The Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation presented Rep. Ryan Zinke with its Excellence in Advocacy Award for his legislative support of conservation priorities including forest management, big game habitat, and public land access. Zinke, a three-term congressman and former Secretary of the Interior, authored key legislation such as the Fix Our Forests Act and co-sponsored the Grizzly Bear State Management Act.
UNIT Solutions, an Ohio-based manufacturer of the UNIT4 Training Rifle and UNIT9 Training Pistol, ranked No. 358 on Inc. Magazine's 2026 Inc. 5000 list with 967% three-year revenue growth. The non-lethal training systems company also placed No. 13 among manufacturing companies and No. 11 among Ohio companies.
SIGHTRON ambassadors Adam Migel and Jeremy Pepin placed 1st and 3rd respectively at the 2026 Pyramyd Air Cup Gunslynger competition held at Cardinal Shooting Center in Marengo, Ohio. Both competitors utilized SIGHTRON's S-TAC 1-6x24 AR1 Riflescope, praising its precision and reliability in the fast-draw, bracket-style competition.
Real Avid supports National Shooting Sports Month with expert shooting instruction from world champion Doug Koenig. The Range Ready video series covers fundamental marksmanship basics for handgun and rifle shooters of all experience levels, available on Real Avid's YouTube channel.
Hook & Barrel Magazine's short film "Lights Out: Skate or Die" has been accepted into the 2026 Red Rock Film Festival in Southern Utah. The film features professional skateboarder Jason Ellis hunting in Utah while exploring themes of mental health and redemption, produced in partnership with Ghost Cat, ZEV Technologies, SilencerCo, Black Hills Ammunition, and Pulsar.
Blue Force Gear introduces the patented Integrated Stealth Harness (ISH), combining a gun belt, climbing harness, tourniquet, and travel restraint in one certified platform rated for over 3,000 pounds. The modular system allows professionals to transition from gunfighter to climber in seconds while maintaining load carriage efficiency.
Millennium Treestands introduces the L325 Wide Load Ladder Stand, an 18-foot hunting stand featuring heavy-duty oval steel construction, a ComfortMax seat, and a 300-pound weight capacity. The stand includes a Secure Tree Brace System, SafeLink Lifeline harness, and 24-inch-wide platform for enhanced comfort and safety.
Springfield Armory introduced the Kuna Tri-Lug 9mm pistol, a PDW featuring roller-delayed operation and an integrated Tri-Lug suppressor-mounting system. Available in multiple configurations with MSRPs ranging from $1,179 to $1,330, the platform includes Strike Industries FSA brace options and low-capacity variants for restricted areas.
A Rasmussen survey reveals declining gun control support among likely voters, with 79% of Democrats favoring stricter laws versus 29% of Republicans. The Citizens Committee for the Right to Keep and Bear Arms notes the timing coincides with upcoming Supreme Court cases on assault weapon bans brought by the Second Amendment Foundation.
The Second Amendment Foundation (SAF), founded in 1974 by Alan M. Gottlieb, marks 52 years of legal action defending constitutional rights. SAF has participated in over 260 lawsuits and secured landmark victories including the McDonald v. City of Chicago Supreme Court decision, with two assault weapons ban cases currently awaiting Supreme Court oral arguments.
Magpul has renewed its Platinum-level corporate partnership with the Second Amendment Foundation (SAF). Executive Vice President Duane Liptak praised SAF's litigation efforts defending Second Amendment rights, while SAF Executive Director Adam Kraut highlighted Magpul's commitment to constitutional rights, including their Boulder Airlift campaign.
Jeff Foxworthy joins host Michael Waddell on The Michael Waddell Podcast to discuss his comedy career, hunting roots, and passion for whitetail deer hunting. The episode, presented by Spandau Arms in partnership with Folds of Honor and Cigars International, explores Foxworthy's journey from stand-up comedy to hosting hunting programs like Tecomate Whitetail Nation.
Bear & Son Cutlery, based in Jacksonville, Alabama, has introduced a new Carbon Steel 2-Blade Folding Knife featuring 1095 carbon steel blades and Genuine India Stag Bone handles. The Model C565 is priced at $119.99 and includes a leather sheath.
Galco introduces the Hornet belt holster for Smith & Wesson Bodyguard 2.0, featuring premium steerhide construction and versatile crossdraw and appendix carry positions. The holster offers comfort, speed, and concealability with an open top design and tunnel-style belt loop for stability.
BERSA USA announced the launch of its B-Series suppressor line, comprising four models: B9, B22, B556, and B762. Built from premium materials including titanium and stainless steel, the suppressors are user-serviceable and backed by a Limited Lifetime Warranty, with MSRPs ranging from $500 to $900.
NOMAD announced the launch of the Ambush Shooting Shirt, a performance-driven evolution designed specifically for wingshooters. The shirt features UPF 30+ protection, laser-perforated back venting, moisture-wicking performance, reinforced recoil patches, and an interior eyewear wipe, available in Mossy Oak Bottomland, Mossy Oak Migrate, and NOMAD Mud patterns.
Hornady is expanding its A-Tip Match bullet lineup with two new offerings: a 6mm 120 gr. bullet with a ballistic coefficient of G1: .675, and a 30 Cal. 177 gr. bullet designed for PRS Tactical Division competition. Both bullets feature Hornady's precision-machined aluminum tip technology for enhanced stability and reduced drag.
MDT is introducing a limited Rattlecan ODG edition of the Oryx Bipod with matching accessories and expanding the LSS GEN3 Chassis System to include a Remington 700 long action CIP base in right-hand configuration. Both products will be available August 25, 2026, through MDT dealers and mdttac.com.
Auto-Ordnance unveiled the Thompson T1ABTG, a striking .45 ACP semi-automatic carbine featuring a matte black steel receiver with polished titanium gold accents. This custom 1927A-1 model includes premium American walnut furniture, a 16.5-inch finned barrel, and dual 20-round magazines, shipping now at $2,981 MSRP.
Wildlife Research Center announces the 35th anniversary of Special Golden Estrus, its dated fresh super premium estrus scent with lab-tested estrogen levels. Available in three sizes with serial numbers and "Use By" dates, the product remains a trusted choice for serious hunters seeking premium deer hunting scents.
Scopos launched Range Reporter, an AI service that automatically generates professional press releases for shooting sports competitions. Available at no cost to Orion for Clubs customers, the tool analyzes match progression to highlight pivotal moments and transform raw scores into compelling narratives accessible to casual followers.
Beretta expands its APX A1 family with the APX A1 Ported, featuring a precision ported barrel and slide system, oversized controls, and a factory optics-ready slide available in FDE and OD Green. The pistol is designed for enhanced control and faster follow-up shots with an MSRP of $629.
Remington Ammunition has expanded its Subsonic Rifle ammunition lineup with three new offerings: 360 Buckhammer, 308 Win., and 45-70 Govt., now shipping to dealers nationwide. These precision-engineered loads are designed to run clean, quiet, and reliably below the speed of sound when paired with suppressors.
BulletSafe is reintroducing its VP3 Level IIIA soft body armor vest in response to customer demand. The American-made vest provides NIJ Standard 0101.06 protection against handgun threats up to .44 Magnum and is available in sizes XS through 4XL with optional hard armor plate compatibility.
Nosler, Inc. celebrated the grand opening of its new flagship retail showroom in Redmond, Oregon. President and CEO John Nosler thanked the community for welcoming the company to their area as Nosler continues its nearly 70-year presence in Central Oregon.
Umarex USA will exhibit at the Worldwide's Fall Show September 1-3 in Reno, Nevada, showcasing 2026 product releases and fan-favorite items from brands including Umarex Airguns, T4E, Prepared2Protect, and Elite Force Airsoft.
Federal Ammunition announced a historic partnership as the official ammunition of the Minnesota Wild for the 2026-27 season, marking Federal's first major league professional sports team sponsorship in its 104-year history. The agreement includes media placements, co-branded merchandise, and a sweepstakes offering fans the chance to win a hunt with a current Wild player.
Magpul has renewed its Platinum-level corporate partnership with the Second Amendment Foundation (SAF), and will also sponsor SAF's annual Gun Rights Policy Conference scheduled for September 25-27 in Dallas.
(A discussion between two hunters in a meme, with a ghostly figure behind them.)
Hunter 1: “I wish he could hunt just one more time.”
Hunter 2: “Somehow I don’t think he’s far.”
I always seemed to associate the onset of Fall, my favorite season, with September 1st, the start of dove season.
Dad figured I’d wear out and not walk enough to hunt quail, but with mourning dove you’re less likely to walk them up in our part of the country. That leaves pass shooting in feeding fields, on ponds where they take water and near where they take gravel.
You could always try to set up on their roost, but it seemed dusk intruded so soon.
His was more a hunter's collection than a shooter's collection.
Alas, I was less a hunter than a shooter. He recognized that. He’d introduced me to plinking first before any hunting. He wanted to make sure the responsibility ethic was installed as well as an appreciation of muzzle discipline before going afield in search of game.
A child during the Depression, he was somewhat averse to just shooting to make noise. There had to be some marksmanship result – or the taking of flying game.
But the date for me – show time – was September 1st. He preferred late day hunting to morning hunting for doves. During the midst of the day, they like to roost. They’re active to feed, take gravel and water in the morning and afternoon. The siesta through the day’s middle is quite civilized, so it seems.
With hunting, it was the identification of the flying target, the distinctive way the mourning dove flies, that made the difference. Shooting the wrong bird could lead to legal complications, at worst, and a rawhiding by fellow hunters is the least you could expect.
Like all shooting sports, it’s actually less the guns, the ammo, the gear – or even the count of birds at the hunt’s end. It’s more the time you spend with others, those are the memories you keep long after.
I’d been invited to some shooting soirees later in life. I was unable to attend as “real life” had to take precedence. The reason for the invitation: “There are only certain people I’ll tolerate in my hunting camp.”
That took the breath out of me. I found it difficult to imagine a higher compliment.
It all started back when – after Dad’s 16-gauge double was traded for a then-slightly-used Remington 1100. A 20-ga. on a 12-ga. receiver, according to the factory, it was made “in or around 1965.”
It had a 28” vent rib barrel with modified choke. The 1100 was a beauty. The walnut furniture was nicely finished and the metal work was smooth and dark.
Remembering the gun helps me remember the man and the lessons. Now gone to my nephew, he also had a lot of time with Dad. He learned about guns and went on to a career from which he’s retired once and to which he returned “for something to do.”
The artifacts, the hunts, the people, they’re all part of a cherished recollection.
September 1st is about here. While I don’t hunt, I’ll still pause to remember.
