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FRIDAY, JUNE 6, 2025

- EDITOR'S NOTE -
Eighty-one years ago today, Allied forces crossed the English Channel and began the assault of Europe that meant the end of Nazi occupation and the end of WWII in the European Theatre. There are few of those assaulters left today, but we all owe them a debt of gratitude. They’re part of that “Greatest Generation” that preserved freedom in its time of greatest peril. And we thank them all.
- TOP STORY -
NSSF celebrates the U.S. Supreme Court’s unanimous 9-0 decision that the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act (PCLAA) bars Mexico’s claims that firearm manufacturers “aided and abetted” illegal firearms trafficking to narco-terrorist drug cartels in Mexico.
- APPAREL -
Conceived to deliver elite-level hunters with pinnacle ScentLok technologies and performance, BE:1 Bowhunter Elite Series products check every box. From base layers, midseason and late-season outerwear to warmth-on-demand thermal pieces, accessories, and ozone storage solutions, the BE:1 name means hunters are getting the very best of what ScentLok’s 30+ years can provide.
- ARCHERY -
MassWildlife will open temporary public archery ranges on Wildlife Management Areas across the state this summer and fall. Grab your equipment and sign up for a range pass at one of 6 locations. Six archery ranges will be set up at different dates on Wildlife Management Areas.
- COMPETITION -
Team Vihtavuori's Francis Colon demonstrated his elite marksmanship by achieving a 2nd place overall finish at the highly competitive 2025 K&M Kahles Precision Rifle Competition.

Daniel Defense congratulates our sponsored shooter on earning individual and team silver medals at the IPSC PCC and Mini Rifle World Championship, held May 19–25 in Znojmo, Czech Republic.
Burris Optics congratulates Bruce Piatt on his first-place finish at the 2025 Bianchi Cup, held at the legendary Green Valley Rifle & Pistol Club in Hallsville, Missouri. This marks the eighth time Bruce has claimed the prestigious title.
In her first match back as a member of Team Taurus, Jessie Harrison takes her 18th Ladies title at the World Speed Shooting Championships. Jessie, the winningest shooter in Steel Challenge history, continues to cement her legacy as one of the all-time greats, shooting a time 96.53 using her Taurus 1911 racegun.
Sierra Bullets congratulates John Childs on his impressive second-place finish in the Hill Country Precision Matches, held May 31 in Burnet, Texas. John Childs secured second place among 62 shooters competing for top spots in this challenging environment.

- CONTESTS -
Leupold & Stevens announces the return of its Project Hunt contest for 2025. This unique opportunity gives hunters across the U.S. the chance to have their next hunt professionally filmed and featured on Leupold’s digital platforms.
- COURTS -
Gun Owners of America (GOA), alongside Gun Owners Foundation (GOF) and a nationwide coalition of Second Amendment advocates, is celebrating today’s 9-0 decision by the U.S. Supreme Court rejecting the Mexican government’s radical attempt to sue American gun manufacturers for cartel violence fueled by Mexico’s own failed disarmament policies.
In a landmark ruling, the U.S. Supreme Court handed a major win to the firearms community today by throwing out the First Circuit’s ruling in Estados Unidos Mexicanos v. Smith & Wesson Brands, Inc., et. al.
Thursday morning’s unanimous decision by the U.S. Supreme Court to toss the Mexican government’s lawsuit against U.S. gun makers was the correct outcome of a case which was “nonsense in the first place,” the Citizens Committee for the Right to Keep and Bear Arms said.

Smith & Wesson President and CEO Mark Smith issues statement Thursday following the unanimous Supreme Court decision. “Today’s unanimous Supreme Court decision shutting down this ridiculous lawsuit against our company represents not only a big win for Smith & Wesson, but our industry, American sovereignty and, most importantly, every American who wishes to exercise his or her Second Amendment rights.
The Supreme Court of the United States issued its decision in Smith & Wesson Brands, Inc. v. Estados Unidos Mexicanos, unanimously holding that the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act (PLCAA) bars Mexico’s attempt to sue several of America’s largest firearms manufacturers for Mexican drug cartel violence. The NRA supported the manufacturers in this case by filing an amicus brief urging the Court to take the case and a subsequent brief arguing for the exact outcome decided by the Court.
- EVENTS -
NEXTORCH North America announces they will be attending and exhibiting at the 38th Annual Tactical Operations and Public Safety Conference, held June 9th - 13th, at the Kalahari Resorts & Conventions in Sandusky, Ohio. The event is hosted by the Ohio Tactical Officers Association.
Dead Air Silencers will be attending the 2025 BLADE Show, taking place June 6–8, 2025, at the Cobb Galleria Centre in Atlanta, Georgia.

WE Knife announces its participation in BLADE Show 2025, the world’s premier knife exhibition taking place June 6-8, 2025 in Atlanta. WE Knife invites collectors, enthusiasts, and industry professionals to visit Booth #724.
- FISHERIES -
The Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Coastal Resources Division (CRD) announces that the 2025 commercial and recreational food shrimp season will open in state waters at 8 a.m. on Tuesday, June 10, 2025.
- FISHING -
Nathan Choinski of Churchville has earned a Master Angler Milestone Award under the Maryland DNR’s FishMaryland program. Choinski is the 20th Master Angler since the program began in 2019. The award recognizes recreational anglers who catch ten trophy-sized fish of different species in Maryland.
Trying to figure out Vermont fishing regulations? Wondering what kinds of fish are in a lake? Looking for new fishing tips? The Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department is offering “Fish with a Warden” sessions to help with questions like these.

Ohio’s annual free fishing days on Saturday, June 14, and Sunday, June 15 give all residents a chance to fish at any public waterway without a license, according to the Ohio DNR Division of Wildlife. This includes Lake Erie and Ohio’s public lakes, reservoirs, streams, and rivers.
- FISHING TOURNAMENTS -
Multiple patterns could be at play during the Lowrance Bassmaster Elite at Lake Tenkiller, but which ones perform best will be determined by potentially high water levels and current generation, according to Progressive Bassmaster Elite Series rookie Blake Capps.
- FORESTRY -
Six million people in Michigan get their drinking water from one of the Great Lakes. Four million people in Michigan get their drinking water from groundwater from municipal or private wells. You can learn about the source of your drinking water at MiDrinkingWater.org.
- HUNTING -
This year, the Wildlife Department is offering special family hunts for families on three Wildlife Management Areas. Applications are open for hunts at Okmulgee, Arbuckle Springs and Cross Timbers Wildlife Management Areas.
The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission will consider recommendations for a 2026 mountain lion hunting season at its June 13 meeting in Sidney. Staff will recommend a mountain lion season in the Pine Ridge, Niobrara and Wildcat Hills units, with adjusted harvest limits compared to the 2025 season.
- INDUSTRY -
ELEY announced their first 100-meter test range, dedicated exclusively to ELEY rimfire ammunition, located at Whidden Gunworks in Georgia - A name synonymous with accuracy, excellence, as well as elite shooting performance.
NSSF® announces that 10 new companies have been approved as Patron Members in the first half of 2025—the highest level of membership support offered by the organization.
- INVASIVE SPECIES -
Clean Drain Dry Week ends on a high note with Dryday Friday, a reminder that drying boats, trailers, and gear is the final and often overlooked step in protecting local waters from aquatic invasive species (AIS).
The Michigan Invasive Species Program is joining the North American Invasive Species Management Assn. to promote PlayCleanGo Awareness Week, taking place this year June 7-14. The annual event aims to educate outdoor enthusiasts on the importance of stopping the spread of invasive species while enjoying the great outdoors.
- LITIGATION -
The National Rifle Association of America (NRA) announced it will be partnering with the Sportsman's Alliance of Maine and Gun Owners of Maine in a legal challenge against Maine lawmakers who are blocking a statutorily mandated public hearing on the 2025 "Red Flag" Referendum question.
- ORGANIZATIONS -
The Gulf Council met in Tampa, Florida on June 3-4, 2025. The Council presented the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s Trident Team with the 2024 Law Enforcement Team of the Year Award. During the meeting the Council honored outgoing members Dr. Tom Frazer and Troy Williamson. The following is a summary of the issues addressed during the meeting:
Fishing and boating season is underway, and Wildlife Forever is celebrating by announcing two major developments through its “Getting Families Fishing & Boating Initiative.” A new season of “Into the Outdoors” television programs airing on PBS and the new Safe-Boating.com website will engage and educate the public with safe boating and aquatic conservation information.
As monarch butterfly populations continue to decline—eastern populations by roughly 80% and western populations by over 95%—the Georgia Wildlife Federation (GWF) is taking action. GWF has officially supported the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s proposal to list the Monarch Butterfly as Threatened under the Endangered Species Act.
S3DA announces that Bill Voudrie has been named as the Illinois Central Regional Coordinator. Bill will focus on the development and operation of S3DA within the central region of Illinois, and will work closely with Illinois State Coordinator Josh White.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has released its proposed 2025 Hunt Fish Rule, seeking to open or expand 42 new hunting and sport fishing opportunities across more than 87,000 acres within the National Wildlife Refuge System and National Fish Hatchery System.
- PARTNERSHIPS -
Yamaha Rightwaters™ deepened its commitment to marine conservation by renewing its partnership with Bonefish & Tarpon Trust® (BTT) through a three-year agreement focused on protecting and restoring critical fisheries and habitats.
- PODCASTS -
The Connecting with Conservation (CWC) Podcast welcomes guests from GunBroker.com in a new episode featuring Allen Forkner, vice president of public relations and brand management, and Josh Perrone, advocacy relations manager. They join hosts Jon Gassett of Wildlife Management Institute and Jim Curcuruto of Outdoor Stewards of Conservation Foundation for a conversation on conservation.
- PRODUCT NEWS -
Kimber Mfg. has released four new models of the highly anticipated Next Generation of 1911. These new introductions are optics ready and feature an external extractor, plus the clean and crisp GT Trigger found on the 2K11 delivers a new level of reliability and performance from the next generation of Kimber firearms.
SK Guns® announces its second production in the “Conquerors Series.” Commemorative of Conquistador Hernán Cortés, this is a limited-edition production of only 200 Colt 1911 Classic Royal Blue pistols chambered in .38 Super.
CZ announces that the iconic CZ 75 secured the #2 spot among the best-selling semi-automatic handguns on GunBroker.com for the month of May 2025, according to data released by GunGenius.com.
Liberty Safe announced the launch of the Collector T, a robust new addition to its premium line of safes. The Collector T stands tall with 110 minutes of Cool Box fire protection, a massive 72" height and 50" width, and a heavy-duty 11-gauge steel body.
Primary Arms announces the addition of Aimpoint products to its extensive online catalog, bringing one of the most trusted names in red dot optics directly to its customers.
TALO Distributors, Inc. and EAA have teamed up again to introduce a new limited edition pistol to the market. Introducing the Girsan Regard Smoke X in 9mm. This new entry brings a proven and legendary design with modern enhancements and aesthetics.
- RANGES -
An 86-acre parcel of Montana state trust land near Logan will be closed temporarily for a routine site assessment as part of a proposal to develop the parcel into a formal shooting range.
- RETAIL -
Bass Pro Shops announced that it has identified the location for a new Outpost retail location in Muncy, Pennsylvania. The Great American Outdoor Store’s newest Pennsylvania location at the District at Lycoming Valley in Muncy will showcase vast assortment of quality gear at low prices.
- SPONSORSHIPS -
Federal Ammunition has renewed its commitment to The Duck Hunters Organization as a Champion of Delta industry partner. In addition to renewing as a Champion of Delta, Federal has returned as the presenting sponsor of the Delta Waterfowl Duck Hunters Expo for the fourth consecutive year.
- STATE AGENCIES -
The Michigan DNR’s Eastern Upper Peninsula Citizens’ Advisory Council is scheduled to hear an outlook on state parks, boating access sites and trails in the eastern Upper Peninsula, updates on the DNR's wolf abundance trail camera survey and the U.P. deer camp survey when the council meets Monday, June 16.
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources and Maryland Park Service have reactivated 17 members of the Maryland Conservation Corps (MCC), who were demobilized in late April after a sudden termination of grant funds by the federal program supporting it.
Indiana's State Soil Conservation Board (SSCB) will meet on Tuesday, June 10, 2025 at the MADE in Plainfield.
- STATE PARKS -
On two back-to-back days, June 7-8, residents and out-of-state visitors can grab a fishing rod, ride Michigan’s off-road trails and/or visit a state park and other outdoor spaces – all at no cost – during "Three Free" Weekend. All ORV and fishing rules and regulations still apply.
Arkansas State Parks dedicated the renovated and improved Horse Campground at Devil’s Den State Park. Surrounded by park supporters, community members and equestrian enthusiasts, the ceremony celebrated the completion of a major upgrade to a well-loved amenity at the park.
- TELEVISION -
Steven Rinella is an icon in outdoor education and entertainment with massive follower counts from around the globe, which is why MyOutdoorTV (MOTV) is proud to announce the launch of additional seasons of four MeatEater series and one new series, delivering more of the adventure and storytelling fans love.
Watch the championship round of 2025 Major League Fishing (MLF) Bass Pro Tour (BPT) Lowrance Stage Five Presented by Mercury LIVE on GAME & FISH TV, powered by Outdoor Sportsman Group, on June 8 at 2 p.m. ET.
Streaming live on MLFNOW! on MyOutdoorTV from Kentucky Lake and neighboring Lake Barkley, 66 of the best pro anglers are competing in the 2025 Major League Fishing (MLF) Bass Pro Tour (BPT) Lowrance Stage Five Presented by Mercury. Every scorable bass counts in the two-day opening Qualifying Round.
- WILDLIFE -
Many of the best places to hike and mountain bike in Utah are also home to the state’s moose population. Unfortunately, there are typically a few reports of injuries to dogs and people each year due to encounters with moose. Here are a few things to know about moose in Utah and how to avoid conflicts with them.
 

So, our last gift list, Shopping for Dads, featured gift ideas that ranged in price from $54 up to a mortgage payment…or even two, depending on your interest rate.

For those looking for options in a more manageable range, here are gift ideas for Dad that top out at $50. OK, that’s pre-tax so technically speaking these might go over $50, but that’s entirely the government’s fault.

Let’s jump right in, because there’s no better time to start spending money than right now.

5.11 Wyatt Print Short Sleeve Shirt

5.11’s Wyatt Print Short Sleeve Shirt is a lightweight 60% cotton/40% polyester poplin, 3.1 oz. everyday button down collared shirt. Its features include left chest on-seam pocket, center front RapiDraw™ placket with 5.11 [+]® logo metal snaps, double layer yokes, and shirt tail hem. What that all means, I don’t exactly know. What I do know is that I have a 5.11 short sleeve shirt and it fits great and is super comfortable, so I don’t think you can go wrong with one of these for Dad.

Photo courtesy 5.11

This shirt comes in sizes small to 2XL and in Storm Scorpion Print, Sage Green Earth Stripe, Pacific Navy Earth Stripe and Overcast Grey Earth Stripe. My pick would be the Sage Green. MSRP on this shirt is $50.00.

NEXTORCH K30 High Performance LED Penlight

The K30 High Performance LED Penlight from NEXTORCH is a small, everyday flashlight. It’s pen-like form factor makes it easy to carry at 5.6” long and a weight of just 1.2 oz (without battery). It is powered by a dual fuel system of an included rechargeable 10880 Li-ion battery with USB-C convenience, or two standard AAA batteries.

Photo courtesy NEXTORCH

The dual power system offers four modes of output – low, medium, high or strobe – with a maximum output of 850 lumens, and a runtime of up to 12 hours. The K30 is also IPX7 waterproof rated, meaning it can be submerged in 1m of water for up to 30 minutes without permanent damage. MSRP is $49.99.

BRISK 2.0 Zytel 4 1/2″ Sideliner

Dad might not want to carry around a ‘Stabby McStabby’ for, you know, just in case. But who are we kidding? Of course he does. So the BRISK™ 2.0 Zytel® 4 1/2″ Sideliner from Bear Edge might be what you’re looking for.

Photo courtesy Bear Edge

The BRISK 2.0 features 3-1/8″ modified drop point blade made of 440 high-carbon stainless steel with a black finish. The Zytel® handle is lightweight and features jimping for added control. Each model has ambidextrous thumb studs, a sideliner lock, and a reversible pocket clip. The overall length is 7-3/4″ and the weight is just 3.4 oz. Choose from four TrueTimber® finishes: Midnight Black (61552), Rift Blue (61553), Strata (61554), and Viper White (61555). MSRP is $40.99.

Real Avid Bore Boss

We’re going to assume Dad is a shooter, otherwise why would you be reading The Outdoor Wire, right? As a shooter, Dad can never have enough cleaning supplies in his range bag, and that’s why the Bore Boss® from Real Avid makes for a perfect gift.

Photo courtesy Real Avid

This self-contained cleaning system is lightweight, super convenient and comes in 12 options covering 17 Cal to 12 GA. The design of the Bore Boss is kind of ingenious. You can watch their video which explains how to use it, but in a nutshell the process is flip open the polycarbonate flex case, feed the dual-action cable with phosphor bronze brush and braided mop, clip it to the ergonomic handle, pull the coated stainless steel cable through the barrel and Bob's your uncle.

When you’re done you just wrap the cable back around the handle and flip close. The best part about the Bore Boss might be its price. At just $12.99 you can get one for Dad’s three favorite guns and still be under the $50 limit.

MOJO Pocket Pick Stick

If Dad is a shotgunner, or shotgun hunter (think dove), then he’s probably going to want a MOJO® Pocket Pick Stick. This collapsible Pick Stick features double shock cord snaps so it can collapse into 10 1/2″ sections. It comes with a mesh bag and fits in the pocket, your blind bag, or range bag.

Photo courtesy MOJO Outdoors

The beauty of this piece of gear is that its magnetic adjustable shaft is specially designed to cause empty shotgun hulls to “walk” up the side and thus allow one to pick. In case you’re wondering, Dad don’t wanna bend down and pick up all his empties, so do him a favor and give him one of these this Father’s Day. MSRP is only $29.99.

VIKTOS Gloves

I have two pairs of VIKTOS Gloves, and I quite like them. Peter Churchbourne, the NRA’s hunting guru extraordinaire, recommended them to me and he was on point with the recommendation.

Photo courtesy VIKTOS

VIKTOS has several different versions of their gloves that are currently on clearance. In stock sizes and colorways are limited, in some cases very limited, but it’s worth searching through the options if you can find a pair that fits Dad.

The VIKTOS gloves on clearance are: Operatus Glove ($12.00), LEO Half-Finger Glove ($9.00), LEO Riot Glove ($40.00), Kadre Glove Kit ($30.00), Range Trainer Glove ($20.00), Wartorn Vented Glove ($15.00), Wartorn Glove ($15.00), and Shortshot Glove ($35.00).

Steelhead Outdoors Keepers

If Dad has a gun safe or metal gun cabinet, Steelhead Outdoors has exactly what you need to help him organize his stuff. The Bow Keeper attaches magnetically to the upper corner of your gun safe and has a steel powder-coated bracket with a rubber protection edge on the elongated metal hook. This allows you to hang on to most cams and bow limbs, holding up to a maximum of 30 lbs.

Photo courtesy Steelhead Outdoors

The Case Keeper attaches magnetically to the upper corner of your gun safe and has eight hooks you can slide along the hanging rod. The overall length is just over 17 inches so it will fit on all safes 17.5 inches or deeper. The Compact Case Keeper comes with six hooks, can hold a maximum of 30 lbs, and is just over 14 inches long to fit safes 14.5 inches or deeper.

Bow Keeper is $35.00, the Case Keeper is $49.99 and the Compact Case Keeper is $44.00. Best of all, these can also be attached to that fridge/freezer in the garage where Dad stores his wild game meat…and beer.

GOVIEW CLOSR - Smartphone Adapter

The CLOSR - Smartphone Adapter is designed to work with their ZOOMR products but thanks to three universal adapter rings that come with the CLOSR, it’s compatible with many other optics products.

Photo courtesy GOVIEW

The CLOSR allows you to attach your smartphone – it fits almost all popular smartphones – to your binoculars, a monocular or even a spotting scope, though certainly not all. Once attached you can capture images and video, making it ideal for scouting hunting locations, spotting wildlife, and stakeouts…assuming Dad’s side hustle is as a hard-boiled P.I. The CLOSR goes for $25.00.

Gerber Prybrid Utility Clip

The Prybrid Utility Clip from Gerber is a hybrid tool. It weighs a scant 3.1 oz and is only 4.25 inches in length and 1.25 inches wide. It’s the kind of pocket tool that Dad will carry, if he fancies himself a bit of a MacGyver. And spoiler alert, he absolutely does.

Photo courtesy Gerber

The Prybrid combines several light-use tools in one package: an exchangeable standard utility blade, cord cut notch, bottle opener (the most important tool to Dad), pry bar, large flat head driver, small flat head driver, nail puller, and wire stripper.

The Prybrid is designed to eliminate the need for a sheath. Dad can clip it to his pocket, throw it in the glovebox of the car/truck, or add it to a keychain. It’s on sale for Father’s Day and will set you back between $15.00 to $23.99 depending on which of the three colors you select. Choose from Burnt Orange or Urban Blue (glass filled nylon handles) or OD Green (G-10 handle).

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

 
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