Ducks Unlimited announced its 2025 Excellence in Conservation Awards recognizing outstanding staff accomplishments. Terry Gwin received the Lifetime Career Achievement Award for 26 years of service, while teams from projects including McFaddin National Wildlife Refuge Shoreline Protection in Texas, Sheboygan Marsh in Wisconsin, and Henry Gray Hurricane Lake in Arkansas earned Exemplary Project Excellence Awards.

The Arkansas Wildlife Federation presented the Harold Alexander Lifetime Conservation Achievement Award to the late John Patrick "Pat" Fitts, former Arkansas Game and Fish Commission director. Fitts served as the AGFC's 18th director from 2018-2021, capping a 32-year career with the agency.

Smith & Wesson Brands, Inc. announced ten retailers nationwide as 2025 Ambassador Dealers, including Americana Arms, Not Just Guns, H&H Shooting Sports, Fuquay Gun, Fin Feather Fur Outfitters, Magnum Shooting Center, Freedom Firearms, Idaho Guns & Outdoors, Shoot Straight, and Smoky Mountain Guns & Ammo, recognizing their exceptional sales performance and customer service.

Delta Waterfowl has started its Predator Management Program at 51 sites across Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, North Dakota, and South Dakota to increase nest success for the 2026 duck nesting season. The program targets raccoons and skunks to help more ducks hatch in the prairie pothole region, which produces up to 70% of North America's ducks.

The Alabama Black Belt Adventures Association (ALBBAA) announces the 14th annual Big Gobbler Photo Contest for spring turkey season, inviting hunters to submit photos for prizes including a $100 gift card, Thermacel mosquito repellent, Black Belt Bounty book, and Buckmasters prize pack. Voting ends May 10, with the most-voted photo crowned winner.

Firearms Policy Coalition (FPC) filed a federal lawsuit, Goldberger v. James, in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York challenging New York's "sensitive location" handgun carry ban in Times Square. Represented by Peter A. Patterson, William V. Bergstrom, and Alfonso Gamboa of Cooper & Kirk, PLLC, FPC seeks a permanent injunction against enforcement of the ban.

Rebecca Dorr, a missing Brunswick woman last seen in January, was located deceased on March 21st by the Maine Warden Service and Maine Association for Search and Rescue. The Brunswick Police Department, Maine Warden Service, MESARD, and MASAR conducted an extensive search complicated by deep snow. Her death is not considered suspicious.

The Arizona Game and Fish Department reduced 2026 Outdoor Expo hours to 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on March 28-29 due to forecasted record-high temperatures. Admission and parking remain free, with activities continuing as planned. Gold sponsor Sig Sauer and silver sponsor Kimber support the event.

The Idaho Department of Fish and Game and Utah Division of Wildlife Resources will host a public meeting on April 8 at the National Oregon/California Trail Center in Montpelier, Idaho to share Bear Lake fishery updates and 2026 work plans. Biologists will present population trends and management work, followed by a question-and-answer session.

The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission approved 2026-2027 waterfowl hunting season recommendations, transitioning to a three duck-zone configuration and approving a nine-day early teal season. The commission also recognized Tom and Bonnie Ferry and Ponca Volunteer Fire and Rescue for their 20-year support of the Missouri River Outdoor Expo.

The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission reviewed public comment survey results on proposed regulations changes during its March 18-19 meeting in Hot Springs. Of over 24,000 responses, the commission removed a mud motor horsepower increase proposal due to public opposition and noise concerns, while commissioners discussed elk population management and chronic wasting disease response.

Dead Air Silencers announced the hiring of Jack Cannon as Key Accounts Manager. Cannon brings 15 years of experience from Davidson's Inc., where he held roles including Customer Relationship Manager and National Accounts Manager, witnessing Dead Air's growth to become Davidson's largest suppressor brand.

Federal Ammunition has begun shipping its America 250th commemorative ammunition line, featuring limited-edition target loads across American Eagle, Top Gun, and Champion product families. The special packaging celebrates the country's 250th anniversary while delivering reliable accuracy and performance across rifle, handgun, rimfire, and shotshell categories.

German Precision Optics (GPO USA) now includes a premium custom-fitted Cordura stay-on zip case at no additional charge with all PASSION APO spotting scopes, including the 16-48×65 APO and 20-60×85 APO models, providing rugged protection for outdoor use.

The National Rifle Association unveiled its new official NRA App, featuring digital membership cards, Second Amendment news from the NRA Institute for Legislative Action, digital magazines including American Rifleman and American Hunter, local event discovery, and exclusive member benefits. CEO Doug Hamlin emphasized the app represents the NRA's commitment to innovation and serving members in the digital age.

Turkeys for Tomorrow CEO Jason Lupardus partnered with "The Roost" podcast, co-hosted by Ben O'Brien and Sam Soholt, to produce interviews and field content focused on wild turkey conservation, management, and hunting education as turkey populations continue to decline nationwide.

MDT announced expanded ACC Elite chassis system compatibility for CZ 457 rimfire and Savage 110 Short Action platforms, bringing their flagship competition chassis design to additional rifle platforms. The system features the SRS-X Elite Buttstock, Vertical Grip Elite with backbar, and an extended forend for improved stability and recoil management in precision shooting competitions.

White Label Armory, a VKTR Industries subsidiary, launched a new suppressor lineup featuring the Geist and Fenix series in multiple calibers, plus .22 options Hot Link and Party Popper. The suppressors are exclusively available through Sports South Distributors and designed for high-performance, budget-conscious consumers.

Badlands announces the new Mag Turkey Vest, featuring an updated Fidlock® magnetic seat system for quick deployment and a lightweight, breathable design weighing 2 lbs. 8 oz. The vest includes refined pocket layouts, silent magnetic box call storage, and an adjustable fit system for run-and-gun turkey hunters.

Rock River Arms introduces the new 10.5-inch A1 Carbine SBR to celebrate the zero tax on NFA items. The retro rifle features a lightweight chrome moly barrel, forged LAR-15M lower receiver, and is available with M4-style or fixed entry stock options, priced at $1,135-$1,150.

Real Avid has launched its Master Collections series, strategically bundled tooling and maintenance products for AR-platform firearms. The collections range from basic cleaning sets to armorer-level assemblies, with five AR-15 options and four dual-platform AR-15/10 collections available.

Korth Group Ltd., a Canadian outdoor distributor, announces expansion into fishing with five leading brands: Brecks, Gamakatsu, Okuma, Scotty, and Gibbs. The fishing division will be fully operational in Q2 2026, supported by a new Ontario warehouse facility.

GRITR Sports announces the expansion of its Timney Triggers selection for various rifle platforms including Ruger 10/22, Ruger Precision, AR PCC, CZ Scorpion, and AR10 models. Founded in 1946, Timney is the world's oldest and largest trigger manufacturer, offering over 170 trigger options.

DeSantis Gunhide announces their Quick Safe holster has received official approval from U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), Air and Marine Operations (AMO), and Federal Protective Service (FPS). The self-locking, outside-the-waistband Kydex holster surpasses Level III duty rig standards while maintaining fast draw speed, with an MSRP of $184.99.

Beretta USA and Gray Rose will serve as Main Event sponsors for the 2026 Gator Cup Sporting Clays Tournament on May 24-29 at Back Woods Quail Club. Beretta will showcase competition shotguns including the 694 Black DLC, DT11 Super Sport, SL2, AX800 Suprema, and A400L, with Team Beretta athletes Zach Kienbaum, Desiree Edmunds, and Connor Daniel competing.

The Indiana Natural Resources Commission will hold its bimonthly meeting on Tuesday, March 24, at Fort Harrison State Park's Garrison Ballroom in Indianapolis, beginning at 10 a.m. ET. The meeting agenda and related materials are available at nrc.IN.gov/meetings-and-minutes/current-meeting-agenda.

The Wyoming Game and Fish Commission approved a preliminary FY27 budget of $110.6 million during its March meeting in Torrington, with Mark Jolovich elected as new President and Rusty Bell as Vice President. The budget includes an $8.3 million increase driven by inflation and infrastructure needs, while the commission also reviewed mule deer monitoring research conducted across 25 of 37 herds statewide.

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is advising outdoor enthusiasts to exercise caution on trails and state parks affected by a record blizzard that dumped over 4 feet of snow in some Upper Peninsula areas March 15-16. DNR staff continue assessing conditions and warn of downed trees, power lines, and limited facility access in seven declared state of emergency counties.

The Michigan Iron Industry Museum in Negaunee closed indefinitely after heavy snow damaged roof trusses on February 21. Emergency stabilization begins March 23, with Mike Colleur from Colleur Construction and Will Rajala from WR Construction LLC removing 4-6 feet of snow from the compromised roof.

Pokagon State Park is hosting an Easter egg hunt for children up to age 10 on Saturday, April 4 at 2 p.m. at the Upper CCC Shelter Lawn. The event, sponsored by the Steuben County Tourism Bureau, features three age groups with prize baskets for golden egg winners.

Travelers' Rest State Park near Lolo is marking its 25th anniversary with a public open house on March 31 and 25 events throughout the year. Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks and Travelers' Rest Connection, supported by grants from Montana 250 Grant Program, Americana Corner's Preserving America Grant, and Park Side Credit Union, are celebrating this historic site's preservation of Lewis and Clark Expedition heritage and Native American culture.

The High Road Group released a new episode featuring PyramydAir.com's archery expansion, with host Keith Warren demonstrating gear at The Refuge Whitetails of Oklahoma and Air Venturi's Emily Phillippi joining co-host Johnny Piazza on a feral hog control hunt in Texas using crossbows.

Outdoor Sportsman Group Networks announces a packed Q2 schedule starting March 30, featuring new series and seasons across Outdoor Channel, Sportsman Channel, World Fishing Network, and MyOutdoorTV. Highlights include Chef Mike Robinson's Fishing the Wild, Heather Douville's Our Way of Life, and live McKenzie ASA Pro Am archery tournaments on Sportsman Channel.

Early last week I received an email message from one of local ranges. It got my attention because it wasn’t their usual weekly sales flyer.

Instead, it was an invitation to a free, two-hour event. Entitled “Eyes Up: Mastering Situational Awareness — Staying Safe in an Unpredictable World” it resonated

The event was put together by the range (Outpost Armory), Gun Owners of America, and the Right To Bear Association. If you are my age, that sounds reminiscent of one of the multiple weekly invitations to a “Free Dinner at the Luxury Steakhouse______.” If you’re not familiar with those pitches, they offer a basic meal in exchange for a pitch from a financial planner who’s going to hard-sell you on using their services. I’ve never attended, but I’ve watched people being herded into a private dining room where the planners are poised to pitch. Thanks, but I’ll pass.

The invitation actually did a good job of laying out the points that everyone should make part of their everyday routines:

— Developing a proactive, alert mindset
— Identifying pre-incident warning signs
— Avoiding danger through situational awareness
— Effective response strategies in public and private spaces
— Real-world scenarios and key lessons learned

None of their points are trivial. And not everyone is paying attention.

Recent surveys say young people become measurably anxious if they can’t check their screens at least once every three minutes. That means they’re oblivious to the peril of looking down when they should be looking around.

It’s worse if for teens (ages 13-19). Apparently, they spend an average of 7.5-8.5 hours per day looking at screens -excluding homework.

Today, you have a one-in-four chance of being in a traffic accident where at least one driver was distracted.

With those kinds of statistics, situational awareness should be listed as an endangered species.

We’re not the only place with that level of addiction. In Germany recently, it was difficult to navigate the streets because of young people walking while staring at their screens.

The fixation with the screens has moved from troublesome to potentially life-threatening. Living outside a major tourist trap (Nashville), frequent news items report on pedestrians being injured (or worse) by actually walking into traffic while staring at screens or taking selfies.

This isn’t a rant about screens. They make life easier - until they don’t.

You’ll never see me advocating for laws that restrict screens until certain ages.

That’s a job for parents, not legislators.

Like it or not, we live in a world where bad things happen. Angry people do unspeakable things to innocents every day. Screens distract from the real world.

We can joke about people “doing stupid things and winning stupid prizes” as if it’s what people deserve because they’re not paying attention. Stubbed toes are a good example.

Being killed by a would-be martyr, a mentally disturbed crazy or a drunken driver isn’t a joke. It is, however, a fact of the real world.

Our mantra should be “Heads up and eyes out.”  When your senses tell you something’s “off” - you need to get “off the X.”

The timeworn phrase most appropriate for today is simple: “if you don’t want to be eaten, don’t look like food.”

People are far more likely to be killed staring at their screens than noticing disturbances happening right in front of them. Walking into trouble doesn’t require intentionality. Walking away from it requires awareness.

Anything less than aware can prove fatal.

I have found myself in plenty of bad situations. Often on purpose. But that was a product of my profession, nothing else.

But having survived “situations,” I know the necessity of staying alert. I’ve tried to pass that on to my family. Should I say “get on my left side” or “get behind me” my family knows there’s a reason.

I’m putting myself between them and whatever’s on my right or in front of us. Not because I’m a superhero. I have the scars to prove I’m not. It’s only to demonstrate to whatever’s out there that we might not be the easiest target available.

Most often, that’s all that’s required. Preparedness doesn’t mean being combative or confrontational. It just means being present.

– Jim Shepherd