Hunting and Fishing News & Blog Articles

SilencerCo will be attending the Buckmasters Expo on August 20, 2021 – August 22, 2021 in Montgomery, Alabama. The show is geared specifically toward deer hunters, and SilencerCo plans to feature their hunting-specific silencers at booth numbers 289 and 290. 

Silencers are an important tool for hunters to maintain stealth, reduce recoil and muzzle signature and protect themselves from hearing damage. SilencerCo offers a wide range of suppressors that meet the specific needs of hunters, with the most popular being the Harvester 300, the Omega 300 and the Omega 36M. These products will be featured at their Buckmasters Expo booth.

The Harvester 300, like its name describes, is a purpose-built suppressor designed with the hunter in mind. It is rated up to .300 WIN, but will accommodate all of the most commonly used hunting calibers between .223 REM and .300 WIN. It’s 17-4 heat-treated, stainless baffles and aluminum tubing make it lightweight, yet strong enough for all hunting needs.

For hunters looking for a heavy-duty use suppressor, the Omega 300 and Omega 36M are slightly heavier than the Harvester, but do offer more versatility. Both the Omega 300 and Omega 36M are world-class suppressors commonly used for both recreational and tactical shooting. The Omega 36M is the most adaptable suppressor currently available, allowing for short and long lengths and accommodating calibers ranging from .22 Hornet up to .338 LM. 

“Come by booth 289 and see us!  We look forward to discussing the benefits of hunting suppressed with you,” said hunting enthusiast and SilencerCo Marketing Manager, Brooklee Grant.

Alexandria, Va. – Tired of those fuzzy video conference call backgrounds and working indoors? Maybe it’s time to move your office outside to your backyard.

“I have an outdoor office and enjoy working outside every day with my dog, Mutt Mulligan, nearby,” said Kris Kiser, President and CEO of the TurfMutt Foundation, an environmental education and stewardship program that encourages outdoor living and caring for green spaces. Mulligan (“Mo-Mo”) is the TurfMutt spokesdog for the foundation. 

With the COVID-19 pandemic keeping more Americans working at home, Kiser points out that outdoor offices offer a way to de-stress and enjoy nature while focusing on tasks at hand. Plus, it jazzes up those videoconference call backgrounds. 

Many companies also are recognizing the benefits of outdoor offices and are now adding outdoor office features to their corporate campuses, encouraging employees to meet and work outside.

The TurfMutt Foundation offers the following tips to help you keep your home outdoor office operational from fall into the winter months.

Winchester announces its extension through 2024 as the official ammunition of the Scholastic Clay Target Program (SCTP).

“Winchester continues to demonstrate industry leadership with its commitment to the growth of the shooting sports and organizations like SCTP,” said Matt Campbell, vice president of sales and marketing for Winchester Ammunition. “The SCTP leadership, coaches and young athletes drive excitement into the shooting sports. It’s a model we are proud to support.”

The shooting sports continue to see an unprecedented level of participation in 2021, with perhaps none growing quite as fast as SCTP.  

“It has certainly been an interesting year for our program, but we have adapted and kept kids shooting all across the United States,” said Tom Wondrash, national executive director for SCTP. “The overall support provided by Winchester Ammunition is unprecedented and certainly appreciated. Our athletes and coaches on the SCTP International Team are excited to have the Winchester Ammunition brand and products as part of the team’s events. We greatly value the support of Winchester Ammunition and depend on it to continue reaching youths and recruiting them into the shooting sports.”

SCTP has had incredible success establishing youth shooting teams across the country, recruiting a very diverse group of young individuals and teaching them how fun the shooting sports are. Winchester has supported this mission from the beginning but in recent years has committed to the highest level of sponsor support. Winchester has provided such consistent and meaningful support that the SCTP has given them the exclusive title as the official ammunition of the Scholastic Clay Target Program.

Functional Fabric Fair in Portland, Oregon — October 27-28

Altexa srl and GHS Holdings announces the launch of HDry® ‘b5’ a bio-based, waterproof laminate, for the Summer- Fall Market season 2021. HDry® will be attended the in-person Outdoor Retailer show in Denver, Colorado, August 10-12, and will attend the Functional Fabric Fair in Portland, Oregon, October 27-28.

New brands are on board and feed back is positive for HDry, the most advanced technology for waterproofing outdoor products through direct 3D lamination of a waterproof-breathable membrane. It’s another step forward in ecological technology for “direct lamination,” in waterproof outdoor performance products.

HDry is committed to its role in protecting the environment. Its innovative manufacturing processes and materials used throughout the lamination process are well above industry standards and aim to reduce the environmental footprint of the outdoor and apparel manufacturing industries. The new HDry ‘b5’ bio-based membrane offers the opportunity to reduce dependence from fossil fuels on a high-end active performance gear with a high bio-content rate (53%), resulting in the highest range of responsible technical performance.

“This new bio-based version of our membrane at HDry replaces the majority of the petroleum in our process with a non-edible bio-based corn derivative, we are working to maintain our premium performance characteristics where waterproof-breathable performance is concerned, while at the same time reducing the negative environmental impact our product has on the ecosystem,” says Gary Schloss with GHS Holdings, distributor to HDry NA. ”We are working hard to set our brand apart from market competition with an alternative that offers best in class protection from the elements while continuing to build on our sustainability story.”

For years, SPRO® has brought anglers across the fishing spectrum a series of multispecies tackle items that are invariably the best in their class. Often overlooked is SPRO’s series of waterproof tackle boxes that live up to those same standards. 

SPRO’s 3500, 3700 and 3700D share a distinctive black-tinted exterior and lime-green latches, but their similarities don’t stop at appearances. Inside, they feature layouts that are easily adjustable both vertically and horizontally to organize and separate your precious lures, and the compartments are tight-fitting to preclude unnecessary mixing. But that’s not all. These boxes come with a waterproof seal that prevents moisture intrusion and keeps your lures rust-free. Even if you drop the box, it won’t open; another measure taken with your convenience and wallet in mind.

The three boxes come in popular sizes that will fit in your hand, your tackle bag, or just about any boat compartment.

The 3500 is 10” x 7.4” x 1.87” and retails for $8.50.

The 3700 is 14” x 9” x 2” and retails for $11.50.

Matt VanHaaren, the CEO of EOTECH, is a very smart and accomplished man. He has managed and developed several technology businesses throughout his career. But Matt isn’t perfect. On the outside is a confident, outgoing personality but on the inside, Matt is a scaredy-cat. Matt is terrified of spiders, clowns and most of all heights. His fear of heights all started with the Great Parking Lot Fall of 1984 where Matt was doing his best Mary Lou Retton balance beam routine on a parking lot curb. During his dismount, Matt fell all 7 inches to the ground suffering major injuries including a knee scrape and bad case of gravel hands. This event changed Matt forever. From then on, Matt avoided parking curbs and large rocks for fear of another fall from the sky. He threw away his moon boots because the soles raised his head into the heavens. He even sold his Chevy Blazer for a Pontiac Sunbird to avoid such a high fall in case he exited the vehicle poorly.

But Matt is a fighter. He slowly tried to overcome this fear with different challenges. First a step ladder. Next, he successfully sat on the tailgate of a small framed truck. He even got to the point where his barber could pump up the chair a bit. But soon Matt will face his greatest challenge ever.

Easterseals of Michigan is an organization Matt has supported for years. They help individuals with disabilities and special needs, and their families, live better lives. Close to Matt’s heart are the mental health services Easter Seals of Michigan provides to Veterans and their families. On average over 20 Veterans die by suicide each day. Matt and EOTECH are dedicated to raising money to support the Veterans who served our great country in any way we can. 

On September 18, 2021 Easterseals Michigan is hosting their 5th Annual Over the Edge Fundraiser in Grand Rapids, Michigan. It is an amazing rappelling event where Matt and other participants will face their fears for a great cause. They will take the plunge down the 18 story Bridgewater Place building which is one of Grand Rapids tallest buildings. Matt, and others, will raise a fundraising minimum of $1,000 to support ESM and their efforts.

“Easterseals of Michigan has been helping Michigan individuals and families for over 100 years. They do great things and we at EOTECH are very proud to contribute to their efforts.” Said Lisa Kemp, Brand Manager. “In addition to Matt’s fundraising efforts, EOTECH has sponsored the target landing spot where all of the rappellers probably can’t wait to touch down. “

This fall, The One With Nature: World of Hunting and Nature Exhibition will be held in Budapest, Hungary, and Safari Club International (SCI) will be exhibiting and sharing the message that hunting is an essential tool for ensuring healthy wildlife across the globe. 

“The first One with Nature Exhibition was held in 1871, and it has become a very important forum for hunters, conservationists, nature lovers and wildlife professionals from around the world to gather, share ideas and discuss the very important issues surrounding the world’s wildlife,” said W. Laird Hamberlin, CEO of SCI. “SCI will promote the hunter-conservationist point of view throughout this event.”

Hamberlin added, “We will also stress SCI’s conservation work across the globe, as well as our strong presence in Europe which was strengthened in 2020 through the establishment of SCI’S Europe Committee.” 

One With Nature will feature a series of lectures and panel discussions, presentations and conferences and exhibits. Key themes throughout the event will be Nature and Wildlife Conservation, Nature and the Impacts of Technology, and Hunting and Sustainability. Speakers, presenters and participants will include a diverse selection of international wildlife professionals and their organizations, policy makers and community organizations.

As the organizing country, Hungary will emphasize the topic of coexistence between humans and wildlife.

What are words of wisdom from Augustus McCrae, former Texas Ranger and one of Larry McMurtry’s famous characters’ from his Pulitzer Prize winning novel, “Lonesome Dove,” are inspiration for Cimarron Firearms’ new pair of Lonesome Dove Walker .44 revolvers.

Cimarron Firearms, recognized as the leader in quality and authenticity in Old West replica firearms, proudly introduces the Lonesome Dove Walker revolvers in .44, honoring the best-selling, Pulitzer Prize winning novel about the end of the Old West from author Larry McMurty. The Lonesome Dove tetralogy, set in the final glory years of the American frontier introduced the American public to two iconic Texans, Capt. Augustus McCrae and Capt. Woodrow F. Call, both retired Texas Rangers living out their golden years in a small dust bowl of a border town called Lonesome Dove. Running a boarding stable, the Hat Creek Company and Livery Emporium, the pair decide to take one last great adventure that pits them against outlaws and heroes, ladies and ladies of the night, Indians and settlers while driving cattle from Texas to the Montana Territory. 

The Walker .44 was the authentic standard-issue Texas Ranger pistol. Cimarron Firearms has designed and embellished the Lonesome Dove replicas with great attention to detail. The Lonesome Dove Walker .44 features a 9-inch barrel in a charcoal blue finish, a white engraved cylinder, and case-color hardened finish on the frame and hammer. The trigger guard and grip frame are in brass, with a steel backstrap, and finely figured walnut grips sporting a cartouche. The guns are authentically marked, one with “Capt. Augustus McCrae, Texas Rangers Frontier Battalion” down the backstrap and his Texas Ranger Division “E Company No. 120” on the left side of the frame and barrel, and the other with “Capt. Woodrow F. Call, Texas Rangers Frontier Battalion” and “E Company No. 119.” MSRP is $739.70.

“Larry McMurty, a born and bred Texan, wrote some of the most thought provoking and award-winning books and screenplays, all with Texas as the back drop. His series, ‘Lonesome Dove,’ set in the waning days of the Old West, paid tribute to the strength of the men and women that made the West their home,” Mike Harvey, founder and CEO of Cimarron Firearms said. “And since it is our mission to create seriously authentic replicas, I decided to honor this novel with the actual types of guns a Texas Ranger would have been issued, and not necessarily what Hollywood could dig up in their stock room. Hence, our homage to the Lonesome Dove story is also an homage to the Texas Rangers, who carried the powerful Walker .44 revolver.”

For more information on Cimarron Firearms and accessories, visit  www.cimarron-firearms.com.

Shoot Like A Girl has partnered with Beretta USA to launch the Hunt Like A Girl  Contest to give one lucky winner the opportunity to participate in a guided pheasant hunt in Kansas, October 12-15, 2021. This contest will give one entrant, who is new to hunting or who has never hunted before, the chance to experience the fall pheasant season for the first time with an all-female team from Shoot Like A Girl and Beretta. The winner will also receive a gear prize pack from the hunt sponsors. This experience is the second of three hunts planned in partnership with Beretta this year.

“We’re excited to continue to share the experience of hunting with some amazing ladies at Beretta and introduce new hunters to pheasant hunting,” said Karen Butler, Founder and President of Shoot Like A Girl. “This partnership enhances our mission to empower women with confidence by building a bridge from Beretta’s lineage to the future of hunting and tomorrow’s history.”

Contest Details
To enter for a chance to win a hunt of a lifetime, entrants must nominate either a friend or themselves for the grand prize by commenting on the contest post, briefly explaining the reason for the nomination via social media comment/message or video.

To enter for a chance to win a hunt of a lifetime, entrants must nominate either a friend or themselves for the grand prize by commenting on the contest post, on Facebook or any of the contest posts on Instagram, briefly explaining the reason for the nomination via social media comment/message or video. Shoot Like A Girl and Beretta will read all entries carefully and will be looking for a submission that is thoughtfully crafted. Nominations must be for an individual who is 21 years of age or older at the time of submission, must be a legal resident of the United States and have no criminal background (background checks will be conducted for grand-prize winner). The winner will also be required to sign a model release form, so that any photos or video from the hunt can be used online.

While everyone is encouraged to enter and all entries and nominations will be considered, Shoot Like A Girl and Beretta are specifically looking for an individual who is new to hunting or has never hunted before. The contest begins August 17, 2021 and ends on August 31, 2021. Entrants and nominees must be 21 year or older and will be selected on or about September 3, 2021. Full terms and conditions are also available online.

The National Deer Association (NDA) is pleased to announce Bob Ziehmer of Missouri has been appointed to the NDA Board of Directors. Ziehmer brings a lifetime of experience in conservation at the highest levels as well as an unwavering passion for hunting, angling and trapping.

“Bob is an excellent addition to the Board, and we are thrilled to have his expertise and experience added to our impressive roster,” said NDA Board Chairman Rick Dahl. “Bob will be a great fit and I know the entire team looks forward to working directly with him on advancing the NDA mission. His insight will be valued greatly, and we are honored to announce his acceptance.”

Bob Ziehmer currently serves as the Senior Director of Conservation for Bass Pro Shops. He also serves as a liaison with various state and federal agencies and non-governmental groups to encourage projects, policy and regulations that advance conservation and protect our outdoor heritage. Prior to joining Bass Pro Shops, Ziehmer served over 25 years with the Missouri Department of Conservation and served as a member of the Governor’s Cabinet.

“I’ve had the pleasure of working with NDA in the past, and I’m honored to have the opportunity to increase my contribution to the organization,” said Ziehmer. “The National Deer Association plays such an important role in conservation, education and research surrounding white-tailed deer, and I look forward to doing all I can to expand those efforts.”

Join NDA and support their mission today, or sign up for their free e-newsletter to receive the latest on deer hunting and management at DeerAssociation.com

“THE BEST NEW HUNTING BINOCULARS OF 2021”
B-8 8×42 Binocular

LUCID Optics, known for more than a decade of refining traditional optics for improved use in tactical and field settings, is featured in the Outdoor Life magazine article “The Best New Hunting Binoculars of 2021” with their B-8 8×24 High Definition (ED) Binoculars.

LUCID Optics’ commitment to delivering a comfortable, lightweight binocular was noticed by the Outdoor Life team. “The LUCID’s build is impressive,” said Outdoor Life’s Andrew McKean. “It features high-definition extra-low-dispersion glass, and the twin-hinge open-bridge design is one of the most modern and comfortable on the market.”

Balanced and lightweight at only 24 ounces, McKean added, “The other side of weight, though, is portability, and testers reported carrying the LUCID for days of field work and marveling at its nimbleness and near weightlessness.”

Integrating ergonomics and user-friendly features is a point of pride for LUCID Optics, says CEO Jason Wilson. “We truly consider the needs of our end-users in product development, and our B-Series of binoculars is no exception. Having this recognition from the Outdoor Life testing team is a great distinction for us.”

First-ever CLUB Business credit card rewards small business owners on everyday purchases to enable new adventures in the outdoors

SPRINGFIELD, Missouri – Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s, in partnership with Capital One, today announced the launch of the first-ever CLUB Business credit card, empowering small business owners to earn rewards on all business purchases and apply them towards purchases at Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s to make the most of time outdoors. 

As the card for small business owners who are passionate about enjoying nature and outdoor activities, the CLUB Business card is proud to offer customer benefits including:

“Sportsmen and women share a common set of values grounded in a deep love and respect for nature” said noted conservationist and Bass Pro Shops founder, Johnny Morris. “We’re excited to offer business owners who share our passion for time in the field or out on the water with incredible rewards that make it even easier to enjoy these beloved outdoor traditions.”

CLUB Business cardholders earn unlimited CLUB points that never expire for the life of the account and can be redeemed for purchases at Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s, as well as purchases made at Bass Pro Shops’ outdoor adventure, dining and conservation destinations including Big Cedar Lodge, America’s premier wilderness resort, and the not-for-profit Wonders of Wildlife National Museum & Aquarium, named “America’s Best Aquarium” by USA TODAY three times since opening in 2017.

Make the most of your time on the water by using tools that work. The new Micro Split Ring Plier and Folding Braid Scissors with Split Ring Opener excel at opening split rings and cutting braided line. Gamakatsu engineers designed these tools for comfort, durability and ease of use. Both tools include a lanyard hole for adding a safety cord, keeping them close at hand and preventing loss.

The Micro Split Ring Plier inherits the essential qualities from the Gamakatsu family of pliers. The 5-inch long pliers, made from stainless steel, will not rust even in harsh saltwater environments, providing a lifetime of service. A premium non-slip grip works when wet, giving anglers a secure hold for fine operations like manipulating split rings, and it works equally well in large or small hands. A spring in the handle holds the pliers open during use, and a corresponding lock keeps them closed for storage. Its precision-ground micro-tip grips and opens super small split rings, and it is just as effective on large ones, too. A built-in braided line cutter cleanly shears tough fishing line. The Micro Split Ring Pliers stainless body etched with the Gamakatsu name contrast magnificently with its rich blue handles.   

The Folding Braid Scissors with Split Ring Openeris a compact multi-function fishing scissor with similar construction elements as other Gamakatsu fishing tools. Its sharp stainless-steel blades will provide years of hard use snipping mono and cutting braided fishing line. The scissor’s tips feature a handy split ring opener. The blades fold safely into the tool’s blue handles for safe storage. When open, the 4-inch scissors proudly display the Gamakatsu name. A quality tool at a value-price.

Micro Split Ring Plier Features: 

Folding Braid Scissors with Split Ring Opener Features: 

Enthralling underwater footage gives voice to Z-Man’s® ChatterBait® StealthBlade

Remember your high school geometry class? Turns out, all that gibberish about vertices and isosceles triangles actually carries weight in the real world . . . the fishing world. 

Lucky for all you slackers out there, professional angler Brett Hite was one of the few who paid attention in math class. 

“Geometry, man. The right dialed in blade shapes, bends and angles are the biggest reasons your personal best bass probably ate a ChatterBait JackHammer,” exclaims Hite, Bass Pro Tour angler and a talented lure designer. “Building a ChatterBait that hums; that thumps and performs with the first half-turn of the reel handle is all about calculated geometry. It’s about oscillation and water displacement and achieving precise angles between line, blade and jighead. 

“But the same math doesn’t apply in every fishing situation or body of water,” Hite continues. “Sometimes, a different vibration and pitch, a subtler flash, or a tighter action and smaller footprint can produce twice as many bites. Given a need for an even more refined bladed jig, we ultimately developed JackHammer 2.0, a.k.a. the StealthBlade.”

Irving, TX – Cold Steel, manufacturer and innovator of purpose-built knives and blade tools for everyday carry, tactical, and hunting applications, has developed a new combat knife based on the company’s popular Trail Master® Bowie. Called the Recon Scout in 3V, this new platform delivers the broad-range function expected in a reliable, do-it-all fixed-blade but in a more compact size than traditional Bowies.

The Recon Scout in 3V is built around a modified Bowie blade profile. The 5/16th-inch blade has a broad yet subtle clip point with a 3.5-inch false edge, making it exceptionally strong and resistant to bending and breaking. The 7.5-inch overall blade length means the Recon Scout in 3V is comfortably manageable on the hip while delivering long reach for cutting and slashing.

Other features of this blade profile include a slightly curved edge and a modest belly. The gradual curve makes the Recon Scout in 3V suitable for draw cuts and chopping strokes. For more precise work, the belly curve presents optimal control for such tasks as skinning or field dressing.

Another advantage is the Recon Scout’s 3V steel blade material. Known for its incredible toughness, edge retention, and corrosion resistance, the 3V steel blade makes it ideally suited for hard use in combat applications or any field work.

The Recon Scout in 3V offers a robust, ergonomic handle made of textured Kray-Ex to ensure a solid grip when hands are wet or slippery. The polished light gold colored quillon and lanyard bolsters provide elegant, functional accents to the black grip and satin blade finish.

Ardent anglers don’t think a little rain should get in the way of a day on the water—even if it’s blowing sideways. So the new Gunwale collection from Huk offers easily packable rain gear that keeps the elements at bay without a steep price tag.

Huk’s Gunwale Rainwear collection provides serious performance in the nastiest of conditions. At the heart of each garment is a hardcore, 10k wind and waterproof fabric, so it stands up to the worst of Mother Nature’s wrath but is porous enough to allow interior moisture to escape to the outside of the material. The exterior of the fabric features a durable, water-resistant finish that stands up to driving rain. Like all of Huk’s premium rainwear, the Gunwale collection features fully taped seams to remain wind- and waterproof. An internal liner wicks moisture towards the membrane and away from the body. Combined, all of these layers stop water dead in its tracks. 

Each garment in the Gunwale line is constructed with top-of-the-line features to keep anglers dry and fishing longer. The adjustable hood offers excellent visibility but manages to keep rain and spray out of faces during the roughest rides. When the activity peaks, the integrated pit zips help ditch excess heat and keep sweat to a minimum. An elastic waist, waterproof leg zipper and zippered fly give the pants easy on and off accessibility. Storm flaps provide added protection for zippers to help keep gear dry. Best of all, each piece packs into its own pocket for easy storage, ensuring they don’t take up too much space on board.

Anglers trust Huk’s rainwear to keep the elements at bay so they can concentrate on what’s important–fishing. The Gunwale collection offers big performance in an easily stowed package, all at a friendly price.

Gunwale Rain Jacket Features:

Fall 2021 Shipping has begun! The first round of trucks have left our nursery. Expected arrival to select stores between August 14th – August 17th to the following states:

Illinois, Missouri, Oklahoma
Arrival times may vary, please visit your local store to see if they have arrived. Click here for more arrival information.

This is a one-time shipment to the stores linked above. To minimize emails from Chestnut Hill Outdoors, please reply to us with the state(s) you wish to purchase your trees from.
Click here for the store locator link for upcoming store deliveries and store information.

If you have placed an online order your order will ship to you according to your USDA Plant zone by UPS Ground.

How to order from us or when is my order shipping – click here

Houston Safari Club Foundation (HSCF)  a worldwide leader in hunting, conservation and education, is pleased to announce its continued partnership with the “This is Africa” television show. 

The dynamic brother and sister team of Andrew and Michelle Buchanan share a lifetime of experience in African hunting. Together with their award-winning production team, they tell the stories of conservation, community development, hunting and fishing across the Dark Continent. Michelle grew up on in a farming area, the only daughter of a prominent Zimbabwean Tobacco Farmer and Professional Hunter with her three brothers. Hunting was a part of life from a very young age, and it was during these trips to all parts of wild Zimbabwe that the spirit of adventure and the passion for the outdoors was engraved in her. Andrews vast amount of knowledge about wildlife and habitats, as well as his deep understanding of the local people and their cultures, has seen him across the vast majority of Africa. “This is Africa” airs on the Pursuit Channel. 

Michelle Buchanan states, “Andy and I are very excited to be partnering with Houston Safari Club Foundation. We believe in supporting only the best hunting, conservation & education organizations and we feel exactly this way about the Houston Safari Club Foundation. We look forward to representing them and thank -you for your continued support.”

About This Is Africa
“This is Africa” is different. Michelle, Andy and their award-winning postproduction team will treat viewers to a new and refreshing concept whereby these young and energetic hosts leave behind the old formulaic, one-dimensional hunting show and introduce the next generation natural history series that knocks down the third wall without deflecting from the hunt. The tunnel vision of yesteryear’s shows will be replaced by knowledge of local people, cultures and animals (big and small). Poaching, antipoaching, community development and how these are directly affected by and affiliated with hunting will be an intricate part of this show. In a world filled with misinformation we will portray the unbiased truth about conservation through hunting. To learn more visit https://www.tiafive.com and https://pursuitchannel.com/movies/this-is-africa/. 

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 600 scholarships totaling $2.7 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. 

BISMARCK, NORTH DAKOTA — A new habitat modelling technique will allow The Duck Hunters Organization to produce maps of breeding waterfowl habitat conditions like never before. As first published in Delta’s “Fall Flight Forecast” media release earlier this month, The Duck Hunters Organization believes the innovative strategy marks a vast improvement in accuracy and precision over conditions maps of its kind.

“We’ve produced conditions maps in the past, but nothing ever on this level,” said Mike Buxton, Delta’s waterfowl programs manager and engineer of the new mapping technique. “Most duck production conditions maps are pretty rudimentary — they chart out these large ‘blobs’ of general areas based on direct observations and sometimes even educated guesses. It simply isn’t feasible to have enough staff spread across the entire breeding range to accurately gauge conditions firsthand throughout the year.”

Buxton’s mapping technique, on the other hand, relies on a series of complex computer models. While he won’t reveal all of his tricks — the innovative software strategy required considerable effort and a number of map iterations to perfect — precipitation as well as groundwater estimates are central to his computer modelling.

“Precipitation has been a large driver of wetland conditions maps, but it doesn’t tell the whole story unless you consider what’s already out there on the landscape,” Buxton said. “For instance, a few inches of rain in May could make things look pretty good on paper, when in reality if you entered the month dry, a lot of wetlands could still be empty. We believe this aspect of our improved mapping strategy alone will offer hunters a pretty darn accurate assessment of conditions for breeding ducks.”

Buxton’s conditions maps will be published in all five issues of Delta Waterfowl magazine — an exclusive benefit of membership in The Duck Hunters Organization — and monthly on Delta’s social media and at deltawaterfowl.org.