A generous donation to the Boone and Crockett Club will waive the $40 entry fee for its Records program starting January 1, 2026. The initiative aims to reduce barriers to participation and increase the database of North American big game records, which CEO Tony Schoonen notes is vital for wildlife managers evaluating herd and habitat health.
The Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation and Leupold announced their commitment to conserve or enhance 10 million acres of big game habitat by 2030 at SHOT Show in Las Vegas. RMEF President Kyle Weaver and Leupold President Bruce Pettet will host a special happy hour event to highlight their partnership in advancing conservation and hunting heritage.
Gun Owners of America and Gun Owners Foundation won a landmark Department of Justice opinion declaring the federal statute prohibiting mailing of handguns unconstitutional under the Second Amendment. The OLC concluded the statute cannot be enforced against law-abiding citizens shipping handguns for lawful purposes including self-defense, target shooting, and hunting.
The Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation supported 10 land conservation and access projects in 2025 that will open or improve public access to nearly 145,000 acres across 11 states. Working with partners including onX Hunt, ALPS OutdoorZ, Bass Pro Shops, Cabela's, and others, RMEF expanded public access to big game habitat through acquisitions and easements.
The Mule Deer Foundation praised Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum's Secretarial Order 3447, which establishes an "open unless closed" standard for hunting and fishing on Department of the Interior lands. The order aligns federal refuge rules with state wildlife management and recognizes sportsmen's historical funding of conservation through Federal Duck Stamps and Pittman-Robertson excise taxes.
The Boone and Crockett Club reaffirmed its foundational principles requiring only native, wild, and free-ranging big game for its records program. Vice President Mike Opitz emphasized that maintaining these rigorous standards protects hunting's future and ensures the nearly 60,000-entry database remains a credible tool for wildlife managers and conservation efforts.
The Boone and Crockett Club praised Interior Secretary Doug Burgum's secretary's order ensuring federal public lands remain open for hunting and fishing. CEO Tony A. Schoonen highlighted the organization's 140-year commitment to protecting wildlife habitat and public hunting opportunities while supporting sustainable outdoor traditions.
The Wild Sheep Foundation welcomes Interior Secretary Doug Burgum's Secretary Order 3447, which removes barriers to hunting and fishing on Interior public lands and improves coordination with state, tribal, and territorial wildlife agencies. WSF President Gray N. Thornton praised the order as a significant conservation commitment.
Walk the Talk America, a nonprofit focused on mental health awareness and suicide prevention, appointed four new board members: J. Hood, Patrick Bertagna, Shawn Kitchell, and Brandon Roper. The appointments bring diverse expertise in nonprofit strategy, technology, public safety, and executive leadership to strengthen the organization's mission.
The Second Amendment Foundation (SAF) promoted Dana Wilson to Director of Development and Tanner Lineberry to Associate Director of Marketing. Executive Director Adam Kraut stated these new positions are pivotal for SAF's future growth and ability to advance its strategic litigation program and Second Amendment advocacy.
Women for Gun Rights announced the formation of its new Advisory Council, featuring Eva Shockey, Mark "Oz" Geist, Jamie Villamor, and Nick Freitas. The council brings national leadership and diverse expertise to advance Second Amendment education and advocacy as the organization celebrates its 10th anniversary.
The Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation announced new board leadership with Todd Walker as chair, AshLee Strong as vice chair, and five new members including Mark Baker, John Green, Ike Eastman, Will Primos, and Adam Weatherby. The 16-member board from 11 states leads RMEF's conservation efforts for elk, wildlife habitat, and hunting heritage.
IHEA-USA released its 2025 Annual Report highlighting expanded partnerships with state agencies, industry manufacturers, NASP, and USAA. The organization launched new technology tools including StateView Dashboards, PUP AI Education Assistant, and PathPerks with Guidefitter, while establishing the EduTech Catalyst Fund to support hunter education and shooting sports instruction nationwide.
HeadHunters NW completed an executive search resulting in Dr. Todd Adkins' appointment as Executive Director of the Oregon Hunters Association. Dr. Adkins brings 30 years of hunting and conservation experience, including previous roles at Sportsmen's Alliance and the NRA-ILA, and will lead OHA's transformation and growth.
Camp Woodie, the South Carolina Waterfowl Association's flagship youth summer camp, is adding a multi-lane climbing tower, waterslides, and swimming enhancements for 2026. The camp has also expanded staffing with new Camp Care Specialists, Activity Experts, and Lead Facilitators to enhance camper experiences and safety.
The Council to Advance Hunting and the Shooting Sports announced that the R3 License Data Dashboard will not be maintained for 2026 following the completion of its development funding. The public tool provided free visualizations of hunting and fishing license purchase trends to support Recruitment, Retention, and Reactivation efforts.
Wildlife Forever announces Brandon Helm's hire as invasive species project manager. Helm will partner with stakeholders to promote the Clean Drain Dry Initiative and combat invasive species spread. He previously worked with the Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership and Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.
Knife Rights achieved significant legislative victories in 2025 across multiple states, including knife law preemption bills in Ohio, Arkansas, and Idaho, switchblade ban repeals in Hawaii, Vermont, and Delaware, and debanking protection for the knife industry in Idaho. The organization also successfully amended bills in Washington and North Carolina while continuing federal litigation challenging switchblade bans in California and Minnesota.
Knife Rights criticizes the Trump administration's Department of Justice for defending the Federal Switchblade Act in court, arguing the DOJ's response brief contradicts claimed Second Amendment support. Attorney John Dillon states the government's arguments are baseless, and Knife Rights plans to file a final brief early next year while seeking donations to continue the legal fight.
The NRA Foundation achieved record assets in 2025, reflecting disciplined stewardship and commitment to its charitable mission. Under Executive Director Peter Churchbourne's leadership, the Foundation continued funding hundreds of programs nationwide supporting marksmanship training, hunting, and youth shooting sports while maintaining strong governance and financial management.