Realtree introduced AB1, a new camouflage pattern engineered using natural concealment mechanics found in fractured rock, weathered timber, and forest floors. Blocker Outdoors is pioneering the versatile pattern across its hunting apparel lineup, designed to work effectively across multiple seasons and habitats from close to long range.
Caldwell's ClayCopter Surface-to-Air Pro Kit won the 2026 Frank Desomma Innovation of the Year Award from the Industry Choice Awards, marking the company's second consecutive year earning this honor. The portable, ground-based launcher integrates with the Caldwell Clays App for customizable sporting clays experiences.
The legends of the great outdoors are officially back! Stoney Wolf Outdoors has returned, throwing open the vault to stream over 600 legendary, classic outdoor videos! Stream Fred Bear, Roger Raglin, Dan Fitzgerald, Barry Wensel and dozens of other legends on one ad free channel! www.stoneywolfoutdoors.com
Hornady shooter Lauryl Akenhead won Top Lady honors at the Wisconsin Barrel Maker Classic 2.0 PRS match using Hornady 6mm 110 gr. A-Tip bullets, brass, and the Hornady 4DOF Ballistics Calculator.
Team Beretta athletes earned multiple championship titles at the 2026 NSCA U.S. Open Sporting Clays Championship, with Diane Sorantino, Connor Daniel, Anthony Matarese Jr., Meagan Grossi, and Desi Edmunds securing podium finishes. The event marked the second competition of the inaugural U.S. Beretta Gold Cup, celebrating Beretta's 500th anniversary.
The South Carolina Waterfowl Association's Camp Woodie and Camp Leopold education staff partnered with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to band 98 wood ducks at Santee National Wildlife Refuge. The hands-on experience provided educators with professional development in wildlife research and management practices to enhance their educational programming.
Pope and Young, North America's leading bowhunting organization, is accepting vendor booth reservations for its 35th Biennial Convention April 8-10, 2027 in Little Rock, Arkansas. The event features seminars, trophy displays, auctions, and a vendor area with manufacturers, outfitters, and archery companies. Contact Dylan Ray at Dylan@pope-young.org to reserve booth space.
Montana is lifting hoot-owl restrictions on several streams in western and southwest Montana as water temperatures decrease. Affected areas include the upper Clark Fork River, lower Bitterroot River, Silver Bow Creek, Big Hole River, East Gallatin River, and portions of Shields River. Hoot-owl restrictions prohibit fishing from 2 p.m. to midnight to prevent fish mortality during warm water periods.
Michigan deer hunters face several 2026 regulation changes including universal antlerless deer license use limits, expanded senior crossbow opportunities in the Upper Peninsula, elimination of the Limited Firearms Deer Zone, and new digital eHarvest tags available through the Michigan DNR Hunt Fish app.
The Arizona Game and Fish Department's "Where to Hunt" pages provide detailed information to help hunters plan their next outing. The resource includes GMU boundaries, species information, climate data, terrain descriptions, maps, and contact information for government agencies across six geographical regions.
Beginning August 15, hunters in Florida's Statewide Alligator Hunt and Super Hunt can report harvests through the Fish l Hunt FL app. Harvests must be recorded within 24 hours or before transferring the carcass, with a temporary harvest transfer log option available if cellular service is unavailable.
Vermont Fish and Wildlife announced antlerless deer permit lottery winners on August 19 following a randomized computer drawing. Hunters can check the Vermont Fish and Wildlife website to see if they won a permit, with winners listed in regular lottery and landowner categories. Permit recipients must reprint their licenses to include antlerless permits for fall hunting seasons.
Two major wildfires—the Big Grass Fire in Owyhee County and the Tartar Fire in Washington County—have burned through popular Southwest Idaho hunting units. Idaho Fish and Game reports no hunting seasons have changed, but temporary access closures are in effect. Hunters should check official BLM and Forest Service sources before each trip.
Lodestar Technology announced USA Carry's appointment to its Independent Advisory Board, with founder Luke McCoy serving as Field-Testing Advisor. McCoy will provide independent product evaluation and real-world feedback throughout Lodestar's firearm technology development process.
Source Outdoor Group has been appointed Agency of Record for Vertx, the premium tactical apparel and gear brand. The partnership will handle strategic public relations, media outreach, and product launch communications for Vertx across law enforcement, tactical, and consumer markets.
Insight Media Stream's programmatic advertising campaign for a national food plot tree nursery achieved 5.16 million impressions and 122% year-over-year sales growth, delivering a 2.05% click-through rate and $0.40 cost-per-click through precision targeting of outdoor enthusiasts.
Source Outdoor Group has been appointed Agency of Record for Flying Cross, the premium uniform apparel manufacturer for military and public safety professionals. The partnership will focus on strategic public relations, media outreach, and product launch communications to elevate Flying Cross's brand awareness and industry leadership.
Friends of NRA is hiring five Field Representatives across multiple U.S. regions to support fundraising events, volunteer development, and donor relations. Positions cover territories including Alabama, Georgia, South Carolina, Arkansas, Louisiana, Northeast states, Wyoming, Colorado, and California/Nevada.
The Mule Deer and Blacktail Deer Foundation, North America's only national conservation organization solely dedicated to mule deer and black-tailed deer conservation, is seeking an energetic Regional Director for Washington State. The remote-based, field-focused position involves fundraising, volunteer chapter development, membership expansion, and partnership building. Interested candidates should submit applications to lana@muledeer.org by September 4, 2026.
Vortex Optics has introduced a new green dot model to its Venom® Enclosed Micro Red Dot lineup, offering shooters an alternative for varying lighting conditions. The new Venom® Enclosed Micro Green Dot features a 3 MOA dot, enclosed aluminum housing, and motion activation, with an MSRP of $289.99.
Steiner Optics launched the Overwatch Program, providing qualified military, law enforcement, first responders, and corrections personnel special pricing on select products including the 8x30 Military Marine binoculars, T6Xi riflescope, and T1Xi red dot through authorized dealers.
Trout Unlimited President and CEO Chris Wood discusses the Roadless Rule with Fly Fisherman Magazine Publisher/Editor Ross Purnell on episode #36 of the Fly Fisherman Loop to Loop podcast, addressing conservation, forest management, and the importance of protecting roadless areas for trout and salmon fisheries.
CZ-USA concludes production of three iconic CZ 75 models—the CZ 75 B, CZ 75 BD, and CZ 75 Compact—in 2026, honoring their five-decade legacy. Director of Marketing Chris Sprangers emphasized the pistols' role in establishing CZ's reputation for innovation and exceptional shooting characteristics. Other CZ 75 variants will continue the platform's legacy.
Winchester has launched Super Match, a new line of match-grade competition ammunition including centerfire pistol, rifle, and shotshell options. Developed with input from top competition shooters, the line features premium components and is available nationwide through dealers and online.
Tink's offers multiple scent dispersal methods including liquids, ultra-fine mist, gel stream scents, foggers, and wax-based sticks to help hunters choose the right application for their specific hunting conditions and strategies.
Catalyst Arms has introduced the Hardpoint™ Picatinny Rail Mount and Bomb Rack™ M-LOK® Rail Extension for Ruger® Mini-14® rifles. These modular accessories bolt to the gas block without gunsmithing, allowing users to mount lights, bipods, and grips while maintaining a clear forend. The complete system is priced at $129.95.
Chiappa USA announces the arrival of new Rhino L-Right Holster collection crafted by Radar, available in December. Three models—Italian Leather, Cordura®, and Three-Point Cordura® Chest—are purpose-built for the Chiappa Rhino 44RM L Frame, offering premium materials and precision craftsmanship for right-handed shooters.
Hardcore Waterfowl launches a single-decoy program featuring the Rugged Series Full Body Snow Goose, Rugged Series Full Body Mallard, and Field Series Mallard Floater with free shipping. The initiative allows hunters and outfitters to test individual decoys before committing to full spreads, featuring technologies like FowlFlex™, TruMotion™ 2.0, and WhaleTail™ Keel.
Blue Force Gear will exhibit at the 2026 NBS Fall Semi-Annual Market in Oklahoma City, showcasing innovative tactical equipment including the ISH Integrated Stealth Harness, MARCO HR marking light technology, and DRYOUT moisture-removal technology designed to reduce bulk and improve operational efficiency.
Meprolight USA will exhibit at the 2026 Nation's Best Sports Fall Semi-Annual Market in Oklahoma City, August 24–27, showcasing optics and sighting solutions while connecting with dealers and industry partners.
Vertx, a leading designer of tactical apparel and gear, will exhibit at the 2026 Nation's Best Sports Fall Semi-Annual Market in Oklahoma City, August 24-27. The event brings together manufacturers and retailers from fishing, hunting, and shooting sports industries. Vertx representatives will showcase tactical apparel, concealed-carry solutions, and everyday-carry gear to retailers.
KDG (Kinetic Development Group) will exhibit at Booth 1250 during the NBS Fall Semi-Annual Market in Oklahoma City, August 25–27, 2026, showcasing new product launches including the Kinect™ ARCA Rail and Stribog rails for 10mm and .45 ACP platforms, alongside established product lines. Dealers placing qualifying orders will enter a special giveaway.
CenterPoint Archery, a Superior, Wisconsin-based manufacturer of crossbows, bows, and arrows, has renewed its sponsorship with Whitetails Unlimited. WTU President Jeff Schinkten praised CenterPoint's commitment to archery and support for the organization's conservation and education mission.
The Pennsylvania Game Commission and Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission announced a public comment period for their draft 2025-2035 Pennsylvania Wildlife Action Plan. The plan identifies 858 Species of Greatest Need requiring conservation attention and must be submitted to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service by October 1, 2026.
The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission opened its application portal for the 2026 Generation Conservation Pre-Summit and Regional competitions, with registration closing Sept. 21. Schools can compete in challenges including cooking wild game, quiz bowls, debate, and conservation planning across three student divisions, with the summit held Nov. 4-5 at Bank OZK Arena and Convention Center in Hot Springs.
Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks will host a meeting on Aug. 27 in Bozeman to discuss the proposed 2027-30 Statewide Fisheries Management Plan and 2027-28 fishing regulations. The plan, updated every four years, identifies statewide fisheries-management goals and strategies to sustain Montana's fisheries and angling opportunities.
For more than 30 years, federal law has provided a way for certain people prohibited from owning firearms to petition the government to get their gun rights back.
Well, technically.
In reality, you had about as much chance of getting your rights restored through 18 U.S.C. § 925(c) as I have of getting an invite to walk the red carpet at the Met Gala. (Important note: For the record, I would never go.)
The process existed. You just couldn't use it. But that's about to change.
The Department of Justice has finalized a rule establishing the Federal Firearm Rights Restoration Program, creating an online application process for individuals prohibited from possessing firearms under federal law to petition for restoration of their Second Amendment rights.
And considering DOJ estimates the rule could affect at least 20 million American adults, this isn't exactly a minor administrative change.
Congress Giveth, Congress Taketh Away
Under 18 U.S.C. § 925(c), certain prohibited persons can apply for relief from their federal firearms disability.
The Attorney General can grant relief if the circumstances surrounding the prohibition, along with the applicant's record and reputation, indicate the person isn't likely to pose a danger to public safety and restoring their rights wouldn't be contrary to the public interest.
Seems straightforward enough.
You screw up. You pay your debt to society. You demonstrate you're no longer a danger. You apply to have your rights restored.
Except Congress made the whole thing essentially useless back in 1992.
That's when Congress prohibited the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) from spending appropriated funds to investigate or act on individual § 925(c) applications.
Yes, you read that correctly.
Congress created a process for restoring your rights and then prevented the agency responsible for administering it from spending money to actually administer it. Or, in today's terms, they "defunded the ATF" when it comes to restoring your rights.
Government efficiency at its finest.
DOJ Pulls Out the Hammer
That began changing last year when DOJ withdrew authority to administer § 925(c) from ATF and brought the restoration process under the Attorney General.
After proposing a new regulatory framework and receiving public comments, DOJ has now finalized the rule, creating the Federal Firearm Rights Restoration Program.
To be clear, DOJ isn't handing out "Get Your Gun Rights Back Free" cards.
Applications will be reviewed individually, including why the applicant became prohibited, criminal history, reputation and subsequent conduct.
There is a significant difference between somebody convicted of a nonviolent felony 25 years ago who completed a sentence and has lived a law-abiding life since, and somebody with a continuing pattern of criminal behavior.
Federal law might classify both as prohibited persons, but common sense tells you they're not necessarily the same public-safety risk.
The whole point of § 925(c) is recognizing that distinction.
Not Everybody Gets to Play
Before anybody starts hyperventilating about DOJ putting guns back into the hands of violent criminals, that's not what this program does.
Certain applicants are presumptively ineligible.
Violent felons, registered sex offenders, people unlawfully in the United States and individuals presenting an ongoing public-safety risk face significant barriers to relief absent extraordinary circumstances.
The final rule also establishes a permanent presumption against relief for specified serious offenses, a 10-year presumption for categories including drug trafficking and misdemeanor domestic violence, and a general five-year presumption for other felony convictions.
In other words, simply filling out an application doesn't make somebody eligible to walk into the local gun shop and start filling out a 4473.
Applicants still have to make their case. And DOJ still has to approve it.
There's Also the State Problem
Relief under § 925(c) removes the federal firearms disability.
That's it.
If your state independently prohibits you from possessing a firearm, DOJ's approval doesn't override that prohibition. Depending on where you live, getting your federal rights restored could therefore be only step one.
Welcome to gun laws in America.
NRA: A Step in the Right Direction
The National Rifle Association participated in the rulemaking process by submitting comments on DOJ's original proposal.
Following publication of the final rule, NRA issued the following statement:
"NRA has long championed full restoration of Second Amendment rights for individuals who paid their debts to society and who are not demonstrably dangerous to public safety. NRA submitted extensive comments in response to the original proposal to ensure the process was fair, accessible, and consistent with the underlying statute. While the final rule falls short on a few of these suggestions, it is an important step in the right direction. As ever, we will continue our advocacy to ensure no American is unduly deprived of the right to keep and bear arms." — NRA
That phrase—"paid their debts to society"—gets to the heart of the issue.
If somebody commits a nonviolent felony at 22, serves a sentence and then spends the next 20, 30 or 40 years as a productive, law-abiding citizen, at what point has that debt actually been paid?
Under the system we've had for the last three decades, when it came to Second Amendment rights the answer was essentially: never.
Congress had already created a mechanism for answering that question on an individual basis. It just made sure nobody could use it.
Twenty-Five Million Potential Applicants
DOJ estimates the rule could affect at least 20 million adults. That's not 20 million people suddenly getting their gun rights back. Not even close.
DOJ anticipates roughly 330,000 applicants annually once the program is operating. Processing that many applications on a genuine case-by-case basis won't exactly be a small undertaking. Anybody who has spent quality time waiting on the federal government to process paperwork is probably already chuckling.
Still, that's a problem worth having.
After 30 Years, There's Finally a Door
The final rule takes effect 30 days after publication in the Federal Register, with applications handled through DOJ's Federal Firearm Rights Restoration Program.
How quickly applications will be processed, how often relief will be granted and how DOJ will handle borderline cases are questions we'll have to watch.
And there will undoubtedly be litigation. Because this is firearms law in America. Of course there will be litigation.
But strip away the regulatory language and bureaucratic machinery and the underlying concept is pretty simple. People can change.
Congress recognized that when it wrote § 925(c). For more than three decades, that process existed mostly as words printed in the U.S. Code. Now, somebody might actually be able to use it.
Imagine that.
– Paul Erhardt, Managing Editor, the Outdoor Wire Digital Network
