Author: Adam Back

The NWTF Missouri State Chapter is working with the US Fish and Wildlife Service to increase wildlife habitat and overall ecosystem health at Big Muddy National Fish and Wildlife Refuge.

Nicknamed Big Muddy due to its murky, silt-laden waters, the lower Missouri River is the largest free-flowing river in the country. It encompasses about 1.5 million acres of essential lowland habitat for many species of plants and wildlife, including wild turkeys.

The FWS established a nearly 30,000-acre refuge around the river in 1994 after the “Great Flood of 1993,” one of the most devastating in the nation’s history.

Shortly after the refuge was instituted, the FWS enacted a plan to restore and conserve the area’s unique riparian habitats, seasonal wetlands, lowland forests, and native floodplain grasslands devastated by the flood. For nearly three decades, the FWS has continuously achieved conservation goals that have returned the area to its former glory.

However, the refuge recently acquired 510 acres of private land that needed some work to transform it back to its native habitat type.

Through collaboration with NWTF, Pheasants/Quail Forever, and the Army Corps of Engineers, work is underway to revitalize this newly acquired parcel to a diverse mix of floodplain prairie habitat.

The NWTF’s Missouri State Chapter allocated $12,000 from its Super Fund to help purchase a mix of native grasses and wildflowers, which were planted earlier this year.

“The seed planting will restore the 510 acres of critical prairie habitat and bolster overall ecosystem value,” said John Burk, NWTF district biologist for Missouri, Iowa and Illinois. “Recent research data tells us that one of the most important reasons for our turkey decline is a significant decline in poult survival from what it had been when we were setting harvest records every year nearly 20 years ago.

The most efficient and effective way to improve poult survival is to improve the quantity and quality of early brood habitat; this project does exactly that and on a significant scale. However, the project goes beyond game species. It benefits declining pollinators and grassland-dependent bird species such as the eastern skylark and dickcissels. It really encompasses everything.”

After the wildflowers and native grasses are established, the 510 areas will be managed in perpetuity, specifically through the Big Muddy National Wildlife Refuge Prescribed Fire Program.

This work complements the refuge’s goal of restoring and maintaining 5,200 acres of high-quality prairie habitat over the next 15 years.

In addition, the 510 acres affected by this prairie restoration project will be open to outdoor recreation opportunities, including hunting.

“This project really shows what NWTF is all about,” Burk said. “Improving wild turkey habitat and increasing hunting opportunities, while benefiting many other species and improving the overall health of the ecological community. Healthy habitats equal healthy crops.”

Introducing the best-fitting, highest-functioning turkey vest for women hunters looking to catch birds this spring.

Madison, Wisconsin – DSG Outerwear, the leading maker of the most technical, performance, and size-inclusive outdoor and hunting apparel for women, is proud to announce the launch of its new 2023 DSG Turkey Vest, designed exclusively for avid hunters. of turkeys. The new vest has been meticulously crafted, packed with advanced features that will help hunters catch more birds this spring.

“Our team has worked hard to create a functional and comfortable vest, and we have no doubt this vest will make an excellent companion for spring turkey hunting,” said Wendy Gavinski, president of DSG Outerwear. “With a host of hunting-friendly features and adjustable sizing, this vest raises the bar for turkey hunters,” she added.

The DSG Turkey Vest boasts an impressive range of features to ensure a comfortable and successful hunt. The vest is one size fits all, with adjustable shoulder straps and buckles to accommodate different sizes. The vest is equipped with a mesh double-mouth call holder, two large pockets with magnetic closures, and two large pockets with a mesh divider and zipper closure, providing ample storage space for all your essential hunting gear. . The DSG Turkey Vest also features a lure/game pouch on the back, removable orange safety flag, six shotgun shell holder, individual slate call pocket (2), snare call holder, and two interior pockets large mesh with Velcro® closure.

In addition, the vest comes with a removable buckled padded seat for added comfort during long hunting sessions. With all of these convenient items built in, hunters can spend more time focusing on outwitting those gobblers, knowing that their gear will be highly comfortable and functional every step of the way.

The DSG Turkey Vest comes in Realtree Edge® Camo, a highly effective and versatile camouflage pattern that blends seamlessly with the natural environment. The DSG Turkey Vest has an MSRP of $119.99 and is now available for pre-order on the DSG Outerwear website.

About DSG Outerwear
DSG Outerwear was conceived in 2010 by Wendy Gavinski after many years of personal frustration with the limited selection of women’s outerwear for active outdoor lifestyles. The goal: to create a line of clothing and gear that meets the need for a functional, feminine fit, including plus sizes. The company produces a wide range of clothing options for hunting, fishing, ice fishing, and snowmobiling. DSG Outerwear uses the highest quality materials and components built by designers and production specialists with over 40 years of experience manufacturing quality outerwear. The company produces everything from highly functional performance outerwear to insulated jackets, bibs, pants, footwear and accessories that are perfect for all types of outdoor activities, even in the coldest climates. Women’s outerwear designed by women to fit women of all shapes and sizes and built to perform. Learn more at www.DSGOuterwear.com.

Deer scoring and a deer trophy contest presented by Busch Light in association with Deer Mounts of America will once again be part of the Wisconsin Open Season Sportsman’s Expo presented by Progressive Insurance® and Can-Am, 24-26 March at Kalahari Resorts & Conventions in the Wisconsin Dells.

The Wisconsin Buck & Bear Club will be there Friday, Saturday and Sunday to receive and score deer. The scoring system used will be Boone & Crocket. Prizes for the Deer Contest Trophy will be awarded on Sunday afternoon.

“The Deer Trophy Contest is always a highlight of the Wisconsin Expo,” said Brandon Censky, Director of Sales for the Open Season Sportsman’s Expo. “The Buck & Bear Club of Wisconsin provides top-notch measurement and scoring and is a pleasure to work with. Each year the entrants raise the bar and we can’t wait to see what’s on display this time around.”

Attendees who bring in a trophy deer for scoring in the Trophy Deer Contest presented by Busch Light in association with Deer Mounts of America will receive their deer’s official score, be able to display it and compete for a prize. For complete information on the Wisconsin Open Season Sportsman’s Expo Deer Scoring and Trophy Deer Contest, CLICK HERE.

Deer Scoring Hours:
Friday, March 24 – 2:00 pm to 7:00 pm
Saturday, March 25 – 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Sunday March 26 – 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

For more information on the Wisconsin Open Season Sportsman’s Expo presented by Progressive and Can-Am, as well as to purchase advance tickets online, visit openseasonsportsmansexpo.com.

The Wisconsin Open Season Sportsman’s Expo is presented by Progressive and Can-Am and sponsored by Busch Light, Deer Mounts of America, I-39 Supply, Wisconsin RV World, Toys for Trucks, Mad City Windows & Baths, All-American Gutter Protection as well as KUIU and Moultrie Mobile, the official sponsors of the Expo Gate Award.

EDGEFIELD, SC — On March 1, the NWTF received a commendation from Georgia Governor Brian Kemp, celebrating the federation’s 50th anniversary and its dedication to wild turkey conservation and preserving our hunting heritage.

“We are extremely proud to be recognized by Georgia Governor Brian Kemp for our past 50 years of wild turkey conservation and hunting heritage,” said NWTF District Biologist Ricky Lackey. “We have a long history of conserving wild turkey in the great state of Georgia, and we are honored to be recognized by Governor Kemp.”

The eulogy details the impact of the NWTF mission:

“…WHEREAS, the National Wild Turkey Federation has invested more than half a billion dollars to conserve or enhance more than 22 million acres of critical wildlife habitat, forests, and grasslands on public and private lands since 1985, and more $8.5 million in research to ensure future healthy wild turkey populations; and

WHEREAS, the National Wild Turkey Federation is the largest and longest-serving non-governmental management partner of the USDA Forest Service, conserving habitat on National Forest System Lands for more than 40 years and participating in the development and implementation of the USDA Wildfire Crisis Strategy; now

THEREFORE, I, BRIAN P. KEMP, Governor of the State of Georgia, do hereby congratulate and celebrate 50 years of the National Wild Turkey Federation.^he Anniversary.”

The full eulogy can be found here.

“As a lifelong hunter, landowner and huge supporter of the NWTF, I was honored to recognize 50 years of the NWTF^he Anniversary on the floor of the Georgia House of Representatives,” said GA State Rep. Chas Cannon. “I am a firm believer in the NWTF’s core mission: to conserve the wild turkey and preserve our hunting heritage. Although I may be serving as a state representative under the Golden Dome in Atlanta, my favorite place to be is in the pine forests of South Georgia. I congratulate the NWTF on their 50 years of success and encourage them to continue their mission to conserve our game birds and preserve our hunting heritage.”

The NWTF policy team and its volunteer leadership are 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.

Federal Ammunition congratulates sponsored shooter Paul Giambrone on his outstanding performance at the 2023 Triple J Classic held at the National Shooting Complex in San Antonio, TX, March 9-12, 2023.

The four-day competition is considered the launch event of the National Skeet Shooting Association and draws hundreds of expert shooters to compete for the first grand prize of the season. Giambrone won the doubles, 20-gauge and 28-gauge events, finishing second in the High Over All, and claimed the High All Around title with a combined 498 of 500 targets.

“Paul had a phenomenal weekend,” says Mike Hampton Sr, Team Federal Shooting Manager. “His performance of him and the Federal ammunition he has with him shows the solidity of the Federal team. It’s not often that a competitor starts a year by winning multiple events culminating in impressive HAA and HOA results,” says Hampton.

Giambrone, who came to competition with limited practice after his family moved to Utah, said his wife and children inspired him to return to his high competition standards. “They each sent me a good luck charm before they left for Texas,” Giambrone says. “We just moved into our new home in Utah after living in an RV for nine months and attending a focus tournament was extremely helpful in simplifying life,” says the Federal team member.

Giambrone relies on Federal’s Top Gun target loads in 20, 28 and .410 on #9 shot for reliable performance and shot-to-shot consistency.

Federal ammunition can be found at dealers across the country. For more information on federal ammunition or to purchase online, visit www.federalpremium.com.

Jacksonville, Florida- safariland^®a brand of the Safariland Group^®, a leading global provider of security products designed for the public safety, military, professional and outdoor markets and one of the key brands of Cadre Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: CDRE) (“Cadre”) recently launched the upcoming evolution of duty rated retention holsters. The new SafariVault™ sleeve is the strongest sleeve body Safariland has ever produced. Offering the most customizable design for use with optics and lights, SafariVault is now available for purchase for Glock and Shadow Systems fits.

“We are thrilled to meet the needs of our law enforcement partners with the new SafariVault,” said Eric Gasvoda, Duty Gear General Manager for Safariland. “SafariVault offers uncompromising strength and incorporates the adaptability necessary for use with an ever-expanding variety of lights and optics, without sacrificing top performance.”

SafariVault’s design reduces flex and increases crush resistance to protect the ALS™ mechanism. Internal locking components protect security devices from impact and the elements. The holster’s new self-cleaning optics cover accommodates closed and open emitter pistol optics. The open-muzzle design provides clearance for threaded or compensating barrels, allowing debris and brass to pass through. Adding to the SafariVault repertoire, a magnetic stabilization mechanism aids in reholstering and trigger guard stabilizations stop movement of the firearm once secured.

Key features include:

• Compatible with Safariland 3-hole pattern accessories
• Increased structural integrity throughout the holster.
• Improved ALS™ design and more prominent toggle button
• Magnetic Slide Guide System
• Minimal learning curve for those with Safariland skin experience
• MSRP: $190.00
• Pass through muzzle design without muzzle plug
• Self-cleaning optical cover
• Internal stabilization and retention for firearms with and without lights

Fits currently available include the Glock 17, 19, 45, and 47, as well as the Shadow Systems MR920(L), DR920(L,P), and XR920 with TL7 light. Great light options for the Glock along with options for the Sig P320 and P320C X-frame and standard frames coming soon. To purchase and learn more about this new family of protective cases and how Safariland is committed to building lifesaving gear, visit Safariland.com.

About Safariland Group

Safariland Group is a leading global provider of a wide range of safety and survival products designed for the public safety, military, professional and outdoor markets. Safariland Group offers a number of well-known brands in these markets, including Safariland^® Armor, service equipment and communications, Bianchi^®Release^®hatch^®, Med-Ing^®identifier^® and nik^®. Safariland Group’s mission, “Together, we save lives^®”, is inherent to the rescue and protection products that it offers. The Safariland Group is headquartered in Jacksonville, Florida. Safariland Group is a trading name of Safariland, LLC.

For more information on The Safariland Group and these products, please visit www.safariland.com.

Salt Lake City, UT—Easton, an industry leader in innovative archery equipment for 100 years, introduces the BowTruk Generation II Roll-Up Bow Cases. The BowTruk 2023 has all the innovative features of its predecessor, but now comes with even more durability, easier access to interior pockets, and is available in three sizes to accommodate virtually any bow.

Enhancements for 2023 include a fully TPU-coated outer fabric for the ultimate in wear and scuff resistance. The arrow and accessory compartments are now fully accessible from the outside, making access to gear a breeze and without having to open the main compartment. BowTruk now comes in three sizes: 47-, 40-, and 36-inch configurations to offer the perfect solution for any archer’s needs.

The BowTruk case concept was designed from the ground up with innovative functionality to conveniently secure bows, arrows and archery gear. BowTruk models have a full-size main bow compartment built for full-size compound and recurve bows and is roomy enough for additional clothing and accessories. A double seatbelt system securely anchors the bows, three internal pockets keep gear organized.

BowTruk’s hybrid hard/soft shell offers 360-degree contents protection, allowing equipment to stay safe during handling and airline transport. The boxes roll easily on heavy-duty ball-bearing wheels. A convenient “tow hitch” strap allows attachment of a duffel bag for one-handed wheeled mobility.

The outer shell is made of the most durable TPU-coated 1680D ballistic nylon available. This material was originally developed for military body armor and offers the best abrasion and tear resistance. It incorporates a reliable YKK woven main zipper that is far superior to conventional sewn zippers.

• 1680D Type 6.6 Ballistic Nylon outer shell
• Dimensions:
  • 47” x 16” x 9” (model 4716)
  • 40” x 17” x 9” (model 4017)
  • 36” x 16” x 9” (model 3616)
• Three compartments for accessories and arrows accessible from the inside and outside
• Dense 360 ​​degree outer padding
• Bow anchor system with repositionable velcro
• Colour: dark gray

MSRP: $462⁹⁹

For more information, visit www.eastonarchery.com.

The Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies is pleased to see the National Fish Habitat Partnership program help provide more than $39.2 million to support 95 fish habitat conservation projects in 24 states. Collaborative partnerships between state fish and wildlife agencies, the US Fish and Wildlife Service, Tribes non-governmental organizations, and other partners are key to implementing these priority conservation projects.

“These partnerships strengthen and advance locally led conservation efforts to protect, restore and enhance the nation’s fish and aquatic communities,” said Curt Melcher, director of the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife and president of the Association of Oregon Agencies. of Fish and Wildlife. “The Association is pleased to be one of many partners coordinating to conserve and address the nation’s greatest fish habitat challenges.”

“Conservation is a team sport, and no program represents that as well as the National Fish Habitat Association and our network of associations across the country,” said Robert Boyles, director of the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources. and president of the National Fish Habitat Association. Board. “Our nation’s rivers and bodies of water connect us, and NFHP projects take steps to directly improve aquatic resources and fish stocks for all. Implementation of these projects announced today is critical to meeting our goals to protect, restore, and enhance fish habitat.”

See the full list of projects here.

Since 2006, the USFWS has provided more than $56.5 million to conservation projects that were leveraged at a 4:1 ratio to provide more than $292.7 million in financial support for fish habitat conservation projects that improve opportunities recreational and angling throughout the country. NFHP brings together the collective experience of federal, state, and nongovernmental organizations to identify and prioritize conservation work to achieve significant benefits for fish and other aquatic resources for the American people.

About the National Fish Habitat Association:

Since 2006, NFHP has supported 1,378 projects that benefit fish habitats in all 50 states. This effort works to conserve fish habitat across the country, leveraging federal, state, tribal, and private funding resources to achieve the greatest effect on fish populations through priority conservation projects from 20 California Habitat Associations. regionally based fish. In 2020, the NFHP was recognized by Congress as part of the American Conservation Improvement Act (ACE). NFHP guidance and policies are developed in conjunction with our associations and the National Fish Habitat Board. For more information, visit: https://fishhabitat.org/

AFWA and the National Fish Habitat Partnership Program:
The National Fish Habitat Action Plan is an unprecedented attempt to address an invisible crisis for fish across the country: the loss and degradation of their aquatic homes. The plan was born in 2001 when an ad hoc group supported by the Sport Fishing and Boating Partnership Council explored the notion of developing a partnership effort for fish on the scale of what was done for waterfowl in the 1980s through of the North American Waterfowl Management Plan. The waterfowl plan has done wonders over the past two decades to increase waterfowl populations by building strong local and regional partnerships to protect key habitats. AFWA supports staffing for the National Fish Habitat Association and plays a key role on the Board’s Executive Leadership Team. The National Fish Habitat Board is also made up of members from state and regional AFWA associations.

The Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies— the organization representing North America’s fish and wildlife agencies — promotes sound resource management and conservation, and speaks out on important fish and wildlife issues. Found on the web at www.fishwildlife.orgOn Facebook /Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies and on twitter @fishwildlife.

From the rod to the fly and everything in between, there are several components to a fly fishing rig, and the weight of your fly line is one of them.

The weight of the fly line is important because it determines what you catch and the success of your casts. However, fly lines come in various weights and beginners do not always understand the nuances of choosing the appropriate weight.

You cannot cast correctly with the wrong weight fly line. Wild Water Fly Fishing is here to break down everything you need to know about fly line weight. Let us begin!

FLY LINE AND ROD WEIGHT

Each fly rod is designed to work best with a specific weight fly line. Each rod target will specify the weight line with which the rod performs best. Our most popular rod, the AX56-090-4, specifies a 5/6 line thickness on the blank. Since the line weight needs to match the rod specs, you’ll want to use a 5 or 6 weight line on the AX56-090-4 rod.

WHY DOES THE WEIGHT OF THE FLY LINE DETERMINE THE FISH YOU CATCH?

Your fly line weight should also align with the size and type of fly you use, because ultimately your fly determines the fish you catch and the rod you use. In other words, the weight of your fly line and the type and size of your fly should work in harmony to optimize your cast and help you catch the fish you’re after.

Let’s say you’re targeting big trout, which will require a big streamer. With the large streamer, a heavier fly line will give you more control of your cast. On the other hand, a lighter fly line would make it difficult to cast large, heavy flies. The weight of a fly line carries the fly. The bigger the fly, the more weight you will need to cast at the fish.

On the other hand, if you’re targeting smaller fish with a small, delicate fly, a lighter fly line will improve casting and presentation and land smoothly on the water (unlike a heavier fly line, which would crash against the water and potentially scare off fish). If you are fishing clear, shallow water, smaller line weights are better for less disturbance to the water surface.

WHAT IS THE BEST LINE WEIGHT FOR BEGINNERS?

At Wild Water Fly Fishing, we introduce new anglers to a 5/6 Fly Fishing Starter Pack that features a reel with WF-5 fly line. This outfit is perfect for fishing for small trout, bass, or panfish.

If you only fish small streams, we recommend a 7′ rod with a 3/4 weight. This package features one reel with one WF-3 line.

FLY LINE WEIGHT: THE BASICS

The lines range from 00 to 12 in weight. The higher the number, the heavier the line. Lines between 3 and 10 weight are the most common.

A general rule: Use a clear line when you want a delicate presentation. Light lines avoid disturbing the surface of the water and have a better chance of not spooking the fish.

Heavier fly lines have larger numbers, which are necessary to catch bigger, more powerful fish in larger bodies of water, including saltwater, with heavy or bulky streamers and flies. Heavy fly lines are best for longer casts and larger flies.

Below we’ll break down fly line weights and describe the type of fish you can target with each one.

FLY LINE WEIGHT 00-4: PAFISH AND SMALL TROUT

Panfish and small trout are the main fish you can target with fly line weights between 3 and 5. Generally, fishing with fly line weights of 3 to 5 is best in small, gentle streams. As you progress up to 5/6 fly line weights, you can start targeting medium sized trout in small to medium range streams.

FLY LINE WEIGHT 5 AND 6: MEDIUM TROUT AND SMALL BASS

If you are a beginner, it is recommended to start with a system of 5 or 6 weights. Casting short casts with light equipment can be challenging for beginners, so the 5 weight is the sweet spot for catching small fish as you get used to casting.

As you gain more experience, you can graduate to a 5 or 6 fly line weight. These are considered everyone’s fly line weights and are ideal for casting in faster moving bodies of water.

You can fish for virtually any size trout with a 5 or 6 weight fly line. If you are looking for large trout, it is recommended to choose a heavier 6 weight line. You can also target small and medium basses.

FLY LINE WEIGHT 7 AND 8: FISHING FOR BIG BASS, SALMON AND SALTWATER

Once you start moving into more powerful bodies of water, like the ocean, you’ll need a heavier fly line. A 7 or 8 fly line weight will help you target large bass and large trout. Fly line weights of 8 or higher will help you target large salmon, large rainbow trout, and saltwater power fish.

HAVE QUESTIONS ABOUT FLY FISHING?

Getting familiar with fly line weight is a process and does not happen overnight. But don’t worry, as you practice more and gain confidence in your throwing skills, it will all start to make sense to you!

VISIT www.wildwaterflyfishing TO LEARN MORE TIPS AND TRICKS!

About Wild Water Fly Fishing

Wild Water Fly Fishing represents a dedication to bringing friends and family together by providing them with everything they will need to prepare for a trip to the lake. Whether you are a parent or grandparent wanting to nurture a child’s interest in fly fishing, Wild Water offers the best tools to make your fly fishing trip an unforgettable experience. Wild Water Fly Fishing is the only company that focuses exclusively on affordable and easy to use fly fishing starter packs for all species of fish.