Benelli's Nova 3 Tactical pump-action shotgun has been honored with the 2026 American Rifleman Golden Bullseye Award from NRA Media. The award recognizes the shotgun's excellence in innovation, reliability, and consumer value, with Product Manager Bret Maffett noting the modern feature set addresses consumer demand.
The 2026 NASP® Western National Tournament at Mountain America Expo Center in Sandy, Utah welcomed 2,397 Bullseye archers and 2,130 NASP® 3D archers from hundreds of schools across multiple states. The three-day event featured pin trading, app-based scavenger hunts, and showcased the continued growth of in-school archery programs.
Team Mathews delivered a commanding performance at the 2026 Camp Minden ASA, securing three Pro division wins and eleven podium finishes overall. Kyle Douglas, Chris Perkins, and Bodie Turner swept the Men's Known Pro division, while Randy Morocco and Jack Wallace claimed top spots in their respective senior divisions. The team's depth was evident across multiple divisions including women's and open categories.
Sturm, Ruger & Company, Inc. successfully hosted the Koenig-Ruger PRS Match in Grand Junction, CO, with 100 competitive shooters participating. Team Ruger's Lauryl Akenhead earned first place in the Production division and second High Lady using a Ruger Custom Shop Precision Rifle chambered in 6mm GT.
Chance Beaubouef won the Open Pro title at the ASA Pro/Am Tour stop in Minden, Louisiana, competing with equipment from Darton Archery, Black Eagle Arrows, and Conquest Archery. His victory demonstrates the performance and accuracy of these brands at the highest competitive level.
Conservation Visions published a peer-reviewed article in People and Nature through the Wild Harvest Initiative® showing that big game hunting in the United States generates 235.76 kilotonnes of wild meat annually, equivalent to 1.39 billion meals with a $3.21 billion USD replacement value.
The NSSF commends Indiana Gov. Mike Braun for signing Senate Enrolled Act 176, which prohibits local governments from using zoning regulations to prevent firearm retailers and shooting ranges from operating in commercially-zoned areas. The law, led by State Sen. Jim Tomes and State Rep. Ben Smaltz, takes effect July 1, 2026.
Whitetails Unlimited granted $334,536 to over 130 organizations in Michigan for outdoor education, habitat enhancement, and hunting preservation. The funds were distributed through the organization's 47 Michigan chapters and its Preserving the Hunting Tradition Program.
Thompson/Center Arms announced the ENCORE PROHUNTER™ FIRESTICK™ .50 Caliber Muzzleloader, combining the proven ENCORE break-open platform with Federal FireStick™ Ignition System technology. The rifle features encapsulated powder charges for consistent performance, interchangeable barrels, and a patented Swing Hammer™ design, with an MSRP of $1,150.
Barnett Crossbows introduces the Recruit XP, a budget-friendly crossbow designed for beginner hunters and youth. Featuring the TriggerTech trigger system, 350 feet per second speed, and an easy rope-cocking mechanism, the Recruit XP delivers reliable performance with essential safety features at an accessible price point.
Muddy Outdoors announced the upcoming release of its new women's DV8 and TRX hunting apparel systems, designed specifically for female hunters with tailored articulation, strategic insulation mapping, and advanced camouflage patterns. Brand Manager Jason Mackay emphasized the gear's purpose-built features for women's biomechanics and mobility. The collections will be available this summer.
Blocker Outdoors® introduces the Shield Drencher Jacket and Pant, engineered for spring turkey hunting with RainBlocker® waterproof membrane and S3® anti-microbial treatment. Marketing Director Steve Allie highlights the gear's silent brushed poly tricot exterior and affordable pricing at $99.99 each.
Millennium Outdoors introduces the Field Pro and Run N' Gun Turkey Seats, designed for comfort and stability during turkey hunts. Both models feature ComfortMAX seat fabric, powder-coated aluminum frames, and adjustable carry straps. CEO Ed Welsh emphasizes the seats' superior quality and performance for serious turkey hunters.
Henry Repeating Arms introduced a limited-edition Sesquicentennial Rifle to celebrate the Massachusetts Rifle Association's 150th anniversary. The Golden Boy platform rifle is priced at $690, with a portion of sales donated to the MRA to support shooting sports promotion at their historic Walnut Hill range in Woburn, Massachusetts.
NSSF, The Firearm Industry Trade Association, is accepting applications through May 25, 2026, for its Patron Member Scholarship Program offering $50,000 in total funding for up to 20 winners. Employees of NSSF Patron Member companies and their eligible family members pursuing undergraduate or vocational degrees can apply, with awards ranging from $8,000 for the grand prize to $2,000 for runner-up scholarships.
Victory Archery has launched three new competitive 3D target arrows: the VTAC 23, VX27, and 3DHV. Each arrow features Victory's advanced carbon engineering and MaxxKe™ Technology for precision, speed, and consistency in tournament competition.
Blaser Group appointed Josh McBrayer as Chief Executive Officer of its U.S. operations. McBrayer brings over a decade of experience with the company, including four years as Director of Shotgun Sales and previous roles in Germany. He will oversee Blaser, Mauser, J.P. Sauer & Sohn, John Rigby & Co., Liemke Thermal Optics, and Minox Optics.
Zanders, a premier national distributor based in Sparta, Illinois, announced it is now a stocking distributor for One Horse firearms and accessories. The partnership expands Zanders' product offering, providing dealers access to One Horse's 100% American Made AR precision firearms and components.
Pursuit Channel highlights world champion angler Scott Martin and his acclaimed series The Scott Martin Challenge, a dynamic fishing program featuring head-to-head competitions in exotic destinations. The show airs weekly on Pursuit Channel and streams on Pursuit UP across 120+ million users on multiple platforms.
Steiner Optics has launched the eDiscovery 10x42 binoculars, featuring integrated 4K camera technology, 12MP image capture, and the Steiner Connect 2.0 app for seamless Wi-Fi connectivity and live streaming capabilities in the field.
Sportsman's Guide, a South St. Paul-based outdoor retailer operating for over 40 years, has renewed its sponsorship with Whitetails Unlimited. WTU President Jeff Schinkten praised the partnership, highlighting Sportsman's Guide's commitment to providing hunting, fishing, and camping products at affordable prices.
The HeadHunters NW Podcast features Nathan Schueth, Director of Sales and Business Development at HK USA, discussing his career path from the Marine Corps to the firearms industry. HK USA is recruiting a National Sales Manager for Commercial Sales as the company plans to double its U.S. operations over the next several years.
Brian "Pigman" Quaca returns for Season 17 of "Pigman: The Series" on Sportsman Channel, airing Sundays at 8:30 p.m. ET. The season features hunts at CUS Outdoors in Arkansas, EP's Hardwood Outdoors in Oklahoma, and New Mexico, with Pigman joined by his wife Junie and son JD pursuing wild boar and other game.
Chiappa Firearms introduces the Bushranger M1-22 Semi-Auto, a .22 LR rimfire rifle featuring a 16.5-inch barrel, full-length Picatinny rail, and M-LOK accessory interface. Weighing 5.43 pounds with modern mounting capabilities and traditional wood furniture, the rifle is designed for recreational shooting and skill development with an MSRP of $499.00.
Ohio's Department of Natural Resources Division of Wildlife reported that hunters checked 4,646 wild turkeys during the opening weekend of spring hunting season in the south zone on April 25. Youth hunters in the northeast zone tagged 119 birds, bringing Ohio's youth season total to 2,058 turkeys.
SLG2, Inc. will bring its Shoot Like A Girl experience to Bass Pro Shops in Grapevine, Texas on May 2–3, 2026. Led by all-women instructors, the free event features hands-on shooting and archery demonstrations, firearm education using FATS simulators, and product showcases from leading outdoor brands, welcoming participants of all experience levels.
Hornady® launched a limited-edition "Nebraska Strong" t-shirt fundraiser with 100% of profits benefiting the Nebraska Cattlemen's Disaster Relief Fund. Nearly 1 million acres of Nebraska ranchland burned in recent wildfires, devastating the Sandhills beef-producing region and causing significant losses to ranchers already facing drought conditions.
Millennium Treestands is offering a 2026 "Bucks Back" Rebate Program providing $100 cash back on select Q-series Buck Hut Shooting Houses including the Q-180, Q-200, Q-230, Q-250, and Q-606 models purchased through qualified retailers through December 31st, 2026.
CCW Safe announced its Gold-level sponsorship of the 2026 A Girl & A Gun National Conference, taking place April 30 to May 3 at the Cameo Shooting and Education Complex in Palisade, Colorado. The event brings together hundreds of women from over 300 chapters for training, competitions, and educational seminars.
Rambo Bikes, the #1 hunting e-bike manufacturer based in Centerville, Iowa, continues its partnership with Whitetails Unlimited. WTU President Jeff Schinkten praised Rambo Bikes for helping hunters access hunting locations more quietly and efficiently through their innovative electric bike technology.
MyOutdoorTV and GAME & FISH TV present a live head-to-head fishing competition between renowned anglers Mark Zona and Kevin VanDam on April 28, 2026. Both Bass Fishing Hall of Fame members will compete on familiar waters, showcasing tips and techniques for catching monster bass in this inaugural MOTV Live event.
According to James Lutz, arrows 71 and 72 were the ‘hardest arrows’ he had ever shot as the leading U.S. archer beat a 10-year-old world record during qualification at the Easton Foundations Gator Cup.
The 28-year-old from Wisconsin scored 719 out of a possible 720 points on Saturday, one better than the previous world record, set by Braden Gellenthien at the USA Archery Target Nationals in July 2016.
“When I saw the weather for this morning, I was like, okay, there can be a good score shot,” said Lutz. “And I mean, Mike (Schloesser) shot a 716, Louis (Price) shot a 715; it was there today. It got a little breezy at the end, but I just stayed in control and got it done.”
As well as Lutz, Schloesser and Price, there were impressive scores from Kyle Douglas (714), Curtis Broadnax, Braden Gellenthien and Stephan Hansen (all 709). In all, 13 archers shot 700 or more in compound men.
Lutz was focused from his very first arrow, and felt a good score could be on from about the midway point. He was on course with his first 47 arrows, but then … “I got a little nervous in the eighth end, pushed one out the top, and then I just said just settle down and finish. My last two arrows were the hardest arrows I've ever shot, but I shook them in there.”
This marks the second year in a row that Gator Cup has witnessed a significant score. During the 2025 event, Schloesser (NED) equaled the previous world record of 718. He held the top score (717) prior to Gellenthien registering a new best. With the new mark now sitting at 719 (pending verification), it will need to take something even more special for this to be bettered.
“I mean, it's going to take the absolute perfect day to beat it now,” commented Lutz. “So hopefully I can have it as long as Braden had it, or longer, we'll see. Or maybe I can just set a 720!”
Despite the weather suggesting a high score, Lutz was not entirely feeling it during his three practice ends, just moments before qualification got underway.
“I missed three 10s in practice because I was playing with weights. I hadn't shot in the dead calm in over a year, you know, everywhere we go is windy. So, I had to play with weights a little bit and then, yeah, just everything was flowing.”
Lutz was receiving messages from friends and family within minutes of him setting the new world record. A record that has stood for a decade, held by a U.S. archer and now improved upon by a U.S. archer, which in itself is something to be intensely proud of, bearing in mind the global talent in the compound men’s division.
Lutz admitted, “It means a lot (to hold this record). I used to have the double 72 record and that got broken. And I mean, as these records just get higher and higher, it makes it a little bit more difficult to reach them.
“Really, I never expected to be the one to beat this record. I figured Mike (Schloesser) or Matthias (Fullerton) would at some point. And I mean, I'm sure somebody, however long – and it could be next week - shoots a 720, we'll see, but I'm going to try to be the first one to do that.”
