Sportsmen’s Alliance Foundation Releases Economic Impact Report of Hunting and Shooting in America

New report details fiscal impact of sportsmen at the national, state and local levels

A new report released by the Sportsmen’s Alliance Foundation provides the most detailed and up-to-date data concerning the economic impact and importance of America’s hunters and sport shooters to national and state economies. The report delves into the economic significance of these sportsmen in every state and every legislative district.

“It’s important that people – the general public, and state and federal legislators – understand that America’s hunters and sport shooters are an incredibly important force when it comes to our national, state and local economies, as well as providing an outsized share of conservation funding at both the state and federal levels,” said Evan Heusinkveld, President and CEO of the Sportsmen’s Alliance Foundation. “With this information, sportsmen can educate friends, family and their representatives at every level by clearly illustrating in dollars and cents what they bring to the table and mean to the bottom line.” Read more

Hunting

Holosun Launches the DRS-TH Rifle Sight

Holosun is thrilled to announce the official release of the DRS-TH, a groundbreaking fusion optic that combines advanced red dot sight technology with thermal imaging capabilities. Following its debut at SHOT Show 2023, the highly anticipated DRS-TH is now shipping to customers, promising to elevate the shooting experience for enthusiasts and professionals alike. This innovative optic features a stunning 1024×768 resolution display at 50 fps, enabling users to see clearly in various lighting conditions.

The DRS-TH integrates a 256×192 thermal sensor and multiple thermal image palettes, including White Hot and Highlight modes, ensuring unparalleled visibility. With a durable IP67 waterproof rating and a user-friendly design, the DRS-TH also boasts a rechargeable battery life of up to 10 hours, making it a reliable companion for extended outdoor use. Its LED multi-reticle system allows a seamless overlay of thermal imaging on standard visuals, redefining versatility in optics. Read more

Optics

Steiner T6Xi PR Earns Gold in NTOA Program Test

Steiner, the most trusted name in high-end defensive and sporting optics, is excited to announce that another of the company’s professional grade LPVOs (low power variable optic) has received the National Tactical Officers Association’s highest rating class in its Member Tested and Recommended Program. The Steiner T6Xi joins the Steiner P4Xi in earning a Gold logo rating from the NTOA program.

NTOA’s Member Tested and Recommended Program is an invaluable evaluation process conducted by field officers from around the U.S. to judge products for duty use. This program assists departments in narrowing their search for the best equipment to meet their officers’ needs in real-world patrol and tactical scenarios.

The Steiner T6Xi 1-6×24 rifle scope with the KC-1 MIL reticle was evaluated by member officers in Pennsylvania and California. Testing resulted in an impressive 4.66 out of 5.0 score. Read more

Optics

Heckler & Koch USA Introduces the All-New CC9 Pistol

Heckler & Koch, a global leader in the design and manufacture of small arms, is proud to introduce the CC9, an all-new micro-compact, striker-fired, pistol chambered in 9mm. The HK CC9 is a testament to craftsmanship and precision engineering, setting a new standard in the world of micro-compact pistols. Its sleek design is complemented by exceptional attention to detail, ensuring that every element functions seamlessly. The CC9’s accuracy and performance excel on the range or in a defensive scenario, making it an excellent choice for shooters of all skill levels. Designed and produced in the US for the US Concealed-Carry market, the CC9 is held to the same global quality standard as all HK firearms.

ReliABLE: Engineered with Heckler & Koch’s signature precision and rigorous testing, the CC9 is held to the same standards as full-size duty pistols and tested to the NATO Army Armaments Group AC/225 standards. The CC9 was subjected to a battery of tests including extreme temperatures, dust, sand, mud and being dropped to simulate real world conditions. Built to HKs’ renowned durability standards, the CC9 had over 750 thousand rounds fired during development and testing. The CC9 is built to perform flawlessly in the most demanding conditions, offering the reliability that users have come to expect from Heckler & Koch.

ShootABLE: Designed for shootability top-to-bottom, the CC9 handles like a full-size pistol and delivers exceptional accuracy and control while being built on a full +P rated chassis system. The CC9 adapts to the user’s needs featuring a modular grip system with interchangeable backstraps that allows for personalized customization. With a full 4-finger grip and the same length of pull as the full-sized VP9, the CC9 stays on target when it matters most. Its advanced trigger system ensures smooth, consistent pulls, while the enhanced recoil management allows for rapid, accurate follow-up shots. The CC9 comes optics ready, features a tritium front sight, and a blacked out, serrated rear sight for quick target acquisition, ensuring users can respond effectively in high-stress situations. Read more

Firearms

The Hawke® Optics Frontier 30 FFP MOA Hunter

Powerful, Accurate, and Available in 20X AND 25X Models, These are the Perfect Hunting Rifle Optics at Any Distance

Hawke® Optics, a world leader in quality sporting optics with outstanding performance in the field at an optimum value for the consumer, unleashes the perfect any-range hunting riflescopes – the new 2024 Frontier 30 FFP MOA Hunter Series. Available in 4-20×50 MOA Hunter and 5-25×56 MOA Hunter models, the latest additions to the Frontier line of premium scopes bring you all the clarity, confidence, and precision you expect from a System S7 Hawke optic, with new reticles designed specifically for the hunter. These scopes are available now and are ready to get you dialed in for hunting season.

Let’s take a look at the reticles. The new FFP MOA Hunter reticles were developed specifically for First Focal Plane optical systems and are based on standard MOA-spaced reticles. The FFP MOA Hunter reticle extends to 32 MOA of holdover and has a fine center dot with 0.3 MOA on the 4-20×50 model and 0.24 MOA on the 5-25×56 model, making them ideal for hunting at any range. Both have 16 MOA windage holds with thick posts on the sides and bottom section of the reticle for faster target acquisition at any magnification. The aim points remain true throughout the magnification range. This gives the shooter more confidence in taking the shot, whether it be at 50 yards, or 500. Read more

Optics

The importance of antlerless deer harvest and new regulations in Michigan

Deer populations across Michigan present a diverse range of challenges and opportunities for wildlife management. From the overabundance in the Lower Peninsula to the varying dynamics in the Upper Peninsula, managing deer numbers effectively is crucial for ecosystem health, agricultural interests and the balance of natural predators. Recent regulatory changes highlight the state’s efforts to address these issues through strategic antlerless deer harvest policies.

Overabundance in the Lower Peninsula

Many locations in Michigan’s Lower Peninsula, including many urban and suburban areas, are experiencing high deer population densities. This overabundance can lead to various problems, including increased vehicle collisions, damage to crops and gardens, and the spread of diseases such as chronic wasting disease and bovine tuberculosis where they exist. Read more

Hunting, Wildlife

Blind Faith

September 14, 2024

By Glen Wunderlich

Charter Member Professional Outdoor Media Association (POMA)

Last-minute preparations are underway for my plan to head to the South to lend a hand in the effort to help folks survive the elements thrust upon them by Hurricane Helene.  I’m leaving my computer behind, so there’ll be no postings to this site until I return.  When that is, will have to be determined only after working my way into the mix, whatever that means.

I’ve been fortunate to have lined up a contact and a shelter, after initially signing up with Samaritan’s Purse; however, I couldn’t arrange for accommodations with them, but their personnel directed me to two churches in Black Mountain, NC and the Black Rock Baptist Church answered the call.  The pastor says there’s no running water, but that’s a familiar setting for this experienced outdoorsman.

With that in mind, I’ve meticulously checked off items on my camping list, – Yes, I am a believer in lists.  My 22 year-old GMC pickup truck simply cannot be relied upon for such a mission, so I will pack as much as I can into a Chevy Equinox.  That rear area is more than one would think, but with the seats down, it makes for a great cargo area.  I’ve already staged myriad equipment and supplies in the garage, and it will be interesting to learn if it’ll all fit.

To be continued…

General

Enter to Win a Trophy Mule Deer Hunt in Alberta

This trophy mule deer rifle hunt features a fully guided six-day experience with Trust the Land Outfitters during the rut, taking place from November 3-8, 2025. The hunt will take place on private land in the foothills of Southern Alberta, in the far western part of the province. The package also includes a cabin equipped with all amenities and delicious home-cooked meals. With an entry of just $20, you could secure an exciting hunt trip while also supporting SCI Foundation’s vital wildlife conservation work. Enter today at https://bit.ly/muledeersweeps.

Contests

Enter the Great 8 Fall Raffle for Just $10

The Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) would like to remind hunters that Conservation First USA is running its bonus Great 8 fall raffle. With fall seasons opening and hunting on the brain, what better time to purchase tickets?

The best part? You can buy as many $10 tickets as you like for mule deer, whitetail deer, bison, elk, pronghorn, javelina, mountain lion and black bear. Even better, winners can hunt for 365 days almost anywhere in the state, giving you the ultimate flexibility to plan your hunt. Remember, 100 percent of the proceeds go back to AZGFD for projects that benefit the species.

Why Enter?

  • No impact on your annual harvest limit or bonus points.
  • 365-day hunting period (Aug. 15, 2025, to Aug. 14, 2026) – hunt any time within a year across most of the state.
  • Affordable entry – just $10 per ticket, per species.
  • Unlimited ticket purchases – boost your chances with more entries.
  • Support wildlife conservation – every dollar supports on-the-ground projects.

How to Enter:

You must purchase your tickets online through Conservation First USA’s website. But don’t wait, the deadline for ticket purchases is Dec. 15. Make sure to check out all the rules.

Spread the word to your hunting community—every ticket sold makes a difference!

CFUSA Website

Contests

InfiRay Outdoor Announces New RICO Mk2 LRF Thermal Weapon Sight

(Lewisville, Texas) iRayUSA, the United States distributor of InfiRay Outdoor thermal optics, is pleased to announce a new 384×288 resolution model in the RICO Mk2 LRF line, the RL42R.

The RICO (Rugged Infrared Compact Optic) line has long been one of InfiRay Outdoor’s most popular families of thermal weapon sights. The second generation (RICO Mk2 LRF) of this line began with the announcement of the RH50R at SHOT show in January, and was immediately in high demand across the iRayUSA dealer network. The new RL42R continues the innovative design and feature set of the RH50R (integrated laser rangefinder, on-board ballistics calculator, etc.) but with a 42 mm germanium objective lens and a 384×288 resolution thermal sensor. This combination provides a 4x native (base) magnification. “Magnification and resolution always represent a trade-off and a delicate balancing act” said Pliny Gale, iRayUSA Marketing and Communications Manager. “While the RH50R has superior resolution, the increased native magnification of the RL42R hits the sweet spot for many predator hunters – starting at a 4x magnification instead of always having to zoom in and throw away resolution to get there.” Like the RH50R, the sensor in the RL42R is still a 12 µm vanadium oxide microbolometer, with a thermal sensitivity rating (NETD) of 20 mK, providing exceptional detail and clarity.

All RICO Mk2 LRF models utilize an industry leading 2560×2560 AMOLED display and an intuitive digital zoom control. The sight is powered by a 4400 mAh IBP-5 which can be charged through an included charger or through the optic using a magnetic connector or USB-C.

The Mk2 LRF RL42 is priced at $3,499 and will be available in November of 2024 through iRayUSA dealers. To learn more about this model, please visit irayusa.com/rl42r Read more

Optics
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