MAY 5, 2025
 
 
 

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

The Blaser R8, topped with Blaser's B1 series optic, was chambered in 308 Winchester and fed Hornady's 178 grain ELD-X ammo, which worked perfectly earlier in the week on a red deer stag at 275 yards.

Outside of duck hunters and umbrella salesmen, few folks I know enjoy working in the rain. But last week, I flew to New Zealand to hunt at Glen Dene Station, owned by Richard and Sarah Burdon, and I loved every minute of it.

Most of my hunting didn't happen in the rain. But the bull tahr hunt? That one did. And it was a doozy.

Picture this: you claw your way up above the clouds, only to get sandwiched between another layer of them, clouds that somehow manage to throw rain at you from every direction. The southern hemisphere hurls its cold breath at you, a breath I swear carried the faint scent of penguin poop drifting up from Antarctica. It hits you so hard that whatever air you keep after climbing, you hold onto it only because exhaling feels like surrender.

I was soaked. My Blaser R8? Soaked. The optic? Drenched. My guide, Oscar Goodman, a tall, lanky Kiwi, looked like he swam there. And the bull tahr? He was soaked, too. Two hundred twenty-five yards away, bedded down in the rain, unfazed, and I'd bet good money he liked it.

I wiped my scope. Then again. And again. The last swipe was pointless. The blur wasn't on the optic lens but on my eyes, flooded from the cold and wind. I slammed my eyelids shut and squeezed out enough water to drown in. 

When I opened them, I could finally see. The tahr was clear. The illuminated dot in my Blaser optic burned like a lighthouse through the fog, the rain, and my constant shivering, guiding my eye to where I'd send the shot.

Oscar leaned in, voice low and steady and whispered.

"When he stands up, shoot him."

Tune in to next week's edition of The Hunting Wire to find out what happened next. I've got to turn the dryer back on.

DSC Foundation Issues Emergency Grant to Chapungo-Kambako Safaris

DSC Foundation at its core is an entity that supports wildlife conservation and community development through hunting all over the world. DSC Foundation has always, and will continue to, step forward when operators, outfitters, and communities need help.

One of our communities, Kambako Safaris, in Northern Mozambique, has had their camp devastated by criminals. Their hunting camp was looted, razed to the ground, and everything taken, including uniforms for anti-poaching scouts, food supplies, radios, and other essentials for keeping this conservation area intact.

“We’re still in shock. It’s devastating to see 20 years of hard work and commitment to conservation and community wiped out in a single day. But this will not be the end of Kambako,” stated Jacques Hartzenburg, of Chapungo-Kambako Safaris.

This incident is going to have a tremendous effect on wildlife conservation and community development. The hunting-operator community over the last 20 years has created a ring of protection around the Niassa Special Reserve, creating an indelible conservation success story for wildlife, including incredible plains game, tremendous buffalo, and the only exportable lion population in Mozambique.

DSC Foundation refuses to let all the conservation and community success go by the wayside due to this incident of criminality and, as such, has decided to step into the fold to help. DSC Foundation has approved an emergency grant to Kambako Safaris to provide much needed assistance, directed specifically to helping the following efforts in their conservatory Niassa, Mozambique:

  • Support to ensure anti-poaching efforts in Kambako Safaris conservatory area continue
  • Support to ensure community initiatives established by Kambako Safaris including schools, medical, community gardens, food (meat), etc. continue
  • Support to address other needs tied to these communities

100% of these funds will directly aid the people and wildlife of Niassa, two vital elements that are direct benefactors of hunting.

In the coming days and weeks, DSC Foundation will roll out a greater initiative in combating these terrible acts against conservation. With your support, the Foundation will remain at the ready to quickly assist and act no matter where the need arises.

If you are a hunter that has booked in Northern Mozambique, DSC Foundation and DSC advise you to reach out to your operator/outfitter to discuss the current situations in the Niassa region and how it may impact your planned hunt. DSC Foundation and DSC stands with our operators in Mozambique as well as our members and hunters that hunt there.

HUNTING NEWS & INFORMATION

The Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department and Vermont Fish and Wildlife Board will hold two more public hearings on May 6 and 8 to get input on the Fish and Wildlife Department’s 2025 Antlerless Harvest Recommendation as well as proposed changes to white-tailed deermoose and turkey hunting regulations and the rules for transporting wild game meat from out of state.

Wilderness Bonds is proud to announce that legendary firearms manufacturer Mossberg will be the official sponsor of its upcoming Oklahoma Hog Hunt, a high-energy, all-female adventure aimed at expanding the tradition of ethical hunting and field mentorship.

Steiner proudly announces that the TOR-X pistol-mounted laser system has been honored with Shoot-On’s Excellence Award.

Kinsey’s Inc. is proud to highlight Fiocchi during this Vendor Focus Week, running May 5 through May 11, 2025.

Powder Valley is thrilled to announce the upcoming availability of the all-new Hornady 25 Creedmoor, the first SAAMI-approved .25 caliber cartridge designed from the ground up for modern, high-performance shooting. 

Introducing three dynamic models: the 16” 5.56 Rifle, the 10.5” 5.56 Pistol, and the 10.5” 300 Blackout Pistol.  Crafted in Mansfield, Ohio, to deliver unmatched value, reliability, and versatility. With an MSRP under $500 for all models, these firearms bring premium features to an accessible price point, continuing our commitment to supporting the U.S. economy and local businesses.

Powder Valley is proud to announce the addition of the Barnes Harvest Collection to its growing lineup of premium hunting ammunition.

Meet the People Practicing Time-Honored Methods of Traditional Barbecue and Live Fire Cooking Monday, May 5 at 9 p.m. ET

The renowned brand recently announced the addition of two top-of-the-line tools to their turkey-calling lineup, the Thunder Ridge Pro Series Strikers and the premium Ridge Talker Box Call—both of which deliver true-to-life sounds that’ll quickly bring the woods to life.

Calling turkeys is intrinsic to the American hunting heritage and while many hunters are content with their abilities, there is always room for improvement and refinement. Pro turkey callers don’t just stumble into good calling, they earn it through practice and by honing their abilities with a wide range of calls.

Live Event from Chattanooga with 66 Anglers Competing for Top Prize of $150,000

With back-to-back shows packed full of epic catches, intense rivalries, and expert analysis, this programming block is a can’t-miss for every angling enthusiast.

McMillan Stocks, the industry leader in premium fiberglass rifle stocks, is proud to announce the launch of its newest online tool, Price My Stock

Target Sports USA proudly represented their brand at the 2025 NRA Annual Meeting, where the team connected with hundreds of attendees across the shooting sports community.

Following the successful launch of Hull Float earlier this year, Hobie Eyewear is thrilled to announce the addition of three new premium styles to its 2025 lineup: Cove FloatMya, and Commander.

Silencer Central is on the hunt for a dynamic Media & Content Specialist to join the team in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. 

Mathews Archery is proud to announce the official launch of Arrow Vault. Designed with the archer and bowhunter in mind, Arrow Vault provides the most minimalist and streamlined arrow storage solution on the market.

Whitetails Unlimited Inc. is seeking a part-time Field Director in Kentucky to execute program services.

If you want to get outside to enjoy Michigan’s spring turkey hunting season, you still have plenty of time. Pick up your Hunt 0234 license today and head out for the season opener on Saturday, May 3.

ZenCentiv takes center stage in the latest episode of the Headhunters NW Podcast. Hosted by Shaylene, this engaging episode features Nick Nielson of ZenCentiv as he discusses the groundbreaking no-code sales compensation platform that is transforming the way organizations manage and implement incentive programs.

SK Guns, the Nation’s only series-driven, limited-edition manufacturer of custom firearms, is proud to announce the release of its newest standalone custom firearm in honor of Cinco de Mayo and Mexican General Ignacio Zaragoza.

North Dakota’s 2024 pheasant and sharp-tailed grouse harvests were up, while gray partridge was similar to 2023, according to the state Game and Fish Department. Upland game biologist RJ Gross said the overall harvest was likely a result of more hunters, more trips and more birds in the population.

Powder Valley is excited to announce the upcoming availability of Sierra’s new MatchKing-X (MKX) bullets—an innovative evolution of the legendary MatchKing line, now reengineered for both match and hunting performance.

Watch the championship round of 2025 Major League Fishing (MLF) Bass Pro Tour O’Reilly Auto Parts Stage Four Presented by OPTIMA Batteries LIVE on GAME & FISH TV, powered by Outdoor Sportsman Group, on May 4 at 1 p.m. ET. 

Chambered in the hard-hitting 10mm Auto and decked out in the stunning Kryptek Obskura Skyfall camo, this Gen 3 platform carbine is built for those who crave power, portability, and jaw-dropping style in one compact package.

O.F. Mossberg & Sons, Inc., was presented with a National Rifle Association (NRA) Publications Golden Bullseye Award during the recent NRA Annual Meetings & Exhibits in Atlanta, Georgia.

At Hi Mountain Seasonings, the commitment to enhancing the grilling experience remains a priority, providing an array of products that cater to novice and seasoned pitmasters alike.

Powered by ViewLift: MOTV Subscribers now get the Best-In-Class Outdoor Streaming Platform with Enhanced Functionality and New Look   

Ohio’s Logan County and Killbuck Valley Whitetails Unlimited Chapters, along with a match from WTU National Headquarters, all contributed funds totaling $25,909 to purchase two drones for the Ohio Department of Natural Resources.

“Killer Instinct Crossbows remains a part of the Whitetails Unlimited family,” said WTU President Jeff Schinkten.

Texas Hunter Products, a trusted name in premium outdoor equipment, offers a comprehensive range of durable and efficient Protein Feedersdesigned to support healthy deer herds and enhance antler growth.

Maverick Hunting has renewed their Whitetails Unlimited sponsorship, WTU Jeff Schinkten has announced.

The Grind is putting the spotlight on the Hardwood Honey, a turkey call that continues to be a go-to for hunters looking to bring in stubborn spring gobblers.

Access to quality land remains one of the biggest challenges for outdoor enthusiasts, and one of the primary barriers to growing overall participation in activities like hunting.

“The Fishmonger” Features San Diego Native Tommy Gomes and is Produced by “Ranch America” and “Dead Meat” Production Team

Turkey seasons are well underway across the country, but many states have seasons that extend to Memorial Day, or even early June! Turkey hunters know there aren’t many experiences that match the sight and sounds of a stud gobbler sashaying into shotgun range, especially when they come to the call. And refining the craft is always more effective during real time hunting scenarios.

SPYPOINT, a leader in trail camera technology since 2004, is proud to announce the official release of two new cellular trail cameras to the award-winning FLEX series: the FLEX-DARK and the FLEX-S-DARK.

HS Strut, the storied brand of turkey calls and hunting accessories founded by Hunters Specialties more than three decades ago, recently introduced a new choke tube lineup and double-tone box call, just in time for 2025 turkey openers nationwide. 

With his larger-than-life personality and unique take on outdoor television, Brian “Pigman” Quaca has redefined the hunting genre as the unfiltered and unapologetic host of Pigman: The Series, airing Sunday nights at 8:30 p.m. ET on Sportsman Channel. 

 
Hunting Wire - 2271 N Upton St., Arlington, VA 22207
Copyright © 2024, All Rights Reserved.