As we close out another year in the great outdoors, I hope each of you enjoyed a safe, successful, and memorable hunting season. It always amazes me how we spend months preparing, scouting, tuning gear, and daydreaming about opening day, only for the season to fly by in what feels like an instant. And just like that, we find ourselves already planning for the next adventure.
Here at American Outdoor News, 2025 has been an incredible year. We’ve had the privilege of spotlighting some of the most dedicated outdoorsmen and women in our industry. From seasoned hunters to rising voices making a difference, every story we’ve shared has reminded us why we do what we do. This year also marked a milestone for us. It was our seven-year anniversary. To celebrate, we released a special edition featuring some of our most memorable interviews and moments from over the years. Looking back, it’s been one hell of a journey, and none of it would have been possible without your loyalty, encouragement, and unwavering support. For that, I am sincerely grateful.
In this special Holiday Edition, we’re excited to wrap up the season with our 2025 Holiday Gear Guide. Inside, you’ll find a curated collection of gift ideas from leading outdoor brands perfect for the hunter, angler, or outdoor enthusiast on your list. We also had the pleasure of sitting down with former All-Pro Defensive End and passionate outdoorsman Trent Cole. Trent shares how a childhood rooted in the outdoors shaped his lifelong love for bowhunting, and how even through the demands of an NFL career, he always found a way to get back into the woods and pursue giant whitetails.
As we wrap up the year, I want to extend a heartfelt thank-you to every one of you for riding along on this adventure with us. Your engagement, your stories, and your passion for the outdoor lifestyle are what fuel American Outdoor News. We look forward to bringing you even more compelling stories, inspiring personalities, and outdoor insight in the year ahead.
From our team to you and yours—thank you, and happy holidays.
Warm regards,
Christopher Avena
Publisher, American Outdoor News