National Rifle Association

FAIRFAX, VA –-(AmmoLand.com)- The National Rifle Association has selected Janet Nyce of Green Lane, Pennsylvania, to receive the 2010 Marion P. Hammer Woman of Distinction Award.

This award recognizes exceptional contributions to the preservation of the Second Amendment and the shooting sports through education, advocacy, volunteerism, and legislative activism in support of the goals of the NRA.

Nyce was introduced to hunting by her husband, James, nearly 45 years ago. Since then, the two have raised three children, nurtured six grandchildren and shared their passion for the outdoors with their Pennsylvania community.

An accomplished shooter, Nyce hunts with a rifle, shotgun, inline muzzleloader, primitive muzzleloader, and compound bow. Her devotion to training and education led her to become an NRA Certified Instructor in shotgun and Refuse To Be A Victim®. She also volunteers with her community’s Women On Target® Instructional Shooting Clinic and serves as a shotgun Range Master at the NRA’s Youth Hunter Education Challenge.

“Being a mentor and instructor are two of the greatest joys in my life. The return factor is amazing,” Nyce said. “I always have felt this quote is so true: “the leader who shares experience ensures a bright future and leaves a legacy of success behind.”

A legacy of success is guaranteed with Nyce. As an appointee of the Pennsylvania Governor’s Advisory Council for Hunting, Fishing and Conservation, Nyce mentors 30 young people who make up the Governor’s Youth Council for Hunting, Fishing and Conservation.

In 2005, Nyce was a finalist of the Budweiser Conservation Award. She is a member of many hunting and conservation organizations; a Patron member of the NRA; a life member of both Safari Club International and Second Amendment Sisters; and countless others.

“It’s people like Janet Nyce who embody the true meaning of the National Rifle Association,” Hammer said. “Cultivating and instructing the next generation of hunters and shooters, as Janet has for many years, is the best, most direct way of preserving freedom for all Americans.”

Marion P. Hammer has influenced many in her fight to preserve Second Amendment freedoms. From her role as lobbyist in the passage of Florida’s Right-to-Carry legislation, to her grassroots efforts in educating youth about firearm safety, ownership and responsibility, Hammer exemplifies activism. As the creator of the Eddie Eagle GunSafe® Program and first woman president of the National Rifle Association, she has significantly impacted her community, state and the nation. To honor her pioneering spirit, the National Rifle Association bestows the Marion P. Hammer Woman of Distinction Award in her name.

To learn more about the Women’s Programs offered by the NRA, visit http://www.nrahq.org/Women/.

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Janet Nyce Wins NRA’s 2010 Marion P. Hammer Woman of Distinction Award

Pheasants Forever & Quail Forever

Saint Paul, Minn. - -(AmmoLand.com)- Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever have honored three local chapters for their efforts to introduce youth to the outdoors and create the next generation of hunters and conservationists.

Recipients of the third annual No Child Left Indoors® National Awards include the Mahaska County (Iowa) Pheasants Forever chapter, the Illinois Pioneer Pheasants Forever chapter and the Great River Area (Illinois/Iowa) Quail Forever chapter.

Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever’s No Child Left Indoors initiative is the organization’s national effort to engage youngsters in outdoor activities such as hunting, fishing and camping. The No Child Left Indoors® National Awards recognize chapters for their youth habitat projects, youth and family community events and youth outdoor education programs.

“These chapters have shown the ultimate commitment to promoting youth activities and getting kids involved in the outdoors,” said Cheryl Riley, Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever’s Vice President of Education and Outreach.

Great River Area Quail Forever Chapter
This chapter does youth work on both sides of the Mississippi River – in Illinois and Iowa. From presentations to high school kids, an FFA banquet, hunter safety programs and youth fishing tournaments, Great River Area Quail Forever chapter members engaged youth and talked about habitat and the needs of quail. The chapter also held its first mentored youth hunt last September.

Mahaska County Pheasants Forever Chapter
Each spring, the Mahaska County Pheasants Forever chapter sponsors an outdoor day that includes every 5th grade student in the county, 350-plus students. In the fall, the chapter hosts a field day which over 200 youth attend and everyone goes home with a Pheasants Forever Ringnecks (youth) membership. The chapter also sponsors an Iowa Youth Hunter Education Challenge Team as well as a scholastic shooting team that had 60 participants this past year. Last year, chapter expenditures on youth programs topped $16,000.

The Mahaska County Pheasants Forever chapter’s youth coordinator is Mahaska High School student Brooks VanDerBeek. Brooks’ dad, Jeff, is president of the chapter. Brooks serves on Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever’s National Youth Leadership Council and recently helped form the first-ever high school student Pheasants Forever chapter in the country, the Oskaloosa Pioneering Ringnecks. Brooks’ efforts have earned him the Izaak Walton Iowa Youth Conservationist of the Year award, and he was named a “Hero of Conservation” in the current issue of Field and Stream magazine.

Illinois Pioneer Pheasants Forever Chapter
The Illinois Pioneer Pheasants Forever chapter held 11 events in 2009 as part of its “Young Guns” program, involving members, women, FFA, scouts and families in trap and skeet shoots, a fishing derby, a hunter safety course, a rifle shoot and a youth mentor hunt. In 2009, the Illinois Pioneer chapter spent approximately $31,000 on youth programs. There are 290 youth members in “Young Guns” and this year they will be working on an 80-acre habitat restoration project. The chapter credits the “Young Guns” program in making its annual fundraising banquet last spring the largest in its 25-year history. Original “Young Guns” Ben Magers and Kirstin Blackford helped create and serve on the newly formed Illinois Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever State Youth Leadership Council, and each was recognized as a 2009 Environmental Hero by the Illinois Governor.

For more about Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever’s No Child Left Indoors® initiative, contact Cheryl Riley at criley@pheasantsforever.org and 651.209.4975.

Pheasants Forever and its quail division, Quail Forever, is a non-profit conservation organization is dedicated to the conservation of pheasants, quail and other wildlife through habitat improvements, public awareness, education and land management policies and programs. Pheasants Forever has more than 120,000 members in 700 local chapters across the United States and Canada.

For additional information please visit www.PheasantsForever.org and www.QuailForever.org

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Quail Forever’s Third Annual No Child Left Indoors National Awards

GoHuntGeorgia.com

SOCIAL CIRCLE, Ga --(AmmoLand.com)- The Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Wildlife Resources Division recently selected George “Rip” Masters as the 2009 Volunteer Hunter Education Instructor of the Year.

This award is presented annually in recognition of an instructor who displays outstanding volunteer efforts in educating sportsmen and women on wildlife conservation and the importance of safety while hunting.

“Rip Masters is always ready to help spread the word about hunter education,” says Col. Homer Bryson, Chief of Law Enforcement. “He is involved with every aspect of the planning process for classes and goes out of his way to give his attendees a personal experience.”

Georgia “Rip” Masters has been a volunteer hunter education instructor since 1986, and has twice previously been nominated for this same honor. He is keenly active on holding the interest level of his students – taking it so far to build, at his own expense, various bullet and shotshell displays to help illustrate topics.

He personally reviews the test with any student that may not have passed in order to ensure that the student leaves feeling more confident to come back and take the test again. He also likes to provide new hunters with maps of local places to hunt. Masters wants students to have an enjoyable experience, not that the course and the test is just a requirement.

The selection of the Hunter Education Instructor of the Year begins at the region level. Each of the seven WRD Law Enforcement Regions picks the outstanding instructor in their area and sends them to the DNR Law Enforcement/Hunter Education office. The applications are then submitted to the Hunter Safety Committee. This committee is made up of WRD personnel from Game Management, Fisheries Management and Law Enforcement who are knowledgeable in working with volunteers and about hunter safety education. The committee then makes the final selection.

For more information on the Volunteer Hunter Education Instructor of the Year or hunter education classes, call the WRD Conservation Education Office at (770) 918-6414. For more information on GHEA, visit their website at http://gheanet.homestead.com/AboutGHEA.html .

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WRD Names Cherokee County Resident As Top Volunteer Hunter Education Instructor Of The Year

N.Y.S. Outdoorsmen Hall of Fame

Utica, New York --(AmmoLand.com)- The New York State Outdoorsmen Hall of Fame proudly announces that it will induct nine new members at the Annual Banquet, April 24, 2010 in Canastota, NY.

The nine individuals represent a cross section of interests and achievements from various regions of New York State. What they do have in common is a lifetime of dedication to conservation and improving participation in outdoor sports.

Dave Barus of Erie County has been a leader in many sportsmen’s organizations and the Erie County Federation of Sportsmen as well as one of the founders of the Southtown Walleye Association. He founded the Teach Me To Fish program and conducts that on behalf of several clubs. Bill Button has developed several youth programs in Yates County and served as president of local clubs and the Yates Federation of Conservation Clubs. He started the Yates County Chapter of S.C.O.P.E. and has been a longtime advocate for sportsmen’s causes.

Bob Hughes of Steuben County is a life-long instructor in hunter safety and trapper education. He has served as president of the NYS Trapper’s Association and is currently the Scholarship Chairman. Bob Monacchio of Saratoga has devoted a lifetime to protecting the ecology of Great Sacandaga Lake and opportunities for fishermen. He has also worked on behalf of sportsmen all over the state to fight invasive species, increase access for anglers, and protect the dedicated Conservation Fund.

Ed Noonan is an award-winning writer from Saratoga County and a strong advocate for sportsmen’s rights and conservation. He has actively promoted and assisted in many youth clinics and activities. Glenn Sapir of Putnam County has spent a lifetime as editor of national and state publications and introduced sportsmen to new opportunities, set standards for ethics, and encouraged new writers and sportsmen. Currently he promotes shooting sports, especially for youngsters and newcomers, on behalf of the National Shooting Sports Foundation.

Ed Sidote of Norwich is known as Mr. Finger Lakes Trail for the many miles and hours he has spent assisting and introducing others to the joys of the outdoors. His exhibits, seminars, and hikes have all conveyed the message of conservation and the sportsmen’s role. Al West of Warren County developed the course on trapper education before it became state mandated. He has served as president of New York State Trappers Association and currently is chair of the Joint Trappers Initiative which works with the DEC to reconcile the interests of trappers and the public’s concerns.

Steve Wowelko of Onondaga County has been the voice and the organizer of many organizations both for Onondaga County and New York State sportsmen. Friends of Carpenters Brook, Family Fish Days, Camp Hinckley Fishing Program, member of Region 7 Fish and Wildlife Management Board, and the fight to save the Carpenters Brook Hatchery are only a few of the programs that Wowelko has devoted countless hours and skill to.

All of these sportsmen are recognized not for what they achieved on a personal basis, but for their efforts on behalf of saving or improving our sporting heritage. They along with their families and friends, past inductees of the Hall of Fame, and representatives of the major sporting conservation groups will gather at the annual banquet.

These sportsmen will be honored at the Annual Banquet in Canastota, NY on April 24, 2010. Guests and interested sportsmen are encouraged to attend. Information or reservations are available by calling 315-363-3896 by April 17.

In addition to honoring sportsmen and women for preserving or enhancing our outdoor heritage, the NYS Outdoorsmen Hall of Fame is involved in many other educational activities including seminars, fishing clinics, or youth programs. Check the web site www.nysohof.org for more information.

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New York State Outdoorsmen Hall of Fame To Induct Nine

National Wild Turkey Federation

EDGEFIELD, S.C. --(AmmoLand.com)- With an expert panel of seven judges to impress, the winners at the National Wild Turkey Federation’s Grand National Turkey Calling Championships had to call nearly “purr-fect” for victory.

Each year, nine Grand National champions are crowned at the NWTF’s National Convention and Sport Show. This year’s convention, sponsored by MidwayUSA, took place Feb. 18 to 21 at the Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center in Nashville.

“It’s very surreal. It’s obviously a dream come true,” said Mitchell Johnston, the Senior Division champion. “The first phone call I made was to my wife because she didn’t travel here with me this year. As soon as I heard her voice, we both kind of lost it. It was a special moment. I mean this is the best feeling you can have as a turkey caller. It’s hitting a grand slam or winning the Super Bowl.”

Callers of all ages descended on Nashville to compete for more than $25,000 in cash and prizes in nine divisions. Callers used natural voices, latex mouth calls, pot and peg friction calls, box calls, owl hooting tubes and more to yelp, cluck, purr, gobble and hoot their way to the top spot on stage.

“Winning a title at Grand National Turkey Calling Championships is like reaching the summit of a mountain. There is no higher place among the turkey calling’s elite,” said George Thornton, NWTF CEO. “The atmosphere in the room during the trophy presentation is electric. Raising the first-place trophy at these contests means that you have beaten the best callers in the world.”

Thousands of outdoor entusiasts attended the 34th annual NWTF National Convention and Sport Show. The Grand National Turkey Calling Championships were just one of many featured events that included seminars by legendary hunters, the three-day sport show with more than 550 vendor booths, and performances by Jeff Foxworthy, Little Big Town and Colt Ford.

The NWTF National Convention and Sport Show will return to the Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center in Nashville, Feb. 17 to Feb. 20, 2011.

Founded in 1973, the NWTF is a nonprofit conservation organization that works daily to further its mission of conserving the wild turkey and preserving our hunting heritage.

Through dynamic partnerships with state, federal and provincial wildlife agencies, the NWTF and its members have helped restore wild turkey populations across the country, spending more than $306 million to conserve 14 million acres of habitat for all types of wildlife.

2010 Grand National Turkey Calling Champions
Brought to you by Wild Turkey Bourbon

• Senior Division: Mitchell Johnston — Purlear, N.C.
• Friction Division: Bobby Woods — Dante, Va.
• Team Challenge Division: Mark Prudhomme and Kerry Terrell — Georgetown, S.C., and Brooklet, Ga.
• Rare Breed/Champion of Champions Division: Mark Prudhomme — Georgetown, S.C.
• Gobbling Division: Stephan Richardson — Springdale, Ark.
• Owl Hooting Division: James Harrison — Hillsboro, Mo.

2010 Youth Grand National Turkey Calling Champions
Brought to you by Mossy Oak Brand Camo and Ol’ Tom

• Intermediate Division: Dakota Clouser — Danville, Pa.
• Junior Division: Lewis Armistead — Pleasant Shade, Tenn.
• Poults Division: Benjamin Pentecost — Heflin, Ala.

For more information about the NWTF visit www.nwtf.org or call (800) THE-NWTF.

2010 Convention Sponsors:
Affinity4, ATK/Federal Premium Ammunition, Bank of America, Bass Pro Shops, Benelli, Browning, Call Makers and Collectors Association of America, CamoFX, Chevrolet, Farm Service Agency, Foxy Huntress, Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center, HuntVe, Knight Rifles, Leupold & Stevens, Marlin Firearms Company, MeadWestvaco, MidwayUSA, Nashville Convention and Visitors Bureau, National Band & Tag Co., O.F. Mossberg & Sons, Inc., Mossy Oak and The Pursuit Channel, The Outdoor Connection, Remington Arms Company, Inc., SHE Outdoor Apparel, TriStar Sporting Arms, USDA Forest Service, Weatherby, Inc., Wild Turkey Bourbon, Winchester Division/Olin Corp.

About the NWTF: The National Wild Turkey Federation is a nonprofit conservation organization that works daily to further its mission of conserving the wild turkey and preserving our hunting heritage.

Through dynamic partnerships with state, federal and provincial wildlife agencies, the NWTF and its more than 350,000 members have helped restore wild turkey populations across the country, spending more than $306 million to conserve 14 million acres of habitat for all types of wildlife.

The Federation works to increase interest in the outdoors by bringing new hunters and conservationists into the fold through outdoor education events and its outreach programs – Women in the Outdoors, Wheelin’ Sportsmen, JAKES and Xtreme JAKES.

The NWTF was founded in 1973 and is headquartered in Edgefield, S.C. According to many state and federal agencies, the comeback of the wild turkey is arguably the greatest conservation success story in North America’s wildlife history.

Visit www.nwtf.org or call (800) THE-NWTF for details.

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Turkey Calling Champions Crowned at NWTF Convention

National Wild Turkey Federation’s Convention & Sport Show

EDGEFIELD, S.C. --(AmmoLand.com)- Taxidermists from across the country competed for top honors at the National Wild Turkey Federation’s Grand National Taxidermy Contest during the NWTF’s 34th annual National Convention and Sport Show, sponsored by MidwayUSA, in Nashville, Tenn.

More than $5,000 in prizes was up for grabs during the Grand National Wild Turkey and White-tailed Deer Taxidermy Competition. Contestants competed in two species categories: white-tailed deer and wild turkey, and two skill divisions: professional and masters.

O.F. Mossberg & Sons, Inc., and HuntVe sponsored these competitions.

Taxidermists combine beauty and practicality to create stunning and highly collectable pieces of art, which they submit to the NWTF’s Grand National Taxidermy Contest to compete against the best taxidermists in the world.

“Many talented artists compete in the NWTF’s taxidermy competition year after year,” said Karen Cavender, NWTF special events coordinator, “yet we continue to be amazed by their skill at preserving the beauty of the animals portrayed in their mounts.”

Winners included:

Wild Turkey Professional Division

• Best of Show: Alicia Love of Glendale, Ky.
• Competitors’ Choice: Alicia Love of Glendale, Ky.
• Commercial: John Beard of Dickson, Tenn.
• Best Standing: Chip Hayes of Manchester, Tenn.
• Best Strutting: Alicia Love of Glendale, Ky.

Wild Turkey Masters Division

• Best of Show: Skip Sims of Golconda, Ill.
• Best Group: Skip Sims of Golconda, Ill.
• Best Strutting: Skip Sims of Golconda, Ill.
• Best Open Wing: Kevin Burleson of Great Valley, N.Y.
• Best Standing: John Beard of Dickson, Tenn.

Wildlife Artist Supply Company (WASCO) Award

• Most Artistic Entry: Chip Hayes of Manchester, Tenn.

White-tailed Deer Professional Division

• Best of Show: Kyle Patin of Lewisburg, Tenn.
• Commercial: Ferrell Cosby of Alvaton, Ky.
• Competitors’ Choice: Chip Hayes of Manchester, Tenn.
• Best Closed Mouth Deer: Alicia Love of Glendale, Ky.
• Best Open Mouth Deer: Kyle Patin of Lewisburg, Tenn.

White-tailed Deer Masters Division

• Best of Show: Chip Hayes of Manchester, Tenn.
• Best Closed Mouth Deer: Chip Hayes of Manchester, Tenn.
• Best Open Mouth Deer: Chip Hayes of Manchester, Tenn.

The NWTF is a national nonprofit conservation organization that is dedicated to the conservation of the wild turkey and the preservation of our hunting heritage. Through dynamic partnerships with state, federal and provincial wildlife agencies, the NWTF and its members have helped restore wild turkey populations across the country, raised and spent more than $306 million, and conserved nearly 14 million acres of habitat for all types of wildlife.

For more information about the NWTF or convention highlights, call (800) THE-NWTF, or visit www.nwtf.org.

2010 Convention Sponsors:
Affinity4, ATK/Federal Premium Ammunition, Bank of America, Bass Pro Shops, Benelli, Browning, Call Makers and Collectors Association of America, CamoFX, Chevrolet, Farm Service Agency, Foxy Huntress, Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center, HuntVe, Knight Rifles, Leupold & Stevens, Marlin Firearms Company, MeadWestvaco, MidwayUSA, Nashville Convention and Visitors Bureau, National Band & Tag Co., O.F. Mossberg & Sons, Inc., Mossy Oak and The Pursuit Channel, The Outdoor Connection, Remington Arms Company, Inc., SHE Outdoor Apparel, TriStar Sporting Arms, USDA Forest Service, Weatherby, Inc., Wild Turkey Bourbon, Winchester Division/Olin Corp.

About the NWTF:
The National Wild Turkey Federation is a nonprofit conservation organization that works daily to further its mission of conserving the wild turkey and preserving our hunting heritage.

Through dynamic partnerships with state, federal and provincial wildlife agencies, the NWTF and its more than 350,000 members have helped restore wild turkey populations across the country, spending more than $306 million to conserve 14 million acres of habitat for all types of wildlife.

The Federation works to increase interest in the outdoors by bringing new hunters and conservationists into the fold through outdoor education events and its outreach programs – Women in the Outdoors, Wheelin’ Sportsmen, JAKES and Xtreme JAKES.

The NWTF was founded in 1973 and is headquartered in Edgefield, S.C. According to many state and federal agencies, the comeback of the wild turkey is arguably the greatest conservation success story in North America’s wildlife history.

Visit www.nwtf.org or call (800) THE-NWTF for details.

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Taxidermists Win at NWTF Convention

National Wild Turkey Federation

EDGEFIELD, S.C — -(AmmoLand.com)-  The New York State Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation received an L.A. Dixon Memorial Chapter Award during the NWTF’s 34th annual National Convention and Sport Show, which was sponsored by Midway USA, in Nashville, Tenn.

The New York State Chapter was recognized by the NWTF for winning first place in the 5,000 to 9,999 Members category. The chapter has been a leader in the NWTF’s chapter system, and a credit to the NWTF.

The L.A. Dixon Memorial awards are given in honor of a man who gave unselfishly during the NWTF’s early years. Dixon founded the NWTF’s North Carolina State Chapter, served at the national, state and local levels and traveled thousands of miles at his own expense carrying the NWTF’s message to all who would listen. The NWTF honors Dixon’s achievements through the L.A. Dixon Memorial Chapter Awards.

“The NWTF’s volunteers and chapters make the Federation’ conservation and outreach work possible,” said George Thornton, NWTF CEO. “We’re proud to present our chapters with the L.A. Dixon Awards to honor their excellent performances and unrivaled dedication.”

The National Wild Turkey Federation is a nonprofit conservation organization that works daily to further its mission of conserving the wild turkey and preserving our hunting heritage. Through dynamic partnerships with state, federal and provincial wildlife agencies, the NWTF and its more members have helped restore wild turkey populations across the country, spending more than $306 million to conserve 14 million acres of habitat for all types of wildlife.

Last year, NWTF chapters hosted nearly 2,300 Hunting Heritage Super Fund banquets to raise funds for the NWTF’s conservation and outreach initiatives.

For more information about the NWTF’s L.A. Dixon awards or other convention highlights, call (800) THE-NWTF, or go online at www.nwtf.org.

2010 Convention Sponsors:
Affinity4, ATK/Federal Premium Ammunition, Bank of America, Bass Pro Shops, Benelli, Browning, Call Makers and Collectors Association of America, CamoFX, Chevrolet, Farm Service Agency, Foxy Huntress, Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center, HuntVe, Knight Rifles, Leupold & Stevens, Marlin Firearms Company, MeadWestvaco, MidwayUSA, Nashville Convention and Visitors Bureau, National Band & Tag Co., O.F. Mossberg & Sons, Inc., Mossy Oak and The Pursuit Channel, The Outdoor Connection, Remington Arms Company, Inc., SHE Outdoor Apparel, TriStar Sporting Arms, USDA Forest Service, Weatherby, Inc., Wild Turkey Bourbon, Winchester Division/Olin Corp.

About the NWTF:
The National Wild Turkey Federation is a nonprofit conservation organization that works daily to further its mission of conserving the wild turkey and preserving our hunting heritage.

Through dynamic partnerships with state, federal and provincial wildlife agencies, the NWTF and its more than 350,000 members have helped restore wild turkey populations across the country, spending more than $306 million to conserve 14 million acres of habitat for all types of wildlife.

The Federation works to increase interest in the outdoors by bringing new hunters and conservationists into the fold through outdoor education events and its outreach programs – Women in the Outdoors, Wheelin’ Sportsmen, JAKES and Xtreme JAKES.

The NWTF was founded in 1973 and is headquartered in Edgefield, S.C. According to many state and federal agencies, the comeback of the wild turkey is arguably the greatest conservation success story in North America’s wildlife history.

Visit www.nwtf.org or call (800) THE-NWTF for details.

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New York Volunteers Win Top Award at NWTF Convention

Barrett Firearms

Murfreesboro, TN - Ronnie Barrett, founder and CEO of Barrett®, a company world-known for providing high-end firearms, optics, ammunition and training, will be awarded the 2010 Golden Bullseye Pioneer Award from NRA Publications.

The Golden Bullseye Pioneer Award, first presented in 2007, spotlights exemplary achievement by individuals who were responsible for the development, introduction, and promotion of equipment that has made a profound and enduring impact on the way Americans shoot and hunt.

Ronnie Barrett of Barret Rifles

Executive Director of NRA Publications, Joe H. Graham, wrote that Ronnie Barrett was “the unanimous choice of a seven-member selection committee acting on behalf of the NRA members nationwide whose experiences at the range and in the field have been enriched by Barrett Firearms’ products and services and…commitment to innovation, quality, value and customer service.”

To qualify for the Golden Bullseye Pioneer Award, an individual must also meet the following criteria:

• Fundamentally responsible for the invention, development, marketing, and/or promotion of a product(s) that gained widespread use and which fundamentally changed some aspect of shooting sports equipment or related products for the better.
• Demonstrably influential beyond the actual product(s) themselves; i.e., to have spawned imitators or offshoots.
• A contributor, through his/her works, to the goals and mission of the National Rifle Association and a member in good standing.
• Ronnie Barrett will be presented this award during the 2010 NRA Annual Meetings & Exhibits which will be held May 13-18th in Charlotte, NC. He will also be featured in an editorial overview of the Golden Bullseye Awards. Articles will appear in the May issue of American Rifleman® and American Hunter®, as well as the June issue of Shooting Illustrated® magazines.

Since developing his Model 82 semi-automatic .50 BMG rifle nearly 30 years ago, Ronnie Barrett’s name and big-bore, long-range rifles have become well-regarded by military, recreational, and competitive shooters alike. Adoption of his original Model 82 A1® .50 caliber rifle as the U.S. Army’s M107® also gave him the distinction of being one of only a handful of Americans whose small-arms designs have gone on to serve in an official capacity on battlefields around the world. Mr. Barrett is not only a tireless supporter of the Second Amendment; he has not wavered from the mission of making uniquely American products that serve shooters with the distinction worthy of the Barrett® name.

Barrett® is a family-owned and operated company specializing in high performance rifle systems and accessories. Barrett manufactures rifles, ammunition, optics, and other related accessories for civilian sport shooters, law enforcement agencies, the United States military, and over 63 foreign allied militaries worldwide. For more information, go to barrett.net.

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Ronnie Barrett, Winner Of The NRA 2010 Golden Bullseye Pioneer Award

National Wild Turkey Federation

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – -(AmmoLand.com)- If a picture is worth a thousand words, the smiles and fun captured in photos at the many Women in the Outdoors events held nationwide would speak enough to write a novel.

For doing an exceptional job of introducing women to activities in the great outdoors, the National Wild Turkey Federation’s Bakersfield Chapter, from Bakersfield, Calif., was honored with the Best Local Membership Achievement Award during the NWTF’s 34th annual National Convention and Sport Show. The convention, sponsored by MidwayUSA, is taking place in Nashville until Feb. 21.

“The team that works to put this event together is awesome,” said Kristie Blaylock, Women in the Outdoors event coordinator for the chapter. “Each volunteer works tirelessly to offer 47 classes and incredible food to more than 400 women, and every one of them will be thrilled for the chapter to receive this award.”

Kristie Blaylock accepted the Women in the Outdoors Best Local Membership Achievement Award for the Bakersfield Chapter during the National Wild Turkey Federation's 34th annual National Convention and Sport Show.

Since 1998, the NWTF volunteers have worked through the Women in the Outdoors program to share the outdoor tradition by providing expert instruction and hands-on education through events designed for women. During its inaugural year, Women in the Outdoors hosted 18 events and today the program organizes more than 240 events annually across the nation.

“The NWTF’s Women in the Outdoors program is for North America’s moms, daughters and sisters, who want to get outside, learn new activities and make new friends,” said Teresa Carroll, Women in the Outdoors program coordinator. “The Bakersfield Chapter has taken the lead in their area for introducing women to activities like self-defense, canoeing, fishing, hunting, shooting and more.”

Through dynamic partnerships with state, federal and provincial wildlife agencies, the NWTF and its members have helped restore wild turkey populations across the country, spending more than $306 million to conserve 14 million acres of habitat for all types of wildlife.

The Federation works to increase interest in the outdoors by bringing new hunters and conservationists into the fold through outdoor education events and its outreach programs – Women in the Outdoors, Wheelin’ Sportsmen, JAKES and Xtreme JAKES.

For more information about the Women in the Outdoors outreach program or the NWTF visit www.nwtf.org or call (800) THE-NWTF.

2010 Convention Sponsors:
Affinity4, ATK/Federal Premium Ammunition, Bank of America, Bass Pro Shops, Benelli, Browning, Call Makers and Collectors Association of America, CamoFX, Chevrolet, Farm Service Agency, Foxy Huntress, Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center, HuntVe, Knight Rifles, Leupold & Stevens, Marlin Firearms Company, MeadWestvaco, MidwayUSA, Nashville Convention and Visitors Bureau, National Band & Tag Co., O.F. Mossberg & Sons, Inc., Mossy Oak and The Pursuit Channel, The Outdoor Connection, Remington Arms Company, Inc., SHE Outdoor Apparel, TriStar Sporting Arms, USDA Forest Service, Weatherby, Inc., Wild Turkey Bourbon, Winchester Division/Olin Corp.

About the NWTF:
The National Wild Turkey Federation is a nonprofit conservation organization that works daily to further its mission of conserving the wild turkey and preserving our hunting heritage.

Through dynamic partnerships with state, federal and provincial wildlife agencies, the NWTF and its more than 350,000 members have helped restore wild turkey populations across the country, spending more than $306 million to conserve 14 million acres of habitat for all types of wildlife.

The Federation works to increase interest in the outdoors by bringing new hunters and conservationists into the fold through outdoor education events and its outreach programs – Women in the Outdoors, Wheelin’ Sportsmen, JAKES and Xtreme JAKES.

The NWTF was founded in 1973 and is headquartered in Edgefield, S.C. According to many state and federal agencies, the comeback of the wild turkey is arguably the greatest conservation success story in North America’s wildlife history.

Visit www.nwtf.org or call (800) THE-NWTF for details.

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Bakersfield’s Women in the Outdoors Chapter Wins National Award

National Wild Turkey Federation

NASHVILLE, Tenn. --(AmmoLand.com)- Volunteers with the Neil “Gobbler” Cost Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation are dedicated to preserving North America’s outdoor traditions by providing opportunities for youth to learn outdoor activities like hunting, fishing, shooting and more.

The Neil “Gobbler” Cost Chapter received a Best JAKES Event Award during the Federation’s 34th annual National Convention and Sport Show. Divided into categories based on event size, the Neil “Gobbler” Cost Chapter hosted the nation’s best event for between 76 and 150 youth. The convention, sponsored by MidwayUSA, is taking place in Nashville until Feb. 21.

“Without our volunteers’ determination and hard work, we couldn’t have earned this award,” said Dennis Waters, JAKES program coordinator for the Neil “Gobbler” Cost Chapter. “The volunteers will all be so proud, and also inspired to keep up the good work.”

Dennis Waters from the National Wild Turkey Federation's Neil "Gobbler" Cost Chapter accepted the chapter's award for hosting the nation's best JAKES event for between 76 and 150 youth.

Headquartered in Greenwood, S.C., the Neil “Gobbler” Cost Chapter hosted a JAKES (Juniors Acquiring Knowledge, Ethics and Sportsmanship) event that was one of the best out of more than 1,000 JAKES events hosted by NWTF chapters nationwide.

“Hunting, fishing, shooting and other outdoor activities are safe, enjoyable and educational for youth,” said Mandy Harling, JAKES program coordinator. “The Neil “Gobbler” Cost Chapter has taken the lead in their area for ensuring that young people understand how important conservation and being good stewards of land and wildlife are to our hunting heritage.”

The NWTF’s JAKES program is dedicated to teaching the principles of wildlife management and passing along the traditions of safe, ethical and responsible hunting to youth up to age 12.

The Xtreme JAKES program was developed for teens between the ages of 13 and 17. The program provides advanced outdoor opportunities and challenges more in line with older JAKES abilities and experiences.

Combined, JAKES and Xtreme JAKES events held throughout North America attracted more than 75,000 youth in 2009. The JAKES program is growing steadily, and earning a JAKES award has become increasingly competitive. Any local NWTF chapter that hosts a JAKES event can apply for the JAKES awards.

For more information about the JAKES program or the NWTF visit www.nwtf.org or call (800) THE-NWTF.

2010 Convention Sponsors:
Affinity4, ATK/Federal Premium Ammunition, Bank of America, Bass Pro Shops, Benelli, Browning, Call Makers and Collectors Association of America, CamoFX, Chevrolet, Farm Service Agency, Foxy Huntress, Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center, HuntVe, Knight Rifles, Leupold & Stevens, Marlin Firearms Company, MeadWestvaco, MidwayUSA, Nashville Convention and Visitors Bureau, National Band & Tag Co., O.F. Mossberg & Sons, Inc., Mossy Oak and The Pursuit Channel, The Outdoor Connection, Remington Arms Company, Inc., SHE Outdoor Apparel, TriStar Sporting Arms, USDA Forest Service, Weatherby, Inc., Wild Turkey Bourbon, Winchester Division/Olin Corp.

About the NWTF:
The National Wild Turkey Federation is a nonprofit conservation organization that works daily to further its mission of conserving the wild turkey and preserving our hunting heritage.

Through dynamic partnerships with state, federal and provincial wildlife agencies, the NWTF and its more than 350,000 members have helped restore wild turkey populations across the country, spending more than $306 million to conserve 14 million acres of habitat for all types of wildlife.

The Federation works to increase interest in the outdoors by bringing new hunters and conservationists into the fold through outdoor education events and its outreach programs – Women in the Outdoors, Wheelin’ Sportsmen, JAKES and Xtreme JAKES.

The NWTF was founded in 1973 and is headquartered in Edgefield, S.C. According to many state and federal agencies, the comeback of the wild turkey is arguably the greatest conservation success story in North America’s wildlife history.

Visit www.nwtf.org or call (800) THE-NWTF for details.

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Greenwood’s NWTF Chapter Wins National Award for Educating Youth

National Wild Turkey Federation

NASHVILLE, Tenn. --(AmmoLand.com)- The National Wild Turkey Federation honored two men who have dedicated their lives to conservation during the Federation’s 34th annual National Convention and Sport Show in Nashville today.

Indiana Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) wildlife biologist Steve Backs, and retired Massachusetts Division of Fish and Wildlife Biologist, James Cardoza, were presented the Wayne Bailey Lifetime Achievement Award, named for a pioneer in wild turkey restoration.

Steve Backs of Illinois received the Wayne Bailey Lifetime Achievement Award during the National Wild Turkey Federation's 34th annual National Convention and Sport Show in Nashville.

“Wayne Bailey was known to many as the godfather of modern turkey management and was a key player in the development of the NWTF,” James Earl Kenammer, Ph.D., NWTF’s chief conservation officer, told the crowd as he recognized Backs and Cardoza during the NWTF Conservation Awards Luncheon.

“To be recognized with an award bearing his name is special. We are very judicious when selecting someone for this honor, and I’m proud to be standing here recognizing these men’s dedication to wildlife conservation in front of their peers today.”

Said Backs, “Wayne Bailey accomplished so much in his career and everyone looked up to him. To receive an award named after one of my mentors is truly humbling.”

Backs has spent 31 years dedicating his career to quail, wild turkey and grouse research and conservation.

“During Steve’s career with the IDNR the number of wild turkeys has exploded statewide, and turkey hunters have grown from fewer than 1,000 to more than 60,000 strong,” Kennamer said. “Steve has worn many hats for the state during the past three decades, working with grouse, quail and wild turkeys. But ultimately, his work for all three species is inter-connected. His research, trap-and-transfer efforts and habitat improvement initiatives has been invaluable for everyone in the state — hunters and non-hunters alike.”

In 1996, Backs was honored as the IDNR’s Division of Fish and Wildlife Biologist of the Year and during his career has received several other service awards.

“Steve has steadily produced quality research and insight into upland bird biology, from turkeys to quail and grouse,” said Robert Abernethy, NWTF’s assistant vice president of agency and outreach programs. “He has authored more than 350 internal reports and published more than 20 technical manuscripts, including papers in five of nine National Wild Turkey Symposiums. Upland bird biology wouldn’t be what it is today without his contributions.”

The National Wild Turkey Federation presented James Cardoza of Massachusetts with the Wayne Bailey Lifetime Achievement Award for his many years of working to benefit wild turkeys.

The National Wild Turkey Symposium is held every five years and brings wildlife researchers together with the wildlife biologists who set season dates, bag limits and hunting regulations throughout the country. During the four-day conference, graduate students and wildlife researchers present 45 papers on dozens of subjects and years of wild turkey research — research done to learn what wild turkeys need to survive and why they behave as they do.

“I knew Wayne Bailey well and recognize his many accomplishments for wild turkeys, so I am very pleased to receive an award named after him,” Cardoza said. “However, I am just the recipient. I consider this a shared award with all the men and women who were involved with restoring wild turkeys in Massachusetts and nationwide.”

Cardoza served the wildlife and people of Massachusetts for 40 years before retiring in 2009. Prior to his retirement, Cardoza managed the wild turkey and black bear research and management projects for Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife and was frequently called upon to handle any wayward moose that wandered in the Commonwealth.

“James Cardoza was a pioneer in wild turkey restoration in Massachusetts,” Abernethy said. “He was involved in wild turkey restoration in the state almost from the beginning of the restoration program. His planning and work on the ground have provided Massachusetts turkey hunters with untold numbers of days afield.”

Cardoza has a number of publications to his credit in ornithological journals and is considered to be a wealth of knowledge on many conservation-related subjects. Cardoza joined the Northeast Wild Turkey Technical Committee in 1970 and served as its chair for 13 years. During his tenure as chair of the committee (now known as the Northeast Upland Game Bird Committee) the group completed many technical bulletins providing information for future generations of wildlife biologists. He also served on the National Wild Turkey Technical Committee from the late 1970’s through his retirement.

The 2010 NWTF National Convention and Sport Show, sponsored in part by MidwayUSA and themed “Live the Tradition – Conserve. Hunt. Share.,” is giving credit where credit is due: to the thousands of volunteers who work to progress the NWTF’s mission on a daily basis so future generations can live the tradition of hunting and enjoying the outdoors.

To learn more about the NWTF’s National Convention and Sport Show, visit www.nwtf.org or call (800) THE-NWTF.

2010 Convention Sponsors:
Affinity4, ATK/Federal Premium Ammunition, Bank of America, Bass Pro Shops, Benelli, Browning, Call Makers and Collectors Association of America, CamoFX, Chevrolet, Farm Service Agency, Foxy Huntress, Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center, HuntVe, Knight Rifles, Leupold & Stevens, Marlin Firearms Company, MeadWestvaco, MidwayUSA, Nashville Convention and Visitors Bureau, National Band & Tag Co., O.F. Mossberg & Sons, Inc., Mossy Oak and The Pursuit Channel, The Outdoor Connection, Remington Arms Company, Inc., SHE Outdoor Apparel, TriStar Sporting Arms, USDA Forest Service, Weatherby, Inc., Wild Turkey Bourbon, Winchester Division/Olin Corp.

About the NWTF: The National Wild Turkey Federation is a nonprofit conservation organization that works daily to further its mission of conserving the wild turkey and preserving our hunting heritage.

Through dynamic partnerships with state, federal and provincial wildlife agencies, the NWTF and its more than 350,000 members have helped restore wild turkey populations across the country, spending more than $306 million to conserve 14 million acres of habitat for all types of wildlife.

The Federation works to increase interest in the outdoors by bringing new hunters and conservationists into the fold through outdoor education events and its outreach programs – Women in the Outdoors, Wheelin’ Sportsmen, JAKES and Xtreme JAKES.

The NWTF was founded in 1973 and is headquartered in Edgefield, S.C. According to many state and federal agencies, the comeback of the wild turkey is arguably the greatest conservation success story in North America’s wildlife history.

Visit www.nwtf.org or call (800) THE-NWTF for details.

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NWTF Bestows Wayne Bailey Honor at National Convention

National Wild Turkey Federation

NASHVILLE, Tenn. --(AmmoLand.com)- The National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF) honored Thomas Rhoden of Flowood, Miss., with the Wild Turkey Woodlands National Award for implementing quality land management practices, supporting his community and his outstanding NWTF chapter involvement.

The award was presented at the NWTF 34th annual National Convention and Sport Show, which is sponsored by MidwayUSA, and takes place Feb. 18 to Feb. 21 in Nashville, Tenn.

The Wild Turkey Woodlands National Award recognizes committed landowners who meet the needs of wildlife on their land, help promote the NWTF’s mission and are involved in their community, while publicly encouraging conservation.

Rhoden manages his farm to provide quality habitat for wild turkeys and other wildlife. He is restoring native longleaf pine to a 75-acre parcel through the Mississippi Department of Wildlife and Parks’ landowner incentive program and plans to restore longleaf pine on all remaining suitable areas of his property in the next few years. Longleaf pine supports a wide variety of wildlife and is better adapted than other pine species planted previously. He also maintains more than 30 wildlife openings to produce supplemental forage for wildlife year round, and has utilized the NWTF’s Operation Oak program to improve hardwood stands with new seedling plantings to further enhance food and habitat for wildlife in the future.

In addition to his dedication to wildlife, Rhoden is a sponsor member of the Greater Jackson Chapter of the NWTF and is very involved with their annual Mississippi Wheelin’ Sportsmen Youth Deer Hunt. He serves on the committee, provides financial contributions and hosts four to six youth hunters from the Magnolia Speech School on his property.

“Tom goes out of his way to accommodate the children and their families during the hunt,” Joe Wood, NWTF Mississippi regional director, said. “He provides them a comfortable place to rest and relax and even serves homemade barbecue and smoked turkey meals for his special guests.

Rhoden has hosted two Wild Turkey Woodlands Field Days on his property to educate area landowners about the benefits of the Wild Turkey Woodlands program. Rhoden is also a tireless advocate for NWTF conservation and outreach programs. The Mississippi Chapter of NWTF has recognized Rhoden as an Outstanding Land Steward at their annual awards banquet in Feb. 2008.

“Tom’s habitat work and support of his local community is a perfect example of what the NWTF and Wild Turkey Woodlands program promote,” said Joe Koloski, USDA Forest Service natural resource specialist. “The Wild Turkey Woodlands award highlights people around the country who practice sound land management and preserve places for wildlife and future generations to enjoy.”

To learn more about the NWTF National Convention and Sport Show, click here or call (800) THE-NWTF.

2010 Convention Sponsors:
Affinity4, ATK/Federal Premium Ammunition, Bank of America, Bass Pro Shops, Benelli, Browning, Call Makers and Collectors Association of America, CamoFX, Chevrolet, Farm Service Agency, Foxy Huntress, Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center, HuntVe, Knight Rifles, Leupold & Stevens, Marlin Firearms Company, MeadWestvaco, MidwayUSA, Nashville Convention and Visitors Bureau, National Band & Tag Co., O.F. Mossberg & Sons, Inc., Mossy Oak and The Pursuit Channel, The Outdoor Connection, Remington Arms Company, Inc., SHE Outdoor Apparel, TriStar Sporting Arms, USDA Forest Service, Weatherby, Inc., Wild Turkey Bourbon, Winchester Division/Olin Corp.

About the NWTF:
The National Wild Turkey Federation is a nonprofit conservation organization that works daily to further its mission of conserving the wild turkey and preserving our hunting heritage.

Through dynamic partnerships with state, federal and provincial wildlife agencies, the NWTF and its more than 350,000 members have helped restore wild turkey populations across the country, spending more than $306 million to conserve 14 million acres of habitat for all types of wildlife.

The Federation works to increase interest in the outdoors by bringing new hunters and conservationists into the fold through outdoor education events and its outreach programs – Women in the Outdoors, Wheelin’ Sportsmen, JAKES and Xtreme JAKES.

The NWTF was founded in 1973 and is headquartered in Edgefield, S.C. According to many state and federal agencies, the comeback of the wild turkey is arguably the greatest conservation success story in North America’s wildlife history.

Visit www.nwtf.org or call (800) THE-NWTF for details.

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Mississippi Landowner Wins National Award

Barrett 98B Bolt Action .338 Lapua Magnum Rifle

Barrett Firearms

Murfreesboro, TN --(AmmoLand.com)- Barrett, a company world known for providing high-end firearms, optics, ammunition and training is awarded with the NRA Publications 2010 Golden Bullseye® Award as the American Rifleman Rifle of the Year for their Model 98B bolt action .338 Lapua Magnum Rifle.

Now in their eighth year, the NRA Publications’ Golden Bullseye Awards acknowledge the finest products available in the shooting sports. This year the Barrett Model 98B was selected by a seven-member committee that represents more than a century of collective experience in the hunting and shooting industry.

To qualify for consideration for a Golden Bullseye Award, the Barrett Model 98B met the following criteria:

• Recently introduced and available to consumers prior to the selection for the Golden Bullseye Awards
• Used/tested by a staff member or regular contributor to the magazine and/or affiliated media
• Reliable in the field, meeting or exceeding the evaluator’s expectations
• Innovative in design and function
• Readily perceived as a value to the purchaser
• Styled in a manner befitting the shooting and hunting industry and, perhaps more importantly, its enthusiasts

“The Golden Bullseye Award honors our winners for bringing to market products remarkable in their utility to shooters and hunters,” said Joe H. Graham, Executive Director of NRA Publications. “The award is a symbol of excellence and innovation in firearms, accessories and related equipment.”

Barrett will be presented with the Golden Bullseye Award for 2010’s Rifle of the Year at the 2010 NRA Annual Meeting and Exhibits in Charlotte, North Carolina. In addition to the trophy, the Barrett Model 98B will be featured in an editorial overview of the Golden Bullseye Awards in the May issue of American Rifleman and American Hunter® and the June issue of Shooting Illustrated.

Designed by Chris Barrett, the Model 98B rifle is an innovative design that departs from traditional precision rifle designs offering a modular, user adaptable design that can be configured to meet the individual needs of the shooter. Since its introduction to the market, the 98B has been a huge success with precision shooters around the world.

Barrett is a family owned and operated company specializing in high performance rifle systems and accessories. Barrett manufactures rifles, ammunition, optics and other related accessories for civilian sport shooters, law enforcement agencies, the United States military and over 63 foreign allied militaries worldwide. Visit: www.barrett.net

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Barrett Model 98B Selected As The 2010 American Rifleman Rifle Of The Year

2010 Sportsman Choice Awards

Sportsman Channel

-(AmmoLand.com)- Starting today, Sportsman Channel viewers can lead the effort to identify the shows and hosts who will take home top honors in the 2010 Sportsman Choice Awards, Sportsman Channel’s viewer-generated awards program.

Coming off a successful 2009 Awards event, where viewers cast more than 25,000 votes over an eight-week period, the network is expanding voting opportunities to encompass all four quarters of the year. All shows and show hosts airing on the network in 2010 are eligible and voting takes place on www.votesportsman.com.

The categories are:

• Best Hunt Show
• Best Shoot Show
• Best Fish Show
• Best Combination (hunting and fishing) Show
• Best Show Host(s)

Currently, viewers can vote for those shows and hosts that appear on Sportsman Channel during the first quarter of 2010, from January through March. Further nomination periods will occur quarterly, for a total of four nominating periods, with finalists announced close to the end of the year.

“We had such a successful voting round in 2009 that we wanted to encompass the entire year and keep the current shows fresh in people’s minds,” said Willy Burkhardt, president of Sportsman Channel. “This process allows viewers to vote on all of our shows that are airing currently.”

Sportsman Channel is giving away hundreds of first, second and third place prizes, which equates to a prize a day during the year. As an added bonus, all voters will be entered to win a $500 prize pack, which includes a $250 Cabela’s gift card and merchandise from Sportsman Channel.

With all of the exciting new and long-established shows on the network this year, the 2010 Sportsman Choice Awards promise to be the biggest and best year ever. Please visit www.thesportsmanchannel.com to see the complete list of winners and nominees for the 2009 Sportsman Choice Awards were recently announced at the Shooting, Hunting, and Outdoor Trade (SHOT) Show in Las Vegas, NV.

SPORTSMAN CHANNEL: Launched in 2003, Sportsman Channel is the only television and digital media company fully devoted to the more than 82 million sportsmen in the United States, delivering entertaining and educational programming focused exclusively on hunting, shooting and fishing activities. Acquired by InterMedia Outdoors Holdings in 2006, Sportsman Channel reaches more than 20 million U.S. television households and is a part of the nation’s largest multimedia company targeted exclusively to serving the information and entertainment needs of outdoors enthusiasts. Visit www.thesportsmanchannel.com, follow on Twitter, @SPORTSMANchnl (www.twitter.com/SPORTSMANchnl), or become a Fan on Facebook, www.facebook.com/sportsmanchannel.

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2010 Sportsman Choice Awards Nominations Open Today

Winchester Ammunition Receives Big Rock Sports Hunting/Shooting Vendor Of The Year Award

Winchester Ammunition

Raleigh, North Carolina --(AmmoLand.com)- Big Rock Sports recently announced Winchester® Ammunition as its 2009 Hunting/Shooting Vendor of the Year at the first annual Big Rock East distributor show in Raleigh, North Carolina.

Winchester received the award for its support and commitment to the wholesale distribution network and for working with Big Rock Sports at all levels of their organization including sales, merchandising and marketing.

“At Big Rock Sports we value our partnerships with companies like Winchester Ammunition; they earned the Hunting/Shooting Vendor of the Year Award with excellent service and support for our organization,” said Ed Small, Big Rock Sports’ President and CEO.

Big Rock Sports, located in Newport, North Carolina, is one of the largest wholesalers in the country for hunting, fishing, camping and outdoor lifestyle merchandise and each January holds two of the largest distributor shows in the country, Big Rock West in Las Vegas and Big Rock East in Raleigh, N.C.

“The Big Rock Sports Hunting/Shooting Vendor of the Year Award is quite an honor for Winchester. Our team works very hard and to be recognized as an industry leader is very important to our company,” said Brett Flaugher, Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Winchester Ammunition. “The relationship Winchester has with Big Rock Sports is essential to our success; they bring tremendous value and service to the independent dealer base along with unique marketing concepts.”

Today, Big Rock Sports services more than 15,000 fishing, ice fishing, hunting, shooting, camping and marine retailers in all 50 states, the Caribbean and nine foreign countries.

For more information about Winchester and its complete line of products, visit www.winchester.com.

To learn more about Big Rock Sports, visit www.awrsports.com.

Winchester Ammunition is proud to be a leader in conservation
NILO Farms®, established by John M. Olin in 1952, is Winchester’s prestigious hunting preserve providing guests with quality hunting on more than 640 acres of natural habitat. As one of the finest hunting and shooting facilities in the country, NILO Farms represents the best in game management and safety. Many of the land management practices developed at NILO Farms have proven to be an example for other waterfowl and upland game bird preserves to follow. For more information about NILO Farms visit www.nilofarms.com.

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Winchester Ammunition Receives Big Rock Sports Hunting / Shooting Vendor Of The Year Award

Dott. Franco Gussalli Beretta (c) present President George W. Bush with an SO10 EELL shotgun. He is joined on stage by Mr. Peter Horn VP of Beretta's U.S. Retail Corporation.

Beretta USA

ACCOKEEK, MD --(AmmoLand.com)- Beretta presented President George W. Bush with a custom-made SO10 EELL Shotgun before a crowd of nearly 3,000 at the final dinner for the 38th annual Safari Club International Convention in Reno, Nevada.

Dott. Franco Gussalli Beretta whose family owns the nearly five-hundred year old company – Beretta, presented this very special 20-gauge over-and-under to President George W. Bush in of appreciation for his leadership during his time in office as Commander in Chief and for his unflagging support of Americans’ rights to keep and bear arms.

“My family and I are very proud to be able to present President Bush with this Beretta shotgun”, said Dott. Franco Gussalli Beretta. “Several years ago my father gave a shotgun to President Bush’s father at the Safari Club Convention- now I am honored to have the privilege to present this shotgun to the 43rd President of the United States, George W. Bush”.

The shotgun was made exclusively by master craftsman at the Beretta firearms factory in Gardone Val Trompia, Italy. It is inlaid with 24 carat gold and features traditional quail hunting scenes on both side plates. The top lever is adorned with the number “43” and the bottom of the receiver shows the Presidential Seal. President Bush’s initials and an image of his dog are also engraved on the gun. More than five hundred hours have gone into the engraving of the shotgun. The stock and fore-end are carved from the finest walnut.

The SO10 EELL Shotgun was presented to President George W. Bush by Dott. Beretta. A custom Italian leather gun case with handmade gun accessories, as well as a Damascus steel knife with engraving and wood matching the gun, were presented to President Bush by Mr. Peter Horn, Vice President of Beretta’s U.S. retail sales corporation.

Beretta, established in 1526, is the oldest industrial dynasty in the world tracing its roots through 16 generations of continuous family ownership. Firearms bearing the Beretta name have been sold for almost 500 years. Beretta USA Corp. was founded in 1977 and supplies the standard sidearm to the U.S. Armed Forces. Today, Beretta manufactures, distributes and markets a complete line of firearms, accessories and apparel. Beretta also owns and operates six retail Beretta Gallery stores worldwide. For additional information, visit www.berettausa.com.

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President George W. Bush Receives Beretta Shotgun at SCI

Smith & Wesson M&P9 Pistol

Smith & Wesson

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. --(AmmoLand.com)- Smith & Wesson® Corp., the legendary 158-year old firearms maker, announced that the company’s Military & Police (M&P) pistol was recently named “Best in Class” for 2009 by Gun Tests Magazine.

At the end of each year, Gun Tests Magazine surveys the work of its testing staff to review those firearms endorsed by the magazine’s testers. The “best of” selections are a mixture of the original Gun Tests evaluations and other information the editorial staff compiles throughout the year. For 2009, the Smith & Wesson M&P9 pistol earned the title of “Best in Class.”

“One of the things that separates our awards from many others is that we don’t accept advertising,” said Timothy H. Cole, Gun Tests Publisher. “By doing this, consumers have confidence that our Best in Class selections are the result of head-to-head evaluations and that the outcomes aren’t influenced by anything else.”

During the magazine’s evaluation of the M&P9 pistol, which was originally covered in the May 2009 issue, the test team was highly complimentary about the design and function of the polymer pistol. The evaluators cited that their first impression of the M&P9 was that it felt extremely comfortable in the hand, was well balanced and was pleasantly devoid of extraneous controls and levers.

Ray Ordorica, the magazine’s senior technical editor, who was the original author of the May 2009 article, was quoted saying “The M&P9 provided as our test gun came in a large case with two different grip inserts to make the backstrap larger or smaller. We liked it as it was, so we left it alone. The sights were fixed, and excellent in all respects. With the M&P9, there will be no cut hands from stovepipe drills. Another nice touch (there were many) was the wavy cut of the slide to form the serrations for slide retraction. The matte-black slide was stainless, and the polymer grip was hefty enough that the gun didn’t have a top-heavy feel even when empty.”

Throughout 2009, the M&P Pistol Series delivered strong results in diverse market sectors. In the law enforcement division, the M&P pistol continued positive growth with several full-department conversions including the Detroit Police Department, North Carolina Highway Patrol, Raleigh Police Department, Tampa Police Department, Milwaukee Police Department, Albuquerque Police Department, Washington State Patrol along with multiple state agencies and sheriff departments. Currently, over 500 U.S. police departments have approved or adopted the M&P pistol for duty use. Likewise, the M&P pistol was used extensively and with great success in numerous national, state and local sanctioned shooting matches. Engineered to become the handgun of choice for global law enforcement and military personnel, the M&P pistol design is based on input from numerous law enforcement and military organizations. The M&P Pistol Series is available in both full-size and compact models and is chambered in 9mm, .357 SIG, .40 S&W and .45 ACP.

About Smith & Wesson
Smith & Wesson Holding Corporation (NASDAQ: SWHC) is a U.S.-based, global provider of products and services for safety, security, protection and sport. The company designs and constructs facility perimeter security solutions for military and commercial applications, and delivers a broad portfolio of firearms and related training to the military, law enforcement and sports markets. SWHC companies include Smith & Wesson Corp., the globally recognized manufacturer of quality firearms; Universal Safety Response, a full-service perimeter security integrator, barrier manufacturer and installer; and Thompson/Center Arms Company, Inc., a premier designer and manufacturer of premium hunting firearms. SWHC facilities are located in Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire, and Tennessee. For more information on Smith & Wesson and its companies, call (800) 331-0852 or log on to www.smith-wesson.com; www.usrgrab.com; or www.tcarms.com .

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Smith & Wesson M&P9 Pistol Named ‘Best in Class’ By Gun Tests Magazine

The Bone Collectors/Ted Nugent pic: Left to right: Travis “T-Bone” Turner, Nick Mundt, Steve Finch, Ted Nugent, Marc Womack

Outdoorchannel TV

Las Vegas - -(AmmoLand.com)- WHAT: Outdoor Channel America’s leader in outdoor TV, today announced the much anticipated winners of the 10th Annual Golden Moose Awards at a ceremony held last night during the National Shooting Sports Foundation’s (NSSF) annual Shooting, Hunting, Outdoor Trade Show and Conference (SHOT Show) in Las Vegas.

An outdoor industry favorite, the Golden Moose Awards honors the talent, production teams, graphics and design teams and hosts behind Outdoor Channel’s best-in-class programming. Outdoor Channel handed out 20 honors at this year’s ceremony, including several “Fan Favorites” determined by over 15,000 viewers voting online at www.OutdoorChannel.com during a four-week period.

WHERE: Approximately 2,000 outdoor industry leaders, TV personalities, media personnel and lucky fans attended the awards ceremony at the famed Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Las Vegas.

WHO: The celebration was hosted by Michael Waddell of Outdoor Channel’s “Bone Collector” and “Realtree Road Trips,” and featured a spirited rock music performance by Ted Nugent from the network’s “Spirit of the Wild” program.

The Golden Moose Awards was sponsored by Budweiser, the great American lager. Together with the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, Budweiser selects nominees for the Budweiser 2010 Conservationist of the Year award presented at the event. This year’s “Bud Conservationist” recipient was the late Jim Range, one of the country’s most influential conservationists and founder of the Teddy Roosevelt Conservation Partnership. His brother, John Range, accepted the award on his behalf.

The Duck Commander pic: Back Row - left to right: Alan Robertson, Alex Joseph, Steve Kramer, Phil Robertson, Stephen McKelvain, John Godwin Front Row - left to right: Willie Robertson, Jase Robertson, Jep Robertson

And the Golden Moose goes to…

Best Overall Production | Winner: Jim Shockey’s Hunting Adventures
Nominees: Benelli Presents Duck Commander, Hunt Masters, Bone Collector, Jim Shockey’s Hunting Adventures, The Crush with Lee & Tiffany, The Best of the West, Bow Madness , Leupold’s Big Game Profiles, On Your Own Adventures , Whitetail Freaks

Best Big Game | Winner: Bone Collector
Nominees: Hunt Masters, Jim Shockey’s Hunting Adventures, The Crush with Lee & Tiffany , On Your Own Adventures, Realtree Roadtrips, Limbsaver’s Addicted to the Outdoors, In Pursuit with Greg Miller, Ultimate Hunting, Bone Collector, Biologic & Drury’s Wildlife Obsession

Best Fishing | Winner: Bill Dance Saltwater
Nominees: Penn’s Big Water Adventures, Classic Patterns, The Crush with Lee & Tiffany, The Jackie Bushman Show, Bill Dance Saltwater

Best Bird Hunting | Winner: Benelli Presents Duck Commander
Nominees: Benelli Presents Duck Commander, Outdoors 10 Best, Pheasants Forever, Ted Nugent Spirit of the Wild, Benelli’s American Bird Hunter

Best Turkey | Winner: Realtree Road Trips
Nominees: Bone Collector, On Your Own Adventures, Realtree Road Trips, Muzzy’s Bad to the Bone, The Choice

Best Conservation | Winner: Beyond the Hunt
Nominees: Pheasants Forever, Beyond the Hunt, Knight & Hale’s Ultimate Hunting, Jim Shockey’s Hunting Adventures, Leupold Big Game Profiles

Best Educational / Instructional | Winner: Bass Pro Shops Next Generation
Nominees: Bass Pro Shops Next Generation, The Best of the West, Gold Fever, On Your Own Adventures, In Pursuit with Greg Miller

Best Videography | Winner: Benelli Presents Duck Commander
Nominees: Benelli Presents Duck Commander, Bone Collector, Limbsaver’s Addicted to the Outdoors, The Crush with Lee & Tiffany, The Stihl Dogs N Logs World Championship, Hunt Masters, Destination Polaris, Tracks Across Africa

Best Sound Design | Winner: Hunt Masters
Nominees: The Best of the West, Whitetail Freaks, Hunt Masters, Benelli’s American Safari, The Crush with Lee & Tiffany

Best Graphics | Winner: (Tied for 1st) Hunt Masters & Bass Pro Shops Next Generation
Nominees: Bone Collector, Hunt Masters, She’s Beyond the Lodge, Bass Pro Shops Next Generation, Full Frame

Best Commercial | Winner: Benelli – “Vinci”
Nominees: Benelli – “Vinci,” The Best of the West – “Gunwerks LR-1000,” Duck Commander – “Carry-Lite Decoys,” Knight & Hale – “Pack Rack Tease,” Remington

Best Blooper / Outtake | Winner: Jim Shockey’s Hunting Adventures
Nominees: Jim Shockey’s Hunting Adventures, Inside Outdoors TV, Limbsaver’s Addicted to the Outdoors, The Jackie Bushman Show, Realtree Roadtrips

• Fan Favorite Best Overall | Winner: Benelli Presents Duck Commander
• Fan Favorite Best New Series | Winner: (Tied for 1st) Benelli Presents Duck Commander & Bone Collector
• Fan Favorite Best Hunting | Winner: Benelli Presents Duck Commander
• Fan Favorite Best Fishing | Winner: Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World Fishing
• Fan Favorite Best Host | Winner: Lee and Tiffany Lakosky for The Crush
• Golden Moose Honorary Award – Outdoor Adventure | Winner: Savage Wild
• Golden Moose Honorary Award – Off Road | Winner: Destination Polaris
• Golden Moose Honorary Award – Shooting Sports | Winner: Impossible Shots

The Lee & Tiffany pic: Left to right: Tiffany Lakosky, Lee Lakosky

About Outdoor Channel Holdings, Inc.
Outdoor Channel Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: OUTD) owns and operates Outdoor Channel, America’s leader in outdoor TV, and Winnercomm Inc., an Emmy Award winning production and interactive company. Outdoor Channel offers programming that captures the excitement of hunting, fishing, shooting, off-road motorsports, adventure and the Western lifestyle and can be viewed on multiple platforms including high definition, video-on-demand, as well as on a dynamic broadband website. Winnercomm Inc. is one of America’s largest and highest quality producers of live sporting events and sports series for cable and broadcast television. Winnercomm also owns and operates the patented Skycam and CableCam aerial camera systems which provide dramatic overhead camera angles for major sports events, including college and NFL football. For more information please visit www.outdoorchannel.com.

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Outdoor Channel Reveals Winners of 10th Annual Golden Moose Awards

Pheasants Forever & Quail Forever

East Peoria, Ill. –-(AmmoLand.com)- Illinois Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever recognized chapters and individuals from across the state for their wildlife habitat conservation efforts at its recent state convention.

The Vermilion County Pheasants Forever chapter was named the Illinois Pheasants Forever Chapter of the Year, and Gary Laurent of Donnellson was named the organization’s Volunteer of the Year.

Illinois Pheasants Forever Chapter Awards

The Vermilion County Pheasants Forever chapter was recognized as the Illinois Pheasants Forever Chapter of the Year. The chapter worked with many local partners and donors to complete a 108-acre land acquisition in 2009, which is open to public hunting and outdoor recreation.

Other Illinois Pheasants Forever Chapter Awards include:

• “Banquet of the Year” – Pioneer County Pheasants Forever
• “Conservation Excellence – $100K Spending on Habitat” – Kendall County Pheasants Forever, Woodford County Pheasants Forever, Piatt County Pheasants Forever
• “Conservation Excellence – $250K Spending on Habitat” – DeKalb County Pheasants Forever

Illinois Pheasants Forever Overall Awards

Gary Laurent, who volunteers as the habitat chairperson with four local chapters (Montgomery County Pheasants Forever, Little Bluestem Quail Forever, Illinois Pioneer Quail Forever and Southern Illinois Claybird Quail Forever) and serves as the vice president of the Illinois Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever State Council, has been named the 2009 Illinois Pheasants Forever Volunteer of the Year.

• “Dedication Award” – Chuck Eiben, LaSalle County Pheasants Forever; and Scott Hopkins, Dewitt County Pheasants Forever.
• “Wildlife Professional of the Year” – Marc Miller, Director, Illinois Department of Natural Resources.
• “Brood Booster Award” – Bruce Stikkers- Champaign Soil and Water Conservation District Resource Conservationist
• Long Spur Society Inductees – Honored for decade or more of significant volunteer service were Bill Bryan and Larry Schaefer from McLean County Pheasants Forever; Scott Hopkins from Dewitt County Pheasants Forever; Steve Tondi from Rock Island / Henry Pheasants Forever; and Russ Lusador from the Edgar County Pheasants Forever chapter.

Find Illinois Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever online at www.IllinoisPF.org. For more information about Pheasants Forever, contact Matt Bradshaw, Pheasants Forever regional field representative, at 217.386.4324 and mbradshaw@pheasantsforever.org; and for Quail Forever, contact Tim Caughran, Quail Forever regional wildlife biologist, at 618.467.2586 or via email at tcaughran@quailforever.org.

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Vermilion County Pheasants Forever Honored with Illinois Pheasants and Quail Forever Awards

Jon LaCorte from Nikon Accepts the Lifestyle Award of Excellence from Ron Spomer

Nikon Hunting

Las Vegas, NV --(AmmoLand.com)- Nikon recently received the Lifestyle Award of Excellence from Sporting Classics magazine. This award is given to the company that best provides top quality gear that appeals to all aspects of an outdoors person’s life.

“We are thrilled to get this award from Sporting Classics, a magazine that truly captures the essence of the hunting and shooting lifestyle,” said Jon LaCorte, Senior Product Marketing Manager.

Nikon’s product line has something for everyone from bowhunters to predator hunters, and from rifleshooters to slughunters. With more new and exciting products for 2010, Nikon shows no sign of backing down.

“Nikon really is the perfect choice for this award, said Chuck Wechsler, publisher and editor, Sporting Classics magazine. “They simply have a tool for any part of the outdoors experience.”

Nikon Inc. is the U.S. distributor of Nikon sports and recreational optics, world-renowned Nikon 35mm cameras, digital cameras, speedlights and accessories, Nikkor lenses and electronic imaging products.

For more information on Nikon’s full line of Riflescopes, Binoculars, Spotting Scopes, Fieldscopes and Laser Rangefinders, please contact: Nikon Sport Optics, 1300 Walt Whitman Rd., Melville, NY 11747-3064, or call 1-800-645-6687. www.nikonhunting.com.

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Nikon Receives Sporting Classics Award

NASGW’s 2009 Award-Winning Manufacturer Members

NASGW

Las Veagas, NV --(AmmoLand.com)- In the hectic days between the NASGW Annual Expo and January’s SHOT Show, it’s easy to somewhat overlook the true recognition deserved by NASGW’s 2009 award-winning manufacturer members.

With the exception of the Chairman’s Award for Industry Leadership (2009 winner – NSSF) each of NASGW’s category achievement awards are made on the basis of detailed member distributor input. NASGW’s balanced appraisal process identifies the best of the best by recognizing top performers based…. and association/industry support. Here’s another look….

For the second year in a row, the NASGW Award for Accessory Manufacturer of the Year went to Birchwood Casey.

Acknowledging their commitment to distributors, VP Mike Wenner said “…they’re an extension of us. We all succeed because we’re on the same team.”

The award for Firearms Manufacturer of the Year went to Sturm, Ruger & Co., Inc. “We rely on two-step distribution for 100% of our sales,” said Chris Killoy, VP of Sales and Marketing. Notably, Ruger is a three-time winner of the award and Killoy credits the open lines of communication between distributors, reps and Ruger as a vital element in their success.

Winchester Ammunition, 2009 winner of the Ammunition Manufacturer of the Year award succeeded in managing explosive growth to maximum benefit under strained industry-wide capacities.

“It was all about fair play,” said Brett Flaugher, VP of Marketing and Sales, making sure every distributor got product during the year. “Maybe not everybody was happy, but they were satisfied knowing they got their fair share,” added Flaugher.

Awards are won over time – and the start of our 2010 membership year is a great time to again thank and congratulate the winners and encourage all you deal with to make it a point to be in the running in 2010. For more information on Award criteria, contact Tracy Kolojeski at tkolojeski@nasgw.org.

For additional information on the NASGW and the services and benefits it provides for members, visit www.nasgw.org or contact: Tracy King Kolojeski, NASGW Director of Operations at PO Box 721564, Orlando, FL 32872 • Telephone 407-362-6391

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NASGW’s 2009 Award-Winning Manufacturer Members

NRA’s Scott Olmsted Presented with the First Ever Ian Mcmurchy Award

Nikon Hunting

FAIRFAX, Va. --(AmmoLand.com)- Scott Olmsted, Editor-in-Chief of the NRA’s American Hunter magazine, has been honored with the first ever Ian McMurchy Award.

This award will be given annually to one outdoor communicator who best follows in McMurchy’s footsteps of educating and entertaining readers.

“Ian was a great communicator and was passionate about helping people through his writing and his life, myself included,” said Jon LaCorte, Senior Product Marketing Manager for Nikon Sport Optics. “I believe Ian would agree that Scott Olmsted does an excellent job carrying that torch.”

Unfortunately for his family, friends and countless readers, Ian passed away in December of 2008. Known as much for his shooting skill as his hunting ability, he loved every minute spent in the outdoors. Having introduced hundreds of people to shooting more accurately and hunting more successfully, Ian will be long remembered.

“I’m very honored to be the first recipient of the Ian McMurchy Award.” said Olmsted. “We all miss Ian dearly as the hunting and shooting community has lost a great friend.”

Nikon Inc. is the U.S. distributor of Nikon sports and recreational optics, world-renowned Nikon 35mm cameras, digital cameras, speedlights and accessories, Nikkor lenses and electronic imaging products.

For more information on Nikon’s full line of Riflescopes, Binoculars, Spotting Scopes, Fieldscopes and Laser Rangefinders, please contact: Nikon Sport Optics, 1300 Walt Whitman Rd., Melville, NY 11747-3064, or call 1-800-645-6687. www.nikonhunting.com.

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NRA’s Scott Olmsted Receives First Ever Ian Mcmurchy Award

Theodore Roosevelt Limited Edition Cartridges

Winchester Ammunition

Morgan, UT –-(AmmoLand.com)- Winchester® Ammunition’s Theodore Roosevelt commemorative ammunition packaging recently received the 2009 Excellence Award from the Paperboard Packaging Council.

Winchester Ammunition chose this packaging and ammunition line to celebrate 150 years of Roosevelt’s influence and achievement as arguably the greatest conservation hero North America has ever produced.

He was a champion of hunting and wildlife conservation, and used Winchester products on many of his hunting adventures.

The Theodore Roosevelt line features a nickel-plated shell casing bearing a special Roosevelt head-stamp in three popular calibers: .30-30 Win., .45 Colt and Roosevelt’s favorite big bore lever-gun round, the .405 Winchester.

“We are extremely pleased to accept this award that recognizes the creative design for our packaging, which makes Winchester a proven leader, both inside and outside the box,” said Dick Hammett, president of Winchester Ammunition. “Our team did a great job in creating a package that represents our brand and Theodore Roosevelt, a leader in conservation.”

The National Paperboard Packaging Competition recognizes the best of the best in product packaging. Judges evaluated the package samples and the information that was submitted to select the award winners.

The entries had to include the following information:

• An explanation of the package’s development objectives, materials selection and design, printing and converting process.
• Measurements of the package’s impact on production, manufacturing and distribution, including logistics, warehousing, line efficiency, brand enhancement and marketing.
• An evaluation of the package’s impact on retailers and consumers, including merchandising and retail strategy effectiveness, performance, product protection, sustainability and shelf differentiation.

Now in its 81st year, the Paperboard Packaging Council (PPC) is the leading industry association serving suppliers and converters of all forms of paperboard packaging. PPC works to grow, promote, and protect the paperboard packaging industry while providing its members with resources and tools to compete effectively and successfully in the marketplace.

To receive additional information about the Paperboard Packaging Council, visit www.ppcnet.org or call 413.686.9191.

For more information about Winchester and its complete line of products visit the newly redesigned site at www.winchester.com.

Winchester is Proud to be a Leader in the Shooting Sports
Winchester® Ammunition pledged $500,000 to permanently endow the NRA’s Marksmanship Qualification Program, thus becoming the exclusive sponsor of the officially renamed Winchester/NRA Marksmanship Qualification Program.

The Winchester/NRA Marksmanship Qualification Program is a self-paced shooting development program. Open to adults and youngsters alike, the program measures an individual’s shooting proficiency against established par scores in 13 courses of fire across three disciplines: pistol, rifle and shotgun.

By supporting the Winchester/NRA Marksmanship Qualification Program, Winchester is providing everyone the chance to explore the benefits that hunting and the shooting sports have to offer.

To learn more about the Winchester/NRA Marksmanship Qualification Program, please call 800-672-3888 ext. 1505 or visit www.nrahq.org/youth.

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Winchester Ammunition Honored With Excellence Award From Paperboard Packaging Council

Benchmade Knives

OREGON CITY, Ore.- -(AmmoLand.com)-  The Oregon City Chamber of Commerce presented Benchmade Knife Company with the 2009 Business of the Year Award.

The award ceremony took place at the Oregon City Chamber of Commerce Annual Dinner and Auction on Saturday, January 30th, 2010 at the Abernethy Center in Downtown Oregon City, Oregon.

“Benchmade is honored to be recognized by the Oregon City Chamber of Commerce,” says Les de Asis, Founder and Owner of Benchmade Knife Company. “As a Clackamas County business owner and based in Oregon City for the past fourteen years, Benchmade remains committed to supporting our local community.”

Other award categories recognized at the event include Business Person of the Year, Chamber Citizen of the Year, Community Enhancement Award, and Rookie of the Year Award. The award for Business of the Year is based on three primary criteria: business responsiveness and employee involvement in serving the community, business growth in the past year, and participation in the local community.

Other finalists nominated for the Business of the Year award include Beavercreek Cooperative Telephone Company (BCT), The Verdict, West Coast Bank, My Mother Knows, and the Abernathy Center.

For more information, please visit the Oregon City Chamber of Commerce website: www.oregoncity.org

About Benchmade:
For two decades, Benchmade Knife Company has been committed to designing and manufacturing world-class sports cutlery and superior edged tools. We continually strive to provide high quality edged tools that will deliver unparalleled performance and exceptional value for our customers.

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Benchmade Knife Company Wins 2009 Business of the Year Award

FORT BENNING, Ga. – Col. (RET) Robert I. Hoidahl, Jr, president, Military Marksmanship Association, presents a .45-cal. pistol to Sgt. 1st Class James Henderson, U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit Jan. 29 at Pool Indoor Range. Henderson was named the 2009 MMA Soldier of the Year. (Photo by Michael Molinaro, USAMU PAO)

United States Army Marksmanship Unit

FORT BENNING, Ga. —-(AmmoLand.com)- Sgt. 1st Class James Henderson, a service pistol shooter with the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit, was selected as the Military Marksmanship Association Soldier of the Year for 2009.

MMA president Col. (Ret.) Robert I. Hoidahl, Jr. made the announcement at the MMA Annual Membership Meeting January 29 at the Pool International Shooting Complex. Hoidahl presented the Soldier of the Year Award to Henderson – a .45- caliber pistol donated by the Smith and Wesson Corporation.

A Pasadena, Calif. native, Henderson became the first Soldier in 24 years to win the National Pistol Championship in 2009 at Camp Perry, OH. He won the National Trophy Pistol championship, the President’s Pistol match, and the Interservice Service Pistol championship.

He was a member of the first-place National Trophy Pistol Team, the first-place Interservice Service Pistol team, broke numerous national pistol shooting records and claimed countless other individual and team accolades in 2009. He was featured in Sports Illustrated’s “Faces in the Crowd” section and got promoted over the course of the year—a very good year indeed.

“This is a great honor,” Henderson said. “I have to thank the guys in the (custom firearms) shop. They help make this all possible. I have to thank my wife for all of her love and support.

“I couldn’t have done it without the support of my team. They push me every day and if I mess up I know one of them will win the match. Being on this team and in this unit is the best job in the Army.”

Henderson first served with the USAMU from 1991-1994 after tours at Fort Benning, Fort Sill and Korea. After a long stint in the Army Reserves, Henderson signed back up for active duty service and was assigned to the USAMU.

Henderson has been awarded two Army Commendation Medals, five Army Achievement Medals, five Good Conduct Medals, Army Superior Unit Award, Distinguished Pistol Badge, President’s Hundred Tab, and Accessions Support Brigade Noncommissioned Officer of the Quarter, Fourth Quarter, Fiscal Year 2007.

FORT BENNING, Ga. -- Lt. Col. Daniel Hodne (left), commander, U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit, and Col. (RET) Robert I. Hoidahl, Jr., president, Military Marksmanship Association, pose with the nominees for the 2009 MMA Soldier of the Year. From left to right the nominees were: Spc. Sherri Gallagher; Sgt. Daniel Horner; Spc. James Travillion; Sgt. 1st Class James Henderson; Sgt. Vincent Hancock; and Sgt. Michael McPhail. Sgt. 1st Class Daryl Szarenski is not pictured. (Photo by Michael Molinaro, USAMU PAO)

As it is for most years, Hoidahl said that it was extremely hard picking a winner among the finalists for the award. The MMA 2009 Soldier of the Year nominees were: Sgt. Daniel Horner from the Action Shooting team; Service Rifle shooter Spc. Sherri Gallagher; Sgt. 1st Class Daryl Szarenski from the International Pistol team; Sgt. Michael McPhail from the International Rifle team, Shotgun team member Sgt. Vincent Hancock; and from the Custom Firearms Shop, Spc. James Travillion.

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Henderson Wins Military Marksmanship Association Soldier of the Year Award

National Wild Turkey Federation

EDGEFIELD, S.C. —-(AmmoLand.com)- Cpl. Jay Hagans with the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission will be honored by the National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF) for his efforts in conserving America’s wildlife.

Hagans, of Scotland, Ark., will be recognized as the NWTF’s Arkansas Wildlife Law Enforcement Officer of the Year during its 34th annual National Convention and Sport Show to be held Feb. 18 to Feb. 21 at the Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center in Nashville, Tenn.

The NWTF initiated the State Wildlife Law Enforcement Officer of the Year award in 2000 to acknowledge top officers such as Hagans across North America.

“Not only is Jay a conscientious officer dedicated to catching violators,” said Gary Watts, NWTF Arkansas state board of directors member, “but he is also a lifelong turkey hunter who loves to share his sport with youth and adults who have no hunting experience.”

By earning the State Wildlife Officer of the Year award, Hagans and other state winners are eligible for the NWTF’s National Law Enforcement Officer of the Year award, which will be presented during the NWTF’s Awards Banquet Saturday, Feb. 20, during the convention.

The National Wild Turkey Federation is a national nonprofit conservation organization that is dedicated to the conservation of the wild turkey and the preservation of our hunting heritage. Through dynamic partnerships with state, federal and provincial wildlife agencies, the NWTF and its members have helped restore wild turkey populations across the country, raised and spent more than $306 million, and conserved nearly 14 million acres of habitat for all types of wildlife.

For more information about the NWTF’s National Convention and Sport Show, click here.

For more information about the NWTF’s law enforcement award winners, or the NWTF’s efforts to support wildlife law enforcement, call (800) THE-NWTF, or visit www.nwtf.org.

2010 Convention Sponsors: Affinity4, ATK/Federal Premium Ammunition, Bank of America, Bass Pro Shops, Benelli, Browning, Call Makers and Collectors Association of America, CamoFX, Chevrolet, Farm Service Agency, Foxy Huntress, Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center, HuntVe, Knight Rifles, Leupold & Stevens, Marlin Firearms Company, MeadWestvaco, MidwayUSA, Nashville Convention and Visitors Bureau, National Band & Tag Co., O.F. Mossberg & Sons, Inc., Mossy Oak and The Pursuit Channel, The Outdoor Connection, Remington Arms Company, Inc., SHE Outdoor Apparel, TriStar Sporting Arms, USDA Forest Service, Weatherby, Inc., Wild Turkey Bourbon, Winchester Division/Olin Corp.

About the NWTF: The National Wild Turkey Federation is a nonprofit conservation organization that works daily to further its mission of conserving the wild turkey and preserving our hunting heritage.

Through dynamic partnerships with state, federal and provincial wildlife agencies, the NWTF and its more than 350,000 members have helped restore wild turkey populations across the country, spending more than $306 million to conserve 14 million acres of habitat for all types of wildlife.

The Federation works to increase interest in the outdoors by bringing new hunters and conservationists into the fold through outdoor education events and its outreach programs – Women in the Outdoors, Wheelin’ Sportsmen, JAKES and Xtreme JAKES.

The NWTF was founded in 1973 and is headquartered in Edgefield, S.C. According to many state and federal agencies, the comeback of the wild turkey is arguably the greatest conservation success story in North America’s wildlife history.

Visit www.nwtf.org or call (800) THE-NWTF for details.

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Arkansas Wildlife Officer Honored with NWTF Award

Texas Parks and Wildlife Department

AUSTIN, TX —-(AmmoLand.com)- Burnet-based Game Warden Brent Whitus has been named Texas “Officer of the Year” by the Southeastern Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies.

Texas Parks and Wildlife Director Carter Smith presented the award to Whitus at the Jan. 28 meeting of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission Thursday.

Whitus began his TPWD career at Colorado City State Park in 1999. A year later he transferred to Garner State Park as a park peace officer. He later was accepted by the 49th Texas Game Warden Academy, where he graduated in June 2003.

Spending the next five years working in Webb County, Whitus handled several cases involving deer breeders and made numerous arrests for narcotics trafficking. He also participated in the manhunt for those involved in the June 14, 2005 shooting of fellow Game Warden Martin Oviedo in Zapata County and assisted in the arrest of the suspects.

In April 2008 Whitus transferred to Burnet County, where he soon became involved in a high profile deer breeding investigation that led to the filing of eight complaints against a single suspect. The charges included illegal transportation of a buck deer during open season without removing the antlers, record-keeping violations and improper deer identification (tattoos and ear tags.)

Whitus logged more than 140 hours on this investigation, along with other wardens. The defendant pled guilty to all the charges and will be unable to acquire a deer breeder permit for five years.

After attending training on boating while intoxicated enforcement issues, Whitus became interested in writing search warrants to obtain blood samples from suspected drunk boaters refusing to comply with an officer’s request. Consequently, he became the first warden in his district to serve such a warrant.

In addition to his other law enforcement duties, Whitus has been a key player in the Law Enforcement Division’s Force Options Scenario training program. The training is done which special safety equipment and weapons that fire paint projectiles so students can experience as close to an actual life or death shooting situation as possible. This year, Whitus has been involved in training 51 game warden cadets

Active in local church and civic activities, Whitus also is a member of the Texas Game Warden Honor Guard, which supports the families of active, retired or fallen wardens by being a part of their funeral services.

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Game Warden Named Texas “Officer Of The Year” By Conservation Association

Delaware Division of Fish and Wildlife

DOVER, Delaware --(AmmoLand.com)- The Delaware Association of Conservation Districts (DACD) presented House Speaker Robert F. Gilligan, D-Sherwood Park, with the Association’s Legislative Award on Jan. 13.

The award is presented annually to a legislator for outstanding service, loyalty and devotion to conservation efforts in the state of Delaware. Representative Gilligan has been a member of the House of Representatives since 1972.

During his 37 years as an elected official he has had an ongoing relationship with the New Castle Conservation District (NCCD). He has worked closely with the District to install conservation practices for constituents. He has been a long-time supporter of and provided funding for collaborative urban and community stormwater management and drainage projects by the NCCD, the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC), New Castle County and the Department of Transportation.

Representative Gilligan has served as the House representative on the Joint Finance Committee and as Chair of the Bond Bill Committee. He has been a leading advocate of state funding for the state Conservation Cost-Share Program, the Tax Ditch Program and the 21st Century Fund RC&D appropriation. During the past three years he has provided funding in excess of $278,000 for numerous conservation projects in New Castle County.

Throughout his career, he has always made it a priority to promote conservation. Representative Gilligan’s leadership and support have produced countless changes in public policy that have benefited not only his constituents, but Delaware as a whole. Because of the commitment and support of legislators such as Representative Gilligan, Delaware’s three conservation districts can continue their efforts in conjunction with their partners and landowners to conserve Delaware’s precious natural resources.

“As a member of the Board of Supervisors for the New Castle Conservation District, I know firsthand of Speaker Gilligan’s strong support for Conservation Districts and the environment. I was honored to present Representative Gilligan with the DACD Legislative Award on behalf of our Association,” DACD Vice President Paul Morrill Jr. said. “The continued support of legislators is critical to getting conservation work done in Delaware. We are very fortunate to have his support.”

Past recipients of this DACD award include Senators David McBride, Thurman Adams, Jr., Nancy Cook, and Gary Simpson and Representatives Bobby Quillen (deceased) and George Carey.

The DACD is a statewide organization for the supervisors of the State’s three conservation districts. DACD is a voluntary, non-profit alliance which provides a forum for discussion and coordination among the state’s Conservation Districts as they work to ensure the wise use and treatment of our natural resources.

For more information about the Delaware Association of Conservation Districts, please call 302-739-9921.

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House Speaker Robert F. Gilligan Receives Legislative Award from Delaware Association of Conservation Districts

Ohio 4-H Shooting Sports Recognizes the Smith & Wesson Company

Smith & Wesson

Las Vegas, NC —-(AmmoLand.com)- Ohio 4-H Shooting Sports presented a recognition award to the Smith & Wesson Company, recognizing it’s contributions to the 2009 Ohio 4-H Summer Shooting Education Camp.

In July of 2009, 172 boys and girls from several states, participated in the 12th annual Ohio 4-H Summer Shooting Education Camp, held at the Canter’s Cave 4-H Camp in Jackson, Ohio.

Recognized nationally as one of the largest camps of its kind, the 6-day learning experience focuses on the safe, responsible and ethical use of firearms and archery equipment.

Smith & Wesson supported the camp by sending champion shooter B.J. Norris as a guest instructor working in the action pistol program. This was B.J.’s 2nd year working at the camp. He and Jerry Miculek instructed at the camp together in 2008. This program was started in 2008 with the assistance of Smith & Wesson. Smith donated several model 1911 and M&P pistols as well as model 686 revolvers.

Ohio 4-H Shooting Sports Recognizes the Smith & Wesson Company

“We couldn’t have done this without Smith & Wesson’s support and assistance. Their leadership and generous donations has taken our camp to a new level,” said Tom Johnston,Ohio’s Pistol Coordinator. “We hope to partner with them for many years to come. BJ and Jerry are truly thought of as family at our camp in southwest Ohio. The training they have provided to the children of our camp has created memories that will last a lifetime”.

The camp is held annually in July and is open to boys and girls ages 12-19. Campers are not required to be residents of Ohio and are not required to be members of 4-H. Shooting instruction is led by trained, experienced 4-H Shooting Sports Instructors. Campers specialize in the discipline of their choice such as Archery, Pistol, Rifle, Shotgun, or Living History, with all having multiple levels.

The main focus of the camp is shooting safety education and youth development, but campers obtain technical instruction from some of the best firearms instructors Ohio has to offer.

For more information on Ohio’s 4-H Shooting Education Camp, visit www.ohio4hshootingsports.org or call Ohio’s 4-H Shooting Sports Coordinator, Larry Harris at 740-286-4058.

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Ohio 4-H Shooting Sports Recognizes the Smith & Wesson Company

Winchester Ammunition’s Supreme Elite Bonded PDX1

Winchester Ammunition

Morgan, UT –-(AmmoLand.com)- Winchester® Ammunition’s Supreme Elite® Bonded PDX1™ has been selected to receive the NRA’s 2010 Golden Bullseye Award for “Ammunition Product of the Year” by Shooting Illustrated magazine.

“We are truly honored to be receiving this award from the NRA,” said Dick Hammett, president of Winchester Ammunition. “It means a great deal to us for our ammunition to be recognized as an award winning product from such an outstanding organization. The PDX1 is the best of the best when it comes to personal protection ammunition, and this award from the NRA continues to prove it.”

“The Golden Bullseye Award honors our winners for bringing to market products remarkable in their utility to shooters and hunters,” said Joe H. Graham, executive director of NRA Publications. “The award is a symbol of excellence and innovation in firearms, accessories and related equipment. We congratulate the winners, and we are confident shooters and hunters will receive this year’s winning products with enthusiasm.”

The Bonded PDX1 line uses the same technology the Federal Bureau of Investigation uses as its primary service round. The Bonded PDX1 is engineered to maximize terminal ballistics, as defined by the demanding FBI test protocol, which simulates real-world threats.

All of the Bonded PDX1 elements working together as one system, help ensure consistent expansion and is capable of penetrating a wide range of barriers ranging from clothing to drywall, to plywood, and auto glass.

NEW Offerings for 2010:

Existing Offerings:

In addition to receiving this 2009 honor, Winchester Ammunition has been awarded several Golden Bullseye awards throughout in recent years.

• 2007—Supreme Elite XP3
• 2004—Winchester Super Short Magnum (WSSM)
• 2003—.270 Winchester Short Magnum (WSM)

Bonded PDX1 “Stop the Threat”
For more information about Winchester® Ammunition and its complete line of products, visit www.winchester.com.

Winchester is Proud to be a Leader in the Shooting Sports
Winchester® Ammunition pledged $500,000 to permanently endow the NRA’s Marksmanship Qualification Program, thus becoming the exclusive sponsor of the officially renamed Winchester/NRA Marksmanship Qualification Program.

The Winchester/NRA Marksmanship Qualification Program is a self-paced shooting development program. Open to adults and youngsters alike, the program measures an individual’s shooting proficiency against established par scores in 13 courses of fire across three disciplines: pistol, rifle and shotgun.

By supporting the Winchester/NRA Marksmanship Qualification Program, Winchester is providing everyone the chance to explore the benefits that hunting and the shooting sports have to offer.

To learn more about the Winchester/NRA Marksmanship Qualification Program, please call 800-672-3888 ext. 1505 or visit www.nrahq.org/youth.

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NRA Chooses Winchester’s PDX1 Line As Ammunition Product Of The Year

Larry’s Pistol and Pawn

Ruger

Southport, CT –-(AmmoLand.com)- Sturm, Ruger & Co., Inc. (NYSE: RGR) is proud to announce that the first Ruger® Retailer of the Year Award was presented to Larry’s Pistol and Pawn of Huntsville, AL. Larry and Rob Barnett were honored at the 2010 SHOT Show with an engraved Mark III® pistol and an embellished wall clock to recognize their notable success in the retail firearms industry.

“This is the first Retailer of the Year Award Ruger has ever presented, and we were inspired to do so because of Larry’s outstanding efforts in promoting the Ruger brand,” said Ruger President and CEO Mike Fifer.

“Larry Barnett is a great promoter who is focused on providing his customers with excellent service and value. With his son Rob’s computer expertise, they have been able to expand their business online, making them a forward thinking sales force in the firearm’s marketplace. We hope this award will inspire other retailers to take on the same positive attitude and consumer focus as Larry’s to help promote Ruger.”

Larry’s Pistol and Pawn is committed to providing customers with quality merchandise, competitive prices, and exceptional service.

They sell firearms of all types, and the knowledgeable and experienced staff works to offer customers the best product available to fit their individual needs.

Larry’s also has an indoor shooting facility with a skilled range staff on hand.

Ruger is proud to honor this first-class firearms retailer with the Ruger Retailer of the Year Award.

For more information on the extensive line of Ruger firearms, visit www.Ruger.com. For more information on Larry’s Pistol and Pawn, visit www.PistolAndPawn.com.

About:
Sturm, Ruger: Sturm, Ruger was founded in 1949 and is one of the nation’s leading manufacturers of high-quality firearms for the commercial sporting market. Sturm, Ruger is headquartered in Southport, CT, with plants located in Newport, NH and Prescott, AZ.

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Larry’s Pistol and Pawn Honored as First Ruger Retailer of the Year

Ruger LCR Revolver

Ruger

Southport, CT –-(AmmoLand.com)- Sturm, Ruger & Company, Inc. (NYSE-RGR) is proud to announce the Ruger® LCRTM (Lightweight Compact Revolver) has been awarded the Golden Bullseye Award by the National Rifle Association’s AMERICAN RIFLEMAN and SHOOTING ILLUSTRATED magazines. The Golden Bullseye Awards honor excellence and innovation in firearms.

“We are extremely pleased to receive this award,” said Ruger CEO Michael Fifer. “The innovation of the Ruger LCR makes it one of the most significant new revolver designs in over a century, a true evolution in firearms. We are gratified that the staffs of AMERICAN RIFLEMAN and SHOOTING ILLUSTRATED magazines recognize the uniqueness of the LCR.”

The 13.5 ounce, small frame, 5-shot Ruger LCR has three main components: a polymer fire control housing, an aircraft quality aluminum monolithic frame, and an extensively fluted stainless steel cylinder. The LCR’s lightweight, chemical-resistant polymer fire control housing contains the entire fire control mechanism and provides a reduction in perceived recoil. The fire control housing’s grip peg allows for a variety of grips to be installed, and the LCR’s standard Hogue® Tamer™ grip reduces perceived recoil even further. A joint effort with Hogue, the LCR’s standard grip was designed using US military anthropomorphic data on hand shape, so the LCR can be comfortably held by a broad spectrum of hand sizes. An available Crimson Trace® LaserGrip® model offers the advantages of a laser sighting system.

The LCR’s monolithic frame is an aerospace grade, 7000 series aluminum forging treated with a black synergistic hard coat that is applied after machining. Successfully tested with over 30 different aggressive chemicals, this synergistic hard coat exceeds mil-spec salt spray tests, and offers performance considerably greater than hard coat anodizing. The monolithic frame provides sturdy, rigid support for the cylinder and the barrel. The 1-7/8″ long barrel features a 1:16 twist.

The extensively fluted 400 series stainless steel cylinder is lightweight and compact. Treated to an advanced form of Ruger’s Target Grey® finish, this stainless steel cylinder is strong, durable and designed to handle .38 Special +P loads. The Ruger LCR’s patent pending cylinder front latching system uses titanium components, optimized spring tension, and enhanced lockup geometry to ensure that the LCR’s cylinder stays locked in place during firing.

The LCR’s double-action-only trigger pull is uniquely engineered to minimize friction between the fire control components. This friction-reducing cam fire control system results in a non-stacking, smooth trigger pull. This results in more controllable shooting, even among those with smaller hands or less grip strength who find traditional DAO triggers difficult to operate.

The sights are replaceable ramp front, and a fixed U-notch rear. An internal lock, unobtrusively hidden under the grip, does not interfere with the fire control mechanism in any way when disengaged.

For more information on the Ruger LCR, or to learn more about the extensive line of Ruger firearms, visit www.Ruger.com. To find accessories for the LCR and other Ruger firearms, visit www.ShopRuger.com.

About:
Sturm, Ruger: Sturm, Ruger was founded in 1949 and is one of the nation’s leading manufacturers of high-quality firearms for the commercial sporting market. Sturm, Ruger is headquartered in Southport, CT, with manufacturing facilities located in Newport, NH and Prescott, AZ.

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Ruger LCR Revolver Earns NRA Golden Bullseye Award

Janet McAninch, Muzzy Owner Barbara Musacchia, Muzzy CEO Michele Musacchia-Eichler and Tall Man Recipient Jay McAninch.

Muzzy Archery

Cartersville, GA - -(AmmoLand.com)- Each year Muzzy Products Corporation bestows its prestigious Tall Man Award to someone who “stands tall” among his or her peers by contributing to the community and going above and beyond to promote and protect the future of archery and bowhunting.

This year Muzzy proudly presented the award to Jay McAninch, chief executive officer/president of the Archery Trade Association (ATA), at the 2010 ATA Trade Show in Columbus, Ohio.

The ATA has served its members since 1953, and McAninch has held his position with the organization since 2000. The association is dedicated to making the industry profitable by decreasing business overhead, reducing taxes and government regulation and increasing participation in archery and bowhunting.

“I am extremely honored to receive this award,” McAninch says. “The list of previous Tall Man recipients includes people that I admire. I’m especially humbled that the award is presented by Michele and her family who have worked so hard to make Muzzy a highly respected company and a longstanding influence on archery and the industry.”

Since becoming president of the ATA, McAninch has steered the ATA toward establishing a solid foundation and process for growing the sports of archery and bowhunting.

“We decided to focus all dollars on state wildlife agencies to put staff in place and to help build programs and facilities for promoting archery and bowhunting throughout the country.”

With McAninch’s guidance, the ATA’s efforts have produced a superb outcome. State agencies are now supporting organizations such as the National Archery in the Schools Program (NASP) and the Explore Bowhunting Program, which work to bring archery into the communities.

“We are working toward a future where kids in urban communities will have the same opportunity to participate in archery as they do to play football, baseball, basketball, gymnastics and other sports.”

In appreciation for all of McAninch’s contributions to the world of archery, Muzzy congratulates him on being selected as the 2009 Tall Man Award recipient.

For more information on Muzzy Products, call 1-866-387-9307, or check out www.muzzy.com.

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Muzzy Presents Tall Man Award To Jay McAninch

Georgia Department of Natural Resources

SOCIAL CIRCLE, Ga.- -(AmmoLand.com)- Law enforcement rangers with the Department of Natural Resources (DNR), Wildlife Resources Division consistently face a wide variety of natural resource related criminal activity.

Often times, lengthy criminal investigations ensue which require diligence and dedication on behalf of the officers. One such dedicated ranger, Cpl. Brent Railey of Troup County, was recently recognized as the 2010 State Investigative Ranger of the Year for his work.

“Cpl. Railey did an exceptional job with all aspects of this investigation,” says WRD chief of law enforcement Col. Homer Bryson. “The command staff sincerely appreciates his unrelenting efforts in bringing these poachers to justice.”

The investigation worked by Cpl. Brent Railey was first reported as a night hunting violation by the Troup County Sheriff’s office. Upon his initial investigation, Railey found an abandoned pickup truck and a poached deer. Over the course of nearly three months, the officer was able to collect enough evidence to show that the suspect’s whereabouts were not what he had reported. Eventually, Railey was able to get enough evidence to result in a first offender guilty plea by the suspect, which led to a fine of over $2,000 and a loss of hunting privileges for two years. This violator was later caught night hunting again (Oct. 2009) rendering his first offender status null and void.

Additional WRD rangers were nominated for the award by their supervisors for their outstanding investigative work in 2009. They are as follows: Cpl. Nathaniel Jones, Cpl. Jason Roberson, RFC Richard Tanner, Sgt. William Vickers and Cpl. Cindy Miller.

For more information on the 2010 State Investigative Ranger of the Year Award, call the WRD law enforcement headquarters office at (770) 918-6408.

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Georgia DNR Announces 2010 State Investigative Ranger Of The Year

Ducks Unlimited

RIDGELAND, Miss. –-(AmmoLand.com)- Mississippi Wildlife Federation has selected Curtis Hopkins, Ph.D., as the 2009 Conservationist of the Year. Hopkins, Director of Ducks Unlimited’s Southern Region, has been contributing to conservation for nearly 40 years.

“It is truly an honor to recognize Curtis as our 2009 MWF Conservationist of the Year,” Cathy Shropshire, MWF executive director, said. “His efforts have helped to protect and restore vital wetland habitats and ensure that associated species continue to be part of Mississippi’s natural resource treasures.”

“Curtis is a coalition- and consensus-builder among diverse groups of stakeholders with sometimes divergent interests regarding natural resources,” said DU Senior Director for Conservation Ken Babcock. “He is considered an unfaltering conservationist. His integrity and commitment to managing the natural resources of Mississippi and the nation have provided an excellent example for others to follow.”

From the time he served as the first president of the Mississippi State University student chapter of The Wildlife Society, Dr. Hopkins has been influencing wildlife conservation in the state of Mississippi. Throughout nearly 40 years in the field working for the U.S. Forest Service, Mississippi State University, Texas A&M University, and Ducks Unlimited, he has continually developed programs that put habitat conservation on the ground.

Dr. Hopkins is a Mississippi State University Alumni Fellow and has received several awards for his conservation efforts including The Wildlife Society’s Jim McDonough Award, Renew America – National Award for Environmental Sustainability, and DU’s Outstand Regional Director Award. He has served on numerous committees and advisory panels for a variety of state, federal and non-profit natural resource focused organizations.

“His opinions are highly valued for being well-reasoned and practical while remaining science-based,” Babcock said. “The work he did in establishing cooperative agreements with the Natural Resource Conservation Service to deliver restoration through the Wetlands Reserve Program served as a national model. The success of that program has resulted in conservation of more than 3 million acres of wetlands nationwide.”

“We are indeed privileged to have Curtis on the front lines of conservation in Mississippi and throughout the Southeast,” Shropshire said.

The Mississippi Wildlife Federation was established in 1946 to advance the protection of wildlife in Mississippi. Now, over 60 years later, the Mississippi Wildlife Federation is the largest network of conservationists in the state.

Ducks Unlimited is the world’s largest non-profit organization dedicated to conserving North America’s continually disappearing waterfowl habitats. Established in 1937, Ducks Unlimited has conserved more than 13 million acres thanks to contributions from more than a million supporters across the continent. Guided by science and dedicated to program efficiency, DU works toward the vision of wetlands sufficient to fill the skies with waterfowl today, tomorrow, and forever.

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Curtis Hopkins Named Conservationist Of The Year

Hornady Ammunition

Grand Island, Nebraska --(AmmoLand.com)- Hornady® Manufacturing was honored with a 2009 Davey Award for the new GMX® bullet and ammunition television commercial.

The Davey Awards honor the finest creative work from the best small firms, agencies and companies worldwide. Winners are chosen from over 4,000 entries from across the US and around the world. Judges include top-tier media, advertising, and marketing professionals from the world’s leading organizations and firms.

“GMX® bullets and ammunition are fantastic new additions to the Hornady® line, and we’re extremely proud to see our marketing efforts for these great new products recognized with a Davey Award.” said Neil Davies, Hornady Sales and Marketing Manager.

The winning GMX® spot is the first full HD, fully animated TV commercial for Hornady. Produced by Master Track Productions of Lincoln, Nebraska, the GMX® spot can be viewed on the Hornady YouTube channel. The 30-second spot is also widely aired during outdoor programming on The Sporstsman Channel, Outdoor Channel and Versus.

The Hornady® GMX®, or Gilding Metal eXpanding bullet is an expanding monolithic solid bullet that is tougher and fouls less than traditional solid copper bullets.

Founded in 1949, Hornady Manufacturing Company is a family owned business headquartered in Grand Island, Nebraska. Proudly manufacturing products that are “Made in the USA”, by over 300 employees, Hornady Manufacturing has become a world leader in bullet, ammunition, reloading tool and accessory design and manufacture.

About:
Founded in 1949, Hornady Manufacturing Company is a family-owned business headquartered in Grand Island, Nebraska. Proudly manufacturing products that are “Made in the USA” by over 300 employees, Hornady Manufacturing has become a world leader in bullet, ammunition, reloading tool and accessory design and manufacture. Visit: www.hornady.com

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Hornady GMX Ammunition TV Commercial Wins 2009 Davey Award

The Gun Store Named 2009 Retailer of the Year by NSSF

National Shooting Sports Foundation

Las Vegas, Nev. – -(AmmoLand.com)- The Gun Store, a federally licensed firearms retailer in Las Vegas, Nevada, was named the 2009 Don’t Lie for the Other Guy Retailer of the Year by the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF), the trade association for the firearms industry.

Bob Irwin, owner of The Gun Store, accepted the award at the firearms industry’s annual trade show, named the Shooting, Hunting and Outdoor Trade (SHOT) show, which is owned and sponsored by the NSSF.

“For their implementation and support of the Don’t Lie for the Other Guy anti-straw purchasing program, helping to curb the criminal acquisition and misuse of firearms, NSSF is proud to recognize the outstanding work of The Gun Store,” said NSSF Senior Vice President and General Counsel Lawrence G. Keane.

About Don’t Lie for the Other Guy
Don’t Lie for the Other Guy is a national campaign led by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) and the Department of Justice (DOJ) Office of Justice Programs (OJP) to better educate America’s firearms retailers on how to detect would-be straw purchasers and to raise public awareness that it is a serious crime to buy a firearm for a prohibited person or for someone who does not otherwise want his or her name associated with the transaction. The campaign was developed by NSSF and ATF in 2000 and has been active in more than 20 cities.

About NSSF
The National Shooting Sports Foundation is the trade association for the firearms industry. Its mission is to promote, protect and preserve hunting and the shooting sports. Formed in 1961, NSSF has a membership of more than 5,000 manufacturers, distributors, firearms retailers, shooting ranges, sportsmen’s organizations and publishers. For more information, log on to www.nssf.org.

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The Gun Store Named 2009 Retailer of the Year

Unsung Hero Award from Outdoor Life Goes To Howard Robinson of U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance

U.S. Sportsmen's Alliance

Las Vegas, NV –-(AmmoLand.com)- Howard Robinson, a long time volunteer leader with the U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance (USSA), was presented yesterday with the “People’s Choice Unsung Hero” award from Outdoor Life magazine.

The award recognizes Robinson’s many achievements in advancing conservation throughout the years in his home state of Arkansas and was given to him during a ceremony held at the 2010 SHOT Show.

“Howard epitomizes being a go to guy,” said Doug Jeanneret, USSA vice president of marketing. “He has become a nationally recognized leader with all of his fundraising efforts to save our outdoor heritage and the thousands of hours he has spent instructing youth and others new to the outdoors. Howard continues to go beyond the call of duty for the outdoors.”

Robinson has served as a local field director (LFD) for the USSA for years, been the vice president of the Old Fort Gun Club and an officer for the Arkansas Trappers Association. He initially was included in the prestigious Outdoor Life 25 for 2010. In its third year, the program “honors 25 men and women who have changed the face of hunting and fishing.”

The list is made up of volunteers, product developers, wildlife managers and other advocates who are listed in several different categories including: Conservationists, Innovators, Leaders and Unsung Heroes. Robinson was placed in the Unsung Hero category due to his tireless advocacy and education efforts on behalf of sportsmen. Readers were then given a voice to select the individual they felt most deserving of the “People’s Choice Award” by voting online through the end of 2009.

The U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance is a national association of sportsmen and sportsmen’s organizations that protects the rights of hunters, anglers and trappers in the courts, legislatures, at the ballot, in Congress and through public education programs. For more information about the U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance and its work, call (614) 888-4868 or visit its website, www.ussportsmen.org.

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Unsung Hero Award from Outdoor Life Goes To Howard Robinson of U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance

Winchester Ammunition Presents Distributor Of The Year Award To Jerry’s Sports Center

Winchester Ammunition

Las Vegas, NV --(AmmoLand.com)- Winchester Ammunition presented the 2009 Distributor of the Year Award to Jerry’s Sports Center headquartered in Forest City, Pennsylvania during the 2010 SHOT Show in Las Vegas.

Each year, Winchester Ammunition recognizes a distributor who sets a high standard of service to dealers and loyalty and support to Winchester Ammunition. Jerry’s Sports Center has exemplified these high standards in 2009 and for many years.

Jerry’s opened for business as a regional distributor in Pennsylvania over 50 years ago and has added four additional warehouses through acquisition over the past 20 years.

Jerry’s is one of the largest hunting and shooting distributors in the country today with the following warehouses:

• Jerry’s Sports Center in Forest City, PA
• Outdoor Sports headquartered in Dayton, OH
• Simmons Gun Specialties in Spring Hill, KS
• Jerry’s Sports Center N. E. in Newington, CT
• Bonitz Brothers in Harrisburg, PA

“It’s hard to express in words what this award means, because it’s more than just an award. It’s loyalty, hard work and a business relationship that has grown and strengthened since we first began,” said Berne Ziomek, CEO of Jerry’s Sports Center. “Most people talk about the importance of teamwork, but don’t seem to practice it. Both Jerry’s and Winchester have made an effort to follow through on our commitments as a team to be the best in the industry.”

For more information about Winchester and its complete line of products, visitwww.winchester.com.

To learn more about Jerry’s Sports Center, visit www.jerryssportscenter.com.

Winchester Ammunition is proud to be a leader in conservation:
Winchester Ammunition prides itself in being a leader of conservation. The company is involved with numerous partnerships at local, state and national levels. For more than 20 years Winchester has been a proud sponsor of Ducks Unlimited. During this partnership Winchester has generated generous funding to support Ducks Unlimited wetlands and waterfowl conservation projects. In addition Winchester is the exclusive sponsor of the Ducks Unlimited shooting program and supports many local and state chapters. For more information about Ducks Unlimited visit www.ducks.org.

For more information about Winchester and its complete line of products visit www.winchester.com. Releases and images can be found in the Press Room section

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Winchester Ammunition Presents Distributor Of The Year Award To Jerry’s Sports Center

Winchester Ammunition Presents Dealer Of The Year Award To Kittery Trading Post

Winchester Ammunition

Las Vegas, NV --(AmmoLand.com)- Winchester® Ammunition presented the 2009 Dealer of the Year Award to Kittery Trading Post during the 2010 SHOT Show in Las Vegas.

Each year, Winchester Ammunition recognizes a dealer who sets a high standard in sales and promotions. Kittery Trading Post, located in Kittery, Maine, meets Winchester Ammunition’s standards of excellence.

Since 1938, Kittery Trading Post has strived to offer the finest goods and services to enhance its customer’s appreciation, enjoyment and knowledge of the great outdoors.
When you enter Kittery Trading Post, you’ll find everything for the great outdoors from hunting and shooting gear, brand name sportswear, outerwear, accessories and footwear for the whole family.

“The entire staff here at Kittery Trading Post and the Adams family are honored to be awarded Winchester’s Dealer of the Year award,” said Kim Adams, co-owner and vice president of Kittery Trading Post. “Winchester is a powerful and prestigious brand, and has always been a valuable partner throughout our 72 year history.”

Retailers who achieve this recognition maintain high standards for customer service and product knowledge and promote the Winchester brand through advertising, sales promotion and merchandising. They carry a complete line of Winchester products, conduct retail events, support industry programs and actively support local efforts in various areas like conservation, safety, and hunter education.

In 1989, Winchester Ammunition set the benchmark for partnering with independent dealers with the inception of the Winchester Ammunition Advisory Center program, and more than 20 years later, it continues to set the standard for dealer programs. To be nominated for the Dealer of the Year, a company must participate in this program.

To learn more about Kittery Trading Post, visit www.kitterytradingpost.com.
For information about Winchester and its complete line of products, visit www.winchester.com.

Winchester Ammunition is proud to be a leader in conservation
NILO® Farms, established by John M. Olin in 1952, is Winchester’s prestigious hunting preserve providing guests with quality hunting on more than 640 acres of natural habitat. As one of the finest hunting and shooting facilities in the country, NILO Farms represents the best in game management and safety. Many of the land management practices developed at NILO have proven to be an example for other waterfowl and upland game bird preserves to follow. For more information about NILO Farms, visit www.nilofarms.com.

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Winchester Ammunition Presents Dealer Of The Year Award To Kittery Trading Post