Hunting and Fishing News & Blog Articles

EDGEFIELD, S.C.—Ken Perrotte of Virginia received the National Wild Turkey Federation’s Tom Kelly Communicator of the Year Award for his ability to share the story of the NWTF’s conservation and hunting heritage efforts nationwide.

“I am grateful and humbled to receive this recognition, particularly when there are so many deserving communicators,” Perrotte said. “It is especially meaningful for me since this is the 50th anniversary of NWTF, an organization founded in Fredericksburg, Virginia, where I’ve been writing outdoors columns for the local daily paper for the last 25 years. As a youngster, I had dreams of one day sharing stories about the people, places and passions of our outdoors lifestyle. I still marvel occasionally that I get to do this. It is one of my life’s biggest joys. 

“Luckily, turkeys and turkey hunters offer outdoors writers abundant material. And the NWTF family is blessed with incredible, passionate members and supporters, communicating by words and action their dedication to the mission and their fellow members. Sharing stories about the lifestyle we love, that incredible bird we treasure, and the importance of the conservation ethic that underpins it all is so important. I accept this recognition on behalf of all of you.”  

Throughout his decades-long career as an outdoor writer, Perrotte has distinguished himself as a stalwart conservationist, understanding that without conservation, opportunities afield would be unsubstantial — and he’s well-versed at communicating that message all over the world.

Perrotte currently serves as the National Wild Turkey Federation’s conservation field editor, the South Atlantic Flyway migration alert editor for Ducks Unlimited, contributing editor for Shooting Industry and routine contributor to Field & Stream, Outdoor Life and Salt Water Sportsman magazines, and The Hunting Wire. As a writer, editor and photographer, Perrotte has more than 2,200 published articles, and has won nearly 100 writing, photography, website design and management (outdoors-industry related) awards.

Brownells invites customers to help celebrate the grand opening of the new Brownells website starting Monday February 27 at www.Brownells.com.

The new version of www.Brownells.com is optimized for mobile devices and features upgraded search functions along with a blog and content section.

The centerpiece of the New Website Grand Opening celebration is the Gun Room Giveaway that will give one lucky winner everything to fully outfit a gun room – including guns, ammo, accessories, optics, magazines, tools and cleaning supplies – a total retail value over $12,000.

The Gun Room Giveaway is sponsored by SIG Sauer, Magpul, Hornday, Brownells, and others and contains products from many leading companies.

In addition to the grand prize, the Gun Room Giveaway offers a $1,000 Brownells gift card for second place, and a $500 gift card for third place.

EDGEFIELD, S.C. — The National Wild Turkey Federation presented Jimmy Stafford, retired wild turkey and small game coordinator of the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, with the Wayne Bailey Lifetime Achievement Award.

The NWTF announced Stafford’s award during the organization’s 50th anniversary celebration at its 47th annual NWTF Convention and Sport Show, sponsored by Mossy Oak.

The Wayne Bailey Lifetime Achievement Award recognizes a wildlife biologist, trapper or wildlife manager who has devoted his or her career to the wild turkey and played a major role in the turkey’s restoration and management.

Stafford is a quintessential example of a state wildlife agency biologist who dedicated a career to the stewardship of the wild turkey, as was exemplified by Wayne Bailey.

For over three decades, Stafford worked at nearly every level of conservation in his home state of Louisiana. His turkey trapping skills were an asset during the final phases of Louisiana’s restocking program and his hands-on management as a technician early in his career improved numerous acres for turkey and other wildlife.

Following the release of our original model the 4-Play three years ago, we are adding a new addition to our call line.

Our new call the Rafter will be offered for sale on our website on March 1, 2023. The Rafter is a new take on our original 4-Play Turkey Call design. The original 4-Play was well received by both hunters and media, garnering positive reviews such as NRA’s American Hunter Magazine describing it as “The most innovative box call we’ve ever seen”. While we will continue to offer the original, our new model, the Rafter, has taken the 4-Play one step further. We have been able to redesign the call’s body to include one side capable of creating a deeper tone, while keeping the other side a high tone. This has resulted in a call with an even larger spectrum of tones and pitches. The Rafter will be offered in all the same wood options as our original call.

“I’ve used countless types of calls over the last 35 years, but none so unique as the 4-Play Rafter box call” -Jeff Budz- NWTF Grand Slam record holder

If you’d like to learn more about 4-Play Turkey Calls and Cutting Edge Game Calls please visit our website:
4PlayTurkeyCall.com

Cutting Edge Game Calls was founded 2019. We strive to offer unique and effective calls to hunters.

EDGEFIELD, S.C. — To kick off the NWTF’s year-long 50th anniversary celebration, the outdoors community descended upon Nashville, Tennessee and set numerous records for the NWTF’s annual convention and sport show, including the all-time record of 67,368 sport show attendees.

“The energy at our 50th anniversary celebration was truly as if we packed 50 years of passion for our favorite game bird into the course of just a few days,” NWTF co-CEO Jason Burckhalter said. “From the sport show floor to the conservation conference, our guests celebrated our beloved outdoor lifestyle and were teeming with excitement for the incoming spring season. We are endlessly thankful to all of our volunteers, partners, staff and attendees that made it all possible. Together, we have set the tone for our golden anniversary year – this is just the kickoff!”

In addition to the sport show attendance record, the NWTF’s 50th anniversary celebration in Nashville saw other records shattered, including the 512 exhibitors that set up booths on the show floor, the 2,000 individuals that attended the NWTF’s Grand National Auction and numerous events that saw record-breaking fundraising.

And while the NWTF’s recent convention and sport show in Nashville will be one for the history books, NWTF chapters across the country are celebrating all year long.

State and local NWTF chapters will be hosting their own 50th anniversary events – for both outreach and fundraising – that will catapult the NWTF’s mission delivery to unprecedented heights.

EDGEFIELD, S.C.—The National Wild Turkey Federation recognized Toxey Haas, founder and CEO of Mossy Oak, with the Lynn Boykin Hunting Heritage Award for his contributions to conservation and the preservation of our hunting heritage.

“I am beyond humbled to be the recipient of the 2023 Lynn Boykin Hunting Heritage Award,” Haas said. “With my lifelong involvement in the NWTF, I am keenly aware of the monumental significance this award, all of its past recipients, and especially Miss Boykin carry! I could not be recognized in more fulfilling and gratifying way. Having grown up knowing her and her family makes it even more special. As everyone well knows, turkeys have been in my life since my earliest days. Regardless of my love for all wildlife, nature and the earth itself, turkeys and turkey hunting and turkey conservation have always come first. Even as an enterprise and a brand, for Mossy Oak, turkeys are the center of the bullseye. It is with the deepest heart of gratitude I accept the award on behalf of the Haas family and all the truly amazing family within the Mossy Oak brand. It is one we will cherish forever.”

Haas accepted the award during the NWTF’s 50th anniversary celebration at its 47th annual Convention and Sport Show, sponsored by Mossy Oak.

The Lynn Boykin Hunting Heritage Award’s namesake was a former president and chairperson of the NWTF’s National Board of Directors. During her tenure, she emphasized the importance of hunting heritage and helped create a new outlook for the organization.

As Boykin did, Haas lives his life working to advance our nation’s outdoor traditions.

Rexburg, ID – Pro-Tracker® Archery, premier makers of the advanced Pro-Tracker Recovery System that has changed the way bowhunters successfully track and recover their trophies, is proud to announce its new partnership with full-service marketing, advertising and PR agency Full-Throttle Communications. The agency will be spearheading all media relations and PR initiatives for the growing company in the archery industry.

“We’re excited to partner with the industry veterans at Full-Throttle to head up our public relations efforts. They have a long history of success in the archery industry, and we’re confident they can successfully help us tell the Pro-Tracker Archery story,” said Gary Christensen, owner of Pro-Tracker Archery. “The technology behind our recovery system is effective, reliable and it will track wounded game taken with a bow (not your arrow) every time. With the help of Full-Throttle’s strategic PR efforts, we look forward to providing even more archers with the confidence that their game will be recovered, no matter the conditions.” he added.

The ingenious concept behind Pro-Tracker Archery is to help every bowhunter ethically and efficiently overcome any obstacle involved with tracking and recovering game taken with a bow. The Pro-Tracker Recovery system is engineered to track the animal, not the arrow by detaching from the arrow and staying in the hide of the animal. This means bowhunters will track and recover their trophy every time – guaranteed. In addition to the recovery system, bowhunters can add more momentum to each shot with ProTracker’s line of Bad Boys FOC arrow sleeves. The Bad Boys have revolutionized the ease of forward weight without the need for re-sighting your bow, making the first shot count every time. The company also offers top-of-the-line arrows that deliver an incredible value to the archer.

“We couldn’t be more excited to partner with the Pro-Tracker team to further spread their message and help even more archers successfully track their trophies quickly and ethically,” said Jason Bear, President/CEO of Full-Throttle Communications. “The technology is effective and efficient, and we have no doubt archers across the country will be wanting to add the recovery system to their arsenal of archery gear,” he added.

About Pro-Tracker Archery
Pro-Tracker Archery is based in Rexburg, Idaho and is an award-winning manufacturer of archery hunting products including the Pro-Tracker Recovery System, the revolutionary radio-frequency tracking system that helps hunters retrieve game regardless of the hunting conditions. The company also produces the Bad Boys FOC arrow sleeve that increases an arrow’s FOC for deeper, harder impacts, and a full line of Pro-Tracker Archery carbon arrows designed and built to the highest standards of archery performance. For more information on Pro-Tracker Archery, go to: pro-tracker.com.

Alien Gear Holsters® supports the mission of Operation Underground Railroad (O.U.R.) to bring an end to child exploitation and sex trafficking.

Alien Gear Holsters®, designers and manufacturers of American-made holsters and firearms accessories, and the Rapid Force  line of Level 2 and Level 3 Duty Holsters, announce a significant collaboration with Operation Underground Railroad (O.U.R.), a 501(c)(3) organization with a mission to permanently eradicate child sex trafficking worldwide. As part of this partnership, all O.U.R. Operation Teams will be equipped with Alien Gear Holsters’ new versatile Photon holster.

Operation Underground Railroad was founded in 2013 and brought together former CIA, past and current law enforcement, and highly skilled operatives to lead coordinated identification and extraction efforts around the world in conjunction with local law enforcement. O.U.R.’s efforts continue after rescue with assistance and aftercare, as well as providing appropriate information to assist with prosecution. O.U.R. has supported over 1,000 operations with 6,000 plus survivors recovered and 4,000 more predators taken off the streets and internet and arrested.

“Human trafficking is a global crisis, and the most vulnerable victims are children sold into slavery. Alien Gear Holsters is honored to partner with Operation Underground Railroad and bring awareness to this tragedy while supporting their efforts to save as many lives as possible,” Sandi Little, COO of Alien Gear Holsters, commented. “The Photon holster system is a perfect fit for their operatives requiring a holster that is concealable and very versatile.”

The Photon holster debuted at the 2023 SHOT Show®. Unlike other holsters currently on the market, the Photon is feature-rich and highly versatile. It is ambidextrous, IWB and OWB compatible, and is sidecar ready for the optional mag carrier. Additional features include an optic cut-out, light, threaded barrel, and high/co-witness sight compatibility. And the Photon is adjustable for cant, ride height, and retention.

Tennessee Wildlife Federation and Scholastic Shooting Sports Foundation (SSSF) are proud to announce a partnership for their respective programs: Tennessee Scholastic Clay Target Program (Tennessee SCTP) and National Scholastic Clay Target Program (National SCTP). This partnership will enhance the experience for athletes and the administrative roles for coaches.

“Since 2001, Tennessee Wildlife Federation has provided young Tennesseans with the premier shooting sports program in the state through the Tennessee Scholastic Clay Target Program,” said Ashley Tone, Tennessee Scholastic Clay Target Program Manager. “As a former Tennessee SCTP athlete myself, I am proud to be a part of the driving force behind promoting shooting sports in my home state and propelling our program forward.”

Tennessee SCTP provides youth, age 9 through college, an opportunity to participate in shotgun shooting sports—trap, skeet, and sporting clays—with peers from across the state. The program is designed to teach the importance of safe firearms handling, responsibility, leadership, teamwork, and to promote healthy competition.

“All of us at Tennessee Wildlife Federation see the positive impact this program makes on so many athletes and their families, as well as increasing outdoor recreation and conservation in our state,” said Tone. “We are excited to be strengthening and expanding the opportunities for our teams through a new partnership with National SCTP.”

Through this partnership:

Fiocchi, a global leader in defensive, target, and hunting ammunition, is excited to announce its partnership with The Clay Lab. This new partnership is part of a continuing initiative by Fiocchi to support the shooting sports and to help grow the knowledge base of and participation in sporting clays competition and recreational shooting.

Developed and hosted by competitive shooters Scott Hardison, JP Tayamen, and Jeremy Smock, The Clay Lab focuses on producing high-quality videos that cover the sporting clays community, events, and gear reviews, but also takes deep dives into the processes and technical aspects of shotgun shooting to provide valuable insight for beginner and advanced shooters alike.

“Joining Team Fiocchi has been an exciting time for our channel,” said The Clay Lab co-host Scott Hardison. “As our squad’s knowledge and experience in the game have grown, we have come to understand the importance of quality ammunition. With the backing of Fiocchi, we couldn’t be more confident in our future. Delivering quality content to the community has always been our goal, so it just plain makes sense for our channel to be paired with the quality of Fiocchi.”

To learn more about The Clay Lab, visit ClayLabUSA.com or check out their YouTube channel.

For more information about Fiocchi ammunition, visit FiocchiUSA.com.

Fiocchi, a global leader in defensive, target, and hunting ammunition, announces the appointment of shooting industry veteran David Blenker to the position of President and CEO of its North American operations. Blenker will replace Anthony Acitelli, who is retiring after a three-and-a-half-year tenure in this role.

An experienced corporate leader and a decades-long veteran of the shooting industry, Blenker guided two greenfield projects over the past five years — the new Taurus USA and the new A-1 Industries manufacturing facilities in Bainbridge, Georgia.

Blenker’s involvement in the shooting industry goes beyond corporate management. He is a past Board of Governor of the National Shooting Sports Foundation, along with being a past board member of the Sporting Arms and Ammunition Manufacturers’ Institute, past board member of the South Florida Council of Boy Scouts of America, and currently holds a board seat on the Youth Shooting Sports Alliance. Here, Blenker exercises his passionate advocacy for the grassroots growth of shooting sports — an endeavor that perfectly aligns with Fiocchi’s ongoing support of the Scholastic Clay Target Program. Blenker is also an avid hunter and competitive shooter.

In his new role as President and CEO of Fiocchi USA, Blenker will guide several major initiatives for the company — most notably the expansion of Fiocchi of America, such as the new primer manufacturing facility in Arkansas — and furthering Fiocchi’s commitment to sustainable technology implementation throughout the product lines.

“I am truly excited to work with such a legendary brand as Fiocchi and to work alongside the dedicated employees who have helped the company make such large strides over the last few years,” said Blenker. “With its increasing manufacturing capabilities and a growing footprint in North America, I look forward to this new chapter in Fiocchi’s nearly 150-year history. I must also thank outgoing CEO Anthony Acitelli for his outstanding stewardship of the brand and for bringing Fiocchi’s North American operations to this point.”

Inspired by the many adventures he experienced as a member of the Air Force Pistol Marksmanship Team back in the late 1980s and early 1990s, Dr. Robert “Doc” Engelmeier from Pittsburgh, Pa., created his own exposé. Documenting his excursions, including to Camp Perry, he goes into remarkable detail about being a competitor during that time period, the awards he accumulated and the friends he made along the way. The CMP will be posting the piece through a series on our online publication, The First Shot, featuring fascinating commentary and vintage photos for readers to enjoy.

This is the second installment of the series.

My Start and a Daring Trip:

My first foray into military competition came along in 1971-1972. Upon my return from Vietnam, I was reassigned to Otis AFB on Cape Cod. I joined the base pistol team there which competed weekly in the Cape Cod Pistol League. That base team consisted of both Airmen and Coast Guard members.

The largest Coast Guard Air/Sea Rescue unit at the time was situated on Otis AFB. The team won the league championship in 1972, so we Air Force members of the team qualified to travel to Tindall AFB in Florida to compete in the Air Defense Command (ADC) Matches. Unfortunately, none of us qualified for the ADC Team that went on to the All-Air Force Matches that year.

OAKLAND COUNTY, MICHIGAN – It was during a dense, wet fog on Halloween morning when lifetime experienced Michigan game hunter Mike Hoeppner lost track of his massive 9-point, 200 lb dressed big-buck archery kill. 

An avid lifetime hunter, fisherman and outdoorsman, Hoeppner has landed many exciting hunts during the course of his sportsman career, but never lost a buck he couldn’t find… until now.   

After an exhaustive two-hour long foot-search in the chilly autumn rain and dense woodland brush of Northern Oakland County, Michigan, this experienced hunter nearly lost all hope of recovering his dream buck. Coming it at 138 5/8 inches in the Big Buck Gross Scored, this buck was recorded at being large enough to make it into the Commemorative Bucks of Michigan state records, and would be devastating for an experienced hunter to lose track of. 

Following the fruitless search, Hoeppner decided to enlist the help of one of Michigan’s most valuable hunting resources to save the day – a blood-tracking Dachshund named Max. 

Weight less than 15 pounds, these feisty little dogs are apex trackers, successfully finding lost game in some of Michigan’s densest, forested habitats. Moving quickly through the slippery, wet grounds, it took less than 5 minutes for this experienced tracker dog to locate the lost buck, which had fallen into a deep, weeded ravine. 

(Summerville, SC) –  American Tactical, a leading firearms manufacturer, has announced the introduction of two new bolt action rifles from Black Creek Labs – the MRX Bronco and the TRX Bronco Hunter.  The TRX Bronco Hunter is an accurate utility rifle designed for backcountry carry and hunting, while the MRX Bronco is ideal for range shooting, varmint and small game.  Both rifles are part of Black Creek’s newest line of Bronco bolt action rifles and are now available for purchase with an MSRP of $1499 for the TRX Bronco Hunter and $1199 for the MRX Bronco.

The TRX Bronco Hunter is an innovative rifle that is specifically designed for backcountry hunting. It features a two piece, Bronco adaptable chassis system with a 10 inch fore-end that is made of aircraft grade aluminum. The rifle also features a folding stock that captures the bolt handle when folded, making it compact, save and easy to carry. The TRX Bronco Hunter feeds from high capacity AR10/SR25 mags, eliminating the requirement for extra mags or loose ammunition. Additionally, the FSS stock can be made to lock the safety in the “safe” position, making it unable to fire when the stock is folded.

The TRX Bronco Hunter uses the Black Creek TRX Short action, which can be chambered in .308 or 6.5 Creedmoor. It is guaranteed to shoot 1 MOA with suggested commercial ammunition and is fitted with a TriggerTech REM700 field trigger, making it one of the smoothest shooting rifles available in its class.
The MRX Bronco, on the other hand, is a versatile, compact rifle that is ideal for range shooting and small game hunting. It features a 16.5 inch, medium weight barrel and a M-LOK compatible handguard. The rifle feeds from AR15 magazines and can be chambered in 300BLK, 7.62×39 or 5.56.. The MRX Bronco is fitted with a TriggerTech REM700 field trigger and is guaranteed to shoot 1.2 MOA with suggested commercial ammunition.The MRX Bronco comes with a collapsible PDS (Personal Defense System) stock for easy on the range adjustment.

“We’re excited to introduce the Black Creek Labs TRX Bronco Hunter and MRX Bronco to the market,” said Tony DiChario, President of American Tactical. “These rifles offer unparalleled accuracy and versatility in their class, making them perfect for a variety of applications. With their innovative design and top-of-the-line features, we’re confident that the TRX Bronco Hunter and MRX Bronco will be a hit with shooters and hunters alike.”

For more information on products from American Tactical, Inc. visit www.americantactical.us. For press inquiries, contact Monica Arnold at [email protected]. 

New Custom Plaques Offer Perfect Way to Commemorate Hunt

Primos® Hunting, a pioneer in game calls and hunting accessories, announces new commemorative custom turkey fan plaques available from the Custom Mill Shop. A long-time request from turkey hunters, the new custom plaques are available just in time for the spring season.

Designed by turkey hunters for turkey hunters, Primos custom plaques are the perfect way to commemorate that special bird or memory for a friend, family member or yourself. Handcrafted in Mississippi with solid hardwoods, each plaque is individually marked for authenticity and can be fully customized to celebrate any successful hunt.

“Chasing turkeys in the spring is an adventure full of highs and lows, so when you finally get lucky enough to bag that big tom, you want to be able to display it proudly,” said Jason Harris, Director of Marketing and Product Management at Primos Hunting. “That’s why we created the Primos Custom Turkey Plaque. It has tons of ways to add unique details about your hunt and will surely be the envy of your hunting buddies.”

The Custom Mill Shop turkey plaques feature a cherry wood baseplate and a select maple fan holder. Purchasers can select between two styles: the Field Report or Custom. The Field Report includes personalized text, the state the bird was taken in or shotshell size (12, 20 or .410), as well as stats like spur and beard length. The Custom style allows you to choose from multiple turkey graphics and text options on both the top and bottom of the plaque.

SilencerCo is excited to launch a new custom paint service to help customers step up their suppressor game. SilencerCo’s Cerakote-certified team can refinish suppressors in one of five different colors for the cost of $89. 

This new service gives shooters the option to match their suppressor to a specific firearm or even just add a little color to their current collection. Those interested will need to contact the SilencerCo Customer Service team Monday – Thursday between the hours of 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM MST. The SilencerCo Customer Service contact information can be found here. 

“Our intention with this project is to give shooters the ability to customize their suppressor,” said VP of Marketing, Customer Service & Warranty, Jessica Kallam. “Whether it’s Coyote Tan for long-range desert shooting or Sniper Grey for pairing with an AR-15, our paint team will do an impeccable job.” 

Color Options:

To learn more about SilencerCo’s Custom Paint Project visit https://silencerco.com/paint-program.

Nukem Hunting invites attendees of the 25th Annual Indiana Deer, Turkey and Waterfowl Expo to visit the Nukem Hunting (booth 466 and 467) to get a first-hand look at the full lineup of ‘Grab and Go’ hunting blinds. The show is set to take place February 23-26, 2023, at the Indiana State Fairgrounds in Indianapolis, Indiana. Attendees will get the chance to test, touch and see the revolutionary ground blind from Nukem Hunting.

The Indiana Deer, Turkey and Waterfowl Expo is the largest hunting show in the Midwest, displaying the latest hunting, archery and waterfowl gear. The show brings in hunting outfitters from around the world, features a hunting seminar series, demonstrations and various other events.

“We are really excited to make our way up to Indianapolis for the Indiana Deer, Turkey and Waterfowl Expo,” said Nukem Hunting Owner Pat Newcomb. “This is a great show that brings together hunters from all over the Midwest and gives us another great opportunity to get our blinds in front the right people.”

Nukem Grab and Go hunting blinds are perfect for the run and gun hunter who likes to take the hunt to the animal. The compact construction allows users to move silently through the woods and set up at a moment’s notice. The no-stake, easy folding design eliminates the headache associated with conventional ground blinds and gives hunters the ability to set up virtually anywhere. To see the Nukem Hunting blinds in action please view the following video. To learn more about purchase options, please visit nukemhunting.com.

About Nukem Hunting

Silencer Central, America’s largest silencer dealer, is slated to attend the 2023 Safari Club International (SCI) Convention, Feb. 22-25 in Nashville. Silencer Central is a proud corporate sponsor of the event and supporter of SCI’s mission to promote hunting and wildlife conservation across the world.

Established in 1971, SCI serves as the country’s leader in protecting the freedom to hunt and promote wildlife conservation worldwide, working with federal and state legislators to develop, promote and communicate positions on important issues, laws, regulations and initiatives. SCI tirelessly works to promote the image of the hunter to the general public through words, actions and giving back to educational, civic, conservation and humanitarian efforts across the globe.

“Silencer Central is excited to return as a corporate sponsor of the SCI celebration, tradition and important mission,” said Brandon Maddox, CEO of Silencer Central. “With hundreds of professional hunters and outfitters in attendance, we’re thrilled to showcase the value, performance, and functionality of the Banish lineup. We know the benefits of hunting suppressed and are continually working to change the game for hunting and shooting enthusiasts.”

Customers can buy directly onsite at the event at booth #729, with Silencer Central representatives assisting throughout the entire purchasing process. Silencer Central will hold a seminar highlighting the benefits of hunting suppressed on Thursday, Feb. 23 at 9:30 a.m. in the Music City Center, room 201AB. To learn more, visit safariclub.org.

Silencer Central delivers silencers directly to customers in the 42 states where silencers are legal. The shipping process has revolutionized the way suppressors are sold and allows for customers to streamline their purchasing experience by cutting out unnecessary hurdles to silencer ownership.

EDGEFIELD, S.C. — The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation recently announced the first-ever Long Island regular spring wild turkey hunting season dates. The opening of this new season is the result of wild turkey reintroduction efforts DEC initiated in the mid-1990s, coupled with decades of responsible and diligent wildlife management.

“The NWTF New York State Chapter supports decisions based in sound science that balance biological and social carrying capacities of wild turkey populations with hunting opportunity,” said Eric Davis, NWTF New York State Chapter president. “Based on the wild turkey recovery that has happened on Long Island and increasing wild turkey populations, the science supports opening a spring season in Suffolk County.”

Long Island’s wild turkey population is an example of successful restoration and management efforts. Like regions all over the country, wild turkey populations on Long Island disappeared throughout the late 18th and early 19th centuries. 
In the mid-1990s, DEC trapped approximately 75 wild turkeys in upstate New York and released these birds at three locations in Suffolk County. The Long Island population is now estimated at more than 3,000 birds and growing.

“DEC is excited to give Long Island hunters an additional local turkey hunting opportunity,” DEC Regional Director Cathy Haas said. “Not only does this new season give more opportunities to local hunters, it also serves as an example of how locally extirpated populations can be successfully reintroduced and flourish. Both the fall and new spring seasons are possible thanks to the diligent work of DEC’s regional wildlife staff, as well as the cooperative efforts of local hunters and volunteers who took the time to share their turkey sightings, allowing our staff to assess population health and growth.”

In 2009, the first fall-only wild turkey season opened in the region. DEC carefully monitored this new season over the ensuing years and confirmed the Long Island wild turkey population could continue to thrive while under hunting pressure. Long Island proved to be a region where safe and successful hunting of wild turkeys was possible, with no hunting safety incidents reported throughout 14 fall seasons.

Fishing Tom’s Guide Service, Southwest Louisiana’s premier fishing guide service, will be exhibiting at the Houston Fishing Show in Houston, Texas, March 1-5, 2023. This event takes place at the George R. Brown Convention Center Wed. – Fri. from Noon – 9 PM, Saturday from 10 AM – 7 PM and Sunday from 10 AM- 6 PM. Adults are $15 each and children 6-12 years old are $3 each.

In its 48th year, the Houston Fishing Show is the longest running fishing show in the city. Fishing Tom’s Guide Service will be among hundreds of other top outfitters, manufacturers and companies at this show that are dedicated to the diehard fishing and outdoor enthusiast. Fishing Tom’s Guide Service will be offering a “show-only” special for three that includes one night lodging before fishing, one full day of fishing, three meals including a gourmet Cajun dinner, hot breakfast in the morning and a sack lunch for the boat. This fishing special is $900 at the show. It has a $1200 retail value . If you are unable to attend the show you can also book this special by calling Tom the first week of March at 318-675-9114.

“This is a great 2023 special, and we encourage visitors to stop by and talk with us about this great fishing opportunity as it is only being offered at this show,” said Tom Adams, owner and guide. “If you enjoy fishing and have friends and family that enjoy it as well, this is the time to book the trip. You can’t go wrong.”

Be sure to stop by booth #506 at the Houston Fishing Show to take advantage of this exclusive show special. For more information on the Fishing Tom’s Guide Service, visit www.fishingtom.net, call 318-675-9114 or Click Here

Fishing Tom Guide Service takes its clientele to fish the Calcasieu and Cameron Parishes through the bayous and marshes that surround those areas. These seasoned captains know the waters and can navigate these intricate waterways to get to areas others dare not approach. The targeted species when fishing these areas are typically redfish, flounder, sheepshead, tripletail, trout, and other saltwater species. It is not unheard of to catch more than 15 different species in one day with this premier guide service.