GrabAGun Digital Holdings Inc. completed its $34.0 million all-cash acquisition of Camfour LLC, a wholesale distributor of firearms, ammunition, and outdoor products. The transaction combines Camfour's established dealer network and manufacturer relationships with GrabAGun's proprietary technology, AI, and logistics capabilities to improve purchasing economics and inventory management across the firearms industry.

VIKTOS, a U.S. veteran-designed brand, introduces the Opsec Field Fleece as part of its Fall 2026 collection. The midweight 9.4 oz fleece features reinforced NyCo overlays, zippered pockets, and raglan sleeves for versatile use on the range, at work, or everyday wear, priced at $120.

Hayden Walkush, a master's student at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, received the Boone and Crockett Club Fellow Outstanding Achievement Award for his research on Wisconsin's black bears. His work, conducted under advisor Dr. Cady Sartini at UWSP's Wisconsin Center for Wildlife, studies bear movement through working forests and hunting areas in the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest.

Wilson Combat's BULWARK has been named 2026 Handgun of the Year by Guns & Ammo magazine. The compact duty pistol combines 15+1 capacity in 9mm with a 1911-style trigger and demonstrated flawless reliability and excellent accuracy in testing.

The Wyoming Game and Fish Department confirmed chronic wasting disease in Deer Hunt Area 156 in the Jackson Region for the first time, detected in an adult mule deer buck. The area is surrounded by previously CWD-positive hunt areas and Grand Teton National Park. Hunters are encouraged to submit samples for free CWD testing to assist monitoring efforts.

Team Beretta achieved multiple championship titles at the 2026 National Sporting Clays Championship in San Antonio, Texas, with Diane Sorantino winning Lady Veteran titles, Anthony Matarese, Jr. capturing the FITASC Championship, and Connor Daniel winning both 5 Stand and Top Gun Shoot Out events. Beretta also sponsored the Super Sporting event and showcased its competition firearms including the A400 Xcel, DT11 L, and 694 Black DLC.

Team Federal's Derrick Mein, a two-time Olympian, won the All-Around title at the 2026 NSCA National Championships in San Antonio, Texas, also placing Runner-Up in the Main Event, 5-Stand, and 20 Gauge events. The championship drew over 2,600 competitors from October 17-25, 2026.

Todd Hitch of Team Remington won the 2026 NSCA National Championship Main Event at the National Shooting Complex in San Antonio, Texas, drawing over 2,600 shooters. Hitch's victory, combined with his second consecutive U.S. Open title, solidifies his elite status in sporting clay shooting. Teammate Braxton Oliver also captured the K Kup overall title.

The Pronghorn Fund, established in 2024 and housed under The WYldlife Fund, secured a 233-acre conservation easement on the Wild Horse Ranch near Boulder through partnership with the Looney family and Jackson Hole Land Trust's Green River Valley Program, protecting critical pronghorn migration corridors in western Wyoming.

Dakota Jordan of Lander pleaded guilty to eight wildlife charges involving illegal deer, elk, and moose hunting dating to 2021. Circuit Court Judge Jefferson Coombs imposed lifetime hunting revocation, 96 days jail time, $18,000 in fines and restitution, and vehicle forfeiture. The Wyoming Game and Fish Department investigation, led by Game Warden Jon Desonier and deputy Fremont County Attorney Terry Martin, utilized forensic DNA analysis and location data to secure the conviction.

The Indiana Department of Natural Resources is accepting 2027 Lake and River Enhancement (LARE) program grant applications through Dec. 31. The program supports projects protecting aquatic habitat and improving water quality, funded by boat registration fees. In 2026, LARE awarded over $2.7 million to 69 projects across Indiana.

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks operated six game check stations in southwestern Montana during opening weekend, meeting 2,200 hunters who harvested 146 elk, 41 mule deer, and 18 white-tailed deer. Hunter participation and success rates varied across locations, with favorable conditions reported including new snowfall and calm weather.

Montana's general deer and elk hunting season opened in northwest Montana with nearly 1,900 hunters at Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks Region 1 check stations. Opening weekend showed a 7.4% hunter success rate, with lower overall harvest numbers for white-tailed deer and elk compared to 2025. The season runs through November 29.

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks check stations near Anaconda, Bonner, Darby, and Fish Creek reported slightly above average hunter traffic during the 2026 big game season opener on October 24. Wildlife managers Liz Bradley, Rebecca Mowry, and Kirstie Yeager noted increased either-sex white-tailed deer harvests and strong elk numbers across the region.

The FWP game check station in Augusta reported a four percent increase in hunters during the 2026 general rifle season opening weekend, with 235 hunters stopping by. Overall elk harvest was 83 percent above the ten-year average with 22 elk checked, while deer harvest was 11 percent above average with 31 total deer reported.

The Arizona Game and Fish Department has posted leftover hunt permit-tags from the 2027 Spring Draw. Paper applications are accepted by U.S. mail only beginning Monday, Nov. 2, and must be sent to the AZGFD Phoenix office.

The Arizona Game and Fish Department will make 2,655 over-the-counter nonpermit-tags available for nonresident archery deer hunters beginning November 2, 2026, at 8 a.m. Arizona time. Online-only sales will be first-come, first-served, with special provisions for Pioneer, Lifetime, Benefactor, and Disabled Veteran license holders.

Insight Media Stream revealed a digital advertising campaign for a tree stand manufacturer that achieved over 5.2 million impressions and 105,900 clicks in one month with an industry-leading average CPC of $0.19 and 2.04% click-through rate using Demand Gen and display video strategies.

Springfield Armory and HS Produkt announced the Spanish National Police (Policía Nacional) officially adopted the Echelon 4.0FC 9mm pistol as its issued duty weapon. The fully ambidextrous pistol was selected after rigorous testing and competed against numerous international manufacturers.

FFLGuard and FastBound announced the launch of SkipForm4.com, a compliance platform helping firearm dealers and buyers evaluate suppressor-transfer eligibility under the Silencer Shop court injunction. The platform provides eligibility checks and emailed records for both parties without requiring the traditional Form 4 process.

The North Dakota Game and Fish Department confirmed invasive zebra mussels in Lake Sakakawea's eastern portion after detecting larvae in routine sampling. Ben Holen, the department's aquatic nuisance species coordinator, reported two adult mussels near Highway 83 Embankment. Expanded surveys with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will assess the infestation's extent.

Arkansas Game and Fish Commission and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers responded to giant salvinia discovery near White Cliffs Public Use Area on the Little River. Matt Horton's rapid response team contained the invasive plant across 1,900 feet of shoreline, removing over 900 pounds, with plans for herbicide treatment and controlled burns to prevent spread to Millwood Lake.

ZeroTech Optics USA announced its Adjustable BDC Turrets, featuring five customizable Adjustable Impact Markers that allow hunters and shooters to personalize distance references without tools while retaining traditional elevation markings. Compatible with select Thrive X and Thrive HD riflescope models, the system enables marker repositioning when ammunition or conditions change.

The International Hunter Education Association–USA conducted its first Western Basic Hunting Incident Investigation Academy in partnership with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, bringing together 28 officers from state, tribal, and federal agencies including the Colville, Spokane, Kalispel tribes, and Bureau of Land Management to strengthen investigative capabilities and inter-agency cooperation.

XS Sights has released R3D 2.0 night sights for CZ P-09 Nocturne pistols, featuring dual-illumination 3-dot designs with green or orange Glow Dot front sights and tritium. The sights are backed by a Limited Lifetime Warranty and 12-year illumination warranty.

SK Guns unveils La Catrina, the second limited-edition release in its Folklore Series, featuring only 200 Full-Size Government Colt 1911s chambered in .38 Super. Each custom firearm showcases intricate engraving honoring Mexican folklore and Día de los Muertos traditions, with 24k gold and .999 silver plating crafted by SK Customs' master artisans.

Smith & Wesson Brands, Inc. announces the release of two classic revolvers: the Model 22 of 1917 Classic chambered in .45 ACP and the versatile Model 22 Classic available in both .45 Auto and .45 Colt. Both feature blued N-Frame construction, 6-shot capacity, and heritage-driven design elements honoring the company's military revolver legacy.

Apex Ammunition and 24.7 Hunt have partnered to launch the Cold Front™ Waterfowl series of shotshells in 12- and 20-gauge, featuring graphite-coated, zinc-plated steel shot and a Limited Bore Contact WAD System designed for improved pattern consistency and velocity retention during waterfowl hunting season.

GRITR Sports, a Texas firearms retailer, is offering 20% off flashlights and optics with coupon code DARKNESS from October 26 through November 2, plus Monster Deals on specially selected products at discounted prices.

Santa's Wonderland returns to Bass Pro Shops and Cabela's locations across the U.S. and Canada starting November 7, offering FREE studio-quality photos with Santa, kids' crafts, and holiday giveaways through Christmas Eve. Now in its 18th season, this beloved tradition provides families with complimentary holiday experiences and festive activities.

The Headrest Safe Company will exhibit at the 2026 SEMA Show in Las Vegas, showcasing its discreet in-vehicle storage solutions including the Vulcan, Slide, and Compact Headrest Safe models designed for automotive enthusiasts and daily drivers.

Excalibur Crossbow has been named the official crossbow sponsor of Artemis Sportswomen's Mentored Crossbow Hunt taking place November 5-8, 2026, in Naples, New York. Excalibur pro-staff member Bethany Beathard will serve as a mentor, helping women develop crossbow hunting skills in a supportive environment hosted by Artemis Sportswomen, The Nature Conservancy, and other partners.

The Wyoming Game and Fish Department will host a public meeting on November 10 in Cheyenne to gather input on proposed changes to Chapter 31, Regulation Governing Authorized License Selling Agents, and Chapter 71, Commercially Guided Fishing Boats. The public comment period is open until December 8.

The Utah Geological Survey has opened a new paleontological excavation site estimated at 138-141 million years old, potentially the oldest Cretaceous dinosaur bonebed in North America. State Paleontologist Jim Kirkland and Assistant State Paleontologist Don DeBlieux are investigating the end-Jurassic mass extinction that eliminated Morrison Formation dinosaurs like Stegosaurus and Allosaurus. The site contains remains of a newly discovered armored dinosaur species being named in DeBlieux's honor as he retires after 25 years of collaboration.

The Wyoming Game and Fish Commission will meet November 5-6 at the Cody Regional Office with in-person and virtual Zoom options. The meeting includes presentations, discussions, and approval of multi-year season-setting for hunting. On November 5, the Wyoming Game and Fish Department will induct four new members to the Outdoor Hall of Fame at the Buffalo Bill Center of the West.

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks seeks public comment on a proposal to expand the Glasgow Shooting Range through a lease agreement with the City of Glasgow. FWP would improve existing rifle and archery ranges and manage the facility for day-use recreational shooting. The comment deadline is November 4.

Field & Stream TV announced its Q4 2026 broadcast schedule featuring thirteen weeks of original fishing and hunting programming beginning September 28. The lineup includes Spanish Fly – The Next Generation, Sport Fishing TV – State of the Ocean narrated by Guy Harvey, Scott Martin Challenge, In Season with Gregg Ritz, and Wingshooting USA across FAST channels.

Shooting USA features the NRA Competitive Shooting Division's first America's Rifle Challenge regional competition at Pete Lien and Son's shooting center in Rapid City, South Dakota. The episode includes an interview with Pro Bull Riders CEO Sean Gleason about long range shooting, new Hornady security technology, and a Canik ProTip with champion Nils Jonnason.

The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources is hosting a free wildlife-watching event on November 7 at Nash Wash Wildlife Management Area near Thompson Springs. Visitors can observe mule deer during breeding season from their vehicles along maintained dirt roads, with DWR Regional Outreach Manager Brandon Behling noting November offers excellent viewing opportunities.

Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department biologists surveyed oak and beech stands and found variable acorn production across the state, with poor crops in Northern Vermont and poor to excellent production in central and southern areas. Beechnut production was poor throughout most of Vermont, with complete crop failures at most sites. Bear biologist Jaclyn Comeau recommends Vermonters secure bear attractants like garbage and birdseed until winter arrives.

So, it turns out we're not imagining it.

Sharks actually are chasing our boats when we move from reef to reef looking for grouper and snapper in the Gulf of America.

A new NOAA Fisheries study shows that shark depredation in the Gulf has tripled since 2005. The numbers back up what many offshore anglers have been saying for years: More hooked fish are getting eaten before they reach the boat.

NOAA biologists Dr. William Driggers and Dr. Walter Ingram analyzed 20 years of data from the agency's annual Bottom Longline Survey. Researchers examined 27,001 fish caught during 2,846 survey sets from 2005 through 2025, documenting 1,508 verified depredation events. They identified the predator in 547 cases, and sharks accounted for more than 99 percent of those identifications. The leading culprits were sandbar, blacktip, bull and tiger sharks.

Red snapper depredation also increased, reaching its highest levels in years. Lots more snapper plus lots more sharks equals more predation.

Anyone who has spent much time offshore knows the drill. You hook a good snapper, fight it halfway up, and suddenly the line goes slack or you bring up a head and a few scraps. Sometimes sharks follow the boat from one spot to another, waiting for the next fish. Sometimes they seem to come running at the sound of the anchor going over the side or the trolling motor spot-locking.

NOAA has been cautious about attributing the increase to growing shark populations, although some stocks have clearly rebuilt after decades of protection. Others remain depleted or have uncertain status.

In places I've fished, there sure seem to be plenty of sharks. This isn't just an offshore problem, either. Tarpon anglers at Boca Grande and Egmont Pass sometimes struggle to get a whole fish to the boat, and released tarpon can be attacked almost immediately by large hammerheads and bull sharks.

I've personally had days at Pensacola Beach Pier when it was nearly impossible to get a pompano, whiting or redfish over the rail because sandbar sharks were swarming around the pilings. Anglers who fish the same waters year after year have their own ideas about what's changed. NOAA's assessments should help establish whether those observations match population trends.

Are Sharks Learning to Follow Us?

NOAA began a new sandbar shark stock assessment in May 2026, with results expected in early 2027. If researchers develop a successful alternative method for estimating shark populations, the agency plans to begin a bull shark assessment in late 2027.

The agency is also investigating whether sharks learn to associate fishing activity with easy meals. If you've watched sharks follow your boat from one reef to another, the idea won't seem far-fetched. Boat engines, hauled gear and discarded undersized fish may all signal that dinner is served.

NOAA plans to track tagged sharks in high-depredation-risk areas for a year, while recreational and for-hire anglers report their fishing activity and depredation rates. Researchers hope to determine whether the behavior is concentrated among particular sharks or widespread throughout the population. Do they learn from each other like dolphin? It appears maybe they do.

Can We Keep More Fish Alive?

NOAA is evaluating potential deterrents, including electromagnetic devices and certain metals intended to discourage sharks from attacking hooked fish. Effectiveness varies by species and conditions, and the agency is reviewing both performance and cost.

Anglers can also improve the chances of survival for reef fish that must be released, although that won't stop sharks from eating fish still on the line.

Return 'Em Right is an angler-focused program offering free online training in proper reef-fish release techniques. Eligible anglers who complete the training can obtain a release-gear kit valued at $100 for the cost of shipping and handling.

The program addresses barotrauma, which occurs when fish such as snapper and grouper are brought up from deep water and expanding gases affect their ability to return to depth. Some fish become too buoyant to swim down, leaving them floating at the surface and vulnerable to predators.

Return 'Em Right recommends descending devices that take affected fish back to depth. These include weighted hooks and specialized tools that release the fish underwater. Anglers should remove hooks carefully and return fish promptly; when barotrauma is evident, descending is generally preferred to simply tossing the fish overboard. The program's training explains how to recognize the problem and use release equipment properly.

Those practices won't solve depredation, but they can reduce deaths among released fish. More information and training are available at the Return 'Em Right website.

Getting rid of the sharks via commercial harvest, which is largely what decimated populations earlier, probably won’t work now. 

The U.S. shark-meat business is relatively small, and domestic and export markets are shaky. Shipping a bulky, relatively low-value product that spoils quickly long distances can make the economics difficult. And not every shark population could sustain increased harvest.

NOAA is considering adjustments to shark catch limits based on stock assessments. The big question is whether a commercially viable fishery could remove enough of the sharks responsible for depredation to noticeably improve recreational fishing.

– Frank Sargeant, Editor,  The Water Wire