C&H Precision, led by owner Buck Holly, has acquired an ownership position in Merus Adventure Park near Amarillo, Texas, expanding into guided hunting, long-range precision rifle training, corporate retreats, and industry events on the 5,500-acre property.
Fish Monkey's Freestyle glove offers versatile warm-weather protection for anglers with UPF 50-plus sun protection, non-slip Monkey Grip palm, and touchscreen-compatible fingertips. The customizable design allows anglers to remove select fingertips for personalized fishing styles across multiple applications.
The Idaho Wild Sheep Foundation recognized Idaho Fish and Game biologist Hollie Miyasaki with its Outstanding Achievement Award for her exceptional leadership in bighorn sheep conservation. Miyasaki was instrumental in developing Idaho's Mycoplasma ovipneumoniae surveillance action plan and the successful Jacks Creek bighorn sheep augmentation project.
Nebraska boaters face low-water conditions this summer, with 79% of the state experiencing severe drought. The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission has closed several boat ramps, with current conditions available on the Public Access Boating map at OutdoorNebraska.gov.
Team Winchester and Team White Flyer achieved multiple top finishes at the 2026 NSCA Northeast Regional held at M&M Hunting and Sporting Clays in Pennsville, New Jersey. Notable placements included Mike Wilgus winning Veteran Champion in multiple events, and Karen Miles claiming the Winchester Ladies Cup Championship. Winchester Ammunition and White Flyer targets were prominently featured throughout the competition.
Meprolight-sponsored shooter Garrett Tyler won his first overall Precision Rifle Series Atlantic Coast Regional match at Colemans Creek Training Center on May 16, 2026. Tyler, a two-time Atlantic Coast Region Production Class Champion, competed using the Meprolight MVO 3-18x44 precision riflescope against a competitive regional field.
Leupold Pro Team member Doug Koenig won his unprecedented 21st Bianchi Cup National Action Pistol Championship at Green Valley Rifle & Pistol Club in Hallsville, Missouri, with a perfect score of 1920-182x. Koenig credited Leupold optics for enabling his success in the internationally recognized competition.
Team Ruger's James McGinty and David Olhasso won multiple competitions along the East Coast, including the Delaware State GPA, Harvard Steel Smashers, and Pennsylvania State Steel Challenge, using Ruger RXM pistols, SR1911 Competition pistols, and PC Carbines.
Four-time Olympic gold medalist Vincent Hancock won the 2026 Shotgun National Championships in Men's Skeet at Hillsdale College in Michigan. Hancock, competing for Team Federal, broke all 36 targets in the finals to win by one over Christian Elliot of the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit. Conner Prince also qualified for the Men's Skeet National Team, while Amber English earned bronze in the Women's Skeet Championship.
The Wyoming Game and Fish Commission will hold a virtual meeting on May 29 to consider purchasing 368 acres adjacent to the Table Mountain Wildlife Habitat Management Area in Goshen County. The acquisition includes 84 acres of water rights and will expand hunting opportunities while remaining in agricultural production.
The Second Amendment Foundation, National Rifle Association, and Firearms Policy Coalition filed a lawsuit challenging Maryland's Senate Bill 334, which bans machine gun convertible pistols effective January 1, 2027. SAF Executive Adam Kraut stated the law bans nearly every Glock and Glock-style handgun, arguing these commonly owned arms are protected by the Second Amendment.
Firearms Policy Coalition filed a federal lawsuit, NRA v. Moore, challenging Maryland's ban on semiautomatic handguns with cruciform trigger bars, including most Glock pistols. The National Rifle Association and Second Amendment Foundation seek a permanent injunction against enforcement of the ban signed by Governor Wes Moore.
Idaho Fish and Game closed Chinook salmon fishing on the Lower Salmon River from Rice Creek Bridge upstream to Upper Twin Bridge on May 26 after reaching the sport fishing harvest objective for this section.
Idaho Fish and Game asks anglers to report tagged fish caught throughout the state. Fisheries biologist Kevin Meyer explains that tag reports help biologists understand catch rates, adjust bag limits, and track fish migrations. The Tag, You're It Program, which won an American Fisheries Society award in 2012, uses this data to improve fishing management.
Yamaha Motor Corp., USA announced Q1 2026 grant recipients for its Yamaha Outdoor Access Initiative, awarding over $237,000 to 13 organizations across 10 states for trail restoration, maintenance, facility improvements, and land stewardship projects.
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources announced $4.035 million in Waterways Grant-in-Aid Program funding for seven communities across Benzie, Emmet, Mackinac, Marquette, Ottawa, and Sanilac counties. Projects include marina dredging and site improvements, representing over $6.5 million in total investment with matching funds.
A hunter shot and killed a male grizzly bear in defense of life after it charged him and his young son near Cave Falls Road on the Caribou-Targhee National Forest outside Ashton on May 16. Idaho Fish and Game investigated and determined the hunter acted appropriately. The agency reminds hunters that grizzly bears may be encountered in the Greater Yellowstone area and parts of northern Idaho.
The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission is accepting draw permit applications June 1-12 for deer, antelope, and elk across multiple management units. Residents and nonresidents can apply online at OutdoorNebraska.gov or in person, with draw results available by June 19.
Idaho hunters can apply for fall 2026 controlled hunts for deer, elk, pronghorn, swan, black bear, and turkey from May 1 through June 5 via GoOutdoorsIdaho.com, license vendors, Fish and Game offices, or by phone. The first Super Hunt drawing closes May 31, offering additional tag opportunities across multiple species.
Federal Ammunition announced an agreement with the United States Army to utilize its patented Peak Alloy ammunition case technology across multiple cartridges and weapon systems. The high-strength steel alloy casing enables chamber pressures exceeding 80,000 PSI for higher velocities in compact rifles.
ZEV Technologies, backed by Syndicate Group and led by President Taylor Goode and Senior Business Advisor Jeff Stawiarski, is recruiting a Vice President of Sales to lead revenue growth across commercial, law enforcement, and defense channels. The role offers long-term career opportunity with a brand undergoing strategic transformation and cultural rebuilding.
CZ announces the CZ 75 Legend is now shipping to dealers nationwide. The new pistol honors the influential CZ 75 design with classic styling, steel frame construction, and double-action/single-action operation, blending timeless characteristics with refined features for modern shooters and collectors.
Bleecker Street Publications announced the complete redesign and relaunch of GAT Deals, featuring a new Ammo Finder engine with access to over 70,000 live ammunition listings from major retailers. The platform includes advanced filtering capabilities and a $500 Ammunition Depot gift card giveaway promotion running through June.
ATN Corp announced the launch of the ATN BlazeSeeker 6, a compact thermal monocular starting at $499.99 featuring 6th Generation thermal imaging and SharpIR® AI enhancement. Designed for campers, boaters, hikers, and wildlife watchers, the device delivers premium thermal performance in a lightweight, beginner-friendly package.
The U.S. Forest Service and Boone and Crockett Club signed a Memorandum of Understanding to enhance outdoor recreation opportunities on public lands, with 14 partner organizations including Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, National Wild Turkey Federation, and Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership collaborating to improve hunting, angling, and wildlife conservation access.
Safari Club International praises the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for expanding hunting and fishing opportunities across 111 National Wildlife Refuges and National Fish Hatcheries in 32 states. The initiative, supported by Secretary Burgum and USFWS Director Nesvik, opens access at 14 refuges and three hatcheries for the first time, with over 95% of the National Wildlife Refuge System now available for hunting.
The Citizens Committee for the Right to Keep and Bear Arms praised prosecutors in Powhatan, Pulaski, Smyth, and Spotsylvania counties—Phillip Blevins Jr., Rob Cerullo, Justin L. Griffin, and Ryan Mehaffey—for refusing to enforce Virginia's assault firearms ban signed by Gov. Abigail Spanberger, citing Second Amendment violations.
Winchester Ammunition announced its new Magnum Pheasant shotshell for upland hunting, available in 12-, 20-, and 28-gauge with blended #5 and #6 shot. The ammunition delivers versatile performance for close-range and longer-distance shooting, featuring premium batch-blended lead shot and high brass magnum loads made exclusively in the U.S.A.
Zanders, a national distributor based in Sparta, Illinois, announced it is now the exclusive distributor of 1st Phorm nutritional products to its dealer network. The partnership expands Zanders' product offerings to include 1st Phorm's protein supplements, wellness formulas, and performance products for outdoor and sporting goods retailers.
Derya announced the official launch of its RAN and RAN-X lever-action series, featuring modernized designs with factory-integrated aftermarket upgrades including threaded barrels, M-LOK forends, and adjustable stocks. Available in .357 Magnum, .44 Magnum, and .45 Long Colt, the series will be showcased at GunCon 2026.
RCBS announces availability of reloading dies for the new 25 Weatherby RPM cartridge, featuring a full-length sizer die and bullet seater die precision-machined in the USA with an MSRP of $60.50.
Daniel Defense is reintroducing its legendary GL/SSC platform to the civilian market in short-barreled rifle and pistol caliber configurations. Originally developed for US Special Forces, the platform features a 12.5-inch cold hammer forged barrel, RIS II rail system, and is compatible with suppressors and M203 mounting accessories.
Spartan Precision Equipment launches the Javelin Lite and Javelin Lite TL Bipods, ultralight shooting supports weighing 5.3 and 6.3 ounces respectively. Both models feature premium materials, adjustable traverse and cant, and are priced at $100 and $170 MSRP without adapters.
Built from the tried-and-true L15 platform, Lancer Systems has now added a 300 Blackout pistol and rifle to the lineup. While most platforms require you to choose, The L15 Patrol pistol and rifle are specifically designed and tuned to function suppressed, unsuppressed, supersonic, or subsonic with no end user adjustment.
Sturm, Ruger & Company, Inc. introduced the Ruger ReadyDot micro reflex sight system for the LCP MAX pistol, featuring a fiber-illuminated reticle designed for battery-less operation at concealed carry ranges. The sight enables shooters to keep both eyes open while maintaining fast target acquisition.
TrueTimber has launched a new Tekari camping line at Walmart, featuring two instant-up tents and two sleeping bags. CEO Rusty Sellars emphasized the brand's commitment to delivering practical, high-quality gear at accessible prices for outdoor enthusiasts nationwide.
Millennium Treestands announces its 2026 "Bucks Back" Rebate Program, offering $100 cash-back rebates on qualifying Buck Hut Shooting Houses including the Q-180, Q-200, Q-230, Q-250, and Q-606 models through December 31st when purchased through qualified retailers.
The Armory Life magazine's Summer 2026 issue features a cover story interview with actor Joe Mantegna, a Second Amendment supporter and avid shooter. The 96-page quarterly publication includes reviews of Springfield Armory firearms and a World War I historical piece by Capt. Dale Dye.
Dead Air Silencers announced its role as headline sponsor of the SPARC Series, a regional precision rifle competition expanding across Utah, Arizona, Nevada, and Idaho. Director of Marketing Jared Rehm stated the sponsorship aligns with Dead Air's focus on purpose-built, high-performance suppressors for competitive shooting environments.
Tactacam has renewed its sponsorship with Whitetails Unlimited, according to WTU President Jeff Schinkten. The Iowa and Montana-based company provides hunting cameras with features including remote sync, slow motion, and weatherproof capabilities for hunters.
The Janet Huckabee Arkansas River Valley Nature Center in Fort Smith celebrated its millionth visitor last Friday, a milestone achieved in just under 20 years. Julie Kleinschmidt and her grandsons, Cash Kleinschmidt, Adam Fenix Craze, and Layf Craze, were honored with prizes and a special outdoor experience courtesy of the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission.
The 43rd annual Phoenix Bass Fishing League All-American Championship Presented by T-H Marine streams live on MLFNOW! via MyOutdoorTV from Lake Murray, South Carolina, May 28-30, featuring 94 top anglers competing for a $120,000 top prize and a spot in REDCREST 2027.
The Wyoming Game and Fish Department invites public comment on Wyoming's 2027 State Wildlife Action Plan through July 27, with a virtual webinar on June 30. The SWAP provides a statewide roadmap for conserving Species of Greatest Conservation Need and unlocks approximately $500,000 in annual federal funds through the State Wildlife Grants program.
The Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department urges poultry owners to use electric fencing to protect chickens from predation by bears, foxes, raccoons, fisher, coyotes, skunks, and bobcats. Bear biologist Jaclyn Comeau emphasizes that electric net fencing is highly effective when used properly and recommends implementing protection before predators discover chickens.
Utah's 2,500 to 3,000 moose population inhabits forested areas along the Wasatch Front and northern regions. Utah Division of Wildlife Resources coordinator Rusty Robinson advises keeping dogs leashed and maintaining distance from moose, which can be more dangerous than bears. Drought conditions may push moose to lower elevations, increasing encounter risks.
So much of today’s gun control initiatives—or what we like to call infringements on constitutional rights—is performative. It’s theater for the liberal voting base.
It’s also an important litmus test for political fundraising. ‘Money is the mother’s milk of politics,’ as former Speaker of the California State Assembly Jesse M. Unruh noted in 1966. While Republicans certainly rely on financial backers as well, Democrats—especially in Unruh’s home state—seem to have perfected the art of milking their donors.
Virginia recently took its place center stage in the National Gun Control Theater when Governor Abigail Spanberger signed HB 217 / SB 749 into law on May 14. The legislation bans the future sale, manufacture, purchase, or importation of certain semiautomatic firearms the state classifies as ‘assault firearms,’ along with magazines holding more than 15 rounds.
The law goes into effect on July 1, 2026.
They used to reserve the term ‘assault’ for rifles, but now they’ve expanded the made-up term to ‘assault firearms.’ It’s all part of the broader effort to vilify firearms and encourage their voting base to hate as many guns as possible, thereby supporting the prohibition of even more firearms.
Their definitions of what makes a gun an ‘assault firearm’ is exactly as you’d expect. Orchid, which provides FFL technology, compliance, and education solutions to thousands of federally licensed firearms dealers, has published a detailed rundown of what Virginia defines as an ‘assault firearm.’
The comedy portion of the performance comes from the obligatory cut-and-paste feature list, which includes folding stocks, telescoping stocks, thumbhole stocks, and pistol grips as qualifying features on semiautomatic shotguns. Under the law, possessing just one of those features—among others—can classify the firearm as an ‘assault firearm.’
The absurdity comes from the fact that this “one or more” feature callout list bans a number of shotguns—including those for hunting. I’d add home defense to that use category but laws like these are never, ever written to support the concept of home defense.
That’s what the defunded police are for, right?
Virginia is just the latest quagmire on the battleground of gun control. The newly enacted law is designed to do two things. The first is to ban as many guns as possible—assuming it remains in place.
The second, which is more obviously the goal, is to force the industry into endless legal challenges to the constitutionality of these laws. A move that is meant to drain the coffers of companies and pro-Second Amendment organizations.
The states have effectively unlimited funds for these battles, courtesy of taxpayers. And in Democrat-controlled states the taxpayers are less likely to question that waste of money.
Either way, in their minds they win.
For the time being—i.e. until a Democrat President and Congress can stack the courts, and in particular the Supreme Court—existing case law is on the side of those defending the Second Amendment.
That message may not have made its way to everyone in the industry.
In it Arsenal lets us know the damage the Virginia law creates.
“This is not merely about sales. It is not merely about market access. It is not merely about whether one company can sell one product in one state. The greater danger is that laws like this create legal inconsistencies for everyone involved: citizens, dealers, manufacturers, distributors, retailers, ranges, trainers, and advocacy organizations alike.”
It then points out that “the NSSF is uniquely positioned to recognize that these laws do not merely restrict consumers. They destabilize the lawful businesses, dealers, manufacturers, and distributors that serve them.”
And after pointing out that the firearms industry "must respond with more than private frustration and quiet concern” Arsenal calls out the National Shooting Sports Foundation directly.
“That is why we are calling on the NSSF and the broader industry to stand with Virginia….We urge the NSSF, industry leaders, manufacturers, distributors, retailers, ranges, trainers, media partners, and Second Amendment advocates to treat Virginia as a national issue.”
Arsenal is doing its part. In a May 19 press release, Arsenal announced, “In support of our fellow Americans in Virginia before this law takes effect on July 1, 2026, Arsenal Inc., is immediately offering 20% off its entire catalog to residents of the Commonwealth of Virginia, excluding the America 250th Anniversary models and other discounted items.”
Sure, it’s no Boulder Airlift, when Colorado-based Magpul responded to Colorado’s magazine-capacity legislation by selling magazines directly to Rocky Mountain residents before later relocating operations to other states.
In 2013 Magpul's 'Boulder Airlift' campaign was wildly popular with consumers and fans of the brand, and it allowed Coloradans to purchase a limited number of PMAGs direct from the company.
But the Nevada-based Arsenal clearly took to heart Rahm Emanuel’s adage, “You never want a serious crisis to go to waste.” Especially when increased sales are at stake, I assume.
I have no issue with Arsenal taking advantage of the Virginia “crisis” to sell their AK-47 models to Virginians. What I have an issue with is pointing a finger at the National Shooting Sports Foundation.
The company’s open letter paints NSSF, and its most active member companies, as sitting on the sidelines while Virginia erodes constitutional rights.
This coordinated effort by The Firearm Industry Trade Association, and Second Amendment advocates, gives off 'Avengers Assemble' vibes.
The timing of Arsenal’s open letter, coming out the same day as this unified effort was announced, isn’t their fault. How could they know the very thing they called on NSSF to do was already in motion.
Let alone the fact that for at least a decade NSSF has been fending off similar legislation in Virginia, and for years in other states across the country.
Or that NSSF was active in Richmond when these bills were being moved—legislation that originally called for an outright ban on the possession of MSRs and standard-capacity magazines—meeting with lawmakers noting their opposition to the legislation and pointing out the fatal flaws of the legislation.
NSSF has also funded an emergency motion for a preliminary injunction to block enforcement of the law when it takes effect on July 1, while it's being challenged.
NSSF hasn’t been doing nothing. And it hasn’t been doing nothing for a long time. They have been at the forefront of all these state house battles, including in Virginia.
Perhaps Arsenal would have known this if it was an NSSF member company, getting regular updates from NSSF, receiving their weekly Bullet Points newsletter, and taking the time to contact the organization directly.
That way they could have avoided publicly calling out NSSF and sowing the seeds of dissent by suggesting the problems in Virginia somehow stem from a lack of involvement on NSSF’s part.
– Paul Erhardt, Managing Editor, the Outdoor Wire Digital Network
