James Lofton has been named the 2026 HSCF President's Award recipient by the Houston Safari Club Foundation for his exceptional leadership and 25+ years of service to hunting, conservation, and education. Lofton, a former HSCF President and current Hunting Awards Chairperson, has also founded the DFW Oilman's Tactical Shoot and supported Combat Marine Outdoors.

Wildlife technician Greg Hochstetler received the 2025 Conservation Award from the Michigan chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation for his work improving habitat on multiple state game areas in southwest Michigan.

Steve Crawford has been named the 2026 Outstanding Achievement in Hunting Award: Male recipient by the Houston Safari Club Foundation. Crawford has harvested 109 species across five continents and earned 14 SCI Inter-Circle awards, with 21 species ranking in the world's Top 10. His decades of volunteer leadership with HSCF and commitment to ethical hunting and conservation make him a deserving honoree.

Ameristep won a Gold Award in the Ground Blind category from Bowhunting World magazine readers for the second consecutive year in 2026. The company introduced the Frontline Wide-Bottom Extreme, a hub-style blind accommodating up to three hunters with six silent sliding windows and a 180° bowhunter view.

Utah's wetlands host tundra and trumpeter swans during spring migration in March. The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources highlights three prime viewing locations: Salt Creek Waterfowl Management Area's Compton's Knoll, Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge near Brigham City, and the George S. and Dolores Doré Eccles Wildlife Education Center at Farmington Bay.

The Wyoming Game and Fish Department announced winners of Wyoming Wildlife magazine's 55th annual photo contest, which received over 2,500 submissions from nearly 500 photographers. Amy Gerber of Cody won the grand prize for her prairie rattlesnake photo titled "Entangled."

The South Carolina Waterfowl Association will host its Sportsman's Ball on February 13 and Duck Shuck on February 14, 2026, in Mount Pleasant. Both events feature live music, auctions, and raffles, with proceeds supporting SCWA's wildlife conservation and youth education programs.

The 2026 Arkansas Fishing Guidebook highlights refined trout harvest regulations for Norfork, Bull Shoals, Greers Ferry, and Beaver tailwaters due to stocking shortages from facility damage. Lake Monticello now allows harvest of bass and crappie after years of catch-and-release restrictions following its 2022 refilling and renovation by the AGFC and city of Monticello.

Fish Monkey offers a complete spring saltwater fishing system featuring the Pro 365 Guide glove, Freestyle glove, and Stubby glove, all designed with UPF 50-plus sun protection and non-slip silicone palms. The company also provides Guide Series merino wool socks and Fish Monkey Face Guards for comprehensive hand, foot, and face protection on the water.

Whitetails Unlimited granted $8,137 to the Arkansas County 4-H Foundation's Dewitt Chapter, with primary funding supporting the trap team program serving 80 youth. The grant supports Whitetails Unlimited's Staying on Target Program, which promotes shooting sports education and preserves hunting traditions for future generations.

The Flat River Youth Hunt accommodated a record 54 youth hunters on January 17, coordinated by DNR Wildlife staff in partnership with Belding Sportsman's Club, Michigan Squirrel Dog Association, Triple H Sports, National Deer Association, and Christianity Outdoors. Youth hunters harvested over 30 squirrels and learned small game processing skills.

The Wyoming Game and Fish Department encourages new hunters to register for hunter education courses as big game applications open. Katie Simpson, the department's hunter education coordinator, notes that classes fill quickly and blended course options are available for those with scheduling constraints.

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks offers Hunter and Bowhunter Education in-person classes and field days at multiple south-central Montana locations this spring. Students can choose from in-person instructor-led courses, online with field day combinations, or online-only options depending on age. Registration is open at fwp.mt.gov/hunt/education.

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources is hosting town hall-style meetings across the state where staff will review recently completed hunting and trapping seasons, discuss potential rule changes, and collect public feedback. Todd Bishop, chief of the Iowa DNR's Wildlife Bureau, encourages attendance to hear directly from staff and participate in the rules process.

Wiley X announced the appointment of Cory Uehlein as Vice President of Marketing & Digital. In this role, Uehlein will lead the company's comprehensive marketing and digital strategy, driving brand growth and customer experience across all channels.

NSSF praised South Dakota Governor Larry Rhoden for signing Senate Bill 2, which deregulates suppressors in the state. The law was signed at Silencer Central with NSSF Board member Brandon Maddox and NSSF's Moriah Day present, removing suppressors from the state's controlled weapon definition.

Leupold & Stevens, Inc. launched its new VX-4HD line of riflescopes featuring a true 4:1 zoom, Elite Optical System, and integrated throw lever. Available in three configurations with four reticle options, the VX-4HD includes the CDS-ZL2 dial with ZeroLock technology and is manufactured in Beaverton, Oregon.

Italian Firearms Group (IFG) partners with Philmont Scout Ranch through regular firearm donations supporting their shooting sports program. Last summer, Philmont served 22,615 participants, with 6,443 scouts introduced to new shooting disciplines using IFG-provided equipment.

Outdoor Action TV announced the addition of Reel Talk Fishing | With No Limits, a walleye-focused podcast hosted by Brian Bashore, founder of The Walleye Guys. The show features authentic conversations, tournament insights, and tactics from prominent figures in the walleye fishing community.

Michael Waddell hosted a first-of-its-kind roundtable at SHOT Show featuring outdoor television stars Mike Robinson, Melissa Bachman, Brian "Pigman" Quaca, and Lee & Tiffany Lakosky. The episode, presented by Spandau Arms in partnership with Folds of Honor and Cigars International, aired on The Michael Waddell Podcast and covers hunting careers, game meat management, and community unity.

Colion Noir, an influential social media personality and gun rights activist, named the Springfield Armory Kuna 9mm as a top gun choice for 2025. Developed with HS Produkt, the roller-delayed PDW features a monolithic aluminum upper, 6" barrel, and ambidextrous controls, priced from $1,179 to $1,330.

MDT released the TIMBR Core Laminate Rifle Stock, combining ultra-rigid laminated wood construction with aluminum micro-chassis and V-block bedding for hunters seeking precision and classic aesthetics. Available in Charcoal and Green Mountain Camo for multiple rifle inlets including Ruger American, Savage 110, Tikka T3/T3x, and Remington 700 short actions.

ALPS OutdoorZ will debut three new Mossy Oak Greenleaf products at the 50th Annual NWTF Convention in 2026, including the flagship Traditions Turkey Vest, Summit Seat, and Turkey Tote. Product Development Manager Adam Brune highlights the modern design approach while honoring classic turkey hunting traditions.

Elite Survival Systems announced an expansion of its Mainstay Inside-the-Waistband Holster line with new sizes accommodating modern handgun configurations equipped with slide-mounted optics and laser/light combinations, including the Sig Sauer P365XL/XMACRO.

ALPS OutdoorZ is launching its 2026 NWTF Collection in Mossy Oak Greenleaf, featuring six turkey hunting products including the Impact Pro Turkey Vest, Grand Slam Turkey Vest, and Vantage Bino Harness. The strategic partnership with the National Wild Turkey Federation supports habitat conservation across North America.

Henry Repeating Arms announced two new revolver variants: the H16 Golden Boy Deadeye Revolver and H17 Big Boy Deadeye Revolver, featuring upgraded adjustable rear sights and fiber-optic front sights. Built on proven foundations and developed from customer feedback, both models are Made in America and backed by Henry's Lifetime Warranty.

Zanders, an all-women-owned distributor based in Sparta, Illinois, announced an exclusive partnership with TriStar Arms to release the TriStar Setter LT shotgun featuring a custom black engraved receiver designed for Zanders dealers and customers.

Viridian Weapon Technologies will exhibit its 2026 product lineup at the NBS Spring Semi-Annual Market, February 10–13 in Oklahoma City. The showcase will feature new optics, tactical lights, lasers, and emerging technologies including the FACT DUTY Weapon-Mounted Camera and 4LUX Foregrip Light at Booth #1948.

Blaser Group will showcase the Blaser R8 Professional 2.0 and Mauser 98 Das Original rifles at the Safari Club International Convention in Nashville, February 18-21, 2026. The company will also display the R8 Silence barrel, Sauer 505 rifle, and John Rigby & Co. bespoke rifles at booth #1513.

Gearfire will showcase its AXIS Retail Management System at the NBS 2026 Spring Semi-Annual Market in Oklahoma City, February 10-13. AXIS unifies point-of-sale, ATF compliance, inventory management, and range operations for outdoor sports retailers.

Chiappa USA and Charles Daly Shotguns will exhibit at the 50th Anniversary National Wild Turkey Federation Convention & Sport Show, February 11-15, 2026, in Nashville, Tennessee. The brands will showcase field-proven firearms including the Charles Daly Triple, Charles Daly 301 Series, and Chiappa Honcho, along with new 2026 product releases.

Winchester Ammunition will exhibit at the 2026 NWTF Convention and Sport Show in Nashville, February 11-15, showcasing new products including Long Beard Tungsten, Supreme Long Range precision rifle ammunition, and commemorative USA 250th Series rounds. Winchester continues supporting the Veteran's Breakfast and has contributed over $2 million to NWTF's conservation mission since 1973.

Winchester Ammunition will showcase its 2026 product lineup at the Western Hunting & Conservation Expo February 12-15 in Salt Lake City, including the new Supreme Long Range precision hunting cartridge and big game ammunition options like Expedition Big Game, Deer Season XP, Power Point, and Ballistic Silvertip.

Hornady will exhibit at the Western Hunting & Conservation Expo February 12-15, 2026, in Salt Lake City, Utah. Hosted by the Mule Deer Foundation, Sportsmen for Fish and Wildlife, and Utah Office of Tourism, the event attracts over 55,000 attendees and hundreds of exhibitors raising millions for conservation.

European American Armory Corporation will exhibit at the Nation's Best Sports Semi-Annual Market February 10–13, 2026, in Oklahoma City. EAA Corp will showcase its 2026 handgun and long-gun lineup including new 1911 double stack models, CMX 9mm, CMXX 10mm, and Balikli firearms shotguns and rifles at Booth #1104.

Sarsilmaz will exhibit at the Nation's Best Sports 2026 Spring Semi-Annual Market in Oklahoma City, February 10-13, showcasing its 7/24 and SAR9 Series pistols. The company, with over 140 years of firearms manufacturing experience, will demonstrate duty-ready platforms for commercial, law enforcement, and professional users at booth #1705.

Blocker Outdoors will exhibit at the National Wild Turkey Federation Convention and Sport Show in Nashville, Tennessee, February 12-14, 2026, featuring new Finisher turkey gear. The event celebrates NWTF's 50th anniversary with over 500 exhibitors and Blocker pro Jason Powell competing in the Grand National Calling Championships.

Ralph and Vicki Cianciarulo, hosts of The Choice television series and owners of Content King Media Inc., announce their continued partnership with Dallas Safari Club. The partnership reinforces shared values of conservation, ethical hunting, and education through science-based wildlife management and sustainable use practices.

The Indiana Department of Natural Resources will host seven workshops across Indiana through February, April, and May to gather public input on developing Indiana's statewide water inventory and management plan under Governor Mike Braun's Executive Order 25-63. Attendees will provide feedback on regional water planning frameworks, water monitoring networks, and an online water data platform.

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources Natural Resource Commission will hold its monthly virtual meeting on February 12 at 9:30 a.m., open to the public. Participants can join via Google Meet or phone, with agenda items including deer hunting regulations, furbearer trapping rules, and various construction and land acquisition projects.

Shooting USA features the tenth anniversary of the Civilian Marksmanship Program's Talladega Marksmanship Park and the tenth year of the CMP Talladega 600 series, including the Congressional 30 service rifle match on Range One.

MyOutdoorTV premieres new episodes of Gale Force Twins featuring Captains Emily and Amanda Gale, who explore premier fishing destinations including the Florida Keys, Bahamas, Guatemala, and Outer Banks. The 10-part series follows the accomplished siblings as they share their offshore fishing expertise and Gulf Coast lifestyle content with subscribers.

Here’s something you probably don’t know. Because of the way the laws in a significant number of states are written, if suppressors are ever removed from the National Firearms Act, owning and buying cans will be illegal there. No, really.

After the Big Beautiful Bill dropped the price of a tax stamp to zero, that opened the door for removing cans from the NFA entirely. The 1934 law passed legal muster at the time by justifying its existence as a tax. With the tax gone, there’s a very good legal argument that the NFA is no longer constitutional.

There are a couple of lawsuits winding their way through the courts right now that use that basis to argue that suppressors should be regulated just like any other firearm (with a simple 4473 and a background check), if at all. But if that happens — and we certainly hope it does — the laws on the books in 16 states will present a problem.

While the laws’ language varies from state to state, they basically classify suppressors and controlled weapons that must be regulated and registered under the NFA. If NFA regulation is struck down by the courts, the laws in those states will, in effect outlaw suppressors there. Not great, Bob.

Fortunately, there’s an effort under way to begin to change that and the first state to jump on the silencer deregulatory bus is South Dakota. The effort has been pushed by the NSSF, NRA and Sioux Falls-based Silencer Central.

How gun-friendly is South Dakota? The bill deregulating silencers in the state in anticipation of cans being removed from the NFA — the bill was named SB2A — passed both houses. Unanimously. You read that right. We live in a time when you can’t get anyone involved in politics to agree on the color of the sky or the shape of quarter. But SB2A passed the SD House and Senate without any opposition. At all.

On Tuesday, Governor Larry Rhoden made the trip from Pierre Silencer Central’s headquarters in Sioux Falls along with a Senate and House members and the state Attorney General to sign the bill into law.

Boiled down to its essence, the bill declares that suppressors are not controlled weapons. In other words, it means that they don’t require regulation under the NFA for South Dakotans to own one.

The good news is that South Dakota’s law was one of the more intricately worded examples and took some work to get the changes made. And now that it’s law, the work they did can be used as a sort of template for the other 15 states to do the same. The bad news is that not all of those other states are anywhere near as gun-friendly as the Mount Rushmore State, so it’s going to take some doing. That said, South Dakota’s bill is a good start.

While he was there, the Governor helped dedicate Silencer Central’s newly completed 70,000 square foot storage and order processing facility.

Maddox showed off Silencer Central’s massive new Opex order fulfillment system. That three story wall on the left is part of a huge enclosed system that holds about 170,000 suppressors. It robotically fills orders by picking specific suppressors by reading their serial numbers.

– Dan Zimmerman, Shooting News Weekly