In observance of the Easter holiday, we will not be publishing any wires on Friday, April 3. If your news needs to be distributed before Monday, April 6, 2026, please get it to us no later than 4:30pm Eastern Time today, April 1. News arriving later will not make Thursday's final editions for the week.
Darton Archery, Black Eagle Arrows, and Conquest Archery athletes secured multiple podium finishes at the ASA Fort Benning Pro/Am, with Brady Myers winning Open Pro and Cara Kelly claiming Women's Pro. The brands demonstrated strong performance across professional, amateur, and youth divisions.
Wildlife for Tomorrow and the Arizona Game and Fish Department are accepting nominations for the 28th Annual Arizona Outdoor Hall of Fame, which recognizes individuals and organizations impacting wildlife conservation and outdoor heritage. The nomination deadline is May 4, 2026, with inductees honored at an August 22, 2026 banquet at The Wigwam Resort in Litchfield Park, Arizona.
The Wyoming Game and Fish Department's Wildlife Health Laboratory tested 5,370 samples in 2025, detecting CWD in 842 samples. CWD prevalence increased in mule deer and white-tailed deer, with the disease now identified in 35 of 37 mule deer herds and 24 of 34 elk herd units statewide.
Remington Ammunition team members achieved multiple podium finishes at the 2026 Gator Cup in Georgetown, SC, with Brandon Powell finishing Runner-Up in the Main Event and Turner Parcell placing third in High Over All and second in Super Sporting. Wendell Cherry won the Thursday Prelim in the Veteran category.
The Nebraska Alliance for Conservation & Environmental Education (NACEE) is promoting the Outside for 5 campaign throughout April to highlight outdoor learning benefits for students. NACEE will share resources via social media and host a free virtual webinar on April 28 featuring research on how outdoor learning improves student physical and mental health.
The Wyoming Game and Fish Department released the 2026 Mule Deer Conservation Strategy to address declining populations through habitat management and restoration. The strategy, developed with partners including the Muley Fanatics Foundation, employs a three-tiered approach focusing on habitat conservation, improvement, and partnership support.
Wildlife Forever, in partnership with Major League Fishing and Bass Pro Shops Wonders of Wildlife National Museum & Aquarium, announces the REDCREST Fish Art Contest, a free youth art competition for grades K-12 held during the REDCREST World Championship and Outdoor Sports Expo in Springfield, Missouri, April 17-19. Winners will receive fishing equipment and prize packages.
Knife Rights' critical oral argument appealing the District Court's decision on the Federal Switchblade Act will be held April 1st at 1:00 PM CDT before a three-judge Fifth Circuit panel including Chief Judge Jennifer Walker Elrod, Don R. Willett, and Cory T. Wilson. Live audio will be available via the Fifth Circuit's website.
Gun Owners of America (GOA) and Gun Owners Foundation (GOF) secured a legal victory against New York's social media background check requirement for concealed carry licenses. The state consented to an injunction against enforcing the provision requiring applicants to submit three years of social media account information, with litigation continuing against other restrictive provisions.
Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks game wardens are investigating the killing of a mule deer fawn with a blow dart in Roundup on March 23, 2026. Blow darts are not a lawful means of take for deer in Montana, and the public is encouraged to report information to tipmont.mt.gov for a potential $1,000 reward.
Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks game wardens are investigating multiple incidents of ducks shot with blow darts at Shiloh Conservation Ponds and Rose Park in Billings. Blow darts are not a lawful means of taking migratory birds in Montana. The public is encouraged to report information to tipmont.mt.gov for potential rewards up to $1,000.
The Lincoln-Lancaster County City Nature Challenge invites participants to use the free iNaturalist app to photograph and document urban wildlife between April 24-27, then identify observations through May 13. This global community science event helps researchers understand urban biodiversity.
The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, Arkansas Game and Fish Foundation, and University of Arkansas-Pulaski Technical College present the third annual "Taste of the Wild" wild game cooking experience on April 23 in Alexander. Eight chefs will demonstrate cooking techniques for fish and game, with tickets available for $50 per person.
Becoming an Outdoors-Woman will host Ladies Day on the Range on April 25 at five Nebraska locations including Platte River State Park, Kearney Outdoor Education Complex, Turpin Outdoor Education Center, Ponca State Park, and Big Mac Sports Club. The event offers women instruction in shotgun, archery, pellet gun, and .22 handgun and rifle shooting.
Michigan's Department of Natural Resources explains that winterkill is a normal phenomenon during spring thaw, particularly in shallow lakes and urban canals. Aaron Switzer, DNR fish production program manager, notes these localized events typically don't affect overall fish population health. Residents can report fish kills at Michigan.gov/EyesInTheField.
The MiCorps Cooperative Lakes Monitoring Program invites volunteers to monitor water quality and fish habitat on Michigan's inland lakes. Sponsored by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy and administered with Michigan State University Extension, the Michigan Lakes and Streams Association, and the Huron River Watershed Council, the program provides training, equipment, and data collection opportunities for community science participants.
Vermont's trout fishing season opens April 11, with the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department recommending anglers focus on low-elevation streams and use larger baits or visible flies. State Fisheries Biologist Shawn Good advises checking the department's Trout Stocking page for updated information on stocked waters.
Whitetails Unlimited granted $46,561 to mission-related projects in Georgia, supporting outdoor education, habitat enhancement, and hunting preservation through its 12 Georgia chapters. The organization's Staying on Target Program helps youth gain shooting sports experience to preserve the hunting tradition.
Nebraska's spring turkey seasons are underway, with archery starting March 25 and shotgun seasons beginning in April. Nebraska Game and Parks Commission Hunter Education Coordinator Kyle Gaston emphasizes the four basic firearm safety rules and provides additional turkey hunting safety tips, including proper identification and visibility practices.
Hunters HD Gold debuted its upgraded Command Center Experience at the 14th Annual Gary "Doc" Welt Memorial Match in Clearwater, Florida. Owner Brian Conley transitioned from a four-year mobile Sprinter van setup to a custom-built trailer with partnerships including Real Avid, Vortex Optics, Ghost Holsters USA, and others, creating a comprehensive support hub for competitive shooters.
Michigan property owners should plan spring treatments for hemlock woolly adelgid, an invasive Asian insect present in 11 counties that kills hemlock trees within 4-10 years. Effective treatments use imidacloprid or dinotefuran, available for DIY application or through licensed professionals via the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development.
Federal Ammunition is shipping new Champion Training 9mm handgun loads designed for volume shooters seeking consistent accuracy and reliable performance at affordable prices. The loads feature quality brass and primers for dependable ignition and smooth cycling, now available to retailers nationwide in 50 and 200 round-box options.
Sightron announces the new "Snap Focus" S6 10-60x56 ED MOA Field Target riflescopes featuring a redesigned parallax adjustment system with 270º precision rotation. Developed in collaboration with Garima Design & Customization, these premium scopes include 15 Japanese optical-grade glass lenses and are optimized for airgun, small caliber field target, and benchrest shooters.
Turkeys for Tomorrow (TFT) urges Tennessee hunters and anglers to advocate for dedicated, recurring funding for the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA), which faces an $18.5 million budget shortfall. TFT seeks to modernize the state's outdated wildlife funding model that has historically relied on sportsmen for approximately 81% of conservation costs.
The Sportsmen's Alliance and Conservation Coalition of Washington released an internal investigation memo by WDFW Legal Liaison Thomas Knoll supporting claims that commissioners Lorna Smith, Melanie Rowland, and Claire Davis violated the Open Public Meetings Act and Public Records Act through collusion and obstruction.
Michigan's DNR has updated state forest road maps showing 11,841 miles of ORV-accessible roads across the Upper Peninsula, Northern Lower Peninsula, and Southern Lower Peninsula. Maps are available in interactive online format and printable PDFs, with Amy Livermore noting ongoing cleanup efforts from last year's ice storm damage.
US Palm debuts the CAT 4 Storm rifle series and EOS suppressor line in 2026. Featuring the Storm CAT 4 rifle with Hiperfire EDT trigger and US Palm Hurricane flash hider at $1,399.99, four EOS suppressor models ranging from $899.99 to $999.99 all launched at SHOT Show 2026.
GRITR announced its new Competition Series holsters designed for USPSA, IDPA, and 3Gun matches, featuring 0.093" U.S. Kydex construction with adjustable retention and compatibility for Staccato, Canik, CZ, Glock, and Sig Sauer platforms. The holsters include optic cuts, ambidextrous configuration, and mounting compatibility with Safariland QLS and G-Code RTI systems.
Wilson Combat announces the eXperior Elite Commander Double Stack, a precision-engineered 9mm defensive handgun featuring a 4.25-inch match-grade barrel, 18-round capacity, and modern optics integration via the Pin Mounting Platform, priced at $3,999.
Check-Mate Industries launched the CM-64 Switch Stik™, a 64-round magazine featuring patent-pending Ammo-Select™ technology that allows shooters to toggle between FMJ and hollow-point ammunition. The magazine uses dual-column architecture and aerospace-grade materials, available April 1st for $199.64.
NEXTORCH North America announces the NEXTORCH Snow Guard Winter Tactical Gloves, engineered for cold weather operations above 14°F with zoned insulation, waterproof-breathable membrane, and ten-finger touchscreen compatibility. The gloves feature CORDURA® stretch fabric and are priced at $47.99 MSRP.
Bear & Son Cutlery introduces the 4-inch Large Sheepfoot Barlow, featuring a premium high carbon stainless steel blade and three handle options: Rosewood, White Smooth Bone, or Genuine India Stag Bone™. The lightweight knife weighs 2.9 ounces and is priced at $62.99–$79.99.
MDT has expanded its CRBN rifle stock lineup with a new Tikka T3/T3x Short Action inlet, offering precision hunters enhanced compatibility and carbon fiber construction. The stock features adjustable ergonomics and accessory compatibility, available starting March 31 through MDT dealers and mdttac.com.
Fiocchi Ammunition launches its Predator & Pest™ shotshell line for sub-gauge hunters, featuring a proprietary Duplex Density Matrix™ combining osmium and saltpeter, plus PhosTrace™ Illumination Technology for low-light tracking. The innovative ammunition is designed for .410 bore, 28 gauge, and 20 gauge platforms targeting raccoons, opossums, skunks, and other pests.
Hi Mountain Seasonings has renewed its partnership with Christian Outdoors Podcast for the third consecutive year. The podcast, founded by Pete Rogers and operated by Christian Outdoor Adventures, Inc., has produced over 430 episodes with 13 million downloads, reaching 2 million listeners globally.
The Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division of Wildlife is hosting free spring open houses at six state fish hatcheries where visitors can learn about fish production and see 36 million fish raised for stocking in Ohio's public waters. Events feature tours, family activities, and displays at locations including Hebron, Senecaville, Castalia, Kincaid, and London hatcheries.
Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is seeking public comment on multiple environmental assessments and proposals, including private fish pond licenses, westslope cutthroat trout restoration projects, Beavertail Hill State Park upgrades, Wedding Reservoir fish stocking, and a conservation easement purchase from Green Diamond Montana Timberlands LLC.
Alabama State Parks has expanded its glamping experience to Oak Mountain State Park in Pelham, partnering with Timberline Glamping. The new glamping tents, now available at six state parks across Alabama, offer comfortable accommodations with real beds, electricity, and climate control for outdoor enthusiasts.
Shooting USA features the NRA's new AR Challenge 2025, an entry-level shooting sport format for AR-15 competitors with progressive difficulty levels. The episode also covers the 152nd National Rifle Association annual meetings in Atlanta, airing Wednesday on Outdoor Channel.
Outdoor Sportsman Group announced GAME & FISH TV's launch on The Roku Channel, expanding its reach to 90 million streaming households. The FAST channel, featuring Major League Fishing competitions, wilderness adventures, and wild game cooking, is now available across multiple platforms including Roku, VIZIO, Prime Video, and Samsung TV Plus.
Sportsman Channel's "Hunting Camp Tuesday" lineup features hunting and outdoor adventure programming including Roger Raglin On Target, Canada in the Rough, Wardens, The Given Right, Backwoods Life, Small Town Hunting, and MeatEater with Steven Rinella, airing Tuesdays 8-11 p.m. ET.
The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources provides guidance on handling baby birds found during spring. Jason Jones, Migratory Game Bird Coordinator, advises returning featherless birds to nests, leaving fledglings alone, and never feeding or taking baby birds home, as most are protected by state and federal laws.
As bears emerge from winter dens, the Wyoming Game and Fish Department urges residents and recreationists to take precautions to avoid conflicts. Large Carnivore Conflict Coordinator Brian DeBolt emphasizes securing attractants and staying alert while hiking, recommending the Bear Wise Wyoming program for education on bear safety and deterrence measures.
Tournaments bring dozens and sometimes hundreds of anglers to visit prime lakes, boosting local economies—but also impacting the fisheries in some cases. (BASS)
On paper, tournaments seem like an unalloyed good: passionate anglers, packed boat ramps, and lakes buzzing with energy. For local economies, they are undeniably a boon. Lodging fills up, restaurants serve fish stories alongside fried catfish, and tackle shops move more rods, reels, and lures in a weekend than they sometimes do all month. Sponsors love the exposure, and anglers relish the competition. But as any lake regular will tell you, there’s a tipping point. Too many tournaments on a single body of water can create tension—not just on the water, but in the ecosystem itself.
The problem is simple: fish stress. Bass, especially large, trophy-sized individuals, are remarkably resilient, but they’re not invulnerable. When a lake hosts multiple big events in a single month, the same fish can be caught, weighed, released, and caught again within hours. Even the best-managed tournaments with careful handling protocols can’t fully eliminate the cumulative stress. Over time, this can affect feeding behavior, growth rates, spawning success and even survival.
For tournament anglers, this is both practical and ethical. Hitting the same shallow flat where five other tournaments have been operating in the same week can produce fewer bites and smaller fish. Guides report that heavy weekend traffic can make once-predictable areas inconsistent for days afterward. And recreational anglers who fish outside tournament circuits may notice “ghost patterns,” where their usual spots seem emptier or more reluctant to produce.
Yet, tournament fishing isn’t all pressure and stress. The structured nature of competitive events can actually benefit local fisheries if handled responsibly. Professional tournaments collect data, often more systematically than state agencies, on fish size, locations, and seasonal movement. Subtle insights—like the early fall push of bass toward certain creek bends or the depth preferences of pre-spawn fish—can trickle down to the general angling public. These patterns help weekend anglers make smarter decisions without adding more pressure on a lake, creating a kind of informal “fish intelligence” shared through blogs, social media, and word of mouth.
From a community standpoint, tournaments are economic engines. Consider a mid-sized Tennessee or Alabama reservoir: a single weekend event can bring hundreds of boats, filling hotels, motels, and Airbnb properties. Local restaurants and gas stations see a surge, while bait and tackle shops benefit from last-minute purchases—topwater lures, spinnerbaits, electronics batteries, and even basic maintenance items. For small towns with tourism-dependent economies, tournament weekends can account for a significant portion of annual revenue. Removing or limiting these events can be an economic as well as cultural blow.
Though bass are handled carefully in most tournaments and nearly all are released alive, the impact of extreme fishing pressure affects the resource in many lakes. (ABT)
So how does a lake balance the scales? There’s no perfect formula, but several principles can help. First, spacing tournaments—either by weekend or by lake section—reduces repeated stress on the same population of fish. Many fisheries agencies now track tournament permits and recommend staggered scheduling, especially on smaller reservoirs. Second, emphasizing responsible catch-and-release techniques—proper handling, quick weigh-ins, and immediate release as in the Major League Fishing BPT—helps protect large, breeding-age bass. Third, involving local anglers in planning fosters goodwill. Regular fishing clubs, guides, and even recreational boaters can provide input on which areas should be lightly used or rested between events.
A less obvious benefit of this balance is education. Anglers observing tournament results often gain insights into lure selection, depth changes, and seasonal cues that they might never discover on their own. In other words, tournaments, when spaced reasonably, don’t just bring money—they increase overall angler knowledge and engagement, strengthening the fishing culture in the region.
The Major League Fishing BPT Series weighs fish on the water and releases them immediately, greatly reducing impact on the fishery. (MLF)
The key takeaway is that more tournaments are not inherently bad; overcrowding is. Like any resource, lakes respond to pressure, and repeated, overlapping competitions can temporarily change fish behavior. By staggering events, encouraging proper fish care, and fostering communication between tournament organizers and local anglers, communities can enjoy the financial and educational benefits of competitive fishing without tipping the ecosystem into decline.
Ultimately, the question isn’t just “how many tournaments are too many?” It’s whether the people organizing, attending, and regulating them are mindful of the fish, the lake, and the anglers who rely on both. When that balance is maintained, tournaments can be a win-win: they keep anglers challenged, communities thriving, and bass populations healthy enough to keep the cycle going year after year.
