Hunting and Fishing News & Blog Articles

Any amount of time in the woods is hard on gear. With modern fabrics leading to hefty price tags, it’s important to protect for seasons to come. To elevate the entire scent control system, Scent Thief® developed a laundry detergent to clean hunting apparel while maximizing its performance. 

Many technical hunting fabrics start to sacrifice performance after heavy use. To solve this, a product was needed that cleaned fabrics without leaving behind a scent deer could detect. The answer was Scent Thief’s patented “No Smell” technology. Unlike traditional scentless laundry detergents, Scent Thief’s detergent is designed to be smelled by deer. The unique formula temporarily disables a deer’s sense of smell rather than using chemicals to mask human odor. Washing your clothes in this detergent before a hunt is no mistake!

The result is a product that gives hunters the edge in all conditions, including high and swirling winds. The Scent Thief Laundry Detergent is phosphate-free and safe for technical fibers, carbon apparel, and wool. The detergent is safe for the skin as well as the environment. Clothing will last for its intended use, as Scent Thief’s Laundry Detergent won’t compromise the lifespan of your hunting clothing.

Scent Thief’s laundry detergent is available in a 32 oz container and is recommended to be used with the rest of the Scent Thief line of products. Go undetected in the woods while keeping base layers and camouflage clean as can be!

Scent Thief Laundry Detergent Features:

For 2023, Barnett Outdoors® is introducing many new items ranging from crossbows to lighted nocks and slingshots. All these items will benefit hunters of age to take on the great outdoors. However, adults aren’t the only ones getting cool toys to play with this year. Barnett is excited to introduce the Phantum toy crossbow line.

Children who aspire to one day take on the likes of a giant buck can begin imagining that journey at an early age from the comfort of their own home with toys in the form of a classic crossbow and a pistol crossbow. With both items in the Phantum series available in OD green and black, children eight and up can enjoy the 3 + 1 shot capacity and pump-action loading that fires six included suction cup safety darts over 30 ft. A fiber optic sight will aid the young aspiring outdoorsman to fire accurate shots at a free practice target included with every purchase. The Phantum series is safe for fun target practice both indoors and out.

Don’t forget about the young when selecting hunting gear for next season. With Barnett’s new Phatnum toy crossbow series, kids can now envision hunting experiences in a fun and safe way.

Phantum Series Features:

About Barnett Crossbows

Marietta, Ohio—For roughly 100 young anglers, Saturday, September 16 was a day filled with wiggly nightcrawlers, bass and bluegill thanks to a free Take Kids Fishing Day event at Buckeye Park in Marietta, Ohio. Hosted by the Union Sportsmen’s Alliance (USA) and IBEW Local 972, the community event was sponsored by the Ohio AFL-CIO.

The goal of the event was to introduce local youth aged two to 15 to fishing and the great outdoors. On hand were volunteers from the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 972, who helped put together poles, cook hot dogs and hand out goodie bags.

Nicole Webster, an officer with Local 972 and volunteer, says the event helps put a face to the union. “But it’s also a way for us to give back to the community and let them know that we’re not just here for business. It’s a way for us to bring our community together,” Webster says. 

The family-friendly event was part of a series of free, community-based Take Kids Fishing Day events, organized through the USA’s Work Boots on the Ground (WBG) program with support from USA national partners Provost Umphrey Law Firm, Union Plus and Humana as well as founding partners UIG, ULLICO, Bank of Labor, AFL-CIO Investment Trust Corporation and Buck Knives. WBG brings together union members willing to volunteer their time and expertise to complete conservation infrastructure projects and mentor youth in the outdoors.

Each youth participant received a rod and reel combo as well as a deer call to take home. For volunteer and fellow organizer Kyle Blinn, an officer with IBEW Local 972, that was a definite highlight for the kids—and for him.

Seventeen years ago in Aurora, Colorado, three patient coaches at Cherry Creek Gun Club spent time with a 12-year-old boy who had just started shooting. Like most boys his age, young Tim Sherry had a mind of his own. “I was definitely stubborn and wanted to try things my way first,” he recalls. “My junior coaches, Doug Hamilton, Gary Trisdale, and Dennis Fluman, had the patience to teach me the basics…over and over again.”  

Sherry’s Path to Paris had started with a visit to the United States Olympic and Paralympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, Colorado, the headquarters of USA Shooting and home to the largest indoor shooting facility in the Western Hemisphere. Like many wide-eyed juniors who visit this impressive place for the first time, young Sherry was inspired to dream big: “I was pretty excited about the sport from the moment I learned I could go to college and compete in the Olympics in rifle shooting. The idea of making a career out of this sport is the first thing that really got me hooked.”  

It wasn’t long before Sherry realized he had the potential to pursue his Olympic dreams. “When I set the J3 (the youngest junior category) national record…I realized I might actually be good enough to accomplish some of my lofty dreams,” he says. In 2012 he chose to shoot for the University of Alaska Fairbanks NCAA Rifle team. Two years of training and competing in the team environment led Sherry to a triumphant year, as he won the Junior Olympic National Championships, earned a place on the Junior World Championships Team, and was the NCAA individual smallbore champion in 2014.  

At the conclusion of his collegiate rifle career with a mechanical engineering degree in hand, Sherry faced the same choice all collegiate shooting athletes do: join the workforce or continue to pursue shooting in some capacity. With Olympic dreams, Sherry was not ready to put his rifles in the closet. “I decided to join the Army as I was finishing up with college because it gave me the best chance of accomplishing my goals,” Sherry says. “After competing in NCAA for the University of Alaska Fairbanks, I knew how important a team was to [help] me improve.”  

The Army Marksmanship Unit (AMU) based at Fort Moore, Georgia, welcomed Sherry in 2017 as one of the country’s top rifle athletes, offering him a unique opportunity that shooters can’t find anywhere else in the United States. “I can honestly say that my shooting has developed so much more than I ever could have expected, thanks to the team we have here! Along with the team, we also have some of the best gunsmiths in the world with our Custom Firearms Shop. They’ve been an invaluable resource since I’ve joined the Army,” says Sherry. “Lastly, the Army provided me [with] a way to earn a salary while doing the sport I love. The Army provides one of the only routes to truly be a professional shooter. It’s been a huge help to be able to make a living while focusing completely on my sport.”  

New Series Debuts Friday, September 29 at 8 p.m. ET

Rekindling the “American Dream” is the focus of a new series on Outdoor Channel, American Made, premiering on Friday, September 29 at 8 p.m. ET. American Made provides an intimate look into the lives and businesses of visionary Americans, one quality American Made product at a time. The series showcases those philosophies that embody the spirit of the American entrepreneur – and the decisions they must make daily.  

The series is produced and created by Branlin Shockey/Rogue Media, who saw a resurgence in pride for the words “American Made” and wanted to tell that story. “People in the outdoor industry want to know where the products they spend their money on originate. However, the series isn’t about the products – or even the companies – it is about the people behind those material things. I tried my best to feature companies who have histories and philosophies that embody the American Dream – that with hard work and ingenuity, anyone can overcome the greatest of obstacles,” shared Branlin Shockey.

“We are incredibly proud of the ‘American Made’ series. Transparency and authenticity are very important to our audience, which is why showcasing brands who are true to themselves and their customers makes this series so unique. The icing on the cake is that these stories give viewers more reasons support these entrepreneurs,” said Tim Cremin, Head of Programming for Outdoor Sportsman Group. 

From featuring firearm manufacturer, Ruger, to an optics brand, Leupold, a lifestyle manufacture, OriginUSA, and mixing in beer (Big Tent) and bourbon (Yellowstone Bourbon), American Made shows how each owner and business leader never compromised on their vision. 

Eagan, Minnesota – The season is underway for 14,708 student athletes participating in USA Clay Target League (USACTL) programs this fall. Those athletes are competing on 873 high school, college, and homeschool teams nationwide. An increase of nearly 1,500 student athletes and more than 100 teams compared to 2022’s fall participation.

“Athletes and parents want safe, school-based, non-traditional outdoor activities in which to participate. The League’s school-approved programs provide a sense of team, belonging, and camaraderie without the high costs and limited playing opportunities of traditional high school sports.” said John Nelson, President of the USACTL.

“Every year 95% of non-graduating students return to participate in the League’s programs, and over 12,000 new athletes joined the League this year through their school’s teams. In the League there are no benchwarmers – everyone participates thanks to the efforts of the shooting ranges, coaches, and parents that make teams flourish.”

About the USA Clay Target League

With over 47,000 participating athletes in the 2022-23 school year, the non-profit USA Clay Target League is America’s largest clay target shooting organization. The League offers trap, skeet, sporting clays, and 5-stand leagues to secondary and postsecondary schools across the country.

Blackhawk®, a leader in law enforcement and military equipment for over 20 years, congratulates tactical athletes Zach Rodman and Ehea Schuerch for their third-place team finish at the Tactical Games West Virginia Regional Team event. Rodman and Schuerch teamed up for the first time at the West Virginia match and were able to reach the podium after a dramatic second day finish.

Throughout the competition, Rodman and Schuerch ran a full suite of Blackhawk gear, including the T-Series® L3D holster with Jacket Slot Leg Strap Adapter plus the Foundation Series Tac Nylon plate carrier and belt. 

“The Foundation Series continues to execute in every difficult environment we compete in, and the West Virginia event was no less demanding,” said Rodman. “Another great item that can be added to any T-Series holster is the jacket slot leg strap adapter. Using it during the match made the holster feel almost non-existent during the ruck event that took us through the mountainous parts of the range. It’s a great piece that any T-Series owner should pick up.”

The West Virginia Tactical Games was the first match in which Rodman and Schuerch joined forces, and both competitors walked away from the event with a new level of respect for their teammate.

“Some things were out of our control and didn’t go as expected, but we fought hard and came back on day two to get the job done,” Schuerch said. “I had an absolute blast getting to partner with Zach for this competition. He’s a powerhouse of an athlete, a solid shooter, and he has a big heart and a passion for this sport and community. He made this weekend the highlight of my TTG season.”

EDGEFIELD, S.C. — The Georgia State Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation recently met to allocate funding for 2024 mission-delivery projects in the Peach State. After the reviewing and ranking process, the Georgia NWTF State Chapter budgeted $162,883 for 18 wild turkey habitat projects, $33,815 for wildlife law enforcement equipment, $43,000 for outreach and education programs and $67,275 for conservation land acquisition, along with a $10,000 commitment to be used across the 18-state region for the NWTF’s new Habitat for the Hatch Initiative.

“We are incredibly thankful for the hardworking volunteers in Georgia that generate Super Fund dollars year after year to accomplish our mission in Georgia,” said Ricky Lackey, NWTF district biologist for Florida, Georgia and South Carolina. “Their passion to conserve the wild turkey and preserve our hunting heritage never falters, and we are looking toward a year packed full of conservation success in 2024.”

Each year, the Georgia NWTF State Chapter allocates funds for a variety of conservation and education and outreach events, as well as other mission-related activities. Funding for these projects is provided through the NWTF Super Fund, a funding model where NWTF volunteers raise money at banquets and other types of fundraisers and then allocate a significant portion of those funds back into meaningful conservation and outreach projects the state board of directors approves.

For 2024, over 22,000 acres of habitat improvement in Georgia is expected to contribute to the NWTF’s new Habitat for the Hatch Initiative, with 18 new projects in Georgia providing nesting, brood-rearing and foraging habitats critical to wild turkey nest success and brood survival. In addition to the habitat projects in Georgia, the state chapter is allocating $10,000 to Habitat for the Hatch to be used across the initiative’s 18-state region.

Launched earlier this year, the NWTF’s Habitat for the Hatch Initiative is laser-focused on creating essential nesting habitat in close proximity to quality brood range. This new initiative seeks to create 1 million acres that fit these specific criteria in the next 10 years.

Deer season brings visions of autumn leaves, cool temperatures, and big bucks on the move. When the calendar turns to fall and deer season begins, hunters know the best place to be is in the stand. Hunting from a ladder stand this season is ideal, providing stealth, comfort and security to any hunt.    

Ladder stands are a fantastic option for various hunting scenarios, making the perfect spot to invest precious time in the field this season. Ladder stands offer unmatched stability, durability, and unsurpassed comfort to ensure productive sits. Millennium shares the passion for frosty sunrises, rutting bucks, and the fellowship of the hunt. Designed for hunters, Millennium has a lineup of ladder stands that will fit a variety of budgets and hunting styles.

Millennium L110 21FT Single Ladder Stand –

Built with dependability and versatility, the L110 is constructed of powder-coated, rigid steel for unsurpassed strength and longevity. The double-rail ladder system allows for adjustable height from 8’ to 21’ off the ground by adding or removing ladder sections, permitting setup in a variety of trees and terrain.

The generous platform and industry-leading ComfortMax seat standard in the L110 make long sits in the field comfortable, extending time in the hunt.  Millennium’s Safelink 35’ rope, prusik knot, and carabiner are included for controlled and safe ascents and descents from the stand. Additional accessories like the padded shooting rail, folding footrest, and optional M600 bow holder make the Millenium L110 a classic ladder stand that checks all the boxes, including comfort, strength, and adaptability.

Click. Click. Boom. That’s the feeling you get when you put the M4 from Fisher Pen Company® into your hand and then click on the cap to activate an unparalleled writing experience at an incomparable price.

Although Fisher has had many top sellers over seven decades as a leading pen manufacturer, the M4, known as Cap-O-Matic, is an absolute classic and the unquestioned workhorse writing tool in its line. As its name suggests, the Cap-O-Matic Space Pen activates and retracts by its cap, which makes it incredibly easy and convenient to use the pen with a single hand. This feature makes the M4 the most beloved pen among those working in rugged, physically involved environments and an ideal fit for all writing applications. 

Its strong brass body creates a nearly indestructible shell, while the components inside ensure a non-stop, fulfilling writing experience with its pressurized PR style ink refill cartridge, which means that they offer all of the unique capabilities that are synonymous with Fisher products: they will write upside down – at any angle, underwater, through grease, extreme temperatures (-30 to +250 degrees F), on almost any surface, three times longer than the average pen, and of course in the gravity-free vacuum of space, and all of our pens are lifetime guaranteed for quality against all manufacturing defects.

If you like options, the M4 delivers that as well with a range of colors, coatings and licensed selections representing NASA, Artemis, Axiom Space, Military and First Responders. Seven attractive Cerakote color choices are also available, each with a nearly impenetrable coating that provides a solid grip and even more protection from the rigors you’ll put this pen through. 

It’s not bragging if your product can back it up; this pen will surely deliver with every click and write. After all, the creation of the Cap-O-Matic allowed Fisher Space Pen to offer the same technology astronauts used in a single-hand activation but at a price that everyone can afford! Every detail of this pen is well-constructed, including a very sturdy clip on the cap that seamlessly attaches to pockets and notebooks and isn’t susceptible to breaking off like other pen clips you’ll find out there. 

BELLEVUE, WA – The Second Amendment Foundation and founder Alan Gottlieb have moved their civil rights lawsuit against Washington Attorney General Bob Ferguson from federal court to Washington State court in a move the plaintiffs hope will bring a speedier resolution to their case.

“We believe we will do better in the state courts, considering Ferguson’s loss before the state Supreme Court earlier this year in the long running Value Village case,” said SAF founder and Executive Vice President Alan M. Gottlieb. “The state high court ruled unanimously that Ferguson’s office ‘improperly used Washington Consumer Protection and Charitable Solicitations Acts to suppress constitutionally protected speech with which he disagreed.’

“On the other hand,” he recalled, “we won unanimously before the state Supreme Court in our lawsuit against the City of Edmonds for violating Washington State’s long standing firearms preemption law. That was a legal action Ferguson’s office should have taken, but because of his clearly established anti-gun sentiments, the job of protecting Washington law fell to SAF.” 

Joining the lawsuit is the Citizens Committee for the Right to Keep and Bear Arms, SAF’s sister organization for which Gottlieb serves as chairman. Additional plaintiffs include the Center for the Defense of Free Enterprise, the Service Bureau Association, Merril Mail Marketing and Liberty Park Press. They are represented by attorneys Steven W. Fogg and Jack M. Lovejoy at Corr Cronin LLP in Seattle.

In addition to Ferguson, the lawsuit also names three assistant AGs assigned to the Consumer Protection Division. All are being sued individually and in their official capacities.

When the first breath of autumn whispers a cool north breeze, just as the first leaves of fall begin to change into brilliant yellows, reds and orange, bowhunters recognize the call. This is archery season, and it’s the season that every bowhunter awaits. 

While the days have steadily grown shorter, and the evenings have a chill, the afternoons this time of year still warm the woods, and walking to and from the stand can easily work up a sweat. For the early archery season, a lightweight jacket that is packable, versatile and quiet in the stand is critical. Pairing this jacket with the right pants is the perfect weight for early-season bow hunts.

Nomad Legacy Jacket –

The Legacy Jacket is a lightweight, 4-way stretch hoodie that is the perfect outer layer for cool mornings and evenings in the stand. When the weather warms up, this jacket will easily stuff tight into your pack, conserving valuable space

Nomad Legacy Camo Pant –

Federal Duck Stamp Supports Wildlife Conservation 

After two days of competition, Chuck Black of Belgrade, Montana, emerged as the winner of the 2023 Federal Duck Stamp Art Contest with an oil painting of a northern pintail. The announcement was made at an event and via live stream at the Olmstead Center at Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa.

Black’s oil painting will be made into the 2024-2025 Federal Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp, or “Duck Stamp” which will go on sale in late June 2024. The Service produces the Federal Duck Stamp, which sells for $25 and raises approximately $40 million in sales each year. These funds support critical conservation to protect wetland habitats in the National Wildlife Refuge System for the benefit of wildlife and the enjoyment of people. 

Earlier this week, the Migratory Bird Conservation Commission, chaired by Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland, approved the allocation of more than $50.6 million in grants through the North American Wetlands Conservation Act and funds from the Migratory Bird Conservation Fund. The fund is made up partly of Duck Stamp dollars, to support the acquisition of lands from willing sellers for the Refuge System. The new areas provide additional access to the public to some of the most spectacular places available for hunting, fishing, birdwatching, hiking and other outdoor activities. 

“I encourage everyone to buy a Duck Stamp as they have such a significant impact in conserving wetlands for waterfowl and so many other species,” said Service Director Martha Williams. “The art entries for this contest are impressive, and they serve as an important reminder of the wildlife and habitats the Duck Stamp is designed to protect.” 

Bass Boat Technologies Signs on for multiple years as the Title Sponsor for Bass Angler Magazine Tournament Trail (BAMTT)

Bass Boat Technologies, the leading innovator in custom graph mounts designed for avid anglers, has proudly announced its partnership with Bass Angler Magazine as a multi-year title sponsor for the upcoming Bass Angler Magazine Tournament Trail.

“We are thrilled to embark on this exciting partnership with Bass Angler Magazine and to support a tournament trail that has grown to be a premier competition among west coast angling enthusiasts,” said Van Foster, CEO of Bass Boat Technologies. “Our commitment to enhancing the angling experience aligns perfectly with the values and goals of the BAMTT, making this an ideal collaboration.”

“The BAMTT is all about elevating the sport of bass fishing, offering a professional platform for anglers to grow and challenge themselves,” said Mark Lassagne, Founder of Bass Angler Magazine. “We are excited to welcome Bass Boat Technologies as the perfect fit for our title sponsor and are confident that their involvement will enrich the experience for all involved.”

About Bass Boat Technologies

Ten Shows Debut New Seasons the Week of September 25-29

DENVER (September 18, 2023) – It is well-known the most wonderful time of years lands in the middle of September on Outdoor Channel as Fall Premiere Week, the week of September 25, kicks off fresh content from ten of the network’s most popular programs, including two new series: American Made and Life on the Edge.

Viewers can tune in beginning on Monday, September 25 for fresh content from heavy-hitter creators, such as Steven Rinella, Andrew Zimmern, Mario Kalpou and Mike Robinson, to name a few. Plus, mark the calendars for two new series debuting on Friday, September 29: American Made, featuring the ingenuity of American-made products, and Life on the Edge, diving into survival on the Aleutian Islands in Alaska.

Farming the Wild (Season 5 Premieres Monday, September 25 at 7 p.m. ET) – Farming the Wild celebrates hunting as a way of gathering sustainable wild food. The show educates, informs, and focuses on the food aspect of hunting and gathering. The emphasis is on harvesting wild meat, rather than for sport or pure pleasure.

Man Eats Wild (Season 3 Premieres Monday, September 25 at 7:30 p.m. ET) – Follow hardcore adventurer and award-winning restaurateur Mario Kalpou on an amazing journey across the globe harvesting wild food in the most extreme environments.

MeatEater (Season 11 Premieres Monday, September 25 at 8 p.m. ET) – Hunter, author, cook and conservationist Steven Rinella treks into the world’s most remote, beautiful regions, bringing game meat from field to table.

Brownells invites attendees of the inaugural AR15.com Gunstock to visit shooting range bay #P2 to try out Brownells guns and optics, meet gun industry content creators and learn more about gunsmithing at the Extreme Tactics & Training Range in Waxahachie, Texas, September 23-24.

The two-day live fire event is open to the public and will give attendees the chance to get their hands on some of the most popular products from some of the most well-known companies in the firearms industry.

Attendees are asked to bring their own hearing and eye protection with them.

Brownells own Caleb Savant – who appears frequently in Brownells YouTube videos and social media posts – will be onsite to give seminars about gunsmithing projects and gun cleaning.

In addition to visiting with Brownells Gun Techs, attendees can demo firearms and access a special discount available exclusively at Gunstock.

EDGEFIELD, S.C. — The Alabama NWTF State Chapter recently approved $183,613 to 25 projects across the state for the 2024 Fiscal Year, along with a $50,000 commitment to wild turkey research. With collaborative partner funding, the NWTF Alabama’s investment for 2024 will be leveraged to over $1 million, funding wild turkey research and enhancing over 121,000 acres of wildlife habitat from September 2023 to September 2024.

The investment by the Alabama NWTF State Chapter amplifies the organization’s new Habitat for the Hatch Initiative, with 19 new projects in Alabama providing nesting, brood-rearing and foraging habitats critical to wild turkey nest initiation, nest success and brood survival. In addition to the projects in Alabama, the state chapter is allocating $50,000 to Habitat for the Hatch to be used across the initiative’s 18-state region.

“The wild turkey decline doesn’t just affect us in Alabama, it affects all as turkey hunters and turkey enthusiasts,” said Scott Brandon, NWTF Alabama State Chapter president. “Through Habitat for the Hatch, we will put the habitat wild turkeys need on the ground to successfully recruit broods year after year, in Alabama and across the Southeast. We are proud to invest in this new initiative.”

View all of the new NWTF Alabama projects, including a map of project sites.

“When there is a challenge, the NWTF works to solve it,” said Derek Alkire, NWTF district biologist for Alabama, Tennessee and Kentucky. “Our volunteers in Alabama are dedicated to ensuring wild turkeys and all of our natural resources will be around for future generations to enjoy. These new projects will directly help increase wild turkey habitat and enhance overall ecological health across the state. We are ready to hit the ground running this fiscal year!”

Grand Opening of SITKA Gear’s Second Retail Location in Dallas, Texas Features Dallas Cowboys Linebacker Leighton Vander Esch

SITKA Gear, the industry leader in technical hunting and outdoor gear, announces the opening of their brick-and-mortar storefront in Dallas, Texas. The SITKA Dallas storefront is located at 4438 McKinney Ave #200 Dallas, TX and will be hosting Grand Opening festivities for the Dallas community on September 30th, 2023, with a special meet and greet with Dallas Cowboys Linebacker Leighton Vander Esch from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM, where fans can stop by for a photo opportunity.

In addition to the meet and greet, the Grand Opening of the Dallas store will feature exclusive in-store promotions, giveaways, and a chance to engage with SITKA Gear’s ambassadors. Whether embarking on a hunting trip or simply embracing the great outdoors, SITKA Gear’s newest retail location is poised to become the go-to destination for gear that’s engineered to excel in any environment.

As the second retail location for SITKA Gear, and the first outside their hometown of Bozeman, MT, this venture marks a significant milestone in the brand’s journey. 

“We’re excited to bring SITKA to our Texas and Southern customers,” said Alley Ray, Retail Experience Manager.”Our gear is designed to elevate outdoor experiences, and with our new Dallas store, we’re providing enthusiasts with a hands-on opportunity to completely understand the difference our gear can make.”

BRANSON, MO – Many changes have taken place in Branson’s tourism scene during the last decade and a half, but there has been one constant there to tell the story. That constant is Lynn Berry, this year’s Missouri Tourism Hall of Fame inductee .

Whether focused on attractions in Branson, supporting an initiative to spotlight the Ozarks or working on a Division of Tourism project, Lynn Berry knows how to bring attention to Missouri. Thanks in large part to her efforts, Southwest Missouri has been featured on The Today Show, its golf courses have achieved national recognition and its attractions have been the focus of countless television and print features.

Lynn joined the staff of the Branson/Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce and CVB in 2007 as its Public Relations Director. In 2012, she became the organization’s Director of Communications. For Lynn, good PR comes down to forging strong relationships with the news media and travel journalists.

Along with the Branson community, Lynn garners much love and respect from her peers, who describe her as upbeat, professional, willing to offer advice and exchange ideas. As a PR practitioner, Lynn’s efforts speak for themselves. She has helped generate more than $180 million in ad value during the last 10 years.

In addition, she knows how to deal with challenges. Lynn was a leading voice when the Branson area was hit by a tornado a decade ago, and during the pandemic-impacted year of 2020, her work to support tourism gave the Branson CVB a 46-to-1 return on its public relations investments.

Private 2nd Class, Amber Kingshill, is the newest member of the Army Marksmanship Unit (AMU) service rifle team. She is hungry to succeed in the sport while lending her expertise to the AMU’s mission: Our elite marksmen stand out as the best in their craft, training their fellow Soldiers to be more effective and showcasing their abilities at shooting competitions around the world. (goarmy.com, 2023)

Kingshill officially joined the AMU on June 6th, 2023, and is well qualified for her new position, earning the Distinguished Rifleman Badge in 2020, the Golden Eagle Trophy in 2022 with a score of 488-21X, and High Civilian, High Junior and High Woman for Service rifle in 2022 at the National Matches among many other accomplishments. 

Amber’s dad introduced her to the sport. It was actually a scheme so he could continue to shoot. He thought that if he got one of the kids involved, mom would be ok with him shooting too. The plan worked. During Amber’s first year shooting in the National Matches, she participated in the Rifle Small Arms Firing School (SAFS) where she received her first four leg points shooting on the California Grizzlies Junior Rifle Team. “That’s what started the hunger for service rifle,” said Kingshill. She credits much of her success to Jim O’Connell, Bob Gill, and Robert Taylor from her time competing with the Grizzlies junior team – they sacrificed a lot to make sure the kids could compete and learn. 

At 20 years old, Kingshill returned to the 2023 National Matches to compete and coach with the AMU team and was able to instruct the SAFS students. “Coaching was great being able to give back to people and see their drive towards it. It was nice to be out there feeling the competitive spirit.” In 2019, when Kingshill was still a junior, she talked to some of the members of the AMU to let them know she was interested. Her teammates were in full support of this, even writing on the back of their car, Amber for AMU, 2022. “Looking back, it’s heartwarming because 2022 is when I signed the papers with the Army. Having their support really helped me get there,” she said.

Now that Kingshill has completed basic training, she attended the National Matches at Camp Perry and fired in both Highpower and Long Range matches. She earned High Service Rifle in the Long Range Palma Match with a score of 442-13x and placed 2nd in the Long Range Kerr Memorial Match with a score of 197-10x. She is focused on tightening up groups, setting PRs for each string and working on her mental game.