New Ammo, Elk Harvest Results, Grizzly Bear News & More

Latest News And Notes On New Products, Hunting Regulations & More
From new ammunition offerings to elk harvest results to the latest in the grizzly bear world, and more, check out the latest news from the outdoors. See these new products, important news updates, and more.
Kansas Hunters Asked to Provide Input on Night Vision Coyote Hunting Season

Kansas currently has a night vision coyote hunting season. That said, hunters are being asked to provide input to the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks, and Tourism. The season has been open since 2021. It runs from January 1 to March 31. Currently, no changes are proposed, but they still want feedback.
Winchester Launches Long Beard in TSS

The long-running Long Beard load is trusted by many turkey hunters. Now, get it in TSS ammunition. It’s among the most trusted and proven turkey ammo options. It’s available in 12-, 20-, or 28-gauge, as well as .410. These magnum loads send up to eight times more pellets than traditional lead loads.
Winchester AA Turns 60 Years Old
A proven shotshell in the clay shooting sports realm, Winchester AA is a trusted load. Since 1965, it’s been utilizing great components for the utmost performance, including best-in-class primers and powder. It’s completely made in the U.S. No wonder it’s won an untold number of local, regional, world, and Olympic competitions.
Hook & Barrel Magazine Reveals “Top Shelf” Award Winners

Hook & Barrel Magazine unveils the all-new “Top Shelf” awards. Recently, it announced the winners of the inaugural event. It featured best-in-class outdoor industry brands. The Hook & Barrel audience voted on 20 different categories.
“It’s time to raise a glass (or Solo cup) and toast to this year’s H&B Top Shelf winners,” said Nino Bosaz, Hook & Barrel’s Editorial Director. “To the thousands of Hook & Barrel audience members who took the time to cast your votes, we salute you and thank you wholeheartedly.”
Wyoming Game & Fish Releases Statement on Grizzly Bears
A recent statement from the Wyoming Game & Fish Department announced its disapproval of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife refusing to de-list the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem (GYE) grizzly bear.
“The USFWS's decision not to delist the GYE grizzly bear is extremely disappointing and frustrating. The science is clear on grizzly bears: They are recovered in the GYE, and their recovery is a conservation success. It is very clear that grizzly bears should be under state and tribal management. Failing to recognize grizzly bear recovery in Wyoming is an insult to the Endangered Species Act and dismisses the extensive efforts of our wildlife managers to ensure their place on the landscape. Despite all our efforts the USFWS has chosen to ignore science and keep grizzly bears listed. This is not a science-based decision but a decision based on the federal government not wanting to give up control. One of the greatest wildlife conservation success stories on earth is being undermined by a failure to recognize those compromises, collaborations and sacrifices that brought back grizzly bears from the brink of extirpation.”
Enter the Best Black Belt Sporting Dog Photo Contest

The Best Black Belt Sporting Dog Photo Contest is up again, and those who have dogs might opt to enter the contest. Hosted by the Alabama Black Belt Adventures Association, and it’s open to any dog within the 23-county region.
“We’re bringing back the Best Black Belt Sporting Dog Photo Contest because it’s the perfect way to showcase dogs’ versatile skills and natural instincts that aid sportsmen and sportswomen throughout the Black Belt,” said ALBBAA director Pam Swanner. “There’s something truly special about the bond between humans and our canine companions, and this contest is designed to highlight those extraordinary buddies that help make lifelong memories. We encourage all hunters to submit photos of their dogs or with their dogs as a celebration of the incredible sporting opportunities here in the Black Belt.”
NSSF Announces Faces of Firearms Safety Outreach

Recently, the NSSF announced another program, the Faces of Firearms Safety Outreach. It will demonstrate that modern gun owners come from all walks of life. “This campaign challenges the stereotypes often portrayed by those who oppose lawful firearm ownership to show America who gun owners really are,” said Joe Bartozzi, President and CEO of NSSF. “Today’s gun owners are representative of America because they come from every part of American society. We don’t all look the same or talk the same, but we share the very important ideas that safe and lawful firearm ownership is our right. We share the responsibility for true firearm safety which is embodied in our Real Solutions programs. This outreach aims to spread the firearm safety message and highlights the growing diversity of today’s gun owner who is invested in safety.”

Federal recently launched its new ammo lines for this year. Options are to be added to the Federal American Eagle, Hydra-Shok Deep, Power-Shok, and Premium HST. Each of these are set to be offered in numerous calibers. Be sure to also check out Hook & Barrel's exclusive coverage of Federal's new ammunition from SHOT Show 2025!
Michigan DNR Calls for Safety on the Ice
With many waterways frozen, ice fishing and other activities are underway. That said, it’s crucial to put safety first. “Even during consistent cold stretches, pressure cracks in the ice can develop within hours,” said Lt. Skip Hagy, DNR law enforcement supervisor in Newberry. “There is no such thing as 'safe' ice. Always check conditions for yourself; don’t rely on what you see others doing or what they tell you.”
“Keep in mind that warm spells as brief as one day may weaken the ice,” Hagy continued. "Melting ice during the day only partially refreezes at night, creating a thin layer of unstable ice.”
Banish Backcountry Official Suppressor for Federal’s Backcountry Cartridge

Federal Ammunition recently launched its Federal 7mm Backcountry ammo. Furthermore, it made the Banish Backcountry the official suppressor for its ammo line. “Federal Premium Ammunition has been a great partner for a long time,” said Brandon Maddox, Silencer Central Founder and CEO. “We worked with them along the way as they developed their newest cartridge. I’m excited about the 7mm Backcountry and how well it works with our suppressor.”
Silencer Central Announces New Color for Suppressors
Silencer Central is the industry leader in suppressor sales. The latest offering is the Flat Dark Earth coloring. “One of the things we pride ourselves on is responding to what our customers want,” said Brandon Maddox, Silencer Central’s Founder and CEO. “We had requests for several models to come in FDE, and we made it happen. Our company philosophy is to make suppressor ownership as simple as possible for our customers. That includes offering the products, and colors, they want.”
Michigan Elk Season a Success
Last fall, Michigan enjoyed another great elk season. While it isn’t a stronghold, per se, it does have a stable population. Last season, the harvest was up year-over-year. The DNR hopes to continue quality management of the herd, with improved hunting opportunities well into the future.