Long before synthetic fibers filled the shelves, nature had already perfected one of the finest performance materials on earth: merino wool. Sourced from Merino sheep—originally bred in Spain and later refined in the rugged highlands of New Zealand and Australia—this natural fiber has been prized for centuries for its softness, warmth and versatility. Unlike traditional wool, which could feel coarse and itchy, merino wool is fine and smooth, offering next-to-skin comfort that’s ideal for long days in the field or on the water

For hunters and anglers, comfort starts from the ground up. Merino wool excels where it matters most: temperature regulation and moisture control. Its unique structure naturally wicks perspiration away from the skin, keeping feet dry and blister-free even during long stalks or when tucked inside rubber boots or waders. In cold weather, it traps the warmth from body heat next to the skin without adding bulk, while in warmer conditions, it breathes easily to prevent overheating—a rare balance that makes merino a true four-season fiber.

Another major advantage of merino is its natural odor resistance. The fibers actively neutralize bacteria, meaning socks stay fresher longer, even after back-to-back days in the field or on the water. That’s a big win for anyone who’s ever packed for a multi-day hunt, fishing trip, or offshore run.

Today, modern spinning and knitting techniques have only enhanced what nature started, allowing brands like Fish Monkey and Hunt Monkey to design merino socks that combine this natural performance with targeted cushioning, compression fit, arch support, and reinforced durability. Read more

Idaho Fish & Game staff get to do some extremely cool work in some of the most beautiful, wild places our state has to offer. The work our staff does in the field is critically important for monitoring and managing wildlife populations, but it can also be dangerous – as this video demonstrates.

Earlier this month, a wildlife technician in the Southwest Region headed out to do a cause-of-death investigation for a GPS-collared mule deer buck in the Owyhees. The investigation is part of an ongoing research project looking at various factors that affect buck survival, including season structures, hunt types, and how accessible a unit is to hunters. Read more

MARYVILLE, TN. – Smith & Wesson Brands, Inc. (NASDAQ Global Select: SWBI), a leader in firearm manufacturing and design, announces the release of the Model 1854 Stealth Hunter, chambered in .30-30 Win.

Starting today, the Stealth Hunter rifle platform is now available in the iconic American .30-30 Win cartridge. Built for both passionate hunters and shooting enthusiasts alike, these exceptional models seamlessly blend modern design with classic craftsmanship. This ensures not only superior reliability and performance in the field but also a deep respect for the time-honored techniques that have shaped hunting for generations.

These rifles boast a 5+1 capacity, a compact 16.5-inch 410 stainless-steel barrel, an overall weight of 6.95 pounds, and a total length of 34.3 inches. In addition to their sleek, all-black Armornite® aesthetic, the Model 1854 Stealth Hunters are equipped with a variety of modern upgrades that boost performance right out of the box. Key features include a meticulously engineered flat trigger design that promotes consistent finger placement for improved accuracy, an extended 10.5-inch Picatinny rail that offers a versatile platform for a broader range of optic compatibility, a large loop lever that facilitates effortless cycling, and a 5/8-24 threaded muzzle to accommodate suppressors, enabling quieter operation during hunting or target shooting.

The uniquely designed T6 aluminum forend is not only lightweight but also offers exceptional durability. It features fifteen M-LOK® compatible slots that allow for seamless accessory attachments, such as grips and lights. Additionally, the innovative HIVIZ® Litewave H3® fiber optic front sight significantly improves visibility, ensuring optimal performance in both low-light and daylight conditions, making it an ideal choice for various shooting environments. Read more

K9 Storm and Game Warden Chad Robertson located a missing elderly Edgecomb man Thursday evening just as freezing temperatures started to set in.

Valmar Thompson, age 91 of Edgecomb, lives alone at his house in Edgecomb, and has caregivers who are there each day. Yesterday, when one of the caregivers arrived at 10:00 a.m., Thompson was not there, yet the house and stove were still warm, indicating that he was there recently. The caregiver was not alarmed, as Thompson often worked around his property during the day, but when he did not return, the caregiver called Lincoln County Sherriffs office, who contacted the Maine Warden Service.

Game Wardens and members of the Sheriff’s office and the Edgecomb Fire Department searched the area, and at approximately 5:40 p.m., Game Warden Robertson and K9 Storm located Thompson in the woods, disoriented, and sitting on a stone wall with one shoe missing. Game Wardens and other assisted getting Thompson out of the woods as his knee was hurting, and he was loaded onto an ATV, and brought out to a waiting ambulance where he was examined but not transported by emergency medical personnel, and then released to his family. Read more

Dewy White of Paoli, Indiana, visited Crater of Diamonds State Park on October 2 and found a beautiful 2.71-carat white diamond.

White and his wife embarked on the road trip of a lifetime with Crater of Diamonds State Park as their first stop. The couple spent two days digging and sifting in the park’s 37.5-acre search area before moving on to their next destination. Having created a lasting memory, the couple revisited the park on their return trip for three more days.

With some screens he had bought on his way into Murfreesboro, White started digging in the Canary Hill area by the south wash pavilion. “A very nice gentleman I met on my first day out here suggested that area,” noted White. “He seemed like he knew what he was doing, and it looked like a nice, shaded spot.”

White spent most of the day dry sifting, a process where dirt is broken up by hand and sifted through mesh screens without water. Getting excited at every piece of quartz and calcite he found, White finally spotted something that looked different than everything he had seen. Read more

Oct. 1, 2025
Contact: Lt. Jeremy Payne, 989-297-2941

A 70-year-old man from Ogemaw County, Michigan, was reunited with family Tuesday afternoon after becoming lost near his home earlier that day.

Around 11:30 a.m. the man wandered away from his home, a wooded and rural area located near County Highway F-18 and M-30 in Edwards Township. Read more

Military-grade water purification technology delivers 3,000 gallons of fresh water daily

Katadyn Group, a global leader in sustainable hydration, nutrition and cooking solutions, today announced the release of the Aquifer 3000, a new portable desalination system developed with input from the U.S. military. The system is one of the most advanced water purification technologies designed for remote military operations.

Capable of producing 3,000 gallons (11,350 liters) of safe drinking water per day, the Aquifer 3000 provides 6 gallons of drinking water per person per day from seawater, brackish, or fresh sources. It comes in two rugged transport cases, each under 190 pounds, for two-person carry. Tool-free assembly, intuitive controls, and rapid setup and takedown make the system reliable for mission-critical operations.

The Aquifer 3000 is the newest product in the Aquifer Series from Spectra Watermakers, a Katadyn Group brand. The series includes solutions designed for military, humanitarian aid, and disaster relief applications. The 3000 offers a dedicated defense solution, combining mobility, quick setup, daily redeployment, and durability proven through MIL-STD-810H testing.

“The Aquifer 3000 was developed for the U.S. military to deliver dependable water supply in the most demanding conditions,” said Chris Voxland, president, North America, Katadyn Group. “Its combination of portability, output, and durable military-grade design ensures readiness in environments where failure is not an option.”

The system operates in two modes for maximum flexibility. High Mode (3,000 gallons per day) is used under normal conditions, while Low Mode (1,600 gallons per day) is suited for solar applications, smaller power sources, or reduced sound signature. The Aquifer 3000 is tested to MIL-STD-810H for durability and is compliant with the Buy American Act and Berry Amendment. Read more

The Ruger Blackhawk “Premier” is a Custom & Collectable Firearms, 1 of 200 sequentially numbered limited series. This remarkable firearm, which includes cylinders in .45 LC & .45 ACP, embodies the essence of sophistication and charm. Featuring a classic color case-hardened design paired with authentically crafted stag grips, it stands as a testament to the finest craftsmanship, making it a prized addition to any collection. Each piece comes in a sleek black presentation box that has a Custom & Collectable logo in gold foil on top, accompanied by a challenge coin and a certificate of authenticity personally signed by the owner, delivering a complete and memorable collector’s experience. Read more

On September 17, 2025, the Sportsmen’s Alliance Foundation (SAF) filed the final brief in our appeal challenging the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) puppy ban in the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals.

The puppy ban prohibits all dogs under the age of six months and dogs without an implanted microchip from entering the country. The purported purpose of the age and microchip requirements is to make sure that the dog is old enough to have been vaccinated for rabies and has the appropriate vaccination paperwork linked to an implanted microchip as proof. The puppy ban applied even to countries with almost no risk of rabies and that many breeders depend upon for genetic diversity – such as the United Kingdom, France, Germany, and others.

Prior to the rule change, CDC declared these same countries to be free of rabies or to possess such a low risk of rabies that it did not require the dogs coming from those countries to be vaccinated. It did not even ask for the dogs’ age or microchip number. Nevertheless, it now applies the ban to those dogs.

“Federal law requires that agency actions be both within their scope of lawful authority and to be logical and rational,” said Michael Jean, Litigation Counsel for the Sportsmen’s Alliance Foundation. “This ban is neither. CDC has no idea which statute authorizes it. It has changed its position and grasped at straws after the fact while simultaneously telling the court to ‘trust the experts at the CDC.’” Read more