New Optics Technologies, Bighorn Sheep Counts, Wild Turkey Conservation Stamps & More 

From new optics technologies to bighorn sheep counts to wild turkey conservation stamps and more, check out the most recent events from the outdoor world. Don’t miss all of the outdoor events and newsworthy items from the past week. 

Those who want something new and unique might look to the Buk Ops line of products. These monoculars, binoculars, and crossbow scopes implement a new technology, which is dubbed Primetime Color Vision. These are used to provide a crisp, color view of the lowest-light conditions. This can help determine if an animal is a legal target, or the right target buck, even in the first and last few minutes of legal shooting light. 

A significant benefactor of conservation, Mossy Oak recently announced its 2025 Wild Turkey Conservation Stamp. It’s the fourth annual version of this, and all proceeds go directly to wild turkey conservation projects. Conservation efforts such as LPDV, hen survival, nesting selection, nesting success, poult-rearing, and other research efforts have been funded as a result. This year, the stamp features a painting titled Off the Roost by Florida painter Jim Turlington. It’s the classic fly-down.  

Federal’s Power-Shok 10mm Auto ammo is now available. This 200-grain Jacketed Soft Point (JSP) load is an incredibly accurate and effective round. “Handgun hunters seeking a short-barrel performance that goes the distance can always rely on Federal Power-Shok loads for the reliability and accuracy they need at an affordable price,” said Chris Laack, Federal Handgun Ammunition Product Manager. “This new Power-Shok load addresses the needs of any handgun hunter, offering a reliable hollow-point bullet for hunting with 10mm handguns, and is also offered at a price point to meet a specific budget.” 

The American Eagle 32 H&R loads by Federal are now shipping. “This new 32 H&R 85-grain JSP load is a perfect target shooting and training load for use with all the new guns from Smith & Wesson, Ruger, Taurus, and more,” said Chris Laack, Federal Handgun Ammunition Product Manager. “It provides recoil and velocities similar to those of self-defense, offering a familiar feel and realistic practice.” 

Families can head over to Bass Pro or Cabela’s for free Easter photos. Times vary, but April 5-6 and April 12-20 provides opportunities for photos. Check here for more specific dates and times. 

The retail giant Bass Pro Shops is opening a new location in Tyler, Texas. The grand opening will be on April 16 with a special event at 5 P.M. The 77,000-square ft building is the 17th store in Texas. Then, the store will open for official business on April 17 at 9 A.M. 

The Kansas One Shot Turkey Hunt is gearing up for another big event this year. It’s a two-day turkey hunting competition, but also highlights youth and veterans on hunts. 

“It is always exciting to meet and interact with these kids from across the state,” said Executive Director of Kansas Wildscape Foundation and KOSTH Board of Director Marc Murrell. “We wish them all happy hunting!” 

"In addition to promoting the sport of hunting, part of our mission is to honor our American Heroes," said KOSTH Board Chair John Britt. “This year, three extraordinary individuals will join us, each with a unique story of service as military personnel, police officers, or first responders. They, too, will receive camouflage gear and firearms, acknowledging their sacrifices and contributions.” 

According to the North Dakota Game and Fish Department, the 2024 bighorn sheep survey revealed that populations are stable. Numbers are 4% down from 2023 but up 6% on the five-year average. 

“We were encouraged to see adult rams and adult ewes near record numbers,” Wiedmann said. “The streak of four consecutive record counts was broken due to below-average lamb recruitment in 2024, as lambs recruited into the population declined 21% compared to 2023.” 

“Our state’s females have invested a lot of energy in rearing lambs the last four years, so sometimes they just need to take a break and concentrate on improving body condition,” he said. 

Yamaha Motor Corp., USA, is pleased to announce its awarding of $400,000 in grants during the second half of 2024. This was done through its Yamaha Outdoor Access Initiative. "The collaboration between Yamaha's Outdoor Access Initiative and Yamaha Rightwaters represents an exciting evolution in our conservation efforts," said Steve Nessl, Yamaha Motorsports Marketing Manager "By bridging our work across land and water, we can support more comprehensive projects, maximize resources and continue leading the way in responsible outdoor recreation." 

Winchester Safes, a trusted name in safes, recently partnered with the historic Cowtown Coliseum in Ft. Worth, Texas. 

“Winchester Safes is firmly grounded in values of tradition, protection, and strength—qualities that mirror the Western way of life,” said Kyle Walters, President at Winchester Safes. “By partnering with Cowtown Coliseum and these legendary events, we are honored to support the venue, athletes, fans, and families who make up this incredible community.” 

“For more than 100 years, Cowtown Coliseum has been a pioneering force in Western sports, home to some of the most historic moments in rodeo that are cherished by thousands,” said Tim Long, General Manager of Cowtown Coliseum. “We couldn’t be more excited to partner with Winchester Safes, a brand that not only prides itself on protection but is equally passionate about fortifying our values and traditions so that, much like our iconic venue, they will stand the tests of time for centuries to come.” 

The Hook & Barrel team is excited to announce a new video series called “Safe Space.” It will be reminiscent of MTV’s “Cribs” show. “We’re all curious how celebrities live and what their homes are like,” said Niki Morrison, Hook & Barrel’s Director of Marketing and Public Relations. “Hook & Barrel takes it a step further and reveals what our favorite personalities rely on for self-protection, their home safety plan, and most fun of all—their gun collection and the stories behind the choices they made. And, of course, because this is Hook & Barrel, we go heavy on the music and fun!”