Holosun Technologies, Inc. received the National Association of Sporting Goods Wholesalers (NASGW) Optics Manufacturer of the Year award for 2026, marking its fourth win in five years. The honor recognizes Holosun's outstanding service, value, and support through two-step distribution to wholesalers and dealers.

Vortex Optics announced that the Vortex Relay Network received Guns & Ammo's 2026 Technology of the Year award. The system connects compatible Vortex devices to share ballistic data and optical information, helping shooters make more informed decisions in changing conditions.

Team B&P professional shooter Karen Miles won five Ladies championship titles at the 2026 National Sporting Clays Championship in San Antonio, including Ladies Main Event HOA, FITASC, K-Cup, All-Around, and Winchester Ladies Cup Pro championships. Baschieri & Pellagri celebrates Miles' exceptional performance against elite competitors.

Millennium Marine introduces the Spyderlok R300 Rod Transport Rack, an anodized aluminum solution that securely holds up to eight fishing rods using patented Spyderlok technology. The adjustable rack accommodates rods of varying lengths and features easy removal for quick access at the water.

The Wild Sheep Foundation approved $2 million in Grant-In-Aid funding for fiscal year 2026-27, supporting 24 wild sheep conservation projects across North America, Europe, and Central Asia. The largest grant of $220,000 supports disease surveillance efforts in Idaho, Oregon, and Nevada, with funding directed toward habitat management, water development, and population reestablishment.

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks reports that hunter numbers and harvests at the Augusta check station remain above average through the first two weekends of the general rifle season. With 630 hunters checked and 167 elk and deer harvested, success rates are significantly higher than the ten-year average, with elk harvest up more than 30 percent.

The Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department is requesting hunters to participate in its annual deer hunter effort and sighting survey, available on their website after the November 14 season start. The survey collects data on hunting hours and wildlife observations to help the department evaluate hunting pressure and animal populations across the state.

The Wyoming Game and Fish Department outlines requirements for migratory game bird and pheasant hunting seasons, including licensing, hunter safety certification, conservation stamps, and the Wyoming Harvest Information Program. Biologist Courtney Rudd notes mild fall weather with increasing waterfowl movement into portions of the state.

FFLGuard announced that Thomas L. Chittum III, former Associate Deputy Director and Chief Operating Officer of the ATF, has joined its Attorney Advisory Group. Chittum brings nearly 27 years of federal service and currently practices law through Chittum Law, PLLC, while teaching Firearms Law & the Second Amendment at UNLV's William S. Boyd School of Law.

The NSSF-adjusted NICS figure for October 2026 reached 1,402,422, representing a 7.9 percent increase compared to October 2025. Texas, Florida, and California led in adjusted NICS checks, while the unadjusted FBI NICS figure showed an 8.1 percent decrease year-over-year.

The Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation (RMEF) is hiring a Director of Land Conservation based in Missoula, Montana. The position leads RMEF's land conservation and access program, managing strategic partnerships and overseeing projects that have conserved over 9.2 million acres since 1984.

ZeroTech Optics USA introduces the Thrive HD 6-24x50 – PHR 2 Illuminated riflescope, featuring a 24x magnification, six red brightness settings, and an Adjustable BDC Turret with five lockable markers. Weighing 23.0 ounces with a 50mm objective, the scope is designed for hunters seeking higher magnification without sacrificing portability.

Trijicon, Inc. announced the availability of its RMR Type 2 Adjustable LED Green Dot reflex sight in a new Coyote Brown anodized finish. The USA-made optic features a 3.25 MOA green aiming point, forged 7075-T6 aluminum construction, and advanced battery conservation technology for reliable performance in demanding conditions.

SIGHTRON announced the addition of lockable turrets to three S6 5-30x56 ED IR riflescope models designed for medium to long-range tactical shooters and hunters. Made in Japan with Extra-Low Dispersion glass and exclusive Zact-7 Revcoat Plus lens coatings, the riflescope features SIGHTRON's ExacTrack W&E system and is covered under their Lifetime Performance Guarantee.

C&H Precision Weapons has launched the ERD-MAX Enclosed Rifle Dot, a 30mm enclosed optic designed for rifles, PCCs, and PDWs. The duty-ready red dot features a lightweight aluminum body, IPX7 waterproof rating, and up to 50,000 hours of battery life, available now for $279.99 at chpws.com.

Whitetails Unlimited and the National Rifle Association of America encourage hunters to donate venison during November's Wild Game Meat Donation Month. Organizations like Farmers and Hunters Feeding the Hungry and Hoosiers Feeding Hungry help distribute donated game meat to those in need through local food pantries.

Corey Mason, Executive Vice President of Conservation and Chief Operations Officer at the Wild Sheep Foundation, has been appointed to the Department of the Interior and Department of Agriculture Hunting and Shooting Sports Conservation and Access Council. The federal advisory council provides recommendations on wildlife conservation, hunting access, and partnerships.

The National Archery in the Schools Program (NASP) and Scholastic 3-D Archery (S3DA) are collaborating to raise funds for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital during the 2026–2027 season through virtual competitions, in-person events, and voluntary donations. Both organizations invite their archery communities to participate and support children and families served by St. Jude.

Michael Waddell, Nick Mundt, and Travis "T-Bone" Turner reunite on The Michael Waddell Podcast to share hunting memories, discuss team building, and reflect on their 18-year journey with Bone Collector. The trio discuss hunts at TC Outfitters in Texas, Hooray Ranch in Kansas, and R&K Outfitters in Utah, emphasizing camaraderie and the importance of appreciating shared experiences over rushing to the next task.

Magpul released the DT-S, an AR15 adjustable carbine stock featuring Dual Tension technology, waterproof storage tubes for batteries, and ambidextrous controls for enhanced shooter comfort and stability.

Premier Body Armor announces the Fortis Bump Helmet, a high-cut, non-ballistic helmet featuring an aramid composite shell for rescue operations and night vision use. Weighing 2.2 lb and priced at $239, the helmet uses compatible hardware with Premier's Fortis Ballistic Helmet and includes a matching Cordura cover available in multiple colors for $49.

ScentLok introduces a complete line of scent-control accessories including the BE:1 Headcover, Midweight Skull Cap, BE:1 Voyage Pro Glove, Carbon Alloy Knit Cuff Beanie, Revenant Hand Muff, and BE:1 Fortress Glove. Marketing Director Steve Allie emphasizes these accessories are built to the same performance standard as ScentLok's jackets and bibs, featuring Carbon Alloy and Silver Alloy technology to address odor escaping from hair, breath, and skin.

QuietFlow, a suppressor brand from GForce Arms, launched quietflow.com featuring four USA-made suppressors backed by lifetime warranties: the AIRCHOPA 30Ti, ENGINE NO. 9, THROTTLE 22Ti, and 22-WHISTLER, with additional products planned.

Guns.com launches its 2026 Holiday Gift Guide featuring exclusive deals from leading brands including Heckler & Koch, Henry, Smith & Wesson, Holosun, Retay, and Stopbox across firearms, suppressors, optics, and ammunition. The online retailer supports over 2,000 local gun shops with sales up 50% year over year heading into Black Friday.

Thompson/Center Arms and Buckmasters have partnered to showcase T/C Arms muzzleloaders, including the ENCORE FireStick and Triumph models, across Outdoor Channel television, YouTube, podcasts, social media, and ambassador initiatives. The collaboration between the legendary firearms manufacturer and founder Jackie Bushman's hunting brand aims to connect with hunters nationwide.

The Wyoming Game and Fish Department has relaunched the Wyoming Wildlife, Worth Watching program, originally established in 1987. The initiative aims to connect residents and visitors with Wyoming's wildlife and wild landscapes through educational videos, online resources, and community engagement events focused on wildlife viewing and habitat stewardship.

Shooting USA features the tenth anniversary of the Civilian Marksmanship Program's Talladega Marksmanship Park and the tenth year of the CMP Talladega 600 match series, including the Congressional 30 service rifle match on Range One. The episode airs Wednesday at 9:00 PM ET/PT on Outdoor Channel.

Pursuit Channel has renewed its multi-year partnership with The Choice with Ralph & Vicki, one of outdoor television's most recognized programs. Hosted by Ralph and Vicki Cianciarulo, the series will continue airing on Pursuit Channel and Pursuit UP, reaching over 20 million linear television homes and 120 million streaming users.

The Bass Pro Shops and Cabela's National Walleye Tour, presented by Progressive, unveiled its 2027 schedule featuring a return to Bull Shoals Lake in Arkansas and an invitation-only Professional division of 100 anglers, while the Co-Angler division remains open to the public. The season includes four regular-season events across Arkansas, Minnesota, and Michigan, plus a Championship, with a new split bait format to test anglers' versatility.

The Wyoming Game and Fish Department and Wyoming Department of Transportation urge drivers to watch for wildlife as daylight saving time ends. Wyoming experiences over 7,600 wildlife collisions annually, with 80-85% involving mule deer, placing the state in the top 15 for wildlife-vehicle collisions according to State Farm.

The Wyoming Game and Fish Department urges residents to dispose of pumpkins securely rather than leaving them for wildlife, as mule deer cannot properly digest them and may become ill. Stan Harter, a Game and Fish wildlife biologist in Lander, recommends proper disposal to prevent disease susceptibility in deer fawns.

Matt Robertson's $1.25 million victory at World Bass Enterprises' inaugural The Champions tournament on Old Hickory Lake near Nashville put a new mark on professional bass fishing's record book in terms of cash prizes. It also gave Bassmaster Elite Series anglers something else to celebrate: a convincing victory over their counterparts from Major League Fishing's Bass Pro Tour.

Of the 15 anglers who advanced to Saturday's championship round, 10 represented Bassmaster's Team Stars and five came from MLF's Team Stripes. Seven of the top 10 were Bassmaster anglers, including Robertson and runner-up Pake South.

That doesn't settle the long-running debate over which organization has the stronger field, but it's a pretty good argument for the Elite Series side. The two circuits finally put their leading anglers on the same water, and Bassmaster came out on top.

The 60-professional field was divided evenly between the two organizations, with two amateur anglers added through a fan promotion. After two days of competition, the top 15 advanced to Saturday's championship. Weights were reset for the final round, making it a one-day shootout among the qualifiers. Bassmaster had already established an advantage during the opening two days, then carried it into the championship.

For years, the split between B.A.S.S. and MLF has left fans wondering how the leading competitors from the two circuits would fare against one another, especially since many who were then stars with Bassmaster chose to leave for the MLF. 

The Champions provided an answer, at least for this first meeting. The Elite Series contingent earned the bragging rights.

World Bass Enterprises organizer Brian Bird assembled a $3.25 million purse, with $1.25 million going to Robertson, the largest first-place award in professional bass fishing history. Second place paid $500,000. Those were actual checks, not promotional projections, and they represented an extraordinary payday for anglers who spend much of the year competing for a fraction of that money.

Robertson's win also came via an inventive approach. He found a concentration of smallmouth below Old Hickory Dam, reaching them by locking through to the Cumberland River below the tailrace. He used a small swimbait on a jighead, drifting it naturally with the current around rocks, shelves and eddies. He discovered the pattern during practice, caught a 20-pound bag on opening day and returned to it when the championship weights were reset.

Late October fishing on Old Hickory is no automatic limit factory. Changing current, a large area of water and a mix of largemouth, spotted bass and smallmouth made for a challenging tournament. Robertson's 20-pound, 2-ounce final-round catch stood well apart from the rest of the field. South finished second with 13 pounds, 7 ounces.

Organizers wanted The Champions to be considerably more than a fishing tournament. They built a week of activities around it, including a large outdoor expo at Gaylord Opryland, concerts, a fan festival at Sanders Ferry Park, opening ceremonies and a celebrity component. The pay-per-view package offered access to tournament coverage and other programming. The idea was to make a professional bass tournament a destination event, attracting people who might not ordinarily spend a day watching a weigh-in.

It's an ambitious approach, and many of the elements that could make it work were there. A record purse, a cross-tour showdown and a major entertainment program are reasonable ways to get a wider audience interested. The reported crowd at Saturday's weigh-in was about 4,000, and local television coverage showed some traction in the Nashville market.

The tournament got good coverage in local TV, along with The Tennessean, Outdoor Life, Field & Stream and other outlets. That's respectable exposure, but not the broad national sports-media attention one might hope for from an event repeatedly described as the Super Bowl of bass fishing.

Several important business questions remain unanswered. How many people purchased the pay-per-view? How many attended the expo, and how many traveled from outside the region? Did sponsors receive the exposure they expected? Those numbers will help determine whether The Champions can become a sustainable annual event.

The communications effort could have been better, to be sure . There was plenty of promotional material about the purse, concerts and entertainment, but less useful information for fishing readers about the competition itself. Who was catching fish? How were patterns developing? How were the two tours matching up? A tournament built around the best anglers in the business should have made the fishing the centerpiece of its daily coverage.

The Champions gave professional bass fishing something it has never had before: a $1.25 million first-place prize and a genuine head-to-head competition between the leading anglers from its two biggest circuits. Robertson supplied a memorable fishing story, and Bassmaster walked away with bragging rights.

Now comes the harder part. Can Brian Bird and World Bass Enterprises turn a spectacular first-year production into an event fans will pay to attend, sponsors will pay to support and anglers will want to fish again? The purse got everybody's attention. Building a sustainable business around it will be the real test.

– Frank Sargeant, Editor, The Water Wire