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 without unnecessary complexity or cost.

MidwayUSA earned the 2025 Bizrate Circle of Excellence Platinum Award, marking its fourth platinum and eighteenth overall award from Bizrate Insights. The honor recognizes the family-owned retailer's exceptional online customer service and satisfaction, placing it in the top 1% of the Bizrate Insights North America Network.

Dott. Franco Gussalli Beretta, President and CEO of Fabbrica d'armi Pietro Beretta, received the 2026 NRA Defender of Freedom Award at the NRA Annual Meetings & Exhibits for his leadership and commitment to the Second Amendment and American shooting sports. The honor recognizes Beretta's 500-year legacy and continued support of conservation, competitive shooting, and firearm safety education.

Hornady's 338 ARC ammunition has been named the 2026 American Rifleman Ammunition Product of the Year by the NRA Media Golden Bullseye Awards. The cartridge delivers 1.5 times more energy than the 300 Blackout Subsonic and is available in five product lines for AR-15 and micro-bolt action rifles.

Walther Arms Performance Division athletes achieved significant milestones using the PDP platform. Jay Beal earned Grand Master rank in USPSA Limited Optics and Open Division, while Buck Lawler won the North Texas Sectional USPSA match and Parker Patrick won the Arkansas State IDPA Match in Carry Optics, demonstrating the platform's competitive and practical capabilities.

Team Krieghoff earned multiple podium finishes at the 2026 Texas State Championship and 2026 Florida State Sporting Clays Championship. Notable achievements include Brandon Powell's High Overall in Texas, Mike Luongo's multiple Runner-up finishes in Florida, and Brian Du Quesnay's induction into the Florida Sporting Clays Association Hall of Fame.

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.

Hornady Manufacturing Company launched a limited-edition "Nebraska Strong" t-shirt fundraiser, with 100% of profits benefiting the Nebraska Cattlemen's Disaster Relief Fund. The initiative supports ranchers affected by wildfires that burned nearly 1 million acres across Nebraska's Sandhills region.

Gearfire announced a bi-directional integration between AXIS Point of Sale and AIQ, a CRM and loyalty platform for firearms retailers. The integration enables real-time customer data sync, behavior-driven marketing campaigns, and customizable loyalty programs that reward actual purchase behavior.

Kinetic Development Group (KDG) announced strong Q1 2026 performance with expanded dealer engagement and distribution partnerships. The company's presence at buy group shows drove growth across retail channels, with new two-step distributor partnerships and multiple product launches planned for the remainder of 2026.

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 takes effect July 1, 2026.

WATCHTOWER Defense appointed Jordan Davis as Chief Executive Officer to lead strategic direction and growth initiatives. Davis, formerly Chief Growth Officer at WATCHTOWER Firearms, will focus on consumer products and market expansion from the company's new state-of-the-art facility in Tomball, Texas.

Walther Arms, Inc. announced the creation of a dedicated Sales Manager position for dealer and buying group channels. The role, reporting to Vice President of Sales Tyler Weigel, will focus on revenue growth, market expansion, and strengthening the Walther Premium Dealer Program across the U.S. shooting sports market.

Faxon Firearms is hiring a CNC Programmer to create CNC programs and machining instructions. The role requires 5 years of manufacturing/engineering and CAD/CAM experience, with expertise in GibbCAM software and precision machining. U.S. person status is required due to ITAR regulations.

Faxon Firearms is hiring a full-time CNC Mill Operator for second shift at their Fairfield, Ohio facility. The position requires 6 months of similar experience, mechanical aptitude, and blueprint reading skills. U.S. person status is required due to ITAR regulations.

Faxon Firearms is hiring a full-time CNC Lathe Operator for the second shift at their Fairfield, Ohio facility. The position requires 6 months of similar experience, mechanical aptitude, and the ability to read blueprints. U.S. person status is required due to ITAR regulations.

Langdon Tactical Technology announces the CZ P-09C Nocturne and P-09F Nocturne pistols with custom trigger upgrades and optic modifications. The company offers Level I and Level II trigger jobs, optic cut conversions, and shortened backup iron sights starting at $815 MAP.

TAG Precision announced a collaboration with Kimber America, supplying advanced sight and optics solutions including patented FiberLok™ sights and optic adapter plates for Kimber's 2K11 and CDS9 models. Michael Neff, President at TAG Precision, and Everett Deger, Director of Marketing at Kimber America, emphasized their shared commitment to precision and quality.

DeSantis Gunhide introduced the Infiltrator® Air holster for Springfield Echelon firearms, featuring red dot sight compatibility, adjustable cant, and breathable synthetic backing. Designed for everyday carry with precision-molded Kydex® construction, the holster retails for $113.99.

Breek Arms has launched the Trash Shield, a HUB-compatible blast-forwarding device designed to redirect concussion, noise, and muzzle blast downrange. Constructed from aerospace-grade aluminum, the accessory integrates with industry-standard suppressor mounting systems and is especially effective in confined environments like indoor ranges and team-based training scenarios.

Engaged Industries launched its 2026 suppressor lineup featuring the Delta 5.56 and Recon XL in multiple calibers, incorporating proprietary Vacuum Expansion Technology and the upgraded VLB26 baffle system. The 3D printed titanium suppressors deliver enhanced sound mitigation and reduced gas blowback while maintaining compact size and minimal weight.

Thompson/Center Arms announced the ENCORE PROHUNTER FIRESTICK .50 Caliber Muzzleloader, combining the proven ENCORE break-open platform with Federal FireStick ignition technology. The system features encapsulated powder charges for consistent performance, faster reloads, and easier cleaning, with an MSRP of $1,150.

Streamlight, Inc. introduced the Portable Scene Light III at FDIC International, featuring 10,000 lumens, a 5-in-1 modular design, swappable lithium-ion batteries, and multiple power options for fire, emergency response, and outdoor applications.

Beretta will exhibit at the 2026 GEAR Summit in Amarillo, Texas, featuring the M9A4 Overlanding Series in Lunar, Clay, and Nomad Bronze finishes, along with the PX4 G-SD, APX A1 Tactical, and 92XI Squalo pistols. The company will also participate in a nighttime glow clay shoot, showcasing its commitment to the Second Amendment community.

Gun Tote'n Mamas is launching a Mother's Day empowerment campaign running April 24 through May 12, offering 25% off all products. Founded by Claudia Chisholm, the award-winning concealed carry handbag company emphasizes education and style for women's personal safety.

Target Sports USA's AMMO+ Day 2 savings event is live, offering exclusive deals on ammunition and primers for AMMO+ members. The event began April 23, 2026, at 9 AM EST, with membership available for immediate enrollment to access exclusive pricing and free shipping.

Millennium Treestands is offering a 2026 "Bucks Back" Rebate Program providing $100 cash back on select Buck Hut Shooting Houses including the Q-180, Q-200, Q-230, Q-250, and Q-606 models through December 31st, 2026.

Superior Outfitters, one of Texas's largest shooting sports retailers, seeks to expand its footprint through new store openings and strategic acquisitions of existing firearms businesses. The company invites interested dealers facing market challenges to discuss potential opportunities.

Bass Pro Shops will celebrate its third Arkansas location with a Grand Opening and Day of Conservation on April 29 in Fort Smith. The 70,000-square-foot Outpost will feature celebrity appearances by Jimmy Houston and Roland Martin, a 19,000-gallon aquarium, and 15 percent of sales donated to local conservation organizations.

Liberty Ammunition will exhibit at the Texas Tactical Police Officers event in Round Rock, Texas, showcasing their new Law Enforcement and Military ammunition. CEO Gary Ramey highlighted the "Pro Series" ammunition's superior stopping power and reduced over-penetration compared to traditional lead bullets. Free product samples and ballistic range days will be available to departments.

Pyramyd AIR announced that Hatsan Airguns has become the Platinum Sponsor for the 2026 Pyramyd Cup, taking place August 5th-8th at Cardinal Shooting Center in Marengo, Ohio. The partnership supports the premier airgun competition featuring 100-Yard Benchrest, Field Target, and Gunslynger disciplines. Registration opens April 23rd at noon eastern.

Winchester Ammunition sponsors Richard Childress Racing's No. 3 Chevrolet driven by Austin Dillon at the Jack Link's 500 at Talladega Super Speedway on April 26, featuring Winchester Long Beard® XR® turkey ammunition and National Wild Turkey Federation branding.

Thousands of dollars in college scholarship money will be on the line when the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission’s Youth Shooting Sports Program’s 19th season culminates in late May, but before the shooters and teams reach that point, there are regional shoots for teams to establish a spot in the junior and senior state championship tournaments. Four weeks of regionals at the Arkansas Game and Fish Foundation Shooting Sports Complex in Jacksonville start this Friday and Saturday with teams from a loaded North Region squaring off.

Competition begins at 9 a.m. both days. About 5,700 students in grades 5-8 in the juniors and grades 9-12 in the senior division will compete over the next four weeks.

The top 16 teams in each junior and senior regional will advance to the state tournament round May 29-30. Also, individuals scoring a perfect 25 of 25 in the junior division or 50-for-50 in the senior level will earn spots in the Tournament of Champions shootoff. Seniors will be competing for more college scholarship money with the last shooter standing on May 30.

West Region juniors will shoot on May 1, followed by the West seniors on May 2. The South region has the weekend of May 8-9, and the always-strong East Region is scheduled for May 15-16. The Memorial Day weekend (May 22-23 this year) is traditionally left open and provides a makeup day or two should weather affect the regularly scheduled regionals. The shooting goes on as long as there is only rain; with lightning in the area, there will be delays.

And the forecast for the opening weekend was sketchy earlier this week.

“It’s not looking favorable at all, it’s looking pretty rough,” Steve Johnson, AYSSP’s coordinator, said Monday. “As long as it doesn’t lightning, we’re OK. We’ll shoot in the rain. Once we see lightning within that 5-mile range, we shut down and stay down until 30 minutes after the last lightning report … At the end of the day, we want no one hurt.”

Bald Knob, last year’s senior state champion, returns a strong team to lead the North squads. Two Bald Knob squads took second and third place at the AGFF’s “Mallards for Marion” benefit tournament on April 10. Smackover won the senior team division. Jonesboro, always deep with strong teams from the East, was the junior squad winner.
Case Hardin from Mountain Home’s senior squad outlasted two other shooters who had joined him with perfect 50s during the tourney portion to win Grand Champion Tournament Shooter. Their shoot-off lasted seven rounds. Hardin’s perfect day earned a lifetime hunting and fishing license from the AGFF.

Based on scores and other reports he’s heard from shooting tournaments this spring, Johnson says this year’s competition may be as wide open as ever. But he also figures Bald Knob will again be in the mix beginning with this weekend’s regional.

“Oh yeah, they have a strong team coming back and will be a force to be reckoned with. Aaron (Throckmorton) is an excellent coach and I’ve got nothing but good things to say about him and what he does for his team and his kids,” Johnson said. “He actually participated in an advanced coaches school that we’re doing with (U.S. Olympian from Greenbrier) Kaylee Browning two weeks ago.”

Johnson has introduced a new “advanced coaching” level for AYSSP. By June 16 coaches from across the state will be recognized as advanced coaches. The purpose? “So if somebody in their area has an issue or a question and we’re not close enough or don’t have time to get over to them soon enough, they can call these coaches and ask for help to get them through this.”

“As Game and Fish and Youth Shooting Sports, I want to do more and Game and Fish wants to give more to provide our coaches a better background and more information in coaching up these kids,” Johnson said. “We’ve now got a large number of colleges here in the state that are starting to offer shooting sports, and we want to make sure our coaches help prepare these kids to go on to college and have that opportunity to shoot for their school at the collegiate level.”

Johnson says five in-state colleges are offering full shooting sports programs, and three others are looking to start programs in the coming months. Programs are underway at the University of the Ozarks, Southern Arkansas University, University of Arkansas-Cossatot, Arkansas State University and Arkansas-Monticello. UA-Rich Mountain and Harding are among two schools that have had conversations with Johnson, and Arkansas-Fayetteville has shooting sports on a club level.

That’s where the college scholarship money, with up to $7,500 going to the winning senior team, comes in, Johnson said, and now there’s more opportunity to stay in state and shoot instead of looking beyond Arkansas’s borders.

The competition format for AYSSP has not changed. Junior teams will shoot 25 shots per shooter, up to five team shooters, for its team qualifying score for state, with a maximum 125 available. Seniors will shoot 50 shots per shooter, with a maximum of 250 targets per team available. The state tournament format for both divisions consists of 25 shots per shooter and teams competing head-to-head in a tourney bracket.

“We’re up another 100 kids this year,” Johnson said of AYSSP’s overall numbers. “We’re up in new teams, up in total teams, up in coaches. Our program is continuing to successfully grow, and it’s due to the coaches that we have out there. More and more schools are coming on board, more programs in different areas that are just extremely excited to get this going for their kids. They see this as an asset for their schools and their kids’ success, even through colleges. They’re willing to now make this investment and get more kids involved.”

There is no admission charge for spectators at the shooting complex. Food and merchandise vendors are available throughout the tournament, and a gun raffle is held through the state tourney weekend. Archery and fishing stations will be available at the site during the state championship round only.

– Jim Harris, Managing Editor, Arkansas Wildlife Magazine