Sylvester Roper revolutionized the shotgun industry with his innovative interchangeable choke system.
Sylvester Roper: The Father of Interchangable Shotgun Chokes
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Archive: 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.
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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.
Zink Expands Turkey Call Lineup With New Strikers and Box Call
IRVING, TX – April 2025 – By entrusting their calling to Zink, turkey hunters can usher spring thunder in right. The renowned brand recently announced the addition of two top-of-the-line tools to their turkey-calling lineup, the Thunder Ridge Pro Series Strikers and the premium Ridge Talker Box Call—both of which deliver true-to-life sounds that’ll quickly bring the woods to life.
Zink’s Thunder Ridge Pro Series Strikers deliver flawless balance and superb sound quality against any pot call surface. Precision-turned from water-resistant Dymondwood to ensure years of use in the spring woods, they offer the one-two-punch every hunter needs in their arsenal: one flair-tip and one straight-tip striker, each boasting a specialized rubber sleeve for improved grip for fast cutting and complete control in all weather conditions.
The Ridge Talker, on the other hand, is a smooth-talking, double-sided box call that emulates the high pitch of a young hen, cutting the spring air and drawing distant longbeards on a rope. The double-sided construction of this call allows left- and right-handed callers to perfectly mimic two distinctive hen calls, sounding so much like the real thing that cruising toms won’t think twice. Crafted with a poplar box and cherrywood paddle, the Ridge Talker delivers the pure, authentic turkey sounds you expect from every Zink-branded call.
For more information on turkey calls and other Zink-branded calls, visit ZinkCalls.com.
If you have additional questions or media inquiries, please email marketing@gsmorg.com. You can also learn more and check out the entire family of GSM brands at www.gsmoutdoors.com.
About Zink:
It’s true champions are not born but made. That enterprising spirit is exactly what Zink calls is founded on. When, in 2001, champion caller and accomplished outdoorsman Fred Zink couldn’t find the tools required to take his calling—and the hunts he so often shared with family and friends—to the next level, he decided to take things into his own hands. Through decades of careful crafting, obsessive dedication and ceaseless hand-tuning, today, Zink’s goose, duck and turkey calls are the most true-to-life in the outdoor industry—delivering perfectly precise cuts, unique rods, premium reeds, one-of-a-kind materials and the most innovative designs available.
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HS Strut Reveals New Turkey Chokes and Calls
IRVING, TX – April 2025 – HS Strut™, the storied brand of turkey calls and hunting accessories founded by Hunters Specialties more than three decades ago, recently introduced a new choke tube lineup and double-tone box call, just in time for 2025 turkey openers nationwide.
Undertaker Pro Choke Tubes
A new take on an old favorite, the next-generation Undertaker Pro Choke Tubes feature modern designs that adapt to the industry’s ever-changing turkey ammo. Their extended chokes deliver tight patterns thanks to unique internal groove technology that separates pellets from the wad, preventing the wad from spinning and concentrating more pellets on the intended target—gobblers’ heads. All five models in the new lineup are rated for use with various ammo types, including steel, lead, bismuth and TSS.
Available options include:
- Remington
- Winchester/Browning Invector
- Winchester/Browning Invector Plus
- Beretta/Benelli Mobil
- Beretta/Benelli/Retay Crio Plus
Double Deuce Box Call
As versatile as turkey calls come, the double-sided, double-cavity construction of the Double Deuce Box Call provides hunters with a two-toned call capable of producing a wide range of sounds. Its black walnut paddle pairs with a poplar box featuring two cavities, one long and one short, each responsible for delivering a unique set of calls—the short cavity creates high-pitched hen sounds, like mating yelps, cutts and purrs, while the longer cavity produces medium- to low-pitched yelps, clucks, cutts and purrs, as well as young gobbler yelps.
To browse the complete HS Strut product lineup, visit HSStrut.com.
If you have additional questions or media inquiries, please email marketing@gsmorg.com. You can also learn more and check out the entire family of GSM brands at www.gsmoutdoors.com.
About HS Strut™:
Founded by Hunters Specialties, HS Strut joined the turkey-hunting scene in the late 1980s with the introduction of a call more flexible, forgiving and biologically accurate than any other on the market. Since then, the brand has evolved into one of the world’s largest and most trusted manufacturers of turkey calls, products and accessories.
Stealth Cam Walker’s Muddy Birchwood-Casey TekMat Boss Buck New Archery Products (NAP) Western Rivers Hawk Big Game Down & Out Blinds by Hawk HME Coyote Light Scent Slammer SME Bullseye Crossfire Holsters Cyclops Viking Solutions Hunters Specialties TRUGLO APEX GEAR Johnny Stewart Cold Steel Ameristep Avian X Bloodsport Evolved Flextone Halo Optics Tenzing Wildgame Innovations Zink Gary Yamamoto Custom Baits SOG Specialty Knives & Tools Bill Lewis Buckeye Lures SteelShad HuntStand Bucca Brand Dobyns Rod Camillus Phenix Rods GPS Bags Skull Hooker Big Bite Baits Frog Factory Cuda Bonehead Roboworm Stopper Lures Northland Fishing Tackle
Are Turkish Sporting Guns Now a Better Deal Than Ever?
With the European Union and Japan facing at least a 20-percent tariff, our favorite sporting gun makers in Italy, Germany and Japan could see price increases that cut deep into household budgets for hunters and clays shooters considering entry-level or mid-priced shotguns – raising the question: are Turkish shotguns suddenly a phenomenal deal?
Sporting guns made in Turkey have long suffered a reputation for inferior quality. Although their cheap prices were a lure, in the end it was often the case of getting what you pay for. A $400.00 Turkish over/under would have a tough trigger and manufacturing tolerances that could often be described as parts flying in close formation.
Beretta USA Celebrates Desirae Edmunds’ Induction into NSCA Hall of Fame
MONDAY, APRIL 21, 2025 — Beretta USA is proud to celebrate Team Beretta athlete Desirae Edmunds on her induction into the National Sporting Clays Association (NSCA) Hall of Fame. This prestigious honor recognizes Desirae’s outstanding career, dedication to the sport, and the lasting impact she’s had on the clay target community.
A native of Anchorage, Alaska, Desirae has become one of the most respected competitors in sporting clays. With an extensive list of titles and accomplishments, she’s celebrated not only for her performance on the course but also for her commitment to growing the sport and mentoring new shooters.
Desirae competes with the Beretta A400 XCel Sporting, a shotgun designed for precision and speed in clay target sports. Her success with the platform is a true reflection of her consistency, focus, and skill.
“Desirae represents everything we value in a competitor—grit, humility, and a passion for the sport,” said Trang Dam, Director of Marketing at Beretta USA. “Her induction into the NSCA Hall of Fame induction is incredibly well deserved, and we’re proud to have her represent Team Beretta and continue setting the bar for future generations.”
“It was a complete surprise when I first heard I was being inducted into the National Sporting Clays Association Hall of Fame. I am truly humbled to be receiving this prestigious honor. This is something that most shooters dream of,” said Edmunds. “It seems like a lifetime ago I pulled the trigger at my first clay and at the same time my journey is flying by at the speed of light. I am so grateful to have amazing teammates and sponsors that have made this dream a possibility. I fall in love with this sport more and more every tournament I attend, every Clay target I shoot and every person I meet. Although this will be one of the highest achievements of my shooting career, I am excited for this journey to continue.”
The induction ceremony will take place on October 23, 2025 at Hilton Hill Country in San Antonio, where Desirae will be honored alongside other top contributors to the sport.
Follow Beretta USA on Facebook, Instagram, X, YouTube and LinkedIn for the latest updates on Team Beretta and our continued commitment to the shooting sports.
About Beretta
Beretta, established in 1526, is the longest-standing industrial dynasty in the world, tracing its roots through 16 generations of continuous family ownership. Firearms bearing the Beretta name have been sold for almost 500 years. Beretta USA Corp. was founded in 1977 and provided the most widely deployed sidearm throughout the U.S. Armed Forces. Today, Beretta manufactures, distributes, and markets a complete line of firearms, accessories, and apparel. Beretta also owns and operates six retail Beretta Gallery stores worldwide. For additional information, visit www.Beretta.com.
About the National Sporting Clays Association (NSCA)
The National Sporting Clays Association (NSCA) is the world’s largest sporting clays organization and the official governing body of the sport in the United States. With over 22,000 members across all 50 states and 10 countries, the NSCA sanctions competitive and recreational events at more than 600 affiliated clubs. Founded in 1989 and headquartered in San Antonio, Texas, the NSCA is dedicated to growing the sport at all levels and fostering a culture of competition, safety, and community. For additional information, visit https://nsca.nssa-nsca.org
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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.
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