FEBRUARY 3, 2025
 
 
 

Feature

The Hunting Wire continues to grow and evolve to meet the needs of our hunting community. One big announcement I have for you is the kick-off of The Lever Gun Chronicles, an exclusive year-long series from The Hunting Wire, sponsored by GunBroker.com. This in-depth exploration of lever-action rifles delves into their storied past, enduring functionality, and resurgence in modern hunting and shooting. In fact, in a few weeks, I'll take one lever-action legend, Marlin's 1984 Trapper to Arizona after mountain lion. Stay tuned to see how that turns out.

The news continues to come out from 2025's NSSF SHOT Show. As promised I have a few more new items I found interesting at this year's trade show.

Polygiene Storm Scent Eliminator OdorCrunch Spray – Scent control is a major factor for hunting success. England-based Polygiene’s new Storm Scent Eliminator OdorCrunch Spray gives hunters the ability to reduce their scent signature in their hunting clothing and equipment with no harm to themselves or the environment. MSRP $7.99

Mountainsmith Andesite Neo and Boomstick Carbon Trekking Poles – World-class ultralight hiking equipment manufacturer Mountainsmith, based in Golden, Colo., debuted their Andesite Neo and BoomStick Carbon trekking poles at SHOT Show this year. Both series of trekking poles feature carbon fiber construction with adjustable heights, replaceable screw-in tungsten carbide tips, and rubber boot tips. The Andesite Neo series extends to 53-inches and weighs in at 14 oz a set, while the Boomstick Carbon offers a beefier design with built-in monopod functionality for things like cameras, optics, or even a V-notch for resting your rifle. The Boomstick Carbon extends to 60-inches and weighs 16 oz per set. Andesite Neo MSRP $89.95 | Boomstick Carbon MSRP $99.95

WATCHTOWER Firearms - Bridger Bolt-Action Rifle - WATCHTOWER Firearms introduced the BRIDGER bolt-action rifle at the 2025 SHOT Show. The BRIDGER rifle comes with a unique LRA Precision Ti-Strike titanium barrel, 416R stainless steel magnum action, carbon-fiber McMillan stock, and Timney Elite Hunter Trigger. Chambered in the wildly-popular 7mm PRC, it will be available this spring for a suggested retail price of $6499.

Smith & Wesson - The Model 1854 Stealth Hunter is available 44 MAG, 357 MAG, 45 LC, sports a 8+1 capacity, 16.3" threaded barrel, 1:20" RH twist 8-groove rifling, flat-face trigger, and come with a HIVIZ H3 front sight. It also sports a Large Loop Lever,which you either love or hate in the lever-action world, and a synthetic stock with textured grips, and a aluminum M-LOK handguard w/15 M-LOK slots to add assorted tools to your lever-action rifle. MSRP $1399

Things are happening on The Hunting Wire! I'm excited, and I look forward to bringing you the very best hunting news, information, and stories in the industry!

Jay Pinsky

Editor - The Hunting & Archery Wire

jay@theoutdoorwire.com

Step into the rich legacy of one of America's most iconic firearms with The Lever Gun Chronicles, an exclusive year-long series from The Hunting Wire, sponsored by GunBroker.com. This in-depth exploration of lever-action rifles delves into their storied past, enduring functionality, and resurgence in modern hunting and shooting.

Whether you're a seasoned hunter, a firearms enthusiast, or a history buff, The Lever Gun Chronicles has something for you. This series will track the evolution of the lever-action rifle—from its legendary role in shaping the Old West to its continued presence in today's hunting fields, shooting ranges, and homesteads.

Alongside a dedicated team of outdoor writers, The Lever Gun Chronicles will explore:

  • In-Depth Reviews – A close look at classic and modern lever-action models, breaking down performance, innovation, and craftsmanship.
  • Hunting Stories – Real-world accounts of hunters who trust their lever guns in the field, from whitetail woods to the mountains of the West.
  • Technical Insights – A deep dive into lever-action mechanics, cartridges, optics, ammunition, and gear of the lever-gun world.
  • Historical Perspectives—The lever gun has a fascinating history, including its battlefield contributions, law enforcement use, and pop culture influence.
  • Industry Spotlights – Exclusive interviews with key figures in the firearms industry who share their personal connections to lever guns.
 

The Lever Gun Chronicles isn't just about a rifle—it's about a legacy. It's about the hunters, sportsmen, and collectors who keep the tradition alive. Follow along as we celebrate the lever-action rifle's past, present, and future, one story at a time.

Don't miss the premiere of The Lever Gun Chronicles—coming soon to The Hunting Wire!

HUNTING NEWS & INFORMATION

The Hawkeye’s shroud serves to guide the optic in and out of the holster. This allows the optic to rest partially below the belt line, thus achieving the correct depth inside the waistband.

The TemprX features the patented, easy-to-draw synchronized X-Cam system that generates less noise and vibration then traditional crossbows. Ultra-narrow, the TemprX measures 10.375” un-cocked and even a narrower 6.75” cocked, making it easy to maneuver in tight spaces.

With over 30 wins to date, Tink’s continues to bring home gold and set the standard for the hunting industry.

It may be cold out, but there’s no better time to fire up the grill and learn a few cooking tips and tricks from MyOutdoorTV (MOTV), the premier streaming service for outdoor enthusiasts. 

Cornerstone Christian Academy, a mainstay of the Statesville, North Carolina community, recently completed a state-of-the-art addition to the campus, the Crosswhite Sports Complex.

Both cameras are built extra-tough, with SPYPOINT’s new latch and flexible antenna with no-slip brass hardware. Like all FLEX models, they automatically connect to all major carriers and offer seamless setup, versatile capture modes, and GPS capabilities. They also include a free 100-photo monthly transmission plan, advanced BUCK TRACKER AI for species tagging, and a two-year warranty—giving you reliable performance and peace of mind in the field.

WE Knife is excited to announce its participation in the 2025 Great American Outdoor Show, taking place from February 1-9, 2025 at the Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex & Expo Center in Harrisburg, PA.

Ten years ago, we set out on a mission to create something special—a brand that spoke to those who are willing to go to the ends of the earth to chase game, the hunters who would stop at nothing to answer the call of the wild. As one of the founders, I’m beyond proud of how far we’ve come, but even more excited about what lies ahead.

To survive Michigan’s frigid winter temperatures, some birds store food from feeders to eat later in winter, while others expand their food sources and change their diets.

LITTLE ROCK — The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission is asking waterfowl hunters and wildlife watchers heading to the field to keep an eye out for any sick or dead birds they find in the wild that may be the result of avian influenza.

The North Dakota Game and Fish Department is monitoring a mortality event involving Canada geese along the Missouri River and Nelson Lake in Oliver County. Testing of carcasses has indicated that highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) is the likely cause. Carcasses have been reported where large congregations of geese occur near open water.

The new ZeroTech 1-4x Variable Prism Sight allows users to adjust magnification seamlessly between 1x all the way to 4x, providing both close-range accuracy and extended-range precision in one powerful optic – all at an unbeatable price point.

Those looking to add a green dot to their optical loadout can now find a simple, robust point of aim in the Crossfire Green Dot. Fans of tan will love how the new tan Crossfire Red Dot matches their favorite-colored weapon.

Smith & Wesson Brands, Inc., announced the start of its Seeing Green Rebate program.

Where’s a good hunting spot? What do I need in order to start hunting? There are many questions a new hunter faces when first getting into the sport, many of which can be quite overwhelming.

Leica Sport Optics is launching a brand-new riflescope series catering specifically to owners of the finest luxury rifles. The Leica Fortis Glossy riflescopes are polished by hand in a special process to receive a unique shine. The surface perfectly matches the glossy bluing of classic firearms.

Richmond, VA — The Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources (DWR) is receiving increasing reports of sick or dead wild birds on the Eastern Shore and isolated instances in the eastern half of the state. Preliminary testing indicates that the likely cause in several cases was H5N1 highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI).

The Second Amendment Foundation (SAF) has scored an important victory in its challenge of a federal prohibition on handgun sales to young adults with a unanimous ruling by a three-judge panel of the Fifth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals to reverse a lower court decision and remand the case back for further action. 

By highlighting this development, Kinsey’s Inc. aims to strengthen vendor relationships as well as provide two high-demand vendors to their wide dealer base and their dealers’ customers.

Along with serving as the Executive Editor of the insightful NRA publication, Grazio also hosts the popular "I Carry" weekly video series. He covers a wide range of products and issues in the Everyday Carry (EDC) market, including knives, handguns, optics, flashlights, and other gear. His informative product insights guide readers in what to carry and how to use selected gear.

The innovative new 9mm suppressor made its world debut at SHOT with Industry Day at the Range being the first opportunity many have had to shoot it.

Outdoor America is proud to announce the network world premiere for season four of Duck Camp Dinners, which is filming now.

BOSTON — State environmental and health officials are informing the public that Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) H5N1 virus, which rarely infects humans, is suspected to be the cause of death in cases of both wild and domestic birds in several Massachusetts municipalities

These innovative products are manufactured using a groundbreaking, metal and ceramic nanocomposite material called MAGNITE. 1791 LiteRaider products are designed and engineered to fully exploit the benefits of this new material, offering greater strength, durability, and thermal resistance than 6061-T6 aluminum while reducing weight by up to 33%. 

As one of the industry’s top gatherings, the show is the perfect opportunity for retailers to get up close and personal with X-Vision Optics’ must-have lineup of premium optics.

Based in Sparta, IL, Zanders has been committed to providing dealer focused distribution services in the United States since 1962. Zanders is committed to outstanding customer service and provides dealers with the resources they need to be successful.

This collaboration underscores our commitment to supporting individuals who exemplify the spirit of American resilience and determination.

SHELTON, Conn.—The Sporting Arms and Ammunition Manufacturers’ Institute,®Inc., (SAAMI®) has announced the acceptance of three new rifle cartridges for SAAMI standardization.

Armasight, a leader in thermal and night vision technology, proudly announces image-enhancing firmware updates for Sidekick 640, Jockey 640, and Collector 640 thermal devices.

Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) viruses can severely affect domestic animal, wildlife, and sometimes human health.

PARD Optics is pleased to announce Jay’s Sporting Goods as their 2024 Dealer of the year.

 
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