Field & Stream selected TenPoint Crossbow Technologies' TX Ultra 29.5 as the 2026 Best Overall Crossbow, praising its exceptional accuracy and handling. The crossbow achieved average group sizes of just over an inch at 50 yards and features innovative components including the TriggerTech Trigger and ACUslide MAXX.
Dead Air Silencers announced that multiple products, including the Nomad LTi XC, Nomad Ti XC, Enhanced Brake for Nomad Suppressors, and Mask, received 2026 Editor's Choice Awards from Hunt Alaska. CEO Ernie Beckwirth praised the recognition, crediting the company's team dedication to producing high-performance suppressors for hunters and shooters.
Wonders of Wildlife National Museum & Aquarium in Springfield, Missouri, founded by Johnny Morris, has been named America's Best Aquarium for a record eighth time. The 350,000-square-foot facility features 1.5 million gallons of aquariums and has welcomed nearly 9 million visitors since opening in 2017.
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources honored Conservation Officer Luke Robare with a Medal of Valor and Lifesaving Award for his heroic response to a violent attack at a Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Grand Blanc Township on September 28, 2025. Robare neutralized the threat within minutes of arriving on scene, working alongside Grand Blanc Township Police Officer Jason Carpentier.
Safari Club International presented Jeff Crane with the Hunting Advocacy Award at the SCI President's Dinner, recognizing his 40+ year career advancing conservation policy and hunting traditions. Crane's leadership at the Congressional Sportsmen's Foundation and establishment of the Maryland Legislative Sportsmen's Caucus significantly shaped wildlife management policy nationwide.
Cody Bassuener of MWS Associates, Inc. received the Gold Standard Sales Award from Wildlife Research Center for exceptional sales performance and retail partnership excellence. The award recognizes his outstanding customer service, market understanding, and role in expanding brand presence across his region.
Safari Club International recognized Armand and Mary Brachman with the prestigious SCI Family Legacy Award for their extraordinary leadership, philanthropy, and commitment to conservation and hunting traditions. Their legacy reflects decades of support for SCI's advocacy, conservation, and education initiatives.
The National Archery in the Schools Program (NASP) recognized 2026 award recipients including Coach John Ponzar, volunteer Kim Legg, student Ruby Sowell, and others who exemplify archery's positive impact beyond competition. Recipients receive plaques, equipment grants, and scholarships for their contributions to building confidence and strengthening communities.
Elite Archery's Varos compound bow has been named Outdoor Life's 2026 Bow of the Year after a three-day evaluation of seven flagship hunting bows. Outdoor Life called it "the most accurate bow we tested," praising its accuracy, user-friendly tuning features, and value. The Varos averaged 2.79-inch groups at 50 yards and outperformed competitors in the final shootoff.
The Indiana DNR Division of Law Enforcement held a ceremony honoring seven fallen officers and recognizing current officers for outstanding service. Awards were presented to Tyler Brock as Conservation Officer of the Year, Lt. Brent Bohbrink for leadership, Steve Kinne for brotherhood, and multiple officers for specialized achievements in boating, waterfowl, wildlife, and emergency response.
ATN Corp. won the 2025 Gold Award in the Night Vision/Thermal Category and a Favorite New Product Award from The Shooting Sports Retailer at the NRA Show. The company launched its Generation 6 thermal platform, including the ThOR 6 Elite, ThOR 6 Mini, BlazeHunter thermal monocular series, and Binox 6 multispectral binoculars.
Murray Road Agency has been nominated for the 2026 Best of South Carolina Awards in the Business & Creative Services category. CEO Tim Brandt highlighted the agency's commitment to delivering innovative, data-driven marketing solutions and meaningful brand storytelling for clients across multiple industries.
Dead Air Silencers received the 2025 Shooting Sports Retailer Gold Award in the suppressor category, recognized by readers and retailers nationwide. CEO Ernie Beckwith credited the team's innovation, retail partner support, and customer trust for the honor.
Safariland won the Gold Award for favorite holsters in Shooting Sports Retailer's Reader's Choice Awards for the second consecutive year. The brand's Incog X was recognized in 2025, with the upcoming Incog XS launching in collaboration with Haley Strategic Partners.
NSSF has recognized Range USA with its Five-Star rating for range excellence. The 50-store chain operating across 14 states was founded by Tom Willingham and emphasizes customer experience, safety education, and environmental responsibility through lead mining and brass casing collection.
CCI has been awarded the 2026 Gold Award for Rimfire Ammunition by Tactical Retailer and Shooting Sports Retailer readers. The reader-driven awards recognize CCI's quality, performance, and innovation in rimfire ammunition products including Clean-22 Sub-Sonic and Suppressor Max.
Leapers received the 2026 American Rifleman Golden Bullseye Optic of the Year Award for the Integrix iXF 4.5X28 Service Rifle Scope. Developed with professional competitive marksmen and featuring German Schott glass, the fixed-power scope is available on Leapers.com for $999.97 before a July 2026 price increase.
Federal Ammunition received the 2025 Gold Award for Best Shotshell from readers of Tactical Retailer and Shooting Sports Retailer. The award recognizes Federal's commitment to quality, performance, and innovation across their shotshell product lines, including Gold Medal, Black Cloud, Prairie Storm, and Custom Shop TSS loads.
The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources awarded eight landowners the new Legacy of Land Award for their contributions to deer and elk conservation. Recipients include Chad Olson, Clint Kearl, Stephen Ellis, Breck Crystal, Lee Thayn, Chris Robinson, and David and Robin Bradshaw, recognized for wildlife stewardship on their private properties.
Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks honored 23 central Montana hunter, bowhunter, and trapper education instructors at a 2026 Region 4 workshop in Great Falls, recognizing service milestones ranging from 5 to 35 years. Andrew Oestreich and Brent Lonner received Instructor of the Year awards.