Umarex Airguns is throwing its weight behind the 2026 Black Bear Bonanza, sponsoring the March 7 showdown at Benton County Fairgrounds in Bentonville, Arkansas—a move that’s got the pro-2A crowd buzzing. This isn’t just another trade show; it’s a full-throated celebration of Arkansas’s black bear reintroduction success story, backed by the state’s Backcountry Hunters & Anglers chapter. Picture raffles stacked with primo gear, interactive exhibits on wildlife management, and star-powered meet-and-greets with podcasters Brent Reeves and Bear Newcomb alongside BHA CEO Ryan Callaghan. Umarex, kings of precision airguns that mimic the feel and function of centerfire rifles without the live ammo, is front and center, signaling their commitment to the hunting heritage that underpins our Second Amendment rights.
For the 2A community, this sponsorship is a masterstroke of alignment. Airguns like Umarex’s Gauntlet or Hammer series aren’t toys—they’re training tools that let new shooters (and seasoned ones) hone marksmanship skills affordably and safely, bridging the gap for urbanites or ammo-conscious folks who want rimfire-level accuracy without the range fees. In a state like Arkansas, where bear populations have exploded from zero to over 5,000 since reintroduction in the ’80s, events like this underscore responsible wildlife stewardship: hunters as conservationists, not poachers. Umarex’s involvement amplifies that narrative, countering anti-gun rhetoric by showcasing how air-powered platforms support ethical hunting and youth outreach—key to sustaining the next generation of 2A defenders amid endless regulatory assaults.
The implications ripple wider: as ammo shortages and lead-free mandates loom, airguns position brands like Umarex as indispensable allies in the culture war. Expect this Bonanza to spark crossover appeal, drawing airgun enthusiasts into the broader hunting fold and bolstering BHA’s grassroots push against overreaching federal land grabs. If you’re in the Ozarks, mark your calendar—this isn’t just an event; it’s a rallying cry for the self-reliant American hunter, powered by air but fueled by freedom.
