lone star outdoor news 032726

Pursuing personal bests

Anglers chase big trout

By Nate Skinner For Lone Star outdoor newS

Coastal anglers continue to catch and release trophy-sized speckled trout, as their pursuit for their next personal best speck persists along lower coast estuaries. Springtime patterns are emerging as water temperatures have been rising quickly between the passage of late season cold fronts. Many large trout have been striking top-waters as well as slowsinking and suspending twitch baits and large soft plastics.

Clay Pope recently caught and released his personal best speckled trout on the Lower Laguna Madre while fishing out of Getaway Lodge at Port Mansfield with Capt. Ruben Garza Jr. The hefty fish slammed a top-water plug, measured

Flocked up

Many hunters experience early season success, despite birds in big groups

By Nate Skinner For Lone Star outdoor newS

Many South Zone turkey hunters kicked off the spring season with a bang, after some experienced slow action during the early youth weekend.

Rain and nasty weather seemed to limit the bird’s movements and gobbling activity for youth hunters just south of San Antonio. Hunters who were able to get in front of birds reported gobblers wouldn’t stray too far from large flocks of hens.

On the opening morning of the South Zone spring turkey season, many hunters were greeted with pockets of dense fog. Once the fog lifted, some were lucky enough to seal the deal on a mature longbeard.

Chase Phillips said he had to battle the fog for a little bit right after sunrise in Atascosa County on opening morning. As soon as the sun popped out and the fog burned off, he was able to harvest a gobbler.

“The birds were really hammering on the roost on opening morning, and there were lots of gobbles to be heard,” Phillips said. “Once they hit the ground, they would respond to my calls, but they didn’t seem to be getting any closer.”

Once the fog lifted, Phillips said a lone gobbler began to work toward him.

“He took his time as he came into my calls,” Phillips said. “I was sitting under an oak tree and was softly calling without using any decoys. He gobbled several times during his approach. I ended up letting him come

On a heater

Trophy bass action hot across state

By Nate Skinner For Lone Star outdoor newS

Trophy-sized largemouth bass have been seemingly coming out of the woodwork lately across many Texas inland lakes. Good numbers of double-digit fish have been reported by anglers and fishing guides, with plenty in the 6- to 10-pound range brought to hand as well. Many anglers are targeting these fish in open stretches of water using forward facing sonar; however, some have

had success catching hefty bass in the shallows.

Bass fishing guide Christian Gladfelter has been targeting trophy bass on J.B. Thomas Reservoir, where he and his anglers have been consistently landing fish pushing double digits. According to his Facebook page, Nick Bassman traveled from Kansas to fish with Gladfelter for a few days, and caught four bass weighing 10 pounds or more, along with multiple fish over 8 pounds during his trip.

“We have been chasing large bass roaming along the river channel using forward facing sonar,” Gladfelter said. “The fish have

dispensedfeedinsidethefeederhousing andtubes.Youprogramtodispensefeed

By Nate Skinner For Lone Star outdoor newS

Tungsten prices at all-time high

iffs with China, and the increasing price of tungsten.

Tungsten Super Shot has become the go-to shotshell of choice for many diehard turkey hunters in recent years. TSS loads have always cost significantly more than traditional lead options, but it seems they will inevitably become much more expensive in the near future.

TSS turkey ammo currently ranges anywhere from about $50 to $100 per 5-round box, depending on the gauge and brand. This represents a steep increase in price from last spring, due to trade wars and tar-

Spring break trip for bucket list hunt

By Conor Harrison Lone Star outdoor newS

According to Salt Creek Custom Ammunition, a small batch ammo manufacturer, recent conflicts in the Middle East have caused tungsten prices to rise to $181 per pound.

The folks at Salt Creek Custom Ammunition said the price jump is a result of military applications that require tungsten for specific components, among other reasons. Tungsten reserves are being tapped into, driving prices to all-time highs. The outcome could bring the cost of TSS shotshells to well over $300 per box

Forget the beach

in future turkey seasons, making hunting with TSS unrealistic for most turkey hunters.

Earlier this month, Apex Ammunition announced it is now offering a 28-gauge load in their line of TSS turkey ammunition. These shotshells have a listed MSRP of $64.99 per 5-round box which essentially means each shell costs $13.

The president and CEO of Apex Ammunition, Jason Lonsberry, said 28-gauge shotguns are quickly becoming more popular amongst the turkey hunting crowd.

“More and more turkey hunters are opting for sub-gauge guns because of the

Most high school juniors want to head to the beach for spring break. But 16-year-old Lakely Hill, of Abilene, isn’t like most teenagers.

She’d been dreaming about an axis hunt for more than three years, and when her dad, Jus tin, won a raffle hunt at a local event, a Christ mas present for Lakely was presented for an axis hunt with TO Outfitters.

The pair arrived at the ranch, which has miles of San Saba riverfront near Menard, for three days of spot and stalk axis hunting. It wouldn’t take all three days.

“I’d been asking to go hunt an axis for about three years,” Hill said. “This has been a hunt I wanted to take for a while.”

On the first day out, the pair, along with guide Brice Daniels, saw a pile of turkey, plenty of white-tailed deer and other critters, but the big axis remained elusive. The next morn ing, the group was driving around the ranch when they spotted a mature buck bedded. But the wind and approach were wrong, so a long hike was in order to approach from a different angle.

“We walked a mile in a big circle to get around him,” Lakely said. “We snuck back through the area where we knew he was, but we must have walked right by him. We were close, but we couldn’t find him. We walked back to the road and finally found him again.”

Another stalk got Lakely within about 50 yards of the big axis, who still would not budge from his hiding spot.

Uncle Harvey would be proud

By Conor Harrison

Jason Douglas spent a lot of his youth at his family farm in Western Grove, Arkansas and began deer hunting with black powder at 14 years of age. His great uncle Harvey Sanders was a true mountain man who built many percussion and flintlock rifles which the family cherishes to this day. Douglas, who works for Delta Waterfowl, loves to chase ducks.

“Uncle Harv passed away a few years ago, and when the family divided his estate, I chose the only shotgun he ever built — a 12-gauge, single shot percussion charged by a musket cap,” Douglas said. “As a passionate duck hunter, I was eager to use it for waterfowl after doing critically important research on powder and shot loads. I sourced some bismuth shot and took it on its first ever duck hunt.”

The first hunt was a huge success.

“Seven shots later, I had five mallards dead in the timber

hole at Riverby Flats,” Douglas said. “It takes a minute to load and when you only have one shot, you make it count. The bang, KA-BLOOM sound of the percussion gun, followed by the massive amount of smoke that lingers makes everyone in the blind crack a smile.”

Douglas said it was so much fun that he started to do more research on black powder shotgunning and found a Belgium 16-gauge side-by-side made in 1850 at Collectors Firearms in Dallas. After close inspection, it appeared the firearm had little to no pitting and a solid working action.

“I completed hours of research on minimum and maximum loads for hunting with a 16-gauge black powder,” he said. “The best load I found for this shotgun is 69 grains of FFG Pyrodex powder, .675 over powder card, 1-ounce #6 Bismuth, overshot card, then #11 percussion cap. I pre-measure the shot and powder using a digital scale and put them in a plastic test tube for quick loading. Everything fits nicely in my deer-hide possibilities bag made by Uncle Harv. On a good day I can reload and re-prime before the dogs get back from a

First time nilgai

Young hunters remove multiple antelope from refuge

By Tony Vindell For Lone Star outdoor newS

Some school-aged teenagers get lucky on spring break and get to go hunting.

Eight youths, ages 13 to 17, started the first day of spring at the Laguna Atascosa Wildlife Refuge in east Cameron County harvesting nilgai as part of a pro gram to control the population of these free-roaming antelope and to appreciate the outdoors.

The youngsters were selected by a drawing held after they took a hunter’s education class, which is required for anyone born on or after Sept., 2, 1971.

A total of 12 were chosen but the eight that participated in the hunt were taken to blinds or sat by the side of the brush on the east or bay side of refuge where a 14.2-mile paved loop is located.

The area has a well-established population of nilgai, white-tailed deer and alligators.

The only hunting activity that takes place there is for youth, and it’s well supervised as each juvenile hunter is accompanied by an adult and a guide.

For 17-year-old David Arroyo, the hunt was one of a kind.

He harvested not one but two nilgai cows, limiting out in the process.

“This is my first hunting trip I have ever made,” he said, still pumped up after he took the second cow on Saturday afternoon. “It was amazing being able to take two.”

He said the second nilgai was a full grown cow, compared to the yearling he got the day before.

On the second day, Arroyo said they stalked a herd of antelope by the side of a large pond and concentrated on the bigger one.

“We got within 200 yards,” he said. “It stood still for a brief moment and I took the shot.”

Arroyo and the three observers with him quartered the antelope and hauled the meat toward a truck parked on the far side of the brush.

“Each of us walked back with a large piece of meat,” he said. “I shot an animal and the least I could do was suffer a bit.”

Arroyo said he had never hunted before but got interested in the trip after he recently met guide Daniel Alvarez at a shooting range, and Alvarez told him about the hunting program. Arroyo’s father, David Erasto, said he could not be prouder seeing his son acting

Please turn to page 17

Redfish shallower down south

By Cory Byrnes For Lone Star outdoor

As anglers move farther south along the Texas coast, they are finding the redfish have started to push up shallow.

In the Rockport and Port Aransas areas, Will Chesser with Caveman Outdoors reports the fish have gotten consistent — the red drum are moving from deeper water in singles and small groups up to the flats.

“There hasn’t been fish every-

On the move

both, you’re going to find good fish,” he said.

Crab flies in black have been particularly productive for Chesser.

“Black for me seems to be a great color all the time,” Chesser

with Fish On Adventures reports the reds are still deep in Sabine Lake. He and his clients are targeting areas where the structure along the banks helps warm up the water a couple of extra degrees. Specifically, in areas that

Time for a fish fry

Catfish bite strong down south, slower up north

By Cory Byrnes tar outdoor newS

March is one of the best months to chase after catfish for a fish fry.

The shad are beginning to spawn, and the blue cats are chasing them to the banks in anticipation. On Lake Conroe, Bradley Doyle with Bradley’s Guide Service reports the fishing has been good.

“It’s been pretty good with these fronts,” he said. “You get a lot of transitioning going on. You’ll get mixed reports of people catching them in deep holes and on the bulkheads.”

Anglers targeting the bigger fish should focus on the deeper holes in 20- to 40-feet of water.

“Look for some kind of structure, something that stands out, not just a flat bottom,” Doyle said. “Ultimately, you’re having to hit multiple spots to get quite a few fish.”

To target the bigger fish, Doyle prefers live or cut bream delivered right to the fish.

“They are holding pretty tight to structure right now,” he added. “As the water gets hot, the trophy-class fish will spread out and be harder to

ing under birds, a popping cork with shrimp has also been pro ductive.

“If you stick to cuts, rocks, and deeper flats, you will find fish,” Gutierrez said.

In the Sargent area, fishing

CCA Texas STAR Tournament begins soon

By Nate Skinner For Lone Star outdoor newS

The 37th annual CCA Texas STAR Tournament will run from 6 a.m. on Saturday, May 23, to 6 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 7. According to CCA Director of Operations for the STAR Tournament Ryan Towns, there are new changes for this year’s tournament regarding what was formerly known as the Blue Tag Division.

“Instead of the Blue Tag Division, this year we will have what is called the Tags of Texas Division,” Towns said. “There will be 12 tagged redfish allocated to each of the following tournament sponsors: Academy Sports + Outdoors, Hoffpauir Polaris, Mercury Marine, Mustang Cat, and Lone Star Beer. These tags will be color-coded specifically for each of these businesses or entities.”

Towns said the first three eligible anglers that catch a tagged redfish with one of the Tags of Texas will win a new Transport boat, motor, and trailer package, along with a gift package from the sponsor indicated on

Fun days afloat

Hill Country rivers offering variety in the spring

By Cory Byrnes For Lone Star outdoor newS

The Hill Country is known for its clean spring-fed rivers. They offer a unique fishing opportunity for conventional and flyfishing anglers who float under cypress and oak trees.

The Llano River is one such river that has been fishing particularly well, despite low water levels. Geoff Johnson with Chica Dog Outfitters reports the river has been pleasant and anglers are catching plenty of fish.

“The fishing has been pretty good,” Johnson said. “We’ve been finding bass in prespawn, spawning, and post-spawn staging areas. These warmer temps have got some of them going into it a littler earlier.”

Deer hair poppers have been productive when stripped hard over the top of structure. Anglers should key in on laydowns, cut banks, and rock structures and make accurate casts, for success.

“I like the white. I like the frog — just a good old white popper,” Johnson said.

As the season progresses, he will continue to target the same structure with top-water bugs.

“Stay true to that water I love,” Johnson waxed poetic.

One of the more famous rivers in the Hill Country is the Guadalupe River. It is also the southernmost trout stream in North America. Currently, the trout fishing is in the tail end of its season.

“The trout have been pretty steady on the Guadalupe,” said Thomas Flemons with Diablo Paddlesports and Stiff Whiskers Guide Service.

Flemons and his clients have been targeting runs with pockets and riffles.

“They may be in a deep run one day and in shallow riffles the next. You really gotta’ kind of feel them out,” Flemons said. “Traditional nymphs like hare’s ear, pheasant tail, eggs, and San Juan worm have been good. They haven’t been very picky this year. If you want to throw streamers, you can definitely do that, just know there won’t be as many hook-ups.”

As temperatures warm up and trout season ends, Flemons will transition to bass fishing the San Marcos River with poppers and Woolly Buggers.

Paddling to victory

Texas kayak tournaments in full swing

By Cory Byrnes

The Red River Kayak Bass League held its second event of the season March 8 at Lake Amon Carter.

Nineteen participants faced difficult, windy conditions.

“The wind was going to play a big factor for me. So, I chose the north side of the lake because it has some protected areas and there is always a place to get out of the wind,” said angler Joe Tom Cable.

Cable eventually took first place at the event.

“All I had to figure out was did they want a faster-moving bait or a creepy crawl bait?” Cable said.

After starting off right from the boat ramp targeting dead timber on his first pass, he was working a moving bait and came up with nothing.

“I went to a black and blue jig and went through it again and nothing,” Cable said. From there, Cable moved to some rocky

TFF Hall of Fame class of ’26 announced

The Texas Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame has announced the inductees for the class of 2026 – the Pierce brothers (Clayton and late brother Jason) of Alba and Michael Scherer of Houston.

The Pierce brothers own and operate Lake Fork Taxidermy, which creates fish replicas for clients across the world, including replicas awarded to anglers who contribute Legacy Class fish to TPWD’s program.

Scherer, program director of Fishing’s Future, has shaped angler education throughout Texas with countless volunteer hours through TPWD’s angler education program and a multitude of other groups and organizations.

“This year’s inductees are incredible ambassadors when it comes to Texas freshwater fishing, and their achievements have had tremendous positive impacts for the sport of fishing worldwide,” said Kelly Jordon, Texas Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame selection committee chairman. “The Pierce brothers are innovators who revolutionized the taxidermy industry with their fish replicas — giving anglers something to commemorate their catch of a lifetime while promoting conservation. Michael has touched the lives of thousands of people through his work on educating anglers across the country and world. He has also been a champion for conservation and making sure we care for and are good stewards of the natural world. The Pierce brothers and Michael were resoundingly selected to be the 2026 inductees, and the Hall of Fame is proud to have them.”

—TPWD

Annual crab trap removal a success

During this year’s annual Abandoned Crab Trap Removal Program, participants from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department’s Coastal Fisheries Division, Texas Game Wardens, volunteers and partner organizations along the Texas Gulf Coast rallied together to search for and discard derelict traps from Texas’ bays.

For the past 24 years, Texas coastal waters officially close to crabbing with mesh wire cages for 10 consecutive days each February to facilitate the volunteer crab trap cleanup. Any traps left in bays — including traps tied to docks — are assumed abandoned and considered “litter” under state law during the closure period. This allows volunteers to legally remove any crab traps they may find.

This year, TPWD staff, volunteers and partners helped remove 973 traps from Texas Coastal waters. In addition, various marine life was successfully rescued from these now disposed crab traps:

• 320 blue crabs

• 201 stone crabs

• 21 sheepshead

• 13 catfish

• 3 flounder

• 2 Diamondback terrapins

To date, volunteers and TPWD staff have hauled off over 46,000 of these derelict traps.

—TPWD

LONE STAR OUTDOOR PUZZLER

Solution on Page 18

ACROSS

1. Soft plastic swimbait with a bigger, thumping end

5. Fast pelagic species commonly targeted offshore

6. Abnormal point on antler pointing down

8. Sonar technology that scans structure

9. Nighttime method of catching flounder

11. Dense cluster of small fish in saltwater

14. Vertical fishing technique suspending bait

16. Helps reduce recoil

17. Florida turkey species

20. Hard-bodied lure designed to dive and wobble

21. Saltwater top-water retrieve

23. Oily bait trail

26. Period when water movement temporarily stops

29. Texas’ most popular gamefish

31. Rare color phase of turkey

32. Flows into Amistad Reservoir

34. Closed-face reel style often used for beginners

35. GPS-marked fishing location

36. Call of a hen turkey

37. Submerged drainage that holds fish

38. Bladed jig producing vibration

DOWN

2. Direction a hunter avoids due to scent detection

3. Rising or falling air currents

4. Device used to hold caught fish in the water

7. Used to fool Toms

10. Used by mobile turkey hunters

11. Bane of baitcasters

12. Aerated tank used to keep bait or tournament fish

13. Dominant thorny tree species

15. Lunar cycle influencing hunting

18. Narrow marsh channel holding red fish and flounder

19. Underhanded casting technique

22. Mexican turkey species

24. Used to access shallow back bays

25. Productive saltwater structure at tracting trout and redfish

27. Movement of water in bays

28. Series of

29. Open-range property

30. Common, tasty offshore species

33. What tines grow from

Cannon to Dead Air Silencers

Dead Air Silencers announced the hiring of Jack Cannon as key accounts manager. Cannon brings 15 years of experience from Davidson’s Inc., where he held roles including customer relationship manager and national accounts manager.

Outtech hiring

Outtech Sales Services, a division of Legacy1846 Outdoor Group, is hiring regional managers nationwide for hunting, archery, shooting sports, and outdoor recreation industries. Candidates need 4-plus years territory sales experience and willingness to travel weekly.

C&H Precision hire Laemmlen

C&H Precision announced the hiring of Bryce Laemmlen as director of business development.

Fink appointed by Christensen Arms

Christensen Arms appointed John Fink as director of product development. Fink brings nearly three decades of firearms and optics experience from previous roles at Trijicon and Remington Arms.

Bentz honored

Marilyn Bentz, executive director of the National Bowhunter Education Foundation since 2003, received the Archery Trade Association’s Industry Impact Award at the 2026 ATA Trade Show.

Briley looking

Briley Manufacturing, a leading shotgun choke tube and firearm accessories manufacturer, is hiring a gunsmithing/service manager to oversee seven gunsmiths and manage repair, refinishing, and modification services at their Houston headquarters. The role requires firearm repair experience, customer service skills, and management expertise.

Iron Valley expanding

Iron Valley Supply Co., a Birmingham-based wholesale distributor serving the shooting sports and outdoor industries, is expanding its sales team. The company represents over 150 leading national brands and seeks an account representative with a minimum two years of sales experience to manage existing accounts and develop new customer relationships.

Azimuth appoints Hallock

Azimuth Technology promoted Roman Hallock to director of operations.

*email LSON your favorite recipe to editor@lonestaroutdoornews.com.

Wild turkey and wild rice soup

2-3 cups of cooked, shredded wild turkey breasts or thighs

1 cup of celery, cut into 1/2-inch pieces, about 2-3 stalks

1 cup of carrots, cut into 1/2-inch pieces, about 2 carrots

1 medium yellow onion, chopped

4 garlic cloves, minced

2 tsps. freshly chopped thyme or 1 tsp dried thyme

1 bay leaf

1/4 cup all-purpose flour

1 cup wild rice blend

1 quart chicken stock

1 cup heavy cream

1 cup water

5 Tbsps. unsalted butter Salt and pepper to taste

2 Tbsps. fresh chopped parsley for garnish

In a Dutch oven over medium-high heat, melt the butter. Add the celery, onion and carrots and cook until tender, 8 to 10 minutes. Add the garlic and fresh thyme and cook for an additional 2 minutes, stirring often. Season with salt and pepper. Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and cook, stirring often, until lightly browned, 2 to 3 minutes. Slowly add in the wild rice, stock, water and bay leaf. Cook according to the directions on your wild rice blend. This will vary some, but it should be about 30 minutes until tender. Turn the heat to low, add the wild turkey, stir and let go for about 5 or 10 minutes longer. Slowly add the cream and stir. Taste and add salt and pepper.

— NWTF

Speckled trout in white wine sauce

1 pound fresh speckled trout

2 Tbsps. unsalted butter

1 Tbsp. pepper

1 tsp. capers 1 pinch paprika, or to taste

cup white cooking wine

tsp. minced fresh parsley

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Line a baking dish with aluminum foil. Place trout in the middle of the aluminum foil; top with butter, lemon pepper, capers, and paprika. Pour cooking wine over trout. Close foil around the trout. Bake in the preheated oven until trout flakes easily with a fork, about 30 minutes; garnish with parsley.

—Staff report

About the Cover

HEADING TO HOUSTON

Thousands of gun and Second Amendment enthusiasts will descend on Houston’s George R. Brown Convention Center April 16-19.

Featuring a massive selection of guns and gear, the firearm industry’s top brands, presentations from leading 2A sup porters, banquets, auctions, 50-plus free seminars, demos, and tons of family-friendly activities, the 2026 NRA Annual Meetings & Exhibits is truly a Texas-sized show of freedom, firearms, and the Second Amendment.

This is truly a historic event to mark more than a century and half of protecting and defending our nation’s greatest freedoms. All of you, and the many millions of NRA mem bers across the nation, are the reason the NRA can proudly call itself the nation’s oldest and most successful civil rights organization. It is because of your values, your tenacity, and your unyielding commitment that our Second Amendment remains strong.

As you enjoy this gathering, renew your commitment to defending freedom. Because, as we all know, our work is not over — nor will it ever be. Because we are freedom’s most po tent army, our opposition is determined to cancel us.

Over the years we’ve fought the hard fights when no one else was able to. We’ve spoken the hard truths when no one else dared utter them. We’ve defended, secured and won back lost freedoms. We’ve spent more than 150 years leading the charge in Second Amendment advocacy, firearms train ing and safety.

And, we do it all together. So, let’s renew our commitment to meet the new challenges ahead of us. The fight for our freedom. The fight for our way of life. The fight for our con stitutional rights.

Remember, when we all stand for freedom … we win.

From entertainment to special events, it’s all happening in Houston. Make plans now to join fellow Second Amendment patriots for a freedom-filled weekend for the entire family.

—NRA

High-resolution thermal performance

Thermal optics continue to evolve rapidly, and one of the most significant advances in recent years has been the move toward higher-resolution imaging systems. As hunters demand better target identification and improved clarity at distance, manufacturers are pushing sensor technology further than ever before. Nocpix has been at the forefront of this shift, helping drive the adoption of 1280-resolution thermal systems across the modern hunting optics market.

While the Nocpix brand represents a focused lineup of premium thermal devices, the technology behind it is built on years of experience in thermal sensor development and optical engineering. Drawing from a strong foundation in microbolometer manufacturing and imaging technology, Nocpix continues to refine the balance between performance, usability, and reliability in the field.

A major focus for the company is image quality. High-resolution sensors paired with advanced Reality+ image processing and premium display systems deliver detailed thermal imagery with excellent contrast and clarity. When combined with highperformance germanium optics, these systems allow hunters to detect and identify targets confidently in challenging environments.

Today, Nocpix offers a growing lineup of thermal riflescopes, binoculars, and handheld optics designed to meet the needs of serious hunters. In the United States, Nocpix products are distributed and supported by iRayUSA in Lewisville.

NOCPIXUSA

NOCPIXUSA.COM

BOOTH 4735

HK’S VP 9A1F BRINGS USABILITY TO THE FOREFRONT

The VP9A1 is the latest product released by HK-USA designed specifically for the US market. New VP9A1 variants include F (full-size) K (compact) models.

The improved features of A1 models revolve around enhancing the connection between serious users and their pistols. The usability and shootability enhancements include an improved Nickel-Teflon coated trigger bar, universal ergonomic grip and an expanded selection of modular grip panels that now provide length of pull adjustment. Additionally, the VP9A1 has enhanced ambidextrous controls, a factory-flared magwell, and additional slide serrations among other new features.

“HK has a well-deserved reputation for reliability and durability. One thing I think we don’t get enough credit for is the shootability of our pistols. True to its name as the ‘people’s pistol’, people just shoot better with the VP9,” said HK Director of Sales & Business Development Nathan Schueth. “The VP9A1 takes that ease of use to an even higher level. The best striker-fired pistol just got better.”

The VP9A1K is the first true compact in the VP lineup. Its four-inch barrel and compact 15-round-capacity frame make it an ideal carry pistol that fits between the full-size VPs and the new HK CC9 micro compact. The VP9A1F (4.53 in barrel) is a 17-round, full-sized pistol geared towards duty, home defense or competition.

Both models are optics-ready and are also available in optics-equipped models as well.

For more information about other key enhancements made to the VP9A1 please visit Booth 3623 or hk-usa.com/.

—Staff report

Schedule of events

NRA Ring of Freedom Events

Apr 16, 2026 | Houston, TX

9 a.m. on Apr 16, 2026, Thursday - 5 p.m. on Apr 19, 2026, Sunday

Join us for our premier NRA Ring Of Freedom events! The NRA Ring of Freedom is dedicated to building relationships with patriots who are seek ing to secure the future of freedom. Enhance your Annual Meeting experience by purchasing a VIP Ticket Package!

Wall Of Guns *Open April 16 through April 19

Apr 16 — 19, 2026 | George R Brown Convention Center

2 – 6 p.m. on Apr 16, 2026, Thursday/Lobby D I Booth L10 I George R. Brown Convention

Kick off the 2026 NRA Annual Meetings and Exhibits by stopping by the always popular Wall of Guns raffle.

The NRA CRDF Annual National Firearms Law Seminar

Apr 17, 2026 | Ballroom of the Americas DE I Hilton Americas – Houston

8 a.m. – 5 p.m. on Apr 17, 2026, Friday

The NRA CRDF Annual National Firearms Law Seminar is the largest gathering of Second Amendment attorneys in the country. This year’s Semi nar will feature ATF Chief Counsel Robert Leider.

Voices of the Second Amendment

Apr 17 — 19, 2026 | Exhibit Hall I George R Brown Convention Center

9 a.m. – 6 p.m. on Apr 17, 2026, Friday

Back for 2026! Voices of the Second Amendment – Houston. Meet your favorite content creators who do podcasts, YouTube, reels, and other Internet based content related to the Second Amendment, the shooting sports, hunting and freedom!

See It Buy It Ship It

Apr 17 — 19, 2026 | Exhibit Hall I George R Brown Convention Center

9 a.m. – 6 p.m. on Apr 17, 2026, Friday

New this year! See a firearm you want to order at the show? Now you can!

Women’s Leadership Forum Luncheon & Auction

Apr 17, 2026 | Texas Ballroom A-D I Level 4 I Marriott Marquis Houston

10 a.m. – 1 p.m. on Apr 17, 2026, Friday

The 2026 Women’s Leadership Forum Luncheon & Auction will be an unforgettable gathering of like-minded women as we celebrate the sister hood we share, hear from powerful speakers, participate in live and silent auctions, and raise funds essential to strengthening the NRA’s fight to protect our freedom! Keynote Speaker: Tyrus Murdoch!

NRA Clubs & Associations Workshop

Apr 17, 2026 | George R Brown Convention Center

Join us at the Clubs & Associations Workshop as we discuss updates and challenges that affect shooting clubs across the country.

Trainers Symposium

Apr 17 — 18, 2026 | Rooms 370AB & 370DE I Level 3 I George R

11 a.m. – 6 p.m. on Apr 17, 2026, Friday

The Trainers’ Symposium is a groundbreaking event is geared to provide NRA trainers a one-of-a-kind opportunity to enhance their skills, expand their knowledge, and network with industry leaders in the firearms education and training space.

National Friends of NRA Event

Apr 17, 2026 | Grand Ballroom I Level 3 I George R Brown Convention Center

5 p.m. – 10 p.m. on Apr 17, 2026, Friday

Enjoy an evening of food, firearms, and fundraising!

Annual Meeting of Members

Apr 18, 2026 | General Assembly I Level 3 I George R Brown Convention Center

10 a.m. – 12 p.m. on Apr 18, 2026, Saturday

Join NRA leaders as they address the Association members.

Big Beautiful Gun Giveaway

Apr 18, 2026 | NRA Booth #2601 I George R Brown Convention Center

Stop by the NRA Booth (#2601) and enter to win!

America Strong: 250 Years Free

Apr 18, 2026 | Grand Ballroom I Level 3 I George R Brown Convention Center

7 p.m. – 10 p.m. on Apr 18, 2026, Saturday

Join us as we honor 250 years of American Freedom with great music, fun, and fellowship alongside fellow NRA members. The house will be rockin’ on Saturday night with our musical guest Tyler Farr and special guest Katie Pavlich!

National Prayer Breakfast

Apr 19, 2026 | Grand Ballroom I Level 3 I George R Brown Convention Center

7 a.m. – 9 a.m. on Apr 19, 2026, Sunday

Join NRA Members as we come together for a morning of inspirational encouragement and thought-provoking messages at this annual event.

Keynote Speaker- CHAD PRATHER!

NRA Women’s New Energy Brunch

Apr 19, 2026 | Room 320 I Level 3 I George R Brown Convention Center

10 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. on Apr 19, 2026, Sunday

Join us for conversation with other like-minded women and fellow female NRA members.

NRA Youth Day

Apr 19, 2026 | Hall B3 I

10 a.m. – 5 p.m. on Apr 19, 2026, Sunday

All youth and their families are

Altus Brands 1302

American Gunsmithing Institute 1942

American Tactical 4431

American Trigger Corp. 4150

AmericanSnipers.org 1250

AMERIGLO 1417

AmmoJoy/KnifeJoy 1107

Andy’s Leather 1855

Anechoic 3208

Angry Hornet LLC 3956

AR

Bear

3202

Benelli USA 2813, 2922

Beretta

Berger/VihtaVuori/SK/Lapua 2757

Bering Optics 1110

Berry’s Manufacturing 4035 Bersa 1535

Breek

Brewco Marketing Group 603

Brigade Tactical Corp 4526

Browning 3323

Brush

Buck Knives 3313

GEORGE R. BROWN CONVENTION CENTER - LEVEL 3

Bucks Holsters 3512

Bullet Splat Jewelry 2713

Bullpup Unlimited Inc. 3707

BullsEye Dry Fire 4615

C Products Defense, Inc. 3216

C&H Precision & Genesis Arms 3953

CAA Gear Up/META Tactical 943

Cabot Gun Company, LLC 2423

Cadex Defence 3817

Camo Face Paint, Inc 3248

Camp Southern Ground L2

Canati Tripods 652

Case Knives 1147

CCW Safe 4729

Cedar Cove Ranch 1553

Centerfire Systems 3114

Century Arms 3431

Challenge Targets 1613

Charter Arms 4643

Charter Tactical 3810

Chaves Knives 4146

Check-Mate Industries 3337

Chiappa Firearms, Ltd. 2617

Cimarron Firearms 3217

C-Level 2359

Cobratec Knives 1712

Cold Water Outfitters 1858

Colt Collectors Association 3252

Colt’s Manufacturing Company2123

Comfort Shield 1051

Compliant Technologies 806

CoolFire Trainer 705

Crime Prevention Research Center L6

CRKT 3830

Cross Armory 1612

Crossbreed Holsters LLC 3631

Crown Precision Arms 4455

Custom & Collectable Firearms4003

Cutco 2010

Cyelee Optics 647

CZ-USA 2223

Dallas Safari Club 530

Daniel Defense, llc 2743

Dark Storm Industries 2557

Darson Forge 3835

Dead Air SIlencers 537

Defense Hearing 3834

DEFGrip 746

Deluxe Arms/Deluxe Imports/ Owen York Studios 2654

DemerBox 709

DeSantis Gunhide 823

Detroit Gun Works 4210

Diamond Outfitters 1557

Diamondback Firearms 4723

Dillon Precision Products, Inc 1723

Dillon Rifle Company 1847

Dixie Gun Works 2522

DLG Tactical Inc 4524

DNT Optics 529

Double Tap Industries 602

DoubleTap Ammunition 2003

DryFireMag LLC 2308

DS Arms, Inc 2303

E.A.R., Inc./Decot HyWyd 4045

Eagle Grips 2528

Eddie Eagle Kids Zone L9

Eikonic Knife Company 2008

El Paso Saddlery 2517

Elements and Embers 1011

Eley Ammunition 1946

Elite Western Outfitters 1657

Emerson Knives 4313

EOTECH 2143

ESS Eyewear 3717

Eugene Knives LLC 3246

European American Armory 3031

Euroshine USA, Inc. 4803

2026 Annual Meetings Exhibitor List

Exciting Outdoors Argentina 1750

Exothermic Technologies 947

EyeOnTheTargetRadio 3553

Eylar 3047

Fab Defense Inc. 1513

Faxon Firearms 2317

FBI NICS SECTION 3654

Federal Ammunition/CCI/Remington

Ammunition/Speer 3403

Fiocchi Ammunition 3913

Flagpole Farm 4833

Fletcher Rifle Works 1912

Flux Defense 534

FN America LLC 2403

Forge of Freedom Podcast/Riding

Shotgun With Charlie/ The Reload 3552

Forloh 2053

Formosan Arsenal Group Co. Ltd. 1023

Forster Products 2012

Fort Knox, INC 3043

Fostech 4402

Fox Knives 2210

Freedom Hunters 4406

Fusion Firearms 1047

G5 Ranch 1456

G96 Products Inc. 2427

Gallery of Guns 2151

Gatorz Eyewear 2004

Gear Head Works 3703

George Lake Outfitting 1651

GForce Arms 643

Gideon Optics/ PR Triggers 4545

Glen Dene Hunting and Fishing: NZ 1453

Global Ordnance/AREX/GRAND POWER 4234

Glock, Inc. 1603

Glove Station 3109

GNP Defend 4113

GoatGuns LLC 3356

Gould & Goodrich 502

GRUMPY G.I. GEAR 4617

Gun Stuff TV 3359

Gun Training Sights 1207

Gun Trap 4427

GunBroker.com 2812

GunClub Radio / Strictly Speaking / Dear Shooter 3457

GunsInternational.com 2715

GunsOutTV/ We The Free 3550

Guntalk 3558

H & M Metal Processing 1619

HatsanUSA, Inc. 1943

HB Industries 3739

Heckler & Koch 3623

Helanbak, LLC 4807

Henry Repeating Arms 2035

Hernando Beach Diving With Hero’s 4246

Hesco Armor Inc. 1039

Hillbilly Hero & AAA 1111

Hillsdale College 1046

Hi-Lux, Inc. 1953

Hitman Industries LLC 4446

Hodgdon/IMR Powder Company/RCBS 3617

Hoffner Knives 3443

Hogue, Inc. 3131

Holosun Technologies Inc. 729

Hooten Young 1852

Hornady Manufacturing Company 2115

Howa Precision Rifles 1947

Hunt X Inc 1517

HUXWRX Safety Co. 903

IJK Optics and Sales 2753, 2856

iMarksman/iSniper 2431

InEarz Sport 4034

INFITAC 3709

International Cartridge Corporation 1817

IR. TOOLS 4847

Ironbound Lake Outfitters 1654

ISOtunes SPORT 2555

Iver Johnson Arms, Inc. 3516

IWI US, Inc. 1123

Jacob-Grey Firearms 4515

Jaguar Silencer 4348

JK Armament 3652

JL Billet 2955

JTS 2816

Kahr Firearms Group 2735

Kaplun MFG , Inc 518

Kat-Luca Gunbelts 2531

KCI USA Inc 827

Kel-Tec 1635

Kenzie’s Optics 923

Kimber Manufacturing, Inc. 2803

Kinetic Development Group 913

KNS Precision Inc. 1130

Kratos Knives 2858

Krieger Barrels 3826

Kubota Tractor Corporation 1243

Kwan Safaris 1652

Land Run Brands dba Fenix Wholesale 2616

Langdon Tactical 2853

Laser Ammo 1813

Laser Marking Technologies, LLC 2353

LASER SHOT 613

LayerX Suppression 4714

Leapers 1435

Legacy Shooting Benches 4522

Less Lethal Balls 542

Leupold & Stevens 1322

Liberty Lubricants, LLC 4346

Link’s Wild Safaris 1556

LKCI, LTD. 1857

LMT Defense 3143

Lodestar Technology Inc 2352

LOK Grips 2953

Lone Star Outdoor News 3733

Longshot Target Cameras 2459

Luth-AR 1950

LWRC International, LLC 3303

Lyman Products/Mark 7/Sonicore 2930

M + M, Inc. 1128

Mag Storage Solutions 4423

Magpul 2443

Mandujano Boot Company LLC 1306

Mantis 3802, 3803

Marine Scout Sniper Heritage Foundation 846

Masonic Mountain Men Foundation 1210

Maverick Tactical 2917

Maxim Defense 3237

McLean Corp USA 3808

MEC Outdoors 1903

Mec-Gar 2837

Meet the Pressers / Gun Freedom Radio 3452

Memorial Valor Foundation L7

Meprolight USA 723

MG Arms Inc 4147

Michael Bane TV 3459

Microtech Knives 4051

MIL-TAC Knives & Tools 3935

Mirzon 4314

MJP, Inc. - PipeBreakUSA 512

MKS SUPPLY / Hi-Point Firearms / Full Forge Gear / Inland Mfg 2235

MOBILE RANGE TECHNOLOGIES, LLC 3546

Modern Rugged 1519

Mossberg 3423

Mossy Oak 4347

Mountain Billy Gun Lab 2455

MT Training Center 3151

MTM Molded Products 2107

Murray State College 2756

National Cemetery Administration 4644

National Rifle Association (NRA) 2601

Navy Arms 3148, 3150

NEMO Arms, Inc. 4317

Nexbelt 3206

NFA Trade and Collectors Association 3725

Night Fision 1907

Night Pearl USA LLC 4823

Night Shift Precision LLC 3816

Nighthawk Custom 3343

Nightstar Optics 1029

Nineline Apparel 4417

Nitecore Store 1503

Nocpix/InfiRay Outdoor 4735

North American Arms 803

North American Rescue LLC 3934

North Carolina Gun Collectors Association 3156

North Country Armory LLC 3444

NRA Approved Services 1307

NRA Gunsmithing Schools 3013

NRA Museum 3259

NRA Wall of Guns L10

NRA Whittington Center 1406

NRA Women L8

NRAstore / Helm L14

N-Vision Optics 1753

NZ Hunt USA 1758

OA Defense 3017

Oehler Research, Inc. 2818

Ohio Gun Collectors Association 3153

Old Glory Bank 2452

Ollin 4115

On The Range Podcast 3357

One-On-One NRA Media 3559

OSIGHT 4603

Osprey Global LLC 1917

Otis Technology 2002

Outlier USA LLC 2157

PACT Inc. 4148

Palmetto State Armory 831

PARD Optics 3755

Pardini USA LLC/Nitehog USA LLC 4813

Patriot Bling 503

Patriot Mobile 1003

Pendleton Safes & Revolution Targets 2523

PenFed 1303

Performance Fluids LLC 4748

Pheasant Cove Outfitters 1656

Phoenix Trinity Firearms 553

Powertac 1013

Precision Reflex 1122

Pretty Hunter 804

Project 47 ARMS 1511

Project Appleseed 4103

ProMag Industries/Archangel Mfg. 2302

Promotional Images 926

Proud Americans Who Serve 2758

PTR 3837

QSP Knife 4152

Quigley-Ford Optics LTD 3658

Ram-It-Fast Loaders 2657

Ranch Products 1618

Range USA 2355

Ranger Point Precision 1052

RANGETECH 3051

Redding Reloading 3113

Redi Edge 1615

Regal Products 4442

Resco Instruments LLC 3011

RETAY USA 1033

Rev Industries 2658

Ridge & North Platte Outpost 1357

Rock Island Armory/Armscor Precision 1934

Rock Island Auction Company 1843

Rock River Arms, Inc 3002

Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation4007

Rost Martin 4307

Rucker Knives, LLC 3414

Ruger | Marlin Firearms 2023

Ruger Collectors Association 3053

Ruger Owners & Collectors Society 3152

Rugged Suppressors 3655

Sable Custom Knives 2350

Samson Mfg., Corp. 2937

San Diego County Gun Owners 3453

Sarsilmaz 4335

Savage Arms Company 1922

Schmid Inside 2458

Scholastic Shooting Sports Foundation 1606

SDS Imports 4630

SEAL 1 3112

Seecamp Firearms 1616

Sentinel Foundation 1151

Sentinel Security GroupSSG, Inc 4151

Shilen Rifles, Inc. 4212

ShineNyx 1132

Shokz

Infinite Product Solutions 1031

Infinity Massage Chairs 854, 4655

Morphy Auctions 3144

MOS Manufacture 2050

RapidFire Podcast / The Pen Patriot / Lone Star Outdoor Show 3450

Recover Tactical 4843

TANDEMKROSS 2054

TAPCO- The American Parts Company 4251

Taurus Holdings 2335

Taylor’s Firearms 3637 Team Fidelis 3904

Tekto Knives 2046

Templar Knife 4250

Terra on 2A 3554

Texas Divide Ranch 1457

Texas Gun Collectors Association 3253

Texas State Rifle Association L17

Texas Trophy Hunters Association 1552

The CMP 3352

The Firearms Trainer Podcast / The Lucretia Hughes Show 3353

The Kentucky Rifle Foundation 4602

The Lodge at Bolton Ranch 1757

The Official Bootman 3147

The Weekly Roundtable / Liberty First

2026 Annual Meetings Exhibitor List

Foundation 3556

Third Bay, LLC 2529

Thumper Fab 4349

Timney Triggers 1608

TiON, Inc. 2526

Tippmann Ordnance 1103

Tisas Arms Corp 2257

Tony’s Customs LLC 3853

TOPS Knives 2628

TRACT Optics 1602

Traeger Grills 2456

Triangle Fragrance 1913

Trident1 4825

TriggerTech 4213

Trijicon, Inc. 1211

TRIPLE K MFG CO. 3542

TriStar Arms 3103

Trophy Tree, LLC 524

Trushot Levelers 4248

Tuffy Security Products 3250 Turac 817

Turtleback Trailers 523

Two Grunts Inc. 1755

Tyrant CNC 3902

Tyson Holsters 3447

U.S. Border Patrol 1507

U.S. Chrome 2406

U.S. Optics/ZRODelta 2206

Ulticlip 3731

UM Tactical 3110

Umarex USA 1717

Uncommon USA 1956, 4303

United States Concealed

Carry Association 4403

UNITY Tactical 1025

Universal Coin and Bullion 1133, 1328

USA Clay Target League 2207

USNRT 1148

Vaultory 3111

Velvet Antler Technologies 544

Vertical Gun Racks LLC 3442

Vertx 4505

Veteran Legal Assistance Program 1136

Victory Outdoors 1012

Virginia Gun Collectors Association 3052

Viridian Weapon Technologies 3613

VZ Grips 3517

Walther Arms, Inc. 3203

Warfighter Armory 2357

Warrior Legacy Ranch 2859

Warwick Tactical 842

We Are Off The Beaten Path/ Amateurs and Experts Podcast w/ Maggie Reese 3456

We Knife Co. 4247

Whisperstrike LLC 1203

White River Knife and Tool, Inc. 538

Wild Safari Africa Adventures 1754

Wilderness Escape Outfitters 1454

Wilderness Mint, LLC 2719

Wilderness Tactical Products, LLC 4043

Willi Law Firm, P.C. 1915

Winchester Ammunition 3023

Winchester Arms Collectors Association 3057

WOLF Performance Ammunition & Arms 4543

Wolfe Publishing Co. 2402

Woof for Vets 4206

WOOX 4211

XS Sight Systems 1716

Yankee Hill Machine Co. 623

Zarges, Inc. 4408

Z-Clear Anti Fog Inc 1138, 3142, 3838

Zentron LLC 526

Zermatt Arms 743

ZeroPlus Corporation 3149

Zerust Consumer Products 4425

ZEV Technologies 4703

WELCOME TO HOUSTON

On behalf of our city’s more than 2.3 million residents, we would like to welcome the 2026 National Rifle Association to Houston, Texas.

America’s fourth-largest city is a cosmopolitan destination, filled with world-class dining, arts, shopping and nightlife. There’s always something to do in this Southern hospitality meets urban chic city.

By day, you’ll find downtown’s George R. Brown Convention Center central and convenient, as the facility is set within 15 minutes of Houston’s most sought after neighborhoods. Just a short distance from the George R. Brown, attendees will find diverse districts filled with the city’s top places to eat, drink and shop.

We invite you to explore and experience all of the things that make our unique city one in a million.

Things to do in Houston

Whether you’re traveling here for business, looking for an exciting day trip or weekend getaway or embarking on a family-friendly adventure, you’ll find there’s something for everyone in Houston. Houston serves up nationally recognized dining, shopping, entertainment and nightlife. We have world-class attractions and events. Best of all, you’ll find a number of things that are budget-friendly or free. In fact, there are so many things to do in Houston, you may want to schedule an extra day or two to your trip.

In more recent years, Houston has also become a foodie destination. Houston is one of the most diverse cities in the U.S., and that is well represented in the restaurants

and food trucks around the city. One of the largest medical centers in the world rests in the heart of Houston as well, bringing visitors from all over to get treatment here. Locals will also boast that Houston has the best livestock show and rodeo around.

What are things to do in Houston during a layover or in one day?

If you’re in Houston for just a day or looking for things to do during your layover, there are plenty of places nearby.

If you’re flying into IAH, you can take a Metro bus into downtown or a cab (about $55). If you’re flying into Hobby, then you’ll need to take a cab (about $45 to downtown).

Head downtown and visit Discovery Green park and The Heritage Society. The Grove is a lovely restaurant inside the park that would be a good lunch spot. You could also explore downtown by downloading audio walking tours — it’s a really cool way to learn about the city. From downtown, you can also take the light rail and visit the Museum District and Hermann Park. There are so many lovely places there, including the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston Museum of Natural Science, The Menil Collection, and more.

Or if you like to shop, take a cab (about $35) to The Galleria. You’ll find 375 shops, an ice rink, and an entire wing of great restaurants. Less than a mile away are two more shopping centers, Uptown Park and Highland Village.

If you want to stay near IAH, there is the National Museum of Funeral History. It’s a quirky place whose motto is “the everyday above ground is a good one.”

Where are the best places to shop in Houston?

Shopping in Houston is an experience where shoppers can find the perfect piece at designer boutiques, deluxe malls, and bargain-filled centers.

Here are some of the top places to go for shopping and guides to get you started.

Visit the fourth largest shopping center in the country. The Galleria has more than 375 shops, with everything from Chanel to Ba-

Area shooting ranges

• American Shooting Centers

• Athena Gun Club

• Top Gun Range

• Shiloh Shooting Range

Check out new NRA App

The National Rifle Association proudly unveiled its new official NRA App on March 23, marking a significant milestone in enhancing member engagement and delivering convenient access to essential NRA resources on the go.

“This launch represents months of dedicated effort, creativity, and outstanding teamwork to bring a bold vision to reality,” said Doug Hamlin, executive vice president and CEO of the NRA. “The NRA App is more than a technical advancement — it’s a clear demonstration of our commitment to innovation, courage, and relentless progress in defending the Second Amendment and serving our members.”

The NRA is dedicated to modernizing its operations, delivering premium benefits to its members, and providing real-time Second

Amendment updates. To achieve this goal, NRA staff developed a state-of-the-art app that brings everything members need in one easy-to-use location.

Key features of the NRA App include:

Digital NRA ID Card Add your official NRA membership card directly to your Apple Wallet (or compatible digital wallet) for quick and easy access.

Latest News from the NRA Institute for Legislative Action Stay up to date with breaking developments on Second Amendment rights and advocacy efforts.

Digital Magazines and Official Journals Access your NRA publications, including both American Rifleman and American Hunter — including several years of back issues — in a convenient digital format.

Local NRA Events Discover nearby training courses, competitions, meetings, and other events using geolocation or by entering your zip code.

Member Benefits Explore and activate exclusive discounts, offers, and perks available to NRA members.

Daily Fresh Content Fresh news, gun and gear reviews, and stories on all aspects of the shooting sports are fed daily into the NRA App from every facet of NRA, and highlights from American Rifleman, American Hunter, NRA Women and Shooting Sports USA add to the NRA and second amendment news in the feed.

THE NEXT GENERATION OF AMERICA’S FAVORITE HUNTING RIFLE

The Ruger American ® Rifle Generation II; an update to the American-made rifle that has been the benchmark for accuracy, durability, and performance in bolt-action rifles for over a decade. Designed with customer feedback in mind, the Ruger American Rifle Generation II is available in a variety of calibers and is sure to become the first choice for hunters and firearms enthusiasts.

LEARN MORE

The acquisition, ownership, possession and use of firearms are heavily regulated. Some models may not be legally available in your state or locale. Whatever your purpose for lawfully acquiring a firearm – know the law, get trained and shoot safely.

Blake Jones Designs Premium leather hunting gear

Blake Jones Designs has been crafting premium leather hunting gear since 1988, built on a foundation of quality, durability, and pride in workmanship. Every piece is thoughtfully designed and carefully made using full-grain leather selected for strength, character, and long-term performance.

At the heart of our craft lies a deep respect for tradition, wilderness, and the rugged spirit of the outdoors. We specialize in the design and manufacture of premium leather hunting gear, combining time-honored techniques with modern performance needs to create heirloom-quality products built for generations.

From bird bags and rifle cases to shell carriers and field accessories, our gear is created for sportsmen who appreciate function without sacrificing style. Each product is made to perform in the field, age beautifully over time, and become part of the stories that matter most.

Our gear is field-tested and built to endure the harshest environments — from dense forests to high-country ridge lines. We offer custom work tailored to individual hunters, including personalized sizing, tooling, initials, and functional designs that reflect your unique style and needs.

These products are rooted in craftsmanship, made for the hunt, and built to last.

We believe in doing things the right way — with attention to detail, respect for tradition, and a commitment to lasting value. Master the outdoors.

BLAKE JONES DESIGNS

RETAY’s head turning lineup

RETAY, the leader in innovative shotgun engineering and high-performance firearms, is proud to attend the 2026 NRA Show. Come visit to experience the new RETAY firearms in Booth 1033 and the new ACE Series of shotguns, the duty-ready 724 Patrol Tactical Shotgun and so much more.

Building on the massive success of the Air Control Extreme, ACE line launched last year, RETAY is elevating the series by combining high-tech performance with classic aesthetics with the ACE Ultra light, Walnut, Sporting and Paloma. The new ACE Series pairs the company’s proprietary Inertia Plus bolt system and “Airy” recoil technology with premium Turkish walnut. This expansion answers the call of traditionalists who demand the reliability of a modern inertia gun without sacrificing the timeless look and feel of natural walnut.

“The ACE series redefined what hunters expect from an inertia shotgun in terms of handling and recoil management,” said Michael Narus, VP of Sales and Marketing for RETAY. “With the new ACE series line, we are bringing that same cutting-edge engineering to the upland fields and clay courses. It is the perfect marriage of heritage and high-tech.”

RETAY made waves in 2026 with the release of the 724 Patrol tactical shotgun, RA1522 rifles and pistols, the new Asend 22LR and the Gamelander straight wall rifle series. This new lineup features not only new hunting firearms but tactical and training firearms to branch out in the tactical and home defense world.

RETAY encourages all media members, dealers, and distributors to stop in to experience these new firearms at Booth 1033.

DU celebrates Texas project

Ducks Unlimited announced its 2025 Excellence in Conservation Awards, created by DU’s Conservation Programs Committee to recognize outstanding conservation accomplishments and the DU staff members who made them possible. The 2025 awards were announced during the CPC winter meeting in Jekyll Island, Georgia.

“Each of this year’s honorees has strengthened the foundation of our conservation mission in lasting ways,” said DU Chief Conservation Officer Dr. Karen Waldrop. “Their dedication ensures that the wetlands and waterfowl we work to protect today will thrive far into the future. The Excellence in Conservation awards program conveys the gratitude of DU’s volunteer leadership by highlighting the impressive talent and expertise of the DU Conservation Team.”

The $24.6 million McFaddin Shoreline Protection Project in Texas is a landmark achievement in coastal conservation. Through a partnership between Ducks Unlimited and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the project safeguards critical waterfowl habitat, protects nationally significant infrastructure, and strengthens community resilience against storm surge and flooding. It also preserves the largest freshwater marsh on the Texas Coast, ensuring lasting benefits for the Chenier Plain’s ecosystems and communities for generations to come.

DU recognized the leaders of the McFaddin National Wildlife Refuge Shoreline Protection Project in Texas: Kevin Hartke, manager of Conservation Programs; Matt Nelson, conservation specialist; Jacob Cormier, construction manager; Matt Davis, engineering technician; Michael Plaza, regional engineer; and Brian Terrell, project coordinator.

Redfish

Continued from page 6

has been pretty good, according to angler Kevin Cremer.

“It’s been pretty good. During the spring it starts to heat up pretty good,” Cremer said. “If you can’t catch anything in the bay, just go to Mitchell’s Cut. The water coming in from offshore makes it a good place to fish.”

Cremer has been targeting grass beds and oyster beds on the incoming tide.

“If we have new people on board, it’s always easy to fish live shrimp under a cork,” he said.

Artificial baits have been productive too, but paddle tails in chartreuse are Cremer’s go to.

“If it ain’t chartreuse, it’s no use,” Cremer said.

While he fishes almost exclusively soft plastics with chartreuse, he did admit that pearl is another productive color.

TENNESSEE Nutt wins Bassmaster Classic

Dylan Nutt won the 2026 Bassmaster Classic on the Tennessee River in Knoxville, Tennessee, becoming the second B.A.S.S. Nation qualifier to win the prestigious title.

The 22-year-old from Nashville, Tenn., earned his invite to the 2026 Bassmaster Classic by finishing third at the B.A.S.S. Nation Championship on the Upper Mississippi River. He is the ninth angler to win the Classic in a first appearance, and the third-youngest Classic champ.

He caught a Day 3 limit of 20 pounds, 13 ounces for a three-day total of 66 pounds, 13 ounces. For his win, Nutt earned the $300,000 top prize.

With his final weigh-in Sunday, Nutt secured the largest three-day total ever recorded on this fishery in Bassmaster Classic history, cementing a performance that will be remembered for years to come.

—B.A.S.S.

OKLAHOMA

Black carp found for first time

The Department of Wildlife Conservation confirmed the first report of a black carp within a private pond in McCurtain County.

Black carp are one of the four invasive carp species native to Asia and found within the United States. They were imported into the United States in the 1970s and 1980s as a biological control agent for snail pests in aquaculture ponds. By the 1990s, Black Carp had escaped captivity and were found in natural waters in the Mississippi River Basin, where natural reproduction has been documented.

—ODWC

WASHINGTON DC

SCI applauds Protecting Access for Hunters and Anglers Act

Safari Club International commended the U.S. House of Representatives for passing the Protecting Access for Hunters and Anglers Act (H.R. 556), introduced by Rep. Rob Wittman (R-VA) and backed by 83 co-sponsors. The legislation prohibits federal agencies from banning the use of traditional lead ammunition and tackle on federal public lands without sufficient scientific justification. The bill protects hunter and angler choice and acknowledges that overly broad restrictions

on traditional lead ammunition and tackle can reduce hunter and angler participation, particularly among new, novice, and rural hunters. Alternative ammunition remains less widely available and more expensive than traditional lead ammunition, and there are certain calibers and bullet weights for which no feasible lead alternative exists, including commonly used .22 rifles.

—SCI

ARKANSAS Hunters, anglers differ on regulations

The Game and Fish Commission heard the results of an extensive public comment survey concerning recently circulated regulations change proposals during its meeting held March 18-19. AGFC Social Science Lead Jessica Feltz gave a report on the public comment survey concerning regulations changes proposed at the commission’s February meeting.

According to Feltz’s report, most proposals had a majority of respondents select “Support,” although there were critical tones in some comments regarding certain regulation changes.

“One interesting note was a difference between hunters and anglers in how direct they preferred regulations to be,” Feltz said.

“Anglers were ‘lumpers,’ meaning they preferred to have one regulation like a harvest limit or length limit be consistent across an entire region or the state. Hunters were our ‘splitters,’ and they wanted to have regulations target individual areas. The hunters still wanted consistency in some aspects, but they favored specific details over general areas.”

—AGFC

NEBRASKA

Commission approves waterfowl recs

The Game and Parks Commission approved 2026-2027 waterfowl hunting season recommendations at its March 20 meeting.

Approved staff recommendations include a transition to a three duck-zone configuration instead of four. Boundary changes to duck zones and goose units approved by commissioners last June resulted in duck Zone 4 being relabeled to Zone 1. The former Zone 1 is being absorbed into Zone 2.

Also approved was a nine-day early teal season in both Low Plains and High Plains zones due to blue-winged teal breeding population status.

—NGPC

Hill Country rivers

Continued from page 7

The San Marcos is currently just starting to pick up.

“It’s just kicking off,” said Paul Torrez with Grateful Angler. “Our prize species is the Guadalupe bass. Bass fishing on the river, there are a lot of things you can do. Here com ing up shortly, we will be throwing a lot of top-waters. You can always throw streamers.”

Torrez and his clients are target ing structure and the mouths of pools where the water is moving in from the riffles. Presentation is key when targeting these shallowwater bass.

“You catch a lot of Guads, small mouth, and hybrids that way,” he said. “Six inches matter. If you can put the fly in the right place, you are going to catch fish; if you can’t, then you won’t.”

As the season progresses, he will continue to target the same struc ture and match the hatch.

“I’ll go and see if the baitfish are there. If they are there, I will try and match that in some way,” Tor rez said.

Trophy bass

Continued from page 1

been anywhere from 2 to 18 feet below the surface out in open water recently, in areas that have been holding plenty of shad and crappie.”

Gladfelter and his anglers have been catching all of these hefty bass on large swimbaits and jigs. He said conditions have dictated when the trophy fish have been willing to feed.

“The best action from double-digit fish has taken place when the barometric pressure has been low or falling,” Gladfelter said. “They’ve been tougher to catch during postfrontal conditions when the barometric pressure is the highest.”

Over about a two-week period recently, Gladfelter said his anglers caught 12 bass weighing over 11 pounds.

Professional bass angler Rick Caldwell Sr., has been catching fish up to about 7.5 pounds in water 6 feet deep or less on Sam Rayburn Reservoir. Most of the fish Caldwell has been catching have been feeding right up against the banks.

“There are a lot of solid, 3- to 4-pound bass up shallow right now, with some bigger fish mixed in,” Caldwell said. “I’ve been catching them on Texas-rigged Senkos and soft plastic worms while using a 1/8-ounce weight.”

Caldwell said he’s had the most success casting right up on the bank and then dragging soft plastics back toward the boat. He’s been focusing on windblown banks and shallow points.

“Shallow, windblown points seem to be holding larger bass more consistently,” Caldwell said. “The best action has occurred early in the mornings. If you can get out before daylight, you can really catch quite a few good ones in a hurry.”

Reports of largemouths tipping the scales to 13 pounds or more have been coming from O.H. Ivie Lake. Fishing guide Wendell Ramsey said there are plenty of fish pushing shallow in 3 to 6 feet of water. Swim jigs, weightless flukes, and bladed jigs have produced the most consistent strikes.

“There are still trophy bass being caught out deep in open water,” Ramsey said. “Most of these fish are roaming and being targeted by anglers using forward facing sonar. Umbrella rigs and swim baits have been the ticket for getting these bass to bite.”

Continued from page 6

the tag valued at $750.

“We also have several other additional new changes for this year’s tournament,” Towns said. “The boat prize for the Early Bird Drawing has been upgraded to a Dargel Kuda 230 with a 250 horsepower Mercury motor and a McClain trailer. For the Member Bonus Drawing, we upgraded the boat prize to a Dargel Attacka Flat 203 with a Mercury motor and a McClain trailer. We’ve also added another Member Bonus Drawing for a brand new Ford F-250 truck.”

Towns said entrants don’t even have to wet a line to win one of the member bonus drawing prizes. Everyone who is signed up for the Star Tournament and has a current CCA membership has a chance at winning these drawings.

“In honor of former CCA Texas STAR Tournament Director Bill Kinney, we have also added an additional $50,000 kids scholarship prize drawing, called the Bill Kinney Conservation Scholarship,” Towns said. “This is in addition to the $25,000 ABC 13 Scholarship drawing. So, we are now offering $75,000 in college scholarship drawings for kids that do not end up on the final leaderboard.”

Similar to years past, the first five eligible anglers to catch tagged redfish with a red tag will win a brand new 23-foot Haynie Amigo boat, motor, and trailer package, and a 2026 Ford F-150 XLT SuperCrew Cab. The next five eligible anglers to catch a fish with a red tag will

win a 23-foot Haynie Amigo boat, motor, and trailer package.

Towns said 120 tagged redfish will be released from Sabine Lake to South Padre Island in mid to late May, just before the tournament commences.

“All the red drum we tag and release are 100% wild caught fish,” Towns said. “The majority of these fish are released from the shoreline in popular fishing grounds and hotspots, including piers, jetties, dikes, causeways, bridges, reefs, boat ramps, and parks. Some fish are also released in popular spots within our bay systems. We want these fish to be caught by anglers.”

Towns said there are over $2 million in prizes and scholarships up for grabs in the CCA STAR Tournament this year.

“I would strongly encourage all anglers to get signed up for the tournament and to ensure their membership with CCA is current and active as soon as possible,” Towns said. “That way, you know you’re eligible to win, and all that’s left to do is get out there and fish.”

Historically, there have been about 10 tagged redfish caught in the first 10 days or so of the tournament each year, according to Towns.

“All of the tagged redfish divisions involve the catch, clip the tag, and release method,” Towns said. “Anglers have to catch the tagged redfish, clip the tag, and then release the fish. The tag must be turned into one of our 18 weigh stations within 24 hours.”

30

TEXAS SUN, MOON AND TIDES

Big trout

Continued from page 1

a hair over 29 inches, and weighed 8.5 pounds.

“We were wade fishing a shallow sand flat early in the morning, and the water wasn’t quite knee deep,” Pope said. “There were mullet scattered about in front of me along the water’s surface, and I was chunking a top-water. Shortly into the wade, I had a blow up and missed what looked to be a pretty big fish.”

Pope said he waded about 20 or 30 yards further and ended up getting another explosive surface strike. This time the trout stayed hooked up, and he was able to land the big female. The fish was 28 inches in length and weighed about 7 pounds.

“We quickly got photos of that trout and then I released her,” Pope said. “I had only waded about 15 yards further when I got my next bite.”

Pope said he could tell immediately that it was a large fish when it came to the surface, but it missed the floating bait, only managing to slap it with its tail. He retrieved the top-water as quick as he could and casted it right back to the same spot.

“This time the fish smashed the topwater bait, almost instantly,” Pope said. “I thought it was a big redfish at first, because it was stripping drag and peeling line off my reel as soon as I hooked it. At one point during the fight, she dove down toward the sand and her tail came out of the water. I noticed it didn’t have a black spot on it like it would if it was a redfish, and I realized I was battling the largest trout I had ever hooked.”

Pope said his nerves hit him with the realization that he was hooked up with his new personal best speckled trout. He was finally able to bring her to hand, and posed for some photos before releasing her safely back into the water.

Getaway Lodge fishing guide Capt. Steve Ellis has been having success targeting large trout while drift-fishing from his boat. He’s been focusing on the outer edges of seagrass

beds adjacent to channels and drop-offs loaded with baitfish along the Lower Laguna Madre. Top-water baits have been producing the most consist bites from larger fish in the areas Ellis has been fishing.

Ron Moon recently spent a day chunking top-water lures out of the boat with Ellis, and caught and released two hefty specks in the 6- to 7-pound range.

According to Capt. Reanna Starr Yaklin’s recent Instagram posts, she and her anglers are targeting trophy trout in stretches of water holding plenty of pinfish, in addition to mullet, in Baffin Bay and Port Mansfield. She said using lures like Soft-Dine, Fat Boy, and larger profile twitch baits has been the ticket because they closely imitate these baitfish.

Capt. Wyatt Foster reported large, noisy top-water plugs have been provoking strikes from hefty trout for anglers along the upper and lower Laguna Madre, from Corpus Christi to Port Mansfield. He said loud, surface-walking baits have been especially key on windy days when there is a consistent chop along the water’s surface.

Spring gobbler

Continued from page 1

him. It was an awesome way to kick off the season.”

Phillips said most of the birds seemed to still be in their bigger winter flocks when the season commenced. He observed most gobblers following large groups of hens, and felt the delayed spring green-up due to a lack of rain had the birds running a little behind as far as where they were at in the progression of their breeding season.

Tanner Crim, owner of 4 Bar C Outdoors, said their hunters enjoyed an excellent opening weekend on the properties they hunted in Frio, Medina, and Atascosa counties.

“All of our properties that received a little rain right before the season opened and have started to green up have produced consistent gobbling action from toms,” Crim said. “Those that have remained dry and are void of vegetation still have birds, but the majority of those birds just aren’t talking much.”

Crim said the birds have been gobbling throughout the morning into the early afternoon hours fairly consistently, and they have been extremely aggressive toward jake decoys.

“We are definitely seeing more mature long beards than jakes so far this season,” Crim said. “They were in pretty large flocks when the season opened.”

Capt. Travis Thompson said his hunters in the Riviera and Refugio areas had good success to start the season. He said hens were flocked up in large groups on opening weekend, with gobblers hot on their trail.

“Our hunters were able to get in front of the flocks of birds with decoys, and the toms came running in without hesitation,” Thompson said. “Some of the gobblers were fired up right off the roost, while others seemed to be more willing to play later in the morning.”

Anthony Trevino runs a private lease in Kleberg County and said the gobblers were responsive to calls and decoys to start the season.

“The gobblers were fairly quiet as soon as they hit the ground after leaving their roosts right after sunrise,” Trevino said. “They were much more talkative and willing to respond and come to calls during the mid to late morning hours, after they became separated from flocks of hens.”

Expensive ammo

Continued from page 4

reduced recoil, knowing they will not sacrifice performance with TSS ammunition,” Lonsberry said.

Browning Ammunition is currently offering a spring turkey rebate on all of its TSS Tungsten Turkey loads to provide hunters with a savings of $5 per box. A minimum purchase of two boxes is required, with a maximum rebate amount of $100 per household available. This could be an effort to motivate hunters to stock up on TSS loads now, while prices are still somewhat affordable. The rebate offer is through May 31.

The hype behind the TSS trend in recent years among turkey hunters boils down to performance. According to Browning Ammunition, the key to the superior performance of Tungsten Super Shot is its density. TSS is about 60% more dense than lead.

According to Salt Creek Custom Ammunition, the penetration energy of TSS is so high that it allows for ammo manufacturers to go down significantly in the pellet size used in a shotshell load. This ability increases the pellet count and pattern density of a shell, while also increasing the penetration capabilities of the pellets into the target. This enables hunters to experience significantly increased performance from a typical, big bore shotgun. It also gives them the ability to go down in bore size or payload without sacrificing performance.

If TSS does become overpriced for hunting applications, future seasons could look significantly different for hunters that have relied on its efficiency and performance. Long shots at gobblers that hang up at 50 or 60 yards could become a thing of the past, and hunters might have to work harder to get birds in closer for more ethical shot opportunities. Some turkey hunters consider this to be a positive possibility for the future, arguing that the reason they hunt turkey is to experience a close encounter with one of nature’s most unique creatures.

Old shotgun

Continued from page 4

Fast forward a month.

While suffering from the end of duck season depression, Douglas’ friend and hunting buddy, Bryan Harlan, boosted his spirits by inviting him on a quail hunt at the Pitchfork Ranch in west Texas.

Located at the edge of the Croton Breaks, the landscape was filled with fantastic upland grass, cactus, mesquite, and sharp gullies. The hunting was a challenge, but the fields were loaded with large coveys of bobwhites.

“I found plenty of time to reload while the dogs retrieved our birds,” he said. “Fortunately for us, there was a nice dew layer on the upland grass that prevented risk for starting a wildfire.”

Douglas said the uniqueness of hunting with black powder shotguns makes it fun, but it does come with certain challenges.

Spring break nilgai

Continued from page 5 long retrieve.”

so sure of himself.

“This is the first time for both of us to be on a hunting trip,” he said. “I believe we are both hooked now.”

Brandon Limon, 13, who took two nilgai bulls, also on his first antelope hunt, was as proud as he could be.

“I feel good,” said the Harlingen teen. “I never hunted nilgai until today.”

All in all, the eight youngsters reached the program goal of removing 16 nilgai total from the refuge.

They all followed the guide’s instructions and were required to attend an orientation given by Sarge Vasquez, the refuge’s deputy manager.

“It certainly doesn’t pattern as good as my SBEIII/Briley/Migra combo,” he added. “It’s messy, not all-weather friendly, cleaning is mandatory, follow-up shots are slow, but there is just something special about hunting with a black powder shotgun. I’m certain Uncle Harvey is looking down with a grin.”

Kayak tourneys

points with pockets at their base where bass like to hide.

“I changed over to a shakyhead,” Cable said. “I started slow rolling it almost cat bassing it, just sitting still. I told a buddy, if you were moving it then you were going too fast.”

That’s when he started putting fish in the boat. Cable’s largest would come on a wacky-rigged Senko in green pumpkin. During the closing minutes in his last spot of the day, he hooked and landed a 22.5inch bass that would help him secure the win.

“I knew right then that it was going to be tough to beat this bag,” Cable said.

1st place: Joe Tom Cable with 86.5 total inches

2nd place: Matt Wallace with 80.75

3rd place: Edgar Mendoza with 80.25 Red River Kayak Bass League’s next event will be at Jacksboro Lake on April 4.

The West Texas Kayak Series had its season opener on Feb. 28 on Lake Amistad.

JR Mocaby with JMOC’s Kayak Rigging and Repair, having never fished Amistad, won first place with big bass against 66 other anglers.

“It was a really cool experience from start to finish, not only fishing, but getting to see the scenery down there. It is a really scenic lake,” Mocaby said.

Mocaby prepared by utilizing Google Earth and getting the lay of the land.

“I based that off season trends,” he said. “I predicted correctly that the fish would be in pre-spawn staging areas. So, keeping that

in mind, I needed to find areas that are close to the main lake or deep channels, but also really accessible to shallow water that these fish can get up in and do their thing.”

On tournament day, the water was extremely clear. He caught most of his fish in the 10- to 15-foot range next to the creeks and rivers going back into the spawning areas.

“I knew that I was going to have to finesse them, or use finesse tactics because of the water clarity,” Mocaby said.

He immediately started catching fish. From there, it was a matter of him working his plan. He used a shakeyhead with a black Zoom Trick Worm.

“It’s about as simple as you can get with a finesse rig,” he stated. “I caught between 20 and 30 fish on tournament day. By noon, I was in the low 70-inch area. I knew I needed to cull some of these fish.”

While working his way out of a pocket, he noticed two boulders that created a little indention in behind them. He threw in there, and then the rod loaded up with a big strike.

“I fought the fish and finally tired her out and netted her,” he said. “I’m thinking, oh my gosh, she has got to be 10 pounds.”

He weighed that fish, and it came in at exactly 9 pounds and measured 23 inches.

“That fish right there gave me a 10-inch cull, which was huge,” he said.

Mocaby would end the day with 94 inches with 5 fish and secured first place.

1st place: JR Mocaby with 94 inches

2nd place: Chase Lawson with 89.75

3rd place: Blake Spann with 86

“He would not move,” she said. “The guide was more nervous than I was. I was calm before the shot.”

Once the big buck finally stood, a well-placed round from Lakely’s 6mm rifle dropped the trophy.

“After the fact, I was shaking,” she said.

The mature axis measured 35.5 by 34.5, with some added character due to a winter freeze earlier in the year.

“He had frosted tips,” Lakely added.

Justin Hill said of the three big axis they saw on the trip, all of them had some form of antler damage from the freeze.

The axis is headed to a taxidermist, and Lakely wasn’t done with her springtime hunting. To top it off, she also took a turkey on youth weekend on a family ranch near Noodle, Texas.

“This is my last season to be able to hunt the youth weekend, and I just shot my turkey,” she said.

Pretty good way to start a spring.

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DATEBOOK

MARCH 27

COASTAL CONSERVATION ASSOCIATION

13th Annual Sporting Clays Shoot National Shooting Complex, San Antonio (210) 863-7288 ccatexas.org

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47th Annual North Texas Chapter Banquet 3Rs Ranch, Prosper (214) 402-3825 ccatexas.org

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Fish fry

Continued from page 6

For the smaller fish, he has been patrolling the bulkhead looking for spawning shad. He reports he has been catching them in as shal low as 18 inches of water. Doyle and his clients have been using a variety of baits to entice bites.

“I usually use my cured liver,” he said. “I’ve also been using small shad, minnows, or stink bait. If they are up there, it doesn’t mat ter.”

He presents the bait one of two ways depending on the bottom structure against the bulkhead. On smoother bottoms with little structure, he will use a Carolina rig, and on bottoms with more structure, he adjusts to using a cork to reduce hang-ups.

“If they are there, the bite is go ing to come pretty quick,” he said.

On Lake Livingston, Bruce Meuth reports the catfish are ex tremely cooperative.

“It’s starting to turn on right now. They are transitioning from the winter pattern to more of a spring pattern,” Meuth said.

Meuth’s preferred method of targeting catfish is with anchored jug lines with five baited hooks.

“When I can get them, I like live perch. That’s my favorite bait,” Meuth said. When he cannot get ahold of live perch, cut mullet, shrimp, or gaspergou have been ef fective as well. Meuth has been targeting the large flats where tributaries feeding into the lake meet. Meuth said don’t be afraid to move around on the flat until you find them.

“They use those tributaries like roadways to move about,” he said. “Once you catch a couple in a group, move on to the next pod. If you’re looking for a bit of a faster-paced fish ing, up against the boards (Lake Livingston bulkheads), with a rod and reel. At that point in time, I use shad under a cork, pitching it right up onto the board. Sometimes in 1 to 2 feet of water.”

Anglers should move along the boards targeting eater-sized fish over the next couple of weeks if they want to fill a cooler.

The sporadic cold fronts coming through Texas lately have the fishing up one day and down a bit the next in the northern portion of the state.

Jason Brayman with North Texas Fishing Guides reports Lake Lewisville fishing has been picking up this month.

“It has definitely picked up a lot this month,” Brayman said. “It’s been kind of more quality versus that summertime fast-paced action.”

Brayman and his clients have been most successful with punch bait and chicken breasts in the 20-foot depth range.

“I’ve heard other guides are starting to catch them shallow in like 1 to 3 feet of water,” he said.

Anglers should keep on the move, pick a few off, and then find the next group. Do not get hung up on one spot too long. As the season goes on, Brayman will be working in some drifting in deep water looking for both blues and channel cats.

On Lake Texoma, Daniel Armstrong with Lake Texoma Catfish Guide reports the fishing has been challenging.

“It normally fishes a little tough coming out of winter. They just haven’t really started biting yet,” Armstrong reported. “It’s just kind of in limbo.”

He and his clients strictly fish with cut bait. Since the catfish are spread out, anglers should catch them where they find them.

“My preferred way to catch them is drifting,” Armstrong said. “That has been a tough task. We are targeting 60- to 90-feet of water, wherever the big balls of bait are. They seem to be suspended around those.”

On Lake Ray Roberts, the fishing has been much better, reports Armstrong.

“Right now, I am fishing shallow water targeting windblown banks and points with timber,” he said. “The tree line will act as a highway. Pin yourself in a little corner of the trees, set up, and fan cast.”

Once you catch a few in the group, you won’t have to move far, but you will need to move to a fresh pod of fish before things slow down too much. Armstrong will follow this trend until the shad spawn really takes off. Then he will transition to grass flats, following the fish up shallow.

DSC announces new board members

Dallas Safari Club announced the election of Rick Warren as the new DSC Board President, along with the election of Chris Ruhman, Colby Hale, and Daniel McGehee to the DSC Board of Directors. These results were confirmed during the Annual General Meeting held on March 19, 2026, following a vote by DSC membership.

“We’re excited to welcome Rick into his new role as president and to have three outstanding individuals joining our board of directors,” said Russell Stacy, CEO of DSC.

The three newly elected directors will join six current directors, contributing to DSC’s 17-member voting board. Each director will serve a three-year term.

The newly elected DSC board officers are as follows:

• President: Rick Warren

• President-Elect: Knighton Sample

• Immediate Past President: Ray Mulholland

• Treasurer: Richard Biggers

• Secretary: Steve Miller

DSC also announced new bylaw updates had been approved “enhancing

compliance, and board structure.”