Hunting and Fishing News & Blog Articles

Partnership Links Innovative Marine Manufacturer with Dynamic Agency

Success on the water demands precision boat control. Whether slipping through reedbeds for slab crappies or patrolling the lily pads for bigmouth bass, anglers rely on the quiet propulsion of electric trolling motors to blend speed and stealth as they approach their wary quarry. Pro Controll offers everything anglers need to leverage the power and versatility of their trolling motors to catch more fish on every trip.

Pro Controll exists because two avid anglers – Richard Mynster and Mike Rhodes – forged a lifelong friendship while fishing the small lakes of Wyandotte County near Kansas City, Kansas. They drew inspiration from the belief that everyone should have the ability to fish like the pros, whether they could afford a fully-rigged bass boat or – like many anglers – they enjoyed the simplicity of a jon or utility boat. For over three decades, Pro Controll has offered reliable, durable, and affordable products that help everyone fish like the pros. Today, Pro Controll’s product array is focused squarely on helping all anglers enjoy versatile, dependable boat control with electric trolling motors. 

Effective April 1, 2022, King Eider Communications is the marketing agency of record for Pro Controll, developing broad-spectrum marketing and social media strategies, crafting compelling editorial content for both trade and consumer audiences, managing public and media relations, producing dynamic photo and video assets and spearheading media buying activities. “Pro Controll is proud to announce our partnership with King Eider Communications to represent our entire product lineup,” notes Mike Rhodes, President of RM Industries – the home of the Pro Controll family of products. “Their vast knowledge and presence in the sportfishing industry will significantly increase our product and brand awareness. We look forward to sharing our story through this partnership, and we’re confident that King Eider Communications will help support our continued growth.”

King Eider Communications, led by founder and industry veteran Dena Woerner-Vick, brings innovation, decades of experience, and a deep knowledge of the sportfishing marketplace to Pro Controll’s efforts. “Our entire company is thrilled to be working with Pro Controll, a company with a decades-long legacy of supporting anglers with high-quality and affordable products. When we learned about the innovative new products that Pro Controll is bringing to market, we knew that we wanted to be the team to tell their story” said Woerner-Vick.

This summer, there is no shortage of things to do. Days last longer, the weather is warmer, and there’s a sense of freedom.

Summer is perfect for trying new things and making memories that will last a lifetime.

Whether you’re looking for adventure, relaxation, or something in between, here are 10 things you must try this summer.

1) Learn spearfishing

This may be something you’ve always wanted to do, and this summer is the perfect time to learn! Spearfishing is a great way to spend a day out on the water, and it can be gratifying once you catch your first fish. Neptonics Spearfishing Academy offers a variety of courses that will teach you everything you need to know, from safety to the best techniques.

2) Visit a lavender farm

Lavender fields are gorgeous, and they make for a great day trip. You can tour the farm at Purple Haze Lavender Farm, learn how lavender is grown, and even pick your lavender to take home. There’s also a gift shop on-site where you can purchase lavender-infused products like soap, candles, etc.

We picked up our first Phoozy XP-3 smartphone protection case way back in the summer of 2018. We took it fishing down in Missouri over a week at Table Rock Lake. Since then the Phoozy has traveled with us over the last four years, and hot or cold, when our phone went into our pack, it was protected inside the Phoozy just to keep it at a standard temperatures.

The vast majority of our hunts are in cold weather temperatures here in Nebraska with the exception of our turkey and predator hunts which can be quite warm.  These days we have a Phoozy Insulated Tablet Case for our iPad as well as the newest XP-3 Thermal Capsule for the iPhone.

These new cases are Climate Proof, Sink Proof and Drop Proof. I like to think of them as basically bomb proof. There really isn’t anything you can do to hurt your phone in these cases unless of course you are dumb enough to shoot the case with your phone inside of the Phoozy. We don’t recommend that. 

Why the Phoozy?

The new Phoozy cases have only gotten better. The Apollo II case even has a microbial version and the XP-3 now has attachment straps to attach the case to your backpack, belt, caribiner, lanyard or onto your pack using Molle webbing.  When I am hunting, hiking or traveling the Phoozy case is almost always with me.  I work hard to limit my phone being out when I am hunting so I can be present to the moment and the only time it comes out is for the opportunity to take a photo.  It keeps me in the moment and it keeps my phone ready to use when I need it. 

Phoozy Specifications

PHOOZY XP3 Sizing Guide 

Conclusion

If you are looking for the best protection for your device from overheating in summer temperatures or insulation in extreme cold temperatures. If you are looking for a floating water-resistant case to keep your phone safe on the boat or in a duck blind. If you are looking for a bomb-proof case to keep your electronics safe, take a serious look at the Phoozy. My favorite feature of the Phoozy is that it keeps my expensive iPhone out of the eyes of thieves and out of my hands when I should be enjoying the moment. The Phoozy reminds me to stash my phone for when I need it and this all comes at a price less than $50.00.

The question as to which is the best turkey box call is a great debate amongst hunters.  Box calls have been the time-honored call for legions of turkey hunters for its simplicity of use, sounds, pitch and availability. With more options than time, which would be considered the best turkey box call for your hard-earned dollar?

Quaker Boy Grand Old Master

Quaker Boy is a popular brand in the east and south. Its roots as a brands are firmly planted in western, New York  where the brand still does its manufacturing. The Grand Old Master turkey box call from Quaker Boy was the original design from founder Dick Kirby back in the mid 1970s. Meshing an American Cherry Top and Poplar bottom, the Grand Old Master produces the crisp yelps, cuts and purrs of a hen turkey, and has helped thousands of turkey hunters fill their tags over the past four decades. Quaker Boy also produces a waterproof version called the Hurricane for those who venture afield in inclimate weather. 

Woodhaven Walnut Real Hen

Woodhaven has one of the best turkey box calls on the market.  Woodhaven as a brand has been on a meteoric rise over the past few years through product quality and content quality.When it comes to turkey box calls, the Woodhaven Walnut Real Hen is one of the best quality on the market. If you are looking for great sound and big volume, box calls are tough to beat.The Woodhaven Walnut Real Hen sounds similar to an old hen. The Real Hen offers deep raspy yelps as well as cutts and cackles that sound extremely realistic. The Real Hen features a walnut trough style body with a beautiful Brazilian Cherry top. 

Zink-Wicked Series Box Call

One of the best known names in all things bird calling is Zink. Zink Calls are proudly made in the USA, and are among the most popular turkey calls in the country. Born from Zink Calls and NWTF Grand National Champion custom call maker Marlin Watkins, the Wicked Series™ Box is a traditional-style box call constructed from poplar, and extremely dense bloodwood for premium pitch and range.A double-sided design gets the job done two times over to produce different tones and emulate multiple hens. With Marlin’s trademark style these versatile, natural turkey sounds are astonishing ” from soft calling to loud locating, and everything in between. If you want championship design look for the Wicked Series turkey box call from Zink, you’ll find this call worth the investment.

Dury & H.S. Strut- Final Roost

While most people hear the name Drury and think deer hunting, don’t forget Mark Drury is a champion turkey caller. In partnership with Hunters Specialties, The Final Roost turkey box call is new to the market but has all the intangibles of a great turkey box call. First, it’s made with a special select American Walnut body topped with a purple heart wood paddle. The deep cavity with narrow bottom and thin sideboards for that high end on the front that drops into a nice rasp and back end. Now, each call is hand tuned for that perfect pitch before being packaged and shipped out. If you love supporting the Drury and Hunters Speciality brand, look no further than the Final Roost turkey box call. 

The 5.11 PT-R has been a part of my daily fitness routine for the last nine months or so. I know I have not been utilizing it as much as I should, but every day around lunch time, I spend about 15 minutes lifting right next to my desk mostly as a stress relief more than anything else.  Picking up a large 50 lb. bag and being able to toss it up over my shoulders and slamming it down on the ground seems to work out any stress that I am having on any given day. 

5.11 Tactical PT-R Weight Kit 50 Lb – Physical Training-Ready Specifications

The PT-R Weight kit is basically a 3-in-1 weight set. The PT-R fully set up can be either 50 lbs. or 100 lbs. depending on the size you choose. Inside of the large bag are two smaller bags that can be used for kettlebell workouts. I you remove the sand you can travel with this kit just about anywhere you go. All you need to do is add sand which can be purchased at just about any hardware store like Ace, Home Depot or Lowes.  

According to 5.11 these are perfect for enlisting in the training lifestyle. The PT-R Weight Kit 50 comes with Ready Bag as well as tow PT-R 25 liners capable of holding 25 pounds of sand which you need to purchase yourself. The liners can be used Individually as training weights and feature roll-top opening which make these easy to set up and 100% leak proof so sand will not be everywhere when you work out. The bags feature eight reinforced non-slip handles that are suited for a variety of workouts and offer double-layer reinforcement on bottom and end panels. You can basically throw these around and never worry about the wear and tear of these bags.

PT-R Dimensions

4″H x 28″L x 9″D
1282 cubic in / 21-liter total capacity
Weight: 1.19 kg (bag + 2 liners)

These come in Black and Kangaroo; the inner liners will be the opposite color of the outer liner.  If you order the black outer bag the two bags inside will come in Kangaroo. Just be aware of this as it has nothing to do with form or function. The 50 lb. bag is just under $140.00 and the 100 lb. bag is just under $160.00. There are often deals around that you can find these for less. The lowest we have seen the 50 lb. bag was $112 on a President’s Day sale directly through the 5.11 website. You can pick up playground sand from your local store for around $5.00 so filling these bags is not expensive. 

The Mule Deer Foundation (MDF) welcomed today’s announcement by Secretary Deb Haaland about the Department of the Interior’s (DOI) continued commitment to Secretarial Order 3362. The Order, signed in 2018 during MDF’s Western Hunting & Conservation Expo, has played a critical role in increasing focus on research, conservation, and restoration of big game migration corridors and seasonal ranges. Also during the press conference, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) released Ungulate Migrations of the Western United States: Volume 2 that documents 65 big game migration routes in seven states and on tribal lands in Wyoming. MDF Cooperative Mule Deer Biologist Lucas Olson has served as a liaison to the USGS Corridor Mapping Team through a shared position with the Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) and worked with the team to produce the report.

“We appreciate that this Administration remains committed to SO 3362 and recognizes the importance of big game migration corridors and seasonal ranges. We hope that this support also means the Department will continue to commit significant funding for SO 3362 habitat projects and big game migration research in fiscal year 2023 and beyond,” commented Joel Pedersen, MDF President/CEO. “Through the leadership provided by the Department and working collaboratively with state fish and wildlife agencies, SO 3362 has proven to be a highly successful landscape conservation initiative that is benefiting economically and ecologically important big game species, but also the hundreds of other species that depend on the same habitat.” 

Today’s presentation included an announcement of the grants that will be funded in Fiscal Year 2022 through the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation’s (NFWF) Western Big Game Seasonal Habitat and Migrations Corridors Fund. The $2.5 million for 13 projects will be matched by $7 million in partner funding. The Mule Deer Foundation will be working with state wildlife agency partners in Arizona, Idaho, and Wyoming for their habitat restoration projects.

“Secretarial Order 3362 has led to significant habitat improvement projects through the NFWF grant program and the Mule Deer Foundation is proud to work with our partners on projects like habitat restoration, invasive weed management, and transitioning to wildlife-friendly fencing. These conservation efforts are making a difference on the ground and continued funding for this grant program in FY23 and beyond is essential to keep up the momentum,” Pedersen noted. “It is through the new science generated by wildlife biologists like our own Lucas Olson that we can focus the right work in the right places at the right scale where it will make the biggest difference for western big game species.”

In his role with MDF and AZGFD, Olson works with the USGS Corridor Mapping Team to use consistent scientific methods to analyze and map big game migration corridors and key seasonal range. The Corridor Mapping Team uses analytical tools such as the Brownian Bridge Movement Model to create heat maps, which represent ‘hot’ and ‘cold’ spots as probabilities of animals using certain areas. These models are being used to help wildlife managers identify road crossing hotspots, movement bottlenecks, or critical seasonal range within a population of mule deer and other big game to prioritize these areas for conservation. Many of the maps in the second volume of the Ungulate Migrations report come from collaring studies that were funded or inspired through the SO 3362 process. The results of the research allow for even more precise targeting of conservation action in the areas that big game species need the most help.

EDGEFIELD, S.C.— Congress passed a bill on to the president Wednesday that benefits hunters, anglers and other outdoor enthusiasts and brings federal land management agencies into the 21st century. 

The MAPLand Act (Modernizing Access to our Public Lands Act), which had broad bipartisan support, moves to the president’s desk in an effort to improve access and clarity on federal lands and waters. This bill is important because it directs federal land-management agencies to work together to create a compatible and comprehensive database of federal public lands and waters and digital maps showing up-to-date access points and openings/closures for recreational use. The system would be available to the outdoor recreation public for use on GPS units and smartphones. 

The MAPLand Act requires agencies to provide geospatial files with records to include: 

“For far too long, exact locations, boundaries and access to our nation’s federal public lands have remained a confusing and often mysterious prospect for hunters and other people who recreate outdoors,” NWTF CEO Becky Humphries said. “Having a modern mapping system compatible with smartphones and other common devices that includes up-to-date boundaries, entry points and closures will ensure hunters, anglers and others stay legal, avoid trespassing and make the most of our federal public lands.”

The MAPLand Act was sponsored by Sen. Jim Risch (R-Idaho) and co-sponsored by Sens. Angus King (I-Maine), Joe Manchin (D-WV), John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), Susan Collins (R-Maine), Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Jon Tester (D-Mont.), Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Steve Daines (R-Mont.), Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.), Margaret Wood Hassan (D-N.H.), Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.) and John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.).

Congress secures groundbreaking public land access win for hunters and anglers

(Washington, D.C.)— The Senate has passed the Modernizing Access to our Public Land Act, which would enhance recreational opportunities on public land by investing in modern mapping systems that allow outdoor enthusiasts to access the information they need using handheld GPS technology commonly found in smartphones.

The MAPLand Act has been a top priority for sportsmen and sportswomen across the country. It is sponsored by Senator Jim Risch (R-Idaho) and co-sponsored by Senators Angus King (I-Maine), Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.), John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), Susan Collins (R-Maine), Ron Wyden (D-Oreg.), Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Jon Tester (D-Mont.), Ted Cruz (R-Tex.), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Steve Daines (R-Mont.), Martin Heinrich (D-N.Mex.), Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.), Margaret Wood Hassan (D-N.H.), Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.), and John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.).

The Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee passed the MAPLand Act on November 18, 2021, with unanimous support. A companion bill (H.R. 3113)  cleared the House earlier this month in an overwhelmingly bipartisan vote. That version, following last night’s passage in the Senate, now only awaits a signature from President Biden before becoming law.

“Hunters and anglers as well as our partners in the outdoor industry have been vocal champions of the MAPLand Act since it was first introduced, because we know that this common-sense investment will empower more people to get outside and discover new recreational opportunities,” said Whit Fosburgh, president and CEO of the Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership. “Last night’s vote is a huge win in ensuring that our public lands system is accessible to all Americans, and we are grateful to both Democratic and Republican leadership for their support of this legislation.”

The 2022 NSCA Championship Tour, Powered by Winchester, is now underway after the recent conclusion of the Western Regional, the first of eight events that make up the 2022 tour.

This past weekend, more than 550 shooters gathered at Coyote Springs Sporting Clays in Tucson, Arizona.

Team Winchester members performed exceedingly well and were prevalent on the podium throughout the events. Special congratulations are in order for Zach Kienbaum who was the Western Regional champion, but the entire team had an excellent performance, indicating an exciting season ahead. Notable results from the event include: 

Ladies Cup Regional Winners

The next stop for the 2022 NSCA Championship Tour is the World English in San Antonio, Texas, on April 19-24, 2022. For live updates from the range, follow Winchester on Instagram and Facebook.

Secretary Haaland announces new actions to conserve and enhance wildlife migration corridors in partnership with states and Tribes

(Washington, D.C.)— Today, the Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership celebrated a U.S. Department of the Interior event announcing a suite of developments and commitments centered on wildlife migration and connectivity.

Secretary Deb Haaland participated in a live-streamed panel discussion on wildlife movement corridors and habitat connectivity, highlighting steps that the Biden Administration is taking to continue implementation of Secretarial Order 3362—signed in 2018 by then-Secretary Ryan Zinke—as well as plans to expand this work to include additional species and geographies.

“Migration corridors and other seasonal habitats are critical to maintaining wildlife abundance and public hunting opportunities in the West,” said Whit Fosburgh, president and CEO of the Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership. “We appreciate Secretary Haaland’s leadership on this issue, and today’s announcement further demonstrates that wildlife migration conservation is an issue that spans political boundaries and is something that all Americans can agree on.”

In addition to the panel discussion, several announcements from the event promise a continuing commitment and further progress on the issue of wildlife migration, including:

Wild turkey hunting seasons are opening nationwide, so it’s time to brush up on turkey knowledge, get gear in order, and head to the woods! The wild turkey is a uniquely North American Species, found in six Canadian provinces and all lower 48 United States and Hawaii, where the turkey was introduced in the early 1960s. Hunting turkey helps control populations and maintain the natural caution of people, not to mention making great field-to-table meals.

Turkey makes a great start to hunting and a challenge to seasoned hunters; no animal will test stealth and patience like a wild turkey! Hunters have always played a critical role in managing the big birds; in the early 1900s, there were only 100,000 turkeys remaining compared to the estimated 7 million in the wild today. The wild turkey rebound results from wildlife conservation and habitat programs. These programs are funded by hunting licenses and taxes on firearms and ammunition. Through the work of state game agencies, conservation groups like Safari Club International (SCI), and the many hunters and conservationists who volunteered their time and sweat, wild turkeys are flourishing across the country. 

For example, as the Lansing, Michigan SCI Chapter noted, “In the early 1980s, turkeys were released in Southern Michigan and adapted and reproduced so well that they established a limited turkey hunting season within ten years.” Similar reintroductions occurred across the nation, and by the early 1990s, most states had at least a limited turkey hunting season.

In California, the San Diego Chapter of SCI was, and remains, a crucial player in introducing a growing and sustainable turkey population in San Diego County. Over the years, SCI has worked closely with other hunting and conservation organizations on numerous turkey conservation initiatives and habitat programs.

Although turkeys have been a conservation success story, management plans must be constantly monitored and improved to ensure the long-term sustainability of the species. Hunting is the backbone of conservation and management of turkey by providing both general funding and targeted resources. 

Today, the Association of Fish & Wildlife Agencies was excited to witness the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee markup to advance the Recovering America’s Wildlife Act (S.2372). The Association applauds Chairman  Carper (D-DE) and Ranking Member  Capito (R-WV) for their leadership in bringing S.2372 up for a vote in the full committee and looks forward to working with members of the committee to advance this important legislation that has 32 bipartisan cosponsors toward final passage in the Senate. 

State fish and wildlife agencies have identified over 12,000 species in need of proactive conservation to prevent them from becoming threatened or endangered. The bipartisan Recovering America’s Wildlife Act, reintroduced by Senators Martin Heinrich (D-NM) and Roy Blunt (R-MO) in July 2021, is a solution to this critical problem. The Association would like to thank Senator Heinrich and Senator Blunt for their leadership on this bill.

This bipartisan legislation will dedicate $1.3 billion annually to state fish and wildlife agencies to implement their science-based wildlife action plans and an additional $97.5 million for tribal fish and wildlife managers to conserve fish and wildlife on tribal lands and waters. The Senate bill as adopted by the committee includes a federal funding component for wildlife species recovery planning that builds on the collaborative partnerships with states, Tribes, and private landowners to help move additional species off the federal Endangered Species Act list. The Senate bill complements the House version (H.R. 2773), introduced in April 2021, which has gained strong, bipartisan co-sponsorship due to its innovative approach to solving America’s wildlife crisis, with the current list of co-sponsors growing to more than 171 members.

If the bill passes out of committee, it will be ready for floor votes in the House and Senate.

“The Recovering America’s Wildlife Act represents a strong commitment toward restoring and managing the most imperiled species within our states’ borders,” said Tony Wasley, Director of the Nevada Department of Wildlife and President of the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies. “The bill would help expedite the recovery of thousands of at-risk species through proactive, collaborative conservation, and the economic value of that conservation to states and to taxpayers can’t be overstated either.”

AG Composites, a veteran owned designer and manufacturer of advanced composite products, is a proud supporter of Guardian Long Range, a non-profit organization that uses its passion for precision shooting to create weekend competitions that support orphaned and foster children in need. 

The Guardian Long Range Competitions consist of multi-day precision shooting events across the country that emphasize fellowship and awareness to promote and assist foster and orphan programs. The professionally organized events offer opportunities to test skills with a rifle and compete for generously donated prizes and year-long bragging rights. All proceeds from the events go back to helping children through scholarships and youth sponsorships. 

“AG Composites has been a generous supporter of The Guardian programs for years,” said Gary Larson, founder and president. “Their generous donations at each of our shooting events has helped provide scholarships and assistance to so many children in our program. They are true guardians and mentors of the community.”

“We are honored to be a part of such a great program,” said Matt Tandy. “It is amazing to know that the donation of our products helps children find their forever homes and assist those who age out of foster care with scholarships and other much needed assistance. We are truly committed to this cause and will continue our support for years to come because every child deserves a family.”

The 2022 Match sign-ups are currently open. There are five fund-raising matches. They are as follows:

Recovering America’s Wildlife Act Will Prevent Extinctions, Safeguard Species From Our Backyards to Backcountry

The U.S. Senate Environment and Public Works Committee’s bipartisan vote to advance the Recovering America’s Wildlife Act brings the most significant wildlife conservation legislation in half a century — one step closer to becoming law. The vote affirms that the bill, which will prevent extinctions by investing $1.4 billion in proactive, collaborative conservation efforts, is the right approach to addressing the wildlife crisis.

“The Recovering America’s Wildlife Act is the most significant wildlife-conservation bill in half a century — and today’s strong bipartisan vote brings it one tremendous step closer to becoming law,” said Collin O’Mara, president and CEO of the National Wildlife Federation. “With more than one-third of all wildlife species in the United States at heightened risk of extinction, we are incredibly grateful for all of the Republicans, Democrats and independents working together to advance this historic legislation that matches the magnitude of America’s wildlife crisis. Thank you to Chairman Carper, Ranking Member Capito, the members of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, and original co-sponsors Senator Heinrich and Senator Blunt for advancing this legislation to the floor.”

The Recovering America’s Wildlife Act would:

Visit the National Wildlife Federation Media Center at NWF.org/News.

Silencer Central, America’s largest silencer dealer, is thrilled to introduce Kristy Titus of Pursue The Wild, as part of a series of new ambassador partnership announcements.

A Second Amendment advocate, certified firearms instructor, Refuse To Be A Victim instructor, range safety officer, and competitive long-range shooter and avid archer, Kristy is passionate about preserving our hunting heritage and sharing her adventures with outdoor enthusiasts.

“Kristy makes an excellent addition to our ambassador program,” said Brandon Maddox, CEO of Silencer Central. “She’s entertaining, passionate and puts forth her core values of educating viewers and demonstrating the relevance of hunting, and the need to support the Second Amendment. She’s a well-rounded individual with a background in shooting sports, and it’s exciting to have her join our team.”

Through the ambassador program, Silencer Central strives to break the stigma surrounding silencers. An exceptional tool for sound elimination and recoil reduction, suppressors are multi-functional and great when used properly by hunters. Silencer Central delivers directly to customers in 42 states where silencers are legal. The shipping process has revolutionized the way suppressors are sold and allows for customers to streamline their purchasing experience by cutting out unnecessary hurdles to silencer ownership.

Customers can buy direct from Silencer Central. For more information, call 888-781-8778 or visit their  website. 

Blaser Group is pleased to announce Joshua McBrayer as its Director of Shotgun Programs for North America. McBrayer has spent the past six years working with Blaser Germany, first as International Sales Manager for Blaser in Australia, New Zealand, England, Ireland, Benelux, South America, and the USA. Most recently, he served as Brand Manager for the company in addition to his sales role.

In his new position as Director of Shotgun Programs, McBrayer will be responsible for managing the company’s strong competitive shotgun sports presence, as well as building additional Blaser, Mauser, J.P. Sauer, Liemke, and John Rigby & Co. programs and relationships with consumers and dealers.

“We have worked with Josh for years and are thrilled that he is moving back to the United States and joining our team in San Antonio as Director of Shotgun Programs,” said Jason Evans, CEO, Blaser Group. “Josh has done an outstanding job establishing and managing sales channels and dealer networks on behalf of Blaser throughout the world and building long-term relationships with partners. His proven track record and shotgun expertise make him an invaluable part of our team.”

“I am truly excited to be joining the Blaser Group team in San Antonio as Director of Shotgun Programs,” said McBrayer. “This group is one of the best in the industry, and I look forward to working with them to increase brand awareness and market share for Blaser here in the U.S. After working in the international markets for Blaser for the past six years, I look forward to leveraging my knowledge and experience to build on the already strong reputation of Blaser here at home.”

Born and raised in Birmingham, Ala., McBrayer, a degreed engineer, has spent more than 15-years in major account management. He is a lifelong hunter and an avid shooter.

Depend on London gunmaker John Rigby & Co.’s new hand-sewn leather rifles slings to offer silence when it matters.

Made in England from the finest tan leather, these classic slings are comfortable to carry with a non-slip, brushed backing to securely hold your rifle in place. Tough and dependable, they feature a buckle to easily adjust the height of the sling and are embossed with the Rigby name and ‘double R’ logo.

Available with either loop ends which attach to standard swivels or thong ends which can tie through all sling loops, they are quick and easy to attach to your rifle.

Rigby’s managing director, Marc Newton, commented: “On those hard-earned final moments hunting, you need equipment you can rely on and that’s exactly what these rifles slings are designed for. As the name suggests, they won’t rustle or knock against your rifle’s stock, causing any alarm while in pursuit of your quarry.”

£105 inc. VAT, plus P&P.

New Zealand based cult clothing brand Swazi Apparel has unveiled their new Amulet merino t-shirt for ladies. Ready to take on any adventure, the top is designed for ladies who are said to be a force of nature, a mystery and built for more.

Wear the Amulet climbing hills or pounding the pavements, this short-sleeved t-shirt will blow your expectations out of the water in terms of active gear that works with, and for you.

Made from sustainable NuYarn® merino wool, the Amulet is quick-drying and highly durable, offering greater elasticity while retaining its shape, and 35 percent greater thermal retention than conventional merino. 

Breathable mesh panels incorporated into the sides of the garment improve vapour permeability, while the material’s blend of merino and Nylon allows moisture to wick away from your body, while keeping your core at a constant temperature. The extra-long cut keeps vitals warm and protected and prevents the top from riding up during movement.

Davey Hughes, founder and creative director of Swazi, commented: “The world is full of people who greatly underestimate their own capabilities. Never take risks and never try too hard. However, the Amulet is designed for ladies ready to mobilise and built for adventure. It is designed to work with your body to keep you warm, dry and comfortable while pushing those barriers.”

Simultaneously utilizing multiple fishing rods to offer target fish a variety of baits and tactics is a fantastic method to up the odds when investing time on the water. Whether it’s spider rigging jigs for crappie over submerged structure, dropping cut baits on top of big blue cats, trolling crankbaits for walleye, or drifting shrimp over saltwater flats; multi rod fishing can be extremely productive.  

Millennium Marine’s R100 Spyderlok Gen 2 is the perfect multi-rod holder for any angler rigging multiple rods in the boat, no matter the target species or the conditions on the water. Constructed of all anodized aluminum, the R100 is impervious to rust and salt and built to withstand the elements. The sturdy, 20-inch aluminum crossbar accommodates up to four-rod holders. Adjustable rod holders accept both spinning or baitcasting rigs equally well, including plastic-coated contact points protecting rods and reels from abuse.

By utilizing a combination of varied rod lengths and positioning specific rod angles, multiple fishing rigs can easily be presented at various depths and with multiple presentations. Millennium Marine’s patented Spyderlok technology makes it all possible by ensuring tight, secure locking angles and incremental rod adjustments, preventing tangled lines, and keeping baits in the water where they belong.

The R100 is uniformly suited for fishing both off the front or from the back of the boat. Easily installed and fully adjustable, the crossbar and rod holders conveniently rotate a full 360 degrees. The all-aluminum crossbar height is adjustable from 12 to 20 inches, helping anglers prevent neck and eye strain depending on angling tactics, standing or sitting height, and the location of the electronics monitor.   

The R101 base plate sits flush with the floor, preventing a tripping hazard. Two adjustable knobs provide quick and easy removal for transport with no tools required, and additional base plates are available. 

DSC is proud to announce the launch of its new Government Affairs Department based in Washington D.C. With the addition of this Department, DSC is stepping forward to take on the unparalleled opposition threatening science-based wildlife management.

To drive these efforts, DSC is excited to announce its hiring of Erica Tergeson to lead the Department. Serving as DSC’s first Government Affairs Director in Washington D.C., Erica will represent the interests of over 18,000 DSC members and ultimately all sportsmen and sportswomen around the world.

Creation of this new Department comes in response to the increasing political pressures being mounted against legal, regulated hunting and the conservation of the world’s wildlife and wild places. The need for strong leadership advocating for the role of the hunter in conservation has never been greater.

“As the threat of misinformed policy continues to increase in D.C., I have no doubt that Erica’s experience, dedication, and strategic insight will lead us in making a strong stand against any impending opposition that will come our way,” stated DSC CEO Corey Mason.

With more than 20 years of experience in natural resource policy and politics, Tergeson has demonstrated skill and ability in this sector—not only previously serving as staff for the House Appropriations Committee and House Natural Resources Committee, but also testifying before Congress, representing organizations before the U.S. House, Senate and Administration, drafting and negotiating legislation, advising on policy actions, and directly contributing to the successful passage of numerous bills including legislation repealing a regulation that federalized state management of wildlife.