lone star outdoor news shooting sports annual 2026
Hornady ® Match™ ammunition is loaded with high performance ELD® Match, BTHP Match or A-Tip® Match bullets. The highest quality controls ensure proper bullet seating, consistent charges and pressures, optimal velocity, and consistent overall length to provide repeatable and precise performance.
• The Heat Shield® tip of the ELD® Match bullets forms the perfect meplat that resists tip deformation from aerodynamic heating.
• Pioneering secant ogive profile provides superior aerodynamics.
• AMP® bullet jacket design for optimum concentricity and uniformity.
• Precisely balanced, uniform swaged lead cores.
shooting sports texas
The real deal
Dove Gear’s Ultimate Bird Vest the quality field solution
With over a half million Texas hunters taking to the field to ring in the dove season, it’s time to check all your gear and get things in order. And the item too many hunters overlook is how they are going to carry their gear into the field.
For all that participation, it’s amazing how little attention has been given to serious dove hunters’ needs in the field. It seems your selection is limited to cheap vests that show up in the retail stores every August, but they show no design integrity and will cook you in a September dove field. That’s what has driven so many dove hunters to the illconceived, belt-style rigs that pull your pants down, have your shells pockets and bird bag flopping all over the place and dump shells on the ground when you crawl through a fence or bend over to pick up a bird.
That’s what drove Rockport’s Terry Koehler to create Dove Gear and the Ultimate Bird Vest, a quality solution that has proven itself in the field for seven years. You’ll quickly realize this product was created by someone who has decades of experience in the dove fields and is driven by quality and performance.
Crafted with premium materials and built to last for years, the Ultimate Bird Vest features a breathable mesh back and strap design to keep you cool on even the hottest September hunts. It’s made to last, yet light (under 18 ounces) and comfortable enough to wear all day.
From top to bottom, this vest is loaded with smart features:
• Six-way adjustability fits any hunter from youth to 3XL and can quickly adjust to fit over outer layers for the winter season
• Velcro-secured shell pouches with dual flap positioning — outside for security, inside when the action is hot and heavy
• Zippered security pockets behind each shell pouch to protect valuables like your phone or glasses
• Washable bird bag for easy cleanup
• Zippered rear pouch for your empties
• 32-ounce water bottle holder for keeping you and your dog hydrated (Additional bottle holder available)
As a bonus for outfitters, lodges, or corporate events, Dove Gear offers custom embroidery to make your vests as professional as your hunts.
For 2026, The Ultimate Bird Vest is available in two styles:
The Ultimate Bird Vest is the go-to product for serious bird hunters.
Order yours now at DoveGear.com and get ready for the season opener.
shooting sports texas
Gunning for ’28 PAGE 15
The new standard in thermal
ATN's Generation 6 Thermal lineup is the most ambitious launch in the company's history — Here's what Texas hunters need to know
If you've been watching the thermal optics market, you know the past few years have compressed more innovation into a shorter window than the decade before. ATN's new Generation 6 lineup is a direct product of that acceleration — and for Texas hunters, it may be the most relevant thermal launch of 2026.
Five new product lines. Every price point covered. One unified platform.
Why thermal keeps growing in Texas
Texas sits at the center of thermal optics adoption in North America. Year-round hog season, active predator hunting, and massive private ranches create ideal conditions for the technology. Feral hog depredation costs Texas agriculture an estimated $500 million annually, and for ranchers and hunters addressing that problem after dark, the best thermal scope they can afford is a genuine tool — not a luxury.
Predator hunters have increasingly abandoned traditional night vision because thermal imaging sees through brush, fog, and field haze in ways image-intensification cannot. The question is no longer whether to go thermal — it's which product fits the job?
What Generation 6 actually changes
ATN's Gen 6 platform is a full rebuild of the software, imaging stack, and build quality.
Substantially improved thermal image quality
The Gen 6 core delivers a sharper, higher-contrast image with better edge definition and gray-scale gradation. You can identify a hog's body position at distance — not just detect a heat blob — and distinguish a deer from a predator faster. For coyote hunters working open fields past 300 yards, the difference isn't subtle.
Enhanced detection capability
Better sensor sensitivity picks up smaller temperature differentials, improving detection range in cold nights, light rain, or dense humid air.
Gen 6 devices boot and respond faster. Extended battery life addresses the core complaint of hunters spending four-plus hours glassing a field. Firmware updates, reticles, and connectivity behave consistently across every Gen 6 product.
5-Year warranty
Every Gen 6 product carries ATN's industry-leading 5-year warranty — the strongest coverage in the thermal optics category.
“Generation 6 started with a simple question: what do hunters actually need that they're not getting?” said ATN CEO James Munn. “The answer wasn't one thing — it was the whole system. We rebuilt around performance, reliability, and battery life because those are the three things that matter at 2 a.m. when you're out in the field.”
The Generation 6 product lineup
ATN ThOR 6 Elite: Best Premium Thermal Riflescope. ATN's flagship makes a strong case as the best thermal rifle scope for serious hog and predator hunters. Longrange detection, premium core resolution, and the full Gen 6 feature set make it the benchmark for hunters evaluating the best thermal scope for coyote hunting or managing large ranch acreage.
ATN ThOR 6 Mini: Best Thermal Riflescope Under $1,000. Starting under $1,000, the ThOR 6 Mini answers the most common buyer question directly. Compact and lightweight, it shares the same Gen 6 software core as the Elite without cutting corners on image quality.
“Quality thermal shouldn't require a premium price tag, and with Gen 6, we didn't have to compromise to get there,” said Munn.
ATN TICO 6: Best Thermal Clip-On. The TICO 6 converts an existing daytime optic into a thermal sight without changing your rifle's zero or feel. For hunters running multiple rifles or not ready to commit to a dedicated thermal riflescope, it's the flexible solution: one rifle, one zero, two missions.
ATN BlazeSeeker 6: Best Thermal Monocular Under $500. Starting under $500, the BlazeSeeker 6 is the right tool for scouting, scanning fields, and locating game before a setup. It's the best budget thermal monocular for hunting for any hunter who wants thermal awareness without a full riflescope investment.
ATN Binox 6: Best Multispectral Thermal Binoculars. The most technically ambitious product in the lineup combines thermal imaging, digital imaging, and a built-in laser rangefinder in one unit. For ranch managers and predator hunters running systematic surveys, it eliminates the need to carry multiple observation tools.
“The Binox 6 is for hunters who want to understand everything in front of them; detect, range, identify, and decide,” said Munn.
FAQ
What is the best thermal scope for hog hunting? The ThOR 6 Elite offers the detection range and clarity for high-volume, longer-range work. Budget hunters should look at the ThOR 6 Mini — Gen 6 performance under $1,000.
Are thermal clip-ons better than dedicated thermal scopes? Clip-ons like the TICO 6 win on flexibility across multiple rifles without re-zeroing. For hunters with one primary setup, a dedicated scope is the cleaner solution.
What is the best thermal monocular under $500? The BlazeSeeker 6 starts under $500 and is purpose-built for field observation and game location.
What are the advantages of multispectral thermal binoculars? The ATN Binox 6 delivers thermal detection, day and night identification, and laser ranging in one unit — target data that would otherwise require three separate tools.
Generation 6 matters not because it introduces thermal to the market but because it resets the performance baseline at every price point simultaneously. The hog problem isn't shrinking. Predator pressure isn't slowing. And the window to hunt effectively in Texas's summer heat is almost entirely nocturnal. The Gen 6 lineup gives every hunter, from first-time thermal buyer to dedicated ranch operator, a credible reason to upgrade in 2026.
ATN's Generation 6 products are available now through ATN's website and authorized dealers.
Dead Air Silencers Introduces the Nomad Ti Over-the-Barrel Suppressor
Dead Air Silencers, manufacturer of the next evolution in quiet, purpose-built suppressors, is once again pushing the boundaries of suppressor technology and innovation with the release of the new Nomad Ti OTB suppressor. The Nomad Ti OTB is a solution-driven variant of the company’s popular Nomad series hunting-grade suppressors that takes on-the-move field performance to a new level.
Rated for cartridge calibers up to .300 RUM and 7mm Backcountry, the new Nomad Ti OTB derives its name from its ingenious over-thebarrel configuration. Rather than positioning the blast chamber fully forward of the muzzle, as with conventional suppressor designs, the Nomad Ti OTB expands the blast chamber over the barrel which results in less backpressure and better sound suppression.
There are a couple of key advantages to this expanded blast chamber.
First, this configuration means that the suppressor adds only 4.6 inches to the overall length of the rifle assembly. Reduced length translates to improved rifle maneuverability in tight quarters and in conditions with limited range of motion.
Second, shifting the weight bias back toward the shooter improves rifle balance and reduces fatigue when making off-hand shots or when mounted to the gun during long field positions.
The Nomad Ti OTB is built through an additive manufacturing process (3D printing) using 6Al4V Grade 9 Titanium, which accounts for the unit’s superior strength, light weight, and
engineering and design. From the precisionengineered Sandman® series to the versatile Nomad® family and the groundbreaking KeyMo™ mounting system, Dead Air Silencers continues to set the standard for suppressor excellence. With a focus on real-world performance and customer satisfaction, Dead Air Silencers is dedicated to enhancing the shooting experience for hunters, competitive shooters, and tactical professionals alike.
QAdding just 4.6" to barrel length, the Nomad Ti OTB advances over-the-barrel suppressor innovation. Delivering the recoil reduction and sound suppression of a longer system, it maintains optimal balance and keeps the rifle compact for fast handling and confident control in the field.
RETAY ACE UPLAND ULTRALIGHT A DREAM TO SHOOT
The Ace Upland Ultralight is attractive, stylish, and lightweight with serious smooth shooting.
Weighing in at just 5.3 pounds for the 20 gauge and 6.3 pounds for the 12 gauge, the Ace Upland Ultralight is the perfect choice for fast-flying dove or fast-flushing bobwhite quail.
The Ace Upland Ultralight — love-at-firstshouldering with quality to last a lifetime. Featuring the famous RETAY Inertia Plus/ Rollover bolt system that eliminates out-ofbattery misfires and bolt rattle and the AIRY Recoil System.
The AIRY Recoil System revolutionizes
shooting comfort with a design inspired by high-performance sports footwear. Integrated with an internal air pocket mechanism, AIRY absorbs and disperses recoil energy like never before. The result is a softer, smoother shooting experience — minimizing shoulder impact and maximizing control. Whether you're in the field or at the range, AIRY delivers consistent comfort and confidence with every shot.
Key Features: Advanced air-pocket technology for superior recoil absorption Lightweight, durable, and ergonomically shaped pad Ideal for long shooting sessions and heavy loads.
All Air Control Extreme Models feature a unique Removable Trigger Group system that allows you to quickly and easily remove the entire trigger group at the push of a button. This allows for easy cleaning or servicing, and makes Retay the only semi-auto shotgun you can truly clean in the field. Removing the trigger from the gun disables it so it can no longer be fired, so storing the trigger separately is also an added in-home safety feature.
An extremely frustrating problem with the action on some inertia shotguns is the possibility of being jarred out of battery, a problem that can cost you shot opportuni-
ties. Retay’s exclusive “Inertia Plus” Bolt uses a patented “Rollover” internal torsion spring to forcefully rotate the bolt head into battery and keep it from ever being jarred out of battery. This system promotes quiet closing, practically eliminates bolt rattle, and most importantly, means virtually no more missed shot opportunities.
shooting products
Ruger American Rifle Gen 2 Scout
AR-style pin and aperture iron sights offer both elevation and windage adjustment. In addition, the rear aperture has two flip adjustable sizes for near and far sighting. Factory-installed, Scout length scope base for mounting intermediate eye relief scopes, optics, and night vision or thermal imaging devices. Splatter finished stock provides excellent grip without being too sharp or abrasive.
Soft rubber recoil pad features a large radius on the heel for easy shouldering and improved geometry that progressively collapses to reduce felt recoil. Removing the installed spacer allows for length of pull to be adjusted from 13.75 to 12 inches. Low comb (included) allows for improved sight alignment when using magnified optics but can be left off when utilizing factory installed iron sights. More comb options are available at ShopRuger.com to further refine the fit.
Professionally applied Cerakote coating on barrel, receiver and bolt handle results in a durable, easy-to-maintain finish. Compact, threaded barrel with factory-installed flash suppressor is cold hammer-forged, resulting in ultra-precise rifling that provides exceptional accuracy and longevity. Intuitive three-position tang safety locks the bolt, preventing inadvertent bolt opening while allowing the rifle to be loaded with the safety engaged. Ruger Marksman Adjustable trigger offers a crisp release with a pull weight that is user-adjustable between 3 and 5 pounds.
Patented Power Bedding integral bedding block system positively locates the receiver and free-floats the barrel for outstanding accuracy. The one-piece bolt is CNC machined from stainless steel for smooth operation and the familiar three-lug design with 70° throw provides ample scope clearance. Oversized bolt handle for positive bolt manipulation, with a 5/16"-24 thread pattern for easy replacement. Available accessory stock weight kit adds up to 1.6 pounds to the butt of the rifle to absorb recoil and improve the rifle's balance when utilizing heavier muzzle devices.
Spartan Precision Valhalla Gen 2 Bipod
Spartan Precision Equipment proudly announces the launch of the new Valhalla Gen 2 Bipod, a cutting-edge shooting support system engineered for exceptional stability, rapid deployment, and lightweight performance for hunters and long-range precision shooters.
Built around an innovative horizontal spigot mounting system, the Valhalla Gen 2 moves the fulcrum closer to the muzzle, dramatically increasing stability while enabling quick attachment and removal in the field. Its wide stance and cradled design provide an incredibly stable shooting platform, whether engaging targets at extended distances or navigating rugged terrain on a hunt.
Constructed from hard-anodized 7075-T7351 aluminum and multi-layered carbon fiber, the Valhalla Gen 2 weighs just 13 ounces, delivering lightweight portability and exceptional durability. Hardened stainless-steel shoulder plates reinforce the primary load-bearing points, ensuring long-term reliability in demanding environments.
The bipod offers a range of shooting positions, providing maximum adaptability across uneven terrain. Legs can be stowed pointing forward or rearward. The forward stow position is locked to prevent inadvertent deployment when negotiating thick cover. From the rearward position, the legs can be rapidly deployed to the 90-degree shooting position. In addition, the legs can be set to 45 degrees forward, achieving a lower firing position or enabling excellent stability for extreme downhill firing scenarios. The Valhalla Gen 2 offers a maximum height of 8¼ inches and a minimum of 4¾ inches, delivering versatility for a wide range of shooting applications.
ScentLok Women's Alpha Elite Jacket and Bib
Late-season whitetail hunting leaves zero margin for error, and for years, hardcore hunters have relied on one definitive suit to survive the elements and beat a deer’s nose: the ScentLok Alpha Elite. Built on a legacy of waterproof performance, heavy-duty insulation, and unmatched scent destruction, it has long been the gold standard for freezing, wet days in the treestand.
Now, female hunters no longer must settle for oversized men’s cuts to get that elite level of protection. The highly anticipated ScentLok Women’s Alpha Elite Jacket and Bib are officially shipping and available at retail, delivering an uncompromised, specialized fit for the dedicated lateseason outdoorswoman.
The Alpha Elite’s outer shell is a quiet, brushed polyester tricot with DryLok waterproof and breathable membrane designed for late-season hunting conditions, including rain, snow, and wind, with full seam sealing to prevent leaks.
The next level of technology is ScentLok’s famous Carbon Alloy, which combines treated carbon, activated carbon, and zeolite to absorb odors emitted by your body. Carbon Alloy utilizes natural coconut shell carbon, as it has the largest internal surface area of any carbon on earth. This massive surface area promotes the adsorption of the broadest scent molecule range. It innately secures these molecules and holds them until you reactivate your gear in a household dryer.
Alpha Elite’s third leg of technology is zoned Thinsulate insulation. 3M’s pioneering insulation employs ultra-fine fibers, which allow for a higher density while remaining breathable and retaining warmth even when wet. Thinsulate absorbs less than 1% of its weight in water, outperforming down in damp conditions, and overall, delivering superb warmth without bulk.
2ND ANNUAL TEXAS HILL COUNTRY GAME FAIR FUN FOR FAMILY
By David J Sams Lone Star outdoor newS
The shade beneath the towering cypress trees along Joshua Creek was some of the most sought-after real estate at this year's Texas Hill Country Game Fair. While temperatures hovered in the mid-90s a steady breeze and the natural canopy kept visitors comfortable as they wandered through the event.
The 2nd Annual Texas Hill Country Game Fair brought together outdoor enthusiasts, conservation advocates, industry leaders, exhibitors, sponsors, and supporters of youth education for an unforgettable weekend at Joshua Creek Ranch in Boerne, June 12–13. Hosted by the Wildlife & Natural Resources Committee of the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo, the event celebrated the traditions of hunting, fishing, shooting sports, conservation, and Texas hospitality while raising critical funds to support the rodeo's mission.
Throughout the two-day event, guests experienced a unique combination of outdoor recreation, education, entertainment, and fundraising. Attendees explored exhibits from 85 exhibitors, enjoyed demonstrations and hands-on activities, connected with fellow outdoor enthusiasts, and discovered products, services, and destinations from across Texas and beyond.
The shooting sports had a strong presence. Visitors stopped to admire premium firearms from Guerrini and Beretta, browse inventory from Wilkerson Gun Store and check out handcrafted leather goods from Blake Jones Designs. LISTO Provisions added to the outdoor lifestyle offerings with their popular snake chaps.
The weekend began with the Game Changer Grand Tasting on Friday evening, where guests enjoyed live music, chef-prepared cuisine, an open bar, and an exciting live auction featuring exclusive hunting adventures, outdoor gear, and one-of-a-kind experiences. On Saturday, the ranch came alive with the Exhibitor Village, ranch tours, sporting demonstrations, the Wingshooter Challenge Shooting Competition sponsored by Federal Premium Ammunition, educational experiences, the Buckaroo Que Wild Game Cook-Off, and activities designed to engage guests of all ages.
One of the weekend's biggest draws was the youth barbecue cooking competition, where aspiring pitmasters put their culinary skills to the test. The event showcased the next generation of Texas barbecue talent and added another family-friendly dimension to the festivities.
Numerous donated items were auctioned throughout the weekend, including hunting and fishing adventures from destinations across Texas and around the world. The event also hosted 19 shooting teams, whose participation showcased the camaraderie and competitive spirit that define the outdoor sporting community.
2026 Wingshooters Challenge Winners:
1st: Federal Premium Ammunition
2nd: Wilkersons Guns
3rd: Brandon Bredemeyer.
4th: Catcall Cattle Company
5th: Valero
Buckaroo Que Winners:
Seniors
1st: Henry Waterman
2nd: Beckett Nichols
3rd: Roy Waterman
Juniors
1st: Jeremy Hernandez
2nd: Penelope Moore
3rd: Bryan Salyer
Texas Hill Country Game Fair
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.
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acquisition, ownership, possession
GUNNING TO GET BACK HOME
Brian Burrows aiming to make ’28 Olympic team to shoot at home range
By Conor Harrison
Star outdoor newS
Brian Burrows comes from a long line of distinguished trap shooters. His grandfather was a member of the California Trap Shooters Hall of Fame. His father and uncle are both accomplished trap shooters. For Brian and his brother, shooting a shotgun came about as natural as breathing air or drinking water. It was just something they did.
“My brother and I would go to the shooting range around our home in California and shoot trap together,” he said. “It was our family event. I started going to local California state shoots or local shoots to compete, mainly against each other. And we were always trying to beat my dad and grandpa.”
The young shooter learned about Olympic trap shooting around the age of 14, when he started focusing on the discipline. At his second competition, Burrows made the US Junior Olympic team.
“I met people from all over and it was a lot of fun,” he said.
Burrows shot professionally from 2004 to 2016, when he “had to get a real job and be an adult.”
“I did that for a couple of years and had a coach call me up one day and told me to come shoot at nationals, just for fun,” Burrows recalled. “Well, I made the U.S. National team and thought, ‘this is great.’ It was the summer of 2018 and the coach said I should come to the next one, where I made the World Cup team and thought, ‘this is great.’ The World Cup was in Mexico and my mixed teammate and I set the world record and won a silver medal, and then I thought, ‘this is great, but now I have a decision to make.’”
In early 2020, Burrows shot his way onto the Olympic team heading to Tokyo. It would be a life-changing experience, as he and his partner, Maddy Bernau, shot their way to a Bronze medal.
“Watching the flag go up, I still get choked up,” Burrows said.
After the Olympics, the Beretta shooter again retired from shooting, moved to Argyle and began coaching and teaching shooting at several ranges in Fort Worth.
“My wife and I love Texas,” Burrows said. “She has been instrumental in my shooting career. I met her about the time my shooting picked back up. Her, God and my mom have all been huge.”
With the 2028 Summer Olympic games headed to Los Angeles, Burrows is once again contemplating a comeback to shoot at his home in front of family and friends.
“I didn’t make a team for a few years, but I’m now back at it full time, and have qualified for the upcoming World Cup in Italy and another in China. I’m sitting second right now. The range in California where they are holding the trap events is one of the ranges I grew up on, so it will really be full circle if I make it. It’d be special to be able to shoot where it all started.”
If Burrows makes the team, how will he handle shooting at home under Olympic pressure?
“Growing up shooting in our family was the most competitive atmosphere I’ve ever been in,” he said.
