European American Armory (EAA Corp) acquired a large manufacturing facility in Mountain City, Tennessee with expansion acreage, undergoing renovations to support advanced firearms manufacturing. EAA Corp is seeking strategic industry partners for leasing and manufacturing operations within the facility.

Wildlife Forever is offering free Expect to Inspect educational outreach kits to help resource managers increase boater compliance with aquatic invasive species laws. The kits include posters, rack cards, and decals featuring the Clean, Drain, Dry messaging and are available on a first-come, first-served basis through www.Expect2Inspect.org.

Team Krieghoff athletes won three event titles at the 2026 NSCA North Central Regional in Illinois, with Joe Pinchin capturing Preliminary Event HOA, Braxton Oliver winning 5-Stand HOA, and Turner Parcell taking the 20 Gauge title. Additional podium finishes included Kiersten Sales and Shelby Moon in Ladies categories, and juniors Jonathan Prince and Jacob Judson as runners-up.

Team Berger's James Fox won the Oregon State Highpower Championship at Douglas Ridge Rifle Club, claiming his ninth consecutive Oregon State High-Power Open Championship title and 11th overall state title. Fox swept the event with victories in Overall Championship, Standing, Sitting, Prone Rapid Fire aggregates, and the CMP EIC match.

The Indiana Department of Natural Resources and Parke Trails Alliance celebrated the opening of Phase 2 of the Parke Community Rail Trail in Jessup, a 2.5-mile hard-surface segment funded by a $5 million grant. The project connected Jessup and Catlin communities and relocated a historic 175-year-old Whipple truss bridge, aligning with Governor Mike Braun's commitment to outdoor recreation and healthy communities.

Safari Club International (SCI) filed a motion to intervene in a Supreme Court of Canada case challenging the country's prohibition on certain "assault-style" firearms and confiscation program. Led by CEO W. Laird Hamberlin, SCI seeks to represent hunters' interests alongside the Canadian Coalition for Firearm Rights, emphasizing impacts on hunting traditions and Canada's hunting economy.

The Second Amendment Foundation (SAF) filed supplemental briefs in three ongoing National Firearms Act cases, citing recent Supreme Court rulings in United States v. Hemani, Wolford v. Lopez, and Landor v. Louisiana Department of Corrections & Public Safety. SAF argues the NFA's remaining registration requirements lack constitutional authority following elimination of the $200 tax on suppressors and short-barreled firearms.

Indiana Conservation Officers investigated after a body was recovered from a retention pond behind a Boonville Walmart. The victim was identified as Joseph Lucia Jr., 67, of Evansville, who had been reported missing on July 7. The Warrick County Sheriff's Department used a drone to locate the submerged vehicle, and investigators do not suspect foul play.

NOAA Fisheries announces federal waters 9 to 200 nautical miles off Texas will reopen to shrimp trawling on July 15, 2026, at 30 minutes after official sunset. The closure allows brown shrimp to reach larger, more valuable sizes and prevents waste of undersized catch.

Idaho Fish and Game will close Chinook salmon fishing on the Upper Salmon River from Valley Creek to the Sawtooth Hatchery weir at the end of fishing hours on July 15. Fishing remains open on the Lochsa River and South Fork Salmon River.

Big Bite Baits has launched the new Flat Tube, a 4-inch bass fishing lure designed by pro Fletcher Shryock. The innovative bait features an erratic darting action and improved hook penetration, available in eight colors at Baits.com.

Bucca Brand has launched the 6" Trick Herring, a new soft silicone lure designed by Mike Bucca for bass fishing in warmer water conditions. The lure features premium Mustad Trip Grip hooks and rotating hook hangers, available in 8 realistic colors at retailers and Baits.com this Fall.

Big Bite Baits has launched the 5.5" Nekorama, designed by pro Drew Gill. The new offering maintains the original's proven design and action while providing a more subtle presentation, available in 15-packs of 6 matte colors at retailers and Baits.com.

Yamamoto has launched the Biba Bug, a 3.75" creature bait designed by pro angler Matt Becker. The bait features a unique gliding fall with back-and-forth motion and defensive appendage positioning, available in six colors this Fall at retailers.

Whitetails Unlimited distributed $812,944 in grants during Q2 2026 across its four pillar programs: Outdoor Education, Hunting Preservation, Habitat Enhancement, and Shooting Sports Advancement, with the Hunting Preservation program receiving the largest allocation.

The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife is accepting applications for public land-controlled hunts until July 31 for the 2026-27 season. Hunts for deer, waterfowl, doves, pheasants, and other species are available on select areas, with new ruffed grouse and raccoon hunting permits introduced this year.

Obsession Lifestyle Brands (OLB), led by Chief Revenue Officer John West, officially announced its launch as a turn-key licensee platform for outdoor and lifestyle brands. OLB absorbs inventory risk and operational management while providing targeted digital marketing, with its e-commerce platform going live in early August.

KDG announced the official completion of its brand transition, strengthening its marketplace presence while maintaining all products, warranties, and engineering standards. The Connecticut-based company, founded in 2014, continues focusing on innovative firearm accessories including Kinect™ quick-detach systems, SideLok™ optic mounts, and platform-specific upgrades for FN SCAR and Grand Power Stribog platforms.

Wildlife Forever, a 501c3 non-profit organization based in White Bear Lake, MN, is hiring a marketing professional to support conservation programs including the Getting Families Fishing & Boating Initiative™ and Art of Conservation® programs in coordination with state, federal, industry and non-profit partners.

Krieghoff International is hiring a skilled Gunsmith for its U.S. Service Center in Ottsville, Pennsylvania. The full-time position involves repairing, building, and modifying competition shotguns with factory training from Krieghoff Master Gunsmiths, requiring gunsmithing school credentials and experience with break-open shotguns.

Dr. Stacy P. Gill and Lou Hill from WEHUNT2-WEFISH2 join host Michael Waddell on his podcast to discuss hunting, fishing, and the Black community's involvement in the outdoors. The episode, presented by Spandau Arms and in partnership with Folds of Honor, Cigars International, and Poncho Outdoors, explores wildlife conservation and the importance of mentorship in outdoor communities.

CVA announced the Cascade SR, a suppressor-ready rifle designed for hunters seeking a compact, maneuverable option. Available in nine calibers from .223 REM to .300 WIN MAG, the rifle features a threaded barrel and Realtree Advantac Black stock, with an MSRP of $849.

MDT is expanding its CRBN rifle stock lineup with a new Tikka T3X Short Action Left Hand inlet, designed for left-handed precision hunters and field competition shooters. The lightweight carbon fiber stock features adjustable ergonomics and an integrated ARCA rail.

Evolution Outdoor is unveiling the Largemouth 3.0 3700 Backpack at ICAST 2026 in Orlando, featuring a patented flip-out saddle bag system and versatile storage for tackle trays. The backpack includes multiple pockets, rod holders, and a removable saddle bag that converts into a standalone hip or sling bag, priced at $119.99.

ALPS Mountaineering has released the Reservoir 3.0, a 3-liter hydration system featuring anti-microbial IonPure treatment, an insulated drink tube, and BPA/PVC-free construction. The product is priced at $49.99 and is available through authorized dealers and alpsmountaineering.com.

Kent Cartridge introduces Ultimate Pheasant, a premium upland shotshell featuring proprietary Diamond Shot technology and a layered 4x6 shot payload designed for rooster pheasant hunting. Available in 12ga and 20ga 3" loads, the ammunition delivers balanced pattern density and hard-hitting energy for close and distant shots.

Eylar and Brownells launched exclusive 250th Anniversary rifle and pistol cases featuring patriotic artwork and durable tan hard-shell construction. The commemorative cases include UV-printed graphics and customizable foam interiors, available exclusively through Brownells.com.

Millennium Marine has launched a new line of Monitor Mounts designed to improve how anglers access marine electronics while fishing. Available in single and double configurations, the mounts feature anodized aluminum construction, adjustable telescoping risers, and 350-degree rotation capability to accommodate most marine monitor brands.

Bond Arms is offering a Summer 2026 Gift Card Rebate Promotion for qualifying firearm purchases made between July 1-31, 2026, with rebates up to $75. Customers can receive gift cards by completing an online rebate form at bondarms.com with proof of purchase.

The Idaho Fish and Game Commission will meet July 15-16 at its Magic Valley Regional Office in Jerome. A public hearing on July 15 at 7 p.m. will allow three-minute comments on Fish and Game matters, while the business meeting on July 16 includes decisions on electronic tagging rules, fiscal year 2028 budget, and 2026-2027 sage-grouse seasons.

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is hosting an equipment workshop Oct. 5-9 at the Forest Fire Experiment Station in Roscommon. The workshop offers facility tours, field demonstrations, presentations, and networking for fire department chiefs and wildland fire professionals. Registration closes Aug. 31 with space limited to 16 attendees.

Bushwhack Adventures and Safari Club Foundation are offering a sweepstakes entry for a 10-day Alaskan bull moose hunt on over 750,000 acres of exclusive concessions. The hunt includes guide service, meals, and field prep, with an average bull size of 63 inches and opportunities for larger specimens.

Utah is home to 18 confirmed bat species, with the greatest diversity in southern Utah. According to Utah Division of Wildlife Resources Mammal Conservation Coordinator Kimberly Hersey, bats are protected wildlife that feed almost exclusively on insects. Homeowners can prevent conflicts by cooling attics, sealing openings in fall, and contacting permitted wildlife nuisance control companies during maternity season.

ORLANDO, Fla. — The 2026 ICAST show opened this week at the Orange County Convention Center, and the marine electronics category is once again one of the busiest destinations on the exhibition floor. This year, the industry's biggest sonar manufacturers are emphasizing seamless system integration, introducing new hardware while expanding the connected ecosystems that tie together fish finders, trolling motors, mapping and boat controls.

Garmin's headline introduction is the new LiveScope 2 series, built around two advanced transducers—the LVS42HD and LVS44—that eliminate the external black-box processing module required by previous LiveScope systems. The new transducers connect directly to compatible Garmin chartplotters and boat power, simplifying installation by removing a separate processor and much of the associated wiring. For anglers already squeezing batteries, wiring harnesses and electronics into crowded compartments, that's a welcome change.

According to Garmin, the streamlined architecture also delivers up to 20 percent higher image resolution than previous LiveScope generations, along with as much as 50 percent more detail at close range, where anglers often watch lures and fish interact in real time. Garmin says sonar coverage reaches 165 degrees in Forward mode and 180 degrees in Down and Perspective modes, reducing blind spots when switching views. The system also incorporates automatic image stabilization to compensate for boat roll and an automatic shutoff feature that powers down the transducer when it's lifted from the water.

Garmin lists the close-range optimized LVS42HD at $2,199.99, while the longer-range LVS44 carries a suggested retail price of $1,999.99.

Also drawing crowds is Garmin's GT360UHD scanning sonar paired with the new LiveScope SpyPole mount. The independent pole mount allows anglers to rotate the sonar separately from the trolling motor, making it possible to maintain GPS position with the trolling motor while scanning surrounding water for baitfish, structure or individual fish. The GT360UHD integrates with the same Garmin network as LiveScope 2, with systems starting at approximately $2,999.

Lowrance is highlighting its Recon trolling motor platform at Booth 3620. Built as a heavy-duty, electric-steer motor for both freshwater and saltwater applications, Recon represents a more rugged companion to the company's Ghost freshwater trolling motor. It can be operated with a wireless joystick remote, foot pedal or directly through compatible Lowrance multifunction displays. GPS anchoring, heading lock and route control are built into the system.

Sharing the spotlight is Lowrance's ActiveTarget 2 XL live sonar. The new XL transducer provides Forward, Down and Scout viewing modes from a single housing with a 180-degree field of view. Anglers can switch between Forward XL and Down XL directly from the display without manually rotating the transducer. Lowrance says pairing two XL transducers creates a live 360-degree Scout view around the boat, a feature supported on HDS PRO displays. The ActiveTarget 2 XL upgrade carries a suggested retail price of about $1,399.

Humminbird, widely recognized for their superior LakeMaster and CoastMaster mapping, continues to attract buyers with the touch-screen XPLORE fish finder series which won top honors at ICAST last year. Designed for faster operation and simplified navigation, XPLORE units feature built-in detailed mapping at no upcharge. Fully compatible with MEGA Live 2 forward-facing sonar, the series also integrates with Minn Kota trolling motors and shallow-water anchors through Humminbird's One-Boat Network, allowing anglers to control navigation, sonar and boat positioning from a single interface.

Humminbird has also expanded the software capabilities of the XPLORE platform with wireless file transfers, rapid Wi-Fi software updates, on-screen screenshot capture and built-in video recording, making it easier for anglers to save sonar recordings, document patterns and share trips. XPLORE units begin at $1,299.99, with pricing varying by screen size and transducer package.

Raymarine, which focuses primarily on saltwater builds for large boats, is featuring position-fix and controlled drift technology linking their MFD’s to PowerPole’s MOVE trolling motors, plus more detail in their Lighthouse chart series.

Scanning sonar, somewhat controversial among tournament bass anglers, continues to rule the market, with anglers buying new systems as rapidly as they can afford them for many fisheries both fresh and salt.  

ICAST runs through Friday at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando.

– Frank Sargeant, Editor of The Water Wire
Frankmako1@gmail.com