Professional archer Tim Gillingham has rejoined Bowtech Archery as a brand ambassador. Gillingham will collaborate with Bowtech on competitive archery, hunting initiatives, and product development, leveraging his decades of experience and expertise to advance the company's performance and innovation.

Carbon Express Pro-Staff archers earned gold and silver medals at USA Archery's Field/3D Nationals and World Championships Team Trials in Yankton, SD. James Lutz won gold in Men's Compound, while Robbie Weissinger and Ryan Davis took gold and silver in Men's Barebow, all competing with Carbon Express Nano Pro arrows and TruFire equipment.

The Friends of the Edson Fichter Nature Area invites the public to guided birding walks on select Saturdays in June, July, and August. Adult-only and family walks will be led by knowledgeable local birders to help participants spot and identify nearly 100 bird species at the 40-acre nature area managed by the Idaho Department of Fish and Game.

The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission will remove sand at Diver's Bay and Martin Bay Low-Water boat ramps at Lake McConaughy State Recreation Area from June 30 to July 2 to maintain boating access during low water conditions.

Team Ruger's Lauryl Akenhead won Top Lady, Top Suppressor, and placed eighth overall at the 2026 Bullet Central Northern Lights Classic in Aneta, North Dakota, competing against 86 shooters with her Ruger American Gen II rifle in 6mm GT across 19 challenging stages.

Remington Ammunition's Brandon Powell won his second consecutive NSCA regional championship at the 2026 Southeast Regional in Florida, while Madison Sharpe claimed Lady Champion honors. The event featured 706 shooters at Quail Creek Sporting Ranch, with additional Team Remington members including Braxton Oliver, Todd Hitch, and Michael Luongo earning top finishes.

Maine Game Wardens arrested Devin Lafrance, 21, of Waterboro and charged him with aggravated assault, reckless ATV operation, and failing to stop and identify after he struck and dragged a landowner on Pequawket Lake Road in Limington on June 2. The arrest followed multiple public tips, video evidence, and trail camera footage that helped investigators identify the ATV and rider.

The Idaho Department of Fish and Game is studying the rapidly expanding walleye population in the lower Snake River through a new tagging study. Anglers are encouraged to report tagged walleye and harvest all caught fish to protect juvenile salmon and steelhead from predation by this invasive species.

The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources will host a free public viewing event on June 27 at the San Rafael Swinging Bridge to observe three native fish species: bluehead sucker, flannelmouth sucker, and roundtail chub. Biologists will explain species identification, adaptation to desert environments, and conservation restoration efforts.

Idaho Fish and Game closed sport fishery for Chinook salmon in the Little Salmon River on June 8 after harvest objectives were met. The Lochsa River remains the only open Chinook fishery, while the South Fork Salmon River and Upper Salmon River will open June 18.

Idaho Fish and Game will host statewide Free Fishing Day events on June 13, allowing anyone to fish without a license. Fish and Game employees will provide gear and instruction at various locations, with about 243,000 catchable rainbow trout stocked throughout the state for the occasion.

The Kids Fishing Day Team celebrates its 33rd anniversary on June 13 at Michigan DNR Pocket Park in Escanaba. The free event for youth ages 16 and younger features bluegill fishing, archery, pellet gun ranges, and activities like minnow races and face painting, with support from Bay de Noc Great Lakes Sports Fishermen, Inc., Michigan DNR, and Hiawatha National Forest.

The Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department reminds anglers that open fires and swimming are prohibited at all state fishing access areas. The department maintains 205 developed fishing access areas and will strictly enforce regulations this summer, with Col. Justin Stedman encouraging reporting of violations through Operation Game Thief.

The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission is hosting free fishing derbies at four warmwater fish hatcheries on Saturday, June 13. Registration is open at www.agfc.com/freefishing, with derbies running from 8 a.m. to noon featuring catchable-sized catfish at Joe Hogan, Andrew Hulsey, William H. Donham, and Charlie Craig State Fish Hatcheries.

Idaho announces new rules effective 2026: the deadline to exchange general season deer and elk tags moves to July 31, and residency requirements for Lifetime License Certificates increase to 5 years as of July 1.

The Idaho Department of Fish and Game and Idaho Wild Sheep Foundation are offering the 2026 Idaho Bighorn Sheep Lottery Tag with entries due July 20. Proceeds support wildlife disease research to increase bighorn sheep populations in Idaho and the west.

Idaho Fish and Game announced first-round Super Hunt drawing results with 153,000 entries competing for tags. Idaho hunters won 13 of 18 tags across deer, elk, pronghorn, and moose categories. A second drawing runs through Aug. 10 for additional tags.

The Indiana Department of Natural Resources will conduct aerial mating disruption treatments using SPLAT GM-Organic in Huntington County on June 19 to control spongy moth, an invasive forest pest. A yellow airplane will spray the biodegradable pheromone treatment at sunrise to confuse male moths and prevent mating.

House Natural Resources Committee leaders Chairman Bruce Westerman and Ranking Member Huffman introduced the bipartisan Great American Outdoors Act 250, reauthorizing the 2020 landmark bill. The Congressional Sportsmen's Foundation praised the legislation for reauthorizing the Legacy Restoration Fund and establishing a pilot program allowing up to 15% of funding for outdoor recreation and sportsmen's access projects.

Safari Club International commends Chairman Bruce Westerman and Ranking Member Jared Huffman for advancing bipartisan legislation investing $1.9 billion in America's national parks and public lands over five years. The initiative is projected to create approximately 72,500 jobs and generate $26.4 billion in economic activity while strengthening conservation and outdoor access.

Delta Waterfowl praised House Natural Resources Committee Chairman Bruce Westerman and Ranking Member Jared Huffman for introducing bipartisan legislation to reauthorize the Legacy Restoration Fund, which would provide $95 million annually for five years to address deferred maintenance on federal public lands and improve waterfowl habitat.

Ducks Unlimited CEO Adam Putnam expressed support for the bipartisan Great American Outdoors Act 250, introduced by House Natural Resources Committee Chairman Bruce Westerman and Ranking Member Jared Huffman. The legislation would invest $1.9 billion over five years in national parks, public lands, and recreational infrastructure benefiting hunters and anglers.

The Second Amendment Foundation submitted formal testimony to the Virgin Islands legislature opposing Bill No. 36-0144, urging a wait-and-see approach due to pending Supreme Court and Third Circuit cases that will impact the bill's constitutionality, including Wolford v. Lopez and Koons v. Attorney General of New Jersey.

Ducks Unlimited has renewed its partnership with Higdon Outdoors, designating them as the Official Decoy and a Proud Partner. Since 2015, Higdon Outdoors has designed and manufactured officially licensed DU products, with proceeds supporting wetlands and waterfowl conservation across North America.

WildLife Partners has renewed its corporate partnership with Houston Safari Club Foundation (HSCF), continuing support since 2016 for hunting education, conservation, and heritage preservation. The partnership reflects shared commitment to wildlife conservation and sustainable management practices across Texas and beyond.

The Bowhunter Podcast, in partnership with Poncho Outdoors, featured 9/11 survivor and retired Port Authority police officer Will Jimeno discussing his experience and his book "Sunrise Through The Darkness," co-authored with Michael Moats. The episode is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and Podbean.

WOOX, an Italian-American gunstock manufacturer, announced the new Elegante line of bolt-action rifle stocks crafted from hand-selected Claro American Walnut with aerospace-grade aluminum chassis. Available in Sporter and Hybrid platforms with Standard or High-Grade walnut options, the stocks weigh 30-35 ounces and are compatible with Remington 700, Ruger 10/22, and Ruger American Gen2 platforms.

Bear Creek Arsenal is expanding its lineup with new 30-30 Winchester rifle and upper assembly options, launching June 11th. The offerings feature a 20-inch parkerized SOCOM barrel, right and rear charging options, mid-length gas system, and MLOK split rail handguard at accessible price points.

Fish Monkey expands beyond gloves to offer a complete warm-weather protection system including UPF-rated gloves, face guards, and American-made merino wool socks for anglers. The coordinated lineup features models like the Stubby, Half-Finger Guide Glove, Pro 365, and Free Style, with an Americana collection available across multiple categories.

Liberty Ammunition has launched Liberty SPIKE 2.0, a revolutionary .380 and 9mm ammunition featuring a patented projectile design. According to CEO Gary Ramey, SPIKE 2.0 delivers 43% more energy than Sig Elite and 37% more than Hornady Critical Defense, with exceptional penetration performance.

Zanders, a national distributor based in Sparta, Illinois, announced it is now carrying the Sub-One Rifle from Great Lakes Firearms & Ammunition. The lightweight rifle features a carbon fiber stock, fluted barrel, and adjustable trigger system, available in multiple calibers and barrel lengths.

BANISH Suppressors announces the VRMT 223K Ti, a lightweight .224-caliber suppressor designed for truck guns and varmint hunting. The titanium suppressor weighs 8 ounces, measures 4.7 inches long, and reduces sound by over 25.9 decibels, with an MSRP of $679.

Blue Force Gear, a premier American manufacturer of weapon slings and tactical gear, has partnered with Silencer Shop, the nation's largest suppressor distributor. Customers can now purchase suppressors and Blue Force Gear products including the popular Vickers Sling through a single online destination.

Safariland and Haley Strategic Partners launched the BASELINE™ belt line, featuring the BASELINE Slick Belt and BASELINE MOLLE Belt with innovative closure systems and modular accessories. The collection includes D3 Pro Inner Belts, Mandible MOLLE Straps, and various pouches designed for durability and customization.

Dead Down Wind introduces its All-in-One Hygiene Kit, a practical Father's Day gift featuring scent-eliminating personal care products including body wash, deodorant, boot powder, toothpaste, and lip balm in a durable carry bag. Available now at retailers nationwide and deaddownwind.com.

EchoCore Suppressors will showcase its premium suppressor lineup at Ohio SuppressorFest 2026, hosted by Black Wing Shooting Center in Delaware, Ohio on June 13th. The event features hands-on demonstrations and live-fire evaluation of the latest suppressor technology, including EchoCore's award-winning Sector 5.56 models and other innovative products.

Berger, a manufacturer of premium bullets for competitive long-range shooters and sportsmen, will showcase its product lineup at the 2026 Game Fair in Lamotte-Beuvron, France, June 12-14. Attendees can visit Booth G09 to explore Berger's latest offerings, including the 300 PRC 217 Grain Elite Hunter and 7mm PRC Elite Hunter rifle ammunition.

Dark Energy, a portable power company founded by Garrett Aida, has joined Whitetails Unlimited as a national sponsor. WTU President Jeff Schinkten praised Dark Energy's reliable power solutions for hunters, highlighting products like The Reservoir and Poseidon power banks designed for outdoor conditions.

The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission meetings scheduled for June 11 and 12 in North Platte will be held at Mid-Plains Community College North Campus in the W.W. Wood Building. Meeting agendas and proposed regulation changes are available on OutdoorNebraska.gov.

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks will host a free bear aware educational talk on June 16 at 6 p.m. at the FWP Region 1 office in Kalispell. The presentation will cover bear biology, conflict prevention, and safe bear spray use.

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks, Sun River Watershed Group, and Bighorn Outdoor Specialists will host a free bear safety workshop on June 24 in Great Falls. The event features training on bear spray use, safety practices, and a simulated charging bear demonstration with inert bear spray.

Saturday, for the first time in twenty-five years, we’ll be sending you an email.

It won’t be a “special message from our sponsors” or “a unique opportunity for our readers” - we still don’t sell or share your information.

It will be The Outdoor Wire’s first Weekend Edition, a recap of significant news of the past week, a preview of the week ahead, a planning calendar and a longer feature (or two) you can read at your leisure.

For more than two decades I’ve resisted expansion into weekends. Not because I though there wouldn’t be news. News is always happening. My rationale was more selfish.

After a week of writing about the outdoors, I wanted weekends to be spent in the outdoors.  

Primarily because our entire editorial staff was singular. If there was a feature, I wrote it. Ditto the news “blurbs,” keeping the calendars up to date, and anything else that needed doing. I needed the weekend, despite the fact mine ended every Saturday night.

Today, The Outdoor Wire is a digital network, a solid group of subject matter experts, editors, and writers. Instead of one voice spread too-thin, we have the collective wisdom of a group of skilled communicators, with decidedly different writing styles and a variety of ages, I believe that’s to everyone’s advantage.

Very early in the news business I learned a simple truth: “None of us is as smart as all of us.”

That’s why old-time newsrooms were magical. Different experiences, different viewpoints, different nationalities, colors, genders, etc., etc., all guided by the desire to answer seven simple questions: who, what, why, when, where, how, and how much.

Those seven questions, answered honestly - without shading - explained everything from transportation tragedies to political skullduggery.

Today, our newsroom is virtual. I miss the yeasty mix of personalities, the chatter of wire machines and police scanners running constantly in the background. But we have advantages never dreamed of in those days. If we can get to the internet, we can work from anywhere in the world. Smart phones can send everything from written stories and audio actualities to live video. Unfortunately, instantaneous abilities don’t impute intelligence or discernment.

Democratization of media has given megaphones to some who probably needed corks, not amplifiers. Information is distributed to drive “likes” or “clicks” or “followers.”

Answering those seven questions isn’t a concern. They’re obsessed with being in touch, but have nothing to say.  

Today, without the constant responsibility of feeding the daily news beast (thanks, team!)  I enjoy time to read, consider and absorb the news. That means I like longer looks at things. The longer looks, despite our increasingly shorter attention spans, still helps put life in perspective.

Newspapers realized that long before they became irrelevant. Their Sunday editions were chock full of longer form stories, photo essays, and book reviews. The things that couldn’t be explained in 750-words, inverted pyramid style.

That is not saying we’re going to offer endless scrolling for something of interest inside a lengthy weekend edition.

Weekends are your time. We don’t plan to intrude on it.

We do want to offer a quick look back, a brief glimpse forward and a feature or two for your consideration.

Speaking of the return of our calendar… we need your help with that.

If you have an event that you think deserves regional or national attention, send it to calendar@theoutdoorwire.com. Be sure to include dates, location, and any internet links to the event. We will give it a look and place it in all the appropriate wires.

As always, we’ll keep you posted.

—Jim Shepherd