Team Mathews dominated the 2026 Salt Lake Summit with Kyle Douglas winning the Compound Men's division, Ace Coleman placing third in Men's, and Olivia Dean securing third in Compound Women. The event served as the second stage of the USA Archery USAT Qualifier Series.
Sierra Bullets' 6.5mm 142 grain HPBT MatchKing X received a 2026 Hunt Alaska Editors' Choice Award for exceptional performance and value. The bullet combines match-grade accuracy with hunting-focused construction, featuring a hollow-point boattail design ideal for long-range cartridges like the 6.5 Creedmoor and 6.5 PRC.
Springfield Armory's Echelon 4.0FC 9mm pistol earned the highest gold ranking in the National Tactical Officers Association's Member Tested and Recommended program, scoring 4.65 out of 5.00. The hybrid-style pistol joins the Echelon 4.5F and 4.0C as NTOA MTR gold-ranked firearms, featuring a modular design with a 4" barrel and full-size grip module.
Team Ruger Captain Doug Koenig won his record-breaking 21st Bianchi Cup Championship at the 2026 event in Columbia, MO, using his Ruger SR1911 Custom Shop pistol. Sturm, Ruger & Company, Inc. congratulated Koenig on his exceptional performance and dedication to competitive excellence.
Staccato2011 announced registration is open for the 2026 Staccato National SWAT Championship, presented by Trijicon, taking place September 25–27 at Staccato Ranch Vegas. The expanded event will feature 60 competing law enforcement teams competing for a $150,000 prize pool, with all proceeds benefiting Fallen Blue.
The Alabama Black Belt Adventures Association (ALBBAA) is launching its inaugural Big Catfish Photo Contest from May 27 through July 12, 2026, inviting anglers of all ages to submit catfish photos for a chance to win a two-person guided trip with Bama Noodling. The contest celebrates catfishing tourism and outdoor recreation across Alabama's Black Belt region.
The Garden State Deer Classic, held June 6-7, 2026 at Griffin & Howe at Hudson Farm in Andover, NJ, features outstanding white-tailed deer from the Outstanding White-tailed Deer Program. The event, part of the New Jersey State Federation of Sportsmen's Clubs Sportsmen's Jamboree, offers archery competitions, youth programs, and vendor exhibits.
Vermont's annual Summer Free Fishing Day on June 13 allows resident and nonresident anglers to fish without a license. The Grand Isle Family Fishing Festival at the Ed Weed Fish Culture Station offers instruction, activities, and equipment for novice anglers, while Vermont's regular bass season also opens that day.
Whitetails Unlimited granted $308,839 to over 80 organizations in Indiana for outdoor education, habitat enhancement, and hunting and shooting sports preservation. The organization's 17 Indiana chapters supported various initiatives, including funding for Indiana National Archery in the Schools Programs to introduce youth to archery and firearm fundamentals.
Ohio hunters checked 15,763 wild turkeys during the spring 2026 season through May 24, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division of Wildlife. The statewide total includes 30 days of hunting in the south zone's 83 counties and 23 days in the northeast zone. Ashtabula County led with 455 birds checked.
AmbassadorTrack analyzed data from over 35 brands tracking 7,000 influencers, revealing that paid influencers don't always outperform discount or free-product creators. The platform helps brands manage grassroots ambassador armies for social content, retail check-ins, and omnichannel ROI tracking.
The NSSF praised Secretary Doug Burgum's announcement that the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and National Park Service will open millions of acres of public lands for hunting and fishing, including over 92 million acres across 111 USFWS stations and 107 National Wildlife Refuges.
Utah Department of Natural Resources officers and Division of Wildlife Resources technicians inspected 8,276 boats and performed 195 decontaminations over Memorial Day weekend to prevent quagga mussels and Eurasian watermilfoil from spreading. The effort involved multiple agencies including Arizona Game and Fish Department and National Park Service, with violations primarily involving failure to complete the mussel-aware boater program course.
Custom & Collectable Firearms is seeking a skilled Gunsmith Specialist for their expanding team specializing in premium custom 1911 handguns from platforms like Colt and Kimber. The full-time position involves firearm assembly, quality control, inspection, and production support with benefits including health, dental, and vision insurance.
Turkeys for Tomorrow honors veterans and conservation efforts as America celebrates its 250th anniversary. Director of Outreach Pete Dougherty, a 22-year National Guard veteran, emphasizes the connection between military sacrifice and wildlife conservation, highlighting how dedicated conservationists practice self-imposed restrictions to ensure wild turkey populations thrive for future generations.
Jon Allen, co-founder of TRACT Optics, was featured on the Hunting Matters podcast discussing his 25+ years in the optics industry, including roles at Redfield and Nikon. Allen shared insights on hunting optics evolution, product innovation, and TRACT's direct-to-consumer business strategy.
Texas Hunter Products announced its new 300-lb. Cottonseed Feeder, designed for land managers using whole cottonseed to support wildlife nutrition. The gravity-fed system prevents clogging, reduces waste, and features a low-profile top-fill design with powder-coated welded wire panels for durability and minimal maintenance.
Iron Valley Supply offers a wide selection of firearms, range gear, and gun cleaning and storage solutions for Father's Day shoppers. The Birmingham, Alabama-based distributor of shooting sports and outdoor products provides sales flyers and product information at IronValleySupply.com.
Galco has released the Summer Comfort IWB holster for the Springfield SA-35 4", featuring a snap-on design, premium steerhide construction, and smooth leather that rides comfortably against the body with full firing grip clearance.
XTech Tactical launched extended magazines for M&P9 2.0, M&P9 Compact, and FPC with nickel coatings, offering superior corrosion resistance. The line features custom 17-7 stainless steel springs, patented MTX extensions, and lifetime warranties, with pricing starting at $39.95.
One Horse, a U.S.-based firearms manufacturer founded by Jeremy Hammons, launched its exclusive new suppressor series built from Grade 5 titanium. The line includes two models: the RYN .30 CAL and ASHE 5.56, both featuring competitive pricing, included mounting components, and hardcoat Cerakote finishes.
SK Guns announces the fourth installment of its Saints Series with the San Miguel Arcángel, a limited production of 500 Colt 1911s chambered in .38 Super featuring 24k gold engraving and a deep Colt Royal Blue finish. Shipping begins September 2026.
Silent Steel USA has partnered with Guns.com to offer the complete Streamer suppressor family and BoltLok HUB QD Mounting System. The lineup includes Streamer, Compact Streamer, and Micro Streamer models featuring FLOW-IQ gas management technology, available in multiple calibers nationwide.
Defend has launched a new bear spray product line featuring 8oz and 14oz cans with effective ranges up to 40 and 45 feet respectively, available at DefendOutdoors.com and retailers nationwide. The lineup is designed to provide outdoor enthusiasts with reliable wildlife protection as backcountry participation increases.
Nosler, Inc. announced the expansion of its Solid Base component bullet line with the return of the 30 caliber 180gr offering. The bullet features Nosler's heavy boat tail base, tapered jacket, and soft point design for reliable hunting performance, available at $33.95 per box.
SnapSafe introduces the One-Gun Keypad Vault, a compact heavy-duty steel security solution featuring a programmable keypad, battery backup, and quick access for responsible gun owners. Owned by Hornady Manufacturing, the vault accommodates most full-frame pistols and includes protective foam lining and flexible mounting options.
Nebraskaland Magazine, published by the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, will celebrate its 100th anniversary in June 2026. The article outlines ten ways to participate in the celebration, including purchasing the centennial issue, visiting The Durham Museum exhibit, buying merchandise, and exploring the digital archive at Archives.OutdoorNebraska.gov.
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is constructing a new public shooting range on Roscommon State Forest lands in St. Helen, funded by Pittman-Robertson Wildlife Restoration grants. The Ogemaw Hills Sportsmen Association will lease and operate the staffed facility, with completion expected in fall 2026.
The National Rifle Association awarded $15,000 in college scholarships to 2025 Youth Education Summit attendees Kaitlyn Ware and Sam Poulin through the Y.E.S. Grand Scholarship program. Recipients completed community projects promoting firearm safety and shooting sports, including hosting Eddie Eagle GunSafe® events and starting NRA affiliated shooting clubs.
Alabama State Parks has entered a 10-year concession agreement with Guest Services Inc. to manage lodging and hospitality operations at Lake Guntersville State Park and Cheaha State Park. GSI will oversee lodge operations, cabins, food and beverage services, and guest services while Alabama State Parks retains ownership and manages campgrounds and natural resources.
Shooting USA covers the National Rifle Association's annual meetings in Houston, featuring manufacturer news, a new Stronghold DT Vault from Revolution Safe Company, and a Colt ProTip red dot finder. The episode airs Wednesday on Outdoor Channel and The Sportsman Canada Channel.
Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks advises residents in bear country to remove outdoor attractants like trash, pet food, and birdfeeders to prevent human-bear conflicts. The agency recommends securing food while recreating and provides guidance on bear encounter response, emphasizing that prevention is easier than managing habituated bears.
Montana FWP completed spring aerial surveys in Region 7 showing mule deer numbers increased for the third consecutive year, with recruitment ratios at 55 fawns per 100 adults. Regional wildlife manager Brett Dorak attributes the recovery to favorable moisture and mild winters, though spring conditions remain dry.
Many of us enjoy fishing and boating alone on occasion, but this definitely adds an element of risk in some situations. (Twin Vee)
The boating season is back in full swing nationwide despite a soggy Memorial Day in much of the U.S. east of the Mississippi, and with it the usual cautions that go with fishing and “messing about in boats”.
I often wind up fishing alone, and I usually prefer it that way. No schedules to coordinate, no debates over which spot to hit first or why we should try another spot 10 miles down the lake, and no extra deadline on when we have to get back.
From what I see on the water these days, that’s the way many of us fish, at least in fresh water.
But fishing and boating solo comes with some added risk. If you go overboard, the only person who might be able to help you is already in the water.
If you’re old, overweight or in bad shape—or if you experience a medical emergency or an injury as you fall—you may not be able to get back aboard without help.
And if the boat is in gear—as when you’re trolling—it may leave you behind.
First responders nationwide report that one of the more common causes of a fall overboard for guys is taking a whiz off the transom. That and landing fish both are moments when a bit of inattention can put you in the water—be forewarned.
And of course, anyone on the bow of a bassboat or flats skiff is always just one step away from being in the water.
That’s why wearing an inflatable PFD is always a good idea. A simple belt-style device which offers no movement restriction or discomfort at all is all it takes. Your family and your insurance man will thank you.
Wearable devices that shut down the engine if the operator falls out of the boat are a wise purchase for those who regularly boat and fish alone. (ACR Electronics)
Reboarding a Stationary Boat
If the boat is at anchor, drifting slowly or spot-locked with your trolling motor, getting back aboard is simplified—go to the transom, pull down the boarding ladder and climb back in.
If your boat doesn’t have a boarding ladder, now is the time to get one, pronto, because unless you’re young and fit, you’ll find getting back aboard most boats is a real challenge without that help.
The only cure for this is not falling over in the first place, so be forewarned
From a Moving Boat
If the boat is underway and you fall out, you’re in a lot more dangerous situation. First, it may simply chug off and leave you behind. Note that your electric trolling motor can do this, too, if it has one of the very handy GPS course-tracking systems in operation.
Wind and current can also make a boat impossible to catch up with when you’re in the water.
Even more dangerous—though a lot less likely—is that you get thrown out of the boat while it’s on plane. If this happens—usually result of hitting a log, stump or rock at speed but sometimes because the steering system fails—outboard-powered boats will sometimes start circling—which means they’ll come right back around where you’re treading water and might very well run you over!
Of course, if you wear the safety cutoff lanyard that is provided in most boats, the engine will stop if you get more than a couple feet from the helm.
But almost nobody wears that lanyard, particularly if they are fishing, because you will constantly be moving around the boat from bow to stern. So that safety device is basically rendered moot.
Wireless Cutoffs to the Rescue
Wireless engine cutoff systems were developed to address those limitations. Instead of a physical tether, these systems rely on a small transmitter worn by the operator and a receiver installed at the helm or on the main battery. If the transmitter moves beyond a preset range, the engine shuts down automatically. The engine stops—and hopefully you can quickly get back aboard.
The most dependable systems designed specifically for marine use run about $230 up—but within the last year or so, inexpensive knockoffs have become available at under $30 bucks from Walmart, Amazon and other sources.
Inexpensive battery cutoff devices can provide basic protection at an affordable cost. (Walmart)
While these devices are not as sturdily built as more expensive units, they appear to be adequate for the protected inland waters I mostly fish these days. And the inexpensive device you actually have is always more likely to save you than the $400 system you meant to buy someday but couldn’t quite afford.
If you fish coastal waters offshore, much more robust protections are in order, including a wearable Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) clipped to your shirt—out there, it truly is life and death. An Emergency Position Indicating Rescue Beacon or EPIRB for the boat is also a must—together, these devices cost far less than a tank of gas for an offshore boat.
Your cellphone in a waterproof case on your belt is another safety measure—inland or near shore, it can quickly alert rescue agencies, though it likely won’t have the reach offshore.
Odds are with a bit of caution can enjoy the solitude of boating and fishing on your own safely for as long as you’re physically capable. But there’s always the need for basic awareness and good seamanship to assure you come back exactly as many times as you go out.
