Members' Best 2016

** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
mb_2016_f.jpg

Your photos provide not simply a review of your accomplishments and endeavors over the past year, but a revealing snapshot of a nation full of dedicated American Hunters. Trends emerge, be it in the game pursued or the hunters pursuing it, and the staff here welcomes both the insight and the stories that come with your images.

We received more than 200 entries this year, showcasing squirrels to sable, taken in the back 40 to the backcountry, bagged by youngsters to veterans of the field. The trend that unfolded is not one of monster whitetails or female hunters, though both categories continued to grow. Judging by last season’s photos, it seems readers hunted a larger variety of game than we’ve ever seen in a Members’ Best collection. That means you’re winning.

Despite efforts by those who don’t agree with your pursuits—the despicable social-network slams laid upon hunters undeserving of such hatred, blatant lies and uninformed misconceptions surrounding your contributions as hunters to the most successful wildlife conservation programs the world has ever seen—you are still finding time to travel, to spend with loved ones, to experience adventure and peace in the wild. You are unwavering in your passion, and you are hunting more now than ever. That’s a trend well worth celebrating.

Latest

Massaro Cleaning
Massaro Cleaning

Clean 'em Up—Gun Cleaning 101 for Hunters

Ever wonder how often to clean your gun? How about what to clean it with? How about what to clean it with if you're hunting at 40-below? Phil Massaro answers all these questions and more, in this clean-freaks primer.

Hunting Show Attendance Shattering Records

Attendance records have been shattered at this year’s major hunting shows. The latest, Ducks Unlimited’s DUX (Ducks Unlimited Expo), set a new high-water mark in Memphis, Tenn. According to the Commercial Appeal, the July to Aug. 2 event attracted roughly 30,000 attendees. The 2025 event, also held in Memphis, drew a crowd that numbered nearly 20,000.

The Colonel’s Caliber in an Interesting Rifle—.35 Whelen

“Only accurate rifles are interesting.” Townsend Whelen

New for 2026: Beretta A400 Solo

Beretta USA has launched the A400 Solo, a new semi-automatic shotgun engineered for hunters who demand performance in the harshest conditions. Built on Beretta's A400 platform and packed with the company's latest advancements, the A400 Solo combines Beretta's B-Link Pro gas-operating system, Steelium barrel technology and Kick-Off Plus recoil reduction system into one dependable platform.

Know How: Find Your Long-Range Limit

Curious where your ethical limit is in the field? Mark Kayser shows you exactly how to find it.

Smith & Wesson Honors America's 250th Anniversary with Limited-Edition Model 1854

Smith & Wesson has announced the launch of its America 250 Limited Edition Model 1854 rifle, created to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the United States.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.