Hunting and Fishing News & Blog Articles

Kansas City, Mo.—Nearly 200 young anglers and their families lined the banks of Troost Lake in the heart of Kansas City alongside local union members and other community volunteers and retired Kansas City Chiefs running back Priest Holmes on Saturday for the Union Sportsmen’s Alliance (USA) 2nd Annual Greater Kansas City BCTC Take Kids Fishing Day.

Hosted by the USA and the Greater Kansas City Building and Construction Trades Council (BCTC), the free event was supported by Priest Holmes Foundation, Big Brothers Big Sisters Kansas City, Kansas City Parks, the Missouri Department of Conservation, Marriott Hotels and the USA’s Take Kids Fishing Day Host Sponsor Humana.

“Take Kids Fishing Day gave kids and parents from different economic backgrounds an opportunity to learn about the outdoors through fishing and build their confidence in handling rods, reels and baiting hooks,” said Holmes, who is actively involved in the NFL Players Association and the USA. “There were lots of memories made. I watched one boy pull worms out of a bait cup with so much interest. Other kids said they have never fished before. I encouraged them for trying something new and challenged them to keep fishing after the event.”

All the young anglers received a free fishing rod and reel, to ensure they have the chance to continue fishing for years to come. Many of the kids won additional outdoor gear in giveaways held during lunch.

Thirty-three volunteers from the Greater Kansas City BCTC, Ironworkers Local 10, Sheet Metal Workers Local 2, Fire Fighters Local 42, Insulators Local 27, Teamsters Local 41, Operative Plasterers’ and Cement Masons’ Local 518, Bricklayers Local 15, Pipefitters Local 533, Electrical Workers Local 124, Greater Kansas City AFL-CIO, NFLPA, along with staff from Marriott Hotels, Humana, Big Brothers Big Sisters Kansas City and the Missouri Department of Conservation provided participants with hands-on instruction and assistance using their new rods along with tips on how to catch a big one.

VIRGINIA BEACH, VA — The Fallen Outdoors (TFO) is a nationwide organization with dedicated chapters across the country that organize and provide outdoor adventures for veterans of all ages and from all branches of the U.S. military. With iSportsman providing services on more than 50 military bases across the continental United States, Alaska and Hawaii for more than a decade, the company recognizes the important role outdoor access and opportunities play for active-duty soldiers, veterans and their families. Thus, supporting an organization like The Fallen Outdoors is an obvious choice.

The Virginia Chapter of TFO is hosting a fund-raising banquet Sept. 17 to set the stage for the 2022/2023 hunting and fishing season and promote outdoor activities available to current service personnel and veterans. iSportsman will be in attendance as a table sponsor, donating one table to interested individuals to attend the banquet at no charge. 

“The impact TFO has had on so many lives is nothing short of inspirational.” says Aneil Kumar, iSportsman President. “As a company that supports outdoor recreation, we are proud to extend that support and do whatever we can to help change lives and make more opportunities available.”

iSportsman will be working with TFO to help them identify landowners, hunt clubs, outfitters and boat captains who share their passion for taking veterans, service members and their families outdoors and growing the number of events TFO can host.

You can find a TFO chapter to join as either a participant or volunteer, or donate to their cause following this link.

Bow Spider, the quickest and easiest bow retrieval system on the market, has teamed up with Alpine to offer bowhunters an easy and effective way to protect and carry their bow – the Bow Spider Alpine Bow Slicker.

The Bow Spider Alpine Bow Slicker is ultralight, durable and designed to fit most compound bows on the market with parallel limbs ranging from 24”-36” axle-to-axle. Mesh loops easily wrap around the limbs of the bow and a pocket of durable fabric slips over the bow cams. The sleeve is crafted with elastic in the hem to allow for a more secure grip around the bow while also making it easy and quick to remove.

No clips, snaps or buckles are required, making the Bow Spider Alpine Bow Slicker super convenient whether in the field or at the range. It is made in America and comes with a guarantee against manufacturer defects. It has a suggested retail price of $65.95.

For more information on the Bow Spider Alpine Bow Slicker or the other amazing products available from Bow Spider visit www:bowspider.com.

The Bow Spider Alpine Bow Spider is available for a limited time so be sure to order one soon before they are gone!

Just like the founder of HeadPeace, Lindsay Theken, I like to have my hair out of my face but could never find a headband that fit right. I don’t like anything too tight, and after wearing something behind my ears for too long I develop a headache. Thankfully, Lindsay did something about this: she made her own headbands.

HeaPeace headbands are like a bandana, a headband, and a kerchief all in one. They are made from super soft fabric, folded in thirds but expandable to cover much of your head. The soft fabric holds back hair from your face and doesn’t bunch up at your neck. They are great for yoga or exercise classes, hiking, biking (under your helmet, please!) and generally all day long no matter what you are doing. At the campsite – perfect! In the garden – perfect!

I like the tremendous variety of patterns – they are colorful or neutral, bold or subtle. Basically something for everyone.

HeadPeace makes more than just headbands. They also offer neck gaiters, tie bands, kids bands, lightweight hats and bundles which includes an original band, a gaiter, and a hat. Headbands are $14, gaiters are $22, and hats are $26. Free shipping on orders over $29, free returns and exchanges.

Check out their headwear at www.headpeaceheadbands.com.

USDA APHIS revises rule following scientific consultation with Ducks Unlimited

WASHINGTON, D.C. – September 12, 2022 – The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), after several discussions with waterfowl scientists from Ducks Unlimited (DU), has revised their previous rule banning the import of game birds from Canada. 

On September 8, 2022, DU provided science-based information to USDA APHIS to advise their decision to revise import restrictions, while maintaining strong measures to prevent the spread of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI). Under the new restrictions, unprocessed hunter-harvested wild game bird carcasses, originating from or transiting Canada, must meet the following conditions:

“We appreciate USDA’s willingness to hear the concerns from DU and revise this rule in a practical and scientific manner,” said DU CEO Adam Putnam. “This revision is not only a win for American waterfowlers but also for the application of sound science. Now, waterfowlers who’ve already departed north of the Canadian border have clear guidance on how to limit the spread of HPAI and bring their harvested game birds back into the U.S. safely.”

This decision reverses a previous APHIS regulation, announced on September 2, 2022, which immediately disallowed game birds taken by hunters in Canada from entering the United States, regardless of the province in which they were taken. Over the last week, DU scientists held several discussions with USDA APHIS, making the case there’s little existing evidence this regulation would have meaningful impact on the spread of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in the U.S. 

“We certainly understand and appreciate the importance of limiting the spread of HPAI in the U.S.,” said DU Senior Waterfowl Scientist, Dr. Mike Brasher. “But based on data from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and Canadian Wildlife Service, U.S. hunters and their harvested birds imported from Canada pose relatively minimal risks in this regard. DU will use this opportunity to communicate with waterfowl hunters about these new import restrictions and USDA APHIS voluntary guidelines that will provide additional safeguards against the spread of HPAI this fall and winter.”

For more details on restriction criteria and additional USDA APHIS recommendations for hunters, please visit https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/newsroom/stakeholder-info/sa_by_date/sa-2022/canada-wild-bird-game-carcasses.

Shoot Like A Girl® is excited to announce its new partnership with the NSSF’s Project ChildSafe for the  Sea to Shining Sea Tour and the 2022 Season. Project ChildSafe was developed by the National Shooting Sports Foundation in 1999 and has since become the largest, most comprehensive firearms safety education program in the United States. Project ChildSafe partners with law enforcement agencies and other groups in local communities to distribute firearm safety kits and raise awareness on the proper processes to own, use and store firearms.  

“I am extremely excited to partner with Project ChildSafe and connect our guests with the vast firearm safety resources offered by both NSSF and Project ChildSafe,” said Karen Butler, Founder and President of Shoot Like A Girl. “One of Shoot Like A Girl’s top priorities is in ensuring that guests feel safe and confident in their firearm ownership and use. The resources that these organizations can provide will be an excellent asset in achieving this goal.” 

Shoot Like A Girl strives to empower women through shooting sports demonstrations and events while opening a discussion surrounding safety, sports and outdoors. Through partnerships like those with Project ChildSafe, they are able to bring their state-of-the-art mobile gun range and certified female instructors to cities across the country to share their extensive knowledge of firearms, archery, outdoor accessories and safety with guests and attendees who are never charged. Those present are given one-on-one attention from passionate experts in the shooting sports field. 

“Partnerships with with organizations like Shoot Like A Girl and others in the firearms and shooting sports industry are vital to Project ChildSafe as we share our safety messaging and educational resources with the public,” said Joe Bartozzi, NSSF’s President and CEO. “We strongly encourage attendees at Shoot Like A Girl events to become thoroughly educated in safe firearm handling and secure storage by learning more about our organization and all we have to offer.”

To learn more about NSSF and Project ChildSafe, visit their website. During the Shoot Like A Girl Sea to Shining Sea Tour, Project ChildSafe will be showcased at the mobile range for the public to view and learn more about. The Sea to Shining Sea Tour dates are available online. 

The 2022 Grand American World Trapshooting Championships was recently held in Sparta, Illinois, with thousands of trapshooters gathering to compete for top honors. The 15-day event started with the AIM Grand National Youth event and then rolled into a week of preliminary contests that culminated with “Grand Week,” the highest attended American Trap Association (ATA) competition in the world. 

Winchester is the official ammunition of the ATA and was in full force during the event with its flagship retail store selling Winchester branded gear and offering exciting promotions for attendees. The shell house was also fully loaded for the competition. 

Team Winchester members Harlan Campbell and Matt and Foster Bartholow offered free shooting clinics for youth shooting participants on-site. They, along with other Team Winchester members, stood out among the competition and amassed dozens of podium finishes.

Team Winchester accomplishments were highlighted with Matt Bartholow winning the Doubles Trap World Championship. This is a back-to-back win for Matt after his 2021 performance, making him the first repeat Doubles World Champion in decades.

Team Winchester Competition highlights:

About the ATA

The ATA serves as the faithful protector of the sport of trapshooting. As the largest clay target shooting organization in the world, the ATA governs the sport’s rules and regulations and seeks ways to further enhance the sport and increase participation.

MADISON, Wis. – The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is seeking volunteers with a passion for teaching hunting or shooting and a desire to pass on safe hunting skills, including the safe handling of firearms, to become certified hunter education instructors in Wisconsin.

Although Wisconsin’s hunting season has already begun, any time is a great time to become a certified hunter education volunteer instructor.

Hunter education has a strong history in Wisconsin. Since the program’s creation in 1967, more than 20,000 volunteers have educated hunters in the state, certifying more than one million hunters. The program has also contributed to a significant decrease in hunting safety incidents.

The strength and success of the hunter education program are due to the dedication and commitment of the volunteer instructors. The instructors deepen their connection to the state’s hunting heritage while shaping the next crop of Wisconsin hunters.

There are two ways to become a volunteer instructor. Interested volunteers can either serve as an apprentice under a sponsoring instructor and assist with at least two complete courses or attend a one- or two-day certification training session hosted by a DNR Outdoor Skills Trainer.

Nebraska’s fall wild turkey season opens Sept. 15, when hunters will get out to the woods and fields for a chance to bag some birds.

The fall season is a great opportunity to get outdoors, either on a solo hunt or with family and friends.

Fall 2022 permits may be purchased over the counter, are unlimited in quantity, and are valid statewide. Youth permits for hunters ages 15 and under are $8. Fall hunters can buy up to two turkey permits. Qualifying landowners also are eligible for a reduced-price landowner permit.

Fall permits allow hunters the option of harvesting with either a bow or shotgun. The bag limit for a fall permit is two turkeys of either sex. Purchase permits at OutdoorNebraska.org.

Areas to hunt turkeys are plentiful in Nebraska, with more than 280 wildlife management areas and nearly 382,000 acres of walk-in public access to private land in the Open Fields and Waters Program. Find more than 1.2 million acres of publicly accessible Nebraska lands in the 2022-2023 Public Access Atlas, available at Nebraska Game and Parks Commission offices and service centers and wherever hunt and fish permits are sold. It also is available online at OutdoorNebraska.org/PublicAccessAtlas.

Viridian Weapon Technologies is sponsoring another premiere event—this time the Sig Sauer USPSA Carry Optics Nationals presented by Federal. The event kicks off September 9th and wraps up on Sunday, September 11. Viridian will be a stage sponsor and is also giving away their very popular and versatile  RFX green dot sights to winners. Viridian has delivered difference-making product lines this year by capitalizing on the fact that human eyes just see green better than the traditional red color used in so many optics.

Viridian’s optics bring light-weight, green dot-powered reflex sights designed to fit multiple mounting footprints, hold up to the toughest conditions and provide 30,000+ hours of battery life. These optics are perfect for competitive and everyday shooters.

“Eyes see green better, and we’ve been proving that every day since we invented green laser sights,” said Viridian President and CEO Brian Hedeen. “We are seeing citizens who carry choose these when purchasing their favorite concealed carry options. It’s also great to see how useful and impactful these optics are in the most elite and prestigious shooting competitions. We can’t wait to see how the Carry Optics Nationals turn out and are thrilled to be a part of this event.”

Viridian RFX reflex sights are backed by a seven-year warranty, fit compact and full-size handguns and have viewing windows maximized so shooters can get the most benefits around target acquisition and clear fields of view.

All specifications and options for the new Viridian RFX reflex sights are available at ViridianWeaponTech.com.

This year, MSgt Nick Capko, 38, of Fredericksburg, Virginia, returned to the Camp Perry National Matches after more than a decade from his debut – marking just his second trip to the annual event that’s been a marksmanship tradition in Ohio for over a century.

His main purpose of returning was the same one that brought him to the grounds of historical Camp Perry in the first place – representing the U.S. Marine Corps as a member of the marksmanship team.

“I wasn’t ready for college, and it was something that I was interested in doing. It was something to get started on my life,” he said of his initial beginnings in the Marines. “That was ultimately why I chose the Marine Corps – the challenge that was laid out for me.”

Nick has been a Marine for 20 years. Before that, he had never fired a gun – taking his first shots during boot camp. After checking into a unit that was deployed, leaving him behind, he went on to supplement his time by training others on the range.

“There, someone said to me, ‘Hey, you should get on the Marine Corps Shooting Team,’” he explained.

By Nicolas Gregoris

If guns, explosions, and world-class shooters duking it out for some serious prize money sounds like your idea of a good time, check out the American Airgunner Challenge.

The American Airgunner Challenge is a reality-style shooting competition that pits 8 contestants against each other in a series of 10 intense challenges. One by one, shooters are eliminated until a champion is crowned.

This is season 3 of the Airgunner Challenge, and new episodes air on the Outdoor Channel Wednesdays at 7:30 p.m. EST. The season finale airs next Wednesday, but after you inevitably fall in love with the show and want more, you can watch all of seasons 1 and 2 here.

The American Airgunner Challenge will fill the Top-Shot-shaped-hole in your heart. The shooting industry has been craving a televised shooting competition and the American Airgunner Challenge stepped up and delivered.