TUO has launched a specialized turkey hunting collection for the 2026 spring season featuring the Verse™ pattern and products including the Kinetic Merino Hoodie System, Vision Hybrid Jacket, Aptitude Windproof Series, and Clime Pant designed for early-season mobility and concealment in low-cover environments.

Streamlight Inc. recognized Odle Sales as its 2025 Sales Rep Agency of the Year Award recipient for the Sporting Goods Market at SHOT Show in Las Vegas. The Columbia, Missouri-based manufacturers' representative agency was honored for exceptional sales achievement and advancing Streamlight's presence in the shooting, hunting, and outdoor industry.

Streamlight Inc. awarded 144th Marketing Group LLC the 2025 Sales Rep Agency of the Year Award for Law Enforcement at SHOT Show in Las Vegas. The Peachtree City, GA-based manufacturers' representative agency was recognized for outstanding sales achievement in Southeast territories.

Team Beretta pistol shooter Ben Hardt won the Limited Optics division at the North Texas Race Gun Sectional, a USPSA Tier II match and qualifier for the Race Gun Nationals. Competing against 121 shooters with the Beretta 92X Performance Carry Optic, Hardt secured his first major victory of the 2026 season.

Competitive shooter Corson Piper secured first place in two regional precision rifle matches using Sierra Bullets' new 6mm 116-grain Tipped MatchKing. Piper won at Farm Out Range Regional Match in Cheney, Washington on March 7 and Rock Lake Range the following day, demonstrating the bullet's exceptional performance in challenging wind conditions.

Knife Rights' appeal of the District Court's decision challenging the constitutionality of the Federal Switchblade Act will have oral arguments on April 1st at 1:00 PM CDT at the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals in New Orleans. Live audio will be available and archived on the 5th Circuit's Oral Argument Recordings Page.

Indiana Conservation Officers recovered the bodies of Kasee Allman, 21, and Jesse Brock, 35, from the East Fork of the White River in Lawrence County after a multi-day search. The pair was located in their pickup truck in approximately 8 feet of water near Earl Road and Lawrenceport Road.

Gun Owners of America (GOA) announced special event add-ons for the 2026 Gun Owners Advocacy and Leadership Summit (GOALS), including the Activist Society Dinner, Women's Brunch, Hunters Brunch, Prayer Breakfast, Student Lunch, and Fueza Breakfast. Senior Vice President Erich Pratt stated the events strengthen relationships within the Second Amendment movement.

The Gulf Council will hold a three-day meeting April 7-9, 2026, at The Battle House Renaissance in Mobile, Alabama. The Council will take final action on lane snapper catch limits and red grouper quota measures, review shrimp assessments, and discuss recreational fishing seasons and management updates.

Yamamoto has launched the all-new Shibo Swimmer, a paddle tail swimbait designed to outperform traditional baits with enhanced water displacement and a powerful tail kick. Available in three sizes with 12 color options, the bait works effectively on bladed jigs, Alabama rigs, and ballhead jigs across various fishing conditions.

By order of the Montana Fish & Wildlife Commission, LMU 422 is closed to all male mountain lion hunting effective one-half hour after sunset on Thursday, March 12th, 2026. Detailed quota status is available on the Montana FWP website.

The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission will consider 2026-2027 waterfowl hunting season recommendations at its March 20 meeting at Ponca State Park. Staff recommendations include transitioning to a three duck-zone configuration and implementing a nine-day early teal season in both Low Plains and High Plains zones.

NSSF, The Firearm Industry Trade Association, announced the relaunch of its improved Where To Shoot mobile app, helping shooters find ranges across the United States. The redesigned app features location-based search, indoor and outdoor range filters, and training opportunities for iPhone, iPad, and Android devices.

Independent firearm dealers across the country are experiencing record-breaking growth through Guns.com, with local dealer sales surging 46% year-over-year in February. Guns.com's network of over 2,000 local gun shops benefits from the platform's innovative technology connecting manufacturers, consumers, and dealers, with more than 100% of the company's 2026 growth going to local retailers.

Iron Valley Supply Co., a Birmingham-based wholesale distributor representing over 150 leading national brands in hunting and shooting sports, is expanding its sales team. The company seeks an Account Representative to manage existing accounts, develop new customer relationships, and drive revenue growth within the wholesale channel.

Outtech Sales Services, a division of Legacy1846 Outdoor Group, is hiring Regional Managers nationwide for the hunting, archery, shooting sports, and outdoor recreation industries. Candidates must have 4+ years of territory sales experience and willingness to travel weekly. Interested applicants should send resumes to HR@outtech-online.com.

Vortex Optics unveiled the Strike Eagle 1-10x24 FFP riflescope, a compact tactical scope featuring 1-10x magnification, illuminated EBR-8 BDC reticle, and motion activation. Designed for AR platforms, it delivers versatility from close-quarters to 600+ yard distances at $699.99 MAP.

The ZeroTech x Shoot2Hunt / Rokslide 3-18×44 FFP riflescope sold out in 90 minutes following its launch, with customers placing $100 deposits to secure units. Developed through a two-year collaboration between ZeroTech engineers, Shoot2Hunt, and the Rokslide community, the scope is engineered for backcountry hunting at a $999 retail price.

Kinetic Development Group's Kinect Series, a patented tool-free M-LOK mounting system, continues gaining traction among shooters seeking faster equipment installation without sacrificing stability. The spring-loaded wedge mechanism allows instant accessory mounting with finger pressure while maintaining recoil resistance.

Knife Rights has entered the motions phase of its federal lawsuit challenging Minnesota's switchblade ban. Minnesota filed a Motion for Summary Judgment arguing switchblades fall outside Second Amendment protection, while Knife Rights' attorney John Dillon and Chairman Doug Ritter contend the state's position contradicts the Supreme Court's Bruen framework. Knife Rights' response brief is due March 20th.

Safari Club International welcomed the National Park Service's proposed rule to reopen hunting on Alaska's national preserves and restore state management authority under the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act. The rule unwinds contested 2015, 2017, and 2024 regulations and reinstitutes long-established closure procedures, with a 30-day public comment period now open.

A coalition including Safari Club International, California Rifle and Pistol Association, California Bowmen Hunters/State Archery Association, Howl for Wildlife, California Deer Association, and the Coalition to Save Catalina Island Deer filed a lawsuit challenging the California Department of Fish and Wildlife's approval of a plan to eradicate all mule deer on Catalina Island, alleging violations of environmental law and inadequate scientific review.

Evolution Outdoor has partnered with legendary bass fishing pro Bill Dance, a Bass Fishing Hall of Fame inductee known for his tournament success and the longest-running fishing show in America, Bill Dance Outdoors. The partnership aligns with Evolution Outdoor's commitment to quality and performance in fishing gear.

FK BRNO, a Czech Republic-based firearms manufacturer, offers purpose-built pistols around their proprietary 7.5 FK cartridge system. Italian Firearms Group, the exclusive U.S. importer, features the FK BRNO PSD and Field Pistol models designed for long-range performance with rifle-like ballistics and modular configurations.

Texas Hunter Products announces its new Timed Protein Feeder, featuring a 1000-lb. capacity, roto-molded hopper, and advanced timed-dispense system. The feeder includes an EZ Set Digital Timer, 12-volt solar panel, and rechargeable battery to help land managers reduce waste and promote consistent herd health.

Parkwest Arms, a custom rifle maker based in Sturgis, South Dakota, completed its 2026 show season with successful appearances at the Texas Trophy Hunters Association Outdoors Extravaganza in Dallas, Dallas Safari Club Convention in Atlanta, and Safari Club International Convention in Nashville, connecting with hundreds of hunters and outdoor enthusiasts.

Dead Air Silencers will exhibit at the 2026 Mule Deer Days hosted by Muley Fanatic Foundation, March 13–15 in Rock Springs, Wyoming. The company will showcase its new Nomad Ti OTB Suppressor, a lightweight titanium silencer designed for western hunting applications.

Liberty Ammunition will exhibit at the Georgia Tactical Officers and Alabama Tactical Officers Association event in March in Columbus, Georgia, featuring their new Law Enforcement and Military only "Pro Series" ammunition. CEO Gary Ramey noted the product has been well-received at range days and has replaced outdated ammunition at some departments. Free product samples and ballistic range days will be available.

Benelli, a manufacturer of shotguns and rifles, is continuing its partnership as a national sponsor of Whitetails Unlimited. WTU President Jeff Schinkten praised Benelli's performance and quality, noting the company's commitment to advancing the organization's conservation mission and hunting tradition preservation.

The Arizona Game and Fish Commission will hold a public meeting on Friday, March 13, at 8 a.m. at Sierra Vista Fire Department Station #3, located at 675 Giulio Cesare Ave. in Sierra Vista, Arizona. Complete agendas and information on viewing or speaking to the commission are available at www.azgfd.com/commagenda.

Safari Club Foundation is offering a sweepstake to win a 6-day Water Buffalo and Banteng hunt with Walkabout Safaris Australia in Darwin, featuring 1×1 professional guiding, luxury accommodations, and trophy fees. The package includes lodging, meals, rifle hire, and is available June–September 2026–2027. Sweepstake ends April 1, 2026.

MyOutdoorTV announces its first-ever streaming Live Hunt on March 13, featuring Michael Waddell pursuing wild turkeys in Southwest Florida's Okaloacoochee Slough. The event showcases turkey hunting techniques and celebrates wild turkey conservation success while offering educational content for hunters of all experience levels.

Utah Division of Wildlife Resources urges pet owners to keep dogs leashed during spring hikes and outdoor activities to prevent chasing vulnerable wildlife. Big Game Coordinator Mike Wardle and Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest Supervisor Kelly Orr emphasize that off-leash dogs can harm weakened deer and other animals while risking injury to pets themselves.

Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, in partnership with the National Wildlife Research Center and Colorado State University, conducted helicopter-assisted captures in February to monitor elk, mule deer, and bighorn sheep. The efforts included fitting 32 bighorn sheep, 58 mule deer, and 28 elk with tracking collars to study movement, disease prevalence, and population dynamics across the state.

If you’ve been hanging onto a Eddie Bauer gift card or a piece of Eddie Bauer gear you want to return to the local store, you need to put down your electronics and get busy. Time is decidedly not on your side. 

After failing to field a buyer after filing Chapter 11 bankruptcy the company has announced that after March 12, 2026 it will no longer accept refunds or returns or honor gift cards. 

In case you’re not looking at a calendar, March 12 is today.

The company had planned a March 6 auction of the properties, but after not receiving any qualified bids, the auction was cancelled. The company has now retained RCS Real Estate Advisors to market 174 store leases as part of the bankruptcy process.

The Seattle-based clothing company filed for Chapter 11, citing declining sales, supply chain challenges, and “other issues.” Ownership of the brand is a bit confusing as the filing was by Eddie Bauer, LLC, a division of Catalyst Brands. Catalyst holds the license to operate the stores in the United States and Canada.

A statement from CEO Marc Rosen said the decision wasn’t “an easy one…but restructuring is the best way to optimize value for the retail company’s stakeholders and also ensure Catalyst Brands remains profitable with strong liquidity and cash flow.”

RCS issued a statement saying “As part of the Chapter 11 process, we are focused on maximizing value and identifying opportunities for landlords, retailers  others seeking quality retail space in proven trade areas…This portfolio represents a rare opportunity to secure legacy retail locations in established trade centers nationwide.”

Despite the bankruptcy, the probable store closures and the liquidation, it may not be the end of Eddie Bauer. That’s because Catalyst, owner of the brand’s intellectual properties, may license the brand to other operators. Makes sense. Catalyst also has Reebok, Nautica, Brooks Brothers and Dockers in its portfolio.

Last month, Catalyst announced a focus on “technical product innovation and digital expansion.” That expansion will be headlined by the return of First Ascent. If that line sounds familiar, it was the elite performance line of…Eddie Bauer.

The brick and mortar retail industry isn’t getting any easier. While in Germany for IWA I noticed a concerning similarity between the storefronts in Nuremberg and those in virtually every American city: plenty of papered over storefronts with zu vermieten (for rent) signs.

Retail’s never been easy. It’s not getting any easier.

As always, we’ll keep you posted.

—Jim Shepherd