Boyt Harness Company, a century-old premium sporting gear manufacturer, launched its new Boyt Upland Hunting Jacket designed for wild bird hunters. The technical outerwear features DWR-treated water-repellent polyester, reinforced brush-busting overlays, multiple pockets, and blaze orange safety accents, available in sizes Medium through 3XL.
Carbon Express announced the signing of professional archer Katelyn Bordwell to its shooting team for 2027. Bordwell, a USA Archery Target Nationals silver medalist and ASA Pro, will compete using Carbon Express arrows across target and 3D competitions while co-hosting the Ladies on the Line podcast.
The National Association of Sporting Goods Wholesalers (NASGW) presented Jeff Crane of the Congressional Sportsmen's Foundation with the 2026 Chairman's Award for his significant impact on the shooting sports industry. Crane brings over 40 years of experience in natural resource management and has fostered bipartisan relationships among policymakers and the sportsmen's community.
Sturm, Ruger & Company's Ruger Red Label III shotgun has been awarded Best New Shotgun at the 2026 NASGW-POMA Caliber Awards. Built by Connecticut Shotgun Manufacturing Company, the over/under shotgun features classic styling and premium materials, offered in 20 gauge with 28" or 30" barrels.
The National Association of Sporting Goods Wholesalers (NASGW) presented its 2026 Appreciation Awards recognizing top manufacturers including Smith & Wesson, Holosun Technologies, and Hornady. NASGW partnered with the Professional Outdoor Media Association (POMA) to present Caliber Awards for product innovation, with Canik USA's Prime Radian winning Best New Overall Product.
Dead Air Silencers' Nomad Ti OTB suppressor won the 2026 NASGW-POMA Caliber Award for Best New Suppressor at the National Association of Sporting Goods Wholesalers Expo in Phoenix. The over-the-barrel design, manufactured from 3D-printed Grade 9 titanium, weighs 10.5 ounces and is rated for cartridges up to .300 RUM.
The Lotspeich Family in northwestern Oklahoma received the 2026 Landowner Conservationist of the Year honor from the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation. The family manages 10,000 acres of native grassland with rotational grazing practices and collaborates with ODWC, Natural Resource Conservation Service, Farm Services Administration, Pheasants Forever/Quail Forever, National Wild Turkey Federation, and the Candidate Conservation Agreement with Assurances for lesser prairie-chickens.
Team Vihtavuori shooter Chad Heckler won his second International Precision Rifle Federation Limited Division World Championship at the 2026 IPRF Centerfire World Championship in Lipan, Texas, scoring 171 of 200 points. Heckler's winning load featured Berger bullets, Lapua brass, and Vihtavuori N150 powder, with Team USA earning top honors across all division categories.
Outdoor Edge has partnered with Wild Giants Conservation Fund to support wildlife restoration efforts in the Caucasus region. Wild Giants is acquiring a 305-acre property in Georgia to establish a breeding and restoration program for species including Bezoar Ibex, Caucasian Tur, Armenian Mouflon, Caspian Red Deer, and Persian Leopard.
Dorsey Pictures has launched an advertising campaign supporting Colorado's Amendment 83, which would establish a constitutional right to hunt and fish. The campaign includes four commercials designed to help non-hunters and non-anglers understand why protecting these activities matters to their communities and wildlife conservation.
Vermont Fish and Wildlife encourages residents to help conserve the state's nine native bat species during Bat Week (October 24-31). The department offers free bat houses to properties with endangered little brown bat colonies and provides guidance on safely evicting bats and maintaining bat houses year-round.
Michigan communities, utilities, educational campuses, and healthcare facilities can apply for Tree City USA, Tree Line USA, or Tree Campus recognition through the Arbor Day Foundation by December 31. Last year, 133 Michigan communities and 16 campuses were recognized, with applications submitted through the online portal at recognition.arborday.org.
The Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation and Hunt 2 Conserve committed $125,000 to support Amendment 83, a Colorado ballot measure that constitutionally protects hunting and fishing. The amendment declares hunting and fishing as the primary means for sustainable wildlife management, with over 300,000 hunters and 950,000 anglers expected to recreate in Colorado in 2026.
Firearms Policy Coalition (FPC) filed an opposition to New York Attorney General Letitia James's motion to dismiss in Goldberger v. James, challenging the State's ban on firearm carry in Times Square. FPC argues James should remain in the case and that the organization has standing to sue on behalf of its members.
B&T USA, a named plaintiff in Silencer Shop Foundation v. ATF, exhibits at the 2026 NASGW Expo in Phoenix as the ATF extends nationwide relief eliminating NFA registration and tax-stamp requirements for suppressors. The company has scaled production to 7,000 suppressors monthly at its Herriman facility.
Michigan Archaeology Day 2026 takes place October 24 at the Michigan History Museum in Lansing, hosted by the Michigan History Center, Michigan State Historic Preservation Office, and Colonial Michilimackinac. The free event features hands-on activities, presentations by Mae Wright and John M. Chenoweth, and exhibitors from state, federal, and tribal agencies.
The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission has updated its fall rainbow trout stocking schedule for October, releasing 12-inch trout across multiple locations throughout the state. The schedule spans three weeks with specific quantities allocated to various lakes, ponds, and parks, subject to changes due to weather or unforeseen circumstances.
Utah residents can begin applying for 2027 sportsman permits on October 20 at 8 a.m. MDT through the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources. Only one permit is offered per species including bison, elk, moose, and bighorn sheep, with application fees of $10 per species and permit fees ranging from $40 to $564.
Whitetails Unlimited has launched a Sight-In Target Initiative providing free shooting range kits to help hunters and shooting enthusiasts safely and accurately sight-in their firearms before deer season. Each complimentary kit includes three 100-yard targets with grids, a center highlight ring, and a firearm safety poster. Contact Whitetails Unlimited at 920.743.6777 or nh@whitetailsunlimited.com to order.
The Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation (RMEF) is hiring an Eastern Regional Development Director to support strategic fundraising efforts, manage major donor portfolios, and identify planned gift opportunities. The remote position requires a bachelor's degree, five years of development experience, and frequent travel throughout the Eastern United States.
Outdoor Mentors, formerly known as Pass It On – Outdoor Mentors, has unveiled a new brand identity including a shortened name and logo. Led by CEO Dr. Scott Petrie, the nonprofit organization is expanding its mentorship programs across eight states with plans to reach 30 states by 2030, connecting young people with hunting, fishing, and conservation experiences.
Women For Gun Rights – New Jersey and the Coalition of New Jersey Firearm Owners (CNJFO) are hosting a Second Amendment advocacy fundraiser on November 1, 2026, at The Mansion on Main Street in Voorhees Township. Featured speakers include Assemblywoman Dawn Fantasia, NRA Board member Amanda Suffecool, and advocate Rhiannon Mindas.
The National Rifle Association Institute for Legislative Action announced the National Shooting Sports Foundation as an official partner of the 2026 NRA Gun Bus Battleground Tour, sponsored through NSSF's Protect Liberty PAC. The tour will visit 13 states with over 60 planned stops through Election Day, November 3, 2026.
The Second Amendment Foundation released a fact sheet refuting 85 predictions from anti-gun groups including Brady, Everytown, Giffords, and March For Our Lives that claimed pro-Second Amendment court rulings would increase violence. FBI data shows three consecutive years of declining murder rates and the largest one-year drop in violent crime on record in 2025.
MWS Associates, a manufacturer's representative group, announced a partnership with Magnet Outdoors, a Knox, Pennsylvania-based company specializing in premium food plot seed blends, deer mineral products, and habitat consulting. MWS Associates will represent Magnet Outdoors' full product line to dealers nationwide.
The Bowhunter Podcast, presented by Tactacam and Thompson Cigar, features contributors Emily Konkler, Darron McDougal, and Danny Farris discussing optimal hunting times and tactics for the 2026 whitetail season. The expert panel shares insights on early season, rut hunting, decoying strategies, and late-season tactics using DataSport's Fish & Game Forecaster as their baseline.
Trijicon, Inc. announces six night sight configurations for the Springfield Armory Echelon pistol, including HD, HD XR, and suppressor-height options. These self-luminous sights feature photoluminescent paint and tritium technology, providing enhanced visibility and durability for optics-ready platforms.
FastBound announced the ATF Compliance Connector for Oracle NetSuite, the only firearms compliance app on SuiteApp.com. The connector automatically records acquisition and disposition entries in FastBound as NetSuite transactions save, with no middleware or serial number re-keying required.
ZeroTech Optics USA introduces the Trace X 5-25x56 FFP – RMG-H MOA Illuminated riflescope, featuring 116 MOA of elevation travel, 58 MOA of windage, quarter-MOA clicks, and an illuminated first focal plane reticle with mechanical zero stop for precision shooters.
CCI Ammunition is expanding its Blazer Brass handgun lineup with new 357 Magnum 158-grain and 44 Remington Magnum 240-grain loads featuring FMJ bullets and reloadable brass cases. These new products are now shipping to retailers nationwide with MSRPs of $49.99 and $79.99 respectively.
Steiner Optics has added the MPS 2.0 pistol sight to its Steiner Overwatch Program, offering special pricing on precision optics to qualified military, law enforcement, first responders, and judicial personnel. The MPS 2.0 features an enclosed emitter micro red dot with extended runtime up to 90,000 hours and waterproof design for extreme conditions.
Trijicon announces new MRAD reticle offerings for its ACOG line in 4x32 and 3.5x35 configurations, developed through customer feedback. The flexible aiming solution allows users to establish precise elevation and wind holds across different firearm platforms, calibers, and ammunition types.
C&H Precision introduced the COMP red dot sight featuring an RMR footprint, 50,000-hour battery life, IPX7 waterproofing, and +P/+P+ ammunition rating. Priced at $299.99, the optic offers 10 brightness levels, Motion Control Technology, and compatibility across optics-ready pistols.
FOXPRO introduces the X48, a top-tier predator call featuring 32-bit ultrasonic sound, frequency response over 40 kHz, and the new TX2000 remote control with customizable LCD screen. The X48 includes 250 preloaded sounds, 10 MFK library sounds, and advanced features like FoxPilot, FoxFusion, and FoxData, backed by a 5-year warranty and made in the USA.
Ballistic's Best Hunting Edition 2026 evaluated seven leading waterfowl shotguns including Winchester SX4, Browning A5, Mossberg 940 Pro, Beretta AX800 Suprema, Benelli Super Black Eagle 3, Franchi Affinity 3, and Stoeger M3500. Three shooters tested handling, fit, recoil, and performance, finding tight competition across modern duck guns with no single feature guaranteeing success.
Paul G. Markel's new workbook "Airsoft and Airguns for Tactical Training" offers practical solutions for practicing tactical skills when live-fire ranges are unavailable. The book covers training versus practice, airsoft history, gear selection, practice drills, and force-on-force considerations, available on Amazon in paperback and Kindle formats.
Sarsilmaz will exhibit at the 2026 NASGW Annual Meeting & Expo in Phoenix, October 13-15, showcasing its 7/24 Series, K-12 Sport, and SAR9 family handguns. Chief Revenue Officer Miranda Cook highlighted the company's diverse lineup for concealed carry, personal defense, and competition.
Outdoor Stewards of Conservation Foundation (OSCF) sponsored the Association of Great Lakes Outdoor Writers (AGLOW) 70th Anniversary Conference in Lewiston, New York, October 11-15, 2026. OSCF Executive Director Jim Curcuruto discussed research on fishing recruitment, hunter interest, and lead ammunition while networking with outdoor communicators.
Beretta will return to the 2026 National Sporting Clays Championship in San Antonio, Texas, October 17-25, featuring demo shotguns, retail services, and sponsorship of the Super Sporting competition. Team Beretta members including Desirae Edmunds, Zachary Kienbaum, and Anthony Matarese, Jr. will compete, while attendees can preview new unreleased shotguns and limited-edition 500-year anniversary products.
The North Dakota Game and Fish Department Advisory Board will host public meetings this fall at eight locations across the state, providing citizens opportunities to discuss fish and wildlife issues with district advisors and agency personnel.
The Civilian Marksmanship Program kicks off the 2026 National Matches with pistol week, featuring the first ceremonial first shot fired from a pistol. The Gary Anderson Competition Center hosts 10m air rifle nationals for juniors and open competitors, including Olympians.
Out Da' Bayou, hosted by John Jackson, has launched on Field & Stream TV, featuring world-class fishing and hunting paired with authentic Cajun cuisine and South Louisiana traditions. The Cajun Lifestyle Network series introduces viewers to seasoned guides, commercial fishermen, and local legends who keep Louisiana's outdoor heritage alive.
The state Game and Fish Department's annual fall aerial mule deer survey begins October 19 in western North Dakota, taking approximately two weeks to complete. The survey collects population data from 24 badlands study areas to monitor demographic trends including buck-to-doe and fawn-to-doe ratios.
Six-year-old Leo Youngdahl discovered a rare 2.75-inch conulariid fossil at Schramm Park State Recreation Area near Gretna during a Rafting and Rocks event. Kelly Ekue, outdoor education specialist, and paleontologist Shane Tucker identified the ancient marine animal fossil, one of only three known conulariids found in Nebraska.
Crankbaits come in an amazing variety of colors and patterns—and almost all of them catch fish.
I only fished with Bill Dance once, for sauger below Pickwick Dam. Bill used a dark green jig, and I used an identical jig in yellow. We both added live minnow sweetners.
Bill caught 11 nice sauger, a big smallmouth and a flathead catfish that looked like it had swallowed a microwave. I caught two six-inch perch that looked embarrassed to have been caught by such a duffer.
I don't think, though, that it was the difference in our jig colors that made the difference in our catch. It was obviously Bill’s skill in knowing exactly how to drop that lure and work it in the current seams that drew the bites. (The best part of that trip was sitting in the Botel Restaurant, a creaky old barge then on the shore just below the dam, and listening to Bill hold court and keep the whole place in an uproar with a constant stream of jokes and tall tales before the trip--but I digress.)
My wife has a weakness for shoes. (That’s sort of like saying a crack addict has a weakness for cocaine.) When a manufacturer comes up with a pair she really likes, one color isn't nearly enough. If the shoes come in six colors, she “needs” six pairs. After all, they’re on sale, they're comfortable, and you absolutely have to have shades to match your outfits, the changing seasons and whatever is currently happening on YouTube.
Sometimes I have nightmares—particularly around Halloween—of all these shoes coming to life and dancing around the house sort of like the mad Fantasia dance of the brooms as Mickey Mouse tries to corral them . . . . but I digress.
The tackle industry now seems to think that anglers suffer with the same affliction when it comes to bass lures.
Walk the aisles of any tackle shop, flip through a lure catalog or look at the latest product announcements, and you'll find an extraordinary assortment of colors for lures that otherwise are identical. While it certainly makes sense to offer the basic natural shades—typically shad, herring, bluegill and perch, plus black, white and chartreuse, there are now enough lure colors and pattern variations to cause Van Gogh to cut off his other ear.
The question is how much difference all those colors actually make.
Soft plastics offer every color imaginable—but do you need some of each for success?
There are certainly times when color matters. A translucent baitfish imitation can be deadly in clear water, while a bright chartreuse lure may be easier for a bass to locate in stained water. Matching the local forage is always smart. And even though shades like “Guntersville Orange” may not make a lot of sense, fish eat it, so who am I to question?
But there's a considerable distance between carrying a few colors suited to different conditions and buying every new pattern a manufacturer can dream up. A crankbait that dives to the right depth, deflects off cover, casts well and has the right action is a useful fishing tool. Giving it a new paint job or scale pattern doesn't change any of those characteristics.
The same goes for a soft-plastic worm that already has the right size, shape and action. A new laminate or glitter combination might occasionally make a difference, but it won't turn a mediocre design into a great one.
Meanwhile, some of the most meaningful advances in fishing tackle have involved things anglers can't appreciate simply by looking at a display rack: improved hooks, better hook placement, more effective weight-transfer systems, new materials, more durable construction and lure designs that produce actions previously difficult to achieve. Those are the kinds of changes that can expand an angler's capabilities or put more fish in the boat. They’re worth spending money on. (Even at $15 to $20 bucks a pop for the same type of lures that used to sell for 5 bucks.)
A genuinely new lure design demands considerably more development and testing. From a marketing standpoint, the appeal of adding another color to a proven seller is obvious.
Some days they want light lures, some days dark, some days in between—many anglers like to be ready for anything.
That doesn't mean lure makers are wrong to offer variety, or that anglers who enjoy collecting unusual patterns are wasting their money. Fishing is supposed to be fun, and there's nothing wrong with owning tackle simply because you like it. My wife would say the same thing about shoes. But there's a difference between collecting lures and buying them to catch fish.
The next time a manufacturer announces eight new colors for a lure you already own in four, ask yourself a simple question: Would you catch more fish with another color, or with a lure that does something your present selection can’t?
My wife might say that six pairs of the perfect shoes are better than one. I'm not going to argue with her about that—I know what’s good for me. But if I already have a crankbait that catches bass, I'm going to need more convincing before I buy it in six more colors.
