There will be no edition of The Hunting Wire on Monday, May 25, in observance of Memorial Day, our next edition is June 1, 2026.
For generations, America’s hunters, shooters, conservationists, and outdoorsmen have answered the call to serve this nation in extraordinary numbers. Many never came home.
Memorial Day is not simply a holiday. It is a day of national remembrance for those who gave their lives in defense of the freedoms we often enjoy quietly, in fields, forests, marshes, mountains, and small towns across this country. It is a day that impacts many of us on a deeply personal level with family, friends, and colleagues lost.
From all of us at The Hunting Wire, please join us in our remembrance of the fallen.
- Jay Pinsky
In Flanders Fields
The red poppy became the enduring symbol of remembrance after World War I, inspired by the poem “In Flanders Fields” written in 1915 by Canadian Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae following the death of a friend during the Second Battle of Ypres.
In Flanders fields the poppies blow Between the crosses, row on row, That mark our place; and in the sky The larks, still bravely singing, fly Scarce heard amid the guns below.
We are the Dead. Short days ago We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow, Loved and were loved, and now we lie In Flanders fields.
Take up our quarrel with the foe: To you from failing hands we throw The torch; be yours to hold it high. If ye break faith with us who die We shall not sleep, though poppies grow In Flanders fields.
We all get in a hurry from time-to-time. When we do, we frequently mess things up.
It could be getting a little too close to that thundering tom and bumping him off the roost, or drawing your arrow back on that nice buck before he looked the other way or got his head behind a tree. I have frequently learned through failure that if Iwant to succeed, I should try to slow things down.
I first heard “slow is smooth and smooth is fast” in the mid-1990s when my light infantry unit was learning room-clearing techniques.
“Close quarters combat” tactics had been developed by our special operations forces years earlier, but conventional units were just learning how to employ those techniques. Until that time, our tactics had a direct lineage from tactics used in Stalingrad and Hue.
You’ve seen the tactics (close quarters combat) depicted on TV and in movies when a SWAT team is “stacked up” outside of a door, ready to burst in and get the bad guys.
There is a specific job for each member of the stack: how they enter the room, where they aim their rifles, and how they protect each other.
When done the right way, the team is fast, eliminates any threats quickly, and protects non-combatants. The problem we were having when learning the drills is very common: we were getting in a hurry.
Our trainers coached us to slow down. We needed to operate like a well-oiled machine instead of the mess we kept creating. Slow is smooth and smooth is fast. We went at a snail’s pace until each trooper perfected his role. Then we switched positions and started all over again. We did the drills hundreds of times and with those repetitions we got smooth. We also got fast. The speed came naturally but was not possible until we were experts.
Slow is smooth and smooth is fast. I keep saying that two years ago on my annual trip to Homer, Alaska. My best buddy over the last 57 years has been Captain Greg Sutter. We met each other in the third grade and have been in contact ever since.
Greg and I grew up in different places, but t made time to fish with him and he made time to hunt with me. Greg has been fishing for halibut and salmon as a charter captain in Alaska for the last 30 years, and he is arguably the best fisherman in Homer.
When I retired from the Army in 2019, Greg asked me to come to Homer for a month and work as a deck hand on his boat. His current hand had to go back to college and Greg wanted help to finish the season. I learned a great deal, loved it, and have gone back every year since.
Nowadays, I am more of a “deck hand mentor” rather than the actual employee since Greg needs commitment for several months and I can usually afford to give him only a couple of weeks. I still work as an extra deck hand, but I do a lot of coaching and always give the youngster my tips. Two years ago, I was coaching a young deck hand who had tremendous enthusiasm and a great work ethic.
I had taught her how to get the boat ready every morning, how to rig the lines and bait the hooks, and how to help get big fish in the boat with either a net or gaff. I taught her how to filet both salmon and halibut, but she was trying to match my speed. The challenge was even greater on a back of a moving boat, and quality was dropping as a result. Instead, I slowed down and concentrated on teaching her to cut with long, smooth strokes.
Slow is smooth and smooth is fast. I’m happy to say that she started producing quality filets. She naturally got faster as she mastered the techniques. Within a week, she was faster than me.
Slow is smooth and smooth is fast.
I try to repeat that to myself before I make a batch of beer or butcher a deer. One of my major weaknesses is that I am impatient: I try to “knock down targets” and move quickly on to the next thing on my list. The mantra helps me to slow down and be present in the moment…and as a result, I do a better job and still have all of my fingers.
This mantra applies to numerous leadership situations. Don’t get in a hurry to solve a problem until you understand what the problem is. Be careful of your assumptions.
Listen to understand instead of listening to respond. Slow down. Speed will come with practice. Slow is smooth and smooth is fast. And if you want to catch halibut and salmon in Alaska, look up Captain Greg’s charters in Homer. You won’t be disappointed.
Jeff Buchanan retired as a Lieutenant General from the Army in 2019. He had four combat deployments to Iraq and one to Afghanistan. He also led the military forces supporting FEMA in Puerto Rico after Hurricane Maria and commanded more than 6,000 troops on the Southwest border in support of CBP. He and his wife live on a small ranch outside of Patagonia, Arizona and he is one of five commissioners for the Arizona Game and Fish Department.
Bowtech pro shooter and world champion archer Paige Pearce discussed her mental training program on The Bowhunter Podcast, hosted by Christian Berg of Bowhunter Magazine. Pearce shared how her Insight Mental Programming series helps archers and bowhunters overcome challenges like target panic and buck fever through subconscious skill development.
WOOX, an Italian-American manufacturer of gunstocks, axes, and knives, announced expansion of its Hickory, North Carolina facility with groundbreaking planned for late May 2026 and completion by year-end. The expansion aims to meet growing demand for their premium walnut stocks and laminate series products while reviving local woodworking craftsmanship.
The National Archery in the Schools Program (NASP®) concluded its 2026 Eastern National Tournament in Louisville, Kentucky, with 16,082 students from 1,132 schools competing. NASP® President Tommy Floyd highlighted the event's significance as a celebration of student achievement, family support, and expanded outdoor recreation opportunities, including the growing NASP® 3D discipline.
Lauryl Akenhead of Team Ruger won second place overall and Highest Lady honors at the Spears Mountain Safari NRL Hunter competition in Gladstone, Virginia, competing against 76 shooters with her Ruger American® Rifle Gen II in 6.5 Creedmoor across 18 stages.
Team Ruger's Gordon Carrell and Randi Rogers won top honors at the 2026 Texas State Open Championship using Ruger RXM pistols. Carrell secured first place in the Production division with a score of 259.01, while Rogers earned first place in the Carry Optics unclassified category and second High Lady.
NSSF is funding a lawsuit against Virginia challenging HB 217 and SB 749, which ban the sale and transfer of commonly-owned firearms protected by the U.S. and Virginia constitutions. The complaint, filed by Erick Black, Britton Condon, Clark's Gun Shop, Inc., Optimus Arms, LLC, and Hexmag USA, LLC, argues the laws violate Second Amendment protections for firearms in common use.
CNC Firearms and Colt's Manufacturing Company closed pre-orders for the limited-edition Colt BOA revolver after unprecedented demand at the 2026 NRA Annual Meetings in Houston. All inventory has been allocated through authorized dealers and distributors including Sports South, Orion Wholesale, Lipsey's, and Davidson's.
Whitetails Unlimited granted $278,068 to over 80 organizations in Iowa for outdoor education, habitat enhancement, and hunting preservation. Funds supported the Preserving the Hunting Tradition program and shooting sports groups including NASP, 4-H shooting sports, and clay target teams.
The Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation (RMEF) is recruiting an experienced General Counsel to serve as a key advisor to leadership and the Board of Directors. The position, based in Missoula, Montana, requires a JD, legal licensure, and ten or more years of experience in non-profit law, land acquisitions, environmental law, and corporate governance.
Mayfly Outdoors CEO Jeff Wagner discusses his fly fishing journey and leadership philosophy on the Fly Fisherman Loop to Loop podcast with editor Ross Purnell. Wagner shares his Nebraska roots, mentorship from figures like Monte Malzahn and Wayne Nelson, and Mayfly's commitment to preserving legacy brands including Airflo, Renzetti, Ross, and Abel through sustainable business practices and conservation initiatives.
Primary Arms Optics launched the PLx Compact 1.5-12x36 FFP RDB Rifle Scope, featuring Japanese ED glass, Red Dot Bright® diffractive reticle technology, and two ACSS® reticle options. The scope offers 1.5-12x magnification on a compact 30mm chassis and is available for $1,999.99.
TUO announces the Kinetic Merino 150 Hoodie and TUO Logo Sun Hoodie, expanding its technical apparel line for off-season scouting and summer trekking. The Kinetic Merino 150 features 18.5-micron wool for comfort and durability, while the TUO Logo Sun Hoodie offers UPF 50 protection with moisture-wicking synthetic fabric.
Sturm, Ruger & Company, Inc. announced the Marlin Mad Pig Customs Model 1894, a premium lever-action rifle developed with Mad Pig Customs and Midwest Industries. Chambered in 357 Magnum, it features Cerakote finishing and factory-installed custom upgrades for enhanced durability and ergonomics.
Galco unveils the Combat Master 2.0 belt holster for Glock 48, featuring modern optic accommodation, premium steerhide construction, and a traditional pancake design that enhances concealment and draw speed for everyday carry.
PROOF Research announced shorter barrel configurations for the PROOF Elevation 2.0 and Elevation MTR 2.0 rifles, now available in Tactical Flat Dark Earth and Midnight colors. Both models feature carbon fiber technology, Zermatt Arms Origin actions, and TriggerTech triggers, with MSRPs ranging from $3,199 to $3,899.
Flambeau introduces the Super Half Satchel Soft Bait Organizer 4510 with Zerust technology, featuring rugged thermoplastic construction and patented anti-corrosion dividers that provide up to five years of protection in marine environments. The organizer combines practical storage with translucent design for quick identification and is proudly made in the U.S.A.
Beretta unveils the Beretta Titan, a one-off modern sporting rifle celebrating the company's 500-year anniversary. Chambered in 6.5 Grendel and featuring innovative materials including titanium, magnesium, and carbon fiber, the Titan represents groundbreaking engineering from Fabbrica d'Armi Pietro Beretta S.p.A., paired with a premium Steiner optic.
Buck Knives, Inc. announced its 2026 product lineup featuring the 110 and 112 Slim Heritage Elites with MagnaCut steel blades, the 724 Mustang mid-lock EDC knife, and three new Alpha Backcountry fixed blades. All products are available at buckknives.com and authorized retailers.
Zanders, a premier national distributor based in Sparta, Illinois, announced the addition of Swampfox Optics to its wholesale catalog. Dealers can now access Swampfox's innovative optics solutions including red dot sights, prism scopes, and LPVOs through Zanders' nationwide distribution network.
ScentLok, owned by Nexus Outdoors in Muskegon, MI, launches premium everyday apparel including the Campfire Flannel Shirt, updated Flannel Long-Sleeve, Logo Sun Tech Hoodie, and Shed Lightweight Tech Hoodie designed for hunters transitioning from technical outdoor pursuits to daily wear.
United Call Works, a premium wildlife call manufacturer co-founded by Jimmy Wren and Casey Schultz based in Oak Harbor, Ohio, has joined Whitetails Unlimited as a national sponsor. WTU President Jeff Schinkten announced the partnership, highlighting United Call Works' diverse product line including duck, goose, deer, and elk calls.
ATN Corp announced its Generation 6 thermal riflescope lineup featuring the ATN ThOR 6 Elite flagship 640 thermal scope, ATN ThOR 6 Mini budget thermal scope under $1,000, and ATN TICO 6 clip-on thermal scope. The new platform delivers improved image quality, thermal sensitivity, and reliability for hunters and AR-15 shooters.
The Boone and Crockett Club announced onX Hunt as a Gold Trailblazer in Conservation partner, expanding their existing licensing agreement with a new advertising partnership. onX will be the first advertiser featured in the Club's "Heritage of the Hunt" podcast, reinforcing both organizations' commitment to wildlife conservation and ethical hunting practices.
The Ultimate Hunting Experience announced an official partnership with Hornady Manufacturing to provide hunters with top-tier equipment and educational experiences. The collaboration integrates Hornady's Precision Hunter® and Outfitter® ammunition lines into UHE's expeditions and digital content, focusing on marksmanship improvement and ethical harvesting practices.
SLG2, Inc. renewed its partnership with the NSSF to support the +ONE® mentorship initiative, promoting shooting sports and hunting through education and peer-to-peer mentorship. The company will deliver +ONE messaging across its nationwide event platforms, including the Grand Safety Tour, having welcomed over 50,000 guests since 2009.
Beretta announced the expansion of its refreshed 686 Silver Pigeon I lineup with updated 28-gauge and .410 bore field models and new sub-gauge sporting configurations. The refresh includes a redesigned top lever, refined engraving, and premium features like cold hammer-forged Steelium barrels and select European walnut stocks.
Hi Mountain Seasonings, based in Wyoming and owned by Hans Hummel, offers a complete lineup of dips, seasonings, marinades, and burger blends to elevate Memorial Day grilling. The company's fan-favorite products include Cucumber and Spinach-Artichoke dips, Buffalo Wing Marinade, and six Gourmet Burger Seasoning blends designed to make outdoor cooking easier and more delicious.
FALCO® Holsters announced four new OWB hybrid holsters—C915, C915 L, C916, and C916 L—expanding its TalonGuard lineup. The models feature premium Italian leather and Kydex construction with enhanced safety and retention, available in standard and light-bearing configurations starting at $129.95.
The Armory Life has released its 20th edition digital magazine focused on the SA-35 9mm pistol family, featuring a cover story review by Julie Golob and in-depth articles on customized variants, holsters, and EDC tactics. Editor-in-chief Mike Humphries highlights the publication's commitment to delivering topical and engaging firearms content.
Team Ruger's David Olhasso and James McGinty secured multiple victories at the 2026 Maryland IDPA Championship and PSA Shootout using the Ruger® RXM® in 9mm Luger. McGinty won first place in the PSA Shootout's Open Auto division, while Olhasso earned first place in the Maryland IDPA Championship's Enhanced Service Pistol division with a score of 183.49.
FirstSpear will exhibit at SOF Week 2026 in Tampa, Florida, showcasing its full platform lineup and newly integrated Recon K9® brand. The company will host live demonstrations featuring the Recon K9 DT Alpha™ modular vest system led by founder Jason Watson, and maritime capabilities including the AAC Frog™ Kit with Cummerbund Tactical Aid to Flotation (CTAF)™ supported by Prime Hall and Deep End Fitness.
Vortex Optics released a limited-run Poppy Remember Short Sleeve T-Shirt with only 600 available. Proceeds benefit the Wisconsin VFW, supporting veteran programs and services across the state. The shirt is priced at $24.99.
Barnett Crossbows will continue its partnership with Whitetails Unlimited as a national sponsor, according to WTU President Jeff Schinkten. Founded in 1962, Barnett has innovated in the crossbow and archery industry for over 60 years, offering performance-driven bows and accessories for hunters and recreational shooters.
Pursuit Channel highlights its Sunday Sportsmen programming block featuring premium hunting and fishing content including Precision Hunting TV, Ted Nugent Spirit of the Wild, and Americana Outdoors presented by Garmin. The block airs weekly on Pursuit Channel reaching over 22 million homes via DIRECTV, Comcast Xfinity, and Verizon Fios, with episodes available on-demand through Pursuit UP and multiple streaming platforms.
