe Department of Natural Resources and Southeast Regional Director for the Native American Fish & Wildlife Society. “This program will allow tribes to use their sovereignty to implement the same hunter’s education curriculum taught within each state game and fish agency, however, will allow tribes to incorporate their own respective traditional and cultural hunting ethics and practices for our people and the general public. It is our hopes tribes and state agencies will honor the certification and continue with our collaborative efforts to teach hunter education values and ethics for all.”  

“At the IHEA, we work with partners to create safe, responsible, and ethical hunters in the field,” stated Alex Baer, Executive Director of IHEA. “The NAFWS has the potential to reach thousands of new students each year with these ideals through this professional relationship.  We are excited to work together and we welcome their engagement and contributions to the IHEA-WORLD community.”

Still dreaming of a 1911 Pistol? The Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP) is offering a 1911 giveaway through a special raffle for individuals who register for the upcoming CMP Bianchi Cup International Pistol Tournament, set to be held in Hallsville, Missouri, on May 23-26.

Those who sign up for the CMP Bianchi Cup BEFORE May 1, 2023, will be automatically entered into the 1911 raffle. Additionally, two bricks (500 rounds per brick) of .22 pistol standard velocity surplus ammo will also be raffled, meaning three chances to win overall.

The raffle is open to U.S. citizens only. If a non-U.S. citizen is drawn, he or she will receive $500 in place of the 1911 pistol. Those who have already purchased a pistol are still permitted to win.

The only requirement is to register, so learn more and mark your spot at the 2023 Bianchi Cup today at https://thecmp.org/competitions/cmp-pistol-program/cmp-bianchi-cup/.

MidwayUSA is the Title Match Sponsor! Find out more about Sponsorships at https://thecmp.org/sponsorship/.

The TT BASE MEDIC POUCH MK II, TT SCISSORS POUCH, and TT IFAK POUCH DUAL are designed to enhance first aid kit organization and efficiency for first responders and medical professionals.

Tasmanian Tiger®, a tactical nylon line of products distributed exclusively for the US market by Proforce Equipment, Inc., has announced the release of three new products for its medic product line to the US market. The new products include the TT BASE MEDIC POUCH MK II, TT SCISSORS POUCH, and TT IFAK Pouch Dual, which are designed to provide enhanced functionality and durability for first responders and medical professionals.

The TT BASE MEDIC POUCH MK II is a versatile and modular pouch designed for first responders and medical professionals. This rescue bag is designed to hold all of your first aid supplies, with an internal mesh bag featuring a drawcord for easy organization. Additionally, this pouch includes an integrated scissor pouch on the outside of the bag for quick access to essential medical tools. The TT Base Medic Pouch MK II also features separate detachable hook & loop pockets with a transparent cover for additional organization and protection of your supplies. With the MOLLE snap button system, this pouch can be easily fixed on MOLLE systems, ensuring easy integration with your existing gear. The TT Base Medic Pouch MK II is an essential component of any medical kit, and its modular design and high-quality construction make it a reliable and durable choice for any first responder or medical professional.

The TT BASE MEDIC POUCH MK II weighs 10.56 oz./300g. and measures 8H x 5.5W x 12D (20 x 14 x 12 cm). It is made from Cordura® 700 denier (Multicam 500 denier) and is available in Black, Olive, and Coyote for an MSRP of $59.95 and Multicam for an MSRP of $64.95.

The TT SCISSORS POUCH is an essential accessory for medical professionals and first responders who need quick access to medical scissors. This pouch is designed for attachment to MOLLE-compatible gear, using the MOLLE snap button system, which allows for easy integration and detachment. With the need for only one MOLLE loop, this compact pouch is perfect for those who need to optimize their loadout. The pouch is made of durable material that can withstand tough outdoor conditions, and the snap button system ensures secure and easy access to your scissors when you need them. The TT Scissors Pouch is an essential component for any medical kit and will help ensure that you are always prepared in an emergency.

Written by Bruce “Hutch” Hutcheon

For the last thirty plus years it’s been my privilege to hunt Colorado and the awesome big game animals the state has to offer. Many people reach out to me from the various hunting Forums for tips, techniques, where, when, and how to go Elk hunting. I thought it was time to these questions into an article.

When is the best season to hunt elk?

First, you have to determine what weapon you’re going to use. Colorado offers archery, muzzleloader and rifle seasons for bulls and cows. Over the years my favorite has been the September archery season. The draw of the high country with its bugling bulls is too exciting to pass up.

The neat thing about Colorado is that there are cow elk tags leftover tags that are available for late seasons for those field to plate hunters. Yes, you can get two elk tags in one year by paying attention to the regulations offered by Colorado Parks and Wildlife .

My second choice for hunting elk is with my rifle during the latest season I can get an OTC (over the counter) tag. Late seasons have the elk in migration mode and can get them into the sagebrush and oak brush elevations. This fact plus the possible benefit of snow cover makes it easier to spot elk with your (spotting scope from a mile or more away.

Where should I plan to hunt?

Long gone are the days of getting away from the crowds by hiking, packing or four wheeling into hard to reach basins. The technological advancements within the hunting industry allow someone in Ohio to have as much information on access roads, water sources, bedding areas and food sources as the local in Craig, Colorado. I miss my honey holes where I could almost guarantee daily elk encounters. These are no more because everyone can find those holes online.

Written By Claire Fortenberry and Skyler Zunk

Welcome to Primland Resort! After a scenic Virginia country drive to Patrick County, we were greeted with gorgeous views of the resort and expansive surrounding hills. Primland Resort is a 12,000-acre estate in Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains with exquisitely managed wildlife, habitat, and activities. Featuring fine dining, relaxing spa packages, manicured golf courses, trail rides on horseback, guided hunting and fishing excursions, and other outdoor sporting adventures, Primland Resort has rich opportunities for all outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy in utmost luxury.

On a chilly President’s Day weekend, we set out to experience the unique and time-honored tradition of a driven pheasant shoot. A European sporting event fit for nobility, Primland Resort is one of the few areas in the United States to host these shoots and maintain the longstanding traditions of the sport. This was to be our first experience of driven pheasant shooting, and we were excited for the opportunity without a trip across the pond. Before the shoot, however, we had the chance to explore and experience much of what the resort has to offer. For the amenities, the people, and the shooting, we know we will be back.

The Resort

Every aspect of the stay featured attention to detail, quality of service, and opportunities to make lasting memories. Upon arriving to a beautifully appointed clifftop cottage, we were welcomed with a note and refreshment plate and set off for a leisurely walk through the rolling golf course to admire the mountain views. The sunset over the Blue Ridge was spectacular, and we finished off our stroll with a sighting of a large whitetail deer herd. In the evening, we dined at the signature Elements restaurant which featured unique menu choices, an exceptional wine list, and gourmet game meat. The food–from fried quail to pumpkin soup to beef tartare to elk–was prepared in a manner that can only be described as impeccable.

Saturday morning began with full-body yoga in the main lodge’s celestial observatory, which provides a unique view of the surrounding landscape. The expertly led session was followed with a green smoothie and breakfast back at Elements. The rest of the morning provided an environment of relaxation and appreciation for the natural world surrounding – we admired the view, watched the birds, and enjoyed good books in the comfortable lounge. One could easily spend a day with binoculars watching the mountain life, but in preparation for the driven pheasant shoot the following morning, we decided to dust off the over under on Primland’s sporting clays course.

After browsing through the signature Orvis shop and sporting center, the two of us took on the course through the woods. The scenic route provided every variety of fun, unique, and challenging shots, including from different stands and through varied topography. There were several families participating in the upland hunt, which takes place in the properties’ beautiful fields. Driving back to the resort, we spotted three turkey toms – a testament to the quality and management of the resort’s habitat and a temptation of Primland hunts to come.