Massachusetts is considering longer deer hunting seasons, including Sunday hunting, reduced setback requirements, and relaxed crossbow rules, to address rising deer densities and related ecological and health risks (Martha’s Vineyard Gazette, Jan. 22, 2026).

That's a win in and of itself for hunting and hunters - all of us.

Expanding hunting seasons on Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket challenges us to realign wildlife policy with scientific reality and societal needs. This issue demands a deeper understanding, not just a regulatory fix.

Hunter participation is limited by access: work, cost, and time, right where sound deer management is most needed. Addressing these bottlenecks is critical to achieving effective conservation goals.

As a guest on The Outdoor Podcast episode “The Crossbow Wars,” I discussed crossbow ethics, access, and how these changes could impact hunting participation and conservation.

We focused on ethics and wildlife management. Crossbows, often misunderstood, can actually help attract and retain hunters for effective deer management.

Similar to reconsidering crossbow access, re-evaluating Massachusetts’ archery setback distances could mean the difference between legal harvest and artificial refuge for deer in suburban and island settings. When regulations limit where hunters can go, deer become unreachable even as densities climb. That’s not a fair chase. It’s a misapplied policy.

This is not about increasing hunting for its own sake, nor about dismissing non-hunters. It is about policy that uses science and participation to balance conservation with our modern use of public spaces.

Just as important, our public image as hunters, and especially how we treat and regard each other, plays a pivotal role in shaping public policy outcomes.

When we present ourselves as ethical, respectful, and united, we build trust with non-hunters and policymakers alike. Divisiveness or negative stereotypes, on the other hand, can undermine our credibility and weaken our influence in debates like this.

Ultimately, our ability to win support for sound wildlife management depends not only on the facts we share, but on the example we set within our own community and to the public. In other words, stop the hunter-on-hunter bashing because it's not just about good manners - eliminating it can help expand the movement for good, science-based wildlife management.   

Massachusetts’ listening sessions and comment periods are an invitation to participate before policy solidifies. Voice your views and concerns during these forums to ensure access aligns with responsibility, supporting forests that regenerate, safer roads, and reduced tick-borne disease.

Hunters aren’t seeking special favors. We seek the ability to do the work necessary to support healthy wildlife populations and shared landscapes.

Not acting is itself a choice. Massachusetts must decide: let outdated tradition shape deer policy, or adopt science-based changes to protect the environment and public health. 

Jay Pinsky, Editor, The Hunting Wire & Archery Wire

jay@theoutdoorwire.com

The Wyoming Game and Fish Department will retire the Sage-Grouse Local Working Groups effective January 31, concluding 21 years of conservation work that began in 2004. The groups funded 377 projects and secured over $11 million in sage-grouse conservation actions and $68 million in matching funds. The department will continue sage-grouse management through the Sage-Grouse Implementation Team and partnerships with state and federal agencies.

The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission approved over $2.6 million in Land and Water Conservation Fund grants and Recreational Trails Program funding for projects across Nebraska communities, including park improvements, trail development, and the Nebraska State Snowmobile Association's educational programs for the 2026 International Snowmobile Congress.

The Pennsylvania Board of Game Commissioners gave preliminary approval to 2026-27 hunting and trapping seasons and bag limits. Significant changes include a one spring gobbler bag limit for wild turkeys, adjustments to deer season dates, expanded archery bear season in WMU 3D, new early October elk firearms season, and opening of WMU 5A to bobcat hunting and WMUs 2G, 3A, and 4C to river otter trapping. Public comments are accepted until the April board meeting.

The Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division of Wildlife counted 715 bald eagles during a midwinter citizen survey from January 7-21, receiving 391 separate reports. Ohio's bald eagle population has dramatically increased, with 964 active nests found in 2025 compared to 707 nests in 2020.

The Bowhunter Podcast, in partnership with Lancaster Archery Supply and the Archery Trade Association, features Bowhunter TV co-host Danny Farris recounting his 25-year journey to draw a Colorado bighorn sheep tag and his successful December 2025 hunt that resulted in harvesting a trophy-class ram from 25 yards away.

Dead Air Silencers' RXD30Ti suppressor has been selected as a recipient of the 2026 American Rifleman Golden Bullseye Award. The suppressor features advanced Triskelion™ and Nomad™ baffle technologies, an integrated E-Brake providing up to 40-percent recoil reduction, and broad HUB mounting compatibility for modern long-range and big-game applications.

Tim Dillon has been appointed CEO of BERSA USA, bringing over 40 years of firearms industry experience. Dillon previously held senior leadership roles at Christensen Arms, Noveske Rifleworks, STI International, and Brownells Inc., and is a U.S. Army Veteran with extensive government program support experience.

Registration is now open for the 2026 National R3 Symposium, taking place May 4-7 at the Hilton Des Moines Downtown in Iowa. The event brings together professionals from state and federal agencies, NGOs, industry partners, and academia to collaborate on recruitment, retention, and reactivation strategies for hunters and recreational shooters. Early-bird registration is $525 through March 16.

Vermont Fish and Wildlife announced 16 additional archery deer hunting days across eight targeted zones to manage high deer populations causing property damage and vegetation loss. Archery hunting in expanded zones begins September 15 with only antlerless deer allowed until the regular October 1 season starts. Commissioner Jason Batchelder emphasized obtaining landowner permission and checking municipal ordinances before hunting.

C&H Precision, an industry-leading designer and manufacturer of precision optics and pistol slide milling upgrades based in Richmond Hill, Georgia, is hiring a Director of Business Development to drive growth through strategic partnerships, enterprise sales, and government accounts. Interested candidates should contact Dana Smith, Director of Human Resources, at dana@chpws.com.

Whitetails Unlimited Inc. is hiring part-time Field Directors for territories in Texas, Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, West Virginia, and Pennsylvania. Candidates should have event planning experience, Microsoft 365 proficiency, and knowledge of hunting and white-tailed deer. Interested applicants should email fieldoperations@whitetailsunlimited.com.

Code Blue® Scents launches four new hunting products: Refuge™ All-Season Spray, Code Red® Doe Estrous, Soak-A-Rope™, and Rope Dope™. These advanced scent technology products are designed to give whitetail hunters an edge throughout the season.

CCI Ammunition announces its all-new Hunter Series rimfire ammunition for 2026, designed specifically for small game hunters with flat-nose bullets in standard and subsonic velocities. The products will be displayed at the 2026 SHOT Show in Las Vegas and shipped to dealers soon.

Vortex Optics introduced the Vortex Relay™ Network, a closed connectivity system for long-range shooting tools including the Impact® 4000 Ballistic Rail-Mounted Laser Rangefinder, Ace™ Ballistic Weather Meter, and Talon® HD 10K Ballistic Laser Rangefinding Binocular. The system integrates ballistic, environmental, and rifle-specific data across devices using the GeoBallistics® App solver.

C&H Precision announced the launch of the STRYKR, a mission-ready enclosed-emitter red-dot optic designed for duty, defensive, and competition use. The optic features a 1913 Picatinny mounting interface, 50,000-hour battery life, and is backed by C&H Precision's lifetime guarantee.

COAST Products unveiled the BRKR PTX65R and PTX35R pistol lights featuring a patent-pending Snap-Focus™ Two-Beam System that transitions between a CLEAR-VIEW™ Flood Beam for close-quarters awareness and an ULTRA-RANGE™ Spot Beam for long-distance precision. Available for pre-order January 20, 2026, the PTX35R retails for $129.99 and the PTX65R for $149.99.

Arcus Hunting announces the launch of Defend by Dead Down Wind, a new safety-focused insect repellent brand featuring picaridin and permethrin formulas for protection against mosquitoes, ticks, and biting insects. The lineup will launch in early spring 2026 through retail partners including Quincy Farm and Home and DeadDownWind.com.

Hawke® Optics introduces the Vantage IR 1–4x20 Turkey Dot Scope in Mossy Oak® Bottomland, featuring an illuminated turkey-specific reticle for fast target acquisition and precise shot placement. The scope offers 1-4x magnification, four inches of eye relief, and includes accessories like a zoom throw lever and honeycomb sunshade, backed by Hawke's No-Fault Lifetime Warranty.

Knight & Hale Game Calls announces its newest deer call lineup featuring the EZ-Grunter, EZ-Grunter Xtreme, Death Chamber, and Ultimate Rattle Bag. Each call is engineered to deliver authentic realism and versatility for hunters seeking to attract deer throughout the season.

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is seeking three positions on the Wildlife Habitat Improvement Program advisory council: a wildlife biologist, an Indian Tribe member, and a livestock producer representative. Following House Bill 932, WHIP now funds habitat restoration and conservation projects through Montana's Habitat Legacy Account. Applications close February 27.

Hawke Optics launches the new Vantage HD 34 FFP riflescope series, available in 3–15x44 and 5–25x56 configurations with Mil Pro II or MOA Pro II reticles. These first-focal-plane scopes feature Zero-Stop elevation turrets, premium multi-coated optics, and a No-Fault Lifetime Warranty, redefining value in long-range shooting.

Gunpowder Inc. has been named agency of record for ZEV Technologies, a performance firearm and accessories brand. The partnership will focus on earned-media strategy and brand visibility, leveraging Gunpowder's experience with enthusiast markets and ZEV's reputation for precision-engineered firearms and components.

Gunpowder Inc., a leading enthusiast lifestyle agency, has been named public relations agency of record for SilencerCo, the shooting industry's leader in suppressor design and construction. Gunpowder will support strategic communications, media relations, and brand storytelling to elevate awareness of SilencerCo's premium products and innovation legacy.

Ralph and Vicki Cianciarulo of The Choice TV show and Content King Media are expanding their partnership with SPYPOINT. Their next generation, RJ and Aubrey Cianciarulo, are taking on larger roles in the company and television program, bringing fresh creativity while honoring the family's decades-long legacy in outdoor content.

The USA Clay Target League announced that Josh Kroells, who has served as Operations Manager since 2014, has been promoted to Vice President by the Board of Directors. Kroells will continue leading efforts to expand clay target shooting sports participation across schools and athletes nationwide.

Custom & Collectable Firearms announced Anthony Munguia as its new Director of Engraving. With over a decade of engraving expertise, Munguia will lead the East Texas company's efforts to create limited-edition, handcrafted firearms featuring high polishing, gold plating, engraving, and custom details for collectors.

Kestrel Ballistics has integrated Applied Ballistics' Custom Drag Factor (CDF) into the Kestrel 5700X with Weapon Employment Zone (WEZ), enabling precision shooters to fine-tune ballistic calculations for enhanced accuracy and consistency. The feature will be demonstrated at SHOT Show booth #14856 by the Applied Ballistics Team.

Hook & Barrel Magazine announces a sweepstakes offering readers the chance to win a Ruger Red Label III 20-gauge shotgun, Caldwell Claycopter, and two cases of Winchester shotgun shells valued at $3,758. The giveaway runs through January 31, 2026, with entry available on the Hook & Barrel website.

The 48th annual SHOT Show, owned and operated by NSSF, concluded with over 53,000 industry professionals attending from all 50 states and 126 countries. The event featured 2,744 exhibitors across 834,500 net square feet, with highlights including the Suicide Prevention Town Hall with Secretary of Veterans Affairs Doug Collins and Kim Rhode receiving the NSSF Ken Sedlecky Lifetime Achievement Award.

ATA Show Week 2026, held January 6-11 in Indianapolis, brought together hundreds of brands and thousands of attendees for trade, competition, and consumer engagement. The inaugural Archery & Bowhunting Supershow opened to consumers for the first time, while the members-only ATA Trade Show remained the industry's premier business event. Nearly 1,200 archers competed in the NFAA Rushmore Rumble and S3DA Indoor tournaments.