How Archery Helps Fund Conservation Through Excise Taxes
New “Partner with a Payer” Video Highlights Important Collaboration with Archery Manufacturers and Wildlife Agencies
NSSF®, The Firearm Industry Trade Association, in partnership with TenPoint Archery, Archery Trade Association, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, has released another film in the “Partner with a Payer®” series—a collection of videos highlighting the importance of wildlife conservation and management. The Partner with a Payer Program connects the dots from how excise tax dollars are generated to how they are used to sustain healthy wildlife populations.
The latest video, “Conservation Success at the Crossroads of Collaboration,” highlights the work being done to continue providing public access to target ranges, hunting opportunities and other outdoor experiences within the United States.
Funding Conservation: A Collective Effort
In the heart of collaborative efforts between firearm industry leaders, archery manufacturers, and wildlife conservation agencies lies an important component for hunters and target shooters alike – the Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration Act, also known as the Pittman-Robertson Act. This act mandates excise taxes, a financial contribution by firearm and ammunition manufacturers on their products, as well as archery equipment manufacturers, to fund wildlife conservation and management programs across the United States.
Representatives from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, National Shooting Sports Foundation, Archery Trade Association and USFWS came together to tour the TenPoint Archery Facility, where they learned what it takes to generate the excise tax revenues supporting wildlife populations across the country. Throughout the tour, state and federal agency staff discussed specific projects and key instances where funds provided opportunities for the public to hunt, target shoot and enjoy the diverse wildlife in the United States.
Excise taxes fund wildlife research for the sustainable maintenance of healthy wildlife populations.
The excise taxes established under the Pittman-Robertson Act have been a driving force, contributing over $16.4 billion (over $25 billion adjusted for inflation) to individual states. In this video, Peter Novotny, Deputy Chief of the Ohio Division of Wildlife, highlights how these funds, combined with hunting and fishing license dollars, fund essential wildlife research. This research enables a deeper understanding of how wildlife populations adapt to a changing environment, ultimately leading to the maintenance of healthy and sustainable populations.
The Ripple Effect for Hunters and Shooters
For hunters and target shooters, the implications of excise taxes are far-reaching. The funds derived from these taxes play an important role in maintaining shooting ranges, archery facilities, and wildlife habitats, ensuring a rich and diverse outdoor experience. The collaborative efforts between industry leaders, state agencies, and federal organizations exemplify the commitment to sustaining the North American Model of Wildlife Conservation.
“We feel comfortable and confident that the excise tax dollars are helping keep healthy deer herds out there across the United States,” said Phil Bednar, President and CEO of TenPoint Crossbows.
As hunters and target shooters, your passion and participation directly contribute to the preservation of the outdoor experiences you cherish. These excise taxes not only support wildlife conservation but also create a legacy of responsible and sustainable outdoor recreation for generations to come. Understanding and appreciating this cycle of giving back ensures that the great outdoors remains accessible for all.
To meet consumer demand, knife manufacturers are constantly upping their game.
By Christopher Cogley
The old saw, “A knife is a knife is a knife,” has never been a more blatantly inaccurate statement than it is today. There are more knives, of myriad design, on the market than ever before. To meet widespread demand knife manufacturers are continuously upping their game with new designs and materials and innovative functions that reset the bar on an almost daily basis. Companies are continuing to place importance on both the functionality, and the unmistakable aesthetic appeal, of the knives that carry their brand. Here is a look at some of the many new knife models that consumers will want to see in your store in 2024.
5.11
Respected tactical brand 5.11 is keeping up with its “Always Be Ready” mantra with the launch of two new tactical folders designed to be practical in practically any situation. Both the Braddock DP Full and Braddock DP Mini have D2 drop-point blades with a noticeable swedge and stone-wash finish. The DP Full features a 3.5-inch blade and a 4.9-inch closed length while the Mini has a 3-inch blade and 4-inch closed length. Available in either black or tan, both knives have G10 handles with liner locks and deep crimping. SRP: $50, Full; $40, Mini.
Check these out on: 511tactical.com
Bear & Son Cutlery
Bear & Son’s expanded brands will offer a wide variety of new knives catering to consumers with a range of backgrounds and interests. As part of its Bear Ops brand, Bear is launching the Rancor IX. The tactical folder has a 2¾-inch blade made from Sandvik 14c28n steel with a black finish. The blade is housed in a Zytel handle with a side lock. SRP: $100. The Bear Edge brand will feature the new Brisk 2.0. The 2¾-inch 440 stainless-steel blade has a black oxide coating. Housed in a black Zytel handle, the Brisk blade is deployed with assisted opening release. SRP: $32. Bear & Sons is also releasing the Rancher Sideliner folding knife with a 3 3/8-inch D2 steel blade. With an overall length of 7 5/8 inches, the Rancher Sideliner has a titanium handle with steel liners. SRP: $125.49.
Check these out on: bearandsoncutlery.com
Benchmade
Benchmade is continuing its long-held tradition of creating knives that combine artistry with extreme functionality with the launch of the Seven-Ten folder. A product of the collaboration between Bill McHenry and Jason Williams (the duo responsible for creating Benchmade’s patented AXIS lock in 1999), the Seven-Ten is a fitting tribute to the 25th anniversary of the innovative locking mechanism. Featuring a 4-inch clip-point blade made from premium stainless steel housed in a stylish aluminum handle, the Seven-Ten is a knife you won’t want to leave in your pocket. SRP: $450. Benchmade is also releasing a filet knife designed to make short work of cleaning the daily catch. The Fishcrafter has a 9-inch trailing point CPM-MagnaCut steel blade with Benchmade’s SelectEdge technology. With an overall length of 13.94 inches the Fishcrafter has a Santoprene handle with a finger guard and jimping for a secure hold no matter how slick the hands. SRP: $260 (includes a sheath).
Check these out on: benchmade.com
Boker
Boker is using SHOT Show 2024 to re-launch a classic blade with a modern flair. The 943 BRLW folder features a 2.56-inch MagnaCut blade with a two-tone satin finish. With an overall length of 6 inches and tipping the scale at 2.3 ounces, the BRLW has titanium scales and pocket clip that add to its sleek, stylish design. SRP: $279.
Boker is also paying homage to the iconic American Muscle Car this year with the launch of the new Mach-1 Damast. Designed by Tomaso Rumici, the Mach-1 features a 3.35-inch hand-forged Chad Nichols Damascus blade made with steel from a 1969 Mustang Mach-1. Featuring a stylish aluminum handle with old anodized inlays, the Mach-1 will be one of those knives people can’t wait to take out of their pockets. SRP: $569. Rounding out Boker’s offerings this year is the new Urban Trapper Automatik. Building off the original Brad Zinker design, the new automatic version of the original Brad Zinker Urban Trapper features a 3.35-inch MagnaCut blade with stonewashed flats and satin bevels. The Urban Trapper Automatik has a black matte anodized handle with a deep-carry stainless steel clip.
Check these out on: bokerusa.com
Browning
In keeping with its tradition to provide hunters with all the tools they need to be successful in the field, Browning is releasing two new hunting knives at this year’s SHOT Show. The Primal Scalpel 2 Blade Folder features a deep-belly stainless-steel blade alongside a stainless-steel scalpel blade in a compact folder. The knife comes with a blade installation/removal tool that doubles as a place to store extra scalpel blades. Both blades are 2¾ inches long and are housed in a polymer handle with rubber scales. SRP: $60.
The Guide Series Small Fixed blade knife is a solid, full-tang knife with a 3-inch Sandvick 14C28N stainless-steel blade with a Micarta handle. The compact fixed-blade knife is only 7 inches overall and comes with a leather sheath. SRP: $170.
Check these out on: browning.com
Buck
Buck has long had a large and loyal following among serious hunters, and this year Buck is showing exactly why that loyalty is so well-deserved. In keeping with the changing needs of today’s hunters, Buck is launching the Alpha Elite series of fixed-blade knives. The collection includes three separate knives designed to handle the different tasks that hunters undertake when field dressing a wide variety of game. The smallest of the knives is the 662 Alpha Scout Elite with a 3.75-inch blade and two sets of jimping designed for the precision work of caping or cleaning smaller game. The 663 Alpha Guide Elite has a 4.375-inch blade and an overall length of 9 inches. The straight spine and drop-point blade are crafted to handle the toughest tasks at camp or in the field. Rounding out the offering is the 664 Alpha Hunter Elite. The 3.75-inch blade has a deep belly and generous jimping to make it an ideal choice for skinning big game. All of the knives in the collection are made from MagnaCut steel and feature textured G10 handles. Adding to the modern style of the Elite series, the knives all come with black Kydex sheaths with belt loops and multiple attachment points. SRP: $208-$240.
Check these out on: buckknives.com
Cold Steel
Cold Steel is launching its updated Recon M1 knife at SHOT Show 2024. Handcrafted in Italy, the Recon M1 has a 4-inch MagnaCut steel blade with a black stonewash finish. The blade is housed in a G-10 handle with deep finger grooves for a secure grip. The knife features Cold Steel’s patented Tri-Ad locking mechanism and integrated pocket clip. SRP: $280. Booth #12865 (coldsteel.com)
Check these out on: coldsteel.com
Camillus
The Camillus Camp Hatchet is designed to be the go-to tool for any camping chore. The 5.25-inch drop-forged head has a 3-inch cutting blade and is mounted on a 13.5-inch U.S.-sourced hickory handle. With a 16-inch overall length and weighing in at 2 pounds, the Camp Hatchet is stout enough to bang around with the best of them and balanced enough to make tough chores more manageable. SRP: $40 (includes a leather blade cover with sturdy rivets).
Check these out on: camillusknives.com
Columbia River Knife & Tool
Columbia River Knife & Tool continues to move the bar on both style and functionality this year with the launch of the Redemption folder. Designed by legendary knifemaker Ken Onion, the Redemption pays tribute to the gamblers and outlaws of the American West with a 4-inch spear-point blade, which is completely concealed in the streamlined handle when closed. The blade is the first CRKT knife to be made from CPM MagnaCut steel. The Redemption is also the first Onion-designed knife to feature the ambidextrous Crossbar Lock, which is used to both deploy and disengage the stonewashed blade. As elegant as it is functional, the U.S.-made Redemption has a G10 handle with a stainless-steel bolster and deep pocket clip. It has an overall length of 9.2 inches and weighs in at 4.9 ounces. SRP: $225.
Check these out on: crkt.com
Outdoor Edge
Outdoor Edge is set to make big waves in the EDC category this year as it launches a new line of EDC options that all incorporate its RazorSafe replacement-blade system. The line includes five different styles and seven different options for consumers to choose from. At the high end is the VX5 with a carbon-fiber handle and ceramic ball-bearing pivot release (SRP: $70). The VX1-VX4 knives are available with a variety of features and handle types in either a black-oxide coated or stainless-steel blade-holder option. The knives are also available with either stainless-steel ball-bearing pivot or spring-assisted opening mechanisms. All the knives have 3-inch replaceable blades available in standard edge or half-serrated options. SRP: $40-$70.
Check these out on: outdooredge.com
Spyderco
Spyderco has long been known for high-quality knives that stand the test of time, and the new launches at this year’s SHOT Show are no exception. Among the new introductions is the hefty Bodacious folder. Named after a rodeo bull deemed “the world’s most dangerous bull,” the USA-made Bodacious has a deep 3.7-inch blade made from CPM S30V steel housed in a G10 handle. Available with either a stainless or Spyderco’s black diamond-like coating. SRP: $350-$372. Spyderco is also releasing several new additions to its increasingly popular Salt Series of corrosion-resistant knives. The Manix 2 Lightweight Salt has a 3.4-inch blade made from CPM MagnaCut steel, which was created to deliver outstanding blade retention, strength, and corrosion resistance. The blade is housed in the bright yellow fiberglass-reinforced co-polymer handles that have become a signature for the Salt Series. The Manix 2 has a ball-bearing locking mechanism and a tip-up wire clip. SRP: $232.
Spyderco is also releasing two new versions of their popular Para Military knives into the Salt Series. The Para Military 2 is available in either a stainless blade with a yellow-and-black non-slip G-10 handle or a black blade with a solid black non-slip G-10 handle. Both knives have a 3.45-inch MagnaCut steel blade. Like all of the other knives in the Salt Series, the stainless-steel liners, pocket clip, and all other hardware in the new Para Military knives are made from corrosion-resistant marine-grade materials. SRP: $295-$315.
Check these out on: spyderco.com
SOG
In 2024 SOG is giving its popular Seal XR folder a serious upgrade. The new Seal XR L-TI is SOG’s first knife that features a MagnaCut steel blade. The 4.3-inch blade has a black Cerakote finish and is deployed with a finger flipper. The knife has also been upgraded with a titanium liner, which drops its weight down to a slim 4.4 ounces. Deeply ridged on both the spine and underbelly for a secure grip regardless of how it’s held, the Seal XR L-TI includes black, gray, and ODG handles that give users the option of switching out handles based on the situation. SRP: $300.
Check these out on: sogknives.com
W.R. Case
Case is releasing several new knife families this year. Among the new introductions is the Bridgeline folder. Combining Case tradition with a modern flair, the Bridgeline has a composite-and-wood handle with aluminum frames and bolsters to cut the weight down to a mere 2.8 ounces. The 2.75-inch blade is made from CPM20CV steel and features a Wharncliffe tip. SRP: $165.
Returning to the Case lineup for 2024 is the Razor. Available with a wide variety of handle materials, the Razor features a 3-inch main blade with a distinctive hook on its tip that harkens back to the original 1940 design that users actually shaved with. Available in either single-blade or double-blade options. SRP: $73-$321.
Check these out on: caseknives.comYou may also be interested in:
https://www.letsgoshooting.org/resources/articles/shotgun/new-shotguns-hitting-shelves-in-2024/
https://www.letsgoshooting.org/resources/articles/handgun/new-handguns-coming-to-stores-in-2024/
See more products highlighted during the 2024 SHOT Show
https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLecWOcK1HLTzGEhgEOcaHyelAHIvfysIY&si=yQhVd_0Z9_cVKRxj
National Hunting and Fishing Day is this Saturday, September 23, and NSSF, as a major sponsor, encourages all sportsmen and sportswomen to participate.
Celebrating National Hunting and Fishing Day!
On the fourth Saturday of every September, NHF Day recognizes generations of sportsmen and women for their contributions to the conservation of our nation’s rich sporting heritage and natural resources. One of the main goals of National Hunting and Fishing Day is to recruit new hunters and anglers by encouraging participation and increasing public awareness of the connection between hunting, angling, and conservation. Through self-imposed fees and excise taxes, sportsmen and women have raised more than $57 billion--that’s more than $100,000 every 30 minutes being raised for conservation. Now on its 51st year, NHF Day is the largest, most effective grassroots movement ever undertaken to promote outdoor sports and conservation.
Launched by Congress in 1971 and heavily promoted by NSSF for decades, NHF Day is now administered by Wonders of Wildlife Museum and has consistently recognized hunters and anglers for their leadership in wildlife and conservation.
Find national, state, regional and local organizations hosting related events.
Get Started
Hunting, Fishing, and Shooting Sports are not just great American pastimes – they are the very foundation that supports the model of wildlife conservation created more than a century ago in this country. By introducing new audiences to these activities, we ensure that wildlife and wild places will be protected for generations to come.
Hunting is a useful and beneficial wildlife management tool that ensures and maintains the health and abundance of game species and the balance of our natural resources. There are a number of species, from upland birds to big game animals to hunt. Learn more about these species from game bird and game animal organizations.
Take the Pledge
Take the pledge to take someone hunting, fishing, or shooting this year and be entered into the NHF Day Giveaway!
Share Your Images
Upload an image of you hunting, fishing or target shooting and tag @NHFday on social media using the hashtag #GuideToOutside or Upload an image to be featured here!
Summer offers unique advantages and opportunities for successful hog hunting.
As the temperatures rise and nature awakens in vibrant hues, hunters across the USA eagerly gear up for an exhilarating adventure: summer hog hunting. With the sun shining high and foliage in full bloom, the summer season offers unique advantages and opportunities for those seeking the thrill of the chase. From the increased activity of hogs to the improved visibility in dense vegetation, summer hog hunting presents a promising and exciting experience for hunters.
In this article, we will delve into the reasons why summer is an excellent time to embark on hog hunting expeditions, exploring the behavioral patterns of hogs, favorable hunting conditions, and the conservation impact of this pursuit. So grab your gear, prepare for the heat, and get ready to embrace the excitement of summer hog hunting.
5 Advantages of Summer hog hunting
1. Predictable Behavior
Firstly, during the summer months, hogs tend to exhibit specific behaviors that make them more predictable and accessible to hunters. They are actively searching for food and water sources, which increases their movement and visibility. Hogs rely heavily on water sources during the summer, making watering holes and areas near rivers or ponds prime locations for hunting. This predictable behavior allows hunters to set up ambush points strategically and increase their chances of encountering hogs.
2. Natural Camouflage
Moreover, the dense vegetation and abundant cover during summer provide excellent opportunities for hunters to approach hogs without being detected. The foliage in full bloom offers natural camouflage, making it easier for hunters to stalk their prey or set up blinds in areas with high hog activity. This advantage allows hunters to get closer to their targets and take accurate shots.
3. Longer Days
Additionally, the longer daylight hours in summer provide hunters with extended opportunities to be out in the field. With more time available, hunters can patiently wait for the perfect shot and thoroughly scout areas for hog signs. The longer days also allow for more hunting strategies, including night hunting, which can be particularly effective during the summer when hogs tend to be more active during cooler evenings.
4. Improved Visibility
Another advantage of hunting hogs in the summer is the increased visibility and tracking capabilities. With foliage at its peak, sightlines become clearer, enabling hunters to spot hogs from a distance. This improved visibility also makes hog tracks and signs more visible, aiding in tracking their movements. Dry ground conditions during summer facilitate tracking as well, as footprints and disturbances are more easily identifiable.
5. Critical for Conservation
Summer is a critical time for hog population control. Feral hog populations tend to experience rapid growth during this season due to favorable breeding conditions and increased food availability. By actively hunting hogs during the summer, hunters contribute to managing these populations and minimizing the damage they cause to agricultural lands and native ecosystems.
Collaborative efforts between hunters, landowners, and wildlife management agencies play a crucial role in ensuring effective hog population control and habitat preservation.
Summer Safety Considerations
It is essential for hunters to consider the safety aspects of summer hunting. Managing heat-related risks and staying hydrated is crucial, especially during hot summer days. Wearing appropriate clothing to combat the heat and protecting oneself from potential encounters with venomous snakes, which are more active during the summer, should be prioritized.
Summer is a time when snakes are more active, especially in areas with dense vegetation. By staying vigilant, wearing appropriate footwear, and being knowledgeable about local snake species and their habitats, hunters can minimize the risk of snake bites and ensure their safety during summer hog hunting expeditions.
Give Summer Hog Hunting a Try
Summer hog hunting in the USA offers an exciting and rewarding experience for hunters. Seize the opportunities that this season presents. Embrace the challenges, but always prioritize safety. Stay hydrated, protect yourself from the heat, and be mindful of the presence of venomous snakes. By doing so, you'll ensure a rewarding and secure hunting experience.
Remember, hunting is not just about the thrill of the chase, but also about our responsibility as stewards of the land. By participating in summer hog hunting, we actively contribute to population control and the preservation of our agricultural lands and ecosystems. Let us carry forward our hunting traditions with a deep respect for nature and a commitment to conservation.
So, gather your gear, share your knowledge with fellow hunters, and lead by example.
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