Avient Highlights Composite Heat Release Innovation at SHOT Show Supplier Showcase 2026

Avient Corporation, an innovator of material solutions, will present its latest innovations for the shooting sports industry at the SHOT Show Supplier Showcase 2026, January 19–20, at the Venetian Expo in Las Vegas. Among the highlights is Avient’s Composite Heat Release technology, a patent-pending solution developed to improve firearm barrel performance.

This multi-layer composite combines ceramic and carbon fiber-reinforced materials, which are applied to steel barrel bores provided by the firearms manufacturer. By accelerating heat transfer through the composite sleeve, the technology reduces barrel bore temperature during extended firing, lowers overall weight, and increases stiffness compared to traditional steel barrels — delivering exemplary performance for sport shooting and hunting applications.

Avient’s full material portfolio for shooting sports and defense will be featured at the Supplier Showcase exhibit, including: Read more

Youth Writing Contest From National Fresh Water Fishing Hall of Fame Now Open

The National Fresh Water Fishing Hall of Fame has published details and an entry form for the new Lindsay Sale-Tinney Awards program, a communications contest for youth ages 12 to 15. Cash prizes totaling $600 will be awarded in three places for stories written about the entrants’ most memorable fishing trips of the year. Winning entries will appear in various print and online publications as well.

Stories are limited to 500 words (approximately one full page, single spaced) and will be judged by qualified journalists, photographers, and/or educators with outdoors experience. Entries for fishing trip stories that took place between January 1 and December 31, 2025, must be submitted online by January 10, 2026. Contestants are encouraged to include content about things they see and do before, during, and after their actual fishing experience. Read more

RMEF Helps Add 8,850 Acres of Public Land to Michigan’s Elk Country

MISSOULA, Mont.  — Located in the heart of Michigan’s elk range, the Pigeon River Country State Forest in the state’s Lower Peninsula now includes an additional 8,850 acres, thanks to the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation’s contribution of funds for a recent land acquisition by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR). The DNR’s purchase of the Black River Ranch in Cheboygan and Montmorency counties conserves the property from future development and opens the land to the public for hunting, fishing and other outdoor activities.

RMEF has been active in the Pigeon River Country State Forest area for years, completing 36 previous land conservation, access, and habitat and wildlife stewardship projects. Following an inquiry from the landowners, who wanted to ensure the tract’s natural resources were conserved for future enjoyment, in 2020 the Little Traverse Conservancy approached RMEF about partnering to help the DNR acquire Black River Ranch. Negotiating the purchase transaction came to a successful conclusion in early December.
“More than five years in the making, conservation of the Black River Ranch property is a great example of RMEF’s steadfast commitment to increasing public access while ensuring vital habitat remains for big game and other wildlife,” said Jennifer Doherty, RMEF managing director of mission operations. “We applaud the landowner, Little Traverse Conservancy and Michigan DNR for their partnership in conserving one of the last large intact parcels within Michigan’s designated elk zone, a move that both supports active forest management and helps reduce wildlife conflict—outcomes RMEF is proud to champion.”

Bordered by the Pigeon River Country State Forest on three sides, the Black River Ranch is used extensively by elk throughout the year and provides critical habitat to white-tailed deer, black bears, turkeys, grouse and a host of other wildlife species. The property contains more than 14 miles of rivers and streams—including the Black River, considered by many anglers to be the premier brook trout river east of the Mississippi—as well as three lakes. Read more

Introducing the New Thrive HD Reflex Green Multi-Reticle in FDE

Meet the newest evolution in speed and precision: the Thrive HD Reflex Green Dot Multi-Reticle – FDE. Designed for shooters who demand instant acquisition, dependable clarity, and rugged performance, this optic brings uncompromising capability to pistols, PCCs, and compact rifles.

Finished in a flawless FDE that pairs seamlessly with today’s most popular tactical builds, this ZeroTech reflex sight is engineered to enhance your response time, sharpen your sight picture, and keep you ready for whatever comes next.

Built for Speed, Ready for Anything Read more

HK Launches New Crossover-Sized VP9A1 “X” Model

Heckler & Koch USA announces the latest addition to the growing VP9A1 pistol line. The VP9A1 X has all the A1 updates of the VP9A1 launched earlier this year and is a new/old size that fits nicely between the kompact “K” model and the full-sized “F” model.

“The crossover size of the ‘X’ is ideal for many customers today. The shorter slide allows for more compact carry or shorter holsters, a welcome addition for our Law Enforcement customers,” said HK Director of Sales & Business Development Nathan Schueth. “If this size seems familiar to you, that’s because it is the exact size of the original ‘A0’ VP9 that started it all. With the A1 improvements, +2 capacity increase, and 100% optics-ready configuration, the A1 X may be the right size for you.”

The VP9A1 X has the 4” barrel of the VP9A1 K and the full-size, 17-round frame of the VP9A1 F. It also has all the latest A1 updates, including an updated grip frame with integral magwell, nickel-teflon coated trigger bar, and enhanced controls, to name a few.

X models are in stock and available for immediate shipment.

For further information, please contact: HK-USA Public Relations
Email: pr@heckler-koch-us.com

www.hk-usa.com

New TRX Ultra Delivers 70% Tighter Groups at 100-Yards and Is Fastest Crossbow in the World at 515 FPS

TenPoint Crossbow Technologies unveiled the NEW TRX Ultra, a new flagship crossbow that is the fastest in the industry and expands the company’s popular TRX and TX Series lineup. Measuring 29.5″ short and 6″ narrow, the TRX Ultra shoots 515 FPS and features Twin-Riser Technology™ (TRT), a custom TriggerTech Trigger, AR-Style Ambidextrous Thumb Safety, and multiple precision-engineered accuracy advancements to deliver 70% tighter groups at 100-yards.

“Over the last 18 months, our engineering team has been laser-focused on creating the most accurate crossbows to ever hit the market,” said Phil Bednar, TenPoint CEO. “Every component of our Ultra Series is designed with sniper-like accuracy and category-leading reliability. The wider limbs and larger axles create a more stable, repeatable, and reliable shooting platform, while the ACU-X™ RD Arrow with Snap-On Nock and upgraded custom string deliver devastating long-range accuracy. Combined with the ACUslide MAXX™ and TriggerTech trigger, the TRX Ultra is the ultimate crossbow for the high-performance hunter.”

Ultra-Accuracy Treatment: Four Key Innovations Deliver 70% Tighter Groups at 100-Yards

Zero-Torsion Technology

    • NEW 8MM Axle: 175% stronger and 215% stiffer than standard axles, maintains perfect cam, axle, and limb alignment during and after the shot to maximize accuracy and improve bow efficiency.
    • NEW X-Wide™ Limbs: 20% wider and 120% stronger than standard limbs, combine with the 8MM axle to eliminate all torsional movement along the limb axis, driving long-range accuracy.

Read more

TenPoint Launches Vision HD Digital Rangefinding Crossbow Scope with Recording Capability

TenPoint Crossbow Technologies unveiled the NEW Vision HD Digital Rangefinding Crossbow Scope, the most advanced optic on the market. The 3-12X scope delivers precision rangefinding with an immediate aiming solution, all while capturing the video & audio of your hunt.

The Vision HD includes five pre-loaded TenPoint arrow ballistic profiles with simple one-shot zeroing. Advanced digital imaging technology provides unrivaled accuracy, ranging precision, and recording clarity compared to any crossbow optic available.

The integrated laser rangefinder measures distances from 5 to 1,100 yards and pairs with pre-loaded ballistic profiles—or a custom profile using the built-in calculator—to instantly provide accurate drop compensation based on measured range.

A built-in video recorder and noise-reducing microphone capture every hunt, with three smart trigger modes including Auto RAV for hands-free, recoil-triggered recording.

“The Vision HD’s crystal-clear optics and one-shot zeroing make it incredibly easy to dial in, while the built-in video recorder captures every moment of the hunt with stunning clarity. This scope combines unrivaled rangefinding accuracy with the coolest feature ever—seamless recording that documents your entire hunting experience,” said Phil Bednar, TenPoint CEO.

Features & Benefits Read more

Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund Board Recommend Projects

Contact: Jon Mayes, 517-284-5954

The Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund Board has recommended that the Michigan Legislature approve 60 recreation development projects and 15 land acquisitions totaling $45 million to be funded in 2026.

The board this year considered a total of 100 applications seeking over $56.6 million in funding. In a competitive process, all eligible applications were evaluated based on scoring criteria approved by the Trust Fund board.

The panel recommends funding to state and local agencies for development projects and land acquisitions aimed at furthering access to public outdoor recreation.

This year, the board recommended $19.1 million for development project grants and $25.8 million for acquisition grants.

Inside those amounts, there were 55 development grants totaling $17,704,000 and 10 acquisition grants totaling $10,266,000 recommended to be awarded to local units of government. In addition, five development projects totaling $1,430,000 and five acquisition purchases totaling $15,600,000 were recommended for the Michigan Department of Natural Resources.”

“The Trust Fund continues to be a tremendous source of funding for important projects and land acquisitions across Michigan,” said Michigan Department of Natural Resources Director Scott Bowen. “Since 1976, more than 3,000 projects or acquisitions have been funded with the help of Trust Fund dollars, creating an outstanding legacy spanning nearly half a century.”

The Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund is a restricted fund that was established in 1976 to provide funding for public acquisition of lands for resource protection and outdoor recreation, as well as for public outdoor recreation development projects. It is funded through interest and earnings on funds derived from the revenues of state-owned oil, gas and minerals.

Over the past 49 years, the Trust Fund has granted more than $1.3 billion to state and local units of government, across 3,015 allocations, to develop and improve recreation opportunities in Michigan.

“From a Keweenaw Heartlands land acquisition in Keweenaw County to a Salsinger Trailhead land purchase as part of the Joe Louis Greenway in Detroit, to dozens of development projects scattered all over our state, the Trust Fund is making substantial progress every single year,” said Dr. Brandy Brown, chairwoman of the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund Board.

The Trust Fund board’s recommendations will go to the Michigan Legislature for review as part of the appropriations process. Upon approval, the Legislature will forward a bill to the governor for signing.

A list of the final recommendations made by the Trust Fund board is available at Michigan.gov/MNRTF.

MDT Launches the STS Buttstock

MDT is proud to introduce the STS (Skeleton Traditional Stock) Buttstock, a groundbreaking new option for shooters who want the accuracy and modularity of a precision chassis without sacrificing the familiar ergonomics of a traditional rifle stock. Designed exclusively for the LSS GEN3 Chassis System, the STS delivers the perfect fusion of modern functionality and classic design.

Bringing together the comfort of a conventional stock with the repeatability and rigidity expected from MDT chassis systems, the STS ensures shooters can maintain consistent form in real-world conditions, without compromise.

A Stock You Can Count On

The STS is built for shooters who know that control equals precision. Its overmolded rubber grip offers a secure, natural-feeling hold, whether conditions involve rain, sweat, mud, or dust. Paired with a hybrid grip angle and thoughtful surface geometry, the STS keeps shooters locked in, confident, and on target.

Comfort, Consistency, and Configurability

The STS delivers a tailored fit through multiple adjustment options. Shooters can fine-tune their setup using:

Tool-less cheek riser adjustment using the MDT thumbwheel accessory

Length-of-pull spacers (4 included)

Integrated M-LOK rail for bag rider attachments

QD sling mount for quick transitions

Vertical buttpad adjustment via MDT’s optional buttpad base

Whether the objective is speed, comfort, or precision, the STS provides the flexibility to adapt to any shooting style or mission. Read more

Jump in the “Pool” for Population Management Hunts

AZGFD aims to meet management objectives beginning January 2026

The Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) is seeking to bolster its pool of hunters who apply to be randomly selected throughout the year for specific population management hunts.

Population management hunts enhance the department’s ability to meet population and habitat management objectives when traditional harvest strategies are not meeting these objectives.

Only those hunters who have submitted a Hunter Pool Application for population management hunts will have a chance to be drawn. Applicants should note that if they choose to participate in a population management hunt, and fill their annual bag limit for that species, they cannot take part in a general season for that species even if selected through the standard draw process.

AZGFD encourages all interested hunters to complete a “Hunter Pool Application,” which can be found — along with detailed information about population management hunts — on Page 49 of the “2025-2026 Arizona Hunting Regulations.”

Applicants should mail their completed application and nonrefundable application fee of $13 for residents or $15 for nonresidents, per species, to: Arizona Game and Fish Department, Attn.: Drawer FAB, 5000 W. Carefree Highway, Phoenix, Ariz., 85086-5000. Do not send cash.

A few points about population management hunts: Read more

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