TUO expanded its popular Clime Pant with Short, Regular, and Tall sizing options to improve fit for more hunters. The pant features 4-way stretch fabric, Polygiene StayFresh and OdorCrunch odor defense, Super DWR water treatment, and a new Storm color option alongside existing Deadfall, Brome, and Verse camouflage patterns.

Elite Archery announces the Victra 40, a 40-inch axle-to-axle target bow debuting at the ASA Classic on July 30. The bow features the SPX2 Cam System, Elite Micro Splitters, and S.E.T. Technology for enhanced stability and tunability, with an MSRP of $1,899.99.

Black Gold Premium Accessories launches the innovative MODD Sight, a modular archery sight platform offering customizable pin cartridges, interchangeable housings, and PhotoChromatic Technology. Available July 30, 2026, through authorized dealers and online retailers.

Victory Archery is launching the #Victory37 social media challenge running August 1st through September 8th, inviting archers to film themselves shooting one arrow at 37 yards and challenge peers to match their shot. Weekly winners will receive custom-built dozen Victory arrows, with no entry barriers designed to unite the archery community and drive growth.

Wildlife-friendly fencing along 5 miles of Highway 212 in southeast Montana helps restore a critical pronghorn migration corridor between Montana and Wyoming. FWP, landowners Doug Gardner, Robert Giacometto, and Andrew Cathey, plus partners including the Wyoming Migration Initiative, Montana's Outdoor Legacy Foundation, and the North American Pronghorn Foundation collaborated on the project informed by GPS collar research led by biologist Ryan DeVore and Wyoming Game & Fish's Erika Peckham.

Governor Mike Braun and the Indiana Department of Natural Resources announced the acquisition of 51 acres in Greene County for Martin State Forest, funded through the President Benjamin Harrison Conservation Trust and the Indiana Natural Resources Foundation Tree Fund. The addition expands the forest to 9,735 acres and provides new public hunting and forest management opportunities.

Alabama's Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Division, working with multiple agencies including the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and local sheriffs' departments, investigated a flagrant night hunter in Jackson and DeKalb counties. The perpetrator pleaded guilty to hunting at night, hunting without landowner permission, and felony eluding after officers recovered seven firearms and 15 deer racks from his property.

The Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation (ODWC) is offering free wing shooting workshops at ranges across Oklahoma throughout August and September. ODWC professionals will lead each workshop, providing throwers, targets, ammunition, and guns for participants of all skill levels.

The Briefing: FFL Compliance Summit early-bird pricing ends July 31, offering FFLs direct access to ATF and FBI officials including Director Rob Cekada and Assistant Director Robert Leider. The September 23-25 summit at W Hotel Dallas covers regulatory updates, Form 4473 changes, and enforcement priorities.

The Sporting Arms and Ammunition Manufacturers' Institute (SAAMI) reminds industry members that registration deadlines are approaching for its 2026 Ballistics Conference, scheduled for September 15-17 in Baltimore at the Royal Sonesta Harbor Court. The event will feature technical seminars, product demonstrations, and a facility tour of Element U.S. Space & Defense's testing laboratories.

Remington announces its new Nitro Dove Loads featuring 12-gauge and 20-gauge options with muzzle velocities of 1,350 fps and 1,300 fps respectively. The loads deliver consistent patterns and high velocities with American-made lead shot and Remington's Power Piston wad and Unibody hull technology, now available at dealers nationwide.

Credova, a fintech company serving the firearms and outdoor recreation industries, has renewed its Gold-level corporate partnership with the Second Amendment Foundation (SAF). Credova will also sponsor SAF's annual Gun Rights Policy Conference in Dallas, September 25-27.

Safari Club International and litigation partners requested the Los Angeles County Superior Court block mule deer shooting on Santa Catalina Island while challenging the legality of the California Department of Fish and Wildlife's approved eradication plan. SCI CEO W. Laird Hamberlin and SCI Center for Conservation Law and Education President Rew Goodenow argue the project bypassed required environmental review and science-based wildlife management.

The Connecting with Conservation Podcast features guests from Weatherby, Christensen Arms, Ducks Unlimited, and Mule Deer Foundation discussing conservation funding. Hosted by Dr. Jon Gassett of Wildlife Management Institute and Jim Curcuruto of Outdoor Stewards of Conservation Foundation, episodes explore how manufacturers and nonprofits collaborate on land, fish, and wildlife conservation in America.

The Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation features News 9 Meteorologist Lacey Swope in its latest podcast episode, where she discusses her passion for fishing, cherished outdoor memories, and the importance of spending time on the water.

One Horse announced two new 10.5-inch Express Pistols featuring Atrius Development Group's Forced Reset Selector, debuting July 30 at GOALS Range Day. Both MLOK and Quad Rail models offer factory-tuned components including Breek Arms charging handles, THRiL grips, and SB Tactical braces with customizable upgrades.

Smith & Wesson Brands, Inc. announced two limited-edition revolvers commemorating America's 250th anniversary: the Model 642 and Model 66 Combat Magnum. Both feature USA 250 laser-engraved side plates, distinctive styling, and enhanced performance specifications for collectors and shooters.

Walker's has launched Boomies Passive Muffs designed for toddlers aged 1 to 3, providing hearing protection with a 23 dB Noise Reduction Rating for outdoor activities. The lightweight muffs feature secure fit, soft ear cushions, and durable construction while allowing children to hear parental voices. The product is now available online and through retailers nationwide.

SnapSafe® introduces the Trunk Safe II, a heavy-duty mobile safe designed for secure transportation of firearms and valuables in vehicles. Built by Hornady® Manufacturing Company with 13-gauge steel construction and digital lock technology, the safe offers theft protection for cars, SUVs, and RVs.

Custom & Collectable Firearms' limited-edition Marlin Trapper 1894 Razor Boar 10mm lever-action rifle is now in stock through Sports South. This American-made rifle features a 16.5-inch threaded barrel, black laminate stock, and custom boar engraving, with only 300 sequentially numbered rifles produced.

Hornady Security introduces a fireproof keypad safe designed for secure storage of one or two handguns, ammunition, and valuables. The safe features 16-gauge steel construction, withstands temperatures up to 1400°F for 30 minutes, and includes programmable keypad access with backup keyhole entry.

Defend reminds outdoor enthusiasts to pack protective gear beyond the basics, including insect repellents like Defend Picaridin and Defend Permethrin, plus bear spray for wildlife encounters. Proper preparation with quality protection products helps ensure a safe and enjoyable outdoor experience.

Utah's Division of Wildlife Resources is offering free and discounted shooting at Lee Kay Public Shooting Range and Cache Valley Public Shooting Range on select Saturdays in August to celebrate National Shooting Sports Month. Lee Kay Manager Blanche Smith and Cache Valley Manager Steven Bassett encourage visitors of all skill levels to visit these ranges for safe shooting opportunities.

European American Armory Corp. will participate in the 2026 Gun Owners Advocacy and Leadership Summit on August 1–2 at the Iowa Events Center. EAA Corp. will showcase new firearms including the Girsan Witness2311 XXX Series and Balikli Firearms products at Booth #2836.

Kent Cartridge will exhibit at Ducks Unlimited Expo 2026 in Memphis from July 31-August 2 at the Renasant Convention Center. The company will showcase waterfowl ammunition products including TealSteel® and All Purpose Steel® at Booth #563.

Beretta USA will exhibit at the 2026 Ducks Unlimited Expo in Memphis, Tennessee, featuring the new A400 Solo semi-automatic shotgun, the AX800 Suprema, and the Suprema Waterfowl Collection apparel in Mossy Oak Original Bottomland camouflage. Visitors can enter to win a prize package valued over $4,000 at Booths 735 and 1311.

Dallas Safari Club's 2026 Summer Expo & Foundation Gala at Gaylord Texan Resort in Grapevine, Texas broke records in attendance, auctions, and raffles. CEO Russell Stacy credited exhibitors, sponsors, and attendees from all 50 states and 20+ countries for the event's success, which advanced the DSC Foundation's wildlife conservation and hunting heritage initiatives.

Duck Commander introduces the Catahoula Cut, a premium double-reed cutdown duck call, at the 2026 Ducks Unlimited Exposition in Memphis, Tennessee. The call features Louisiana-style craftsmanship and is priced at $169.99, alongside the Commander Cut and Reaper Cut developed with Zack Randall of Reaper Boats.

Texas Trophy Hunters Association announced Capital Farm Credit as an official sponsor of the 50th Hunters Extravaganza, the largest hunting trade show in Texas. Capital Farm Credit will engage with attendees at each show stop, celebrating their shared commitment to Texas hunting heritage and rural communities.

Mark Barnes & Associates, a Washington, D.C.-based law firm specializing in firearms and explosives law, has become the Platinum Sponsor of the 2026 NSSF Annual Import/Export Conference, taking place August 4–6 at the Waldorf Astoria Washington, D.C. The firm provides regulatory compliance and international trade expertise to firearm industry businesses.

Pursuit Channel launched "Sundays On The Chase," a new early prime programming block dedicated to whitetail hunting content starting at 6:00 p.m. ET every Sunday, presented by Whitetails Unlimited. The block features popular series including Innerloc's Out There, Red Arrow, Whitetail Frenzy, and Take Aim Adventures.

Whitetail Institute's Next Level Consulting released a brand spot highlighting its science-driven approach to habitat improvement and land management. The spot reinforces the team's research-backed strategy delivered by wildlife biologists, agronomists, and habitat specialists working directly with landowners.

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks specialists report a severe natural food failure year, causing bears to seek food around homes and communities. Bear conflict specialist Jamie Jonkel urges residents to secure attractants like garbage, bird feeders, and livestock with electric fencing to prevent conflicts.

The Pennsylvania Game Commission's Elk Cam will go live August 1, offering livestreamed views of the state's elk rut across 220,000 acres. The stream, provided by HDOnTap and the North Central Pennsylvania Regional Planning and Development Commission, runs until October 3 and features elk, deer, turkey, and other wildlife.

Lake sturgeon: the living fossils.

They’ve earned this moniker not only because they first appeared in the fossil record at least 100 million years ago or because their bony scutes give them a dino-like appearance, but because of their long lives.

According to previous research, lake sturgeon (Acipenser fulvescens) have a lifespan of up to 150 years.

But a new study published by researchers from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, Michigan State University, Michigan Technological University and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources suggests that lake sturgeon may live longer than previously thought — much longer.

Fish age can be estimated using several structures, such as fin spines or otoliths (an ear bone). Like trees, these structures show annual growth rings. The oldest lake trout discovered in the Great Lakes, for example, was estimated to be 62 years old by counting the growth rings in its otolith.

But for fish that grow slowly and live a very long time, like lake sturgeon, estimating their age using growth rings can be difficult — the rings can be so numerous, thin and close together as to be impossible to accurately count. This results in underestimation of the true age of lake sturgeon.

Unlike people, who stop growing taller after reaching maturity, fish continue to grow throughout their lives.

Given that fish will continue to get bigger as they age, scientists can use information about the growth rate and fish size to estimate how old a fish might be, depending on its environmental conditions.

Fish in areas with a lot of food available will grow faster (and therefore, often larger) than fish in nutrient-poor environments.

For five populations of Great Lakes lake sturgeon — Black Lake, Michigan (Cheboygan and Presque Isle counties); Sturgeon River, Michigan (Baraga County); Menominee River, Michigan/Wisconsin; St. Clair River (St. Clair County) and Lake Winnebago, Wisconsin — our research team used a novel approach to estimate growth rates using capture-mark-recapture data and used growth rate data to estimate longevity.

Essentially, the research team would capture fish, measure them, determine the sex, mark the fish with a tag and release them. Then, in future years, the research team would survey again, capturing and marking some new fish, but also recapturing some of the previously tagged fish. The recaptured fish were measured, as well.

With this information, we could look at how much fish grew between the time we first captured them and the subsequent recaptures. This was done over a period of 44 years, giving us ample opportunity to recapture sturgeon we’d measured before, some many years later.

Simply stated, we used this data to estimate lake sturgeon longevity by asking “If a lake sturgeon grows X centimeters per year, then how many years does it take for a lake sturgeon to get to a particular size?”

Using equations that related sturgeon growth rate to the size of the fish, we estimated expected longevity for 160-centimeter (approximately 63-inch) male and 180-centimeter (approximately 71-inch) female lake sturgeon across those five populations.

Longevity ranged from 90 to 279 years for males and from 99 to 427 years for females.

That’s up to 277 years older than the oldest lake sturgeon previously recorded! It’s also nearly as long a lifespan as the longest-lived vertebrate on Earth, the Greenland shark, whose longevity has been estimated at 272 to 512 years.

"When I began studying lake sturgeon in the late 1980s, I never thought I'd live to see their success and persistence after being listed as threatened,” said Nancy Auer, emeritus research professor of biological sciences at Michigan Technological University. “Let alone actually handle fish much older than I was — or am now, 30 years later — and that will be here after I am gone.”

Why does it matter how old lake sturgeon live to be?

Understanding how long these fish live can provide biologists insight into survival rates and reproductive opportunities for the species. For a species like lake sturgeon, which is still recovering in Michigan and elsewhere, this information can inform restoration efforts.

According to Michael Donofrio, retired fisheries supervisor at the Peshtigo office of the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, this project “brought together a great partnership with very groundbreaking research, which should aid with other North American sturgeon population management."

Lake sturgeon annual survival (that is, the probability of surviving from one year into the next) needs to be very high for fish to reach these advanced ages. For many other fish, annual survival probability can be close to 50 percent, but for lake sturgeon it is very high – at least 97%.

This is important for management. In addition to high annual survival and extreme longevity, lake sturgeon are late to mature and produce few offspring per year, all of which means harvest regulations should be very conservative to protect populations from overharvest.

The famous Black Lake sturgeon harvest season, which can last mere minutes, is limited in precisely this way.

Last year, the harvest limit was six lake sturgeon – not per angler, total.

Fisheries managers from state and tribal natural resource agencies gather annually to review data on the sturgeon population and determine the sustainable harvest limit for the season.

“One could assume that there’s a contradiction between restoring a threatened lake sturgeon population while allowing for a small annual winter harvest in Black Lake. I’ve been asked this question quite often during my career,” said Tim Cwalinski, Northern Lake Huron Unit manager for the DNR.

“However, without the publicity that the brief, limited harvest season provides, the public wouldn’t know as much about all the ongoing restoration efforts for Black Lake sturgeon, like research, stocking, the sturgeon guard program, fundraising, and education and outreach. Not only is the harvest important to the anglers and the local community, but these are also the same people investing in ongoing and successful restoration programs.”

Lake sturgeon are truly unique among Michigan fishes for many reasons, including their extreme longevity. Having better, more accurate, estimates of how long these fish live can help us to conserve and restore this ecologically and culturally important species.

Long live lake sturgeon.

Read the full study in the Journal of Fish Biology. To learn more about lake sturgeon in Michigan, visit Michigan.gov/Sturgeon.

Check out previous Showcasing the DNR stories in our archive at Michigan.gov/DNRStories. To subscribe to upcoming Showcasing articles, sign up for free email delivery at Michigan.gov/DNREmail.

– Edward Baker, PhD., Marquette Fisheries Research Station manager and Marcee Wardell, communications specialist, Fisheries Division, Michigan Department of Natural Resources