It’s good to see we are moving back to normalcy in the post-pandemic era. Witness the Great American Outdoor Show (GAOS). This big NRA event in Pennsylvania drew over 200,000 attendees, an increase of over 35,000 from last year.

NRA publication Shooting Sports USA reports: “More than 200,000 people packed the exhibit halls at this year’s NRA Great American Outdoor Show, held at the Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex and Expo Center in Harrisburg, PA, from February 4-12. Our nation’s hunting and outdoor heritage was on full display, as more than 1,000 exhibitors covered 650,000 square-feet to present the latest and greatest in products, gear and technologies, as well as booking once-in-a-lifetime hunts and fishing trips in America and abroad.

The 200,000 attendees at GAOS in 2023 mark a 35,000 improvement over last year’s total. Throughout the nine-day show, leading outdoors experts conducted more than 200 educational seminars and demonstrations on a variety of topics including hunting, fishing, trapping, self-defense tactics, and wild game cooking.”

First-Hand Detailed Report of GAOS on American Hunter

Want to know what it’s really like to visit the Great American Outdoor Show? David Herman posted a detailed 1360-word report on the American Hunter website. With many photos and a full event time-line, this report covers all aspects of the event — from new gun displays, to hunting seminars, to a meat butchering and cooking exhibition. CLICK HERE to read full story on AmericanHunter.org.

“Overwhelmed. This was the first word that came to mind as I trundled down the long hallway connecting the Shooting Sports Exhibit Hall to the rest of the sprawling show. Before grabbing a map, I had foolishly thought the Shooting Sports hall was all there was; I had never been more wrong. There were still eight halls to go, not counting arenas and packed hallways. As I wound my way through the labyrinthine tangle of vendors, outfitters, boats, campers, spreadable bacon, and everything in between, the constant appearance of friendly faces … beckoned ever deeper into the event, until eventually I understood exactly what makes this place an outdoorsman’s Mecca year after year.” — David Herman

The .44 Magnum Colt Anaconda is BACK, and better than ever. Re-introduced a year ago, the new Anaconda has been a sales success that has garnered major industry honors. The Colt Anaconda has been selected as the 2022 American Hunter Golden Bullseye Handgun of the Year. Published by the National Rifle Association (NRA), American Hunter is the largest circulation hunting magazine in the nation

Colt’s new generation Anaconda .44 Magnum Revolver was released in 2021. Offered with either 6″ or 8″ full-underlug barrels, and bulked-up solid stainless-steel frame, these new-generation Colts are hefty. Fitted with 6″ barrel, Colt’s new Anaconda weighs 3.31 pounds (53 ounces) while the big 8″-bbl Anaconda tips the scales at 3.69 pounds (59 ounces). MSRP is $1499.00.

Guns American Digest reports: “The Anaconda… is based on Colt’s updated .357 Magnum design, scaled up and reinforced for the hard-hitting [.44 Magnum] cartridge. Of course, shooters can always shoot friendlier .44 Special ammunition at the range. These guns are returning with all the same looks as the originals, with full-length underlugs, ventilated rib topstraps, and Colt’s semi-bright polished finish. They ship with … adjustable rear sights and a red ramp up-front.”

The Colt Anaconda is a double-action six shooter with forged stainless steel barrel and frame. Double Action trigger pull is 12 pounds with single action a smooth 5 pounds. The new Anacondas come standard with black Hogue over-molded rubber grips, but Python checkered wood grips can be fitted to Anacondas. For full-power .44 magnum loads, we recommend sticking with the Hogues.

Optics Options for Anaconda
Are you a handgun hunter? Then you’ll be pleased to note that the new Anaconda comes with frames already drilled and tapped for optics. This will allow the fitting of red-dot style optics as well as various long-eye-relief hunting scopes.

Additional Calibers in the Future?
Will the Anaconda be offered in other calibers? Guns America Digest reports: “It’s possible that Colt also has plans for other chamberings, like .45 Colt, but for now, they’ll have no trouble finding buyers for their new-production .44 Magnum Anacondas. Even at the suggested retail pricing, which, in all fairness, is the same as the .357 Magnum Pythons.

Hickok45 Reviews the New Generation Colt Anaconda .44 Magnum:

Savage Arms has won a second major award for its innovative Savage Impulse straight-pull hunting rifle. This is the only straight-pull centerfire rifle currently produced by a major U.S. manufacturer. The rifle has won the coveted NRA American Hunter 2022 Golden Bullseye Award as Rifle of the Year. Previously, Guns & Ammo magazine editors named Savage’s Impulse the 2021 Rifle of the Year.

“The new Savage Impulse is more than just a good first attempt at an American-made straight-pull,” wrote American Hunter magazine’s Associate Editor David Herman. “It is a rifle that can take long-range precision shots with ease, yet is in its element stacking lead in rapid fashion. It would make an excellent addition to any serious hunter’s arsenal.”

Beth Shimanski, Savage’s Marketing Director, says the design is a game-changer for hunters: “The speed of Impulse’s straight-pull action has changed the way Americans think about hunting rifles. This design combines everything Savage has learned about accuracy and reliability with innovation that provides marksmen and women with new capabilities with new capabilities.”

Savage’s Impulse series of straight-pull bolt rifles is the first American-designed and crafted straight-pull centerfire rifle. The new Impulse features an innovative Hexlock bolt-locking mechanism with six spherical bearings that move radially outward into a ring in the barrel extension, thereby locking the bolt in place. That barrel extension is held in the receiver assembly by four cross-bolts on the lower front section. Ahead of the barrel extension is a conventional recoil lug and a familiar Savage barrel nut.

Savage Impulse Straight-Pull Rifle — Overview

Savage claims the new system offers the cycling speed of a semi-auto, with the accuracy of a bolt-action. However, based on the videos that Savage has posted, the cycling of the Impulse’s straight-pull bolt does not seem to be as smooth as some European straight-pulls, such as the Blaser R8, Merkel RX Helix, and Strasser RS 14. We’ve tried those Austrian/German rifles and you really can cycle them very smoothly. From the video the Savage Impulse appears to require somewhat more muscle and effort. Watch below. The video will launch at the 15-second mark for a comparison between the Impulse and a conventional Savage bolt-action:

Savage Speed Comparison — Impulse vs. Regular Bolt Action

Savage says: “Conventional bolt-actions require four steps to cycle the bolt. Impulse simplifies the process with a simple back-and-forth motion.”

Advantages of Straight-Pull Cycling System
What is the advantage of a straight-pull system? You should be able to cycle faster, and (ideally) maintain your cheek-weld and target view. Savage says: “The smooth bolt throw allows a shooter to cycle rounds intuitively, without the need for the standard four changes-of-direction common to a conventional bolt’s path-of-travel. Impulse reduces split times and allows a shooter to manipulate the bolt without losing [his] cheek weld. The bolt travels out and back and shooters don’t have to take their eyes off the target.” Sounds good, but if you watch the above videos, it’s not as wonderful as claimed. That said, if one slows down a bit, a straight pull should allow the shooter to maintain his cheek weld.

Major Engineering Features of New Savage Impulse

Hexlock Bolt | Barrel Extension | 4-Bolt Barrel Clamp | Ambidextrous Rotary Bolt Handle

When the bolt is closed, the Hexlock system holds it in place instead of conventional lugs. With the Hexlock, six (6) hardened steel bearings lock the bolt in place inside the receiver’s barrel extension. Savage says “As pressure increases, Hexlock’s hold tightens, ensuring that there can be no rearward movement of the bolt. Once the round has left the barrel, the pressure subsides, and the action can safely open again with the straight pull of the bolt handle.”

Savage Impulse — Hexlock System (Bolt Locks in Barrel Extension)

The cleverly-designed, modular Impulse bolt can be disassembled without tools. And the bolt-handle can be moved to either side easily. Impulse barrels are connected via barrel extension which is held in the action/receiver by a lower-side four-bolt barrel clamp.

The number of active hunters in the USA has declined in recent years. That’s not good for wildlife management programs, which are supported, in large part, by hunting fees. Perhaps more importantly, the declin in the ranks of hunters weakens the base of support for the Second Amendment. Hunters are key to the future of firearms rights in America. We support efforts to increase the number of hunters, through mentoring and training programs.

The NRA’s American Hunter magazine has compiled a comprehensive list of hunting mentor programs, state by state. This is followed by listing of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) that provide hunter training. If you know individuals looking to get a start in hunting, check out these resources.

State Hunter Mentoring and Training Progams

Alabama | 205-339-5716
• Hunting Programs: outdooralabama.com/hunting

Alaska | 907-267-2534
• Hunter Education: huntereducation.alaska.gov

Arizona | 602-942-3000
• Mentor Camps: azgfd.com/Hunting/MentoredCamps/

Arkansas | 800-364-4263
• Arkansas Outdoors: agfc.com/en/get-involved/first-steps-outdoors/

California | 916-653-1235
• Programs: wildlife.ca.gov/hunter-education
• Apprentice Hunting Licenses: nrm.dfg.ca.gov/ApprenticeHunts/Default.aspx

Colorado | 303-291-7248
• Hunter Outreach: cpw.state.co.us/learn/Pages/HunterOutreach.aspx

Connecticut | 860-424-3000
• Junior Hunter: ct.gov/deep/JuniorHunter

Delaware | 302-739-9910
• Hunter Ed: dnrec.delaware.gov/fw/HunterEd/Pages/HunterEd.aspx

Florida | 850-488-4676
• Mentor Program: myfwc.com/hunting/safety-education/mentoring/
• Youth Program: myfwc.com/education/outdoor-skills/youth-hunting-program/

Georgia | 706-557-2335
• Mentor Program: georgiawildlife.com/mentor

Idaho | 208-334-3700
• Hunt Passport: idfg.idaho.gov/hunt/passport

Illinois | 217-300-5352
• Learn to Hunt: publish.illinois.edu/hunttrapillinois/
• Apprentice License: dnr.illinois.gov/hunting/pages/apprenticelicense.aspx

Indiana | 317-233-9382
• Hunting: in.gov/dnr/fishwild/2701.htm

Iowa | 515-725-8200
• Learn to Hunt: iowadnr.gov/Hunting/Hunter-Education/Learn-to-Hunt

Kansas | 620-672-5911
• Hunter Recruitment: ksoutdoors.com/Hunting/Hunting-Programs/Hunter-Recruitment
• Outdoor Mentors: outdoormentors.org/
• Youth Hunts: ksoutdoors.com/Hunting/Special-Hunts-Information

Kentucky | 800-858-1549 Ext. 4475; 502-330-8487
• Hunter’s Legacy Program: fw.ky.gov/Hunt/Pages/Hunter%27s-Legacy.aspx
• Field to Fork Program: fw.ky.gov/Pages/FieldtoFork.aspx

Louisiana | 337-948-0255
• Hunting Heritage: wlf.louisiana.gov/louisiana-hunting-heritage-program

Maine | 207-287-8000
• Hunting Licenses: maine.gov/ifw/hunting-trapping/licenses-permits/hunting-license.html

Maryland | 877-620-8DNR (8367)
• Program: dnr.maryland.gov/wildlife/Pages/hunt_trap/Mentored-Hunt-Program.aspx
• Apprentice Licenses: dnr.maryland.gov/nrp/Pages/About-the-Apprenticeship-Hunting-License.aspx

Massachusetts | 508-398-6305
• Learn to Hunt: mass.gov/service-details/learn-to-hunt-programs

Michigan | 517-284-WILD (9453)
• Program: michigan.gov/dnr/0,4570,7-350-79119_79147_82092—,00.html

Minnesota | 888-MINNDNR (646-6367); 651-296-6157
• Hunt Apprentice: dnr.state.mn.us/safety/apprentice/index.html

Mississippi | 601-432-2400
• Apprentice License: mdwfp.com/license/apprentice-license/

Missouri | 573-751-4115
• Hunter Apprentice: huntfish.mdc.mo.gov/hunting-trapping/hunter-education-skills-training/apprentice-hunter-program

Montana | 406-444-2535
• Apprentice Hunter Program: fwp.mt.gov/hunting/licenses/all/apprenticeHunter/default.html
• Youth Hunts: fwp.mt.gov/hunting/youthOpportunities.html

Nebraska | 402-471-0641
• Mentored Hunts: outdoornebraska.gov/mentoredhunts/

Nevada | 775-688-1555
• Advanced Hunter Education: ndow.org/Education/Hunter_Ed/Classes/
• Apprentice Hunting Licenses: ndow.org/Apprentice-License-Gives-Beginners-Chance-Experience-Hunting/

New Hampshire | 603-271-3421
• Hunter Apprentice: wildlife.state.nh.us/hunting/apprentice.html

New Jersey | 609-292-2965
• Hunt Apprentice License: state.nj.us/dep/fgw/hntlic_apprentice.htm

New Mexico | 888-248-6866
• Hunter Education: wildlife.state.nm.us/education/hunter-education/mentored-youth-hunter/

New York | 518-402-8966
• NY Outdoor: dec.ny.gov/outdoor/52495.html

North Carolina | 919-707-0031
• Hunting Heritage Program: ncwildlife.org/Hunting/Before-the-Hunt/Hunting-Heritage-Program
• Getting a Mentor: ncwildlife.org/Hunting/Before-the-Hunt/Becoming-a-Hunter/Getting-a-Mentor
• Apprentice Permit: ncwildlife.org/Hunting/Before-the-Hunt/Hunting-Heritage-Apprentice-Permit

North Dakota | 701-328-6300
• Apprentice License: gf.nd.gov/licensing/apprentice-license

Ohio | 800-WILDLIFE (945-3543)
• Hunting Basics: wildlife.ohiodnr.gov/hunting-trapping-and-shooting-sports/hunting-and-trapping-basics/

Oklahoma | 405-521-3851
• Hunter Education: wildlifedepartment.com/education

Oregon |800-720-ODFW (6399); 503-947-6000
• Hunting Resources: dfw.state.or.us/resources/hunting/index.asp

Pennsylvania | 717-787-4250
• Mentored Hunting: pgc.pa.gov/HuntTrap/Hunting/Pages/MentoredHuntingPrograms.aspx

Rhode Island | 401-222-4700
• Youth Hunting: eregulations.com/rhodeisland/hunting/special-youth-paraplegic-hunting-opportunities/

South Carolina | 803-734-3833
• Hunting Licensednr.sc.gov/licenses/genlicense.html

South Dakota | 605-223-7660; 512 389-4800
• Youth Program: gfp.sd.gov/youth-mentored/
• Big-Game Mentor Program: gfpga.sd.gov/hunting/big-game/deer/mentored.aspx

Tennessee | 615-781-6500
• Apprentice Hunting Licenses: tn.gov/twra/hunting/hunter-education.html
• Tennessee Outdoor Youth Summit: tn.gov/twra/stay-connected/tennessee-outdoor-youth-summit.html; 731-415-0641

Texas | 800-792-1112; 512-389-4800: 800-460-5494
• Mentored Hunting Workshops: tpwd.texas.gov/huntwild/hunt/public/mentored_hunting_workshops/
• Youth Hunting Program: tpwd.texas.gov/huntwild/hunt/youth_hunting/tx_youth_hunt_program/;

Utah | 801-538-4700
• Hunter Mentoring: wildlife.utah.gov/hunting-in-utah/1332-utah-hunter-mentoring-program.html

Vermont | 802-828-1000
• Youth Hunting: vtfishandwildlife.com/hunt/youth-hunting/
• Licenses: vtfishandwildlife.com/licenses-and-lotteries/license-center/other-licenses/mentored-hunting-license; 802-828-1190, 802-828-1191

Virginia | 866-721-6911
• dgif.virginia.gov/hunting/apprentice-license/

Washington | 360-902-2200
• Hunting Education: wdfw.wa.gov/hunting/huntered/he_deferral.html

Wisconsin | 888-936-7463
• Hunter Mentor: dnr.wi.gov/education/outdoorSkills/mentor.html

Wyoming | 307-777-4542; 307-777-4538
• Hunter Mentor: wgfd.wyo.gov/Education/Hunter-Mentor-Program

Non-Governmental Organizations

National Rife Assocaition (NRA)
• Youth Hunter Education Camp (YHEC): yhec.nra.org/; 800-492-4868
• NRA Online Hunter Education Course (NRAHE): nra.yourlearningportal.com/Course/HuntersEdActivityInfoPage

Becoming an Outdoors-Woman
• uwsp.edu/cnr-ap/bow/Pages/default.aspx; 1-877-BOWOMAN (269-6626)

Camp Compass
• campcompass.org; 610-295-5567

Delta Waterfowl
• deltawaterfowl.org/mentor/; 888-987-3695

Ducks Unlimited
• ducks.org/get-involved/youth-programs; 800-45DUCKS (453-8257), 901-758-3825

Families Afield
• familiesafield.org; 800-392-8683

Fathers in the Field
• fathersinthefield.com; 844-ISAIAH1 (472-4241)

Freedom Hunters
• freedomhunters.org; 303-884-0059

Honored American Veterans Afield
• honoredveterans.org

Hope for the Warriors
• hopeforthewarriors.org; 877-2HOPE4W (246-7349)

National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF)
• letsgohunting.org/plusonemovement; 203-426-1320

National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF)
• nwtf.org/about/hunting-heritage; 800-THE-NWTF (843-6983), 803-637-3106

Pass It On! Outdoor Mentors
• outdoormentors.org; 316-290-8883

Pheasants Forever
• pheasantsforever.org/Youth/Youth-Mentored-Hunts.aspx; 877-773-2070, 651-773-2000

Quality Deer Management Association (QDMA)
• qdma.com/recruit; 800-209-DEER (3337)

Quail Forever
• quailforever.org/Youth/Youth-Mentored-Hunts.aspx; 866-457-8245; 651-209-4981

Operation Pay It Forward
• opif4ourvets.org

Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation (RMEF)
• rmef.org/Conservation/HuntingHeritagePrograms.aspx; 800-225-5355 Ext. 264

Shoot Like a Girl
• shootlikeagirl.com

Sisterhood of the Outdoors
• sisterhoodoutdoors.com; 706-847-6338

Wounded Warriors in Action Foundation
• wwiaf.org; 813-938-1390

The American Hunter magazine website recently published a guide to affordable package hunting rigs. Jon Draper spotlights Four Off-The-Rack Deer Rifle Combos from Howa, Mossberg, Ruger, and Savage. Two of the four rigs, the Mossberg and Savage entries, come in at under $500 including scope/rings. Next up is the Ruger American Rifle, priced at $679.00 MSRP with 3-9x40mm Redfield Revolution scope.

The priciest entry is Howa’s Hunter Zeiss Walnut Package. MSRP is a not insubtantial $1103.00 for the Howa package, but this includes a premium-quality Zeiss Terra 3-9x42mm optic. The Howa also has a very nice two-stage 2.5 to 3.8-lb HACT trigger* that we prefer to the triggers on the other three, lesser-priced rifles.

Bonus Content for iPad Users
The new digital magazines will feature all the stories, photos, and graphics found in the print magazines, PLUS bonus content. NRA Members with iPads can access videos, extra photos, sidebars, computer graphics and other interactive features. NRA Publications’ Joe Graham states: “The new iPad editions are designed to be convenient, easy to use and, most importantly, fun to read. The digital magazines have the same look and feel as the print magazines [but with] additional interactive content you can only get on an iPad.”

How to Get the iPad Editions of
American Rifleman and American Hunter
As Official Journals of the NRA, American Rifleman and American Hunter are available exclusively to NRA members. You must be a current NRA member to access these digital eZines. To join the NRA visit Membership.nrahq.org or call 1-877-NRA-2000. For a limited time, all NRA members who currently receive their magazines in print will be able to download the iPad editions.

To get the new iPad editions of American Rifleman and American Hunter, NRA members can download the free NRA Magazines App from the Apple App Store. Once downloaded, launch the app and enter your NRA membership number and last name. Upon verification, the magazine you currently receive as part of your NRA membership will be displayed. Tap “download” to have the digital magazine delivered directly to your iPad and start enjoying all of the exciting new interactive features.

For American Rifleman, NRA’s flagship publication:

• Rifle of the Year: Savage Model 111 Lightweight Hunter
• Shotgun of the Year: Stoeger Model 3500
• Handgun of the Year: Kimber Solo
• Tactical Gun of the Year: FNH-USA SCAR 17S
• Ammo Product of the Year: Winchester Elite Blind Side
• Optic of the Year: Leupold Mark 8 1.1-8X 24mm CQBSS
• Accessory of the Year: LaserLyte Laser Trainer Target TLB-1.

For Shooting Illustrated, a practical shooting publication:

• Rifle of the Year: Barrett MRAD
• Shotgun of the Year: Kel-Tec KSG
• Handgun of the Year: Smith & Wesson SD Series
• Ammo Product of the Year: Federal Premium Guard Dog
• Optic of the Year: Nikon M-223 Riflescopes
• Accessory of the Year: SureFire MAG5-60 High-Capacity Magazine

For American Hunter, NRA’s hunting magazine:

• Rifle of the Year: Winchester Model 70 Safari Express
• Shotgun of the Year: Beretta A400 Xcel Sporting
• Ammo Product of the Year: Barnes VOR-TX
• Optic of the Year: Swarovski Z5 Riflescopes
• Gear of the Year: The Gun Tool by Real Avid
• Vehicle of the Year: 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland