Winchester 21 Sharp, Deer Disease, Digital Binos and More!

A Look At The Past Week In The Wide World Of The Great Outdoors

A lot is going on in the outdoor world. From new product technologies to occurrences in the wild, there’s much to keep up with. This week, we report on a new rimfire caliber, new binocular technology, spreading deer diseases (CWD and EHD), new deer season opportunities, fishing stocking, and more.

Winchester Launches 21 Sharp Rimfire Cartridge

Winchester did it again with its brand-new launch of 21 Sharp. This rimfire cartridge is an excellent option for recreational shooters and small-game hunters.

“The 21 Sharp cartridge offers significant advantages in the rimfire category, which is one of the more popular types of firearms and ammunition used by millions of people throughout the world,” said Kyle Masinelli, Senior Director of Product Innovation and Strategy for Winchester Ammunition. “Winchester leadership in cartridge development spans more than 100 years and as the global leader in ammunition design and manufacturing; it’s our job to serve our customers with innovative products that fit their needs now and into the future. That is what has been done with 21 Sharp.” Click here for more information.

Buck Commander Unveils BUK OPS Buknoculars

The all-new BUK OPS Buknoculars by Buck Commander is a great new technology available to hunters. These use a new technology called Primetime Color Vision. This patented tech enhances low-light conditions to maximize shooting time. (It is not thermal, infrared or night vision.) It has a manual focus lens, a 1-5X zoom, and a large viewfinder. It even has 4K recording capabilities. Get your eyes on these bad boys by clicking here.

Muddy Launches TRX Hunting Apparel and DV8 Hunting Boots

Launching this month is a full Muddy-branded line of camouflage hunting apparel. The new TRX system is comprised of base, mid, insulating, softshell  and hardshell layers. Items in this layering system provide moisture management, insulation, breathability, all-around comfort, and more. It comes complete with rugged rainwear, an assortment of gloves, hats, muffs, etc., that not only seal body heat in but help wearers generate additional warmth. The footwear lineup includes the DV8 insulated and uninsulated boots. Personally, I’ve been testing the new gear, and already killed a nice while using some of these products. I can attest to their comfort, quietness, and overall effectiveness. For more, gomuddy.com, yo!

Oklahoma Counties Impacted by CWD Surveillance Areas

Chronic wasting disease (CWD) continues its march across the landscape. Oklahoma deer herds harbor the disease, too. Currently, all of Cimarron, Texas, and Woodward counties, and part of Major and Woods counties, are within the surveillance zones. Hunters must process harvested deer before leaving these areas.

Epizootic Hemorrhagic Disease (EHD) Continues in Numerous States

Last week, we reported on EHD and its 2024 appearance in several states. Currently, it’s impacting western Kentucky, central, northwestern, and northeastern Ohio, northern and southwestern Indiana, southern Michigan, and more. This EHD outbreak will continue until first frost.

Arkansas First Early Buck Hunt a Success

The very first Arkansas early buck hunt was a major success. This additional short season provides hunters with an opportunity to hunt velvet deer, which was well received by most hunters. Overall, hunters checked in 1,231 deer during the inaugural hunt.

“When we look at historical harvest for the first three days of archery season, hunters typically check between 2,000 and 4,000 deer, depending on the weather,” said Ralph Meeker, deer program coordinator for the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission. “But a lot of those deer are does, so when you look at only the buck component of that harvest, it’s around 800 to 1,500 antlered deer.

“After talking to meat processors and hunters I know, I’d estimate that only about 10 to 15% of the bucks were still in velvet and I’d lean closer to that 10% side,” Meeker continued. “The hunt is set for the first full weekend in September, and this year it happened to land on the latest possible calendar date for that criteria. As the calendar rotates, we’ll begin to see earlier hunts in future years. We see several bucks “in velvet” harvested in the first few days of the urban hunts, which typically open Sept. 1.”

Louisiana Receives Large Grant from Whitetails Unlimited

Outdoorsmen should be pleased to know that Whitetails Unlimited recently granted nearly $108,000 to ongoing habitat projects, outdoor education efforts, and hunting and shooting preservation efforts in Louisiana. Each of these projects have goals of furthering conservation and hunting. The funding was allocated for projects the organization believes will be great benefits to the state’s wildlife and hunters.

Bassmaster Will Expand Live Television Coverage

A fast-growing sport in America, pro fishing is wildly competitive. As such, the 2024 season received record viewing. Therefore, in 2025, live coverage will expand to offer even more viewing opportunities.

“The demand for increased coverage of Bassmaster’s high-quality, professional fishing product is increasing, and FOX has recognized that desire and is stepping up to satisfy the fishing community’s rabid consumption of Bassmaster LIVE content,” said B.A.S.S. Chief Operating Officer Phillip Johnson. “The relationship between FOX/FS1 and B.A.S.S. has been exceptional, and we look forward to continuing to showcase even more tournament coverage from the worldwide authority on bass fishing.”

“FOX and FS1 are thrilled to extend the relationship with B.A.S.S. and the Bassmaster brand,” said FOX Sports EVP/Head of Programming & Scheduling Bill Wanger. “The new deal with this best-in-class fishing organization continues to deliver unsurpassed action on the water from all over the country, highlighted by live weekend coverage of the Bassmaster Elite Series on FS1.”

Ohio DNR to Release Tens of Thousands of Muskies

Muskellunge are incredibly popular among fishermen. As such, the Ohio DNR is set to stock nearly 20,000 muskies in nine different inland lakes. The stocked fish will be 10-12 inches long, and in time, can reach more than 50 inches. Fishermen can find great opportunities in Alum Creek Lake, C. J. Brown Reservoir, Caesar Creek Lake, Clearfork Reservoir, Lake Milton, Leesville Lake, Piedmont Lake, Salt Fork Lake, West Branch Reservoir, and most rivers.