PRADCO Outdoor Brands has acquired Kent Outdoors, a portfolio of watersports and marine safety brands established in 1959, including HO Sports, Hyperlite, BOTE, O'Brien, Connelly, Liquid Force, Onyx, and others. Kent's leadership team, including President CJ Vlahovich, will remain in place as PRADCO supports product development and future acquisitions.

NOMAD's Ambush collection features a camo button-down and pants designed for early whitetail season with 4-way stretch, laser perforated venting, and moisture-wicking technology. The lightweight, breathable gear provides comfort and mobility for hunters in challenging terrain and all-day stand sits.

Blocker Outdoors introduces its Shield Drencher Insulated Jacket and Bib in Realtree AB1 camouflage, featuring RainBlocker® waterproof membranes, thermal-mapped insulation, and S3® antimicrobial technology for late-season hunting. The new colorway joins existing options including Realtree APX and Mossy Oak patterns, with MSRPs of $119.99 each for jacket and bib.

Whitewater Fishing introduced the upgraded TORQUE 7.4V Heated Vest, featuring a 7.4V platform with two additional lower-back heating elements, 80g Sorona® Aura insulation, and three adjustable heat settings. The vest is now officially in stock and shipping at an MSRP of $229.99.

ALPS OutdoorZ introduces two new pieces to its Evolution Merino Wool series: the 150 Hoodie and 250 Bottoms. Both garments feature Woolmark-certified merino wool designed for superior breathability, moisture management, and odor elimination for outdoor adventures.

Bear Archery unveiled its 2027 lineup featuring advanced compound and traditional bows, including the flagship Source, Whitetail NXT, and Legit series. President Jon Lene emphasized the company's commitment to innovative technology while maintaining founder Fred Bear's mission of making quality archery equipment accessible to all archers.

Jeff Rawlinson, President of the National Archery in the Schools Program (NASP®), recognized fish and wildlife agency leaders at the 2026 AFWA Annual Meeting for their role in bringing archery to schools. During the 2025-2026 school year, NASP® reached over 1.32 million student archers through state and provincial agency partnerships.

Carbon Express pro-staff archer Ryan Davis won team gold at the World Field Championship in Yankton, SD, shooting Nano Pro X-Treme arrows. Davis delivered the decisive shot in a shoot-off, leading Team USA to victory alongside Brady Ellison and Gaius Carter.

Mathews has introduced two new finish options, Metallic Purple and Bronze, for its TITLE target bow, which has earned hundreds of podium finishes since its 2024 launch. The TITLE is now available in eight finish options and can be customized through Mathews' Bowbuilder platform.

Barnett offers five value-priced crossbows for hunters with $350–$500 budgets: the XP370, Wildcat Ultralite, Whitetail Hunter STR, XP385, and XP390. Each features TriggerTech triggers, anti-dry-fire safety, and hunting-ready accessories, proving budget-friendly crossbows don't sacrifice performance.

Sierra Bullets' 6.5 mm 142 grain HPBT MatchKing X bullet received a 2026 Hunt Alaska Editors' Choice Award for exceptional performance and value. The award recognizes the bullet's combination of match-grade accuracy and reliable terminal performance for hunters using modern long-range cartridges like the 6.5 Creedmoor and 6.5 PRC.

Rock River Arms, founded by brothers Mark and Chuck Larson in 1994, celebrates 30 years of American firearms manufacturing in Colona, Illinois. The company evolved from custom 1911 components to pioneering AR-platform rifles and innovative systems like the LAR-9, LAR-8, and LAR-47, maintaining its commitment to precision and performance.

The World Archery 3D Championships begins Tuesday in Yankton, South Dakota, featuring 246 archers from 24 countries, with the USA fielding a tournament-high 24 competitors including returning medalists Shiloh Butts, Jayme Buchanan, and Julie Jones, alongside history-maker Erin Hollom and teenage debuts from Jewell Blakey and Gracelyn Sinclair.

The USA won 17 medals at the World Archery Field Championships in Yankton, South Dakota, including seven gold medals with five in team competition. Notable performances included Casey Kaufhold's double gold, Hailey Franzone's gold in recurve U21 women, and Brady Ellison's three medals across multiple events.

Ryan Davis, shooting Carbon Express Nano Pro X-Treme arrows, led Team USA to gold at the World Field Championship in Yankton, SD. Davis's barebow performance, including a crucial six-point shot in the final shoot-off, secured victory alongside teammates Brady Ellison and Gaius Carter.

Dallas Safari Club President Rick Warren and Life Member J.D. Yates participated in Angola's first sanctioned safari hunt in 18 years, marking a significant milestone in the country's wildlife management recovery. The hunt, initiated through a DSC auction that benefited the Angola Hunters Association, demonstrates how legal, regulated hunting can support sustainable wildlife management and local communities.

Whitetails Unlimited granted $308,839 to over 80 organizations in Indiana for outdoor education, habitat enhancement, and hunting and shooting sports preservation. The organization supported Indiana National Archery in the Schools Programs and other shooting sports groups to develop the next generation of hunting and shooting sports enthusiasts.

Bass Pro Shops and Cabela's will host a National Hiring Event on October 7-8 at retail locations throughout North America, offering competitive wages, industry-leading benefits including up to 50 percent merchandise discounts, and health insurance programs for eligible team members.

MidwayUSA is hiring three Product Specialists in Columbia, Missouri for Sporting Optics & Scopes, Guns, and Clothing, Footwear & Marketplaces categories. The position offers a salary range of $55,000-$71,500 with comprehensive benefits, professional development opportunities, and the chance to work for a Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award-winning company.

Custom & Collectable Firearms is seeking a skilled Gunsmith Specialist for full-time production work on premium custom 1911 handguns from platforms like Colt and Kimber. The role involves assembly, quality control, inspection, and gunsmithing tasks with benefits including health, dental, and vision insurance.

Texas Hunter Products announced the release of its 300-lb. Cottonseed Feeder, designed for land managers using whole cottonseed for wildlife nutrition. The gravity-fed feeder features an internal steel wedge to prevent clogging, a top-fill design for easy loading, and powder-coated welded wire panels for durability with minimal maintenance.

Defend has launched a new bear spray product line featuring 8oz and 14oz cans with effective ranges up to 40 and 45 feet respectively. Available at DefendOutdoors.com and retailers nationwide, the products are designed to provide outdoor enthusiasts with reliable wildlife protection during backcountry activities.

ATN Corp announced the launch of the ATN BlazeSeeker 6, a compact thermal monocular starting at $499.99 featuring 6th Generation thermal imaging and SharpIR® AI enhancement. Designed for campers, boaters, hikers, and wildlife watchers, the device weighs 270 grams and offers up to 8 hours of battery life with Wi-Fi connectivity to the ATN Connect 6 mobile app.

Block Targets, a subsidiary of FeraDyne Outdoors, launched the Block Backyard Range Target, a 34" x 34" dual-sided archery target designed for long-range practice, bow tuning, and Total Archery Challenge-style competition. The target features high-density layered foam construction, built-in aiming T's, and a dartboard game side for backyard shooting with family and friends.

Galco has released the Summer Comfort™ IWB holster for the Springfield SA-35 4". The snap-on design features premium steerhide construction, smooth leather for comfort, and removable belt loops with optional accessories for customizable carry options.

The U.S. Forest Service and Boone and Crockett Club signed a Memorandum of Understanding to enhance outdoor recreation opportunities on public lands, with emphasis on hunting, angling, and conservation. Fourteen partner organizations including the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, National Wild Turkey Federation, and Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership will collaborate to improve recreational access on National Forest System lands.

Field & Stream TV announced a partnership with St. Jude Children's Research Hospital and Music Gives to St. Jude Kids to create outdoor and music experiences for patients and families. The network will run daily awareness and donation spots while collaborating on outdoor adventures and music showcases.

Zanders, an all-women-owned distributor based in Sparta, Illinois, announced it is now the first and only distributor stocking 1st Phorm nutritional products nationwide. The partnership expands dealer access to premium health and performance products including protein supplements, wellness formulas, and hydration solutions.

Silent Steel USA has partnered with Guns.com to offer its complete Streamer suppressor lineup and BoltLok™ HUB QD Mounting System to shooters nationwide. The Streamer family includes full-size, compact, and micro models featuring proprietary FLOW-IQ™ gas management technology, available in multiple calibers for rifles, carbines, and pistol-caliber carbines.

Bleecker Street Publications announced the complete redesign and relaunch of GAT Deals, featuring a new Ammo Finder engine with access to over 70,000 live ammunition listings from major online retailers. The platform includes advanced filtering capabilities and a $500 Ammunition Depot gift card giveaway promotion running through June.

CZ announces the CZ 75 Legend is now shipping to dealers nationwide. The new pistol honors the influential CZ 75 design with steel frame construction, traditional double-action/single-action operation, and classic aesthetics for collectors and enthusiasts.

Ol' Man Outdoors launches two new Quad Pod models for deer hunters: the BaseCamp 7' Quad Pod (OT-702) and Fortress Deluxe 12' Quad Pod (OT-703). Both feature 5'x5' platforms, heavy-duty construction, and multiple zippered windows for enhanced stability and comfort during extended hunting sits.

Summit Treestands released a new 72" Climber Armpad in Mossy Oak® Original Bottomland® featuring full-length coverage, one-piece construction, and durable 50D Brushed Tricot fabric. Available now for $44.99 at Summitstands.com, the armpad offers hunters improved comfort and concealment for all-day sits.

Millennium Treestands announced the Dinner Bell 400 and 600 feeders, designed to help hunters pattern deer and manage wildlife. These feeders feature 12-volt motors, programmable timers, heavy-duty steel construction, and varmint cages for reliable performance throughout the hunting season.

Savage Arms is offering a $75 mail-in rebate on AXIS/AXIS II and AXIS 2 rifles for Father's Day, valid for purchases between May 15 and June 30, 2026. The AXIS 2 models feature redesigned ergonomic stocks, user-adjustable AccuTrigger™, and updated bolt handles available in multiple calibers and colors.

SHIELD Sights announces its 2026 "Dads, Grads, and 4th of July" promotion offering up to 25% off the entire product line at participating dealers from June 1 through July 5, 2026. The UK-designed and manufactured micro red dot optics promotion targets shooters preparing for peak shooting season.

The Outdoor Stewards of Conservation Foundation (OSCF) is hosting the Ultimate Louisiana Duck Hunt for Conservation to celebrate America250, offering $20,000 in prizes from sponsors including Lipsey's, Beretta, Grosse Savanne, Winchester Safes, Aerial Resupply Coffee, Avian-X, and Fiocchi Ammunition. Tickets are $25-$100, with entries accepted until August 31, 2026.

NSSF, The Firearm Industry Trade Association, is promoting Gun Storage Check Week June 1–7 with the message "Make Sure It's Secure" to encourage responsible firearm storage and prevent accidents, thefts, and suicides. The campaign includes resources at GunStorageCheck.org, a sweepstakes featuring a B.O.S. Lock Fusion biometric device, and NSSF's suicide prevention toolkit.

Team Ruger competitors James McGinty and David Olhasso won multiple divisions across three East Coast competitions using Ruger RXM pistols, SR1911 Competition pistols, and PC Carbines, including victories at the Delaware State GPA, Harvard Steel Smashers, and Pennsylvania State Steel Challenge.

Springfield Armory brand ambassador Julie Golob achieved historic performances at the 2026 CMP Bianchi Cup National Championships using the Echelon 4.0FC 9mm. She became the first woman to finish in the Top 10 in Production Optics and successfully defended her first place women's finish in Standing Only Production Optics.

Real Avid congratulates Doug Koenig on securing his record-setting 21st NRA Bianchi Cup championship title. Koenig's continued dominance showcases elite-level skill and consistency, further cementing his legacy as one of the greatest action pistol competitors in shooting sports history.

Wild Wildebeest Safaris continues its partnership with Whitetails Unlimited as a national sponsor, offering South African hunting safaris across thousands of acres with access to more than 50 game species. WTU President Jeff Schinkten praised the company's commitment to customer satisfaction and five-star hunting experiences in Southern Africa.

Ballista, a crossbow manufacturer, has joined Whitetails Unlimited as a national sponsor. WTU President Jeff Schinkten announced the partnership, noting Ballista's advanced crossbows for hunting, bowfishing, and recreational use. The sponsorship strengthens WTU's mission of wildlife conservation and hunting tradition preservation.

Tactacam has renewed its partnership as a Whitetails Unlimited National Sponsor, according to WTU President Jeff Schinkten. The Iowa and Montana-based camera manufacturer provides hunting video equipment featuring remote sync, slow motion, and weatherproof capabilities for WTU members and events.

Pursuit Media, in partnership with Careco Multimedia Entertainment, announced an expanded Q4 lineup on Pursuit UP featuring diverse outdoor programming including George Poveromo's World of Saltwater Fishing, Uncharted Waters with Peter Miller, and Saltwater Underground with Nick Honachefsky, available free across major streaming platforms.

MyOutdoorTV has launched the 'Texas Whitetail Hunting Channel,' presented by Rhino Metals, an ad-free streaming channel featuring hunting programs set in Texas. The channel offers exclusive content including shows hosted by Brandon Houston, Brian Quaca, and the McFerrin Family, plus series like Bone Collector, Buck Commander, and MeatEater available 24/7.

GAME & FISH TV, powered by Outdoor Sportsman Group, features the "Taste of the Wild" programming block every Monday night from 6:00-11:30 p.m. ET, showcasing shows like Farming the Wild with Mike Robinson, McMillan, Ranch America with River Klass, Cast Iron Cowboy with Kent and Shannon Rollins, Jason the Butcher with Jason Nauert, and Dead Meat with Scott Leysath.

Outdoor Channel's "American Wild" block launches Fridays at 7 p.m. ET, featuring shows including Renovation Hunters with Hal Shaffer, Nick's Wild Ride with Nick Hoffman, Dropped: Arctic Drift with the Keefer Brothers, Dr. Bob's Wild Diaries with Bob Ledda, Wardens, and Wardens: Case Files showcasing hunting, fishing, and conservation adventures.

Sportsman Channel launches "Big Game Wednesday" programming block featuring hunting shows including Legends of the Fall, Whitetail Properties, The Woodsman, North American Whitetail with Host Haynes Shelton and Dr. James C. Kroll, and Adrenaline with Host Kyle Wieter, airing Wednesdays 8:00-10:30 p.m. ET.

MyOutdoorTV launches WhitetailStream, an ad-free live streaming channel presented by Umarex featuring premium whitetail hunting content including Bone Collector, Whitetail Freaks, and North American Whitetail with Dr. James C. Kroll. The exclusive channel offers 24/7 on-demand access to top hunting series across multiple streaming platforms.

Outdoor Channel dedicates Friday prime time to conservation officers through "Wardens" and "Wardens: Case Files," produced by Wolf Creek Productions in partnership with Michigan Department of Natural Resources. The programs showcase the action-packed lives of game wardens and DNR employees protecting wildlife and enforcing outdoor recreation laws.

America is really good at archery, and we have the world championships, Olympic medals and a whole lot of filled deer, elk and bear tags to prove it. 

Maybe it’s time we started acting like it.

Did you know Team USA walked away from the 2026 World Archery Field Championships in Yankton, S.D., with 17 medals. Seven were gold, nine silver and one bronze. Casey Kaufhold became a double world champion in her first trip to the event, while Brady Ellison won a medal of each color, bringing his career total across various world championship events to 25. I’m not sure how many medals you have to win before we’re allowed to call that an ass kicking, but 17 seems safely above the line.

We don’t only prove it on podiums. 

It’s October, which means there are also a whole bunch of deer, elk, antelope and other game animals that were alive Friday and aren’t anymore because American bowhunters are pretty damned good at this, too. 

Competition archery and bowhunting aren’t the same thing, but both require practice, patience and the ability to put an arrow where it belongs when it matters. One gives you a medal when you get it right. The other gives you a lot of work and hopefully a full freezer.

If you want to understand how good American archery has been, think about what the U.S. men’s soccer team would have to do over the next 25 years to match it. They’d have to win world championships, earn Olympic medals and keep doing it for generations. If they did, we’d call it one of the greatest runs in American sports. Archery has already done it, and hardly anyone notices.

When the sport returned to the Olympic Games in 1972 after a 52-year absence, Americans Doreen Wilber and John Williams won the women’s and men’s individual gold medals. Four years later, Luann Ryon and 19-year-old Darrell Pace did it again, so apparently American archers didn’t need much of a warmup after the 52-year break.

Pace won another individual gold in 1984, Jay Barrs won individual gold in 1988, and Justin Huish won individual and team gold in 1996. According to USA Archery, Americans have won 18 Olympic archery medals, including eight gold, six silver and four bronze. Brady Ellison added an individual silver in Paris in 2024 and teamed with Casey Kaufhold for bronze in the mixed team event, so this isn’t ancient history we’re digging out of a dusty trophy case.

We should make more noise about that. We know the names of our football, baseball and basketball stars, wear their jerseys and spend Monday mornings explaining what their coaches should have done differently. American archers have been winning at the highest levels for generations, yet most people probably couldn’t name more than one of them. Maybe archery is partly responsible because we’re generally better at shooting bows than bragging about ourselves. 

Bowhunters dont have that problem, successful or not.

Then there are the kids, which might be the most important part of this whole thing. More than 1.32 million students participated in the National Archery in the Schools Program during the 2025-26 school year across more than 10,000 schools, with more than 100,000 competing in NASP tournaments. We spend an awful lot of time in the hunting and archery industries worrying about where the next generation is coming from, while more than a million of them are standing ten yards away holding Genesis bows.

Somewhere on those shooting lines could be another Casey Kaufhold, Brady Ellison or Darrell Pace - or Chuck Adams or, wow, Fred Bear.  I hope there is, but I also hope there are a bunch of future bowhunters standing there who have no interest in ever standing on an Olympic podium. Put bows in kids’ hands, teach them to shoot safely and well, and give them a chance to figure out the rest without us turning it into a 47-page strategic plan.

Some will fall in love with competition, some will discover 3D archery and some will eventually trade the school gym for a treestand and learn that foam deer are considerably more cooperative than real ones. Others will never compete seriously or hunt anything and will keep shooting simply because shooting a bow is fun. I don’t particularly care which path they choose, because every one of those paths keeps another person connected to archery.

The part we can control is what happens after they discover it. Those kids need tournaments, clubs, 3D courses, archery shops, hunting opportunities, mentors and places where they can keep shooting after the school bow goes back on the rack. NASP has already done the hard part by putting bows into the hands of more than a million kids a year. We ought to be smart enough not to lose them afterward.

America doesn’t need to become an archery country because we already are one. We have Olympic champions, world champions, bowhunters filling tags every fall and more than a million kids coming along behind them. Some will chase gold medals, some will chase whitetails and some will just shoot because they love doing it, and all three sound pretty damned good to me.

Just keep them shooting, and American archery will be just fine.

I don't know what to tell you about mens' soccer.

– Jay Pinsky

jay@theoutdoorwire.com