In observance of the Labor Day weekend there will be no Weekend Edition on Saturday, September 5, and we will not be distributing any of our services on Monday, September 7. We will resume our normal distribution schedule on Tuesday, September 8. Due to the holiday weekend, we request you submit news for Tuesday’s editions no later than 2:00pm ET Saturday.

The Outdoor Wire is publishing split editions today due to a large volume of releases, with a morning edition and an afternoon edition arriving closer to noon Eastern Time.

TUO introduces the Kinetic Merino 150 Short Sleeve Crew, a lightweight baselayer featuring 86% 18.5 micron merino wool blended with nylon and spandex. Designed for warm-weather hunting, the shirt offers natural moisture-wicking, temperature regulation, and odor resistance with flatlock seams and raglan sleeves for comfort.

ALPS OutdoorZ has launched the Optima Bow Case, featuring 600D polyester construction, padded fleece interior, and reinforced foam padding to protect bows up to 40 inches. The case includes three exterior gear pockets, full-length arrow pocket, interior compression cam holder sleeves, and MOLLE webbing for customizable organization.

Spartan Precision Equipment's Springbok Tripod earned the NRA Publications American Hunter Golden Bullseye Award as Gear of the Year. The carbon fiber tripod weighs just 1.7 pounds while providing exceptional stability for Western hunting, featuring an innovative MagnaSwitch™ magnetic attachment system and twist-lock legs for rapid deployment.

Heartland Public Shooting Park in Grand Island, Nebraska will host the 2026 USPSA Area 3 Championships on September 4-6, 2026, with nearly 300 competitors registered. The facility, managed by Hornady, will provide world-class venues for top shooters from Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, and South Dakota.

Langdon Tactical Technology (LTT) launches the 2026 92 Day Social Media Challenge, inviting shooters to compete for free by downloading official targets, recording their runs, and sharing on social media or email. The first 100 participants receive a limited-edition 2026 92 Day Challenge Patch, with the challenge running September 2–30, 2026.

Safari Club International, Sportsmen's Alliance Foundation, and Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation filed their final brief defending the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's denial of petitions to restore ESA protections for wolves in the Northern Rocky Mountains, arguing recovered wolf populations thrive under state management.

The Edson Fichter Nature Talks series returns for its sixth year in Pocatello this September, featuring free weekly lectures co-sponsored by Friends of Edson Fichter Nature Area and Idaho Fish and Game. Presentations include topics on animal behavior, nature sketching with biological illustrator Ashelee Rasmussen, beavers, and paleontology with Robert Gay from Idaho Museum of Natural History.

The Wyoming Game and Fish Department reminds anglers of voluntary fishing closures on multiple waters including the Upper North Platte River, Encampment River, Bighorn River, and Green River to protect fish during warm water temperatures above 70 degrees.

Isaac Lakich won the 2026 National Walleye Tour Championship on Lake Sakakawea with 75 pounds, 14 ounces. Kristin Meyers made history as the first woman to win an NWT Championship, while Beau Schilling, at age 19, became the youngest Angler of the Year, and Michael George claimed Co-Angler of the Year honors.

Michigan's Invasive Species Grant Program is accepting proposals for the 2026 funding cycle with $2.4 million available. The joint effort of Michigan's departments of Natural Resources; Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy; and Agriculture and Rural Development supports prevention, detection, and control of invasive species. Full proposals are due November 1.

Montana upland game bird hunters now have a 10-day head start on nonresident hunters following Senate Bill 514 from the 2025 legislative session. Nonresidents using private lands in FWP hunting access programs or public lands must wait 10 days longer than residents to hunt most upland species, excluding mountain grouse.

The Wyoming Game and Fish Department released the 2026 Hunt Forecast for each region, providing species population predictions and hunting information. The forecast covers pronghorn, mule deer, white-tailed deer, elk, game birds, moose, bighorn sheep, and mountain goats across multiple regions including Casper and Cody, with details on population trends and license availability.

Vermont Fish and Wildlife expanded archery deer hunting beginning September 15 across eight designated areas to manage high deer populations causing property damage and vegetation loss. Only antlerless deer may be taken until the regular archery season begins October 1, and hunters must obtain landowner permission and check local ordinances.

Montana's Region 1 reports good big game survival and recruitment following mild winters. Elk populations are expected similar to slightly better than last year, white-tailed deer numbers should increase, mule deer populations appear stable to slightly increasing, and moose populations remain stable. Check stations and CWD sampling locations are available throughout the region.

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources' August statewide pheasant survey averaged 23 birds per route, the second highest count in over a decade. Todd Bogenschutz, upland game biologist with the Iowa DNR, attributes the results to favorable weather and habitat conditions, with Iowa's pheasant season opening October 31.

MWS Associates, Inc., an industry leader in outdoor sales representation with over 40 years of experience, announced a realignment of its Ohio and western Pennsylvania territory following outstanding growth by Dustin Youtz. The company is now accepting applications from qualified sales professionals to lead the realigned region.

Viridian Weapon Technologies announced the availability of its VENTA riflescope lineup, featuring three magnification configurations with fully multi-coated optics and low-profile capped turrets. The scopes are priced from $89 to $99 MSRP and include mounting rings and lens caps for immediate field use.

Whitetails Unlimited partners with the Tree Stand Safety Awareness Foundation to promote Tree Stand Safety Awareness Month throughout September. WTU President Jeff Schinkten encourages hunters to review safety guidelines before bowhunting season begins.

The National Rifle Association Institute for Legislative Action announced Patriot Mobile as the official wireless connectivity partner for the 2026 NRA Gun Bus Battleground Tour. Patriot Mobile, America's only Christian conservative wireless provider, will support the tour as it travels nationwide promoting Second Amendment advocacy and hosting grassroots events.

Micah Seavers, president of Walking Humbly Outdoor Adventures, will appear on the Houston Safari Club Foundation's Hunting Matters podcast to discuss introducing youth to hunting, fishing, and conservation. The nonprofit expects to serve over 1,200 children this year through outdoor programs, including the Heroes Youth Hunt for children of fallen military members and first responders.

SilencerCo explains how the Silencer Shop Foundation v. ATF ruling affects suppressor purchases, allowing Form 4473 transfers in 27 states instead of the traditional Form 4 process. The company clarifies that suppressors remain NFA-regulated and recommends keeping purchases within the state of purchase due to interstate transport restrictions.

Federal Ammunition's FireStick muzzleloader technology has gained approval in four additional states—Arizona, California, Connecticut, and Indiana—for 2026 fall hunting seasons. The polymer capsule system, which charges from the breech and loads from the muzzle, is now legal in 37 states total. Manufacturers including Traditions, CVA, and Thompson/Center offer FireStick-compatible rifles.

ALPS OutdoorZ introduces the DU Guardian Blind Bag, a minimalist waterproof blind bag designed for waterfowl hunters. Featuring a PVC exterior, roll-top closure, MOLLE attachment system, and available in DU Tan and Mossy Oak Bottomland colorways, the bag is offered in standard and large sizes starting at $69.99.

Governor Mike Braun designated September as Archaeology Month in Indiana, marking the 31st anniversary of this celebration coordinated by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources Division of Historic Preservation & Archaeology. This year's focus highlights Vincennes and its multicultural heritage as a frontier capital, tying into the United States' semiquincentennial.

Idaho Fish and Game announces key September 2026 dates including dove, salmon, and steelhead season openers on 9/1, chukar and sage-grouse seasons on 9/15, returned tag sales on 9/17, and a Youth, Veterans, and Active Military Waterfowl Hunting Weekend on 9/26-9/27.

The Wyoming Game and Fish Department and Wyoming Wildlife magazine are accepting preorders for the 2027 calendar featuring wildlife photography selected through an annual contest. Limited calendars will be printed with preorders available through October 9, arriving in November for holiday gifting.

Travelers' Rest State Park near Lolo offers free September events including a Lewis and Clark celebration, bison hide demonstration by anthropologist Billy Maxwell, Creekside Concert featuring Bob Wire, and a bear aware event. The park's nonprofit partner Travelers' Rest Connection hosts a fundraiser dinner featuring A Moveable Feast catering and beverages from Lolo Peak Brewing and Lolo Creek Distillery.

Michigan offers nearly 4 million acres of state forest and 103 state parks for outdoor recreation. Lawrence Law, forester with the DNR's Urban and Community Forestry Program, encourages visitors to practice "forest bathing" while following leave-no-trace principles and preventing the spread of invasive species.

MyOutdoorTV launches "WhitetailStream," an exclusive ad-free live streaming channel featuring premier deer hunting content including Realtree Road Trips, Winchester Deadly Passion, and Tecomate Whitetail Nation with host David Morris and biologist Mark Newell, presented by Tactacam.

Artesian Lake Wildlife Area in Carroll County features three artesian wells that have flowed for 100 years and is now managed as a marsh supporting wetland wildlife. The area, managed by the Iowa DNR's Black Hawk Unit under biologist Clint Maddix, offers excellent opportunities for duck hunting, waterfowl, pheasant, deer, and turkey hunting, plus fishing for smallmouth bass and flathead catfish in the North Raccoon River, according to fisheries biologist Ben Wallace.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service released its 2026 Waterfowl Population Status Report showing mallards declined 11% to their lowest estimate in 33 years, while May ponds increased 14%. Dr. Steve Adair of Ducks Unlimited and CEO Adam Putnam emphasized the importance of prairie conservation efforts, noting that Ducks Unlimited has conserved over 1.3 million acres on U.S. prairies with support from Cox Enterprises and Jim Kennedy's $100 million gift.

Sea Tow, the well-known subscription towing service, surveyed its 5,500-plus members recently and found that nearly half of them reported spending less time on the water this year, with rising fuel prices emerging as the biggest financial pressure on boat owners.

The survey found that 48 percent are boating somewhat or much less often than they did last year. Another 52 percent said they are boating about the same amount or more, meaning the boating population is almost evenly divided between those maintaining or increasing their activity and those cutting back.

Fuel is overwhelmingly the biggest concern. Eighty-four percent of respondents said fuel was the boating expense that had increased the most, compared with 36 percent who cited maintenance, 22 percent who cited marina and slip fees and 18 percent who cited insurance.

The changes aren't limited to fewer outings. Among boaters who have altered their habits because of higher fuel costs, 53 percent said they are boating less often, 42 percent are taking shorter trips, 38 percent are staying closer to home and 29 percent are running their boats at lower speeds.

Most powerboats get considerably poorer fuel economy than land-based transportation. Even a modest 60-horsepower four-stroke outboard on a 20-foot pontoon boat may get only 5 or 6 mpg, while a 250-hp bass boat may return 3 or 4 mpg at an efficient cruise.

Jump to multi-engine coastal boats and the fuel use increases dramatically. A 30-foot center console pushed by twin 500-hp Mercury four-strokes may get about a mile per gallon at cruise. A 45-foot cabin boat with twin 600s could get considerably less than a mile per gallon, depending on hull design, load and speed.

Of course, for those who can afford to buy the larger twin-engine boats, the cost of fuel is much less a factor than for those of us who putt around in 60-hp pontoon boats. Still, at some point the use of that discretionary dollar has to connect with reality.

For many average small-boat owners, a day on the water now carries a substantial fuel bill despite the better efficiency resulting from modern four-stroke outboards. Fifty-two percent of survey respondents said they typically spend $50 to $100 on fuel per trip, while 30 percent spend $100 to $250. Another 18 percent report spending more than $250.

The numbers suggest that boaters are responding to higher costs by modifying their use of their boats rather than abandoning boating altogether. Forty-six percent of all respondents said they are using their boats the same way they always have, while 32 percent are boating less and 17 percent are staying closer to home.

Those changes could have consequences throughout the recreational marine industry. Less frequent outings and shorter trips mean fewer gallons purchased at marina fuel docks, while staying closer to home can reduce demand for long-distance cruising and destinations that require substantial fuel consumption.

The effect is not yet showing up dramatically in Sea Tow's service business, the company said. Service volume is within 3 percent of last year's level. Towing accounted for 53 percent of service calls, followed by ungroundings at 13 percent, fuel delivery at 7 percent and jump-starts at 6.5 percent.

Sea Tow's survey also suggests that fuel costs will remain an issue next year. Thirty-seven percent of respondents identified fuel prices as their biggest concern for the 2027 boating season, while 30 percent expect their boating habits to remain about the same. Fourteen percent cited finding time to boat as a concern, and 10 percent cited maintenance costs.

The survey was conducted among Sea Tow's membership, so its results don't necessarily represent all U.S. boat owners. Sea Tow members are boat owners who have chosen to pay for on-water assistance and may be more active boaters than the overall population, meaning the impact of higher fuel costs could be greater among less-active owners.

The bigger question is how long boaters can continue to absorb the higher cost. For now, many are responding the way boaters always have: by going a little less often, running a little slower and staying a little closer to home. If fuel prices remain high, those small adjustments could eventually add up to a much bigger change in the nation's boating habits.

– Frank Sargeant, Editor, The Water Wire