The Indiana National Archery in the Schools Program (NASP®) state tournament will be held March 21 at the Indiana State Fairgrounds in Indianapolis. Nearly 2,100 students will compete in the NASP® Bullseye Tournament, with over 700 students in the NASP® 3D Tournament. The program, provided through the Indiana Department of Natural Resources Division of Law Enforcement, now includes more than 600 schools across Indiana.

Collector's Elite Auctions opened its March event featuring over 100 rare firearms, headlined by a Ted Nugent-fired PSA JAKL rifle with memorabilia benefiting Gun Owners of America. The auction also includes master-engraved Colt revolvers by Kelly Laster and Phil Quigley, a rare 1957 Smith & Wesson Pre-Model 27, and the only known Bynuna F-Class rifle in the United States. Bidding closes March 15.

TenPoint Crossbow Technologies earned two prestigious honors at the 2026 Kinsey's Dealer Show: Best in Crossbows for the fourth consecutive year and Best Innovator in Archery for the Turbo X. The awards recognize dealer votes across eight categories, reflecting TenPoint's reliability, innovation, and service excellence in the crossbow industry.

Leupold & Stevens, Inc.'s VX-6HD Gen 2 riflescope received an Editors' Choice Award from On Target Magazine for 2025. The scope features innovative CDS-SZL2 dials, professional-grade optics, and six configuration options, representing significant advancement in riflescope technology.

Mossy Oak announced its ProStaff of the Year winners, with Hunter Bonner and Hunter Englehart tying for the honor. Both winners will receive an all-expense-paid trip in 2026, while all 20 nominated ProStaff members receive $250 gift codes to the Mossy Oak Store.

The Second Amendment Foundation (SAF) filed a petition for rehearing in Defense Distributed v. Attorney General of New Jersey after a Third Circuit panel dismissed the case. Originally filed in 2018, the case challenges New Jersey's statute prohibiting publication of digital firearms information on First and Second Amendment grounds. SAF Director Bill Sack and founder Alan M. Gottlieb argue the panel's dismissal was based on legal technicalities rather than substantive constitutional claims.

Indiana Conservation Officers arrested Crystal Sheets, 45, of Birdseye, after investigating illegal paddlefish snagging at Patoka Lake spillway on February 16. Sheets was found in unlawful possession of paddlefish and charged with misdemeanor unlawful possession. Paddlefish, an ancient native Indiana species with diminishing population, is illegal for sport fishing except on the Ohio River with a roe harvester's license.

Safari Club International Foundation participated in SCI's Nashville convention, hosting the Conservation Leadership Award Gala sponsored by Beretta, where Lee Anderson received the prestigious award. The foundation also hosted the Sables Brunch, Veterans Breakfast honoring service members, and welcomed 20 university students from Kansas State and Auburn University to its growing University Program.

Two Rivers State Recreation Area Trout Lake in Douglas County opens March 14, offering anglers higher catch rates of rainbow trout. Daily trout tags cost $6 with a four-trout bag limit, and catch-and-release is now permitted. Nebraska fishing licenses required for adults; call 402-359-5165 for tag availability.

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks will hold its annual update meeting on March 16 at the Montana WILD Education Center in Helena to discuss population trends for game fish in Canyon Ferry, Hauser, and Holter reservoirs and the Missouri River system.

Yamaha pro Patrick Walters won the 2026 National Professional Fishing League Championship on Smith Lake in Alabama with a three-day total of 44 pounds, 11 ounces, defeating Kyle Welcher by two pounds and earning the $100,000 prize. Walters became the first angler in NPFL history to claim the triple crown of Regular Season, Angler of the Year, and Championship shields.

Indiana Conservation Officers are investigating a fatal hunting incident in Fulton County where Andrew Boots, 31, of North Judson was struck by a ricocheted bullet during a raccoon hunt near County Road 500 West. Boots was transported to South Bend Memorial Hospital but succumbed to his injuries.

The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission will accept applications from March 2-5 to convert 2026 Pine Ridge Unit mountain lion permits to Auxiliary Season permits. Two permits will be drawn for the March 14-31 Auxiliary Season after Season 1 did not reach harvest limits.

The Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department and Vermont Fish and Wildlife Board will hold public hearings on March 16, 18, and 19 to discuss 2025 deer season results, 2026 deer hunting prospects, and 2025 moose hunting season reviews. Public feedback on deer herd status and moose permit recommendations is welcome.

Texas Hunter Products announces the retirement of Emiliano Gonzalez after 56 years of service. Gonzalez began his career with Braden Wire and Metal in 1970, contributing to production, assembly, and maintenance across the company's operations. VP/GM Cody Borgfeld praised Gonzalez's dedication, reliability, and positive impact on company culture.

Sturm, Ruger & Company, Inc. reported fourth quarter net sales of $151.1 million and full-year net sales of $546.1 million, with CEO Todd Seyfert highlighting strong product momentum including 65 new models launched and three new platforms: Glenfield by Ruger rifle, Red Label III shotgun, and Harrier rifle. The company generated $54.3 million in operating cash flow and returned $36.2 million to shareholders in 2025.

Target Sports USA unveiled a state-of-the-art ammunition vending machine featuring age verification technology, secure payment processing, and real-time inventory tracking. The machine was displayed at the Great American Outdoor Show and aligns with the company's expansion goals, including their AMMO+ Membership and New Republic USA ammo brand.

Celerant Technology announced the launch of Cumulus Analytics, a cost-effective analytics module for Cumulus Retail users. The new tool provides independent retailers with essential dashboards and reports for sales, inventory, and customer insights, with beta customer Hobby Works praising its intuitive design and decision-making capabilities.

Michigan announced $2.4 million in funding for 27 projects through the Michigan Invasive Species Grant Program, supporting prevention, detection, eradication and control of invasive species. The program, cooperatively implemented by the Michigan departments of Agriculture and Rural Development; Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy; and Natural Resources, has awarded over $42 million to 328 projects to date.

Kinetic Development Group's SideLok optic mount system remains the foundation of the company's expanding optic mount strategy in 2026. The USA-manufactured, patented push-button mount offers secure lockup and repeatability, with KDG planning to introduce a new optic mount product in Q2.

Safari Club International's Hunter Action Fund luncheon at its 54th Annual Hunters' Convention in Nashville raised significant funds to support pro-hunting candidates and Second Amendment rights. U.S. Representative Ryan Zinke highlighted threats to sportsmen's freedoms, while SCI CEO W. Laird Hamberlin emphasized HAF's critical role in defending hunters' rights during the midterm elections.

Bass Pro Shops donated $15,000 to the Council to Advance Hunting and the Shooting Sports to support R3 initiatives and strengthen national hunting and shooting sports participation. The contribution will expand educational resources and professional development across wildlife agencies and conservation stakeholders.

Thompson/Center Arms announced the launch of the ENCORE PROHunter Pistol Frame Assembly, a modular handgun frame designed for hunters and precision shooters. The CNC-machined frame offers compatibility with ENCORE pistol barrels and is available through authorized dealers with an MSRP of $530.

TWN Industries has launched MultiCam Arid hydrographic film, a desert-focused camouflage pattern designed for arid terrain and low-vegetation environments. The officially licensed product is available for manufacturers, custom shops, and certified processors to apply to firearms, outdoor gear, and automotive components.

Hornady announces the 400 Legend 210 gr InterLock ammunition in the American Whitetail line, designed for straight-wall cartridge hunting states. The American-made offering features controlled expansion and deep penetration for deer-sized game.

Armageddon Gear introduces the Tripod Caddy, a mount-on tripod organizer designed to keep shooting essentials like Kestrels, data books, and ammunition organized and accessible. Built in Buena Vista, Georgia with durable materials, it features a fold-down workspace and is purpose-built for serious shooters.

Magpul has expanded its AMAG line with new 10- and 12-round stainless-steel magazines for the SIG P365, featuring controlled-tilt followers, stainless-steel springs, and capacity indicators. The magazines are designed to minimize printing and maximize concealment, available at competitive prices compared to OEM options.

Federal Ammunition's Spring Savings Slam rebate program runs through May 31, 2026, offering up to $100 back on turkey loads including Strut-Shok, Grand Slam, and new Realtree 40th Anniversary and Rob Roberts Limited Edition offerings.

Hook & Barrel Magazine announces Anna Richardson as Social Media Editor. Richardson will lead the brand's social media strategy, audience growth, and digital storytelling across platforms while overseeing content creation and community engagement initiatives.

The Armory Life announces its Spring 2026 print magazine issue, marking the fifth anniversary of the quarterly publication. The issue features a cover story on the Echelon 4.0FC 9mm, interviews with Jeff and Kristi Hoffman of Black Hills Ammunition, and reviews of Springfield Armory firearms including the SAINT Victor and Model 2020 Waypoint.

GRITR Sports, an online gun store with a brick and mortar location in DFW, TX, announces the arrival of select Staccato 2011 pistols. Staccato's modernized 2011 platform offers excellent ergonomics, high capacity, and reduced recoil, meeting strict law enforcement qualification standards.

Ranew's Outdoor Equipment, maker of the Firminator food plot implement, continues its sponsorship of Whitetails Unlimited. The USA-manufactured tool is designed for deer hunters to establish and plant food plots efficiently behind ATVs, UTVs, and tractors.

The North Dakota Game and Fish Department launched an Explorer Program for high school students ages 16-18 interested in natural resources and conservation careers. According to wildlife division chief Bill Haase, participants gain hands-on experience in wildlife, habitat management, fisheries, and enforcement while the agency recruits future staff. Applications are due March 22.

The North Dakota Game and Fish Department is offering free seed for the 2026 growing season to landowners interested in planting wildlife food plots for pheasants and other wildlife species. The seed mix provides plant diversity and attracts insects, a major diet component for pheasant chicks. Landowners must sign up by April 3, with seed available in May at multiple Game and Fish offices.

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources will begin installing a traffic signal at Keith J. Charters Traverse City State Park's relocated U.S. 31 campground entrance in early March as part of an $8.5 million enhancement project. Motorists should anticipate intermittent single-lane closures during the two-week installation period, with the signal becoming fully operational in late April.

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is requesting public input on a new general management plan for W.J. Hayes State Park in southern Michigan through an online survey available until April 3. Debbie Jensen, DNR park management plan administrator, emphasized that public insights are critical to developing the draft plan, with a public meeting scheduled for summer to review and comment on the new proposal.

A new video features The Swamp Whitetails, owned by Chip and Mistie Burkes and managed by Rodney Ragon, showcasing Alabama's premier deer breeding operation known for developing CWD-resistant genetics and state-of-the-art facilities. The feature airs on Deer & Wildlife Stories with Keith Warren on the Pursuit Channel.

Sportsman Channel launches "Streamlight's Lock & Load Thursdays" programming block featuring shows like The Adventures of Chapo Gringo, Guns & Gear TV, Guns & Ammo, Gun Stories hosted by Joe Mantegna, and Made for the Outdoors, airing Thursday nights 8-11 p.m. ET with content available on MyOutdoorTV.

Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, National Wild Turkey Federation, National Shooting Sports Foundation, and the Town of Pawlet will dedicate a Wildlife Restoration Marker on April 18 commemorating the 1969 turkey stocking in Pawlet that launched Vermont's successful wild turkey restoration program, now supporting over 45,000 turkeys statewide.

The 2026 End of Trail wrapped up this past weekend at the Ben Avery Shooting Facility, just north of Phoenix, Arizona.

End of Trail is the World Championship of Cowboy Action Shooting, governed by the Single Action Shooting Society SASS. The eight-day event drew approximately 700 shooters from across the country.

Cowboy Action Shooting began in 1981, hosting its first End of Trail in 1982 with just 60 shooters. Today, it ranks among the most popular shooting sports in the country.

I had the opportunity to sit down with Misty Ebersole—known in SASS circles as “Misty Moonshine,” her registered alias, as every competitor adopts one—who now serves as the sole owner of SASS. The organization was previously owned by a group known as The Wild Bunch, which founded and grew the sport. Ebersole was invited to join that ownership group and ultimately took over in 2020 as the original members retired.

We talked about the size and popularity of the sport. Yes, Cowboy Action Shooting is a three-gun discipline in which competitors use period-specific single-action revolvers, lever-action rifles, and double-barreled hammer shotguns.

According to Ebersole, SASS closed out 2025 with more than 50,000 active members. That number fluctuates between the mid-40,000s and low-60,000s depending on the time of year, reflecting the typical attrition and recruitment cycle of any membership-based organization.

The 2026 End of Trail saw solid participation, though it did not quite reach capacity—perhaps surprising given the economic headwinds of the past several years.

“What we found with the impact of the economy is not so much at our larger flagship events. We find more of an impact at the local level, maybe the smallest state championship matches or regionals,” explained Ebersole.

“They [competitors] are prioritizing matches differently. Maybe they're not going to six matches a year. Maybe they're only going to three now, so they're a little more choosy. We have been lucky in that we haven't really found a big impact on our major flagship events.”

End of Trail draws shooters from across the country, many of whom travel by RV. A designated parking area across from the ranges was filled throughout the match.

What makes SASS so popular, according to Ebersole, is its people.

“Your SASS membership almost becomes an identity. Originally, it was about creating an alias—you get to step out of the everyday world and become that person,” she said. “Here, we know everybody by their alias. We don’t care if you’re a brain surgeon or a garbage truck driver. It’s that escape.”

She added, “It’s also the most friendly, supportive, welcoming community you could step into. I’ve seen two shooters vying for a world championship title—one has his rifle break, and the other says, ‘Use mine.’ There’s camaraderie, friendship, and support. We’re family, really.”

Sportsmanship exists across all shooting disciplines, but at SASS events there is a distinct adherence to the cowboy ethos—one members genuinely take to heart.

The average age of a SASS member is currently in the low 60s, but the organization also sees many families competing together. Ebersole noted that three generations on the same firing line is not uncommon.

Much of SASS’s appeal lies in its flexibility in creating shooting opportunities for shooters of all ages. For older competitors, new categories continue to be introduced.

“This year, we added a Shootist category, Shootist and Lady Shootist, which is 90 plus. We're going to meet you where you are. We're not going to leave you behind,” noted Ebersole.

Part Shooting, Part Shopping

One of the overlooked aspects of End of Trail, and other major SASS events, is the volume of vendor support. End of Trail features a significant vendor row offering everything from firearms and leather goods to cowboy hats and apparel—plus everything in between.

Shooters rotate through four stages per day in posses—what other disciplines call squads—divided into morning, midday, and evening flights. When not competing, they’re typically visiting vendor tents or grabbing a bite from one of the food stands.

For shooters needing a fresh set of duds, several vendors offer apparel for both cowboys and cowgirls. Styles range from simple working wear to more formal period attire, depending on how one envisions their alias’s character.

Skilled craftsmen and women are also well represented among the vendors. For many, the cowboy lifestyle extends beyond the range and into everyday life.

It doesn’t take long at a major SASS event to realize that while competition sits at the heart of Cowboy Action Shooting, it’s the social nature of the sport that makes it so addictive.

Every shooting discipline has its appeal, but none quite match what you’ll find at End of Trail. Yes, a championship is being contested—but you might not notice at first glance. The role-playing, costuming, and camaraderie create fast friendships among people who may value the fellowship as much as the trophy.

If you’ve never attended a Cowboy Action Shooting match—especially a major event like End of Trail—you owe it to yourself to experience one. You won’t be disappointed.

– Paul Erhardt, Managing Editor, the Outdoor Wire Digital Network