Author: Adam Back

Few places are more beautiful in mid-September than northern Minnesota, so what better place to host an outdoor gathering of brands and content creators than on the shores of Lake Bemidji? Registration is now open for the AGLOW Annual Conference 2023, September 17-21, in it Hampton Inn & Suites in Bemidji.

“It’s hard to think of a better location to host the conference than a facility that sits right on the shoreline of one of the best fisheries in the Upper Midwest. Bemidji offers exactly that. We are not near the water, we are on the water at our host facility. We even have a boat launch literally in the parking lot. Outdoor opportunities abound in Bemidji, and we don’t have to look far to find them,” said Mark Smith, AGLOW Executive Director.

There will certainly be plenty of opportunities to enjoy some of the great fishing Lake Bemidji has to offer, but there will also be other outdoor activities available to attendees, with the Bemidji CVB working hard to showcase all the area has to offer.

“One of the best things about the AGLOW conference is the balance between work and play. Sure, we’ll get all the hunting and fishing we can, but this conference is packed with sessions and panels to benefit all of our members,” added Trent Marsh, current AGLOW President and SPYPOINT Trail Camera Editorial Manager.

“We changed the schedule quite a bit last year, and the response from members was overwhelmingly positive. There are a few more changes this year, but they are minor compared to last year. A focus on sessions that can help our media, businesses and CVB members become more efficient, immediate content generation opportunities and of course the networking and camaraderie that make AGLOW the premier content creator organization out there. open air in the country”, he added.

AGLOW may stand for Great Lakes Outdoor Writers Association, but the organization has grown far beyond the Great Lakes and the writers.

“We have members in almost 40 states and several Canadian provinces. Our immediate past president, Ken Perrotte, is from the prominent “Great Lakes State” of Virginia. We’ve had award categories for podcasts and YouTube content for a long time,” Smith said. “People look at ‘Great Lakes’ and think we’re just a regional organization, or they look at ‘writers’ and think a podcaster doesn’t fit. This could not be further from the truth. We have long since grown beyond the limits of the Great Lakes and expanded our membership to include content creators of all stripes.”

The week kicks off with the President’s reception on Sunday evening and kicks off on Monday, with presentations from the 2025 conference bidders before lunch and a corporate session that afternoon to showcase the latest products. Tuesday will feature a Lake Bemidji Fishing Tournament in the morning and targeted sessions on Tuesday afternoon to highlight practical use of products or business principles. Wednesday is packed with panels and sessions that benefit all attendees, as well as the auction. Thursday is a full day for all attendees, media, business and CVB, with exciting outdoor recreation opportunities for all, before culminating in the Awards-In-Craft ceremony to close the conference.

There is no shortage of content generation opportunities, networking events, and educational sessions to make your time at the AGLOW Annual Conference productive and valuable.

“AGLOW is all the way back,” continued Smith. “The pandemic took its toll in many ways, but we made it through and all facets of our membership are intact and strong. Last year’s conference was as well attended as any in recent memory, and we are already seeing a huge push from our members to go to Bemidji. We’re not going to slow down anytime soon. AGLOW is back, and here to stay.”

To learn more about the conference or to register, visit https://aglowinfo.org/events/annual-aglow-conference/.

Any other questions or queries can be directed to AGLOW directly at [email protected]

ABOUT AGLOW:

Since the first conference in 1956, AGLOW has grown into a premier organization for outdoor content creators of all stripes, outdoor brands, and the CVB and destinations that make our wild adventures possible. Founded as a regional organization, AGLOW has grown into a group with international membership and impact. AGLOW members represent nearly 40 states and multiple Canadian provinces, including writers, podcasters, YouTubers and photographers, brands in the shooting, fishing and hunting categories, and destinations across the country. AGLOW – Regional Name, Global Impact

Houston Safari Club Foundation (HSCF) and Hunting Matters welcome Curt Melcher, Director of the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife.

Curt is a native of Oregon and graduated from the University of Oregon with a BS in Biology. He began his career with the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife as a temporary employee in 1985. During his time with the Department, he represented the State of Oregon in numerous regional management forums, including the Pacific Fisheries Management Council, the Klamath Fisheries Management and Pacific Salmon Commission South Panel.

Curt served as deputy director of Fish and Wildlife programs from 2007 to 2014 and was named interim director in September 2014. He was hired as permanent Director in February 2015 and is currently the President of the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies .

Curt is passionate about conserving Oregon’s natural resources and is an avid hunter and fisherman.

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 received a 2022 Gold AVA Digital Award, a 2022 NYX/Marcom Silver Award, a 2022 MARCOM Gold Award, and a 2022 Gold Davey 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.

First responders may not always be visible when things are running smoothly. However, they are always around us and are an integral part of our communities, helping us when we face emergencies. As we celebrate Public Service Appreciation Week this year from May 7-13, the Fisher Pen Company® offers its First Responders series to honor those in the fields and express appreciation for their service.

Fisher’s First Responders Collection presents an ultimate choice for service professionals who frequently work in some of the most unusual conditions. Each pen in this collection is equipped with a medium point pressurized PR4 black ink cartridge. This cartridge provides its user with incredible reliability even underwater or in zero gravity, regardless of the angle. Additionally, the PR4 cartridge boasts consistent performance in extreme temperatures ranging from -30°F to 250°F. One-handed cap activation and 5.27-inch open length make these pens versatile and convenient at the same time.

The design of the First Responders Series pens makes them an attractive gift for any service professional. Based on the M4B Military Matte Black Cap-O-Matic Space Pen, all of these pens are marked with an imprinted line of six assorted colors reflecting six fields of service: gold (dispatchers), blue (law enforcement), red (fire), green (conservation), white (EMS), and orange (search and rescue). Additionally, Fisher Space Pen has been donating a portion of the proceeds from each pen to support service professionals, making the First Responders Series pens even more meaningful. Recipients of this support include First Responders Children’s Foundation, COPS (Concerns of Police Survivors), injured firefighters and their families, National Park Foundation, NAEMT (National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians) Foundation, and National Disaster Search Dog Foundation.

Personalization options such as engraving and gift wrapping are available at an additional cost. At $30 with a lifetime guarantee, the Fisher Space Pen First Responders Series would be an excellent choice, an affordable and meaningful way to honor anyone in the fields of service.

First Responder Matte Black Cap-O-Matic Space Pen Series Features:

• PR4 Black Ink Cartridge
• One hand activation
• 5.27 in. open length
• Writes in the temperature range of -30° F to 250° F
• Matte black finish.
• 6 Marked Line Colors: Gold (Dispatchers), Blue (Law Enforcement), Red (Fire), Green (Conservation), White (EMS), Orange (Search & Rescue).
• Packaged in a black shuttle gift box.
• engraving available
• MSRP: $30

Fisher Pen Company is a 75-year-old American manufacturer of pens, with the notable distinction of being the only pen used on every manned flight into space since Apollo 7 in 1968. While pressurized technology made it possible for astronauts to NASA write in space, it also provided all-weather, underwater, oil and grease, and -30 to +250 degrees Fahrenheit writing capabilities. These pens are the perfect tool for trade professionals, first responders, military, outdoor enthusiasts, hikers, backpackers, industrial manufacturers, underwater divers, and anyone who values ​​a pen that won’t fail.

For more information please visit
WWW.SPACEPEN.COM

NWTF and USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service Cooperative Forester Sid Munford highlights the importance of the agency’s Wetland Reserve Easement program and how it is having a landscape-scale conservation impact in the Natural State .

The Mississippi Alluvial Valley, a huge swath of land stretching from Ohio to the Gulf of Mexico, once supported 24 million acres of floodplain forest, swamp, marsh and riparian habitat. However, according to the US Fish and Wildlife Service, the area is now considered the most deforested region in the Southeast, with more than 75% of the forest lost to development.

To turn the tide on habitat loss, the NWTF continues its multi-year partnership with the Arkansas Fish and Game Commission and NRCS to return the Mississippi Alluvial Valley to its former glory in Arkansas. This work is made possible by a grant from the National Wildlife Foundation’s Lower Mississippi Alluvial Valley Restoration Fund.

The Wetlands Reserve Improvement Association facilitates essential work taking place on private land within the Mississippi Alluvial Valley in Arkansas. The WRE is a voluntary program through which NRCS enters into agreements with partners, in this case, the NWTF, to leverage resources to carry out the protection, restoration, and enhancement of high-priority wetlands and to improve the habitat of the wild life. The program is a component of the agency’s Agricultural Conservation Easement Program.

Since 2014, NRCS in Arkansas has enrolled and restored 278,000 acres of wetlands and lowland forests under the ACEP-WRE program. Sid Munford is the Cooperative Forester doing much of this critical work for the NWTF and NRCS.

“A lot of my job as an NWTF Cooperative Forester is working with private landowners and explaining how the WRE program can benefit their property for wildlife,” Munford said. “Most property owners I have worked with are interested in doing everything they can to attract and retain wild turkey populations on their property. I develop project plans to guide management activities and monitor the progress of field work to ensure best management practices are observed on our privately owned properties.”

As a Cooperative Forester for NWTF and NRCS, Munford performs a variety of duties, including:

• Development of reforestation design in WRE restoration projects.
• Coordination and monitoring of tree planting operations.
• Inspect older plantings to assess seedling survival.
• Marking timber harvests for habitat improvement.
• Evaluation of older plantations to determine management needs.
• Consult with landowners in the WRE program to help them meet management objectives.

The overall ecological value of the landscape is increased through this work and bridges the connectivity of a healthy ecosystem with public and private lands. For example, one of the main focuses of the WRE program is to strengthen the health of water and water systems in the Mississippi alluvial valley.

“As surface runoff water enters a property restored and managed through the WRE program, sediment accumulated on the site is retained by plant roots,” Munford said. “Up to 90% of the sediments in runoff can be removed if the water passes through wetlands, as well as removing contaminants in runoff, resulting in cleaner groundwater. It really shows what active management can achieve for ecosystem health.”

Another important component of the WRE program is the restoration of lowland hardwoods, where floodplain-adapted oaks and associated hardwoods are planted for their impact on water quality and wildlife habitat. Munford said the general rule of thumb is to plant at least 60% oak for hard pole production and 40% for soft seed to diversify habitat for as many wildlife species as possible. In Arkansas, reforestation efforts have been highly successful, restoring several thousand acres of lowland hardwood trees. This has a direct benefit in increasing wild turkey habitat.

“Existing wild turkey populations in the Mississippi alluvial valley are relegated to lowland tracts along major riparian corridors,” said Jeremy Wood, AGFC’s wild turkey program coordinator. “WRE has a significant focus on these areas, balancing mature-growth trees and early successional habitat, so as work progresses, there is great potential to increase available turkey habitat in the region through development. program. In addition, work through the WRE has the potential to improve habitat conditions for other species of concern, such as Swainson’s warbler, Bell’s vireo, and American woodcock.”

From explaining ecological importance to landowners to managing forests, work done through the WRE program is having a landscape-scale impact in the Mississippi Alluvial Valley in Arkansas, and landowners are noticing the difference.

“Owner feedback has been positive,” Munford said. “I have reports of increased deer activity in reduced stands and one property owner said more mallards entered some of the managed areas on his property to feed around the felled tree stacks in his stands flooded in more significant numbers. than in previous seasons. Creating grassy openings, open lanes, and encouraging mast production will help increase turkey populations in this region. If the turkeys find the resources they need, they will stay.”

Tigress Outriggers and Gear have two accessory options that offer safer and more practical options for cables, hoses or fenders for keen anglers or boat owners looking for the right accessories to make a day on the boat and time at the dock more easy. The Portable Cleats, Shore Power Cord Holder, and Come Aboard Handle were made with the passionate angler and everyday boater in mind, both of whom always need their tools of the trade at the ready, allowing them to make the most of every moment. in the water and avoid waste. Time to get ready or clean up for the day.

The portable cleats offered by Tigress are versatile and essential tools. Constructed from anodized aluminum, the portable cleats are designed to withstand harsh marine environments. They’re perfect for holding a fender to the sandbar, using it as an extra clamp to tie it down, or even holding the hose while washing the boat. The 36-foot portable clamp is ideal for transom sleepers, and its portability makes it ideal for travel. Plus, it fits standard 1-5/8″ rod holders, making it even more adaptable. When you need a secure tie-down point or reliable support for your cable and hose, count on Tigress’ portable clamps to get the job done.

Another notable accessory Tigress offers is the ground power cable holder, featuring a 15° bent stop design, perfect for holding a ground power cable or hose while cleaning your boat. Like portable cleats, this anodized aluminum holder fits standard 1-5/8″ rod holders and is easy to store and transport on the move. No more tangled cords or struggling to keep the hose in place while you scrub, and no more worrying about the power cord dangling in the water. Cleaning your boat can be much more efficient and working inside your boat can be much safer with the Shore Power Cord Holder.

Another Tigress must-have is the Come Aboard handle, which allows you to safely get on and off the boat. The handle is made from anodized 6061 aluminum with finger molded aluminum handles for a comfortable grip and fits into standard 1 5/8″ rod holders with a gimbaled butt to lock securely into the rod holder. The Come Aboard Handle is a perfect addition to increase safety and ease for the next day of boating.

Portable cleats, shore power cord holder and Come Aboard handle offer unique capabilities that keep cables, fenders and hoses more secure and organized. Tigress Outriggers and Gear aims to make days on the water easier with their boating and fishing accessories. Check out all the accessory options before your next big day on the water.

Since our inception, our mission has been to raise the bar for innovation, quality, ease of use and convenience in the products we offer to the saltwater sport fishing enthusiast.

All aluminum stabilizers are made from cold drawn aluminum for maximum strength and durability. We then use a state-of-the-art anodizing process to protect them and enhance the color. Each accessory is built with the highest quality materials to provide maximum service and life. Tigress uses only 300 series stainless steel or 316 stainless steel in every rod holder and stabilizer mount.

We continue to expand our offering of fine goods and accessories, making the Tigress product line of stabilizers and equipment the standard of quality and excellence.

For more information please visit
WWW.TIGRESSOUTRIGGERS.COM

Bow Spider, the fastest and easiest bow retrieve system on the market, is pleased to announce that the popular Bow Spider pink disc is now available and ships. Originally released in April 2021 as a limited run, the pink disc quickly gained popularity. Unfortunately, it quickly sold out, and due to supply chain issues, the company was unable to continue producing it. All issues have now been resolved and pink is back in stock.

Adding the pink disc back to the line is an ongoing effort to meet customer requests. “We continually get orders and requests for the pink disc,” said David Merrill, president and owner. “We listen to our customers and we want to make sure they are happy.”

Currently in stock and shipping, the complete Bow Spider Packing System retails for $89.95 and a single receiver or receiver 2-pack retails for $34.99 and $59.95 respectively. The Bow Spider is also available in black, tan, and green. Additional colors will be added to the lineup in the coming months. Be sure to visit the website regularly at www.bowspider.com for the latest news.

The Bow Spider concept is simple and revolves around a rounded, lightweight arch support that comes with a sturdy belt and long studs, allowing for multiple ways to secure your bow. An aluminum arm attaches to the bow riser and slides into a slot on the lightweight injection-molded receiver, which can be worn on the included belt or attached via long bolts to other objects. The bow is held firmly in place via a gravity locking system, yet slides out with minimal effort. You have to pull it out or flip it over to get the bow out. Use the belt to attach your bow to your pack, hip, truck headrest, blind, or tree. Bow Spider can also be easily attached to a binocular harness or backpack. In fact, it can be mounted to any sturdy flat surface for easy and safe storage, even on a wall.

To order your pink Bow Spider now click here. You’ll want to get your pink Bow Spider while you can. This is a limited run and won’t be around forever.

About Recreational Archery Development LLC (RAD, LLC):
Founded in 2019 and headquartered in Kinnear, WY, RAD, LLC is a leading designer and manufacturer of innovative products for the outdoor industry, including the Bow Spider brand of products. The Bow Spider’s intuitive design makes bow retrieval quick and easy in any situation. The product is proudly made in the USA and dedicates one percent of all sales to conservation. The company is also offering veterans a 15 percent discount on all products. (To take advantage of this offer, orders must be called directly to the company at 307-438-9290.) For additional information about RAD, LLC and the Bow Spider brand of products, write to: RAD, LLC, PO Box 171 , Kinnear, WY 82516; call 307-438-9290; email [email protected]; visit www.bowspider.com.

Some homeowners prefer a shotgun or carbine as a home defense weapon. These long guns provide added peace of mind at night, but require larger storage containers than pistols. SnapSafe offers the solution. Under-bed safes keep larger firearms, ammunition and other valuables safe, allowing for quick and convenient slide-out access when needed.

Three sizes of SnapSafe underbed safes offer secure storage in the right size and feature a slide-out drawer for easy access to safe contents. All models have a slim profile for mounting under a bed frame. The large and XXL models are wide enough to accommodate most defense shotguns and carbines. The medium safe is best suited for handguns or other valuables such as jewelry, documents, data backup hard drives, and extra ammunition.

The digital lock on all under-bed safes uses a user-programmable three- to eight-digit access code. The safes are opened with a button pad or a backup key. The ability to set multiple safes to the same code means there is only one number to remember; This feature guarantees quick access in a stressful situation!

The under-bed safe’s pry-resistant door and heavy-duty 14-gauge steel construction lock out unauthorized users. For added security and to prevent safe theft, all under bed safes come pre-drilled for permanent installation or anchored with heavy duty cable, opening up the possibility of mounting an under bed safe inside a vehicle.

Under Bed Safe Features:

• Available in three sizes: medium, large, XXL
• Slide-out drawer accommodates firearms, jewelry, documents and more
• Digital key backup padlock can be programmed with a 3-8 digit access code
• Pry resistant door prevents children and unauthorized users from gaining access
• 14 gauge steel construction, with pre-drilled holes for permanent installation
• Robust 5-foot cable provides added security when anchored to a stationary object

Medium Under Bed Safe Specifications:

• Exterior: 26″W x 5″H x 20″D
• Weight: 51 pounds
• MSRP: $481.99

Large Specifications Under Bed Safe:

• Exterior: 40″ wide x 6″ high x 22″ deep
• Weight: 105 pounds
• MSRP: $596.99

Specifications of the XXL under bed safe:

• Exterior: 48″W x 7”H x 24”D
• Weight: 150 pounds
• MSRP: $665.99

SnapSafe® is owned by Hornady® Manufacturing, a third-generation family-owned business that has been designing, machining, and producing bullets, ammunition, reloading products, and safety products since 1949. For more information on Hornady® or SnapSafe®, visit their websites. : hornady.com and snapsafe.com.

For more information please visit
www.snapsafe.es

Tickets for the Nashville Open Season Inaugural Athlete Expo presented by Progressive® Insurance at the Fairgrounds Nashville, August 4-6, are Half price, only $5when purchased in advance online through August 3.

Tickets for the day of the show (August 4-6) will be $10 on site and online. Children under 12 years old enter free. Tickets can be purchased online at openseasonsportsmanexpo.com.

The Nashville Open Season Sportsman’s Expo, presented by Progressive, will be filled with the latest products, gear and equipment for hunting, fishing and outdoor enthusiasts. Attendees can meet industry personalities and celebrities, attend educational seminars and demos, try out the newest products, and shop for show-only specials.

Open Season Sportsman’s Expo events introduce new products and learning experiences for hunting, fishing and outdoor enthusiasts. The Expo series features everything from archery trials to archery tricks and much more. Open Season Sportsman Expo Series events provide the unique opportunity to meet and learn from the most knowledgeable experts in the outdoor industry.

Exhibits, attractions and entertainment information for the Nashville Open Season Sports Expo presented by Progressive will be announced soon.

Every attendee who purchases a ticket is eligible to enter to win Expo ticket prizes by scanning QR codes throughout the venue. The Door Prize Contest is sponsored by KUIU and Moultrie Mobile.

For more information on the Nashville Open Season Sportsman’s Expo presented by Progressive, as well as to purchase half-price tickets in advance, visit OpenSeasonSportsmansExpo.com.