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Closures in Matagorda and Wharton counties reflect broader shifts in Texas wild turkey management, as TPWD responds to population trends, strengthens hen protections, and prepares for additional regulatory discussions this spring Equalized Outdoors Newsroom April 2nd, 2026 It’s officially spring, and turkey season will be open in every zone in the state by the time you read this.   We have been on the go since Nashville, filming, interviewing, researching, and prepping for th

I recently had the opportunity to spend some time with Mr. Stanley, talking turkey hunting and running calls at the 50th annual National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF) Convention in Nashville last month. If you spend enough time around the turkey hunting community, his name eventually comes up.

Equalized Outdoors has announced a new partnership with Simply Savage Solutions, the company behind the hands-free bow carry system known as the Bow Hitch. Built around the simple premise that “carrying your bow sucks,” the Bow Hitch allows archers to secure their bow to a bino harness or strap system, keeping both hands free while navigating terrain, hiking to glassing points, or moving through thick timber.

Naturally, gear is usually one of the main subjects of these questions, even among veteran turkey hunters. The standard loadouts have been pretty well covered, so instead I want to highlight a few overlooked pieces of gear that can make your hunts safer and more comfortable. For those wondering what we run here at Equalized Outdoors our gear can be found here.

On a recent TikTok Live, Equalized Outdoors, George’s Boy Outdoors, and Ronnie "Cuz" Strickland came together for what was billed as an open discussion on turkey hunting. What unfolded instead was a rare, unscripted exchange that exposed a deeper tension—and opportunity—within modern conservation culture: how the resource is talked about, who gets invited into the conversation, and who is trusted to carry it forward.

The HHA Nytrx XV3 entered my setup with a specific promise: flexibility without compromise. After a full-range day of sighting it in and configuring the pins, it’s clear this sight is designed to cover multiple disciplines while still respecting how experienced archers actually shoot. This is an early review based on initial range use. It reflects setup, sight picture, system design, and who the sight is best suited for—not long-term durability or season-validated performa

I almost wrote Saturday off. After experiencing the crowds on Friday, I expected Saturday at the National Wild Turkey Federation Convention to be heavier, louder, and harder to move through—the kind of day where meaningful conversations get swallowed by foot traffic and noise. It would’ve been easy to assume the experience and stay back.

Walking was the only option that made sense. I parked back at the hotel and walked the entire stretch to the convention center—1.1 miles, according to Apple Maps. Due to traffic being backed up well beyond reason, it was faster to cover the distance on foot. That walk turned out to be a fitting primer for what Day One of NWTF Convention 2026 would feel like.

On a busy weekend inside The Battery Atlanta, SITKA’s fishing category launch unfolded less like a traditional product release and more like a community gathering built around access, education, and hands-on exposure to the next phase of the brand’s technical system design.

The Virginia elk lottery is now open and accepting applications through March 31, offering hunters one of the most affordable entry points into an elk draw in the United States.

For turkey hunters, the NWTF Convention & Sport Show in Nashville has always meant more than just another date on the calendar. It’s a signal.

One of the most consequential changes for non-resident hunters is that the 10-day non-resident hunting license can no longer be used for turkey hunting. While the 10-day license is still offered for general hunting, it is not valid for the take of wild turkeys.

For the 2026 season, Total Archery Challenge has implemented a mandatory safety video that must be viewed prior to finalizing registration. According to organizers, participants will be unable to complete checkout unless the video has been watched in full.

By: Justin "MrJayCam" Campbell | Equalized Outdoors The view from the bottom At this time of year, with most seasons now over, it’s easy to drift into a state of reflection. Some of us began the season with specific goals, and some of us achieved them. The reality is, regardless of what you see on social media, there is also a segment among us that did not—and that is okay too. We live in a society full of highlight reels, grip-and-grins, and what feels like an endless carous

As the new year approaches, non-resident hunters begin shifting focus from the previous season to application deadlines, unit research, and early e-scouting for the fall ahead. For elk, mule deer, and whitetail deer, many Western states open or close non-resident application windows between January and June, requiring early organization and clear planning.

Let me be clear, because I can already hear the cries, as it stands, there is nothing currently illegal about taking an animal from “long range”.  So, while not illegal, it’s certainly fair to question the ethics of it at the very least.   It’s also a significant point of internal conflict for me, because historically, I tend to lean towards the side of ‘if it’s legal, then have at it.’  When it comes to long-range hunting, I can’t say for sure that remains the case.

As we head towards another new year, and deer seasons around the country begin to conclude, the anticipation of another spring begins to fill the mind.   For some, the thought of spring is never far.  It is always there, living rent-free in the afflicted minds. 

Bank On It represents a pivotal stretch of Burna Boy’s career and the version of him that really pulled me in. The name African Giant came from a moment of disrespect—his name printed so small on his first Coachella poster that he couldn’t even find it.

This isn’t a flashy recipe. It’s simple, filling, and built around making use of leftovers while slowing things down after a long stretch. It’s the kind of meal that does what it’s supposed to do—warm you up and carry you into the next day.

Buying gifts for hunters can be frustrating, especially for non-hunters. The truth is, most hunting gear is highly specialized. Arrows, broadheads, optics, and even clothing choices are often dialed to the individual. Guessing can be expensive—and unnecessary.