In observance of the federal holiday, the Outdoor Wire Digital Network will not be distributing any of our services on Monday, February 16. We'll be back in your email on Tuesday, February 17.
Blocker has launched two new Performance Hoodies designed specifically for turkey hunters: a Lightweight version for warm weather with moisture-wicking breathability, and a Midweight option with brushed fleece lining. Both feature a 3-piece articulated hood design and Blocker's S3® Anti-microbial finish to prevent odor.
Springfield Armory's Kuna 9mm has been selected as Best New PCC in 2025 by Guns.com Readers' Choice Awards. The PDW-style pistol features a roller-delayed operating system, ambidextrous controls, and is available in two versions priced at $1,179 and $1,330.
Harold Knight and David Hale, founders of Knight & Hale Game Calls, received the 2026 Fox Haas Conservation Lifetime Achievement Award during Mossy Oak's 40th anniversary celebration. The award honors their fifty-year legacy of innovation, ethical hunting advocacy, and land stewardship that has influenced generations of hunters and conservationists.
Heckler & Koch USA announced its 2025 sales awards, naming Covey Sales & Marketing as Rep Group of the Year, Jack Hale of Core Line Marketing as Overall Sales Rep of the Year, and Jake Lindemann from Owen J. Brown & Associates as Premium Dealer Sales Rep of the Year. HK achieved growth despite a challenging year for the firearms industry.
Houston Safari Club Foundation (HSCF) announced winners of its 2026 Photo Contest Awards recognizing outstanding photography celebrating hunting, wildlife, and conservation. Award recipients including Austin Woodall (Best in Show and Fan Favorite), Tracy Ellington, Kevin Ormston, and others were recognized at the HSCF Awards Banquet during the Worldwide Hunting Expo & Convention.
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources confirmed chronic wasting disease in a hunter-harvested deer from Gladwin County, making it the 18th Michigan county with CWD in wild deer. The Michigan State University Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory and the USDA's National Veterinary Services Laboratory confirmed the finding. The DNR urges hunters to submit samples and follow safety precautions when handling deer.
Team Remington shooters Brandon Powell and Todd Hitch earned top honors at the 2026 Caribbean Classic in Vero Beach, Florida, with Powell taking High Overall at the Lois Neely Memorial event and Hitch winning Prelim 1 and placing runner-up in multiple competitions using Remington Premier shotshells.
The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, Pennsylvania Game Commission, Pennsylvania Farm Bureau, and Hunters Sharing the Harvest held their third town hall meeting at the Great American Outdoor Show to address wildlife crop damage. The panel discussed expanded hunting opportunities, the Certified Hunter Program, and the Agricultural Deer Control Program, with Hunters Sharing the Harvest reporting record venison donations of 283,789 pounds during the 2024-25 season.
Secretary of the Interior Burgum announced a Request for Proposals in partnership with the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation to expand the Western Big Game Seasonal Habitat and Migration Corridors grant program, with funding from the Department of the Interior, U.S. Forest Service, and non-governmental partners. The Congressional Sportsmen's Foundation supports this effort to address habitat loss and fragmentation affecting wildlife migration.
Firearms Policy Coalition (FPC) announced a successful settlement in Shaffer v. Quattrone, eliminating New York's non-resident firearm carry ban. The State now confirms that residency is not required for firearm licensure, with Chautauqua, Steuben, Tioga, and Orange counties agreeing to accept applications from non-residents. FPC has established a New York Carry Hotline to report any licensing denials.
Rack Madness on March 4 at the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation headquarters offers professional antler scoring for white-tailed and mule deer, elk, antelope, and bear. The Oklahoma Wildlife Conservation Foundation and Oklahoma State Game Warden Association are giving away lifetime hunting and fishing licenses, with hourly prize drawings throughout the event.
The National Wild Turkey Federation's 50th anniversary celebration features a women-led Safety Social on February 14 at The Nashville Palace, hosted by Dianna Muller of Women for Gun Rights and Britt Winston of 2A Daddy. The event covers firearms fundamentals, personal safety, and Second Amendment education with networking opportunities.
The Gulf Council is requesting fishermen to submit feedback on gag grouper trends in the Gulf through their Fisherman Feedback Tool to inform an upcoming scientific stock assessment. Responses are due by March 13, 2026.
The Arizona Game and Fish Department reminds hunters that the deadline to update credit card information for 2026 pronghorn and elk hunt applications is 11:59 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 17. This same deadline applies to purchasing PointGuard products and opting into Arizona E-Tag for electronic hunt permit-tags.
Wiley X announced the appointment of Johnathan Weikum as Vice President of Sales. Weikum will lead the company's sales organization across all channels, overseeing strategic growth initiatives and key partnerships. He previously served as Director of Sales for Wiley X's Optical Division and held senior roles at Oakley and Costa Del Mar.
The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission is accepting internship applications until March 15, 2026, for college students interested in conservation. Funded by AGFC Conservation License Plate sales, internships are available statewide in wildlife management, fisheries management, conservation education, and other fields, offering hands-on experience working alongside AGFC professionals.
The U.S. Forest Service announced plans to hire up to 2,000 seasonal positions for summer 2026 to support active management work and improve visitor experiences on national forests and grasslands. Forest Service Chief Tom Schultz emphasized that seasonal employees are essential to keeping forests accessible and communities thriving, with recruitment focused on local residents through streamlined hiring processes.
The Indiana Department of Natural Resources Division of Law Enforcement is recruiting motivated individuals for Indiana Conservation Officer positions statewide. Applicants must be U.S. citizens, at least 21 years old by October 30, and pass a new Physical Agility Test. Interested candidates should complete the pre-screening test at on.IN.gov/ico-hiring to enter the hiring process.
Horus Vision announced the release of the TREMOR9™ reticle, now available in the HoVR® 5-20x50mm Riflescope and the FREE Horus Ballistics App. The reticle features patented wind dots and an enhanced field of view for rapid target acquisition, designed to work seamlessly as a complete system for long-range precision shooting.
The National Archery in the Schools Program (NASP) announced winners of its 2026 T-Shirt and Trading Pin Design Contest with the theme "NASP in the Outdoors." Winners include Enan Leavitt, Bentley Miller, Alia Hamm, Lauren Chuck, and Emily Harms, whose designs will be featured on official tournament apparel and merchandise nationwide.
Viridian Weapon Technologies has partnered with Kinsey's distributor network to expand dealer access across the U.S. market. The partnership makes Viridian's green laser sights, green dot optics, and weapon-mounted lighting solutions available through Kinsey's ordering platform, with Viridian exhibiting at the Kinsey's Dealer Show beginning February 19.
Davidson's and Pietta Firearms introduce the First Edition Migliore Series single-action revolver in .357 Magnum, featuring traditional color case-hardening by Parkwest Arms and hand inspection by Alessandro Pietta. Limited to 250 units with an MSRP of $1,214.99, each includes a Certificate of Authenticity signed by the Pietta brothers and Bryan Tucker, CEO of Davidson's.
Smith & Wesson Brands, Inc. announced the release of the Model 940-3, a 5-shot 9mm revolver featuring a stainless-steel frame, Tritium XS front night sight, and Hogue Over-Molded Rubber Bantam grip designed for everyday carry.
Viridian Weapon Technologies, a Minneapolis-based manufacturer of laser sights and tactical lights, has partnered with Bill Hicks & Co., a family-owned distributor, to expand dealer access to its green laser, green dot optic, and weapon-mounted light solutions through their dealer portal.
RETAY will unveil the Gamelander single-shot shotgun at the 2026 NWTF Convention in Nashville, featuring Deep Bore™ Drilled Barrels, AIRY™ recoil system, and adjustable cheek piece. Available in 20-gauge and .410 bore, the lightweight shotgun weighs 5lbs, 8oz and includes specialized turkey choke and brass front bead.
GrabAGun, Amend2, and Kinetic Development Group are launching SCARentines Day from February 13-16, offering an exclusive FN SCAR package that includes a KDG MREX rail system and Amend2 SCAR magazine. The limited-time promotion is available exclusively through GrabAGun's email newsletter.
Rock Island Armory / Armscor will exhibit at the 2026 Sports Inc. Buying Event in Phoenix, February 18–20, showcasing the new RIA-USA Pak-Out series and exclusive firearms at Booth 638. Account Manager Mike Barbour highlighted the company's commitment to quality and innovation for retailers and dealers.
Meprolight will showcase its optics lineup at Sports Inc Show Booth #1309, featuring the Mepro MCO PRO rifle scope, green reticle pistol optics (MPO Pro F, MPO Pro S, MPO F, MPO S), MVO variable riflescopes, backup sights (Mepro CABS and Mepro CRIS), and the Mepro M22 PRO. The company emphasizes its Unilateral Price Policy and Meproguard Lifetime Warranty for dealers and customers.
TriStar Arms will exhibit at the Sports Inc 2026 Outdoor Show in Phoenix, Arizona, February 18–20, 2026, showcasing new firearms including the Upland Hunter Thumbhole Stock, APOC PRO pistol, and KR22 rifle in new finishes. President Ryan Bader emphasized the company's focus on delivering reliable firearms with strong value.
Dead Air Silencers will sponsor and exhibit at the Safari Club International Convention February 18-21 in Nashville, Tennessee at booth #3054. The company will showcase new suppressor models including the Nomad Ti OTB and RXD30Ti, developed in collaboration with Ruger, along with their full hunting suppressor lineup.
Beretta celebrates its 500th anniversary at Safari Club International 2026 in Nashville, featuring live demonstrations by Pietro Beretta Selection artisans, an exclusive One-of-One collection, and the SO10 EELL USA 250th Anniversary Edition. The company showcases its conservation leadership and American manufacturing heritage from its Gallatin, Tennessee facility.
Taylor's & Company will exhibit at the 2026 Sports Inc. Show in Phoenix, Arizona from February 18-20, unveiling new USA-made rifle products including TC73 Rifle series additions. The company will showcase heritage-built firearms and dealer specials at booth #349.
Winchester will be featured on the iconic No. 3 Richard Childress Racing Chevrolet driven by Austin Dillon at the 2026 Daytona 500 on February 15. The partnership marks the 25th anniversary of Dale Earnhardt's passing and honors the legendary driver's legacy.
The Indiana Department of Natural Resources will host seven workshops across Indiana through February, April, and May to gather stakeholder input on developing Indiana's statewide water inventory and management plan under Governor Mike Braun's Executive Order 25-63. Attendees will provide feedback on regional water planning frameworks, water monitoring networks, and an online water data platform.
Jack Pearadin and Michael Schumacher discovered a historic 6.03-carat yellow diamond during a livestreamed search at Crater of Diamonds State Park in Arkansas on January 25. Named the Pearadin Schumacher American Dream Diamond, it ranks as the fourth-largest yellow diamond registered at the park since 1972.
Major League Fishing's 2026 Columbia PFG College Fishing National Championship Presented by Abu Garcia streams live on MLFNOW! from Lake Murray, South Carolina, featuring up to 160 collegiate teams competing for a top prize of $43,500 and a Phoenix 518 Pro Bass Boat. The three-day tournament airs Championship Saturday on MyOutdoorTV with broadcast team Chad McKee and Rob Newell.
Montana's wildlife employ diverse survival strategies during winter, including migration, hibernation, brumation, torpor, color changes, and food storage. Animals like bears, bats, frogs, and birds utilize biological adaptations such as antifreeze-like compounds, thickened fur coats, and metabolic slowdowns to endure cold temperatures and snow.
Black-tailed prairie dogs are ecosystem engineers that create habitat and shelter for other species while serving as prey for endangered black-footed ferrets. Amanda Hall, a nongame wildlife biologist with FWP, notes they are integral to environmental processes and essential for potential ferret reintroduction. FWP is partnering with landowners on conservation contracts in southeast Montana to preserve prairie dog habitat.
Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks biologists are conducting aerial surveys of mule deer and planning winter elk surveys across southwestern Montana, with ongoing research captures of elk, bighorn sheep, mountain goats, and wolves. These essential monitoring efforts use fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters to collect population health data and inform wildlife management decisions.
Mornings, when the prairies and ponds are still dew-frosted, one of the most enduring and effective partnerships in the outdoors goes to work. A hunter and their dog move together with purpose, guided by scent, sight, instinct, and a bond built over seasons.
The North American Versatile Hunting Dog Association currently recognizes 35 different breeds of versatile hunting dogs that have been bred and trained to dependably point game, to retrieve, and to track. Gun dog breeds have unique adaptations for hunting like the Chesapeake Bay Retriever’s waterproof coat that makes them suited for retrieving waterfowl from wetlands or the German Wirehaired Pointer’s thick coat that protects them against thorny underbrush when tracking game.
I’ll be the first to say I’m still finding my footing in the uplands. But on my last pheasant hunt at Peaceable Hill Game Farm and Preserve, I got a close look at what makes hunting behind a good dog so compelling. I was invited along with a colleague, his family, and their dog, Emma. Emma, a 4-year-old German Shorthaired Pointer, embodied the hallmarks her breed is known for. She moved with purpose, sweeping the field with an endurance that showed she could have kept going long after the rest of us were ready to pack it in.
When the morning ended, we retreated to Peaceable Hill’s lodge to thaw out and swap stories. Glenn Symon, the late owner of the preserve, joined us. For Symon, part of the excitement of upland bird hunting was watching how a dog works, in the subtle communication between handler and dog, and in witnessing the drive that carries a dog through the day’s mission. To him, seeing a pointing dog hold tightly on a bird while looking over to its human with a knowing “little wink or smile” was as much a part of a successful harvest as it was about a bond that lasts well past the season close.
Beyond companionship and effectiveness in the field, hunters with hunting dogs also represent a real and measurable economic force. According to the most recent National Survey on Fishing, Hunting, and Wildlife-Associated Recreation, approximately 1.2 million hunters reported dog-related expenditures tied to hunting, tracking, and aiding in game recovery. While this group represents only eight percent of the nation’s resident hunters, their collective impact is substantial. Together, their expenditures generated an estimated $11.8 billion in contributions to U.S. gross domestic product.
On average, each of these hunters spent about $374 annually on dogs and related goods and services. Those dollars extend far beyond basic pet supplies. Specialized training, often spanning months or years, supports professional trainers, kennels, and dedicated training facilities. Field gear designed for durability like protective vests, boots, and GPS tracking collars fuel manufacturing. Veterinary care is another essential component with clinics and specialists keeping canine partners healthy and field-ready with the care needed for working dogs.
Travel is also a significant portion of overall spending. Hunters frequently journey to other states or regions to pursue game, bringing their dogs along. These trips support lodging, fuel, dining, guide services, and local retailers, particularly in rural areas where hunting seasons provide a critical seasonal boost to local economies. The economic ripple effect of hunting also extends into conservation. License fees and federal excise taxes on firearms, ammunition, and select archery equipment help fund wildlife management, habitat restoration, and public land access through the Pittman-Robertson Act.
Hunting dogs can enhance the outdoor experience, sustain participation in outdoor pursuits, and help ensure that traditions rooted in stewardship continue. The thousands of hunting dogs, the millions spent annually, and the shared bond between hunters and canines show that dogs can be an integral part of hunting. These relationships, built over years of flushing birds from cover or waiting motionless in blinds drive success in the field, boosts economies, and preserve a heritage built on companionship.
