Hunting and Fishing News & Blog Articles

SPARTA, IL – Zanders Sporting Goods, a national distributor located in Sparta, Illinois, is proud to announce its exclusive DRD Tactical Sub-6 Rifles.

The AR15 meets the AK47 with this super lightweight mashup. Coming in at just under six pounds, it has steel in all the right places to offer solid, rugged construction in an impressively light design. Built from the ground up, every feature was redesigned with superior performance in mind. The lower receiver features an integrated 1913 picatinny rail on the butt plate, with a side-folding Magpul® buttstock securely mounted to the rear rail. Fire with the stock folded if you please. The new bolt with dovetailed gas key incorporates rail slots to eliminate BCG tilt and reduces friction for unbelievably smooth, efficient cycling that runs cleaner than standard AR systems. The barrel extension provides better lockup utilizing a trunnion system composed of steel on steel vs. steel on aluminum, which increases strength while reducing wear. The initial black model is available now exclusively through Zanders, with the Blue, Ghost, and Sandstone colors coming in the following months. Dealers can call 800-851-4373, or visit  www.gzanders.com to place their orders. More information on the DRD Sub-6 Rifle can be found at www.drdtactical.com

About Zanders Sporting Goods
Zanders has been serving U.S. firearms dealers for well over 50 years. With more than 40,000 products that now include archery, archery accessories, and camping products, Zanders has it all in their new, streamlined warehouse. “Our customers have always come first and we strive to go above and beyond their expectations every day,” states Stefanie Zanders. “Both old and new customers alike will enjoy our ever-growing inventory of outdoor products and accessories as well as our commitment to ensure their complete satisfaction.”

Look for the green line—the Delta McKenzie Greenline™ block-style target is built to last. In head-to-head shooting tests, results show new Greenline will last up to two times longer extending target life on the archery range.  The foundation of Greenline’s durability is its exclusive heavy-duty Mo’Foam™ layers. In addition, Greenline uses Delta’s patented process that welds the layers together into a single block.  The resulting solid target offers four-sided shooting and further extends durability.

Greenline features:

Visit your archery dealer or go to dmtargets.com  to see the full line of Delta targets.

Available for a limited time only, the world-famous AA® shotshell, AA128  Light Target Load, has a new look as Winchester celebrates the 70th anniversary of NILO, its iconic hunting and shooting facility. This is the same ammunition sport shooters and competitors have trusted for more than 50 years, now with commemorative packaging that is sure to be a popular collectible.

In 1952, John M. Olin took more than 600 acres of farmland joined by timber and turned it into a wildlife oasis. He created the ideal place to raise and train the best Labrador retrievers in the world and called it NILO. The land was dedicated to unsurpassed hunting, sport shooting, gun dogs and conservation education.  

Over the years, celebrities, political dignitaries, sports heroes, and avid outdoorsmen and women have enjoyed the hospitality at NILO. For decades, legendary AA shotshells have been used in the NILO fields and on its ranges. This specially packaged ammunition commemorates the legacy of John M. Olin and his commitment to conservation and the shooting sports.

About NILO

NILO is open to the public year-round by reservation and on select shooting days for sporting clays, trap, skeet and 5-stand. Hunting season is October 1-March 31 for pheasant, chukar and flighted ducks. To learn more or to make a reservation, visit www.nilofarms.com.

About Winchester Ammunition

Winchester is the largest small caliber ammunition enterprise in the world and the leader in delivering innovative ammunition products to hunters, sport shooters, law enforcement and the U.S. Warfighter. The 156-year-old Winchester brand is built on integrity, hard work and a deep focus on its loyal customers. Learn more about Winchester by visiting Winchester.com or connecting with us on Facebook at  Facebook.com/WinchesterOfficial.

Federal Ammunition sponsored shooter and Olympic Gold Medalist, Vincent Hancock, wins three gold medals at the 2022 ISSF World Cup in Baku, Azerbaijan. Hancock continues to build upon his storied shooting career with these gold medals at the ISSF World Cup competition. 

“Vincent performs at a high-level with professionalism time and time again,” said Jason Nash, Federal’s Vice President of Marketing. “We know that a talent of this level has to trust the best equipment available, and we are proud to have him as part of the Federal Ammunition shooting team family.”

The first gold medal for Hancock came in the Men’s Skeet competition with a victory over Nicolas LeJeune in the finals. Hancock’s second gold medal came in the Men’s Skeet Team event where the USA team of Hancock, Phillip Jungman and Adam McBee bested Greece in the finals.

Hancock and Federal Ammunition sponsored shooter, Austen Smith, joined together to win the Skeet Mixed Team event on the last day of the ISSF World Cup. The two Olympians defeated a German team in the gold medal match capping off a very successful three gold medal performance for Hancock at this ISSF World Cup event. 

“It was great to see Vincent and Austen back in competition against a fierce competitive field of such skilled shooters, from all across the world,” continued Nash. “To be able to represent the USA and come away with three gold medals was a great accomplishment.”

KALISPELL, MONTANA – The Professional Outdoor Media Association’s (POMA) 2022 Pinnacle Award honorees were announced by Thomas MacAulay, during POMA’s 16th Annual Business Conference in Kalispell, MT. on Wednesday, June 15.

The Pinnacle Awards honor journalists for remarkable achievement in traditional outdoor sports-focused communications, including writing, photography/illustration/art, and broadcasting as well as content focused on wildlife conservation.

“The outdoor media and content creators of our industry are paramount to communicating our message to the public. The Pinnacle Awards are designed to highlight the best of the best within the outdoor media, and we are proud to present these awards to those individuals who are a credit to our industry,” said POMA’s Executive Director, Thomas MacAulay.

2022 POMA PINNACLE AWARD WINNERS 

Art/Photography:

TrueTimber has announced new waterproof apparel for dedicated outdoorsmen looking to stay dry no matter the conditions. When the fish are biting but the weather is bad, users can stay out longer and stay dry with TrueTimber’s lineup of hardcore rainwear. With options for serious fishermen facing long days on the water or lifestyle gear to keep on hand for a quick rainstorm, TrueTimber has a rainwear solution for every user.  

“If you ask any outdoorsman or woman, he or she will tell you that two of the hardest things to face in the outdoors are the wind and the rain,” said TrueTimber CEO Rusty Sellars. “We’ve always put a ton of time into developing gear that allows us to stay out in the elements and be comfortable longer. We’ve developed these items to do just that—keep the rain and the wind out so you can focus on your task at hand instead of worrying about the weather.” 

WaveTamer Series

The WaveTamer Series was designed for fisherman facing long, unpredictable days on the water or anyone in need of serious rainwear. The 100% nylon waterproof, breathable fabric features a Weather-Lock shell that is nearly impenetrable. The material is light enough to be worn in warm weather, but tough enough to completely block out bone chilling wind or heavy rain. Adjustable draw cords, rear crown adjustment and hook and loop sleeves offer a perfect fit and waterproof zippers keep cargo completely dry. The WaveTamer Parka, Pant and Bib are available in Stellar/Jet Black, Gibraltar Sea/Tonal, Cool Gray/Jet Black and Red Hot/Jet Black color combinations. MSRP Parka $129.99, Pant $89.99, Bib $129.99.

HyTrek Packable Rain Gear

Federal Ammunition sponsored shooter Derrick Mein won the Federal HOA Cup 400 hosted by Game Unlimited Hunting Club and Sporting Clays in Hudson, Wisconsin, held June 10-12. Federal was the title sponsor for the event which included a 200-target Main Event, 100-target FITASC, 50-target 5-Stand and 50-target Super Sport.

Mein won 1st Place in the High Overall scoring. He won the Main Event and the Super Sport event. He also took 2nd in 5-Stand and 5th in FITASC.

“The difficulty of the targets put an extra need for confidence in my ammo,” said Mein. “Federal HOA and Gold Medal Papers were up to the task providing solid consistent breaks even on the longest of targets, which allowed me to focus on putting the shot on target.”

Team Federal’s Gregg Wolf also had an impressive performance. Wolf won 3rd Place in the High Overall scoring and He placed 4th in the Main Event.

“Mein and Wolf were certainly two of the top shooters of the weekend,” said Federal’s Vice President of Marketing Jason Nash. “It’s incredible to see shooters in the Master class division shoot so well with our products. HOA is great ammo, and this event highlighted its winning capabilities. We congratulate Team Federal on these accomplishments and look forward to seeing more successes at upcoming matches all summer long.”

Adding to its long list of accolades, CCI was recently recognized with the 2022 Gold Award in the category of Rimfire Ammo by the readers of Shooting Sports Retailer and Tactical Retailer. Voted by readers of both publications, this award continues to acknowledge the quality of CCI Rimfire Ammo.

“We were happy to hear CCI is again a Gold Award winner. This award is continued affirmation of the great job everyone on the CCI team does to continue to make a reliable product,” said CCI Rimfire Product Manager, Dan Compton. “The award from these publications is special in part because it comes from shooters that work in our great industry from retailers, gunsmiths, and shooting range employees. Showing once again that our products are used and trusted by both everyday shooters and industry professionals.”

To find the Gold Award winners, Shooting Sports Retailer and Tactical Retailer send ballots to their readers to find which shooting products are their top picks. Voting is 100% digital and limited to one ballot per person, with a qualification question to ensure the voter is an active part of the shooting sports market as an independent retailer, gunsmith, shooting range employee, content contributor, or manufacturer rep.

“Rimfire shooters looking for a great round should check out the award-winning line of products from CCI,” said Compton. “CCI has rimfire products for backyard shooters, to small game, and varmint loads.”

For more information on all products from CCI Ammunition or to shop for rimfire ammo directly online, go to www.cci-ammunition.com.

Federal has received the 2022 Gold Award in the category of Shotshells by the readers of Shooting Sports Retailer and Tactical Retailer. This recognition showcases Federal Shotshells as the top choice for readers of these two distinguished publications.

Shooting Sports Retailer and Tactical Retailer sent ballots to their readers to find which shooting products were their top picks. Federal was voted as the Gold Award recipient by members of the shooting sports market representing independent retailers, gunsmiths, shooting range employees, and manufacturer reps. With voting coming from outdoor industry professionals, it showcases the quality and reliability of Federal shotshells.

“To be awarded the Gold recipient from both of these magazines is a huge honor,” said Federal Shotshell Product Director, Rick Stoeckel. “This shows that the hard-working people of the outdoor industry trust Federal shotshells as their top brand. This award continues to demonstrate why Federal Ammunition has been a trusted brand for 100 years.”

Federal shotshell ammunition covers a wide range of products for all types of shooters. For any shooting sports or tactical customer looking for shotshells for upland, waterfowl, sporting clays or self-defense, Federal Ammunition has a wide selection to fit the needs of shooters anywhere.

Federal ammunition can be found at dealers nationwide or purchased online direct from Federal. For more information on all products from Federal or to shop online, visit www.federalpremium.com.

Bushnell®, an industry leader in performance optics, in license agreement with Mirage Occhiali® a leading sunglass design and manufacturing house for performance sports eyewear, announces that Spring / Summer 2022 Bushnell Performance Sunglasses are now available.

Built for the pursuit with quality and innovation Bushnell Performance sunglasses evolved from three key pillars of design – performance, protection, and comfort. Designs encompass all the features needed to perform at the highest caliber and ensure a competitive advantage for shooters, hunters, anglers, and outdoor enthusiasts.

“I’ve trusted Bushnell optics for many years hunting around the world,” said Michael Waddell, host of television shows Bone Collector & Realtree Roadtrips. “If anyone knows anything about lenses, clarity, durability, and comfort, it’s Bushnell. It’s about time that they offer performance eyewear. I absolutely love my sunglasses, and I think you will too.”

Each set of Bushnell eyewear is designed with ultra-light polycarbonate lenses, which provide superior optics plus UV and HEV filtration. The lenses pass all high mass velocity impact standards, essential for protection during extreme impact sports. Additional lens features include polarization, photochromic, and color enhancing technologies allowing you to easily see in high glare environments.

The lens coatings help portray the perfect amount of light in any weather condition and offer enhanced vision capabilities so that nothing goes unnoticed. All lenses are also standard with a hydro-oleophobic coating that further improves clarity and visibility.

Ducks Unlimited (DU) is proud to welcome GUNNER® as its newest Corporate Partner. DU’s Corporate Partner Program features an elite list of companies that go above and beyond DU’s conservation call to action

Addison Edmonds, the Founder of GUNNER, built this brand out of the love of “man’s best friend” and was inspired by his four-legged best friend and retrieving fanatic, Gunner. The original product, the G1™ Intermediate, set a new bar in safety and utility for pet carriers, withstanding 4,000 lbs. of force, a 12-gauge shotgun at seven steps, and a 200-foot cliff drop, in addition to carrying a lifetime warranty. GUNNER’s kennels have helped keep thousands of pets stay safe on the road since 2015.

 “I have been a supporter of Ducks Unlimited for as long as I can remember,” said Edmonds. “This announcement is surreal as it has been a goal of mine for GUNNER to be a corporate sponsor since long before the first kennel ever went out the door. I am thrilled to see our keystone products with the DU logo and am so proud we are doing our part to support conservation efforts for future generations to enjoy the outdoors with family and friends.”

GUNNER now offers an exclusive line of DU co-branded products, including the G1™ Kennel in all four sizes. This DU collection will also include the GUNNER Food Crate and other accessories. In addition to the co-branded product, this new line features a unique green color explicitly formulated for DU. Each kennel will display the iconic DU logo on the front door, and a portion of every sale of the product line will directly benefit DU’s wetlands conservation efforts.

“DU is thrilled to welcome GUNNER Kennels to our Corporate Partner family,” said DU CEO Adam Putnam. “Not only do they offer products built to last a lifetime, but they also offer products tested and proven to provide a safe haven for your pet. For DU members, our pets are family, and GUNNER kennels offer the peace of mind that our dogs will be safe when we are on the road. This partnership adds excellent value to the DU brand, and we are excited to have them join us as a partner in wetlands conservation. “

The Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP) is honored to announce the addition of two new pistol trophies to be awarded at the annual National Matches at Camp Perry. The trophies are designed to pay tribute to prominent figures in the pistol world and will be ready for presentation at the 2022 National Matches.

The Reiter Cup National Champion Trophy, named after decorated bullseye pistol marksman and Olympian Steve Reiter, will be presented to the winner of the Match Pistol 2700 Any Sights National Champion – a competition that highlights accumulated scores in the .22, .45 and Centerfire 900 Aggregate matches.

About Steve Reiter:

Steve Reiter is a legend in bullseye pistol shooting who has earned several notable accomplishments throughout his long career. He earned his Distinguished Pistol Badge in 1972, his International Badge in 1973 and his Distinguished Rifleman Badge in 1998. In 2016, at 74 years old, he received the .22 Rimfire Pistol Badge, which, at the time, had only been in existence for a year – making him the first Quadruple Distinguished Badge marksman in history. Reiter was also a member of the USA Olympic free pistol team in 1980 and is a former U.S. Army Reserve Team member.

A recipient of 34 Overall National Championship titles and 44 National Records, he has been a competitor at the Camp Perry National Matches for over 40 years and is a five-time National Champion at the event. He is also a two-time winner of the prestigious President’s Pistol Match, two-time winner of the National Trophy Individual Match, 10-time winner of the High Senior Pistol Trophy, five-time winner of the Citizens’ Military Pistol Trophy and a two-time Free Pistol National Champion.

Landmark legislation that would invest in rebuilding at-risk fish and wildlife populations now requires Senate approval

(Washington, D.C.) — The House of Representatives has passed the Recovering America’s Wildlife Act (H.R. 2773) in a 231-190 vote, bringing us one step closer to securing a solution that has been championed by the hunting and fishing community since 2016. The bill recently advanced out of committee in the Senate and awaits a floor vote in that chamber. 

The Recovering America’s Wildlife Act would amend the Pittman-Robertson Wildlife Restoration Act to provide an additional $1.4 billion in dedicated funding per year—$1.3 billion for state agencies and $97.5 million for Tribes—to improve habitat, recover wildlife populations, and restore the infrastructure for both our natural systems and outdoor recreation opportunities.

“House passage of the Recovering America’s Wildlife Act is a defining victory for wildlife, habitat, outdoor recreation, and our economy, because we know that heading off wildlife threats is more effective—and costs less—than taking emergency action,” says Whit Fosburgh, president and CEO of the Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership. “We applaud members of the House for this step today and urge the Senate to take up and pass this bill without delay.”

State fish and wildlife agencies have identified more than 12,000 species in need of conservation action that would benefit from the Recovering America’s Wildlife Act. Included on that list are some species of particular concern to hunters and anglers, including ruffed grouse, greater sage grouse, coho salmon, and sockeye salmon.

Houston Safari Club Foundation (HSCF) and “Hunting Matters” welcomes Kevin Dougherty of Greater Houston Sports Club (GHSC).

Kevin Dougherty is the Chief Operating Officer of Greater Houston Sports Club (GHSC). Established in 1959 and situated on 290 immaculately maintained acres less than 20 minutes south of downtown, Greater Houston Sports Club is Houston’s premier shotgun sports complex.

Kevin was born and raised in Michigan and worked at Detroit Gun Club for 9 years. In 2002, he moved to Houston to take a job at Greater Houston Sports Club, as the General manger. During his now 20 years there, GHSC has seen substantial growth. Now boasting 10 Skeet fields, 2 trap fields, 4 Sporting Clays Courses, 5-stand FITASC and soon, Helice. 

Kevin lives in Katy, Texas with his wife, son and daughter.

About Hunting Matters
Tune in to “Hunting Matters” with Houston Safari Club Foundation Executive Director Joe Betar as he engages in conversations with guests, from various backgrounds, who have a passion for hunting and conservation. Great discussions, news, hunting legislation updates and more! “Hunting Matters” airs each Saturday, 6am-7am CDT on KPRC AM 950 – Real Texas, Real Talk, a Houston iHeartMedia station, and Houston’s longest running radio station. “Hunting Matters” is also available via podcast on Apple/iTunes, iHeartMedia, Google, Overcast, PodBean and Spreaker. Subscribe, listen and provide a review and rating. Hunting Matters is a 2022 Gold AVA Digital Award and 2022 NYX/Marcom Silver Award Winner. 

Irving, TX – the team at Wildgame Innovations (WGI), manufacturer of advanced wireless and non-wireless trail cameras, knows what the hunters in your life want for Father’s Day…more trail cameras! Not just any trail camera will do — he wants wireless trail cameras that send everything straight to their mobile device anytime, anywhere. That’s where Wildgame Innovations comes in.

If you’re wondering what to get Dad for his special day, look no farther than a WGI wireless trail camera. With two high-quality models to choose from, you can find a camera that will fit his needs and your budget.

The Terra camera you all know and love has now gone wireless! This brand new Terra Cell camera is a 20-megapixel camera that has an 80-foot detection and flash range to capture your target bucks and a 0.7-second trigger speed to make sure you get the shot. The textured polycarbonate housing is rugged, blends in with the environment, is cable-lock-ready, and comes with a 12V DC jack that’s compatible with solar panels. Pick up yours today for only $129.99.

Another fantastic option is the new WGI Encounter 2.0 wireless camera. The Encounter 2.0 offers 20-megapixel still images and can record video in 720p HD. A 60-foot illumination range comes courtesy of invisible high-intensity IR LEDs, and trigger speed is under ½-second. Get one for Dad today for only $149.99.

Both the Terra Cell and the Encounter 2.0 wireless cameras are setup in through the easy-to-use HuntSmart™ app and are verified through the AT&T or Verizon networks. The HuntSmart™ app offers many features to help manage images and enhance the remote scouting experience. These include mapping tools, species recognition, photo sorting, hunt predictor, buck scoring, and more. With some of the most competitive data plan options on the market, you can choose the plan that best suits your needs.

Colt’s Manufacturing Company is honored to announce that the Colt Anaconda has been selected as the 2022 American Hunter Golden Bullseye Handgun of the Year. Published by the National Rifle Association (NRA), American Hunter is the largest circulation hunting magazine in the nation.

In their 20th year, the NRA Publications Golden Bullseye Awards acknowledge the finest products available in shooting sports. The winners are selected by a seven-member committee consisting of editors, graphic designers and veteran NRA Publications staff, representing more than a century of collective experience in the shooting and hunting industry. To qualify for consideration for a Golden Bullseye Award, a product must have been:

“Chambered in the very powerful .44 Rem Mag, the Colt Anaconda was entirely re-designed in 2021 with an oversized Colt Python action, creating a double-action revolver worthy of its pedigree,” said Paul Spitale, Colt’s Executive VP Commercial Business. “A linear leaf spring action provides a non-stacking, smooth-as-glass trigger pull, while a bulked-up solid stainless-steel frame adds strength and durability for the powerful .44 Magnum cartridge.”

Additionally, recoil-absorbing Hogue grips soak up the magnum recoil. The Anaconda includes adjustable, interchangeable sights for optimum shooting at the range or in the field. Shooters who want to mount an optic will appreciate the Anaconda’s drilled and tapped frame. The 2021 Anaconda Colt has 6- and 8-inch ventilated barrel options and a recessed target crown for muzzle protection.  

Colt’s Manufacturing received this Golden Bullseye Award during a special breakfast on Friday, May 27, 2022, at the 2022 NRA Annual Meetings & Exhibits in Houston, Texas.

The Official Online Community for GLOCK Enthusiasts

GLOCK, Inc. has found a way to connect brand enthusiasts and firearm owners to share their one common interest: GLOCK, through a new online platform, GLOCK IQ (GIQ).

GIQ allows GLOCK enthusiasts an opportunity to test their GLOCK knowledge, connect with other dedicated GLOCK devotees, earn points to receive discounts on GLOCK items, keep track of their range time, ask questions in a forum, learn about firearm safety, and stay in the know about upcoming GLOCK events.

The community of brand loyalists has expanded over the years giving GLOCK the opportunity to create a personalized, online firearm-related experience that all GLOCK lovers can enjoy. GIQ is a chance for enthusiasts to speak freely about their questions and concerns or provide tips and tricks relating to firearms in a safe and educating way.

Test your GLOCK knowledge and learn how you can become a part of the GIQ community by visiting glockiq.com

The newest issue of Backcountry Hunters & Anglers’ magazine is available today

MISSOULA, Mont. – The summer issue of Backcountry Hunters & Anglers’ quarterly magazine, Backcountry Journal, is arriving just in time to inspire summer adventures in the backcountry. Here are some highlights of an issue that pays tribute to our incredible BHA community and the wild places and creatures that unite us.

Fathers and Sons and Swampers: Jonathan Wilkins, founder of Black Duck Revival and a BHA Arkansas chapter board member, joins a father-son duo on a rabbit hunt on the Mississippi River Delta. Along the way he meditates on the significance of family traditions…and learns about the often overlooked Black-houndsmen culture in the South.

A Farewell to Fish: In the spirit of Hemingway, BHA member M. Robbins Church movingly reflects on what was lost with construction of the Snake River dams – and what might be restored with their removal.

10 months, 110 miles: Alaskans know adventure; they also know how to bring their children up in the outdoors. In this story by Rory O’Hanrahan and Barry Whitehill, three BHA members bring a 10-month-old on a 110-mile wilderness float trip, filled with plenty of trials and tribulations…and eventual triumph.

Women hunters make up the fastest-growing demographic in the hunting community. To honor these ladies and our rich hunting heritage, SCI is “Celebrating Women in Hunting” during our Convention from February 22-25, 2023, in Nashville, Tennessee.

SCI has been the most consistent organization on earth to protect ALL hunting by ALL hunters. With programs like the She Hunts Skills Camp, SCI and the SCI Foundation have been major promoters of women in hunting for many years. Created by Brittany Boddington, the She Hunts Skills Camp provides women a space to develop skills and build confidence in their abilities in the outdoors. The Camp aims to help educate women about hunting to be successful hunters and pass their knowledge on to the next generation.

Additionally, SCI Foundation’s Sables program is women-led, focusing on understanding our outdoor heritage, including the role of hunting, through wildlife and conservation education programs. The annual Sables Luncheon and Auction will take place in Nashville on February 24th at the 2023 Convention. 

SCI CEO W. Laird Hamberlin stated, “SCI is thrilled to celebrate women in hunting and we invite all hunters to celebrate with us in Nashville at our 51st Annual Convention. Women are the fastest-growing group of hunters, and their engagement is critical to the future of hunting”.

Now, we want to hear from YOU! Share your hunting lifestyle, stories as an SCI member, or your favorite hunting adventure. Whether you’re a lifelong hunter or are just getting started, submit your stories for a chance to be featured on SCI socials and publications! Share as much or as little as you like in the prompts at this link: https://act.safariclub.org/nw3d2hr.

London gunmaker John Rigby & Co. is delighted to announce the creation of its new gunmakers’ apprenticeship programme, the Rigby Academy. The Rigby Academy has been developed to preserve the traditional skills and methods used in gunmaking and develop a new generation of expert precision craftsmen. Without direct action being taken, with more craftsmen retiring than joining, there is a real risk that gunmaking skills are lost or consigned to the past.  John Rigby & Co. is steeped in a rich history of British gunmaking with its core values upheld by an ambitious team of strongminded and talented craftsmen, so the company is ideally placed to take the lead on such an important issue.

Rigby is led from the front by Marc Newton, a young and dynamic managing director, who benefited from the mentorship of the brand’s former owner and gunmaker, Paul Roberts. As part of his work to restore Rigby to its rightful position as one of the world’s leading gunmakers, Marc has gathered a highly skilled, vibrant and ambitious team of gunmakers, most of whom are under the age of 30. 

Successful applicants to the Rigby Academy will complete a structured training programme over five years which has been designed by the company’s top and time-served gunmakers, with all work being overseen by Marc Newton. The apprentice gunmakers will start their training working on Rigby’s award-winning bolt action rifles, the Highland Stalker and Big Game, before progressing onto bespoke London Best rifles, before completing their training on the company’s premium Rising Bite double rifles and shotguns. On completion of the apprenticeship, the Academy’s graduates will be awarded a Rigby gunmakers’ certificate and be invited to interview for a full time, permanent position within the company.

Rigby managing director Marc Newton commented: “By creating the Rigby Academy, I hope to inspire and educate the next generation of gunmakers and help preserve the niche skills involved in gunmaking for the future. I am extremely grateful to be in the position I’m in at a relatively young age and know how important mentorship is to helping young people thrive and realise their potential. The Rigby Academy can help turn the tide away from falling gunmaker numbers towards new, young apprentices learning and preserving these skills for the future.” 

Applications to the Rigby Academy are accepted all year-round, with interested parties invited to email their CV and covering letter to: [email protected].