Hunting and Fishing News & Blog Articles

On the heels of CZ’s introduction of the 457 Varmint Precision Trainer MTR comes the 457 Varmint Precision Chassis MTR in 22 LR. This precision rimfire is packed with features that make it a serious competition gun, but with a price tag nowhere near that of a custom rimfire rifle.

While CZ is known for their tight chamber tolerances that aid in making their rifles some of the most accurate production rimfires available, they first debuted an even tighter ‘Match’ chamber in the popular 457 Varmint MTR. This wood-stocked plinker became a favorite among shooters wanting even more accuracy than the standard 457 delivers.

The MTR variants of the VPT and VPC allow rimfire competition shooters to buy an affordable, match-chambered rifle that’s ready to win competitions right out of the box, eliminating the perceived need to upgrade any major components, putting both 457 variants a step above the competition.

The 457 VPC MTR comes with CZ’s famous cold hammer-forged and lapped barrel, 16 inches in length and with 1/2×28 threads for mounting a suppressor or muzzle device. It rides in an incredibly stable aluminum chassis system that is equipped with an adjustable Luth-AR stock, and the rifle features a fully adjustable trigger, a 5-round detachable box magazine and integrated 11mm dovetails for scope installation, coming in at an MSRP of $1,225.

Like CZ’s line of factory-tuned premium pistols, the 457 VPC MTR features orange accents to show that it is a special version of an already premium rifle. The VPC has an orange trigger guard, making it easily recognized on the gun rack and at the shooting range.

Men’s and women’s pieces available now 

SITKA, the leading pioneer in performance hunting apparel  and specialized gear, today introduced its most advanced line of insulation pieces to date with  the new Ambient Collection. 

Designed by SITKA’s product experts using best-in-class technologies and decades of experience  in outdoor environments around the world, the Ambient Collection is engineered to adapt to  changing weather conditions as well as levels of activity. This means when users are static and  temperatures are low, the pieces insulate to deliver warmth. When wearers are active or  temperatures rise, the pieces breathe well to expel heat.  

“These active insulation products adapt to changing conditions allowing for more efficient  layering,” said John Barlow, SITKA’s Big Game Product Manager. “The Ambient Collection  transitions seamlessly from outerwear when active to a mid-layer as activity slows and  temperatures drop.” 

The Collection features a Men’s Ambient Jacket ($309), a Women’s Ambient Jacket ($309), and  a Men’s Ambient Hoody ($279). Each item is constructed with post-consumer recycled  PrimaLoft® Evolve insulation, 20-denier ripstop nylon fabric for durability, a DWR finish for enhanced weather protection, and mechanical stretch to provide comfort and a full range of  motion. 

Everybody loves the Fourth of July festivities–backyard parties, barbeque, beer, parades and fireworks. What’s not to like? However, we should never forget the meaning and reasons we celebrate this holiday as we enjoy the fun. In the United States, we celebrate the Fourth of July as Independence Day, the day when America was born as its own independent country. On July 4th, 1776, the Continental Congress unanimously approved the Declaration of Independence from the tyrannical rule of the British Empire under King George III. As expressed in this one of the most important historical documents, liberty and equality remain at the core of the United States as we uphold them to this day.

To celebrate this 4th of July, Fisher Space Pen® presents “We The People” & “United We Stand/Divided We Fall” Bullet Space Pens. The matte black Bullet Space Pen, one of the Fisher Space Pen’s absolute classics, is reimagined with one of these two patriotic insignias to embody the American spirit. The “We the People” pen is laser engraved on one side of the pen, while the “United We Stand/Divided We Fall” design is laser engraved on each side of the model. Ever since the conception of the original Bullet Space Pen in 1948, the Bullet Space Pen has become the most popular one that set an industry standard of excellence for its timeless design and unmatched functionality.

Proudly made in the USA using materials sourced both in the States and globally, Fisher Bullet Space Pens boasts a near-zero percent failure rate and fantastic usability in many circumstances: in zero gravity, underwater, at extremely hot or cold temperatures, and at any angles, including upside down. With the display of constitutionally and historically significant “We The People” and “United We Stand/Divided We Fall” scripts on the pen itself, this pen will be a daily reminder of whom the power belongs to and why we need to continue to stand and work together as the American people.

Fisher’s July 4th promotion offers this special Bullet Space Pen at the market price of $37 and the 17.76% discount promotion that signifies the year of the Declaration of Independence. Gift wrapping is available at an additional cost. These commemorative Bullet Space Pens are affordable, classic, and reliable writing instruments. This pen would make anyone proud to hold it in their pocket to represent the values we hold dear for the country we love. 

Features:

IN SUPPORT OF POPE AND Y0UNG, BEAR ARCHERY BUYS YOUR MEMBERSHIP WITH YOUR BOW PURCHASE

As Pope and Young stands to fight for the rights of bowhunters, Bear Archery takes a stand with them. Bear Archery has stepped up their commitment to Preserving, Promoting, and Protecting Americas Bowhunting heritage by committing to purchasing their loyal customers a one-year Pope and Young membership.

As part of the promotion, Bear Archery and Pope & Young are offering anyone who registers their new, compound, or traditional Bear bow, a one-year membership in North America’s leading bowhunting conservation organization. In addition, customers will have the option to upgrade to a discounted second year membership for an even greater value. Archers can take advantage of the free one-year membership by simply picking up a new Bear Archery bow from www.beararchery.com or from one of their many dealers and registering the new bow on Bear’s website.   

“We are proud to partner with Pope & Young and offer our customers a free 12-month membership with their purchase and registration of a Bear bow,” stated Alec Wyman, Bear Archery Marketing Manager. “The two brands have a remarkable history of supporting each other dating back to the 1960’s. This new venture is a great chapter for both brands in their mission to drive the archery industry forward.” 

“There aren’t many companies in the outdoor industry that have as much rich as Bear Archery and seeing them step up in support of Pope and Young is humbling to say the least,” stated Dylan Ray, Pope and Young Marketing Director. “Fred Bear had a rich history with Pope and Young, being a vital part of the club in the begging, and now Bear Archery carries on the support of Pope and Young that Papa Bear demonstrated. Pope and Young is for any and all bowhunters, and now with the purchase of your new bow, whether your first bow, or just upgrading to a newer, better model now you get your membership for free.”

The Mule Deer Foundation (MDF) is excited to announce Marshall Johnson as the organization’s Director of Field Operations. Marshall began his career with the Mule Deer Foundation in 2010 as Regional Director in Montana, and most recently in North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, and Minnesota. Marshall will serve as the leader of a team of state and regional staff that are responsible for MDF’s local fundraising and volunteer opportunities. 

“Serving as a Regional Director for the Mule Deer Foundation has been rewarding and I am excited to take on this next role in order to drive our mission across the country,” Johnson commented. “The organization’s improved focus and strategic direction is exciting! I look forward to working with the Regional Directors and our volunteers to ensure that, through our fundraising and volunteer work, we are able to achieve the organization’s mission to ensure the conservation of mule deer, black-tailed deer, and their habitat.”

Marshall brings years of management experience, working in corporate media before joining the Mule Deer Foundation. His connection with the organization began as a volunteer and chapter chair before he left his corporate position to work full time for MDF. His creative talents and strategic execution skills will help expand and enhance the MDF brand, working closely with the organization’s conservation team, volunteers, organizational partners, and other leaders. 

“Marshall has a history of leadership and vision for MDF and has been instrumental to our expansion of MDF into non-traditional markets,” said Joel Pedersen, MDF President and CEO. “Marshall has a proven track record of results. I expect that he will continue to drive our organization to new markets, while providing guidance as the leader of our network of Regional Directors and chapters.”

About MDF 
The Mule Deer Foundation is the only conservation group in North America dedicated to restoring, improving and conserving mule deer and black-tailed deer and their habitat, with a focus on science and program efficiency. MDF is a strong voice for hunters in access, wildlife management and conservation policy issues. MDF acknowledges regulated hunting as a viable management component and is committed to recruitment and retention of men, women and youth into the shooting sports and conservation. Get involved in your state or become a member at www.muledeer.org or call 801-973-3940.

Bold Flavorful Roasts for Bold People

Microtech® Knives, globally recognized as a leader in fine knifemaking and world-renowned for their high quality, premium blades and cutting tools, today introduced Microtech Coffee, their new collaborative venture with OneNation Coffee. The line features five exclusive and flavorful roasts to please the palates of coffee connoisseurs everywhere.

The new Microtech Coffee line features five roasts with Microtech-themed names: Spartan, Hellhound, Apocalyptic, Razor Edge, and Pierced & Punctured. Spanning from dark roast to decaf, Microtech Coffee aims to offer a flavor profile for everyone. “Born out of the same desire to provide our fans with the highest quality blades, Microtech teamed up with OneNation Coffee. We’re offering these roasts to represent the same distinction and innovation you have come to know from our cutlery brand,” said Microtech co-founder and CEO Anthony Marfione.

Roasted to perfection in small batches, Microtech Coffee boasts origins from Tanzania, Columbia, and Brazil. Click to watch a video about Microtech Coffee https://youtu.be/aexjXAFnOyo.

Microtech Coffee, Bolder Than the Blade™

Team Members Dominate First and Second Leg of IBO Triple Crown Team Adds Additional Wins at ASA London

Gold Tip, an industry leader in carbon arrows and bolts, is celebrating strong finishes by multiple team archers during the months of May and June, including top podium finishes during the first two legs of the IBO Triple Crown. In addition, team members also topped the podium in three divisions during the TRU Ball/Black Eagle Pro/Am held in London, Kentucky.

Beginning in May at the 1st Leg of the IBO (International Bowhunting Organization) National Triple Crown, pro staffer Levi Morgan clinched first place in the Men’s Pro class with his Gold Tip 9.3 Pro shafts. Also competing in the Men’s Pro Class was fellow Gold Tip and Bee Stinger staffer Jason Bennett, who successfully took the third-place spot.

In the Senior Pro, Team Gold Tip and Bee Stinger staff manager Tim Gillingham took home second place. The team also dominated the podium elsewhere. In the Pro Bowhunter class, two of three podium spots went to teammates John Ball and John Saling. Meanwhile, Gold Tip staffer Mason Dowell won the top amateur class MBO with an impressive score of 417, seven points ahead of his nearest competitor.

The following month, at the ASA TRU Ball/Black Eagle Pro/Am, Team Gold Tip topped the podium in three divisions. In the Known Pro, Gold Tip archer Kyle Douglas took first place with a score of 456. In the Open Pro, Levi Morgan took the top spot with a total score of 428. Finally, Tim Gillingham topped the podium in the Senior Pro with a score of 472.

Team Remington’s Zach Nannini had an impressive weekend at the ATA’s 2022 US Open landing multiple podium finishes. In addition to his perfect 200/200 performance in the Open’s Singles Championship, Nannini notched multiple wins including perfect 100/100 victories in the Trap and Field Singles Championship and NRA Singles Class AAA Championship. The U.S. Open was held at the World Shooting & Recreational Complex in Sparta, IL.

Aside from his multiple perfect rounds, Nannini also placed first in the Graf and Sons Doubles, Red Bud Doubles and the White Flyer Doubles AAA championship events. He rounded off his stellar performance by earning runner up in the Kubota Class Doubles AAA with a score of 98/100. Out of 525 total competition singles shot with Remington loads so far, Nannini has yet to miss a target.

“We always love seeing Big Green shooters at the top of the leaderboard and it was great to see Zach put up such impressive numbers at the U.S. Open,” said Joel Hodgdon, Director of Marketing for Remington Ammunition. “But this is just the warm up – Zach and all the Team Remington trap shooters are gearing up to win at the Grand American later this summer.”

Zach Nannini has been shooting firearms since the age of 10 and has continuously challenged the trap shooting community as a top contender. He has been a 5-time National Champion, 8 time All-American and was recently the 2021 Heartland Grand High Overall Champion.

Team Remington competes and wins with Premier STS shells. A winning combination of shot-to-shot consistency and target-crushing accuracy, Remington’s Premier STS® Target Loads set the benchmark for performance while being a favorite at the reloading bench. New for 2022, Remington has introduced Premier STS Low Recoil, offering competitive and casual shooters two new easy-on-the-shoulder 12ga loads. 

Participants Will Restore Land, Oceans, Waterways by Collecting 1 Million Pieces of Trash

Johnson Outdoors, a leading global innovator of outdoor recreation equipment and technology, and the National Wildlife Federation, America’s largest and most trusted conservation organization, are teaming up to advance natural resource conservation by creating the Clean Earth Challenge. The Challenge will call on tens of millions of individuals, families, students, teachers, environmentalists and leaders to get outdoors and take simple conservation actions to help improve the health of the planet by collecting 1 million pieces of trash. 

“Our commitment to leaving the planet better than we found it has always been at the core of Johnson Outdoors and our family of brands. Now more than ever, it is imperative that we work together with partners like the National Wildlife Federation as well as our consumers to ensure that our natural spaces are healthy and thriving for us and generations to come,” said Helen Johnson-Leipold, chairman and CEO of Johnson Outdoors.

“Cleaning up the waste and pollution that has contaminated our precious natural resources is critical to protecting the health of people and wildlife alike,” said Collin O’Mara, president and CEO of the National Wildlife Federation. “By taking collective action on such a grand scale, we can work collaboratively to right the mistakes of the past and give wildlife the opportunity to thrive in our rapidly changing world. We are thrilled to be working with Johnson Outdoors and can’t wait to see the benefits that this challenge will have on our nation’s incredible wildlife and the habitats they call home.” 

The goal of the Clean Earth Challenge is to advance restoration and resilience of the nation’s greatest natural resources — the land and water that sustain people, wildlife and the planet. The

Columbia, MO – MidwayUSA Foundation has provided cash grants for the second year in a row to help ranges across the country improve and allow for more youth shooting sports activities.  This year, 47 grant recipients received $750,000, cumulatively. These competitive funds provide the opportunity for youth shooting teams to work with their existing ranges on improvements and expansions.  Both the dollars paid, and the recipient count increased since the 2021 grant cycle. The awarded grant funds will add approximately 1,581 additional youth shooting events across the country. 

Ed White, Founder of Metal Madness Shooting Sports Association, is one of this year’s Range Development Grant recipients. “I am proud to announce that with the help of MidwayUSA Foundation we will be adding a SASP 8 1/2 lane range this summer. We will begin construction on the range after the SASP Nationals in July and I have been working with Rick Leach, National Director of SASP, to put together a SASP regional match along with some invitational matches this fall and next spring.”

Along with additional youth shooting events, MidwayUSA Foundation’s Range Development grants will increase capacity, allowing 22,000 more athletes to participate. “A fundamental need of a shooting team is a place to shoot, and it is exciting to have the opportunity to fulfill another need in the world of youth shooting sports through our Range Development grants,” said MidwayUSA Foundation Executive Director, G. Scott Reynolds. 

In addition to the Range Development Grant Program, MidwayUSA Foundation holds endowments for nearly 2,800 youth shooting teams and over 70 state and national youth shooting sports organizations through Agency and Donor Designated endowments. These organizations coordinate and conduct youth shooting events for over 125,000 shooting sports athletes. Some organizations assisted by MidwayUSA Foundation include SCTP, SASP, ATA, ACUI, USA Shooting, and more.

To see the full list of MidwayUSA Foundation Range Development grant recipients, visit  midwayusafoundation.org/. Applications for special purpose grants, like Range Development and Coach Training, will be accepted annually and applicants must hold an endowment with MidwayUSA Foundation to apply.  Youth shooting programs interested in improving their respective range should work closely with that range to complete the grant application. MidwayUSA Foundation’s next Range Development grant cycle opens on February 1, 2023. 

West Bend, WI – The U.S. Concealed Carry Association (USCCA), which is one of the fastest-growing organizations in the country representing responsibly armed Americans, released the following statement on final passage of the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act. 

“Fundamentally, the USCCA opposes the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act.  We are encouraged by the bill’s significant investments in school safety programs and our nation’s mental health system.  However, our organization does not believe that taxpayer dollars should be used to fund ‘red flag’ law programs.  We know that legislation targeting law-abiding gun owners makes Americans less safe,” said USCCA President and Founder, Tim Schmidt.  “We will continue to encourage Congress to adopt critical legislation, like National Concealed Carry reciprocity, to ensure law abiding gun owners are able to protect themselves wherever they travel.”

As an organization representing more than 650,000 members nationwide, the USCCA carefully reviewed all elements of the proposed legislation and its potential impacts on law abiding gun owners.  We are concerned by the rushed process of consideration and believe the bill does not meaningfully address the critical issue of rising crime in our communities. 

“At the end of the day, criminals by nature do not follow the law.  Rather than making it harder for law-abiding citizens to defend themselves, we urge Congress to support policies that will protect our children in schools and families throughout our communities.  There are solutions in Congress right now to do this, but this rushed package is not the answer,” concluded Schmidt. 

About the USCCA.  The US Concealed Carry Association (USCCA) is an association of responsible, armed Americans whose members get exceptional self-defense education, lifesaving training, and self-defense liability insurance, preparing them for the before, during and after of a lawful act of self-defense.  The USCCA is the largest, fastest-growing self-defense association dedicated to responsible gun owners.”

HOUSTON, TEXAS – Primary Arms Optics has just released their new pistol-ready reflex sight: the SLx RS-10.

Weighing only 1.07 oz, this ruggedized mini reflex sight is made of 7075 aluminum and fits the commonly used Docter/Noblex standard mounting footprint. This optic offers a true daylight bright 3 MOA reticle, multi-coated lenses, night vision compatibility, and an ultra-long battery runtime with a side-loading battery slot.

As pistol-mounted reflex sights continue to grow in popularity, the SLx RS-10 offers a lot of functionality for just $199.99, and as part of the SLx product line, it comes with a guarantee of quality. SLx optics built Primary Arms Optics’ reputation for innovation, reliability, and value. All SLx optics undergo rigorous field-testing during development to best serve the user in any environment.

“With the SLx RS-10, we’ve developed a tough-as-nails, pistol-ready optic that doesn’t break the bank,” says Stephen Morgan, Director of Product Marketing at Primary Arms. “It incorporates many of the outstanding quality of life features of premium pistol optics while also maintaining our commitment to reliability and value.”

To learn more or to order the new optic, click here.

5.11 Tactical, the global innovator of purpose-built apparel, footwear, and gear, has teamed up with Prime Video to commemorate the release of the upcoming Amazon Original series The Terminal List with a donation to the National Navy UDT-SEAL Museum in combination with a limited edition 5.11 | The Terminal List Hoodie, a content series featuring The Terminal List creator, Jack Carr, and a special sweepstakes prize package available for customers and viewers. 

Based on the best-selling novel by Carr, The Terminal List premieres on Prime Video July 1 and stars Chris Pratt as Navy SEAL James Reece. The series follows Reece after his entire platoon of Navy SEALs is ambushed during a high-stakes covert mission and returns home with conflicting memories of the event to discover dark forces are working against him. All eight episodes will premiere at once.

Funds for 5.11’s donation to the The National Navy SEAL Museum will be generated from 100% of the net proceeds from sales of the limited-edition 5.11 | The Terminal List hoodies that will be available through special storefronts on www.511tactical.com and www.amazon.com, as well as the 93 5.11 retail locations nationwide. The digital storefronts will also offer a curated collection of additional gear and items that can be seen in use throughout The Terminal List series. 

“5.11 is very excited to be working together with Prime Video again, this time on the launch of the Chris Pratt military drama, The Terminal List,” said 5.11’s Chief Marketing Officer, Debra Radcliff. “As a brand that focuses on serving those who serve, we are honored to support The National Navy SEAL Museum through our cross-promotional marketing efforts with AVP.”

“5.11 Tactical and The National Navy UTD-SEAL Museum are the perfect layers of authenticity we wanted for the The Terminal List,” said Jennifer Verdick, Head of Partnerships & Consumer Events at Prime Video. “Our writers worked so closely with Jack and the team to ensure we painted an accurate picture of the James Reece character, and we really feel the show achieved that.”

West Bend, WI – The U.S. Concealed Carry Association (USCCA), which is one of the fastest-growing organizations in the country representing responsibly armed Americans, released the following statement after the U.S. Supreme Court issued a decision in New York State Rifle & Pistol Association v. Bruen in favor of Americans’ constitutional right to self-defense:

“The fundamental, natural-born right to defend yourself and your family against harm does not end outside your home, and the highest Court in our nation has affirmed this,” said USCCA President and Founder Tim Schmidt. “Over the last few years, law-abiding Americans have made clear that they want to protect themselves by purchasing firearms in record numbers. Simply put, Americans are fearful of rising crime and alarmed at the lack of action on this issue by Congress and the White House. Our country’s laws must be guided by the Constitution, and thankfully today millions of law-abiding Americans whose rights have been stifled are finally one step closer to protecting themselves and their families.”

Representing more than 650,000 members, the USCCA — along with several other leading Second Amendment organizations – filed an amicus brief with the Supreme Court in the New York State Rifle & Pistol Association v. Bruen case to call for the protection of Americans’ constitutional right to self-defense. The Supreme Court’s ruling will have an impact not only on New York but also on seven other states that have similar laws requiring concealed carry applicants to demonstrate “proper cause” to carry a firearm, including California, Delaware, Hawaii, Maryland, New Jersey and Rhode Island.

“The right to keep and bear arms is only gaining momentum and importance. Today’s decision is a step in the right direction, and the USCCA will not stop advocating for responsibly armed Americans to exercise their unalienable right to self-defense whether they are inside their homes, within their communities or traveling to other states,” Schmidt concluded.

Further, this ruling comes as major cities nationwide are experiencing a surge in violent crime, making personal safety a key issue for Americans. As residents are robbed in their own homes and citizens are afraid to drive around their own communities, legal firearms sales have passed 1.25 million per month for 33 straight months. According to the FBI’s report on firearm purchase background checks, this marks the highest era of gun purchases to date. The faces of gun ownership are also evolving, with minorities and women stepping up in never-before-seen numbers to exercise their fundamental Second Amendment rights. As firearms sales grow, so does the demand for firearms education and training provided by the USCCA.

TrueTimber has announced multiple new apparel offerings for those fishing in the upcoming summer heat. This new lineup prioritizes comfort and performance while never sacrificing style. Lightweight and flexible fabrics are found in every new piece to ensure total mobility and protection from the elements all day. Each new design includes a UPF of 30+ or 50+ with options such as the Arrowwood All-In-One Pullover Hoodie and BakStaye Long Sleeve Shirt offering even further sun protection. With options from hoodies and crews to a classic button-up, the new TrueTimber styles are sure to be a top pick for users facing the heat this summer.

Arrowwood All-In-One Pullover Hoodie

The ArrowWood All-In-One Pullover Hoodie offers extreme sun protection, featuring a built-in face gaiter, hood and UPF of 30+. Moisture wicking technology and odor control are integrated to keep cool in the summer months. 4-way stretch fabric allows for full mobility all day long while the full memory yarn composition ensures the hoodie will not lose shape. The Arrowood All-In-One Pullover Hoodie is available in a Tundra/Gray, Green Flash/Viper Urban, December Sky/Rip Tide or Lily Pad/Moon Mist design. MSRP $39.99.

RipWater Long Sleeve Crew

The RipWater Long Sleeve Crew offers both comfort and style, constructed with 160 GSM 4-way stretch fabric and cover stitching on critical seams to offer extreme durability while remaining lightweight. The UPF 30 feature allows for protection against harmful rays while the antimicrobial and moisture-wicking fabric keeps the LS Crew dry and smelling fresh. The RipWater Long Sleeve Crew can be worn alone through the summer and repurposed as a base layer as colder weather sets in. The RipWater Long Sleeve Crew is available in Green Flash/Viper Urban, Mallard Blue/Midnight Camo or Red/Viper Urban design. MSRP $29.99.

EAGLE RIVER, WI – Trees For Tomorrow (TFT), an environmental education center in Eagle River, WI, is pleased to announce its next Sustainable Living Institute (SLI) workshop “Nature’s Bounty” on August 4th from 9 AM to 12 PM. This class is suitable for participants 18 years of age and older.

Beginning with a lecture-style classroom portion with local expert Anne Small, participants will learn the basics of foraging for wild foods from basic identification to harvesting and safe preparations. Participants will then have the opportunity to explore a local forest guided by Ms. Small to forage for mushrooms. Each participant/couple will receive a comprehensive mushroom identification book to take home so they can continue foraging on their own.

“The Northwoods offer a wide variety of wild foods,” said program coordinator Todd Starling, “we’d love for members of the community to learn how to take advantage of the bounty that nature provides.”

Cost for the program is $40 per person ($60 per couple) and includes programming, a mushroom identification guide to take home and use during future foraging forays. Bathrooms are available on Trees For Tomorrow’s campus for the classroom portion of the program. Participants are encouraged to bring bug repellent, water bottles, and  anything else they need to be comfortable for the outdoor portion of the class.

Sustainable Living Institute workshops are held throughout the year with the goal to teach the skills to live a more sustainable life in our Northwoods community. To find more information or to register for our program please visit www.treesfortomorrow.com/visit/ or call 715-479-6456 and ask to speak with program coordinator Todd Starling. 

Huk continues to set the industry standards in Performance Fishing Gear with the Icon X Collection. The Icon X Collection is the most technically advanced line of performance fishing shirts designed for hardcore anglers who know comfort is key. 

The Icon X Collection has paved the way for being anglers’ staple pieces for long days on the water. Anglers rely on the 50+ UPF sun protection technology the Icon X Collection offers to block them from harmful UVA and UVB rays. If anglers are looking for added sun protection, they will appreciate the Icon X Hoodie, which offers full head and neck protection.

The Icon X Collection features a 100% polyester blend for superior moisture management. In addition, the collection is made using the I.C.E. (Internal Cooling Element) technology, which is high-tech synthetic materials. These materials are built using cooling fibers that allow air to pass through and work to pull heat from the skin’s surface for greater comfort. These fibers contain a hydrophobic or “water-hating” quality that transports sweat to drier areas away from the skin to the exterior of the clothing. 

The hydrophobic quality also spreads moisture over a larger area to evaporate more quickly and efficiently. This combination creates a rapid drying effect that also cools the body. Mesh underarms and back further enhance the coolness of these shirts. All garments in the Icon X line utilize an anti-microbial treatment that inhibits and kills the growth of odor-causing micro-organisms so anglers can fish hard and celebrate harder and never have to change clothes in between.

The Icon X Collection is offered in many different variations, including long sleeve, pocket long sleeve, short sleeve, polo and a hooded version for both men and women. The collection comes in a variety of colors and patterns that align with anglers’ styles. Huk’s Icon X collection gives anglers the protection they need to deal with changing elements on the water. Huk’s size guide chart helps accurately determine proper sizing based on chest, waist, typical pant size and inseam measurements.

In March 2022, TEAM5 Medical Foundation traveled on its first post-COVID humanitarian aid mission to the Palpa regions of Nepal, providing much-needed medical relief for indigenous peoples in the rural and mountainous areas of the country. Tasmanian Tiger®, a TEAM5 Silver Sponsor, provided support with product and financial donations to the non-profit SOFMED veteran foundation.

Tasmanian Tiger®, a tactical nylon line of products distributed exclusively for the US market by Proforce Equipment, Inc., welcomes the return of the TEAM5 Medical Foundation from its mission to provide medical relief to several remote villages in the Palpa region of Nepal. TEAM5 is a non-profit SOFMED veteran foundation providing medical relief to some of the world’s most overlooked populations in hard-to-reach places.

The Nepal expedition, originally scheduled before COVID-19 restrictions, was finally launched in March of this year. The TEAM5 team, consisting of a highly trained medical team comprised of professionals from the USA, UK, Croatia, and Nepal, are all volunteers. Many TEAM5 volunteers traveled over 25 hours in flight to arrive in Katmandu, only to then ride in a 4×4 for an additional 12-hours in order to reach the campsite. After reconciling some political challenges, the team still faced Nepal’s notoriously famous tough terrain. Moving the team from low-ground camps to high-altitude camps, coupled with 95-degree days with 100 percent humidity did not deter TEAM5 members from reaching out to as many patients as possible.

TEAM5 founder and team leader, Eric Linder, said, “TEAM5 is comprised of all volunteers. Members take their holiday vacations away from their families to help those less fortunate. This was, no doubt, a very challenging mission, both mentally and physically, but our team, created from several countries, including the USA, United Kingdom, Croatia, and Nepal, all worked seamlessly to provide advanced western care to those who would never have had the opportunity before.”

Tasmanian Tiger’s Silver Sponsorship supported TEAM5 through financial and product donations. The team relied on an assortment of TT Medical packs, the TT Mission Pack MK II, the larger TT Modular Gunner Packs, the TT Mission Pack MKII’s, and TT Transportation Bags. Included in the Tasmanian Tiger product donation were many of the smaller, yet just essential gear items, such as the TT Passport RFID B pouch.

Spending supported 322,600 jobs mostly in hotels, restaurants, transportation, recreation

WASHINGTON – The Department of the Interior today announced that visitor spending in communities near national parks in 2021 resulted in a $42.5 billion benefit to the nation’s economy and supported 322,600 mostly local jobs.  

“Nature is essential to the health, well-being and prosperity of every family and community in America, as well as to the local economies of gateway communities that support our national parks,” said Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland. “As we continue to welcome families to our parks and public lands across the country, the Interior Department is committed to making investments in our lands and waters that will support tens of thousands of jobs, safeguard the environment, and help ensure that national parks and public lands are ready to meet the challenges of climate change and increased visitation.” 

According to the National Park Service report, 2021 National Park Visitor Spending Effects, approximately 297 million visitors spent $20.5 billion in communities within 60 miles of a national park. Of the 322,600 jobs supported by visitor spending, 268,900 jobs were in park gateway communities.

Additional findings include: 

DU TRAP provides funding for more than 7,000 youth shooters

Since its inception in early 2021, Ducks Unlimited’s Team Resource Assistance Program (DU TRAP) has assisted more than 7,000 youth shooters by providing immediate funding for team activities. Two hundred teams from 36 states have used the grant program.

DU TRAP supplies teams with discounted merchandise and professionally designed marketing materials for use in team fundraising efforts, with no up-front costs. The program allows groups to set their own pricing and length of sale while choosing from a variety of prizes to fit their program size. Once complete, net proceeds are retained by the participating team. Program design also includes the shipping of prizes to winners, if desired.

“DU TRAP worked fabulously for us,” said Brian Garrels, coach of the Emmetsburg Hot Shots of Iowa. “We sold out our 250 tickets in 48 hours. I wish we would have ordered more tickets.”

Funds from the DU TRAP program assist teams with expenses for ammunition, targets, travel, entry fees, team equipment and more. Teams average $3,675 net per event, helping Ducks Unlimited sustain youth shooting sports and facilitate hunter recruitment.