If you’ve got an EDC enthusiast in your life, you know they are, at the same time, the easiest and hardest person on your list to shop for. 

Luckily, when it comes to everyday carry, there are tons of tools and gadgets on the market to choose from. On the other hand, sifting through all the options to find the best one can be daunting. 

Lucky for you, we’ve compiled a list of all the cool stuff to buy for the EDC junkie in your life. So, whether your everyday carrier is into travel, photography, hiking, outdoor sports, or general preparedness, we’ve got you covered. 

So keep scrolling to check out our picks for the best everyday carry gifts this year. 

GeoGrit Wallet

Everybody needs a wallet. And if you’re looking for a great everyday carry gift, a minimalist wallet is one of the best EDC items every gear junkie needs. 

Slim, durable, RFID-blocking, and made in America, the GeoGrit wallet makes the perfect gift for any occasion. You can currently choose from seven different options, each equipped with your choice of Cash Strap or Money Clip. 

Because these slim wallets are so lightweight – each weighing only about 1.6 ounces – and hold up to 12 cards, they’re perfect for tossing in a backpack, slipping into your front pocket, or carrying in a small tote. 

As a bonus, GeoGrit wallets are backed by a 30-day risk-free trial and a lifetime guarantee, so you can gift them with confidence. 

Multi-Tool

Ah, the multitool. The ultimate tool for anything and everything. If you’re unsure what to buy for your EDC enthusiast, you can’t go wrong with one of these handy gadgets!

Most of these tools come equipped with everything from pliers, knives, and screwdrivers to nail files, tweezers, and glass breakers. Really, you can find a multitool designed for any purpose. 

Going high-end is a must when it comes to multitools. Gifting a classic Leatherman or Gerber multitool will always be well-received. If you’re looking for something a little more unique, you can look for a “pocket multitool” or one that can fit in your wallet, like the Widget or this one from PARIGO.  

Once you’ve picked out a multitool to gift, don’t be surprised if you decide to buy one for yourself. Once you’ve got one, they’re hard to live without! 

EDC Tray

When you carry a lot of gear, it can be easy to lose things if you don’t keep it organized. If your friend doesn’t have an EDC tray to hold their gear when they’re not using it, they need one, trust us! 

If you’re looking for a multi-purpose EDC valet tray that you can customize with dozens of different colors, look no further than the Vedder Holsters EDC Tray. This molded Kydex tray is perfect for leaving on a nightstand, toolbox, or desk and makes the perfect holding tray to dump all your gear. Plus, it’s super easy to wipe down and keep clean. 

If you want to learn more about what an EDC tray is, all the things it can be used for, and why it makes the perfect gift, check out this article here. 

Bag

The foundation of an everyday carry system is the method you choose to carry it with. While that often looks different for everyone, the most common way to tote around EDC gear is in a bag or backpack. So, of course the EDC lover in your life will surely appreciate a high-quality bag to carry the stuff that’s important to them. 

If you’re looking to make a purchase that’s made in America and will last a lifetime, a Duluth Pack makes one of the best EDC gifts you can get for someone who’s into everyday carry. They’re a little pricey, but their lifetime guarantee and exceptional quality make it well worth it. 

Nomatic bags are another great brand that makes high-quality EDC bags. Most of their packs are water-resistant and come with various organizational compartments to keep everything nice and neat. 

If you’re looking for something at a lower price point, a nice cross-body bag like this one from Waterfly or the KL928 bag might be a great option. You also can’t go wrong with an Osprey or CamelBak backpack. 

Keychain Tool

While the idea of gifting a keychain may sound a little uninspired, these little gadgets can actually be an EDC lover’s dream come true. A keychain doesn’t just have to be a decorative little trinket; it can double as a useful tool that’s compact enough to go everywhere with you. 

Nearly anything can be turned into a keychain. You can find a keychain that doubles as a flashlight, like this one from OLIGHT, a lighter, like this one by True Utility, or even a universal USB charger, which you can get from inCharge Universal.

If you’re looking for a keychain that can actually help organize keys so they’re not jingling around all day, KeySmart offers one of the best key holsters on the market. They also offer a variety of other keychain accessories and mini keychain multitools, so the things you need are always accessible.   

The sky’s the limit when it comes to EDC keychains. You can find almost anything made into keychain form, so feel free to explore your options to find the perfect match for your gear lover. 

Knife

No matter who you’re shopping for – an outdoors person, a tactical enthusiast, or a mom of three, everyone needs a good pocket knife. 

There are so many knives for so many different purposes, so you’ll have to think about your friend’s everyday carry needs. Do they need something they can carry in their pocket for quick access? Are they looking for something to use outdoors? Something for survival? 

Whatever need you’re looking to fill, Benchmade, Spyderco, and CRKT offer a great selection of quality knives for everyday carry. Even if the person you’re shopping for already has a pocket knife, you can’t go wrong with gifting them one. After all, can you have too many knives?     

Mobile Charger

For all our tech-savvy everyday carriers out there, a mobile charger is a must-have. 

If you’re looking for a gift for someone who can’t leave the house without their laptop and a bag full of tech gear, definitely consider getting them a high-end battery charger with a few extra features. 

This power bank from 4Patriots is an excellent choice as it is designed with a rechargeable solar battery, so it can be used on the go – no matter where “go” might be. BioLite also makes a great, durable charger designed to be used outdoors. This charger can power multiple devices at once, and is small enough to tote around without any trouble. 

Key and Wallet Tracking Device

We all know that person – the one who is constantly losing their phone, wallet, keys, and anything else that belongs to them. 

If that sounds like your everyday carrier, this one’s a no-brainer. They need a tracker that can slip into their backpack or even on their key ring, so they can find their lost items by tracking them with their phone. 

Tile makes a variety of highly-rated small tracking devices that can help keep tabs on your things. If you’re looking for something to keep track of keys, specifically, KeySmart also makes a key organizer that has GPS capabilities, so you can get the best of both worlds. 

Pen

Everybody needs a pen once in a while. And if you’re looking for a gift for an everyday carrier who loves to write, make lists, or jot down notes, a quality pen is always a great gift – especially one that’s more than “just a pen.”  

A classic tactical pen like this one from ANKAKA, which features a glass-breaker, flashlight, bottle-opener, multi-tool, and a self-defense tip in addition to ink, always makes a great impression in the EDC community. 

For an outdoorsman, a Rite in the Rain all-weather pen is an excellent choice. These pens can, as their name suggests, write in the rain and in extreme temperatures. While you’re at it, grab one of their all-weather waterproof notebooks to go with it! 

Finally, you can’t go wrong with a Fisher Space Pen. These handy pens defy gravity by allowing you to write at any angle – even upside down. They also work in extreme temperatures and come with a lifetime guarantee. Who wouldn’t want one? 

EDC Lighter

Lighters typically find their way onto most EDC lists. You can’t really call yourself prepared for survival or an emergency without a way to start a fire! 

If you want to gift your EDC enthusiast with a nice lighter to replace the one they bought at a gas station, you need one that has some unique features. 

Zippo makes a line of windproof lighters that are designed to last a lifetime. They are refillable, made in the USA, and come in a wide range of colors and patterns so you can personalize your gift. 

If you’re looking for something that will really make an impression, think about gifting them a Tesla Coil lighter. These unique, chargeable lighters work by creating an electric arc to start fires, plus they look incredibly sleek and modern. 

If you’re on the fence about gifting a multitool or a lighter, don’t worry. This tool from AbeuRox has it all. Not only does it feature a reusable lighter, but it is also equipped with a glass breaker, whistle, knife, and even a fishing line and hook – and it’s small enough to carry on your keychain. 

Flashlight

It wouldn’t be an EDC gift list if we didn’t include a few flashlight recommendations. 

Whether you’re looking for a traditional flashlight, a headlamp, or a tiny but mighty light that can fit in your pocket, these handy tools make a great gift for any kind of EDC junkie. 

If you’re looking for durable flashlights that range in size from those that can fit in the palm of your hand to large spotlights, check out ThruNite’s selection. GearLight and Streamlight also offer a wide range of quality flashlights, while you may want to check out OLIGHT for some more unique options like their Arkfled, which has an ergonomic design, fun color choices, and a couple of different light settings. 

EDC Med Kit

There has been a lot of talk about the importance of carrying a medical kit as part of your EDC setup recently. If your loved one likes to be prepared for anything, an EDC med kit makes the perfect gift. 

Adventure Medical Kits sells a wide variety of first aid kits that serve all kinds of purposes – everything from travel kits, trauma kits, sportsman kits, and even ultralight kits – they’ve got something for everyone!

Recon Medical and North American Rescue also sell a variety of medical kits and gear so you can customize a kit for your everyday carrier. 

Other Ideas

We’ve covered a lot, but there are countless good gift ideas for EDC. Everyone has different priorities when it comes to the things they carry every day, and EDC can encompass anything from sunglasses to emergency blankets! 

That being said, here are a few additional everyday carry gift ideas in case you need more inspiration. 

First up are carabiners. Whether they’re used to carry keys, clip things to backpacks, or use in survival situations, every EDC gear enthusiast loves a quality carabiner (plus, they make great stocking stuffers)! 

Any gear junkie will appreciate this one, but this is especially true for all of our tech wizards out there. Velcro strap keepers aren’t just for the garage anymore – they work great for wrangling loose charging cables and other wires to prevent them from getting tangled in your backpack. Wrap-It Storage sells a variety of straps specifically for cord storage, and they even come color-coordinated to help keep things organized. 

Another great EDC gift, especially for outdoor enthusiasts and survivalists, is a LifeStraw. These handy straws filter water so that it’s safe to drink, whether you’re backpacking, traveling, or find yourself in an emergency situation. 

No matter what your everyday carrier carries, they can always use new bag organizers. After all, what’s the point of having everything you need with you if you can’t ever find it?  

If you really want to wow your EDC junkie, consider buying them a year’s membership to an everyday carry subscription box. Boxes like BattlBox, TacPack, and Barrel & Blade hand-pick a variety of cool EDC gear and deliver it every month. These awesome boxes are packed full of all kinds of gear – everything from tools and survival equipment to hammocks and gear bags. They truly are the gift that keeps on giving. 

When all else fails, don’t be afraid to go with a good ol’ fashioned gift card. Most gear junkies love shopping for their own supplies, and a gift card to a place like Amazon, Cabelas, or another gear shop are always appreciated. 

Summary

If you’ve got an EDC enthusiast in your life, you’re in luck when it comes to buying gifts. There is a wide range of cool stuff to buy for everyday carry, including everything from pocket knives to wallets to full-sized backpacks. 

So whether the people in your life are into photography, hiking, concealed carrying, or they just like being prepared, we hope this list gave you some inspiration for a great EDC gift. Happy shopping! 

If you’re looking for a durable, RFID-blocking, minimalist wallet, check out our selection here. All of our products are designed, manufactured, and shipped in America and are backed by our 30-day risk-free trial and lifetime guarantee. To stay up-to-date on all of the latest GeoGrit content and offerings, follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. 

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Once you fall in love with a reliable carry belt, it’s hard to let it go. After all, you and your gun belt have been through a lot together. It’s comfortable, familiar, and reliable. You’ve gone everywhere together. It seems like no other belt could ever replace it.

But, unfortunately, there does come a time when your everyday carry belt just isn’t what it used to be. Maybe it’s sagging, fraying, or the buckle doesn’t work right anymore. Maybe a recent weight gain or loss has left you saying, “it’s not you, belt, it’s me.” Whatever the reason, moving on from a good belt won’t be easy. But don’t worry, there are plenty of belts in the sea (or something like that.)

You may not want to let it go, but here are nine reasons why it’s probably time to move on and get a new EDC belt.

1. Your Belt Is No Longer Comfortable

The most obvious reason you might want to replace your gun belt is that it is no longer comfortable to wear. If your belt has started to pinch, feel tight, or otherwise make you uncomfortable, it’s time for a new one.

Because a carry belt is typically something you wear for long periods of time, it’s important that it feels comfortable in any situation. Your belt shouldn’t bother you while you’re standing, sitting, walking, bending over, or in any other scenario.

If you find yourself constantly readjusting your belt, it’s causing you pain, or if for any other reason you let out a big sigh of relief when you take it off at the end of the day, consider buying a different style of belt or one with a different buckle if that’s the point of irritation. You can also try a belt with another width if the one you have is digging into you or pinching you when you wear it.

2. Your Belt Sags

Sure, a little sagging in your belt where you put your holster is normal (thanks, gravity). Sagging becomes a real problem when there is a noticeable dip in your belt where your gun is weighing it down.

If you find yourself having to adjust your belt more than a couple of times throughout the day or you frequently have to tighten or loosen it by a notch or two, then your belt is either too big, or it has lost the firmness that it needs to be effective. Either way, it’s time for a new one!

Belts like our Polymer Core Leather Gun Belt, which is reinforced with a solid polymer core for extra rigidity, provide a stiffer foundation for your EDC setup than most belts and can help eliminate that annoying sagging situation.

3. Your Belt Is Fraying

Some fraying, especially when it comes to nylon tactical belts, is, unfortunately, pretty much bound to happen after a while. A little fraying isn’t anything to worry about. But if your belt starts to fray a lot around the edges or if it’s starting to shred down to the belt’s core, you’ll probably need a new one soon.

Not only is fraying an issue when it comes to your outfit looking sharp, but it’s also a sign that your EDC belt is physically breaking down and becoming weaker over time. This is an obvious problem as you don’t want the belt holding your EDC rig to fall apart … ever.

Check out our V3 Gun Belt and our Cobra® Quick Release Gun Belt, which are made with extra stiff dual-layered 1.5” nylon webbing to help prevent fraying and breakdown. If you need a little help choosing between the two, check out our comparison here.

4. The Buckle Isn’t What It Used To Be

Belt buckles may be made of metal or heavy-duty plastic, but they can still sometimes run into mechanical issues or break down. If for any reason you’re having troubles fastening your belt correctly, or it wants to come undone throughout the day, it’s definitely time for a new one. The last thing you want is for your EDC belt to pop open while you’re carrying.

Some gun belts come with an interchangeable belt buckle so you don’t have to replace the entire belt. But if yours doesn’t, don’t worry. Odds are, if your buckle is going out, the rest of your belt will be right behind it. It might be time to treat yourself to a brand new one!

5. Your Belt Smells … Funky

If you catch yourself sniffing around wondering what that weird smell is only to discover it’s coming from your belt, it’s time to take action. When you wear the same thing every day, it’s bound to take on a weird smell or two thanks to things like sweat, body odor, and anything else your belt may come in contact with.

Before you toss your beloved EDC belt in the trash, you can try giving it a good scrub to see if you can get the smell out. Unfortunately, because concealed carry belts are built with dense, heavy-duty materials, it can be tough to get them back to their original freshness.

If this scenario sounds familiar, it might be easiest just to replace your belt with a new one, free of unpleasant odors. You can always keep your old, stinky gun belt for hunting, hiking, or days at the outdoor range where you know you’ll be sweaty and smelly anyway.

6. It Doesn’t Fit Anymore

This one should be a no-brainer. If your EDC belt no longer fits, it’s time for a new one.

Maybe you gained a few pounds over the holidays, or you’ve been hitting the gym lately and your belt just doesn’t fit right anymore. Whatever the reason, if your belt is so loose that it’s sagging or it’s so tight that you can’t breathe, don’t continue to suffer. Invest in a holster belt that fits right and is comfortable to wear for long periods.

Not only is having the right fit more comfortable, but it’s important that your belt fits right for safety reasons too. If your belt is slipping around on your waist or sagging down, it could cause your firearm to be jostled around a lot, putting you at risk of a negligent discharge. On the other hand, if your belt is too tight, it could inhibit your movement and flexibility. You want to be able to run and move in the case of a self-defense situation.

7. You Don’t Like The Way Your Belt Looks

This may sound like a silly reason for getting a new gun belt, but if you don’t like the way your belt looks you’re a lot less likely to use it. This is especially true for anyone who needs to carry in dress clothes or even business casual attire.

If you don’t like the style, buckle, color, texture, or anything else about your belt, it can’t hurt to grab one that you feel better suits your preference or style. If it will help you carry more, it’s worth it.

If you’re searching for a classy-looking leather belt to wear to work or in more formal settings, our Polymer Core Leather Gun Belt comes in black or brown and is touted as rugged enough for the ranch and sleek enough for the boardroom.

8. You Haven’t Worn Your Belt In A While

If you woke up one day and realized that you haven’t put your EDC belt on in a while, it’s time to consider why that is. Is it that you just haven’t felt motivated to concealed carry for a while? Or do any of the aforementioned belt issues sound familiar?

Either way, a new gun belt can probably help get your concealed carry habits back on track. There’s just something about that new belt feeling, amirite?

The bottom line is, you should want to wear your belt. If you’re actively avoiding wearing your carry belt because it’s damaged, uncomfortable, you don’t like the way it looks, or for any other reason, you should think about getting one you’ll actually want to wear and use.

9. You Need An Excuse

Finally, if you just want to buy a new EDC belt and are looking for an excuse to do so, here it is. There doesn’t have to be anything wrong with your current belt for you to go out and buy a new one.

If you’ve been killing time online shopping for tactical gear and came across a cool new belt, we’re giving you permission to treat yourself! If you need a little shopping inspiration, check out all of our Vedder Holsters gun belts here.

What Should I Look For In A Gun Belt?

Now that you know you need a new gun belt, you may be wondering what you should look for to ensure your next belt is a good one.

Stiffness: Your carry belt needs to be stiff enough to hold up your gun without sagging. Most gun belts are made of higher quality material to accommodate for the weight, but, as with everything, some are made better than others.

Thickness: If your belt is too thin, your clip could slide around or come off your belt. If it’s too thick, your clip may not fit on your belt at all. Your belt should be just thick enough to fit your holster clip without it sliding around throughout the day.

Material: Most gun belts are made of leather or nylon. Leather gun belts are often made either extra thick or with a metal or polymer core to increase their stiffness. On the other hand, Nylon tactical belts are typically made thicker to hold the weight of your gun.

Buckle: Depending on the material, there are typically multiple buckle options for gun belts. Leather belts often have a standard style buckle, whereas nylon belts may use a quick-release buckle like our Cobra® Belt or a low profile buckle like our V3 Belt.

Conclusion

Whatever the reason you need a new EDC belt, it’s important to make sure that your next one is comfortable, stylish, and meets your individual needs. If you’re in the market for a good gun belt, click here to see the Vedder Holsters selection. Our belts, like everything we sell, are backed by a lifetime guarantee, so you should never find yourself shopping for a new one again.

If you are looking for belts or holsters, check out some of our Vedder Holsters products here. Like everything we sell, our holsters and gun belts are covered by a Lifetime Warranty and a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Looking for items beyond holsters and belts? Check out our Resources Page for popular product links like lights, laser, first aid, maintenance, and more.

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Do flowers, chocolate, and candlelit dinners bore you? Does the smell of gunpowder get you excited? Does the sound of bullets hitting on target get your blood pumping? If so, heading to the range might be just the thing for you to do this February 14.

If you want to make the best of your Valentine’s Day range time this year, these eight shooting tips for gun lovers are sure to please.

Shooting Tip For Gun Lovers #1: Always Wear Protection

One of the most important shooting tips for gun lovers is to practice safe shooting and always wear protection (no really, always wear it). It’s vital to protect your eyes, ears, and even lungs, from potential hazards at the range.

When shooting, always wear a good pair of earplugs or earmuffs to protect your ears from hearing damage. According to Decibel Pro, a gunshot from a pistol is typically over 158 decibels, and it only takes around 120 decibels to cause immediate damage to your ears.

If you’re looking for hearing protection that will keep you safe WITHOUT diminishing the experience, try an electronic noise-canceling earmuff that will block out the sound of gunshots but still let you hear other sounds, like talking. We recommend these Low Profile Electronic Earmuffs from Howard Leight.

Wearing eye protection at the range is also important to keep things like cartridges, shrapnel, and unburnt gunpowder out of your eyes. We recommend glasses with ballistic impact protection like these Tactical Shooting Glasses from HUNTERSKY.

Lung protection is another lesser-known safety precaution to think about. The CDC recommends wearing a respirator if you spend a lot of time at an indoor shooting range to protect yourself from inhaling the hazardous lead particles discharged near your face each time you fire.

The type of protection you choose to use is up to you. Just make sure you’re careful to purchase the right size and find something that’s comfortable and snug enough that it won’t slip off while you’re shooting (if you catch our drift).

Shooting Tip For Gun Lovers #2: Positively Identify Your Target

Shooting can be a tricky business. When your rounds fly where they shouldn’t, it can cause some serious issues. At a minimum, you could make a mess and get someone mad at you (nobody likes that). In a worst-case scenario, it can result in death.

This really should go without saying, but one of the most essential shooting tips is to positively identify your target and know what lies behind it. Always.

This rule applies both during target practice and when you hear a bump in the middle of the night. In a potential self-defense situation, it’s critical to know whether you’re shooting at a dangerous intruder or if it’s just your grandma grabbing a glass of milk. When you’re out training, make sure you’re shooting against a proper backstop and not toward some happy hikers, a house, or your friend’s truck.

It’s equally important to know what’s behind your target before pulling the trigger. Be aware of the risk of overpenetration. Overpenetration occurs when your round passes through your intended target and continues its projection into whatever lies behind it (oops).

So, before you shoot, stop and think about who or what might be behind your target. If you’re shooting at an intruder, consider what’s in the room on the other side of the wall. Is there a chance a stray bullet will make its way into your son’s bedroom? Could you be shooting into your neighbor’s apartment? Think first, shoot second.

Shooting Tip For Gun Lovers #3: Be Gentle With Your Trigger

There are plenty of gun lovers out there who never think about the way they pull a trigger. Instead of taking the time to get to know their gun’s trigger and the best way to pull it, they hurriedly yank it around and hope for the best. These shooters rarely hit their mark (you know the type).

Whether you’re a proponent of trigger reset, a technique in which you deliberately release the trigger only to the point where it resets and no farther, or you like it rough and prefer the “trigger slap,” which involves letting your finger completely off the trigger to reset, be intentional about it.

Once you’ve chosen a trigger reset method, it’s essential to practice it regularly so that it becomes second nature. If you only practice your trigger discipline occasionally, you may forget how to do it properly in the heat of the moment.

It’s also important to remember that every gun’s trigger reset point is different. What works for one gun may not work for another. So spend the time to get to know your current weapon. It may take a little while to get used to, but you’ll eventually master the technique (if you know what we mean).

Shooting Tip For Gun Lovers #4: Practice Different Positions

With so many different shooting positions out there, how is a gun lover to know which one to use? While there are plenty of recommended positions to try, it’s important that you do what feels natural to you. It’s a good idea to experiment with a few positions before you pick a favorite. It can’t hurt to mix it up from time to time, either ;).

Here are a few of the most popular shooting positions you should definitely try:

Isosceles: The isosceles is a pistol shooting stance that usually comes naturally to newer shooters. To use this position, stand facing the target with both feet pointing forward about shoulder-width apart. Point your arms straight out and shoot.

Weaver: The weaver stance is a classic, stable, some might even say old-school, pistol shooting position. To get into place, stand in a boxing stance with your non-shooting-side foot in front and your other foot behind. Your toes should be slightly pointing to the side. To properly hold the stance, you’ll need to lean slightly forward at the hip, putting most of your weight on your front foot. Grip your gun with your shooting hand fully extended and your support hand bent straight down, then shoot.

Prone: Prone is a rifle-shooting position in which you lay on your stomach with your elbows planted into the ground for support. You can choose to position your body at an angle to your target, or you can lay straight back, whichever is most comfortable for you.

Kneeling: Another great rifle position is kneeling. To shoot while kneeling, plant your right knee onto the ground and tuck your right foot under your hip. Make sure your left knee is up as high as possible, and place your left elbow on that knee. Keep your posture straight and regulate your breathing for the best result.

Over Barricade: If you’re looking for a more advanced position, over barricade might be for you. Over barricade is when you shoot from behind a cover, which is anything that protects you from bullets such as a car or a wall. Naturally, your exact stance with this technique will be different depending on what you’re shooting from behind. It is important to make sure that you keep as much of your body behind cover as possible; only your pistol and shooting hand should ever be exposed.

Whatever position you choose, it’s important to practice it regularly to commit it to muscle memory. Keep in mind that it’s okay to use rubber guns or practice dry fire training at home if you haven’t been to the range in a while (we don’t judge).

Shooting Tip For Gun Lovers #5: Aim For The Heart

One of the most essential pistol shooting tips a gun lover should always practice is aiming for center mass.

Some people believe you should train to shoot a bad guy in the leg to reduce the chance of killing them, while others believe that headshots are the best way to eliminate a threat. However, Marine Corps veteran and firearms writer G. Halek wrote in a Concealed Nation article that there are a few reasons why aiming for center mass is the preferred training method.

The first reason is that the center of the body is a larger target, meaning that a shooter is less likely to miss if their hands are shaking, the target is moving, or because of any other factor that makes it difficult to aim.

The second reason is that aiming for the exact center of the target is actually one of the safer places to hit someone.

“The rationale [to aim for the limbs] is understandable — the potential concealed carrier is looking to not take life and simply incapacitate his target. That’s great,” Halek wrote. “That’s exactly why we shoot center mass.”

When aiming for center mass, you’re actually trying to avoid the vital organs in a person’s body like their heart, lungs, liver, and kidneys, all of which are located just to the right or left side of a person’s abdomen.

So, while you’re not actually aiming for the heart, it’s an easy way to remember that you need to train to shoot center mass, both for your safety and potentially to preserve the life of your target.

Shooting Tip For Gun Lovers #6: Properly Lubricate Your Weapon

If you find yourself wondering, “do I need to lube my gun?” the answer is yes. Proper lubrication can mean the difference between a smooth, enjoyable experience and a friction-induced malfunction that completely kills the mood.

Any time you clean your gun, you’re putting various solvents and chemicals on it to scrub the grime and grit off. If you don’t follow that up with some gun oil, you’re putting your firearm at risk of rusting due to the leftover solvent residue on the metal.

A good rule of thumb is to clean and oil your weapon after each use. That way, it will be ready to go if you need it or the next time you want to take it out for some target practice.

It only takes a few extra moments to apply a dab of oil to the key lubricant points on your gun, including the slide, the barrel, the frame, and any other moving parts or mechanisms. We promise it will be worth it. 😉

Shooting Tip For Gun Lovers #7: Be Careful To Avoid Negligent Discharge

A crucial aspect of gun safety is being aware of what can cause an accidental or negligent discharge. According to a USA Carry article by Sean Holt, an accidental discharge is when your firearm goes off unintentionally or by chance. A negligent discharge is when your weapon fires when you don’t mean for it to because you failed to take the necessary precautions to prevent it from doing so.

“Both accidental discharges and negligent discharges can happen but they mean completely different things. The two terms are not interchangeable and most shooters will never experience an accidental discharge,” Holt wrote. “99.9% of the time you hear someone referring to an accidental discharge it is actually a negligent discharge.”

Not only can an accidental or negligent discharge be extremely embarrassing, but it can result in significant damage or even tragedy. To prevent such a situation, slow down and be intentional with your firearms. Always follow the four rules of gun safety:

1. Always keep your firearm pointed in a safe direction.
2. Treat all guns as if they are loaded.
3. Keep your finger off the trigger until you are ready to shoot.
4. Always be sure of your target and what is beyond it.

Don’t be the person who had an accidental or negligent discharge. It is a big deal.

Shooting Tip For Gun Lovers #8: Size Doesn’t Matter

In case you’ve been feeling self-conscious about the size of your gun, don’t. We’re here to tell you that despite what some people might say, size doesn’t really matter when it comes to shooting skills.

Being a successful shooter has less to do with the kind of pistol you have and more to do with your skill in using it. Using proper form, practicing regularly, and generally being a good shot will make you a much more impressive shooter when it comes down to it than someone with a Glock 41 who can barely hit their target.

So don’t worry if your little .380 pistol doesn’t look as badass as the other guns at the range. Let your groupings do the talking.

Bonus Tips For The Range

Keep in mind that going to the range is an experience; it’s not just about showing up to bang out a few rounds and go home. You’ll want to take your time, really engage with the target, and maybe even try some new moves *wink wink.*

The first thing to remember is that it’s important to practice proper etiquette when at the range. Make sure you understand the rules at the range you’re at and follow them. Listen to the range officer and be respectful when they communicate something to you.

You should also know and follow the unwritten rules of the range, including never shooting at anyone’s target but your own (unless someone offers to let you try theirs, in that case, we don’t judge).

Finally, to really enjoy your experience at the range, you’ll need to take your time. Go prepared to do multiple rounds! Since we know this can be an added expense if you like to shoot often, it can help to prepare in advance by saving up your rounds so that you have the best experience possible during your time at the range.

Conclusion

We hope you found our list of eight shooting tips for gun lovers to be helpful. But even more than that, we hope you have a great time celebrating Valentine’s Day with your gun at the range this year.

If you are looking for belts or holsters, check out some of our Vedder Holsters products here. Like everything we sell, our holsters and gun belts are covered by a Lifetime Warranty and a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Looking for items beyond holsters and belts? Check out our Resources Page for popular product links like lights, laser, first aid, maintenance, and more.

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ST. GEORGE— Kira’s early life started out rather ordinary. Born in a breeder home, the Siberian husky puppy thrived until the day a car door slammed on her leg, forever changing her gait — and her life. 

At three months old, her left paw severely damaged, Kira’s breeders gave her away. Unable to put pressure on her broken paw, she learned to hobble on three legs, using her injured limb for balance while her paw began to awkwardly bend under her leg.

Three years later, Kira’s owners surrendered her to the P.A.W.S. Adoption Center in St. George, which has rescued over 9,000 animals since 2013. 

“They just didn’t want her anymore. It’s hard to put that in words that sounds nice, but that was the truth,” said Lulu Hart, P.A.W.S. operations manager. “They just flat out didn’t want her.” 

After being rescued, P.A.W.S. veterinarian Dr. Cameron Norton X-rayed Kira’s paw and determined it was causing her a lot of pain. They made the difficult decision to amputate the paw, but leave her leg since she had learned to rely on it for balance. 

Kira plays using her new prosthetic leg, St. George, Utah, date not specified | Photo courtesy of Lauren Posey, St. George News

Shortly after her surgery, local prosthetist Brian Hamrick, who occasionally does prosthetic work for animals including horses and goats, heard about Kira’s story. Hart brought Kira to meet Hamrick, who felt an instant connection with the dog. 

“She’s so great,” Hamrick said. “If I didn’t already have so many dogs, I would have adopted her.” 

Hamrick fitted Kira for a prosthetic leg, valued at approximately $2,000, at no charge to the shelter. 

Kira needed to undergo one more surgery, which involved removing more of her leg before being fitted for a new one. While healing, the resilient pooch lived with experienced P.A.W.S. foster Amber Foster. 

Once healed from her surgery, Kira was given a temporary prosthetic leg while Hamrick designed her new, waterproof, spring-loaded running foot — designed to enable a more active lifestyle. 

Kira received her new leg last week; within 48 hours, she was using her prosthetic leg to balance. Although it took time for her to put weight on the prosthetically-enhanced leg, she soon started to figure out how her new leg works. 

“She is a true athlete. She runs like the wind, she really is an athletic dog and hiking for her is just a pleasure,” Hart said. “For them to step up to the plate and say ‘Let’s make this dog whole again,’ and give her this opportunity, was really amazing. … To be able to do that, and go through this process, and watch this dog go from a dog who had three and a half legs, to four legs… and (now) watching her run on all fours is a pretty amazing experience.” 

While P.A.W.S. volunteers fell in love with Kira during her two months with them, they realized she needed to find a home with someone experienced with the needs and behaviors of huskies. 

Clinic manager of Hanger Clinic Brian Hamrick and veterinarian Cameron Norton with Kira on the operating table, St. George, Utah, date not specified | Photo courtesy of Lulu Hart, St. George News

“Kira is really a sweet dog. She loves humans, she loves affection, she’s just gorgeous to look at, so spending time with her is a real joy,” Hart said. “She’s just stunning. She draws everybody into her world.”

P.A.W.S. reached out to Arctic Rescue based in Payson, Utah, a rescue specializing in fostering and adopting out arctic breeds, including huskies and malamutes. 

Through Arctic Rescue, Kira was placed in a temporary home with Lauren Posey, who has five other huskies and 18 years of experience working with huskies.

Kira is still awaiting a permanent home. 

“She is such a strong dog. she acts just like any other dog that has four paws, and it’s really not much extra care,” Posey said. 

Kira is still adjusting to her new prosthetic, but Posey has kept her active, hiking and playing fetch with a tennis ball, one of the husky’s favorite activities. 

“You have to earn her trust. Which is true, especially with a husky breed, and so I’ve taken things slow with her,” Posey said. “We’re trying to get her to put weight into it. Because she spent three years without putting weight on her paw, it’s going to be a little bit of a training process for her.” 

Animals who receive prosthetics experience similar struggles and adjustment periods to humans. Adding to that difficulty, however, is that animals can’t verbally communicate how the prosthetic feels, or the problems adjusting, to their prosthetist. 

“They can’t talk to us and tell us what they feel and how they’re doing,” Hamrick said. “It’s more trusting for them; they have to learn to trust it. She had a paw that was bad for her whole life, and she couldn’t put weight on it because it was too painful. So now that paw is gone, but she still has to trust that what she’s coming down now isn’t going to hurt.” 

To mitigate any alignment issues or discomfort for prosthetically-enhanced animals, Hamrick studies the unique gait, running style and anatomy of the animal.

Kira plays using her new prosthetic leg, St. George, Utah, date not specified | Photo courtesy of Lauren Posey, St. George News

“It took her a little while, but she adapted and within about 24 to 48 hours she was running on it,” he said. “So she adapted really really well.” 

Being able to run and hike is especially important for Huskies, who tend to be super active and athletic. Maren Gibson, the founder of Arctic Rescues, said that in addition to needing a great deal of exercise, huskies are known to be highly intelligent. However, those qualities sometimes make the breed prone to having behavioral issues such as digging, resource guarding, jumping and running away, which can make it extremely important for husky owners to be prepared and know how to work with them. 

“Even though cute little Kira is missing a paw, she’s still a husky. So it’s good if we can get her into a home that’s going to kind of understand their mannerisms and dynamics,” Gibson said. 

Because huskies are generally regarded as beautiful animals, many people adopt them without realizing how much attention and involvement they require. Gibson first started Arctic Rescue after seeing how many huskies were ending up in shelters because people couldn’t handle the work that goes into owning one. 

Arctic Rescue is caregiver to nearly 100 arctic dogs a year while working to find them a permanent home. They work with potential adopters before, during and after the adoption process to ensure they’re prepared to care for the animals. 

Rescues like P.A.W.S. and Arctic Rescue are volunteer-based. Those interested in donating, volunteering, fostering or adopting can find more information online at dixiepaws.org and arcticrescue.com. 

Click on photo to enlarge it, then use your left-right arrow keys to cycle through the gallery.

Kira, St. George, Utah, date not specified | Photo courtesy of Lauren Posey, St. George News

Kira with her new prosthetic leg, St. George, Utah, date not specified | Photo courtesy of Lauren Posey, St. George News

Kira plays using her new prosthetic leg, St. George, Utah, date not specified | Photo courtesy of Lauren Posey, St. George News

Kira runs with her new prosthetic leg, St. George, Utah, date not specified | Photo courtesy of Lauren Posey, St. George News

Kira runs with her new prosthetic leg, St. George, Utah, date not specified | Photo courtesy of Lauren Posey, St. George News

Kira plays using her new prosthetic leg, St. George, Utah, date not specified | Photo courtesy of Lauren Posey, St. George News

Kira plays using her new prosthetic leg, St. George, Utah, date not specified | Photo courtesy of Lauren Posey, St. George News

Kira playing fetch using her new prosthetic leg, St. George, Utah, date not specified | Photo courtesy of Lauren Posey, St. George News

Kira hiking using her new prosthetic leg, St. George, Utah, date not specified | Photo courtesy of Lulu Hart, St. George News

Kira rides shotgun with her new prosthetic leg, St. George, Utah, date not specified | Photo courtesy of Lulu Hart, St. George News

Clinic manager of Hanger Clinic Brian Hamrick and veterinarian Cameron Norton with Kira on the operating table, St. George, Utah, date not specified | Photo courtesy of Lulu Hart, St. George News

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ST. GEORGE — A man was arrested Monday afternoon after a day of allegedly trespassing and burglarizing homes and cars. He later reportedly told police he had marked the places he’d been to with skunk spray so officers would find him.

Police responded to reports of a man, later identified as 30-year-old Brayden Brooks, breaking into homes, stealing things and making strange comments to homeowners, St. George Police officer Tiffany Atkin said.

One man whose home was broken into said that he was sleeping when he woke to find Brooks in his room. Brooks reportedly told the man that he was sent by God, according to the police probable cause statement.

Responding officers saw Brooks in the parking lot of the housing complex and told him to stop. Instead of stopping he ran away, jumping over two fences. Police were able to identify the man as Brooks.

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Police created a perimeter around the area where they suspected he was, then made their way inward. Brooks was located in the area of 100 N. 1210 West.

He resisted arrest by pulling his arms away when police tried to handcuff him, trying to walk away from officers and refusing to put his feet in the police car, according to the statement.

Brayden Brooks booking photo, Feb. 4, 2019 | Photo courtesy of the Washington County Sheriff’s Office, St. George News

Police found a grocery bag of items in Brooks’ possession that contained vehicle registration and a debit card, neither of which were his. Police contacted the owner of the items who said they were stolen out of her vehicle parked in front of her home.

Brooks admitted to stealing the items and agreed to cooperate with the police investigation, according to the statement. He showed police the houses he had broken into, and admitted that the clothes and shoes he was wearing had been stolen from one of the houses. He also took the homeowner’s ID, two flash drives and a garage door opener.

Brooks told police that when he stole clothes from the house, he left his old clothes behind. When officers retrieved his clothes, they found a needle in the pocket of his pants.

The victim whose vehicle was burglarized reported that skunk spray had been sprayed inside the vehicle, and a key that did not belong to them was shoved into the ignition.

Another homeowner in the area reported that skunk spray had been sprayed inside his house by the back door.

Brooks said that he had marked the areas that he had been to with the skunk spray in order for police to find him, and that he had covered himself with the spray as well to protect himself, according to police.

Earlier in the day, family members had reported to police that Brooks was saying things to them on the phone that didn’t make sense. An officer on the crisis negotiation team who was able to speak with Brooks on the phone that morning determined that he was experiencing some delusions, Atkin said.

“He has some mental health issues, coupled with possible drug use,” Atkin said.

Brooks was given medical clearance from Dixie Regional Medical Center for his possible mental health issues before being taken to the St. George Police Department.

Brooks was charged with second-degree felony of burglary of a dwelling, third-degree felony of unlawful acquisition of a financial transaction charge, seven class A misdemeanors for two counts of criminal trespass, unlawful possession of another’s identification documents, two counts of theft, burglary of a vehicle and failure to stop at the command of a law enforcement officer. He was also charged with four class B misdemeanors for two counts of criminal mischief, interference with an arresting officer and possession of drug paraphernalia.

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Cocktails to-go will be permanently legal in a post-pandemic Arizona, making many diners and restauranterus happy, while others criticize the new ruling.

Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey signed House Bill 2773 on Friday, May 21, making it legal for restaurants, bars and liquor stores in the state to sell cocktails to-go starting Oct. 1, 2021.

“Business owners have shown that offering to-go beverages can be done responsibly and safely,” Ducey said in a press release. “House Bill 2773 will make sure restaurants and bars have the opportunity to expand operations and meet the needs of their customers, especially after weathering the effects of the pandemic.”

In March 2020, Ducey issued an executive order allowing businesses to sell alcoholic beverages to-go or for delivery, which was intended to help relieve the financial strain of closures from the COVID-19 pandemic. This new bill will permanently allow the sale of to-go cocktails, with a few more rules in place.

Under the new law, restaurants will need to obtain proper permits through the Arizona Department of Liquor Licenses and Control to sell beer, wine and cocktails for off-property consumption. But they can’t do it on their own, at least not yet. Until 2026, a restaurant without a series 6 or 7 liquor license will need to “lease” their privilege to sell cocktails to-go from a bar or liquor store with proper licensing in the same county. In 2026, restaurants will be able to apply for the permit themselves directly through the Department of Liquor.

This ruling has sparked controversy between restaurants and bars, as the majority of restaurants had great success selling to-go alcoholic beverages during the pandemic while many bar owners feel it devalues the significantly more expensive liquor licenses they pay for, which already give them the ability to sell alcohol to-go.

“I disagree with that, strongly,” said Eric Reyes, the lead bartender at Old Corral Bar in Cornville. “A number 6 liquor license is, because we’re able to sell packaged goods, a far more valuable license than a restaurant license. …What they would be doing is devaluing our liquor license by letting everybody sell cocktails out the door.”

A group of Arizona bar owners actually sued the Governor’s Office in November after he relaxed the laws during the pandemic saying he violated state law by allowing businesses without series 6 or 7 liquor licenses to sell alcohol to-go, allegedly the order unfairly granted a competitive advantage bars themselves did not have. Vinodi Sedona and Mooney’s Irish Pub, both in Sedona, were among the plaintiffs.

Maricopa County Superior Court Judge Pamela Gates agreed, and restaurants have been unable to sell alcohol for delivery or off-premise consumption ever since.

On the other side, restaurants such as La Fonda Mexican Restaurant in Camp Verde found the ability to sell cocktails to-go helpful in staying afloat during the pandemic, and look forward to the ability to do so again.

“It kind of helped us with our, obviously, liquor sales, and when we were selling food with liquors it kind of brought in more people as well,” La Fonda Manager Mitchell Latham said. “We are kind of known for our margaritas. I think most people try to swing by on their way from work to home. They’ll stop and grab food and then they’ll head home.”

Owner of The Haunted Group, Eric Jurisin, who has seven restaurants in the Verde Valley, all of which sold cocktails to-go during the pandemic, said he has both bar and restaurant liquor licenses and doesn’t have an issue with the new ruling.

“I see zero downside. I think it helps with the whole dining experience to be able to pair your cocktail with your food choice,” he said. “I don’t see it as an advantage or a disadvantage. The restaurants are selling to-go cocktails while the bars have the opportunity to sell liquor to go, but I don’t think it’s a major part of most bar businesses.”

“I never took advantage of it before with my to-go license. And even a bar couldn’t fill a to-go cocktail …. They could sell a bottle of beer or a bottle of wine or a bottle of vodka, for instance, but they couldn’t sell a pina colada. It was different. Now we can actually craft a cocktail and send it out.”

While Reyes agreed that the new ruling likely won’t actually hurt the bar industry, and said the Old Corral Bar may even consider selling cocktails to-go in the future, he has personal concerns shared by many concerning the potential for drinking and driving.

“We don’t need people driving up and down the highways with a double Jack and Coke in between their legs,” Reyes said. “I wouldn’t personally feel very good about it.”

In an attempt to regulate this, the law requires that any alcoholic beverages sold to-go must have some sort of “tamper-proof cap, seal, cork or closure that has a device, mechanism or adhesive that clearly shows whether a container has been opened.”

According to the Cottonwood Police Department’s annual crime report, the total number of recorded cases of drivingunder the influence was between 70 and 80 in 2020, which is higher than in 2019, which had just under 60 violations but about the same as 2018.

Cottonwood Police Sgt. Chad Sinn said his department is prepared to support any legislation that comes from the governor’s office.

“Please drink responsibly and where legally permissible,” he said.

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ST. GEORGE — Zion National Park, as part of a public-private partnership, has announced plans to build a visitor contact station on the east side of the park as part of a new gateway community known as the “Applecross Station Visitor Center.”

The station is being built as a collaborative effort between Zion National Park, Kane County, the Zion Forever Project, the Bureau of Land Management and the Zion Mountain Ranch landowners. It will be located just outside of the park boundaries and will include a visitor center, shuttle hub, private businesses and a new trail network.

Project leaders anticipate this new visitor hub will benefit the visitor experience, boost Kane County’s economy and reduce overcrowding in the park.

Each year, over 1 million of Zion’s visitors enter through the east entrance of the park, where the only point of contact is the entrance fee station where rangers often have little time to share information and answer questions.

“Currently for visitors coming from the east side, the only information they get is at the entrance station. It is confusing for them to figure out where to park or how to utilize the main canyon shuttle,” Zion spokeswoman Aly Baltrus said.

The park first identified a need for a visitor center on the east side of the park in the Zion National Park General Management Plan in 2001, Superintendent Jeff Bradybaugh said. But putting a visitor center within the park boundaries wasn’t an option, mainly due to a lack of space on which to build it.

A site map showing early plans of the Applecross Station Visitor Center and shuttle hub | Image courtesy of the Zion Forever Project, St. George News

Zion’s need for an east entrance visitor center, combined with efforts by Kane County leadership to create jobs in the area, and the willingness of East Zion property owners to donate land to the cause, set in motion plans to design a second gateway community for Zion.

Applecross Station will be located at the junction of state Route 9 and North Fork Road,  which is about a four-minute drive from the east entrance to the park. The property is owned by Kevin McLaws, who operates Zion Mountain Ranch.

“The opportunity here is to build an appropriate gateway community basically from a blank canvas,” McLaws said. “So that’s what we’re all about, is to create the appropriate welcome mat to Zion National Park, one of America’s most treasured landscapes.”

The visitor contact station will offer many of the same amenities as the visitor center in Zion Canyon, as well as a few of its own, including information about the park, exhibits, backcountry permits, a Kane County Office of Tourism Museum, a theater, food, public restrooms and a Zion Forever Project store.

As it is a public-private partnership, the visitor contact station will be an official national park service center, designed by the national park, but will be run by the Zion Forever Project that will most likely operate in the facility through a long-term lease of the building. The store will help support the center, which will be staffed by a number of agencies involved.

“If you walk into the visitor kiosk on any given day, it could be a Kane County staff member, it could be a National Park Service staff member, it could be Forever Project staff, it could be BLM down the road, it’s going to be a very seamless experience and a very collaborative one,” said Mark Preiss, director of the Zion Forever Project.

The station will offer much more than a visitor center, however. The hope is that private businesses will operate out of the area and offer shopping, tour guides, gear outfitters and culinary experiences. McLaws said he also intends to offer more activities and experiences than the average gateway community, especially farming and agriculture related learning opportunities.

A map showing early plans for a new shuttle route connecting Kanab to the main canyon | Image courtesy of the Zion Forever Project, St. George News

“Customers and guests can come when they travel to Zion Park and really have more of an immersive experience in the area rather than a check it off the list park visit,” McLaws said.

Plans are also in motion to operate a shuttle system out of Applecross Station, which would run through the park on SR-9 and end at the visitor center in the canyon. Project organizers are working with the Utah Clean Cities Coalition to obtain three electric shuttles as part of a test case, said Dirk Clayson, a retired Kane County commissioner who is helping plan the station.

Washington County recently performed a feasibility study to fund a transit system from St. George to Springdale, where visitors could then pick up a shuttle into the main canyon. Kane County is also conducting a feasibility study to determine whether it can create a shuttle system that would run from Kanab to the Applecross Station Visitor Center, and then into the park.

If financially feasible, it would create a shuttle system connecting visitors from Kanab to St. George, and to everything in between.

“That will help with overcrowding at the tunnel, along the roadway and at the parking lots, although it will not help overcrowding in the main canyon,” Baltrus said.

What would help, she said, is the network of trails that have been designed in the East Zion area that will provide visitors with alternatives to the crowded trails in the main canyon.

So far planners have designed five new trails, covering about 25 miles total, Clayson said. Most of the trails begin on private property at or near Applecross Station and end up on BLM land. Future plans include connecting those and other trails to those already within the park.

“They’d be a really spectacular trail network that would give a wide variety of experience and super scenic views,” he said.

A visual showing early plans for a new trail system in East Zion | Image courtesy of the Zion Forever Project, St. George News

Plans include the Checkerboard Mesa Vista trail, connecting the Applecross Station Visitor Center to the Checkerboard Mesa hike in Zion, a West Rim Trail, White Cliffs Overlook, the Gateway Loop, an East Park Overlook trail, the East Zion Traverse trail and the East Zion Bike Path.

The group plans to start work on one of these trails as soon as this fall, and will likely continue to build upon the trail network for the next five to 10 years.

Last week, they received a $150,000 grant from the Utah Office of Outdoor Recreation to go toward developing the trails. The grant will not cover the entire trail system, Clayson said, but will allow them to start on at least one trail.

Funding for the visitor contact station itself, which is expected to cost around $12 million, will come from a tax increment incentive program. Instead of creating a new tax to pay for it, the county would collect the incremental tax growth that would normally be collected in the area from the transient room tax, sales tax and property tax, and put it toward the visitor center, Clayson said.

An important element in making the plan work is private investors bringing businesses to the area, which would increase the incremental tax.

“Basically, because we would be creating the visitor center and creating the trail networks it would allow for the private landowners to make investments in additional lodging facilities that would then allow for incremental tax growth,” Clayson said.

The county is in the process of completing a financial study to determine the feasibility of the plan. So far it appears that it will be able to raise the $12 million needed and start the two-year construction project by fall 2020.

“That’s optimistic, and I wouldn’t be surprised if it doesn’t get pushed … but if you don’t have some target you’ll never even get close to it. So that’s what we’re working towards,” Clayson said.

Concept drawings of the Applecross Station Visitor Center floor plan | Image courtesy of the Zion Forever Project, St. George News

While the gateway community design will offer many of the same services as Springdale, those involved in the project don’t anticipate it will hurt the town’s businesses or slow visitation to the visitor center in the canyon, but rather that the two communities will complement each other and help to extend visitor stays in the area.

Breck Dockstader, owner of Cliffrose Lodge and Gardens, Springdale Visitor Center and several other vacation rental companies and restaurants in Springdale, said he strongly supports the development of a visitor center on the east side of the park.

“There are so many wonderful places to visit and see on that side of Zion both in and outside of the park. As a Springdale business owner, we are excited to have another option to send out guests to experience. In my opinion, visitor distribution is critical. I think the project will not take away from Springdale and will help bridge a long-lasting divide between both sides of Zion.”

Park officials hope that Applecross Station will not simply serve as an informational visitor center, but will become its own attraction for visitors and locals alike. Each visitor center will share different stories and history, as each side of the park has its own unique points of interest. And while they do expect that the visitor center will become a destination, the planners are not concerned about it increasing overall visitation to the park.

“If you look at visitation to Zion, it’s been going up since the park was created, and the park is well known nationally and internationally. I don’t think the visitor center itself will attract more visitors necessarily. We’re seeing that upward trend regardless,” Bradybaugh said.

And no matter how many visitors and private businesses that Applecross Station attracts, an integral part of the landowner’s plan is to maintain the integrity of the natural resources in the area and the open spaces for which the East Zion area is known, and protect it for future generations.  

“What’s really important is how it enriches the visitor experience, how it expands the visitor experience and gives the visitors new opportunities to experience our greater Zion landscape, and by doing that we help protect the integrity of Zion itself,” Preiss said.

Click on photo to enlarge it, then use your left-right arrow keys to cycle through the gallery.

Concept drawings of the Applecross Station Visitor Center floor plan | Image courtesy of the Zion Forever Project, St. George News

Concept drawings of the floor plans for offices at the Applecross Station Visitor Center | Image courtesy of the Zion Forever Project, St. George News

A map showing early plans for a new shuttle route connecting Kanab to the main canyon | Image courtesy of the Zion Forever Project, St. George News

A site map from 2019 showing early plans of the Applecross Station Visitor Center and shuttle hub at the east entry of Zion National Park. | Image courtesy of the Zion Forever Project, St. George News

A visual showing early plans for a new trail system in East Zion | Image courtesy of the Zion Forever Project, St. George News

Concept drawings of the Applecross Station Visitor Center floor plan | Image courtesy of the Zion Forever Project, St. George News

One of the views that will be visible from the new trail network planned in East Zion | Image courtesy of the Zion Forever Project, St. George News

A map showing early plans for a new trail system in East Zion | Image courtesy of the Zion Forever Project, St. George News

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A Cottonwood man was arrested for his alleged involvement in the Jan. 6 raid of the U.S. Capitol while clad as “Captain Moroni” after authorities received a tip that he was the man seen in many photos and videos circulating the internet.

Nathan Wayne Entrekin, 48, is said to have traveled over 2,200 miles to Washington, D.C., from Cottonwood in his personal car to join thousands of others to protest and try to overthrow President Joe Biden’s election into office, according to an FBI affidavit.

In a wealth of photo and video evidence circulating online, Entrekin can be seen at the U.S. Capitol wearing what appears to be a gladiator costume carrying a flag that reads:

“In memory of our God, and our religion, and our freedom, and our peace, our wives, and our children. Alma 46:12.”

In multiple statements made in video interviews the day of the riots, he explains that he is dressed as Captain Moroni. Captain Moroni is a figure from the Book of Mormon who is said to have fought to defend his people from an enemy that sought to overthrow democracy and establish a king, according to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saint website.

“I am Captain Moroni. I am the William Wallace of the Book of Mormon. In the Book of Alma of the Book of Mormon, a freedom fighter named Captain Moroni fought for his freedom against the King-Men. He was a Freeman, part of the Freemen movement,” Entrekin said in a video interview Jan. 6.

On or around Jan. 11, someone provided a tip to the FBI that Entrekin was the man seen in the photos and videos online. Agents interviewed him on Feb. 2, during which time he gave them consent to search his cell phone. Investigators found at least eight videos of the raid that appeared to have been taken by Entrekin for his mother.

“I made it Mom. I made it to the top. Mom, look, I made it to the top, to the top here. Look at all the patriots here …. Oh man. Look at all the patriots here. Patriots, patriots, patriots. Look at all the people, Mom. Look at all that down there,” Entrekin narrated in one video.

The videos taken at the Capitol contradicted the story Entrekin told authorities of how the events of Jan. 6 took place and provided them with evidence to form charges against him. Entrekin told investigators that he had followed a mass of people walking toward the Capitol around 11:30 a.m. the day of the raid. He also said that while he was on the lawn of the Capitol building, officers began spraying the crowd with a chemical irritant, so he decided to press on and enter the building about an hour after other protestors first broke in.

Entrekin further claimed that he did not know he wasn’t allowed in the Capitol building and that people were being pushed and “herded” inside. He said when he saw broken glass and other people looting that he felt he needed to leave the building immediately. However, in the videos he narrated for his mom as well as CCTV footage from the Capitol’s security system, Entrekin can be seen willingly walking into the building and entering the Senate Parliamentarian’s office.

Once inside, he recorded the damage and looting going on. When police began shooting rubber bullets, Entrekin left but can be seen re-entering the Capitol and standing in the northwest plaza a short time later. Additionally, Entrekin can be heard chanting along with the other protestors and making his own comments for the videos.

“This is our house. Wow, Mom. I wish you were here with me. It’s really exciting in here. It’s joyful and it’s sad at the same time. We can’t let Biden … be our president. We can’t… there’s no way,” he said in one video.

Entrekin was, however, seen in multiple videos stating that while he wanted change, he hoped things would happen peacefully.

“I have a hope that we will, that things will work out. God is in control …. And I hope that we do this peacefully. Whatever we do, I hope that it’s peaceful,” he told an interviewer Jan. 6.

Entrekin was arrested July 15 at the home he shares with his mother in Cottonwood and is being charged with two misdemeanors, including knowingly entering or remaining in a restricted building or grounds without lawful authority as well as violent entry and disorderly conduct in either chamber of Congress.

He is facing up to one year in prison and is set to make an appearance at the U.S. Magistrate Court in Flagstaff July 27.

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ST. GEORGE— National parks and other protected lands are being affected by climate change more than the rest of the U.S., a recent study reveals.

The study, performed by a team led by University of California, Berkeley climate change scientist and associate adjunct professor Patrick Gonzalez, used spatial analysis and GIS to analyze climate data and temperature for all 50 states – and every national park individually – from 1895 to 2010. According to the study, the data reveal that national parks have been more affected by rising temperatures than other geographical areas.

“Up until our research, the severity of climate change across all the U.S. National Parks was unknown,” Gonzalez said.

The research found that compared to the U.S. as a whole, which has warmed about 0.4 degrees Celsius, or 0.72 degrees Fahrenheit since 1895, national parks have warmed about 1 C, or 1.8 F, on average.

The area that has been most affected is Denali National Park in Alaska, which has warmed by 1.6 C per century, while the least affected protected land area is the Tuskegee Airmen National Historic Site in Alabama.

A map showing the change in temperature over the past since 1895 | Image courtesy of Patrick Gonzalez, St. George News | Click to enlarge

The Southeast has been the least affected by climate change in general, having warmed very little due to things like air pollution and increased rainfall which helps compensate for the warming, Gonzalez said.

The opposite is true in the Southwest region of the U.S., where national parks and other protected lands have experienced relatively higher rates of warming.

Zion National Park has seen the most significant increase in temperatures among Southern Utah parks, increasing by 1 C, almost 2 F, since 1895.

Bryce Canyon National Park has seen an increase of 0.6 C, Cedar Breaks National Monument 0.8 C and Arches National Park 0.5 C.

Grand Canyon National Park has warmed, but the change has not been significant, increasing in temperature by only 0.3 C, according to the study. 

The effects are equivalent to pushing a mountain down in elevation by 500 feet

One degree per century doesn’t seem like much, Gonzalez said, but the effects are equivalent to pushing a mountain down in elevation by 500 feet. Plants and animals that are used to a certain average temperature are being affected by even these slight increases, he says. 

“Small increments of temperature can translate into big changes on the ground,” Gonzalez said.

The National Park Service has also looked at the rise in global temperature over the years by analyzing data in each park over periods of 10, 20 and 30 years and determining how many times a park experienced “extreme” warm and cold temperatures as well as extreme dry and extreme wet seasons. NPS considers conditions “extreme” if they exceed 95% of the historical range of conditions.

A graph showing historical temperature changes from 1895 to 2010 | Image courtesy of Patrick Gonzalez, St. George News | Click to enlarge

They found that Zion experienced five instances of “extreme warm” weather, but no other extreme variables. Bryce Canyon experienced six “extreme warm” seasons, while Arches had two “extreme warm” variables and one “extreme wet” variable. The Grand Canyon had five “extreme warm” variables between 1901 and 2012.

The reason why protected lands are more affected by increasing global temperatures, according to Gonzalez, has to do with their locations, such as arctic areas and the arid Southwest.

“We’ve conserved the most remarkable places in the country and they often happen to be in extreme environments,” Gonzalez said.

Not only do changes in temperature affect the parks, but the amount of rainfall makes a difference as well. The most significant decrease in rainfall has been reported in Southern California, particularly in Joshua Tree National Park, though Lake Mead on the Nevada and Arizona border has also seen significant decreases. Southern Utah parks have seen a small increase in precipitation, Gonzalez said, but despite the added rainfall, the interaction between precipitation and temperature is considered more important.

“The hotter temperatures have outpaced the rainfall so that it has become more arid in many places because you may get a little more rainfall but it heats up more so you get more evaporation and so it gets hotter,” he said.

A graph showing Zion National Park temperature trends over the years | Image courtesy of the National Park Service, St. George News | Click to enlarge

NPS predicts that rising average temperatures will increase park visitation, particularly in Zion. In a 2015 study on how climate change will increase park tourism, researchers looked at the historical relationship between monthly average air temperatures and visitation data. They then predicted future visitation based on climate change projections and estimate that Zion’s annual visitation will increase between 8% and 26% by 2041.

Part of the University of California, Berkeley team’s research, however, was projecting future changes in temperature using the assumption that current warming trends will continue. 

According to their projections, there may be an increase in the frequency of wildfires in the Southwest, particularly in the Grand Canyon.

In addition to more frequent wildfires, warming is expected to affect wildlife habitats. One example of this is the pika, a small mammal related to the rabbit family, which was, until recently, commonly found in Zion and Cedar Breaks. But in 2015, scientists from the United States Geological Survey were unable to locate them in the area. Pikas are considered an indicator species, and current thinking suggests their reduction in population may be the result of climate change affecting their habitat, according to the USGS.

Additionally, these hotter and drier climate conditions cause droughts, which reduces the availability of drinking water for wildlife and has the potential to dry out soil and damage crops, according to the United States Environmental Protection Agency. Drier climates can reduce a tree’s ability to defend itself from pests like bark beetles, which can kill trees, and also infested around 50,000 acres of Utah forests in 2012.

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ST. GEORGE— A form of vandalism took place in Snow Canyon State Park last week when an unknown person, or persons, violated park rules by taking glow sticks into one of the lava tubes along the Lava Flow Trail, leaving hundreds of glow sticks strewn about the cave floor. But more than just a mess to be cleaned up, the glow sticks can also cause problems for wildlife.

Park employees are unsure who vandalized the tube or exactly when the act took place.

Volunteers are needed to clean glow sticks and other trash from the tubes about once per month

The incident, while on a larger scale than most, is not an isolated incident. Groups of volunteers are needed to clean glow sticks and other trash from the tubes about once per month, park manager Kristen Comella said. The park has yet to have time to clean the cave from the most recent incident.

Consequences for those caught littering or vandalizing a state park can be charged a fine of varying amounts depending on the severity of the crime.

There are a number of park visitors who view bringing glow sticks into the cave as a tradition and see no problem with the mess they leave behind, Comella said.

“Unfortunately it’s sort of an ongoing issue, and I don’t think we can attribute it to any single group,” she said. “It’s not a one-time, rare event, but something that happens on a pretty regular basis by park visitors.”

Bringing glow sticks into the lava tubes causes a number of issues. Not only does it diminish the experience for others who visit the lava tubes, but the caves are also home to animals like bats and pack rats who use them as overnight roosts. Acts of vandalism displace these animals. Historically, certain species of bats would use the cave for hibernation during winter months.

There’s virtually no hibernation that takes place in those caves anymore

“There’s virtually no hibernation that takes place in those caves anymore due to those sorts of activities,” Comella said.

The glow sticks can even damage the cave itself. When visitors break the glow sticks open in the cave, they spill chemicals, glass shards and plastic. While studies on the chemical itself have not turned up any short-term damaging effects, they could cause long-term damages over time if allowed to build up. And the small glass shards can be harmful to both animals in the cave and other visitors.

“People need to be aware that although some people try to promote it as a tradition, that it ultimately is diminishing the visitor experience,” Comella said, “and it’s diminishing the resource in terms of those underground caves that we have in the park.”

Comella speculates that the reason people continue to bring glow sticks into the caves, despite signs warning against it, has to do with ignorance, not thinking about the consequences or people thinking that because it is underground it is somehow acceptable.

Comella said she thought if people saw those types of conditions above-ground in the park, they would be shocked.

“For some reason people think since it’s sort of ‘out-of-sight, out-of-mind’ that it’s somehow different or allowed when it’s not.”

Glow sticks in the lava tubes is not the only form of vandalism that occurs at the park. Spray paint graffiti, people carving their names into sandstone, defacing buildings and breaking other structures or facilities happens year-round.

“People to have a responsibility to be good stewards when they visit the park and to leave everything that they find here – lava tubes as well as the trails and the picnic areas – in just as good, if not better, shape than they find them,” Comella said. “And glow sticks aren’t permitted in the tubes.”

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