The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit ruled that NSSF has standing to challenge New Jersey's 'reasonable controls' law, reversing a lower court's decision that invoked the Younger Abstention Doctrine. NSSF Senior Vice President Lawrence G. Keane stated the law violates the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act and is unconstitutional.

Outdoor Stewards of Conservation Foundation (OSCF), in partnership with Illumine Collect, is offering limited-time apparel featuring the "Primary Funder of Conservation" message through September 14, 2026. Executive Director Jim Curcuruto highlighted that hunters, anglers, trappers, and shooters contribute $3.6 billion annually to conservation efforts.

Whitewater Fishing introduces the Basin Deck Boot, a 100% waterproof fishing boot featuring vulcanized construction, 3mm neoprene with air mesh, and a contoured polyurethane insole for all-day comfort and support in any weather condition.

Magpul has expanded its glove line with the Patrol 2.0 and Technical 2.0 now available in Multicam. The Patrol 2.0 features a goatskin palm and padded knuckles at $64.95, while the Technical 2.0 offers touch-screen compatibility and synthetic suede at $44.95.

Safari Club International Foundation received Delta Waterfowl's Partners in Conservation Award for supporting the University Hunting Program, which educates college students in wildlife management. SCI Foundation Board President Steve Skold, along with Laird Hamberlin, Brook Minx, and Steve Skold were recognized for their conservation leadership and commitment to hunter recruitment and education.

Check-Mate Industries-sponsored shooter Jessie Harrison won the 2026 USPSA Ladies Open National Championship, adding another prestigious national title to her competitive shooting career. Harrison credited her victory to faith, family support, and her sponsors' commitment to excellence.

B&P Pro Team shooter Macie Page won her third consecutive Ladies Helice World Championship at the 2026 competition in Braga, Portugal, also claiming five ladies titles including the Ladies Grand Prix Championship, Ladies Portuguese Cup Championship, Ladies President's Cup, and Ladies Beretta Cup, while finishing fourth overall in the main Beretta Cup event.

Team Beretta athletes J.J. Racaza and Salvador Luna achieved strong performances at the 2026 Pan American Handgun Championship in Aruba, with Racaza capturing first place in Production Optics and Luna finishing fourth in Production, both competing with the Beretta 92X Performance Carry Optic.

Maryland's Chesapeake Bay underwater grass coverage expanded from 36,799 acres in 2024 to 41,419 acres in 2025, a 13% increase representing about 36% of the state's 114,065-acre restoration target. The Virginia Institute of Marine Science conducted the annual survey, with Maryland DNR and the Chesapeake Bay Program SAV Workgroup leading restoration efforts.

Knife Rights filed an amicus curiae brief with the U.S. Supreme Court in the consolidated cases Viramontes v. Cook County and Grant v. Higgins, arguing for a broad interpretation of the "common use" test under the Second Amendment that would benefit non-firearm arms like knives, not just firearms.

Iowa's DNR invites volunteers to participate in the annual Statewide Volunteer Day on Saturday, Sept. 26, at state parks and forests. Mike Cox, chief of Iowa Parks, Forests and Preserves Bureau, encourages participation in activities including trail clearing, building maintenance, tree planting, and litter removal.

The 25th annual Dead Creek Wildlife Day will be held October 3 in Addison, Vermont at the Dead Creek Wildlife Management Area. The free event features bird banding, live animals, working dogs, waterfowl calling contests, and activities hosted by the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department, Vermont Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation, and Otter Creek Audubon Society.

The Indiana Department of Natural Resources will host open houses at nine state forests September 29 through October 1. Attendees can learn about outdoor recreation, forest management, and wildlife habitat while State Forester John Seifert and staff answer questions and accept feedback on state forest operations.

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks lifted hoot-owl restrictions on portions of the Madison and Beaverhead rivers due to cooling water temperatures. Drought-related closures remain in effect for the Beaverhead and Big Hole rivers. Anglers are encouraged to handle fish carefully to reduce stress year-round.

MDT is running the Ultimate Coyote Hunter Giveaway featuring a complete predator hunting rifle and field kit assembled with ten partner brands including Lone Peak, TriggerTech, Kahles, Eberlestock, Hornady, and SilencerCo. Entries open September 8, 2026 and close September 21, 2026 with no purchase necessary.

Whitetails Unlimited awarded $301,225 to mission-related projects in Missouri through 29 chapters, with most grants supporting the Preserving the Hunting Tradition Program, which increases hunting opportunities for youth, women, veterans, and those with disabilities.

Montana FWP reports stable to increasing elk populations in Region 5, while mule deer numbers remain below long-term averages despite improved fawn recruitment. Pronghorn populations show declines with adjusted licenses, and hunters are encouraged to submit harvested animals for CWD sampling at designated check stations.

The Montana Fish & Wildlife Commission has closed Black Bear Management Unit 520 to all black bear hunting for the remainder of the archery-only season, effective one-half hour after sunset on Thursday, September 10, 2026.

New Jersey's Fall Bow Deer Season opens September 12 in select Deer Management Zones, with antlerless deer required through October 2 except for youth hunters. All zones open statewide October 3, and permits go on sale September 14.

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources will open archery hunting season for white-tailed and sika deer on September 11, 2026, running through January 31, 2027 with breaks for other seasons. The seventh annual Primitive Deer Hunt Days from February 1-3, 2027 offer additional opportunities for archers using vertical longbows and recurve bows.

Montana Fish & Wildlife Commission closed Black Bear Management Unit 700 to all black bear hunting for the remainder of the archery-only season, effective one-half hour after sunset on Wednesday, September 9, 2026.

Derya Arms announced that beginning January 1, 2027, drop-ship fulfillment of its firearms and accessories through distributors Sports South, Lipsey's, RSR Group, and Bill Hicks & Co., Ltd. will be exclusive to Derya Authorized Dealers. The program protects stocking dealers and strengthens pricing integrity across the 1,400+ dealer network.

Henry Repeating Arms donated serial number 1 of all three America's 250th Anniversary Tribute Edition rifles to Gun Owners of America through its Guns For Great Causes program. The complete set, including 5,400 rounds of ammunition from The Kinetic Group, sold on GunBroker with 100% of proceeds benefiting Gun Owners Foundation's education and litigation efforts.

Afton Safari Lodge in South Africa helps international safari travelers plan their arrival and departure, offering airport meet-and-greet services, accommodations, and firearm assistance at locations in Johannesburg and Cape Town. Owner Richard Lendrum emphasizes that proper planning for the journey to and from safari camps is as important as planning the safari itself.

GrabAGun Digital Holdings Inc. announced the appointment of John Swanagon as Chief Technology Officer effective September 1, 2026. Swanagon brings over 30 years of technology leadership experience from UnitedHealth Group's Optum Financial and SiriusXM, and will lead GrabAGun's technology strategy and AI initiatives.

The Indiana Department of Natural Resources identified hydrilla, an invasive aquatic species, in Hardy Lake in July 2026. The public can help prevent its spread by cleaning equipment, draining water, and drying gear for five days before using it in different water bodies.

Utah Department of Natural Resources officers and Division of Wildlife Resources technicians inspected 9,418 boats and performed 154 decontaminations over Labor Day weekend to prevent quagga mussels and Eurasian watermilfoil from spreading. Lake Powell remains Utah's only waterbody infested with quagga mussels, though zebra mussel DNA was recently detected in the Colorado River.

Hawke Optics' Vantage HD 8x34 binoculars earned "Best Compact Binoculars" recognition in Outdoor Life's 2026 Budget Optics Test. Outdoor Life Optics Editor Andrew McKean praised the lightweight, one-hand binocular for its exceptional optical quality and portability at an MSRP of $189.

Gun Owners of America (GOA) announced a new Corporate Membership program enabling pro-Second Amendment businesses to formally join GOA's fight to defend the Second Amendment. The tiered program offers annual memberships at $1,000, $5,000, and $10,000 based on company size, with complimentary individual memberships for eligible employees.

Safari Club International launched the Patriot Package for its 2027 Convention in San Antonio, TX, honoring military members and veterans. For each $3,599 package purchased, two active-duty military members or veterans receive complimentary four-day convention passes, with only 220 packages available.

Sgt. Justin Dodge, a 30-year Denver Police Department veteran, discusses his remarkable recovery from a catastrophic leg amputation sustained during the 2023 Denver Nuggets NBA championship parade on The Michael Waddell Podcast. Dodge shares his philosophy of "prehab" and wellness, crediting his preparation and mindset for his miraculous return to full-time service with the DPD's Metro SWAT unit within a year.

The Houston Safari Club Foundation announces that author and conservationist Victor L. Bretting will be featured on the Hunting Matters podcast, discussing his global hunting experiences, conservation ethics, and commitment to mentoring young hunters and preserving America's outdoor heritage.

Comp-Tac has launched the International V2 Holster, the next generation of its legendary competition holster featuring a slimmer, lighter design with expanded optic compatibility and enhanced mounting options. The new holster maintains the speed and reliability that made the original the No. 1 choice among IDPA competitors while delivering meaningful improvements for today's shooters.

Langdon Tactical Technology introduced the LTT Mossberg 590, featuring an Action Job with NP3-coated internals, a 4.5-pound trigger, Adjustable Super Duty Shotgun Sight, and Magpul furniture. Available in 18.5-inch Standard and 14.375-inch Shockwave configurations at Langdontactical.com.

Galco has released the Stow-N-Go IWB holster for the Springfield SA-35 4.7", part of their Concealed Carry Lite line. The holster features Premium Center Cut Steerhide construction, an open top for fast draw, and supports both strong side and appendix carry options.

ELEY offers a comprehensive .22LR ammunition range for all shooting disciplines, featuring a new recommendation engine to match shooters with the right cartridge. The company provides batch testing services across five locations and trial packs available globally through retailers including Killough Shooting Sports in the USA.

FALCO Holsters and the 3 of 7 Project unveiled the C917 and C917 L Kydex holsters, featuring OWB/IWB strong-side carry capability with full Kydex construction and perforated leather backing. The light-bearing C917 L accommodates weapon-mounted lights, with MSRPs of $219.95 and $229.95 respectively.

Federal Ammunition launched Cosmic shotshells featuring UV-fluorescent Podium wads and neon colors that glow under black light for nighttime clay target shooting. The 12-gauge loads contain 1⅛-ounce No. 8 shot at 1,145 feet per second and are now shipping to dealers nationwide.

The Armory Life has launched its 21st edition digital magazine featuring an Echelon-themed issue focused on the popular family of modular 9mm pistols. The magazine includes a cover story review of the Echelon Alpha 4.0C, in-depth articles on the Variable Interface System, and aftermarket options. Editor-in-Chief Mike Humphries highlights the publication's commitment to delivering engaging firearms content.

Steiner Optics has partnered with PromoBoxx to provide retailers with professionally developed, brand-approved digital marketing materials. The platform enables dealers to easily share campaigns across email, social media, and websites while maintaining consistent brand messaging and driving customer engagement.

KDG completed its first Worldwide Buying Group show in Reno, Nevada, welcoming new dealer partnerships and generating strong interest in new products including the BOM Series Optic Mount and rail solutions for Grand Power Stribog and Springfield Armory Kuna platforms.

Tolile Lodge, a luxury hunting and safari destination in Limpopo Province, South Africa, has been named a Gold Sponsor of the 2027 HSCF Worldwide Hunting Expo & Convention, taking place January 15–17, 2027, in Houston. The family-owned operation offers hunting experiences for over 40 trophy species and combines traditional African hospitality with modern accommodations.

Lapua announced it will be a main sponsor for the 6th World Benchrest Shooting Federation World Championships in Portugal, September 7-12, 2026. The event, organized by the Portuguese Shooting Federation at Clube de Tiro de Fervença in Barcelos, will feature nearly 100 participants from fifteen nations competing in individual and team matches.

The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission will hold meetings on September 9-10, including tours of the University of Arkansas Pine Tree Wildlife Demonstration Area and Lake Austell, a monthly commission meeting in Wynne, and attendance at Ducks Unlimited's One Million Acre Celebration.

The Pennsylvania Game Commission will host eight free wildlife habitat driving tours on state game lands throughout fall 2026, showcasing habitat improvements and wildlife management projects. Tours feature partnerships with organizations including the National Wild Turkey Federation, Ducks Unlimited, and various county conservation districts.

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources' Natural Resource Commission will hold its monthly meeting on September 10 at 9:30 a.m. in Des Moines. The public may attend in person or participate remotely via video conference or phone.

The Utah Geological Survey published Circular 140: Utah Mining 2025, reporting $5.0 billion in mineral commodity value and ranking Utah 7th nationally for nonfuel mineral production. Utah remains the sole domestic supplier of beryllium concentrate, potassium sulfate, and uintaite, while hosting critical processing infrastructure including one of two U.S. copper smelters.

The Montana Fish and Wildlife Commission meeting has been rescheduled from October 15 to October 14 and will be held virtually via Zoom starting at 8 a.m. Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is seeking public comment on agenda items including 2027-2028 Fishing Regulations, Flathead River Brown Trout Regulation, Grizzly Bear Release Sites, and other wildlife management topics through September 24.

The annual Autumn Harvest Hoedown returns to Pokagon State Park on September 26, 2026, featuring the Spy Run String Band playing traditional dance music. The Friends of Pokagon, Inc. will offer fresh apple cider from Stroh Orchard and popcorn, with the event sponsored by the Steuben County Tourism Bureau.

The Michigan DNR is requesting public input on an update to Ludington State Park's general management plan through an online survey available until October 4. The survey will help guide park management over the next 10 years, building on recent improvements including a $4.85 million investment through the American Rescue Plan Act.

North Dakota's late summer roadside surveys show pheasant numbers up 3.8% and sharp-tailed grouse up 16% statewide, though grouse remain 31% below the 10-year average due to hot, dry conditions. Gray partridge numbers declined 17%. Upland game bird biologist RJ Gross and management supervisor Jesse Kolar noted habitat conditions vary by region, with the southwest showing strong recovery.

Apparently, we have reached the point in professional bass fishing where one world championship simply isn’t enough.

Actually, depending on how you count them, there are at least five in 2026.

The most recent entrant is The Champions, a new event scheduled for Oct. 28-Nov. 1 on Old Hickory Lake near Nashville. World Bass Enterprises calls it the “first-ever world bass fishing championship,” and it will bring together 60 anglers from the Bassmaster Elite Series and Major League Fishing’s Bass Pro Tour.

There will be three days of competition and an astounding $3.25 million-plus purse. The winner gets $1.25 million—that's million, folks—second place gets $500,000 and third gets $300,000. The top 15 advance to the final round.

That is an impressive pile of money, but there is a small problem with calling it the world championship.

There already is one. Or more.

The 2026 Black Bass World Championship will be held Sept. 27-Oct. 4 on Lake Hamilton in Hot Springs, Arkansas. It is the 20th edition of the event and is sanctioned by the Confederation Internationale de Peche Sportive, the international sport-fishing governing body recognized by USAngling.

Twenty-three nations are scheduled to compete, including the United States, Canada, Australia, France, Italy, Mexico, South Africa, Spain, Portugal, Romania, Serbia, Venezuela and several others. The American team includes Kevin VanDam, Scott Martin, Dustin Connell, Drew Gill, Ott DeFoe and Dakota Ebare.

That one actually has countries competing against countries. There are gold, silver and bronze medals. It is much closer to what most people would expect a world championship to be.

There is no $1.25 million check waiting for the winner. In fact, there's no monetary prize at all—gold medals, ala the Olympics. The event has still attracted a slate of top U.S. pro bassers, which we would guess will be a little like the NBA competing against the rest of the world in basketball, though time will tell.

Then there is the Ultimate Angler World Championship, scheduled for Sept. 27-Oct. 3 on Lake Guntersville in Alabama. It bills itself as the “world championship bass fishing tournament” and offers a $500,000 first-place prize, with more than $1 million in total prize money. The field is expected to include about 200 anglers from professional, collegiate, regional and amateur competition.

Here's the part that makes this one different: the State of Alabama is helping pay for it.

The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources says state legislators appropriated $1.6 million for the Ultimate Angler event, with the money going toward the tournament at Goose Pond Colony Resort near Scottsboro. ADCNR Commissioner Chris Blankenship said the department was approached by Unified Pros about helping put on an event that would bring anglers from different tournament circuits together and showcase Lake Guntersville and Alabama's outdoor resources. Like, we need MORE fishermen on Lake Guntersville? But I digress . . . . 

The state's involvement goes beyond putting its name on a banner. ADCNR, the City of Scottsboro and other state and local organizations are partners in the event, with state agencies also participating in the Ultimate Expo and conservation programs.

The Ultimate Angler is invitation-only, but that doesn't mean somebody simply phones a few famous pros and tells them to bring their tackle. Invitations are earned through sanctioned qualifying events. The list includes tournaments affiliated with MLF, B.A.S.S., NPFL, Alabama Bass Trail, WON Bass, American Bass Anglers, college fishing and other organizations. The highest-finishing eligible Unified Pros member in those events earns a berth, with additional qualification routes for top anglers in some major circuits.

There isn't a separate championship entry fee, either. Anglers have to be members of Unified Pros, with membership costing $500 for a year, and they must qualify through the sanctioned events. Those qualifying tournaments, naturally, can have their own entry fees.

So while the national teams are battling for the world championship on Lake Hamilton, another group of anglers will be battling for a world championship on Lake Guntersville.

Same week. Two states. Two world champions available.

And we haven't even gotten to the established league championships.

Major League Fishing calls REDCREST its world championship. The 2026 edition was held April 17-19 on Table Rock Lake, with 35 MLF anglers competing for a $702,000 purse and a $300,000 first-place check.

B.A.S.S. has an equally strong claim from its own perspective. Bassmaster describes the Bassmaster Classic as the “world championship of bass fishing.” Dylan Nutt won the 2026 Classic in Knoxville and collected $300,000. The Classic's published payout total, including contingency awards, was $850,500.

So we have a world championship for the international governing body, a world championship for B.A.S.S., a world championship for MLF, a world championship on Guntersville and now a new world championship intended to settle the argument between B.A.S.S. and MLF.

Somewhere along the way, somebody forgot to reserve the word “world.”

The Champions is particularly interesting because its $3.25 million purse is being financed by a man who is not a tournament-industry veteran.

Brian Bird, 51, is an Eastland, Texas, entrepreneur who built an electrical construction company from what he describes as “a Ford Ranger, some hand tools and a pager” into a business generating hundreds of millions of dollars annually. He sold the family-owned company in 2023 and stayed on to oversee the transition.

World Bass Enterprises has likewise said it is funding the event independently, with no outside investors. Excel Sports Management is handling executive production, including strategy, commercial sales and production support.

And the $3.25 million purse is only part of the undertaking. The Champions includes a huge outdoor expo, entertainment, fan activities, lodging and expense money for competitors, media and production operations and a post-tournament pro-am. 

Bird is apparently putting a substantial amount of his post-electrical-company fortune into the proposition that bass fishing needs a single, definitive championship. Could he be on his way to becoming the next Ray Scott?

The folks in Alabama appear to have a somewhat different proposition: put up public money to stage a championship that brings the various bass-fishing tribes together, put it on one of the country's most famous bass lakes and see whether it can become the Masters of bass fishing.

The question is whether the sport can agree on what “world champion” means.

If it means an international competition in which nations send teams to compete for medals, the answer is already established: the Black Bass World Championship on Lake Hamilton.

If it means the championship of a particular professional circuit, B.A.S.S. and MLF already have those covered.

If it means assembling anglers from virtually every major circuit and letting them settle the argument on Guntersville, the Ultimate Angler has a pretty good claim.

If it means putting the best-known pros from B.A.S.S. and MLF together and offering the biggest purse anybody has ever seen, The Champions has another argument entirely.

At this rate, we may eventually need a world championship to determine which world championship is the real World Championship.

And somebody, no doubt, would call it the World Championship.

– Frank Sargeant, Editor, The Water Wire