Garmin Ltd. has acquired Applied Ballistics, a provider of ballistic research and projectile data for long-range shooting. The acquisition extends Garmin's tactical, shooting sports and hunting market capabilities, bringing professional-grade ballistic solvers and the Applied Ballistics Quantum app in-house.

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks and its flagship magazine Montana Outdoors won four first-place awards at the Association for Conservation Information's annual awards ceremony in Oklahoma City on July 23, marking the eighth first-place win in the magazine category.

Team Beretta athletes Vincent Hancock, Conner Prince, Brian Burrows, and Kim Rhode earned spots on USA Shooting Open National Teams following the 2026 Shotgun Fall Selection Match in Colorado Springs. All four competitors used Beretta DT11 shotguns and will represent the United States in international clay target shooting competitions.

The Maryland DNR announced winners of its annual Maryland Natural Resource Photo Contest. Kyle Smith won the grand prize for his photo of an Eastern Whip-poor-will with a squirrel approaching it, receiving $700 and other prizes. The contest received over 1,000 submissions judged by DNR wildlife and photography experts.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), in partnership with Wildlife Forever, Guy Harvey Foundation, GoOutdoorsFlorida, The Florida Nomad, and Tsunami Fishing, invites K-12 students to enter the 2026-2027 Florida Fish Art Contest. Participants create original artwork of native fish species and submit entries by February 28th, 2027, with winners receiving prizes and recognition.

The Second Amendment Foundation, joined by the National Rifle Association, California Rifle and Pistol Association, Second Amendment Law Center, Minnesota Gun Owners Caucus, and Citizens Committee for the Right to Keep and Bear Arms, filed an amicus brief in Johnson v. Jacobson urging the Supreme Court to require states honor concealed-carry permits issued by other states.

Firearms Policy Coalition filed a motion for summary judgment in Struck v. Davenport asking the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey to declare the state's one-gun-a-month handgun purchase ban unconstitutional. FPC's motion cites its successful strike-down of California's similar law and argues New Jersey cannot identify the historical tradition required to justify the restriction.

Hi Mountain Seasonings, founded in 1991, is celebrating its 35th anniversary with a free online collection of 15 wild game recipes. The collection features venison, bear, wild turkey, goose, and dove recipes showcasing Hi Mountain Seasonings products, helping hunters prepare their harvest for the table.

The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission invites Nebraskans to celebrate October as Reptile Month through an annual art contest featuring native reptiles, with submissions accepted Oct. 1-31, 2026. Additional events include Family Fun Night at Gere Library on Oct. 6, Reptile Art Day on Oct. 19, and a Reptiles of Nebraska Family Event on Oct. 22 hosted by Nebraska Game and Parks and the University of Nebraska-Lincoln School of Natural Resources.

Idaho Fish and Game and partners host the free North Idaho Bear Fair on Sept. 26 at Boundary County Fairgrounds, featuring bear spray training with a remote-controlled grizzly, electric fencing demonstrations, and a community cider press. Morgan Pfander, Fish and Game's Grizzly Bear Biologist, encourages residents to refresh bear safety skills and learn about available resources.

The Briefing FFL Compliance Summit expands its September 23–25 Dallas agenda with sessions on NFA operations, state regulations, and counter strategies featuring Travis Glover of Silencer Shop, Chris Chiafullo of FFLGuard, ATF and FBI representatives, plus evening receptions sponsored by Trident 1, Lipsey's, and U.S. LawShield.

Whitetails Unlimited issued $1,510,824 in grants through its Preserving their Hunting Tradition program to support hunting preservation initiatives. The organization focuses on increasing hunting opportunities and providing outdoor experiences to youth, veterans, and those with disabilities.

The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission and Arkansas Economic Development Commission's Division of Rural Services are offering over $690,000 in conservation education grants to Arkansas schools, funded by hunting and fishing violation fines. Applications are due November 12 at www.arkansasedc.com/rural-services/division/grants/wildlife-education-grant.

Maryland's fall teal-only hunting season opens September 17-26 in the September Teal Hunting Zone with a daily bag limit of six teal. The Maryland Department of Natural Resources offers this special early season as an additional waterfowl hunting opportunity. Hunters must possess valid Maryland Migratory Game Bird Stamp and Federal Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp permits.

Oklahoma implemented a two-day validation period for nonresident deer licenses purchased after season opens to combat unlicensed hunting. The Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation reports 34 percent of nonresident licenses in 2024-25 were bought within one hour of checking in deer, with violations carrying fines up to $2,000 and imprisonment.

The Arizona Game and Fish Department is accepting applications for 2027 spring hunt permit-tags for turkey, javelina, bison, bear, and raptor capture through October 6, 2026. Applicants must have valid hunting licenses and AZGFD portal accounts to apply and receive results.

Utah's 2026 waterfowl season requires hunters to obtain a Harvest Information Program number and federal duck stamp. DWR Waterfowl Coordinator Jason Jones advises scouting before hunts, as duck numbers declined slightly while habitat improved, and emphasizes proper identification to avoid harvesting protected trumpeter swans.

By order of the Montana Fish & Wildlife Commission, Hunting District 501 is closed to all bighorn sheep hunting effective one-half hour after sunset on Wednesday, September 16, 2026.

Iowa's youth deer season opens September 19 through October 4, welcoming approximately 10,000 young hunters paired with licensed adult mentors. The mentor-styled hunt emphasizes teaching proper techniques, wildlife behavior, and safe practices, with harvest reporting required through the Iowa DNR website or toll-free number.

The Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department provides a list of certified leashed tracking dog owners who volunteer to help locate deer, bear, or moose that have been shot but not yet recovered. These certified handlers provide their services free of charge and must pass extensive exams to be licensed.

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is investigating a bear attack on an archery hunter near Elk Creek and Haystack Butte south of Augusta on September 14. The hunter sustained significant but non-life-threatening injuries and drove himself home before being transported to Benefis Hospital. The bear species remains unknown as the investigation continues.

Idaho's youth and veterans/active military personnel waterfowl hunting season runs September 26-27. Youth hunters 17 and younger must be accompanied by a licensed adult, while veterans and active military may hunt and harvest. A Migratory Bird Permit is required; a Duck Stamp is required for hunters 16 and older.

PROOF Research hired Sean Murphy as director of sales and marketing. Murphy brings 15 years of firearms industry experience from roles at Sons of Liberty Gun Works, Nightforce Optics, and KGM Suppressors, plus 20 years as a competitive shooter and decade-long member of PROOF Research's Shooting Team.

VIKTOS, the U.S. veteran-designed brand, celebrates its ninth anniversary in 2026, marking nine years of designing performance-driven footwear, apparel, bags, gloves, and accessories. Founded in 2017, the company credits its success to customers, dealers, industry partners, and community support in shaping the brand's continued growth and product refinement.

Range USA, the nation's largest indoor gun range and firearm retailer, announced its grand opening in Smyrna, Tenn. on September 18-20, 2026. The 15,000-square-foot facility features 20 shooting lanes, retail space, and classrooms, marking the company's 52nd location nationwide.

The Salmon-Challis National Forest, in partnership with the Bureau of Land Management and Idaho Fish and Game, will conduct low-level helicopter herbicide treatments beginning September 14 in the Hayden Creek drainage to combat invasive cheatgrass and noxious weeds following the 2023 Hayden Fire that burned over 24,000 acres.

Winchester announces a new 7-part Big Game Ammo 101 video series with the first episode now live on the Winchester Ammunition YouTube Channel. The series features Winchester experts testing big game loads covering accuracy, terminal performance, and ballistics to help hunters select appropriate ammunition.

Outdoor Sportsman Group launches a 6-part video series "Backcountry Angler" presented by Bass Pro Shops, featuring hosts Mike Carney, Pat Hogan, and Derek Mleynek exploring the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness and Quetico Provincial Park. The series documents a family fishing expedition with partners including Lew's, Alps Mountaineering, Northstar Canoes, and StrikeKing, available on In-Fisherman.com, YouTube, MyOutdoorTV, and Game & Fish TV.

Primary Arms Optics has released the CLx 1-6x24 SFP Rifle Scope featuring the ACSS 22LR G2 reticle, specifically calibrated for .22 LR ammunition. The scope offers 1-6x magnification, illuminated reticle with wind holds, and is priced at $199.99 with a lifetime warranty.

EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin appointed Hunter Nation Founder and CEO Keith Mark as Chair of the National Environmental Education Advisory Council (NEEAC). Mark will lead the federal advisory body in advancing President Trump's "Make America Beautiful Again" conservation agenda and environmental education initiatives across the country.

The Citizens Committee for the Right to Keep and Bear Arms (CCRKBA) launched a community server for BULKHEAD's game WARDOGS to connect Second Amendment advocates. With over 400,000 peak active players and 1 million copies sold on day one, CCRKBA Executive Director Andrew Gottlieb stated the server extends their mission into gaming spaces where supporters already gather.

Celerant Technology partnered with SIG SAUER to integrate a dealer locator on SIG SAUER's website, connecting over 1 million monthly shoppers with local dealers carrying available inventory. The integration helps dealers convert online interest into in-store sales while providing inventory insights to reduce missed opportunities.

Silent Steel USA announced a collaboration with legendary musician and conservation advocate Ted Nugent to support Second Amendment and hunting communities. Co-CEO Joe Shaffer emphasized the partnership's significance as both are Michigan-based entities committed to responsible firearm ownership and outdoor industry advancement.

Henry Repeating Arms has launched the Founding Fathers Collection, featuring seven limited-edition tribute rifles honoring George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, James Madison, John Jay, and Alexander Hamilton. Each rifle is limited to 250 individually numbered pieces, with only 10 complete matched sets available, priced at $1,776 per rifle and exclusively sold at HenryUSA.com.

MDT announced the One Piece NV Bridge, a 13-inch 20 MOA night vision bridge for MDT chassis forends that co-witnesses clip-on thermal or night vision optics with riflescopes. Machined from 6061-T6 aluminum with Type III hard anodizing, the bridge fits ACC Elite, ACC Premier Gen2, and LSS Gen3 Competition forends and is available September 15, 2026.

Orion Wholesale and Taylor Customs announced The Banger, a custom CANiK SFx Rival pistol featuring a distinctive cyan, purple, magenta and black finish. Built on CANiK's competition-ready platform with a 5-inch barrel and optics-ready slide, it's the first of three exclusive custom designs coming soon.

C&H Precision introduced the COMP red dot sight, an RMR-footprint optic priced at $299.99 featuring a 50,000-hour battery life, IPX7 waterproofing, and rating for +P and +P+ ammunition. The sight offers 10 brightness levels, Motion Control Technology, and compatibility across optics-ready pistols.

Silencer Central is tripling reward points on all purchases from Sept. 14-30, 2026, allowing customers to earn three points per dollar spent. VIP members earn even more points based on tier status, with rewards redeemable for discounts and free shipping on suppressors and accessories.

Bleecker Street Publications expands its sales organization with the addition of Neal Kaufman and Troy Smith, joining existing representatives Scott Buchmayr, Amos Crowley, and Scott Cherek. The move strengthens the company's ability to connect advertisers with engaged audiences across firearms, hunting, outdoor recreation, and enthusiast markets.

The Headrest Safe Company will exhibit at America's Largest RV Show in Hershey, Pennsylvania, September 16-20, showcasing its vehicle storage solutions. The 57th annual event, presented by the Pennsylvania Recreational Vehicle and Camping Association, expects 1,500 RVs from 40 manufacturers.

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is accepting applications for volunteer positions on the Eastern and Western Upper Peninsula Citizens' Advisory Councils, with a September 30 deadline and terms beginning January 2027. The councils advise the DNR on regional programs and have submitted over 145 recommendations since their 2008 creation.

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is seeking public comment on multiple environmental assessments and proposals, including the Statewide Fisheries Management Plan 2027-2030, Upper O'Brien Creek restoration, Kelly Island and Kona Bridge fishing access site stabilization projects, Sluice Boxes State Park streambank stabilization, Upper Thompson conservation easement Phase 2, and a Spotted Dog Wildlife Management Area prescribed fire project.

MidwayUSA Foundation launched its annual Hometown Challenge sweepstakes in September, matching donations of $20 or more to youth shooting sports teams while offering over $30,000 in prizes from sponsors including SK Guns, Ruger, Glock, Savage, and others. Top fundraising teams earn endowment awards up to $15,000.

Outdoor Action TV, powered by Careco, expands its content offerings across FAST platforms and Video-On-Demand. The channel features premium content from respected outdoor producers with live events capability and strong industry connections, reaching passionate outdoor enthusiasts and attracting both endemic and mainstream advertisers.

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks will host an information session on mule deer at Miles Community College on September 29. The meeting will cover population surveys, hunting season outlook, and chronic wasting disease efforts, with wildlife health biologist Bevin McCormick presenting on CWD status in Montana.

Idaho Fish and Game staff in the Magic Valley Region work with landowners to reduce big game depredation on agricultural crops, particularly elk damage in Gooding, Elmore, Jerome, Blaine, Cassia, Twin Falls, Lincoln and Power counties. The agency uses nonlethal prevention measures, depredation hunts, landowner permission hunts, and agency-led removals, with meat from removals donated to Idaho Hunters Feeding the Hungry.

NOAA Fisheries has just revised recreational fishing effort and catch estimates for hundreds of species, going back to 1981, and the agency describes the change as an improvement in survey methodology. 

That is certainly true, but there’s a larger question that deserves attention from anyone who has ever been told that a fishery had to be restricted because the science said so—that is, most of us who have fished federal waters along the Atlantic and Gulf Coasts.

The revised estimates are systematically lower than the historical estimates produced by NOAA's Fishing Effort Survey, or FES. The agency says the new methodology better accounts for overreporting of private-boat and shore-fishing trips and produces lower effort estimates with smaller margins of error. Because total recreational catch is calculated by combining those effort estimates with catch rates from dockside interviews, lower estimates of fishing effort generally translate into lower estimates of recreational catch.

NOAA says the revision does not immediately change catch limits, seasons or other management measures. Instead, the revised numbers will be incorporated into prioritized stock assessments beginning in late 2026, with management recommendations following through 2027 and 2028. Among the assessments scheduled for that period are South Atlantic red snapper, striped bass and Gulf vermilion snapper.

The agency's explanation is straightforward: science improves, surveys are redesigned, historical estimates are recalibrated and managers eventually use the better information. NOAA says the revised FES was independently peer reviewed and represents a substantial improvement over the previous methodology. That is a reasonable explanation for why the agency is making the change now.

It also leaves recreational anglers with a perfectly reasonable question: What happened to all the management decisions made with the old numbers that we told them all along were far too high?

Recreational catch estimates are important inputs to stock assessments, annual catch limits and management measures. When estimated recreational landings exceed an allowable catch, the consequences can include shortened seasons, reductions in catch limits and, in some fisheries, complete closures. This results not only in lost recreational opportunities, but in tens of millions in financial losses due to lost charters, lost marina, restaurant and tackle shop business and lost bookings for waterside accommodations.

That doesn't mean every restrictive regulation imposed over the past several decades was wrong. Fish populations really have declined in some places, and management decisions are based on multiple sources of information, including commercial landings, biological sampling, surveys, tagging and other data. A revision to one component of the scientific system does not automatically invalidate an entire stock assessment.

But it does raise a fundamental issue about the precision and the rigor with which recreational fishing has sometimes been regulated.

NOAA's own explanation says the revised historical estimates are "systematically lower." The agency also says the magnitude of the reduction varies among species, states, fishing modes and seasons, with the largest reductions occurring in fisheries involving private boats during periods of relatively low fishing activity. 

The history of recreational fishing data makes the issue even more complicated. The FES replaced the earlier Coastal Household Telephone Survey in 2018, producing large changes in estimated fishing effort and catch. Now NOAA is revising those historical FES estimates as well, extending the new calibration back to 1981.

In other words, the scientific record used to manage recreational fishing has undergone some very substantial changes while anglers have continued to live under seasons and limits derived from it.

Atlantic red snapper provides an especially interesting case study. The stock has been the subject of years of controversy over recreational management, with anglers facing extremely short seasons—or none at all--despite evidence of improving abundance. NOAA's 2024 assessment update found the stock no longer overfished, and the management system has continued to struggle with uncertainty surrounding recreational landings and dead discards. Shark predation is also a growing but unaccounted-for factor as shark numbers continue to explode in U.S. waters

The upcoming South Atlantic red snapper assessment will have to determine how much the new data actually change the picture. But it should certainly provide an opportunity to revisit assumptions that have been difficult to reconcile with what anglers have observed on the water.

The same question applies elsewhere. If historical recreational catch estimates were systematically too high, how many past stock assessments showed greater recreational fishing pressure than actually existed? How many annual catch limits were set lower than they otherwise might have been? How many seasons were shortened or closed because estimated landings appeared to exceed a limit?

How many charter boat captains went out of business because too many fisheries were unnecessarily shut down?

There’s no doubt NOAA team was simply trying to do the right thing—preserve the fisheries while allowing reasonable access based on science. But the methods—and the conclusions—were wrong.

NOAA now has the opportunity to conduct a retrospective analysis showing exactly which management decisions were materially influenced by the estimates being revised, how large the revisions are for those fisheries, and whether those changes would have altered past assessments or regulations if the new methodology had been available at the time.

Scientific methods should change when better methods become available. But when a government agency discovers that a major data stream used for fishery management was systematically overestimating recreational fishing effort, the public deserves to know what that meant for the management decisions made with those numbers.

For recreational anglers who have watched seasons disappear and catch limits shrink while being told that the numbers justified those decisions, "we've improved the survey" is only the beginning of the conversation.

– Frank Sargeant, Editor, The Water Wire