Mark Chesnut
Senior Editor
Freelance writer and editor Mark Chesnut is the owner/editorial director at Red Setter Communications LLC in Jenks, Okla. An avid hunter, shooter and field-trialer, he has been a professional journalist for over 40 years and covering Second Amendment issues and politics on a near-daily basis for the last 25 years.
Education:
BS, Wildlife Ecology; MS, Mass Communications
Expertise:
Hunting, Fishing, Second Amendment.
Location:
Jenks, OK
What the outdoors mean to Mark:
Along with faith and family, my whole life revolves around the outdoors and outdoor activities.
Articles by Mark Chesnut
Celebrities
Will Cain: From Montana Ranch Hand to Fox News Star
From working on a Montana ranch to hosting his own Fox News show, Will Cain reflects on his unconventional career, Texas roots, love of duck hunting and commitment to authenticity in this exclusive Hook & Barrel cover story.
Shooting
Federal Ammunition
Federal x Rob Roberts Raptor Steel: Dense Patterns Without Premium Prices
Federal’s Rob Roberts Raptor Steel loads hit the sweet spot between bargain shells and premium non-toxic ammo, pairing heavy payloads with dense patterns and a hunter-friendly price.
Shooting
Collaboration
After Court Ruling, ATF Simplifies Suppressor Purchases
Can you now walk into a gun shop and leave with a suppressor the same day? New ATF guidance changed the answer—but not without a few important catches.
Shooting
Black Hills Ammunition: A True American Success Story
Jeff and Kristi Hoffman risked everything to build Black Hills Ammunition. In an exclusive interview, Jeff reveals how a $12,000 gamble paid off in one of the all-time American ammunition success stories.
Gear
9 New Hunting Gear Picks for Fall 2026
From treestands and blinds to trail cameras, archery equipment and shooting accessories, these nine hunting gear picks caught our attention for fall 2026.
Shooting
Fiocchi Golden Pheasant: Range Testing a Classic Upland Load
A lifelong pheasant hunter takes Fiocchi Golden Pheasant ammo to the range, checking recoil and 30-yard patterns while breaking down the lead, Extreme and Bismuth options
Archery
Best Hunting Bows and Crossbows: 6 Picks for 2026
Looking for the best hunting bows and crossbows of 2026? These six picks cover compound bows and crossbows at a range of speeds, features and prices.
Celebrities
Dan Henderson Interview: UFC, Olympic Wrestling & Elk Hunting
From two Olympic Games to some of MMA’s biggest fights, Dan Henderson has spent his life competing. In an exclusive interview with Hook & Barrel, elk hunter Hendo reckons now is the time to give back.
Shooting
Competitive Shooting Tips From 4 Team Beretta Pros
Four world-class Team Beretta shooters reveal the habits, drills and hard lessons that separate fast, accurate competitors from everyone else.
Destinations
5 Underrated National Parks Every Outdoorsman Should Visit
From Voyageurs to Bighorn Canyon, these underrated national parks deliver fishing, hunting, hiking, history and wild American scenery without the usual crowds.
