Vortex® launches new Gear Series apparel including T-shirts and cap styles designed for hunters and shooters. The collection features fresh colors and styles perfect for fall, available at VortexOptics.com and on their social media channels.
Blocker Outdoors offers purpose-built youth hunting apparel in sizes YS through YX, featuring products like the Youth Fused Cotton Hoodie, Shield Series Commander Jacket, and Youth Drencher gear with RainBlocker® protection. Marketing Director Steve Allie emphasizes proper-fitting gear keeps young hunters comfortable and engaged during their first hunting experiences.
Team Beretta athlete Sal Luna won the Production Division at the 2026 USPSA Area 6 Match in Talladega, Alabama, competing with Beretta's new 94X Performance. Luna achieved back-to-back podium finishes, earning second place the following week at the USPSA Factory Nationals with the Beretta 92X Performance Carry Optic.
The Missouri Department of Conservation offers a free online Black Bear Hunting Basics course through OutdoorELN, operated by IHEA-USA, ahead of Missouri's October bear season. The state expanded permits from 600 to 2,000 and raised harvest quotas from 40 to 60 due to a growing bear population of approximately 1,100 animals.
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources, Keweenaw Bay Indian Community, and Upper Peninsula Power Company conducted three rescue missions to save 27 lake sturgeon stranded in low-water conditions in the Ontonagon River channel. The collaborative effort relocated fish to safety and gathered valuable data for the recovering threatened species population.
Firearms Policy Coalition filed a reply brief supporting a preliminary injunction in Bathras v. Moore to block Maryland's ban on Glock and Glock-style handguns. FPC, joined by Atlantic Guns, the National Rifle Association, and the Second Amendment Foundation, argues the ban violates the Second Amendment by targeting common, constitutionally protected arms.
The Second Amendment Foundation filed a reply brief supporting its motion for preliminary injunction in Bathras v. Moore, challenging Maryland's Senate Bill 334 banning Glock-style handguns. SAF is joined by Atlantic Guns, the National Rifle Association, Firearms Policy Coalition, and two private citizens in arguing the ban violates Second Amendment protections.
Eight additional harvest days have been added to the 2026 Gulf private recreational red snapper season, allowing continuous harvest from October 9-22. The updated schedule includes consecutive fishing periods and weekend/holiday opportunities throughout the year for recreational anglers fishing from private vessels in Florida Gulf waters.
The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission announces paddlefish snagging season on the Missouri River from October 1-31. Anglers must possess valid permits and unfilled paddlefish tags, with 1,600 tags authorized and specific regulations including hook size restrictions and fish processing requirements.
NOAA Fisheries approved the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission's Exempted Fishing Permit for a 14-day Atlantic red snapper season from October 9-22, 2026, open to private anglers and for-hire operations in Florida's Atlantic state and federal waters with specific bag limits and reporting requirements.
Georgia's Department of Natural Resources Coastal Resources Division is seeking public comment on proposed saltwater fishing regulation changes implementing a new Reef/Migratory Fish Endorsement for recreational anglers, established by Senate Bill 420. The $10 annual endorsement for residents aims to improve data collection on offshore reef and migratory species fishing through direct trip-level reporting beginning January 1, 2027.
North Dakota's youth pheasant season runs October 3-4, allowing legally licensed hunters 15 and younger to hunt rooster pheasants statewide with an accompanying adult. A general game and habitat license is required, and hunters 12 and older must complete hunter education or obtain an apprentice hunter validation.
Arkansas alligator hunters harvested 150 gators during the first weekend of the 2025 season across three management zones, with zone 3 accounting for 90 alligators. The AGFC reports the season is on pace to set another record, with public land hunters finding the largest specimens so far this year.
The Montana Fish & Wildlife Commission has closed Black Bear Management Unit 700 to all black bear hunting effective one-half hour after sunset on Friday, September 25, 2026.
The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission invites hunters to participate in the free Deer Hunting Observation Survey through the AGFC app. The survey, which began in 2004, helps wildlife managers track population trends and set sustainable hunting seasons by collecting data on game and nongame species sightings.
The Arizona Game and Fish Department urges hunters to apply for 2027 spring hunts before the deadline of 11:59 p.m. Arizona time on Tuesday, October 6, 2026. Applications are open for spring turkey, javelina, bison, bear, and raptor capture hunts.
The Headrest Safe Company appointed Todd Pearson as Chief Operating Officer, promoting him from Revenue Director. The company's discreet vehicle safe storage system is now sold in 34 countries worldwide, with founder and CEO Irving Meisler praising Pearson's strategic execution capabilities.
Korth Group Ltd. and Ellwood Epps Sporting Goods sponsored the Canadian Sporting Arms and Ammunition Association's (CSAAA) attendance at the 2026 NSSF Annual Import/Export Conference. CSAAA President Wes Winkel presented on Canada's firearms prohibitions and regulatory challenges, highlighting how recent legislative changes have reduced the Canadian gun industry's sales opportunities by approximately 40%.
The Murray Road Agency announced the launch of 10Stone, a lifestyle brand inspired by country music superstar Jason Aldean, developed in collaboration with TrueTimber and available at Walmart. Murray Road provided brand development, creative assets, content production, and partnership management for the retail debut coinciding with Aldean's album release.
Pennsylvania will celebrate National Hunting and Fishing Day on September 26, 2026, recognizing hunters and anglers' contributions to wildlife conservation. Governor Josh Shapiro signed a proclamation highlighting how over two million hunters and anglers have generated more than $125 million for conservation efforts in the state.
Vortex Optics introduces green multi-reticle and tan housing options for the Defender-CCW™ and Defender-ST™ Enclosed Solar Micro Red Dots, designed for concealed carry and tactical shooting with enclosed protection and dual-power operation.
Safari Club International applauds the reestablishment of the Hunting and Shooting Sports Conservation and Access Council, with Chris Tymeson and Mark Moore representing SCI as council and alternate members. The federal advisory council provides recommendations to the Secretaries of the Interior and Agriculture on wildlife conservation, hunting, shooting sports, and public access.
Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation President and CEO Kyle Weaver accepted a nomination to serve on the Hunting and Shooting Sports Conservation and Access Council, continuing RMEF's distinction on the federal advisory group dating back five presidential administrations. The council provides recommendations to President Trump on wildlife conservation, hunting, and public access.
Zanders, a national firearms distributor based in Sparta, Illinois, has partnered with Smith & Wesson to introduce the S&W BODYGUARD 2.0 in .380 ACP with a distinctive Pink Champagne finish. The compact handgun features a 2.75-inch barrel and includes 10-round and 12-round magazine options, now available through Zanders.
BANISH Suppressors launches the COMP 6.5 SS and COMP 6.5 TI, dedicated .264-caliber suppressors featuring interchangeable two-port brakes and flat muzzle caps. Available in stainless steel and titanium, both models offer precision shooters customizable recoil control or maximum sound reduction options.
Crow Wholesale announced it is now a stocking distributor for One Horse, expanding its firearm brand portfolio. The partnership provides dealers access to One Horse's American-made AR-platform rifles, pistols, and components through Crow Wholesale's nationwide distribution network.
Hi Mountain Seasonings shares a recipe for transforming pronghorn hindquarter into cured, smoked, and maple-glazed ham using their Buckboard Bacon Cure Kit. The company, founded in 1991 in Riverton, Wyoming, offers hunters creative ways to prepare wild game into memorable meals.
Remington Ammunition and Original Grain, an Official Remington brand licensee, expanded The Hunt Club watch collection with two limited-edition styles: Cerakote Black Barrel Chrono and Cerakote Tan Barrel Chrono. The watches feature retired gunstocks from Remington's Lonoke, Arkansas factory and are available through Original Grain.
Derya Arms introduced the EX1300, a break-action over/under shotgun available in 12 gauge, 20 gauge, and .410 bore, all priced at $699 MSRP. The gun features a monolithic steel receiver, Turkish walnut stock, steel automatic ejectors, and ships with three Mobilchoke tubes.
Custom & Collectable Firearms presents the limited-edition Colt Python Sidewinder, a .357 Magnum revolver featuring a Black KAGE Compensator System, Vortex Venom red dot, SureFire X300 weapon light, and 24Kt gold-plated trigger. Production is limited to 300 consecutively numbered revolvers.
TUO Gear, a technical hunting apparel manufacturer, has joined Whitetails Unlimited as a national sponsor. WTU President Jeff Schinkten praised TUO Gear's diverse product line, from early season whitetail pants to turkey season base layers, welcoming them to the organization.
Leapers, Inc. is sponsoring the IDPA National Championship for the first time in 2026 at Cardinal Shooting Center in Ohio, supporting the vendor tent and the "Bad Guy Attack" stage. Director of Operations Kenny Huang will compete at the Master level while representing Leapers' UTG, UTG Pro, and Integrix brands.
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is implementing rate adjustments at the Porcupine Mountains Winter Sports Complex, the facility's first price increases since 2018. The changes, effective for the 2026-27 season, reflect rising operational costs and regional market comparisons. Park Supervisor Mike Knack emphasized the adjustments will support continued investment in operations and maintenance for quality visitor experiences.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) will host a public meeting on October 9 in DeFuniak Springs to gather stakeholder input about flathead catfish in Panhandle rivers. The meeting will allow interested parties to share perspectives on this nonnative species and its presence in northwest Florida river systems.
Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders joined Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism officials at Petit Jean State Park to celebrate the renovated Mather Lodge, new outdoor recreation including the country's first via ferrata in a state park, and an Arkansas 250 historical marker. The park also welcomed new superintendent Will Ward.
Kent and Shannon Rollins drive their 1876 chuck wagon to America's historic working ranches in Season 2 of Cast Iron Cowboy, premiering September 28 at 8:00pm ET on Outdoor Channel. The couple prepares regionally inspired meals for cowboys across ranches from Florida to Alaska, starting at Bull Hammock Ranch in Martin County, Florida.
The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources is hosting free kokanee salmon viewing events at Strawberry Reservoir on September 19 and Fish Lake on September 26, where visitors can observe the bright red fish during their spawning season. Multiple other locations throughout Utah offer opportunities to see kokanee salmon from September through October, though anglers are prohibited from keeping any kokanee from September 10 to November 30.
Something about fine craftsmanship speaks to the soul.
The golfer Ben Hogan explained that when a golf club was fitted exactly to the player, the sensation of a perfectly struck golf shot passed “from the clubhead up the shaft to the grip, into the hands, up the arms and into the heart.”
The shot, he said, was effortless. You made your swing, looked up and your ball was rising toward the target. You have no memory of the impact, only the knowledge that the shot was, again, well struck. You felt it in your being.
It’s the same with any tool, whether a Japanese backsaw for woodworking, a dependable box call that coaxes recalcitrant gobblers from the woods or the finely tuned fishing rod that effortlessly lays flies to riffles where discerning cutthroat seem to be judging an anglers’ skills more than they’re searching for food.
Might not work for everyone, but for you, it’s more than enough.
While visiting London, I visited Holland & Holland’s legendary Gun Room. Lacking time to visit their renowned shooting grounds, I wasn’t about to miss an opportunity to visit their London location. Like many other sites in this often-maligned city, the visit was yet another reason to remind me why London remains one of the world’s great cities.
The Holland & Holland retail store is colocated with Beretta’s flagship London Gallery (36 St. James Street). Both are reminders that these companies know how to both make and showcase fine goods, whether it be firearms, knives, luggage or clothing.
The current Gun Room is located in a secure location two floors above. A new location is being finished a short distance away. I know it’s not completed because my navigation system took me there first. Fortunately, it’s only a short walk away.
The Gun Room, as is appropriate in a London climate that bars almost anything that could be used to commit a crime (except criminals), isn’t easy accessible. Strictly appointment only, it’s located off street level and secured behind locked doors.
Holland & Holland’s meticulous craftsmanship is obvious in each of their firearms. Should replacement parts or a gun modification become necessary, today’s gunsmiths can refer to the original build and customization notes, for every gun ever produced.
Once you’re cleared for entry, you’re immediately surrounded with Holland & Holland history. Bookcases line the walls, filled with notes on every gun H & H has ever built. Gun Room manager Rupert Haynes not only regaled me with stories of the fine historic guns displayed there, he explained how all Holland & Holland guns begin with the same uncompromising standards. That means silky smooth actions, great triggers and the same sensation of fine fitting that sets custom products above and apart from mass production products.
Over its long history, Holland & Holland has built a variety of fine firearms. During my visit, I had the opportunity to examine some of the beautifully engraved guns (top) along with some more unusual ones, including a rifle with a revolver action (below). Whatever the gun, the engraving was amazing.
After the gun is exactly fitted to the customer’s measurements, the personalization morphs from specific fitment to artistic expression. According to Haynes, the work can add literal years to the time between a gun being ordered, fitted and delivered.
This raised engraving was done on a massive double rifle. The engraving required literally thousands of hours to complete. But the finished product was an example of a working tool and fine art.
As you can imagine, this level of work isn’t inexpensive. But the finished product is something that isn’t built for a season, it’s designed to function for generations.
For those of us who will likely never have the experience of a Holland & Holland build, seeing their products and processes make them even more impressive.
