Hunting and Fishing News & Blog Articles

EDGEFIELD, S.C. — Earlier this week, in the Virginia General Assembly, the House of Delegates passed House Resolution 402, commending the NWTF on its 50 years of success.

“As we celebrate 50 years of conservation of the habitat and the wild turkey, our good work has not gone unnoticed,” said Jon Joyner, NWTF Virginia State Chapter president. “With our humble beginnings right here in Fredericksburg, Virginia, in 1973, our mission has continued to expand, but our core values remain unchanged. Our first 50 years have been instrumental in bringing back huntable populations of the wild turkey as well as preserving our hunting heritage through our outreach and conservation efforts. On a personal level, in my 30-plus years with the NWTF, this organization has brought me a tremendous amount of memories and friendships that will be everlasting. We are ready to rocket into our next 50 years to build upon the successes that we have already accomplished, as conservation never stops.”

The new resolution reads:

“…WHEREAS, members of the National Wild Turkey Federation have played a critical role in reversing the decline in hunting participation through nationwide investment in hunter recruitment, retention, and reactivation efforts and by partnering with states to develop opportunities to engage people from all walks of life in outdoor activities; since 2012, the organization has recruited and reactivated more than 1.5 million hunters; and

WHEREAS, the National Wild Turkey Federation and its members have invested more than half a billion dollars to conserve or enhance more than 22 million acres of critical wildlife habitat, forests, and grasslands across public and private lands since 1985, while also providing more than $8.5 million in research throughout North America to ensure healthy wild turkey populations into the future … That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the National Wild Turkey Federation, Inc., as an expression of the House of Delegates’ admiration for the tireless and selfless work of the organization and its members to further science-based, state-led wildlife management and the conservation of America’s wild turkey and its habitat.”

This is my first pair of prescription sunglasses, and I could not have chosen a better company to work with than Tifosi. The quality of these lenses, coupled with some of the coolest frames I have owned, works exceptionally well as a complete package for me, and they look pretty darn cool as well. While driving, I can see the speedometer and the numbers on our Escort radar detector as we travel down the road on our trips, and that was really the reason we searched out these glasses.

Tifosi sunglasses are a great choice for anyone in need of prescription sunglasses. They offer high-quality lenses and stylish frames that make for a complete package. Tifosi sunglasses are a great option as they offer a full range of prescription options.

Overall, Tifosi sunglasses offer a great combination of style and functionality. I have been wearing reading glasses since the day I turned 40, and when I had to move my laptop to the ends of my reach, it was time for a change. At the age of 52, I finally got a full-scale eye exam where they convinced me and showed me I needed more than just a pair of readers, so I got a full-scale prescription this year, and on the recommendation of several folks, I chose Tifosi specifically for my sunglasses prescription.

The entire process was easy-peasy. I logged on, chose my frames, my color, my prescription type, lens type, lens tint, coating, and then uploaded the prescription to their system and added it to the cart. The glasses came quickly, and I have been wearing them outdoors and on all of my daytime drives over the past six months. I have zero regrets in choosing these as my full-time sunglasses.

I purchased these with polarized lenses to be able to use them for fly fishing as well as driving. I really like the brown frames in these glasses, and they match with just about everything I wear, and most importantly, they help me see better in just about all conditions.

Mogadore, OH. After launching a total of 8 new crossbow models that include the fastest crossbows in the world and the most affordable de-cocking crossbows in the world, industry leader TenPoint Crossbows is excited to announce they have been named “Best in Archery” in Kinsey’s inaugural Dealer’s Choice Awards.

“We understand that, like the consumer, dealers have a choice in what they carry and sell, and we are honored to receive the Dealer’s Choice Awards award for Best in Archery Category,” said Keith Arnold, Vice President of Sales. “Our goal is to build the most innovative, reliable, and accurate crossbows on the market and to do so right here in Ohio. The fact that Kinsey’s dealers voted us as the Best in Archery validates that we continue to achieve this goal, and we are committed to maintaining their trust in the TenPoint & Wicked Ridge brands!”

Highlighting the 2023 TenPoint lineup is the fastest compact crossbow ever, the NEW Flatline 460, TenPoint’s fastest forward draw crossbow ever, the Stealth 450, and a supercharged version of their best-selling ACUslide crossbow ever, the Viper 430.

All three crossbows, as well as the fastest crossbow in the world, the Nitro 505, now feature dual aluminum Scope Struts that increase strength by 80% – providing a rock-solid foundation for optics to deliver long-range accuracy and “bulletproof” in-the-field durability”.

Highlighting the 2023 Wicked Ridge lineup is a NEW AR-style adjustable stock that is featured on the Raider 400 De-Cock and the Rampage XS. The Raider 400 De-Cock is the lowest-priced de-cocking crossbow on the market at $749, while the Rampage XS, at $549, is the ultimate affordable hunting machine with a lighted scope, adjustable stock, and speeds of 390 FPS. In addition, at $449, the Blackhawk XT features premium built-in cocking devices at the lowest prices.

Café Moto Styling – All Terrain Capabilities

EAGLE, Colo. — QuietKat Electric Bikes, the leader in off-road eBikes and a Vista Outdoor Inc. (NYSE: VSTO) brand, is proud to announce the pre-release of a brand new eBike model. The Lynx will be previewed exclusively at the AIM EXPO on Wednesday, February 15 in the QuietKat booth #2082 and available to test at the demo track in the hall adjacent to the booth. The new Lynx represents the latest in full-suspension electric bicycles from the leader in off-road eBikes and is an innovative design that pushes the envelope of style and high-performance for the brand. 

The Lynx establishes a new category for QuietKat, as it takes its proven off-road capabilities and blends it with a café moto style in a fun and powerful ride that is aimed for the discerning user who demands the latest technology and a premium ride. Able to tear up the road in style, then go further when the pavement ends, the Lynx is a fully capable off-road technical machine that can tackle the roughest terrain. 

With a blend of on-road/offroad capabilities, the QuietKat Lynx features a 2-speed, 1000W hub motor with a twist throttle option for those who want to grip it and rip it. 203mm Inverted Mechanical Coil Fork in the front and a Mechanical Coil shock giving 100mm of travel in the back provide plenty of comfort and control, while deploying highly capable off-road 24×4.5″ off-road moto style tires. The Lynx is part of a new generation of QuietKat integrating IoT technology for remote control, tracking, and other smart features. 

The Lynx will be available late summer 2023 and will retail for around $4000. Access to images can be found here. Contact QuietKat Marketing Director Michael Mayer for additional information @ [email protected]

EDGEFIELD, S.C. — In recognition of orchestrating the Idaho Game and Fish Department’s Wild about Turkeys workshop for educators, Lori Adams, of Boise, Idaho, received the National Wild Turkey Federation’s National Educator of the Year Award.

“I feel so fortunate that NWTF recognizes the value of teaching others about turkeys,” Adams said. “When I first started learning about wild turkeys, it hit me that there’s not really a more fun animal to use as a tool to teach conservation education. We can cover lifecycles, adaptations, habitat, wild and domestic, and native and nonnative. I appreciate that NWTF sees the value in Idaho Fish and Game’s online class for teachers and feel honored to receive this award.”

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

Wild about Turkeys is a part of Idaho’s project WILD program, an award-winning, wildlife-focused conservation education program designed to help educators incorporate wildlife and conservation into their classrooms. 

After attending a National Project Wild Conference, Adams attended a Wild about Turkeys session sponsored by the NWTF; it opened her eyes to the enriching nature of wild turkeys as an educational tool. In 2008, IDGF’s Wild about Turkeys Workshop was born.

Jacksonville, Alabama – Bear Edge Knives, manufacturer of knives for everyday use and carry, introduces the Bear Edge 61125. The 61125 is an American-built pocketknife featuring a bead finish blade, ergonomic stainless steel handle design, and the super smooth action of a modified drop-point 3 ¼ inch hollow ground blade that rides on ball bearing washers.

This new pocketknife’s design is influenced from the popular Bear OPS Incognito with clean lines, a slim build, and a matte gray finish. With a contemporary appearance, the 440 stainless steel bead-finished blade and stainless-steel handles operate as good as they look. The assisted action and ball bearing washers on the Bear Edge model 61125 allow the 3 ¼-inch blade to open rapidly with a simple downward push of the trigger. The stainless-steel handles are lightweight, dependable, and equally comfortable in the hand or pocket.

A reversible metal pocket clip is included on the Bear Edge 61125 to fit comfortably in a pocket or boots and allows for tip-up carry and quick access. Weighing 3.4 ounces and with an overall length of 7.5 inches, this new assisted opening stainless steel framelock is a must have for 2023.

Bear Edge Model 61125 Specifications

Model: 71125 (clam pack) 61125 (Box)

EDGEFIELD, S.C. — Sarah Johnson of the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service accepted the NWTF’s NRCS Making Tracks Award during its 50th anniversary celebration at the 47th annual National Wild Turkey Federation Convention and Sport Show, sponsored by Mossy Oak.

“Words can’t explain it,” Johnson said at the NWTF’s Golden Awards Gala. “Having a partnership with the NWTF has been fantastic and being able to be a part of that is amazing. Sometimes you just love your job, and you do the work; you don’t realize that you get looked at, and so it kind of took me by surprise. I had no idea I was getting the award.”

The Making Tracks with the NRCS awards recognize people or projects that best incorporate conservation education, partnerships and wild turkey management to support the NWTF’s conservation delivery.

Johnson’s introduction to Idaho NRCS was through her occupation as a cooperative forester between the NWTF and the NRCS through the National Forestry Initiative, a program dedicated to aiding private landowners across the country and fostering greater stewardship of America’s natural resources.

Through the NFI agreement, Johnson was relied upon to represent NRCS and exercise her forestry expertise educating landowners through one-on-one forest walk-throughs, writing forest management plans, recommending silvicultural treatments that meet landowner objectives and how NRCS programs can offer financial incentive. Her approachable manner and ability to communicate technical forestry concepts in an easy-to-understand manner accelerated the scope and scale of on-the-ground work. Johnson is also an avid hunter and understands the importance of wildlife habitat management.

RC Cartridge, manufacturer of Olympic, World, and National Championship-winning clay target cartridges has joined the long list of industry supporters of the Scholastic Clay Target Program (SCTP). In business since 1970, RC Cartridge uses a variety of processes to ensure precision and accuracy of manufacturing, resulting in a cartridge used by clay target competitors throughout the world.

“We are absolutely honored to be a partner of the ACUI and SCTP organizations,” stated Cyle Foley of RC Cartridge USA. “We strongly believe that our mission and that of these groups go hand in hand. We undeniably feel that the development of young men and women through the shootings sports is of the foremost importance. Lessons that teach teamwork, perseverance, self-esteem, Leadership and hard work will lead our youth into successful adult hood. It is for these reasons we are proud to offer these organizations our support. We build quality ammunition, and these organizations build quality youth!”

“We’re excited to be partnering with RC Cartridge to provide an ammunition ordering opportunity to the teams competing at the 2023 ACUI & SCTP Collegiate Championships this year. We appreciate their support of our shooting sports community and for their contribution to the growth of youth and collegiate shooting sport.” – Taylor Blechschmid, ACUI Educational Program Manager

“We are thrilled to have the support of RC Cartridge as a new Bronze-level Sponsor of the SCTP,” exclaimed SCTP National Director, Tom Wondrash. “RC Cartridge has a long-standing reputation as reliable cartirdges that win Olympic Gold and World Championships. Having them in our corner to support the next generation of champions is an outstanding new partnership!”

About the Scholastic Shooting Sports Foundation
The Scholastic Shooting Sports Foundation (SSSF) is 501(c)(3) public charity responsible for all aspects of the Scholastic Clay Target Program (SCTP) and Scholastic Action Shooting Program (SASP) across the United States. The SCTP and SASP are youth development programs in which adult coaches and other volunteers use shooting sports to teach and to demonstrate sportsmanship, responsibility, honesty, ethics, integrity, teamwork, and other positive life skills.

Provide and enhance personal growth and development opportunities for student athlete members; become the premier authority in all things pertaining to firearm-related pursuits for youth; pass on to future generations the legacy of lifelong, safe, responsible enjoyment of the shooting sports. This includes serving as the primary feeder/pipeline for organized, sanctioned shooting organizations and teams, like USA SHOOTING, TEAM USA, and the NGBs (NSSA, NSCA, ATA). 

SK Guns®, the Nation’s only limited-edition, series-driven production manufacturer, is honored to announce its contribution of more than $20,000 in support of the National Wild Turkey Federation’s conservation research mission.

On Feb. 18, 2023, at the NWTF’s Annual Convention and Sport Show in Nashville, SK Customs donated two sets of custom designed and engraved firearms, including a Henry® Golden Boy Silver in .22LR and a new model Smith & Wesson® 1911 chambered in 45ACP to help raise funds for conservation in celebration of the NWTF’s 50th Anniversary.

“At SK Customs, we find it vital to support the outdoor community and devote resources and funding to organizations such as the NWTF,” said Simon Khiabani, owner and founder of SK Guns. “Thanks to the convention’s Grand National Live Auction, we were able to help raise more than $20,000 to fund research and conservation efforts and enhance development opportunities in the overall firearm and outdoor industry through our SK Gives Back initiative.”

Since 1973, wild turkey populations have risen from 1.3 million to more than 6 million, and the NWTF has conserved or enhanced more than 22 million acres of wildlife habitat, invested more than $500 million in conservation and outreach efforts, and invested more than $8 million in wild turkey research. Customers can now show their support of NWTF’s mission to continue driving wildlife conservation, forest resiliency and robust recreational opportunities throughout the U.S. by pre-ordering the collectible set. Visit skguns.com to learn more.

Features of the NWTF’s 50th Anniversary Commemorative Set:

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.”