Sylvester Roper revolutionized the shotgun industry with his innovative interchangeable choke system.
Sylvester Roper: The Father of Interchangable Shotgun Chokes
Read More
Archive: May 2025
Standing up for Public Lands
May 9, 2025 by Ruffed Grouse Society — Last week the U.S. House of Representatives Natural Resources Committee passed a budget bill ordering the sale of thousands of acres of public lands in Utah and Nevada.
Using a budget bill is an unacceptable departure from the proper means of evaluating land transactions. Existing laws for sale or exchange of public lands require due process and the return of revenue to the public land system. A budget bill meets neither requirement, preventing evaluation and diverting revenue to the Treasury.
RGS & AWS is joining many partners in advocating the removal of the land sale provisions from the forthcoming budget bill on the House floor. Before a budget bill is enacted, it must also be approved by the Senate. The process could take several weeks or longer.
At RGS & AWS, our commitment to conserving wildlife habitat is simultaneous with keeping public lands secure. This reflects our community’s values – and is a message we underscore with our elected leaders as they weigh decisions about public lands policy. That guides our work in Washington, D.C., where we engage on a bipartisan basis to increase public access – not reduce it – and enhance conservation value, not lose it.
The House budget bill further complicates this equation. Since the amendment was advanced through the budget reconciliation process, the revenue raised from the sale of these public lands goes to the general Treasury fund. It would not be reinvested in public lands, as is standard practice for public lands sales, via the Federal Land Disposal Account, a Treasury account used by federal departments to purchase other lands, especially those with high conservation, recreation and/or public access value.
A budget reconciliation bill is not the right place to legislate public lands sales. Fundamentally, these proposals should include ample opportunity for public consideration and feedback. And they must be advanced via agency action or congressional authorization to keep the money raised from their sale within our public lands system.
If you value our public lands and waters, we ask you to make your views known to your elected leaders in Congress. Take a moment today to express your strong opposition to the House budget amendment mandating the sale of public lands. Call the U.S. Capitol switchboard at 202-224-3121 and ask to be connected to your delegates’ offices. Or email your senators or representatives right now.
Also this week, a bipartisan group of House members launched the Public Lands Caucus, a congressional coalition focused on conserving and expanding access to public lands. Co-chaired by Reps. Gabe Vasquez (D-NM) and Ryan Zinke (R-MT), the caucus intends to unite lawmakers of all stripes to advance pragmatic, consensus-based public lands policy that advances conservation and supports recreation, local economies and public access.
Remember, when sportsmen unite, sportsmen win. Our system of U.S. public lands and waters is the envy of the world – and a mainstay in equal-opportunity access to all kinds of outdoor recreation, not just hunting. Let’s work together to make sure this legacy endures for future generations to experience and enjoy.
Take a stand for healthy forests. Support RGS & AWS and join our conservation network. Every donation helps us amplify your voice in important policy matters that affect wildlife, habitat and hunting.
Be part of the habitat solution! Join, renew or give a gift membership in RGS & AWS today.
How Shotgun Shell Velocity Impacts Recoil
Shotgun shell recoil can greatly impact the recoil experienced by the shooter, affecting accuracy and comfort.
Ducks Unlimited, Bass Pro Partnership Allows Hunters and Anglers to Protect Waterfowl Habitat
MEMPHIS, Tenn. – May 7, 2025 — Thanks to Bass Pro Shops’ newest $500,000 commitment, Ducks Unlimited’s (DU) conservation partnership with Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s Outdoor Fund is poised to make an even greater impact on critical wetlands and associated habitat for waterfowl. This latest investment will permanently protect nearly 1,400 additional acres in the U.S. and Canadian portions of the Prairie Pothole Region—DU’s highest priority conservation landscape and the heart of North America’s waterfowl breeding grounds.
Since 2018, this fund, powered by generous Bass Pro Shops customers who choose to round up their purchases for conservation, has given more than $3.8 million to DU’s conservation efforts. DU has leveraged these contributions into more than $11 million in additional funds, resulting in a remarkable $14.8 million investment in habitat conservation focused on places that matter the most for waterfowl and waterfowlers across North America.
“We are proud of our longtime affiliation with Ducks Unlimited, and to partner with customers throughout North America to support DU’s important work to conserve this critical waterfowl habitat in the Prairie Pothole Region,” said Johnny Morris, noted conservationist and founder of Bass Pro Shops. “These efforts are clearly making a difference, and it’s exciting to see the impact this will have on future generations of conservationists.”
This sustained support has helped conserve and enhance over 83,000 acres of wetlands and grasslands, bringing tremendous benefits to waterfowl, wildlife, and people. More than 64,000 acres of these efforts have been focused in the Prairie Pothole Region. Despite its ecological importance as the primary breeding ground for waterfowl and other migratory birds, this landscape faces significant threats, losing an estimated 50,000 acres of high-value habitat each year.
“Our long-standing partnership with Bass Pro Shops, Cabela’s Outdoor Fund, their dedicated Outfitters, and loyal customers is a shining example of how passionate outdoor enthusiasts can make a real, lasting impact on the health of our wetlands and wildlife,” said DU CEO Adam Putnam. “Through this shared commitment, we’re not just conserving habitat—we’re ensuring that future generations can continue to enjoy the rich traditions of hunting, fishing, and other outdoor recreation activities.”
DU, Bass Pro Shops, and a network of conservation partners and landowners are advancing shared goals to protect wetlands and grasslands and deliver large-scale solutions for migratory birds and other wildlife across these vital landscapes.
About Bass Pro Shops
Bass Pro Shops, North America’s premier outdoor and conservation company, was founded in 1972 when avid young angler Johnny Morris started selling tackle out of his father’s liquor store in Springfield, Missouri. That was the company’s sole location for the first 13 years, and it has since grown to nearly 200 retail locations throughout North America. Today the company provides customers with unmatched offerings spanning premier destination retail, outdoor equipment manufacturing, world-class resort destinations and more. In 2017 Bass Pro Shops united with Cabela’s to create a “best-of-the-best” experience with superior products, dynamic locations and outstanding customer service. Bass Pro Shops also operates White River Marine Group, offering an unsurpassed collection of industry-leading boat brands, and Big Cedar Lodge, America’s Premier Wilderness Resort. Under the visionary conservation leadership of Johnny Morris, Bass Pro Shops is a national leader in protecting habitat and introducing families to the outdoors and has been named by Newsweek as “America’s Most Trusted Retailer for Outdoor Gear.”
Bass Pro Communications
press@basspro.com
Team Remington’s Hitch and Sharpe Run the Table at Sporting Clays U.S. Open
LONOKE, Ark. – May 5, 2025 – Remington Ammunition congratulates sponsored shooters Todd Hitch and Madison Sharpe on winning Main Event titles at the U.S. Open for sporting clays. The dynamic duo bested their classes in a very competitive field of nearly 1,300 total participants. The U.S. Open is unique in that it moves to different locations each year allowing increased regional participation. This year’s event was held at Providence Hill Sporting Club in Jackson, Mississippi and ran from April 28-May 4, 2025.
Todd Hitch won the Main Event High Over All, defeating nearly 1,100 shooters vying for the title. Hitch says he had to overcome a few early nerves on the first day and the first three stations on the final day. “This win means a ton for me, after coming so close last year and finally being able to seal the deal is a feeling I’ll never forget,” said Hitch.
“The weather was great all week and the targets were set well,” said Hitch. His load of choice in winning the Main Event High Overall and a Prelim was Remington’s Nitro Sporting Clays 1 1/8-ounce loads at 1300 feet-per-second in 7.5 and 8 shot. “I shot 95 percent 8s throughout the week. Nitros hold their pattern so well it gives me confidence to shoot 8s at longer distances as long as the target is showing face,” said Hitch.
Team Remington’s Madison Sharpe also had an event to remember. The South Carolina native won an astounding nine events including the Lady’s Main Event High Over All. What is even more amazing, the 24-year-old hadn’t done much practicing leading up to the U.S. Open. She was in the turkey woods chasing the grand slam and came into the event refreshed and relaxed.
“While I was hunting, I was focused on visualizing targets and the mental aspect of the competition,” said Sharpe. “I shot with no fear.” Sharpe says she is heading to Wyoming to hunt her Merriam’s turkey before it’s back to giving lessons and training in preparation for a June regional competition.
Other Team Remington results including a 20-gauge event High Over All win from Brandon Powell, and a runner-up finish by Turner Parcell in the Super Sport event that had 984 participants and a runner-up finish in the 12-gauge event with a field of 403 shooters.
Team Remington competes and wins with Remington Premier shotshells. Top quality, consistency and accuracy come standard when trap, skeet or sporting competitors shoot the iconic Premier STS and Premier Nitro families of ammunition.
Find Remington ammunition at dealers nationwide and online. For more information on Remington ammunition and accessories, visit www.remington.com.
Press Release Contact: JJ Reich
Senior Manager – Press Relations
E-mail: media@tkghunt.com
About Remington
From muskets to modern day, generations of hunters and shooters have trusted Remington ammunition and accessories. Loaded in Lonoke, Arkansas by American workers, our wide array of pioneering sporting and hunting ammunition promises to get the job done every time the trigger is pulled. At Remington, we’re here for everyone who loads a round of ammo into a handgun, rifle, or shotgun.
Founded in 1816, Remington and America have fought and won wars, put food on millions of tables and brought countless generations together at the range and in the field. We are proud of each and every round that rolls off our factory line. An ammunition brand of The Kinetic Group, owned by CSG, a globally diversified industrial group based in Prague (Czech Republic), Remington is bringing a renewed focus to ammunition, innovation, and quality – all while staying true to Remington’s legendary heritage and stature as an American icon.
# # #
Connecticut Shotgun Mfg. Co. Upholds Tradition With Its RSP Roundbody Bird Gun
On June 6, 2024, Tony Galazan’s Connecticut Shotgun Manufacturing Company announced it’s RSP round-body sideplate over/under, and after shooting the 20/28 combo version we can say that you would be hard pressed to find a better American-built bird gun.
Visit the company’s 120,000 square foot facility at 100 Burritt Street, New Britain, Connecticut, and you’ll see a marriage of old-school craftsmanship and high-tech production. Tony has held the torch high to fulfill his vision as America’s premier gunmaker of traditional sporting shotguns. To prove it, the CSMC family tree includes continuation models of American icons such as the Winchester Model 21, A.H. Fox and Parker Brothers. While some of those reproductions may have been financially out of reach for some enthusiasts, in 2006 Tony captured their American spirit with the more affordable and best-selling round-bodied RBL side-by-side boxlock.
Shotgun Life Newsletters
Join an elite group of readers who receive their FREE e-letter every week from Shotgun Life. These readers gain a competitive advantage from the valuable advice delivered directly to their inbox. You'll discover ways to improve your shooting, learn about the best new products and how to easily maintain your shotgun so it's always reliable. If you strive to be a better shooter, then our FREE e-letters are for you.
About Shotgun Life
Shotgun Life is the first online magazine devoted to the great people who participate in the shotgun sports.
Our goal is to provide you with the best coverage in wing and clays shooting. That includes places to shoot, ways to improve your shooting and the latest new products. Everything you need to know about the shotgun sports is a mouse-click away.
Contact
Irwin Greenstein
Publisher
Shotgun Life
PO Box 6423
Thomasville, GA 31758
Phone: 229-236-1632
