Author: Adam Back

Champion’s Collection was an obvious naming choice when Hobie® Eyewear teamed with two-time Bassmaster Classic Champion Hank Cherry to create an exclusive series of premium fishing sunglasses. The bass fishing world got its first look at Hank Cherry Champion’s Collection at last year’s Bassmaster’s Classic. Following an immensely successful year, Hobie® Eyewear will reveal an expansion of the Champion’s Collection at this year’s Classic in Knoxville, Tennessee.

With the expansion, anglers now have a choice of gray with cobalt blue mirror lenses on the Hank Cherry Bluefin Float and Mojo Float styles, in addition to the original copper with sea green mirror lenses and Sightmaster™ Plus. Gray with Cobalt Blue Mirror Lenses combines the versatility of gray with maximum protection in ultra-bright conditions thanks to the cobalt blue mirror finish.

Making Champion’s Collection sunglasses available in three premium polarized lens colors allows anglers to select the lens that best suits their preferred fishing style. All three are also suitable for daily use. Winning back-to-back Bassmaster Classic titles in 2020 and 2021, Cherry has been amazed at the durability and comfort of Champion’s Collection sunglasses and how well they allow her to see what she needs below the surface. He appreciates its value, too, with a retail price of just $109.99.

Hobie® designed the Champion Collection with Cherry’s style and performance expectations in mind and chose two lightweight floater styles to fit him. All Hank Cherry Champion’s Collection sunglasses feature Cherry’s trademark colors of black and red and feature his signature and logo.

Hobie® Eyewear will be showcasing the entire Hank Cherry Champion’s Collection series at the 2023 Bassmaster Classic Outdoors Expo in Knoxville March 24-26.

Since 1982, Hobie® Eyewear has made being on the water easier and more enjoyable. – to pioneer a better, clearer, more accurate kind of vision. Fusing expertly crafted designs with premium polarization, durability, and innovative technologies has been instrumental, following in the footsteps of visionary creator Hobie Alter. Hobie’s growing catalog of products includes the Ultralight Floating Collection, HydroClean™ Repellent Lens Coatings and Quick Change Lenses to meet the needs of all outdoor enthusiasts. Learn more at www.hobieeyewear.es and continue your adventure in Facebook, instagram and Youtube at @HobieEyewear.

For more information please visit
WWW.HOBIEEYEWEAR.COM

South Carolina-based Huk Performance Fishing partners with Yee-Haw Brewing Company. to host “Huk Headquarters” at the brewery during the Knoxville Bassmaster Classic. Join the Huk team every night during the Classic at Yee-Haw’s newest tavern, located in North Knoxville, and mark your calendars for Saturday night when Huk hosts a special Happy Hour.

Huk Happy Hour on Saturday March 25 is open to the public and everyone is welcome to join in on the fun. To make the event more enjoyable, every purchase made at the Huk booth during the Classic Expo will include a coupon for a free drink at Yee-Haw Brewing Co. Celebrate the biggest event in bass fishing and enjoy a drink! with us!

The Huk Happy Hour will feature live music by Olivia Faye and Taylor Smith starting at 7 pm Come see Hannah Barron and Cliff Crochet as they host the event all night long. Drink coupons will be good for Huk Lager, a unique Yee-Haw beer available only for this event, or Huk signature cocktails, and Yee-Haw staff members will be sporting special Huk Lager T-shirts. Appetizers and snacks will be available to the public which will begin when the music starts. Join the fun and test your knowledge with Bassmaster Trivia for a chance to win some cool Huk swag. Come join the fun; there will be giveaways, a photo booth and much more.

Yee-Haw Brewing Co. is already one of Knoxville’s most celebrated breweries, and this week will be no exception. The entire tavern and beer garden will be transformed into the Huk headquarters for the week. Throughout the tournament, Yee-Haw Brewing Co. will broadcast the Bassmaster livestream inside and out, beginning daily at noon and throughout the weigh-in process. The open-air movie theater-sized TV is one of the largest in the area.

Join the Huk team at Yee-Haw Brewing Co. as we cheer on our anglers: Drew Benton, Lee Livesay, Tyler Rivet, Brock Mosley, Jacob Prowroznik and Luke Palmer. When you see the Huk-wrapped boat below the big TV screen, you know you’re in the right place.

About Marolina Outdoor Inc.

Marolina Outdoor Inc. was founded to provide a deeply rooted product experience across all outdoor categories. Our innovative designs and technology-focused products create the foundation for our authentic outdoor apparel. Huk clothing represents a fresh take on and unique understanding of the needs of fishing, offering functional styles that appeal to anglers of all ages. NOMAD is motivated to provide quality clothing so hunters can maximize their hunting experiences and provide sustenance regardless of the size of the game or where their activities take them.

About Yee-Haw Brewing

Founded in 2015, Yee-Haw Brewing Co. began in a historic railroad depot built in the late 1800s in Johnson City, TN. Quickly growing from a startup to one of the fastest growing craft breweries in the Southeast, Yee-Haw Brewing currently has taprooms in Johnson City, TN, Pigeon Forge, TN, Gatlinburg, TN, Nashville, TN ( a shared campus with Ole Smoky Moonshine), Greenville, SC and now Knoxville, TN.

Yee-Haw is a multi-award winning brewery from state and national beer championships. Built on a strong foundation of core brews and rotating seasonal brews, each location features experienced on-site brewers who develop specialty craft beers that reflect their local markets.

Yee-Haw Brewing is about more than beer, it’s about creating an environment for good times with good people. Yee-Haw’s focus is to create a space where communities have a place to come together and make memories with family and friends, old and new.

For more information please visit
WWW.HUKGEAR.COM

ChatterBait® JackHammer™ Secures Victory for Z-Man® Bass Ace Bryan Thrift

Two years before Bryan Thrift won the first professional bass tournament of his career with an Original ChatterBait® bladed jig, he had already been quietly testing the lure that would eventually help him ascend to hothead angler status, just as he would soon ignite. epic sea bass bites. for thousands of anglers across the United States. Now, well into the era of catch-and-release competition, Thrift has won perhaps the biggest game of the season, adding another $300,000 to his bank account, thanks in no small part to the same “out of the box” lure category. wall” that hung under the radar, all those years ago.

While practicing for the 2023 Major League Fishing REDCREST (aka Bass Pro Tour Championship) in Lake Norman, North Carolina, Thrift had located a sizable bag of largemouth bass in a dark ditch in the arm of a creek. “That last day of practice, I ran upriver, found that ditch, and quickly got 7 or 8 bites out of a Big Blade™ ChatterBait®,” recalls the Shelby, North Carolina-based Z-Man pro.

“Instinctively, I felt this was an area I would return to later in the tournament, a place where I could capture a quick bass cap, if need be,” Thrift said, referring to his eventual game-winning placement. Later on the fourth day, while struggling to draw bites on a hook, Thrift returned to his “back pocket” bass hole, only to discover rapidly changing conditions.

“It turned out that the water level had started to drop, which helped clear things up around the ditch area. While the outstanding flash and vibration of the Big Blade ChatterBait had previously produced so exceptionally well in dirty water, I knew that clearer conditions called for a more subtle, yet similar presentation.”

Matching the lure to the conditions, Thrift switched to a ½-ounce Z-Man ChatterBait® JackHammer™ Blob Remover pattern. “In 25 minutes, he had caught 13 pounds on the JackHammer. I started thinking, okay, I might have a real chance to win this.”

On the fifth and final day, Thrift returned to his spot on the river, employing the same tarpon-emulating ChatterBait and a split-tail trailer. “About 1 o’clock, I ran right into the same ditch and in 20 minutes of slow towing the JackHammer, I had six largemouth bass and another 13 pounds in the boat.” Weighing Alton Jones Jr. by more than four pounds, Thrift would soon lift his second major championship trophy (he won the FLW Cup in 2019), winning REDCREST with a total of 46 pounds, 12 ounces.

Early in the tournament at his home lake, Thrift struggled and barely made it to the knockout round, placing 19th.^he after the first two days of fishing. As he narrowed the focus on his ChatterBait pattern, the Thrift clue began to materialize. He led the knockout rounds (Days 3 and 4) before finishing strong with a masterful blade jig performance.

Showing impressive versatility with the JackHammer, Thrift traversed 6- to 10-foot ditch ledges lined with rock and stumps. “It was sort of the opposite of burning a ChatterBait through shallow cover,” she noted. “The water up there was pretty cold, 50-50 degrees. So, I was really dragging the lure slowly, dragging and grinding along the bottom fast enough to keep the hex blade hitting and whipping, creating that powerful, proven ChatterBait vibration.

“I don’t know if people realize, but there’s so much more you can do with all the different Z-Man ChatterBaits, because from the start, they’ve been smartly designed and very well balanced. Ron Davis (inventor of the ChatterBait) passed his knowledge on to Z-Man who has truly taken blade jig play to other levels. You have that precise sound and vibration that is unlike any other lure. All components, from the blade to the connection points, guide head, hooks and skirts, work together to maximize the appeal factor. It’s a super-precise collection of moving parts that result in special little bass-catching tricks: the blade collides with the head, adding a secondary rattle sound that has never been duplicated. And depending on the trailer selection, you can do a ChatterBait juke and hunt from left to right, an almost magical move for catching fish.

“To really bring out that natural erratic action,” adds Thrift, “I’ll go with a smooth jerkbait style trailer. The lack of added drag from a broad tail helps activate blade movement, which triggers its natural hunting tendencies. In recovery, you can initiate this action simply by using a constant fast recovery. Or, as I did at REDCREST, start with one slow spin and then quickly add two or three quick spins of the reel handle. This action provides a burst of speed that triggers those neat little left or right spins in the direction of the lure. Then immediately slow down to really emphasize the random, evasive maneuvers of the lure.

“While all of these subtle tricks are possible with the JackHammer and concealed ChatterBaits like the Project Z™, the oversized Big Blade ChatterBait is the one that really stands out in terms of action. The oversized hex blade diverts more water resulting in crazy, random lure action. It’s the bladed jig I usually cast early in the season, especially in dirtier water or if I really need to dial in the punch factor.”

Having recently made $300k and, as Thrift estimates, over a million dollars in total on ChatterBait blade jigs and counting, you’d be tempted to imagine the Z-Man pro might be ready for a break. “Actually, I’m riding reeds right now, getting ready for the second leg of the Bass Pro Tour, in a few days.”

Reflecting on what has become a legendary career of big tournament wins and bass volumes laced with ChatterBait bladed jigs, Thrift’s thoughts go back to 2006 and to a place called Okeechobee.

“It’s amazing to remember the way anglers once viewed these lures. Imagine, a ChatterBait is considered a fancy gimmick that no one wanted to buy,” laughs Thrift. “In Okeechobee in those early years, I was the only angler casting an Original ChatterBait. I also gave one to my partner and we proceeded to catch probably 40 bass including some giants. Pretty cool that after all these seasons, the same concept, and that same captivating vibe, profile, and unique action, is still being eaten up by as many great basses as it was when Ron Davis put one of the first ChatterBaits in my hands.”

About Z-Man Fishing Products: A dynamic company based in Charleston, South Carolina, Z-Man Fishing Products has been fusing cutting-edge fishing tackle with technology for nearly three decades. Z-Man has long been one of the industry’s largest suppliers of silicone skirt material used in jigs, spinnerbaits, and other lures. Creator of the original ChatterBait®, Z-Man is also the renowned innovator of 10X Tough ElaZtech® soft baits, among the most sought after baits in freshwater and saltwater. Z-Man is one of the fastest growing lure brands in the world.

CZ takes percussion weapons to the next level with his ever-growing P-10 family. Whether it’s the compact P-10 C, the pistol that started it all, or the subcompact P-10 S, all P-10 pistols feel great in the hand. With CZ reliability, engineered ergonomics, and new and familiar features, the P-10 pistols are the complete package for any shooter. Now CZ is proud to announce that the P-10 M is recently reduced to $299, the P-10 S, C and F is reduced to $399, the P-10 S, C and F Optics-Ready pistols are reduced to $449, and the P-10 Optics-Ready Suppressor-Ready C and F models are down to $499.

All P-10 series pistols are designed for reliability, outstanding accuracy, long life and shooting comfort. The fiberglass-reinforced barrel and frame and slide feature an incredibly durable finish, protecting them from mechanical damage and the elements.

The P-10 trigger design minimizes slippage and bunching. After an initial break-in, the pull averages a clean 4.5-5 pound pull. The trigger offers precise shots and effortless follow-throughs thanks to its short positive reset.

The pistol is drop proof, combined with the automatic firing block. The automatic firing block prevents premature separation of the trigger bar and spring-loaded firing rod unless the trigger is pulled fully rearward. Partial precocking, even if the firing pin safety fails, the firing pin does not have enough power to ignite the detonator. The firing pin on the P-10 is a partially pre-assembled system. Cycling the slide presets the firing pin to 60%.

P-10 pistols include three safety features: trigger safety, trigger bar safety, and firing pin block safety. Together these safety devices protect the user if the gun is accidentally dropped and in high stress situations. Additionally, the P-10s have a loaded chamber indicator that allows for an external visual check to see if there is a round in the chamber.

CZ P-10M Specifications:

• MSRP: $299.00
• Caliber: 9mm Luger
• Ability: 7+1
• Frame: Micro
• Trigger mechanism: Striker
• Security: Trigger safety, trigger bar safety

CZ P-10 S, C, F Specifications:

• MSRP: $399.00
• Caliber: 9mm Luger
• Ability: 12+1, 15+1, 19+1
• Frame: Subcompact, Compact, Complete
• Trigger mechanism: Striker
• Security: Trigger safety, Trigger bar safety, Firing pin lock

CZ P-10 S,C,F Optics-Ready Specifications:

• MSRP: $449.00
• Caliber: 9mm Luger
• Ability: 12+1, 15+1, 19+1
• Frame: Subcompact, Compact, Complete
• Trigger mechanism: Striker
• Security: Trigger safety, Trigger bar safety, Firing pin lock

CZ P-10 C,F Optics-Ready Suppressor-Ready Specifications:

• MSRP: $499.00
• Caliber: 9mm Luger
• Ability: 17+1, 21+1
• Frame: Compact, Complete
• Trigger mechanism: Striker
• Security: Trigger safety, Trigger bar safety, Firing pin lock

Since 1997, CZ-USA has offered American shooters and hunters the best firearms the Czech Republic has to offer. CZ-USA will continue to improve, innovate, and add to the CZ-USA line of high-quality, affordable pistols, rifles, shotguns, and Dan Wesson custom-grade pistols. See how CZ-USA can make your shooting better, easier, and a whole lot more fun at cz-usa.com/.

For more information please visit
WWW.CZ-USA.COM

EDGEFIELD, SC —The 98th South Dakota Legislature recently passed a legislative commemoration celebrating the 50th anniversary of the NWTF. House Commemoration 8013 recognizes the NWTF’s significant contributions to wildlife management research, habitat conservation, and the preservation of outdoor traditions in the United States.

“As a member of the NWTF, I am honored to bring this commemoration,” said South Dakota Representative Jessica Bahmuller. “This commemoration is very special because I was the main sponsor in the House and my dad (also a member) was the main sponsor in the Senate. This is the first time we have brought legislation together. My son’s first turkey hunt was with one of my hunting mentors, Lydell Krog, and it is one of the best hunting memories I have. We are avid hunters and fishermen, but had little experience with turkey hunting at the time, so my expectations were low. I will never forget when my son started calling them and they answered. We all lit up with excitement and he managed to seal the deal. We were hooked! My family has supported the NWTF for over 20 years and will receive an award in April for years of membership and support. I’m grateful for the opportunity to honor the 50th Anniversary, and I don’t think the timing is a coincidence.”

The commemoration says:

“…WHEREAS, the National Wild Turkey Federation has invested more than half a billion dollars to conserve or improve more than twenty-two million acres of critical wildlife habitat, forests, and grasslands on public and private lands since 1985; and

WHEREAS, the National Wild Turkey Federation has invested more than eight and a half million dollars in research throughout North America to ensure future healthy populations of wild turkeys…that the Legislature recognizes and celebrates the fiftieth anniversary of the National Wild Turkey Federation and salutes the organization, its chapters, and members across the United States for their tremendous efforts to advance state-led scientific wildlife management and the conservation of the wild turkey and its habitat. The Legislature wishes the National Wild Turkey Federation, its members and chapters the best for the future as they continue to fulfill their mission by working beyond property lines at the landscape scale to increase clean water and abundant, healthy forests and wildlife habitat. resilient communities and strong recreational opportunities across the country.”

Read the entire commemoration.

“As president of the South Dakota state chapter, I was thrilled to see the state legislature recognize the 50th anniversary of the NWTF,” said Dr. Don Massa. “We missed the deadline for a resolution by two days, but we continue to work with lawmakers, board members and NWTF staff to find a way to get it done.”

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.

Find out more about the NWTF’s policy and advocacy work.

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.

SK Customs®, the country’s only series-driven limited-edition custom firearms manufacturer, is bringing ancient Egyptian history to life through the launch of a new series, Gods of Egypt. Debuting with the Anubis, this limited edition production of just 200 custom Smith & Wesson 1911 Series engravers represents one of the world’s oldest civilizations.

Thousands of years ago, hungry jackals dug shallow graves in the desert of ancient Egypt. For the Egyptians, this was a fate worse than death itself. As the god of cemeteries, embalming, and grave protection, Anubis played an important role in the journey to the afterlife. The jackal-headed deity resided over the care of the dead and loved ones of the Egyptians.

“The Anubis is nothing less than a work of art depicting the fascinating history and culture of the ancient Egyptians,” said Simon Khiabani, owner and founder of SK Customs. “We are in the business of creating unique collectibles that accentuate historical events, influential leaders, rituals, cultures and more. The Anubis is the perfect weapon to start the Gods of Egypt series.”

The S&W 1911 is chambered in 45ACP. Each side of the firearm features Egyptian hieroglyphics leading towards the muzzle. The right side shows Anubis engraved in 24-carat gold, while the left side shows Anubis performing the mummification of the deceased. The rear panels symbolize the key Egyptian concepts, truth and justice, with a scale weighing a heart against a feather. The top of the slide is engraved with the Ankh hieroglyphic symbol, which means “life.”

A Uniquely Custom 24k gold pyramid decorates the front sight, while the serrations are deeply etched with a lotus flower representing creation and rebirth. Each grip panel is designed to represent Anubis and the rich history of the ancient Egyptians.

For more information on new production offerings and collectibles from SK Customs®, visit skguns.com.

Follow us on Instagram and Facebook to be the first to know about our latest production releases.

About SK Guns/SK Customs

SK Guns® has changed the world of collectible firearms by being the only producer of mass-produced, custom and limited-edition collectible firearms in the industry. He SK Guns® brand has redefined what custom limited edition means by being “Only Custom®”.

SK Guns® has expanded its capabilities to manufacture “Uniquely Custom®” firearms with an unmatched level of quality and artistry. The team of master engravers, expert finishers, historians and master gunsmiths are dedicated to every detail within the brand. Visit skguns.com for more information.

EDGEFIELD, SC —America’s Outdoor Recreation Act was reintroduced today in the 118th Congress with strong bipartisan support, and the Outdoor Recreation Roundtable and its members in the $862 billion outdoor recreation economy I urge this bill to pass quickly so many more Americans can enjoy the great outdoors and their associated health and wellness benefits. This groundbreaking legislation not only boosts local and national economies, but also gives more Americans, especially those in underserved areas, greater access to green spaces and public lands and waters without costing taxpayers a dime.

“This is a no-cost, common sense bill that will help equalize and improve access to green space and outdoor wilderness in every state across the country,” said Chris Perkins, senior director of the Recreation Roundtable. outdoor. “We are seeing unprecedented interest in outdoor recreation, but many of the policies that support outdoor recreation are out of date. This package will make it easier for Americans to access the outdoors and provide agencies with new tools to address longstanding outdoor recreation needs. We need solutions that improve outdoor recreation opportunities while protecting America’s public lands and waters, and AORA is a historic step to update these policies.”

Outdoor recreation is an $862 billion industry, providing 4.5 million American jobs and boosting economies in communities large and small. And studies have shown that enjoying time outside helps benefit a person’s mental and physical health.

“Thanks to the work of Senator Manchin (D-WV), Senator Barasso (R-WY) and many other champions of the outdoor industry in Congress, Americans will have the opportunity to reap these benefits for generations to come,” Perkins continued. “ORR encourages swift bipartisan action to send this bill to the president’s desk.”

The United States Outdoor Recreation Act:

• enable permit simplification to ease the burdens on vendors and guides and improve access to outdoor experiences;
• improve access to recreation on public lands and waters;
• guarantee access to green spaces in underserved communities;
• upgrade outdoor recreation infrastructure;
• develop, improve and complete long range trails; and
• Invest in rural economic development.

America’s Outdoor Recreation Law, Explained

“Recreation in our great outdoors is invaluable to our physical and mental health and spiritual well-being,” said National Wild Turkey Federation Co-Executive Director Jason Burckhalter. “Like our members and I, millions venture onto national forests, grasslands, and public waterways for ethically harvested organic protein through hunting and fishing. The American Outdoor Recreation Act opens opportunities and provides infrastructure to support these and other recreational users and is vital to ensuring access for people from all walks of life who want to enjoy what nature has to offer.”

About the Outdoor Recreation Round Table

He Outdoor Recreation Round Table is the leading national coalition of outdoor recreation trade associations representing the $862 billion outdoor recreation economy. ORR focuses on growing outdoor recreation by creating a better environment for sustainable growth of outdoor recreation businesses and driving a broader understanding of the value of the outdoor recreation economy . Our membership includes members of the National Outdoor Trade Association, business entities, non-profit organizations, and universities, serving more than 110,000 businesses and representing America’s boating, fishing, RV, biking, hiking, camping, hunting, motorized, diving, horse riding and skiing among much more.

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.

The world-renowned museum and aquarium honors hunters, fishermen, and conservationists, inspiring new generations of outdoor enthusiasts.

SPRINGFIELD, Missouri – Located within the beautiful Ozark region of the central United States, the non-profit Johnny Morris Wonders of Wildlife National Museum and Aquarium is the largest and most important conservation attraction to open in the United States. in more than 100 years.

Wonders of Wildlife is the gift of Bass Pro Shops founder and leading conservationist Johnny Morris to America’s athletes. This world-class educational venue is his way of giving back the blessings he has received from a life spent enjoying the great outdoors.

There is nothing like Wonders of Wildlife in the world! Johnny Morris’s passionate and unwavering approach to connecting people with the outdoors reveals his commitment to future generations. Today, Wonders of Wildlife is a leading educational venue serving to deliver the message of conservation to visitors of all ages.

Each visit proves to be an inspiring journey into the natural habitats of the world’s most incredible species. Guests reminisce about the incredible natural resources found in our nation’s landscape, our nation’s conservation history, and the unwavering commitment of sportsmen, hunters, and fishermen.

Home to more than 35,000 living fish, mammals, reptiles, amphibians, and birds, the 350,000-square-foot complex is a wonder in itself. It contains 1.5 miles of trails through immersive habitats and features aquariums totaling more than 1.5 million gallons. And the WOW experience continues to grow with recent additions, including Nature’s Best Photography exhibit, the American Museum of Fly Fishing, and a soon-to-arrive 7,000-gallon jellyfish aquarium. The site is also engaged in research and management efforts, including coral retention and propagation, sea turtle rehabilitation, and the retention of endangered Oronoco crocodiles, all while continuing public school programs around the world.

For the past century, sportsmen have led the way in paying for fish and wildlife management. Through the implementation of fishing and hunting licenses and federal excise taxes on select outdoor products, funding has been provided for historic conservation accomplishments. Thanks to hunters and fishermen, our nation’s conservation success story is unlike any the world has ever seen.

Committed to conservation education, Wonders of Wildlife, along with its educational team and diverse partners (including most major conservation organizations), reaches millions each year through on-site visits and on-site learning programs. distance.

This national recognition highlights our nation’s strong support for conservation and our outdoor heritage, including fishing and hunting activities.

“We are honored to be recognized and are grateful to our guests, partners, staff and volunteers for their steadfast support,” Johnny said. “Every member of the Wonders of Wildlife team is passionate about wildlife conservation and education, and we challenge ourselves every day to excite visitors and create the next generation of outdoor enthusiasts. We are excited to work with our partners in conservation and will continue to inspire generations to connect and engage in the great outdoors.”

For more information on Wonders of Wildlife and to purchase tickets, visit www.wondersofwildlife.org.

About the Johnny Morris Wonders of Wildlife National Museum and Aquarium
The Johnny Morris National Museum of the Wonders of Wildlife, located next to the Bass Pro Shops National Headquarters in Springfield, Missouri, the campus is a centerpiece of America’s Conservation Capital in the Ozark Mountains of Missouri, Developed by Bass Pro Shops founder and noted conservationist Johnny Morris. Wonders of Wildlife has been voted “America’s Best New Attraction” and “America’s Best Aquarium” by readers of USA TODAYand in 2022 it received its AZA accreditation.

About Bass Pro Shops

Bass Pro Shops is North America’s leading outdoor and conservation company. Founded in 1972 when avid young fisherman Johnny Morris began selling tackle at his father’s liquor store in Springfield, Missouri, today the company provides customers with unmatched offerings spanning premier retail destinations, equipment manufacturing for outdoor activities, world-class tourist destinations and more. In 2017, Bass Pro Shops acquired Cabela’s to create a “best of the best” experience with superior products, dynamic locations and excellent customer service. Bass Pro Shops also operates White River Marine Group, offering an unmatched collection of industry-leading boat brands, and Big Cedar Lodge, America’s Premier Wilderness Resort. Under the visionary conservation leadership of Johnny Morris, Bass Pro Shops is a national leader in protecting habitat and introducing families to the great outdoors and has been named “one of America’s Best Employers” by Forbes.

Mark your calendars as the Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP) will once again welcome competitors and guests to its annual Talladega D-Day Rifle and Pistol event, taking place June 7-11, 2023, at Talladega Marksmanship Park in Alabama. Registration is currently open, so register now to join this commemorative occasion!

Talladega’s D-Day celebration honors the anniversary of the Allied Forces landing in 1944 on the Normandy beach in France. The event allows visitors to pay tribute to the brave heroes of the World War II generation through various marksmanship competitions and activities spread throughout the 500-acre Talladega Marksmanship Park. Guests will also be able to fully immerse themselves in the Talladega Hall of Heroes exhibit in the Club House, showcasing authentic memorabilia from local veterans.

The 2023 D-Day event will include the return of contemporary favorites like the Garand Iron Man EIC Rifle Match, where competitors fire either a service M1 Garand or an as-issued M1 Garand toward potential Excellence in Competition (EIC) points. ). A Rimfire Sporter Rifle Benchrest Match, which incorporates the use of sandbags for added stabilization of competitors while shooting .22 rifles in the O, T, or TU classes, and a Vintage Match Benchrest are ideal for those just starting out in the field. rifle competition or those with ailments, eager to get back to the shooting range.

Using vintage M1903 Springfield or US Krag rifles, the Roosevelt Commemorative Match will pay tribute to military firearms of the past through friendly, recreational competition. CMP’s traditional schedule of select Games events such as GSMM, Carbine and Vintage Sniper rifle will be intertwined with a number of popular pistol competitions such as 1911 As-Issued and Military & Police Matches.

For the first time on D-Day, those who compete in the John C. Garand Match with genuine M1 rifles will have the opportunity to earn points toward a GCA (Garand Collectors Association) Marksman’s Medal. Like other disciplines within the CMP Distinguished Badge Program, the GCA Marksmanship Medal will operate on an Achievement Award point system, based on performance in designated events.

People who attend the D-Day event at Talladega can also participate in CMP educational opportunities, including the M1 Maintenance Clinic, Level II Range Officer Course, and the GSMM New Shooter Clinic, each featuring a more focused look at the inner workings of rifle preservation and competition fundamentals, led by certified marksmanship professionals.

Outside of the regular D-Day competition, Talladega Marksmanship Park offers even more to explore with a shotgun trap course, two 5-stall courses, and a 15-station sporting clay course with automated trap machines. Also, be sure to check out the park’s unknown distance range, which features 12 life-size metal animal-shaped targets (including moose, deer, bears, and pigs) and CMP’s own archery range. Both are just a short walk or golf cart ride from the D-Day events on the Talladega grounds.

Come be a part of the festivities on this special date in American history. For more information on Talladega D-Day, visit https://thecmp.org/cmp-matches/talladega-d-day-matches/.

About the Talladega Shooting Park:

Talladega Marksmanship Park, “The Home of Marksmanship,” hosts rifle, pistol, shotgun, and archery opportunities for visitors to enjoy. The park’s Clubhouse consists of 13,000 square feet of usable space and includes the CMP Pro Shop, which is stocked with CMP firearms, ammunition, shooting accessories and memorabilia.

The facility is open to the public year-round, Wednesday through Sunday. Find a list of monthly events and other events at Talladega Marksmanship Park by visiting the CMP website at https://thecmp.org/ranges/talladega-marksmanship-park/.

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.

KEEP YOUR CATCH FRESH WITH SMITH’S CONSUMER PRODUCTS

Whether fishing from a boat, kayak, beach, bridge, dock, or jetty, fish bags, or what are often referred to as “kill bags,” are a convenient way to store and transport the fish you keep. Transferring fish from the fish box from a boat to a cooler and then to the place where you clean the fish is much more efficient if you store and move the fish using a fish bag (plus, if you place your fish directly in the kill bag, you don’t have to clean the fish boxes on your boat). At the beach, dock, kayak or bridge, putting fish in the fish bag makes transporting easy and the bag’s insulating properties keep fish fresh, unlike using a bucket. Similarly, many fish bags also function as live bags, equipped with aerators for transferring live fish from live wells to weigh stations at tournaments or for holding live baits. Therefore, fish bags can be important and efficient parts of your equipment, but it is important to understand what to look for in a fish bag to find the right one for your fishing applications. Here are the main criteria to consider when selecting a good kill bag:

Kill bags are available in a variety of sizes. There are two factors at play when deciding which bag size to select.

First of all, the target fish species should be the main guide to the size of the bag you need. A 40 inch pike or 40 inch bass is not going to fit in a 30 inch bag. If your target is panfish or mangrove snapper, you probably don’t need a 60-inch bag (unless you plan to keep a lot of fish).

SIZE

Second, consider the space in which you will be using the bag. For one, smaller bags are more efficient in smaller spaces. A smaller bag will be much more useful in a kayak than a bag that takes up most of your deck space and gets in your way. If you are fishing from a boat and your deck can accommodate a larger bag efficiently, then larger bags are a great option.

Also consider the weight of a full bag and how far you have to carry it. Dragging a 60-inch bag along a riverbank or beach can be less efficient than carrying a 30- or 36-inch bag on a shoulder strap.

Also keep in mind that one of the benefits of a kill bag over a cooler is that when you’re not using it (i.e., before you catch your first fish), you can fold it up and store it more easily than you can a cooler. Therefore, it requires less idle storage space.

MATERIALS

Most kill bags are made of a polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) canvas. PVC bags use a thicker outer lining than TPU bags. TPU bags tend to be more resistant to punctures and tears and have better insulation properties than PVC bags. Also, they resist clinging to the scent.

Since kill bags inevitably get covered in blood and fish slime, both inside and out, you should look for a material that is easy to clean. Marine grade canvas materials are easier to clean with common cleaning products like liquid soaps and are also stain resistant.

ISOLATION

Kill bags need to be insulated. Because fish bags are kept outdoors (sun, wind, rain, snow) to protect the bag contents (fish and ice), it is necessary to insulate them. Insulated bags work to retain the temperature of the items placed in them. A good kill bag will help insulate the bag’s contents from the heat of the sun or even freezing on those cold ice fishing trips.

STITCHES

The materials in a kill bag are put together by sewing or sealing them. Many bags on the market are made with stitched seams that are then taped along the seams. Some are made using a system of gluing pieces of material to seal the seams. Some bags are also made by “welding” the seams by heating and melting the pieces of material, but this is a difficult process so it is not used often. Ultimately, bags that are sealed rather than sewn provide more protection against leaks and better insulation.

CLOSING

Most kill bags rely on zippers to close the bag, and you can find bags that rely on metal zippers, plastic zippers, or even coated zippers. Ultimately the risk of metal zippers is corrosion, especially when the bag is used in marine environments. Of course, all wet environments contribute to hardware corrosion, so you’ll want to find a bag that uses corrosion-resistant zippers.

PORTS

Draining and drying a kill bag can be frustrating. Many are not designed to stay open to dry and are not designed to stay upside down while open to drain. Therefore, having a drainage port near the bottom of the bag may be beneficial.

Drain ports are available with threaded caps or plug caps. The plug covers can be easily opened, allowing the drain to leak and spill. Threaded lids are more reliable, particularly threaded lids that do not separate from the drain but instead open a drain vent. Additionally, threaded drain covers with a rough relief may be easier to grip when your hands are wet and slimy.

Tournament anglers often rely on kill bags to transport fish from live wells on their boats to weigh stations. Kill bags that come equipped with aerator ports can make this use easier. Look for breather ports that are leak-proof and can accommodate a range of breather hose diameters. A 30-inch or 36-inch bag with an aeration port can be an ideal live tournament bag for bass tournaments. They also make great live bait bags.

BELOW

Kill bags must have flat bottoms. You don’t want to struggle to keep the bag upright when you put fish in it, nor do you want the bag to tip over and spill the fish and ice already in the bag, especially on your truck.

Also, keep in mind that the bottom of a kill bag should be one of the strongest parts of the bag, as it will support the weight of whatever you put in the bag. Look for bags, especially larger bags, that have gusseted or gusseted bottoms.

DO YOU DRIVE

Of course, one of the key features of a kill bag is the efficiency in carrying the bag. Look for bags with multiple carrying options, such as adjustable shoulder straps and handles.

Also keep in mind that kill bags can be heavy when filled with ice and fish, so look for strong, reinforced handles and straps. Consider the seam that attaches the handles to the bag. Look for handles and straps made of heavy-duty webbing materials and D-rings or other hardware made of stainless steel or other corrosion-resistant materials. Avoid straps that snag on plastic materials, as they are more likely to break.

PROFESSIONAL ADVICE

Although you can’t do this before purchasing a kill bag to help you decide which bag to buy, one of the best ways to test a bag for many of the above criteria is to fill it with ice and let it sit. Check how long it takes for the ice to melt for insulating qualities, how much condensation appears on the outside, and if there are leaks around the seams. Also, check how heavy the bag is when full to better understand how the straps accommodate to carry the bag.

Due to their insulating qualities and ease of transport, kill bags can also be great for carrying your beer and ice when you get angry!

Here are some great kill bag options from Smith’s Consumer Products:

30-INCH INSULATED KILL & BAIT BAG (51370)

Smith’s Mr. Crappie Chiller Fish Killer and Bait Bag is constructed of heavy duty washable marine grade canvas. The adjustable padded shoulder strap makes loading and transporting your catch or bait a breeze. The Chiller also doubles as a bait bag equipped with a universal aerator mounting loop with a leak resistant hose port. The drain port allows you to drain the water to keep your catch fresh and ready for fat. 15″ x 30″ bag with 8″ flat bottom keeps cooler sitting upright on boat or truck.

MSRP: $169.99

36-INCH INSULATED KILL & BAIT BAG (51371)

Smith’s Fish Killer and Bait Bag is constructed of heavy duty washable marine grade canvas. The adjustable padded shoulder strap makes loading and transporting your catch or bait a breeze. This bag also doubles as a bait bag equipped with a universal aerator mounting loop and leak-resistant hose port. Equipped with a drain port, you can drain the water to keep your catch fresh and ready to clean. The 18″ x 36″ size bag with a 10″ flat bottom keeps the bag upright on the boat or truck.

MSRP: $199.99

48 INCH INSULATED FISHING AND HUNTING KILL BAG (51372)

The Smith’s Hunting and Fishing Bag is made from heavy-duty, washable marine-grade canvas. The adjustable padded shoulder strap makes loading and transporting your catch or bait a breeze. This bag has a total of four sturdy handles. The two central padded handles and the two large handles at the ends allow a transport of 4 people when the bag is fully loaded. Equipped with a drain port, you can drain the water to keep your catch or game fresh and ready to clean. The 26″ x 48″ size bag with a 10″ flat bottom keeps the bag upright on the boat or truck.

MSRP: $299.99

60 INCH INSULATED FISHING AND HUNTING KILL BAG (51373)

The Smith’s Hunting and Fishing Bag is made from heavy-duty, washable marine-grade canvas. The adjustable padded shoulder strap makes loading and transporting your catch or bait a breeze. This bag has a total of four sturdy handles. The two central padded handles and the two large handles at the ends allow it to be carried by 4 people when the bag is fully loaded. Equipped with a drain port, you can drain the water to keep your catch or game fresh and ready to clean. 30″ x 60″ bag with 12″ flat bottom keeps bag upright on boat or truck.

MSRP: $349.99

ABOUT SMITH CONSUMER PRODUCTS:

Smith’s Consumer Products is an Arkansas-based company that traces its history back to 1886. Smith’s produces the broadest line of knife and scissor sharpeners available, ranging from simple fixed-angle removable sharpeners for consumers who want quick and easy sharpening to sophisticated precision kits. Designed for the knife sharpening enthusiast. Our offering includes manual and electric sharpeners that incorporate many different abrasive materials, including diamond, carbide, ceramic, bonded synthetic abrasives, and of course, Arkansas natural stone. Smith’s Consumer Products Edge Experts also design and manufacture a wide range of tools for the outdoor enthusiast, as well as knives for everyday carry, tactical, shop, kitchen, hunting and fishing needs.