Author: Adam Back

Victory places St. Croix pro third in MLF Toyota Series AOY points race

St. Croix pro Jordan Wiggins caught 44-14 in his home waters of Lewis Smith Lake to win the Toyota Series Presented by Phoenix Boats Central Division event in northern Alabama by over four pounds a week pass. He caught almost all of his bass on a homemade jig head toss.

Wiggins fished to stage spotted bass in deeper water during the first day of competition, catching a third-place bag that weighed 15-14. He followed the shallows the morning of day 2, going to work on the rocky platform with access to deep water where the bass were actually spawning. “The fish were creeping up as the tournament went on, so I just adapted to them,” says Wiggins, who selected darker-colored shoals that had a combination of rocks and piers, a pattern that would hold for the last few years. two days. Wiggins added 14-8 on Day 2 and another 14-8 on Day 3 to clinch the win, earning more than $90,000 in cash and contingencies while qualifying for the 2023 MLF Toyota Series Championship, scheduled for 2 to November 4 at Table Rock Lake in Branson. , Missouri.

“My brother (MLF Bass Pro Tour angler Jesse Wiggins) and I make our own shaking head jigs,” Wiggins says. “We just tweaked a few things so they can better fish around deck and rocks.” Wiggins was bowing his homemade heads with a pumpkin-green 6.5-inch Reaction Innovations Flirt Worm.

“I always throw my shaking heads at my medium-heavy power, extra fast action 7’1” St. Croix Legend Elite (EC71MHXF) rod,” says Wiggins. “It’s so light, well balanced and easy to fish all day, with the extreme sensitivity that is necessary to blind fish for spawning bass.”

Wiggins says his medium-heavy, fast St. Croix Bass X 7’1” (BAC71MHF) and Legend Tournament Bass 7’2” heavy, moderate (LBTC72HM) have also contributed to his success so far this season. “I like fishing wake baits on that Bass X MHF,” he says. “It’s light and responsive, and the SCII carbon makes it a little softer than the same rods in the other St. Croix series, so it’s a little more forgiving.” Regarding the Legend Tournament Bass LBTC72HM, “It’s definitely my new favorite chatter bait rod,” says Wiggins. “What St. Croix has been able to achieve with their iACT technology, basically a hybrid of carbon and glass, is incredible. It has that smooth, parabolic key action you need with plenty of hook setting power, but it’s the sensitivity and thin, light balance in the hand that makes this rod unlike any reaction bait rod you’ve ever fished. I put up 20lbs in Guntersville with this rod and I love casting it.”

After two events in the MLF Toyota Series Central Division, Wiggins sits in 3^rd place in the AOY race with 470 points. The final event of the 2023 Central Division is scheduled for Tennessee’s Lake Chickamauga, April 25-27.

“I like the Chickamauga setup,” says Wiggins. “My co-angler fishes there a lot, and he tells me that big fish are big baits, so I guess I’ll have to go out and buy some big swim baits and slide baits… but you never really know. I expect them to play pretty well by then, so I’ll probably throw a crazy worm on my medium 7’” Legend Xtreme.

Wiggins says he owes everything to his family and major sponsors when it comes to supporting him on tour. “My wife, Whitney, puts up with me fishing week after week. My children and my brother, Jesse, are always very supportive as well. I also have St. Croix rods to thank. They have repeatedly helped me and have always treated me like family.”

About Santa Cruz rod
Based in Park Falls, Wisconsin, St. Croix has proudly produced the “World’s Best Rods” for 75 years. Combining state-of-the-art manufacturing processes with skilled labor, St. Croix is ​​the only major producer that still builds rods completely from design to fabrication. The company remains family-owned and operates duplicate manufacturing facilities in Park Falls and Fresnillo, Mexico. With popular trademarked series like Legend®, Legend Xtreme®, Avid®, Premier®, Imperial®, Triumph® and Mojo, St. Croix is ​​revered by all types of anglers around the world.

It is considered one of the most prestigious clay court sporting events in the Midwest, the NILO Open. The event is in its fifth year and will play host to hundreds of clay shooters of all skill levels competing for more than $35,000 in prizes. The event will take place June 9-10, 2023 at NILO®, Winchester’s iconic hunting and shooting sports facility located in Brighton, Illinois (NiloFarms.com).

Registration details-

• People can choose to film one day or both days; the registration fee per day is $145.
• Teams will shoot on the 15-station sports clay court during either the morning or afternoon session. (You can register as an individual and you will be matched with a squad, or you can register a squad.)
• To register: Call 618-466-0613 or email infonilo@olin.com.

The registration fee includes:

• 100 rounds of Winchester AA® cartridge ammunition (for the 15-station course)
• A Winchester gift bag
• Lunch

Additional sideshot games will also be available: $20 for the burst and $60 for the 50-shot practice course. With each entry, people are entered into drawings for prizes.

Schedule (Same for every day)—
7:30 am: Doors open-registration
8:00 am: Opening of the parallel games
8:00 a.m.: First flight begins firing
11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.: Lunch is served
12:00/noon: second flight begins firing
5:00 pm: Completion of the parallel games

*The awards ceremony will take place between 4:30 p.m. and 5:00 p.m.

NILO Open Sporting Clays Event Sponsors: AllTrista, Browning, Ervin Industries, Farm & Home Supply, Foam Supplies, Inc., Industrial Chemicals, Purina Pro Plan, White Flyer, Wieland, Winchester

About NILE

In 1952, John M. Olin took over 600 acres of farmland linked by timber and turned it into a wildlife oasis. He created the ideal place to breed and train the best Labrador Retrievers in the world. He named it NILO®, dedicated to unsurpassed ground hunting, sport shooting, hunting dogs and conservation education. Throughout the years, celebrities, political dignitaries, sports heroes and avid outdoorsmen of all stripes have enjoyed NILO’s hospitality. For decades, legendary AA® shotshells have been used on the NILO fields and their ranges. This ammunition commemorates the legacy of John M. Olin and his commitment to conservation and sport shooting. Learn more about NILO by visiting NiloFarms.com or connecting with us on Facebook at Facebook.com/NiloFarms.

About Winchester ammunition

Winchester is the world’s largest small-calibre ammunition company and a leader in providing innovative ammunition products for hunters, shooters, law enforcement, and combatants in the United States. The 157-year-old Winchester brand is based on the integrity, hard work and a deep focus on your loyal customers. Learn more about Winchester by visiting Winchester.com or by connecting with us on Facebook at Facebook.com/WinchesterOfficial.

Winchester: Committed to the safe, legal and responsible use of firearms

As a world leader in the hunting and shooting sports industry, and a 157-year-old brand, Winchester is committed to the safe, legal, and responsible use of firearms. Winchester works with key groups like the National Shooting Sports Foundation on a variety of issues important to our industry, including training and education, and on specific programs like Gun Owners Care and Project ChildSafe. Winchester will continue to support programs, organizations and individuals that promote hunting and shooting sports activities in a positive and responsible environment. Any use of firearms by participating youth must be done under the direct supervision of a parent, guardian, or other responsible adult.

About caring for gun owners

Gun owners care. You worry about safety. You care about preventing unauthorized access to firearms. You care about improving your community, helping those in need, and conserving wildlife and wild places for generations to come. It’s time for gun owners to tell their stories and show how they’re making a difference. NSSF®, the trade association for the firearms industry, has established the Gun Owners Care campaign to unite gun owners and the firearms industry in this common cause. Visit gunownerscare.org for more information.

EDGEFIELD, SC — On March 21, Representative Will Carpenter introduced a resolution to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the National Wild Turkey Federation in the Kansas House of Representatives.

This resolution recognizes the tremendous impact the NWTF has had in conserving and restoring wild turkeys, and promoting outdoor recreational opportunities for hunters and non-hunters alike.

“I was honored to recognize the 50th anniversary of the National Wild Turkey Federation, one of the best conservation organizations in the world,” said Carpenter. “I appreciate all that NWTF has done for the wild turkey and our hunting heritage over the past 50 years. I wish them continued success in the next 50 years.”

The resolution, in part, reads:

“WHEREAS, the NWTF, with the NWTF Kansas chapter system, has established itself as a national leader in working to restore wild turkeys in Kansas through trapping efforts in the 1960s and 1970s; and

WHEREAS, Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks staff, NWTF staff, and NWTF volunteers have released turkeys obtained from other states with more stable populations, creating robust wild turkey populations throughout Kansas; and

WHEREAS, Kansas now maintains one of the highest hunter success rates in the country.”

Access the full resolution here.

“We thank Representative Carpenter for introducing House Resolution 6017 and the Kansas House of Representatives for recognizing the 50th anniversary of the National Wild Turkey Federation and our efforts to conserve wild turkeys and preserve our hunting heritage in Kansas. and across the country,” said Adam Kucera, NWTF Kansas State Chapter President. “We look forward to the next 50 years fulfilling our important mission.”

The NWTF policy team and its volunteer leadership are working with state legislatures across the country to pass similar measures this year that enshrine the NWTF’s legacy and mission in state law.

Learn more about the policy and advocacy work of the NWTF.

About the National Wild Turkey Federation

Since 1973, the National Wild Turkey Federation has invested more than half a billion dollars in wildlife conservation and has conserved or improved more than 22 million acres of critical wildlife habitat. The organization continues to advance wildlife conservation, forest resiliency, and robust recreational opportunities across the US by working beyond borders at the landscape scale.

2023 is the 50th of the NWTF ^he anniversary and an opportunity to push the organization’s mission into the future while honoring its rich history. for his 50 ^he anniversary, the NWTF has set six ambitious goals: positively impact 1 million acres of wildlife habitat; raise $500,000 for wild turkey research; increase membership to 250,000 members; dedicate $1 million to education and outreach programs; raise $5 million to invest in technology and the people of NWTF; and raise $5 million to build a $50 million endowment for the future. Learn how you can help us achieve these lofty goals.

The innovative leader in water sports continues to grow with an immersive community-driven retail experience

BOTE, a longtime leader in innovation in the stand-up paddleboard, kayak and aquatic lifestyle space, today announces the grand opening of its newest retail location in the paddling paradise of Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Featuring BOTE’s iconic black and white flagship retail design on the outside, packed with eye-catching patterns on the inside, this new location embodies the brand’s personality and intense commitment to next-level style. Combine that with its location in the heart of water-obsessed Fort Lauderdale, and what you have is a new hub for water lovers from all walks of life.

Adjacent to the Atlantic Ocean and known for its beaches and shipping canals, Fort Lauderdale is an ideal location for BOTE’s latest flagship store. The 3,600-square-foot retail space, a 100-year-old building with high ceilings and wood beams, immediately envelops you in a sense of what the BOTE brand stands for while making you want to get out on the water. With BOTE’s full line of stand-up paddleboards, kayaks, docks and more, customers won’t have a problem getting from the shop to the surf the same day. Whether you’re looking for a beginner’s stand up paddle board or a seasoned pro looking for the perfect kayak for fishing, BOTE retailers have you covered.

“We are pleased to open another flagship location, and in such a watersports-loving place as Fort Lauderdale,” said Zack Eckert, BOTE’s vice president of sales. “One of the best ways to experience BOTE is by visiting one of our retail stores, especially with the extensive knowledge of our staff and the community we warmly call BOTE Nation. We like to think of it as an extension of the total immersion experience, where customers will visit the store and learn about their other resource to enhance their love of paddle boarding, kayaking and the aquatic lifestyle.”

Grand Opening Event | Friday, March 31, 2023

BOTE invites the public to join them for a grand opening event on Friday, March 31 from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. -T-shirt, along with the Fort Lauderdale Chamber of Commerce ribbon cutting to kick off the event at 4:00 pm.

New flagship store location: 1501 S. Andrews Ave., Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33316

Other BOTE retail locations can be found in St. Petersburg, Destin, Fort Walton Beach, and Grayton Beach, Florida.

VIRGINIA BEACH, VA— iSportsman has been helping veterans, service members and their families get outdoors since 2007. Now, iSportsman aims to provide that same great service to its users both on and off base with the latest addition to the suite of services. from iSportsman: iSportsmanX. iSportsmanX Beta soft was released in December 2022 and after careful consideration of beta tester feedback, new changes are being implemented for the continued development of iSportsmanX.

The future iSportsmanX will have both a web and mobile app, offering their own unique experience and functionality to fully address the needs of current and future iSportsman users. Currently available is iSportsmanX Beta, a version of the iSportsmanX service that can be accessed by visiting iSportsman.net.

iSportsmanX beta features:

• Interactive US map of iSportsmanGX locations on load
• Opportunities that can be filtered by category, distance, name and status.
• Detail pages for each iSportsmanGX location.

In April 2023, iSportsman.net will no longer host the iSportsmanX Beta service. Instead, it will host iSportsmanGX Web, which will include the following features below. Also in April, the iSportsmanX Beta service will migrate to iSportsmanX.com, which is still under development.

iSportsmanGX Web Features:

• Removed non-functional iSportsmanX search bar.
• Topographic information added to each existing detail page.
• Added detailed description information to each existing detail page.
• Links to state regulations for each existing detail page.
• List of activities available at each location both in the list of opportunities and on the location details page.
• Filter alphabetic options by status in the opportunity list.
• Improved filtering options in the opportunity list.
• Modernized UI design updates centered around an iSportsmanGX experience.

In July 2023, iSportsmanX Mobile will be available for open beta use. iSportsmanX Mobile will be an improved version of the original iSportsmanX concept. Planned to be available on both Android and iOS, iSportsmanX Mobile will provide outdoor recreation search information regardless of whether or not iSportsman manages the opportunity.

As iSportsman continues to ensure that the best possible service is developed, we welcome any feedback you may have regarding your experience with any variation of the iSportsmanX service. Feedback can be submitted through this survey, and interested parties can also sign up to receive email notifications about the development process.

About iSportsman: iSportsman is the nation’s leading recreation program management solution, serving as the enterprise-grade provider for the US Army, Air Force, Hunting, Fishing, and Firewood permit sales programs. Guard and Security Services. US Fish and Wildlife iSportsman has provided SaaS and custom solutions to meet the needs of large-scale recreational programs for over 12 years and currently manages permit sales, access control, reporting and plus for more than 10.6 million acres of forests, fields, trails and waterways worldwide. the continental United States, Alaska and Hawaii. Visit isportsman.com for more information.

As the 2023 spring turkey season approaches in New Mexico, hunters in the state can look forward to new hunting opportunities thanks in large part to years of conservation efforts benefiting the Gouldian wild turkey.

The removal last year of the Gouldian wild turkey subspecies from the list of endangered and threatened species in New Mexico was a significant conservation achievement. After being on the list since 1974, the deletion of the subspecies demonstrates successful conservation management and preservation of the turkey population in the state.

Following a thorough evaluation of the 2017 Gould’s recovery plan in New Mexico, the previously threatened subspecies was successfully delisted. The decision was made unanimously by the New Mexico State Game Commission, based on careful consideration of habitat concerns, future habitat availability, and management goals outlined in the plan. One of the main goals was to maintain a population of 175 Gouldian wild turkeys; however, the numbers have consistently remained above that goal, with approximately 225 turkeys registered in the last four years. It is worth noting that the counts exclude populations of Gouldian turkeys residing on private property, which are not included in the official count or management objectives.

For hunters, this Gould restoration in New Mexico presents a rare opportunity to hunt the subspecies. In the past, the New Mexico Game Commission issued only two conservation (improvement) tags for the Gouldian turkey, with the intent of generating maximum funding for Gould conservation through raffles and auctions.

However, with the successful removal of Gouldian turkeys, the state offered an additional four once-in-a-lifetime public draw tags for hunting during the spring 2023 season (in hunting units 26-27), November 1-31. of May. the chances of getting a tag for this hunt were relatively low (the deadline to apply was February 15), officials may adjust tag numbers in the future based on population responses to the new pressure hunting.

In 2014, the NWTF and the NWTF Arizona Huachuca Gould Chapter helped trap and move 60 Gouldian turkeys from Arizona to New Mexico. The NWTF also provided turkey boxes for the transfer. The New Mexico Game and Fish Department was able to obtain these birds by trading 41 New Mexico pronghorn with the Arizona Game and Fish Department, with the help of the NWTF. This trade, along with efforts made through the 2017 recovery plan, catalyzed the return of a healthy population of Gouldian turkeys in New Mexico.

The NWTF supported both the 2017 Gouldian turkey recovery plan and delisting efforts in 2022. In addition, the NWTF also provided information on tag assignment numbers after subspecies delisting. Keeping track of populations is crucial when considering game tags, and each spring NWTF members assist with Gould counts in both New Mexico and Arizona to help keep informed on subspecies numbers.

The Gould’s turkey is among five subspecies of wild turkey found in North America, and is one of three subspecies that call New Mexico home, along with Merriam’s and the Rio Grande. Gould’s turkey is considered the rarest subspecies and also the largest, averaging 18 to 30 pounds for males. These turkeys are unique to the southwestern regions of New Mexico, southeastern Arizona, and Mexico.

This conservation success story is a testament to the enduring importance of continued conservation efforts and the influential partnership between wildlife organizations and government agencies.

America’s Most Beloved Angler Bill Dance to Appear at the 2023 Bassmaster Classic in Knoxville

Anglers will see major improvements in Tennessee lakes this spring as part of the new Bill Dance Signature Lakes initiative, just as thousands make their trip to Knoxville for the annual Bassmaster Classic that begins March 24. Often referred to as the “Super Bowl of Bass Fishing,” the Classic brings anglers to Knoxville for the second time since 2019. Visitors can stop by the “Bill Dance Signature Lakes” at the Expo on Saturday, March 25 between 1:00 p.m. 00 pm and 6:00 pm for the opportunity to meet and greet legendary angler, Bill Dance, who serves as the inspiration behind the Signature Lakes program.

Since the program was announced in December 2021, much work has been done underwater in participating lakes, including stocking 935,000 fish in small lakes and 8.4 million fish in large reservoirs. Additional efforts are being made to improve habitat and fisheries management, as well as better fishing and boating access with new boat ramps, expanded parking, courtesy docks, and fishing piers.

Bill Dance Signature Lakes is a collaborative effort between the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency, Tennessee State Parks, and the Tennessee Department of Tourism Development to enhance and enhance Tennessee Lakes, increase visitation, and honor the legacy of Dance. The multi-agency partnership has committed more than $15 million for improvements, both above and below water, to lakes that bear Tennessee icon Bill Dance’s seal of approval.

Work on 14 lakes in Tennessee since 2020 includes:

• More than 136,000 fish stocked in Fall Creek Falls Lake, 220 habitat structures installed, and eight fish feeders.
• More than 160,000 fish were stocked in Herb Parsons Lake, 175 habitat structures were installed, and a new boat ramp was completed.
• Over 159,000 fish stocked in Browns Creek Lake.
• Over 412,000 fish stocked in Halford Lake and an additional 220 habitat structures.
• Renovations to the boat ramp and parking area at Pickwick Reservoir, as well as the installation of a new courtesy dock.
• More than 8.4 million fish stocked at Kentucky Lake, Reelfoot Lake, Chickamauga Reservoir, Douglas Reservoir, Old Hickory Reservoir, Tims Ford Reservoir, Norris Reservoir, Watauga Reservoir, and Dale Hollow Reservoir.

Tennessee is home to half a million acres of lakes and 1.84 million people who fish, according to the American Game Fishing Association. Fishing generates $1.3 billion in economic impact annually and supports 8,140 jobs statewide.

Each lake was selected by agency partners and Bill Dance for its ability to be a fishing destination and provide quality fishing fun for avid anglers and families. Backed by Bill Dance Outdoors, the projects are expected to be nearing completion by fall 2024.

ABOUT BILL DANCE:

Bill Dance, the first superstar of professional bass fishing, has taught generations to fish. Dance began competing in, and winning, bass tournaments in the early 1960s. With over 2,000 shows to his credit since 1968, he has educated millions of fishing enthusiasts as the host and producer of “Bill Dance Outdoors.” and “Bill Dance Saltwater”, which air respectively on the Outdoor Channel and the Sportsman Channel. From his production studio in Collierville, Tennessee, Dance oversees a fishing empire that includes his television shows, tackle endorsements, hands-on seminars and a series of popular “blooper” videos. Dance has written seven books and his articles have been published in sports away, field and current, bassists, outdoor life and more. Dance’s fishing achievements, techniques, and knowledge have been recognized through countless awards, including 23 BASS National Titles, a three-time BASS Angler of the Year, 40 top-ten finishes, and an eight-time Bassmaster Classic Qualifier. In 2021, Dance received her Honorary Doctorate from the University of Tennessee for her outstanding contributions to the sport. Country superstar Luke Bryan also celebrated the fishing legend in 2021 with the release of an ode titled “Bill Dance.” For more than five decades, Bill D.

When the competition heats up and the fish bite, the last thing a professional angler needs to worry about is whether or not their marine starting battery has enough juice to last the day. Lithium Pros give tournament anglers peace of mind with power they can rely on all day. The new M31150-S 12V 150 Ah Marine Starting Battery gives anglers all the juice they need on the water.

With an impressive 1500 Marine Crank Amps (eq), the M31150-S has the most starting power of any battery in its class and will have no problem starting all conventional outboard motors on the market. Only one of Lithium Pros M31150-S Lithium-Ion batteries has as much power as two Traditional 12V Group 31 AGM lead-acid batteries with only ¼ the weight and half the space!

The M31150-S features one of the most advanced and fully integrated digital internal battery management systems in the marine industry, safely housed in a lightweight case. This system continuously monitors overtemperature, overcurrent, undercurrent, and short circuits. This automatically protects the battery from damage if a problem is detected, ensuring long battery life and trouble-free service.

Powered by high power Lithium Ion Phosphate (LiFePO4) chemistry and using only the best Lithium Ion cells, you won’t find more capacity in a battery that fits inside a standard Group 31 case. 360 minute reserve, the M31150-S is designed for the competitive angler who refuses to compromise on reliability, power, or battery life. It’s the starter battery Lithium Pros recommends for saltwater and freshwater tournament fishing, and especially for those anglers who need to simultaneously run multiple 12-inch charts and a front sonar. Since it has a higher discharge voltage than traditional lead-acid batteries, anglers no longer need to worry about their charts resetting during an engine start. Stay on the trail, and on the fish, all day long!

The M31150-S Lithium-Ion battery provides up to five times the cycle life with 80% DoD and recharges five times faster than traditional lead-acid batteries. Charging is easy and convenient, as it can be used with any charger compatible with existing 12V AGM and Gel batteries, including those for Mercury*, Suzuki, Honda and Yamaha. And since lithium-ion batteries do not contain toxic chemicals or emit harmful gases, they are a better choice for the environment.

(*M31150-S battery meets Mercury’s September 19, 2022 specifications for a Lithium-Ion battery.)

Lithium Pros M31150-S is the marine starting battery of choice for the professional angler who relies on fast starts, quality, reliability, and enough power to last from dawn to dusk.

M31150-S 12.8V 150 Ah Lithium Ion Engine Starting Battery Features:

• Replace two Group 31 AGM batteries with one M31150-S Lithium-Ion battery!
• High Power Lithium Ion Phosphate
• Light
• Keeps multiple charts larger than 30.5 cm (12 in) and the fore-end probe running simultaneously
• Provides enough voltage across the discharge to prevent graphics from resetting
• Advanced automatic internal digital battery management system
• Does not emit harmful gases
• Does not contain toxic materials.
• Starts all conventional outboard motors
• Recommended for both saltwater and freshwater tournament fishing
• Can be charged with any 12V AGM battery charger without desulfation mode, with a float voltage of 13.5V or less and not exceeding 14.8V output

M31150-S 12.8V 150 Ah Lithium Ion Engine Starting Battery Specifications:

• 12.8V
• 150 Ah (1920 Wh)
• BCI Group 31 Size (13 in. L x 6.81 in. W x 8.43 in. D)
• 360 minute reserve
• 36.0 pounds

About Lithium Professionals

Lithium Pros was founded in 2011 and is focused on building lithium-ion batteries for the specific purpose of replacing lead-acid batteries for use in demanding applications. They strive to uphold the ideals spelled out in their mission statement: “Through constant innovation, create high-power lithium-ion battery packs that are safe, easy to install, and start an engine like nothing else.”

For more information please visit
WWW.LITHIUMPROS.COM

The winning design captures the essence of what makes lever firearms so special.

Big Horn Armory (BHA), makers of large-caliber firearms, is pleased to announce the winner of their Lever Action T-shirt Design Contest. The contest invited designers to submit their best designs for a lever action-themed T-shirt, and after many submissions and a public voting period, the winning design was selected.

The winning design, submitted by Able Bratcher, captured the essence of what makes lever action rifles so special. The t-shirt features a message that will appeal to big-bore lever-action enthusiasts as well as t-shirt collectors. Bratcher will receive the first edition of the t-shirt when it’s printed, along with a $500 gift certificate good for one year to use toward any purchase at www.bighornarmory.com.

“Thank you for the opportunity to participate in this contest. I am proud to be associated with a great American company,” said Bratcher.

“We were amazed at the number of entries we received and the level of creativity each designer brought to the contest,” said Greg Buchel, president of Big Horn Armory. “Voters had a difficult decision to make, but we are delighted with the design that Able submitted.”

The new jersey will be inspired by Bratcher’s design and will be available for purchase on the BHA website in the coming months. BHA encourages everyone to keep an eye out for future contests and promotions.

“We want to thank all the designers who participated in our contest,” added Buchel. “We’re excited to share our love of lever action rifles with this new t-shirt design, and we hope our customers enjoy it as much as we do.”

For more information about Big Horn Armory, please visit www.bighornarmory.com or any of its social media platforms: Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, MeWe, LinkedIn, Parler, Locals, or Twitter.

About the Big Horn Armory:

Big Horn Armory was founded in 2008 with the express intention of designing a Browning-type lever action weapon chambered in 500 Smith & Wesson Magnum. Big Horn Armory’s American-made Model 89 closely follows the work of John Browning with refinements courtesy of modern metalworking and machining capabilities. The first rifles began shipping in September 2012, and since then, BHA has added to its large-bore lineup a Model 90 Carbine in 460 S&W, Model 90A in 454 Casull, Model 90B in .45 Colt, Model 89A in 500 Linebaugh and the Model 89B in .475 Linebaugh. In 2017, Big Horn Armory departed from its lever-action series and developed the AR500 Auto Max, the most powerful short-range semi-auto based on an AR .308 platform.