Hunting and Fishing News & Blog Articles

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

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

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

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

Check out their headwear at www.headpeaceheadbands.com.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

USDA APHIS revises rule following scientific consultation with Ducks Unlimited

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Team Winchester Competition highlights:

About the ATA

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

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

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

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

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

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

Valley Tieless Fishing Tackle, the company that designed and patented a fishing hook for people with physical or visual restrictions that makes it simple and easy to use, today announced that it has selected Hunter Outdoor Communications (HOC) as its public relations agency of record. This announcement comes after a careful review process and is effective immediately.

“Like all of us at Valley Tieless Fishing Tackle, HOC is passionate about what they do. We are very excited to tap the more than three decades of experience that the HOC team has in the outdoor industry,” said Chuck Noack, founder. “With their assistance we will get the word out about our products and more individuals that may be reluctant to go fishing because of a visual or physical handicap will now feel confident knowing there is a product that will make the experience easier and more enjoyable.

“We look forward to a very long and rewarding relationship with the HOC team.”

“I am very excited about these products,” said Karen Lutto, owner of Hunter Outdoor Communications. “Being able to get more people out fishing and enjoying the great outdoors is what we like to do at HOC.

“Valley Tieless Fishing Tackle will bring so many new people to the sport and bring many others back to it. It is going to be very exciting and rewarding for all of us” continued Lutto.

EDGEFIELD, S.C. — As the National Wild Turkey Federation wraps up its 10-year Save the Habitat. Save the Hunt. initiative, all goals were met ahead of schedule and continue to positively impact wildlife and hunters.

In 2012, the NWTF set out to bolster its mission by creating the Save the Habitat. Save the Hunt. initiative, a national campaign entailing three distinct goals: Conserve or enhance 4 million acres of wildlife habitat, recruit 1.5 million hunters and open access to 500,000 acres of public hunting land, all by the end of the NWTF’s 2022 fiscal year.

In 2020, the final metric of the initiative was surpassed thanks to the dedication of NWTF chapters, volunteers, partners and staff. As the 2022 fiscal year officially closed Aug. 31, the official totals for the Save the Habitat. Save the Hunt. initiative are: 

“The 10-year initiative rallied our membership, staff and partners to help deliver our mission on an unprecedented scale,” NWTF co-CEO Kurt Dyroff said. “We faced many challenges over the last decade, but what we accomplished is a testament to our dedicated people who make the NWTF so special. We will look back 50 years from now and see that Save the Habitat. Save the Hunt. served as a springboard for mission-focused delivery far into the future.”  

At the beginning of Save the Habitat. Save the Hunt., the NWTF identified various focal regions of immediate need across the country and categorized those into six distinct areas of conservation, known as America’s Big Six of Wildlife Conservation. The NWTF’s Big Six model has become a staple in the organization’s conservation delivery and has allowed the NWTF to increase the scope of its work by working through emerging landscape-scale initiatives. 

The Popular L4A Dot Reticle is Hawke’s Most Popular Hunting Reticle and Is Now Available in More Magnifications

Hawke® Optics, a worldwide leader in quality sporting optics that perform outstanding in the field while maintaining optimum value for the consumer, has expanded the lineup of riflescopes that feature the brand’s most-popular hunting reticle – the L4A Dot. Two new Vantage IR scopes join the list of optics to feature the only reticle available across the entire range of Hawke riflescopes.

The L4A Dot Reticle is a variation of the classic L4 reticle. The L4A Dot uses a more open outer post design that helps keep more of the target visible while you are aiming. This gives you better accuracy and helps aid in tracking the target before you take the shot. If you’re deer hunting, for example, you will see more of the deer through the reticle, giving you better accuracy and increased confidence in your shot placement. You will experience better spacing from center to post at 100yds when on 4x magnification, which is equivalent to 83cm at 100m. This increase in vision is part of what has made the reticle such a popular option for hunters looking for the best scope and reticle combination to mount on their favorite hunting rifle.

Hawke has added two new scope options with the L4A Dot Reticle to the lineup – the Vantage IR 3-9×40 and the Vantage IR3-9×50. Both scopes are built on a one-inch main tube with multi-level red/green illuminated, glass-etched reticles. Both scopes have fully multi-coated optics with Hawke’s H2 glass and 11 layers of coatings for optimal clarity and light transmission. They have adjustable side focus and ¼ MOA adjustment. These scopes have a fast-focus eyebell, long battery life, and are provided with lens covers to protect your glass. Better still is the price, with these scopes representing some of the best value to you of any optic on the market. Add to that Hawke’s No-Fault Lifetime Warranty and you can’t beat it. Learn more about these new scopes and the rest of the lineup of precision rifle optics featuring the popular L4A Dot Reticle at www.hawkeoptics.com.

About Hawke
#VISIONACCOMPLISHED. Hawke is a worldwide market leader at the forefront of optical performance with class-leading innovation and design offering a complete line of sport optics from rifle, crossbow, shotgun and air gun scopes to binoculars, spotting scopes and accessories. Accuracy, strength, and precision; Hawke optics blend iconic design, exceptional engineering, and unrivalled craftsmanship to create an unforgettable viewing experience. As awareness of Hawke Sport Optics continues to grow, more customers are trusting Hawke as the unquestioned industry leader in optics. Learn more at  www.hawkeoptics.com.

RXC-200 and RXU-200 Compatible with Shield RMS or RMSc Pattern

Bushnell®, an industry leader in performance optics, announces the availability of two new micro red dot sights for personal protection and concealed carry, the RXC-200 and RXU-200. The two new micro red dots expand Bushnell’s proven RX Series and are compatible with popular optics-ready pistols such as the Glock® 43, S&W Shield, Springfield Armory Hellcat® and SIG P365.

Designed for compact semi-auto handguns, the RXC-200 and RXU-200 work across popular optics-ready pistols with the SHIELD Reflex Mini Sight Compact (RMSC) mounting footprint and pattern. Shooters with other handguns can utilize third-party adapter plates or rail mounts to use the RXC-200 and RXU-200 across even more platforms.

At the core of the RXC-200 and RXU-200 is an efficient and clear 6 MOA dot that automatically adjusts intensity for the environment and consumes less energy when holstered or stored. True Tone coatings mitigate blue tint and maximize light transmission. The sights also boast over 50,000 hours of battery life when exposed to typical indoor ambient conditions. Both sights also feature a built-in, backup rear dovetail sight for fast alignment and peace of mind.

Both of the now-available red dots share most of the same features and specs, with the RXC-200 “Compact” featuring a 23.5mm overall height and the RXU-200 “Ultra-Compact” featuring a shorter 19.5mm overall height. Each are slim and streamlined without buttons or protrusions which could snag, but windage and elevation adjustments are easily accessible.

Gold Tip®, an industry leader in carbon arrows and bolts, along with Bee Stinger, maker of the most advanced line of stabilizers and side bars for bowhunting and target archery, congratulates team archers for their strong finishes at the NFAA First Dakota Classic and NFAA Outdoor Target Nationals. Team members Tim Gillingham and Kyle Douglas captured multiple top place finishes during the two matches, with Gillingham receiving additional honors as “Shooter of the Year” in the Senior Pro division.

The 2022 NFAA First Dakota Classic and the 2022 NFAA Outdoor Target Nationals both took place August 26-28 in Yankton, South Dakota. At the Dakota Classic, Gold Tip and Bee Stinger archer Kyle Douglas took second place in the Men’s Pro division. After battling for the lead all-day, the winner was decided in a head-to-head shoot-off where one arrow, closest to the center decided the victor. Douglas was edged out of the first place spot by a mere 1/16” of an inch.

Coming off recent victories at the NFAA Field Nationals and ASA Classic Championship, Gold Tip and Bee Stinger Staff Manager Tim Gillingham also took home the Shooter of the Year title as well as finished third in the Senior Pro.

At the NFAA Outdoor Target Nationals, Gillingham set a Senior Pro national record of 596 out of 600 on day one and cruised to a first-place finish on day two. Meanwhile, Kyle Douglas fought his way to a tie for second place and won the single arrow shoot-off for his second podium finish during the weekend.

To learn more about Gold Tip and Bee Stinger, check out goldtip.com and beestinger.com.

Ryan Wee, 17, and his brother Tyler, 15, of Wake Forest, North Carolina, are used to sharing. They share a home, the same birth month and a passion for the same sport – rifle marksmanship.

At the 2022 Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP) National Smallbore Matches, fired in July at Camp Perry in Ohio, the pair won the Freedom’s Fire team event for the second consecutive year. Ryan went on to earn third overall in the three-position aggregate while Tyler took fourth (separated by just six points). Both brothers also earned multiple age group awards for their performances in the Iron Sight and Any Sight Championships.

“I think that we are successful in the Freedom’s Fire match because we put out consistent scores and know each other’s strengths and weaknesses,” Tyler said. “Before the match, we discussed which positions either of us would most likely have trouble in and how we can work around that.”

“We don’t put any sort of pressure on winning the team match. We really just do it for fun” Ryan added. “I think competing with a sibling also takes a lot of the pressure away – we both know that we try our best, and there’s never any hard feelings or blame if things don’t work out for one of us during the match.”

The ranges at Camp Perry, where the National Matches have been held since 1907, are famous for their erratic conditions. Located right along on the shore of Lake Erie, the fickle environment has been known to test even the most seasoned marksmanship athletes. Yet, the Wee Brothers are never nervous to take it all on.

Federal Ammunition competition shooter and brand ambassador Casey Reed finished first at four straight USPSA championships. Reed is also an employee of Federal Ammunition who works as a Handgun Product Development Engineer.

Reed’s wins were as follows: First Place in the Resident Production Division at the USPSA Area 3 Championship in Grand Island, Nebraska, First Place in the Carry Optics Division at the USPSA Tennessee State Championship in Nashville, Tennessee, First Place in the Production Division at the USPSA Minnesota Section Championship in Forest Lake, Minnesota, and First Place in the Production Division at the USPSA Area 7 Championship in Bangor, Maine.

“Reed’s dedication and hard work continue to make him one of the best competitive shooters in the game,” said Federal’s Director of Marketing, Brian Anderson.  “His elite performance against world-class shooters at these four matches is quite impressive. We’re extremely proud of Casey’s performance and his reputation as an ambassador for the Federal brand and the company he works for.”

Reed uses Syntech Action Pistol ammunition when shooting competitions. Federal designers configured these loads to meet the accuracy, reliability and power factor requirements of shooters who compete in the International Practice Shooting Confederation (IPSC) and United States Practical Shooting Association (USPSA).

All summer long, USPSA matches challenge its competitors, showcasing each shooter’s skills in speed and accuracy,” said Reed. “I was fortunate enough to be able to pull off four consecutive championship wins. Syntech Action Pistol Ammo falls right in the sweet spot for power factor. I know the product well and it certainly helped me finish strong at these four events.”

A limited-edition shotgun produced for this special occasion is available exclusively at Green Top starting today 

ASHLAND, VA — Today, Green Top unveils the new “Virginian,” a limited edition Benelli Super Black Eagle 3, commemorating 75 years of retail business. Benelli USA is an iconic firearms manufacturer known for creating one of the world’s largest selections of semi-automatic shotguns.

Today at 10 a.m., executives from both Green Top and Benelli USA will present the “Virginian.” This exclusive, limited-run touts unique serial numbers beginning with 75GT, signifying Green Top’s 75th Anniversary (“GT” represents Green Top and “75” indicates the company’s 75 years in business). Adding to the value of this unique Super Black Eagle 3, these limited shotguns have been produced specifically for this event.

The “Virginian” is a 12-gauge version of the popular Super Black Eagle 3 model. It features a 26-inch barrel chambered for 3-1⁄2 inch shells. The “Virginian” boasts a Realtree Timber® finish and is furnished with five premium BE.S.T. choke tubes. The BE.S.T finish is guaranteed not to rust or corrode for 25 years. Other features include a braided paracord sling, a hard storage case, a sticker of the “Virginian” logo, and a certificate of authenticity. The “Virginian” is available for purchase in-store at Green Top today. A limited amount will be available online at Green Top, and a reserve amount will be featured at the upcoming GreenTop Outdoor Expoon Oct. 1-2, 2022. The “Virginian” is sold exclusively by Green Top for $1,999.99. 

“After 75 years in business, we have so much to celebrate, especially our relationship with amazing vendors, and we are so appreciative that Benelli USA is helping us celebrate our 75th anniversary with such an amazing product and continued support,” said Green Top CEO Blaine Altaffer. “The ‘Virginian’ is an absolute showstopper, and we can’t wait to share it with our amazing loyal customers. Benelli’s Super Black Eagle 3 is a great gun for waterfowl sportsmen and all hunters and shooters. We are anticipating that many people will be clamoring for these special-edition ‘Virginian’ models.” 

The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) is giving one coveted desert bighorn sheep tag to the Mule Deer Foundation (MDF) to auction during the 2023 Western Hunting and Conservation Expo (Hunt Expo). Ninety percent of funds raised through the sale of the permit will go back to TPWD for use in their bighorn sheep conservation efforts. The permit will be sold to the highest bidder during Friday’s Conservation Night event on February 3, 2023. 

“We are honored that Texas Parks and Wildlife has entrusted the Mule Deer Foundation with the sale of this incredible desert bighorn sheep tag,” said Joel Pedersen, MDF President and CEO. “Mule deer and bighorns often overlap in their range in western Texas, and we know that habitat enhancement, water developments, and other efforts to improve the bighorn populations will also benefit mule deer. We look forward to generating significant funding for these efforts through the sale of this tag at the Western Hunting and Conservation Expo next February.”

Hunt Expo is one of the biggest consumer sportsmen’s shows with an emphasis on western hunting. In addition to hundreds of exhibitors featuring top gear, guided hunts, and taxidermy, Hunt Expo’s evening auctions boast many of the premier hunting tags available in the West. The majority of the funds raised at these auctions directly support the conservation efforts of state fish and wildlife agencies. 

The Mule Deer Foundation has become increasingly active in Texas in recent years. In 2021, MDF partnered with the TPWD to provide $36,000 of MDF generated funds, which was matched by an additional $84,000 for projects in the Panhandle, Trans Pecos, and Llano Estacado regions. MDF supported water development actions in three Wildlife Management Areas and one private ranch that benefitted over 52,000 acres of mule deer habitat and helped fund a much-needed mule deer fawn dispersal ecology study in the Panhandle region. MDF continues to work closely with TPWD in identifying priority areas for habitat improvement projects that will benefit mule deer and hundreds of other desert wildlife species.  

“We are proud of our growing partnership with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department.  Conservation funding derived from the sale of this desert bighorn tag will allow us to expand our joint efforts for mule deer and desert bighorn sheep” concluded Pedersen. 

Targeting Monster Redfish of Florida’s Banana River 

Over the course of their lifetime, redfish might feed along shallow estuarine waters, brackish creeks, grass flats, mangroves, oyster beds, bridges, inlet jetties and beaches from Texas to the Chesapeake Bay. They know no boundaries and are not particular about the depth of water or clarity if forage is present. Yet, the red drum within Florida’s famed Banana River pretty much don’t ever leave, which surprisingly doesn’t make them any easier to catch. 

Separating Merritt Island from Cape Canaveral, Cocoa Beach, Satellite Beach and Indian Harbor Beach, the 31-mile-long Banana River is an isolated lagoon that exists within a dramatic zone of climatic transition. Here, marsh and mangrove ecosystems flourish in a complex landscape where there is uniquely no tidal flow. There are no freshwater tributaries, no saltwater inlets, and the only outlet to the Atlantic Ocean is through a lock system at Port Canaveral. 

A Cocoa Beach, Florida, local who has been guiding the Indian River Lagoon for years, G. Loomis ambassador Capt. Willy Le can’t help but reminisce of the days not too far gone when the Banana River was brimming with seagrass. 

“This flat right here was so lush, the grass was thick as could be. But with water quality issues fueling massive seagrass die-offs, miles of underwater vegetation have been reduced to barren sand flats. There are still giant redfish, though they’ve changed behavior and where they would once tail and search out the seafloor, they now just cruise around looking for baitfish,” reflects Le. 

BARNEVELD, Wis. – Elk hunting is tough, both physically and mentally. But the more information you have, the better your chances for success.

Monday-Friday, September 5-9, 2022 Vortex® will help hunters increase their knowledge and confidence in what takes to be successful by dedicating itself entirely to elk-exclusive content.

Newsletter subscribers and followers on all social media platforms can expect a week full of reels, podcasts, how-to blogs, and videos featuring wisdom from popular Vortex® personalities and brand ambassadors—some of the best-known elk hunters in the game. Upcoming highlights include:

Look for these features and more, including advice on must-have elk hunting gear, packing lists for the backcountry, and inspirational videos like Argali’s This Is Elk Country. There are even special, elk-inspired apparel promotions from vortexwear.com.

Readers and followers will be able to find all Vortex® elk coverage at
VortexOptics.com, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and Twitter accounts.
An event inspired hashtag, #ElkWeek, will be used on Twitter.

Not a Vortex® subscriber? Sign up here to join the #VORTEXNATION newsletter.

About Vortex®: Your desire to be your best fuels our promise to provide nothing short of exceptional performance, unmatched service, and memorable experiences. The way we see it, your success is our success. Welcome to Vortex Nation.

LBM Clients participating in the Mr. Gun Official Giveaway include ATN Corp., Big Horn Armory, SENTRY Products Group, and Tasmanian Tiger USA®.

Laura Burgess Marketing (LBM), a public relations company dedicated to serving the 2A community, outdoor sports, and first responder industries, announce a new Mr. Gun Official giveaway that includes multiple LBM Clients. The Mr. Gun Official Giveaway is available now through October 7, 2022. Sign up to win this package worth over $5,500.00 at https://gunsbadassery.eo.page/7nmnv. The Winner will be notified by Mr. Gun Official. Participants must sign up for the newsletter and can increase their chances by following the instructions provided.

Included in the Mr. Gun Official Giveaway are ATN Corp’s X-Sound Hearing Protection ear muffs that protect one from harmful, loud noises and allow pairing to a Smartphone to make calls or listen to music with Bluetooth Wireless technology. It also features an audio input jack, recessed volume control knob, two high-gain omnidirectional microphones, and ultra-low power consumption, all in a compact folding design.

The centerpiece of the Mr. Gun Official giveaway is Big Horn Armory’s AR500 Rifle in 500 Auto Max, an AR rifle like no other. BHA’s groundbreaking AR500 Rifle is the most powerful AR firearm available. The bold AR design and big bore 500 Auto Max cartridge put an unparalleled amount of power into a pleasant shooting, rapid firing, versatile rifle, finished in a unique Cerakote finish by Armed Concepts. This combination of size, familiar manual-of-arms, available accessories, and energy on target make the AR500 Rifle ready to handle almost any situation. Truly a one-of-a-kind AR!

SENTRY Products Group included their popular Range Bag. This super durable range bag is made from heavy-duty 600 Denier tear-resistant fabric with 1,020 cubic inches of storage space. SENTRY’s own 1082 technology mounting panel on the front pocket makes it easy to attach and securely hold any accessory or mag pouch, at any angle. Also included in the giveaway is SENTRY’s Armadillo Water Resistant Gun Cover, a packable cover constructed of silent, lightweight, water-resistant material that protects from muzzle to stock and works with all sling types, offering protection from the elements even when shouldered.

Trinity Oak’s Thumbtack Ranch, the first Purple Heart ranch in the country, located in Batesville, Texas, will host the much-anticipated 6th Annual Fall Pigeon Shoot. This year’s fundraising festivities will take place on Saturday, October 15th. You don’t want to miss this exciting fundraising event that is packed full of competition and comradery for individuals and friends.

The event kicks off on Saturday morning at 8:30 AM at the beautiful Thumbtack Ranch. The shoot starts at 9 AM with practice birds, followed by lunch at 11 AM, and the 15-bird race will begin at high noon. The donation for each person is $775 and non-shooting guests are $75 to attend. In addition to the shoot, the Saturday festivities will include lunch, an open bar, individual prizes, a silent auction, raffles and games. Enchanting top-drive tours of the Thumbtack Ranch’s 2000-acre sportsman’s paradise will also be a highlight of the day.

All participants must bring their own side-by-side or over/under shotgun (no autoloaders or pumps), shells, eye protection and ear protection. The maximum shell size is 12 gauge, 2 3/4″, #7.5-shot, 1 1/4 oz. loads.

All proceeds from this fun-filled event will benefit Trinity Oaks’ many programs that use hunting, fishing and outdoor activities to make a meaningful difference in the lives of underprivileged kids, terminally ill children and combat veterans.

With a limit of only 36 participants, you will want to reserve your spot today for this popular Trinity Oaks event. Sponsorships are still available if you are interested. To register, sponsor or donate online visit www.trinityoaks.org.