Fish Monkey expands its popular Americana pattern to its U.S.-made merino wool blend socks, complementing existing glove and face guard offerings. The patriotic red, white and blue design appeals to tournament anglers and boating enthusiasts, providing retailers with strong merchandising opportunities and cross-selling potential across multiple product categories.

The Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation secured 23,000 acres in Nevada's Windermere Hills through a conservation easement with a private landowner, protecting crucial elk habitat and a mule deer migration corridor. The project, supported by an $850,000 National Fish and Wildlife Foundation grant through Walmart's Acres for America program, also provides improved hunting access across 47,000 acres managed by the Nevada Department of Wildlife.

The Second Amendment Foundation, joined by New Jersey Firearms Owners Syndicate, expanded the lawsuit Aliaj v. Fort Lee Police Department to include plaintiffs Martin Hroncich and Luis Rene De La Cruz Franco, challenging Bergen County's policy of revoking permits and confiscating firearms from residents based on association with prohibited persons.

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources invites residents and visitors to enjoy free fishing, ORV riding, and state park entry during 'Three Free' Weekend on June 13-14. DNR Director Scott Bowen encourages newcomers and experienced outdoor enthusiasts to explore Michigan's 103 state parks, 4,000 miles of ORV trails, and boating access sites without fees or licenses.

Yamaha Pro Chris Cenci, a decorated redfish tournament angler with 40+ professional top-10 finishes, details his 21' Egret skiff's power system using four Norsk Lithium batteries after testing five brands over ten years. His setup includes a heated 12V 180Ah starting battery, 16V 75Ah electronics battery, and dual 36V 60Ah trolling motor batteries, praised for superior build quality and the Norsk Guardian® App.

The Wyoming Game and Fish Department invites anglers to celebrate Free Fishing Day on June 6, when anyone can fish without a license throughout Wyoming. Multiple Kids Fishing Day events are scheduled statewide, sponsored by organizations including Jackson Hole One Fly, North Platte Walleyes Unlimited, Trout Unlimited chapters, and local communities.

Whitetails Unlimited granted $34,367 to feeding the hungry groups, with significant support for Farmers and Hunters Feeding the Hungry, Feeding Illinois, and Arkansas Hunters Feeding the Hungry. These organizations partner with butchers and hunters to distribute venison to food banks, with one deer providing approximately 160 meals.

Afton Safari Lodge, owned by Richard Lendrum, has expanded with a new sister property in Cape Town to complement its Johannesburg location near O.R. Tambo International Airport. Both lodges provide comprehensive travel services including airport assistance, firearm permits, accommodations, and transfers for hunters, anglers, and adventure travelers.

William Woodrow Hicks, Founder and CEO of Bill Hicks & Co., Ltd., a wholesale distributor for the shooting sports industry in Minneapolis, MN, passed away on May 28, 2026. He built his business over 57 years from a basement operation into a successful distributorship, leaving a legacy continued by his family.

Yamaha Motor Finance Corporation, U.S.A. closed a $400 million term securitization backed by dealer powersports and marine inventory loans, marking the company's first asset-backed securitization and the industry's first dealer floorplan ABS including powersports and marine receivables since 2015. The transaction received Aaa/AAA ratings from Moody's Investors Service and Fitch Ratings.

Cadre Holdings' subsidiary Safariland has been selected as the ballistic panel provider for Predictive Ballistics LLC's Overt Armor Kit, which was awarded a five-year, $61 million FBI contract. Safariland's SX™ HP ballistic panel was chosen over 11 competing products for its superior performance and quality.

NSSF announces all 50 Range USA locations are participating in the first Gun Storage Check Week retailer pilot program to promote secure firearm storage practices. The campaign, observed June 1–7 and September 1–7, aims to prevent firearm accidents, suicides, and thefts through the "Make Sure It's Secure" message.

Johnny Morris and Bass Pro Shops are donating over 55,000 rods and reels to youth-focused nonprofit organizations across North America through the Gone Fishing program. The initiative includes free family fishing events at Bass Pro Shops and Cabela's locations June 13-14 and June 20-21, featuring catch-and-release fishing, activities, and expert guidance to inspire kids to discover fishing.

ShellShock Protection has expanded its partnership with Murray Road Agency to include public relations services alongside their existing affiliate marketing relationship. Murray Road Agency will develop comprehensive PR strategy and media outreach to increase brand visibility for ShellShock's premium eye and ear protection products.

Smith & Wesson is hiring a Law Enforcement Technical Services Advisor to support domestic law enforcement sales and provide technical expertise for armorer training programs, including Team One Network operations and new product development for global and international sales.

ZeroTech announced the Green Dot Trace H.A.L.O Reflex Sight, featuring a 3 MOA green aiming point for enhanced visibility in bright conditions. The enclosed H.A.L.O design offers durability with 7075 aluminum construction, shake-awake technology, and up to 50,000 hours of battery life.

The National Bowhunter Education Foundation (NBEF) conducted instructor training and certification in Kansas led by Steve Hall, a retired hunter ed administrator from Texas and NBEF board member. The trainings responded to increased consumer interest in bowhunter education, with attendees including agency staff, R3 department employees, and National Archery in the Schools Program representatives.

The NRA Foundation has renamed itself The 1791 Foundation, honoring the 1791 ratification of the Bill of Rights. The organization continues its 35-year legacy of awarding over $500 million in grants supporting firearm education, youth programs, conservation, and hunting heritage, with no changes to its core charitable mission.

Ducks Unlimited elected Dr. Rex Schulz as its 48th president and Bob Spoerl as chairman of the board at the organization's 89th National Convention in Tampa, Florida. Fourteen new board members were also elected to help guide the nonprofit's conservation mission.

Host Michael Waddell discusses hunting philosophy, outdoor spirituality, and personal stories on The Michael Waddell Podcast, presented by Spandau Arms in partnership with Folds of Honor, Cigars International, and Poncho Outdoors. The episode features listener Q&A and Waddell's reflections on finding common ground within the hunting and fishing community.

GRITR introduces a new line of precision-machined 12-gauge choke tubes compatible with Beretta/Benelli Mobil systems, featuring seven constriction options for clay shooting, hunting, and extended-range applications. The tubes are crafted from 4140 steel with corrosion-resistant finishes and include a complementary 5-slot storage case with lifetime warranty coverage.

Zanders, a national distributor based in Sparta, Illinois, has added Comstock Armory AR parts and accessories to its inventory. Comstock Armory, based in South Lyon, Michigan, manufactures American-made AR-platform components for shooters and competitive 3-gun enthusiasts.

Bond Arms introduces the America 250th Special Edition Hand Cannon, a limited-edition firearm celebrating America's 250th anniversary. Chambered in .45 Colt and .410 Bore with stainless-steel construction, the Rough Series is priced at $499.00 and the Black Cerakote version at $699.00.

Hi Mountain Seasonings, based in Riverton, Wyoming, offers seasoning blends, brines, marinades, and rubs to enhance fresh-caught fish. Owner Hans Hummel highlights the company's 35-year commitment to helping anglers transform their harvests into delicious meals with simple, flavorful products.

The Nebraskaland Magazine Digital Archive now provides free access to the complete 100-year run from 1926 to 2026, including all previous titles. The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission partnered with the University of Nebraska-Lincoln's Center for Digital Research in the Humanities to expand the archive, which features full-text search and filtering capabilities.

KDG announces continued growth of its nationwide dealer network with new stocking dealers joining across Texas, Georgia, and other states. The company, known for products like Kinect™ quick-detach mounting solutions and SideLok™ optic mounts, is expanding its dealer locator to help customers find local retailers and support independent firearm retailers nationwide.

Registration is now open for the 22nd annual SHOT Show Industry Day at the Range, taking place January 18, 2027, at Boulder Rifle and Pistol Club in Nevada. Supported by NSSF as title sponsor, the event provides exhibitors opportunities to showcase new products and connect with media, influencers, and industry professionals before SHOT Show officially begins.

SOG Knives will showcase its product lineup at the Blade Show in Atlanta, Georgia, June 5-7, featuring special guests Jason Johnson and Luke Kukk. Attendees can explore new products, receive complimentary 40th anniversary playing cards, and enjoy exclusive savings on apparel and accessories.

EchoCore Suppressors will co-exhibit with Silencer Shop at the OTOA Tactical Operations and Public Safety Conference June 8–12, 2026, in Sandusky, Ohio. The company will showcase its premium suppressor lineup, including award-winning Sector 5.56 models, to law enforcement professionals and tactical teams across the Midwest.

Cold Steel will showcase innovative knives and outdoor tools at the 2026 Blade Show in Atlanta, June 5-7, at booth #124. Featured guests include champion knife-thrower Jason Johnson and master knife maker Luke Kukk, with Cold Steel's expert team available for demos and customer support.

Michigan's Department of Natural Resources is hosting multiple June meetings for advisory boards and commissions including the Michigan Natural Resources Commission, Michigan Trails Advisory Council, State Parks Advisory Committee, Timber and Forest Products Advisory Council, and Waterways Commission to discuss natural resource management and outdoor recreation opportunities.

First Peoples Buffalo Jump State Park and SkyWindWorld Inc. will host the annual Buffalo Kite Festival on June 13-14 near Ulm, Montana. The free family event features buffalo-themed kites created by Terry Zee Lee and Native American artists, with opportunities to create and fly kites.

Winchester Life's latest episode "The Spies Tradition" features Team Winchester member Benny Spies hunting pheasants in South Dakota with his daughter Presley using Magnum Pheasant ammunition. The new upland hunting ammunition line is available in 12-, 20-, and 28-gauge with a blended #5 and #6 shot payload.

Shooting USA features the CMP's Talladega Marksmanship Park D-Day Matches 2025, showcasing rifle and pistol competitions using period-correct battle rifles and as-issued pistols to honor D-Day heroes. Host John participates in a new as-issued pistol competition format with a CMP 1911.

Outdoor Sportsman Group's GAME & FISH TV achieved over 50 million minutes watched in April with 430 million monthly active users. The fastest-growing FAST channel features programming from Outdoor Channel, Sportsman Channel, World Fishing Network, and MyOutdoorTV, including live Major League Fishing events and content celebrating the sporting lifestyle.

During extreme drought conditions, wildlife may migrate into neighborhoods seeking food and water. The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources recommends building 8-foot fences, installing motion-activated sprinklers, and planting unpalatable vegetation to protect gardens. Mike Wardle, DWR Big Game Coordinator, emphasizes not feeding wildlife as it creates safety risks and spreads disease.

Vermont Fish and Wildlife biologist Jillian Kilborn advises landowners to delay mowing until after August 1 to protect nesting grassland birds like bobolinks, Savannah sparrows, and eastern meadowlarks. Landowners facing income loss can seek assistance through the Natural Resources Conservation Service EQIP program or The Bobolink Project.

Florida’s Fish and Wildlife Commission quietly reversed course on its decision to eliminate online sales of short-term nonresident fishing licenses, restoring both the 3-day and 7-day options after a sharp and immediate backlash from guides, charter operators, and visiting anglers.

The turnaround came after a highly visible push by Captain Dylan Hubbard, a well-known radio and television fishing personality and owner of what is widely regarded as the state’s largest party-boat fleet at Treasure Island, on the Gulf Coast. Hubbard launched a public petition and made the issue impossible to ignore within the charter, for-hire, and tourism communities.

It’s notable that Hubbard’s own customers, fishing aboard his large offshore boats, don’t need the license because they’re covered by a blanket license paid for by his company. He stepped up to assist anglers who fish on their own, as well as to support fresh water fishing guides, whose customers must buy licenses separately.

After several weeks of taking a beating on-line as well as on radio and TV, the FWC gave in. They issued a formal announcement that online sales of the 3-day and 7-day nonresident saltwater and freshwater licenses were restored effective May 21.

The agency said licenses are again available online through GoOutdoorsFlorida, as well as at more than 700 in-person outlets statewide, including big-box retailers, bait-and-tackle shops, and county tax collector offices.

FWC characterized the original removal of short-term licenses from online sales as an effort to “keep online purchasing simple and streamlined” by emphasizing annual licenses, while still supporting fisheries through license revenue. The commission stressed that all fishing license purchases—short-term or annual—feed directly into conservation and management programs, including habitat restoration, fisheries research, boating access improvements, and enforcement.

The statement also thanked members of the Florida Legislature, FWC commissioners, and stakeholders for their engagement, noting that the agency continues to look for long-term, sustainable funding solutions for fisheries management and conservation.

What the statement does not say—but what many in the industry readily acknowledge—is that the initial decision created immediate friction with Florida’s tourism-driven fishing economy. For visiting anglers and the guides who serve them, short-term licenses are not a convenience item; they are essential infrastructure. The rapid restoration of online sales reflects that reality, and underscores how quickly policy can shift when on-the-water businesses push back in force, particularly if they are given voice by a strong media personality like Dylan Hubbard.

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There’s a particular kind of regulatory nonsense that only becomes visible when an angler tries to buy a basic piece of gear online and is told it cannot be shipped to his state. A Rapala Fishing Multitool— Line threader, hook eye cleaner, bottle opener and retractable braid scissors—triggers shipping restrictions in a growing list of states, not because it is illegal to own or use, but because no one is quite sure how to classify it under decades-old knife laws.

The issue has nothing to do with fishing and everything to do with legal caution. Most multitools include a short blade or shears intended for one purpose: cutting fishing line. Anyone who has tangled heavy braid around a finger or tried to free a snagged lure understands why. Yet once a blade is present, the product is often treated by compliance software as a regulated knife rather than sporting equipment.

That distinction exists almost entirely on paper.

In practice, these tools are legal to purchase in local tackle shops across the same states where online retailers refuse to ship them. Walk into a sporting goods store in California, New York, Illinois, or Massachusetts and you can buy fillet knives, bait knives and fishing multitools without controversy. The restriction appears only when the transaction crosses state lines, where vague statutes, outdated definitions, and lingering local ordinances create enough uncertainty that sellers decide it is safer to say no.

The laws driving these decisions were not written with anglers in mind. Many knife restrictions date back decades and were aimed at concealable weapons associated with street crime, not a basic fishing tool that lives in a tackle bag. Unfortunately, the statutes rarely distinguish between a weapon and a tool, and online retailers are left to interpret language that was never designed for modern e-commerce.

Faced with that uncertainty, companies make rational business decisions. Rather than attempt to parse blade length limits, locking mechanisms, carry definitions, and exemptions that may differ by city or county, they impose blanket shipping bans. The risk of a civil lawsuit or regulatory action outweighs the revenue from selling a multitool to an angler who simply wants to cut line or remove hooks.

What results is a legal contradiction that only regulators could tolerate. The same product can be lawful to own, lawful to sell in person, and lawful to use on the water, while being treated as too risky to ship. The law has not changed; only the method of commerce has. Online sales have exposed how poorly these rules fit the reality of outdoor recreation.

A fishing multitool is not a public threat, and preventing its shipment does not reduce crime.

There is an obvious fix, should lawmakers choose to pursue it. Knife statutes could be modernized to clearly exempt sporting and fishing tools. Legislatures could acknowledge the difference between a weapon designed to harm people and a tool designed to handle fish safely and humanely. Clear language would benefit retailers, consumers, and enforcement agencies alike.

Until that happens, anglers will continue to encounter checkout screens that make little sense, and retailers will continue to protect themselves by erring on the side of over-restriction. The result is not safer communities, but a regulatory environment so detached from reality that a line clipper can be treated like a deadly weapon, depending entirely on where it is being mailed.

– Frank Sargeant
Frankmako1@gmail.com