ZeroTech Optics honored Pine City Outdoors of Jackson, Alabama as its 2026 Sports Inc. Dealer of the Year at an event in Nashville. Owner Shane Sturdivant's retailer was recognized for product knowledge, customer presentation, and partnership strength, receiving a custom limited-edition ZeroTech Optics timepiece by Stirling Timepieces.
Morris Swarts of Professional Marketing Inc. received ZeroTech Optics' 2026 Sports Inc. Rep of the Year award for his 30+ years in the shooting sports industry and dedication to dealer relationships. The recognition was presented at ZeroTech's Dealer Appreciation Party in Nashville, where Pine City Outdoors of Jackson, Alabama was also honored as Dealer of the Year.
Burris Optics' Fullfield riflescope earned Outdoor Life's "Great Buy" award in their 2026 Best Rifle Scopes for Hunting test. The scope impressed testers with its straightforward design, simple operation, durable construction, and passed the publication's drop test, earning recognition for its trusted heritage among American hunters.
Silencer Central presented U.S. Senator Mike Rounds with its U.S. Senator of the Year award, recognizing his leadership on firearm policy. Founder and CEO Brandon Maddox highlighted Rounds' sponsorship of the Modernizing Law Enforcement Notification Act and the Hearing Protection Act as key accomplishments for responsible gun owners.
Federal Ammunition was named Vendor Partner of the Year by Los Cazadores, a Texas-based hunting retailer celebrating 40 years in business. Federal's Chairman and CEO Jason Vanderbrink accepted the award from Los Cazadores CEO Craig Harrison and Vice President Chuck Anderson at the Big Buck Bash in San Antonio.
Bushnell's R7 4-20x50 FFP riflescope won Editor's Choice as the top hunting scope of 2026 in Outdoor Life's annual Optics Test, competing against 25 other brands. The scope impressed reviewers with its ED Prime glass, Hybrid Dot Tree reticle, and durability, maintaining zero through the test's inaugural drop test.
Caldwell's ClayCopter Surface-to-Air Pro Kit won the 2026 Frank Desomma Innovation of the Year Award from the Industry Choice Awards, marking the company's second consecutive year earning this honor. The portable, ground-based launcher integrates with the Caldwell Clays App for customizable sporting clays experiences.
Paul Butski, a longtime GSM Outdoors staff member, has been inducted into the Legends of The Outdoors Hall of Fame for his decades of conservation work and contributions to the outdoor industry. Butski is a decorated turkey calling champion with three NWTF Grand National Championships, six U.S. Open Championships, and two Levi Garrett Opens, and developed signature turkey calls for GSM and the Mantis 25 Turkey Call for Hunting Made Easy (HME).
Steve Hornady, President of Hornady Manufacturing Company, received the 2026 Dallas Safari Club Foundation Legacy Award on July 25, 2026, for his conservation leadership and advocacy for science-based wildlife management and hunter education.
Daisy Outdoor Products, a member of the Iconic Outdoor Group, received the Manufacturer of Excellence Award at the 2026 Legends of the Outdoors National Hall of Fame banquet in Springfield, Missouri. The recognition honors Daisy's 140+ years of manufacturing quality airguns, including the iconic Red Ryder BB gun, and its commitment to youth shooting education through the Daisy National BB Gun Championship Match.
Silencer Central, founded by Brandon Maddox, has been ranked No. 1801 on the 2026 Inc. 5000 list of fastest-growing private companies, marking its fourth consecutive year on the list. The Sioux Falls-based suppressor retailer's ranking reflects revenue growth measured over a three-year period.
Dead Air Silencers' Nomad Ti OTB suppressor has been selected as a 2026 Petersen's Hunting Editor's Choice Award recipient. The over-the-barrel design, made from 3D-printed Grade 9 titanium, offers premium suppression in a compact package weighing only 10.5 ounces.
GSM Outdoors received the 2025 Outdoor Supplier of the Year award from Academy Sports + Outdoors, recognizing exceptional partnership and category leadership. CEO Eddie Castro highlighted the company's commitment to dependable service, innovation, and reliable delivery across hunting, fishing, and outdoor categories.
Senior Conservation Officer Meghan Roos of the Idaho Department of Fish and Game received the 2026 IWC Guidefitter Game Warden of the Year Award from International Wildlife Crimestoppers and Guidefitter. Roos was recognized for leading significant wildlife crime investigations resulting in lifetime hunting revocations, over $180,000 in fines, and exposing a massive poaching operation involving 15+ suspects and 200+ illegally taken animals.
Beretta USA announced that its Beretta AX800 Suprema earned Top Range Performer of the Year and the Beretta 92G Elite LTT II, developed with Langdon Tactical Technology, received Competition Gun of the Year at the 2026 Industry Choice Awards.
Outdoor Life selected TenPoint Crossbow Technologies' Titan X De-Cock as the 2026 Best Value Crossbow at $799, also achieving the most accurate performance with a 1.4-inch group average, outperforming the Ravin R10X Pro and Excalibur Rev X TD in testing.
Outdoor Life selected TenPoint Crossbow Technologies' TX Ultra 29.5 as the 2026 Best Premium Crossbow. Scott Einsmann praised the crossbow for its accuracy, ergonomics, and ease of use. The TX Ultra 29.5 shoots up to 460 FPS and features new 8MM Axles, X-Wide Limbs, and ACUslide MAXX cocking technology.
Murray Road Agency, a Charleston-based strategic marketing firm serving the outdoor industry, has been named a Marketing Firm Regional Winner in the 2026 Best of South Carolina awards presented by The Guide to South Carolina. CEO Tim Brandt highlighted the recognition reflects their client relationships and team's commitment to helping outdoor brands connect authentically with audiences.
Winchester Ammunition received the Industry Partner of the Year Award from the International Hunter Education Association (IHEA) U.S.A. for supporting the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks and the Mississippi Scholastic Shooting Program through employee volunteer efforts.
Chef Jean-Paul Bourgeois and his series "Duck Camp Dinners" received a James Beard Foundation Award in the Lifestyle Broadcast Media category. The show, now in Season 4 on MyOutdoorTV and Outdoor Channel, explores Louisiana's wetlands and Cajun culinary traditions.