Hunting and Fishing News & Blog Articles

The Woobie has long been a term of endearment for the United States military-issued poncho liner. The official definition of a woobie is any object, typically a blanket, garment or stuffed animal, that is used for its comforting characteristics. Basically, a woobie is a security blanket. The US military poncho liner is an item of field equipment made from quilted nylon with a polyester filling that can be attached to a standard-issue poncho to provide additional warmth or used alone as a blanket, sleeping bag or protective cover. These poncho liners, or “woobies” as they are called, are highly regarded pieces of equipment and soldiers will do whatever they can to keep them around for life.

The first time, I came into contact with a Woobie was about the time I could walk. My father had kept his after a tour of duty in Vietnam and it was always around. We used it as a picnic blanket or my sister and I would wrap ourselves up in it on long trips. It made for a wonderful fort, and was sometimes at the bottom of our tent for a little added warmth. I have seen quarters of deer wrapped up in the woobie and honestly no matter what you threw at it, dumped on it, sat it in, rolled around in, the woobie could be tossed in the washing machine, cleaned and be ready for use. This blanket really does do it all. 

I want to be clear, I personally have never earned my own woobie, but my heart goes out to every single U.S. soldier who has earned their own. I bought my first woobie at a military surplus store when I was about 19 years old in Portland, Oregon. I had left home to go to college and was just starting to do some camping when I walked into a surplus store and saw one of these blankets and I bought it on site. I wrapped up my first archery doe in it to keep the trunk of my Mazda GLC clean; it mostly worked. Since then that woobie has been on many adventures with me.

For the last 30 years, IFB Solutions has manufactured the Authentic Woobie and began selling these to the public shortly afterwards. These are produced to the exact military specs as provided to the armed forces. It even comes with an official certificate of authenticity. IFB Solutions started a little over 85 years ago to create jobs for people who are blind or visually impaired. IFB, originally Winston-Salem Industries for the Blind, began making the Woobie or All-Purpose Poncho Liner in 1991 and has since produced over three million woobies for the U.S. military. 

Authentic Woobie Quick Facts:

Currently, the only place you can acquire a new Authentic Woobie is through Amazon for civilians. They make a great gift; they are an essential part of our kit and we could not recommend them more. The Authentic Woobie is the one you want to order and this is the only link to get one that is not a cheap knockoff from China. Get the Authentic Woobie and support an American business.

Fairfax, Va. – NRA’s Institute for Legislative Action (NRA-ILA) applauds the Georgia legislature for passing Senate Bill 319, NRA-backed legislation that allows law-abiding gun owners to carry a firearm without a permit from the state. 

“There is no reason a law-abiding person should need government permission to carry a firearm for self-defense,” said Jason Ouimet, executive director of NRA-ILA.  

Constitutional carry allows anyone who is legally allowed to posses a firearm to carry that firearm without a permit from the state. It will not affect previously issued permits to carry and allows those who still wish to obtain a permit in order to carry in states recognizing Georgia permits to do so.  It also does not allow anyone prohibited under state or federal law from possessing a firearm to carry a firearm. 

“Georgia has long supported our Second Amendment rights. By passing this bill, the legislators demonstrated that commitment and helped preserve the God-given freedoms on which this country was founded,” Ouimet concluded. 

Georgia is now the 25th state, including Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, New Hampshire, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, West Virginia, and Wyoming, to pass legislation allowing law-abiding individuals to carry a concealed handgun without a government-issued permit.

In a testimony to the House Select Committee on the Climate Crisis, National Wildlife Federation President and CEO Collin O’Mara urged Congress to invest in natural infrastructure — such as forests and headwaters, coastal dunes and wetlands — as a proven strategy to save lives, protect homes and save taxpayer dollars. O’Mara’s testimony, delivered as part of a hearing on “America’s Natural Solutions: The Climate Benefits of Investing in Healthy Ecosystems,” also highlighted the environmental justice and conservation benefits of investing in wildlife habitat for people and wildlife alike. 

“[Natural] systems can mean the difference between life and death, homes still standing or communities that are washed away, life that’s carrying on or lives upended. … These natural solutions present a huge opportunity,” O’Mara said. “Investing in natural infrastructure allows us to center the health and safety of people, as we’re also advancing our climate, conservation and economic goals.”

O’Mara also pointed out, investments in natural infrastructure must take into consideration longstanding environmental justice issues and build off the progress made through the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, the Great American Outdoors Act, the American Conservation Enhancement Act and other legislation.

“We can and must build on these investments — and do so in ways that leave no community behind and ensure that communities of color and frontline communities are never an afterthought ever again,” O’Mara told the committee. 

In his testimony, O’Mara urged congress to invest in natural solutions, including: 

Submitted by Lt. Col. Scott Casey, Senior Marine Instructor, Granbury High School MCJROTC
The Granbury MCJROTC Rifle team earned first place overall in the precision team competition for the Round 1 Qualifier of the 2021-2022 American Legion Postal Competition.

Results were announced on Feb. 16, 2022, with all individuals firing a 3×20 course of fire. Their combined score of 2359 edged out Texas Hill Country, whose members recorded a score of 2357. Granbury’s State championship team members were Parker Haydin, Ashton Arlington, Sarah Folsom and Sunnee Schumann.

Along with the team state championship, Granbury MCJROTC Rifle team individual shooters receiving an invite to shoot in the national postal qualifier are Parker Haydin, Ashton Arlington, Sarah Folsom and Sunnee Schumann, as well as Caroline Martin, Julia Czernik and Kaylynn Salughter.

Scores from this match will determine who will receive an invite to Colorado in July to compete toward a $5,000.00 college scholarship, provided in part by The American Legion and The Sons of the American Legion. Also, the overall winner will receive an expense paid trip to the American Legion national convention city, where they are honored as part of the Youth Champions Delegation.

American Legion Post 491 is the sponsoring post for the Granbury Rifle Team.

The interactive, state-of-the-art app allows people to engage directly in local and federal issues impacting waterfowl hunters

BISMARCK, NORTH DAKOTA — Whether it’s a passing flock of mallards with its eyes toward avoiding danger, or a group of pro-hunting advocates, there is strength in numbers. Especially when each individual is ardently committed to the cause.

That was the inspiration behind Delta Waterfowl’s new Duck Hunters Action Alert System, an interactive phone and computer app that allows passionate duck hunters to help defend duck hunting anytime, anywhere it’s threatened — including in their own backyards.

“I don’t know of any conservation group that offers this level of transparency,” said Cyrus Baird, Delta’s senior director of government affairs. “The software allows someone in, say, Missouri, to click on bills in their area and learn why The Duck Hunters Organization supports or opposes the legislation. It’s a game-changer at the local level.”

While the number of threats to ducks and duck hunting continue to increase — including proposed access closures, reductions of critical conservation funding, and excessive regulations — the Duck Hunters Action Alert System will allow Delta Waterfowl, its committed members, and waterfowlers throughout North America to remain the voice of the duck hunter.

CAMP PERRY, Ohio – Junior marksmen looking to move their careers into college are encouraged to sign up for the Civilian Marksmanship Program’s (CMP) 2022 National Matches Junior Camp! The camp offers hands-on, comprehensive training from a team of certified coaches and is a valuable asset for those young athletes eager to improve his or her skills on the firing line.

The National Matches Junior Camp is scheduled for July 23-27, 2022, and is open to intermediate and advanced junior athletes who shoot both three-position smallbore and standing or international air rifle. Instruction is held on Camp Perry’s outdoor Petrarca Range and within the Gary Anderson CMP Competition Center indoor air range, both located on the grounds of Camp Perry in Port Clinton, Ohio.

Participants must be between the ages of 12 to 20 and currently involved in three-position smallbore competition matches and international air rifle. Students who have not reached their 18th birthday by July 23, 2022, must be accompanied by an adult (age 21 or older).

Camp begins with a basic safety review, followed by a reinforced understanding of the fundamentals and detailed instruction on smallbore prone, standing and kneeling positions – among several other points of interest. The lineup of certified coaches, safety officers and National Matches Support Staff members are dedicated to providing a safe and supportive learning experience for junior participants.

Also included within the camp will be a 50- and 100-yard prone “Dewar Match” on Petrarca Range as well as a 60 Shot International Air Rifle event. Each will be fired upon CMP’s own state-of-the-art electronic target line.

Gold Tip, an industry leader in carbon arrows and bolts, congratulates Team Gold Tip archer Kyle Douglas for his first-place finish at the National Field Archery Association (NFAA) Indoor Nationals. This year’s victory marks Douglas’ third NFAA Indoor National title in a row, beating 15 other perfect 600 120X scores. 

Kyle’s win this year has set a record that will probably never be beat,” said Tim Gillingham, Gold Tip shooting staff manager. Douglas used 25.5” Gold Tip Triple X Pro shafts throughout the first two days of shooting, which put him in the final with 15 other archers.

“Kyle took down his third NFAA Indoor Nationals title in really impressive fashion,” Gillingham said. “The score goes inside out, so if the arrow touches a line, the shooter gets the lower score. Most shooters switch to a smaller diameter shaft to put the odds in their favor, but it requires a lot of preparation and last-minute tuning to get the type of accuracy required. Kyle switched to Gold Tip Pierce Tour 340’s and put them all dead center for the win.”

To learn more about Gold Tip arrows or to learn more, head over to GoldTip.com.

About Gold Tip

Attend The 2022 Wisconsin Lakes And Rivers Convention
April 6-8, In-Person Or Virtually

MADISON, Wis. – The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) invites the public to participate in  Wisconsin Water Week by attending the 2022 Wisconsin Lakes and Rivers Convention April 6-8.

Gov. Tony Evers declared April 4-10, 2022 Wisconsin Water Week to showcase the value of clean water for all Wisconsin residents and to acknowledge the state’s efforts to protect our recreational waters, invest in conservation and ensure clean, usable water for all Wisconsinites.

The theme of the 2022 Wisconsin Lakes and Rivers Convention is “Protecting What We Love for the Future.” This year’s event will be held in-person in Stevens Point, with the option to attend virtually.

The convention brings together DNR staff members and water resources partners from around the Midwest to speak on a range of water science and conservation issues. This year’s speakers include DNR Deputy Secretary Sarah Barry who will kick-off the convention; Charlie Wooley, regional director of U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Midwest; and Chad Pregracke, founder and president of Living Lands & Waters, an environmental organization dedicated to water conservation.

Hands-on workshops and presentations will be centered around the theme of protecting our water resources. View the entire schedule online.

Team Remington’s Alessandro Vitale won the Triple J Classic .410 Sub Gauge Event with a perfect score of 100/100. The event, held at the National Shooting Complex in San Antonio March 11-13, 2022, drew nearly 300 shooters.

Recognized as the spring kick-off event for the National Skeet Shooting Association, the Triple J Classic featured event categories that included various gauge competitions, Skeet Doubles and High Overall (HOA).

“Alessandro’s win at the Triple J Classic was huge for Team Remington,” said Joel Hodgdon, Director of Marketing for Remington Ammunition. “His perfect score is reflective of his skills as a shooter, and we’re looking forward to watching him compete with the rest of Team Remington this season and bring home more victories for Big Green.”  

Class winners receive free entry into the 2023 Triple J Classic. With a busy month full of NSSA events including the ACUI, SW Grand and World English Sporting Championships, Team Remington looks to compete at a high level and remain successful.

Find Remington ammunition at dealers nationwide and online. For more information on Remington ammunition and accessories, visit www.remington.com.

National Board of Directors has hired Cohen Taylor to lead Executive Search

Howard Vincent, Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever’s president & CEO since 2000, has announced plans to retire following National Pheasant Fest & Quail Classic 2023 next February. The organization’s national board of directors has enlisted the services of Cohen Taylor to lead the nationwide application and interview process. 

Vincent joined the organization as a volunteer in 1984, only two years after the organization’s creation in 1982.  He was hired as a full-time employee in 1987 as the organization’s first director of finance. In 2000, Vincent succeeded Jeff Finden to become the second person to lead the non-profit conservation organization during its 40-year history. 

“I’m extremely proud of the team we have in place to deliver this organization’s habitat mission,” Vincent said. “We produced more acres of habitat and generated more dollars for conservation in 2021 than any other year in our history, and we’re going to break those records in 2022. That’s a credit to every one of our employees, our national board of directors, this organization’s dedicated volunteers, and our many partners. It’s now time to prepare for the next chapter. ”

During Vincent’s tenure, Pheasants Forever has grown into one of the most respected wildlife conservation organizations in the country dedicated to habitat development, education, and advocacy. The organization, which includes both Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever, has more than 400 employees and 400,000 members, supporters, and partners.  In its history, “The Habitat Organization” has been responsible for delivering more than 22 million acres of habitat.

The Professional Outdoor Media Association (POMA) is pleased to announce “Get Published!” as the headline session to kick off their Annual Business Conference  on June 14-16 in Kalispell, MT. This panel session, moderated by Britney Booth, owner of Booth Media Group and editor of multiple publications in the hunting space, features editors and digital content writers from a variety of backgrounds. This panel is meant to help everyone from seasoned pros to new creators improve their craft and increase their business because of it. The panel is slated for Tuesday, June 15 at 9:10 a.m. with a round-robin, “open book” meeting time with editors afterwards. The panel consists of Jen Ripple, Editor of DUN  magazine, Mike Shea, Sr. Editor of Free Range American, John Snow, Shooting Editor of Outdoor Life magazine and John Radzwilla, Editor-in-Chief of Hook & Barrel magazine.

“Conference attendees can network, learn, and connect with outdoor media professionals who are willing to share what they know with them, which is a unique opportunity not always provided. We’re happy to put this together especially for our POMA members,” shared Thomas MacAuley, Executive Director of POMA. “To make the most of this session, we highly recommend attendees get to know these leaders and prepare questions for them to answer during the one-on-one session time held immediately after the panel session.”

The POMA Annual Business Conference consists of three exciting days of educational and networking opportunities. Kalispell will also have suggestions for activities before and after conference to help members make the most of their time in the area. Members are encouraged to register now and book travel early to take advantage of early booking savings. 

As with every conference, attendees will enjoy:

The Red Lion Hotel in Kalispell is the host hotel for #POMA2022. They’ve offered a special rate for POMA conference attendees. All meals, networking events and sessions will be held at the hotel.

Marolina Outdoor Inc, the parent company of Huk, will enhance their relationship with Richard Childress Racing in 2022, the two companies announced today. 2018 DAYTONA 500 Champion Austin Dillon will race the No. 3 Huk Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 in the NASCAR Cup Series race at Darlington Raceway on Sunday, May 8. 

The Darlington race, which airs on FOX Sports 1 at 3:30 p.m. ET, kicks off Huk’s 2022 activation plans with Richard Childress Racing. The fastest-growing fishing brand with an authentic passion for its products and lifestyle will complement its marketing plans with multiple paint schemes to highlight key campaigns throughout the season. 

“We’re thrilled to not only continue our partnership with Richard Childress Racing but expand our relationship,” said Pete Angle, President of Marolina Outdoor Inc. “Austin Dillon has served as a passionate ambassador for the outdoors and the Huk brand. He embodies the lifestyle we design our clothes for, enjoying the outdoors. family time, or a day on the water but knowing you can look good without having to change clothes going from one activity to another. We’re looking forward to tapping into our relationship to promote what Huk stands for as we head into the busiest time of year for fishing and outdoor enthusiasts.”

Based in Charleston, S.C., at the confluence of three major rivers and home to one of America’s favorite destinations, the designers at Huk take their inspiration from the water itself. They shape and mold lines of performance clothing designed to keep you looking good and feeling cool and comfortable on or off the water.

“I’ve enjoyed representing Huk and look forward to continuing the relationship,” said Dillon, a champion in NASCAR’s Truck and Xfinity Series. “Everyone at Huk is just as passionate about the outdoors as I am, and I know NASCAR fans will really embrace some of the fun styles and designs that Huk plans to weave into the 2022 season.”

NOMAD Outdoor left nothing to chance when considering everything involved to design the best bino harness. Banking on personal experience and using premium materials and components, NOMAD’s designers created their new Bino Harness to give hunters the best in customization and comfortable suspension at an affordable price.

The Bino Harness joins the new Bull Lounger in the NOMAD lineup, just in time for hunters seeking the best turkey hunting gear this spring. Both are crafted based on the needs of turkey hunters and with the experience and knowledge of NOMAD’s hunting-crazy staff. The result is quality gear that will last and help make each turkey hunting experience better.

The new Bino Harness works with size 42mm and smaller binoculars and features rugged construction with 100-percent brushed polyester to withstand weather, briars, limbs, mud and more. The adjustable harness has MOLLE webbing for accessories from mouth call pouches to holsters, along with organizational pockets, a magnetic flap closure so that it does not pop open when getting tactical on a turkey, and an internal lens cloth. It comes in Mossy Oak Original Bottomland, which meshes easily with almost every camo pattern.

Available accessories with the NOMAD Bino Harness include a box call attachment made from the same rugged polyester construction and MOLLE webbing. It is built to securely carry most box calls, and doubles as a water bottle holder. Another option is the friction call attachment, which works with most friction-style calls and has elastic webbing for strikers. And the Bino Harness also can work with the ThermaCELL attachment, which flaps open to keep the unit dispensing repellent while still attached to the Bino Harness. Finally, a rangefinder attachment is available, fitting most rangefinders on the market and coming with a removable cord to keep the unit secure when in use.

Specs:

Founder Matthew Shirey takes top prize in 9th season of History Channel’s “Forged in Fire”

Local blacksmith Matthew Shirey, founder of Sylva-based Shira Forge and an award-winning creator of iron knives, axes, and cookware, is thrilled to announce his win in a recent episode of the History Channel’s “Forged in Fire” television series. This competitive reality television series follows four of the nation’s finest bladesmiths each episode as they battle for a $10,000 cash prize by recreating iconic weapons. 

Shirey has been creating goods for over twenty years and launched Shira Forge in 2005. He first applied to be a contestant on “Forged in Fire” years ago but didn’t make it past the initial interview. Shirey persevered and applied two more times, finally getting the call that he’d been chosen last fall. Unfortunately, he contracted COVID days before he was supposed to begin filming and had to bow out. Months later Shirey received another call and this time, he was able to make the trip to Stamford, Connecticut to take part in the competition, which proved tougher than he had imagined.

“Each episode centers around a specific challenge, and our challenge was to find a usable piece of steel from a crushed car to forge a large knife, which would then be tested by chopping a car hood and slicing jugs of antifreeze,” says Shirey. “To see how it all plays out, you’ll have to watch the episode, but I will say I had a fantastic time, and it was really special to have crews come to my hometown of Sylva to tape the final round.”

Shirey’s winning creation, a katar style dagger, will remain on the “Forged in Fire” set to be displayed with winning weapons from previous competitions. He plans to use the prize money to invest back into his business and take a family vacation. Shirey’s episode of “Forged in Fire” aired on the History Channel on March 30. For more information on Matthew Shirey and Shira Forge, please visit shiraforge.com. For media inquiries and product sampling opportunities, please contact Suzanne Hermann at [email protected].

Wildlife students at Virginia Tech will experience waterfowl hunting’s critical role in conservation

BISMARCK, NORTH DAKOTA — Delta Waterfowl will deliver its University Hunting Program at Virginia Tech this year, thanks to support from the 2021 Virginia Wildlife Grant Program through a partnership between the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources and the Wildlife Foundation of Virginia. The $6,604 grant covers program costs for one UHP course to be delivered in the fall semester of 2022.

Delta’s UHP was designed to address an impending crisis: Up to 70 percent of current university wildlife management students have never hunted and might never have been given the opportunity. Delta believes that future wildlife management professionals who understand the relationship between hunting and conservation and have the chance to experience waterfowl hunting firsthand are more likely to maintain a strong footing among the wildlife management community as professionals.

Delta launched UHP in 2017 as a hunter recruitment program. It provides students with classroom training, firearms safety and a firsthand hunting experience, and equips them with a more holistic view of hunting and conservation. Delta Waterfowl covers all costs and organizes all activities associated with the program.

Delta’s ultimate goal is to deliver UHP at every university and college in North America that offers a wildlife management program.

In its 20th year, Drake continues to invest in high-level talent to further drive brand growth and expand the global fanbase with the addition of Jim Ronquest

Drake Waterfowl Systems (Drake) is pleased to announce that Jim Ronquest will join Drake as VP, Development. In this role, Ronquest—one of the outdoor industry’s most iconic waterfowl enthusiasts—will be responsible for cultivating and managing industry partnerships and relationships on behalf of Drake. In addition, Ronquest will support Drake through content production and product development in this new role.

“Over the last two decades, Drake’s focus on the design of innovative, technical hunting gear and being relationship focused has enabled us to build a highly loyal customer base,” says John Woodard, CEO at Drake. “Jim aligns with the core values that helped get us to where we are today, and we are excited to have Jim join the team to help us elevate our brand to a new level through his industry experience and relationships.”

Ronquest comes to Drake after spending more than 25 years with Rich-N-Tone (RNT) Calls. Rooted in a lifelong love for hunting and the outdoors, Ronquest has added to the hunting world over the years. He has introduced large audiences to waterfowl and wetlands conservation through his outdoor television show, resulting in raised awareness and protection of the places and species that are vital to the lifestyle. He has welcomed and nurtured the next generation of waterfowl hunters into the fold through youth duck-calling clinics that stress the import of an ethical outdoor lifestyle. His thriving and decades-long relationships with wildlife managers and scientists bridge the gap between the field and the public, and Ronquest is a former World Duck Calling Champion. Ronquest’s storied career in the outdoors will be an immediate boon for Drake.

“I’ve been blessed to be a part of industry-leading brands as a part of RNT for more than 25 years,” says Ronquest. “Being a part of the Drake team provides a new challenge that I’m excited to take on. I’ve admired Drake’s brands for years and it was the right time to join the Drake family. I look forward to this next phase and being a part of Drake’s continued momentum and growth.”

Houston Safari Club Foundation (HSCF) and “Hunting Matters” welcomes Jeff Birmingham, President of Houston Safari Club and Houston Safari Club Foundation.

He has been a member of Houston Safari Club Foundation since 2008 and is a Life Member of HSCF. Jeff has served as a past Vice President. In addition, he has served as Chairman of the annual HSCF Sporting Clays Tournament for two years and as the HSCF Convention Chairman. Jeff also serves on the Board of Directors for Operation Game Thief, Trinity Oaks Foundation and Child Advocates. 

Jeff has been an avid hunter and competitive shooter since childhood and loves competitive shooting. He is the owner of Alliance Graphics & Printing and is a diehard Texas A&M Aggie. 

Join us as we discuss Jeff’s love affair with all forms of shotgun sports, competitive shooting and every type of hunting. 

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 Awards winner!

Hummelstown, PA., – TRACT™ Optics, designers, and engineers of precision performance grade optics for direct-to-consumer use, launches two TORIC Hunt Series Rifle Scopes. Available in First Focal Plane and Second Focal Plane Reticle options.

TORIC UHD 30mm FFP

TORIC UHD 30mm SFP

Co-founder Jon LaCorte commented, “As interest grows in long-range shooting and hunting, many customers requested a scaled-down version of the TORIC 4-20X50 model mounted on typical hunting rifles.” LaCorte added, “Without giving up the optical and mechanical qualities of a scope traditionally found on target rifles, we designed a new scope set up, reinforcing the value we offer to our customers.”

TRACT™ Optics founded in 2015, is an advanced brand and product line 100 percent purpose-built for the needs of today’s hunters and shooters. TRACT designs and engineers’ precision performance grade optics for direct-to-consumer hunting, target, and recreational shooting purposes.Born from decades of optics industry experience, TRACT delivers quality and value with personalized product customer support. Learn more about TRACT Optics binoculars, spotting scopes, and rifles copes for all hunting and shooting disciplines, by visiting our website: www.tractoptics.com. Connect with #TRACTOptics on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and we invite you to engage with us on our LIVE Chat platform.

Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever are proud to announce a new fundraising venture in partnership with the national non-profit Charitable Adult Rides & Services (CARS). Contributing directly to upland conservation efforts nationwide, members and supporters can now donate cars, trucks, boats, campers, and other recreational assets to help fund the mission work of The Habitat Organization.

“Our new relationship with CARS makes it easy for any American who cherishes grassland landscapes to support the important work we’re accomplishing throughout pheasant and quail country,” stated Tom Jones, development officer for Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever. “The significance of this partnership for the organization’s Call of the Uplands initiative is immense and provides yet another avenue for upland supporters to promote their conservation ethic through a vehicle donation.”

Through the CARS program, vehicles, motorcycles, RVs, boats, trailers, powersports and farm equipment/machinery are all eligible to be donated, with proceeds bolstering upland bird habitat, pollinator health, and public land access. All vehicle donations are tax-deductible, and the three-step process is hassle-free:

For more information about Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever’s vehicle donation program, visit the Frequently Asked Questions website,  or speak with a representative during the week from 8:00am – 10:30pm (CST, Monday-Friday) by calling (855) 500-7433.

About CARS

From Humble Beginnings to the World Leader in Seamless Outdoor Fiberglass Walk-In Coolers, This Family-Owned Company Continues to Put Customers First.

The year was 1978 and brothers Joe and Vince Tippmann, who were already producing fiberglass hockey boards, took notice of small oil rigs encased in fiberglass and set off on what would be a four-year mission to perfect the adaptation of this seamless technology for walk-in refrigeration and freezer units. Polar King International debuted at the 1982 National Restaurant Association trade show with great fanfare, and the success story began.  

The Tippmanns initially manufactured and shipped their state-of-the-art outdoor fiberglass commercial walk-in coolers and freezers from a modest 12,000 square-foot facility in New Haven, Indiana. With escalating demand, Polar King scaled up operation and relocated production to its current 204,000 square-foot facility in Fort Wayne, Indiana. In the past two years, the company has added additional manufacturing and warehouse space to keep up with accelerated sales. 

For 40 years, Polar King has been revolutionizing the industry while maintaining its family roots and unwavering commitment to customer service and its community. The company has provided thousands of one-piece walk-in outdoor refrigeration and freezer units to single unit operators, chain restaurants, schools, health care facilities, government agencies and many others. 

In recent years, Polar King added two complementary business units: Polar Leasing Company and Polar King Mobile. Polar Leasing  offers standard refrigerated walk-in rentals. Polar King Mobile was created to meet North America’s needs for a commercial-grade, affordable solution to refrigerated transport. These operations are making a positive impact during the global COVID-19 pandemic by providing storage for vaccines and test samples, as well as fulfilling requirements for emergency refrigeration/freezer storage in response to disasters.