Hunting and Fishing News & Blog Articles

Pitman Creek, the leading distributor of fishing tackle in the nation, will host its annual fall dealer show from October 14-16 in Sevierville, Tennessee. This trade-only event, a tradition since 1994, kicks off with a golf scramble and bass tournament and features over 300 brands engaging in business discussions and voting for Best of Show products.

“ICAST has come and gone, and now we’re in the middle of a very important time of the year,” said Al Noraker, President of KastKing. “It’s wholesale show season!”

KastKing has not only revolutionized the way fishing tackle is developed and delivered but has also reimagined affordability while enhancing quality. Leveraging their in-house team of engineers, KastKing has harnessed the art of precision manufacturing control, driven by valuable feedback from both customers and their extensive pro-team of accomplished anglers around the country. KastKing products are in high demand by retail shoppers and are now finding their way into an extensive network of traditional retail outlets, ushering in a new era of innovation for anglers everywhere.

“Pitman Creek is now stocking almost 200 KastKing retail products and we are extremely excited about our growth with both their dealer base and mass merchant accounts. As always, KastKing will have a strong presence at the fall dealer show with product and program experts ready to help Pitman Creek customers make the most of this outstanding event,” said Noraker.

With its deep-rooted connection to the bass industry, Pitman Creek made headlines when they unveiled their impressive 205,000-square-foot distribution facility in Stanford, Kentucky. This ultramodern facility features cutting-edge automation, marking a pivotal step in their growth trajectory.

As Halloween creeps closer, Smith’s Sporting Group is gearing up for the Annual Pittman Creek Fall Dealer Show, scheduled for October 14-16, 2023. Pitman Creek, the nation’s leading distributor of fishing tackle, represents 300 different brands and serves over 8,000 retail locations. They have recently expanded their partnership with Smith’s Sporting Group.

“Pitman Creek is always looking for the right brands when expanding our assortment of products,” said John Johnson, Vice President of Sales & CRO at Pitman Creek. “It is part of our business strategy and one the key drivers in making our services unique.”

This Kentucky-based wholesaler has deep roots in the bass segment and made headlines with its modern 205,000-square-foot distribution facility in Stanford. They have also amassed a wide range of saltwater and inshore products for their retail partners.

“The focus of Smith’s Sporting Group to passionately support the outdoor enthusiast is evident with their strong commitment of being a leader in fishing gear. Their ever-expanding product mix makes Smith’s Sporting Group a trusted name in both salt and freshwater fishing. Pitman Creek has had the pleasure of partnering with Smith’s for many years, and we’re excited to see that partnership grow year over year,” said Johnson.  

Smith’s rich heritage in crafting exceptional sharpeners has paved the way for an extensive range of specialized knives and tools meticulously designed for hunting, fishing, kitchen, and tactical purposes.

The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission approved fee increases to several nonresident big game permits at its Oct. 13 meeting at Fort Robinson State Park.

The nonresident permit and their new fees, as of 2024, are: Deer, $332; Statewide Whitetail Buck, $747; Statewide Buck, $992; Restricted Statewide Buck, $792; Season Choice Antlerless Only, $92; Special Antlerless Only, $92; Landowner Deer, $166; Antelope, $232; Landowner Antelope, $116; Turkey, $140; and Landowner Turkey, $70.

The new fees will help offset the lost revenue from reducing the quota of nonresident deer, antelope and turkey permits. Money from the fees will be deposited into the Game Cash Fund, which supports the wildlife and fisheries divisions and their research, conservation and management efforts.

Commissioners also approved amendments to sportfishing orders regarding daily bag limits, possession limits, length limits and open areas. They include:

Commissioners also approved:

The U.S. Olympic Trials part one for Rifle/Pistol has concluded after an eventful week at Fort Moore, Georgia, Sept. 28-Oct. 3. With shotgun having finished their part one trials back in May, all three USA Shooting Olympic disciplines are one step closer to naming their Paris 2024 teams.

The rifle/pistol competition resulted in many notable finishes including Ivan Roe who placed first overall in both Men’s 50m Rifle 3 Positions and Men’s 10m Air Rifle. Roe secured his first place finishes by shooting the top scores in qualification relays in both guns. He went on to win the finals in each discipline. Roe, Manhattan, Montana, native, is looking to make his Olympic debut in Paris 2024. Roe, and the rest of the rifle and pistol athletes have two more trials competitions to shoot in before the official team is named.

“It is extremely taxing,” said Roe when asked about the selection process. “You are trying to maintain peak performance for the entire time, but because it’s such a long process it’s very difficult. My last two attempts at making the Olympic team I wasn’t able to stay focused. I’ve been trying to pay more attention to my process instead of the result this go around, and it seems to be working,”

Sagen Maddalena, 2023 World Championship bronze medalist, also placed first in both of the women’s rifle events. Maddalena competed in her first Olympics in 2021 at the Tokyo Games. Maddalena and Roe are not only USA Shooting National Team members, but are both soldiers with the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit, headquartered at Fort Moore.

Nick Mowrer, a two-time Olympian, had an impressive performance at trials part one as well. He placed third overall in Men’s 10m Air Pistol and tied for fifth in Men’s 50m Rifle 3 Positions. Mowrer shoots both rifle and pistol Olympic disciplines, a rare accomplishment. Mowrer is also a soldier, but with the U.S. Army World Class Athlete Program, headquartered at Fort Carson in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

Nebraska’s pheasant, quail and partridge seasons are quickly approaching. The youth season is Oct. 21-22, and the general season opens Oct. 28.

Historically, hunters swinging on game and firing outside of their safe zones of fire have been the primary cause of upland bird hunting incidents. The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission reminds hunters to make sure safety is at the forefront of every hunt:

In addition, hunters always should follow the four basic rules of firearm safety:

Hunting continues to be one of the safest outdoor recreational activities, thanks to hunter orange and hunter education classes that have been taught by volunteer instructors across Nebraska since the 1970s.

Hunters ages 12-29 are reminded that they must carry proof of successful completion of a hunter education course while hunting. Proof can be in the form of a valid Nebraska hunting permit or durable hard card containing the hunter’s hunter education number, or a hunter education card or certificate issued by another state. Display on a mobile phone is allowed.

Leading freshwater fishing manufacturers will exhibit their finest products for dealers at the Fall Pitman Creek show on October 15th & 16th in Sevierville, Tennessee. As part of the show, Pitman Creek will host a Golf Tournament at Island Pointe Golf Course, a Fishing Tournament on Douglas Lake, and a tailgate party at Oak Haven Resort on October 14th.

Epic Baits, a premier fishing tackle manufacturer, produces incredible high-quality jigs, spinner baits, buzz baits, jig heads, and a full assortment of tungsten weights. They have assembled a powerhouse of professional bass anglers who depend on Epic baits and tungsten weights, including Matt Becker, Dean Rojas, Scott Suggs, Clark Reehm, Wesley Strader, Brad Whatley, Bobby Lane, and Jason Williamson. Epic President Brian Knighten, Vice President Gary Lafreniere, and Pro Bass Angler Wesley Strader will be in booth 304 to answer questions and help select the best tackle assortment for each store. 

“We are super excited to be given the opportunity to attend the Pitman Creek show this year. We believe 100% in our jigs, baits, and weights and are excited to share our pro-staff-designed products with buyers from around the country. We’ve made great strides this year with the addition of King Eider Communications, leading our charge to reach fishermen around the country,” related Knighten.

“Pitman Creek is always looking for the right brands when expanding our assortment of products. It is part of our business strategy and one of the key drivers in making our services unique. Epic Baits is one of those brands that started small from years of passion for the sportfishing industry. And now, a brand that’s followed by a large, dedicated community. We are excited to have Epic as a partner and looking forward to working with them in the future,” said John Johnson, Vice President of Sales and CRO at Pitman Creek.

If you would like more information about Epic Baits and Epic Tungsten, please contact Dena Vick at [email protected]

BELLEVUE, WA – Recognizing his above and beyond efforts as a gun rights advocate, the Citizens Committee for the Right to Keep and Bear Arms has honored Bryan Strawser, chairman of the Minnesota Gun Owners Caucus (MGOC) as the Grassroots Activist of the Year for 2023.

The award was presented at the recent Gun Rights Policy Conference in Phoenix, Arizona.

“Brian is an individual who has gone far beyond what most activists do,” said CCRKBA Chairman Alan Gottlieb, “and we really appreciate his work.”

Strawser has led the fight against restrictive gun control and prohibition in the North Star State, which included the successful federal court battle to secure a summary judgment against the state’s prohibition on the issuance of carry permits to young adults in the 18-20-year age group.

“This is really a recognition of our thousands of members, our board and my partner Rob Doar (senior vice president for government relations),” Strawser stated. “We stopped a lot of bad legislation this year.”

This is the time of year when deer are more active. Crops are being harvested and deer breeding season is in full swing. The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission has tips to help drivers avoid deer-vehicle accidents and lessen the risk of injury or vehicle damage.

KUIU, the leading manufacturer of performance hunting gear, is excited to announce they are opening its second store in Dallas, Texas, and can’t wait to connect with the KUIU Nation in a new way. This store provides the opportunity to see KUIU’s world-class products first-hand.

The goal of this store is for KUIU to be more present in the hunter communities, whether getting ready for their next hunt or sharing a hunt experience with them at the store. The company built this location around a great team of people and wants KUIU Nation to know they are here for them by sharing the KUIU experience in person. Being direct-to-consumer focused, KUIU has a lot of data and insights on their customers. Based upon the active consumer base in Dallas, it’s the ideal location for a brick-and-mortar store.

“KUIU was built with a robust e-commerce business, and physical retail stores have been part of the plan for years. Our first store located at KUIU headquarters in Dixon, CA enhanced the KUIU consumer experience since its opening, and now we are excited to physically bring this brand to the Dallas community” says Kevin Wilkerson, VP of Brand Marketing. “We plan to open multiple stores over the coming years and are currently working on securing our next locations. We are excited to bring KUIU into more communities over the coming years.“

KUIU’s new store was created based on a test-and-learn approach to help educate customers on the products. KUIU wants its consumers to be hands-on with their gear when they visit the store. The pack area is a perfect example of this, where customers can meet with a KUIU gear expert to build and test a pack to personal specifications. Even the product displays were purpose-built to showcase KUIU’s industry-leading technologies, so you understand why KUIU is world-class.

Now through a limited time during October, 5% of the Dallas store’s net profit will go to KUIU’s Conservation Direct initiative. More information can be found at www.kuiu.com. To learn more about KUIU and its products, visit kuiu.com or follow along on Instagram @kuiu_official, or Facebook at @KUIUultralight.

The Leader in Ultralight Performance Hunting Announces the Opening of Their Latest Storefront

KUIU, the leading manufacturer of performance hunting gear, is excited to announce they are opening its second store in Dallas, Texas, and can’t wait to connect with the KUIU Nation in a new way. This store provides the opportunity to see KUIU’s world-class products first-hand.

The goal of this store is for KUIU to be more present in the hunter communities, whether getting ready for their next hunt or sharing a hunt experience with them at the store. The company built this location around a great team of people and wants KUIU Nation to know they are here for them by sharing the KUIU experience in person. Being direct-to-consumer focused, KUIU has a lot of data and insights on their customers. Based upon the active consumer base in Dallas, it’s the ideal location for a brick-and-mortar store.

“KUIU was built with a robust e-commerce business, and physical retail stores have been part of the plan for years. Our first store located at KUIU headquarters in Dixon, CA enhanced the KUIU consumer experience since its opening, and now we are excited to physically bring this brand to the Dallas community” says Kevin Wilkerson, VP of Brand Marketing. “We plan to open multiple stores over the coming years and are currently working on securing our next locations. We are excited to bring KUIU into more communities over the coming years.“

KUIU’s new store was created based on a test-and-learn approach to help educate customers on the products. KUIU wants its consumers to be hands-on with their gear when they visit the store. The pack area is a perfect example of this, where customers can meet with a KUIU gear expert to build and test a pack to personal specifications. Even the product displays were purpose-built to showcase KUIU’s industry-leading technologies, so you understand why KUIU is world-class.

MeatEater is Part of Outdoor Channel’s “Taste of the Wild” Block Monday Nights

MeatEater, featuring the charismatic Steven Rinella, has consistently captivated viewers of Outdoor Sportsman Group, and now season 11 of this perennial favorite is now available nationally on Outdoor Channel for the first time every Monday at 8 p.m. ET. 

As Rinella continually shares, the show transcends beyond the mere search of an animal; it’s a testament to his own personal grit, determination and essence that fuels such pursuit. Season 11 sees Rinella and crew chase moose in Alaska, spearfish in Hawaii, hunt ducks in Louisiana and find themselves in many more nature-fueled adventures along the way. 

“One of my favorite episodes from season 11 was a moose hunt in eastern Alaska. We were there for ten days and were getting our buns kicked. And then, finally, in the last hour of the last day of the season here comes a bull from about a mile off. Trying to call him up the mountain while simultaneously closing the distance by heading in his direction was one of the more exciting moments we ever filmed,” shared Steven Rinella.

Growing up in the Midwest’s great outdoors – hunting, fishing, and trapping from a young age – Rinella has always viewed the world through the eyes of an ancestral hunter/gatherer. Inspired by early man’s skill, ingenuity, and sheer determination to survive and thrive under challenging circumstances, Rinella has made his life’s work to cultivate those same qualities – and encourage others to do the same – while always being mindful of conservation principles and practices. 

All-new lightweight, durable and versatile boots designed to handle all terrains and weather 

Meindl USA, the exclusive provider of Meindl’s premium and handcrafted footwear in North America, is excited to introduce the EuroLight Hunter collection of men’s and women’s boots. This all-new line redefines performance and comfort in hunting footwear, offering a lightweight, durable and versatile option for a wide range of outdoor  adventures. 

After three years of development, the EuroLight Hunter collection is designed with premium  materials and Meindl’s legendary European craftsmanship to meet the demands of modern-day  hunters who require a lightweight, durable and full-featured boot that can handle various  terrains and weather conditions. 

“Our mission with the EuroLight Hunter line was to design a lightweight boot that is  comfortable and reliable enough for customers to use for any style of hunt, or outdoor  adventure, while also being durable enough for everyday use,” said Phil Francone, founder and  president of Meindl USA. “To do that, we incorporated years of research and end-user feedback  into a design that utilizes the highest-quality materials and technologies available with Meindl’s  extensive experience and craftsmanship. We couldn’t be more excited with the end result.” 

The EuroLight Hunter collection is made in Europe and features 9-inch waxed full-grain nubuck  leather uppers and reinforced toe caps to withstand use and abuse in the gamut of field  conditions. Additional protection from the elements is provided by a 100% waterproof but  breathable Gore-Tex liner that keeps water out but allows perspiration vapor to escape.  

Gemtech, a leader in cutting-edge innovation and visionary designs within the suppressor industry, announces a new addition to the AbyssTM series with the introduction of the AbyssTM 7.62 suppressor.

The durability of the Abyss series sets the standard within the heavy use suppressor category. Built on five of Gemtech’s patent-pending technologies, its design allows rounds to pass through while gasses expand into the baffle spaces, lowering pressure, minimizing muzzle flash, and significantly reducing decibels. The Abyss also lessens back pressure by routing gasses forward, away from the shooter for increased comfort and reliability.

Constructed from stainless steel and titanium components, this suppressor has an overall length of 6.6 inches without a mount, and 7.3 inches when paired with Gemtech’s ETMTM (Elite Taper Mount). The Abyss series suppressors are designed around durability and can be mounted to barrels through direct thread standards. The Abyss 7.62 is fully-auto rated and has a caliber rating ranging from 5.7x28mm through 300 Win Mag. Leave nothing to chance with the all-new ABYSS 7.62.  

MSRP: $945.00

To stay up to date on products and news, visit: GEMTECH Suppressors

BELLEVUE, WA – Tom Taylor, chief marketing officer and executive vice president for Commercial Sales at SIG SAUER, has been elected to the Second Amendment Foundation’s Board of Directors.

SAF founder and Executive Vice President Alan M. Gottlieb said Taylor is a welcome addition to the board, and he brings a strong business background and many years of experience in the firearms industry to the table.

“SIG SAUER was so proud to be the first company to lead the way for the firearms industry by becoming a long-term, high level sponsor for the Second Amendment Foundation, to support the great work they are doing to protect and defend the Second Amendment through a comprehensive litigation strategy,” said Taylor. “Now I am personally honored to join the board so we can now be part of the process at an even higher level, not just with our financial resources, but now with time and effort. We truly believe that while the Second Amendment Foundation continues to do the great work it has been doing for 50 years, it has stepped up even further to fill a great void in protecting what is so vitally critical to our country.”

Prior to joining SIG SAUER in March 2015, Taylor spent five years at O.F. Mossberg as senior vice president of sales and marketing, and U.S. commercial sales. Before joining Mossberg, Taylor spent five years at Smith & Wesson as vice president of marketing and product development. While at S&W, Taylor led the development and introduction of the Military & Police rifle and pistol lines. Before that, he also spent time with Remington/Freedom Group as senior vice president overseeing several special projects.  

Taylor is recognized as an industry activist who strongly supports Second Amendment advocacy, the shooting sports and hunting.

The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission will consider fee increases to several nonresident big game permits when it meets Oct. 13 at Fort Robinson State Park.

The meeting will begin at 8 a.m. Mountain time in the Buffalo Soldiers Barracks at the park located just west of Crawford at 3200 West Hwy. 20.

If approved, the nonresident permit fee would increase in 2024 to: Deer, $332; Statewide Whitetail Buck, $747; Statewide Buck, $992; Restricted Statewide Buck, $792; Season Choice Antlerless Only, $92; Special Antlerless Only, $92; Landowner Deer, $166; Antelope, $232; Landowner Antelope, $116; Turkey, $140; and Landowner Turkey, $70.

The new fees would help offset the lost revenue from reducing the quota of nonresident deer, antelope and turkey permits. If approved, money from the fees would be deposited into the Game Cash Fund, which supports the wildlife and fisheries divisions and their research, conservation and management efforts.

Commissioners also will consider amendments to sportfishing orders regarding daily bag limits, possession limits, length limits and open areas. Proposals will include:

HOIST®, one of the fastest growing beverage products in the United States, is excited to announce its partnership with Murray Road Agency as their public relations agency of record. Murray Road delivers difference-making growth for their clients and is an expert in connecting companies and brands to their target audience.

“We’re thrilled to partner with Murray Road,” said Taryn Lawson, Director of Marketing at HOIST. “We’ve got a lot of new launches and announcements in the works, and we’re looking forward to all the ways this partnership will align HOIST with our audience and mission.”

Established in 2009, HOIST is a trailblazer in hydration solutions. Their Cincinnati-based team has built a line of products promising IV-level hydration–including bottled drinks, powder sticks and liquid pouches. Now HOIST is the trusted hydration source for the U.S. Department of Defense. HOIST also works with industry leaders across the board to bring the best in hydration to all areas–from the fitness, health and wellness space, to hunting and shooting, extreme sports, country music and more. 

“HOIST is a brand and organization with a lot of momentum and opportunity,” said Murray Road President and CEO, Tim Brandt. “We’re excited to cross paths at the right time and look forward to supporting and driving substantial growth through effective public relation efforts. This partnership will allow us to tap into some proven tactics and strategies, but also allow the Murray Road team to showcase our ability to get outside our core space and make an impact.”

Murray Road offers a full spectrum of marketing, communications, sales support and business services. The team delivers dynamic content, messaging and materials to audiences, customers, fans, followers and partners.

EDGEFIELD, S.C. — The first annual Feathers and Fur Women in the Outdoors Brunch, hosted by the NWTF Lexington Longbeards Chapter in Columbia, South Carolina, proved to be a resounding success after meticulous planning and preparation over several months.

“I cannot emphasize enough how appreciative I am of all the attendees, sponsors and donors,” Jennifer Hodge, organizer of the event, said. “Your collective efforts and contributions were pivotal in ensuring the resounding success of this event. We look forward to this now becoming an annual WITO event.”

Taking place on September 30, the event provided participants with a variety of food, cocktails, and the opportunity for companionship, all while promoting women’s engagement in outdoor activities. Furthermore, each woman who attended the event departed with a personalized piece of jewelry.

The Feathers and Fur WITO Brunch also held a silent auction and raffle, where lucky winners had the chance to walk away with new firearms hunting trips, gear and more.

In addition to the activities, the event offered valuable resources and information to those interested in pursuing hunting.

BELLEVUE, WA – The Second Amendment Foundation has hired Matt Coffey, a veteran in outdoor communications, print and broadcast media, as its new vice president of communications.

Coffey joins the SAF team with more than 20 years of experience in the communications field, primarily in the nonprofit outdoor industry. His career has included positions with Ducks Unlimited, the National Wild Turkey Federation, and Sporting Classics Magazine. He has also held positions in mainstream print and broadcast media. Matt’s expertise lies in media relations and brand awareness through strategically targeted media campaigns.

A lifelong outdoorsman and Second Amendment advocate, Matt’s passion lies in raising awareness of the issues facing firearms owners across the country. He resides in west Tennessee and holds a bachelor’s degree in English from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville.

“Matt comes aboard at a crucial time for the Second Amendment movement,” said SAF founder and Executive Vice President Alan M. Gottlieb. “His skills as a communicator and his experience in the industry will be increasingly important as we advance our mission of winning firearms freedom, one lawsuit at a time.”

“We’re fortunate to have Matt joining our team,” added SAF Executive Director Adam Kraut. “We’ve got some major challenges looming on the horizon, and we’re certain his expertise will come in handy as we move forward.”

To continue its efforts in supporting young marksmen and women across the nation in their future endeavors, the Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP) is happy to announce it will award up to $335,000 for the 2024-2025 school year.

Through this year’s Scholarship Program, the CMP will be providing $300,000 toward graduating senior athletes, with the Garand Collectors Association providing a $30,000 donation and the Talladega Superspeedway in Alabama contributing an additional $5,000 to be distributed amongst recipients.

Each year, high school student-athletes involved in marksmanship programs are encouraged to apply for CMP Scholarships – a program that lends economic support to young marksmen and women who have shown dedication on and off the firing line. These scholarships may be used to pursue post-secondary or vocational programs, community colleges or university educations as well as trade schools to cover a variety of interests.

Since 2005, the CMP Scholarship Program has presented $1,000 one-year scholarships to high school seniors based on merit, humanitarian efforts, extracurricular activities and marksmanship participation. In 2020, the CMP added one $5,000 scholarship, the Carolyn Hines Memorial Scholarship – awarded to the top applicant who best embodied the values of Dr. Hines, who was instrumental in shaping the program.

Last year, the CMP added four $20,000 scholarships awarded to the top applicants ($5,000 over four years to each recipient). These scholarships honor past notable CMP Board members Judith Legerski, Jon Bengston, Harry Sieben and the late Dr. Carolyn Hines, who were all devoted to sustaining youth activities. Winners will be decided by the Scholarship Committee after carefully reviewing each application.

EDGEFIELD, S.C.—Thanks to the cooperative National Master Stewardship Agreement, the NWTF and the USDA Forest Service have expanded their efforts in the Rocky Mountain Region, which encompasses Wyoming, Colorado, South Dakota, Nebraska and Kansas. These efforts will reduce the threat of catastrophic wildfire and improve wildlife habitat on targeted, high-priority landscapes within the agency’s Region Two.

“Given the forest health crisis in Wyoming and Colorado, I am excited for the National Wild Turkey Federation to take on this important work as a Keystone Partner under the Wildfire Crisis Strategy,” said Molly Pitts, NWTF Wildfire Crisis Strategy manager.

On September 22, the Region Two Supplemental Project Agreement was officially signed, and includes four projects:

Big Horn National Forest

The entirety of Sheridan’s municipal water supply relies exclusively on the Big Goose watershed within the Bighorn National Forest. One of the primary challenges facing this watershed is the threat of sedimentation and debris, as large fires pose a significant risk to the overall quality of the water.