Boone and Crockett Club Research Identifies Dark Figure and Conservation Cost of Poaching

September 8, 2025
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At a press conference held in Washington, DC, today, the Boone and Crockett Club announced the findings of the most comprehensive research project on poaching in this country. Using a Bayesian statistical framework, the Poach and Pay research determined that only about 4% of poaching incidents are detected. Setting a conservative estimate of what criminologists refer to as the “Dark Figure” of crimes that are undetected or unreported at 95%, the research found that the minimum conservation cost of poaching through lost fines and replacement costs for animals is $1.4 billion annually. The research also outlines the results of detailed interviews with stakeholders, typologies of poachers, barriers to prosecution of wildlife crime, and outlines specific actions that can be taken to reduce the amount of poaching in this country. The Boone and Crockett Club and partners will continue the Poach and Pay project to implement these actions with the goal of reducing the Dark Figure of poaching.

“We have long known that poaching is a major problem in the United States, but we didn’t truly understand the magnitude of the problem until this Poach and Pay research,” noted Boone and Crockett Club chief executive officer Tony A. Schoonen in his comments at the press conference. “With this defensible assessment of the Dark Figure, we can clearly describe the conservation cost of poaching and prove that poaching is not a victimless crime—not only do we lose individual wildlife, we are also losing a valuable public resource with a high cost.”

The Poach and Pay research involved extensive surveys of fish and wildlife agency law enforcement officers, hunters, landowners, and convicted poachers, as well as interviews and focus groups with prosecutors and judges. Read more

Michigan hunters invited to use new online survey to report ruffed grouse and American woodcock hunting activity

Sept. 11, 2025
Contact: Adam Bump, DNR upland game bird specialist, 517-284-9543

Ruffed grouse and American woodcock dashboard reporting system.

New online dashboard with example data.

Just in time for the start of Michigan’s ruffed grouse and American woodcock hunting seasons, hunters now have a new way to share information from their hunts. The Michigan Department of Natural Resources has launched the Michigan Ruffed Grouse and Woodcock Dashboard, an electronic survey dashboard where hunters can report the number of grouse and woodcock they flush during trips afield.

Michigan hunters have a long history – going back to the 1950s – of cooperating with the DNR to share information on their ruffed grouse and woodcock season experiences. The new cooperator survey gives hunters the opportunity to view near real-time information from other grouse and woodcock hunters on flush rates per hour throughout the season. The new online format replaces the longtime paper survey, which had seen limited response in recent years. Read more

GRITR Sports Launches Sale on Bering Thermal Devices & NV Scopes

GRITR Sports, a trusted online gun store with a brick and mortar location in DFW, Texas, launches sale on Bering Optics. For a limited time, enjoy 17% off Bering thermal and night vision scopes and sights, plus an extra 20% off with code BERING20.

With its origins dating back to 1998, the company gained recognition for its groundbreaking generation-one NV devices. Over the years, Bering Optics has transformed into a brand synonymous with innovation, offering over 100 unique products that cater to the needs of outdoor adventurers, professionals, and hobbyists alike. Their offerings include thermal weapon sights, night vision devices, red dot sights, and a wide range of accessories.

Among the brand’s most popular products is the Bering Super Hogster LRF Thermal Weapon Sight. With a cutting-edge thermal sensitivity core, rugged aluminum-magnesium alloy body, and flexibility to use various power sources, it stands as a favorite for serious night hunters.

Upgrade your night hunting gear with GRITR Sports. Explore Bering thermal and NV optics on sale today.

For more exclusive deals, check out this page – https://gritrsports.com/deals/. Read more

Davidson’s Exclusive Coyote Brown Glock 43X MOS

Davidson’s, one of the nation’s top firearms, ammunition, optics, cutlery, and accessories wholesalers, has collaborated with GLOCK once again to produce this latest exclusive EDC pistol.

Following the market’s incredible response to Davidson’s two exclusive GLOCK 19X MOS models, the companies got together to produce this companion pistol in the same color and with a specific optic-cut slide.

This exclusive GLOCK 43X MOS is optic-cut specifically for the “K”/RMSc optic footprint. As shown, the optional Davidson’s exclusive EPS Carry from Holosun mounts directly to the slide without the need for an optic plate, giving the user the shortest height over bore possible and eliminating a point of failure.

Like the exclusive 19X MOS before it, this 43X MOS has a nPVD Coyote Brown finished slide coupled with a Coyote Brown impregnated polymer frame.

All the other outstanding features of the original GLOCK 43X are present in this exclusive including: Read more

Pietta Reintroduces the Historic LeMat Revolver – Now Available at MidwayUSA

Pietta Firearms, a world-renowned manufacturer of finely crafted single-action and black powder revolvers, and Midway USA, one of the nation’s premier outdoor retailers have had a successful relationship developing one-of-a-kind, exclusive black powder revolvers for Midway’s loyal customers. Today they proudly announce the return of one of the most iconic sidearms of the 19th century, the LeMat Revolver, now available for purchase at MidwayUSA.

Known as the “Grape Shot Revolver,” the LeMat is instantly recognizable for its innovative dual-barrel design—featuring a standard revolver cylinder above a second barrel chambered in smoothbore. Originally developed in the 1850s and carried by Confederate officers during the American Civil War, the LeMat remains one of the most distinctive firearms of the era.

Three versions of the LeMat Revolver are currently in stock and shipping through MidwayUSA: Read more

The Chiappa Rhino 30DS X in Stainless Steel

In a market saturated with revolvers that seem to echo the same conventional form, the Chiappa Rhino 30DS X Stainless Steel breaks the mold literally and figuratively. This is not a firearm for the casual plinker or the trend-follower; it is built for the shooter who understands mechanical balance, values recoil control, and respects innovation wrapped in stainless steel. The Rhino is more than just Chiappa’s flagship; it is a bold engineering statement for those who demand functional superiority in a sidearm.

Unlike traditional revolvers, where the bore sits high above the hand, the Rhino’s barrel aligns with the bottom chamber of the cylinder, drastically reducing muzzle flip and felt recoil. The result is an intuitive shooting experience that defies expectation, especially in a snub-like 3-inch barrel. Whether for defensive carry, range dominance, or simply to own a revolver that breaks from the herd, the Rhino 30DS X asserts itself with unmistakable presence. This is not about nostalgia but control, balance, and refinement born from mechanical evolution.

Chiappa’s choice of full stainless steel for this model adds heft and stability without compromising carry feasibility. The 30DS X is unmistakably modern, featuring a matte finish for reduced glare, G10 grips for tactile control, and a robust fiber-optic adjustable sight system that turns daylight into pinpoint accuracy. At just under 2.75 pounds with an overall length of 7.5 inches, it is substantial in the hand without becoming a burden. The Rhino’s profile is a blend of futuristic angles and traditional revolver essence. It is unapologetically Chiappa: functional, fearless, and built to perform. Read more

Auto-Ordnance Honors 250 Years of U.S. Navy and Marine Corps with Commemorative Custom 1911s

Auto-Ordnance is proud to honor two and a half centuries of American military heritage with the release of two exceptional commemorative firearms: the 250th Anniversary Navy, and the 250th Anniversary Marines 1911A1s. These pistols celebrate the distinct legacies, valor, and unwavering spirit of the nation’s first seaborne services.

Both firearms are customized by Altered Arsenal, and built on the proven Auto-Ordnance 1911A1 platform chambered in the legendary .45 ACP caliber. But both are more than just pistols, they are heirlooms forged in steel, blending the timeless 1911 design with custom details that tell a story of American valor. Each is designed as both a collector’s treasure and a testament to American bravery.

The 250th Anniversary Navy Commemorative 1911 Read more

Smith & Wesson Adds .30-30 Win to Model 1854 Series

Smith & Wesson Brands, Inc. (NASDAQ Global Select: SWBI), a leader in firearm manufacturing and design, announces today the release of the Model 1854™, chambered .30-30 Winchester.

The Model 1854 is designed to bridge the classic aesthetic of the American lever gun with modern enhancements. Now, you can own one of these smooth lever guns chambered in the timeless.30-30 rifle cartridge. This new rifle has a 6+1 capacity, a forged 416 stainless steel receiver, and a 20-inch 410 stainless steel barrel that includes a 5/8-24 thread pattern for suppressor use. Its large loop lever is constructed for smooth operation, allowing for quicker follow-up shots, while the flat trigger design assists in reliable finger placement to support accuracy.

The Model 1854 .30-30 rifle comes equipped with several out-of-the-box features such as a 5 ¾-inch Picatinny base for optics mounting, an adjustable XS Sights® ghost ring rear sight, a gold bead front sight, and a fixed magazine tube. The forend on this stainless-steel model offers three M-LOK compatible slots for the user’s preferred accessories and integrated mounts for the addition of a sling. Experience the perfect blend of heritage and innovation out in the field this hunting season – experience Smith & Wesson Smooth™. Read more

Ruger Introduces Collector’s Series Models for 2025

Sturm, Ruger & Company, Inc. (NYSE: RGR) introduced the 10/22® Collector’s Series in September 2014, with the 50th Anniversary of the 10/22. Over the years, the Ruger Collector’s Series has produced seven special edition 10/22 rifles, giving collectors and enthusiasts the opportunity to own a unique, limited run rifle. This year, we’re excited to announce another edition of the Collector’s Series, but it’s not the same series you have come to expect.

The eighth edition of the Ruger Collector’s Series features three models – a 10/22 Sporter, a Mark IV™ 22/45™ pistol, and a Super Wrangler® revolver!

The 10/22 Sporter stock features an oak leaf and basket weave design. The Mark IV and Super Wrangler boast wood grip panels that feature the same attractive design. Each model will ship with a limited edition 2025 Collector’s Series metal license plate, decal and lapel pin. Read more

New Colt 1911 Lineage Available Now

Custom & Collectable Firearms proudly presents the Colt 1911 “Lineage”. A limited-edition masterpiece chambered in the legendary .45 ACP. With only 300 sequentially numbered units produced, each pistol represents a rare and exclusive acquisition for the serious collector.

The Colt 1911 “Lineage” is a striking example of precision craftsmanship and timeless design. Its color case-hardened slide and frame display a mesmerizing pattern of deep blues, purples, and bronze tones, each one uniquewhile the rich chocolate grips made from authentic alligator leather offer a confident, refined feel in the hand. From the carefully fitted components to the flawless finish, every detail reflects Colt’s relentless commitment to excellence.

More than a firearm, the “Lineage” continues the legacy of one of the most iconic pistols in American history. Revered for its reliability, balance, and unmistakable presence, the 1911 has earned its place as both a functional sidearm and a work of art. Built for collectors and enthusiasts alike, this model embodies both strength and sophistication, ready to be admired in a display or felt in action. Every piece comes with a Custom & Collectable Firearms challenge coin and a certificate of authenticity signed by the owner of Custom & Collectable Firearms.

Custom & Collectable Firearms Contact Information: Read more

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