Hunting and Fishing News & Blog Articles

My whole life changed the day I found out I had alpha-gal syndrome (AGS). Galactose-alpha-1, 3-galactose, or Alpha-Gal, is a severe and life-threatening allergic condition. After consuming mammal meat or meat products, the symptoms can be severe, and your exposure can be closer to home than you think. One bite from the Lone Star tick could take away all your favorite red meat dishes and delicacies.

The Lone Star

The Lone Star tick (Amblyomma americanum) is a formidable arachnid native to the southeastern region of the United States but has been expanding its range in recent years. This tick is named after the distinct white spot on the back of adult females shaped like the state of Texas. Known for their aggressive behavior, Lone Star ticks can transmit several diseases. If you’re ever in an area where Lone Star ticks are prevalent, taking extra precautions to avoid bites and checking yourself for ticks after spending time outdoors is essential. Alpha Gal Syndrome can be problematic for many people, as coming in contact with ticks is expected when spending time in natural environments. This results in a higher percentage chance of exposure to a tick, which could transfer AGS. This map from Lymedisease.org shows the population and spread of the Lone Star tick across North America.

My Life Before Alpha-Gal

My family has lived and moved all over the country. I have lived in the Deep South and the Pacific Northwest. But I can remember the day we moved from the panhandle of Idaho to the rolling hills of Middle Tennessee. I had never seen so many trees, such untamed wilderness! I was a younger kid when I moved to Tennessee. I have always loved my time in the outdoors. It could be climbing hardwood trees, wading through hip-high grass to get to bass fishing ponds, or hours of yard work. I could not tell you the number of nights my mom would ring the bell on the back porch to bring me inside after a long day. I could not get enough time in the woods. People ask when I got bit by a tick. My answer is no telling; I remember a few dozen.

The interesting thing about Alpha-Gal was that it did not occur immediately. It can sometimes take years after the bite and exposure until you see symptoms or have an allergic reaction. I remember my older sister getting sick; the doctors and medical professionals were perplexed. She finally went to an allergist who tested her for various things. The tests came back positive for cats, dogs, and milk. It would have made sense if we knew it was an allergy to mammals. If my sister had not gotten sick before me and gone through specialists and testing, I probably would have struggled for years to manage AGS. She was able to be diagnosed with Alpha-Gal Syndrome.

Growing up on a farm, I was responsible for early morning and late night chores and caring for the animals. Back then, the Bob White Quail was still an ordinary sound during the last minutes of sunlight. Growing up on a farm taught me a lot: how to work hard, appreciate where my food came from, and care for what you are responsible for.

HOIST®, one of the fastest growing hydration beverages in the U.S., is proud to announce the continuation of its partnership with Team Red, White & Blue (RWB), the leading health and wellness community for Veterans–with over 200,000 members nationwide.

Now in its third year, the partnership has grown, and HOIST will be sponsoring a leg of the Team RWB Old Glory Relay, where Team RWB brings the beloved American flag from a special trip oversees back to U.S. soil.

Old Glory begins a journey across six states, from Philadelphia to Chicago, moving across the U.S. through the hands of Veterans and their supporters. HOIST will be sponsoring the relay from its April 27 Columbus, Ohio rally stop through the April 29 rally stop in Cincinnati. As a part of this sponsorship, HOIST will be donating gear to sponsored participants as well as donating product, including its military hydration powder sticks, for use along the entire Old Glory Relay. HOIST will also be donating a portion of its e-commerce sales to Team RWB during a July giveback promotion. 

“We’ve had the opportunity to work with Team Red, White & Blue for three years now, and it’s an honor to collaborate, once again, with an organization that is a symbol of unity, patriotism and support for our Veterans,” said HOIST Director of Business Development Rachel Trotta. “We’re looking forward to sponsoring this year’s relay and are proud to have members of the HOIST team participating. Good luck to all those as they embark on this year’s Old Glory mission!”

Team RWB exists to guide Veterans through the wellness journey, offering both real-life and virtual opportunities that are focused on building a healthier lifestyle. It encourages a strong focus on mental and physical health to ensure that Veterans’ best days are ahead. HOIST provides top of the line hydration, which aids in both mental and physical performance, making this partnership an exemplary pairing. The HOIST product line of IV-level hydration ranges from bottled beverage to powder sticks and liquid pouches, all of which provide three times the electrolytes, half the sugar and no artificial sweeteners or dyes.

Elevating Precision and Versatility in Nighttime Operations

Armasight, a pioneer in Thermal and Night Vision technology, proudly unveils the Collector 320 and 640 Compact Thermal weapon sights, addressing the need for compact yet high-performance thermal imaging solutions.

The Collector series offers a breakthrough in thermal imaging technology, boasting a lightning-fast 60Hz refresh rate powered by Armasight’s Iron Wolf thermal image processing technology. This ensures users experience seamless imaging in dynamic scenarios, solving the problem of lagging visuals during critical moments.

Designed with versatility in mind, the Collector 320 and 640 are remarkably lightweight at only 16.3 ounces, making them ideal companions for small caliber rifles, air guns, and crossbows. Their compact design solves the problem of bulky and cumbersome weapon sights, offering unparalleled maneuverability in the field.

Armasight addresses the need for ease of use and functionality with the Collector series, featuring intuitive 3-button controls and multiple color palettes. With 8 reticle options and video/image capture capabilities, users can tailor their viewing experience to their preferences, solving the problem of limited customization in thermal imaging devices.

Huntington Beach, CA, is the place and April 27-28 are the dates to check out Hobie® Eyewear’s stellar line-up of polarized sunglasses right at the water’s edge. SURFscape, 2024, produced by the Surf Industry Members Association (SIMA), is the venue, and it will feature more than 100 leading surf brands in a novel beachside format expected to draw 10,000 consumers checking out the latest surf lifestyle products on the market. 

“We’re really pumped for this event,” says Dylan Coates, Marketing Manager for Hobie® Eyewear. “We’ll be sharing spaces 29 and 30 with Hobie® Electric Bikes to create one space that captures the nostalgia of the early days of the Hobie® brand while showcasing our modern product offerings.”

Indeed, Hobie® Eyewear will have NEW 2024 styles, including Cortez, Blockhead, and Eddy Float, available for purchase. Stop by, and you’ll also find Hobie® Swag for all attendees, plus giveaway drawings for “one of a kind” Hobie® sunglasses.

“SIMA’s SURFscape presents an ideal platform for Hobie® Eyewear, a brand deeply rooted in Southern California, to engage with our core consumers,” says Oliver Reyes, Hobie® Eyewear’s National Sales Manager. “The invaluable feedback received last year fuels our excitement for our involvement in SURFscape’s second edition. We anticipate this year’s event to exude the same exhilarating atmosphere as its predecessor.”

Coates agrees. “SIMA excels in introducing innovative ideas that foster connections between brands and retailers in the surfing industry. Amidst a challenging retail landscape, they consistently lead in discovering novel solutions to empower their members for success. SURFscape exemplifies this ethos. Its inaugural year was a resounding success, and we foresee it becoming a cornerstone event within the surfing community for years to come. Whether you’re big into the surf lifestyle or simply curious about the surf scene, this is one event you don’t want to miss.”

The Riton 5 PRIMAL 10×42 ED binoculars impress me for what they are and most importantly what they are not. These binoculars offer a high definition ED glass providing a sharp image in a simple design with a 10x magnification offering right about what you need and what you don’t. These binoculars are compact in design but full-size in features. What they are not is extremely expensive and

I have had these by my side for the last 2 months for predator hunting and all my turkey season so far. I had these sliding easily into a Forloh Method Bino Harness for predator season but for turkey season these binoculars are small enough to fit right into my turkey vest pocket and away we go.

I had the opportunity to use these in snow while turkey season and they held up from the water and remained completely fog-proof allowing me to watch the flock of turkeys that wouldn’t cross the creek to come over to our field. Those Merriams turkey sure are amazing strutting around under the cottonwoods. At 150 yards, I was enjoying watching those 12 gobblers and jakes showing off for the hens. They twist-up eyecups adjust extremely well and were comfortable being held up to my eyes for the hour plus watching these birds strut back and forth.

These binoculars are simply outstanding and they are a solid choice in a sea of offerings currently in the market. Riton offers a Lifetime Limited Warranty on these binoculars built by a team that absolutely cares about its customers. These are clear, they are lightweight and they are well built which is all we can ask for in a quality product. For all of our readers utilize the promo code: huntinglife for 15 percent off.

5 PRIMAL 10×42 ED Features

ELLEVUE, WA – The U.S. Supreme Court has granted the petition for a writ of certiorari in the case of Garland v. VanDerStok, which challenges the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives’ “Final Rule” which considers frames and receivers to be firearms.

The case dates back to April 2022 when the ATF published its “Final Rule” changing the regulatory definition of the term “firearm,” to encompass objects which are not firearms, along with firearms parts kits, in direct contradiction of Congress’ definition of those terms found in the Gun Control Act of 1968. In December 2022, the Second Amendment Foundation and Defense Distributed filed an intervenor’s complaint in an existing lawsuit being litigated in the Northern District of Texas.

“We are delighted that the Court has agreed to hear our challenge to ATF’s frames and receivers ‘Final Rule’,” said SAF Executive Director Adam Kraut. “ATF has continuously exceeded its constitutional authority and violated the separation of powers by creating law – a job reserved exclusively for Congress. It is time for the Supreme Court to remind ATF that it may not do so and affirm the judgment of the Fifth Circuit.”

“This case typifies the Biden administration’s war on the Second Amendment,” added SAF founder and Executive Vice President Alan M. Gottlieb. “Clearly under Joe Biden, the ATF has unilaterally set itself up as the sole authority on firearms regulation, bypassing Congress and arbitrarily changing long-standing regulations to suit the administration’s anti-gun agenda.”

The Second Amendment Foundation (saf.org) is the nation’s oldest and largest tax-exempt education, research, publishing and legal action group focusing on the Constitutional right and heritage to privately own and possess firearms. Founded in 1974, The Foundation has grown to more than 720,000 members and supporters and conducts many programs designed to better inform the public about the consequences of gun control.

Trailblazing Network Marks its 30th Anniversary Reflecting on a Legacy of Innovative Outdoor Broadcasting

DENVER (April 24, 2024) –  Outdoor Channel, the nation’s leader in outdoor entertainment, proudly announces its 30th anniversary today, celebrating three decades of delivering the spirit of outdoor adventure to millions of viewers. Outdoor Channel remains committed to its founding principles and the spirit instilled by George Massie, the man whose passion for the great outdoors inspired millions. From humble beginnings in the early 90’s to a television powerhouse today, Outdoor Channel has continuously evolved, offering the best in hunting, fishing, shooting, and adventure right into viewers’ homes.

“As we mark the 30th anniversary of Outdoor Channel, it’s a moment to reflect on the incredible journey we’ve shared and the profound impact the channel has had on the outdoor community,” said Mike Carney, President & CEO of Outdoor Sportsman Group. “As an industry veteran, I’ve always felt Outdoor Channel has been more than just a broadcaster; it’s been a companion for those of us who live to explore the wilderness. I’ve welcomed the opportunity to revisit the past during this process as we look forward.”

A Journey Through Time – Outdoor Channel’s Rich Legacy

The late George Massie, affectionately known as ‘the buzzard,’ was not only the founder of Outdoor Channel but also a fervent gold prospector and advocate for the rights of miners. He eventually created Outdoor Channel Holdings, of which his son, Perry T. Massie became CEO.

The channel’s commitment to quality broadcasting and best-in-class programming continues as it embarks on more original programming with the likes of Andrew Zimmern and Terry Schappert. Additionally, the network has become a genuine home for adventurous personalities such as Jim Shockey, Lee & Tiffany Lakosky, Michael Waddell, Joe Mantegna and so many more for the past decades.

Unique Event Showcases Sought-After Products to Cater Directly to Outdoor Sportsman Group’s Dedicated Audience’s Needs, Ensuring a Successful Spring Season

DENVER (April 22, 2024) – The time to gear up for spring adventures has never been more fun as Game & Fish announces the return of ‘Great American Spring’ this April offering tips, tools, and educational advice to inspire outdoor enthusiasts across the nation. Presented by Falken Tires and Yellowstone Bourbon, the 2024 lineup promises to deliver engaging content that resonates with both do-it-yourselfers and professionals who are preparing to make the most of the upcoming season.

“’Great American Spring’ brings the outdoor community together, celebrating the renewal, spirit, and excitement that springtime offers,” said Tom Lawrence, Senior Vice President of Sales at Outdoor Sportsman Group. “Our partnership with leading brands like Falken Tires and Yellowstone Bourbon underscores our commitment to quality and ensures that we highlight products that our passionate audience trusts and values.”

With exclusive content housed onGame & Fish (www.gameandfishmag.com/greatamericanspring), as well as appearing on Outdoor Sportsman Group Networks (Outdoor Channel and Sportsman Channel), ‘Great American Spring’ presented by Falken Tires and Yellowstone Bourbon highlights sought-after products that cater directly to Outdoor Sportsman Group’s dedicated audience’s needs, ensuring a successful spring season. ‘Great American Spring’ will run through June 30.

“Falken Tires is excited to be a part of the Outdoor Sportsman Group’s upcoming ‘Great American Spring,” shared Don Reindl, Creative Services & Communications Manager for Falken Tires. “We think this partnership provides an excellent opportunity to showcase our highly regarded line of Wildpeak light truck tires to OSG’s outdoor lifestyle audience.”

Outdoor lifestyle enthusiasts live to be outside, uncluttered, and unencumbered by four walls. When they come home from the fields, woods, mountains, streams, lakes, and oceans; they still crave outdoor space. Outdoor Sportsman Group’s ‘Great American Spring’ presented by Falken Tires and Yellowstone Bourbonwant to help.

More than 2,400 students in grades 6-12 are expected to compete in the 54th Annual Cornhusker Trap Shoot May 2-4 on the home grounds of the Nebraska Trapshooting Association in Doniphan, Nebraska.

Joining Nebraskans typically are shooters from Missouri, Colorado, Kansas and South Dakota. More than 900 junior high and more than 1,500 senior high students are expected to compete.

“It’s exciting to see the dedication and talent of these young people,” said Rachel Carlson, shoot director of the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission. “This event is a celebration of the competition season, and we are proud to consistently see it as one of the largest youth events in the state.”

Competition will take place in individual and team divisions. Junior high students (grades 6-8) will shoot 100 16-yard targets on May 2. High school competitors (grades 9-12) will shoot 75 16-yard targets on May 3, then 75 handicap targets on May 4. The high school shooter with the highest combined score will earn the Cornhusker Cup. Competition begins at 8 a.m. each day.

The Cornhusker Trap Shoot is open nationwide to all shooters in grades 6-12 who have completed a hunter education course.

Emphasizing conservation and wider public access across 245 million acres

Today, the Department of the Interior released its much-anticipated Public Lands Rule, creating a conservation leasing mechanism for Bureau of Land Management (BLM) acres. The new rule prioritizes healthy landscapes, abundant wildlife habitat, clean water, and balanced decision-making at the forefront of public lands management decisions. Pheasants Forever (PF) and Quail Forever (QF) applaud agency leaders for creating a tool to carry out durable restoration and mitigation on America’s 245 million BLM acres, including landscape-level projects for upland birds and other wildlife.

“Our public lands provide wildlife habitat and clean water, the energy that lights our homes, the wood we build with, and the places where we make family memories,” said BLM Director Tracy Stone-Manning. “This rule honors our obligation to current and future generations to help ensure our public lands and waters remain healthy amid growing pressures and change.” 

“While we haven’t yet had a chance to read the newly final Public Lands Rule in its entirety, we applaud BLM’s innovative approach to elevating conservation in its land management decisions, and we’re excited for the opportunities the rule may create to help PF & QF deliver our habitat mission on lands across the West,” stated Ariel Wiegard, PF & QF’s vice president of government affairs. “Our organization is also looking forward to partnering with other BLM land users, including in the livestock and energy sectors, to bring this rule to life and ensure the long term sustained yield of America’s natural resources.”

Building on decades of land management experience and emphasizing the use of science and data, including Indigenous Knowledge, to guide balanced decision-making, the rule applies the existing fundamentals of land health across BLM programs, establishes restoration and mitigation leases, and clarifies practices to designate and protect Areas of Critical Environmental Concern (ACECs). The rule will help to ensure the BLM continues to protect land health while managing other uses of the public lands, such as clean energy development and outdoor recreation. The final rule:

Recently, Petersen’s HUNTING, the leading media outlet devoted exclusively to hunters, tapped Colton Heward as its new Managing Editor. Heward is a noted big-game guide and successful outdoor journalist who’s helping to lead HUNTING’s efforts to educate, entertain and inform hunters through its print, digital and social channels. 

After being on the job for a month, Heward responded to a few questions about his new role. 

Q: Colton – congrats on your new role! We realize you are new to this role, but can you share with us your day-to-day activities? Many of our readers might not know what a Managing Editor really does.

A: I am still learning my role as the Managing Editor with each passing day. With that said, my day-to-day routine fluctuates but primarily consists of working closely with David Draper (Editor-in-Chief) and Chris Gorrell (Art Director) on copy and layout for the current issue we are working on, assigning, reading and editing our contributors’ work, and planning future issues. Fortunately, I do still get to do a fair amount of writing as well. 

Q: What is your vision for the magazine and this role?

CAMP PERRY, Ohio – Calling all vendors! Reservations are now being accepted by the Ohio National Guard for space on the celebrated Camp Perry Commercial Row: an entire section dedicated to retailers during the annual National Matches.

Each year, the month-long National Matches, facilitated through a partnership between the Ohio National Guard and the Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP), welcomes thousands of rifle, pistol and air gun individuals from around the country to Camp Perry, located near Port Clinton, Ohio. All events are open to the public. Spectators are welcome to observe firing on the Camp Perry ranges at any time and are encouraged to participate in the many exciting activities offered during the National Matches season – including a shopping spree at Commercial Row.

Commercial Row is a market-like experience, coordinated by the Ohio National Guard, where visitors may browse and purchase firearms, ammo, competition gear, parts, accessories, apparel and more from some of today’s industry leaders. Commercial Row is a crowd favorite and is often marked as a must-see destination for guests to the National Matches – a prime location for businesses to gain visibility, contacts, a wider consumer base and, of course, sales.

Space Rental: Rates for 2024 are $50 per space, per day. Spaces are 10’ x 19’ rooms, with four to a building. Priority is given based on length of vendor stay to maximize use. Outdoor spaces are also available for $25 per day, electricity hookups included.

Insurance for Vendors: The CMP has partnered with Lockton Affinity, LLC, a licensed insurance producer, to offer special liability policies for Commercial Row Vendors while at Camp Perry. Visit https://locktonaffinityoutdoor.com/cmp/ for more details.

National Conservation Legacy Center to Feature Recreation Exhibit Promoting Safe, Responsible Motorized Recreation in Support of Access to Public Land

Yamaha Motor Corp., USA, today announces it will be the exclusive motorized recreation sponsor of the Recreation exhibit at the National Conservation Legacy Center (“Center”) of the National Museum of Forest Service History (Museum) through a grant from the Yamaha Outdoor Access Initiative (Yamaha OAI). The Recreation exhibit will focus on the many aspects of outdoor recreation along with its value to and reliance on land stewardship and conservation efforts to protect access to public lands.

“User education is fundamental to securing access to public land for outdoor and motorized recreation and this opportunity at the National Conservation Legacy Center is a compelling example of the Yamaha Outdoor Access Initiative mission,” said Steve Nessl, Yamaha’s Motorsports marketing manager. “The National Conservation Legacy Center’s recreation exhibit is a creative, educational experience, and Yamaha’s support further demonstrates the OHV community’s commitment to a sustainable future of outdoor recreation for all types of users.”

With motorized recreation featured along with other recreation opportunities on public lands, the exhibit will be designed as an intuitive and interactive educational presentation led through personal storytelling to ignite visitors’ curiosity about outdoor recreation, illustrating the importance of responsible motorized recreation in land stewardship in a memorable and engaging way. Combining leading museum education science technology with the Museum’s extensive Collection of objects representing America’s unique commitment to public land, visitors will leave the Center informed and inspired with a renewed understanding of their personal connection to our country’s rich heritage in the outdoors.

Located in Missoula, MT, surrounded by some of the country’s most notable public lands, the Center is expected to open in Fall 2025. With the Yamaha OAI grant, Yamaha becomes a major sponsor of the Recreation exhibit for 10 years.

Chief Upland, in collaboration with Mossy Oak® camouflage and the National Wild Turkey Federation  (NWTF), announces its latest innovation for avid turkey hunters – the exclusive NWTF Edition Flydown Collection Turkey Vest System.

This turkey vest system features Chief Upland’s customizable storage system, the iconic Mossy Oak®  Original Bottomland® camouflage pattern and the familiar NWTF logo on the shoulder strap. With each purchase, hunters receive a complimentary 1-year NWTF membership (a $35 value), contributing directly to vital conservation efforts.

A spacious game bag for turkeys and decoys, rear backpack storage, and dedicated hydration reservoir storage/routing come standard. The lightweight vest is designed to distribute weight to the hips for all-day comfort and uses 1000 denier Cordura for waterproof, briarproof durability. Integrated padding on the upper back adds comfort when leaning against a tree. When comfortable, hunters can remain in the field longer and increase the odds of a successful hunt.

To comfortably fit a wide range of hunters, the ultralight unisex vest is offered in Small/Medium, Large/Extra Large and 2X+ with adjustable fit across the waist, chest and shoulders. Sizing is based on the hunter’s t-shirt size.

Versatility is at the core of the Flydown turkey vest, as the vest, pouches, and flip-down seat are integrated on a military-style MOLLE platform. Chief Upland’s Flydown Collection offers a variety of pouch options– from ammo and calls, to water, electronics and even a Thermacell® device. Customize with mix-and-match 6+ attachments purchased separately or as part of a bundle.

Secure storage is an essential part of firearm ownership, but few storage methods offer the fast and convenient access you need in a crisis. That is why Hayman Safe Company developed the Minuteman Quick-Access personal defense safe for long guns, handguns and flashlights. This groundbreaking, patented design provides safe storage of your primary defensive weapons exactly where you need them, for the fastest access possible when you need it MOST. The Minuteman is the ultimate solution for defense-minded homeowners.

The novel design of the Minuteman provides immediate access to your loaded firearm(s) in your bedroom, living room, foyer or hallway (anywhere you might want quick access to your firearms), while securing the gun(s) as safely as a traditional gun safe. During a forced entry, when seconds count, you may not have time to get-to-and-open a standard gun safe before the threat is inside the building.

The Minuteman solves this problem! The patented design mounts discretely between standard wall studs, and provides access to a long gun or hand guns in SECONDS.

This new concept in gun storage is easy-to-install in buildings with standard wall-board and 16-inch-center stud framing, and has multiple mounting holes for solidly attaching to the studs and floor plate (instructions included).

The safe accommodates defensive guns up to 39-inches-long, like an AR-15 or shotgun, as well as handguns and accessories such as lights and extra magazines. It is solidly-built from11-gauge (1/8-inch) steel, and features a tough powdercoat finish. The dimensions are 48H x 14.25W x 6D inches.

Winchester Ammunition recently hosted legislators and outdoor industry representatives at a special event in Washington, D.C., to discuss Winchester’s commitment to providing the U.S. Military with the highest quality ammunition as well as the positive impact of shooting sports, hunting, and responsible firearm ownership.

“As the largest manufacturer of small caliber ammunition for the U.S. Military, we are proud to communicate our continued commitment to innovation and manufacturing excellence with Members of Congress,” said Ken Lane, President and CEO of Olin Corporation. “It’s also exciting to showcase the positive impact the shooting sports has on more than 60 million U.S. citizens each year. These are critical messages to share.”

More than 40 members of Congress and leadership from the shooting sports and hunting industry were in attendance, coming together to discuss important topics.

“As the leader in providing ammunition to hunters, sport shooters, law enforcement, and the U.S. military, Winchester continues to be a very unique brand with a tremendous history,” said Brett Flaugher, President of Winchester. “This event was an opportunity for us to communicate our commitment and ask for continued support in both ammunition manufacturing for the U.S. military and growth in shooting sports participation.”

Members of the shooting sports community, including educators and shooting sports professionals, were present at the event. They shared compelling stories about how shooting sports have positively influenced their lives, underscoring the importance of these activities.

A Tactical Eye: Navigating the Great Outdoors with the ScopeCam Adapter’s Universal Brilliance

Digiscoping has become extremely popular over the past several years, leading more companies to enter the space.

Most of those companies, though, require not only a “premium-level” output of cash for an initial system, but also require additional spending on specialized cases and adapters for each different phone and/or optic that it is used with. Many of them are also made out of plastic or polymer that can (and does) lead to short lifespans when using it for rugged activities. Reggie Parsons started designing and selling custom aluminum digiscoping adapters way back in 2007. Shortly after that time he renamed the business “Scope)Cam Adapter.” Their mission was to put quality digiscoping products in the hands of outdoor enthusiasts. In 2019, they released the universal ScopeCam Adapter, and it was a big success.

The universal Scopecam Adapter simplifies digiscoping.

ScopeCam Adapter is one of the first companies to sell all metal, universal digiscoping adapters. My initial experience with the ScopeCam adapter was excellent. The instructions were clear, easy to read and understand, and, once I set up the “phone portion of the system,(that, I might add, works with any phone case- not just an overpriced, specialized one designed to work with a single adapter) it was just a matter of attaching it to the optic of my choice.

On a recent hunt, I was able to attach my phone to two different pairs of binoculars, a rifle scope and a spotting scope with ZERO additional parts and only a simple twist of the optic piece to remove and then again to tighten it to another optic.

Gear Integration: Melding Tradition with Technology:

At the crux of the ScopeCam Adapter’s brilliance lies its effortless integration with optics. Whether affixed to a rifle scope or a pair of binoculars, after a quick setup with your phone, this accessory easily attaches to your optic with the turn of a dial, creating a symbiotic relationship between traditional optics and cutting-edge technology. The attachment process, which in itself is a testament to precision engineering, assures a secure fit, transforming the adapter into an almost extension of your optical instrument.

Craftsmanship: Masterful in Materials:

Crafted from high-quality aluminum, the ScopeCam Adapter not only exudes durability but also showcases a thoughtful design that respects the demands of outdoor environments. A fusion of reinforced alloy forms the outer casing, providing robust protection without compromising on weight. The materials not only withstand the rigors of rocky terrains and weather but also make the adapter water-resistant and rather dustproof, ensuring a clear lens for capturing those defining moments.

As a seasoned outdoor enthusiast, I’ve had the privilege of testing and reviewing a myriad of optics designed to enhance the outdoor experience. Today, on the ten-year anniversary of my venture into the world of product reviews, I’m thrilled to delve into the remarkable Lucid Optics B8 Binoculars. These binoculars are more than a mere tool; they’re a testament to precision engineering and thoughtful design that elevate the very essence of exploring the great outdoors.

Unboxing Experience: A Glimpse into Craftsmanship

From the moment I laid eyes on the packaging, it was evident that Lucid Optics had invested time and effort into creating an immersive unboxing experience. The B8 Binoculars arrive in an elegant, durable case that not only serves as a protective enclosure but also foreshadows the quality within. The hardshell case, embossed with the Lucid Optics logo, exudes a sense of rugged sophistication. It’s a fitting introduction to the optics that await inside, and a great “premium” addition to a quality purchase. More optics manufacturers should do this.

On that same note, I am surprised to see that the binoculars come wioth a standard neck strap. It’s not as big of a deal as with heavier optics, but for just a couple dollars more, Lucid could include a shoulder-type harness that is today’s preferred method of transporting optics.

Opening the case reveals a meticulously organized interior, with custom-cut foam cradling the B8 Binoculars snugly. This attention to detail ensures that your investment is not just protected but presented with a touch of finesse. The case, with its secure zipper closure, is more than just a means of transportation; it’s a statement of Lucid Optics’ commitment to delivering an exceptional user experience.

Neoprene Lens Covers: A Touch of Practicality and Elegance

The Lucid Optics B8 Binoculars come equipped with unique neoprene lens covers, and it’s evident that the designers have prioritized both functionality and aesthetics. The neoprene material offers excellent protection against dust, scratches, and light impacts, ensuring that your lenses remain in pristine condition during your outdoor escapades.

HOIST®, one of the fastest growing hydration beverages in the U.S., is thrilled to sponsor two respected events in the U.S. Army community: the 40th annual Best Ranger Competition and the International Sniper Competition. These two events bring together elite soldiers from around the world to compete in challenges which demand outstanding levels of strength and endurance.

The International Sniper Competition, held April 5-11, 2024, is located at the Maneuver Center of Excellence in Fort Moore, Ga. Here, sniper teams from across the U.S. and NATO allies connected to demonstrate their unparalleled precision, observation and reconnaissance skills.

The Best Ranger Competition stands as a testament to the dedication and prowess of the U.S. Army Rangers. This grueling competition has evolved into a showcase of the finest two-man teams from the entire U.S. Armed Forces to test marksmanship, physical and cognitive ability and tactical skills across 32 events. As the chosen electrolyte source for the previous two years’ winning teams, HOIST is proud to continue to support the individuals who will push their mental and physical limits to the test in Fort Moore, Ga., April 12-14.

“HOIST is built to provide hydration that works harder and longer than other options on the market,” said HOIST Director of Marketing Taryn Lawson. “When the opportunity arose for us to be sponsors for these competitions which recognize our shared values of endurance and toughness, it was an easy yes. The HOIST team congratulates the U.S. Army sniper teams who competed this week, and we look forward to supporting the U.S. Army rangers this weekend.”

The HOIST formula is scientifically tested and proven to supply rapid hydration and recovery, without compromising taste, and is offered across a lineup of bottled beverages, powder sticks and liquid pouches. All of HOIST’s products provide three times the electrolytes and half the sugar of traditional sports drinks, without adding artificial sweeteners or dyes.

First Responders are at the front lines of nearly every major conflict. Dangerous situations are on the rise and can happen at any given moment, and while being active in self-defense is paramount, passive defense is just as important. This is why Bodyguard Armored Backpacks has created and released a line of backpacks designed explicitly for passive defense.

The First Responder is a 40-liter, bullet-resistant, slash-proof, waterproof, stab-resistant backpack. It is the “Ultimate GO Bag,” designed to be stored in a vehicle, office, or classroom and put on at a moment’s notice. The First Responder appears like any other backpack but converts instantly into a bulletproof vest, providing instant front and back protection. It can hold two 10-inch by 12-inch hard ballistic plates or two 11-inch by 14-inch soft plates in the plate carriers. 

Users can easily activate the armor while wearing it via the patented deployment system. A quick pull of the tabs and pulling them over the user’s head extends the front protection plate in the ideal placement. The Stay Put Armor system keeps any standard armor plate in place. When not in use, the front plate is stored behind the user, offering discreet and concealed use of the armor system.

Besides ballistic protection, the overall construction of 1000 Denier nylon, triple stitched seams, and staked stress points offer superior construction in design alone. The First Responder Backpack can carry equipment for daily use and provides space for the largest laptops on the market. It is TSA Compliant for ease of use while traveling into unsecured, unfamiliar areas.

Equipped with a complete MOLLE carrier system, pouches and accessories are easily attached to meet the needs of each user. This also allows for the quick compatibility of medical kits and holsters when an emergency strikes.