ScentLok introduces the Featherweight Long Sleeve Crew in the new Realtree XT-3 camo pattern, designed for early-season hunting. The lightweight shirt features Fusix™ and Silver Alloy™ scent-control technologies, moisture-wicking polyester, and flatlock seams for comfort during hot-weather scouting and hunting activities.
Victory Archery introduces the HLR, an ultra-lightweight carbon arrow shaft engineered for maximum velocity and flat trajectory. Built with high-end carbon fiber and digital spine alignment, the HLR minimizes wind drift and extends effective range for bowhunters pursuing game across varied terrain.
Outdoor Life selected TenPoint Crossbow Technologies' TX Ultra 29.5 as the 2026 Best Premium Crossbow. Scott Einsmann praised the crossbow for its accuracy, ergonomics, and ease of use. The TX Ultra 29.5 shoots up to 460 FPS and features new 8MM Axles, X-Wide Limbs, and ACUslide MAXX cocking technology.
Game & Fish launches its Summer Camping Guide presented by Streamlight and in partnership with Defend by Dead Down Wind, offering camping content across multiple platforms including GameAndFishMag.com, Outdoor Channel, Sportsman Channel, MyOutdoorTV, and GAME & FISH TV. The guide features videos hosted by Kali Parmley and includes a sweepstakes with Streamlight prize packs.
Whitetails Unlimited distributed $812,944 in grants during Q2 2026 across its four pillar programs: Outdoor Education, Hunting Preservation, Habitat Enhancement, and Shooting Sports Advancement. The Hunting Preservation program received the largest allocation, supporting increased hunting opportunities and outdoor experiences for youth, women, veterans, and individuals with disabilities.
Wildlife Forever, a 501c3 non-profit organization based in White Bear Lake, MN, is hiring a marketing professional to support conservation programs including the Getting Families Fishing & Boating Initiative™ and Art of Conservation® programs in coordination with state, federal, industry and non-profit partners.
TUO has launched the Vista Pant, a lightweight technical hunting pant featuring 85% nylon/15% polyester construction with two-way stretch, Polygiene StayFresh™ and OdorCrunch™ odor control, articulated knees, and eight pockets. According to TUO Marketing Director Steve Allie, the pant combines durability with comfort for active hunting.
Q, the New Hampshire firearms and suppressor manufacturer founded by Kevin Brittingham, has selected Guidefitter as its exclusive pro program partner. Guidefitter's platform will connect Q with verified outdoor professionals including guides, outfitters, military service members, and first responders. The partnership leverages Guidefitter's network of over 200,000 verified Insiders.
The Wild Sheep Foundation welcomed a new U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service draft rule that recognizes grizzly bear recovery and empowers state and tribal wildlife agencies to manage bears in their jurisdictions. The rule addresses modern conservation challenges while building on decades of recovery efforts in areas like Greater Yellowstone, where grizzly populations have increased from approximately 136 bears in 1975 to more than 1,000 today.
Canati Tripods has joined Pope and Young Club as a Gold Level Corporate Partner to support bowhunting conservation. Pope and Young Executive Director Justin Spring praised the partnership, noting that corporate support demonstrates commitment to protecting bowhunting's future.
The Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation strongly supports a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service proposed rule providing greater state flexibility in managing grizzly bears. RMEF, alongside the Boone & Crockett Club, Property and Environment Research Center, and Wyoming Wildlife Federation, submitted public comments that helped shape the proposal, which marks a critical step toward balanced grizzly management.
Pope and Young, North America's leading bowhunting conservation organization, opposes Alaska's Proposals 2 and 3, which would legalize electronic scopes and high-tech optics in archery-only hunts. Executive Director Justin Spring warns that introducing technology increases harvest rates and threatens declining hunting opportunities. The organization urges bowhunters to submit comments opposing these proposals.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service proposed a new rule for grizzly bear conservation that the Boone and Crockett Club celebrates as an innovative solution. The rule authorizes state and tribal wildlife agencies to manage grizzlies in coordination with FWS, addressing the recovery of bear populations from 136 animals in 1975 to over 1,000 in the Greater Yellowstone area today.
The Bowhunter Podcast, presented by Tactacam and Poncho Outdoors, featured Curt Wells and Danny Farris discussing their 22-year careers with Bowhunter TV. Wells, the current Bowhunter Magazine Hunting Editor and TV Host, and Farris, an "Empty Quiver" Columnist, shared memorable hunts and their experiences covering bowhunting for over two decades.
ALPS Mountaineering has released the Reservoir 3.0, a 3-liter hydration system featuring anti-microbial IonPure treatment, an insulated drink tube, and BPA/PVC-free construction. The product is priced at $49.99 and is available through authorized dealers and alpsmountaineering.com.
SPYPOINT announced the availability of the FLEX-M2 cellular trail camera and FORCE-4K non-cellular trail camera. The FLEX-M2 features 32MP photos, 1080p video, and up to 12 months battery life, while the FORCE-4K offers 48MP photos, 4K video, and a 66-degree field of view for hunters seeking premium performance.
Whitetails Unlimited President Jeff Schinkten announced that Mammoth Coolers will continue as a national sponsor. Established in 2006, Mammoth Coolers produces innovative outdoor products for hunters, anglers, boaters, and campers with lightweight, ergonomic designs.
DemerBox will continue as a national sponsor of Whitetails Unlimited, manufacturing durable waterproof Bluetooth speakers for outdoor activities. Founded by James Demer and backed by Grammy Award-winning artist Zac Brown, DemerBox handcrafts each speaker in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
HuntStand announced its Whitetail Adventure Sweepstakes, offering one lucky hunter a fully guided five-day rifle hunt in Oklahoma during the second rut, Nov. 27-Dec. 5. The prize includes premium gear from Savage, Vortex Optics, Barnes, Muddy Outdoors, Walker's, Mossy Oak, and Waypoint TV, with guidance from Rut N Strut Guide Service. Entries open July 16 through Oct. 10.
Outdoor Sportsman Group launched a new "Hiking Guide" video series presented by Streamlight and in cooperation with GAME & FISH magazine. Hosted by Kali Parmley, the 3-part series is available on GAME & FISH, GAME & FISH TV, and MyOutdoorTV, offering viewers essential hiking skills and gear insights.
Ralph, Vicki, RJ, and Aubrey Cianciarulo invite viewers to tune into season 26 of The Choice on Pursuit Channel, airing July 20th. The Cianciarulo crew hunts Colorado pronghorn with Hoyt bows alongside friends Steve and Jess Fernandez.
Outdoor Sportsman Group launched "Whitetail 201," a 10-episode educational video series presented by LaCrosse and featuring partners Browning, Millennium, Spypoint, Bowtech, and Excalibur. Hosted by Colton Bagnoli and Jace Bauserman, the series expands on "Whitetail 101" to help deer hunters improve their skills and knowledge.
In just 18 months, Julia Cook has faced eye surgery, earned her driver’s license, represented the United States on the world stage, helped bring home a team gold medal, made the USAT for the second year in a row, and graduated with her associate degree before finishing high school. To her mom, Wendi, those accomplishments are more than a list of milestones - they are a powerful reminder of perseverance and focus.
Julia’s journey took an unexpected turn in 2024, when one of her eyes began drifting off center and staying that way for periods of time. She could see what each eye was looking at, and while it did not affect her shooting, it disrupted daily life.
She bumped into walls, dealt with headaches and became nauseated. After a visit to her eye doctor led to a specialist, Julia learned she would need surgery on both eyes to remove and reattach the muscles behind them.
The decision came with serious possibilities, including the risk of blindness in one or both eyes. Julia and her family talked through what it could mean for her future - whether she would be able to get her driver’s license or ever shoot again.
But Julia knew she did not want to continue living the way she had been. After careful consideration, the family moved forward.
"Everyone has struggles, but I didn’t want to let that get in the way of what I wanted to do," Julia said, before adding with a perspective which highlighted her resilience, "There are always different ways of doing things. For example, if I went blind, I could still shoot VI (visually impaired)."
On New Year’s Eve 2024, Julia’s surgery was completed successfully. Less than two weeks after eye surgery, Julia picked up her bow again. Soon after, she won the state indoor championship. By April, she had earned a place on the U.S. Team for the World Archery Youth Championships, to be held in Winnipeg, Canada later in 2025, where she would compete in compound U18.
She competed throughout last summer, made the USAT, and, in August, got her driver’s license. Before the month was over, she traveled to Winnipeg for the World Archery Youth Championships, where she helped the compound U18 women to team win gold.
That success came with sacrifice. While Julia was competing in Winnipeg, she missed senior traditions including Chalk Your Spot, Senior Sunrise and the first day of her senior year. A swimmer as well as an archer, she qualified for the UIL (University Interscholastic League) Region Swim Meet but chose to compete at USA Archery Indoor Nationals instead.
When senior prom arrived, Julia was at the 2026 Easton Foundations Gator Cup, where she finished fourth in compound U21 women. She had already been inducted into the National Honor Society, and in early May she graduated with her associate degree before graduating from high school later that month.
Soon afterward, she took silver at the USA Archery Field Nationals and qualified second in the U.S. Team Trials for the 2026 World Archery Field Championships.
Julia continued, "Archery has pushed me forward. It gave, and gives, me something to look forward to - USAT tournaments, Winnipeg, my friends, shooting for Texas A&M, and competing in the World Archery Field Championship."
Through it all, Julia still makes time to volunteer at church. As mom Wendi looks back on the end of her 18-year-old daughter’s senior year, she sees a young woman who has met challenge after challenge with determination.
“I look at her in awe,” Wendi shared. “How has she been able to persevere and accomplish all that she has? She inspires me to be more.”
Those inspired by stories like Julia’s, and interested in trying archery for themselves, becoming a member of USA Archery is a great place to start. Membership connects archers of all ages and abilities with certified coaches, local clubs, events and a nationwide community passionate about the sport.
