The Wild Sheep Foundation reaffirmed its support for constitutional hunting and fishing rights, with CEO Gray N. Thornton noting these traditions are cornerstones of conservation heritage. WSF supports states enshrining these rights in their constitutions, with Colorado voters considering Amendment 83 on November 3, 2026.
Safari Club International, the National Rifle Association of America, and Sportsman's Alliance of Maine are challenging Maine's alleged decades-long diversion of interest revenue from the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, estimating tens of millions in diverted funds and warning that over $11 million in annual federal Pittman-Robertson Wildlife Restoration Act funding could be at risk.
Dallas Safari Club and The World Gunmakers' Evening announced a new international partnership to connect their communities, expand industry engagement, and celebrate sporting heritage. The collaboration includes joint promotional initiatives and event sponsorships, with DSC hosting conventions in Atlanta and Dallas, while WGE holds events in London and Philadelphia.
The National Rifle Association launched its redesigned NRA.org website and enhanced official NRA App to modernize member services. The platform provides streamlined access to training resources, legislative alerts, membership management, and exclusive benefits including discounts through partners like PenFed Credit Union and Patriot Mobile.
The Wild Sheep Foundation's President and CEO Gray N. Thornton received the 2027 Peter H. Capstick Hunting Heritage Award from the Dallas Safari Club. The award honors individuals whose sustained contributions have advanced wildlife and habitat conservation while protecting hunting traditions. Thornton has led WSF for eighteen years and distributed over $77 million to mission programs.
The International Hunter Education Association–USA conducted its first Western Basic Hunting Incident Investigation Academy in partnership with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, bringing together 28 officers from state, tribal, and federal agencies including the Colville, Spokane, Kalispel tribes, and Bureau of Land Management to strengthen investigative capabilities and inter-agency cooperation.
Volquartsen Firearms has renewed its corporate partnership with the Second Amendment Foundation (SAF) and upgraded to Gold level status. The Carroll, Iowa-based rimfire manufacturer, led by President Scott Volquartsen, is also sponsoring SAF's monthly sweepstakes and the annual Gun Rights Policy Conference.
Safari Club International and its chapters have contributed $365,000 to support Colorado's Amendment 83, which would establish constitutional protections for hunting and fishing. The funding supports organizations including Colorado Wildlife Deserves Better, Coloradans for Responsible Wildlife Management, and Yes on 83, with SCI chapters mobilizing grassroots efforts across communities.
Hunter Nation, a national grassroots nonprofit organization, urges eligible voters, especially hunters and sportsmen, to participate in the November 3rd, 2026 midterm election. Founder and CEO Keith Mark emphasizes that voting is a patriotic obligation to protect hunting heritage, constitutional rights, and traditional American values.
MidwayUSA Foundation's Hometown Challenge raised $1,002,911.19 for youth shooting sports, with $993,777.66 supporting team endowments matched dollar-for-dollar by Larry and Brenda Potterfield. Hudson Farm Foundation won first place with $199,800 in donations, while industry sponsors including SK Guns, UMAREX, and Savage Arms contributed prizes.
Safari Club International commends the National Park Service for finalizing a rule that restores Alaska's hunting and public access framework on national preserves, reinstating Alaska-specific closure procedures required by ANILCA and allowing limited black bear harvest over bait in alignment with state law.
The Alabama Black Belt Adventures Association named Candace Johnson as its new marketing director. Johnson, a Black Belt native with over 20 years of tourism experience, previously directed tourism and community development at The University of Alabama Center for Economic Development and founded Candace Johnson Consulting.
The National Rifle Association issued a statement following a violent incident in Oregon where an armed community member intervened to stop an attacker. The NRA highlighted the incident as demonstrating the importance of law-abiding armed citizens prepared to respond during emergencies.
Safari Club International leaders, including President Jeff Meyerl and incoming President Mike Crawford, joined President Trump and U.S. Sen. Dan S. Sullivan in Alaska following SCI-PAC's endorsement of Sullivan's reelection campaign. Sullivan has consistently defended Alaska's wildlife management authority and supported hunting access and school hunting programs.
The Congressional Sportsmen's Foundation hosted its 22nd Annual Wine, Wheels & Wildlife event at Childress Vineyards in Lexington, NC, co-hosted by Board Member Richard Childress. The gathering brought together lawmakers, industry leaders, and conservation partners to celebrate outdoor traditions and advance hunting, fishing, shooting, trapping, and wildlife conservation efforts.
Safari Club International (SCI) reports significant advocacy victories in Q1 FY2026, including restoring Florida's black bear hunt, advancing pro-hunting legislation through the House Natural Resources Committee, and securing court protection for hunters' personal information. SCI continues challenging restrictive policies and defending hunting rights globally.
Wild Sheep Foundation leadership presented to the European Federation for Hunting and Conservation at their 2026 General Assembly in Brussels, discussing collaborative conservation efforts and WSF's Women Hunt® Program. WSF provided $50,000 USD to support FACE's advocacy work against international anti-hunting initiatives.
Ground Force International, an Australian distributor of premium outdoor and hunting products, announced a multi-year commitment to support Wild Giants Conservation Fund's rewilding efforts in the Caucasus. The partnership provides substantial contributions in 2025 and 2026 to advance conservation initiatives in Georgia.
The National Rifle Association released a 30-second ad targeting Democrat U.S. Senate candidate James Talarico's support for banning assault weapons and standard-capacity magazines. The ad is part of the NRA's multi-million dollar investment to retain pro-gun majorities in Congress, supported by the Gun Bus tour and grassroots get-out-the-vote efforts across Texas.
The Second Amendment Foundation released a fact sheet refuting 85 predictions from anti-gun groups including Brady, Everytown, Giffords, and March For Our Lives that claimed pro-Second Amendment court rulings would increase violence. FBI data shows three consecutive years of declining murder rates and the largest one-year drop in violent crime on record in 2025.