Hook & Barrel Magazine Launches New Giveaway Featuring Springfield Armory Echelon 4.0FC

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Hook & Barrel Magazine®, The Lifestyle Magazine for Modern Outdoorsmen™, is excited to announce its latest exclusive giveaway sweepstakes, giving readers the chance to win the Springfield Armory Echelon 4.0FC. Designed to combine full-size capacity with a more compact, fast-handling profile, the 4.0FC features a 4-inch barrel paired with a full-length grip, along with a modular chassis system and optics-ready interface that adapts to a wide range of shooting styles.

“The Echelon 4.0FC hits that sweet spot: full-size capacity with faster handling in a more compact package,” said Niki Morrison, Hook & Barrel’s Director of Marketing and Public Relations. “It’s a true do-it-all platform built for how people carry today, which is why it feels like a natural fit for our readers.”

Entering the sweepstakes is simple: readers and viewers can visit the Hook & Barrel website and follow the instructions on the giveaway page, where full terms and conditions are also available. The sweepstakes is currently running through April 30, 2026, and the winner will be announced shortly thereafter. Read more

Contests

SAF Files Supplemental Brief in National Firearms Act Challenge

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The Second Amendment Foundation (SAF) and its partners have filed a supplemental brief in Brown v. ATF, one of three lawsuits the organization is supporting challenging the constitutionality of the National Firearms Act (NFA).

Before President Trump signed the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, purchasing silencers, short-barreled rifles, short-barreled shotguns, and “any other weapons” (AOWs) under the NFA required paying a $200 tax and registering the firearms. The tax and registration regime, Congress insisted, was based on its authority to levy taxes. Once the One Big Beautiful Bill eliminated taxes on those arms, however, SAF and its partners filed lawsuits challenging the remaining registration requirements, because without the tax, Congress’ reliance on their taxing power as constitutional authority to enact the law is no longer justifiable.

“In response to our Motion for Summary Judgment, the court requested additional briefing, which highlight multiple critical elements of our claim,” said SAF Director of Legal Operations Bill Sack. “We are thrilled to have an additional opportunity to explain exactly why our claim is so strong. The brief highlights why SAF and our members have standing to bring this suit, and precisely how the merits analysis supports our position. As we always do, we make our positions as plainly and forthrightly as possible, and we post links to the entire docket for each case on our website so everyone can read the full arguments we are making on their behalf.”

SAF is joined in Brown v. ATF by the American Suppressor Association, National Rifle Association, Firearms Policy Coalition, Prime Protection STL Tactical Boutique and two private citizens.

“For almost a century, the NFA has been used to infringe on the Second Amendment rights of citizens,” said SAF founder and Executive Vice President Alan M. Gottlieb. “We now have a chance to remove these unconstitutional restrictions and look forward to fully restoring the right to keep and bear arms for the countless Americans who own silencers and short-barreled rifles across the nation.” Read more

Gun Control

Prepare for Orioles & Hummingbirds 

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Western birders will enjoy attracting Bullock’s Orioles to your yards (photo by Nancy Christensen).

April is an exciting month when the birds we see changes dramatically from wintering birds to new birds making migration stops – brief or extended – plus the arrival of favorite summer residents like orioles and hummingbirds. April is also a good time to look ahead in a general way to assess our yards with respect to birds, to consider what we can do to improve things ranging from landscaping to feeders to flower gardens. Preparing for birds like orioles and hummingbirds also requires a change of feeders and foods to attract and benefit these popular birds.

It’s not too early to prepare for the arrival of orioles and hummingbirds, which begins later this month in many regions of the country and extends into May in more northern latitudes. Read more

Wildlife

Found a Baby Bird on the Ground This Spring? Here’s What to Do

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SALT LAKE CITY — It’s a beautiful spring day, so you decide to go for a nice walk around your neighborhood. You are strolling along the sidewalk when suddenly you hear loud chirping near your feet. You look over and see a baby bird lying on the ground near a tree trunk. What should you do? The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources has a few tips.

It is not unusual to find a baby bird on the ground during this time of year. Many birds are hatching and often leave their nests before they are able to fly. Some may also be blown out of nests during spring thunderstorms.

“Baby birds usually chirp and call from the nest, waiting for their parents to bring food to them — and sometimes they get excited or agitated, which results in them falling from their perch,” Utah Division of Wildlife Resources Migratory Game Bird Coordinator Jason Jones said.

The most common baby birds that people find are robins (which nest in trees) and swallows (which build their mud nests in eaves and on the sides of houses).

If you find a baby bird on the ground, here is what to know:

Put it back in the nest if it doesn’t have feathers

If the bird is very small and still featherless, you should place it back in its nest. If you can’t find the nest, put the bird on a branch safely out of reach of dogs and cats.

“The baby will squawk, and its parents will find it,” Jones said.

Unlike with some other wildlife species, you don’t need to be concerned about leaving your scent on the bird. Most birds do not have a good sense of smell so if you pick up a baby bird, its parents won’t even know you’ve handled it. Read more

Wildlife

Fiocchi Introduces Predator & Pest™ Sub-Gauge Shotshell Line

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Ozark, MO — Fiocchi Ammunition proudly announces the launch of its all-new Predator & Pest™ shotshell line, purpose-built for sub-gauge hunters who demand serious performance. Designed specifically for .410 bore, 28 gauge, and 20 gauge, this innovative lineup delivers the much needed solution for raccoons, opossums, skunks, nutria, ditch tigers, and the ever-resourceful landfill rats.

At the heart of Predator & Pest™ is Fiocchi’s proprietary Duplex Density Matrix™, blending two unlikely partners: osmium, the densest naturally occurring metal known to man, and saltpeter, sourced from The Great Salt Lake, Utah. This historic compound dates back to the 1800s, when farmers relied on salt-based loads for rat and rodent control in the barnyards, minimizing collateral damage.

“With tungsten prices climbing faster than a raccoon up a corn crib, we challenged ourselves to think differently,” said Fiocchi product manager Ben T. Franklin. “The result is a payload that’s high on terminal performance, while modernizing a time-tested formula at a very affordable price point.”

The osmium component delivers unmatched density and downrange energy, while the saltpeter serves a dual purpose: a buffering agent to the osmium pellets, and a short-range peppering projectile. Together, the combination has earned a nickname among field testers – the Salt and Pepper Strafer.

Adding a little fire (quite literally) to the equation is Fiocchi’s PhosTrace™ Illumination Technology. This phosphorus-infused element ignites briefly upon discharge, allowing shooters to visually track the shot string in low-light conditions. Whether viewed with the naked eye or through thermal and infrared optics, the pattern streaks toward the target like a cruise missile on a mission.

“Predator & Pest provides instant shooter feedback,” said Franklin. “You’re not guessing where your pattern went… you’re watching it happen in real time.” Read more

Ammunition

Wilson Combat Releases eXperior Elite Commander Double Stack Pistol

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Berryville, Arkansas — Wilson Combat announces the release of the eXperior Elite Commander Double Stack, a precision-engineered defensive handgun that combines refined ergonomics, modern capacity, and performance-driven design.

Derived from the concepts of “excellence” and “superior,” the eXperior platform represents a commitment to building pistols that exceed the expectations of standard production firearms. The eXperior Elite Commander Double Stack continues that tradition—blending the proven ergonomics of the X9 platform with modern high-capacity capability in a compact, Commander-size format.

Built around a 4.25-inch match-grade stainless fluted bull barrel and Tri-Top slide, the pistol is engineered for accuracy, durability, and everyday carry performance. Precision machining, flush-cut reverse crown, and dual locking lug design contribute to Wilson Combat’s 1.5-inch accuracy guarantee at 25 yards, delivering consistent, repeatable results on target.

At its foundation is an updated high-capacity aluminum frame with an integrated light rail and magwell, providing strength, balance, and practical utility for defensive or duty use. TRAK-textured frontstrap and backstrap surfaces, paired with aggressive, removable G10 Starburst grips, ensure a secure purchase in all shooting conditions. Read more

Firearms

US Palm Storm and EOS Series

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West Palm Beach, FL – US Palm aims to make big waves in 2026 by debuting an all-new series of rifles and a complete suppressor line. Long known for their AK pistol grips, magazines, and soft goods, US Palm is now entering the firearm and suppressor markets with the CAT 4 Storm series of rifles, and EOS series of suppressors.

The Storm CAT 4 rifle is a modern marvel of engineering brought to life by the team at US Palm. The rifle is a true duty ready rifle that is designed for maximum performance and durability. With accuracy enhanced by the Mono-Loc system, a rugged upper with steel reinforced wear points, a 16″ cold hammer forged barrel, Hiperfire EDT Designated Marksman Trigger, and US Palm “Hurricane” hybrid flash hider/compensator. The Storm Cat 4 will also be offered in a pistol configuration, featuring an 11.5″ barrel and pistol brace. Both models are now available for an MSRP of $1399.99. Read more

Firearms

Explore 11,800 Miles of Michigan State Forest Roads: ORV Maps Available Online

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Gear up, grab a friend and download a map before hitting the open roads: Thousands of miles of state forest roads are open to hikers, off-road vehicles and adventure seekers!

Each year on April 1, following the annual road inventory and review, the DNR updates state forest road maps to keep them as accurate as possible. Available in both an interactive online format and as printable PDFs, these maps make it easier to plan your next outing.

Listed here by region are 11,841 miles of Michigan’s forest roads and trails open to ORVs:

  • Upper Peninsula: more than 5,752 miles (about 98% of the total mileage).
  • Northern Lower Peninsula: more than 6,080 miles (about 84% of the total mileage).
  • Southern Lower Peninsula: about 9 miles (about 2.5% of the total mileage).

This is an increase of 31 miles from the state forest roads open to ORVs in 2025. Read more

Wildlife

Sightron New “Snap Focus” Parallax Adjustment S6 MOA Field Target Riflescopes

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SIGHTRON, one of the world’s most innovative optical observation and aiming device companies, is pleased to announce the new “Snap Focus” S6 10-60×56 ED MOA Field Target riflescopes. Available with or without magnetic focus wheel, these new models are in addition to the current field target riflescope line. The S6 field target scope is a premium choice for airgun, small caliber field target and benchrest shooters.

With the addition of the new “Snap Focus” parallax adjustment system, the MOA S6 10-60×56 ED Field Target riflescope can reduce parallax from 320º to 270º in a snap. The SIGHTRON redesigned parallax system has 270º of precision rotation, plus an extra 39º of diopter and environmental condition protection, for a total 320º of parallax control. These riflescopes are optimized for precise field target parallax adjustments ranging from 9 yards-infinity. Also, where it matters most, SIGHTRON provides 91º of parallax correction in the critical 40–60 yard target range. Read more

Optics

Plan Now for Spring Treatment of Hemlock Woolly Adelgid

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If hemlock trees on your property show signs of hemlock woolly adelgid infestation, now is a good time to plan for spring treatment of this invasive species. Hemlock woolly adelgid, native to Asia, is known to be present in areas of Allegan, Antrim, Benzie, Leelanau, Manistee, Mason, Muskegon, Oceana, Ottawa, Van Buren and Washtenaw counties in Michigan. These small insects suck sap from hemlock needles and ultimately can cause tree death.

Insecticides are available to control the insect, and in many cases, landowners can apply them easily by carefully following label instructions and application rate guidance. In Michigan, the label is the law. In some cases, you may need or prefer the services of a licensed pesticide application business.

If one or more trees are infested, make plans to act this year. Read more

Wildlife
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