There’s a new kind of hunt happening this year, and we’re not talking about the one that ends with venison in the freezer. Bleecker Street Publications just announced the launch of the Ballistic’s Best Hunting Edition Awards on Athlon Untamed, marking the first time the industry’s most respected awards program is turning its sights squarely on the hunting world.
For years, the Ballistic’s Best Awards have set the benchmark for firearms and gear testing; crowning champions across everything from handguns to optics. Now, that same trusted process and expert field testing are being applied to the tools that matter most to serious hunters.
Ballistic’s Best Hunting: What’s on Deck
The inaugural Hunting Edition will feature five categories built for the backcountry and beyond:
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- Hunting Revolvers
- 20-Gauge Shotguns
- Hunting Bolt-Action Rifles
- Laser Range Finders
- Backcountry Suppressors
Each piece of gear will face real-world testing and no-nonsense evaluation from Athlon’s panel of seasoned experts. Every winner earns their spot through accuracy, performance, durability, value, and innovation. No marketing fluff, no safe bets.
“Hunting gear is evolving rapidly,” said Emily Long, Chair of the Board and Chief Legal Counsel. “By creating a dedicated Hunting Edition of our Ballistic’s Best Awards, we’re giving hunters what they’ve been asking for: a credible, focused recognition of gear that actually performs in the field.”
Why It Matters
This isn’t just another gear list…it’s a milestone for hunters. The Ballistic’s Best Hunting Edition builds on a legacy of trusted testing and transparency, while expanding Bleecker Street Publications’ footprint deeper into the hunting and backcountry community.
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Expect this new edition to become a yearly tradition; one that could grow to include reader-choice voting, new gear categories, and even a Hunting Gear of the Year title under the Ballistic banner.
New Era for the Outdoors
The timing couldn’t be better. The debut of the Hunting Edition Awards coincides with the release of the 2026 Bleecker Street Publications Media Deck, highlighting the evolution of Athlon Outdoors into a fully integrated digital and video powerhouse.
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With over 75 million monthly ad views, 1.8 million newsletter subscribers, and platforms like Open Air Media and Rotten Gun Reviews, Bleecker Street continues to push storytelling and reach in bold new directions—connecting brands to audiences who live life off the beaten path.
“Our audience has evolved, and so have we,” said Charles Anderson, CEO. “The Ballistic’s Best Hunting Edition Awards reflect the innovation of modern hunting, while the 2026 Media Deck gives our partners the tools to connect with a broader, more diverse audience of adventurers, hunters, and explorers.”
The hunt for the best just got a lot more interesting. Stay tuned and check out Ballistic’s Best Hunting Edition on Athlon Untamed.
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