In observance of Veterans Day we will not be distributing any of our services tomorrow, Wednesday, November 11, 2026. The Outdoor Wire Digital Network will resume our normal distribution schedule on Thursday, November 12.

Nick Wiley, executive director of the Fish and Wildlife Foundation of Florida and former Ducks Unlimited chief operating officer, received the North American Waterfowl Management Plan's National Blue-winged Teal Award for his decades of conservation work. The award honors significant contributions to waterfowl, wetland-associated migratory birds, and wetland habitats.

Tom Opre, an award-winning filmmaker and conservation advocate, received the Association of Great Lakes Outdoor Writers' Past Presidents Golden Glow Individual Award for his three-decade career in outdoor communications. His work includes creating the NBC Sports series Eye of the Hunter and producing internationally recognized documentaries like Killing the Shepherd and The Real Yellowstone. Opre founded the Shepherds of Wildlife Society and previously served as president of the Professional Outdoor Media Association.

Excalibur Crossbow has been nominated for the Third Annual Hook & Barrel Top Shelf Awards in the Top Crossbow category. Voting is open through November 30, 2026, with winners announced ahead of SHOT Show 2027. Beth Shimanski, Director of Marketing at Excalibur Crossbow, encourages customers to cast their votes.

The Ruffed Grouse Society & American Woodcock Society established the Diana and David L. Moore Conservation Excellence Award to honor lifetime conservation leadership and stewardship. The inaugural award recognized Wayne Jacobson, Bruce Ogle, and David Sandstrom for their contributions to forest and upland habitat conservation.

The Association of Great Lakes Outdoor Writers (AGLOW) awarded Bill Hilts Jr. of Lockport, New York the Excellence-in-Craft Golden Glow Award for his 46-year career in outdoor communications. Hilts has served as Niagara County's Sportfishing Promotion Coordinator and helped establish the Lake Ontario Sportfishing Promotion Council, while also supporting Catching Dreams Charters and raising over $3 million for charitable causes.

Beretta USA announced Hunter Zwiers as Tikka's first professional shooter ambassador. The accomplished PRS competitor and Michigan National Guard sniper will compete with Tikka T3x ACE Target and Sako TRG M10 rifles across regional and national precision rifle competitions.

ACUI Clay Targets and the Scholastic Clay Target Program hosted the 2026 Fall Lower East Coast Conference Championships in Jacksonville, Florida, with 212 athletes from 14 college programs competing across multiple clay target disciplines. Georgia Southern University won the High Overall Team Results, while Clemson University claimed first place in the Classic All Around Team Results.

Safari Club International welcomes Secretarial Order 3455, which directs the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to strengthen wildlife conservation, restore field-based management, and expand compatible hunting and fishing across the National Wildlife Refuge System while prioritizing habitat stewardship and reducing administrative burdens.

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources and Escanaba & Lake Superior Railroad are discussing the acquisition of a 60-mile inactive rail line from Wells to Channing to expand the Upper Peninsula's recreational trail network while preserving the grade for potential future rail use.

Liberty Ammunition will participate in the upcoming SWAT Roundup event in Orlando, FL. CEO Gary Ramey noted that several departments already carry their patented Pro Series ammunition, and the company will support the event with raffle prizes and ammunition for the winning team.

The Professional Outdoor Media Association (POMA) announces its 2027 Summit in Branson, Missouri, May 24–26, offering outdoor media professionals and industry partners three days of experiences, education and networking. Registration opens January 2027, with membership providing added value for attendees.

Duck Commander invites fans to celebrate Veterans Day with Uncle Si Robertson on November 11 at their West Monroe, Louisiana store. The first 100 in-store customers spending over $100 receive a VIP meet and greet and signed cup, while online customers spending over $75 get a free signed cup. Duck Commander will donate 10% of proceeds to LifeCampUSA, a veterans' organization.

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources will collect lake whitefish eggs in Lake Michigan between South Haven and Muskegon this month to support conservation efforts. Fertilized eggs will be incubated at Wolf Lake State Fish Hatchery, with funding from the Great Lakes Fisheries Trust and a $350,000 Michigan Legislature appropriation.

The Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department issued 85 moose hunting permits, resulting in 51 moose harvested during October archery and regular seasons in Wildlife Management Unit E. Moose biologist Nick Fortin noted the hunt helps reduce moose density and improve population health by controlling winter tick impacts in northeastern Vermont.

Through the third weekend of general season in northwest Montana, 4,832 hunters passed through regional check stations with 269 white-tailed deer, 48 mule deer bucks, and 32 elk reported. Mule deer buck harvest increased compared to last year, while elk harvest remained steady. Warm weather is slowing harvest as deer are less active during daylight hours.

The Citizens Committee for the Right to Keep and Bear Arms supports Amtrak's expanded firearms transportation policy allowing unloaded firearms in locked cases on certain trains. CCRKBA Chairman Alan Gottlieb stated the policy makes sense and may prevent loss or damage to valuable firearms, dismissing concerns from the Transport Workers Union as unfounded.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will close the Saundersville Boat Ramp at Old Hickory Lake from November 16-20, 2026 for scheduled repairs. Visitors are encouraged to use alternate public boat ramps including Avondale Access, Walton Ferry Access Area, Mallard Point, Sanders Ferry Park, and Stark Knob Access Area.

CrossBreed Holsters and Gun Tote'n Mamas have partnered to offer bundled concealed carry solutions combining Gun Tote'n Mamas bags with CrossBreed Modular Holsters. The collaboration between the two women-owned companies expands concealed carry options available through CrossBreedHolsters.com.

The Houston Safari Club Foundation's Hunting Matters podcast features longtime member Jamison Smith discussing his passion for hunting, conservation, and passing outdoor traditions to his children. Smith shares his journey from starting at age five in South Texas to his current role as Convention Chairperson for HSCF.

FALCO® Holsters launched three new Kydex light-bearing holsters: the Velcro holster A905 L, drop-leg holster E901 L, and Level 2 drop-leg holster E902 L. The expansion brings FALCO's light-bearing holster compatibility to 197 different light models, including Streamlight, SureFire, Olight, and Fenix options.

Galco has introduced the Kingtuk Elite IWB Holster, an all-leather version of its popular hybrid design made from premium steerhide. The holster features a full-grain back plate, rigid lined pocket for fast draw, and adjustable metal belt clips for customizable carry height and angle.

Whitetail Institute, a pioneer in deer nutrition and food plots since 1988, has expanded its habitat solutions by introducing a new tree lineup. The trees provide long-term food and cover for wildlife while complementing the company's existing food plot products to create comprehensive habitat management strategies.

Easton is expanding its Pack Mule field quiver lineup for 2027 with two new color options, Tan and Black. The quiver features an articulating hip-hugger belt, compression-molded back panel, zippered storage, magnetic rangefinder pocket, and ambidextrous design for competitive, 3D, and field archers.

Hornady introduces the VEXIS Safe Upgrade Kit, a retrofit lock system featuring palm vein recognition technology that upgrades existing safes without full replacement. The kit is compatible with first-generation Hornady Mobilis® Safes and select SecuRam, LA GARD, and Sargent & Greenleaf locks, priced at $279.99.

QuietFlow, a suppressor brand from GForce Arms, has introduced the THROTTLE 22Ti, a 3D-printed titanium rimfire suppressor weighing just 3.7 ounces. The suppressor delivers 26.3 dB sound reduction at the muzzle and features an 11-baffle design rated for .22LR to 5.7x28 FN calibers.

Springfield Armory released the Echelon 4.0FC Comp 9mm, combining a full-size grip module with a compact slide and integral compensator. The pistol features Springfield's Central Operating Group, Variable Interface System® for optics compatibility, and ambidextrous controls, with an MSRP of $784.

Millennium Treestands introduces two tripod stand options: the T100 10ft Aluminum Tripod weighing 36 pounds and the T360 16ft Revolution Tripod for hunters needing mobile platforms in open terrain. Both feature 360-degree ComfortMAX seats and are designed for flexibility where traditional treestands aren't viable.

Chiappa USA introduces the Little Badger Carbon, a lightweight single-shot .22LR rifle weighing just 3.2 lbs, featuring a folding wire-steel stock and carbon-fiber barrel. Available in standard and Takedown configurations, it's designed for backpackers, campers, and survival use with quad-Picatinny rails and threaded barrel for accessories.

Taurus USA announced the all-new Taurus TXM, a polymer-frame striker-fired pistol building on the award-winning TX22 platform. Available in .22 WMR and 5.7x28mm calibers, the TXM offers a dual-slide combo kit option, delivering increased power while maintaining the TX family's proven design foundation.

The USA Clay Target League announced The 1791 Foundation as its new Presenting Sponsor. The partnership unites the leading outdoor philanthropic foundation with the nation's largest youth clay target shooting sports organization, which has served nearly 150,000 students since 2008.

ALPS OutdoorZ has renewed its partnership as a national sponsor of Whitetails Unlimited. WTU President Jeff Schinkten praised ALPS OutdoorZ's commitment to hunters and conservation, noting their gear is a favorite among WTU members and events.

Every year, I write something about Veterans Day. I reflect on my military service, the people I served alongside, and what wearing our nation’s uniform meant to me. For years, I thought honoring their sacrifices and reminding others to remember was enough.

It wasn’t.

I began wondering what another essay, ceremony, or handshake accomplished for veterans struggling through ordinary Tuesdays when there are no flags or speeches, when someone sits alone wondering whether anybody would notice if they disappeared.

I’m not observing that struggle from a safe distance. I’m a veteran with my own history of anxiety and depression. I know what it’s like to appear capable while wrestling with things nobody else sees. Some days are better than others, and I’m still figuring things out.

For much of my life, I measured myself by accomplishments, responsibilities, and the next mission. Eventually, I realized I needed to become a man of purpose, not simply a man with things to do. My Christian faith helped me recognize that perhaps the struggles I’ve spent years trying to overcome are precisely what God intends me to use to help somebody else.

That realization led me to start Do Not Drop a year ago. Shortly afterward, I shared the idea with my friend Tim Ridings of 5.11 Tactical. We connected through our Christian faith and belief that serving others requires more than good intentions. Tim believed in my vision and has supported me personally ever since.

Tim also serves as an Honor Flight Guardian, accompanying veterans to Washington, D.C., to visit the memorials honoring their service. He considers it a rewarding opportunity to give veterans the honor and respect they deserve.

“In a broken world full of broken people, be a light. Be a blessing to someone else. Take the time to genuinely check in with others. We are meant to do life together,” Ridings said. “I can’t thank the men and women who have served so I can enjoy the freedoms I have to live and worship in a free nation enough. Not just on Veterans Day, but every day. I did not answer the call to serve my country, and it’s a regret I carry today. But my service to 5.11 is rewarding because we serve those who serve. First responders saved my life years ago, and it’s my calling to give back and serve them today.”

Tim and I arrived here through different experiences, but we agree that service isn’t defined by a uniform or title. Sometimes it’s recognizing somebody needs you and deciding to show up.

This Veterans Day, I’m inviting you to help us build Do Not Drop.

Our ambition is enormous: confront veteran suicide, anxiety, depression, and loneliness while reminding people that their greatest strength isn’t found in never struggling, but in refusing to give up.

I’ll never be the best shot, hunter, or outdoorsman in our community. But I might be among its most transparent and vulnerable members. Whether that’s a gift or a curse depends on whom you ask. My wife probably has a few thoughts. What I’ve learned, however, is that admitting I’m struggling doesn’t make me less of a man, a veteran, or a leader. It makes me human. And if my willingness to share those struggles helps someone else find the courage to ask for help, perhaps that’s worth more than anything I’ve ever accomplished in the woods.

It’s okay to shake. It’s not okay to stop.

Struggling is part of being human, and strength shouldn’t be confused with silence. I’ve needed help, asked for it, and expect I’ll need it again. Sometimes that means encouragement, sometimes accountability, and sometimes professional care.

Countless veterans organizations do tremendous work providing benefits assistance, healthcare, employment, and other services. I admire them and work alongside many. But Do Not Drop isn’t intended to become another organization competing for resources or offering another program.

We’re building a community where people share experiences, learn from one another, and discover purpose through helping others. I believe the hunting and outdoor community already possesses the relationships, generosity, and resources to make an extraordinary difference. 

My work as Commander of American Legion Post 247 and Chair of the Fauquier Regional Veterans Task Force for Mental Health has convinced me that saving veteran lives also means caring about everyone around them. Veterans are parents, spouses, children, and neighbors. Our faith guides Tim and me, but nobody needs to share our beliefs to belong.

Consider what happens when somebody shoots an elk miles from the truck. His hunting partners don’t debate whether he deserves assistance. They complain about his terrible decision-making and start packing meat. We understand that difficult loads are easier to carry together. Why shouldn’t we approach emotional burdens the same way? 

Think about the friend who stopped coming to deer camp or the veteran who no longer answers calls. Reach out. Hunting doesn’t cure depression, and fishing doesn’t replace treatment, but an invitation can remind somebody they still belong. 

We’re starting with Do Not Drop bag tags and morale patches, simple reminders that asking for help demonstrates strength. Attach one to your gear. When somebody asks what it means, start a conversation. You never know where it might lead.

We want to keep things simple. Everyone's journey is unique but a common message to never give up on yourself, or on others, is universal.

Do Not Drop isn’t finished or perfect. Neither am I. But progress matters more than perfection, and waiting another year to get everything right won’t help somebody struggling today.

Over the next several months, Tim and I will continue building Do Not Drop, developing partnerships and finding ways for people to get involved. Some of our best ideas will undoubtedly come from people we haven’t met yet. I don’t want this to become something defined by two people. I want it shaped by a community willing to help one another through life’s hardest moments.

Visit www.donotdrop.org to learn more. If you want to help, or know someone who can, let us know. 

It’s okay to shake. It’s not okay to stop. Do Not Drop.

– Jay Pinsky

jay@theoutdoorwire.com

540-229-9650