Safari Club International recognized Armand and Mary Brachman with the prestigious SCI Family Legacy Award for their extraordinary leadership, philanthropy, and commitment to conservation and hunting traditions. Their legacy reflects decades of support for SCI's advocacy, conservation, and education initiatives.
Cody Bassuener of MWS Associates, Inc. received the Gold Standard Sales Award from Wildlife Research Center for exceptional sales performance and retail partnership excellence. The award recognizes his outstanding customer service, market understanding, and role in expanding brand presence across his region.
The Wyoming Game and Fish Department and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service confirmed the first case of chronic wasting disease in an elk on the National Elk Refuge in Wyoming Elk Hunt Area 77. The refuge will increase monitoring, surveillance, and implement additional bio-security protocols to manage the disease.
The Congressional Sportsmen's Foundation held its annual Congressional Clays Competition at Prince George's County Trap and Skeet Center, bringing together bipartisan lawmakers, conservation leaders, and industry partners. The event featured sporting clays, trap, and skeet shooting while fostering bipartisan relationships and advancing conservation priorities, with Senator John Boozman and Representatives Bruce Westerman and Jimmy Panetta highlighting the importance of outdoor traditions.
Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks will hold a public meeting on May 20 in Neihart to discuss a native fish restoration project on Harley Creek that includes building a fish barrier to isolate 5.5 miles of creek and restore westslope cutthroat trout habitat in the Little Belt Mountains.
Five northern Michigan anglers were cited for possessing 34 walleye—more than double the six-fish daily limit—while fishing the Detroit River. Michigan Department of Natural Resources Law Enforcement Division acting captain Todd Szyska emphasized the importance of respecting daily limits to maintain the world-class walleye fishery.
The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources issued emergency changes increasing daily fishing limits at Crouse Reservoir and Nine Mile Reservoir due to drought and low water levels. DWR Director Riley Peck raised limits to eight trout at Crouse Reservoir and 16 trout at Nine Mile Reservoir to encourage harvest and improve survival of remaining fish.
The Wyoming Game and Fish Department invites anglers to celebrate Free Fishing Day on June 6, when anyone can fish without a license throughout Wyoming. Multiple Kids Fishing Day events are scheduled statewide, sponsored by organizations including Jackson Hole One Fly, North Platte Walleyes Unlimited, Trout Unlimited chapters, and local communities.
Whitetails Unlimited granted $278,068 to over 80 organizations in Iowa for outdoor education, habitat enhancement, and hunting preservation. Funds supported the Preserving the Hunting Tradition program and shooting sports groups including NASP, 4-H shooting sports, and clay target teams.
The Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) is accepting applications for 2026 hunt permit-tags through the draw process for deer, turkey, javelina, bighorn sheep, bison, and sandhill crane. The application deadline is 11:59 p.m. Arizona time on Tuesday, June 2, 2026. Applicants must possess a valid hunting license and have an AZGFD Portal Account to submit applications and view results.
Ohio's wild turkey hunters have harvested 13,496 birds through May 10, 2026, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division of Wildlife. This exceeds the three-year average of 12,713 birds. Tuscarawas County leads with 380 birds checked, followed by Belmont and Adams counties.
We Buy Guns, a national online firearm purchasing platform owned by Chris Wing, announced it has surpassed 1,000 five-star customer reviews while purchasing over 11,500 firearms across all 50 states and issuing $5.4 million in payments to sellers.
Primary Arms Optics has launched its PLx Compact 1.5-12x36 FFP RDB Rifle Scope, featuring Japanese ED glass, 1.5-12x magnification, and Red Dot Bright® reticle technology on a 30mm chassis. The scope offers two ACSS® reticle options and is priced at $1,999.99.
Leupold & Stevens, Inc. launched the BX-3 Alpine HD binocular featuring the Elite Optical System for enhanced light transmission and clarity. Available in 10x42 and 12x50 configurations, the binocular offers a magnesium chassis, ergonomic design, and Guard-ion lens coating for durability in demanding conditions.
The Boone and Crockett Club announced onX Hunt as a Gold Trailblazer in Conservation partner, expanding their existing licensing agreement with a new advertising partnership. onX will be the first advertiser featured in the Club's "Heritage of the Hunt" podcast, reinforcing both organizations' commitment to wildlife conservation and ethical hunting practices.
EOTECH has partnered with Walk The Talk America, a national nonprofit focused on mental health and responsible firearm ownership, for Mental Health Awareness Month. EOTECH will donate funds and include specially designed flyers in consumer shipments directing users to WTTA's mental health resources.
Turkeys for Tomorrow and Origins Foundation partnered to sell turkey call holders designed by Robbie Kroger to fund a nine-state predator-prey research initiative led by the University of Tennessee-Knoxville, involving 11 universities and organizations including Tall Timbers, National Trappers Association, and OnX.
SLG2, Inc. renewed its partnership with the NSSF to support the +ONE mentorship initiative, promoting shooting sports participation through education and community engagement. The company will deliver +ONE messaging across its nationwide event platforms, including the Grand Safety Tour, having welcomed over 50,000 guests since 2009.
Paige Pearce, Bowtech pro shooter and world champion archer, discussed mental training for bowhunters on The Bowhunter Podcast hosted by Christian Berg. Pearce shared her Insight Mental Programming educational series and explained how mental preparation has contributed to her competitive success and bowhunting achievements, including winning the NFAA's Marked 3D National Championship for the 11th time.
Beretta unveils the Beretta Titan, a one-off modern sporting rifle celebrating the company's 500-year anniversary. The rifle features innovative materials including titanium, magnesium, and carbon fiber, chambered in 6.5 Grendel with advanced engineering and aesthetic details honoring Beretta's heritage.
Shell Shock Technologies, LLC announced the commercial release of its .338 Lapua NAS3 cartridge cases featuring innovative two-piece construction that is 30 percent lighter than traditional brass with 11 percent more internal capacity. The cases deliver higher velocities and improved precision for civilian, military, and law enforcement marksmen.
MDT announced two new carbon fiber components for hunters: the HNT Fixed Buttstock at 13 oz with adjustable length of pull and cheekpiece height, and the LSS GEN3 Hunting Forend at 5.9 oz featuring M-LOK attachment and mirage-reducing enclosed design. Both products are available May 12, 2026 through MDT dealers and mdttac.com.
Beretta announced the expansion of its refreshed 686 Silver Pigeon I lineup with updated 28-gauge and .410 bore field models and new sub-gauge sporting configurations. The refresh includes a redesigned top lever, refined engraving, and premium features like cold hammer-forged Steelium barrels and select European walnut stocks.
The Armory Life has released its 20th edition digital magazine focused on the SA-35 9mm pistol family, featuring a cover story review by Julie Golob and in-depth articles on customized variants, holsters, and EDC tactics. Editor-in-Chief Mike Humphries highlights the magazine as part of the publication's expanding series of themed digital editions covering firearms topics.
Firearms News releases its May 2026 WWII Special Issue featuring Dr. Will Dabbs' cover review of Auto-Ordnance's M1 Thompson Short-Barreled Rifle. The issue includes articles on Springfield Armory's Iwo Jima Commemorative Garand, historical WWII firearms, and expanded product showcase celebrating the magazine's 80th anniversary.
WE Knife, alongside sister brands CIVIVI and SENCUT, will showcase adventure-ready and everyday carry knives at Overland Expo West 2026, taking place May 15–17 at Fort Tuthill County Park in Flagstaff, Arizona. Attendees can test models engineered for rugged outdoor conditions at Booth #B23.
Wiley X served as an official sponsor and partner of Boot'n & Shoot'n, the 15th annual patriotic fundraising event hosted by Valor Mission Project at Dallas Gun Club in Lewisville, Texas. The event has raised over $10 million to date, with proceeds benefiting Valor Mission Project and organizations including Brain Treatment Foundation and Third Option Foundation.
Yamaha Marine and Skeeter Boats served as presenting sponsors for the 28th annual Dick Hiley St. Jude Bass Classic in Wabasha, Minnesota, raising over $1.3 million. Champions Adam Walters and Trevor Rasmussen won $25,000, while Joe Hall and Aaron LaRocque won a ZX200 Skeeter Boat powered by a Yamaha 200-horsepower V MAX SHO outboard.
The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission will exhibit at Unity Fest 2026 on May 16 in Charlotte, Arkansas, hosted by John 3:16 Ministries. The free event features guest speakers Willie Robertson, Larry Muse, and Jackie Bibby, plus AGFC activities including archery challenges and a fishing pond for families.
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources' Western Upper Peninsula Citizens' Advisory Council will meet May 21 in Ironwood to discuss wolf surveys, moose research, deer camp survey results, and trail conditions. The meeting runs from 5-7:30 p.m. CDT at Gogebic Community College's Lindquist Student and Conference Center.
Pennsylvania native Keshia Smith discovered a 3.09-carat white diamond at Crater of Diamonds State Park in Arkansas while grieving the deaths of her son and father. Named the Za'Novia Liberty Diamond, it is the second-largest diamond registered at the park in 2026, with Park Interpreter Sarah Bivens noting that larger diamonds are often found during visitors' first hours of searching.
Shooting USA honors Dr. Lewis Drake's 15-year contribution to the History's Guns library, featuring his firearms expertise and career highlights. The episode includes John's service rifle build, updates on Cameo Shooting and Education Center, and a review of the Hornady 3-in-1 high speed case trimmer.
The Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department urges people to avoid disturbing deer fawns born in late May and early June. Vermont deer biologist Nick Fortin explains that fawns rely on camouflage and their mother's care, and human interference can result in separation and harm to the animals.
The Wyoming Game and Fish Department, Safari Club International Foundation, American Bear Foundation, and Shoshone National Forest are hosting bear spray giveaways and training events throughout northwest Wyoming in May and June. Participants will receive free bear spray and training using a remote-controlled mock charging bear, with biologists available to discuss bear ecology and safety guidelines.
The U.S. Geological Survey and Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife, and Parks will conduct grizzly bear capture operations from May 25 through August 28 on the Custer Gallatin National Forest. The Interagency Grizzly Bear Study Team will use baited culvert traps and foot snares to monitor the Yellowstone Ecosystem population under Endangered Species Act requirements, with warning signs marking all work areas.
The Revo VoltIQ baitcasters feature an electronic spool control system that eliminates most backlashes, even for less expert users.
I am a master of backlashing modern low-profile baitcasters, particularly those with all the bells and whistles designed to prevent backlash.
When I had only Ambassadeur 5000’s with hardly any anti-backlash device except my thumb, I rarely got a backlash, but as soon as the low-profile reels arrived with all their smart technology for preventing backlashes, things went south for me and stayed there. Either I set them too light and got stupendous, fatal backlashes, or too heavy and lost a lot of casting distance, to the point that I mostly switched to spinning tackle for freshwater fishing and stuck with my round reels in saltwater.
To be sure most serious bass anglers and many others get along fine with most low-profile baitcasters, but I’d guess there are quite a few of us who don’t, based on the continuing efforts of reel makers to incorporate more anti-backlash tech into their reels.
The new Abu Garcia Revo X and SX VoltIQ reels appear to be a great leap forward for those of us who are a bit fumble-thumbed when it comes to handling low profile reels.
I’ve been fooling with the SX model here on Guntersville for the last couple of weeks, and have had only one backlash—though I admit that one was a doozy. But in general, if you don’t get optimistic and set the digital cast control to the expert settings, these reels appear to be pretty much backlash-free with typical bass lures in the 3/8 to ¾ ounce weight range.
For lighter stuff like the FFS minnows, most will still prefer spinning tackle, but otherwise, if you have an issue with backlashing baitcasters the VoltIQ could be the answer, in what qualifies as a mid-priced reel these days at around $200 for the carbon frame X model, $250 for the aluminum-framed SX.
Most low-profile reels have magnetic or centrifugal brakes, and these work well for thousands of anglers with well-trained thumbs. But the VoltIQ, per the company, digitally measures spool revolutions multiple times a second and adjusts braking to keep the spool from over-running—sort of A.I. for baitcasters.
The VoltIQ spool spins at up to 25,000 rpm at the start of the cast, but digitally senses when it’s time to slow down to avoid backlashes.
The reel has 10 digital settings on the left sideplate (in the right-hand crank model) and if you crank it up to 10, you’ll need a lure in the 3/4 to 1-ounce range to get much casting distance, though you’re very unlikely to get a backlash.
Go the other way and set it at 1 and you’d better be careful because it will definitely go FFFT if you try casting a quarter-ounce bait into the wind, particularly with lighter braided lines.
But, within a few hours of picking it up, I was able to throw most lures as far as I can chunk them with spinning gear of similar dimensions, with the added benefit of greater accuracy in casting to docks and shoreline cover and more drag power plus the ability to handle heavier lines, including braid from about 25-pound test upwards. (Thinner braid tends to dig into the spool on baitcasters, in general.) Best overall setting for my moderately-educated thumb was a 4 with a half-ounce lure—good distance, good accuracy and no backlashes.
The electronic cast control system is sealed inside the sideplate, has no batteries to change or recharge, and is said to be good for the life of the reel.
The one feature I wish it did not have is the faint electronic “ping” when you fire a cast. While it’s no more annoying than the “whirr” of a conventional spool, it seems like that would be something engineers could eliminate easily.
The VoltIQ features oversized handles and a compact, palmable frame that will be a good fit for most anglers.
Beyond the electronics, this is a nice example of the Revo line, with a 9+1 bearing system that makes retrieves among the smoothest at any price. The frame on the SX is aluminum alloy with carbon composite sideplates, the drag is exceptionally smooth, even when cranked up near the 25 pound max, and the 90mm bowed aluminum handle has oversized knobs for cranking leverage.
They’re available in 6.7:1 and 7.3:1 gearing, and the spool holds 85 yards of 12-pound test mono or fluorocarbon, or a similar length of 30-pound test braid. (This would be on the low side for some saltwater applications, but it’s plenty for nearly all freshwater fish.)
Overall, the VoltIQ line (pronounced “Voltic”, by the folks at Abu) is a useful step forward for anglers who need a bit of help in avoiding backlash in a durable workhorse baitcaster for all around freshwater and inshore saltwater fishing.
