DUCK DYNASTY Hunt Like a Robertson PG. 34 TIM KENNEDY American Hero, American Hunter PG. 48 SMALL TOWN BOY, COUNTRY STARSMALL TOWN BOY, COUNTRY STAR ANNIVERSARY ISSUE! | JULY-AUGUST 2020 THE GUN SHOW FULLY LOADED Sig’s New All-American Bolt-Action Rifle PG. 40 THE CROSSTHE CROSS PG. 1042 COUNTRY STAR ‘Small Town Boy’ Dustin Lynch makes good—again. by jim hannaford 48 AMERICAN HERO...AMERICAN HUNTER Green Beret Tim Kennedy talks MMA, cull hunting, and absolute stillness. by mia chamberlain 54 HUNT DOVES AND DUST CLAYS LIKE A WINCHESTER PRO Pro tips for better shotgunning. by kevin reese TABLE OF CONTENTS JULY-AUGUST 2020VOLUME THREE, ISSUE FOUR WISDOM The great outdoors. ON TREND The red dot revolution. GIVING BACK Wonders of Wildlife National Museum and Aquarium. HOW TO What not to do in Yellowstone National Park. 08 30 THE GUN SHOW Loaded by Winchester Ammunition. FIELD TRIP A summer camp in Louisiana teaches teens how to hunt and fish, Duck Dynasty style. HAPPY HOUR Mixing up summer fun with a healthy splash of beer. EDITOR’S PICK A silver state of mind. 10 34 22 24 06 26 EDITOR’S NOTE 04 16 61 64 GOOD GRUB Campfire Cooking. TROPHY ROOM Semper Fi: Shannon Ihrke is beautiful and a total badass. LAST LAUGH The Truth About Armadillos Exposed CAN YOU SPOT THE HOOK & BARREL CRITTER? Each issue, the Critter is hiding somewhere in the table of contents picture. Happy hunting!02 @HOOKANDBARRELMAG | HOOKANDBARREL.COM @HOOKANDBARRELMAG 03 42 COUNTRY STAR ‘Small Town Boy’ Dustin Lynch makesgood—again. by jim hannaford 48 AMERICAN HERO...AMERICAN HUNTER Green Beret Tim Kennedy talks MMA, cull hunting, and absolute stillness. by mia chamberlain 54 HUNT DOVES AND DUST CLAYS LIKE A WINCHESTER PRO Pro tips for better shotgunning. by kevin reese TABLE OF CONTENTS JULY-AUGUST 2020VOLUME THREE, ISSUE FOUR All material is strictly copyright protected and all rights are reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in whole or in part without written permission of the copyright holder. All prices and data are correct at the time of publication. The views and opinions expressed in Hook & Barrel are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the advertisers. Any images supplied are at the owner’s risk and are the property of the Hook & Barrel Magazine. All content is owned in full by Hook & Barrel Magazine. Proudly Printed in America Hook & Barrel is a proud partner in the PrintReleaf program. PrintReleaf guarantees every sheet of paper we consume in the production of our magazine will be reforested. New trees are planted on our behalf in PrintReleaf Certified Reforestation Projects across the globe. Dustin Lynch’s latest album, Tullahoma, is quickly reaching the top of the charts with hit songs like “Ridin’ Roads” and “Momma’s House.” Photo by Daniel Vorlet ON THE COVER EDITOR-IN-CHIEF John J. Radzwilla MANAGING EDITOR Lee M. Hurley CONSULTING EDITOR Matt Morgan PRODUCTION MANAGER Jill Christiansen COPY EDITOR Barry Wise Smith CREATIVE DIRECTOR Claire Cormany PHOTO EDITOR Chris Irwin CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Natalie Radzwilla OFFICIAL FFL Black-Tie Guns EDITORIAL OFFICE 1012 W. Eldorado Parkway P.O. Box 183 Little Elm, Texas 75068 214.997.1118 hookandbarrel.com CONTACT THE EDITOR editor@hookandbarrel.com FOR ADVERTISING INQUIRIES advertising@hookandbarrel.com EDITORIAL SUBMISSIONS Materials to be considered for use in Hook & Barrel Magazine should be emailed to editor@hookandbarrel.com or mailed to editorial office. Not responsible for the loss of unsolicited manuscripts, photographs, or other materials. Returns only when accompanied by return postage. We do not recommend sending original photography or artwork. SUBSCRIPTIONS To subscribe or manage your subscription to Hook & Barrel Magazine, visit www.hookandbarrel.com. WISDOM The great outdoors. ON TREND The red dot revolution. GIVING BACK Wonders of Wildlife National Museum and Aquarium. HOW TO What not to do in Yellowstone National Park. 08 30 THE GUN SHOW Loaded by Winchester Ammunition. FIELD TRIP A summer camp in Louisiana teaches teens how to hunt and fish, Duck Dynasty style. HAPPY HOUR Mixing up summer fun with a healthy splash of beer. EDITOR’S PICK A silver state of mind. 10 34 22 24 06 26 EDITOR’S NOTE 04 16 61 64 GOOD GRUB Campfire Cooking. TROPHY ROOM Semper Fi: Shannon Ihrke is beautiful and a total badass. LAST LAUGH The Truth About Armadillos Exposed CAN YOU SPOT THE HOOK & BARREL CRITTER? Each issue, the Critter is hiding somewhere in the table of contents picture. Happy hunting! DEER UNCLE TED ell hallelujah Sandra! We proudly welcome you and everyone into this purely instinctual world of self-reliance that is epitomized by the individual responsibility of self-defense. Good for you! The most important thing when first handling a firearm is to imprint on your psyche Rule #1—MUZZLE! There is really only one meaningful gun regulation necessary, and that is the universal mantra—never point a weapon at anything you are not willing to destroy! Control that muzzle at all times! A very important first step is to find an experienced gunner who will take you to an official firing range. That person will emphasize the essentiality of ear and eye protection every time you train. My consistent success over many decades at introducing new gunners is to start with a simple .38 revolver us- ing the lightest loads possible. Before you ever load the weapon, it is critical you become comfortable with the ergonomics of this simple tool. Find your comfortable grip, open and close the empty cylinder repeatedly, align the sights at a close-range target, and dry fire both single and double action many, many times. Repeat this mechanical sequence dozens and dozens of times before you ever load the weapon. First and foremost is attaining a natural muscle memory comfort with the functioning of the firearm. After much repetition, it will be time to load the weapon, with ear and eye protection, and go through those same mechanical sequences and watch those lovely holes group tightly in the middle of the target. Be sure you practice and train as often as possible, so this vital instinct becomes second nature like brushing your teeth. Also be sure you join the mighty National Rifle Association and your state firearms organization to keep up to date on your God-given constitutionally guaranteed individual right to keep and bear arms. Go forth proudly in the asset column of life and society to be a positive force to reckon with in protecting your precious gift of life. Aim small, miss small, Godspeed, Ted Nugent and family W Even before the quarantine and outrageous release of criminals from prison, as a single mother, my instincts told me I should be armed and capable of defending my family. How do I get started? sandra, colorado To ask Ted Nugent your question, simply email him at UncleTed@hookandbarrel.com. Maybe you’ll see his response in a future issue! Ted Nugent is an award-winning musician and writer, with numerous best-seller books including Ted, White and Blue: The Nugent Manifesto, God, Guns and Rock ‘n Roll, and Kill It and Grill It. Also, his popular television show, Spirit of the Wild, has aired over 500 episodes. PHOTO BY THOMAS PRUSSO04 @HOOKANDBARRELMAG | HOOKANDBARREL.COM his issue marks—two years ago—when we printed the very first Hook & Barrel magazine. What an awesome adventure it has been since. From the creation of the publication, I have been blessed with the opportunity to meet countless amaz- ing readers, some of the best writers in the business, incredible industry partners, and celebrities I only thought I would watch on television or hear on the radio. It has had its ups and downs and has tested the very fabric of my resolve for success, but it has also amazed me with the blessing of relative strangers just wanting to help out new business owners on a mission. Together, my wife Natalie, who acts as our Chief Operating Officer, our extremely talented team, and I have watched our business grow. That is ultimately attributed to you the reader. Thank you so much for your enthusiasm, support, and feedback. Without you, we couldn’t have done it! The magazine even saw the addition of its “Editor-in-Chief- in-Training,” Jack Radzwilla, our son, now a year old on August 19th. Exciting times to be grateful for, for sure! In this issue, we celebrate not only our anniversary but also, the anniversary of America, Independence Day. To do so, we debut a new section entitled the Gun Show . Not to fear, our gear guide is not going away, but twice a year it will be replaced with this new section. Once at the beginning of the year to bring you the best from the new releases at SHOT Show and this issue to say “Happy Birthday, ’Merica!” Also, we have another very exciting addition for you! Deer Uncle Ted: A new standing column in our Table of Contents section where none other than the Motor City Madman, Ted Nugent himself, responds to our reader’s questions. Think ‘Dear Abby’ just with a bit more…eh… flair! Hook & Barrel is an example of the American dream: a young couple, giving their all, to create success for their future, their family, and those they employ (and their families). This right to be free in our pursuits was given to us by God through our forefa- thers in the Declaration of Independence and Constitution of the United States of America. Protected by the sacrifices of the men and women of our armed forces for generations from those envious and therefore hateful of our way of life, and upheld, still by today, by men and women who have answered Uncle Sam’s call. There is so much to be thankful for, but in my line of work, two stand out: the First Amendment that protects our right to free speech (not to forget about religion, right to assemble, and to peti- tion the government, but free speech ensures freedom of the press) and the Second Amendment, which guarantees the First. I am unapologetically American and a fierce supporter of the Second Amendment. America was built on the gun. It won our free- dom. A tool to revere, honor, and fear if you’re on the wrong end of it (especially in the hands of an American serviceman or service- woman). And that great equalizing right against enemies both foreign and domestic, shall never be taken from us. And if they try, you can rest assured this patriot will be on the front lines with you. Never take freedom for granted. They say “tomorrow isn’t promised;” the same is true for freedom. It is the greatest gift that we have been given. So, thank you to our veterans, those who serve currently, and those who will serve this great nation in the future. Thank you to those who signed a blank check up to and including their life so that I may pursue my dreams and provide for my family on my terms. Much respect and honor for your sacrifices. God Bless America, T John J. Radzwilla editor-in-chief EDITOR’S NOTE Shooting a Heckler & Koch G36. Don’t Tread on the American Dream A M249 light machine gun demoed at AC Ranch, issue #1. A salute to another year in business. ENCHANTED COVE LODGE 1.5 Acres • $675,000 • Montgomery County, TX DARRON HANNER (713) 702-0210 MCLEARAN FARM 476 Acres • $2,500,000 • Osage County, OK STACY CALLAHAN (918) 710-0239 DRIFTWOOD AT THE SALT PLAINS 520 Acres • $832,000 • Alfalfa County, OK STACY CALLAHAN (918) 710-0239 501 MAIN ST., #A WINDSOR, CO 80550 | 866.741.8323 | WWW.HAYDENOUTDOORS.COM SAGE CREEK RANCH 1,056 Acres • $8,500,000 • Eagle County, CO DAX HAYDEN (970) 674-1990 WOLF CREEK RANCH AT KIOWA 2,790 Acres • $5,750,000 • Elbert County, CO JIM DIGBY (303) 883-8493 HADEN RANCH 1,247 Acres • $2,495,000 • Chautauqua County, KS STACY CALLAHAN (918) 710-0239 SAWMILL CREEK RANCH 3,611 Acres • $3,058,000 • Grant County, NM GREG LIDDLE (970) 946-0374 SWITZLER CREEK FARM & HUNT 480 Acres • $1,056,000 • Osage County, KS SHAD SHELDON (785) 821-2666 PRICE REDUCED PRICE REDUCED PRICE REDUCED NEW LISTING NEW LISTING The Brand That Sells The L an d TM06 @HOOKANDBARRELMAG | HOOKANDBARREL.COM with SeaWorld Parks and Entertainment. I like to joke that I traded Shamu for a 400-pound goliath grouper—but I couldn’t be prouder to call Springfield home, and to work for Johnny Morris, whose goal has always been to inspire millions of people to get outdoors. I can’t think of a better place to inspire people to do just that than right here in Missouri’s Ozark Mountains—a beautiful region in the American heartland that is easily accessible to people across the country. Wonders of Wildlife was nine years in the making when it opened in September 2017. Inspired by Johnny’s visits to the American Museum of Natural History in New York City and the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History in Washington, D.C., Wonders of Wildlife has already helped educate and inspire more than 3,000,000 people to love and enjoy nature. Wonders of Wildlife is a celebration of the rich his- tory of hunting and fishing in America. And, perhaps most importantly, it’s a place to introduce the values we hold dearest to the generations that are to be the future stewards of our beloved lands and water. America’s sportsmen and sportswomen are among the most signif- icant conservationists, leading the movement in the late 19th century and funding vital conservation efforts through self-imposed taxes and licenses that continue to protect wildlife populations and habitats today and for future generations. The museum and aquarium pay homage to the sportsmen and sports- women of yesterday, today, and tomorrow with the knowledge that the surest way to preserve our rich outdoor heritage is to expose more people to its rich history and awe-inspiring beauty. The museum and aquarium are home to the world’s foremost col- lection of conservation exhibits from more than 40 leading national conservation organizations coming together under one roof. Within its walls, you can find the NRA National Sporting Arms Museum; the National Archery Hall of Fame; the Boone and Crockett Club’s National Collection of Heads and Horns; the Lewis and Clark Collection; the International Game Fish Association’s Fishing Hall of Fame; and the Bass Fishing Hall of Fame. It is also home to historic artifacts from the lives of our nation’s founding conservationists like John James Audubon and Theodore Roosevelt. It’s more important than ever for people of all ages to connect with nature through fishing, hunting, and outdoor recreation to ensure we can protect wildlife for generations to come. Wonders of Wildlife creates a very special experience that gets people of all ages—but espe- cially kids—excited and inspired to get outdoors and explore. I hope that you will come discover all that awaits you inside Wonders of Wildlife, and bring your family so they too can share the wonder. Sincerely, he ability to enjoy outdoor recreation has always been, and must always be, accessible to every American. Today, a new national destination is honoring the outdoorsmen and conservationists who helped dis- cover, develop, and preserve the nation we love. Created by Bass Pro Shops founder Johnny Morris, Wonders of Wildlife National Museum and Aquarium in Spring- field, Missouri, celebrates people who hunt, fish, and act as stewards of the land and water. Unprecedented in scale and scope, Wonders of Wildlife is the largest and most important natural history museum to open in America in more than a century. With 35,000 live fish, mammals, reptiles, amphibians, and birds, the 350,000-square-foot complex contains more than a mile and a half of trails through authentic, immersive habitats and features 1.5 million gallons of freshwater and saltwater aquariums using innovative designs that transport guests to the heart of the ocean. But beyond its sheer scale and quality, what’s most impres- sive about this museum and aquarium is its powerful message to inspire everyone to connect with the outdoors. As the world ad- vances and more people live and work in major metropolitan areas, it is more important than ever to preserve and promote outdoor experiences. In a stress-filled world of traffic jams, endless emails and calls, and constant pressure, there is no better medicine than a peaceful, rejuvenating experience in the great outdoors. I relocated to Springfield with my family to join the Wonders of Wildlife team just over two years ago following a 22-year career T Wonders of Wildlife National Museum and Aquarium At Hook & Barrel, we are firm believers in giving back to the greater good. In each issue, we showcase a business, group, or organization that gives back. Conservation is a team effort and takes many forms: from habitat and species conservation to preserving hunting and fishing rights or growing the sports by introducing new folks to the joys of the outdoors. Some of our key focuses are kids in the outdoors, habitat and wildlife, and veterans who protect our rights as Americans to live the lifestyle we all enjoy. Bryan Nadeau Vice President, Wonders of Wildlife GIVING BACKWe engineer every piece of our gear to enhance your outdoor experience. We are so confident in our quality and craftsmanship that we guarantee every item for life. Look for our next-gen Caza Camo, available late this summer at pnumaoutdoors.com GEARED FOR THE OUTDOORSNext >