Hunting and Fishing News & Blog Articles

Hunting is definitely one of the sports with the most practical uses — not to mention the manliest one. Nevertheless, knowing where to begin is not always easy. In order to do some truly professional hunting, you need to know what you’re doing and you have to prepare well. With that in mind, we’ve decided to provide you with a short guide on how to start deer hunting as a beginner!

Deer Hunting in the US

Hunting wild deer is an activity that people have performed for literally thousands of years. In general, hunting is one of the oldest sports on the planet; so honoring the traditions of our ancestors and the passion that appears in the battle between man and nature is important. From the Germanic forests of Europe to the Native American hunting grounds — most cultures are positively riddled with detailed accounts on deer hunting with bows and arrows.

This is an especially important tradition for the United States, as the Plymouth Rock pilgrims wrote about venison from deer that they hunted near their first settlements. Explorers were often faced with the prospect of having to hunt for their meals — and deer was one of the most nutritious options in the newly charted forests.

Today, the United States has managed to stabilize the local deer population — some states even have issues with overpopulation by deers. Ethical hunting is a crucial part of population management for wildlife across the country.

Preparation and Licensing

There are quite a few things you need to do before you set your foot on a deer hunting ground. Contrary to what you see in pop culture, hunting is both extensively planned and heavily regulated. The first thing you need to do is get yourself a gun and have enough practice with it to be a productive hunter.

Online shopping has been rapidly growing in popularity due to the increasing access to technology. Now, some unconventional goods, like ammunition, can also be bought online. While you can purchase ammunition through the internet, there are varying state laws and technicalities to sort through that make this activity tricky. Let’s take you through some factors to consider so you can get your ammunition without any hassle.

1.   Research Your State’s Laws

Though the American federal law allows adult citizens to purchase guns and ammunition with a license, many states have regulated gun control laws and require firearms possession permits. Due to these regulations, online stores require certification before shipping or do not offer services in the following states:

Sometimes the state’s gun laws approve the purchase of ammunition online, but due to some shipping ordinances, vendors cannot deliver firearms and ammunition to particular areas, such as Hawaii, Washington DC, and Alaska. You must research your state’s laws regarding ammunition before placing an order.

2.   Ensure the Website Is Trusted

Since buying ammunition online is gaining popularity, many illegal stores have appeared that do not possess the Federal Firearms License (FFL) that’s required to sell guns and ammunition. Such certification guarantees the customer security of purchase and ensures the products are legal. Online stores with the correct licensing, like www.wapeedee.com, will display their FFL numbers that customers can use to check the validity of the certificate through a government website.

3.   Understand Your Use-Case

Research the kind of ammunition that suits your use case before placing an order. For instance, 22-long rifle ammunition is a cheap option with a small caliber, meaning it has little recoil and muzzle blast. The low caliber makes it ideal for training and small game hunting. Another ammunition preferred for hunting is JHP ammunition.

The bullet has an open casing that expands on hitting the target and dumps energy after penetration. These features create a large wound channel delivering less pain. Hunters call this a humane kill. JHP properties also make it suitable for self-defense.

It is a simple thing, a waterproof pill container that does its job and is solid enough to last. Matador built this Waterproof Pill Canister to withstand the rigors of travel and the backcountry at the bottom of your pack.

If you carry medicine in a pill container and it comes open in your suitcase or pack while on a trip, you know what a pain it is.

The Matador Pill Canister is as solid as can be with an aluminum shell. The sliding insert made of Polypropylene with a silicone seal is food safe, BPA-Free and PVC-free all while keeping your pills organized and safe. The downside of an aluminum shell is that you cannot clearly see the pills once the container is closed, but you have the peace of mind that it never open in your pack.

You can pick these up directly from Matador for $19.99 and you can know it will last. We beat this one up over five weeks of travel over the summer and it held up day after day bouncing around my pack on flights and in and out of hotels. Buy quality products once and own them for life.

MATADOR WATERPROOF PILL CANISTER TECHNICAL DETAILS

Waterproof Pill Canister Details

Waterproof (IPX4 rated)
Crush-proof anodized aluminum shell
Sliding insert with 7 numbered slots for organization, one week capacity
Easy access design, push bottom or pull from top to open
Food safe, BPA-free, and PVC-free
Paracord hang loop
Dishwasher safe, two-piece design

Let’s just be VERY clear, Cancer sucks.  YETI is doing something this year by donating $100,000  to Boarding for Breast Cancer and Casting for Recovery and has focused on breast cancer awareness this year with the limited-edition Ice Pink Rambler® Drinkware. 

Donations like this are important to the success of campaigns to end cancer and this campaign hits especially close to home for us here this year at HuntingLife.com as we have our own family member who is battling cancer each and every day.  We know the power of positive thinking and we are living it every day.  YETI is doing something about it by producing this limited edition Ice Out Cancer Pink Drinkware so you can show each and every person in your life and you come into contact with that you care about an end to cancer.

The YETI Ice out cancer pink collection comes in a variety of models and including the slim can cooler, the 30 oz tumbler, the 20 oz tumbler, the 20 oz travel mug, an 18 oz water bottle, the 24 oz mug and they had a rambler magslider color pack but that sold out fast.  I expect all of these will sell out quickly so jump on this deal quickly.

First of Its Kind to Incorporate Live Aircraft Tracking, 3D Fire Map Rendering,
and California-Specific FIRIS Real Time Fire Mapping

The Western Fire Chiefs Association (WFCA) announces the introduction of Phase 2 of its Fire Map (https://wfca.com/fire-map), which launched in July this year. Phase 2 includes 3D map views, reporting of active fire-fighting aircraft in real-time, and Fire Integrated Real-Time Intelligence System (FIRIS) specific to the state of California. These new introductions provide an even higher level of detail to keep lives, land, and property safe.

“Wildland fires are often at their most dangerous when they first start,” said Brent VanKeulen, Deputy Director, WFCA. “This information will significantly impact the speed in which we can get information out to the public, and will also provide a more detailed and richer level of visual communications to communities at
risk.”

The WFCA Fire Map is the first of its kind to integrate real-time flight mapping of fire-fighting aircraft. The Forest Service uses aircraft to track, manage, and fight wildland fires. These include aerial supervision aircraft that communicate with firefighters on the ground, air attack aircraft coordinating aerial fire fighting, air tankers with the capability to deliver up to 8,000 gallons of fire retardant, water scoopers, and smoke-jumper aircrafts. Fire Suppression Aircraft are depicted on the WFCA Fire Map, with aircraft type, speed, and altitude. Clicking on an individual aircraft reveals that aircraft’s recent flight path indicating where current fire-fighting activity is taking place.

The WFCA Fire Map is also the first to depict Wildland Fire activity in 3D, where the viewer can rotate their vantage point around the fire map and view the fire from 360 degrees.

Have trouble tying your hook onto your line? Many people, including those with extra-large hands, poor eyesight, or little experience, do. The patented Valley Tieless Fishing Tackle EZ Hook in universal size 6 solves this problem, allowing anyone to attach the hook to their 8-10 lb. diameter braided line without the need of tying a complex fishing knot.

Here’s how it works. Tie a simple knot on the end of your line, loop it one time around the hook, bait the hook as you normally would, then cast it into your favorite spot. That’s it! The Valley Tieless hook in size 6 was rigorously tested for two years; it successfully catches bass, bluegill, perch, crappie, northern pike, and catfish in fresh open water and through the ice. The size 6 hook measures approximately .4 inches wide x .98 inches long, has an average tested pull strength of 11 lb., and works best with braided line diameter of 8 to 10 lb.

Suggested retail price for a package of 5 hooks is $3.29. They are conveniently available online at  https://thetielesshook.com/, where you can also learn how easy it is to use this simple, yet highly effective, fishing hook.

Valley Tieless Fishing EZ Hook Benefits:

Founded in 2017 and headquartered in Tipler, Wisconsin, Valley Tieless Fishing Tackle designs and manufactures fishing tackle for people with physical or visual restrictions or anyone that needs or desires an easier-to-use fishing hook or clasp. These no-tie fishing products make tying a hook or changing lures simple. For more information on Valley Tieless Fishing Tackle visit https://thetielesshook.com/ or call 262-225-3437 

Any job worth doing is worth doing right. But that doesn’t mean the job has to be made harder by using heavy, hot work lights on the job site.

NEBO can help make the job easier while being done correctly with the right lighting source. Their new Master Series of LED-based lights can help get the job done quicker and with less hassle.

The Master Series combines rugged construction, increased reliability, and consistently bright LEDs to get the work completed on the job or at home.

What makes the Master Series a key lighting tool in any project is its Optimized Power Curve, which efficiently utilizes battery power to provide a steadier and more consistent light beam.

The WL1500 Omni-Directional Work Light is rugged, reliable and rechargeable. It features two independently articulating arms and two adjustable C•O•B light panels. With eight light modes, including three dual, three single and two red light modes with run times of one to 20 hours, the WL1500 will get the right amount of light where it is needed. It is USB rechargeable, includes a 4,000 mAh power bank, is waterproof and impact-resistant.

Investment to support the company’s continued growth and further its commitment to public lands

onX, a pioneer in outdoor digital navigation, today announced a $87.4M Series B investment. The funding round was led by Summit Partners, which led the company’s Series A financing in 2018, and includes participation from Steve Burke’s Madison Valley Partners and other existing investors. This growth investment will support onX as the company reimagines the outdoor experience and works to protect the landscapes that host recreational pursuits.

Founded in 2009 and based in Missoula, Montana, onX creates mapping and navigation technology that helps inform, inspire, and empower millions of outdoor recreationists. The company’s suite of navigation apps includes three products – onX Hunt, onX Offroad, and onX Backcountry – each tailored to the adventure at hand. The apps put 852 million acres of public land, 550,000 miles of motorized trails, 10,000 detailed hikes and routes, 60,000 campgrounds and cabins, hundreds of layers, and more at users’ fingertips. 

“The outdoor industry is thriving, and onX is meeting an essential need for adventurers,” said Steve Burke, Madison Valley Partners founding partner and former NBCUniversal CEO. “I have been an onX customer for years. I have watched the company establish its leadership in the hunting and outdoor industries by designing amazing customer experiences that connect people with the land. I’m looking forward to seeing onX continue working towards defining the future of mapping technology and how recreationalists of all types engage on that landscape.”

Since raising a Series A in 2018, the company’s growth has accelerated. Over the course of the last four years, onX has increased annual recurring revenues 10x while growing its team by more than 300% – including a nearly five-fold increase in its engineering bench – to support continued expansion and enhancement of its product offering. The company also acquired Outdoor Project and the Adventure Project suite of products (Mountain Project, Hiking Project, MTB Project, Powder Project, Trail Run Project, and National Park Trail Guide). Recent onX updates include CarPlay and Android Auto functionality, critical safety information such as wildfire and avalanche layers, and a popular series of Masterclasses that share tips for making the most of a day outdoors and building outdoor communities.

Long-term commitments by Corporate Sponsors are vital to the continued success and growth of Safari Club International (SCI) and its mission to promote and protect hunting and wildlife conservation in North America and across the world. Hornady® (www.hornady.com) recently renewed its SCI corporate sponsorship and has been a partner and Corporate Sponsor since 2004.

Hornady, world renowned manufacturer of ammunition, reloading equipment and other products for hunting and shooting sports, has renewed its Corporate Sponsorship of Safari Club International.

“Hornady has been one of our staunchest supporters and we are especially pleased and proud they have renewed their sponsorship,” said Rick Parsons, CEO of Safari Club International. “Hornady understands how critical support for the preservation of our freedom to hunt is and how critical it is for conservation of wildlife and wild places all over the world. Their continued dedication to the mission of SCI inspires us to do more.”

Hornady Manufacturing has gone from a start-up in a small Grand Island former auto body shop to become the largest independently owned maker of bullets, ammunition and tools in the world. Their passion is for innovation and giving their customers the very best products available. Hornady always strives to be accurate, deadly and dependable.

For 50 years, Safari Club International (SCI) has been the leading defender of the freedom to hunt and supporter of wildlife conservation worldwide. 

Outdoor Specialty Media Group announces the publishing of the October issue of North American Outdoorsman digital magazine, which is devoted to Women in the Outdoor Industry.  This issue is headlined by the story of Melissa Bachman’s rise to prominence in the industry, and Julie McQueen’s profile as a leader of Carbon TV, plus a tour of Otis Technologies state of the art manufacturing facility.  There are several high adventure stories on hunts that will thrill anyone with a pulse, and bucket list trips into the open country to fish or hike and share memories forever.  Many of the stories are written by young women who are getting started in their careers or talking about the learning, mentorship and camaraderie they have experienced getting involved in the Outdoors. It finishes with a food story on how to make Duck Confit, and our second in a series of How to Train your Gun Dog.  Also included are gear reviews and new product releases with links to visit web sites for more information or purchase of the newest available gear. 

The Premium Subscriber Program. now has over 60 of the biggest brands in the outdoor industry.

Download the OSM App

HatsanUSA brings another quality break-action air rifle to the market. The Mod 130S QE Carnivore is a versatile and powerful .30 caliber (7.62mm) air rifle that is at home both in the field and on the range. 

Hatsan airguns are renowned for exceptional accuracy and a superior shooting experience. The Mod 130S QE Carnivore is no exception. It features a precision-rifled, German steel barrel that produces velocities up to 590fps (.30/7.62mm). The integrated Vortex gas piston technology is also proven to provide outstanding reliability and performance. Surrounded with their QuietEnergy barrel shroud and integrated sound moderator, the Mod 130S QE Carnivore also includes Hatsan’s Quattro 2-stage adjustable match trigger and a metal trigger blade.

This premium break barrel is built with an elevation adjustable Monte Carlo cheekpiece, a pistol grip thumbhole stock, and checkering on the grip and forend. With its SAS (Shock Absorber System) and the Trio Pad rubber recoil pad, with adjustable spacers to change the length of pull, the Mod 130S QE Carnivore is incredibly accurate, feels secure, and is comfortable to hold and shoot.

The micro-adjustable rear sight, which has both windage and elevation adjustable green fiber optics, provide shooters a clear sight window. The open front sight is also affixed with red fiber optics. Your choice of optics can be fixed to the air rifle on an 11mm dovetail and Weaver combo optics rail with metal scope stop. HatsanUSA also offers the Mod 130S QE Carnivore with a 3-9×40 Optima scope and rings as an additional option, to allow the shooter to purchase a complete package.

Like all Hatsan air rifles, the Mod 130S QE is loaded with user-friendly features. When cocking the rifle, a manual and automatic cocking safety ensures near error-free firing. Shooters can also reset the safety manually. The automatic safety/anti-bear trap feature sets the manual safety to “on” each time the barrel is broken to start the cocking stroke. Once set, it cannot be taken off “safe” while the barrel is out of battery. The Mod 130S QE is also equipped with built-in sling mounts.

Recreational fishing and boating community cites flaws in Right Whale Vessel Strike Reduction Rule, asks agency to hit pause, get it right

Yesterday, the leading organizations representing recreational fishing and boating in the United States urged the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) to pause its proposed North Atlantic Right Whale Vessel Strike Reduction Rule, citing numerous significant flaws with the proposal. The proposed rule would broaden the current 10-knot (11.5 mph) speed restriction to include vessels 35 feet and larger (down from 65 feet); expand the go-slow zones from discrete calving areas to essentially the whole Atlantic Coast out as far as 90 miles, and extend these zone restrictions as long as seven months a year.

As America’s original conservationists, recreational anglers and boaters proactively support science-based efforts to conserve our marine ecosystems. In many cases, our industry has offered the constructive input that was ultimately used to develop management solutions that meet conservation goals and allow for the continued social and economic contributions our sector provides to the nation.

While this proposed rule has been in development for more than a year, NOAA’s Office of Protected Resources did not conduct any formal engagement with stakeholders. A pause would allow time for additional analysis of significant flaws within the rule and potential new alternatives to be developed in collaboration with the recreational fishing and boating industry.

“While we all support the intention of this rule to protect right whales, by not consulting with the recreational fishing and boating community at any point during its development, NMFS has put forward a deeply flawed rule that will have severe economic impacts and provide little benefit to right whales,” said Glenn Hughes, president of the American Sportfishing Association. “The fact that the proposed rule fails to meet 6 of the 12 criteria NMFS is using to justify selecting this option is clear evidence that a pause is necessary.”

Eagan, MN – The USA Clay Target League (USACTL) has teamed up with the U.S. Council for Athletes’ Health (USCAH), an arrangement that will provide athletes, parents, and coaches access to health, safety, and wellness education resources to support and optimize student athlete healthcare.

“The League’s priorities have always been safety, fun, marksmanship – in that order,” said USACTL president John Nelson. “We are happy to work with the USCAH to provide educational programs that support the health and well-being of League athletes, parents, and coaches across the county. They are highly-regarded and successful working with schools and national athletic associations such as ours”

The U.S. Council for Athletes’ Health believes that creating a culture that prioritizes athlete health and safety is the responsibility of everyone involved in athletics, not just healthcare personnel. Athletes, coaches, parents, administrators, and officials should all have at least a baseline understanding of health, safety, and welfare issues that are common in youth sports.

USCAH has created an online learning platform called ‘Athletics Healthspace’ that houses a growing library of courses that have been customized for youth sports and can completed via the website or mobile app.

“We are excited to partner with the USA Clay Target League to collaborate and enhance the health, safety, and well-being of their participants. We look forward to working together to prioritize health and safety.” said James R. Borchers, M.D. M.P.H., co-founder and president at USCAH.

The ever-growing array of Sea Falcon® Z jigs is highlighted with the Z-Slide, as it offers enticing zig-zag action for a variety of techniques and target species.

Depending on depth, current and conditions, the Z-Slide can be effectively fished as either a slow pitch or a speed jig. It’s center-balanced for a wide sliding action and a horizontal fall that mimics the frantic appearance of a fleeing or wounded baitfish. Then, the asymmetric design creates a short “Z” action response to short upward jerks of the rod and a wide upward sweeping action with a long jerk. This versatility allows anglers to target a broader range of species from bottom dwellers like snapper and grouper to mid-water pelagics like tuna. 

Z-Slide jigs are made with premium components and a hand-painted finish and are available in a range of enticing color designs, including Blue Pink, Green Gold, Neon Silver, Pink Zebra Stripe Glowing, Pink Sardine, Red, Red Gold Zebra Stripe Glowing, Sardine, Silver Plain Holo, Silver Water Wave Holo and Silver Zebra Stripe Glowing.

Like every Sea Falcon® lure, the Z-Slow Deep Neo is based on a hand-carved original created by CEO and Chief Designer Tetsuya Itou, one of Japan’s foremost lure designers. Based in Hamamatsu, Japan, they operate under the ‘Total Package’ concept, combining all processes from planning and development to manufacturing under one roof. The extraordinarily meticulous and demanding standards ensure lures attract the pickiest eaters and stand up to repeated bites from the biggest ones. 

To ensure you can fine-tune your presentation to get the best performance from your jigs, Sea Falcon® has developed a specification chart for each jig indicating the correct fall speed, weight balance, pause time, current, pulling resistance and slide width and maps them out on an easy to understand chart on their website. 

MTM Case-Gard, the first name in innovative polymer-based solutions for shooting and hunting enthusiasts, has expanded its line of firearm storage options with the introduction of the all-new Double Scoped Rifle Case.

The new Double Scoped Rifle Case, as its name implies, is sized to hold two scoped rifles or any combination of long arms up to 50.5 inches long. Molded of high-impact plastic and featuring thick egg-crate-style foam for maximum firearm protection during harsh transport conditions, the Double Scoped Rifle Case boasts a structured clamshell design for enhanced rigidity.

Four strong snap latches ensure the case stays closed while strategically placed padlock holes allow for additional padlock security (up to four padlocks). Additional features include piano-style lid hinges and tie-down grooves for securing the case to an ATV or a UTV cargo bed.

The Double Scoped Rifle Case measure 50.5×11.3×3.2 inches inside and 51.5×14.4×4.3 inches outside.

To learn more about this and other innovative hunting and shooting equipment solutions, visit MTMCase-Gard.com.

Outdoor Adventure products, powered by 18V LXT batteries, take users from the job site to the outdoors in one system

Makita®, the innovation leader in cordless technology, has pushed cordless into new spaces with the announcement of Outdoor Adventure, a new range of cordless products for camping, hiking, fishing, tailgating and more.

The Power to Go Anywhere

Outdoor Adventure products feature a distinctive camo-green color inspired by outdoor environments. They operate within the existing Makita LXT® System, giving users seamless compatibility and one system of cordless products for use at work, at home and the outdoors.

“Makita cordless technology revolutionized construction job sites, and now Outdoor Adventure brings new levels of cordless performance for camping, hiking, fishing, tailgating, and more,” said Brent Withey, vice president, brand marketing, Makita U.S.A., Inc.

Tournament-tested Reel Designed for Long Casts and Tough Conditions

The Shimano Curado family sets the benchmark for performance and versatility among low-profile casting reels. Wielded by professional anglers and weekend warriors alike, Curado reels provide dependable, tournament-tested performance in a compact form factor that enhances success on the water. Shimano now introduces the Curado DC 200, leveraging Digital Control technology and increased line capacity for enhanced performance and flexibility. 

Frequently, the fish that anglers want to catch most are also the farthest from the boat, requiring long casts to reach them. The new Curado DC 200 provides anglers with increased line capacity – up to 40% more compared to the smaller Curado DC 150 – bringing easily spooked, trophy-caliber fish well within range. Additional line capacity enhances versatility and performance using a wide range of baits and techniques, especially those using larger diameter line or larger lures.

Curado DC 200 boasts Shimano’s unique DC technology, I-DC4. This Intelligent Digital Control braking system utilizes a microcomputer to monitor spool speed 1,000 times per second, and applies the perfect amount of brake as the spool spins to prevent backlashes. Anglers of all skill levels will appreciate less thumbing and trouble-free casting in all conditions – especially when swirling winds drive fish into a feeding frenzy. 

Shimano engineers built the Curado DC 200 to handle superlative fish thanks to a rigid HAGANE Body and durable Cross Carbon Drag. Shimano’s exclusive HAGANE Body technology enhances rigidity and eliminates flexing, transforming angler inputs into more direct and effortless cranking power. Cross Carbon Drag – the product of Shimano’s continuing emphasis on improving drag performance – provides an expanded range of drag settings for exceptionally smooth performance when battling tournament-winning fish. The Curado DC 200 withstands continual use and – and occasional abuse – by seamlessly blending toughness and durability with precision engineering and enduring craftsmanship.

CAMEO (AGirlandAGun.org) — A Girl & A Gun welcomed 12 women who traveled to Grand Junction, CO, for the inaugural Sniper School event. Comprising riflecraft and fieldcraft instruction blocks, AG & AG Sniper School utilized several areas of the Cameo Shooting and Education Complex that served as the perfect backdrop for learning internal and external ballistics, wind, mirage, concealment, movement, angles, and more. Sniper/spotter teams engaged targets up to and beyond 2,000 yards in the mountainous desert terrain.

“It’s common to see military and law enforcement working in these conditions, but A Girl & A Gun was proud to offer this experience to everyday women,” says AG & AG Executive Director Robyn Sandoval. “Some of our participants had never recorded DOPE before or had the thrill of ringing a steel target that was over a mile away. The ladies came a very long way in just a matter of days and gained a solid foundation of long-range shooting. I’m very proud of their successes!”

Savage Arms donated ten custom 110 rifles chambered in 6.5 Creedmoor with Savage Arms actions, donated MDT stocks, and camo dips provided by Veil. Primary Arms donated ten Athena optics that allowed ladies to accurately calculate distance and holds. Stag Arms donated two AR-10 rifles in flat dark earth and Vortex Optics donated two Razor Gen II scopes and Carbon tripods. Voodoo Tactical provided shooting mats, Rite in the Rain provided waterproof DOPE books, and Daniel Defense contributed Hornady 6.5 Creedmoor ammunition.

“We’ve never had a lady in any of our Snipercraft or Sniper School courses, yet when 12 showed up from AG & AG, we knew it was going to be an epic experience,” said Adam Winch, Lead Instructor of Defenders USA, whose instructor team presented the course material. Firearms instructors Russell Anthon and Hank Ownbey were assisted by Myles Standish, who served as an infantry sniper in the U.S. Army with multiple deployments to the Middle East.

Anthon worked with the students to have a clear understanding of ballistics and atmospheric factors that affect bullet trajectory. He provided calculations to help ladies dial in faster and record accurate DOPE for known and unknown-distance targets. Standish led discussions on camouflage and oversaw the construction of participants’ ghillie suits. He was on glass trying to find our student snipers as the ladies did reconnaissance from their hasty hides in the terrain.

Fairfax, Va. – The National Rifle Association’s award-winning NRA Hunter Education online course is now available in the State of Alabama, the latest addition as NRA works to make the course available to hunters in all 50 states. Since inception of the program in 2017, NRA has provided more than 100,000 students FREE online hunter education, fostering the interest and expansion of new hunters and shooters across the country. Alabama joins 12 other states that accept NRA Hunter Education as a prerequisite for hunting licensure.

“The NRA is pleased to partner with the State of Alabama to offer no-cost hunter education to their residents – increasing the odds of new hunters entering the field,” said Joseph P. DeBergalis, Jr., Executive Director of NRA General Operations. “We are proud of the relationships we have fostered with state wildlife agencies across the country, including with the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. It is a team effort to promote and bolster hunter recruitment and we are grateful for the support from the State of Alabama.”

Designed and provided by the organization that built the first-ever hunter education program in the United States in 1949, the NRA Hunter Education online course offers a fresh and fully comprehensive approach to hunter education. The 15-chapter, online sequence features attention-grabbing videos, eye-catching graphics and diagrams, interactive modules, audio recordings and dozens of action photos presented in appealing, easy-to-access components that provide the best method for teaching future hunters lessons they will remember for the rest of their lives.

“The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources is excited to add NRA’s online hunter education course to our selection of online options,” said Captain Marisa L. Futral, Hunter Education Coordinator for the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. “The NRA has a long history of working with hunter education programs and we are thrilled to partner with them in this worthwhile effort.”

All of this instruction is available at students’ fingertips, whenever and wherever they are able to complete it. Removing the sometimes-prohibitive cost barrier of traditional courses, the NRA Online Hunter Education course is available completely free of charge, encouraging new hunters to take the first step and making it easier for seasoned hunters to revisit the material.

BARNEVELD, Wis. – Get ready for deer season with hands-on, 1×1 training with Vortex® team members at the Vortex Edge® shooting facility, just a 40-minute drive from Dane County Regional Airport in Madison, Wis.

WHEN
October 20th-22nd
(Thursday & Friday 5pm-8pm, Saturday 8am-1pm)

WHERE
Vortex Edge®, 4 Vortex Dr., Barneveld, WI 53507

No charge. Registering online is easy. Hurry and reserve your spot by clicking here.

Each session will focus on safe firearm handling, optic use, and basic marksmanship. You must bring your own rifle/scope combo and ammunition. All attendees will also have a chance to win the “Gear Up for Deer” giveaway—an optics and gear prize package worth over $750. You must be present to enter.