In observance of the Independence Day holiday, we will not be distributing any of our services on Friday, July 3. The Outdoor Wire Digital Network will resume our normal distribution schedule on Monday, July 6. If you have important news to distribute prior to the holiday weekend, please submit it no later than 4:00pm Eastern on Wednesday, July 1. News arriving later will not make Thursday's final editions for the week.
Carbon Express team members achieved notable success at the Pan American Games in Mexico and ASA Circuit events. James Lutz won two gold medals, Isaac Sullivan earned bronze in men's compound, and Curtis Broadnax qualified third at an ASA event, moving to second in Shooter of the Year standings.
Bowtech Archery's professional shooters delivered strong performances at the ASA Pro/Am circuit in Metropolis, Illinois, with Paige Pearce winning the Women's Known Pro division and Tim Gillingham earning third place in the Senior Known Pro division, marking his second consecutive podium since rejoining Team Bowtech.
The North Dakota Game and Fish Department will increase on-the-water patrols July 3-5 as part of Operation Dry Water, a national campaign preventing boating under the influence in partnership with the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators and U.S. Coast Guard. Officers will conduct compliance checks and sobriety checks in high-traffic areas during the busy Fourth of July weekend.
The Utah Department of Natural Resources Law Enforcement Division will increase on-the-water patrols from July 3-5 as part of Operation Dry Water, a national campaign partnering with the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) and U.S. Coast Guard to prevent boating under the influence during the Fourth of July holiday weekend.
Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks proposes a 99-year conservation easement on the 3,652-acre Hannah Ranch in Fergus County to protect critical habitat and increase public access in the Big Snowy Mountains area. The draft environmental assessment is open for public comment through July 28, with a public meeting scheduled for July 21 in Lewistown.
The Gulf Council is seeking a qualified contractor to develop regulatory streamlining procedures for fishery management, including expanding framework flexibility and automating catch advice updates for pilot species. The project has a maximum budget of $150,000 with a completion target of Fall 2027 and a proposal deadline of July 10, 2026.
Nineteen-year-old Jayden Wendel became the youngest angler ever to win a National Walleye Tour event, capturing the Iron Hook at Bay de Noc with 59 pounds, 11 ounces. Eric McQuoid finished second with 58 pounds, 15 ounces, and Dylan Nussbaum placed third with 58 pounds, 8 ounces in one of the closest finishes of the 2026 season.
The Bass Pro Shops and Cabela's Texas Team Trail presented by Progressive released its 2027 schedule featuring four regular season stops at Lake Conroe, Toledo Bend, Lake Texoma, and Lake 'O the Pines, culminating in a Championship at Lake Palestine. The trail offers boat owner incentives for Ranger, Nitro, and Triton buyers, with registration opening in early 2027.
Arizona Game and Fish Department has three leftover muzzleloader hunt permit-tags available for antlered white-tailed deer in Game Management Unit 33 for November 13-19. Paper applications will be accepted by mail beginning at 8 a.m. Monday, July 6 on a first-come, first-served basis.
Indiana hunters can apply for reserved hunts beginning July 6 through July 29 at GoOutdoorsIN.com. Available hunts include dove, teal, early goose, squirrel, and youth deer hunts at Fish & Wildlife areas, IPLA sites, and National Wildlife Refuges. A $1 tech fee applies per application.
The Sporting Arms and Ammunition Manufacturers' Institute (SAAMI) has expanded voting membership eligibility to U.S. suppressor manufacturers and designers. SAAMI recently published the Z299.6-2025 voluntary industry standard for firearm sound suppressors, developed with input from suppressor, firearm, and ammunition manufacturers.
The Briefing FFL Compliance Summit, taking place September 23–25, 2026 at the W Hotel Dallas, has confirmed ATF Director Rob Cekada, Chief Counsel Robert Leider, and other top federal officials as speakers. The inaugural conference addresses 34 pending ATF rule changes affecting the country's 70,000-plus active FFLs, with early bird registration at $399 through July 31.
Lodestar Technology® and the Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce will host a ribbon-cutting ceremony on July 15th at Lodestar's Chattanooga headquarters to celebrate the opening of their manufacturing facility for the LNK9, a user-authorized 9mm firearm platform. The event will feature leadership remarks, facility tours, and a press conference with the Lodestar team.
The North Dakota Game and Fish Department urges buyers and sellers to inspect boats, docks, lifts, and water equipment for aquatic nuisance species like zebra mussels. Ben Holen, ANS coordinator, emphasizes the importance of following the 21-day out-of-water rule to prevent mussel infestations in North Dakota waters.
Blaser USA is hiring a Regional Sales & Account Manager to drive rifle sales growth throughout Texas and neighboring states. The position requires firearms industry experience, proven sales success, and extensive territory travel to manage dealer relationships and execute sales initiatives for the Blaser Group portfolio.
Vortex Optics released a limited-edition Diamondback HD 10x42 Patriotic Binocular to commemorate America's 250th anniversary. The binocular features patriotic blue rubber armor, a commemorative focus wheel, and a special Glasspak harness, available through EuroOptic at $249.99 MAP.
Copendero Indoor Archery, Pistol & Rifle Range has renewed its Heritage Partner commitment with Houston Safari Club Foundation for three additional years. The Conroe, Texas facility will continue supporting HSCF's youth education programs, scholarships, and conservation initiatives.
TWN Industries announced the release of L.E.O. Camo, a new hydrographic film designed for law enforcement, tactical, and urban applications. The grayscale pattern features black, charcoal, and muted gray tones optimized for urban environments and is available through water transfer printing for tactical gear, firearms, and protective equipment.
Chiappa USA released the 1911 Field Special 250th Independence Edition, a limited-production commemorative pistol celebrating 250 years of American independence. Only 250 individually produced pistols are available exclusively through Chattanooga Shooting Supply, featuring a Blue Navy Cerakote finish with laser-etched design and chambered in .45 ACP.
Galco's V-Hawk tuckable IWB holster is now available in tan. Constructed of premium steerhide, the professional-grade holster features leather belt loops and injection molded C-Hooks for superior comfort, stability, and concealability.
Winchester has released its limited-edition USA 250th Anniversary Commemorative Ammunition Series with only 15,000 units available nationwide. The collection features five themed ammunition types celebrating American heritage, including Pioneering America, American Hunter, Defending Freedom, Committed to Conservation, and Building Traditions.
Crow Wholesale expanded its firearm brand portfolio by adding inventory from Fusion Firearms and Diamondback Firearms. The distributor now offers Fusion's XP PRO and XF PRO pistols alongside Diamondback's DB15 rifles, DB9 and DB380 pistols, DBX 5.7x28, Sidekick revolvers, and Ventra suppressors with immediate shipping availability.
Hunter Safety System, founded by John and Jerry Wydner, continues its partnership with Whitetails Unlimited as a national sponsor. The company manufactures safety harnesses and accessories for tree stand hunting, sharing WTU's commitment to promoting safe and responsible hunting practices.
The Michigan DNR approved Class 1 and Class 2 e-bikes on select DNR-managed trails in 2024. Riders should know their e-bike's class, find appropriate DNR-managed trails, and follow safety guidelines including yielding to other users and leaving no trace.
Author Jeff O'Donnell will present two programs on July 11 at Fort Hartsuff State Historical Park, featuring discussions on the North Brothers and Pawnee Scouts, plus stories from his book "Amazing Tales of the Old West." O'Donnell has authored nine books about Nebraska and appeared on national television networks.
Pursuit Channel announces the new season of Big Buck Tuesdays, a premier Tuesday night programming block featuring world-class whitetail and big game hunting content. The block includes shows like Team 200, Modern Hunter, Deer and Deer Hunting, DeerTopia, Yamaha's Whitetail Diaries, and McWhorter Rifles' Precision Hunting TV, airing at 8:00 p.m. ET on Pursuit Channel and streaming via Pursuit UP.
The Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department has prohibited the importation, sale, and possession of pond slider turtles, including red-eared sliders, due to their invasive nature and threat to native species like painted turtles and endangered spotted turtles. People who acquired pet sliders before July 1, 2025 may keep them, but those acquired after must not be released into the wild.
Last week we took the RV out of winter mothballs, eager to hit the road for some summertime recreation. Unfortunately, getting back on the road also means “let’s see what’s broken this winter.”
Winterization is ostensibly how owners prevent RV issues, at least theoretically. Last fall, we carefully drained, flushed and filled the pipes and holding tanks with anti-freeze. According to far more experienced travelers, that virtually guarantees a painless, surprise-free spring.
We cleaned, flushed and prepped our systems with no problems whatsoever. Everything seemed copacetic. But…based on past experience, I elected to make a solo shakedown cruise prior to taking our grandkids camping.
After electrical shocks from incorrect wiring and floods of water from broken fittings installed inside the walls, I expect surprises, not bluebird skies and rainbow sunsets.
The shakedown was a good idea, because I found the “gotcha” before everyone else arrived. Everything worked flawlessly - until I tried to shower. No hot water. $150 later, a tech told me we had a failed water flow sensor inside the hot water heater. The same heater that was the warranty replacement for the unit that didn’t work last year. Without sensing water moving, the hot water heater wouldn’t ignite the propane burner and heat water.
Replacement, I was told would be simple. That’s when the hot water heater company produced yet another new “RV gotcha” - they couldn’t ship the tech a replacement part because they were “closed for inventory.”
So..the RV is back in storage while we wait to order a replacement part. But there was an unexpected positive in the shakedown.
I overnighted at a Love’s truck stop. And it was terrific.
Overnighting at a Love’s truck stop is a far cry from “boondocking". The RV spaces (top) are spacious enough for double slide-outs, and include amenities that make hookups simple (middle) and pleasant for travel - even with with pets (bottom)
Love’s (www.loves.com) is a familiar site for travelers in 42 states. With 670 locations, they’re one of the one-stop shops for everything from fuel to food for casual travelers and truckers. They also offer everything from big truck repaid to freight factoring., but they’ve added a significant benefit as an outreach to RVers.
Their Love’s RV Stops now offer a (limited) number of full-service RV overnight spots at more than 120 locations in 42 states. I overnighted at their Loudon, Tennessee, location (less than two miles from my destination). At $60/night, it wasn’t overly expensive, and offered more amenities than most RV parks. After all, Love’s travel stops already feature fuel, propane, dump tank services and 24-hour food that’s actually edible. Most RV parks offer few options for late-night arrivals, early-morning departures or late night snacking.
With the addition of immaculate RV hookups, reserving a space (essential) will be something I’ll be planning if/when we get back on the road this summer. If they’d add RV repair services, they might become the premiere camping destinations across the country.
Updating stories from last week….the United States and Mexico have inaugurated a screwfly plant in Chiapas (Mexico) to continue their cross-border battle against screwworms. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum and U.S. Ag Secretary Brooke Rollins attended the opening of the $50-million plant. When at full capacity, it will produce up to 100 million sterile flies weekly to suppress the wild screwworm population.
Meteorologists are predicting hotter-than-normal temperatures, including some possible records, for about 230 million of us this week. High humidity will make it seem even hotter until the weather breaks. Those extremes are making it tougher to fight Utah’s Cottonwood wildfires that has already burned more than 92,000 acres in southern Utah and is far from being contained. A a state of emergency is restricting personal fireworks through the fifth of July and Salt Lake City has issued it’s first-ever “particularly dangerous situation red flag warning.”
Finally, bankruptcy court has conditionally approved West Marine’s amended disclosure statement and reorganization plan, moving the company closer to an August confirmation hearing and continuing West’s store rationalization process. West will maintain its position as the country’s largest boating retailer with around 200 stores nationwide.
And one more bit of news worth noting…American Honda has announced a restructuring of its Power Sports & Products center, aligning power sports, power equipment and marine divisions under a unified structure. Honda says it intends to “continue evolving Power Sports towards a self-reliant North American operation.”
