Greeley, Colorado – Steiner Optics, a leader in premium, high-performance optics, is pleased to announce its partnership on the launch of the highly anticipated Benelli Lupo KAOS hunting rifle. This collaboration for Benelli’s KAOS Sweepstakes brings together two industry leaders in firearms and optics to offer entrants the chance to win an extraordinary prize package.
The Benelli Lupo KAOS is a limited edition series of premium, high-performance hunting rifles. Each firearm is given a custom color match with a special hand-worn finish, resulting in unique features so no two rifles are the same.
As part of the Benelli KAOS Sweepstakes, those who purchase a Lupo KAOS and register their rifle on the Benelli website can verify if theirs is one of ten rifles paired with a Steiner Predator 8 scope with the same finish ($2,000 value). . These ten lucky winners will take to the field not only with a top-of-the-line sporting rifle, but also with premium optics that will maximize the rifle’s performance and accuracy in the field.
Built on a rugged 30mm tube chassis, the Predator 8 offers all the key features required of a go-anywhere optic. Class-leading optical clarity with industry-leading light transmission, a massive field of view, and an illuminated reticle with 11 brightness settings ensure a fast, sharp visual image in the most challenging lighting conditions. Bad weather and harsh climates also offer no resistance to the Predator 8’s performance thanks to the fogproof and waterproof design and the wide operating temperature of -13°F to +145°F. The Predator 8 2-16x42mm and 3-24x50mm scopes come with the Steiner E3 second focal plane reticle. Designed for the most popular big game cartridges with retention offset up to 400 yards and cascading windage dots to easily adjust for 10 mph crosswinds, the E3 reticle quickly offers aiming solutions when the pressure is on. For ultimate long-range accuracy, the Predator 8 4-32x56mm is ready with its combination of high magnification and SCR (Special Competition Reticle). Offering the best in German precision, the Predator 8 series promises superior optical and ballistic compensation performance in a weather-resistant platform suitable for any hunting adventure…anywhere.
Steiner Optics has built a solid reputation for its commitment to excellence and innovation in the optics industry. Their products are known for their exceptional quality, durability, and manufacturing precision, making them the ideal choice for shooters who demand the best. By partnering with Benelli, a world-renowned manufacturer of high-quality firearms, Steiner Optics reinforces its dedication to enhancing the shooting experience for enthusiasts of all levels.
“The collaboration between Steiner Optics and Benelli on the Benelli Lupo KAOS giveaway reflects our shared commitment to providing shooters with unmatched performance,” said Jordan Egli, Steiner Optics Chief Marketing Officer. “Our optics are designed to excel in any shooting scenario, and when combined with a rifle like the Benelli Lupo KAOS, the result is a superior shooting experience both in the field and in the field.”
To enter the Benelli KAOS Sweepstakes for a chance to win this exceptional prize package, entrants can visit www.benelliusa.com/benelli-kaos.
For more information on Steiner Optics and its wide range of premium products, please visit www.steiner-optics.com. To learn more about Benelli’s exceptional firearms, visit https://www.benelliusa.com.
About Steiner
For more than 70 years, Steiner has made reliable optics for life’s defining moments. Successful search and capture of these moments demands rapid and accurate detection, location and identification of a distant target. Whether the target is wildlife, a fur seal, law enforcement suspects or military combatants, Steiner products enhance an individual’s most important sense, vision, so that on land or sea, nothing will come your way. exhaust. For more information, please visit the company’s website at https://www.steiner-optics.com/.
SPRINGFIELD, MO – Crossbreeding® Holsters, a leading manufacturer in the concealed carry category, is pleased to announce the availability of numerous holster solutions for the Lone Wolf Dusk 19 9mm semi-auto pistols.
Lone Wolf Arms, a long-standing manufacturer of performance-driven GLOCK aftermarket components, has developed its own line of premium pistols that are built on a well-proven platform. Available in various frame, slide, and barrel options and with an optical cut-out standard for red dot use, Dusk 19 pistols fill multiple niches for self-defense, targeting, and competition applications.
To ensure Dusk 19 owners have holsters that meet these various needs, CrossBreed now offers several models of holsters to suit both EDC and recreational shooter needs. These include all of the main line IWB and OWB holster models such as the SuperTuck IWB, SnapSlide OWB, Freedom Carry IWB, DropSlide OWB, SuperSlide OWB, and the Modular Belly Band Package 2.0. Additionally, CrossBreed’s full line of modular holsters plus Bedside Backup, Pac Mat, Purse Defender and a variety of magazine pouches are also available for the Dusk 19 shooter.
To learn more about the complete line of CrossBreed holsters and magazine magazines, as well as the “Two Week Guarantee, Try It Free” program and the company’s Lifetime Guarantee, visit CrossBreedHolsters.com.
About CrossBreed® Holsters:
CrossBreed® Holsters was founded in 2005 by Mark Craighead, an avid shooter and firearms enthusiast. His vision of American handcrafted holsters evokes the attention to detail, quality and functionality that have made CrossBreed® a leader in concealment. Visit CrossBreed® covers.
CAMP PERRY, Ohio – In 2023, the Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP) will celebrate the 25th anniversary of the John C. Garand Match at the annual National Matches at Camp Perry. The event has been one of the most popular and celebrated of CMP’s competitive shooting events, drawing hundreds of competitors from across the country each year.
To recognize the match’s milestone, the 2023 National Matches will feature a commemorative jersey for those who signed up for the event.
The first John C. Garand Match held at Camp Perry took place in 1998.
The roots of the John C. Garand Match date back to 1998, when the CMP introduced the exciting new concept to its target competition calendar. The Garand Match is a unique event in which participants use vintage M1 Garand rifles “as issued” in a course of fire with 10 slow fire prone shots, 10 rapid fire stationary prone shots and 10 stationary shots, all at 200 yards.
Approximately 40 percent of Garand Match competitors each year are awarded the coveted gold, silver or bronze Achievement Medals with ribbons around their necks. Medal presentations are decided based on the scores of the competitors. In 2023, competitors shooting 279 x 300 or more will receive gold medals, scores from 272 to 278 will receive silver medals; 260 to 271 will receive bronze medals. Medal presentations usually take place at the shooting range immediately after the competitors finish.
The M1 was designed by John Cantius Garand at the Springfield Armory in 1936. Garand Collectors Association photo
The John C. Garand Trophy, awarded to the top competitor in the John C. Garand National Match at Camp Perry, was donated to the National Trophy collection by the Garand Collectors Association in 2001. The winner of the first John C. Garand was Charles Goettemoeller, 69, of Coldwater, Ohio. Nick Till, 49, of Howell, Michigan, is the latest winner of the trophy (2022), with a previous win coming in 2012. Other past multiple-win competitors include Brian Hunter, 65, of Huntsville, Alabama. (1999, 2001), and Christopher Roberts, 50, of Charlotte, NC (2003, 2006, 2008).
Brad Diehl, 46, of Corunna, Ind., is the current national match record holder with a score of 294-9X (set in 2018), while Steven Skowronek, 36, of Irwin, Pa., he is the only individual to win the National John C. Garand Match as a junior, back in 2005. Skowronek won the match again more than a decade later, in 2017.
The M1 Garand was the standard American infantry rifle during World War II. Garand Collectors Association photo
In response to the growing popularity of the Garand Match, the CMP established other rifle events of the same type, including Springfield, Vintage Military, Rimfire Sporter, M1 Carbine, Vintage Sniper Team, and Modern Military. Collectively, these have come to be known as “CMP Game Matches”.
DCM Emeritus Gary Anderson, who served as DCM from 1999 to 2009, played a significant role in establishing the Garand Match and growing the CMP military rifle program into one of CMP’s largest shooting sports. He remembered, “The Garand Match had 325 competitors in 1998, but quickly grew to over 1,300 competitors in subsequent years. It was successful because M1 rifles were affordable and readily available and because we adopted a simple 30-shot military rifle shooting course as issued.. In addition, there was a special call to be able to shoot rifles in competitions that had already served in the national defense of our country..”
Visit CMP stores to get your own piece of American history.
The availability of surplus M1 and other vintage military rifles has helped make target shooting accessible to thousands of competitors, allowing them to recreate marksmanship and military history while fostering camaraderie in a relaxed, fun-filled but yet challenging.
In 2023, the Garand Collectors Association presented the Marksmanship Award to those who show continued success through points earned in the Garand Match, both in National Matches and Travel Games across the country. Learn more about the new GCA Master Marksman program, visit https://thecmp.org/garand-collectors-association-creates-new-master-marksman-program/. During the June 2023 Talladega D-Day games, Brian Williams, 49, of Granby, MA, got the last few points from him to win the first ever GCA Marksmanship Award.
Learn more about the 2023 National Games matches at https://thecmp.org/cmp-matches/national-cmp-games-events/.
M1 Garand Sanctioned Matches:
Various CMP affiliated clubs organize Garand Matches throughout the year. Visit the CMP website at https://ct.thecmp.org/app/v1/index.php?do=matchRegistrationListUpcoming to find a local match near you.
History of the M1 Garand:
The M1 Garand rifle was adopted as the standard US service rifle in 1936, designed by Canadian-born inventor John Cantius Garand at the Springfield Armory in Massachusetts. In 1940, the expansion of the war in Europe and the increase in tensions in Japan prompted the urgency to equip American forces. After Pearl Harbor was attacked by Japan in 1941, both the Springfield Armory and the Winchester Repeating Arms Company worked around the clock, producing more than 4 million M1s by the end of the war in 1945. The United States was the only country to equip its troops. with an autoloading rifle, thus providing a tremendous advantage in firepower. General George Patton even called the M1 Garand, “The largest fighting implement ever designed.”
After World War II ended, thousands of M1 Garand rifles were stored while others were loaned out to allies during the Cold War. Production resumed in 1950 when North Korea attacked South Korea, making the rifle the primary infantry firearm used during the Korean War. Nearly 1.5 million new M1 rifles were produced between 1952 and 1957, with additional help from the International Harvester Corporation and Harrington & Richardson Arms.
Sale of the M1 Garand:
The M1 Garand remained in service through the Vietnam War before becoming obsolete after the advent of new model service rifles like the M14 in the 1950s. In 1996, a federal law established the Civilian Marksmanship Program and authorized it to take out and sell surplus .30 and .22 caliber military rifles, parts and ammunition to qualified US citizens, including the famous M1 Garand. The CMP currently sells these and other vintage rifles in a variety of conditions through mail order and at its stores in Alabama and Ohio. Every M1 Garand sold is a genuine US Government rifle that has been inspected, serviced and tested for operation. Learn more about CMP Sales and how to purchase one of these pieces of American history at https://thecmp.org/cmp_sales/.
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.
Hunters, bird watchers and stamp collectors rejoiced when the 2023-2024 Federal Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp, commonly known as the Duck Stamp, went on sale. The new Federal Duck Stamp and its little brother, the Junior Duck Stamp, debuted today at a special event hosted by the US Fish and Wildlife Service at the Bass Pro Shops Pyramid in Memphis, Tennessee.
“It’s so exciting to be with our partners again, in person, at a special event for one of the most revered conservation programs in the country!” said Jerome Ford, Assistant Service Director, Migratory Bird Program. “I am very honored to be one of the first people to purchase my Federal and Junior Duck stamps and to encourage others to join me as we all collectively contribute to wetland conservation across the country.”
Painted by Joseph Hautman of Plymouth, Minnesota, the new Federal Duck Stamp will raise millions of dollars for habitat conservation that benefits wildlife and the American people. The three tundra swans featured on the new stamp are Hautman’s sixth federal duck stamp designed for the Department of the Interior. His artwork was chosen in September 2022 from among 187 entries in the country’s only federally regulated art contest.
Also on sale today, the 2023-2024 Junior Duck Stamp raises funds to support youth conservation education and this year features a hooded merganser painted by 15-year-old Mila Linyue Tong of Virginia.
The federal duck stamp plays a critically important role in wildlife conservation. Since 1934, sales of this stamp have raised more than $1.2 billion to conserve more than 6 million acres of wetland habitat in national wildlife refuges across the country.
Waterfowl are not the only species that benefit from wetland habitat conservation. Thousands upon thousands of shorebirds, herons, raptors, and songbirds, as well as mammals, fish, native plants, reptiles, and amphibians also depend on these landscapes. In addition, endangered, threatened, and other at-risk species, such as birds of conservation concern such as the Reddish Egret and Long-billed Curlew, use wetlands and connected upland habitat to feed, breed, migrate, spend the winter and rest.
The new duck stamps are available for purchase online, at sporting goods and retail stores, and at some post offices and national wildlife refuges.
Funds raised from the sale of Federal Duck Stamps go towards the acquisition and lease of habitat for the National Wildlife Refuge System. Duck stamps, while required for waterfowl hunters as part of their annual license, are also voluntarily purchased by bird watchers, outdoor enthusiasts, and fans of national wildlife refuges who they understand the value of conserving some of our nation’s most diverse and important wildlife habitats. Wildlife art and stamp collectors also value these miniature art pieces and American history and contribute to conservation through their duck stamp purchases.
An unexpired federal duck stamp is valid for free admission to any national wildlife refuge that charges an entrance fee. Of the 568 refuges, most offer unprecedented outdoor recreational opportunities, including hunting, fishing, bird watching, and photography.
The Junior Duck Stamp Art Contest is the culmination of a year-long educational program that encourages students to learn about wetland and waterfowl conservation, explore their natural world, and create a painting or drawing of a duck, a goose or swan as its “visual term paper”. ” to demonstrate what they learned. Approximately 25,000 students in K-12he year grades participate in the art contest.
Winning art in the national contest becomes a stamp that the Service sells for $5 to conservationists, educators, students, collectors, and the public. Proceeds support conservation education at the state and local levels. Since the first Junior Duck Stamps went on sale in 1993, more than $1.4 million has been raised, reinvested in this unique nationwide conservation arts and sciences education program.
The 2023 Federal Duck Stamp Art Contest to select the 2024-2025 stamp will be held September 15-16 in Des Moines, Iowa.
Learn more about Federal and Junior Duck stamps.
The US Fish and Wildlife Service works with others to conserve, protect, and enhance fish, wildlife, plants, and their habitats for the continued benefit of the American people. For more information visit www.fws.gov, or connect with us through any of these social media channels: Facebook, Twitter, Youtube and flickr.
The Scholastic Shooting Sports Foundation (SSSF) offers a scholarship program to reward graduating seniors from the Scholastic Clay Target Program (SCTP) and the Scholastic Action Shooting Program (SASP) with necessary college assistance. The main goal is to award as many scholarships as possible to high school seniors who qualify for SCTP/SASP.
Since 2013, SSSF has awarded more than $818,000 in scholarship funds benefiting more than 900 student-athletes, from nearly all 50 states, in the Scholastic Clay Target and Scholastic Action Shooting programs. This year, 183 student-athletes received scholarships from youth development programs totaling $91,500 in higher education pursuit assistance.
In addition to the scholarships listed above, at the 2023 National Championships, special scholarships will be awarded by SCTP sponsors Browning, CZ-USA, and Beretta. Eligible athletes will fire a Browning shotgun in individual traps, a Beretta shotgun in skeet events, or a CZ shotgun during clay sporting events, respectively. The grand total of scholarship opportunities for athletes at SCTP Nationals is $11,500.
SASP Sponsor Betsy Ross Arms will once again provide a helping hand to athletes unable to attend SASP Nationals due to family budget issues. Preference will be given to young female athletes, based on the suggestion of Betsy Ross Arms, a women-owned business. Female participation continues to rise in youth shooting sports, with 42% female participation in the SASP Wisconsin State Championship, the largest state game of the year with nearly 500 entries.
About the Scholastic Shooting Sports Foundation The Scholastic Shooting Sports Foundation (SSSF) is a 501(c)(3) public charity responsible for all aspects of the Scholastic Clay Target Program (SCTP) and the Scholastic Action Shooting Program (SASP) in the United States. The SCTP and SASP are youth development programs in which adult coaches and other volunteers use shooting sports to teach and demonstrate sportsmanship, responsibility, honesty, ethics, integrity, teamwork, and other positive life skills.
Provide and enhance opportunities for personal growth and development for student-athlete members; become the leading authority on all things firearms related activities for youth; pass on to future generations the legacy of lifelong, safe and responsible enjoyment of shooting sports. This includes serving as the primary feed for organized and sanctioned shooting organizations and teams such as USA SHOOTING, TEAM USA, and the NGBs (NSSA, NSCA, ATA).
Public input is sought on 48 expanded opportunities at three shelters, as well as a proposal on lead ammunition, tackle
WASHINGTON – According to a US Fish and Wildlife Service proposal released yesterday, 48 new hunting opportunities will be implemented at three refuges within the National Wildlife Refuge System: Cahaba River National Wildlife Refuge in Alabama , the Everglades Headwaters National Wildlife Refuge in Florida, and the Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge. Shelter in Minnesota.
As published in the Federal Register, the draft rule also includes proposals to eliminate lead ammunition and tackle at eight national wildlife refuges. Furthermore, none of the proposed new hunting opportunities would allow the use of traditional lead ammunition.
Backcountry Hunters & Anglers praised the USFWS’s proposed expansion of access to hunting, while also offering comments on the proposed bans on lead ammunition and fishing tackle.
“Wildlife refuges in the United States have traditionally served as places to assist in the conservation of fish and wildlife, including through science-based hunting and fishing opportunities,” said John Gale, vice president for policy. and BHA Government Relations. “The US Fish and Wildlife Service proposal underscores this approach. Established in 1903 by executive order of then-President Theodore Roosevelt, Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge, the nation’s first wildlife refuge, is administered as part of the Everglades Headwaters National Wildlife Refuge complex. Yesterday, the US Fish and Wildlife Service recommended expanding hunting within that complex. We appreciate the Service’s commitment to seeking and pursuing new public hunting and fishing opportunities within our refuge system.
“We believe that decisions about the use of lead-free ammunition and fishing tackle should be voluntary and incentive-based in the absence of identified impacts on the fish and wildlife population,” Gale continued. “In 2019, the BHA board of directors approved a policy statement encouraging hunters and anglers to consider voluntary use of lead-free ammunition and tackle. General regulations should be imposed only when circumstances clearly require it.
“We are encouraged that the USFWS is seeking guidance from the Federal Game and Wildlife Conservation Council, whose members have extensive experience in this area, to work collaboratively to develop policies and incentives regarding the use of firearm ammunition. lead and fishing gear on the lands of the Refuge System and waters.”
According to the National Shooting Sports Foundation, alternative ammunition is, on average, 25 percent more expensive than traditional lead ammunition, and availability is scarce, particularly in rural communities where many shelters are located. The scarcity raises a concerning issue of equitable access, and the high costs of ammunition could affect the price for many hunters who cannot afford lead-free alternatives.
The USFWS seeks public comment on the proposed rule within 60 days of the rule’s publication today in the Federal Register. The notice is available at www.regulations.gov, file number: FWS-HQ-NWRS-2023-0038.
Learn more about hunting at national wildlife refuges. Learn more about fishing at national wildlife refuges.
Backcountry Hunters & Anglers is the voice for our wild public lands, waters and wildlife.
Learn more about BHA: Visit our website. Connect with us on Facebook. Follow us on Twitter. Find us on Instagram. Watch us on YouTube.
SnapSafe® Vault Doors turn any closet or room into a safe place to store firearms and belongings. The easy-to-install gate comes in three configurations for a variety of door frames. 32-inch and 36-inch doors fit most standard openings. The 36-inch version is available with an in-swing door, while the 32-inch door is available with an in-swing or out-swing. Each model has a handy tool kit with everything needed for quick installation.
Vault doors open up more storage space for firearms, reloading equipment, or a storm shelter. Each door features nine 1-inch locking bolts, combined with 12-gauge steel construction for maximum security. Secure access is simple with the SecuRam™ digital lock. The combination lock is programmable and includes a backup key in the event of a power outage. Additionally, vault doors come with an internal handle to operate the door from the inside, ensuring entry and exit no matter what the circumstances.
To take security one step further, SnapSafe created SnapSafe Premium Vault doors. These doors offer the same benefits as standard vault doors with increased security, fire protection, and organizational capabilities. SnapSafe Premium Vault doors fit standard 36-inch door openings and are available in several exclusive colors. They are constructed of the same 12-gauge steel as standard vault doors, but with additional steel trim to finish the exterior entry. The back of each safe door includes Square-Lok™ technology to maximize storage space. Square-Lok™ backing accommodates various accessories to organize handguns, long guns, ammunition and more. Whether it’s a safe or a storm shelter, SnapSafe vault doors offer maximum security and peace of mind.
Vault Door Features
12 gauge door and door frame
Nine 1″ live lock bolts
SecuRam™ Digital Padlock with Key Backup
Exterior with steel trim
installation kit included
Vault Door Specifications
36 inch door opening
Dimensions: 81″ tall by 36.8″ wide
Weight: 350 pounds
32 inch door opening
Dimensions: 81″ tall by 32.8″ wide
Weight: 330 pounds
Premium Vault Door Features
added fire rating
Steel trim integrated in the outer door
Premium slip clutch handle protects the locking mechanism against forced entry
Square-Lok™ Organization System
Premium matte finishes in dark gray or off-white with black chrome keypad and 5-spoke handle
Complete with installation kit.
Premium Vault Door Specifications
36 inch door opening
Dimensions: 81″ tall by 36.8″ wide
SnapSafe® is owned by Hornady® Manufacturing, a third generation family business that has been designing, machining and producing bullets, ammunition, reloading products and safety products since 1949.
For more information please visit WWW.SNAPSAFE.COM
Refined ‘Ned-Miki Rig’ drives back swarms of small fish and tempts large bass on Lake Eufaula
For the second Bassmaster Opens champion, Joey Nania, it was a numbers game. Or more precisely, a never-ending contest of staying clear, working a few tough Z-Man StreakZ™ 3.75 baits out of hundreds, possibly thousands of “other fish” intent on strafing Nania’s bait into oblivion.
Given the durable ElaZtech® construction of the bait, good luck with that . . .
After a rough first day of fishing at the 2023 Bassmaster Open in Lake Eufaula, Oklahoma (June 15-17), the Alabama-based Z-Man pro found himself in 25he place. But on the second day, Nania’s plan came to fruition, as she worked a series of deep humps and brush piles with a subtle shad-mimicking presentation known as Ned-Miki. “It’s one of the best little tarpon imitations ever,” said Nania, who also won the 2021 Bassmaster Open in Pickwick Lake, Tennessee.
Fishing a 22-foot offshore hump, rising just above the lake’s 25-foot thermocline, Nania sailed a 6-1/2-pound monster, which, like most of the rest of her tournament-winning largemouth , to a 3/16-ounce, dollar pattern Z-Man Finesse EyeZ™ jighead dressed in a StreakZ 3.75 color gloss.
“There weren’t a lot of bass on these humps, but those few fish were big,” he observed. “The water was also very clear, which made these bass more difficult to fool.” Nania felt that a major clue lay in the unique properties of the soft bait.
“Because the StreakZ is made from ElaZtech®, it’s durable and super buoyant. When he paused and let the Ned-Miki soak, the bait would maintain a natural horizontal stance. Similar tail fin style baits are not buoyant, causing them to travel tail down, rather than floating horizontally like a live tarpon.
“The Finesse EyeZ is actually a really underrated jighead,” added Nania. “It has a super sharp lightweight wire hook and flat, slightly concave sides that reflect a nice clear signal on the Livescope. The insole also has these little wings or side tabs that help stabilize it, slow its rate of fall, and prevent it from tipping over. It’s a perfect match for Ned-Miki and live sonar fishing, whether you’re casting or working vertically.”
Nania pulled a good one out of some deep brush during tournament pre-fishing.
To complete her Day 2 limit of 22 pounds, 2 ounces, Nania stalked a series of twenty brush piles, much of them parked at the mouths of creek arms. Not only were bass numbers extremely limited, but the larger fish were also beleaguered and outnumbered by hordes of white bass and crappies, constantly competing for Nania’s Ned-Miki combination.
“He probably caught fifty white bass and crappie a day, and this while trying not to catch them,” Nania laughed. “I mean, these were massive schools of fish. Like, 10 or 15 bass to a thousand white bass. Just crazy numbers.
“If I had been fishing normal plastics, the pesky fish could have thrown me out of the game, cutting off my tails and forcing me to constantly change bait. But the toughness of the StreakZ allowed me to fish through crowds of these other fish, constantly strafing and tail-pecking baits. I think I only ate three or four baits a day, instead of dozens. Just an incredible advantage, just from a time management perspective.”
Similar to the baits and presentation employed by 2023 Bassmaster Classic winner and Z-Man pro Jeff “Gussy” Gustafson, Nania’s Ned-Miki team took another step toward finesse. “It’s a relatively light, well-balanced jig and slightly smaller ElaZtech bait, which sinks fast enough to tempt reaction bites.” But beyond the bait’s natural shad silhouette, realistic smoothness, which makes bass hold out longer, and buoyant, buoyant stature, Nania’s skipper focused on casting traditional downturns or vertical jigging.
“I call it ‘tickling’, just skimming the top of brush piles, trying to coax a largemouth out of cover,” Nania explained. “You would detect so many tap-tap-taps of smaller fish as the bait descended through the schools. He just had to let the jig keep going down, pummeling all those white bass and crappies to get to the largemouths, which were mostly buried in the brush. Every time I locked onto a solid bite, I would set the hook and pray for a largemouth. Fortunately, the Lord responded in a big way.”
By the end of day two, Nania had shipped two more four pounds and an impressive limit, jumping it to 1street place. Painting a strong and solid picture on her Garmin Livescope display, Nania’s Finesse EyeZ jig/StreakZ combo would appear and then be overtaken by the relatively huge image of a bass.
“I was just trying to tease and talk Bass out of the brush piles. The buoyancy of the StreakZ helped it float momentarily on pause, preventing it from getting snagged. And then it was all about slowly dragging the bait over the limbs, enticing the bass to swim in and bite. If I was followed by a bass, I would lead it away from the fish and play a subtle game of getting away.
“The bites were really great,” he added. “You would see the bass slowly float behind the bait and then gently inhale and swim through it.”
Nania, who travels to tournaments with her family, celebrated the Bassmaster victory with her sons Zeke and Eli.
On the third and final day, Nania cast a quick 2lb on a jerkbait before returning to a fresh weed run. “I ran through probably twenty new piles, most of them in 14 to 18 feet of water,” she noted. “It didn’t look like the bass were living in these brush piles. Instead, you would occasionally see one swim by, far below the smaller hordes of fish. She never caught more than one quality bass from the same weed, so it was all about covering the water, getting the bait through the crappies and white bass, all without worrying about whether or not the tail of the bait had been cut off. . Once again, the great advantage of ElaZtech”.
In fact, Nania maximized every key bite throughout the tournament. “Everything played to my strengths. I didn’t lose a fish all week and caught almost all the bass with a spinning rod and small jig. It’s great that it happens on a lake where you’re not supposed to fish like that.”
After methodically pulling 12 pounds of bass from their brush-mound route, Nania had a hunch that it finally paid off. “I rolled right off the ramp, hoping to work a platform pattern Ned had on the rocks. Unfortunately, Trevor McKinney (who finished 5he) was at the spot I had fished during practice, so I went to a secondary spot.”
Z-Man TRD BugZ, Canada Craw pattern.
Fishing near a rock wall not far from the start of the tournament, Nania landed two 3-1/2-pound largemouth. Throwing a Canada Craw Z-Man TRD BugZ™ pattern, which he rode without weeds on a 1/6-ounce NedlockZ™ HD jig, Nania’s three-pounder pair improved his final limit to 16-pounds, enough to edge out the second-place finisher. Trey McKinney for almost a pound.
Instead of slowly dragging the 2-1/2-inch TRD BugZ along the bottom, Nania imitated fleeing crayfish. “I try to make it snap and launch, explode, like a crayfish. In between those snaps, just let the bait sit on the slack line. You want to let those oversized, floating fin claws do the rest of the work. Even when the bait rests on the bottom, those fins rise and hover, giving the bass a good easy target.”
After weighing in a final total of 52 pounds, 8 ounces, Nania celebrated his special Father’s Day victory with his wife Jessica and sons Zeke, Eli and Noah. She paused to reflect on a healthy paycheck, a spot in the 2024 Bassmaster Classic, and what it all meant. “I felt so much peace from God all week. No matter what happened and when I least expected it, He blessed me with a victory. Just an amazing week that I will never forget.”
Get to know the Ned-Miki platform
The bait and rig that Nania says has produced 75 percent of her tournament catches this season, the Ned-Miki often doubles as a dropshot substitute. Designed to target individual bass using forward-facing sonar, Nania’s Ned-Miki shines for bass suspended, gliding with hooks and baits and acting like a pendulum on the descent. At rest, the StreakZ 3.75’s buoyancy maintains a realistic horizontal stance, just like a live shad.
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.
Yesterday, the major organizations representing recreational fishing and boating in the United States urged the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to deny a petition to set a year-round speed limit of 10 knots (11 mph) and other measures related to vessels. in the “core” habitat area of Rice’s whale in the Gulf of Mexico.
The petitioners ask NOAA to use its authority under the Endangered Species Act and the Marine Mammal Protection Act to establish a “Vessel Deceleration Zone” from approximately Pensacola, Florida to south of Tampa to protect the newly discovered Rice’s whale. In addition to the mandatory 11 mph speed limit for all vessels transiting the proposed zone, the petition proposes the following additional restrictions:
No ship transits at night;
Vessels transiting the area must report their plans to NOAA, use trained visual observers, and maintain a 500m separation distance from Rice’s whales;
Use and operate an Automatic Identification System, or notify NOAA of transits through the area, and
Report any non-compliance to NOAA within 24 hours.
There is no evidence that a Rice whale has ever been struck by a recreational vessel.
“As more is learned about the recently discovered Rice’s whale, it is critical that NOAA focus early on collaborating with stakeholders rather than jumping into drastic restrictions,” said Glenn Hughes, president of the American Association of Sport fishing. “As an industry that cares deeply about the conservation of the marine environment, the recreational fishing and boating industry is ready, willing and able to help develop solutions to support whale conservation. Relying on massive speed restrictions that effectively shut down shipping and fishing is not a viable path for the Rice Whale or the economy.”
“Once again, proponents of boat speed restrictions act as if small recreational craft are the same as large cargo ships. They’re not,” said Jeff Angers, president of the Sportfishing Policy Center. “We invite NOAA to join us in identifying 21st century technological advances that can help tell boaters where the whales are rather than effectively prohibit public access to America’s marine waters.”
“The recreational fishing and boating community is committed to protecting marine wildlife and ensuring that our precious waters are safe for wildlife, including Rice’s Whales and boaters alike. A blanket approach, such as speed restrictions on vessels covering large swaths of the Gulf, will do little to address the protection of the Rice Whale population and put recreational boaters, fishermen, and communities that depend on economic activity at risk. of these industries,” said Frank Hugelmeyer. , President of the National Marine Manufacturers Association. “As NOAA considers its next steps to address the recovery and protection of the Rice Whale, the shipping and fishing industry looks forward to working together with the agency and all affected stakeholders to determine a holistic approach to protect this vulnerable species while access is maintained along the Gulf. Coast.”
“As conservationists, we understand the need to mitigate the negative impacts on the population of Rice’s whales in the Gulf of Mexico, but any reasonable solution must include a set of measured responses that can achieve a realistic goal,” said Bill Bird, president of Coastal Conservation. National Committee of Government Relations of the Association. “The proposed vessel speed restrictions off Florida and Alabama are not only draconian, but also unlikely to work, and may be proposed for larger and larger areas of the Gulf as more is learned about it. new species. What is needed here is a rational plan that uses technology solutions with input from all stakeholders. We stand ready to assist as NOAA evaluates a rational response to address these challenges.”
In summary, the groups recommend that NOAA not take any regulatory action based on the petition for the following reasons:
The petitioners present no evidence that recreational boats pose a risk to Rice whales that justifies the important rules proposed in the petition.
The petition does not propose actions to address the major sources of mortality for the Rice Whale.
NOAA has not engaged with the recreational fishing and boating industry in planning for the recovery of Rice Whales or to better understand how their vessels may interact with Rice Whales.
NOAA needs to fully investigate and report on the likelihood of recovering the Rice Whales given documented concerns about their population size.
Rather than proceed with the rulemaking request, NOAA should:
Work with partners to address knowledge gaps about this rarely observed species to inform future recovery planning and strategies.
Allow the recreational fishing and boating industry to contribute significantly to Rice’s whale recovery plan.
Develop a recovery implementation strategy with input from all Gulf of Mexico stakeholders.
The issue of vessel speed restrictions was recently the subject of a congressional hearing on the impacts of NOAA’s proposed changes to the North Atlantic Whaling Strike Reduction Rule. Affected stakeholders from the $230 billion recreational fishing and boating industry testified about the devastating impacts NOAA’s flawed rule would have on businesses, jobs, and coastal recreation along the Atlantic seaboard. As a result of numerous stakeholder concerns about NOAA’s lack of commitment prior to rulemaking, US Sens. Joe Manchin (DW.Va.) and John Boozman (R-Ark.), introduced the bipartisan proposal. Whale Protection, Human Security and Economy Act of 2023 to prohibit NOAA from issuing a rule modifying or superseding the North Atlantic right whale vessel strike reduction regulation until technological solutions recently authorized by Congress can help better track whales and avoid strikes.
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The American Sport Fishing Association (ASA) is the trade association for the sport fishing industry committed to representing the interests of the sport fishing and boating industries, as well as the entire sport fishing community. We provide the industry and anglers with a unified voice when emerging laws and policies could significantly affect the sport fishing business or sport fishing itself. ASA invests in companies for the long term to ensure the industry remains strong and prosperous, as well as to safeguard and promote the enduring economic, conservation, and social values of America’s sport fishing. ASA also gives America’s 55 million fishermen a voice in political decisions that affect their ability to fish sustainably in our nation’s waterways through Keep America Fishing, our national fisherman advocacy campaign. America’s fishermen generate more than $50 billion in retail sales with a $125 billion impact on the nation’s economy creating jobs for 825,000 people.
Educators at the Nebraska Park and Play Commission have scheduled interesting and engaging events for the curious in July. A vehicle parking entry permit is required, except at the Schramm Education Center. Here are some opportunities:
‘The Science of’ Virtual Webinar Series Returns in July
The Nebraska Park and Play Commission’s popular “Science of” virtual webinar series returns in July.
Every Thursday at 3:00 pm Central Time, Parks and Games educators will discuss some of the science behind common things related to nature and animals. The schedule of topics: July 6 – Mountain Lions; July 14 – Animal Communication; July 20 – Clouds.
The one-hour webinars are free, but separate registration is required for each. Check the calendar event entries at calendar.outdoornebraska.gov for registration links.
The webinars will be recorded and posted on the Nebraska Parks and Games Educational YouTube channel.
Contact [email protected] for more information. Check out the events on the Game and Parks Facebook page and the Nebraska Project WILD Facebook page.
Snakes of Nebraska is July 29-30 at Schramm
The Schramm Education Center near Gretna will host the annual Snakes of Nebraska event July 29-30.
University of Nebraska-Lincoln herpetologist Dennis Ferraro and his lab will lead a live snake encounter featuring most of Nebraska’s 29 snake species. The live snake exhibits will be set up open house style in the Schramm Education Center classroom and will be available both days from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
This event is free. Education Center admission fees will apply for those who also visit the Education Center in addition to the event. Use the classroom entrance on the left side of the building.
Contact Jen Ruyle at [email protected] or 402-332-5022 for more information.
Schramm Park SRA will host Nature Journaling
Learn to write a nature journal at 9 am on July 29 at Schramm Park State Recreation Area.
Join Nebraska teacher naturalist, writer and educator Jeff Lacey on a hike designed to help naturalists of all ages and skill levels write and draw in or about the woods in a nature journal.
Meet at the park shelter with a green roof by the first pond as you enter the park. Resources will be provided.
Discover the relationship between dark skies and wildlife
Come to Camp Snake River at Merritt Reservoir State Recreation Area on July 21 and investigate the relationship between dark skies and wildlife.
Discover the fantastic world of nocturnal insects and celebrate Merritt Reservoir’s designation as an International Dark Sky Park.
At 8 pm in the Nebraska Star Party tent on the viewing field, night lighting equipment will be used for this project.
Yoga in nature July 14 in Schramm
See how yoga and nature intertwine when Nebraska Game and Parks offers a Yoga in Nature class on July 14 at the Schramm Education Center near Gretna.
The free class, which starts at 9 am, is designed for everyone, from beginners to experts. Come learn, play and sweat it out in a supportive environment. All bodies are welcome. The nature themed class will incorporate certain poses to match the theme.
Registration is required. Some yoga mats will be available.
For more information and to register, visit the calendar event entry at calendar.outdoornebraska.gov. Email [email protected] if you have questions.
Mud Pie Mornings ready for Schramm
Get ready to get dirty for Mud Pie Mornings at Schramm Park State Recreation Area on July 24.
Meet at 9 a.m. at the side entrance of the Schramm Education Center, then go on a scavenger hunt. Next, naturalists and participants will try a mud pie recipe, while learning about the composition of the soil.
Two Rivers SRA Nature Programs July 15
Two Rivers State Recreation Area will host nature programs from 12:30 to 2 pm on July 15.
Join the naturalists at the picnic shelter just north of the lakeside campground. Discover footprints, skins, skulls and more to explore. Meet a live animal and learn about some of Nebraska’s favorite species that can be found in the SRA.
Mahoney SP will host stargazing on July 28
The Nebraska Star Party group will sponsor a Star Gazing Party for the public at sunset on July 28 at Eugene T. Mahoney State Park.
Powerful telescopes will be set up near the park’s golf shack for glimpses of the night sky. Bring camping chairs or blankets. This event is free and viewing equipment will be provided. Rain dates are the following day or the following Saturday.
Pre-party naturalist programs, featuring astronomy-related activities, will take place at the picnic area in front of the Owen Marina from 3-4:30 p.m.
Wildcat Hills will host bioblitz from July 21-22
Join natural resource experts and volunteers July 21-22 as they discover the biodiversity of Wildcat Hills during a bioblitz, where they will find and identify as many species as possible.
The bioblitz begins on July 21 with a walk at 7:30 pm and continues with a session on moths at 8:30. The next day has the following schedule: 8 am – Census of reptiles and amphibians; 9 am – Study of birds; 10 am – Wild plants and flowers; 11 am – Insect survey.
Meeting at the Nature Center. Contact the Wildcat Hills Nature Center for more information at 308-436-3777.
