Mainstream Holdings, Inc., the owner and manufacturer of prominent brands Muddy, Big Game and API Outdoors, is pleased to announce the acquisition of Hawk Group, LLC, a leading supplier of ladder stands, hang-ons, accessories and crossbows operating under the Hawk and Killer Instinct brands. 

In a deal that guarantees the continuation of a respected name in the outdoor optics industry, Explore Scientific recently purchased Alpen Optics, which operated in Rancho Cucamonga, Calif., for 22 years.  (

This week, the Council to Advance Hunting and the Shooting Sports is excited to announce the invited speakers for the plenary session and proposed speakers for the industry roundtable of the first-ever National R3 Symposium.

Leupold & Stevens, Inc. is working with long-time partner and dedicated backcountry hunter, Randy Newberg, to provide a unique look at public land hunting opportunities in 2018 through the eyes of Randy’s new hunting partner, Marcus the llama. 

Hunter Outdoor Communications (HOC) is pleased to announce an exclusive partnership with Par Card Golf to offer the outdoor industry unique golf experiences to include access to private courses in the US, Ireland and Scotland.

Yamaha Motor Corp., USA, recently provided a new Viking VI Ranch Edition Side-by-Side (SxS) to the SEAL-Naval Special Warfare Family Foundation(NSW) for auction at their annual fundraiser near San Diego, California. This marks Yamaha’s fifth-consecutive year of aiding NSW, totaling more than $100,000 in funding for the much-deserved recipients.  

American Outdoor Brands is seeking candidates for the position of Plant Metallurgist at their Springfield, Massachusetts facility. 

American Outdoor Brands seeks an Environmental Engineer to be responsible for ensuring Smith & Wesson's compliance with all applicable Environmental regulations and requirements.  

American Outdoor Brands is seeking a Manufacturing Engineer to develop and implement optimal, cost-effective manufacturing processes and methods in accordance with product specifications and quality standards. 

American Outdoor Brands Corporation seeks applicants for the Manager, Financial Planning & Analysis position at the Wilsonville, Or. Location. The successful candidate will be involved in strategic planning, profitability analysis and financial controls.

American Outdoor Brands is seeking candidates for the position of Group Controller. As a key member of the finance management team, provide leadership and coordination of all accounting functions of the distribution and sales organization, including strategic planning, profitability analysis, and financial controls.  

American Outdoor Brands is seeking a Manufacturing Sales Manager to support Smith & Wesson's production requirements as well as solicits business from external customers.  

Tune in to The Revolution this week as we discuss spring bear hunting with a panel of experts. Joining us will be Mike Stroff host of “Savage Outdoors” and Nicole Reeve of “Driven with Pat & Nicole”. Also phoning in will be Jerry Courtney from Ranch Hand to talk about outfitting your rig with their products.   

Host Rob Keck is visiting with four outstanding guests in this week’s Bass Pro shops Outdoor World Radio. Two of his guests play vital roles in the success of Virginia’s, Old Dominion One Shot Turkey Hunt. They are Jenny West, the Executive Director of The Wildlife Foundation of Virginia and Bob Duncan, Executive Director for the Department of Game and Inland Fisheries. 

Mossy Oak Capture Digital Productions recently launched an online mini-series that follows along Mossy Oak’s “Founding Father,” Mr. Carl Fox Haas as he attempts to continue his streak and make 2018 his 71st turkey season to successfully hunt a wild turkey.  Now available to view for free at www.mossyoak.com is “Mr. Fox 71: Chapter Two.”

Former Oakland Raider offensive guard, eight-time NFL Pro Bowler and NFL Pro Football Hall of Fame nominee Steve “The Wiz” Wisnewski has a simple policy: when his friend Mike Pawlawski, host of Gridiron Outdoors on the Outdoor Channel, calls him the answer is always ‘Yes!’ Now in its seventh season, Gridiron Outdoors pairs college and professional football’s biggest names with Pawlawski to pursue off-the-field adventure in the outdoors. 

From Mossy Oak Capture Digital Productions, in association with the National Wild Turkey Federation, presents episode 2 of the second season of “The Obsessed” web series. This episode features Mossy Oak president and first full-time employee, Bill Sugg, as hunts Osceola turkeys.

The search is on for the cast of THE BRIGADE, Outdoor Channel’s groundbreaking new expedition competition series. Thrill-seeking and adventure-loving men and women from across the United States and Canada are encouraged to apply for their chance to join the ultimate trek.

Prois, the top name in ladies high performance technical hunting apparel, announces its’ 10 year anniversary.  2018 marks a decade of operations that started with an idea of engineering a line of designated women’s hunting clothing - to where they are today - being the number one hunting apparel manufacturer for ladies; where fit is as important as function.  

Traditions™ Performance Firearms is pleased to welcome Dave Sheehan to their sales team. Sheehan will be supporting the sales team in all aspects. He will also assist on working with dealers, buying groups, and other forms of distribution.  

The Mule Deer Foundation announced today that Korley Sears has been hired as the new regional director for the state of Arizona. Sears, who lives in Tucson, has a diversity of experience, most recently as Chapter Services and Development Specialist for Safari Club International.

Quail Forever has selected Chad Love as the organization’s new Editor for Quail Forever’s Journal of Quail Conservation, the signature publication of the nation’s foremost quail habitat conservation group.

For 2018, Easton has announced for a limited time their Utah factory will produce the 5MM FMJ in the retro XX75 Camo Hunter pattern. 

Leupold & Stevens, Inc. has expanded its diverse catalog of ring mounts with the introduction of the new QRW2 and PRW2 lines. The new rings are an evolution of the popular QRW™ and PRW™ products, respectively.   

Known and admired for its rugged Spider Hub® frame, hardworking features and hunter-friendly price, the durable and dutiful Ameristep Brickhouse Blind has been a favorite among hunters since it was first introduced in 2010. And now, the gurus of ground blinds at Ameristep have taken everything great about the original Brickhouse and made it even better… by giving it the silent treatment.  

The TrueTimber Pulse apparel line is available for hunters nationwide this spring turkey season, providing high-end yet affordable gear options in a number of popular TrueTimber patterns. With innovative offerings like packable down and silent TrueSuede outerwear, Pulse features a full suite of performance-driven gear designed to deliver comfort and function for hunters in a variety of weather conditions.

Allen Company has designed a glove specifically for turkey hunters, The Shocker. This lightweight, Mossy Oak Obsession glove features a diaphragm call pocket, smartphone compatible fingertips, great grip and a built in spur measure.  

Two years after beginning construction on its new FDA-approved meat processing and jerky facility in Riverton, Hi Mountain Seasoning has announced that it has begun shipping its new ready-made, small-batch Beef Jerky to retailers across the country. The ready-to-eat Beef Jerky is available in the company’s four most popular traditional western flavors: Original, Hickory, Mesquite and Pepper.

The Frogg Toggs All Sport Rain Suit, available in Realtree Xtra and MAX-5, is designed with a blend of classic frogg toggs nonwoven materials to provide a great waterproof and breathable performance -- all at a terrific value. 

Bear Edge Knives, a brand under Bear & Son Cutlery, introduces a new 3 1Ž2” Frame Lock Folder, Model 61104 — a compact, lightweight and built to last pocket knife that’s built in America. 

Crossbow leader, TenPoint Crossbow Technologies, recently launched their new High-Performance Aluminum Omni-Nock.  Weighing 25 grains, roughly 10 grains heavier than traditional polymer Omni-Nocks, it is designed for superior durability and accuracy.  The red anodized nock features a fluted design which allows it to easily transform into an Omni-Brite lighted nock with an LED Lite stick (sold separately).  

Primary Arms announces Predator, a dedicated hog and coyote hunting 1-6x24 low power variable scope in SFP configuration, featuring a lifetime warranty and patent pending ACSS Predator reticle. 

Thorn Archery announces the release of the next evolution in “Hidden Blade” Technology, the Thorn HPX. 

Buck Knives has introduced a variety of new knives, including additions to the 110 Folding Hunter® line, the knife that put the company on the map in 1963.  

The Realtree Coir Doormat by Kimlor welcomes guest while also sharing your passion for the outdoors. It's perfect for your home, cabin or hunt camp. The durable mat conveniently removes mud, dirt and grime from shoes before entering the home, and the vinyl backing keeps it in place. 

The Realtree EDGE Americana Steering Wheel Cover combines American pride with a love of the hunt. This soft-touch, microfiber steering wheel cover is constructed with a rubber core, providing both durability and comfort for the drive. 

Congressional and administration officials joined recreation industry leaders last week to mark the formal launch of the nation’s premier coalition of outdoor recreation trade associations, the Outdoor Recreation Roundtable (ORR). The event provided a platform for the group to officially outline its priorities as it works to educate decision makers on Capitol Hill about the importance of the outdoor recreation economy and ensure our nation’s public lands and waters remain accessible for outdoor enthusiasts.

Kent Johnson and Dr. Martin Vavra are the newest members of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation Board of Directors. 

The Boone and Crockett Club, the oldest hunter-conservationist organization in North America, has released a position statement on Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD).

The Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation’s volunteer force of 11,000-strong donated more than $21 million in labor during 2017.

Mathews, the largest bow manufacturer in the world, has renewed their Whitetails Unlimited sponsorship, said WTU President Jeff Schinkten. 

Scent Crusher, a leader in scent elimination for hunters, has renewed their national sponsorship with Whitetails Unlimited. “Our members appreciate seeing their products at WTU events, because deer hunters understand why scent control is so very important,” said WTU President Jeff Schinkten.

At American Outdoor Brands, We Are Proud to Offer Some of the Most Popular Names in the Shooting, Hunting, and Rugged Outdoor Enthusiast Markets!

Pheasants Forever has announced Tom Carpenter as the organization’s new Editor for the Journal of Upland Conservation, the signature publication of “The Habitat Organization.”  

Swanson Russell announces the promotion of four senior management team members: Brent Schott, Dick Placzek, Greg Wiley and Lisa Lorraine. 

 

Cam Edwards of NRA News, Gunny and Michelle Scheuermann at the Eastern Sports Show, February 2014

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As a PR person, sometimes you need to be a “handler.” You are that person who ensure the individual you are overseeing for the hour, or day, has everything they need to do their job, is transported smoothly and efficiently, and is comfortable. That could mean a variety of things. Sometimes it means you have to be the “mean one” to the public as the talent you are overseeing can never, ever, be rude. If everything goes right – you don’t usually hear “thanks” because frankly, it was always supposed to go smoothly. But if something goes wrong, oh boy…you are the first in line to take the brunt of it. Somewhat a thankless job – but you do get to meet some cool people. 

One of those people, for me, was R. Lee Emery, aka “The Gunny.” I first met Gunny at a Glock booth at some random NRA Member Meeting many years ago. Man, those lines were ALWAYS long. Then, in 2014, Sportsman Channel created a show called “Saving Private K-9” about military dogs finding their original owners and the host was Gunny. The network tapped Gunny for appearances – one of which was at the then-called Eastern Sports & Outdoor Show in Pennsylvania. And I was chosen as Gunny’s handler for three days. What did that mean? I transported him from the hotel to the show site each day, walked him (aka shielded him) to the booth just minutes before his appearance and watched to see if he needed anything. 

Our trips back and forth, through the crowds, required special attention. His hand was on my shoulder, me in front of him a bit, almost pushing the crowds aside. Both of us always smiling, always pleasant, with me being the one to say, “I’m so sorry, but Gunny needs to get to his next appointment,” to politely move people aside. But I found if you both walked confidently, with purpose and never, ever, make eye contact with someone – you’ll get through just fine. 

It was interesting to be in the car with him to/from each day. I know we talked the whole way. He liked to listen to old country music, so that’s fine. Its not really my jam, but I always had the station turned to Willy Nelson or similar. And he didn’t really like to go out to eat at night. I recall him saying how people always wanted to take him out to a steakhouse for a fancy dinner to “wine and dine” him and frankly, he just wanted something light. I mean, the guy was nearing 70 years old and eating a heavy steak at 8 pm wasn’t his cup of tea. 

 

Gunny autographed a hero card for my husband, Wayne.

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Gunny was always a gentleman to me. Always kind. Never assuming and yes, he took a picture with me and signed a postcard for my husband. His handshake was firm. He was genuinely interested in you, as a person. I’m sure he’s met thousands and thousands of people during these appearances over the years. Probably shaking his head at the magnitude of it all. But he was cool. I am glad I had the opportunity to spend real time with him. 

Gunny, rest in my peace. - Michelle Scheuermann, editor, Archery Wire.