Hunting and Fishing News & Blog Articles

Realtree, the world’s leading camouflage designer, marketer, and licensor, will partner with Richard Childress Racing to sponsor the No. 8 Chevrolet driven by Tyler Reddick at Talladega Superspeedway. The race is scheduled to be broadcast live on Sunday, October 2 at 2 p.m. ET on NBC.

“I’m looking forward to racing at Talladega Superspeedway with everyone from Realtree,” said Tyler Reddick, driver of the No. 8 Reatlree Chevrolet in the NASCAR Cup Series. “Talladega is such an iconic track, and Realtree and RCR both have such a long and successful history together there. I’m hoping for the chance to make Bill, Tyler, and everyone at Realtree proud while introducing a pretty cool new pattern to race fans.”

The long-time RCR partner, who first began their association on the No. 3 Chevrolet driven by Dale Earnhardt, will use the race to highlight Realtree MAX-7, a purpose-built and versatile pattern designed to be used across various flyways, across North America.

“Realtree MAX-7 features photorealistic imagery of common elements found in open waterfowl habitat, such as reeds, mud, cattails, milo, and corn,” said Tyler Jordan, Strategic Business Coordinator at Realtree. “MAX-7 combines these elements in the foreground of the pattern with a highly detailed layer of cracked mud and moss in the background to unite the pattern and enhance its concealment capabilities with shadows and highlights. We can’t wait to introduce our most effective open-country waterfowl pattern yet to race fans at Talladega Superspeedway.”

Richard Childress Racing’s No. 8 team has earned three NASCAR Cup Series race wins so far in 2022, including their most recent win September 25 at Texas Motor Speedway. Reddick and the No. 8 team enter the Talladega race ranked 13th in the NASCAR Cup Series championship standings on the strength of 10 top-five and 13 top-10 finishes.

Hawke Continues Growth in US Market, With Marketing Promotion and Preparation for Largest Marketing Campaign Going Into 2023

Hawke® Optics is pleased to announce the promotion of Paige Shipe to US Marketing Manager. Hawke is a worldwide leader in premium quality sporting optics with a strong dedication to value for the consumer. As they continue to take on strong growth in the market, Paige’s new role will help bring the brand’s awareness and demand to another level. Having Paige in this new role as Hawke prepares for their largest marketing campaign going into 2023 is key to continuing their stronghold in the US shooting and hunting market.

A lifelong hunter and outdoor enthusiast, she has brought her involvement in the hunting and shooting industry to Hawke. Throughout the past two years, her passion for the industry, along with her extensive background in marketing and design, has shined in her production and brings a valuable perspective to the brand. She takes extreme pride in educating, sharing experiences, and inspiring others. “When I say the people in this industry have become my family, I mean it. Working within an industry I have held close to my heart my entire life has been an extreme blessing,” said Shipe. “I put my best foot forward every day to continue enhancing the Hawke family and brand, and to bring up the next generation of hunters and shooters.”

“Paige has done an outstanding job since she began two years ago. As our overall marketing efforts have grown significantly over the past few years, Paige has played a huge role in maximizing our exposure and enhancing the quality and cohesiveness of our marketing,” said Kevin Sheehan, Hawke Optics VP of Sales & Marketing.

Built on the foundation of innovation, quality, and exceptional value, Hawke is precision designed to bring you the best in class. Since the beginning and still to this day, Hawke is a family-owned company with a presence in over 60 countries. Hawke is known around the world for their premium quality, incredible clarity, and enhanced durability.

Federal Ammunition sponsored shooter Derrick Mein took home the trap shooting gold at the 2022 International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF) World Championship being held in Osijek, Croatia. Mein’s performance was historic as he became the first U.S. male shooter to win a world title in trap since 1966.  With the win, Mein has now qualified the U.S.A. for a quota spot in the 2024 Summer Olympic Games in Paris, France. 

“Federal shooters continue to make history on the world stage and it’s exciting to be part of their journey,” said Jason Nash, Federal’s Vice President of Marketing. “A big congratulations to Derrick for the win at ISSF. We at Federal can’t wait to see him earn another Olympic opportunity through the coming qualification process.”

During the 2022 ISSF, World Championships Mein broke 122 of 125 targets in qualification. Mein qualified for the medal match after winning a shoot-off against Rashi Al-Athba of Qatar securing Mein’s Olympic qualification. In the medal event, Mein out-shot Nathan Hales of Great Britain hitting 33 of 34 targets. 

The win at ISSF continues the successful summer of shooting events for Mein. Capturing a bronze medal at the ISSF World Cup in Peru, Mein’s shooting streak continued by earning the No. 1 ranking after the ISSF World Cup in Azerbaijan. 

“For me this win is a great accomplishment and for team USA, it gives us a spot to compete in the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. Hopefully it will lead to more success from our team going forward,” said Derrick Mein. “The biggest key to my success has been quality training and confidence I have when shooting Federal Premium Ammunition. Having that confidence in my ammo lets me focus on doing what it takes to break targets.”

BARNEVELD, Wis. – Just in time to beat the cold weather, Vortex® is releasing all-new gear, and expanding on some of its most popular lines. With new colors and new styles, Vortex Nation has more ways than ever to stay outside longer.

The Yosemite Falls Microgrid Fleece takes your fleece game to the next level with a quarter zip that keeps you warm in a lightweight design that keeps you moving. Soft, microgrid fleece traps warm air close to your body, and a great fit means it looks even better than it feels. Take it out for an early fall hike, or layer up when the temps drop.

When you need a heavier fleece, the Anchor Point line is growing, with the addition of the Anchor Point Fleece Vest. It doesn’t get softer than Anchor Point’s brushed fleece interior, but don’t let that fool you: it’s built tough, with reinforced arm holes and hem. Zippered pockets keep your valuables safe on the trail, and an excellent fit keeps you warm and looking sharp. In addition to the new vest, Anchor Point is also now available in a women’s fit.

Build layers on the best-looking t-shirt in your drawer with the Core Logo Performance Grid T-Shirt, which thanks to wicking makes the ideal active base. It also looks great on its own, with embossed logos and a perfect fit delivering a unique look.

Rounding out the new lineup is big drop of new caps and winter hats, featuring the Lee Side Wind Blocking Cap, which is built around a wind stopping liner and a soft fleece interior.

Customize your Content Creation Space with Gator Frameworks
New ID Series Creator Tree Accessories

Tampa, FL – Gator Frameworks expanded its creator series with the addition of new Creator Tree Accessories to further enhance and customize your set-up to exactly your needs.  

Following up on the successful launch of the the all-in-one modular Creator Tre, Gator Frameworks has now introduced more accessories to further optimize your content creation space. 

“These latest additions to the Creator Tree ecosystem provide a new level of customization and user-design,” said Casey Keough, Senior Director of New Product Development. “I am truly excited to see all the innovative ways content creators will personalize their space.”

These accessories allow for a myriad of personalized set-ups (click here to see examples). Build your custom space using the accessories below:  

Manitoba Natural Resources and Northern Development is considering changes that would impact all waterfowl hunter access in the province. An integral part of the consideration is public comment from all interested parties who have previously hunted, currently hunt, or may plan to hunt waterfowl in Manitoba in the future.

The proposed changes would address:

The vast majority of foreign non-resident waterfowl hunters in Manitoba are Americans, however Delta has supporters resident to all Canadian provinces and the United States, so the input from everyone with an interest in hunting in Manitoba is important to the process.

Delta has been in regular contact with the provincial authorities seeking to shape this proposed legislation to help all Manitoba waterfowl hunters with access issues and minimize additional restrictions on US hunters who wish to hunt waterfowl in  the province.

You can review the Manitoba Natural Resources and Northern Development‘s proposed changes in detail and make your views heard at  https://reg.gov.mb.ca/detail/7450729. You’ll need to scroll down on the landing page to the “Regulatory Accountability Impact Analysis” section and click on the “Policy Objectives” bar. There you can read the proposed changes, objectives and justifications. Then you can use the “Make a Comment” button in the upper right corner of the landing page to create an account and express your opinions.

NORTH DAKOTA — U.S. Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland has announced the reappointment of John Devney, chief policy officer of Delta Waterfowl, to the Hunting and Wildlife Conservation Council.  Spanning multiple presidential administrations, the Council advises the Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Agriculture on critical policies affecting public lands, wildlife and habitat conservation.

“This appointment provides Delta the opportunity to give duck hunters a seat at the table with the leadership of the Department of the Interior and the Department of Agriculture,” Devney said. “Both agencies have a disproportionate impact on ducks, duck habitat and duck hunters.”

Managed by the USFWS, the Hunting and Wildlife Conservation Council is an advisory committee of subject matter experts working to benefit wildlife and habitat conservation; expand fair-chase hunting, recreational shooting sports, and wildlife-associated recreation opportunities; and policies that benefit national and local economies.  

“This group of sportsmen and women will provide USDA and DOI vital insight in how we can strengthen wildlife conservation, expand recreational access, and promote rural economic development,” said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. “They are a critical partner in preserving America’s wildlife and hunting heritage and advancing our work to protect our nation’s precious lands and waters.”

Devney was first appointed to the Council in 2018, serving as chair of the hunting committee.

Celebrates Achievement During National Conference

The Association of Great Lakes Outdoor Writers (AGLOW) welcomed more than 125 media, corporate, conservation, and tourism members to its annual conference September 18 to 22 in Branson, Missouri.

The conference celebrated another year of achievement and continued growth for one of the nation’s oldest and most established outdoors communications organizations. AGLOW was founded in 1956 for writers to connect, improve their craft, become better stewards of our shared outdoors heritage, and foster relationships between the media members themselves, as well as corporate and supporting organizations.

Today AGLOW and its 400 members has evolved into a leader in the outdoors community by uniting all pillars of the industry – media, corporate supporters and members from convention and tourism bureaus. Together, these groups offer a robust storytelling experience for the hunting, fishing and boating enthusiasts.

“AGLOW’s strength is the diversity and skill of its members,” said President Ken Perrotte. “From podcasts and videos to writing and presentations, our members in Branson highlighted why we love the outdoors and how communicators are crucial to preserving the sporting heritage enjoyed by millions of people each year.”

From the tree stand to the turkey woods, the new TrueTimber SpikeCave lineup answers the call for serious hunters facing warmer temperatures. Moisture wicking, anti-microbial properties paired with a breathable, lightweight design will keep hunters cool, comfortable and undetected in the woods.

“Ensuring that our hunters have gear for every season is a must here at TrueTimber,” said TrueTimber CEO Rusty Sellars. “We work hard to ensure that we provide apparel that is both high quality and has been designed with the needs of hunters in mind. This new line is no exception and delivers not only great performance but is highly transitional for a variety of hunts and seasons. The SpikeCave set is perfect for the early season bow hunts and can then get pulled out again in springtime when the turkeys start to gobble.”

Pulse SpikeCave LS Performance Crew

The Pulse SpikeCave Long Sleeve Performance Crew is constructed with a four-way stretch 90% polyester, 10% spandex full memory yarn to deliver comfort, breathability and exceptional mobility. A zippered accessory pocket on the left arm keeps smaller gear secure and easy to access. Thumbhole sleeve loops keep the shirt secure under layers or while moving through the woods. Additionally, this high-performance fabric is both moisture-wicking and anti-microbial. The Pulse SpikeCave Long Sleeve Performance Crew is available in TrueTimber Strata camo. MSRP $39.99.

Pulse SpikeCave Performance Pants

Given today’s ammo prices and product shortages, securing valuable personal assets makes sense. Assembled in the USA, Hornady Security is proud to announce the new Ammo Cabinets. These cabinets are a specialty security container for organizing and safeguarding ammo and much more—lock it up and protect these hard-earned investments with Hornady Security!

The all-metal ammo cabinets use a barrel-key lock for enhanced security. These tamper-resistant containers restrict access to valuables like reloading tools and components, hunting and shooting gear, and anything else that requires secure storage. 

The Ammo Cabinet designers optimized the layout to accommodate plastic ammo cans (3 included) or similar aftermarket products. Cabinets feature three adjustable shelves, each with a 100-pound load capacity rating, totaling three 12” x 18” surfaces in the 40-inch-tall container. Also included are shelf/floor mats to protect the contents in storage.

The Ammo Cabinet’s dimensions work well as either a stand-alone cabinet or as the base of a sturdy workbench. For extra storage space, Ammo Cabinets conveniently stack and bolt together. Additionally, switching the cabinet’s door to the left or right opening accommodates individual preferences and the available space. 

Square-Lok walls featured in this Hornady Security container allow critical airflow for temperature and humidity control for proper ammo storage. Other Square-Lok accessories fit the modular system for further customization.

When your journeys take you to remote locations, inReach Messenger is the satellite communicator that goes beyond the  limits of cellular networks to keep friends and family in reach with global two-way text messaging1. You can check in with  contacts, read and reply to their responses with QuickText messages, and even share your GPS location data. Use the  Garmin Messenger app on your compatible smartphone for more detailed texting and group messaging threads that let you share your adventures with multiple contacts

EASY TWO-WAY MESSAGING 

A simple user interface through the Garmin Messenger app on your smartphone makes it easy to exchange text  messages with loved ones via satellite or cellular networks. 

LOCATION SHARING 

Share your location with loved ones back home anytime by  using your MapShare page or with your GPS coordinates  embedded in your messages.

Laney Bohl of Mitchell hit 35 of 40 targets to win the Nebraska Youth Smallbore Silhouette Invitational on Sept. 24 at Pressey Wildlife Management Area south of Broken Bow.

High Boy Austin Rahmig of Gering hit 34 targets, as did Braden Hiser of Seward, before winning a shoot-off. Lilian DeWitt of Minatare was High Girl with a 33.

Bohl, Rahmig, DeWitt and Danika Bohl – the 2021 overall champion and Laney’s older sister – shot a combined 134 of 160 for Western Nebraska Shooting Sports to win the overall high team score. Western Nebraska Shooting Sports has won four straight overall team titles.

The annual event, which was established in 1977, is open to all Hunter Education graduates who are at least 11 years old and have not graduated high school.

“As organizers, we appreciate the attention to detail and safe firearm handling,” Match Director Matthew Haumont said. “This is a testament to the education and skills learned through Nebraska Hunter Education courses administered by the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission and taught by volunteer instructors all throughout our great state.”

Ducks Unlimited Inc. (DU) today announces with great sadness that James “Jim” D. Konkel has passed away. Mr. Konkel’s passing is a profound loss to countless people, including his extended family at Ducks Unlimited.

Mr. Konkel faithfully served DU on many levels. He served on DU’s Emeritus Board, was an active trustee of Wetlands America Trust (WAT) and held a board position with Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC) while also serving on or leading many DU committees, groups and events.

Mr. Konkel has been a major supporter of Ducks Unlimited Inc. since beginning his volunteer journey with DU in 1989. He was also one of DU’s most generous philanthropic supporters.

His generosity and enthusiastic volunteer spirit regularly placed him at dozens of events, meetings and gatherings each year. His love for DU directly influenced the organization’s conservation mission and success, and his continued support for all things DU across North America was widely celebrated.

“We are deeply saddened to lose Jim,” said DU CEO Adam Putnam. “We will forever be grateful for the friendship, service and philanthropy he regularly extended to Ducks Unlimited. Jim was a true champion of our conservation mission and had genuine affection for everyone in Ducks Unlimited. The DU family extends its deepest sympathies to his wife, Susan Konkel, his sister, Susie Konkel, and his father, Harry Konkel. We will miss him greatly.”

Tetra Max RYZ Archery Sights Open New Realms of Range and Accuracy

Wisconsin Rapids, WI – Adjustable bow sight technology leader HHA Sports has taken the company’s decades of experience with single-pin bow sights and mashed it with a dash of multi-pin bow sight technology to unleash the Tetra Max RYZ bow sights – the most advanced multi-pin adjustable bow sight ever developed.

“Our plan with the Tetra Max RYZ sights was to combine a multi-pin sight into a single-pin frame, all with the adjustability and ease of use our customers expect,” said Chris Hamm, Co-Owner and VP of Operations at HHA Sports. “What we came up with is a sight that both hunters and competitive 3-D shooters are very excited about. Sighting your bow in is easier than ever, and the sight extends an archer’s comfortable range. This is the most exciting bow sight to hit the market in years.”

The Tetra Max RYZ uses a new long-range version of HHA’s legendary Range. Dial. Shoot. Technology with water-resistant yardage tapes. The Max RYZ comes with the longest-range yardage tape HHA Sports has ever developed. The new Long Range R.D.S. gives archers to-the-yard accuracy from 20 out past 100 yards (many times reaching past 150 yards) with the simple turn of a wheel. The new Infinite Adjust Slotted Side Bracket makes that process quicker, too. With 2.1-inches of travel, the Tetra Max RYZ is amazingly accurate and now archers can comfortably extend their range further than ever.

The HHA Sports Tetra Max RYZ sights have two pins contained within a single-pin structure. The top pin is green and the bottom pin comes in your choice of red or yellow. You sight in the top pin at 20 and 60 yards, and the bottom pin is automatically sighted in. Choose from a .010, .019-inch diameter pin that, as you would expect, uses HHA’s A.R.M.O.R. pin protection technology for long life and durability. This is housed in a 1-⅝ inch scope with a built-in level bubble and a mechanical rheostat option.

NRA’s Free Online Hunter Education Course Recognized by the Tennessee Fish & Wildlife Commission

Fairfax, Va. – The National Rifle Association of America was pleased to present a donation of $173,911 to the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency for their residents’ use of NRA’s award-winning, free online hunter education course. Peter Churchbourne, Director of the NRA Hunters’ Leadership Forum, presented a ceremonial check during a meeting of the Tennessee Fish and Wildlife Commission on September 16, 2022, in Spencer, TN.

“We are so grateful for the partnership with NRA to provide completely online and free hunter education for all Tennesseans,” said Jenifer Wisniewski, Director of Marketing and Special Projects for the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency. “This course is truly cutting-edge and the best course out there for someone looking to get their hunter education online. We are also grateful for the funding that the agency receives as a result of our residents taking this course.”

The funds received by the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency can be used to apply for Pittman-Robertson grants that would result in the state receiving over $521,000 in federal matching funds to support hunting, conservation, and shooting programs in Tennessee.

“We are pleased that the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency adopted our free alternative for hunter education and that they capitalized on the opportunity to use the match to receive Pittman-Robertson funds,” said Mr. Churchbourne. “It is good to see all the hard work come full circle to benefit their agency and their state’s residents.”

Dynamic Lure Design Enhances Spinnerbait Durability and Attraction

Fishing for largemouth and smallies with spinnerbaits is a time-tested technique that remains effective year-round. No matter the season, water temperature or fishery, Swagy Strong’s seductive vibration and unprecedented durability present a spinnerbait that anglers can cast at virtually any target and fish productively throughout the season.

Uniquely, Shimano engineers developed a way to improve spinnerbait durability without restricting the lure’s pulse and the anglers’ ability to feel the blades vibration. With its innovative tapered-wire design, Swagy Strong delivers a super-tough and alluring spinnerbait capable of enticing trophy bass wherever they are staging. Swagy Strong’s thick (1mm) wire lower arm improves hookup ratios and enhances durability with the perfect wire tension. The more flexible upper arm tapers to a thinner (0.9mm) wire that enables the lure’s specially designed blades to produce unparalleled vibration, flash and lift.

Blade selection is critically important to spinnerbait success and is largely determined by water clarity, target depth, time of year and species. Swagy Strong offers two distinct configurations: double willow-leaf blades (DW) and a single willow leaf combined with a Colorado trailing blade (TW). Double willow blades spin fast and tight with the first turn of the reel handle, allowing spinnerbaits to run true at any speed. They can fish fast and deep, but also work well in shallow water when burning flats. The Swagy Strong DW with twin willow blades is a perfect choice for anglers fishing smallmouth bass in clear water under sunny skies. Featuring a leading Colorado blade, the Swagy Strong TW produces thumping vibration and dramatic lift. With these characteristics, TW delivers a slower presentation ideal for low-light conditions, stained waters and cold temperatures when fish are less aggressive.

In addition to the different blade combos, Swagy Strong features a hand-tied skirt available in six colors: Black Gold spinnerbaits present twin gold blades, Natural Bait and Pink Smelt patterns feature silver blades, while Chart White, Tidal Killer, and White include a silver leading blade with gold trailer. Both DW and TW blade configurations are available in ⅜ oz and ½ oz.

Capture Limits With Bantam A Low-Profile Baitcasting Reels

Shimano introduced the first Bantam reel more than 40 years ago and continues to fuel the fire of elite bass anglers with the release of the revamped Bantam A. This low-profile baitcasting reel was precision engineered from concept to completion, delivering unrivaled power so anglers can target heavy cover with ease and efficiency. Equipped with features and technologies never seen on a low-profile baitcasting reel, the redesigned Bantam is the pinnacle of Shimano reel engineering.

The redesigned Bantam A provides anglers with unsurpassed cranking power with Shimano’s Infinity Drive technology. Shimano engineers specifically designed the new Bantam to attack thick vegetation, flip jigs, burn spinnerbaits and scour the depths with large crankbaits. Thanks to  Infinity Drive, Bantam A delivers decreased torque under load, making reeling easier when battling trophy fish or presenting big baits. 

Shimano engineered the new Bantam A for the toughest angling assignments. Shimano’s exclusive cold-forged HAGANE Gear is at the heart of every Bantam A, leveraging high-precision gears with micron tolerances to ensure an ultra-smooth feel and reliable functionality season after season. Bantam’s CoreSolid Body integrates the B-Side Plate, levelwind guard and frame into a solid one-piece construction that delivers confidence and power through unparalleled rigidity and enhanced gear meshing. Furthering super smooth rotation of the spool and handle, MicroModule Gear delivers the perfect retrieve with an entirely new gear set that uses smaller teeth and more of them. This provides additional contact points between the pinion and drive gears for a more efficient gear train. Together, these celebrated Shimano gear technologies enable bass anglers to improve performance and increase efficiency for a stronger and more enjoyable experience.

Helping cast lures a county-mile, the Bantam now features Shimano’s MGL III Spool to yield significantly reduced startup inertia, allowing anglers to reach distant targets while providing the added versatility to fish a variety of baits and presentations. The narrow spool design allows for accurate presentations of lightweight baits but also makes casting bigger baits better.

High Adventure Company is pleased to announce Source Outdoor Group of Gainesville, GA, as its marketing and communications agency. This partnership will allow Source Outdoor Group to leverage media outreach, digital publicity tactics, content placement and strategic marketing to maximize the growth of High Adventure Company’s portfolio.

“We are very excited to be working with Source Outdoor Group,” comments John Burrell, founder of High Adventure Company. “Their company culture, expertise and proven track record prove a natural fit for our brand and partners as we move forward.”

Dallis Joiner, Director of Strategy and Business Development for High Adventure Company, adds, “We look forward to this relationship as we activate strategic marketing campaigns to reach new customers, build new partner alliances and build our client’s brands and businesses.”

From Argentina to Zimbabwe, High Adventure Company is a world-class outdoor sporting outfit with influence and ownership in lodges across the globe. For more than 25 years High Adventure Company has built and developed lodges on three continents. They currently own and manage some of the finest sporting properties in the world.

Source Outdoor Group has a diversified list of clients across the country. The firm is an industry-leading marketing-communications company known for building brands in the outdoor industry.

CAMP PERRY, Ohio – Rex Walter, 62, of Parker, Pennsylvania, has never missed the National Rimfire Sporter Match – a popular event of the annual National Matches at Camp Perry. Over the match’s 20-year history, Rex is the last known competitor to have attended every year since its beginnings.

“I’ve never missed a match, but I have missed the target,” he joked.

The Rimfire Sporter Rifle Match, one of the fastest growing shooting disciplines in existence, was introduced to the CMP Games schedule in 2002 and can now be found at events around the country throughout the year. The Games matches are designed to emphasize participation, accessibility, affordability and fun – and the Rimfire Sporter Match is no exception to that ideology.

It’s a match for all ages, from age 10 to 80 and beyond, and showcases an assortment of marksmanship skills through slow and rapid fire stages in prone, sitting and standing positions. Using .22 caliber rifles fired from 50 and 25 yards in three classes (O-Class for open sight, T-Class for telescopic and TU Class for tactical/unlimited), the match is an ideal way to introduce adults and juniors alike to the excitement, challenge and enjoyment of competitive shooting.

Thanks to continued support and popularity, the National Rimfire Sporter Match at Camp Perry is the largest smallbore rifle championship in the nation.

“Puts His Money Where His Mounts Are” in ’23 Season

Six years ago, professional crappie angler, Brandon Threadgill had never intentionally caught a crappie.  The Alabama pro had chased bass tournaments throughout the southeast for many years, but was looking to scratch the competitive itch in other venues with another species of fish.  He explains how he launched into the crappie scene, adding, “I started out fishing smaller local crappie events just to get my feet wet and immediately liked the more casual camaraderie among the guys.  I really love it now.”

His crappie tournament schedule now keeps him plenty busy, as he explains, “I fish ACT (American Crappie Trail) with a partner and Crappie Masters events with another partner and next year we’ll be fishing the new Crappie Masters Elite Series, which is formatted much like the BASSMASTER Elite Series events.”

His move to the crappie trails has been met with multiple high finishes, with a first place last year on the Crappie Masters national event held on Lousiana’s Lake D’Arbonne being one of the more notable.

One essential technology common to bass and crappie anglers alike has been the introduction of forward facing, live sonar.  The ability to see fish ahead of the boat in real time, along with the fishing lure, allows anglers of both species to target fish they couldn’t previously detect.  As Threadgill emphasizes, “Forward facing sonar has become so critical that an angler can rarely win or compete consistently in a tournament for bass or crappie without it.”