News: 2nd Amendment Protections, Important Turkey Research, Whitetail Scoring Systems & More 

From 2nd Amendment protections to important wild turkey research efforts to changes to the Buckmasters scoring system and more, much has transpired in the past week or so. Check out the most recent outdoor and shooting industry headlines right here. 

The Michigan S3DA held a successful Indoor State Championship. With 147 competing archers, it was a record-breaking participation.  

“This tournament was great,” said Michigan S3DA State Coordinator Cara Waite. “The Demmer Center was ready for us when we arrived. The archers came out and did what they do best. It was just an amazing day of archery. We have already started to gear up for the outdoor season that will start shortly after Indoor Nationals. All of Michigan is looking forward to that.” 

Turkeys for Tomorrow (TFT), a new turkey conservation organization, is partnering with LSU, Tennessee Tech, and others for a novel turkey research effort. Turkey populations are in decline, and TFT is working to determine why. 

“What’s most important about this effort is that we are radio-tagging Rio Grande hens on a property that has been well-managed for habitat and for reducing predator numbers prior to nest initiation,” said TFT CEO Jason Lupardus. 

“It’s 115,000 acres, and it also [includes] habitat in scrub country and coastal prairie, where no research on wild turkeys has ever been done,” Lupardus said. “We’re hoping to demonstrate or find that, on well-managed properties where folks are focused on not only habitat but also the reduction of predators that impact ground-nesting birds, we’ll see positive results with our poult recruitment.” 

The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is calling for help with a statewide census of bald eagle nests. Currently, bald eagles are on an upward trend in Ohio. According to the DNR, in 2020, there were 707 known nests. Then, there were active nests in all but three counties, which were Jackson, Lawrence, and Meigs, which are in the southeastern corner of the state. Today, that number is expected to be higher. The public may report observed eagles nests at wildohio.gov through Sunday, March 16, 2025. 

Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation and Oklahoma State University are working in tandem to research the gray fox. According to a representative, they are “seeking tissue samples from gray foxes harvested in Oklahoma. Sample options include portions of the tongue, muscle, toepad, nose, or a clump of hair from the rump. Samples must be at least fingernail-sized and stored frozen in a sealed plastic bag. Please write the county the fox was harvested in and the date of harvest on the bag.” 

Maryland recently experienced an excellent deer season harvest. They bagged 84,201 whitetails, which is 15.9% higher than 2023 and 10.4% higher than the five-year average. 

“Deer hunters across Maryland enjoyed another year in the field as snow and cooler temperatures made for many successful hunts later in the season,” Wildlife and Heritage Service Director Karina Stonesifer said. “Maryland’s deer population remains healthy, and we thank hunters for their assistance in managing the state’s deer population.” 

Winchester Safes recently noted its support for the Sportsmen’s Club of Fort Worth. This effort will provide assistance with conservation funding, youth education, and more.  

“The Sportsmen’s Club of Fort Worth is widely recognized for its dedication to conservation, outdoor education, and responsible firearm ownership – values that Winchester Safes strongly believes in,” said Greg Walters, VP of Sales & Marketing for Winchester Safes. “We’re honored to be part of the Wild Game Dinner and contribute to an organization that makes a lasting impact on the outdoor community.” 

Boss Buck is proud to renew its partnership with and support for Whitetails Unlimited. It makes premier deer feeders that hunters love. It continues as a national sponsor. 

“Boss Buck focuses on providing great customer service and outstanding products,” said WTU President Jeff Schinkten. “They also have a state-by-state summary of baiting and feeding regulations as well as a searchable dealer locator on their website. We’re proud that Boss Buck is continuing as a Whitetails Unlimited national sponsor.” 

The all-new Federal 7mm Backcountry Fusion Tipped and LRX are now available and shipping. Retailers are stocking it, and consumers are picking these up. Get it nationwide. 

“Federal Fusion Tipped was just released last year yet was born from its extremely popular Fusion soft-point cousin,” explained a representative. “Fusion’s molecular bonding paired with a streamlined polymer tip gives Fusion Tipped 7mm Backcountry the ability to go the distance and deliver a devastating blow to big game. This 175-grain bullet achieves 2,975 fps from a 20-inch barrel and has a G1 BC of .575.” 

Midway USA is always a big giver to conservation. That includes the conservation of wildlife and the preservation of hunters and shooters. In the last grant cycle, they provided more than $5 million to 952 youth shooting teams and $1.7 million to nearly 40 organizations that work in this sphere. 

“The grants we receive from the MidwayUSA Foundation play a crucial role in the success of Missouri 4-H shooting sports. They help us provide essential funding for equipment, volunteer training, and state and national contests, as well as events. Through 4-H shooting sports, youth gain confidence, leadership, and responsibility while developing a lifelong appreciation for shooting, hunting, and the outdoors,” said Rachel Augustine of the Missouri 4-H Foundation. 

According to a representative, established in 2008, MidwayUSA Foundation has since paid almost $73 million in grants to support youth shooting sports. 

Many within the firearm industry, including the NSSF, is excited about recent 2nd Amendment Protections offered by South Dakota Governor Larry Rhoden. Recently, he signed legislation to protect the financial privacy of residents who keep and bear arms and prohibited the use of a firearm code for firearm transactions for guns, components, ammo, and more. 

“I am proud to protect our Second Amendment rights with the signing of this bill,” said Gov. Rhoden in a press release. “South Dakota has seen strong growth of our firearm industry, and this bill will help that continue. I am grateful that both the bankers and the firearm industry came together on this issue.” 

“Governor Rhoden is taking a strong stand against ‘woke’ Wall Street banks that seek to intrude on the private financial transaction when South Dakotans exercise their lawful right to buy firearms and ammunition,” said Lawrence G. Keane, NSSF Senior Vice President and General Counsel. “Gun owners should worry about what’s in their wallets, not who. Financial institutions, especially if they are colluding with government agencies, should not be interfering in the free exercise of Second Amendment rights by law-abiding Americans. Gun owners should never have to fear being placed on a secret government watchlist simply for exercising their Constitutionally protected rights to keep and bear arms.” 

Historically, Buckmasters didn’t incorporate the inside spread into their official score. A recent change was made to include that, which is, as they say, the straightforward way to do it. 

“White-tailed bucks are more than just a number on a score sheet, but scoring helps us record history and recognize these incredible animals,” said Buckmasters President Jackie Bushman. “For too long, scoring has been complicated and confusing. We’re changing that — making it straightforward and easy for the everyday hunter to understand.” 

“The one thing hunters didn’t like about our system? We didn’t count inside spread,” Bushman said. “That changes now. Starting in 2025, Buckmasters’ official score will include inside spread, making it the most straightforward and intuitive scoring system out there. If a buck grows it, we count it. No deductions. No guesswork. We measure the rack, add the inside spread, and use the percentage of irregular inches to determine classification. Simple.” 

Check back soon for more news and notes from the field.