Win a Waterfowl Hunt for Two in Saskatchewan’s Premier Flyway

By: Jeff Benda

 

As a wild game chef and full-time recipe developer living in North Dakota, pheasant shows up in our kitchen a lot. I cook for my wife and 10-year-old daughter, and my two biggest critics are looking for dishes that are mouthwatering and save-worthy. They are the kind that are "You should make this for us again next week" good. The following pheasant recipes are ones I keep coming back to because they are flavorful, foolproof and realistic for everyday life.

These are fun upgrades from that old pheasant and cream-of-mushroom soup in a slow cooker recipe your grandma made. They'll make cooking pheasant for dinner anything but boring. And all of them can be on the table in 30 minutes or less, making them the perfect option for a quick weeknight wild game dinner to feed your family or friends.

Quick and Crispy Fried Pheasant Fritters

On busy weeknights, dinner needs to land somewhere between wholesome and fast without a stop at the drive-thru. This recipe turns a couple of pheasant breasts into a golden, pan-fried treat that cooks in minutes, so you can squeeze in a sit-down family dinner on a tight schedule.

The diced pheasant is mixed with mozzarella, eggs and a touch of flour and cornstarch, creating fritters that fry up crisp on the outside with a soft, flavorful center. The batter comes together in one bowl without complicated steps or culinary gymnastics. It can even be made up to a day ahead to make life even easier. Serve them with the quick aioli or tuck them into hamburger buns for a grab-and-go option.

Ingredients Needed

Fritter Ingredients

• 1-½ pounds pheasant breasts (from 2 birds), diced into ¼-inch pieces
• 1-½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 2 eggs, beaten
• ⅓ cup mayonnaise
• ⅓ cup all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Garlic and Celery Aioli Ingredients

• ¼ cup mayonnaise¼ cup sour cream
• 1 celery stalk, shredded using the grater attachment of a food processor or mandoline
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
• ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
• ⅛ teaspoon black pepper
• ⅛ teaspoon onion powder
• ⅛ teaspoon celery seed

Instructions

Make the Fritters

1. In a large mixing bowl, add the pheasant, mozzarella, eggs, mayonnaise, flour, cornstarch, dill, salt and black pepper and stir together until well combined. You can make the fritters right away, but if you have time, cover the bowl with a lid or plastic wrap and refrigerate for 2 hours or up to overnight. This will give the pheasant more time to marinade, so you end up with fritters that are juicier and more flavorful.
2. Line a rimmed baking sheet with paper towels. In a large nonstick frying pan over medium heat, heat the olive oil. Working in batches, drop six 1-tablespoon portions of the pheasant batter into the pan. Use a spoon or spatula to flatten into 2-inch disks. Fry for 2 to 3 minutes per side until the bottom turns golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 160 degrees F using an instant-read meat thermometer.
3. Transfer cooked fritters to a paper towel-lined baking sheet. Repeat with the remaining batter, adding more olive oil as needed. Serve immediately.

Make the Garlic Aioli

1. In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, shredded celery, minced garlic, lemon juice, salt, black pepper, onion powder and celery seed.
2. Serve the garlic aioli with the fritters or store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Easy Pheasant Pesto Pasta

This hassle-free pheasant pasta has saved many an evening between our daughter's piano lesson and gymnastics. Built around quick-cooking pheasant breast, a creamy sauce and bright basil pesto, it comes together in just 25 minutes - after a short brine - to ensure the lean meat stays juicy.

I'll admit that based on our usual dinner plates, my daughter and I could easily be mistaken for committed carnivores. Left to our own devices, most meals would involve some form of grilled or pan-seared meat with a side of mashed potatoes. That's exactly why this pheasant recipe includes both asparagus and basil pesto. My wife frequently reminds me that green vegetables deserve equal billing at the table, not just honorary garnish status.

Ingredients Needed

• 6 ounces fettuccine or spaghetti noodles
• 2 boneless, skinless pheasant breasts from 1 bird
• ¾ teaspoon kosher salt, divided
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper, divided
• ⅛ teaspoon garlic powder
• ⅛ teaspoon onion powder
• 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
• 6 ounces asparagus, ends trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
• 1-½ cups heavy whipping cream
• 2 tablespoons basil pesto

Instructions

1. Dissolve 2 tablespoons of salt in 1 quart of cool water in a container large enough to hold the brine and the pheasant breasts. Submerge the pheasant completely in the brine. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes or up to 4 hours. Remove the pheasant and pat dry with paper towels before cooking.

2. Cook pasta

   In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook according to the package instructions for about 12 minutes. While pasta is cooking, proceed with the recipe, then add the drained cooked pasta to the sauce in the last step.

3. Cook pheasant

   While the pasta is cooking, season pheasant breasts on both sides with ½ teaspoon salt, ⅛ teaspoon black pepper, garlic powder and onion powder. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat with 1 tablespoon olive oil. When oil is hot, add pheasant and sauté until fully cooked through (2 minutes per side). Remove from the pan and rest 5 minutes, then slice into bite-sized pieces.

4. Sauté asparagus

   While the pheasant is resting, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the same skillet with the asparagus pieces. Sauté, stirring occasionally, for 2- to 3-minutes or until tender.

5. Make the sauce

   Add heavy whipping cream, bring to a simmer over medium heat and cook 3 minutes, stirring occasionally. Stir in basil pesto, then add cooked pheasant and cook 2 minutes. Season sauce with remaining ¼ teaspoon salt and ⅛ teaspoon black pepper.

Golden Pheasant Curry

This mild, family-friendly curry features pheasant simmered in a creamy tomato-and-coconut-milk sauce infused with aromatic spices, all coming together in less than 30 minutes. The spice mix includes curry powder and turmeric to create the signature "golden" color. Since all of my wild game recipes are tested and approved by my Minnesota-born wife and 10-year-old daughter, the spice level stays mild. For you, that means kids will happily ask for seconds instead of reaching for emergency peanut butter sandwiches.

Serve this pheasant curry over basmati rice. The rice quickly absorbs the rich, velvety sauce, so be generous, so you create a little pool of sauce that will be begging to be scooped up with soft pieces of buttery garlic naan.

Ingredients Needed

• 1-½ pounds pheasant breast (from 2 birds), cut into 1-inch pieces
• 3 tablespoons avocado oil or olive oil, divided
• kosher salt
• black pepper
• 1-½ tablespoons mild curry powder
• 1 tablespoon ground coriander
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon turmeric
• ½ teaspoon sugar
• 1 large yellow onion, diced
• 2 teaspoons minced garlic
• 2 teaspoons minced fresh ginger
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1-5-ounce can diced tomatoes
• 1-5-ounce can of coconut milk
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 2 cups fresh spinach
• ⅛ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

1. Place the pheasant meat in a bowl. Sprinkle with ½ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon black pepper, then toss until all pieces are evenly coated.
2. In a separate small bowl, combine 1 teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper, the curry powder, ground coriander, ground cumin, paprika, turmeric and sugar. Set aside.
3. Add oil to a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add pheasant and sauté until the meat is no longer pink on the outside, about 4 minutes. You don't have to cook it all the way through at this point. Transfer pheasant meat to a plate.
4. To the same skillet, add onion and sauté for about 3 minutes over medium heat.
5. Add garlic and ginger and cook for 1 minute, then stir in ½ of the seasoning mix and cook for 1 minute more.
6. Stir in chicken broth, diced tomatoes, coconut milk and tomato paste. Simmer for 10 minutes, stirring often.
7. Now stir in spinach, cooked pheasant and the remaining ½ of the seasoning mix and simmer for 2 more minutes.
8. Sprinkle with crushed red pepper if so desired and serve over cooked white rice.

Discover more of Jeff Benda's recipes for wild game at Wild Game & Fish.

About the Author

Jeff Benda is based in Fargo, North Dakota, where he is an avid outdoorsman, hunter, angler and family man. He spent 25 years in the restaurant industry and ran a catering business. He now focuses his time as an outdoor writer and running his food blog wildgameandfish.com where he provides achievable wild game and fish recipes designed to build confidence for new cooks and inspire everyone to elevate their cooking.

Jeff Benda

Hunt Like a Girl and Beretta USA: Champions of the +ONE Movement.

 

By Daphane Cassidy, NSSF Content Manager

There are moments in life that stay with you, not because of grand spectacle, but because of stillness, presence and a kind of quiet reverence that settles deep in your bones. For me, one of those moments didn't come during the shot or the celebration, but in the still blue hour before it all began, standing in a sunken pond blind, surrounded by reeds and mist, with a shotgun in hand and half a dozen women breathing deeply beside me.

Sharing our experience of the Hunt Like A Girl +ONE Waterfowl Hunt: Sponsored by Beretta. (Videography by: Sara Liberte)

Hunt Like A Girl +ONE^® Waterfowl Hunt

There's something uniquely powerful about watching someone experience their first hunt. As a long-time advocate of the shooting sports and a proud representative of NSSF's +ONE Movement, I've mentored many newcomers over the years but every hunt feels new again when you're guiding someone who's never stepped afield before. That's exactly what happened during the Hunt Like A Girl +ONE Waterfowl Hunt, held in partnership with Shoot Like a Girl, Beretta USA and NSSF, at Rocky Creek Retrievers in El Campo, Texas.

From the moment we arrived, the energy was electric, an eager blend of nervous anticipation and pure excitement. This wasn't just another event. It was a culmination of passion, mentorship and legacy-building. Four women, ranging from seasoned professionals to industry newcomers, had each invited a guest who had never duck hunted before. Some of these first-timers had never held a firearm. Some had been around hunting their whole lives, but just never had the opportunity to go. One of our newbies was here at the request of her sister, two were brought by colleagues and one was a friend chosen by our passionate +ONE contest winner. While coming from different backgrounds and comfort levels, what united them all was an openness to try something new and the courage to step outside their comfort zones.

The whole +ONE group together in the duck blind. (Photography by: Alexis Greene)

As part of NSSF's +ONE Movement, the goal was simple but transformational: bring someone new afield. The idea that if every hunter took just one person with them, we could change the trajectory of America's hunting heritage. And on this trip, we didn't just talk about it, we lived it.

The +ONE Vision in Action

The +ONE Movement is built on a simple truth: When we invite others to hunt or shoot for the first time, we pass down something deeper than skill; we pass down a way of life. It's not just a campaign, it's a cultural shift. And this hunt was a living, breathing embodiment of that vision.

(Photography by: Alexis Greene)

For me, mentoring is more than just a responsibility; it's a gift. You get to share in the adrenaline of a first shot, the quiet reverence of a morning sunrise over decoys and the genuine pride that comes from helping someone do something they never imagined themselves capable of. You see, the moment fear dissolves into confidence, when a woman who was hesitant to pick up a shotgun now smiles after folding her first bird over open water. You see self-doubt replaced with laughter and stories, shared around the fire or while walking through the field.

I had the honor of mentoring a few of the first-time hunters, guiding them through safety basics, shotgun handling and what to expect in a duck blind. Their nerves were real and completely understandable. But what never fails to inspire me is how fast that anxiety turns to exhilaration with the right encouragement and support.

The magic wasn't in instruction alone; it was in companionship. We laughed, learned, whispered advice and encouragement across the decoys. I watched one guest who was hesitant to even pick up her shotgun on day one light up when she successfully harvested a bird on day two. Another guest cried, not out of sorrow, but from the emotional weight of doing something she never thought she could do. She was joyful, overwhelmed, respectful of the life taken and empowered all at once. And honestly? So were we.

As mentors, we got to witness the +ONE movement from both sides: as seasoned hunters and as students once more, reminded of the awe and responsibility that comes with every shot.

 

The Morning Grounding: Becoming Present in the Blind

Each day began with what I can only describe as a grounding ritual, from the guidance of Karen Butler, Shoot Like a Girl founder, I was encouraged to create this moment for our hunters and step strongly into my role as a "Hunt Like a Girl" Mentor. Before any shots were fired, before any birds came into sight, we paused. We sat in that sunken blind, dew still clinging to the grass around us, fog curling low over the water and the horizon just starting to burn with the blush of sunrise.

Mornings from the duck blind. (Photography by: Alexis Greene)

We took a breath together.

We felt the wind on our faces and the earth beneath our boots. We noticed the weight of our shotguns in our hands. We listened to the reeds rustling, to the wings above, to each other. And we reminded ourselves to be here. Fully present. We were not just having an experience but creating this peaceful memory in nature, which we could always return to in our minds. It wasn't just about what happened, but how deeply we felt it.

I watched women with no prior hunting experience close their eyes and take it in. Later, several people came to me and said they felt goosebumps during that moment, as if something within them had shifted. They were completely present.

As a mentor, it was powerful beyond words. We weren't just preparing for a hunt; we were stepping into a moment that could anchor us for years to come.

Processing the Harvest: Turning Experience into Ownership

For many, the idea of cleaning and processing a harvested duck is intimidating. But that, too, is where empowerment lives, in the doing. Duck hunting, especially for first-timers, offers a uniquely approachable transition into game processing. With a small knife, a clear technique and a little guidance, anyone can go from uncertainty to capability in a single afternoon.

Learning the full process from hunt to harvest. (Photography by: Alexis Greene)

I watched it happen over and over. Women who hesitated at first now worked with focused hands and growing confidence, processing their ducks with care and purpose. You could see it on their faces: I did this. Not just the shot, but the follow-through. They were now providers in the most primitive sense.

That evening, we ate what we had harvested. It wasn't just dinner, it was a culmination. A celebration. The connection from blind to table made it real in a way no words or photos could. One participant turned to me and said, "I didn't know I could feel this way, so full, so proud, so connected."

The Power of Partnership

It's important to say that this hunt wouldn't have been possible without the deep collaboration between Beretta USA, Hunt Like A Girl and NSSF. Beretta didn't just provide equipment; they brought legacy. Their 500-year tradition in firearms was woven into everything we touched, from the smooth action of their 20-gauge shotguns to the warmth and functionality of the women's tactical and hunting gear. The women didn't just use Beretta gear; we lived in it.

And Hunt Like A Girl, what a force. Their team of women brought experience, mentorship and soul to every corner of the field. Their approach to safety, empowerment and connection reshaped how many of our first-time hunters viewed themselves, not just as students, but as emerging participants in something powerful.

Bringing Women In: Changing the Invitation

For generations, women were often excluded from hunts. Fathers and brothers hunted, but the girls stayed home. That's changing and Hunt Like A Girl is at the front of that shift.

One participant told me she'd always been curious about hunting, but no one had ever invited her. Another said, "My dad hunted my whole life, but he never thought to bring me."

That's what +ONE is here to fix. We don't need to talk people into loving the outdoors. We need to invite them in.

Your Invitation

If you've ever wondered whether inviting someone afield makes a difference, let me assure you - it does, because I've seen it. I've seen it in the eyes of women who once said, "I could never do that," and now say, "When can I go again?"

So, I'll leave you with this: Take the pledge. Invite someone. Be the +ONE that changes everything.

 

Want to experience this hunt from a Newbie's Perspective? Check out this article:

Into the Blind with a +ONE: A Newbie's First Duck Hunt

More photos from this +ONE Experience

By Robert Sadowski The market for night-vision and thermal optics stays red hot, but red dots at LPVOs remain in the mix this year. Optics such as night vision and thermal are being offered by more brands, making these exotic optics more accessible to hunters. Some price points are still at nose-bleed heights because they are so feature rich the process is more like buying a computer than a scope. Other brands make owning thermal and night-vision optics for mere mortals easier. There still is a steep entry price, but once you go thermal it’s hard to go back. There is also no reason why you can’t put your pistol-buying customer in a red-dot optic. This year there are red-dot reflex sights at all price points. Enclosed emitter red dots (red-dot optics sealed from the elements) are making inroads with models at lower price points. LPVOs (Low-Powered Variable Optics) continue to be a strong presence in the riflescope market. Here are the details.

Apex Optics

Apex Optics' new VAPOR 1-4x22mm variable-zoom PRISM sight (SRP: $699-$799) is the first variable-zoom prism sight available on the market. Designed for tactical situations, competition, or anyone looking for cutting-edge innovation, precision, and durability, the VAPOR offers effortless zoom from 1X through 4X with a simple turn of the front zoom ring, similar to a traditional riflescope. It is compatible with Picatinny mounts for easy integration into any AR-style platform. A six-position illuminated, glass-etched reticle with off settings between each brightness level is built into a 30mm one-piece aircraft-grade aluminum tube. The new ION 1x25mm red-dot sight (SRP: $350) is designed for defensive and tactical pistol or AR platforms. The ION uses the RMSc footprint, so it is compatible with all RMSc mounts. Features include AutoSleep and JOLT-AWAKE technologies that automatically power down during inactivity and instantly reactivate with motion. There are 10 brightness settings, including two for night-vision use. Reticle options include a 6 MOA dot or a selectable three-position MRX reticle. The Edge BLACK 1-10×24 LPVO (SRP: $1,800) is now fully assembled and quality controlled in the USA and offers the same unparalleled performance as the original Japanese-made Edge 1-10×24. Check these out on: apexoptics.co

Barska

The NVD35 Night Vision Adapter (SRP: $549.99) transforms nearly any riflescope into a highly efficient night-vision system by attaching seamlessly to the ocular lens of most riflescopes. Equipped with a 1024×768 pixel OLED display, the NVD35 boasts a digital zoom range from 1X to 5X. The easy-attachment mechanism allows for quick installation and removal, making it highly adaptable for a variety of shooting scenarios. Check these out on: barska.com

Burris

The Fullfield riflescope line has a 50-plus-year reputation of proven performance, and for this year the Fullfield line has been redesigned with five magnification ranges and a variety of reticle options. The proprietary 4X zoom system offers performance in a compact scope, combined with simple Plex or more advanced MOA and BDC-based reticle options. The optional Burris Knob Synergy turrets elevate performance. Six new Fullfield models include a 2-8x35mm, 2.5-10x42mm, 3-12x42mm, 3-12x56mm, 4-16x50mm, and 6-24x50mm (SRP: $192-$600). Whether you're a hunter or a long-range shooter, the Fullfield lines offer value and performance. The new FastFire E (SRP: $420) is an enclosed emitter red-dot optic designed for a variety of platforms and to ensure reliable performance in any environmental conditions. Built with an aluminum body, the FastFire E is constantly powered on with a 60,000-hour battery life from one CR2032 battery that juices a red or green 3.5 MOA dot. Check these out on: burrisoptics.com

C&H Precision

The new COMP MAX (SRP: $339.95) is an open-emitter red dot with a viewing window larger than other red dots. The COMP MAX is purpose-built for competition, duty, or concealed carry. It has the same footprint as the RMR and features a multiple reticle with a 2 MOA dot, 30 MOA circle—or both. The new EDC-EN (SRP: $275) is an enclosed emitter red dot to protect against dirt, dust, and debris interfering with the emitter. Powered up 50,000 hours, the EDC-EN features shake-to-wake technology, so it instantly comes on and powers off after five minutes of inactivity. It uses a RMSC footprint for a wide range of compatibility. Red and green dot reticle models are available with multiple reticle choices: 2.5 MOA dot, 34 MOA circle, or both. The HNT-R MAX (SRP: $339.95) is another open emitter red dot with a large viewing window, RMSC footprint, and True Timber camo finish. Add this to your turkey shotgun. Check these out on: chpws.com

C-More

The RTS3 (SRP: $749) open emitter red dot is a total redesign to maximum performance and reliability. The RTS3 placed first overall at the 2024 USPSA Carry Optics National Championship. It features a large viewing window; is available with either a 3, 6, or 9 MOA dot; has 50,000 hours of battery life; and the footprint is compatible with STS2 and RTS2 mounts. It also has a 30-year warranty. Check these out on: cmore.com

Crimson Trace

Crimson Trace has evolved two of its best selling products, the Railmaster CMR-201 and CMR-206 Universal Laser Sights. Now both lasers are equipped with aluminum rail clamps to outlast the competition and prevent slipping. The CMR-201 also features a robust polymer body, brightest allowable 5mw red laser, and externally replaceable 1/3N Li battery. The small footprint fits on a wide range of handguns and rifles. The CMR-206 features a daylight visible 5mw green laser—brightest allowable by law. Both lasers come with two rail fit adapters: universal and GLOCK profile. SRP: $129.99, CMR-201; $239.99, CMR-206. Check these out on: crimsontrace.com

Eotech

The housing of the super-short Vudu 3-9×32 riflescope is constructed of lightweight aircraft-grade aluminum. This second focal plane design comes in at 6.8 inches and is fog-, water-, and shock-resistant. The turrets offer 1⁄4 MOA adjustments and are both capped for protection. A rotary dial provides an illuminated reticle with 10 brightness settings, and the CR2032 battery provides roughly 300 hours of operation. The unique design provides an integrated base that is also compatible with aftermarket mini-ACOG mounts. For those wanting a non-magnified solution, EOTECH offers a version that includes a ring mount and EFLXTM that can be mounted to the front tube section. It can be positioned at the top or at 45-degree offsets for close or moving targets. Check these out on: eotechinc.com

GPO

It shouldn’t take retailers long to figure out the new CENTURI lines of riflescopes offers all the features shooters demand at an affordable price. The CENTURI 4-16x44i FFP Super Compact riflescope (SRP: $519.99) has a small footprint at just 9.9 inches long. It weighs a mere 20 ounces. Features include a first-focal plane milliradian reticle illuminated with GPO iControl technology, .1 milliradian turrets that lock, and an innovative “in-cap” zero-stop locking function. Other models in the CENTURI family include a 2.5-15x44i (SRP: $619.99), 2.5-15x50i (SRP: $619.99), and 3-18x44i (SRP: $619.99). All feature a 6X zoom magnification and are built on 30mm tubes. Check these out on: gpo-usa.com

Hawke Optics

The new Vantage IR 1-4x20mm Turkey Dot riflescope (SRP: $239) is designed for turkey hunting with features like a full Mossy Oak camo finish and Turkey Dot illuminated reticle. It comes with flip-up covers, honeycomb sun shade, and removable zoom throw lever. The new XB30 FFP crossbow scope (SRP: $219.99) with an FFP reticle is a first for crossbow optics. The XB30 FFP SR illuminated reticle keeps you on target at any magnification. Check these out on: us.hawkeoptics.com

Hi-Lux Optics

The Malcolm Long Rifle Telescope Gen II (SRP: $799) blends period-correct aesthetics and modern performance. The Malcolm comes equipped with a 6X magnification eyepiece, sliding dovetail mounts, a 5-inch extended sunshade for 30-inch barrels, and parallax adjustment from 10 yards to infinity. If your customer's rifle barrel has both front and rear sight dovetails, you should be able to mount this scope without any drilling or tapping. Dove mounts are compatible with Uberti, Shiloh, Perdesoli, and Chiappa rifles. Check these out on: hi-luxoptics.com

Pulsar

Engineered with cutting-edge technology and precision craftsmanship, Thermion digital thermal riflescopes deliver clarity and precision to ensure success in any low-light environment. For 2025, Pulsar adds three models to the Thermion line: 2 LRF XP60, 2 LRF XG60, and 2LRF XL60. All feature a video recorder, AMOLED 2560×2560 display type and resolution, a 60mm objective lens, and 64 Gb of built-in memory. The units can detect images up to 2,000 meters (2,800 for the 2LRF XL60), and the included remote control allows hunters to to adjust settings and make precise shots without ever losing sight of the target. Check these out on: pulsarnv.com

Riton

The new 5 Primal 3-18×50 Crossover Scope (SRP: $999.99) is designed to be just as useful on the 1,000-yard range as in the backcountry. Built on a 34mm tube, the Primal features .1 mil capped turrets and the popular Long-Range Hunter (LRH) first-focal plane (FFP) reticle with a Christmas-tree style set-up. The new 3 Tactix 3X Magnifier (SRP: $249.99) adds magnification to 1X dot-style optics when you need it—and stays out of the way when you don’t. The push-button design flips the magnifier out of the way to run a dot without additional magnification. Features include two mounting height configurations and a choice between a dot-only or a circle-dot reticle. Pair the 1 Tactix ARD 2 (SRP: $229.99) with the 3 Tactix 3X magnifier for a versatile package. Check these out on: ritonoptics.com

Umarex

The Umarex RDS8 (SRP: $39.99) stands for Red Dot Sight 8 and is compatible with various airguns, airsoft guns, and imaged paintball training equipment. The RDS8 is a compact, lightweight red dot sight with an 8 MOA reticle with two brightness levels. A Picatinny universal mount is included so it can adapt to a variety of other air-powered platforms. The OR/MOS Adapter Plates (SRP: $20) are now available for select air-powered Walther PDP and Glock models in airgun, airsoft, and paintball variants. The plates come in the most popular mounting footprints for Trijicon, Vortex, Leupold, and C-More. Check these out on: umarexusa.com

U.S. Optics

The new RISE Red Dot Sight (SRP: $279.99) is a high-performance reflex sight equipped with a 3 MOA red dot, 10 brightness settings (including night vision), and a durable aluminum housing. It is compatible with the Leupold DeltaPoint Pro footprint, and is ideal for pistols, shotguns, and rifles with tactical, sporting, and home-defense applications. Check these out on: usoptics.com

Winchester Supreme Optics

The new line of value-focused riflescopes includes six models: 6-18x50mm SF Illuminated Reticle (SRP: $344.99), 4-12x44mm SF (SRP: $241.99), 3-9x40mm (SRP: $206.99), 3.5-10x50mm (SRP: $218.99), 2-7x32mm (SRP: $144.99), and 1-4x24mm Illuminated Reticle (SRP: $264.99). Features include premium lens multi-coated with Winchester WINcoat to transmit the maximum amount of low dusk or dawn light to your eye. All scopes use second focal plane (SFP) reticles and fast-focus eyepieces. Check these out on: worldofwinchester.com

XS Sights

The DXT2 PRO Series night sights are designed for self-defense. This improved Big Dot line offers increased durability and corrosion resistance due to the upgraded tritium lamps and BlackNitride surface finish. The PRO Series is also the first XS Big Dot available with a green glow dot front sight that delivers high contrast in bright light while glowing extremely bright in low light. The DXT2 PRO Series sights offer the same exceptional benefits of the original XS Big Dots with a large, easy-to-see tritium front sight with dual-illumination technology for high visibility in low light and a rear, tritium stripe for fast and easy vertical alignment. The overall design and sheer size of the dot at 0.188 inch drives focus to the front sight for lightning-fast target acquisition. The sights will fit selected models from Glock, SIG Sauer, Springfield Armory, Smith & Wesson, and FN. SRP: $153. XS Sights is also offering new, pre-drilled front sights, featuring a self-illuminating tritium Glow Dot, for S&W K-Frame, L-Frame, J-Frame and Ruger SP101 revolvers. The dual-illuminated front sight has a self-luminous tritium vial surrounded by XS’ proprietary photoluminescent Glow Dot that absorbs ambient light to glow in low light. The pairing ensures the front sight will glow brightly in low light and contrast well in bright light conditions. While the Standard dot sets come with a front sight only, the Minimalist sets come with a front sight and serrated, anti-glare, non-tritium rear sight. It is designed to be as minimalistic as possible while driving focus to the front sight. Check these out on: xssights.com

X-Vision Optics

The latest to the FLEX thermal optic lines is the all-new compact TR2 (SRP: $3,499.99) with features like detection range up to 1,700 yards, 1-4X magnification, a large 2.56-inch display screen, customizable color-palette and reticle selections, and a quick-release Picatinny mount. You may also be interested in: https://www.letsgoshooting.org/resources/articles/firearms/new-handguns-coming-to-stores-in-2025/