Author: Adam Back

OAKLAND COUNTY, MICHIGAN – It was during dense, wet fog on Halloween morning that Mike Hoeppner, an experienced game hunter from Michigan, lost track of his massive 200-pound 9-point archery clad in lots of Dollars.

An avid hunter, fisherman, and lifelong outdoorsman, Hoeppner has accomplished many exciting hunts over the course of his sports career, but he never lost a dollar he couldn’t find…until now.

After an exhausting two-hour search on foot in cold autumn rain and the densely wooded undergrowth of north Oakland County, Michigan, this seasoned hunter nearly gives up all hope of retrieving the deer of his dreams. Coming in at 138 5/8 inches in the Big Buck Gross Scored, this buck was recorded as being large enough to enter the Commemorative Bucks of Michigan state records, and it would be devastating for an experienced hunter to lose track of it.

Following the fruitless search, Hoeppner decided to enlist the help of one of Michigan’s most valuable hunting resources to save the day: a blood-tracking Dachshund named Max.

Weighing less than 15 pounds, these energetic little dogs are vertex trackers, successfully finding lost prey in some of Michigan’s densest wooded habitats. Moving quickly through slippery and wet terrain, it took this experienced tracking dog less than 5 minutes to locate the lost male, who had fallen into a deep, overgrown ravine.

“I went on for over two hours in some of the thickest, nastiest brush, through fog and freezing rain, looking for this deer,” says seasoned Michigan trail hunter Mike Hoeppner. “The deer jumped the fence and left no blood trail to follow. I searched for more than 100 yards from one side to the other, and the tracker dog found the deer only 20 feet from where he had been looking all along. The deer was buried deep in a ditch with no white belly showing. I never would have found it if it wasn’t for this little dog,” says Hoeppner.

Stories like this attest to the value of Michigan’s sniffer dog industry, which helps recover hundreds of lost deaths each year across the state.

With boundless energy and a sniffer hundreds of times stronger than humans, Michigan sniffer dogs often help retrieve bucks like this one. Experts consider Dachshund breeds, along with Bloodhounds, Beagles, and Coonhounds to be among the best tracking dogs available.

Human hunters have relied on sniffer dogs for centuries, from Viking times, when warriors were buried with their beloved dogs, to modern times, when dogs are deployed by the military, first responders, and even modern day field hunters as Hoeppner. .

Tracking dogs like Max are valued for their strong sense of smell, ability to be trained, and agility in navigating rough terrain. The best tracking dogs are independent, eager to please, possess a strong sense of smell, and have the stamina to locate lost animals.

Organizations like the Michigan Deer Tracking Network offer tracking dogs for the best chance of retrieving injured or lost deer. The network is staffed by a team of expert deer trackers, including some of the best deer tracking dogs in the state of Michigan. Dog teams often cover multiple tracks per day and receive dozens of calls daily during Michigan deer hunting season. Tracking dogs are licensed and tagged through the Michigan DNR and these dogs can often find deer that human hunters might pass by. They are able to smell deer even when there is no visible blood trail to follow.

Tracking dogs are big news for hunters like Mike Hoeppner and provide a vital service in reducing the unwanted waste of missed kills and reducing prolonged suffering for an animal. “It is thanks to this tracking dog that I was able to locate my monstrous deer. It’s always an adventure hunting outdoors in Michigan!” comments hunter Mike Hoeppner, who will thank his lucky dog ​​(and lucky stars) when he mounts his 9-point rack.

The Tennessee Wildlife Federation and the Scholastic Shooting Sports Foundation (SSSF) are proud to announce a partnership for their respective programs: the Tennessee Scholastic Clay Target Program (Tennessee SCTP) and the National Scholastic Clay Target Program (National SCTP). This partnership will improve the experience for athletes and the administrative functions of coaches.

“Since 2001, the Tennessee Wildlife Federation has provided Tennessee youth with the premier shooting sports program in the state through the Tennessee Scholastic Clay Target Program,” said Ashley Tone, Tennessee Scholastic Clay Target Program Manager. “As a former SCTP athlete from Tennessee, I am proud to be a part of the driving force behind promoting shooting sports in my home state and driving our program forward.”

Tennessee SCTP provides youth, ages 9 through college, the opportunity to participate in shotgun sports (trap, skeet, and sporting clay) with peers from across the state. The program is designed to teach the importance of safe firearms handling, responsibility, leadership, teamwork, and promoting healthy competition.

“All of us at the Tennessee Wildlife Federation see the positive impact this program has on so many athletes and their families, as well as increasing outdoor recreation and conservation in our state,” Tone said. “We are excited to strengthen and expand opportunities for our teams through a new partnership with National SCTP.”

Through this partnership:

• Tennessee SCTP will utilize SSSF’s robust scoring and recording system, SHOT, for all team registrations and competitions.
• National SCTP will provide liability insurance for all teams participating in Tennessee SCTP events.
• All Tennessee SCTP teams will become members of the National SCTP, providing additional opportunities for scholarships, academic recognition, ammunition purchasing opportunities, and more.
• Tennessee SCTP will continue to manage all teams, athletes, coaches, and events in the state of Tennessee.

“Partnering with the Tennessee Wildlife Federation is a win-win,” said Tom Wondrash, SCTP National Director and Co-Chairman of the Scholastic Shooting Sports Foundation. “Having the Tennessee Wildlife Federation promote and support the national programs agenda will ensure all the benefits contained in the established MOU and assist high school graduates with college placement at no cost to them! they! We care about opportunity and with this MOU, all Tennessee athletes will have the same benefits as athletes across the country because of the Tennessee Wildlife Federation’s willingness to provide its Tennessee athletes with the best support they can.”

The Scholastic Clay Target Program (SCTP) has been hosting shotgun shooting events for students in fourth grade through college since its creation in 2001 by the National Shooting Sports Foundation. SCTP hosts some of the biggest shooting events in the world, including the SCTP National Championship. This year it will reach record numbers with more than 3,500 athletes, 9,000 registrations and around 2 million clay targets to throw, marking another milestone in junior clay target shooting.

With over 1,600 athletes participating annually and over 55 gold medals won at the SCTP National Championships, Tennessee SCTP is one of the largest and most successful programs in the country. Several Tennessee SCTP athletes and coaches have been selected to Junior Olympic Development Camps, earned spots on Team USA, won collegiate national championships, All-American recognition, and other national/world titles. The show has been covered in over 30 national magazines and 10 nationally broadcast television shows. To participate in Tennessee SCTP, visit younwf.org/explore.

For more information on the Tennessee or National SCTP programs, please contact Ashley Tone at [email protected] or Tom Wondrash in [email protected].

About the Tennessee Wildlife Federation

The Tennessee Wildlife Federation leads the conservation, wise management and wise use of Tennessee’s great outdoors. Since 1946, the Federation has spearheaded the development of the state’s wildlife policy, promoted landmark air and water quality legislation and other conservation initiatives, helped restore numerous species, and introduced thousands of children to the outdoors. For more information, visit tnwf.org.

About the Scholastic Shooting Sports Foundation
The Scholastic Shooting Sports Foundation (SSSF) is a 501(c)(3) public charity responsible for all aspects of the Scholastic Clay Target Program (SCTP) and the Scholastic Action Shooting Program (SASP) in the United States. The SCTP and SASP are youth development programs in which adult coaches and other volunteers use shooting sports to teach and demonstrate sportsmanship, responsibility, honesty, ethics, integrity, teamwork, and other positive life skills.

Provide and enhance opportunities for personal growth and development for student-athlete members; become the leading authority on all things firearms related activities for youth; pass on to future generations the legacy of lifelong, safe and responsible enjoyment of shooting sports. This includes serving as the primary feed for organized and sanctioned shooting teams and organizations such as USA SHOOTING, TEAM USA, and the NGBs (NSSA, NSCA, ATA).

TrueTimber has announced a partnership with Turkeys For Tomorrow (TFT) as the organization’s official camo sponsor. In addition, co-branded hunting and lifestyle items and apparel will be available to TFT in support of their efforts. The association will support the group’s mission to help recover and secure the future of wild turkeys in the United States.

“Wild turkeys and their habitat truly define the outdoors for many of us,” said TrueTimber CEO Rusty Sellars. “They are on the decline in so many places and if anyone is going to do anything about it, it’s going to be us hunters, the outdoorsmen and women who love them. Turkeys For Tomorrow focuses on things that will help turkeys come back, and I’m glad we can help make that happen.”

Turkeys For Tomorrow, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, encourages the strategic capture of turkey nest predators and supports scientific field research, putting boots on the ground along two main pathways to benefit the wild turkeys. Reducing nest predator populations, especially just before weeks when young turkeys are most vulnerable, has been shown to be effective in allowing flocks to recover, grow and thrive. Providing hard numbers and reliable data to wildlife agencies through rigid scientific research gives policymakers and habitat managers the critical information they need to make important decisions for the future of birds. TFT’s work to support and promote capture and its careful funding of key academic field research does both.

“This is a great day for wild turkey populations everywhere,” said Ron Jolly, Co-Chairman of the TFT Board of Directors. “I am honored to have Rusty and TrueTimber join us in this fight. Together, we’re making sure our grandchildren get to experience the same things we do. The good old days of turkey hunting can be again today.”

To learn more about the entire TrueTimber product line and to view all available patterns, visit TrueTimber.com. Details on future product releases can be found on the TrueTimber Facebook and Instagram pages.

About TrueTimber

Founded in 2005, TrueTimber is headquartered in Inman, South Carolina, and is the most realistic and performance-driven camo brand in the industry. TrueTimber offers a wide range of clothing and accessory items, featuring a variety of distinctive camo patterns that blend seamlessly into their surroundings. The company spends countless hours researching, testing, and finding new technologies to produce the most effective and realistic camouflage patterns possible. TrueTimber products can be found at retailers throughout the United States and Canada, and it continues to be one of the fastest growing camo companies in the world. To learn more about TrueTimber, visit TrueTimber.com.

The NWTF Annual Convention & Sports Show in Nashville is the perfect start to the spring turkey season, and that’s especially true for Florida, the first of 49 states to open its spring turkey season. (Learn more about the 2023 seasons.)

And while Floridians and non-residents alike are gearing up to hunt some of the best turkey available in the country, it’s the perfect time to reflect on a turkey conservation program in the Sunshine State that makes it all possible.

Since the Wild Turkey Cost Share Program began in 1994, it has contributed more than $6 million to habitat management projects and is estimated to contribute more than $2.2 million to our favorite game bird by 2023. In addition, the program is powered by turkey hunters.

“Turkey hunters are an important part of the Cost Share program,” said Buddy Welch, coordinator of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s wild turkey management program. “Money generated from the sale of turkey permits, which are required to hunt wild turkeys in Florida (unless exempt), allows the FWC to make significant contributions to the program each year.”

In addition to the contribution from the turkey hunters and FWC, the Florida State Chapter of the NWTF, the Florida Forest Service, and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Foundation pool their funds to fund numerous public land projects throughout the state each anus. The projects directly benefit wild turkeys, but also improve the overall health of the ecosystem.

Projects take place in wildlife management areas, state forests, water management district lands, national forests, and national wildlife refuges. They include a variety of forest management practices, including prescribed burning, mowing, treating invasive species, and creating openings for wildlife, among others, that mimic natural disturbances and create the early successional habitat in which they thrive. wild turkeys and many other species.

Early successional habitats are areas with vigorously growing grasses, herbs, shrubs, and trees that provide excellent food and cover for wild turkeys and many other species.

“We are proud of the well-oiled machine that the Wild Turkey Cost-Share Program has become,” said Eddie Hatch, president of the NWTF Florida State Chapter. “When multiple partners are deeply involved in a shared vision, the results are extraordinary. Our contributions to all of these great projects would not be possible without our Florida members participating in our banquets and helping us raise funds on behalf of conservation. We look forward to seeing all the work unfold throughout the year.”

In the first year of the program, back in 1994, $15,000 was made available to finance six habitat projects. By 2023, the hunter-driven program has grown to provide more than $2 million to 28 conservation projects and is projected to provide more than $2 million annually to conservation projects for years to come.

“We’ve definitely created something special for wild turkey in Florida,” said Ricky Lackey, NWTF district biologist for Florida, Georgia and South Carolina. “Since 2012, we have conserved more than 824,000 acres of wild turkey habitat in Florida. This multi-partner conservation delivery mechanism should be an example for states seeking to expand their wild turkey habitat conservation delivery. It really takes the whole team to make it work.”

In addition to the 28 Wild Turkey Cost Share Program projects completed this year, the NWTF Florida State Chapter helped fund new Osceola research conducted by FWC and the University of Florida. Learn more about the new research project here.

New gloves combine quality protection, precision and comfort, delivering extreme tactical advantages

For the last 5 years, Pyramex® Safety has been “hands on” in supplying quality hand protection to the industrial safety market. In addition, the company’s Venture Gear® Tactical brand has become a proven leader in the shooting and tactical space for its safety-rated and ballistic eye and hearing protection products. It makes perfect sense that this year the company would be proud to expand its Venture Gear Tactical brand offerings to incorporate its glove protection capabilities with precision-grade shooting gloves designed for avid shooters and tactical agents.

“Our new line of Venture Gear Tactical gloves were carefully developed and tested to provide the wearer with a superior level of protection and comfort without sacrificing the dexterity and sensitivity needed to effectively operate a firearm,” said Larry Haun, Pyramex retail sales manager. . “Whether you’re a tactical operator or a recreational shooter, Venture Gear Tactical offers the right glove with the right protection at a price that won’t insult your intelligence.”

The new line of Venture Gear Tactical offers a combination of comfort, functionality and advanced features designed for maximum comfort, dexterity and protection. The new lineup includes three distinct models: VGTG10, VGTG20, and VGTG30, each with their own unique features and designs for various shooting scenarios and applications.

The VGTG10 is a light duty compression fit glove that offers a “barely there” fit and feel. It’s the perfect training glove and will have the widest appeal based on its versatility and affordability. The lightweight design allows for excellent dexterity, breathability, and trigger control. The VGTG10 incorporates a lightweight neoprene cuff with a Velcro strap closure for a secure and comfortable fit. The VGTG10 is also touchscreen compatible, allowing operation of smartphones and other touchscreen devices without removing the glove. Available in black.

If you’re looking for a medium work glove with added protection features, the VGTG20 is a great choice. Available in black and coyote brown, the glove features a durable synthetic leather palm and fingers, reinforced thumb, and breathable stretch mesh on the back of the hand for maximum comfort and ventilation. A hook and loop closure ensures the perfect fit. Touch screen compatible.

For active duty combat or tactical training situations, the superior protection offered by the VGTG30 is recommended. The VGTG30 is top of the line, combining unmatched comfort, excellent functionality, and a sleek, substantial yet low-profile design. Available in black and coyote brown, it features a breathable mesh upper with TPR impact protection molding on the knuckles and back of hand. It also features synthetic leather palms and fingers, reinforced thumb, and shock-absorbing padding on the palm. The cuff also has a Velcro closure for a secure fit. Touch screen compatible.

The new Venture Gear tactical gloves come in sizes S-2XL and are expected to be available for purchase through authorized dealers and online later this year.

Pyramex Safety offers high-quality safety products through its innovative and stylish product lines. The company designs and manufactures a variety of personal protective equipment, from eye, head, hand, welding, cooling, and hearing protection to high-visibility workwear, respirators, and ergonomic equipment. Founded in 1991, the company has more than 3,000 distributors in more than 65 countries and is committed to investing countless hours in research, design and testing to ensure that Pyramex products meet the highest safety standards in the industry. For more information on Pyramex Safety, visit www.pyramexsafety.com.

EDGEFIELD, SC — During the NWTF’s 50th anniversary celebration at its annual National Convention and Sports Show in Nashville, the Tennessee Senate and House of Representatives passed a joint resolution recognizing the NWTF’s 50 years of fulfilling its mission to conserve wild turkey and preserve North American game. inheritance.

“We are beyond proud to be recognized by the Tennessee State House and Senate for our last 50 years of wild turkey conservation and hunting legacy,” said Tom Spezze, national director of field conservation and state policy. of the NWTF. “We have a long history of fulfilling our mission in the great state of Tennessee, and we are honored to be recognized by state legislators.”

The bill, sponsored by Greg Vital (R-TN) and co-sponsored by Chris Todd (R-TN), begins:

“WHEREAS, it is appropriate for the members of this General Assembly to recognize those exemplary organizations that promote and protect our nation’s traditional outdoor traditions; and WHEREAS, one such commendable organization is the National Wild Turkey Federation, which is celebrating its fiftieth anniversary of providing relentless support for science-based wildlife habitat management, research, and conservation…”

Read the entire bill.

NWTF Tennessee State Chapter President Mark Darnell, members of the NWTF Tennessee State Board of Directors, and NWTF Tennessee staff were present at the official approval of the joint resolution.

The NWTF’s policy team is working with state legislatures across the country to pass similar measures this year that enshrine the NWTF’s legacy and mission in state law.

Learn more about the policy and advocacy work of the NWTF.

About the National Wild Turkey Federation

Since 1973, the National Wild Turkey Federation has invested more than half a billion dollars in wildlife conservation and has conserved or improved more than 22 million acres of critical wildlife habitat. The organization continues to advance wildlife conservation, forest resiliency, and robust recreational opportunities across the US by working beyond borders at the landscape scale.

2023 is the 50th of the NWTF ^he anniversary and an opportunity to push the organization’s mission into the future while honoring its rich history. for his 50 ^he anniversary, the NWTF has set six ambitious goals: positively impact 1 million acres of wildlife habitat; raise $500,000 for wild turkey research; increase membership to 250,000 members; dedicate $1 million to education and outreach programs; raise $5 million to invest in technology and the people of NWTF; and raise $5 million to build a $50 million endowment for the future. Find out how you can help us achieve these lofty goals.

CAMP PERRY, Ohio – Dedicated to marksmanship training, the Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP) created a group at Camp Perry designed to introduce young people to the sport of the air rifle: the Junior Rifle Club.

Focused on fundamentals and competition preparation, the club began in September 2022 eventually reaching a total of 12 youth who attended weekly sessions inside the Gary Anderson CMP Competency Center airgun range. Now the CMP is ready to welcome new athletes to the club in 2023, hoping to introduce more people to the fun of marksmanship.

“Last year was great and we loved getting to know everyone who came and tried the sport!” said Ryan Hinson, CMP summer camp coordinator who helps facilitate the Junior Rifle Club. “While not everyone stuck around and made it to a competition, we like to think the youth enjoyed their time trying something new and different.”

Each training session is led by former NCAA Division I rifle athletes, including Hinson, who was an athlete at Morehead State University, along with CMP Program Coordinator Alana Kelly, who was previously a member of the rifle team. the University of Mississippi. Those involved in the Junior Rifle Club will learn firearm safety and the basics of the sport, strategies for competing successfully, and tips for becoming a well-rounded athlete.

There is no initial cost to join, with equipment provided by the CMP in the introductory weeks.

The current group is now working on positioning, preparing for a real matchup when the CMP competition season kicks off in February. Team practices have also started on Tuesday nights, allowing members to work on the same fundamentals at the same time, learn from each other, and enjoy each other’s company.

“In 2023, we hope to continue to present the sport as a unique, fun and safe way to compete with your friends,” he continued. “If they decide to stick with it and choose this as their sport, that’s the icing on the cake!”

The Junior Rifle Club at Camp Perry is held every Tuesday and Thursday evening from 5 to 8 pm at the Gary Anderson CMP Competition Center’s 80-point indoor electronic shooting range. Designed for ages eight and up, the club’s purpose is to introduce shooting sports (specifically the three-position air rifle) to local youth, with an emphasis on safety and education.

If you would like to become involved with the Junior Rifle Club or have any questions, please contact CMP’s Ryan Hinson at [email protected] or 419-635-2141 ext. 751. Or you can simply stop by the range during public open hours, which are held every Tuesday and Thursday from 5-8 pm, to learn more.

Additional open aim times. The Gary Anderson CMP Competence Center is also open by appointment only, Monday through Thursday (9 am to 3 pm). The CMP Competition Center is also available for local groups to hold meetings or conferences. For questions or to schedule an appointment, please call Catherine at (419) 635-2141, ext. 704.

Outside the shooting range gates, the facility features authentic Olympic and other memorabilia from the career of America’s celebrated shooter, Gary Anderson, and includes a retail center for equipment and memorabilia needs. Learn more about CMP’s Airgun Competition Centers at https://thecmp.org/ranges/cmp-competition-centers/.

The Civilian Marksmanship Program is a federally chartered 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation. It is dedicated to firearms safety and marksmanship training and the promotion of marksmanship competition for United States citizens. To learn more about the CMP and its programs, log on to www.TheCMP.org.

EDGEFIELD, SC — Duane Diefenbach, Ph.D., assistant professor of wildlife ecology at Pennsylvania State University and unit leader with the Pennsylvania Fish and Wildlife Cooperative Research Unit, is the recipient of the Henry S. Mosby Award from the NWTF for his far-reaching contribution to turkey restoration efforts.

“It is an honor to be recognized by the NWTF with this award,” Diefenbach said. “Throughout my career, it has been a pleasure to work with the NWTF, the Pennsylvania Game Commission, and other Northeastern states on projects that advance wild turkey conservation and management. For me, it has been particularly gratifying to see that research directly benefits management decisions. My success is due, in large part, to the NWTF’s support of wild turkey research.”

Diefenbach accepted the Henry S. Mosby Award remotely during 50 years of the NWTF^he 47th anniversary celebration^he NWTF annual convention and sports extravaganza, sponsored by Mossy Oak.

The award is named for Henry S. Mosby, Ph.D., whose research in the mid-20th century set the standard for wild turkey management. Mosby also helped found The Wildlife Society and earned its highest honor, the Aldo Leopold Medal.

Since 2000, Diefenbach has been collaborating with the Pennsylvania Game Commission in the design and analysis of all wild turkey research studies in the state. All of these have received funding from the Pennsylvania State Chapter of the NWTF, as well as the national NWTF. These projects have been management oriented, providing results to direct wild turkey hunting season regulations and helping to monitor population trends.

Diefenbach’s ability to synthesize complex models in real-life management allows him to comfortably present his findings to audiences ranging from university professors, wildlife professionals, to hunters. Her several dozen graduate students to date give her credit for her thoughtful guidance and mentoring.

In addition, Diefenbach and a colleague started a program for graduate students who had never hunted, which included workshops on hunting, its benefits, and the opportunity for a guided hunt. Last hunting season, thanks to the initiative, the Pennsylvania Game Commission and the Pennsylvania State Chapter of the NWTF provided several fall turkey hunts for students and have plans for future events.

“Duane has contributed significantly to wild turkey research during a career that has spanned more than two decades,” said NWTF Co-Executive Director Kurt Dyroff. “We are grateful for all of his accomplishments in helping to conserve wild turkeys, especially through his work in the great state of Pennsylvania. We are proud to present him with the prestigious Henry S. Mosby Award.”

About the National Wild Turkey Federation

Since 1973, the National Wild Turkey Federation has invested more than half a billion dollars in wildlife conservation and has conserved or improved more than 22 million acres of critical wildlife habitat. The organization continues to advance wildlife conservation, forest resiliency, and robust recreational opportunities across the US by working beyond borders at the landscape scale.

2023 is the 50th of the NWTF ^he anniversary and an opportunity to push the organization’s mission into the future while honoring its rich history. for his 50 ^he anniversary, the NWTF has set six ambitious goals: positively impact 1 million acres of wildlife habitat; raise $500,000 for wild turkey research; increase membership to 250,000 members; dedicate $1 million to education and outreach programs; raise $5 million to invest in technology and the people of NWTF; and raise $5 million to build a $50 million endowment for the future. Find out how you can help us achieve these lofty goals.

WITH THREE RETICLE OPTIONS, INCLUDING A BDC OPTION, THE ALL-NEW HAWKE VANTAGE 1-8 SCOPE IS THE BEST

Hawke® Optics, a world leader in quality sports optics that perform outstandingly in the field while maintaining optimal value for the consumer, is bringing its range of LPVO offerings with three new models of 1-8×24 scopes.

All Hawke Vantage riflescopes feature our H2 optics. The new 2023 1-8×24 models come with three reticle options; L4A, Round Point or Tactical BDC 5.56. Featuring precision glass-etched reticles with red and green multi-stage illumination, these models are built on a 30mm monotube chassis with a wide-angle FOV for maximum light transmission. ½ MOA capped, resettable, fingertip turrets make adjustments easy, while 11 layers of fully multi-coated lenses deliver a sharp, clear and bright viewing image.

The L4A Dot and Circle Dot reticles provide a clean, uninterrupted view of your target, while the new Tactical BDC 5.56 reticle provides uncompromising detailed accuracy for your 5.56 NATO ammo AR pattern rifles and pistols. The glass-etched BDC (bullet drop compensation) reticle features an illuminated center dot and horseshoe for quick target acquisition, and windage markers for increased accuracy. The Tactical BDC 5.56 option also features a range find feature etched into the glass below the reticle. It is modeled after a standard IDPA target size of 18″ x 30″ when used at 8x magnification, specifically designed for common USPSA and IPSC targets used in competitions such as 3-Gun. It will place the baseline (bottom thick horizontal bar) at the bottom of your target. The horizontal bars that the top of your target touches will correspond to the distance of your target in the hundreds. For example, if the top of your target touches the bar marked ‘4’, you know the target is 400 yards away. These markers also indicate the width of the target. Once you have determined the distance of your targets, the length of the distance bar you are on (from the thick vertical connecting post to the end of the bar) represents 18” width. It is important to note that the bar marked ‘3’ should only be used to measure the width on one side or the other of the vertical bar, not both combined. The other bars are measured by their respective side.

Along with these three new models of 1-8×24 scopes, Hawke offers three 1-6×24 models, four 1-4×24 models, and one 1-8×24 across its line of scopes, all with a variety of features and reticles including fiber dot illumination and the popular Circle Dot and L4A Dot. All of these models, along with all Hawke rifle scopes, are Nitrogen Purged, Shockproof, Waterproof, Fogproof, and Caliber Rated (Glass Etched Models). A removable pull lever is included. They all also come with Hawke’s No-Fail Lifetime Warranty. The new Vantage 1-8×24 models retail for $449, making them a durable, accurate and affordable LPVO option!

About Hawke
#VISION ACCOMPLISHED. Hawke is a global market leader at the forefront of optical performance with class-leading innovation and design offering a complete line of sporting optics from rifle, crossbow, shotgun and air pistol scopes to binoculars, spotting scopes and accessories. Accuracy, strength and precision; Hawke optics combine iconic design, exceptional engineering, and unmatched craftsmanship to create an unforgettable viewing experience. As awareness of Hawke Sport Optics grows, more customers trust Hawke as the undisputed industry leader in optics. Learn more at www.hawkeoptics.com.

Houston Safari Club Foundation (HSCF) and Hunting Matters welcome Larry McCoy, Director of Marketing and Media for The Outdoor Group. Larry had a passion for the outdoors at a young age and got his start in the industry behind the lens of a camera. His passion led him to want to work even deeper in the outdoor space. He is currently the host of Respect The Game TV on Sportsman Channel.

The Outdoor Group specializes in developing and manufacturing premium quality archery and hunting equipment for outdoor spaces. Established in 2012, The Outdoor Group is the parent company of Elite Archery, Scott Releases, Custom Bow Equipment, Duel Game Calls, Winners Choice Bowstrings, Slick Trick Broadheads, Solid Broadheads, Clutch Outdoors, and Perfect Form Manufacturing.

About Hunting Matters
Tune in to “Hunting Matters” with Houston Safari Club Foundation Executive Director Joe Betar as he engages in conversations with guests, from diverse backgrounds, who are passionate about hunting and conservation. Great discussions, news, hunting law updates and more! “Hunting Matters” airs every Saturday, 6 am to 7 am CDT on KPRC AM 950: Real Texas, Real Talk, a Houston iHeartMedia station and Houston’s Oldest Radio Station. “Hunting Matters” is also available via podcast on Apple/iTunes, iHeartMedia, Google, Overcast, PodBean, and Spreaker. Subscribe, listen, rate and comment. Hunting Matters has received a 2022 Gold AVA Digital Award, a 2022 NYX/Marcom Silver Award, and a 2022 MARCOM Gold Award.

About the Houston Safari Club Foundation
The Houston Safari Club Foundation (HSCF) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization whose mission is to preserve the sport of hunting through education, conservation, and the promotion of our hunting heritage. HSCF has awarded 646 scholarships totaling $2.92 million. HSCF conducts youth outdoor education programs, vocational training, hunter education, and field experiences throughout the year. HSCF has provided more than $4 million in grants for wildlife, habitat, and various hunter-funded conservation initiatives. HSCF is an independent organization, is not affiliated with Safari Club International (SCI) or its affiliates and is not a chapter or affiliate of any other organization. Visit our website at wehuntwegive.org or call 713.623.8844 for more information. HSCF. We hunt. We give.