Whitewater Fishing introduces three UPF-protective hoodie options—Spindrift Merino, Slipstream Bamboo, and Lightweight Tech—designed to keep anglers protected from UV exposure during extended on-water sessions while maintaining breathability and performance.
Vortex® has launched new Spring/Summer 2026 apparel including caps, tees, and accessories designed for hunters and outdoor enthusiasts. The collection features Banshee Sunglasses in charcoal camo and insulated tumblers in waterfowl camo, with special options for younger hunters and turkey hunters.
Easton Archery's X10 arrow dominated the 2026 Hyundai Archery World Cup Stage 1 in Puebla, Mexico, with all individual gold medalists using X10 shafts. Winners included Zhu Jingyi, Brady Ellison, Sara Lopez, and Matthias Fullerton across recurve and compound categories.
The 60th Vegas Shoot showcased record-setting performances with widespread adoption of Easton X27 arrow shafts among top compound archers. Mike Schloesser won his third title, Ella Gibson claimed her first championship, and Brady Ellison earned his record 12th Vegas Shoot title in recurve competition.
The DSC Foundation announced Steve Hornady as the 2026 DSC Foundation Legacy Award recipient, recognizing his decades of leadership at Hornady Manufacturing and contributions to conservation, wildlife stewardship, and hunter education. Hornady will be honored at the 2026 DSC Foundation Gala on July 25 at the Gaylord Texan Resort in Grapevine, TX.
Brownells announced the expansion of its VALOR Program, a law enforcement initiative led by Bill Hampstead that provides agencies and officers access to quality replacement parts, armorer-grade tools, and technical support at reduced pricing below standard retail, drawing on Brownells' 85+ years of experience supporting law enforcement.
Brady Ellison won his 15th World Cup Final at the Hyundai Archery World Cup in Puebla, Mexico, defeating Chih-Chun Tang. The USA claimed five medals total, with additional golds in recurve men's team and silver in recurve mixed team alongside Casey Kaufhold, plus medals from compound competitors Olivia Dean, Paige Pearce, Alexis Ruiz, and Stephan Hansen.
Team Ruger members delivered impressive performances across competitive shooting events, with David Olhasso winning the Arctic Blast Match FSI division and James McGinty securing second place. Notable achievements include Annie Berger's First Lady finish at US Steel Nationals, Steve Foster's podium finishes at Georgia State Steel Challenge, and Lauryl Akenhead's High Lady finish at the Woodsviking NRL Hunter Challenge.
The Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies has released 12 professionally produced videos to help agencies and conservation partners communicate modern regulated trapping. Developed through a Multistate Conservation Grant in collaboration with the Council to Advance Hunting and Shooting Sports, the series emphasizes science-based messaging, animal welfare advancements, and trapping's role in wildlife management.
NWTF Super Fund projects across Iowa are improving wild turkey habitat through forest management at Three Mile Lake, prescribed fire investments at Red Rock Wildlife Unit, prairie restoration at Clanton Creek Natural Resource Area, and equipment purchases in Benton County to enhance public hunting access.
Whitetails Unlimited distributed $841,768 in grants during Q1 2026 across its four pillar programs: Outdoor Education, Hunting Preservation, Habitat Enhancement, and Shooting Sports Advancement. The DEER Program and Preserving the Hunting Tradition Program received the largest allocations, supporting youth education and hunter safety initiatives.
HeadHunters NW has been exclusively retained by a Salt Lake City-based firearms and suppressors manufacturer to conduct a confidential national search for a Director of Distribution & Fulfillment Operations. The role involves designing and operating a state-of-the-art distribution center, with Shaylene Keiner, President of HeadHunters NW, leading the search.
Eddie Salter, known as "The Turkey Man," appears on The Michael Waddell Podcast presented by Spandau Arms in partnership with Folds of Honor and Cigars International. Salter shares stories about early turkey calling innovations, his friendship with Ben Lee, and his World Turkey Calling Championship wins in 1985 and 1989, while discussing the evolution of turkey hunting techniques and the importance of mentoring young hunters.
Federal Ammunition is shipping two new 12-gauge Upland Steel shotshell loads featuring No. 4 and No. 5 shot sizes designed for upland bird hunting with non-lead shot. The loads deliver consistent patterns and hard-hitting performance for pheasants, doves, quail, and grouse at $15.99 per 25-count box.
Sightron announces the new "Snap Focus" S6 10-60x56 ED MOA Field Target riflescopes with innovative parallax adjustment technology reducing parallax from 320° to 270°. Featuring 15 Japanese optical-grade glass lenses and Zact-7 Revcoat Plus multi-coating, these premium scopes are designed for airgun, small caliber field target, and benchrest shooters.
TrueTimber announces its Shadowbark camo pattern is now available on turkey hunting apparel and gear at Bass Pro Shops, Cabela's, and Mack's Prairie Wings, with select products from Banded also featuring the pattern. Designed to replicate mature oak bark with deep browns and grays, Shadowbark provides hunters with superior concealment in timber and heavy cover.
Havalon Knives renewed its sponsorship with Whitetails Unlimited, supporting the organization's conservation and education initiatives. WTU President Jeff Schinkten praised Havalon's sharp blades and innovative designs as trusted choices for hunters. Havalon, originating from the medical industry, has become the iconic brand in replaceable blade knives for hunting and outdoor use.
CZ announced that former U.S. Navy SEAL and firearms trainer Jeff Gonzales has joined as Marketing & Communications Specialist and brand ambassador. Gonzales, founder of Trident Concepts and host of AR15.com's Bulletproof Workshop podcast, will contribute to CZ and Dan Wesson's marketing efforts, product development, and customer engagement across digital platforms.
TUO introduces the Folcrum Hoodie, available summer 2026, featuring a 249g grid-fleece lining with Polygiene StayFresh™ and OdorCrunch™ odor control. Marketing Director Steve Allie describes it as the "Swiss army knife of hoodies" for versatile layering. The hoodie includes an ergonomic 3-piece hood with facemask, multiple pockets, and comes in Deadfall and new Ryse Camo patterns at $179.99 MSRP.
CCW Safe announced its Certified Partner Program achieved 120 partners in its first year since launching in January 2025, with strong engagement on the East Coast particularly in North Carolina. The company hired James Concilio as Senior Manager of Partner Program Training and Jerome Vinet as Director of Field Sales to support expansion across the United States.
USA Archery received a USFWS Multi-State Conservation Grant to increase target archery participation before the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic and Paralympic Games. The initiative will partner with state fish and wildlife agencies and Responsive Management to develop recruitment, retention, and reactivation strategies through data-driven research and a digital toolkit.
NSSF, The Firearm Industry Trade Association, filed a Federal Election Commission complaint against Giffords PAC for allegedly violating joint fundraising rules. The complaint alleges Giffords PAC failed to comply with FEC filing and disclaimer requirements while soliciting funds with preferred candidates including Sen. John Hickenlooper, Sen. Jon Ossoff, and Gov. Katie Hobbs.
The HeadHunters NW Podcast features Mark Cherpes, former President and CEO of FN America, discussing his 25-year career in defense manufacturing. Hosted by Shaylene Keiner, the episode covers leadership strategy, organizational mergers, market expansion, and compliance, with the episode premiering Tuesday, April 14th on Apple, Spotify, iHeartRadio, and YouTube.
Freedom Hunters has moved its annual Classic to Nashville June 21-22, featuring a banquet at Nashville Palace and golf scramble at Hermitage Golf Course. The event honors military heroes and their families, presented by Sunbelt Rentals with support from The Fowl Life, First Onsite Property Restoration, Benelli, and Nashville Palace.
ZEISS launches the Conquest Apia 20-50x65 Compact Angled Spotting Scope, featuring a 65mm objective lens with 87% light transmission, weighing just 47.6 oz. The backpack-ready spotter delivers exceptional optical quality with ED glass and aspheric lenses, designed for hunters and shooters demanding portability without sacrificing performance.
ALPS OutdoorZ announced a partnership with Michael Waddell and the Bone Collector brand, combining their shared values and expertise in hunting gear. The collaboration will produce content starting this spring during turkey season and expand through fall big game seasons, leveraging Waddell's reputation and ALPS OutdoorZ's development capabilities.
Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission approved Federal Premium's FireStick muzzleloading system for the 2026-2027 hunting season, compatible with Traditions NitroFire, CVA Crossfire, and Thompson/Center Encore rifles. The approval expands muzzleloader definitions to include safer, encased powder technology. Over 30 states now allow FireStick systems.
Firearms News releases its April 2026 issue featuring Darwin Nercesian's cover story on the Auto-Ordnance Thompson TAO50 .50 BMG Rifle, with performance testing out to one mile. The issue includes SHOT Show 2026 coverage, reviews of Beretta's 1301 LTT Custom Shotgun and Smith & Wesson's M&P Shield X Pistol, plus articles on suppressors and reloading.
Maxim Defense, a premier manufacturer of precision firearms, suppressors, and accessories based in St. Cloud, Minnesota, will exhibit at the 2026 NRA Annual Meetings & Exhibits in Houston, Texas from April 16-19, 2026. The company will showcase the SDX RFLX, PDX-SD, MD15 Duty line, and other products at booth #3237.
Charter Arms, a manufacturer of American-made revolvers based in Shelton, CT, will exhibit at the 2026 NRA Annual Meetings & Exhibits in Houston, TX from April 16-19. The company will showcase its full revolver line, including the new Boomer compact revolver and Pathfinder II double-action/single-action revolver.
Brigade Tactical will exhibit at the 155th NRA Annual Meetings & Exhibits in Houston, Texas from April 16-19 at booth 4526. The Manchester, New Hampshire-based suppressor manufacturer will showcase its Monocore suppressor lineup and offer exclusive event pricing.
TriStar Arms will exhibit at the NRA Annual Meetings & Exhibits in Houston, TX, April 17–19, 2026, at Booth #3103. The company will showcase new products including the Upland Hunter Thumbhole Stock, new KR22 Series color options, and the APOC Pro pistol.
XS Sights will showcase new products including Glock Gen 6 ACRO Optic Plates, HK VP9 Optic Plates, and magazine extensions for Walther PDP and S&W M&P pistols at the 2026 NRA Annual Meetings and Exhibits in Houston, Texas, April 17-19 at booth #1716.
WOOX, an Italian-American manufacturer of gunstocks, axes, and knives, will exhibit at the 2026 NRA Meetings & Exhibits in Houston, TX from April 16-19. CEO Ben Fleming announced the company will showcase innovative products including the new "High Grade" line, 1913 Compatible Stocks, and Bravado Laminate lever-action furniture at booth #4211.
Savage Arms will exhibit at the 155th NRA Annual Meetings & Exhibits in Houston, April 16-19, 2026, showcasing its reimagined Model 110 series including the new Model 110 RF Series rimfire rifles. The company will feature the AccuFit™ V2 system and partnerships with LimbSaver at Booth #1922.
Domain Outdoor, a food plot seed manufacturer, has renewed its national sponsorship with Whitetails Unlimited, announced by WTU President Jeff Schinkten. The company specializes in high-quality food plot seed and premium ingredients with seasonal blends, offering a helpful food plot selector on their website.
Burris Optics will sponsor the NRL Hunter's Buffalo Bill's Revenge match scheduled for April 10-12, 2026 near Laramie, Wyoming at Logan Ranch. The high-difficulty competition features field-style shooting in rough terrain with engagements averaging 500-900 yards, designed to test shooter and equipment capabilities.
DSG Outerwear, a Wisconsin-based company created for female hunters and adventurers, continues its partnership with Whitetails Unlimited as a national sponsor. The company offers functional hunting apparel including layering, jackets, boots, and accessories in blaze pink, orange, and camo options.
World Fishing Network offers a free month-long preview throughout April on providers including Dish, Sling, Cox, Armstrong, TDS, Service Electric, and Blue Ridge, reaching approximately 7.65M incremental subscribers. The preview features programming from legendary anglers like Bill Dance, Roland Martin, and Jimmy Houston, plus Major League Fishing Team Series content and culinary shows.
It seems like anyone, and apparently everyone, is writing their own story about how to properly hunt turkeys these days.
Since most folks are already self-proclaimed experts, I thought I’d pen something for the rest of us: the not-so-silent minority.
I may not take that many turkeys out of the population, but I like to think I at least make them laugh. There’s value in that, even if my freezer disagrees.
Alright, let’s kick things off.
Step 1: Preparation
First things first: you’ll need a bow. Seriously, any bow will do - yes, even a (don't say it) crossbow. Compound, recurve, your kid’s toy, it does not matter. What really counts is confidence, not competence.
Turkeys have incredible eyesight, so blaze orange, right? Absolutely. And hey, why not throw in some reflective sunglasses so they can really spot you?
While you're at it, be sure to turn the brightness and sound on your phone all the way up.
Camo? Camo is for quitters. Real turkey hunters want the turkeys to see them coming so they know who sent them to their maker.
Step 2: Calls
Turkey calls are supposed to sound like hens. But honestly, that’s boring.
Instead, you could experiment with aggressive coughing, yelling “GOBBLE GOBBLE” at full volume, or even blasting turkey sounds from your phone (Bluetooth speaker, max volume, obviously). If you get no answer, he’s just intimidated.
Step 3: Decoy Placement
Now, where should you put your decoy? Directly behind you (for the surprise factor), in a tree (they’ll never expect it), or better yet, just carry it everywhere and lock eyes with every bird. Better yet, be like most waterfowlers I know and change you decoy setup every 20 minutes because thats always why you aren't seeing birds.
No decoys? No problem. Just flap your arms every now and then. Same idea.
Step 4: The Stalk
Traditional hunters will tell you to “sit still.”
Nope.
Turkeys respect initiative. So move constantly. Crunch every leaf in your path, snap sticks, and don’t be afraid to whisper loudly. They make a ton of noise so they will view your chaos as a tribute.
Lock eyes with a tom? Charge him. It will show him who’s boss.
Step 5: Drawing Your Bow
Wait to draw until the turkey is staring straight at you, within five yards, and emotionally judging your life choices. Draw slow, fast, or halfway while doubting yourself.
If he runs off, don’t sweat it. It just means he wasn’t ready for you.
Step 6: Shot Placement
Sure, there are vital zones on a turkey. You could learn about them.
Or just ignore them altogether. You'll have lots of time to carefully aim. And if you miss, the turkey will wait for you to draw again. They're polite like that.
Miss? Just announce, “Let him grow.” (I hear this is a common practice in the deer hunting community.)
Step 7: Recovery
Hit the turkey? Celebrate. Make it loud. Immediately post to social media. No need to actually find the bird. If you lose track of where it went (it happens), just walk confidently in the opposite direction, like you totally meant to.
Didn’t hit the turkey? No worries. Blame the wind (it’s a classic), blame the arrow (maybe it’s just not your day), or maybe the turkey just had an attitude.
BTW, go ahead and leave the success post on social media. No one needs to know your truth.
Step 8: Post-Hunt Reflection
At the end of the day, just remember:
Turkey hunting with a bow is supposed to be about patience, discipline, and precision.
But you somehow avoided all three. There’s a trophy with your name on it waiting for you at Starbucks.
Final Thoughts
Anyone can hunt turkeys the “right” way.
But it takes a special kind of commitment to do absolutely everything wrong, and still walk out of the woods convinced you were this close.
And honestly? You probably were.
After all, we're well past April 1, but turkeys have been making fools out of most of us our entire lives.
Gobble, Gobble. Beeyotches.
Jay Pinsky, Editor, The Hunting Wire & The Archery Wire
