In observance of the Columbus Day/Indigenous Peoples Day holiday weekend there will be no Weekend Edition on Saturday, October 10, and we will not be distributing any of our services on Monday, October 12. We will resume our normal distribution schedule on Tuesday, October 13. If you have important news to distribute prior to the holiday weekend, it should be submitted by 4:00pm Eastern on Thursday, October 8.

Carbon Express pro-staff archer Ryan Davis won team gold at the World Field Championship in Yankton, SD, shooting Nano Pro X-Treme arrows. Davis delivered the decisive shot in a shoot-off, leading Team USA to victory alongside Brady Ellison and Gaius Carter.

TriStar Arms' Viper G3 Bronze semi-auto 12ga shotgun has been named a finalist for the 2026 NASGW-POMA Caliber Award for Best New Shotgun. The next-generation platform builds on the award-winning Viper G2 series and will be showcased at the 2026 NASGW Expo in Phoenix, Arizona.

Millennium Marine introduces the B100 Camo Boat Seats, purpose-built duck boat seating available in Realtree® Legacy, Mossy Oak® Bottomland™, and Mossy Oak® Shadow Grass® Habitat™ patterns. Constructed of powder-coated aluminum with no plastic components, these seats feature ComfortMAX contoured design, UV and mold-resistant fabric, 400 lb. capacity, and include mounting hardware for easy installation.

Team Taurus captain Jessie Harrison won the 2026 US IPSC National Championships, finishing ahead of all female competitors across divisions. Harrison, widely regarded as the winningest female competitive shooter in history, secured her 18th Ladies world title and valuable points toward the USA Ladies Open Team for the next IPSC World Shoot.

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks opened the Avian Walkway and new flight barn at Montana WILD in Helena, with Director Christy Clark, Montana's Outdoor Legacy Foundation Executive Director Mitch King, and Gov. Greg Gianforte in attendance. The $1,065,000 project provides public viewing of eagles, hawks, falcons, and owls while supporting bird rehabilitation and education for over 10,000 annual visitors.

Attorney General James Uthmeier, the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, and local law enforcement charged 10 people with running an illegal commercial fishing operation. After a four-year undercover investigation, the group is accused of poaching approximately 23,000 pounds of fish and illegally selling over $150,000 worth of fish, shrimp, and turtles, including five protected sea turtles.

Hook & Barrel Magazine and Black Hills Ammunition are offering one lucky winner 960 rounds of premium ammunition valued at over $1,700, including Black Hills MK 262 MOD 1-C 5.56 and HoneyBadger 9mm rounds. The sweepstakes runs from October 5 through November 5, 2026.

C&H Precision and MERUS Adventure are offering a free guided hunt giveaway for one winner and guest at their 5,500-acre Texas Panhandle property. The prize includes fully guided hunts for Aoudad, Mule Deer, Whitetail Deer and Feral Hogs, plus lodging and off-road experiences. Entries run through November 13, 2026, backed by 18 hunting and outdoor brands including Federal Ammo, Swarovski Optik, and onX Hunt.

An SCI Life Member shares his experience winning the Alberta Mule Deer Hunt Sweepstakes through SCI Foundation. His adventure with Trust the Land Outfitters and guide Grayson resulted in unforgettable memories, exceptional hospitality, and a beautiful harvest in Alberta's stunning landscapes.

Governor Mike Braun encourages Indiana hunters to donate harvested deer through Hunt for Hunger, a DNR program administered with nonprofit partners including Hoosiers Feeding the Hungry, Dubois County Sportsmen Club, and Hunters and Farmers Feeding the Hungry. Since 2008, the program has distributed over 500,000 pounds of venison to food banks and meal programs statewide.

The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission corrected incorrect duck season dates in the July/August Arkansas Wildlife magazine and a recent mailer. The first segment of the 2026-27 duck, coot and merganser season closes Nov. 29, not Dec. 1 as previously listed.

The National Shooting Sports Foundation reported 1,152,077 NSSF-adjusted NICS background checks for September 2026, a 2.3 percent decrease from September 2025. Third quarter 2026 figures showed a 2.5 percent increase to 3,329,270 checks, with Texas, Florida, and Georgia leading in NFA checks.

Streamlight, Inc. announced four key sales leadership promotions effective October 1, 2026. Matt Baker, Bobby Knight, Justin Thomas, and Brian Osborn have been promoted to expanded roles across Law Enforcement, Sporting Goods, Federal/Military, and OEM markets to strengthen sales operations and strategic partnerships.

Steelhead Outdoors, founded by Charlie Pehrson and Corey Meyer, has relocated to a 9,500 sq. ft. facility in Shakopee, Minnesota, more than doubling its working space. The expansion will enhance research and development efforts and increase production capacity for the American-made modular gun safe manufacturer.

GrabAGun Digital Holdings Inc. announced a strategic collaboration with Sarsilmaz, one of the world's largest privately held firearms manufacturers, marking the fourth manufacturer to join the PEW Logistics platform. PEW Logistics will power e-commerce at sarsilmaz.us, managing compliant order processing, FFL routing, fulfillment and customer support.

Watchtower Defense officially opened its new state-of-the-art headquarters and manufacturing facility in Tomball, Texas, showcasing next-generation products planned for 2027 launch. The company, operating under new ownership and leadership, is repositioning itself as a broader product-driven brand with an expanding portfolio of firearms and firearm-related products for shooting, hunting, and defense markets.

The USA Clay Target League announced the launch of the USA Youth Club Clay Target League, enabling students in grades 6-12 to participate on youth group and local club teams outside the traditional school system. The program allows 4-H, FFA, scouting troops, and non-school-affiliated teams to join using the League's ClayTargetGO! platform.

South African Professional Hunter DJ Meyer, co-owner of Leeuwkop Hunting Safaris, will be featured on the Houston Safari Club Foundation's Hunting Matters podcast. Meyer will discuss African hunting preparation, dangerous game encounters, ammunition selection, and wildlife conservation for first-time safari hunters.

SnapSafe, a brand of Hornady Manufacturing, introduces In-Wall Safes designed to mount between standard wall studs with 16-gauge steel bodies and electronic locks. Available in two sizes, these safes feature removable shelves, configurable doors, and a lifetime warranty against material defects.

BLACKHAWK has released the Garra III Karambit Sideliner, a professional-grade knife featuring a D2 Tool Steel hawkbill blade, ambidextrous thumbstuds, and a sideliner lock. Manufactured by Bear & Son Cutlery in Jacksonville, Alabama, the knife offers four customizable carry positions and weighs 5.1 oz., with an MSRP of $124.99.

Tink's and Dead Down Wind are partnering to promote a complete scent strategy for whitetail hunters, combining scent elimination through Dead Down Wind products with strategic scent introduction using Tink's offerings. The approach emphasizes minimizing hunter odor while intentionally using deer scents to create curiosity and interaction.

Springfield Armory introduced the 4" Polished Blued SA-35 9mm pistol, featuring a polished blued finish, walnut grip panels, and a 15-round capacity. The pistol combines classic styling with modern enhancements and is made in the U.S.A. with an MSRP of $799.

Hornady introduces the RAPiD Safe Ready Vault with WiFi, a full-size gun safe featuring RFID entry technology, WiFi connectivity with Hornady Security app alerts, and patent-pending Square-Lok racks accommodating up to eight long guns and 14 handguns with customizable interior mounting options.

Blue Force Gear has partnered with Kroll International, a leading wholesale distributor for law enforcement and tactical markets, to expand dealer access to its weapon slings, load carriage systems, and mission-essential gear including the Vickers Sling™, Ten-Speed® pouches, and Micro Trauma Kit NOW!®.

Ol' Man Outdoors launches two new Quad Pod models for deer hunters: the BaseCamp 7' Quad Pod (OT-702) and Fortress Deluxe 12' Quad Pod (OT-703). Both feature 5'x5' platforms, heavy-duty construction, and multiple zippered windows for enhanced stability and comfort during extended hunting sits.

Custom & Collectable Firearms unveils the limited-edition Walther PDP Pro-E Compact "Recon," restricted to 300 units with MultiCam Black Cerakote finish. Available in two configurations with or without Vortex Venom 3 MOA red dot, both feature adjustable sights and custom grips.

CrossBreed Holsters announced the addition of select CIVIVI folding knives to its outdoor and everyday carry gear offerings. Five pocket folders in eight distinct models, including the CIVIVI Yonder, Button Lock Elementum II, Baby Banter, Vision FG, and Over Yonder, are now available through CrossBreed Holsters with special reduced pricing.

Diamondback Firearms announced the DB15 Swamp Stalker in 5.56 NATO, a Sports South exclusive featuring a custom Cerakote finish, 16-inch barrel, and DB15 Carbon platform. The rifle ships complete with a Magpul Gen M2 PMAG 30 RD and Savior Equipment Specialist case.

Hornady Manufacturing provides a comprehensive guide to essential reloading equipment for beginners, including presses featuring the Lock-N-Load® bushing system, precision dies, case care tools, measuring instruments, and quality brass. The guide emphasizes Hornady's commitment to precision and offers reference materials through their Reloading Handbook and app.

Galco unveils the Combat Master 2.0, a professional-grade belt holster for SIG-Sauer P365XL pistols with or without carry optics. The updated design features hand-molded steerhide construction, optic cutaway capability, raised sweat guard, and traditional pancake-style design for concealment and retention.

GRITR expands its OMNI Holster line, a modular pistol holster system supporting IWB, OWB, and AIWB carry configurations. Built from duty-grade Kydex with customizable concealment claw and compatibility with Safariland QLS and G-Code RTI mounting systems, the OMNI is available for Glock, SIG, Canik, FN, Springfield, Staccato, CZ, and Smith & Wesson platforms.

REDARC Electronics announced REDWorks Power Panels, pre-wired mobile power systems combining charging, monitoring, and distribution components. Available in Scout25, Nomad50, and Pioneer50 models with 25-100 amp options, the panels simplify installation for vehicles, RVs, and work setups while delivering reliable power management.

Hornady® Security launches its Lock Box line featuring 16-gauge steel construction in multiple sizes, including the Lock Box Large and XL for handguns, and the TrekLite® Lock Box XXL with TSA locks for travelers. The Lock Box Large is California DOJ-approved as a firearm safety device supporting Project ChildSafe® initiatives.

Millennium Treestands announced the Dinner Bell 400 and 600 feeders, designed to help hunters pattern deer and manage wildlife. These feeders feature 12-volt motors, programmable timers, heavy-duty steel construction, and varmint cages for reliable performance throughout the hunting season.

Ballistic's Best 2026 evaluates 11 bolt-action hunting rifles across two price categories using standardized testing across nine criteria including accuracy, reliability, and ergonomics. The diverse lineup features traditional platforms, ultralight mountain rifles, and modern chassis designs chambered in cartridges ranging from proven classics to new offerings like .25 Creedmoor and 7mm Backcountry.

The Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation has reopened newly renovated shooting ranges at Lexington and Canton Wildlife Management Areas. Both facilities feature pistol, rifle, trap, and archery ranges with covered benches and ADA access. This represents the latest completion in ODWC's ongoing campaign since 2015 to enhance public shooting opportunities across Oklahoma.

Viridian Weapon Technologies announced its optics, laser sights, and firearm accessories are now available at Runnings, a Minnesota-based retailer with approximately 90 stores across 12 states. Products including the RFX11 green dot sight, VENTA riflescopes, and 4LUX 2K DUO integrated foregrip system are arriving at Runnings locations throughout the Upper Midwest.

WE Knife will showcase its latest EDC, tactical, hunting, and bushcrafting knives at Blade Show West 2026 on October 9-10 at Salt Palace Convention Center in Salt Lake City. VP Marketing Seth Ercanbrack highlighted the company's innovative designs, with sister brands CIVIVI and SENCUT also featured at Booth #200.

Derya Arms will showcase firearms and debut its new OBone .22 LR suppressor at CanCon West 2026, October 22–24 at Boulder Rifle & Pistol Club in Boulder City, Nevada. The company will place products on partner firing lines and gather feedback from attendees at the world's largest fully suppressed range day, presented by Dead Air Silencers.

INFORCE will showcase its Gen 3 WML Series and new ARC modular long-range weapon light series at Land Forces Expo in Perth, October 6–8, 2026, at Booth 3N07 with exclusive Australian partner 360 Defence. The WMLx White/IR remains the standard-issue weapon light for the ADF's EF88 Austeyr service rifle.

Wild Wildebeest Safaris continues its partnership with Whitetails Unlimited as a national sponsor, offering South African hunting safaris across thousands of acres with access to more than 50 game species. WTU President Jeff Schinkten praised the company's commitment to customer satisfaction and five-star hunting experiences in Southern Africa.

The Michigan Natural Resources Commission will meet Wednesday, Oct. 14, at Northern Michigan University in Marquette. The meeting includes a coffee session with commissioners at 8:30 a.m. and the official public meeting at 9:30 a.m., which will be livestreamed via the Michigan DNR's YouTube channel.

The 2027 North Dakota OUTDOORS calendar is available for pre-order on the Game and Fish website at gf.nd.gov. The calendar features wildlife photography, landscapes, outdoor recreation, 2027 hunting seasons, lottery dates, and moon phases. Current subscribers receive it automatically with their December magazine issue.

Spring Mill State Park celebrated its annual Campsite Decorating Contest with winners including Hunsaker, Gratzer, Knight, Nicholson, and Scherschel across five categories. The park looks forward to the 2027 event.

GAME & FISH TV, powered by Outdoor Sportsman Group, features the "Taste of the Wild" programming block every Monday night from 6:00-11:30 p.m. ET, showcasing shows like Farming the Wild with Mike Robinson, McMillan, Ranch America with River Klass, Cast Iron Cowboy with Kent and Shannon Rollins, Jason the Butcher with Jason Nauert, and Dead Meat with Scott Leysath.

MyOutdoorTV has launched the 'Texas Whitetail Hunting Channel,' presented by Rhino Metals, an ad-free streaming channel featuring hunting programs set in Texas. The channel offers exclusive content including shows hosted by Brandon Houston, Brian Quaca, and the McFerrin Family, plus series like Bone Collector, Buck Commander, and MeatEater available 24/7.

Spanish Fly Next Generation launched on Field & Stream TV, blending late Captain Jose Wejebe's original Spanish Fly footage with new Florida Keys fishing stories from friends, family, and anglers he inspired. The series is produced by Spanish Fly Enterprises and hosted by Captain James Marko, with proceeds supporting the Jose Wejebe Spanish Fly Memorial Foundation's conservation education efforts.

There is no shortage of things to cover at SHOT Show. There is, however, a shortage of time to cover them.

Especially when the person you need to interview is in a meeting, your next appointment is on the other side of the show and your phone is helpfully reminding you that it has 8% battery life remaining.

Welcome to Las Vegas.

For members of the media, a productive SHOT Show starts long before arriving at the Venetian. NSSF provides a number of resources to help you work the show. Taking advantage of them requires a little preparation.

Actually, more than a little.

Start with the obvious. Apply for credentials starting today through the SHOT Show media website, review the requirements and get your travel arrangements handled. For those pre-approved media members, you know the drill and you’ll receive your registration email today.

Then figure out what you intend to accomplish beyond “see what’s new.” That might work as a conversation starter. It’s less useful as an editorial plan.

Identify the companies, products and people that matter to your readers. Start scheduling booth meetings several weeks to two months before the show, and earlier when you need time with an executive whose calendar will fill quickly.

Tell the company what you want to discuss and who you’ll need to speak with. If you’re looking for insight into manufacturing capacity, make that clear. Otherwise, you may find yourself getting a perfectly good explanation of a new product that does absolutely nothing for the story you’re writing.

Mention any audio or video requirements, too.

Put the booth number, venue and contact’s cell number in each appointment. Group meetings by location and leave time to walk between them. An open half-hour on your calendar doesn’t necessarily mean you can get there, conduct an interview and reach the next booth. Believe me, I know.

Leave room for unexpected stories. And for writing the ones you already have.

The SHOT Show App, also known as SHOT Show Mobile, can help with the logistics. Features include interactive maps, exhibitor and product information, scheduling tools and show updates. The updated 2027 version goes live mid-December, so remember to download it.

Standing in a crowded aisle, already late, is a poor time to begin your personal technology orientation.

The online Show Planner lets you research exhibitors and plan your stops before leaving home. 

“Once you register, you’ll be able to log in and start using your personal Planner (mapping out your plan, etc.), and once the app goes live (mid-December), everything you’ve done in the Planner will sync up with the app,” says NSSF’s Bill Dunn.

Keep a separate copy of your schedule, along with screenshots of locations you’ll need. Consider it insurance against your phone having other plans.

And pick up the SHOT Show Directory and Floor Map handed out during the show. NSSF has maps and directories among the materials available in the Press Room, as well as throughout the venue.

Yes, paper. It still works. Even when your phone doesn’t.

Use it to get a broader view of the show and mark the booths you need to visit—and the path you plan to take. Check current digital listings and company confirmations for changes.

The Press Room should also be on your itinerary. It’s your home away from your hotel room.

The NSSF Press Room will again be located on Level 4 of the venue in the Lando Ballroom—you can’t miss it. Operating hours will be posted and noted on your registration confirmation.

Inside, media have space to sit down and work, free WiFi, access to electrical outlets and stations for recharging electronics. Bring the cables and chargers your equipment needs. The existence of electricity does not solve the problem of leaving your adapter in the hotel room.

Shared computers and printing and copying assistance are also among the services available. But bring your own laptop, especially if daily deadlines are part of the assignment.

The NSSF communications team staffs the room and can help with questions, show information and story ideas. 

If you need a quieter place to conduct an interview, Dunn confirms that interview and broadcast rooms will again be available through the NSSF Press Room.

“Anyone that wants to use those can stop by the press room at any time to book a day/time. We schedule them in one-hour blocks,” Dunn says. There’s also a coat and equipment check, along with complimentary refreshments. You’ll want to take advantage of both—trust me.

Bookmark the Online Newsroom for show news, background information, photographs and links to exhibitor press materials. Approved media can use the Media Planner to obtain releases, images, videos and logos, including after the show.

Download what you need and organize it by company. Confirm names, titles, pricing, availability and any embargo while you have somebody available to answer.

Details matter and “Pretty sure that’s the new one” is not a caption.

For press conferences, check the Press Room Resources page, Online Newsroom and schedules posted in the Press Room. Review your plans each morning.

Both the Online Newsroom and the Press Room Resources pages should be updated for 2027 as of today.

Keep company invitations handy, too. Booth announcements and private briefings may require separate arrangements. Confirm the location, time and whether you need to RSVP. 

And whatever you do, be sure to bring enough business cards. If you don’t have any, get some printed now.

– Paul Erhardt, Managing Editor, the Outdoor Wire Digital Network