Be Heard on Expanding Hunting and Fishing Opportunities on Wildlife Refuges

Today, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) issued the latest Hunt-Fish Rule in a decades-long process of expanding hunting and fishing opportunities on wildlife refuges and a few fish hatchery lands. The 2024 Hunt–Fish Rule proposes 53 new distinct hunting and sport fishing opportunities on approximately 211,000 acres nationwide in the National Wildlife Refuge System.

The final rule will be published in the Federal Register soon and be available at http://www.regulations.gov, Docket Number: FWS-HQ-NWRS-2024-0034

“National Wildlife Refuges are central to the successful U.S. strategy of restoring and maintaining wildlife,” said Gray N. Thornton, President and CEO of the Wild Sheep Foundation. “What makes the strategy successful is the opportunity to harvest wildlife under scientifically determined limits and practices. By promoting this connection between people and wildlife, hunting sustains public support for conservation and pays for the necessary work of maintaining and improving habitat.”

Hunting, fishing, and other outdoor activities contributed more than $394 billion in economic expenditures in communities across the United States in 2022, with hunters and anglers accounting for over $144 billion in expenditures, according to the Service’s National Survey of Fishing, Hunting and Wildlife-Associated Recreation. The survey also found that, in 2021, an estimated 39.9 million Americans over the age of 16 fished and 14.4 million hunted. Read more

Fishing, Hunting

Wildfire Forest Rehabilitation Relief Tops $10 Million

Thanks to a recent allocation from the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation and its partners, the cumulative amount of funding for 2021-2024 forest restoration work exceeds $10 million across the West.

As of August 1, approximately 28,000 wildfires scorched more than 4.2 million acres since the beginning of 2024, with nearly 100 large fires actively burning. RMEF is a long-standing proponent of active forest management for the benefit of wildlife and riparian habitat, wildfire mitigation and overall forest health.

“Wildfires not only threaten human lives and property, but they have devastating consequences for our forests and the elk, mule deer, moose, turkey, upland birds and a myriad of other fish and wildlife species that live there,” said RMEF President/CEO Kyle Weaver. “We thank our partners, members, volunteers and others for this funding that helps restore and enhance wildlife habitat on landscapes impacted by wildfires.”

The 2024 treatments (see list below) span work in Arizona, Montana, Oregon, Nevada, Utah and Wyoming. RMEF allotted $381,371 to help leverage more funding from the U.S. Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and other participating organizations.

Since 2021, RMEF and its partners set aside $10,697,215 for 50 wildfire rehabilitation efforts in the previously mentioned six western states as well as Colorado, Idaho, New Mexico and Washington. RMEF volunteers assisted in several of the projects.

2024 projects as of August 1, 2024: Read more

Wildlife

Washington AG Ferguson On Losing Side in Gun Case, Again

Washington State Attorney General Bob Ferguson was on the losing side in a significant Second Amendment case in Minnesota when a three-judge panel ruled unanimously in favor of the plaintiffs, including the Second Amendment Foundation, in a case affirming that Minnesota’s ban on concealed carry by young adults is unconstitutional under the Second Amendment.

Ferguson has boasted he has never lost a Second Amendment case, but he was among 20 attorneys general submitting an amicus brief supporting the state prohibition, which the appeals court panel unanimously ruled was unconstitutional. The case is known as Worth v. Jacobson. SAF is joined by the Firearms Policy Coalition, Minnesota Gun Owners Caucus and four citizens, Austin Dye, Alex Anderson, Joe Knudsen and Kristin Worth, for whom the case is known.

“This isn’t the first time Ferguson has been on the losing side in a SAF case challenging a gun prohibition for young adults,” SAF founder and Executive Vice President Alan M. Gottlieb recalled. “His team also lost back in March in the case of Lara v. Evanchick, which challenges Pennsylvania’s prohibition against young adults in the 18- to 20-year-old category from carrying firearms for personal protection.

“Indeed,” Gottlieb continued, “Ferguson seems to be on the wrong side consistently when it comes to gun control, and specifically when it involves the rights of young adults. When he could be on the right side, as in our lawsuit challenging outright violations of Washington State’s firearms preemption statute by the City of Edmonds, he didn’t even take action to defend the 40-year-old law. Instead, we had to do his job and we won a unanimous ruling from the State Supreme Court in April 2022 while Ferguson and the Attorney General’s office were AWOL.” Read more

Firearms, Gun Control

ATN Corp Announces Major Sale on ThOR 5, ThOR XD, and ThOR LTV: Up to $1,000 Off

ATN Corp, the foremost authority in advanced Smart Digital, Night Vision, and Thermal Vision Optics is thrilled to announce a major sale event on three of their most popular products: the ThOR 5, ThOR XD, and ThOR LTV. For a limited time, customers can now enjoy up to $1,000 off the ThOR 5 and ThOR XD and up to $500 off select models of the ThOR LTV.

The ThOR 5 and ThOR XD, renowned for its cutting-edge thermal imaging capabilities, offers unparalleled precision and clarity, making it a favorite among hunters, security professionals, and outdoor enthusiasts. With discounts reaching $1,000, this is a prime opportunity for both new and experienced users to upgrade their gear and experience the most advanced thermal imaging technology.

The ThOR LTV, another standout in ATN Corp’s product lineup, combines durability with advanced features, providing excellent performance in a variety of conditions. The sale includes discounts of up to $500, making this high-quality scope more accessible to those looking to enhance their outdoor adventures or professional equipment. Read more

Optics

Kent Cartridge Opens Bismuth Rebate Program: Up to $100 Back

Kent Cartridge, a leader in shotgun ammunition, is excited to announce a limited-time rebate program on Kent Bismuth® shotshells. Hunters can now receive $5.00 back per box, with a minimum rebate amount of $10.00 (2 Boxes) and a maximum of $100.00 (10 Boxes).

Kent Cartridge’s proprietary bismuth shot, bound with tin, offers superior structural integrity and uniformity. This unique composition delivers consistent, lethal results in the field, ensuring hunters can rely on each and every shot.

In an effort to keep hunting more affordable without sacrificing quality, we are now packaging Kent Bismuth® shotshells in 200-round cases. This new packaging option provides better value and convenience for our customers, aligning with our commitment to delivering high-performance products at competitive prices.

“We understand the importance of both performance and affordability in today’s hunting environment,” said Hunter Colbert, Marketing Manager at Kent Cartridge. “Our proprietary Bismuth shot offers the reliability and effectiveness that hunters demand, and with this rebate, we’re making it easier than ever for our customers to experience the Kent Cartridge difference.”

How to Redeem the Rebate: Read more

Ammunition

Vortex Introduces the AMG UH-1 GEN II Holographic Sight

Now available in tan, the Vortex® AMG® UH-1® Gen II Holographic Sight is the perfect optic to complete your FDE build, combining advanced close-quarters battle capabilities with an aesthetic that complements your gear. Designed for tactical reliability and style, this sight ensures rapid target acquisition and seamless integration with “flat-dark-earth” colored rifles, enhancing both performance and appearance.

Designed for competition and duty-use, the tan AMG® UH-1® Gen II not only complements popular FDE firearms but also provides a stealth advantage in various environments. The large viewing window, night-vision compatibility, and holographic display ensure superior versatility and quick target acquisition in any situation.

Other key benefits include: Read more

Optics

Springfield Armory Announces Release of Model 2020 Boundary Rifle

Springfield Armory® is proud to announce the release of the Model 2020 Boundary, expertly crafted bolt-action rifles manufactured in Geneseo, Illinois, that deliver unrivaled precision and quality.

The carbon fiber-stocked Boundary offers the sleek lines of a classic hunting rifle with premium, modern features. The result is a rifle that combines classic and traditional styling with the benefits of cutting-edge performance and modern materials.

The rifle features a patent-pending robust one-piece hinged floorplate bottom metal design that is compatible with Model 700 receivers. This design eliminates fitment and complexity issues by combining the box and the bottom metal, resulting in one universal bottom metal setup for short-action calibers. The PRC and non-PRC long-action calibers use the same bottom metal and have two follower lengths and an added spacer that fills the area left by the shorter follower. Read more

Firearms

Hawke® Optics Releases Smartphone Adapter

Capture Every Detail: Use Your Smartphone with Your Spotting Scope, Binoculars or Monocular

Hawke® Optics, a global leader in high-quality sporting optics, is excited to introduce a new option for digi-scoping with its easy-to-use, innovative Smartphone Adapter. This adapter allows users to connect their spotting scopes, binoculars or monocular to their smartphone’s camera, providing exceptional photo and video opportunities. It also lets you take advantage of your scope’s optical magnification power for clearer images at distances or extreme close-up shots.

The Hawke Optics Smartphone Adapter is extremely easy to use and installs securely in just seconds without any tools or unnecessary extra pieces. It’s compatible with practically any smartphone and any brand of optics. Made from tough ABS-plastic, the adapter allows you to connect your smartphone to any spotting scope, binocular or monocular with an ocular lens up to 60mm in diameter. Plus, its unique pivot feature allows you to switch from portrait to landscape instantly. Read more

Optics

Elite Archery Unveils the Exalt 35

WEST HENRIETTA, NY – Elite Archery proudly announces the launch of the Exalt 35, the latest innovation in their line of high-performance compound bows. Engineered for unmatched versatility and precision, the Exalt 35 is designed to meet the needs of both competitive archers and hunters alike.

Unmatched Versatility and Precision

The Elite Exalt 35 is the epitome of adaptability, featuring Elite’s cutting-edge technologies and design enhancements. The bow is equipped with the new R.A.C. (Rear Accessory Connection) System, allowing seamless integration of Picatinny-style accessories. This system, combined with the SPX Cam System and S.E.T. (Simplified Exact Tuning) Technology, allows archers to customize their setup for optimal performance.

Key Features of the Exalt 35: Read more

Archery

APEX Ammunition Announces ‘Set for the Season’ Giveaway Worth $24,500

APEX Ammunition has partnered with likeminded companies and their quality brands to provide one lucky winner with enough gear to ensure they are set for the upcoming waterfowl season and experience their best shot. In addition to receiving an incredible array of equipment, the lucky winner will also win a trip to hunt ducks and geese in Saskatchewan with three friends in the Fall of 2025.

The giveaway items include: Read more

Contests
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