Camping Influencers

The spring issue of Backcountry Hunters & Anglers’ quarterly magazine, Backcountry Journal, is showing up in mailboxes across the continent right now. Review BHA’s conservation priorities in 2021 and beyond, reminisce with us about past adventures and dream of adventures to come with this great issue. BHA Conservation Director John Gale reminds us of the importance of wild places, stirring our emotions with reflections from some of the greatest conservation authors of the past. Shane answers all the important questions concerning the importance of wild harvest, not only on a personal level but also on economic and societal levels, and we learn how the Wild Harvest Initiative aims to change the conversation around hunting, fishing and foraging.

Blackhawk®, a leader in law enforcement and military equipment for over 20 years, announced today its newest brand ambassador: Tony Sentmanat of Real World Tactical. Sentmanat is a Marine Corps veteran and law enforcement SWAT operator with over 22 years of ‘Real World’ experience. A lifelong practitioner of mixed martial arts, Sentmanat also has extensive experience as a law enforcement combative trainer and as a firearms instructor for over 20 years. Anytime you can partner with someone like Tony who not only understands the importance of having quality gear but is also highly respected in the community, you move fast,” said JD Dulaney, Vice President and General Manager for Vista Outdoor Tactical.

Illinois continues to rank #2 for Boone and Crockett Club trophy whitetail with 1,445 total entries in the recently released sixth edition of the Club’s “Records of North American Whitetail Deer. This list was compiled from Boone and Crockett big game records—trophy data going back to 1830 and long used by conservationists to gauge outstanding habitat, strong recruitment of game animals into older age classes, sustainable harvest objectives, and other elements of sound wildlife management and fair-chase hunting,” commented the Club’s Director of Publications Julie Tripp. Four counties in the state rank among the best in the country for producing big bucks, including: Pike County that ranks #10 with 57 entries, Fulton and Adams Counties that are tied for #11 with 55 total entries, and Jo Daviess County that ranks #17 with 49 entries. Noteworthy new entries since the last edition was printed in 2012 feature five new typical bucks including William L. Loyd’s 2018 buck from Lee County, Arkansas, that scored 200-1/8 points and ranks #17 All-time and #1 in the state, pending review by the Judges Panel for the 31st Big Game Awards in 2022, as well as three other bucks that were showcased during the 30th Big Game Awards in 2019.

The Classic features a laser-engraved receiver and a AAA-grade Circassian walnut stock. The Artisan boasts AAAAA-grade Circassian walnut stock and hand-engraved receiver. Stock: AAA-grade Circassian walnut (Classic), AAAAA-grade Circassian walnut (Artisan). Classic 12 gauge ($4,999), 20 gauge ($5,299), 28 gauge ($6,399); Artisan 12 gauge ($9,999), 20 gauge ($10,299), 28 gauge ($11,259).

The Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation and partners worked with private landowners to purchase and convey their property to the Idaho Department of Fish and Game (IDFG). Increasing efforts are being made to restore fish habitat and recover native Westslope cutthroat trout in the South Fork of the Coeur d’Alene River,” said Andy Dux, IDFG regional fishery manager. At its western boundary, the property adjoins the Trail of the Coeur d’Alene’s, a rail trail beginning at the Idaho-Montana border that follows the Union Pacific Railroad right-of-way across Idaho to Washington. About the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation: Founded more than 36 years ago, fueled by hunters and a membership of more than 231,000 strong, RMEF has conserved more than 8.1 million acres for elk and other wildlife.

If you followed my tips for storing your camping gear over the winter, then all of your gear is safely stowed away, and it’s time to start getting your camping gear ready for spring. Your sleeping pad (or pads, in my case) is another important piece of gear to ready for camping season. This is also a good time to make sure you still have the repair kit for your sleeping pad or a good time to order a new one. As you can see, if you properly store your camping gear at the end of the season, then preparing your camping gear for spring camping trips is a piece of cake!

HeadHunter™ Strobe crossbow arrows now come with an innovative strobing lighted nock. These rugged polycarbonate half-moon nocks feature multicolored strobing lights that are far more effective than static lights in helping you see your shot and find your arrow in low light conditions. The HeadHunter Lighted Nocks’ pressure-sensitive design ensures they switch on automatically at the shot. For use with any crossbows compatible with standard-diameter crossbow arrows supporting half-moon nocks

/Shooting Stick provides critical structural support, protecting blinds from excessive strain and damage due to rain, snow, ice, or heavy wind. Now hunters can easily protect their investment and avoid disappointment with the Ameristep Blind Hub Support/Shooting Stick. Hunters should consider having an Ameristep Blind Hub Support/Shooting Stick for every one of their binds. Ameristep is proud to be the industry innovator that offers versatility and mobility in all its designs – because successful hunters need the flexibility to choose the location that’s right, not the location that’s convenient.

Well, when it comes to buying a brand new rifle for yourself, you must keep a few important things in your need. Whether you are heading out on a hunting trip for the first time or tenth time, you must take a rifle that perfectly matches your game. Let’s talk about a few important factors you need to consider while buying the perfect new rifle for the next trip with your friends. A correct cartridge or bullet will simply make things easy for you throughout the hunting trip.

The two shooters achieved several top finishes at the 2021 Florida State Shoot, held March 23-28 at Silver Dollar Shooters Club in Odessa, Florida. At the Florida State Shoot, Lunsford won Championship honors for High Overall, High All Around, and was the winner of the Doubles Championship (Non-Resident). He was also the Sub Vet Champ in Prelim Singles, Prelim Doubles, Class Singles and Sunshine State Handicap. Federal is also a large supporter of the Amateur Trap Association (ATA), National Skeet Shooters Association (NSSA), National Sporting Clays Association (NSCA), and many other national, regional and state shooting sports organizations.