TUO's Solent Jacket and Pant are now shipping to dealers and available for online purchase. The three-layer polyester softshell features TUO's AeroGuard™ Windproof Membrane, quiet fabric, and innovative design elements like a removable hood and articulated construction for optimal hunting performance.
The Wyoming Game and Fish Department recognized Black Hills Energy, Safari Club International Foundation, and Wyoming Department of Transportation for their 2025 wildlife conservation efforts. Black Hills Energy received the Industry Wildlife Stewardship Award for responsible energy infrastructure planning, while SCIF and WYDOT earned Excellence in Wildlife Conservation Awards for bear safety programs and wildlife crossing projects.
The Richland Aces 4-H Club partnered with Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks to install a Life Jacket Loaner Station at Gartside Reservoir Fishing Access Site near Sidney. The youth-led project, supported by FWP staff Kylie Kembel and Garrett Jericoff, aims to improve water safety and has already seen community use.
Team Beretta athlete Kim Rhode won the Women's Skeet gold medal at the ISSF World Cup Hangzhou 2026, defeating fellow American Samantha Simonton with 34 hits while competing with her Beretta DT11 shotgun.
The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources will coordinate with the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service to conduct rotenone treatments in Fall Creek and North Fork Sheep Creek drainages in the High Uintas to remove non-native fish and restore native Colorado River cutthroat trout populations. Treatments are scheduled for August 2026, with temporary closures of affected waterbodies.
The Third Circuit ruled New Jersey's "assault firearm" and high-capacity magazine bans violate the Second Amendment. Knife Rights filed supplemental briefs in its Federal Switchblade Act and Minnesota switchblade ban challenges, citing the decision's support for their arguments that commonly-used arms deserve constitutional protection.
Florida's 2026 spiny lobster season opens with a two-day recreational sport season on July 29-30, followed by the regular season beginning August 6 through March 31, 2027. Harvesters must possess valid licenses and permits, follow size requirements, and adhere to bag limits varying by location. Participants in the 2026 Lionfish Challenge may harvest one additional lobster per day.
Arkansas anglers can beat summer heat by night fishing for catfish using passive methods like trotlines, limblines, and juglines. Channel catfish respond to prepared baits, while flathead catfish require live bait such as green sunfish or black salties. Anglers must properly identify their lines and follow state regulations regarding line checks and identification requirements.
The Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation offers summer hunting preparation opportunities including STEP shotgun training events, the ninth-annual Deer Hunting Conference and Expo with Oklahoma Hunters and Anglers, hunter education classes, and a black bear presentation by senior wildlife biologist Matt Hensley at REI Oklahoma City.
Resident and nonresident hunters can apply for Wyoming Game and Fish Department preference points until November 2. Applicants can acquire points for moose, bighorn sheep, and nonresidents can also apply for elk, deer, and pronghorn points through the department's online application system.
NSSF—The Firearm Industry Trade Association is raising funds for the American Red Cross Service to the Armed Forces program, which provides emergency communication, financial assistance, and support to military members, veterans, and their families worldwide.
Sightmark announces the G-Shot, a red dot sight designed to mount directly to factory Glock slides without milling or gunsmithing. Compatible with Gen 3, 4, and 5 Glock models, the G-Shot features a 3 MOA dot reticle, automatic brightness adjustment, and IP67 waterproof rating.
Whitetails Unlimited announces that Executive Director David Hawkey will retire at the end of the month, with Chris Konop, former Vice President of Field Operations, promoted to Executive Director effective August 1, 2026. WTU President Jeff Schinkten praised Konop's organizational knowledge and management experience to guide the conservation organization forward.
Host Michael Waddell interviews Vandy Collins, the renowned "Dove Czar" and manager of Quail Valley Lodge in Alabama, discussing dove hunting expertise, wildlife management, and his remarkable health recovery journey. Collins shares insights on dove field preparation, staging techniques, and his decision to transition from commercial hunting operations to hunting with friends and family.
WE Knife Co. and CIVIVI unveil their 2026 Hunting Lineup launching July 27, 2026, featuring the award-winning WE Notchline, CIVIVI High Grass designed by Matt Gentry, and CIVIVI Carveth. The collection combines premium craftsmanship with field-tested ergonomics for outdoor professionals and EDC enthusiasts.
Smith & Wesson Brands, Inc. announced four Model 1854 lever-action rifle packages in .30-30 Winchester and .45-70 Government, each factory-equipped with a Vortex Crossfire HD 2-7x32 riflescope. The rifles feature stainless-steel or walnut-stock configurations with modern performance features and are ready for field use.
CIVIVI, a sub-brand of WE Knife Co., has launched CIVIVI Elite, a premium product line debuting July 27, 2026, with its flagship Brova knife. The line features elevated materials, high-performance blade steels, and refined craftsmanship while maintaining CIVIVI's accessible philosophy.
Spartan Precision Equipment launched a new Phone Holder designed for use with Spartan Davros Heads and Ascent tripods, enabling hunters and shooters to document experiences hands-free. Priced at $55.00, the lightweight accessory accommodates smartphones from 59mm to 94.5mm wide and features universal optics integration with ARCA-Swiss mounting.
Zanders, a national distributor based in Sparta, Illinois, has expanded its elk calling lineup by adding Riven Calls, an innovative manufacturer of high-performance elk calls influenced by world champion elk caller Beau Brooks. The partnership with Higdon Outdoors provides dealers with premium bugle tubes, diaphragm calls, and accessories designed for hunters of all experience levels.
Muddy® Outdoors announced the launch of its Cloak OZ3 and OZ5 ozone generator units, now shipping and available online and through select outdoor retailers. Both models feature multiple output modes and use Muddy's rechargeable battery system, with the OZ5 offering a remote control and Max Boost mode for peak performance.
MDT is expanding its CRBN rifle stock lineup with a Remington 700 Short Action Left Hand inlet, designed for left-handed precision hunters and field competition shooters. The lightweight carbon fiber stock features adjustable ergonomics and an integrated ARCA rail, available starting July 28, 2026.
Ol' Man Outdoors has released its 2026 ladder stand lineup featuring six models including the Comfort Lite 16', Final Shot 17', Deadeye 15', Big Daddy 22', Final Shot Extra-Wide 17', and two-person options. Each stand features patented Clamp Down Jaw and Truss systems for stability, comfort features like padded seats and armrests, and full-body harnesses.
GRITR Sports & Outdoors has partnered with Tricer, an outdoor brand specializing in lightweight hunting and backcountry equipment. Tricer's carbon fiber tripods, optics support systems, and hunting accessories are now available through GRITR's online store and Amazon.
Winchester Ammunition and White Flyer Targets celebrate the 10th National Shooting Sports Month in August 2026 with promotions at their facilities in East Alton and Brighton, Illinois, including derbies, leagues, and prize drawings.
The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission is offering special promotions throughout August at its Dr. James E Moore Jr. Shooting Range in Mayflower and Rick Evans Grandview Prairie Nature Center Shotgun Range in Columbus, including free shooting for youth and seniors, discounted trap and skeet rounds, and special events like ladies' weekend and family week.
Zink will showcase its new Paralyzer XR-1 duck and Paralyzer SR-2 goose call lineups at the 2026 Ducks Unlimited Expo in Memphis, TN, from July 31 through August 2 at booth #LL3009. The hand-tuned calls feature innovative designs and premium materials for waterfowl hunters.
Avian-X will showcase next-generation waterfowl hunting products at the 2026 Ducks Unlimited Expo (July 31-August 2) in Memphis, TN. New offerings include Power Butt Kicker motion decoys in Mallard Hen, Pintail Drake, and Black Duck species, plus branded packs and waterproof shotgun cases engineered for waterfowl hunting demands.
Chiappa USA, the exclusive U.S. importer and distributor for Chiappa Firearms and Charles Daly, will exhibit at the Gun Owners Advocacy & Leadership Summit on August 1–2, 2026, in Des Moines, Iowa. The event brings together firearm owners, industry leaders, and Second Amendment advocates for education and networking.
Blue Force Gear will exhibit at the 55th Annual EANGUS Conference & Expo in Daytona Beach, Florida, July 31-August 3, 2026. The company will showcase the BNVD Pouch with DryOut System and Micro Trauma Kit NOW! Nano 02 at Booth #9.
Bond Arms announces its participation in the 2026 Gun Owners Advocacy and Leadership Summit (GOALS) hosted by Gun Owners of America at the Iowa Events Center in Des Moines on August 1-2. The company will exhibit at Booth #3125, showcasing its compact handguns and new products to industry partners, media, and consumers.
RETAY will showcase their next-generation Air Control Extreme (ACE) shotgun lineup at the 2026 Ducks Unlimited Expo in Memphis from July 31 to August 2 at Booth #130. New offerings include the ACE Waterfowl Realtree Legacy, ACE Waterfowl Gamekeeper Edition, ACE Wood, ACE 28 Gauge, ACE Upland Ultralight, and ACE Paloma models.
G2 Ranch has been named Official Bag Sponsor for the Texas Trophy Hunters Association's 50th Anniversary Hunters Extravaganza series in 2026. The celebration includes events in Houston, San Antonio, and Fort Worth, honoring five decades of Texas hunting heritage and industry partnerships.
TrueTimber celebrates Honda HRC Progressive's 1-2 overall finish in the 450SMX class at the Washougal National. Hunter Lawrence won overall while Jett Lawrence finished second, with special Atera Camo graphics and apparel honoring the Military Appreciation round of the AMA Pro Motocross Championship.
Tony Mong, Cody Wildlife Biologist with the Wyoming Game and Fish Department, has retired after 16 years of service. His career included significant contributions to wildlife conservation initiatives such as the Bagg's Mule Deer Initiative, Absaroka Fence Initiative, and bighorn sheep surveys. Mong plans to continue conservation work locally through a non-governmental organization.
Nebraska Game and Parks is adjusting operating hours and services across state park areas due to limited workforce heading into fall. Jeff Fields, state parks administrator, noted visitors can still fish, camp, hike, picnic, and boat while parks implement staffing-related changes through Labor Day and beyond.
Amberjack are usually found on reefs or artificial structures, making them easy to locate and catch. (Alabama DCNR)
When Congress funded the Great Red Snapper Count several years ago, many fisheries scientists expected a more refined estimate of Gulf red snapper abundance compared to the rather disappointing estimates NOAA had been providing. Few anticipated just how different that estimate would be.
Using underwater video, acoustic imaging and extensive field sampling instead of relying primarily on harvest data and mathematical models, researchers concluded there were far more red snapper in the Gulf than previous federal assessments indicated. That work ultimately reshaped the conversation surrounding one of the nation's most economically important recreational fisheries and boosted state management of fish red snapper populations, to apparent great success.
Now history may be repeating itself.
The recently completed Greater Amberjack Count headed by Dr. Sean P. Powers at the University of South Alabama, working alongside a team of 20 scientists from more than a dozen research institutions and NOAA Fisheries collaborators. estimates roughly 3.2 million greater amberjack in the Gulf, more than twice the 1.5 million fish estimated by the current federal stock assessment.
The $11.7 million project was funded by Congress through NOAA Fisheries and the National Sea Grant College Program. Interestingly, the same study found its estimates for the South Atlantic population closely matched NOAA's assessment, suggesting the new methodology isn't simply producing higher numbers across the board.
For years, Gulf anglers questioned increasingly restrictive amberjack seasons because their experiences on the water often didn't match the picture painted by stock assessments. Charter captains, private anglers and tournament fishermen routinely reported encountering abundant fish while regulations continued tightening.
Anecdotal observations are never enough to manage a fishery, of course. Fishermen naturally spend their time where fish are concentrated, so they’re likely to think there are more fish than there actually are. But when those observations begin lining up with independent scientific surveys, they deserve careful examination.
Amberjacks or “AJ’S” are known for putting up a powerful battle, and the smaller ones are also excellent tablefare. (Alabama DCNR)
Dr. Powers and his research team—ably reported on by David Rainer, Alabama’s respected resident DCNR reporter, approached the question from a different direction. Instead of starting with harvest estimates and working backward through a series of assumptions about population size, they went directly to the reefs.
Using underwater video where visibility allowed and acoustic cameras in the turbid waters of the western Gulf, researchers sampled artificial reefs and natural hard-bottom habitat across the region. Combined with habitat mapping and extensive statistical sampling, those observations produced a population estimate based on fish that were actually observed rather than inferred.
Traditional assessments remain highly valuable because they incorporate age structure, recruitment, growth rates, fishing mortality and other biological information that simple counts cannot provide. Direct observation has limitations as well. Fish move, habitat changes, and no survey can sample every acre of the Gulf.
While neither approach is likely to be sufficient by itself, the opportunity lies in combining direct observation with traditional stock assessments so each strengthens the other.
High-definition underwater cameras, sonar imaging, autonomous vehicles, habitat mapping and machine-learning software can now collect enormous amounts of information that simply wasn't available even twenty years ago. Together, those technologies can validate—or challenge—the assumptions built into traditional assessment models.
The amberjack study shows how that process might work. Rather than dismissing either estimate, researchers are working with NOAA Fisheries to reconcile the differences and determine which elements of each approach produce the most accurate picture of the stock.
The Gulf Fishery Management Council and the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council face the same challenge: establishing harvest limits that protect fisheries while providing reasonable opportunities for the public to enjoy abundant marine resources.
AJ’s attain huge size if allowed to reach full maturity before being caught—this one was a record in Costa Rica. (PENN REELS)
If population estimates are too low, seasons become unnecessarily restrictive, reducing recreational opportunity and costing coastal communities and the fishing and boating industry millions of dollars in economic activity. If estimates are too high, overharvest becomes a real risk. Neither outcome benefits anglers, conservation or coastal businesses.
AJ’s are relatively slow growing—they take 3 to 5 years to start spawning, so overharvest can quickly cause population problems that take a long time to fix. Also, taking too many young fish means fewer trophies—the species is said to live up to 17 years, with only the females becoming the coveted “reef donkey” giants that anglers love to battle.
As fisheries science evolves, it makes sense for managers to take advantage of every reliable source of information. Independent visual surveys, acoustic imaging, electronic tagging, environmental DNA, artificial intelligence-assisted image analysis and improved habitat mapping all have the potential to strengthen future assessments.
Red snapper and amberjack are obvious candidates because of their economic importance and the questions surrounding their current assessments. Triggerfish, grouper and other reef species could eventually benefit from similar approaches.
Fisheries management has always involved uncertainty. The Gulf covers more than 600,000 square miles, and no process can count every fish. But today's technology allows us to reduce the uncertainty far more than was possible even a decade ago.
That's good for the fish, good for anglers, and ultimately good for the future of the industry.
