Shotgun Life | The Best in Wing and Clays Shooting

Author: Shotgun Life Staff

Women’s Podium Sweep, USA Wins Five Skeet Medals at 2025 ISSF World Cup in Lima

Thursday, April 17, 2025
Written by Shotgun Life Staff
Categories: News
Tags: #Dania Vizzi, #International Shooting Sports Federation, #TeamUSA, Kimberly Rhode, Samantha Simonton

COLO SPRGS, CO (April 16, 2025) – Team USA sweeps the podium with Kimberly Rhode, Samantha Simonton, and Dania Vizzi claiming gold, silver, and bronze, respectively, in Women’s Skeet at the 2025 International Shooting Sports Federation (ISSF) World Cup in Lima, Peru, April 16. Christian Elliott and Dustan Taylor add to the U.S. medal count with a gold and silver, respectively, in Men’s Skeet.

“I am very grateful,” said Rhode, an Olympic medalist in both double trap and skeet. “I am very honored to have (my teammates) out there and very honored that we were able to sweep the podium for the U.S. I am very happy with it.”

Kimberly Rhode, a six-time Olympic medalist, secured the gold medal after winning a shoot-off with teammate Samantha Simonton. Rhode now has 26 ISSF World Cup gold medals bringing her total World Cup medal count to 40. Rhode’s incredible international success is vast, with six Olympic medals, five Pan American Games medals,  six ISSF World Cup Finals medals, and five ISSF World Championships medals.

“I have had a long, long road and hopefully it will continue all the way through LA28,”said Rhode, an El Monte, California, native.

Simonton, the 2024 ISSF World Cup Final champion, adds to her international success with this Lima World Cup silver. Simonton, a Sgt. in the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit, had a strong showing in the final adding to the USA podium sweep. Simonton’s qualification score of 121/125 secured her spot in the final.

“I would have loved to have won, but I am happy to have made this final and, on the podium, because in Buenos Aires two weeks ago I was one target out of the final,” said Simonton, a three-time ISSF World Championship medalist. “I am happy to be here improving, working on some things, and getting primed and ready for our U.S. selection match next month.”

Vizzi, a Paris 2024 Olympian, joins Rhode and Simonton on the podium with the bronze. Vizzi bested Yiting Jiang, of China, who finished fourth. Vizzi most recently earned gold at the 2025 ISSF Buenos Aires World Cup after winning a shoot-off against teammate Rhode. The duo shared the podium in Buenos Aires, adding to the overall U.S. medal count of six.

“Although I didn’t get to bring home the gold again, I am so lucky and happy to bring home a bronze and to do it with my teammates on the podium,” said Vizzi, the 2023 Pan American Games champion in Skeet Mixed Team.

See official Women’s Skeet finals results here.

Taylor, a Staff Sgt. in the USAMU, claims gold in Men’s Skeet, marking his first individual ISSF World Cup Medal. Taylor, a 2023 Pan American Games medalist, is joined by Elliott on the podium. Elliott, the 2025 ISSF Buenos Aires champion, claims silver in an impressive final. See official results here.

Taylor and Elliott shot qualification scores of 121/125 and 123/125, respectively, landing them in the final. Adam McBee, who shot for ranking points only, shot a phenomenal qualification score as well with 123/125.

The U.S. is currently ranked number one for medal count at the Lima World Cup with five medals. The competition continues with rifle and trap events this week. See the full schedule here.

USA Shooting is proud to have a handful of great supporters, sponsor and partners. Among many others, we would like to thank  The NRA Foundation, Hillsdale College, The International Order of T. Roosevelt, The Hal & Jean Glassen Foundation, Safari Club International, MidwayUSA Foundation, White Flyer Targets, and Shoot the Moon.

By Brittany Nelson, USAS Public Relations & Communications Manager 

Wednesday, April 16, 2025
Written by Shotgun Life Staff
Categories: News
Tags: #conservation, #ruffedgrousesociety

New Eastern Ruffed Grouse Conservation Plan Aims to Restore Populations

The Eastern Grouse Working Group (EGWG), a collective of state and provincial wildlife agency biologists, has developed a strategic plan to guide ruffed grouse recovery in the eastern half of their range. The newly released Eastern Ruffed Grouse Conservation Plan (ERGCP) 2025-2034 outlines critical actions for habitat restoration and conservation efforts over the next decade.

While ruffed grouse are non-migratory, their survival depends on large-scale habitat restoration. Conservation success in one state or province alone is not enough to ensure the long-term stability of ruffed grouse populations across the region. A coordinated, multi-state effort will provide greater ecological, social and economic benefits than isolated habitat management efforts.

Two Decades of Conservation Planning

The ERGCP builds on nearly 20 years of planning. In 2006, the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies’ Resident Game Bird Working Group endorsed a Ruffed Grouse Conservation Plan aimed at restoring populations to 1980 levels. Despite this plan, ruffed grouse populations have continued to decline in the eastern region. This prompted state wildlife agency biologists to call for a more strategic, coordinated initiative.

In January 2021, a planning workshop was held to evaluate the biological, social, political and economic conditions affecting ruffed grouse. From this effort, the EGWG identified Desired Future Conditions (DFCs), Current Conditions (CCs), gaps between them, and the barriers and opportunities to closing those gaps. This framework helped guide the development of the new conservation plan.

High-Priority Actions

During a strategic planning workshop in October 2023, EGWG members and key partners identified 21 priority actions necessary to achieve conservation goals. The highest-priority actions include:

• Evaluating the current distribution of quality grouse habitat using standardized methods.
• Identifying priority areas for habitat management based on biological and socio-economic factors.
• Developing and implementing forest ecosystem diversity plans in priority areas.
• Securing and allocating resources for effective grouse habitat management.
• Addressing resource gaps and barriers that hinder conservation efforts.

A Collaborative Approach

No single agency or organization has the resources to implement the ERGCP alone. However, strategic collaboration between states, provinces and conservation partners will create highly effective partnerships and conservation outcomes. Through coordinated efforts, ruffed grouse populations can be stabilized and improved across their eastern range.

The full Eastern Ruffed Grouse Conservation Plan 2025-2034 is available for review and provides detailed strategies for achieving long-term conservation success. Together, we can advance landscape-scale conservation efforts and secure the future of ruffed grouse.

While ruffed grouse are non-migratory, their survival depends on large-scale habitat restoration. Conservation success in one state or province alone is not enough to ensure the long-term stability of ruffed grouse populations across the region. A coordinated, multi-state effort will provide greater ecological, social and economic benefits than isolated habitat management efforts.

Two Decades of Conservation Planning

The ERGCP builds on nearly 20 years of planning. In 2006, the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies’ Resident Game Bird Working Group endorsed a Ruffed Grouse Conservation Plan aimed at restoring populations to 1980 levels. Despite this plan, ruffed grouse populations have continued to decline in the eastern region. This prompted state wildlife agency biologists to call for a more strategic, coordinated initiative.

In January 2021, a planning workshop was held to evaluate the biological, social, political and economic conditions affecting ruffed grouse. From this effort, the EGWG identified Desired Future Conditions (DFCs), Current Conditions (CCs), gaps between them, and the barriers and opportunities to closing those gaps. This framework helped guide the development of the new conservation plan.

High-Priority Actions

During a strategic planning workshop in October 2023, EGWG members and key partners identified 21 priority actions necessary to achieve conservation goals. The highest-priority actions include:

• Evaluating the current distribution of quality grouse habitat using standardized methods.
• Identifying priority areas for habitat management based on biological and socio-economic factors.
• Developing and implementing forest ecosystem diversity plans in priority areas.
• Securing and allocating resources for effective grouse habitat management.
• Addressing resource gaps and barriers that hinder conservation efforts.

A Collaborative Approach

No single agency or organization has the resources to implement the ERGCP alone. However, strategic collaboration between states, provinces and conservation partners will create highly effective partnerships and conservation outcomes. Through coordinated efforts, ruffed grouse populations can be stabilized and improved across their eastern range.

The full Eastern Ruffed Grouse Conservation Plan 2025-2034 is available for review and provides detailed strategies for achieving long-term conservation success. Together, we can advance landscape-scale conservation efforts and secure the future of ruffed grouse.

For more information visit the Ruffed Grouse Society/American Woodcock Society web site at https://ruffedgrousesociety.org

Crushable Vault Marks New Web Site by Introducing the Backpack Tournament Crushable Vault

Tuesday, April 15, 2025
Written by Shotgun Life Staff
Categories: News
Tags: #crushablevault, #tournamentcrushablevault

Origins of the Tournament Vault

We Introduced the Original Version of the Crushable Vault (the #1) in 2015 and since then we have become the market leader in helping people to secure their shotguns while traveling and in their vehicles.  We have continually tweaked our product line making it better, more efficient and user friendly. Our second-generation Field Vault line has been a great success with a simplified internal locking mechanism and its rich looking, upgraded 18 oz. waxed canvas fabric.  Now we are delighted to introduce our Tournament Vault.  This is a product several years in the making with lots of testing traveling to real life tournaments around the globe.   

One of the first things that stood out in terms of security at the 2021 Nationals in San Antonio was that we needed to make it easier for tournament shooters to move their Field Vaults in and out of their vehicles.  This was my first time at this tournament & I was not quite sure what to expect and truthfully, I was a kid at Disney.  The Nationals is attended by roughly 3,000 shooters from all over the world.  They come for the targets and return for the camaraderie.  But at this event I noticed that Tournament Shooters may have concerns not addressed by the Field Vault.   

The Field Vault was great to travel with and provided that discreet security we needed, especially on a long road trip driving from Bucks County, PA to San Antonio, TX.  We have heard too many stories of guns being stolen from the back of a vehicle while people are checking into their hotels or at a pit stop.  At the Nationals we have also heard countless warnings of vehicles being marked and the thieves tracking the vehicle.  Later on, they would break the windows in a classic smash & grab.  The Field Vault was designed to keep your guns safe during this type of attack.  But it was evident that it was not enough to secure your shotguns in the back of your vehicle, because vehicles were being stolen at an alarming rate.   

This was a concern for many shooters.  They really liked the Field Vault, but in packing it with several shotguns along with their 4-barrel sets, it was quite heavy.  I noticed this too.  I was traveling with my Krieghoff K-80 with its 3 barrels as well as a Beretta 692 for a friend.  I also had a couple of 20-gauge SxS’s since you cannot drive from Pennsylvania to San Antonio in the fall without stopping to chase come birds along the way.  I used two Field Vaults to secure these four shotguns in the back of my Ford Expedition.  And they worked great, but yes, they were heavy. 

The Field Vault is intended to stay in the vehicle, and you can slide your shotgun cases in and out of it with ease.  You can also unlock it bring the entire Vault up into your room and that is what I found myself doing.  My hotel room seemed more secure than the parking lot, and I felt better securing these guns in the room rather than leaving them under the bedspread and hoping for the best.  I locked the Vault to the built-in desk and I was all set.  But because of the combined weight, I found myself going for a luggage cart each time coming back & forth from the National Shooting Complex and that was somewhat inconvenient.  Out of this experience, we designed and have been using/field testing the Tournament Vault when traveling to this type of event. 

The Tournament Vault is designed with the traveling shooter in mind.  It is streamlined to accommodate the thicker Negrini style cases, such as the Negrini Multi-barrel gun case for shoots that include sub-gauges.  When competing in Europe, we really like the Negrini Single Shotgun Luggage Case as it enables you to pack your 12-gauge as well as your hat, vest, chokes and other gear all together in one case.  And for the upland bird & duck hunters, the Tournament Vault will also accommodate the Negrini Two Shotgun Travel Case for those destination bird hunts where you would like to bring along a second gun, or a semi-auto case up to 40” long. 

 We gave this new Vault heavily padded shoulder straps so it can be comfortably backpacked, leaving your hands free to manage your other gear.  We added a Velcro sleeve on the top of the unit to secure the exterior cable lock.  We utilize the same heavy duty, 10mm cable locking system to secure your shotguns inside the unit and to a fixed point inside your vehicle or in your hotel room.  These new Vaults have the same classic styling as our Field Vaults with 18-ounce waxed canvas, oversized solid brass YKK zippers and leather trim, or they are also available in heavy duty ballistic – just like our Field Vaults. 

I was able to put our initial prototype to the test in Orvieto, Italy in July 2022 at the World FITASC.  Orvieto is an incredible ancient town built on the top of a rock cliff in Umbria – between Rome & Florence.  Incredible architecture, restaurants and hotels that have been around for hundreds of years.  Of course, that also meant streets and parking to match.  I had to park well over a ½ mile away from the hotel, the Grand Hotel Italia.  Thanks to the Tournament Vault prototype, this walk was manageable in the 90-degree weather.  It also led to some tweaking of the product design – such as beefier straps for backpacking over longer distances. BTW, this was an amazing event and I would highly recommend it.  At this event, we started sponsoring the US Sporting Clays Team through the NSCA, and I became an Honorary Team Captain.  I have had the privilege of traveling with the Team since then and I really got the chance to appreciate the challenges they faced when traveling so extensively around the globe with a shotgun.   

The Tournament Vault makes getting through the airport much easier.  TSA admired the design and the ability to lock down my shotgun after inspection.  The shoulder straps have a dedicated sleeve for storage that enables snag free progress through the luggage carousal.  The Vault protected my Negrini case from the baggage handlers and the carousal where so many pieces of luggage get damaged.  Once collected, I easily secured my shotgun in the back of my rental vehicle utilizing the 10mm internal cable locking system.  Then I backpacked it up to my room and secured it to a huge desk, leaving me free to explore the town.  It is also nice to have your luggage tag locked deeply inside the case where it cannot be found. 

After field testing Tournament Vault at several events, we made our tweaks & modifications following the 2022 Nationals, several local tournaments, driven partridges in Spain, the 2023 World English at Churchill and the 2023 World FITASC in Gant, Hungary, the 2023 Nationals and the 2024 Western & Southeast Regionals, we determined that we were ready for production. 

We debuted the production version of the Tournament Vault at the 2024 World Championships hosted by M&M Hunting & Sporting Clays in Pennsville, NJ.  Sporting Accessories, LTD designed a customized version of this all-new Tournament Vault for the USA Sporting Clays Team – so as they are traveling to tournaments with their shotguns it will be a little easier and considerably more secure.  We donated one of these Tournament Vaults personalized for each member of the US Sporting Clays Team. 

The Tournament Vault makes it easier to trek to the tournament with your shotgun, lock it down after TSA inspections & getting through the airport, secure your shotgun in your rental vehicle and then to carry it up to your hotel room & secure it again in your room. 

With dimensions of L 40’x H 6 ½” x W 10”, this Tournament Vault consists of a soft-sided shell.  This version is made of 1680D Ballistic nylon – a super tough basket-weave synthetic and one of the most durable fabrics available.  It is further lined with a 600D lining, providing additional durability and nice interior finish.  The Vaults are designed to fit a Negrini-style, multiple barrel gun case (1646 series) or a Negrini double shotgun case (1622 series). Chances are your current gun case or the case that came with your shotgun will fit just fine. 

For more information visit https://tinyurl.com/3b55sjev

What is the Proper Hold Point for Shooting Sporting Clays?

Saturday, March 29, 2025
Written by Shotgun Life Staff
Categories: Briefs
Tags: #claysshootinghold points, #sportingclays, #sportingclayshold points

Are you looking to improve your shooting skills in sporting clays? One key factor to consider is finding the proper hold point for your shotgun. The hold point is where you pre-mount your gun before calling for the target, and it can greatly impact your shot placement. By understanding how to find your perfect hold point and implementing some tips for improvement, you can enhance your performance on the sporting clays course.

Read More

New Eastern Ruffed Grouse Conservation Plan Aims to Restore Populations

Sunday, March 23, 2025
Written by Shotgun Life Staff
Categories: News
Tags: #grousehunting, #ruffedgrousesociety, #woodcockhunting, americanwoodcocksociety

The Eastern Grouse Working Group (EGWG), a collective of state and provincial wildlife agency biologists, has developed a strategic plan to guide ruffed grouse recovery in the eastern half of their range. The newly released Eastern Ruffed Grouse Conservation Plan (ERGCP) 2025-2034 outlines critical actions for habitat restoration and conservation efforts over the next decade.

While ruffed grouse are non-migratory, their survival depends on large-scale habitat restoration. Conservation success in one state or province alone is not enough to ensure the long-term stability of ruffed grouse populations across the region. A coordinated, multi-state effort will provide greater ecological, social and economic benefits than isolated habitat management efforts.

Two Decades of Conservation Planning

The ERGCP builds on nearly 20 years of planning. In 2006, the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies’ Resident Game Bird Working Group endorsed a Ruffed Grouse Conservation Plan aimed at restoring populations to 1980 levels. Despite this plan, ruffed grouse populations have continued to decline in the eastern region. This prompted state wildlife agency biologists to call for a more strategic, coordinated initiative.

In January 2021, a planning workshop was held to evaluate the biological, social, political and economic conditions affecting ruffed grouse. From this effort, the EGWG identified Desired Future Conditions (DFCs), Current Conditions (CCs), gaps between them, and the barriers and opportunities to closing those gaps. This framework helped guide the development of the new conservation plan.

High-Priority Actions

During a strategic planning workshop in October 2023, EGWG members and key partners identified 21 priority actions necessary to achieve conservation goals. The highest-priority actions include:

• Evaluating the current distribution of quality grouse habitat using standardized methods.
• Identifying priority areas for habitat management based on biological and socio-economic factors.
• Developing and implementing forest ecosystem diversity plans in priority areas.
• Securing and allocating resources for effective grouse habitat management.
• Addressing resource gaps and barriers that hinder conservation efforts.

A Collaborative Approach

No single agency or organization has the resources to implement the ERGCP alone. However, strategic collaboration between states, provinces and conservation partners will create highly effective partnerships and conservation outcomes. Through coordinated efforts, ruffed grouse populations can be stabilized and improved across their eastern range.

The full Eastern Ruffed Grouse Conservation Plan 2025-2034 is available for review and provides detailed strategies for achieving long-term conservation success. Together, we can advance landscape-scale conservation efforts and secure the future of ruffed grouse.

Source: Reina Tyl, Wildlife Biologist – Grouse & Woodcock Program Specialist

Pennsylvania Game Commission | Bureau of Wildlife Management

The Best Game Fair in America is Coming to Joshua Creek Ranch June 20-21, 2025 in Texas Hill Country

Friday, February 28, 2025
Written by Shotgun Life Staff
Categories: News
Tags: #joshuacreekranch, #texasgamefair, sanantoniostockshowandrodeo

The Best Game Fair in America is Coming to Joshua Creek Ranch June 20-21, 2025 in Texas Hill Country

Joshua Creek Ranch has been in touch with many of you recently regarding a “really big deal” we are going to debut this summer – The Texas Hill Country Game Fair in conjunction with the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo’s Wildlife and Natural Resources Committee. The inaugural presentation of this one-of-a-kind event will be held on the grounds of Joshua Creek Ranch, June 20-21, 2025.

The Texas Hill Country Game Fair in an experience for outdoor sporting enthusiasts, conservationists, and supporters of youth education. As the first of its kind in Texas, we anticipate the Texas Hill Country Game Fair will draw local, regional, and national interest and support for many years to come. The conservation and youth education programs that benefit from this unique event will positively impact efforts to preserve and protect wildlife and natural resources while making a difference in the lives of young people.

We are extremely excited to be a part of this endeavor with the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo and, yes, it will be a “really big deal” that you don’t want to miss out on! As a respected friend and partner of Joshua Creek Ranch, we humbly request that you consider participating to help us create this amazing experience with a strong purpose in mind.

There are four ways to participate: 1. Sponsor | 2. Exhibit | 3. Attend | 4. Compete in Shooting Tournament. At the very least, we hope you will see the benefit of participating as an Exhibitor by simply donating a product or service for the fundraiser auctions and raffles. Your involvement will not only enhance the on-site experience for visiting guests and fuel the fundraiser potential, but you will also have the opportunity to connect your brand with hundreds of outdoor enthusiasts and upscale clientele whose interests align with a sporting lifestyle.

PLEASE LET US KNOW AS SOON AS POSSIBLE HOW YOU WOULD LIKE TO BE INVOLVED BY VISITING THE LINKS BELOW:

We look forward to hearing from you soon and confirming your commitment to participate in the 2025 (Inaugural Year) Texas Hill Country Game Fair.

Very Best Regards,

Kevin Welborn

(On behalf of The Teams at Joshua Creek Ranch and San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo Wildlife & Natural Resources Committee)

Introducing the Blaser FBX Competition Shotgun

Tuesday, February 25, 2025
Written by Shotgun Life Staff
Categories: News
Tags: #blaserf3, #blaserfbx, #blasershotguns, #competitionshotguns

San Antonio, Texas (February 25, 2025) – Blaser is proud to introduce its latest masterpiece – the FBX sporting shotgun with fat body receiver. This newest version of the Blaser F3 line combines ultimate balance and stability for peak performance in competition.

The FBX is a symphony of optimally aligned components resulting in extraordinary balance and weight distribution for an effortless swing and fatigue-free shooting. This is aided by the fat body receiver with semi round contour which guarantees a stable center of gravity on the hinge axis for improved balance between the hands. Instead of attaching weights to the barrel, the FBX balancer system is integrated into the forend for easy, customizable weight distribution.

The FBX also features the proven Blaser IBS® Anti-Double System and Ejection Ball System for reliable function and fast shot sequence. The receiver is a monocoque design with detachable trigger unit for easy maintenance. Felt recoil is noticeably reduced due to the large contact surface of the recoil pad and special stock geometry. The steeper pistol grip design with optimized palm swell increases control of the gun before and during shooting and allows the hand to absorb part of the recoil. The comb shape and drop allow for repeatable, precise mounting and reduced muzzle flip, making it easy on the cheek bone. Stock balance can also be set to personal preference thanks to the integrated balancer system in the butt stock.

“You feel the difference the minute you pick up the FBX,” said Jason Evans, CEO, Blaser Group. “The balance and handling are a thing of beauty, and its overall design and performance is German engineering at its finest.”

The elegant-looking black Diamond Like Carbon (DLC) coating on all visible steel surfaces provides increased durability due to its hardness and effective protection against corrosion. The barrels are available with Briley thin wall extended chokes or a fixed choke option and feature ventilated side rails for reduced weight and improved barrel cooling. The newly designed barrels have consistent wall thickness and contour even with the extended chokes, along with extended forcing cones to help reduce felt recoil.

Initially available in sporting stock configuration and with an adjustable comb paired with a 12- Gauge low rib competition barrel. For more information, visit: Blaser FBX.

MSRP: $13,995

Join us for an official Blaser FBX Demo Day with our dealers or check out our website for our full 2025 event schedule so you can feel the FBX difference!

March 1: Demo Day with Woolley Shooting at Saltwaters Shooting Club in St. Augustine, FL

March 29: Demo Day with Clay Shooters Supply at Dallas Gun Club in Dallas, TX

April 19: Demo Day with Pacific Sporting Arms West at LA Clays in South El Monte, CA

April 26:Demo Day with Cole’s Gunsmithing at the National Shooting Complex in San Antonio, TX

June 7: Demo Day with Pacific Sporting Arms East at Detroit Gun Club in Commerce Township, MI

August 16: Demo Day with The Sporting Shoppe at The Preserve in Richmond, RI

August 30: Demo Day with Indiana Gun Club in Fishers, IN

About Blaser Group                 

The Blaser Group is the official U.S. importer for iconic German firearms brands Blaser, Mauser and J.P. Sauer; English gunmaker John Rigby & Co.; Minox optics and Liemke Thermal Optics. Established in 2006, the company which is based in San Antonio, Texas works with distributors, wholesalers, and over 200 authorized Blaser Group dealers across all North American states, with this figure continually growing. Today the Blaser Group’s industry-leading product portfolio includes bolt-action, combination rifles and over-and-under shotguns designed specifically for game hunters and competitive target shooters. Its custom shop offers exclusive engravings, design work and custom finishing for bespoke guns. With recent innovations, Blaser Group has gone on to expand its product portfolio into cutting-edge optics and accessory lines. For more information about the company and product lines, visit: www.blaser-group.com.

Media Contact:

Shannon Jackson

Shannon Jackson Public Relations

(804) 343-3608

sjackson@shannonjacksonpr.com

###

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