Blocker Outdoors introduces its Shield Drencher Insulated Jacket and Bib in Realtree AB1 camouflage, featuring RainBlocker® waterproof membranes, thermal-mapped insulation, and S3® antimicrobial technology for late-season hunting. The new colorway joins existing options including Realtree APX and Mossy Oak patterns, with MSRPs of $119.99 each for jacket and bib.

The National Association of Sporting Goods Wholesalers (NASGW) and Professional Outdoor Media Association (POMA) announced finalists for the 2026 Caliber Awards across seven categories including Best New Rifle, Handgun, Shotgun, Ammunition, Optic, Accessory, and Suppressor. Winners will be announced October 12 at the NASGW Annual Appreciation Reception during the 2026 NASGW Annual Meeting & Expo in Phoenix.

The boat ramp at Grey Owl Fishing Access Site will close October 6-7 for repairs. Other site portions, including the parking lot, remain open. The FAS is located on the upper Yellowstone River near Emigrant.

Team Leapers' Randy Olds and Roy Mitchell earned two overall wins and four Top Civilian finishes at the 2026 CMP New England Games in Jericho, Vermont, competing with the Integrix iXF 4.5X28 Service Rifle Scope and bringing the team's season total to 27 first-place finishes.

Robin Grauffel of Team SHIELD won the Junior title and finished 5th overall at the Pan American Handgun Championship, achieving 93.62% of winner JJ Racaza's score. SHIELD Sights congratulated Grauffel on his outstanding performance against world-class IPSC competitors, highlighting his emergence as a top young athlete in practical shooting.

Vermont Fish and Wildlife is seeking volunteers for its annual spiny softshell turtle beach cleanup on October 17 at North Hero State Park and Swanton. Biologist Toni Mikula will discuss turtle recovery efforts and the ECHO Leahy Center for Lake Champlain's captive-rearing program for hatchlings.

The Michigan DNR is accepting applications for its Conservation Officer Training Academy starting April 25 through July 15 in Lansing. Qualified applicants must be at least 21 years old and meet law enforcement certification requirements. Sgt. Kyle Bucholtz, training academy commander, encourages current law enforcement officers to apply for this unique opportunity.

An 85-year-old man with dementia reported missing on September 28, 2026, was found safe on September 29 in Cheboygan County. The Cheboygan County Sheriff's Office, Michigan Department of Natural Resources conservation officers, and Search and Rescue personnel located him after following footprints near his vehicle in a remote area.

The inaugural FFL Compliance Summit, "The Briefing," concluded a sold-out event in Dallas featuring direct dialogue between Federal Firearms Licensees and leadership from the ATF and FBI. ATF Director Robert Cekada delivered the keynote address on "The New Era of FFL Compliance," with sessions covering NFA transfers, Form 4473 processing, and regulatory updates. The event was supported by title sponsors FastBound, FFLGuard, Gearfire, and U.S. LawShield.

Donna Anthony, a nationally recognized firearms instructor and Alaska police chief, will lead three specialized training workshops for Lox & Loaded members October 17-18, featuring Gun Tote'n Mamas® concealed-carry products. The sessions cover off-body carry techniques and synagogue safety, with Lox & Loaded members receiving 20% off Gun Tote'n Mamas® Original collection bags.

Apalachicola Bay's wild oyster harvest season opens October 1 through February 28, 2027, for commercial and recreational harvesters. Authorized harvesters can access three reef sites with a seasonal limit of 2,560 bags, while recreational permits allow one bag per person from designated reefs.

Montana FWP begins Chinook salmon snagging and archery seasons on Fort Peck Reservoir starting October 1st, with archery running through October 15th and snagging through November 30th. FWP fisheries staff simultaneously conduct annual egg collection efforts through October, targeting fish near the dam using electrofishing to collect eggs for the Fort Peck Multispecies Fish Hatchery, with 220,000 salmon released in spring 2026 from fall 2025 collections.

Millennium Marine expands its Monitor Mount lineup with new MM003 and MM004 models featuring powder-coated aluminum construction, preset-tension design, and telescoping risers. The complete lineup includes single and double configurations in silver and black finishes, all backed by 1-year warranties.

Duck Commander celebrates Louisiana's inaugural black-bellied whistling duck hunting season running October 3-11, 2026. The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries established the season to provide hunters with dedicated opportunities to pursue the expanding species while promoting conservation and responsible stewardship.

Wyoming Game and Fish encourages hunters to submit chronic wasting disease samples from harvested deer, elk, and moose to help monitor the fatal neurological disease. Hunters can extract lymph nodes themselves or have Game and Fish collect samples at regional offices, headquarters, or field check stations, with results typically available online within three weeks.

Wyoming Game and Fish asks hunters to avoid targeting collared mule deer, elk, pronghorn, moose, and bighorn sheep used in ongoing research projects. Supervisor Embere Hall explains these studies examine habitat use, survival, and herd health to inform future management decisions. Hunters who harvest collared animals should contact regional offices to retrieve equipment for data analysis.

The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources is asking hunters to bring harvested deer to check stations across the state for chronic wasting disease testing. As of February 2026, 435 mule deer and 11 elk have tested positive for CWD in Utah. DWR State Wildlife Veterinarian Ginger Stout emphasizes that testing is crucial for monitoring the disease and maintaining healthy deer populations.

The Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) reminds hunters that applications for spring turkey, javelina, bison, bear, and raptor capture must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. on Tuesday, October 6. AZGFD customer service will provide phone support until the deadline.

Wyoming Game and Fish Department Hunter Education Coordinator Katie Simpson shares essential hunting safety tips as season arrives in the Cowboy State. Common accidents involve vehicles and obstacle crossing, with emphasis on unloading firearms, knowing targets, and wearing fluorescent orange during firearm seasons.

Montana's Block Management Program, established in 1985 and expanded in 1996, provides free public hunting across the state. The Hunter Landowner Stewardship Program encourages ethical hunting on private land through educational videos and a raffle featuring prizes from partners including MPG Ranch, MOGA, Weatherby, Maven, onX, and others.

Bryan Tucker, CEO of Davidson's, Inc., has made a second $25,000 personal contribution to NSSF's Protect Liberty PAC for the 2026 election cycle, matching his 2024 commitment. Tucker's renewed support demonstrates confidence in the PAC's mission to elect candidates who will protect Second Amendment rights and constitutional freedoms.

MidwayUSA is hiring three Product Specialists in Columbia, Missouri for Sporting Optics & Scopes, Guns, and Clothing, Footwear & Marketplaces categories. The position offers a salary range of $55,000-$71,500 with comprehensive benefits, professional development opportunities, and the chance to work for a Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award-winning company.

Trijicon announced the REAP-IR-50 thermal riflescope series featuring a 1024×768 high-resolution thermal sensor, 1280×1024 OLED display, integrated Wi-Fi connectivity, and optional laser rangefinder. The scope includes video recording, 64GB internal memory, and is designed, engineered, and assembled in the United States.

Aegis Optics officially launches its flagship product catalog featuring red dot sights and precision scopes, including the Sentinel and Vanguard red dot lines and Pathfinder scopes. The optics are exclusively available on RETAY's RXP22 and RA1522 rifle and pistol platforms.

Outdoor Mentors announces the retirement of founder Mike Christensen, who established the organization in 2002 and expanded it to ten states. CEO Dr. Scott Petrie and Board Chair Eric Dinger praised Christensen's two decades of youth mentorship, hunting advocacy, and conservation education. Christensen will remain involved as an Emeritus Advisor.

Women for Gun Rights held its inaugural 2026 National Summit in Washington, D.C., bringing together more than 120 attendees for three days of advocacy and education. The event featured a Gala, Capitol rally, White House briefing, and public recitations of the Second Amendment, with participation from ATF Director Robert Cekada and Representatives Andrew Clyde, Pat Harrigan, and Mark Haridopolos.

Mule Deer Foundation President and CEO Greg Sheehan has been appointed to the Hunting and Shooting Sports Conservation and Access Council, representing big game hunting interests. Sheehan brings extensive wildlife conservation experience from his previous roles with the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources and Bureau of Land Management.

The National Rifle Association Institute for Legislative Action announced Winchester Ammunition as an official partner of the 2026 NRA Gun Bus Battleground Tour, which will visit 13 states with over 60 planned stops through Election Day 2026. Winchester Ammunition, known as "The American Legend," is the leading small-caliber ammunition brand and largest supplier to the U.S. military.

Safari Club International (SCI) expressed disappointment with a Los Angeles County Superior Court ruling dismissing its challenge to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife and Catalina Island Conservancy's permit authorizing eradication of Catalina Island's mule deer population. SCI, alongside HOWL For Wildlife and the Coalition to Save Catalina Island Deer, argued the project lacked adequate environmental review and public scrutiny.

HeadHunters NW released the "Fake Recruiter Podcast" episode featuring Mike Petronella and Aaron Hutsell, creator of GhostJob, a Chrome extension that helps job seekers identify fraudulent LinkedIn job postings. The episode discusses sophisticated recruitment scams and verification strategies for job seekers.

EAA Corp. and Girsan firearms announce nationwide distribution of the Witness2311 XXX Series compact 9mm double-stack 1911 models, featuring a grip module 25% smaller than standard full-size models. The CMX XXX and SC9 XXX will ship through EAA's distributor network beginning October 2026, with the SC9 XXX starting at $599.

Langdon Tactical Technology (LTT) has expanded its product lineup with the LTT Steyr ATD, combining Steyr Arms' modern DA/SA pistol platform with LTT's custom refinements. The pistol features a modular trigger system, optics-ready slide, and is available in standard and compensated configurations, both chambered in 9mm.

Zanders, a national firearms distributor based in Sparta, Illinois, is now stocking the Winchester SXR2 MG4 DBM in .300 Win. Magnum, .30-06, .308 Win, and 9.3x62 calibers. The semi-automatic hunting rifle features a classic blued finish and walnut stock with detachable box magazine capability.

ShellShock Protection recognizes National Hearing Protection Month by emphasizing the importance of consistent hearing protection for shooters and outdoor enthusiasts. The company's EXO Pro Elite™ features 23NRR noise reduction with enhanced audio clarity and PureSeal™ gel ear cups designed for comfort and extended use.

MGE Wholesale and Microtech have renewed their partnership, offering MGE Dealers access to over 650 Microtech knife models including Out the Front, Folding, and Fixed Blade knives. Founded by Anthony Marfione 32 years ago, Microtech manufactures premium cutting tools from facilities in North Carolina and Pennsylvania.

Derya Arms, an international firearms manufacturer with operations in Jacksonville, Florida and Konya, Türkiye, has launched the EX1500 lever-action .410 shotgun in three configurations: an 18-inch Ironwolf tactical model, a 20-inch walnut-and-nickel field model, and a 24-inch engraved hard-chrome heirloom model, all now shipping through authorized dealers nationwide.

Savage Arms announces a "Migration Savings" rebate program offering $100 mail-in rebates on Savage Renegauge shotguns from October 1 through November 30, 2026. The promotion targets waterfowl hunters preparing for the annual bird migration season.

Bleecker Street Publications announced Karen Hunter as Editorial Lead for Gun University and Contributing Editor for Athlon Outdoors. Hunter brings over a decade of firearms industry experience, extensive instructional expertise through The Hunter Academy, and hundreds of published articles to the role.

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is hosting a public meeting on October 7 in Glasgow to discuss acquiring and developing a public shooting range. The 66-acre property would improve rifle and archery facilities with enhanced safety and public access for recreational shooting.

Thompson/Center Arms will showcase the new ENCORE FireStick Muzzleloader and expanded product lineup at the Green Top Outdoor Expo on October 3-4, 2026, in Hanover County, Virginia. CEO Gregg Ritz emphasized the company's commitment to connecting with hunters and families at this premier regional outdoor event.

Beretta USA will serve as platinum sponsor of the 2026 Green Top Outdoor Expo on October 3-4 in Ashland, Virginia, featuring displays of the AX800 Suprema, B22 Jaguar, and A400 Solo firearms. Ward and Jeb Burton of Crossroads with the Burtons will join for a meet and greet on Sunday, with consumer rebates up to $300 available on select models.

Ballista, a crossbow manufacturer, has joined Whitetails Unlimited as a national sponsor. WTU President Jeff Schinkten announced the partnership, noting Ballista's advanced crossbows for hunting, bowfishing, and recreational use. The sponsorship strengthens WTU's mission of wildlife conservation and hunting tradition preservation.

Precise Recruiting Solutions, a leading recruiting firm in the firearms and outdoor industries, is sponsoring the cocktail hour at the 2026 NASGW Annual Expo on October 13th. The event will provide networking opportunities for manufacturers, wholesalers, and industry professionals.

RAVIN Crossbows has been named a Supporting Sponsor for the 22nd annual Industry Day at the Range on January 18, 2027, at Boulder Rifle and Pistol Club in Boulder City, Nevada. The event, held the day before SHOT Show, allows manufacturers to showcase new products to media and industry buyers, with RAVIN returning 10 years after its debut.

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks will host an introductory meeting of the Bighorn Sheep Restoration Advisory Panel on October 7 at 6 p.m. via Zoom. The panel will provide input on strategies for restoring bighorn sheep populations in Montana, particularly on private lands, with public comment opportunities available.

Outdoor Channel dedicates Friday prime time to conservation officers through "Wardens" and "Wardens: Case Files," produced by Wolf Creek Productions in partnership with Michigan Department of Natural Resources. The programs showcase the action-packed lives of game wardens and DNR employees protecting wildlife and enforcing outdoor recreation laws.

Outdoor Channel premieres an investigative special hosted by biologist Chris Dorsey examining whether polar bear policy is driven by science or climate advocacy. The documentary features perspectives from Inuit hunter Ryan St. John, Brian Nesvik of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and other wildlife experts, exploring the intersection of wildlife management, politics, and conservation economics in the Arctic.

Pursuit Media, in partnership with Careco Multimedia Entertainment, announced an expanded Q4 lineup on Pursuit UP featuring diverse outdoor programming including George Poveromo's World of Saltwater Fishing, Uncharted Waters with Peter Miller, and Saltwater Underground with Nick Honachefsky, available free across major streaming platforms.

A mallard dropping through flooded timber is a pretty good argument for getting out of bed at four in the morning. So is a Labrador trembling beside you, convinced that you are the only thing standing between her and the greatest day of her life. In those moments, I’m rarely thinking about conservation policy or fundraising dinners. But somebody had to think about them. Somebody I’ll never meet helped keep water on a landscape a thousand miles away so that duck could find its way to mine.

That’s why I support Ducks Unlimited. Whatever else gets said about hunters, this organization has dedicated generations to making sure there's still some wildness left for everybody.

DU took flight in 1937, when the Dirty Thirties were doing their best to convince Americans that the good Lord had reconsidered the whole arrangement. The prairie was blowing away. Wetlands were drying up. Families were trying to hang on to farms, jobs, and whatever dignity the Depression hadn’t already repossessed.

Against that backdrop, a group of sportsmen decided they ought to do something about ducks. Imagine making that pitch. The banker wants your farm, the wind has taken your topsoil, and a fellow would like a contribution for a marsh in Canada.

Fortunately, enough people understood what was at stake. These were citizens who considered the future their responsibility, including the parts they wouldn’t live to see. They didn’t wait for Washington to appoint a commission to study whether another commission might be warranted. They organized, passed the hat, and put money into habitat. They wanted their children to know the sound of wings over a marsh. That was reason enough to begin.

To my mind, DU is the granddaddy of the modern critter groups, the organizations that have become a pillar of U.S. conservation. Its example gave people who cared about other species something to build on: Get the faithful together, hire people who understand the animal and its habitat, then give supporters something more useful than a newsletter describing how concerned everyone is. Give them a place where wildlife can live.

One of DU’s great accomplishments was helping Americans reconsider a word: swamp. For much of our history, a swamp was something you drained so the property could finally amount to something. The people writing those appraisals apparently hadn’t consulted a duck—or a frog, a fish, a heron, or much else living there. DU helped turn wet ground from a perceived liability into something communities and governments could recognize as essential. Wetlands became worth protecting, along with the uplands surrounding them.

The ducks were the draw, of course. Nobody needs to pretend those early sportsmen were indifferent to a good shoot. But the marsh they saved didn’t require its inhabitants to possess webbed feet or a hunting season. Hundreds of other species benefited. So did people downstream who appreciated cleaner water and somewhere for floodwaters to go. Many Americans have received a return on a duck hunter’s investment without ever knowing who wrote the check.

DU also understood that a continental bird required a continental approach. A pintail hatched in Canada might pass through several states before wintering in Mexico, entirely unimpressed by the border arrangements below. Guarding one piece of that journey while losing the others wouldn’t work. DU and its sister organizations brought landowners, farmers, governments, and donors into an effort big enough to follow the birds. Along the way, they helped form public policy and persuaded government to partner in something private citizens had already shown was worth doing.

Then there are the people. Put enough duck hunters in a banquet hall, and you’ll find farmers, welders, bankers, outfitters and business owners bidding more than they intended on something their wives assured they didn’t need. Somewhere between the raffle and the auction, those people become a conservation constituency. One knows the senator. Another owns the ground. A third can get the right person on the telephone before lunch. Threaten a marsh they’ve spent thirty years protecting and watch how quickly that network comes alive. Hell hath no fury like crossing Mamma Duck.

I wonder what DU’s founders would make of all this. They began with dry potholes and an uncertain future. What followed helped change conservation across a continent. Yet a successful past won’t keep the next marsh from being drained. There is always another piece of ground to save, another landowner to reach, another generation that needs a reason to care.

DU has never looked back. They have been locked steadfast on the horizon and the challenges ahead. Their success has always been driven by a vision of a future they must help shape—because no one else can do what they can. 

– Chris Dorsey

Chris Dorsey is a Coloradan, 30-year media veteran, biologist, outdoor television producer and natural history filmmaker whose writing has appeared in the Wall Street Journal, Newsweek, Forbes and dozens more national titles.