In observance of the Labor Day weekend there will be no Weekend Edition on Saturday, September 5, and we will not be distributing any of our services on Monday, September 7. We will resume our normal distribution schedule on Tuesday, September 8. Due to the holiday weekend, we request you submit news for Tuesday's editions no later than 2:00pm ET Saturday.

Whitewater Fishing and Fish Monkey have relaunched their three-glove collaboration featuring the Pro365 Guide Glove for sun and durability, Half Finger Guide Glove for dexterity, and Stealth Dry-Tec Glove for cold-weather protection. Each glove addresses specific angler needs without compromise, with MSRPs ranging from $32.99 to $64.99.

Arkansas boaters and anglers are venturing onto lakes after dark to escape summer heat, but nighttime navigation requires proper preparation. Essential safety measures include U.S. Coast Guard-approved navigation lights, life jackets for children under 12, slow navigation in well-known channels, filing float plans, and maintaining hydration and proper fish care in warm water conditions.

A federal judge in Massachusetts denied the government's motion to dismiss a Second Amendment Foundation lawsuit challenging the state's burdensome non-resident license to carry process. The lawsuit, joined by Gun Owners Action League and three individuals, seeks to remove barriers including lengthy delays and mandatory annual renewals that the SAF argues unconstitutionally burden Second Amendment rights.

Indiana Conservation Officers recovered the body of Andreas Lohmar, 62, from Big Cedar Lake in Whitley County on Friday. Conservation Officers used side-scan sonar to locate the victim in approximately 40 feet of water, with assistance from the Whitley County Sheriff's Department, Thorncreek Township Fire Department, Indiana State Police, Parkview EMS, and the Whitley County Coroner's Office.

The Arizona Game and Fish Department urges the public to help combat illegal fish stocking, which threatens native and sport fish populations, spreads disease and invasive species, and costs millions in removal efforts. Transporting fish between Arizona waterways is illegal and subject to criminal citations, civil assessment, and loss of hunting and fishing privileges.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) announces snook recreational harvest season opening September 1 across East Coast and most West Coast management regions. Harvest seasons vary by region, with bag limits of one fish per person per day and slot limits of 28-33 inches total length.

The Gulf Council met in Biloxi, Mississippi, August 24-27, 2026, marking its 50th anniversary. The Council established electronic reporting requirements for federal for-hire vessels, advanced red snapper management discussions including delegation to Gulf States, and reviewed stock assessments for mutton and yellowtail snapper with the South Atlantic Council.

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks lifted hoot-owl restrictions on the Gallatin, Jefferson, Ruby, and Shields rivers as water temperatures cooled. Restrictions remain on portions of the Madison, Beaverhead, and Big Hole rivers due to drought conditions.

NOAA Fisheries published updated recreational fishing effort and catch estimates for hundreds of species dating back to 1981, reflecting improvements from the Fishing Effort Survey design. The revised estimates will be integrated into stock assessments beginning in late 2026, with assessments for South Atlantic red snapper, striped bass, and Gulf of America vermillion snapper scheduled through 2028.

Vermont Fish and Wildlife invites licensed anglers to mentor up to four unlicensed adults aged 15+ during Free Mentored Fishing Weekend, September 5-7. Commissioner Jason Batchelder encourages experienced anglers to share their passion and help newcomers discover the sport.

The Montana Fish and Wildlife Commission approved a 2026-2027 wolf harvest quota of 300 wolves across regions, lower than last year's 452 but higher than FWP's recommended 250. The decision was based on an updated wolf population model (iPOM 2.0) presented by FWP carnivore coordinator Molly Parks and followed nearly four hours of deliberation and public comment.

North Dakota's fall turkey application deadline is September 2. Residents can submit online applications through the North Dakota Game and Fish Department's website at gf.nd.gov, while nonresidents may apply for remaining licenses after the first lottery.

Indiana Conservation Officers will host an elevated hunting platform safety demonstration on September 12 at Atterbury Fish and Wildlife Area in Johnson County. The event will feature instruction on safe techniques for ladder stands, fixed-position stands, climbing stands, and saddle systems, with hands-on practice in tree stand safety and ascending/descending trees under supervision.

Hunters and outdoor enthusiasts should monitor daily fire indexes and take precautions as many parts of the state remain dry with ample wildfire fuel. The National Weather Service issues daily fire danger indexes, and county governments may enact local restrictions. Outdoor enthusiasts should use caution with equipment, avoid parking on dry grass, and report fires immediately to law enforcement.

The Indiana Department of Natural Resources invites residents to participate in Free Youth Hunting Days on September 5-6 and the final Free Fishing Day on September 26, 2026. Youth hunters 17 and younger can hunt legal game without licenses, while all residents can fish without licenses on the designated free fishing day.

Safari Club International joins the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in mourning Federal Wildlife Officer David Taylor, 38, of Scio, Oregon, who died on August 29 while assisting residents evacuating from the Railroad South Fire in Comanche County, Oklahoma. Officer Taylor dedicated 20 years to naval service and worked at multiple wildlife refuges throughout his career with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

Liberty Ammunition and SLA Sales Group have partnered for the TALO States. CEO Gary Ramey and SLA Principal Brian Edwards highlighted the collaboration to support retailers, with SLA bringing extensive ammunition sales experience across multiple channels.

Gun Talk Media announced its Facebook page surpassed 2 million followers, with 780% follower growth and 4,049% increase in video views since January 1, 2026. President and CEO Ryan Gresham highlighted the platform's importance for reaching everyday gun owners with firearms content and responsible gun ownership information.

Remington Ammunition announces the new Premier AccuTip 400 Legend cartridge is now available at dealers nationwide. The 195-grain straight-wall centerfire load features a muzzle velocity of 2,215 feet per second and fills the gap between the 350 Legend and 450 Bushmaster, offering hunters a balanced option for states where traditional bottleneck cartridges are prohibited.

Brownells, a leading provider of gunsmithing tools, parts, and ammunition, has renewed its Silver-level corporate partnership with the Second Amendment Foundation. CEO Pete Brownell emphasized SAF's important legal work protecting Second Amendment rights, while SAF Executive Director Adam Kraut praised Brownells' 80-year commitment to supporting gun owners and their support of SAF's 55 active legal cases.

Indiana Conservation Officers are investigating a fatal off-road vehicle accident that occurred early Saturday morning in Newton County's Willow Slough Fish and Wildlife Area. The operator, Lindsay Haaland, 35, of Morocco, was pronounced dead at the scene, while the passenger sustained serious injuries.

Fiocchi introduces three shotshell options for dove hunters: the new Golden Dove Duplex combining #6 and #8 shot, Texas White Wing in convenient 100-round packaging, and Field Dynamics Dove Loads available across multiple gauges for versatile hunting situations.

SK Guns, the nation's only series-driven, limited-edition custom firearms manufacturer, released a commemorative "25 Years of Remembrance 9/11 2001-2026" 1911 Commander 9mm pistol. The limited production of 100 individually numbered pistols features engravings honoring the victims, families, and heroes of September 11, 2001.

CZ announces the availability of the CZ TS 3 ORANGE, a championship-proven tactical sports competition pistol developed in collaboration with 11-time IPSC World Champion Eric Grauffel. The pistol features direct-mounted optics compatibility, enhanced ergonomics, and a Single Action Only trigger with approximately 1.3-pound pull, with an MSRP of $3,549.

Tink's introduces Scrape Tassels and Scrape Slushie to expand its scrape-management system for hunters. These products complement the existing PRIMED Scrape Rope, offering visual, tactile, and scent-based tools to create and maintain active whitetail scrape sites throughout the hunting season.

Bear OPS, a division of Bear & Son Cutlery, introduces the 4 1/8" Auto Bold Action XIV Incognito II, an Alabama-made automatic knife featuring a D2 Tool Steel blade, stainless steel handle, and pen-type clip for deep concealment. The knife is priced at $299.99 and backed by a lifetime warranty.

SnapSafe has introduced innovative modular gun safes that deliver security equal to traditional welded safes while offering the flexibility to assemble and move them anywhere. Available in four models, SnapSafe Modular Safes accommodate 12 to 56+ long guns and feature UL-listed digital locks, 9-gauge steel construction, and 2300°F fire protection with a lifetime warranty.

Springfield Armory introduced three new Model 2020 Waypoint rifles featuring SG-100 Cerakote finish on carbon fiber stocks from AG Composites. Available in .308 Win., 7mm PRC, and .300 Win. Mag., these precision-manufactured rifles offer a .75 MOA accuracy guarantee and are priced at $1,995 each.

PTR Industries announced that its entire VENT suppressor lineup is now available in Flat Dark Earth Cerakote finish to authorized dealers nationwide. The suppressors feature PTR's patented Purposefully Induced Porosity (PIP) technology, which PEW Science recognizes as a significant advancement in suppressed small arms performance.

Galco unveils the Combat Master 2.0, a professional-grade leather belt holster for the SIG-Sauer P365 X-Macro with or without carry optics. The updated design features hand-molded construction, optic cutaway capability, raised sweat guard, and premium steerhide with double-stitched seams for durability and concealment.

Hornady introduces the Precision Lab Scale, a lab-grade measuring tool for reloaders featuring .01-grain readout accuracy, 3,000-grain capacity, and multiple operational modes including Compare, Percent, and Count functions with print-to-spreadsheet capability.

Moultrie announces the EDGE 4 Solar trail camera in Mossy Oak Bottomland camo pattern, exclusively available at Academy Sports + Outdoors. The solar-powered camera features 40 megapixels, AI buck detection, waterproof design, and built-in memory with GPS integration through the Moultrie App.

Beretta introduces a new 20-gauge configuration of its Ultraleggero Kick-Off over-and-under shotgun, featuring lightweight construction, the Kick-Off Plus recoil-reduction system rated for up to 40% recoil reduction, and a 3-inch chamber. The shotgun is now available at authorized Beretta dealers nationwide with an MSRP of $3,749.

SHIELD Sights is offering up to 25% off its entire product line through September 30th at participating dealers. The UK-designed and manufactured red dot optics promotion aims to help shooters prepare for peak fall shooting season with premium optics at significant savings.

Savage Arms launched the "Protect What Matters" rebate program offering $50 mail-in rebates on Stance XR pistols and $75 rebates on Savage 1911 models for purchases made September 1 – October 31, 2026. Rebate submissions must be received by December 1, 2026, with a limit of five rebates per household.

ATN Corp announced its largest sale starting September 1, 2026, offering up to $1,500 off the ThOR 6 Elite thermal riflescope and pricing the ThOR 6 Mini under $700 for the first time. The entire Generation 6 thermal lineup, including the TICO 6 and BlazeSeeker 6, features approximately 25% savings across the board.

Guns.com announced a week-long Labor Day Sale featuring deals on Certified Used firearms, ammo, suppressors, and up to 35% off Warehouse Clearance items. The sale includes buy-9-get-1-free ammo offers, free suppressors with firearm purchases, and ID.me Hero Discounts for verified military and first responders.

Savage Arms announces a $30 mail-in rebate on select rimfire rifles including the 93R17, 93, Mark II, and Rascal models, running September 1 through October 31, 2026. The promotion offers customers reduced pricing on precision-engineered rimfire rifles popular among target shooters and beginners.

B&T USA, a suppressor and firearms manufacturer, will exhibit at Worldwide Show Fall 2026 in Reno, Nevada, September 1–3, showcasing suppressors covered by the Silencer Shop Foundation v. ATF federal injunction. The company is a named plaintiff in the case that bars ATF enforcement of NFA registration requirements for covered suppressor purchases.

Wild Game Safaris, a South African safari company, has joined as a national sponsor of Whitetails Unlimited, announced by WTU President Jeff Schinkten. The partnership offers members guided hunting experiences and lodging in one of the world's premier hunting destinations.

The Arizona Game and Fish Commission will hold a public meeting on Friday, September 4, at 8 a.m. at the City of Show Low Council Chambers in Show Low, Arizona. The complete agenda and information on viewing or speaking to the commission is available at www.azgfd.com/commagenda.

The North Dakota Game and Fish Department will lift the Tuesday-Wednesday no-camping restriction for Labor Day week, allowing overnight camping September 8-9 on wildlife management areas that normally have this two-day restriction.

MyOutdoorTV launches the Whitetail Legends Channel in September, presented by Rhino Metals, featuring hunting content from legends like Mark and Terry Drury, Bill Winke, Lee & Tiffany Lakosky, and Don & Kandi Kisky. The ad-free streaming channel offers programming from award-winning shows including Bone Collector, Buck Commander, and Drury's THIRTEEN.

Outdoor Channel launches the "Wednesday Night Branded Series" featuring North American Whitetail, Bowhunter, Guns & Ammo, Handguns, Gun Stories with Joe Mantegna, and American Rifleman, airing Wednesdays at 6 p.m. ET with expert hosts and industry insights.

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks reports increased black bear activity in and around Billings this year, primarily near the Yellowstone River. The shortage of natural foods like chokecherries is driving bears to seek alternative food sources in town. Residents are urged to secure garbage, remove bird feeders, and clean grills to prevent bears from becoming food conditioned.

The first of September marks the start of dove season around the country. At least in the 41 states that allow it.

The nine states that don’t allow dove hunting are a mixed bag of the usual suspects and some surprising names.

Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Jersey, and New York comprise the usual suspects. Considering their general disdain for all things firearms, it’s a bit of a surprise they allow any hunting at all.

Alaska, Maine, Michigan, New Hampshire and Vermont are states with strong hunting traditions, and in the case of Michigan, a huge population of hunters. Why they don’t permit dove hunting likely has roots in the historical designation of doves as songbirds, giving anti-hunters something to hang their hats on when efforts were made to permit—or prohibit—dove hunting.

Alaska could be the wild card in this mix due to the state’s inability to support a huntable population thanks to its harsh climate. It does, however, have the non-native Eurasian collared dove which can be hunted under the Deleterious Exotic Wildlife designation, along with a list of other such game.

Here in Arizona, there is no bag limit on Eurasians, But as Chris Dorsey pointed out in “Congratulations, New Hunter—Here Is Your 194-Page Criminal-Exposure Manual” spotting and properly identifying the fast-moving dove—they reach speeds up to 55 mph—is fraught with peril should the game warden discover your mistake in judgement.

I won’t get in any trouble mistakenly picking out one species of dove over another because, unlike most of the hunters here, I won’t be out in the dove fields today.

I’m stuck running my own Daddy Daycare, where endless cartoons run in place of ESPN’s Get Up and The Pat McAfee Show. And any room I sit down in to work becomes the wrong room, forcing me to move at the command of a tiny tyrant.

I know what some of you are thinking: Take the boy out and introduce him to dove hunting.

Nothing would be better than that. I am more than eager to take him dove hunting, give him his first shotgun, and get him out on the skeet field to practice before opening day.

Unfortunately, a three-year-old is not quite ready to greet the rising sun from a dove stool, much less the loud reports of a shotgun. That will come in time, but for now I am a hapless non-participant this opening day.

What I hate most about missing out on dove season is the pre-opener preparation. The ritual of gathering your gear and staging it for the pre-dawn drive to the fields. Shopping for dove loads at the local gun store. And that new piece of gear you’re sure will make this year’s hunt that much better.

Originally, before daycare overtook my schedule, I was planning on hunting down in Buckeye, on the western side of the Phoenix Valley. It’s home to a couple of great dove hunting locations.

It’s such a popular destination that the Buckeye Chamber of Commerce actively promotes opening day, with information on local hotels, dove hunting events, and even where to eat after you’re done hunting.

You have to love a city that unabashedly welcomes dove hunters like this: “Hunt hard, then relax in comfort with exclusive hotel deals with discounted rates and free swag bags. Just mention you're in town for the dove hunt at any of these hotel locations.”

The worst part of not dove hunting is being reminded that’s exactly what you could—and should—be doing.

From state agency announcements to hunting gear promotions on social media to the dove-specific loads companies like Federal and Fiocchi have rolled out, everywhere I look is another reminder that, when it comes to dove hunting, I’m doing it wrong.

And I am definitely doing it wrong. But I am catching up on my favorite episodes of Trash Truck…for the umpteenth time. So there’s that.

To those of you in the field this morning and the coming mornings, I wish you the best of luck this dove season.

I also hate you.

– Paul Erhardt, Managing Editor, the Outdoor Wire Digital Network