Hunting and Fishing News & Blog Articles

Competitive shotgun sports is an exhilarating experience that takes precise marksmanship, balance, and a spirit for the challenge of shooting. Firearm manufacturers worldwide take pride in building their finest shotguns for these extreme shooting competitions. 

Designed to simulate “taking a bird on the wing,” Sporting Clay, Skeet, and Trap are the most exhilarating shotgun shooting disciplines. These three shooting sports will capture a shooter’s intrigue for competing at the highest level, from the newest beginner to seasoned pros.

Sporting Clay Competition

Sporting clay simulates a variety of natural field situations. Shooters are presented with a wide variety of targets to duplicate the flight path of game birds. Flushing, crossing, incoming, and angling targets are part of the challenge. From any of five or more stations, targets are thrown as singles, simultaneous pairs, following pairs, or reports pairs. The size of the targets further challenges shooters, from standard clay targets to mini or flat disc-shaped battue targets. Get all the information you need from the National Sporting Clay Association.

The inherently challenging and precise nature of the sport requires a capable, precise shotgun:

Trap Shooting

Trap competition is the oldest shooting competition in America. Shooters aim at clay targets thrown from a Trap House. Targets are thrown away from the shooter in random sequence, angling from the right, left, and flying straightaway. Five clay targets called birds are thrown for each shooter at each station. After firing five rounds in rotation, squad members move to another station. Look to the Amateur Trapshooting Association for more information about this wonderful shooting sport.  

Another record-breaking season was set in July at the 2022 Scholastic Clay Target Program (SCTP) and Scholastic Action Shooting Program (SASP) National Championships. Hosted at the Cardinal Shooting Center in Marengo, Ohio, the annual youth shooting sports competition once again set the mark for the largest shoot in Cardinal Center history. Between the two youth programs, 39 states were represented at the National Championships.

SASP participation continues to grow throughout the nation and had a strong presence at the National Championship. Once again in 2022, the SASP broke the record for the largest action shooting event in the world. With over 2,200 entries, athletes safely fired over 500,000 rounds of ammunition without incident. SCTP participation surged as well with nearly 3,000 athletes and over 8,000 event entries during the twelve-day event schedule. This marks the largest national championship the SCTP has ever conducted, with over 1.5 million targets being thrown in competition and tens of thousands more being thrown in practice and side competitions.

A staple of additional activities at SCTP Nationals is the Last Competitor Standing or “Annie Oakley” event. This massive scale elimination event saw well over 700 clay target athletes lined up across the length of two-dozen trap fields to determine who would come home with bragging rights and impressive prizes from SCTP sponsors.

SCTP and SASP members benefit from a year-long season, with local, state, and regional events, culminating in the National Championship each July. As the largest youth shooting sports event in the world, the youth development programs hold industry-wide support, with many sponsors present on site to support the event such as GLOCK, CZ-USA, Browning, Kolar, Beretta, Ruger, and more. Both programs serve as official youth feeders for the respective sports of USA Shooting. Athletes competing in the international disciplines of the SCTP and SASP often have Junior Olympic and Olympic goals in mind, with the youth feeding programs fostering those ambitions with additional opportunities.

Shooting sports continues to be a level-playing field where winning can be achieved without being the strongest or the fastest runner. Athletes come from a wide range of backgrounds and some that do not find their place in traditional ball sports often find success in shooting sports as well as socially. Athletes also find enormous success in youth shooting sports, regardless of gender. 1 out of every 3 of the programs’ action shooting, international skeet, and bunker trap athletes are female, with many out-shooting the males outright for high overall awards. The SASP and SCTP programs focus on team-based youth shooting sports as the catalyst for youth development into high-quality, responsible young adults.

A fifth-generation Californian and former USMC officer, Manifor will spearhead the Western states expansion of Morphy’s Firearms, Militaria & Edged Weapons Division

Dan Morphy, founder and president of Morphy Auctions, takes great pleasure in announcing the appointment of Brian Manifor to the full-time position of Firearms Acquisitions & Promotions Specialist. For the past four years, Manifor has served as a consultant to Morphy’s, utilizing his exceptional knowledge of Gold Rush, Western and Indian relics and art.

“As part of Morphy’s firearms expert team since 2018, I’ve focused on US martial long arms and pistols, cannons, frontier and Indian war items, US militaria from 1776 through 1945, and cowboy bits, spurs, bridles and saddles,” Manifor said. “I have a passion for deep historical research that articulates each item’s full story in a catalog description. It’s a commitment I find very rewarding because when you give bidders the background and details they want, they bid confidently, which maximizes value for our consignors.”

Manifor’s own lineage is steeped in red, white and blue. A fifth-generation Californian raised in the historic Gold Rush town of Nevada City, he can trace his family tree to immigrants who arrived on American shores in 1632. His sixth great-grandfather was Chief of Scouts for the famed Rogers’ Rangers during the French and Indian War and later fought at the Battle of Saratoga, with his son by his side. Manifor’s great-great-grandfather was with the 1st Wisconsin Cavalry, part of the detachment that captured the President of the Confederacy, Jefferson Davis. More recently, his family has produced distinguished veterans of World War II, the Vietnam War and the global war on terror. Manifor, himself, is a retired US Marine Corps infantry officer, as well as a former police officer and deputy sheriff.

Manifor earned a bachelor of science degree in Criminal Investigations and Management from California State University, Sacramento. He also attended the Marine Corps Command and Staff College in Quantico, Virginia, and is a graduate of the San Diego Police Academy in Miramar, California.

Fort Smith, Arkansas –– Umarex Airguns will be on site as an official sponsor of the Airgun Village at the inaugural GUNFEST in Sturgis, South Dakota. Fans should visit the Umarex Airgun Village for the opportunity to shoot some of the most popular air powered hunting rifles and airguns. Additionally, attendees will also be able to purchase Umarex Airguns onsite through GunBroker.com and have them shipped right to their door. GUNFEST is set to take place August 5-7 at The Sturgis Buffalo Chip.

“We are extremely excited to be part of the very first GUNFEST,” Umarex USA’s Vice President of Marketing Justin Biddle said. “There’s no better way to experience the modern day power and fun of shooting with air than at a well-run event. We’ll have a variety of airguns available to shoot including our .50 cal Hammer and our very popular arrow shooting rifles – plus we’ll have a couple of airguns that have a happy switch so you can shoot full-auto.”

To celebrate the “Year of the Air Gun Hunter,” Umarex USA will be showcasing its .30 caliber Gauntlet and .50 cal Hammer air rifles as well as the Umarex AirJavelin & AirSaber arrow rifles. Additionally, the P2P HDP 50 pepper pistol and some full-auto airguns will be available for shooters to try. The Umarex Airgun Village is free to registered participants. It’s the “Year of the Air Gun Hunter” with Umarex Airguns!

GUNFEST is a three-day consumer event designed to be interactive and engaging that allows legally-registered participants the opportunity to shoot the latest firearm and airgun products in a safe and controlled environment. Shoot safely with the top gun industry manufacturers like Walther Arms during the 82nd Annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally at The Sturgis Buffalo Chip.

Be among the first to hear about new products and learn more about airguns and airgun hunting by visiting UmarexAirguns.com. While there sign up for the Umarex Airguns e-newsletter or follow Umarex Airguns on social media.

The organization’s Pappy raffle has gained a cult following nationwide.

Back by popular demand, Ronald McDonald House Charities of Kentuckiana (RMHCK) is raffling five Pappy bottles packaged as a flight. The raffle, which typically sells out quickly, kicks-off Aug. 1.

Each ticket will be sold for $100 each and 100 percent of the proceeds will benefit families who stay at the House when they travel to Louisville for medical care for their children. All programs and services are free of charge to families.

“These five coveted bottles offered as a group directly support sick children and their families,” said Marc Abrams, a well-known bourbon expert based in Louisville. Abrams personally authenticated each bottle and recently appraised this raffle at $17,000. “This raffle has gained a cult following around the nation and I’m thrilled to help,” he said.

The rmhck.org flight includes one bottle each of Pappy Van Winkle 23 Year (2020); Pappy Van Winkle 20 Year (2021); Pappy Van Winkle 15 Year (2021); Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year, lot b (2019); Old Rip Van Winkle 10 Year (2020).

All anglers leverage eyesight for success on the water. Whether tying the perfect knot, locating aquatic structure, or identifying submerged casting targets, clear vision under all conditions can make the difference between an average trip and one of epic proportions. Ocean Waves sunglasses – handcrafted in Atlantic Beach, Florida since 1979 – incorporate unprecedented technologies to forge premium eyewear that helps anglers connect with success. Now, Ocean Waves ventures to the rugged North – where leviathan lake trout and gargantuan pike test anglers’ tackle and their mettle – to partner with Tazin TV.

Tazin TV is set in scenic northern Saskatchewan, in the rugged stretch between Lake Athabasca and the Northwest Territories. Tazin Lake is regarded as one of the best lakes in the world for trophy lake trout. With depths ranging from 400-900 feet, the 25-mile by 10-mile lake has prolific structure for growing big fish. In recent years there have been lake trout caught near the world record mark of 72 pounds.

It’s also a big fish factory for northern pike with 5 rivers flowing in and out of the lake. Multiple 50″ fish have been caught on Tazin TV in recent years including one last year by Bret Amundson and two within 4 days by Trevor Montgomery in 2018.

After two years of closure due to the pandemic, the well-rested lake is exploding with giant fish. A new season of Tazin TV will be taking place with a number of high-profile guest appearances, targeting giant lakers and pike and exploring some unique history about the area.

They’ll also reveal some of their secrets on how they catch those big fish and why they stress sustainability on the resource by employing a strict catch-and-release policy on all their trophy fish.

Knowing the range at which you can make a one-shot, humane kill is crucial. Thanks to Determinator® Targets, five shots at 100 yards can tell you what your effective range is. No longer do you have to go to a range and shoot at extended distances of 200 to 600 yards to find out.

Determinator® has done the complicated math to identify the progressive spacing of concentric rings which allow you to shoot at 100 yards, yet determine at what range the shooter can confidently make a single kill shot. The patented design allows you to read the distance assigned to the ring that encompasses all five shots to identify your greatest effective range.

Since the vitals of different big game animals vary, Determinator® has consulted biologists, researchers and outfitters to determine the ring sizes and the effective rage to assign to each game animal based on the vitals of the mature male of the species. Since the vitals of each species of big game are different from each other, Determinator® Targets come in 5 packs of the following: Elk, Moose, Mule Deer, Whitetail Deer, Antelope, Bighorn Sheep, Wild Hog ,and Coyote.

Visit our website at determinatortargets.com for more information.

Houston Safari Club Foundation (HSCF) is pleased to announce registration is now open for their annual sporting clays tournament, to be held Thursday, October 6, 2022.

“Clay Crushing For Youth” is an annual fundraising event hosted by Houston Safari Club Foundation. Funds raised are dedicated to HSCF’s ​youth outdoor education programs, outdoor experiences, and outdoor career awareness programs. The event provides for an enjoyable day of shooting, fellowship, and fun. Experienced and novice shooters alike are welcome and participants do not have to be a member of HSCF. The event will be hosted at Greater Houston Sports Club. 

All adult & youth shooters are invited to participate. The tournament uses a four-person team format. Teams may be comprised of male, female, youth, adult, professionals or beginners. Individual shooters will be squadded with other shooters to complete a four-person team. Lunch, beverages, raffles, flurries, and mulligans will be available. Sponsorships are also still available. To learn more: https://hscfdn.org/events/sporting-clays-tournament/. 

About Houston Safari Club Foundation
Houston Safari Club Foundation (HSCF) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization whose mission is to preserve the sport of hunting through education, conservation, and the promotion of our hunting heritage. HSCF has awarded 625 scholarships totaling $2.8 million dollars. HSCF conducts youth outdoor education programs, career training, hunter education and field experiences throughout the year. HSCF has provided over $4 million in grants for hunter-funded wildlife, habitat, and various conservation initiatives. HSCF is an independent organization, is not affiliated with Safari Club International (SCI) or its affiliates and is not a chapter or affiliate of any other organization. Visit our website at wehuntwegive.org or call 713.623.8844 for more information. HSCF. We Hunt. We Give.

C&H Precision Weapons offers a full line of adaptor plates for mounting red dot optics to pistols. These plates allow users to change from a standard mounting option to an uncommon mounting or preferred optic. Given the long history of C&H’s work with DoD, many plates are offered for the V4 MIL/LEO cuts. 

Some of the more common mounting options are for MIL/LEO, Aftermarket RMR, and factory slide cuts. Plates allow for attachment of various Vortex, Aimpoint, Leupold, Trijicon, SIG, and Holosun optics to uncommon or non-standard slide cut designs a user’s preferred chosen optic. A complete list of adaptor plates and optic options is available at:  https://chpws.com/product-category/red-dot-apater-plates/

These plates open the doors for users to continue to employ their pistol with an optic of choice. C&H Precision has allowed shooters to mount a broad range of red dots to a sole firearm. Additionally, many firearms can be adapted to different optics depending on the use without much modification. A simple red dot change is a quick removal and reinstallation of a new plate and optic. From plinking and competition to training novice shooters or duty setups, C&H Precision Weapons has an adaptor plate.

C&H Precision Weapons (CHPWS) is a family owned and operated small business, serving the shooting community from our shop located in Richmond Hill, Georgia. We specialize in hand-crafted precision rifles, custom 1911’s, pistol slide upgrades and the design and manufacturing of special projects within the firearms industry. All work is performed in-house by real gun builders, real engineers and professional shooters.

For more information, please visit 
https://chpws.com

Houston Safari Club Foundation (HSF) recently awarded its annual Dan L Duncan scholarships. Houston Safari Club Foundation is committed to furthering the education of students pursuing careers in the outdoors, supporting the future of tomorrow’s conservation leaders and protecting the future of hunting.

HSCF’s Dan L Duncan Scholarship Program annually awards scholarships to students involved in the study of Wildlife Management, Range Management, Biology and Wildlife and Fisheries Science. This year, twenty-one scholarships were awarded. Since the program’s inception in 1999, 646 scholarships have been awarded, totaling over $2.92 million dollars. Most of this year’s recipients were at the PhD and Graduate level of study. 

HSCF proudly recognizes and encourages students, who have exhibited academic excellence and exemplary character, through its prestigious scholarship program. HSCF understands the future of conservation depends on the education of bright and gifted scholars who will work to protect hunter’s rights and wildlife conservation for decades to come. Many past HSCF scholarship recipients have become some of the top thought leaders, decision makers, educators, and research scientists in the conservation world.

About Houston Safari Club Foundation
Houston Safari Club Foundation (HSCF) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization whose mission is to preserve the sport of hunting through education, conservation, and the promotion of our hunting heritage. HSCF has awarded 646 scholarships totaling $2.92 million dollars. HSCF conducts youth outdoor education programs, career training, hunter education and field experiences throughout the year. HSCF has provided over $4 million in grants for hunter-funded wildlife, habitat, and various conservation initiatives. HSCF is an independent organization, is not affiliated with Safari Club International (SCI) or its affiliates and is not a chapter or affiliate of any other organization. Visit our website at wehuntwegive.org or call 713.623.8844 for more information. HSCF. We Hunt. We Give.

EDGEFIELD, S.C. — The National Wild Turkey Federation is working alongside the USDA Forest Service on the newly formed General Springs Stewardship Agreement, a collaborative endeavor set to restore wildlife habitat, reduce the risk of catastrophic wildfire and improve water quality and quantity for millions of Arizonans.

The project is set in the Mogollon Rim Ranger District of the Coconino National Forest, near Happy Jack, Arizona. One of the most diverse forests in the country, the Coconino National Forest has landscapes ranging from the famous red rocks of Sedona, to Ponderosa pine forests, deserts and alpine tundra.

In response to the increasing threat of uncharacteristic wildfire, the Forest Service and the NWTF have identified priority areas for management to provide wildfire protection and increase forest health. One of these areas, the General Springs Project, is part of the larger Cragin Watershed Protection Project, a concerted effort with interested partners and stakeholders to protect an area of over 63,000 acres of critical wildlife habitat that is also a municipal watershed for the Town of Payson.

“Our new agreement with the Coconino National Forest for the General Springs Project will conserve and enhance roughly 3,500 acres while also providing protection for the East Clear Creek Watershed and water pipeline, which supplies the town of Payson, Arizona with drinking water and is valued at over $300 million in water and hydroelectric infrastructure,” said Chuck Carpenter, NWTF district biologist for Utah, Colorado, New Mexico and Arizona. “The agreement also provides other important infrastructure protection, including powerline corridor protection and roadside thinning.”

Tri-Star logging Inc. was recently selected as the NWTF’s contractor on the project after an open bid process and will begin selectively clearing on the identified landscape in the coming weeks.

AXIS SPT was introduced for bowhunters with shorter draws and lighter poundage. Recently, Easton added spine sizes to round out the offering. Now AXIS SPT covers spines from 260 to 700 fitting virtually all hunting bow setups. In addition, the AXIS SPT will be offered with FOC enhancing half-out inserts and X-nocks included.

Since their introduction, AXIS carbon arrows have emerged as the go-to for bowhunters looking to increase penetration to take down big game. Although AXIS utilizes USA-made Acu-carbon for increased durability and accuracy, most of the hunting-camp talk centers on their ability to out penetrate regular carbon arrows.   The AXIS micro profile focuses the kinetic energy into an ultra-small frontal area for less friction and thus greater penetration. “It penetrates deeper as the shaft passes through with less friction behind the broadhead channel” said Gary Cornum, Marketing Director for Easton. “Millions of successful hunts testify to the awesome effectiveness of a simple concept that equates to more downed big game—it’s like magnum ammunition for your bow” Cornum said. The small diameter also means that AXIS arrows fly much better in crosswinds than regular carbon arrows.  That means broadheads will find the aim-point more often in the field. AXIS is widely distributed across the nation and is found in virtually every pro shop. 5mm micro AXISarrows are available in Match Grade, Standard, and Sport models. 

To see Easton’s complete line of small-diameter hunting arrows, visit www.eastonarchery.com.

Fairfax, Va. – The NRA Foundation and USA Shooting are proud to announce a new partnership that will help remedy an unexpected and critical shotgun ammunition shortage facing the USA Shooting Team. Athletes training and competing in the International Skeet and Trap events use a specific international shotshell which is difficult to obtain under normal circumstances. Acquiring the specific shotshell has been even more challenging with the existing ammo shortage – ammo that’s desperately needed for the team’s continued success on the national and international stage.  

To that end, The NRA Foundation Board of Trustees approved a $252,000 grant for USA Shooting to be used exclusively for the purchase of ammunition that will be used by the National Team, National Development Team, and National Junior Team. 

“For decades The NRA Foundation has provided essential funding to benefit the shooting sports,” said Tyler Schropp, Executive Director of The NRA Foundation. “When we were approached with this opportunity, it just made sense. Thanks to our generous and committed donors, we are able to fulfill this urgent need of America’s aspiring Olympians.”

USA Shooting athletes won a total of six medals at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, with four captured in Olympic shotgun events – Skeet (2 gold), Trap (silver) and Mixed Team Trap (bronze). This grant will provide the shotgun team with critical resources needed to continue their winning momentum in preparation for the 2022 World Championships and beyond.

“The last three years have posed tremendous challenges to our sport in the form of event cancellations, the postponement of the Olympics, and severe supply chain constraints on ammunition,” said Buddy DuVall, USA Shooting Chief Marketing Officer. “We are thrilled to be partnering with The NRA Foundation to provide the very best training and competition ammunition to the shotgun team that has won 30 medals this year in World Cup competitions.” 

The organization’s Pappy raffle has gained a cult following nationwide.

Back by popular demand, Ronald McDonald House Charities of Kentuckiana (RMHCK) is raffling five Pappy bottles packaged as a flight. The raffle, which typically sells out quickly, kicks-off Aug. 1.

Each ticket will be sold for $100 each and 100 percent of the proceeds will benefit families who stay at the House when they travel to Louisville for medical care for their children. All programs and services are free of charge to families.

“These five coveted bottles offered as a group directly support sick children and their families,” said Marc Abrams, a well-known bourbon expert based in Louisville. Abrams personally authenticated each bottle and recently appraised this raffle at $17,000. “This raffle has gained a cult following around the nation and I’m thrilled to help,” he said.

The rmhck.org flight includes one bottle each of Pappy Van Winkle 23 Year (2020); Pappy Van Winkle 20 Year (2021); Pappy Van Winkle 15 Year (2021); Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year, lot b (2019); Old Rip Van Winkle 10 Year (2020).

By Eukanuba Staff

If you want your dogs to be sharp on Opening Day you’ll have to run them in the summer. But hot temperatures and high humidity can make it difficult. A gun dog’s drive may override his ability to know he’s overheating, so it’s up to every owner and handler to keep their dogs safe.  

Know What to Look For

Running dogs in the summer means they may heat up faster than they can cool down. When a dog’s activity causes his body to generate more heat than he can dissipate he’s at risk of developing exertional or exercise-induced Heat Related Illness (HRI). Knowing the signs of HRI can help owners quickly respond  to get dogs the help they need.

A dog’s normal core body temperature range is between 99.5-102.5 degrees. That range accounts for different breeds, sizes, weights, ages, and condition, among other variables. When they’re working in the summer their core body temperature can rise above the normal range. The hot, humid weather makes it challenging for dogs to cool off. If their internal heat rises faster than they can cool then they may start to show signs from one of the three stages of HRI: heat stress, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke.

Every dog handles heat differently. Those not properly acclimated or conditioned could show signs faster than those that are fit and in good shape. Heat stress is the first stage and dogs may be noticeably more tired, run at a slower pace, and show a lack of focus. With the next stage, heat exhaustion, handlers may see dogs weaken and stumble. In the third stage, heat stroke, owners may see signs similar to heat stress or heat exhaustion along with vomiting, diarrhea, confusion, and even collapse, among others.  

MyOutdoorTV (MOTV), the subscription streaming platform offered by Outdoor Sportsman Group (Outdoor Channel, Sportsman Channel, World Fishing Network), gives viewers who crave “everything outdoors” the opportunity to experience a free preview selection of the highest-quality and exclusive outdoor lifestyle content available anywhere from August 1-14.

MOTV is home to more than 17,000 episodes of favorite outdoor lifestyle programming including: MeatEater, Major League Fishing Cups, Drury’s THIRTEEN, Jim Shockey’s Hunting Adventures, Gun Stories, Handguns & Defensive Weapons, In-Fisherman TV, North American Whitetail TV, Tracks Across Africa, Wardens, Waterfowl Obsession and Zona’s Awesome Fishing Show, to name a few.

The August 1-14 Free Preview will feature episodes from the following shows:

MOTV offers free episodes of content for fans to watch without a subscription. Also check out MOTV HuntStream for even more programming choices. For more information about MyOutdoorTV, visit: www.motv.com. #MYOUTDOORTV.

About MyOutdoorTV (MOTV): MyOutdoorTV is the No. 1 global subscription streaming platform from Outdoor Sportsman Group created just for outdoor lifestyle enthusiasts. MOTV features favorite Outdoor Channel, Sportsman Channel, World Fishing Network, Sportsman Channel Canada television shows, the entire Hunters Video library, exclusive Major League Fishing content, acquired content from around the world, as well as exclusive MOTV Originals. MOTV is the pre-eminent voice for all outdoor enthusiasts and super serves the outdoor enthusiasts with an expansive acquired library of the best hunting, fishing and shooting programming in long and short form, recipes, tips and tricks, how-to instructional videos, as well as educational and exclusive content focusing on improving success in the field and on the waterways. MOTV is powered by the four networks, along with additional exclusive content available from Outdoor Sportsman Group’s established integrated media arm that includes 15 category-leading outdoor magazines, such as: Guns & Ammo, Game & Fish, Petersen’s HUNTING, In-Fisherman and 20 top websites, including: OutdoorChannelPlus.com. Subscribe to MOTV at www.MyOutdoorTV.com as well on the following platforms: Apple IOS (iPhone and iPad), Android (phone and tablet), Roku, Apple TV, Xbox, Amazon Channels, Amazon Fire TV, Samsung SmartTV and LG SmartTV. MOTV is available in 162 markets worldwide.

Winchester celebrates 85 years of conservation excellence with its new Ducks Unlimited (DU) limited edition ammunition, available this fall.

“As the official ammunition of Ducks Unlimited and one their most longstanding supporters, Winchester remains steadfast in its commitment to conservation and wildlife habitat projects across North America,” said Matt Campbell, vice president of sales and marketing. “Ducks Unlimited volunteers continue to do excellent work for the betterment of waterfowl populations.”

In 1937, amidst the great depression and one of the worst droughts in history, a small group of visionaries came together to do their part to protect wetlands and the waterfowl that depend on them. Through the united efforts of sportsmen and women across the continent since then, 15-million acres of habitat has been restored and protected, benefitting hundreds of species of wildlife and providing untold recreational enjoyment for all.

Through innovative science, generous giving, and a committed network of volunteers, Ducks Unlimited has become the largest wetlands and waterfowl conservation organization in the world. Corporate partners like Winchester Ammunition, have played an important role in helping support this vital conservation work. Winchester continues to direct a significant amount of funding towards critical habitat projects each year, and hunters can help give back as well through the purchase of Winchester ammunition products. 

The limited-edition Winchester XPERT steel waterfowl load is available in 12-gauge, 3-inch shells with a 1-1/4 ounce payload of number 2 shot, traveling 1,400 feet per second. The 85th anniversary packaging is loading now and will be available for waterfowl hunters for the 2022-2023 waterfowl season.

Barnett’s popular Whitetail Hunter crossbows equip hunters for success. Two models define the series: the Whitetail Hunter STR with Step-Through Riser (STR) technology and new for 2022, the Whitetail Hunter 400XTR. Both high-performance platforms pack premium features into a compact frame for hunter comfort and safety. Not to mention the deadly down-range results! 

Whitetail Hunter crossbows utilize the advanced technology features hunters have come to expect from Barnett®, like a TriggerTech trigger, step-thru riser, anti-dry fire technology and a metal injection molded trigger. The TriggerTech Frictionless Release Technology is the cornerstone of the crossbow’s integral anti-dry fire (ADF) safety which automatically engages upon cocking the crossbow; it cannot fire without loading and securing a bolt under the patented Soft Lok floating bristle arrow retainer. Finger safety reminders round out a safe and secure crossbow for use in every hunter’s hands.

Barnett’s innovative Step-Through Riser (STR) technology shortens the crossbow’s overall length by integrating the foot stirrup directly into the riser. The compact design is more maneuverable inside the blind and shifts the crossbow’s balance point closer to the shooter for steadier off-hand shooting. The strategically placed Picatinny rail adds placement for optics and accessories without compromising the maneuverability of the crossbow. The Whitetail Hunter series crossbows are also CCD compatible, so whether it’s a crank or a rope, this series has a functionality option for everyone.

The Whitetail Hunter STR forms a compact, controllable profile that hunters of all sizes and skills can manage. The short, custom composite laminated limbs provide plenty of power without added fore-end weight for a more stable shooting platform. Step-Through Riser (STR) technology reduces its length, and lightweight materials and hollow stock design lighten the mass to 6.6 pounds. The STR hunts light and fast, launching a 380-grain bolt at 375 feet per second! It’s dressed to kill in Mossy Oak® Bottomland camo. 

The Whitetail Hunter 400XTR is the newest addition to the series and a big step forward from earlier models. The new 400XTR is 3-inches shorter axle to axle than its predecessor, a compact design that works for hunters of all sizes and skills. It’s fast too! The 400XTR shoots 25 feet per second faster than earlier models, an accolade reflected in its name, launching bolts at a blisteringly 400 fps! Clad in Mossy Oak Bottomland camo, the 400XTR is ready to hit the woods this fall. 

The 600 Lux is part of the exciting new CZ-USA 600 series rifle family. The Lux’s refined lines and traditional style reflect gun makers and hunters’ long, proud tradition. Modern innovations ensure the Lux shoots are as good as it looks. Each Lux rifle comes with a sub-MOA guarantee! 

A traditional oil-finished select-grade walnut matches the rifle’s dark nitrided barrel and receiver. The stock’s new comb geometry is optimized for use with both optics and the fiber-optic equipped iron sights while retaining the iconic look of the Bavarian-style comb. Fish-scale checkering and a decorative forend complete the look. 

The Lux features a cold hammer-forged light (sporter) contour barrel that delivers a guaranteed sub-MOA accuracy. Barrels are threaded M15x1 and suppressor-ready. Depending on the cartridge, barrels are available from 20 to 24 inches, optimizing ballistic performance with barrel length.   

Shooters will love the smooth and fast-handling 60-degree bolt throw, a design that increases clearance between the bolt and optic, plus it cycles considerably faster than traditional designs. The Lux features an oversized wooden bolt knob for improved control with gloved hands. 

Reliability was a vital consideration in the 600 Series’ rifle design. CZ selected the short extractor, controlled round feed design for its round-cycling consistency in all situations. A patented 2-position tang safety is virtually silent and intuitive to use.  

Duck Camp is pleased to announce the launch of its new Zip Wader, a boot-foot wader designed to stand up to the demands of any waterfowl hunt, without demanding your entire wallet.

Over two years of painstaking research, development, and refinement have resulted in top-flight waders engineered for comfort, convenience, and above all, performance. This combined with Duck Camp’s versatile camo patterns allow the Zip Waders to blend into a variety of waterfowl terrain from coastal marshes to flooded agricultural fiends or open wetlands. They were designed and developed by the Duck Camp product team which has decades of outdoor hard goods experience. 

“We know there’s been an influx of waders into the market recently but in our new  Zip Waders we sought to produce a pair that could outperform the rest through hyper quality materials, construction and waterfowl-centric design — all at a competitive price within the premium wader category.” said Ned Hobson, Duck Camp VP of Product & Sales. “Simple, functional details, just the essentials really but executed to perfection are the hallmarks of the new Zip Waders and we’re confident they’ll answer the call of our most steadfast consumers season after season.”

Key features and benefits of the new Duck Camp Zip Waders include:

The new Zip Waders are available for pre-order starting July 28th, 2022 online at www.duckcamp.com. MSRP: $749.