Whitewater Fishing launches its Spring 2026 logowear collection featuring coastal and cabin-inspired color palettes paired with retro maritime silhouettes. The collection includes the Drift Patch and Harbor Rope Hats with classic corded rope details, premium fabrics, and heritage camo patterns. Marketing Director Steve Allie emphasizes the collection's focus on intentional design for anglers across all environments.
Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks honored 23 central Montana hunter, bowhunter, and trapper education instructors at a 2026 Region 4 workshop in Great Falls, recognizing service milestones ranging from 5 to 35 years. Andrew Oestreich and Brent Lonner received Instructor of the Year awards.
The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources awarded eight landowners the new Legacy of Land Award for their contributions to deer and elk conservation. Recipients include Chad Olson, Clint Kearl, Stephen Ellis, Breck Crystal, Lee Thayn, Chris Robinson, and David and Robin Bradshaw, recognized for wildlife stewardship on their private properties.
Fiocchi of America Pro Staff member Kiersten Sales earned Main Lady Runner-Up, Ladies Cup Runner-Up, and multiple third-place finishes at the World English Sporting Competition in San Antonio, Texas, demonstrating excellence across multiple clay target shooting disciplines.
B&P USA Pro Staff members achieved exceptional results at the World English Sporting Competition in San Antonio, with Gebben Miles finishing Runner-Up in the Main Event, Karen Miles earning Main Lady Champion honors, and James Attwood claiming the FITASC High Overall title. The prestigious event drew 1,268 shooters competing across multiple disciplines including sporting, FITASC, Super Sporting, and 5-Stand.
Team Beretta earned four podium finishes at the 2026 World English Sporting Clays Championship in San Antonio, Texas, with Connor Daniel winning Junior Team Champion, Anthony Matarese, Jr. placing third in FITASC, Desirae Edmunds securing third in the Lady division, and Joseph Fanizzi claiming 5-Stand Champion honors.
Yamaha Rightwaters and Georgia Southern University, in partnership with the Georgia Department of Natural Resources Coastal Resources Division, released findings demonstrating that restored oyster reefs significantly enhance salt marsh growth and shoreline stability along the Georgia coast, with restored sites outperforming unrestored control areas.
Hyatt Voy was sentenced to 102 days in the Fergus County Detention Center for poaching a trophy mule deer buck during the 2024 hunting season. The Lewistown realtor also received a seven-year suspension of hunting privileges across Montana and 48 Interstate Wildlife Violator Compact member states, plus $8,000 restitution.
Juan Garcia-Gomez of Bozeman pleaded guilty to multiple hunting violations after a witness recorded video evidence of him shooting a mule deer buck from a public highway near Jeffers in November. Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks and the Madison County Sheriff's Office coordinated the investigation, resulting in $1,100 in fines and a 24-month hunting and fishing privilege suspension.
Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks' TIPMONT board approved $48,553 in total fines and $28,100 in reward money for 2025, with 153 total charges resulting in 66 years of lost hunting privileges. The program encourages public reporting of poaching crimes including illegal shed hunting, vandalism, and resource theft.
The Summer Becoming an Outdoors-Woman (BOW) workshop runs July 31-August 2 at Lubrecht Forest in Helena, Montana. This three-day immersive experience includes hands-on instructional sessions, lodging, meals, and evening activities designed to help women build outdoor skills in a supportive environment. Contact Kylie Kembel at 406-444-5280 for more information.
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources research vessel RV Lake Char will launch spring surveys from Marquette to conduct essential lake trout research across Lake Superior's nearshore areas. Led by fisheries research biologist Shawn Sitar, the surveys collect critical population data that informs long-term fisheries management and supports co-management with tribal governments.
Grey Bear Fishing Access Site on the Yellowstone River will restrict boat ramp and parking access starting March 30 for construction improvements including overflow parking, walking trails, and facility upgrades. Work is anticipated to complete by May 21, with watercraft take-out prohibited during construction.
The USDA Forest Service and state forestry agencies coordinate wildfire response across the Southeast as drought and wind-driven conditions accelerate fire growth. Since January, the Southern Area has tracked 20 active large fires and over 180,000 acres burned in Florida and Georgia, with the region at Preparedness Level 4.
Arkansas hunters can apply for limited 2026 elk hunting permits from May 1 through June 1 via the AGFC licensing site. Fifteen permits will be drawn, with winners announced at the 27th Annual Buffalo River Elk Festival in Jasper on June 26-27, and three additional on-site permits available for festival attendees.
Montana Fish and Wildlife Commission implemented new regulations for 2026 to prevent overharvesting female black bears in Region 4. The changes divide the region into four Bear Management Units with spring and fall female harvest quotas that trigger season closures when limits are reached.
RetailBI released its Q1 2026 Shooting Sports Report analyzing retail sales across 654 dealers. Firearm unit sales declined 7.6% year-over-year, while suppressors surged 53.1% in same-store unit growth, with rifles outperforming shotguns.
The NRA Foundation filed a motion to dismiss a retaliatory lawsuit brought by the National Rifle Association, reaffirming its independent charitable mission and responsible stewardship of donor funds. Tom King, President of the Board of Directors, stated the Foundation operates independently and lawfully, focused on education, training, and programs promoting responsible firearm use and America's hunting heritage.
The Wild Sheep Foundation announced new leadership with Kyle Stelter elected as Chair and John Harris appointed as Director. Gray N. Thornton continues as President and CEO, emphasizing the organization's commitment to wild sheep conservation amid ongoing challenges in various jurisdictions.
Safari Club International (SCI) and the National Brotherhood of Hunters (NBH) announced a strategic partnership to expand hunting access and participation through broader engagement and inclusion. NBH members will receive SCI membership benefits at no cost during their first year, with the collaboration strengthening conservation efforts and community engagement.
DeSantis Gunhide® introduces the Ruk-Pak™ Holster #233, a rigid Kydex® solution for discreet off-body firearm carry in backpacks and everyday bags. The holster features self-stick loop mounting for unlimited placement options and retails for $52.99.
Roni Corporation products, including the new Nano Roni conversion kit, are now available through Chattanooga Shooting Supplies via a strategic partnership with 1791 Outdoor Lifestyle Group. The Nano Roni transforms standard pistols into compact carbine-style platforms with improved control and accuracy, initially compatible with Glock 17, 19, 22, 23, and 45.
Sports South announces two new Springfield Armory releases: the Garrison 1911 Target Model, built for precision and accuracy, and the SAINT Victor PDW, designed for compact handling and maneuverability. Both models are now available through Sports South dealers.
XTech Tactical launched the MAG17 RM extended magazine and MAG-ADAPT RM-17 adaptor sleeve for the Ruger RXM pistol, converting the compact model to full-size grip configuration with 17 rounds of 9mm capacity while maintaining ergonomic benefits and reliability.
Real Avid introduces its Maximum Performance Gun Care line featuring Tri-Max® CLP, Bore-Max® Bore Foam, Foul-Out® Gunk Blaster, Gun-Max® Gun Oil, and the new Gun-Max® Grease. These professional-grade chemicals are engineered for shooters, hunters, and tactical users to simplify firearm maintenance while delivering reliability and performance.
Engaged Industries unveiled technical details of its VLB25 baffle design and patent-pending Vacuum Expansion gas management system used in its Operator 5.56 and Recon .308 suppressors. The three-phase system compresses gases, creates low-pressure zones to eliminate blowback, and delays gas accumulation to reduce muzzle signature and recoil impulse.
Wilson Combat introduced the California Compliant EDC X9 2.0, a double stack defensive pistol engineered to meet California compliance standards while maintaining the X9 platform's performance. The pistol features an ambidextrous thumb safety, loaded chamber indicator, and magazine disconnect safety, with a 4-inch barrel capable of 1.5-inch groups at 25 yards.
BANISH Suppressors announced two new stainless-steel suppressor models: the BANISH VRMT 223 SS and BANISH HNT 30 SS, both priced at $579. Designed by founder Brandon Maddox's team, these fully welded suppressors offer sound and recoil reduction while maintaining affordability and performance.
Meprolight is offering a limited-time promotion through July 31, 2026, providing a free Backdraft suppressor rebate with qualifying optic purchases. The straightforward program aims to deliver value to shooters while supplies last, with Digital Marketing Manager Jordan Stein emphasizing the company's commitment to high-performance solutions.
RETAY will showcase its 2026 tactical lineup at CANCON East 2026 on May 8–9 at Clinton House Plantation Shooting Complex in Clinton, SC. Attendees can experience the RXP22 pistol and RA1522 rifle and pistol in a fully suppressed environment, with free shipping on firearms purchased through Guns.com.
The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission showcased its Outdoor Education Initiative at the Arkansas Department of Education's STEM Advisory Partners Meeting, featuring a mobile cave exhibit created by Mt. Judea/Deer School District and fishing activities led by AGFC staff to integrate outdoor learning into classroom curricula.
Major League Fishing's Bass Pro Tour Stage 5 at Beaver Lake features 51 professional anglers competing for a $125,000 top prize and $600,000 purse. The event airs live on GAME & FISH TV via multiple streaming platforms, with the Championship Round on Sunday determining the winner.
MyOutdoorTV launches The Bass Channel Featuring Major League Fishing, Presented by the Water Sports Foundation, offering 24/7 bass fishing content including Major League Fishing coverage, expert tips, and programming from pro anglers like Bill Dance, Roland Martin, Kevin VanDam, and Mark Zona.
The Wyoming Game and Fish Department, in cooperation with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and Shoshone National Forest, captured and relocated an adult male grizzly bear on April 25, 2026, from Park County to Wiggins Fork drainage near Dubois due to cattle depredation on private land.
There’s a tipping point when something “new” becomes“established” it can also define the time when a new way supplants the previous (old) way of doing things.
If what I’ve noticed on the trails in my area are indicative of a tipping point, the era of the eBike isn’t imminent, it’s here. Three years ago, the Quietkat in the rack of our RV was guaranteed to start conversation wherever we stopped.
It still starts conversations. Today questions are more likely to be about bike style, not bike power.
Today, the more common question is “why a step-over versus a step-through model?”
The idea of having an eBike is accepted. It’s the mount/dismount style that spurs conversation. It’s a valid point. The big bike Quietkat is heavier, harder to mount/dismount and almost too-fast for campground use. The more sedate step-throughs are more suitable. Like the difference between a golf car and a high-power ATV.
Trail riders love it. With big tires, a beefy suspension and strong motor, it’s more at home zipping along trails than puttering around campgrounds, despite it’s “Villager” moniker. Unlike some, this kat has been ridden-hard around deer camp, zipping quietly to hunting blinds, even pulled a sheet of polyethylene (holding a harvested doe) back to camp for cleaning.
The day of the electric outdoors-man (or -woman) has arrived. Depending on who you ask, we’re either at- or beyond- the tipping point.
If you doubt that, you only need look at the development announcements from major bike brands.
Santa Cruz’s Bullitt eBike. It’s a serious riders bike -with a price to match. Screenshot from Santa Cruz Bicycles.
Santa Cruz Bikes says it’s likely to sell more eMTBs than pedal bikes (They call their “Bullitt” a “downhill bike with a built-in chairlift”). Cannondale has more eMTBs in development than analog. Senior Cannondale global marketing managers say in the not-too-distant future “analog will have it’s place” but only for “specific use cases.” Think cross-country races and downhill categories.
Not everyone in the bike community agrees. Some hate the eBike. Others claim they cause more damage to trails, primarily based on the fact that these bikes do make it possible to cover more distance than cranking.
But they’re popular for good reasons.
They enable riders to keep up with their friends when they can’t using “analog” bikes.
They enable people who are unable to ride otherwise to keep going.
And, like motorcycles, boats and other recreational transportation, the community of like-minded companions is a big reason people enjoy them.
Electric bikes first appeared on trails a decade ago. They were a bit goofy-looking with bolt on motors and batteries.
Todays offerings are difficult to distinguish from “regular” bikes if you don’t know where to look. And they’re accepted on most trails.
The industry, always looking to do a little trend-spotting, is looking at other areas where electrification might work.
There are electronic touring skis, hiking pants with powered exoskeleton, even an electronic tow rope for backcountry skiing.
And solar panels are being blended into clothing, enabling you to keep devices charged when you’re wandering the outdoors.
In the not-too-distant future, backcountry enthusiasts (with the financial means) can leave their solar powered tents felling confident their solar clothing won’t allow their devices to fully discharge during their time outside. Their tent will continue charging their portable power station, keeping their basecamp comfy while they’re gone. It’s also powering their wireless security cameras and StarLink, so they’ll see quickly if there’s anything amiss.
If there’s a problem they can’t resolve by turning on the lights and the (optional) siren, they can quickly send a kill message to each device, rendering them useless if stolen.
There may be one fatal flaw in this version of the outdoors.
While you may be comfortable, you’ll never be “disconnected.” Going off-grid and analog has always been one of the prime attractants for many of us.
