Hunting and Fishing News & Blog Articles

Hunting is an age-old practice that has been deeply rooted in human history as a means of survival and sustenance. While modern technology has introduced advanced tools and methods for humans to fend for themselves without hunting, the partnership between humans and dogs during this activity remains an enduring tradition. The synergy between man and canine creates a unique and effective dynamic in the pursuit of the game. Here are a few things you need to know about hunting with dogs.

Understanding Legalities and Ethics

There are two categories of hunting dogs: gun dogs and hounds. Gun dogs are training to find game in hiding or bring back flying games, while hounds can only pursue running. As you can imagine, hunting with dogs requires adherence to legal regulations and ethical standards. Different regions have specific rules regarding the use of dogs in hunting, including seasons, permissible breeds, and designated hunting areas. Understanding and respecting these laws is essential for maintaining the balance of ecosystems and preserving the integrity of the sport. Ethical considerations, such as ensuring a humane kill and respecting the environment, should always be at the forefront of any hunting expedition.

The Right Breeds for the Job

Not all dogs are created equal when it comes to hunting. Different breeds possess specific traits that make them well-suited for particular types of game. Pointers, retrievers, and setters excel in bird hunting due to their keen sense of smell and agility. On the other hand, hounds are known for their exceptional tracking abilities, making them ideal for pursuing larger game such as deer or boar.

Training is Key

Effective communication between the hunter and the dog is crucial for a successful hunt. Training your hunting companion is not just about obedience. It is about honing their natural instincts. Commands like ‘stay’, ‘fetch’, and ‘track’ need to be ingrained in your dog’s vocabulary. Consistent training builds trust and ensures that your canine partner understands their role in the hunt. Professional trainers can provide valuable guidance, but the bond formed during training is what truly makes a great hunting duo.

Safety Measures for Both Hunter and Hound

Safety is paramount in hunting. Equip your dog with a brightly colored vest for visibility, protect paws with suitable footwear if necessary, and invest in quality gear. This includes first aid kits. Prioritize safety with a vet visit for vaccinations, tick and flea control, and terrain-specific health considerations. Visit a vet like ortinganimalhospital.com, which offers a range of veterinary services for dogs. This proactive approach and safety gear ensure your dog is prepared against health risks.        

Like most hunters, I carry much more to the field than necessary. For several seasons, I have shrugged it off to the adage, “It is better to have it and not need it than to need it and not have it.” I vowed to become a minimalist turkey hunter this spring after some lengthy turkey vest hauls in the lingering southern heat last spring. In actuality, what turkey hunter needs four slate calls, nine mouth calls, three locator calls, two box calls, and all the other doodads we pack into our vests on a hunt? 

I searched the internet, stores, and even the inventory of bags I already own, looking for an answer. I found cross-body bags, hip packs, and fanny pack style bags, all perfect for field use and storing my gear. However, none fit my minimalist idea. Cross-body bags came the closest, but they still left a slinging bag of goods hanging around you when you tried to close the distance on a hot tom. The fanny pack style was more what I was looking for, but I couldn’t find one large enough but still out of the way, or they didn’t have the pockets I needed. 

Sitka Gear solved my problems and met my expectations of a minimalist solution by releasing the new Turkey Tool Belt. The perfect fanny-pack style pack with pockets dedicated to everything needed on a turkey hunt. 

Key Features

Sitka Gear put all the bells and whistles into the new Turkey Tool Belt. The practical feature-rich tool belt is an excellent solution for lightening their load or the ideal run and gun gear belt. 

Belt System

This call and gear management system starts with a lightweight belt that easily adjusts 30-46 inches with a snap buckle closure. The belt incorporates two hip pockets for gear essentials such as flashlights, headlamps, extra shells, chapstick, turkey tote, and a rangefinder. One of the gear pockets has a sewn-in elastic sleeve to hold up to three additional shells. Also on the belt is a removable water bottle pouch that secures to either side of the belt and a smaller magnetic top pouch that holds up to two locator calls. 

EDGEFIELD, S.C. — The National Wild Turkey Federation welcomes back APEX Ammunition as a Longbeard Sponsor for the upcoming Convention and Sport Show, Feb. 14-18, in Nashville, Tennessee.

“At APEX, the NWTF Convention holds a special place in our hearts,” said Jason Lonsberry, president and CEO, APEX Ammunition. “It’s more than just an event; it’s a profound connection to our shared passion for turkey hunting and conservation. We take pride in supporting this organization and its dedicated conservation efforts. Together, we stand as advocates for the great outdoors, contributing to a future where the thrill of turkey hunting and conservation go hand in hand for generations to come.”

APEX Ammunition — a veteran owned and operated company from Mississippi — returns as a sponsor and exhibitor of the NWTF Convention. As a Longbeard Sponsor, APEX is sponsoring the Delta Island Lampposts and elevators and is a co-sponsor of the Waterin’ Hole. Attendees can visit APEX Ammunition at booth 1445 in the exhibit hall to discover their current lineup of shotshells.

“We’re delighted to announce APEX’s return as a Longbeard Sponsor for our convention,” said Natalia Daniels, NWTF national director of corporate relations and licensing. “Their ongoing support throughout the year is deeply appreciated, and we value their meaningful partnership.”

The NWTF Convention and Sport Show, sponsored by Mossy Oak, kicks off with a Wednesday evening social and live music with Country Outdoors in the Waterin’ Hole. Official Convention activities commence on Thursday, Feb. 15, featuring rendezvous sessions, the evening’s Kickoff Party and the grand opening of the Sport Show floor, which will showcase more than 500 top vendors in the outdoor industry. Taking place from Thursday to Saturday, the NWTF Sport Show is free to attend for NWTF members and open to the public. The convention culminates with a worship service on Sunday, Feb. 18, marking the conclusion of the NWTF’s 48th annual Convention and Sport Show.

The Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies (Association) applauds the House of Representatives for passing the Wildlife Innovation and Longevity Driver Reauthorization Act (WILD Act, HR 5009) and the Supporting the Health of Aquatic Systems through Research, Knowledge, and Enhanced Dialogue Act (SHARKED Act, H.R. 4051). On February 5, the full House passed both bills by unanimous vote.

“We thank all members of the House for their commitment to furthering conservation partnerships,” said Chuck Sykes, Director of the Alabama Division of Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries and President of the Association. “Final passage and enactment of these bills is critical to ensuring state agencies can maximize their limited resources with the strength of federal, tribal, NGO, and industry partners.”

Once enacted, the WILD Act will reauthorize the Partners for Fish and Wildlife Program (Partners Program), which has enabled restoration of more than six million acres of habitat since its inception in 1987.

“We thank Representatives Dingell (D-MI) and Joyce (R-OH) for championing reauthorization of the Partners for Fish and Wildlife Program,” said Shannon Lott, Natural Resources Deputy Director of the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. “Here in Michigan, the program makes projects like the restoration of Riverbend West a reality, ensuring that the benefits of nature are more equitable and accessible for all members of the public to enjoy.”

The WILD Act will also the reauthorize the Multinational Species Conservation Funds, which helps conserve some of the world’s most iconic species, while the SHARKED Act will direct the Secretary of Commerce to establish a task force bringing together Regional Fishery Management Councils, Marine Fisheries Commissions, the National Marine Fisheries Service, coastal state fish and wildlife agencies, and other experts to identify and address shark depredation needs.

Real Avid, the leader in DIY for Guns®, is excited to announce that one of the company’s latest tools for shooters and DIY enthusiasts has earned an Editors’ Choice Award from the staff of On Target magazine.

The On Target Editors’ Choice Awards call out “The best-of-the-best in new guns, optics, ammo, and accessories” for the year, and for the 22nd annual awards, the Real Avid Master Gun Workstation receives that honor.

Said editor Ben Battles, “As of writing, we’ve been wrenchin’ on guns for the past four months with the help of the new Real Avid Master Gun Workstation and we’re not sure we’d ever be able to go back to using a standard gun vise again. Yes, it’s just that good…”

The Master Gun Workstation is a fully adjustable and portable support system for maintenance and modification work on long guns. Featuring a Trigger Clamp and Quick-Adjust Shuttle with form-fitting Gun Gripper yokes to keep the work piece secure, the Master Gun Workstation solves the problem of having a stable and adaptable support for cleaning, aftermarket modifications, repairs, or any task required for rifles and shotguns. An integrated leveling knob with +/- 3° of micro adjustment makes it perfect for optic mounting. The Master Gun Workstation is also compatible for use with Real Avid’s Smart-Assist Quick-Connect System – Essential 3-Pack with Smart-Dock. 

To learn more about Real Avid’s gun cleaning chemicals and tooling solutions designed for the do-it-yourself firearm owner, visit www.realavid.com 

Fin Rage Tackle, LLC – which purchased Al’s Goldfish Lures in July 2023 – has officially moved the iconic fishing tackle maker to the Green Bay, WI area.

“We are excited to bring Al’s Goldfish Lures to Wisconsin, one of the bastions of sportfishing in America, where we can more closely connect with Midwestern anglers and develop the next phase in the seven-decade-long history of the company,” said Paul Check, Fin Rage Tackle owner. “At the same time, we pledge to remain true to the company’s northeastern roots. Al’s Goldfish Lures are famous for being deadly on sportfish species throughout America and the world, and our goal is to increase their effectiveness across the board.”

Moving forward, Check said that his goals include the development of new colors in the current Goldfish, 49er, and Helgy product lines, create new products and offerings for ice fishermen, and develop new product size ranges across the board to make the product line even more effective for a wide variety of fishing techniques.

“There is a different type of fishing here in the Midwest, specifically walleye, northern pike and musky, and the Al’s Goldfish products have proven successful over the years for these species,” Check said. “We intend to develop additional sizes and colors of Al’s Goldfish products to continue that long history of success.”

Consumers can learn about the new Al’s Goldfish Lure company at the Wisconsin Fishing Expo, to be held February 23-25 at the Alliant Energy Center in Madison, WI. Or, for more information about the company’s complete line of lures and accessory products, visit www.alsgoldfish.com/.

Miami, FL – 1791 Outdoor Lifestyle Group, a leading provider of premium leather holsters, EDC tool organizers, and associated outdoor and sporting goods, is proud to announce new models of their popular Revolver Holster, in both open-top (RVH) and thumb-break versions (RVHX). Like all holsters in the RVH and RVHX line, these revolver-specific holsters are designed for outside the waistband carry (OWB) utilizing a belt loop configuration. Handcrafted using 100% American heavy native steerhide, new models are available to fit popular medium frame revolvers with up to 3” barrels.

Handcrafted and molded by leather artisans, the new RVH4.3 and RVHX4.3 holsters will fit the Colt Python .357/.38 six-shot 3” barrel, the Rossi RP 63 .357 six-shot 3” barrel, and the S&W 686 Plus .357 seven-shot 3″, Model 19 .357 six-shot 3“, Model 60 .357 five-shot 3“, and Model 66 .357/.38 six-shot 2.75″ revolvers.

The RVH4.3 is an open-top holster offering level 1, passive retention. To draw the revolver,  simply pull up on the firearm with firm pressure to clear the holster. For those looking for an added level of retention, the RVHX4.3 with its thumb-break design provides level 2 retention, requiring the user to release the retention snap before drawing the revolver.

The RVH4.3 and RVHX4.3 are designed to be as attractive as they are secure and functional. Both models are now available in Classic Brown, Stealth Black, Signature Brown, or Vintage colors, with MSRPs ranging from $61.99 – $71.99. For more information on the entire RVH and RVHX line and other 1791 Outdoor Lifestyle Group holsters, EDC tool organizers and accessories, please visit https://1791gunleather.com

About 1791 Outdoor Lifestyle Group:  Based in Miami, FL, 1791 Outdoor Lifestyle Group is a premier designer, innovator and manufacturer of premium leather holsters, EDC tool organizers, outdoor gear and accessories. Combining true old-world craftsmanship with new world applicability, 1791 expertly crafts leather goods that are as functional as they are attractive. 1791 Outdoor Lifestyle group is an ardent supporter of, and passionate about, the Second Amendment. This goes hand-in-hand with their passion for the art of gunleather and its representation of the original patriots of this great nation. Housing and protecting coveted firearms with carefully handcrafted holsters is akin to protecting loved ones and our cherished freedoms. 1791 always uses 100% Certified American, Heavy Native Steerhide, and their team incorporates four generations of professional leather artisans into the mastery of both beautiful craftsmanship and functionality found in each holster.