Birchwood Casey Introduces a New Generation of Firearm Maintenance Solutions, All 100% Biodegradable

Bio

June 12, 2026 — Renowned for delivering high-quality gear and accessories for firearm training, cleaning, and transport, Birchwood Casey has announced the expansion of its product lineup with the introduction of several new gun cleaners, all 100% biodegradable.

Dedicated to helping hunters, shooters, and outdoor enthusiasts protect their most valuable gear since 1948, the brand stays true to its roots with the launch of its Synvex™ Copper Cutter, Synvex™ Carbon Cutter, Synvex™ CLP-X Oil, and Synvex™ Bore Wash, a lineup of biodegradable gun cleaners delivering powerful, modern formulations designed to remove fouling with the efficiency of traditional petroleum-based solvents.

Synvex™ Carbon Cutter dissolves heavy carbon and powder buildup on bolts, brakes, and more, and is safe to use on metal, polymer, and coated surfaces. The formula also stays on surfaces long after application, so there’s no need to worry about rapid evaporation.

Synvex™ Copper Cutter offers the simplest way to remove stubborn copper and lead fouling, while also preventing future fouling buildup on everything from bore steel to other sensitive finishes.

Synvex™ CLP-X Oil cleans, lubricates, and protects in one simple step, quickly penetrating the metal surfaces on any firearm, leaving a moisture-displacing, rust-preventing shield that reduces both friction and wear. The synthetic-based formula is also MIL-PRF-63460F-rated, making it appropriate for use on U.S. military weapons.

Synvex™ Bore Wash is safe for use on everything from Cerakote and hydro printing to plastic and wood, breaking down oil, grease, and grime without leaving unwanted residue behind.

“This new line of gun-cleaning products provides a more environmentally responsible way to maintain firearms,” said Jeff Mcnail, VP of Brand Management. “Each is non-corrosive, low-odor, formulated to be safer on skin, and also breaks down naturally over time, which is a win for hunters and shooters alike, regardless of level.”

Created for shooters who demand both reliability and accountability from all their gear, the new lineup proves firearm maintenance can be effective, efficient, and environmentally mindful all at once.

For more information about Birchwood Casey products, visit www.BirchwoodCasey.com.

You can also learn more and check out the entire family of GSM brands at www.gsmoutdoors.com.

About Birchwood Casey: The premier provider of gear and accessories tailored to training, cleaning, and transporting firearms, Birchwood Casey has been serving shooters—from competition-caliber to collectors and gunsmiths—since 1948. Dedicated to seeing both novice and experienced shooting enthusiasts through the full spectrum of learning to handle and maintain their firearm, as well as advance their technical and tactical shooting skills, the brand boasts an extensive assortment of innovative products ranging from holsters, cases, and gun-care equipment, to benches, throwers, targets, and more, all with a long-standing commitment to quality.

Delta Waterfowl Celebrates Introduction of the Great American Outdoors Act 250

250

June 11, 2026 — Delta Waterfowl today praised House Natural Resources Committee Chairman Bruce Westerman, R-Ark., and Ranking Member Jared Huffman, D-Calif., for introducing The Great American Outdoors Act 250 to reauthorize the Legacy Restoration Fund, a critical funding tool used to address deferred maintenance across federal public lands and waters. The investment in infrastructure would provide $95 million per year for five years.

Since its creation, the Legacy Restoration Fund has provided substantial funding for infrastructure improvements on lands managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, National Park Service, Bureau of Land Management, and U.S. Forest Service. These projects have enhanced habitat management, improved public access, and ensured sportsmen and women can continue to enjoy America’s public lands and waters.

“We’re grateful for Chairman Westerman and Ranking Member Huffman for their bipartisan leadership in taking steps to reauthorizing the Legacy Restoration Fund,” said John Devney, chief policy officer for Delta Waterfowl. “The Legacy Restoration Fund has delivered meaningful benefits for ducks and duck hunters by helping USFWS refuge managers and other federal land managers address long-overdue infrastructure needs which directly support enhanced wetland habitat management and public access. Reauthorizing the Legacy Restoration Fund will ensure that the backlog on infrastructure on refuges and other public lands can be addressed.”

Across the country, national wildlife refuges provide critical habitat for breeding, migrating, and wintering ducks and represent important access for waterfowl hunters. Yet, the National Wildlife Refuge System currently has a $2.6 billion deferred maintenance backlog, which means pumps, water-control structures, dikes, and other essential habitat management features need repair.

“A well-managed National Wildlife Refuge System is fundamental to a brighter future of ducks and duck hunters,” Devney said. “Reauthorization of the Legacy Restoration Fund has been one of Delta’s highest priorities for this Congress and has been a centerpiece of our Restore Our Refuges Initiative.”

In 2025, Delta formally launched Restoring Our Refuges, an impactful advocacy campaign to secure enhanced public funding to revitalize the health and waterfowl value of federal refuges and state-owned wildlife management areas throughout the United States.

Delta Waterfowl will continue to work closely with members of the House of Representatives and Senate toward reauthorization of the Legacy Restoration Fund.

Delta Waterfowl is The Duck Hunters Organization™, a leading conservation group founded in 1911 that uses science-based solutions to produce ducks, conserve prairie wetlands, and ensure the future of waterfowl hunting in North America. Visit their website.

Pattern Efficiency, Pellet Count and Margin of Error: What Really Matters for Maximum Performance?

When discussing shotgun performance, hunters and shooters often focus on payload weight, choke selection or shot material. However, one factor stands above the rest: pellet pattern.

The traditional standard for evaluating shotgun patterns is the 30-inch circle. While useful, this measurement can sometimes obscure a more important concept, which is the size of the shooter’s effective pattern and the resulting margin of error.

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Ducks Unlimited Announces New Volunteer Leadership

Dr. Rex Schulz elected DU President

MEMPHIS, Tenn. June 3, 2026 – In front of hundreds of Ducks Unlimited (DU) members and volunteers at DU’s 89th National Convention in Tampa, Florida, DU elected new volunteer leaders, including President Dr. Rex Schulz and Chairman of the Board Robert “Bob” Spoerl.

As DU’s 48th president, Dr. Rex Schulz, a resident of Quincy, Illinois, will work with the thousands of DU volunteers, staff, supporters and partners to further the mission of Ducks Unlimited in conserving wetlands that benefit not only waterfowl, but also other wildlife and people.

“Being elected president of Ducks Unlimited is not about a title,” Schulz said. “It’s about making a promise. A promise to fight for every acre of wetland, every flight of migrating waterfowl, and every community that depends on healthy water and wild places. Together, we will honor the legacy of those who came before us by pushing even harder for the future we believe in, one where conservation isn’t just something the members, volunteers and supporters of Ducks Unlimited do, it’s who we are.”

Schulz previously served as DU first vice president. He continues to serve on the Ducks Unlimited Canada Board and is a trustee of Wetlands America Trust, the land trust and foundation arm of Ducks Unlimited. He also serves on several DU national committees.

After 30 years of pathology service to Blessing Hospital in Quincy, Illinois, Schulz recently retired from West Central Pathology Specialists as a founding partner and president. He is an avid waterfowler, upland bird hunter and golfer. He and his wife, Lori, live in Quincy, Illinois, and they together manage her family’s Centennial Farm for deer and turkey.

In his new role as board chairman, Bob Spoerl, a Waupaca, Wisconsin resident, will ensure DU meets major mission-critical goals and will represent more than 650,000 Ducks Unlimited members at international, national, regional, state and local events. He serves on the board of Wetlands America Trust.

“Stepping into this role as chairman of the board is humbling and deeply meaningful,” Spoerl said. “For more than three decades, Ducks Unlimited has been part of my life, my family and my identity as a conservationist. To continue to help guide this organization, on behalf of more than 650,000 members who care passionately about wetlands, wildlife and the future of our continent’s waterfowl, is an honor beyond measure. Together, we will protect the landscapes that shaped us, strengthen the mission that unites us, and ensure that the next generation inherits a world rich in habitat and opportunity.”

Spoerl, who served as DU’s 47th president, is the retired president of Premium Brands. He continues to serve on the Ducks Unlimited de México and Ducks Unlimited Canada Boards, as well as several national committees.

He is an avid waterfowler, deer and elk hunter, and passionate conservationist who splits his time between Waupaca and Scottdale, Arizona, with his wife, Kim. Spoerl manages his Wisconsin property for maple syrup production.

The Spoerls are Ducks Unlimited John E. Walker President’s Society Members, DU Grand Slam Legacy Sponsors and Ducks Unlimited de México Legacy Sponsors.

In concurrence with the elections, Chairman of the Board Chuck Smith officially completed his two-year term.

Ducks Unlimited’s new members of the board include:

James Cook
Doug Frey
Richard Godfrey
Jake Hansen
Chad Hohenwarter
Dallas Hempstead
John Killen
Mike Link
Brian Mattison
Nyleen Troxell Stowe
Peggy Sundstrom
Jim Talbert
Orlin Taylor
Mark Woodward

Ducks Unlimited Inc. is the world’s largest nonprofit organization dedicated to conserving North America’s continually disappearing wetlands, grasslands and other waterfowl habitats. Established in 1937, Ducks Unlimited has restored or protected more than 19 million acres thanks to contributions from more than a million supporters across the continent. Guided by science, DU’s projects benefit waterfowl, wildlife and people in all 50 states. DU is growing its mission through a historic $3 billion Conservation for a Continent comprehensive campaign. Learn more at www.ducks.org.

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