Accokeek, MD – June 3, 2025 – Spirits were high as avid waterfowl supporters from across the nation met for DU’s 88th National Convention in Baltimore, Maryland on May 28-31. With the convention being held in Benelli USA’s home state, it was only natural for the premium firearm company to take a lead role in making this a memorable event.
Donated Benelli firearms were featured at raffles and auctions throughout the multi-day event.
One of the high points of the week’s fundraising efforts centered on a one-of-a-kind set of Benelli guns specifically created for this convention. The set—named “The Trilogy”—consists of three Super Black Eagle 3s with premium wood stocks and forends…one each in 12-, 20-, and 28-gauge configurations. Each gun sports a beautiful engraving of waterfowl in flight: wood ducks on the 28 gauge, mallards on the 20 gauge, and Canada geese on the 12-gauge. Just forward of the stock on the receiver, each gun proudly displays an engraved DU logo with “2025 National Convention” wording wrapping around the wrist of the gun within a gold band.
Each of these shotguns also carries Benelli’s latest game-changing Advanced Impact technology. Advanced Impact (or A.I.) is a patented barrel technology that increases the velocity and energy of shotshells, shortens the shot string, and increases penetration downrange up to 50% compared to shells fired through non-A.I. barrels. Notably, the 28-gauge in The Trilogy is the first 28-gauge Advanced Impact shotgun to be sold worldwide.
The Trilogy was a key item in the gala auction on the last evening of the convention. After a lively round of bidding with many of the 800 gala attendees on their feet and cheering, The Trilogy sold for a record-breaking $42,000 to a generous DU supporter.
“Benelli is proud to have helped Ducks Unlimited reach a new record amount for a single auction firearm set as well as a new high-water mark for funds raised at a national convention auction,” said Tom DeBolt, CEO of Benelli USA. “We look forward to a continuing and strong partnership on behalf of waterfowl conservation with DU.”
“Ducks Unlimited was thrilled to hold our 88th National Convention in Baltimore, Maryland, and Accokeek-based Benelli USA welcomed us with open arms,” said Ducks Unlimited CEO Adam Putnam. “The record-breaking auction of The Trilogy set exemplifies the strength of our partnership, the strong appeal of Benelli’s products for our members, and enthusiasm for wetlands conservation. I am grateful for Benelli USA CEO Tom DeBolt’s personal leadership and support of this collaboration. We look forward to taking this partnership to even further heights in the years to come.”
For more information on Benelli USA’s full line of premium shotguns and centerfire hunting rifles, visit BenelliUSA.com.
About Benelli
Benelli, headquartered in Accokeek, Maryland, offers the largest selection of semi-automatic shotguns in the world, as well as a variety of rifles. Since the company’s inception, Benelli has led the world in innovative firearm technology, including the ground-breaking Benelli Inertia Driven system, Advanced Impact barrel technology, effective recoil-reduction systems, and the BE.S.T. anti-corrosion coatings. Because of this commitment to innovation, Benelli is recognized as the world’s leading manufacturer of premium firearms for competitive shooters, hunters, and defense professionals.
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