On Target Magazine awarded Federal Ammunition's 7mm Backcountry cartridge a 2025 Editors' Choice Award as part of its 24th annual awards program. The cartridge features patented Peak Alloy case technology and is engineered for short-barreled hunting rifles, achieving 3,000 feet per second through 20-inch barrels with 170-grain bullets.

The Houston Safari Club Foundation (HSCF) has named Dr. Louis A. Harveson, Associate Provost at Sul Ross State University and founder of the Borderlands Research Institute, as the 2026 HSCF Conservationist of the Year. The award recognizes his lifelong commitment to conservation science, wildlife management on private lands, and mentorship of over 70 graduate students across Texas and the U.S.–Mexico borderlands.

Kim Rhode, a decorated U.S. Olympic athlete and Team Winchester member, received the NSSF Ken Sedlecky Lifetime Achievement Award at the SHOT Show. Rhode competed in six consecutive Olympic Games, earning six medals across three shotgun disciplines, and has contributed extensively to youth shooting programs and firearm safety advocacy.

The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources is hosting two waterbird viewing events in southern Utah this month. The Delta Snow Goose Festival (Feb. 20-21) features free viewing at Gunnison Bend Reservoir where up to 20,000 snow geese gather, while a Jackson Flat Reservoir event (Feb. 21) showcases various duck species and other waterbirds with DWR biologists available to assist.

Hornady will host the Zombies in the Heartland 3-Gun Match May 29-31, 2026, at Heartland Public Shooting Park in Grand Island, Nebraska. The match features reactive targets and requires competitors to use pistol, rifle, and shotgun, or pistol-caliber carbine and shotgun in the PCC Division. Registration is open via Practiscore.

FWP announced winners of its hunting dog photo contest from nearly 500 entries. Mike Clingan's chocolate Lab Crosby won with 1,000 votes, while Adam Hunt's wirehaired pointing griffon Crockett received almost 850 votes. Both dogs are accomplished hunters with extensive experience across multiple states and hunting disciplines.

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is investigating the illegal killing of a bull moose found along Middle Cottonwood Trail near Bozeman on January 28. The moose carcass had a single fatal bullet wound. Tipsters may be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000.

T4E (Training for Engagement), a brand of Umarex USA, will showcase force-on-force and scenario-based training equipment at the Arizona Tactical Officers Association Annual Conference on February 18–19. The company demonstrates how realistic training tools enhance officer readiness while reducing costs and logistical barriers compared to live-fire training.

The Gulf Council will hold a meeting of its Standing and Shrimp Scientific and Statistical Committees on February 24-26, 2026, in Tampa, Florida. The SSC will review SEDAR 87 Gulf Penaeid Shrimp Stock Assessments, MRIP-FES recalibrations, greater amberjack interim analysis, and SEDAR 100 Gulf Gray Triggerfish assessment.

NOAA Fisheries reduced the 2026 Gulf commercial greater amberjack annual catch limit to 92,816 pounds effective January 5, 2026, due to 2025 landings exceeding the limit by 8,184 pounds. The reduction is required by Gulf Fishery Management Council accountability measures to protect the overfished greater amberjack population.

Georgia Wildlife Federation will distribute 180 native trees across two locations to celebrate its 90th anniversary, with support from a ReLeaf Grant from the Georgia Tree Council. The giveaway aims to expand urban tree canopy in Gwinnett and Newton Counties while promoting long-term stewardship and community conservation.

The Michigan Mass Timber Catalyst Program awarded $350,000 combined with technical assistance to nine building projects statewide, including Genesis in Highland Park, CoHab House in Lansing, and the Sam Beauford Woodworking Institute in Adrian. A supplemental application period for Upper Peninsula projects runs February 9 to March 2, with $50,000 available.

TUO Pro Trey Douglas shares expert coyote hunting strategies for late winter, covering weather conditions, calling techniques, rifle selection, and TUO gear recommendations including the AMP Pants, Clime Pants, Kinetic Merino 350 Hoodie, Clement Puffy Jacket, and Molten Heated Vest for optimal performance in cold conditions.

Montana FWP reminds hunters to use the Thank a Landowner web portal by February 28 to express gratitude to landowners who granted hunting access. Nearly 400 hunters have already submitted thank you notes through the portal, part of FWP's It's Up To Us campaign promoting ethical hunting and improving hunter-landowner relationships.

The Pennsylvania Game Commission will release approximately 8,400 pheasants, mostly hens, on February 11-12 across six regions to provide late-season hunting opportunities through February 28. Wildlife Operations Division Chief Ian Gregg explained the birds were held as an insurance policy against disease but will now be released since flocks remain healthy.

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks and the National Wild Turkey Federation are organizing a special youth turkey hunt in the Flathead Valley on May 2-3, 2026. Youth ages 10-15 can apply for this free educational opportunity with mentors. The drawing occurs March 21 at The Rendezvous in Columbia Falls.

The Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department is offering a New Instructor Training Course on April 11 at the Randolph Fish and Game Club for volunteers interested in teaching Hunter Education courses. The training covers policies, field techniques, and teaching methods to prepare instructors to educate future hunters on safe and enjoyable hunting experiences.

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is accepting applications starting March 1 for limited hunting opportunities at the 245-acre Foys Bend Fisheries Conservation Area near Kalispell for 2026 spring and fall seasons. A lottery system manages access to the property, which also hosts the Roosters for Recruitment Program.

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is launching its new License Ambassador program on March 1, 2026, transitioning license sales to an online licensing system. The program allows additional businesses to sell hunting and fishing licenses while phasing out outdated point-of-sale equipment.

Traditions® Performance Firearms announced Arizona's approval of Federal Premium® FireStick™ technology for muzzleloader season. The FireStick system offers improved safety, consistency, and reliability, with Traditions' NitroFire® and new NitroBolt® muzzleloaders designed for compatibility.

ATF Deputy Director Robert Cekada, President Trump's nominee to lead the agency, testified before the Senate Judiciary Committee and pledged to focus on violent crime while protecting Second Amendment rights. The NSSF expressed strong support for Cekada's confirmation, praising his three decades in law enforcement and commitment to not burdening lawful gun owners.

ZeroTech launches the Thrive HD 1-8x24 LPVO RAR Illuminated riflescope, engineered for rapid target acquisition at 1x magnification and precision at extended distances. The optic features a 30mm maintube, 7075-T6 aircraft-grade aluminum construction, and RAR illuminated reticle optimized for tactical, competition, and hunting applications.

ZeroTech Optics introduces two new reticle options for its Thrive 3-9x40 riflescope platform: the G4 for fast target acquisition and the PHR4 for precise shot placement. Both models maintain the rugged construction and optical performance expected from the Thrive family and are available through authorized dealers and online.

The Wild Sheep Foundation concluded its 49th annual convention in Reno, Nevada, raising record funding for wild sheep conservation. Gray N. Thornton, WSF president and CEO, highlighted that millions of dollars will support wildlife agencies and partners in management programs, with a conservation permit selling for $1 million.

Dallas Safari Club announced Russell Stacy as its new Chief Executive Officer. Stacy, a fourth-generation agri-business operator and DSC Life Member, previously served on the DSC and DSC Foundation Boards. He will lead DSC as it temporarily relocates its annual Convention to Atlanta in 2026-2027 and Houston in 2028-2029.

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources reminds snowmobilers and ORV riders to prioritize safety during optimal snow conditions and the Presidents Day weekend. Key safety tips include riding at safe speeds, staying sober, and making complete stops at intersections.

Elite Survival Systems announces the Sentinel CCW Pack, a cross-body concealed carry sling designed for discreet off-body carry with rapid access capabilities. Priced at $69.95, the pack features an adjustable universal holster, ambidextrous access, and everyday styling while accommodating full-size handguns including Glock 17 models with optics.

Avian-X announces the launch of Ridge Runner and Ridge Runner X turkey vests designed for mobile hunters, featuring backpack-style designs with EVA-molded call pockets and magnetic quick-deploy seats. Limited-edition NWTF versions will debut at the National Wild Turkey Federation Convention in Nashville, Tennessee, February 12-14.

T/C Arms will exhibit at the 2026 Nation's Best Sports Spring Semi-Annual Market in Oklahoma City, February 10–13, 2026, at Booth #1918. The firearms manufacturer will showcase its latest products and connect with independent sporting goods retailers to discuss market trends and growth opportunities.

Friends of NRA and the National Rifle Association debut an enhanced Wall of Guns at the Great American Outdoor Show in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, featuring new raffle opportunities with Guns.com gift cards and cash prizes. Sponsors Guns.com, Weatherby, and Nine Line support the fundraiser benefiting the NRA Freedom Action Foundation.

Fish Monkey and Hunt Monkey will showcase their full product lines at the Nation's Best Sports Fall 2026 Spring Semi-Annual Market in Oklahoma City, February 10-13, featuring hunting gear, winter fishing apparel, waterproof gloves, and merino wool socks at Booth #1900.

Kinetic Development Group (KDG) has been approved as an official vendor partner with MidStates Buying Group, expanding distribution of its American-made firearm accessories including MREX® rail systems and Kinect™ quick-attach solutions. KDG will showcase products at the MidStates Fall Rendezvous in Arizona this August.

Whitetails Unlimited has become an early sponsor of the IHEA-USA EduTech Catalyst Fund, an initiative to advance modern education technology for hunter education. The fund aims to help states modernize delivery, improve safety, and reach more new hunters. Russell Austad, Vice President of Field Operations for Whitetails Unlimited, praised the initiative's potential to recruit and retain hunters.

Beretta USA announced its official sponsorship of the Super Sport event at the 2026 Jack Link's Cup at Quail Creek Sporting Ranch in Florida, February 10-15. The company will showcase DT11, 694 Sporting, 688 Performance, and A400 shotguns, with authorized dealers on-site for purchases and a DT11 Sporting featured in Saturday's dinner giveaway.

The Wyoming Game and Fish Department will hold public workshops on February 26 in Pinedale and February 28 in Jackson to discuss Elk Feedground Management Action Plans for the Pinedale and Jackson elk herd units. The workshops will provide updates on the FMAP process and allow public input.

The State Soil Conservation Board will hold a Strategic Planning Session on February 10, 2026, at the Indiana Soybean Alliance in Indianapolis, with virtual participation available via Microsoft Teams. The SSCB administers the Clean Water Indiana Fund and supports Indiana's soil and water conservation districts.

The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission's decoy adoption program, now in its sixth year, has recycled over 8,000 plastic decoys. Contact Eric Maynard to donate used duck and goose decoys, which are refurbished and used in educational classes or distributed to young hunters through partnerships with organizations like Future Farmers of America and 4-H.

The Wyoming Game and Fish Department's Fishing Outfitter and Guides Advisory Board will hold a virtual meeting on Feb. 10 at 6 p.m. via Zoom. The board will discuss registration process implementation, commercial operator reporting, and future direction following House Bill 5's passage authorizing regulation of commercially-guided fishing boats.

Pursuit Media TV, LLC announced dual Friday night programming blocks starting at 8:00 p.m. ET across Pursuit Channel linear TV and Pursuit UP free streaming platform. The lineups feature shows like Trigger Time TV, Ted Nugent Spirit of the Wild, and Americana Outdoors presented by Garmin, reaching 158.4 million total viewers across platforms in 2025.

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources, Keweenaw Bay Indian Community, and Northern Michigan University are launching a second moose capture to study why the Upper Peninsula population remains stagnant at approximately 300 animals. Researchers will capture and collar up to 43 moose to investigate factors including disease, predation, vehicle collisions, and winter ticks affecting population growth.

With 19 acres of displays and 13.9 miles of aisles to cover, it’s really easy to overlook new and interesting items at SHOT Show.

No one person can cover the entire show floor—or floors, considering the various levels and unattached exhibit spaces scattered throughout the venue. The best you can hope for is an organized dash through SHOT Show with a target list and a map to help you get from point A to points B, C, D, and E as efficiently as possible.

Pro Tip: While the SHOT Show app is useful, it’s infinitely less useful than the printed paper map. Marking up those maps with the booths you need to hit—and then following the path you’ve laid out—works really well…ask me how I know.

In no particular order, here are some of the smaller, non-firearm products that caught my attention while helping me get in all my steps for the day.

XTech LDR 2000

XTech Tactical introduced its new LDR 2000 9mm pistol magazine loaders, available in four versions: the G1 for Glock 9mm double-stack mags, CZ75, P226, and VP9/P30/P2000; M1 for Sig Sauer P365, 43/43X, Hellcat, Taurus G2c, G3, GX4, Ruger Max 9, and Canik; D1 for Sig Sauer P320; and S1 for Walther PPS and many 9mm and 10mm single-stack magazines.

These patent-pending mag loaders are injection molded from glass-filled nylon and feature an ergonomic design. Using one takes a little practice, but once you’ve got it, loading mags becomes a much easier and faster process.

The four LDR 2000 models should be available now, with a fifth version—B1 for the Smith & Wesson Bodyguard 2.0—expected soon. MSRP is $15.95.

XTech X-Flare

While checking out the LDR 2000, I stumbled upon another new product from XTech—the X-Flare. This injection-molded polymer magwell is designed for AR-15 mil-spec 5.56/.223 platforms. The two-piece design slides onto the existing magwell, then tightens down using the included screws. Once installed, the X-Flare provides a reported 40% larger opening.

The X-Flare was on display at SHOT Show but has not yet been released. According to XTech, that should happen fairly soon. MSRP is $39.95.

Otis & Shooter’s Choice Muzzleloader Cleaning

Having fairly recently gone through the process of scrounging up muzzleloader shooting and cleaning accessories, I made sure to stop by the Otis Technology booth to check out their newly announced .50 cal Muzzleloader Cleaning Kit.

The kit retails for $39.99 and includes a brush, mop, jag, slotted tip, AP brush, gun cloth, and ample patches needed to clean .50 caliber. And—this is important—it’s designed for use with an OEM ramrod. The kit comes in a plastic case you can configure to best suit how you’ll use it.

A “sister product” for the muzzleloader is the Shooter’s Choice Muzzleloader Cleaning Accessory Pack (not shown). If the Otis kit provides the “hardware” for cleaning, Shooter’s Choice supplies the solvents and grease. The Accessory Pack includes a 4-oz tin of MC-7 Bore Cleaner, All-Weather Grease, pre-saturated CLP patches, and a Firearm Small Parts Soaker. The pack retails for $44.99.

Nite Ize Orange Screw

The Nite Ize Orange Screw is exactly as the name implies: a big plastic screw designed to be an anchor for anything from a tent to a 10x10 pop-up. I visited with Rich Case, CEO and founder of Nite Ize, again this year to see what he had new for SHOT.

Constructed of ultra-durable polycarbonate, the Orange Screw features continuous threads, an eyelet, and multiple attachment points on top. The eyelet fits the included clear acrylic sleeve—called the T-Grip Tool—for turning the screw into the ground.

The 4-pack of 9.5-inch screws retails for $24.99, as does the 2-pack of the larger 12.25-inch screws. While there are several uses for this lightweight (1.8 oz small, 3.9 oz large), easy-to-use product, one obvious application that totally escaped me is using them as ground anchors for holiday inflatables. For those thinking event setup applications, check out the ScrewDriver for use with a power drill.

Nite Ize Radiant Flex

The Nite Ize booth is quickly proving to be a must-visit exhibit at SHOT, if for no other reason than to check out the small, high-utility products with wide everyday applications.

One such product is the Radiant Flex, a 90-lumen USB-C rechargeable lamp with a magnetic base. The three modes—15, 50, and 90 lumens—offer runtimes from 30 to 5 hours in cool white. An amber mode offers the same runtimes at 9, 30, and 77 lumens. Another nice feature: it stays illuminated while charging.

The light features a flexible gooseneck that allows you to easily pack it up. It’s water-resistant (IPX4) and drop-tested at 1 meter. MSRP is $29.99, making it an ideal toolbox or truck accessory.

MTM Cases & Accessories

The new MTM Case-Gard Emergency Box Family consists of three sizes ranging in price from $16.42 to $23.15. Each case comes in high-visibility yellow-green for quick identification and features a water-resistant O-ring seal to lock out rain and moisture, along with padlock tabs on each latch.

The Garmin Xero has quickly become a must-have range accessory. But carrying it loose in your range bag isn’t the best game plan. That’s where the new MTM Chronograph Case comes in. With a hard-shell exterior and custom-fit foam inside to hold the Garmin Xero and accessories, the MTM Chronograph Case is purpose-built to protect your investment. MSRP is $14.50.

Finally, the ACDC MOLLE Panel System for the ACDC30 and ACDC50 crates provides expanded storage options on the inside of the lid, taking advantage of otherwise underutilized space.

These panels are compatible with standard MOLLE accessories. MSRP is $15.49 (ACDC30MP) and $16.69 (ACDC50MP).

ArmorySync

Last up is ArmorySync, a firearm management and training app available for both Android and iOS. The app keeps its data on your phone and isn’t cloud-dependent, allowing you to track your firearms, their locations, associated accessories, and proof of purchase.

The app also lets you track your training by logging round counts and uploading targets, so you don’t have to store endless paper copies. It’s designed for organizations and facilities with large firearm inventories, as well as individuals.

For individuals, pricing is $1.99 per month or $14.99 annually.

– Paul Erhardt, Managing Editor, the Outdoor Wire Digital Network