Jim Zumbo Receives RMEF's Highest Honor

Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation

MISSOULA, Mont. --(Ammoland.com)- Jim Zumbo of Cody, Wyo., has received the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation’s highest honor, the Wallace Fennell Pate Wildlife Conservation Award.

The award honors special contributions of lasting significance for the benefit of elk, other wildlife and their habitat across North America. A bronze sculpture was presented to Zumbo during the 28th annual RMEF convention, which ended Feb. 4 in Las Vegas.

Zumbo is one of America’s best-known outdoor writers and host of his own television show. He joined RMEF in 1985, a year and a day after it was founded. The outfit was still teetering in infancy and Zumbo gave it only a 50/50 chance of lasting out the year. But he felt the spirit of the founding leaders, wrote a $600 check and became one of RMEF’s earliest life members.

In 1986, he volunteered for duty on the organization’s first board of directors. It was the first of two terms that Zumbo has served on the RMEF board.

Zumbo also was among the earliest contributors to “Bugle” magazine. His byline and endorsement helped build RMEF credibility among its most important audience – elk hunters. He continues to plug the organization at sportsmen shows, magazines, books and on television. For 26 years, Zumbo has helped make RMEF what it is today.

“Few people have done more than Jim to communicate the importance of conservation in elk country,” said David Allen, RMEF president and CEO. “But his influence also has helped to keep this outfit grounded. RMEF was founded by average elk hunters and they’re still the core of our membership. Jim never lets us forget that.”

The awards namesake, Wallace Fennell Pate, was RMEF’s first president and chairman of the board, he dedicated his time, energy and financial resources for the betterment of wildlife in North America. Pate, now deceased, became a national role model for groups or individuals concerned with natural resources conservation.

Pate’s son, Jack, attended the recent ceremony and spoke about his father’s devotion to RMEF and conservation overall.

About the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation:
RMEF is leading a conservation initiative that has protected or enhanced habitat on over 6 million acres—an area larger than Yellowstone, Grand Canyon, Glacier, Yosemite, Rocky Mountain and Great Smoky Mountains national parks combined. RMEF also is a strong voice for hunters in access, wildlife management and conservation policy issues. RMEF members, partners and volunteers, working together as Team Elk, are making a difference all across elk country. Join us at www.rmef.org or 800-CALL ELK.

Wildlife For Everyone Endowment Foundation Receives Youth Mentor Award

Eastern Sports & Outdoor Show

HARRISBURG, PA – -(Ammoland.com)- Wildlife For Everyone Endowment Foundation, a non-profit organization that works with state agencies to preserve and enhance wildlife habitat, wildlife scientific research, wildlife education, land preservation, youth programs, and to construct a wildlife education and research center, has received the 2012 Eastern Sports & Outdoor Show Youth Mentor Award.

As part of their education and youth missions, the foundation has worked to develop major funding support for the Pennsylvania Game Commission’s Seedlings for Schools program, which supplies seedlings to more than a thousand schools across Pennsylvania each spring.

Most of the seedlings, which are shipped from the commission’s Howard Nursery in Centre County, are part of the Seedlings for Your Class component of the program aimed primarily at third grade students. Each class or grade level receives enough silky dogwood or white pine seedlings for each student to take one home.

In addition, the seedlings come with an education package for the teacher, which provides the opportunity to teach a whole program around trees, environment, and the importance of planting trees in local communities.

Some of the seedlings are also shipped for the Seedlings to Develop Habitats component of the program, aimed at middle and high school students interested in planting them on school or community grounds, along a stream corridor to improve habitat, as a tree nursery or in an environmental area.

More recently, the foundation helped to expand an innovative college internship program that originated in 1999 in the Southwest Region of the Pennsylvania Game Commission to give college students hands-on experience in skills needed for careers in wildlife management.

The new Richard Guadagno Internship Program will provide stipends to students working eight-week internships with the commission’s regional office for the first time.

Previous interns have worked in summer bat roost surveys, breeding bird surveys, Canada goose banding, bear trapping, wildlife habitat assessments, vegetation sampling, legal updates and deputy meetings, data entry and analysis, report writing, wildlife biometrics and tissue samples, library research, and educational programming.

The Eastern Sports & Outdoor Show Outdoor Youth Mentor Award is presented annually to an individual or organization in recognition of their demonstrated commitment to using their knowledge of the outdoors and outdoor sports to educate and help young people.

Hoffman's Gun Center & Indoor Shooting Range

Ruger Firearms

Southport, CT --(Ammoland.com)- Sturm, Ruger & Company, Inc. (NYSE: RGR) is pleased to announce that Hoffman’s Gun Center & Indoor Shooting Range of Newington, CT has been named the 2011 Ruger Retailer of the Year.

Owner Scott Hoffman received an engraved Mark III pistol to recognize his strong support for Ruger and his success in the retail firearms industry.

“We are very excited to present the 2011 Retailer of the Year to Scott Hoffman and Hoffman’s Gun Center. Scott and his entire staff are very knowledgeable regarding Ruger firearms, and they are dedicated to stocking and promoting our entire product line,” said Ruger President and CEO Mike Fifer.

“Hoffman’s advertising efforts are industry leading and give our products visibility in print, online and on the radio. They also operate an indoor shooting range and participate in the Ruger Range Program, allowing potential customers the opportunity to try out and fall in love with Ruger firearms. Without a doubt, Hoffman’s offers the very best in service, value, and selection, and we’re honored to recognize them as our Ruger Retailer of the Year,” Fifer concluded.

Hoffman’s Gun Center & Indoor Shooting Range is a family operation that began in New Britain, CT in 1919. Surviving multiple re-locations and even a devastating fire, Hoffman’s has grown into the largest firearms retailer in New England with an equally strong online store. Ruger is proud to honor this first-class firearms retailer with the 2011 Ruger Retailer of the Year Award.

For more information on the extensive line of Ruger firearms, visit Ruger.com or Facebook.com/Ruger. For more information on Hoffman’s Gun Center & Indoor Shooting Range, visit www.HoffGun.com.

As always, thanks for your continued support!

Susquehanna River Waterfowler’s Association receives Eastern Sports & Outdoor Show Award for Conservation

Eastern Sports & Outdoor Show

HARRISBURG, PA – -(Ammoland.com)- The Susquehanna River Waterfowler’s Association (SRWA), an organization dedicated to promoting their sport and the health and stability of waterfowl populations by protecting and improving wetland environments, has received the 2012 Eastern Sports & Outdoor Show Achievement Award.

SRWA’s membership includes both hunters and non-hunters throughout Central Pennsylvania and the Chesapeake Bay region who assist in the generation of funds to ensure resources are available for wetland projects, educational studies and youth education.

SRWA has received numerous awards throughout the years for their work in conservation. Most notably, The Atlantic Flyway Counsel recognized the SRWA for their efforts to help fund waterfowl conservation studies such as the Atlantic Brant Project. Over $18,000 was raised by SRWA with all proceeds forwarded to the counsel to offset their costs.

Locally, the SRWA membership focuses on the conservation of wetland habitat by constructing and installing nesting structures, along with planting seeds and aquatic plants for local and migrating waterfowl.

Youth education is also a priority for the organization. Members assist with hunter education courses and attend numerous youth field days throughout the year.

The Eastern Sports & Outdoor Show Outdoor Achievement Award for Conservation is presented annually to an individual or organization in recognition of their demonstrated commitment to protecting and improving our outdoor resources and animal habitats.

Dave Kaleta Receives Eastern Sports & Outdoor Show Humanitarian Award

Eastern Sports & Outdoor Show

HARRISBURG, PA – -(Ammoland.com)- Dave Kaleta (Shamokin, PA), founder and president of Habitat for Wildlife, Inc., has received the 2012 Eastern Sports & Outdoor Show Humanitarian Award for his continued efforts to improve the ecology of Northeastern Pennsylvania’s coal region.

Habitat for Wildlife, Inc. is an organization of conservation-oriented people dedicated to restoring, protecting and enhancing the wild areas of Northeastern Pennsylvania’s Anthracite region. One of their most significant contributions was the establishment and development of the Alaska Site in Northumberland County. Their efforts have turned what was once an area of coal banks, strip mines and illegal dumping sites into a thriving habitat for grouse, woodcock, deer, turkey, bear and other non-game species.

Over the last 12 years, Habitat for Wildlife has planted more than 43,000 seedlings and 68 acres of food and cover plots on both reclaimed and non-reclaimed mine lands. They have removed thousands of illegally dumped tires and hundreds of tons of trash from illegal dumpsites. These efforts have reduced the negative visual impact to this economically depressed area, reduced the number of disease-carrying mosquitoes and rodents, and greatly reduced the risk of ground water pollution.

Last year, Habitat for Wildlife conducted an experimental brook trout stocking in Carbon Run, a tributary of Shamokin Creek. If successful, it is hoped that these trout stockings will help boost the attitude of local (as well as other) people toward the coal region’s environment.

Habitat for Wildlife also works on environmental improvement projects in tandem with other area conservation groups, including: Shamokin Creek Restoration Alliance, Woodcock Limited of Pennsylvania, and Pheasants Forever.

The Eastern Sports & Outdoor Show Humanitarian Award is presented annually to an individual or organization in recognition of their demonstrated commitment to using their knowledge of the outdoors and outdoor sports to improve and support their community.

Ducks Unlimited Names Wyoming’s Volunteer of the Year

Ducks Unlimited

CASPER, Wyo. --(Ammoland.com)- Ducks Unlimited recognized Brian Balfour of Casper for his outstanding contributions to the organization in Wyoming.

Balfour has been volunteering his time to the Casper and Powder River DU chapters for 20 years and recently joined the Wyoming DU Special Waterfowl Action Team (SWAT) that helps chapters around the state when they are shorthanded.

“Brian is a model volunteer,” said Robert Hathaway, DU regional director for Wyoming. “He is very good at troubleshooting problems and overcoming tough obstacles, which are qualities we value in our volunteers.”

Balfour manages the firearm transactions for both chapters and is a top ticket seller for their events. He is often accompanied by his wife, Susan, who also volunteers her time with DU.

“Brian is extremely dependable and we can always count on him to get the job done,” said Lucy Pate, member of the Casper DU committee. “We are all fortunate to have a huge asset like Brian on our team.”

Ducks Unlimited is the world’s largest nonprofit organization dedicated to conserving North America’s continually disappearing waterfowl habitats. Established in 1937, Ducks Unlimited has conserved more than 12 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.

Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries

Louisiana --(Ammoland.com)- The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) and the Louisiana Outdoor Writers Association (LOWA) are encouraging hunters 15 years of age or younger to enter the 2011 Youth Hunter of the Year competition.

The contest requires youth hunters to submit a story about their hunting experience along with photographs of the hunt. LDWF and LOWA will then select a male and female youth hunter of the year based upon the stories and photos that are received.

Visit the LDWF website at http://www.wlf.state.la.us/hunting/youth-hunter-registry-programfor information on the Youth Hunter Registry Program and the2011 Youth Hunter of the Year Contest.

Youth hunters who participated in any hunting activity during the 2011-12 hunting season are encouraged to participate. This is not a big buck or turkey contest. The program is about youths enjoying a hunting experience, with or without success, and keeping the hunting tradition alive in Louisiana. The deadline to enter the 2011 Youth Hunter of the Year Contest is June 30, 2012.

The two winners will be recognized at the Louisiana Outdoor Writers Conference this summer. Winners will receive a plaque in recognition of their achievement and a gift certificate from Bowie Outfitters in Baton Rouge.

Additionally, all participants who register their 2011-12 hunting experiences with the Youth Hunter Registry Program will be eligible to win a gift certificate from Bowie Outfitters (winner to be selected by a random drawing).

For more information, contact Scott Durham at 225-765-2351 or sdurham@wlf.la.govor David Moreland at 225-978-6552 or helfinroots@hotmail.com.

The Department of Wildlife and Fisheries is charged with managing and protecting Louisiana’s abundant natural resources. For more information, visit us at www.wlf.louisiana.govon Facebook at www.facebook.com/ldwffbor follow us on Twitter @LDWF.

Whitetail Properties TV Captures Sportsman Choice Award

Whitetail Properties

Pike County, IL. --(Ammoland.com)- Whitetail Properties nationally broadcast Whitetail Properties TV took home a 2011 Sportsman Choice Award for Best Animal-Whitetail Deer last week during the Shooting, Hunting and Outdoor Trade (SHOT) show.

The award was presented Wednesday, Jan. 18 in front of the industry’s leading producers, personalities and sponsors during the Sportsman Channel’s annual awards ceremony at Pure Nightclub in Caesar’s Palace, Las Vegas.

Sportsman Channel narrowed the field to five finalists in each of the seven award categories, and the voice of 140,000 American sportsmen selected the winners by logging on to cast their votes.

Hosted by Dan Perez and produced by November Studios, Whitetail Properties TV is unique in outdoor programming, utilizing the essence of land ownership. Each episode features the sport of hunting monster whitetails, a most popular hunt breakdown segment and property showcase to entertain and educate the fans.

“We are genuinely humbled by the fans’ support of our work and strive to continue to deliver exciting and entertaining programs. This award is a testament to the talent and dedication of our team,” Paul Sawyer, executive producer, says.

Whitetail Properties TV is moving into its sixth season and airs at 8 p.m. E/P every Tuesday during The Realtree Hunting Camp block. Sponsors who make this show possible include Bear Archery, Trophy Ridge, Rocket Broadheads, Scent-Lok, Plano, Hunters Safety System, Realtree, Tink’s, Reconyx, Whitetail Institute, Lone Wolf, CanCooker, Boss Buck, Banks Blinds, Big & J, LaCrosse and Yo ‘Buddy.

About: Whitetail Properties
Located in Pike County, Ill., Whitetail Properties is an industry leader recreational real estate company. Whitetail Properties recruits and works with a select team of specialists of the most skilled, honest, and hard-working recreational and agricultural land experts in the country. Whitetail Properties utilizes the popular award winning show, Whitetail Properties TV, appearing on the Sportsman’s Channel to showcase the benefits of owning recreational real estate. www.whitetailproperties.com

November Studios
Located in Pike County, Ill., November Studios is a specialty boutique style shop producing high-resolution photography/video for product features and high-end motion graphics for commercials and films. www.novemberstudios.com

HeadWaters Land Conservancy

Gaylord, Michigan –-(Ammoland.com)- HeadWaters Land Conservancy will receive the honor, along with a check for $600.00 at the Trout Unlimited yearly membership gathering in Grayling on February 4th.

Laura Justin, Executive Director of HeadWaters Land Conservancy, is thrilled to receive the recognition. “It came as a complete surprise. I was so happy after the phone call that I had a smile on my face for the rest of the day” said Justin.

“Being recognized by an organization like T.U. is a big deal to us. They are a highly regarded group and their work on the AuSable River matches our conservation mission.” Justin continued, “Our top priority for 2012 is the AuSable and reaching out to landowners who want to preserve this critically important river. Working with organizations like Trout Unlimited will help us to achieve our protection goals.”

Winning the honor from Trout Unlimited caps a very successful year for HeadWaters Land Conservancy. 520 acres of land and 10,480 feet of waterfront were protected in 2011. HeadWaters was also fortunate enough to receive the gift of a preserve on the Sturgeon River from the J.A. Woollam Foundation. The Sturgeon River Preserve is dedicated to the late Rusty Gates for his great accomplishments in river stewardship and protection. The preserve is 40 acres of thick forests, wetlands, upland areas of bracken fern and a meandering stretch of the Sturgeon River.

The preserve is located on Whitmarsh Road about 10 minutes from Gaylord, and is open to the public for their enjoyment.

Since its inception in 1994, HeadWaters Land Conservancy has protected the natural diversity and beauty of northeast Michigan by preserving significant lands and scenic areas in perpetuity with conservation agreements. A conservation agreement is a voluntary act by a land owner to impose permanent restrictions on their land for its preservation. HeadWaters works within an eleven county service area, one of the largest in the state, preserving lands in Alcona, Alpena, Arenac, Crawford, Roscommon, Iosco, Montmorency, Ogemaw, Oscoda and Presque Isle counties.

FORT BENNING, Ga. -- Col. (P) Walter Piatt (left), commandant, U.S. Army Infantry School, attaches the Army Superior Unit Award streamer to the colors of the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit Jan. 28 as Lt. Col. Dan Hodne (right), commander, USAMU, looks on. The Army awarded the ASUA to the USAMU for distinguishing itself for extraordinary accomplishments in raising the Army's overall combat readiness through outstanding devotion and superior performance in executing its wide-ranging mission.(Photo by Michael Molinaro, USAMU PAO)

United States Army Marksmanship Unit

FORT BENNING, Ga. --(Ammoland.com)- Even for the “Home of Champions,” the Army’s prestigious Marksmanship Unit where achieving the highest degrees of sustained excellence is expected, 2010 proved to be a year like no other, marked by historic firsts and bests.

Volunteering to embark upon its first sustained deployment of unit personnel since Vietnam and its first effort to train indigenous Soldiers; greatly expanding its marksmanship training program; and showcasing the very best of Army Soldier skills at unprecedented levels in marksmanship competition, winning an unparalleled 27 championship titles in world, national, and interservice matches are just some of the accomplishments made by the Soldiers of the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit in 2010, earning the Army Superior Unit Award, a first for one of the military’s most unique units.

“This unit has made a profound and lasting impact on the readiness of the war fighter,” said Col. (P) Walter Piatt, commandant, U.S. Army Infantry School. “In earning the Superior Unit Award, it reflects the readiness and relevancy that the (USAMU) brings to the Army. The contributions of this generation of Soldiers in our Army in Iraq and Afghanistan and their success have been in large part due to this unit and how they have instilled readiness throughout our force.”

The unit distinguished itself for extraordinary accomplishments in raising the Army’s overall combat readiness through outstanding devotion and superior performance in executing its wide-ranging mission. 2010 also saw a continuation of its nearly half-century tradition of leaving its stamp on the Army’s precision long-range small arms. With its proven track record of the M21 and M24 sniper rifles, the USAMU Custom Firearms Shop enabled its rapid provision of technical and user evaluation feedback that assisted the Army in adopting a new sniper weapon system capability.

Its Squad Designated Marksman Rifle emerged as the unanimous top choice during the Maneuver Center of Excellence Rifleman Configuration Study. To add to these achievements, the unit coached, mentored, and produced the 2010 Army Soldier of the Year, who also served as the Army’s first-ever female Soldier to earn this prestigious title.

“This unit’s efforts to obtain the highest degrees of precision and accuracy in world-class marksmanship competition directly translate to our efforts in raising Army marksmanship proficiency and supporting broader Army small-arms research and development initiatives,” noted Lt. Col. Dan Hodne, USAMU Commander. “When it comes to all aspects of marksmanship, our Army needs and expects us to be the absolute best in the world.” The unit continues to aspire to new heights and expectations. In 2011, the USAMU hosted the first International Paralympic Committee World Cup to ever take place in the entire Western Hemisphere that brought hundreds of Paralympic athletes from around the world to Fort Benning to showcase courage, determination, inspiration and equality in shooting sports.

Earlier in the year, the unit hosted its second consecutive World Cup in two years which stood as the largest international shooting sports event to ever take place on the continent as dozens of shooters earned coveted quota slots to the 2012 Olympic Games. By dramatically expanding its marksmanship training outreach, the unit established itself as a primary source and main proponent for marksmanship training in the Army.

In 2012, the unit looks to take it a step even farther. In Afghanistan, the unit is prepared to assist in the creation of the Afghan National Army Marksmanship Instructor Branch. A handful of Soldiers will represent the unit, the Army and their country at the Summer Olympic Games in London followed by the very first active-duty Soldier to ever compete in the Paralympic Games.

In March, the unit will host the annual U.S. Army Small Arms Championship, the premier marksmanship training event in the military, and the inaugural Army Strong Collegiate Shooting Championships. The USAMU intends to make this innovative event the largest multi-discipline, shoulder-to-shoulder collegiate and junior shooting sports championship event to ever take place in the United States as it brings four prestigious competitive shooting sports championship venues to the USAMU’s world-class facilities simultaneously.

In addition to the increasing number of Soldiers it will train in 2012 the USAMU is preparing to welcome 24 new members to the family with the creation of the Wounded Warrior marksmanship instructor group and Paralympic section upon approval by Army headquarters as part of the “Total Army Analysis.” This novel approach to giving the Army’s wounded combat veterans a chance to continue to serve will enhance the combat readiness of the Army, highlight the notion of ability rather than disability, and serve as an inspiration for those who relish the chance to continue service to their country as a Soldier.

“I am grateful to the Army for bestowing the Army Superior Unit Award on this extraordinary unit made up of remarkable people,” concluded Hodne, “I am even more grateful for the opportunity to serve with such an incredible team of Soldiers, Civilians, and Family members who enable this unit to accomplish its wide-ranging mission in a manner and with a strength like no other.”

About USAMU:
The USAMU enhances the Army’s recruiting effort, raises the standard of the Army’s marksmanship proficiency, and supports the Army’s small arms research and development initiatives in order to raise the Army’s overall combat readiness. For more information on the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit, contact the Public Affairs Office at (706) 545-5436, Michael.Molinaro@usaac.army.mil or www.USAMU.com.

NYSRPA Henry Ristau Man of the Year Award Goes to Joseph P. DeBergalis, Jr.

New York State Rifle and Pistol Association

New York --(Ammoland.com)- The New York State Rifle & Pistol Association is proud to announce the creation of a new and important award for meritorious service in furthering Second Amendment Freedoms and fostering growth of the shooting sports statewide and nationally.

To that end in the spirit of enthusiastic service to these ideals we are dedicating and naming the award after long time member Henry Ristau.

Henry, a World War II veteran, recently died shortly after his 101st birthday. Henry’s dedication to the Association and the Second Amendment manifested itself in his daily work ethic; he worked diligently at the NYSRPA’s office until six months prior to his passing. It is that same level of dedication and commitment we are looking for in recipients for this award.

Every once in awhile a deserving and hardworking individual is rewarded for the anonymous hard work and effort he daily puts in to foster and expand the shooting sports in New York State as well as the nation. The individual chosen for the NYSRPA Henry Ristau Man of the Year Award serves as vice president for the New York State Rifle & Pistol Association and in this position oversees the shooting sports in New York State.

He is also a member of the National Rifle Association Board of Directors where he serves on the Law Enforcement Assistance Committee, the Sport Shooting Committee, he is vice Chairman of the Action Shooting Committee and Chairman of the Education and Training Committee; he accomplishes these tasks while fulfilling the everyday duties of full time professional employment. He travels far and wide on weekends promoting the shooting sports particularly his favorite “The Three Gun Competition”; the fastest growing of all the expanding shooting sports.

It is with great pride and pleasure that I present this year’s NYSRPA “Henry Ristau Man of the Year Award” to my friend and associate Joseph P. DeBergalis, Jr.

About:
The New York State Rifle & Pistol Association is the state’s largest and oldest firearms advocacy organization. Since 1871, our organization has been dedicated to the preservation of Second Amendment rights, firearm safety, education and training, and the shooting sports. Our membership consists of individuals and clubs throughout the state. We are a not-for-profit 501(c)4 organization and the official NRA-affiliated State Association in New York.  Visit: www.nysrpa.org

Georgia Department of Natural Resources

SOCIAL CIRCLE, Ga. --(Ammoland.com)- Catching poachers and other wildlife violators often involved lengthy criminal investigations and require diligence and dedication on behalf of conservation rangers. Cpl. Michael Crawley, representing Washington and Johnson counties, was named Investigative Ranger of the Year for demonstrating tenacity and excellence in his work, which included a complex case with more than 18 violations in 2011.

The Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Wildlife Resources Division names an Investigative Range of the Year annually.

“I commend Cpl. Crawley for his drive and continued efforts to apprehend violators who damaged our natural resources,” says Col.

Eddie Henderson, chief of law enforcement for Wildlife Resources Division. “His commitment to the investigative work required for this case, as well as continuing to do all other required tasks, shows great multi-tasking skills and dedication.”

Cpl. Crawley’s investigation involved a poaching case in Washington County. The case began with a complaint about trespassing on private property. Assisting Cpl. Crawley was Storm, a canine who helped in the detection of evidence, including an injured deer and tire tracks. Over the next few weeks, Crawley gathered information on the suspected violator, and in January 2011, served the suspect with an arrest warrant.

The poacher was charged with 18 total violations including:

• possession of illegally taken wildlife
• taking game above the bag limit
• violation of a crop damage permit
• additional charges from other agencies.

He was fined $2,500 and loss of hunting privileges for two years.

Other WRD conservation rangers nominated for the award for their outstanding investigative work: Sgt. John VanLandingham, RFC Josh Chambers, Cpl. Lynn Stanford, RFC Tim Hutto and Cpl. Phillip Scott.

The Georgia Chapter of the Safari Club International sponsors this award. For more information about that organization, visit www.gasci.org . For more information about Wildlife Resources Division Law Enforcement, visit http://georgiawildlife.com/enforcement/law-enforcement-section .

Union Sportsmen’s Alliance Executive Director Fred Myers and Senior Communications Manager Kate Cywinski accepted the Sportsman Choice Award for Brotherhood Outdoors, which took home top honors for Best Combination Show during Sportsman Channel’s annual awards ceremony on January 18 in Las Vegas.

Union Sportsmen’s Alliance

Nashville, TN --(Ammoland.com)- The Union Sportsmen’s Alliance’s (USA) nationally broadcast hunting and fishing TV Show, Brotherhood Outdoors, took home a 2011 Sportsman Choice Award for Best Combination Show last week during the Shooting, Hunting and Outdoor Trade (SHOT) show.

Winners were revealed Wednesday, January 18 in front of a crowd of 800 of the industry’s leading producers, personalities and sponsors during the Sportsman Channel’s annual awards ceremony at Pure Nightclub in Caesar’s Palace, Las Vegas.

Narrowed by Sportsman Channel producers to five finalists in seven categories, the voice of the American sportsman was heard as viewers logged more than 140,000 votes to determine this year’s winners. Competitors in the Best Combination Show category included Beau Knows Outdoors, Coming Home with Greg Stube, G3 Sportsman and Respect Outdoors.

“Sportsman Channel is very proud to announce Brotherhood Outdoors as the Best Combination Show,” said Greg Trager, Vice President Programming at Sportsman Channel. “This was a very competitive category with many deserving shows. The fan’s voice of the American sportsman has clearly been heard.”

Hosted by noted outdoorsman Tom Ackerman and produced by Warm Springs Productions, Brotherhood Outdoors is a unique outdoor TV series that pairs union worker’s commitment to their communities with their love for the great outdoors. These deserving, blue-collar characters are rewarded with a guided hunting or fishing trip in North America or the opportunity to show off their skills by taking host Tom Ackerman to their own honey holes.

Currently in its second season, Brotherhood Outdoors airs at 8 p.m. E/P every Thursday. Boasting eight, all-new, adrenaline-pumping episodes, you won’t want to miss America’s conservation and community heroes as they pursue some of North America’s finest fish and game, including California hog, Alberta moose, Indiana trout, Montana deer and more.

Brotherhood Outdoors is made possible through the generous support of corporate sponsors like Buck Knives and Burris/Steiner, as well as seven international unions and contractors including the Electrical Workers, Machinists, Sheet Metal Workers, Plumbers and Pipefitters, Painters, Boilermakers, Bricklayers, Electrical Contractors and Mechanical Contractors.

For more information about Brotherhood Outdoors, the Union Sportsmen’s Alliance or Sportsman Channel, visit www.BrotherhoodOutdoors.tv.

About the Union Sportsmen’s Alliance:
The Union Sportsmen’s Alliance (USA) is a union-dedicated outdoor organization whose members hunt, fish, shoot and volunteer their skills for conservation. The USA is uniting the union community to expand and improve hunting and fishing access and wildlife habitat throughout North America. For more information, visit www.unionsportsmen.org or www.facebook.com/unionsportsmen.

About Sportsman Channel:
Launched in 2003, Sportsman Channel, and Sportsman HD, 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. Sportsman Channel reaches more than 31 million U.S. television households and is available in HD, visit http://sportsmanhd.com for more information. Visit www.thesportsmanchannel.com, follow on Twitter, @SPORTSMANchnl (www.twitter.com/SPORTSMANchnl) and Like on Facebook, www.facebook.com/sportsmanchannel

Jimmy Big Time

Pine River, MN --(Ammoland.com)- Big Time Entertainment, producers of the all new Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation’s Team Elk and the award winning hit comedy Jimmy Big Time as seen on the Outdoor Channel is pleased to announce that each show received a Golden Moose Award at last week’s award ceremony.

Team Elk received the award for “Fan Favorite Best New Show” and Jimmy Big Time received a Golden Moose for “Best Outtake.”

“We are pleased to see Team Elk perform so well in its first season.” stated Jon Bergmann, President of Big Time Entertainment. “We feel that an award for each program illustrates the broad range of capabilities and styles Big Time Entertainment can produce.”

Team Elk, hosted by Brandon Bates and Cameron Hanes, was awarded Outdoor Channel’s “Fan Favorite Best New Show” award. The show spotlighted an array of guests during their first season, including celebrities such as baseball Hall-of-Famer Goose Gossage, outdoor personalities Lee and Tiffany Lakosky, football legend Walt Garrison, racing champion Johnny Unser, pro bull riders Dustin Elliott and Austin Meier, along with other RMEF members, volunteers, and supporters and highlights RMEF’s conservation efforts and land stewardship.

Jimmy Big Time, hosted by the one and only Jimmy “Big Time” Miller, was awarded Outdoor Channel’s “Best Outtake,”. The original comedy series follows the behind-the-scenes exploits and misfortunes of “Big Time,” the self described father of Outdoor Television, as he and his misfit crew work to produce the world’s greatest outdoor television show.

About Big Time Entertainment: Big Time Entertainment is an award winning production company with over 50 years of combined outdoor television production.

RMEF Team Elk Voted Best New Series on Outdoor Channel

Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation

MISSOULA, Mont. --(Ammoland.com)- “RMEF Team Elk,” the first television program fully owned and produced by the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, is being honored as the Fan Favorite Best New Series on Outdoor Channel.

The show premiered in 2011 and new episodes for season-two will begin in July.

“RMEF Team Elk” co-hosts Brandon Bates and Cameron Hanes accepted the honors from Outdoor Channel during the 12th Annual Golden Moose Awards ceremony held as part of the Shooting, Hunting and Outdoor Trade (SHOT) Show, Jan. 19, 2012, in Las Vegas. More than 2,000 hunting industry leaders, TV personalities and media personnel attended, with a worldwide audience watching the event live online.

“No show affiliated with RMEF has ever been nominated before, but this year we collected four nominations and received an important win as a fan favorite, so this is very special,” said Steve Decker, vice president of marketing for RMEF.

He added, “‘RMEF Team Elk’ is more than just a TV show. It’s part of a conservation movement that’s making a difference for the future of elk and elk hunters. Since every RMEF member is a part of Team Elk, this is important recognition for all of us and the work that we’re doing together across elk country.”

Decker thanked elk hunters everywhere for watching the show and casting their votes.

Presented by MidwayUSA, “RMEF Team Elk” is sponsored by Weaver, Browning, Brunton, Danner, Hunter’s Specialties, Buck Knives, Eberlestock, Cooper Tires, Sitka, Nosler, Montana Decoy, Budweiser, Under Armour, Archer Xtreme and Buckstop Truckware.

About the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation:
RMEF is leading a conservation initiative that has protected or enhanced habitat on over 6 million acres–an area larger than Yellowstone, Grand Canyon, Glacier, Yosemite, Rocky Mountain and Great Smoky Mountains national parks combined. RMEF also is a strong voice for hunters in access, wildlife management and conservation policy issues. RMEF members, partners and volunteers, working together as Team Elk, are making a difference all across elk country. Join us at www.rmef.org or 800-CALL ELK.

Swarovski Cl Companion Binoculars

Swarovski Optik

Cranston, Rhode Island --(Ammoland.com)- SWAROVSKI OPTIK NORTH AMERICA, a subsidiary of the Austrian-based company, announces the CL Companion has won the prestigious Gray’s “Best Award” for best binocular.

This award will be given as part of their 2012 Guides and Expeditions Annual edition.

“SWAROVSKI OPTIK of Austria, which over the past quarter century has become one of the most familiar names in high-end glass in the United States equips each binocular with features we have come to expect, including its patented optical coatings for effortless light transmission, a delightfully ergonomic design, easy focusing, and both durability and waterproof construction,” said Gray’s in an excerpt for the 2012 magazine.

Each year, the editors of Gray’s Sporting Journal evaluate hundreds of new products to determine which ones really stand out as the “best” in their category of sporting equipment. Gray’s Sporting Journal presents the Gray’s “Best Awards” annually in recognition of the most outstanding new products for hunting and angling.

Dean J. Capuano, Director of Communications said, “It truly is an honor to be selected by Gray’s Sporting Journal for their annual Gray’s “Best Award”. This magazine and its entire staff know only one way to do things and that is first class, this award for the CL is a great accomplishment for the product and the brand.”

Nikon Sporting Optics recently presented Greg Rodriguez of Intermedia Outdoors with the Ian McMurchy Award

Nikon Hunting

Melville, NY --(Ammoland.com)- Nikon Sporting Optics recently presented Greg Rodriguez of Intermedia Outdoors with the Ian McMurchy Award, during the 2012 SHOT Show in Las Vegas.

The award honors Rodriguez for his outstanding editorial coverage on the outdoors and his dedication to our hunting heritage and shooting sports.

Since 2010, Nikon Sport Optics has recognized an outdoor communicator who best follows in McMurchy’s footsteps of educating readers and helping them discover more enjoyment and success in their sport during the past year by providing them with the Ian McMurchy Award.

“The Ian McMurchy Award has become a prestigious award for Nikon and we take pride in selecting a well-deserving recipient each year,” said Jon LaCorte, senior product marketing manager for Nikon Sport Optics. “We believe that Greg exemplifies the high standards in outdoor communication and education that would make Ian proud. The relationship we have with outdoor communicators, such as Greg, is essential to our success.”

Ian McMurchy was a huge force in educating and entertaining shooters and hunters around the world while teaching them how to enjoy their passion even more. Rodriguez demonstrates that tradition through his work in publications such as Guns & Ammo, Petersen’s Hunting, Shooting Times, and many other popular outdoor magazines and Web sites, as well as his new television show A Rifleman’s Journal airing on the Sportsman’s Channel.

Nikon is thrilled to present him with this year’s Ian McMurchy award.

“I am truly honored to have been selected to receive this award, said Rodriguez. “Ian was such a positive force in our industry and I hope that my work will continue to educate and entertain readers in manner that reflects Ian’s influence.”

In December of 2008, Ian passed away. 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.

Past Ian McMurchy Award recipients:

• 2010—Scott Olmsted (NRA)
• 2011—Andrew McKean (Outdoor Life)

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.

Winners Of 2011 Sportsman Choice Awards & Sportsman Of The Year Announced

Sportsman Channel

Las Vegas, NV --(Ammoland.com)- Sportsman Channel, the leader in outdoor TV for the American Sportsman, is proud to announce the winners of the 2011 Sportsman Choice Awards, brought you in part by Zeiss Sports Optics.

The winners were revealed last night amid 800 of their peers during Sportsman Channel’s annual awards ceremony at Pure Nightclub in Caesar’s Palace, Las Vegas, during the Shooting, Hunting, and Outdoor Trade (SHOT) Show.

Additionally, the network honored our nation’s veterans with the Sportsman of the Year award. The award was accepted by Tom Taylor of Honored American Veterans Afield on behalf of all our service men and women.

The voice of the American Sportsman was heard as viewers logged more than 140,000 votes to determine the award winners. The process began with Sportsman Channel producers narrowing the field to five finalists in seven categories, but the final say went to channel viewers, who had the opportunity to cast their votes over a three week period in December. All shows and show hosts airing on the network in 2011 were eligible. Winners received a custom-designed crystal award and joined the elite club of Sportsman Choice Award winners.

“It was an exciting and energetic evening spent with our producers, partners and guests during this annual celebration,” said Gavin Harvey, CEO of Sportsman Channel. “It is important for our shows, and their sponsors, to know Sportsman Channel fans voted specifically for them.”

“The Sportsman of the Year Award goes to all the veterans who have served and sacrificed, and then returned home to the outdoors. Some of these heroes have appeared in outdoor TV shows, and many have not. But they all came home to the great American outdoors to hunt, fish, and heal. We are honored to offer this award to Tom Taylor and HAVA to accept on their behalf,” continued Harvey.

The winners are listed with the finalists below each category:

Best Hunt Show: Muddy’s Midwest Whitetail with Bill Winke – WINNER Hosted by Bill Winke, Produced by Midwest Whitetail Productions

• BackCountry Quest TV
• North American Whitetail
• Pig Man: The Series
• Territories Wild
• Whitetail Properties

Best Shoot Show: Guns & Ammo– WINNER Hosted by Craig Boddington, Produced by InterMedia Outdoors

• Davidson’s Galley of Guns
• Handguns
• Personal Defense
• Tac TV

Best Fish Show: In-Fisherman – WINNER Hosted by Doug Stange, Produced by InterMedia Outdoors

• Addictive Fishing
• Flats Class TV
• Fly Fishing the World
• One More Cast with Shaw Grigsby

Best Combination Show: Brotherhood Outdoors – WINNER Hosted by Tom Ackerman, Produced by Warm Springs Productions

• Beau Knows Outdoors
• Coming Home with Greg Stube
• G3 Sportsman
• Respect Outdoors

Full Draw Award: Heartland Bowhunter – WINNER Hosted by Michael Hunsucker, Produced by Mammoth Media

• Arrow Affliction
• Bowhunter TV
• Easton Bowhunting
• Muzzy Bad to the Bone Bowhunting

Best Show Host: Brian “Pig Man” Quaca with Pigman: The Series – WINNER , Produced by Track Ten Productions

• Chris and Casey Keefer – BackCountry Quest TV
• Fred Eichler – Easton Bowhunting
• Haley & G.O. Heath – Family Traditions
• Stan Potts & Gordon Whittington – North American Whitetail

Best New Series: Hallowed Ground – WINNER Hosted by Joe Sir, Produced by Hallowed Ground Outdoors

• A Hunter’s Life
• Major League Bowhunter
• Nock On TV
• The Amateurs

Best Show Intro: The Bear Whisperer– WINNER Hosted by Blaine Anthony, Produced by Nature Productions

• BackCountry Quest TV
• Pig Man: The Series
• RNT-V

The Fowl Life with Chad Belding

Animal of the Year: Whitetail Deer from Whitetail Properties – WINNER Hosted by Dan Perez, Produced by November Studios

• A Hunter’s Life (Alaskan Bear)
• Easton Bowhunting (Canadian Moose)
• Solo Hunters (Big Horn Sheep)
• The Zone (Mule Deer)

Fish of the Year: Northern Pike from BackCountry Quest TV – WINNER Hosted by Chris and Casey Keefer. Produced by Rusted Rooster

• Fly Rod Chronicles with Curtis Fleming (Peacock Bass)
• In-Fisherman (Bull Redfish)
• Brotherhood Outdoors (Montauk Stripers)
• Fly Fishing the World (Shark)

Shot of the Year: Stone Sheep Shot from Christensen Outdoors – WINNER Hosted by John Mogle, Produced by Christensen Arms

• G3 Sportsman (Double Turkey Shot)
• High Country with Jason Matzinger (Backcountry Elk Shot)
• Long Range Pursuit (Utah Bull Elk Shot)
• Territories Wild (Woodland Caribou Shot)

Moment of the Year: Fighting Whitetail Bucks from Savage Outdoors – WINNER Hosted by Mike Stroff and Jammie Satterfield, Produced by Black River Productions

• Africa with Craig Boddington and Ivan Carter (Cape Buffalo Charge)
• Family Traditions with Haley Heath (Gunner’s First Deer)
• On Your Own Adventures (Bull Elk Shot from Close Range)
• Where in the World is Colorado Buck? (Casey’s Surprise Hunt)

Sportsman of the Year is presented to our nation’s veterans to commemorate the service and sacrifice they have given us. From our founding to the present, America has been tested time and again, and our democracy — and our love of liberty — has not only survived, but thrived. They exemplify the steadfast courage that demonstrates why our armed forces are second to none and the finest on the planet. Sportsman Channel has asked Tom Taylor, co-founder of Honored America Veterans Afield (HAVA), to accept the Sportsman of the Year award on behalf of our armed forces and our phenomenal veterans.

The HAVA vision is the creation of a small organization of volunteers from the shooting sports industry to facilitate a series of hunting and shooting activities for groups of disabled veterans wherein personal attention of the sponsors and facility operators contributes to the veteran’s sense of joy and accomplishment, and a permanent awareness that marvelous things are possible despite disabling injuries. These veterans have given their full measure of commitment to the preservation of their country’s values, and deserve America’s contribution to their healing process to whatever degree necessary to accomplish physical, mental and cultural rehabilitation.

About Sportsman Channel: Launched in 2003, Sportsman Channel, and Sportsman HD, 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. Sportsman Channel reaches more than 31 million U.S. television households and is available in HD, visit http://sportsmanhd.com for more information. Visit www.thesportsmanchannel.com, follow on Twitter, @SPORTSMANchnl (www.twitter.com/SPORTSMANchnl) and Like on Facebook, www.facebook.com/sportsmanchannel

Budweiser

ST. LOUIS --(Ammoland.com)- Bill D’Alonzo of Greenville, Del., was named the 2012 Budweiser Conservationist of the Year today at the annual Shooting, Hunting and Outdoor Trade (SHOT) Show in Las Vegas.

This is the 17th consecutive year Budweiser and the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation have recognized an individual who has made exceptional contributions to the outdoors and conservation.

The annual award is part of the Budweiser Outdoors program. This program, which is also supported by matching donations from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, has raised more than $10 million for on-the-ground conservation initiatives.

Throughout the years, the Budweiser Outdoors program has supported organizations – including, the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, National Shooting Sports Foundation, Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, Ducks Unlimited, Delta Waterfowl Foundation and the Quality Deer Management Association – to promote outdoor sports and wildlife conservation.

“Since 1995, the Budweiser Outdoors program has celebrated and supported the passion, dedication and leadership of conservationists across the country,” said Bob Fishbeck, senior manager for the Budweiser brands. “We all have a responsibility to help protect our natural resources and the work being done by Bill and other wildlife advocates is an inspiration for all of us to follow.”

Each year, the Budweiser Conservationists of the Year is selects four finalists from dozens of outstanding nominees, and adults across the country vote for their favorite in an open-ballot process on Budweiser.com.

D’Alonzo has a long history of wildlife and wetland protection efforts. At the age of 14, his passion for hunting drove him to become a member of Ducks Unlimited. Over the years, D’Alonzo’s passion has grown in his roles as a volunteer, national committee member, state treasurer and senior vice president for business planning. Today, his credo of practicing what he preaches continues to drive his commitment to conservation. Whether it is the 20 managed habitats that he established or the hundreds of acres of native grasses, shrubs and small grain crops he’s planted, D’Alonzo’s belief in the power of conservation continues to make an impact across Delaware and beyond. A $50,000 grant from Budweiser and the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation will be made to an organization of choosing to support conservation efforts.

Three other dedicated conservationists were selected alongside D’Alonzo as finalists for the award: Fred Bryant of Kingsville, Texas; Don R. Johnson of Festus, Mo. and David Ramsey of Unicoi, Tenn. Each will receive a $5,000 grant from Budweiser and the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation to be distributed to wildlife or conservation projects of their choosing.

A nonprofit organization established by Congress in 1984, the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation sustains, restores and enhances the nation’s fish and wildlife. By teaming leadership conservation investments with those of public and private partners, the Foundation maximizes measurable conservation benefits. Since its establishment, the Foundation has awarded 10,800 grants to more than 3,700 organizations in the United States and abroad, while leveraging more than $635 million in federal funds into $1.5 billion for conservation. For more information, visit www.nfwf.org.

Based in St. Louis, Anheuser-Busch is the leading American brewer, holding a 48.3 percent share of U.S. beer sales to retailers. The company brews the world’s largest-selling beers, Budweiser and Bud Light. Anheuser-Busch also owns a 50 percent share in Grupo Modelo, Mexico’s leading brewer. Anheuser-Busch is a major manufacturer of aluminum cans and has been a leading aluminum recycler for more than 30 years. The company is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Anheuser-Busch InBev, the leading global brewer, and continues to operate under the Anheuser-Busch name and logo. For more information, visit www.anheuser-busch.com.

Winchester Announces 2012 Distributor of the Year

Winchester Ammunition

LAS VEGAS, NV – -(Ammoland.com)- For setting a high standard of service to dealers, solid sales performance and support of the Winchester brand, W.L. Baumler Company was named the 2011 Distributor of the Year by Winchester Ammunition.

The award was presented to W.L. Baumler Company at the 2012 SHOT Show in Las Vegas.

“W.L. Baumler Company was a large part our success in 2011 and we’re excited to present them with this award,” said Brett Flaugher, Winchester Ammunition vice president of sales and marketing. “We’re looking forward to continuing a strong partnership with W.L Baumler Company and as we have for many decades, work together to meet the needs of our customers.”

Headquartered in Lorain, Ohio, W.L. Baumler Company was founded in 1946 and has been a valuable distributor for Winchester Ammunition since the early 1960s. The company is a wholesaler of hunting and fishing supplies including firearms, ammunition, rods, reels, lures and more.

Pictured from left to right are Rick Papendick, Winchester Ammunition wholesale distribution manager, Brett Flaugher, Winchester Ammunition vice president of marketing and sales, Jack Baumler, W.L. Baumler Company owner and president, Dennis Prebble, Winchester Ammunition sales representative, Bill Recknagel (W.L. Baumler Company), Tom O’keefe, Winchester Ammunition president.“It means a lot to our company that Winchester Ammunition recognized our work,” said Jack Baumler, W.L. Baumler Company owner and president.

“We receive great feedback on Winchester products. They are a great company to deal with and have been very loyal to W.L. Baumler Company. We owe a great deal of thanks to our customers and manufacturers’ reps for making this award possible.’”

With a company heritage dating back to 1866, Winchester Ammunition was there for the taming of the American West, the Allied Forces’ victory in World War II and through the years, millions of fond memories made in the great outdoors. Known as The American Legend™, Winchester is a global leader in sporting, law enforcement, military and personal defense ammunition production. Winchester continues to raise the bar with new products like Blind Side waterfowl and PDX1Defender personal defense ammunition.

Winchester Announces 2012 Distributor of the Year

For more information about Winchester Ammunition, visit www.winchester.com, or connect with The American Legend on Facebook at Facebook.com/WinchesterAmmunition.

MidwayUSA Wins the Titan Award

Midway USA

Columbia, MO --(Ammoland.com)- The Titan Award, presented by Columbia Business Times (CBT) in Columbia, MO, recognizes educators, philanthropists, financiers, dealmakers and employers who have made a significant difference within their community.

For an employer to be considered a “Titan”, they must both “employ and manage people in an orderly, respectful and mutually beneficial manner, and they strive to ensure a harmonious and productive relationship in the workplace”.

“MidwayUSA was nominated and selected to receive this award by the owners, managers and editors of the CBT, and representatives of the local business community,” says Dave Baugher, Co-Owner of the CBT. “Larry Potterfield has created a “Great Place to Work” at MidwayUSA because he is dedicated to his employees. By creating a positive work environment, offering good benefits and profit sharing, MidwayUSA employees are just as proud of the company’s success as Larry himself.”

Late in 2011, MidwayUSA was also chosen to be one of Columbia’s Best Places to Work. The focus on Employee Satisfaction, the Number Two company goal (right behind Customer Satisfaction), allows the company to create opportunities for improvement for the employees through a key requirements list. Some of these requirements include good salary, job security, good benefits and communication.

“MidwayUSA is fortunate to be full of high-performing, extremely engaged Employees,” says Larry Potterfield, Founder and CEO of MidwayUSA. “At MidwayUSA, Employees are highly valued and treated extremely well. Having great Employees that fit our culture and share our values who perform at such high levels is what makes us so successful. Having a great mission, vision and values and great processes is what provides the framework for our Performance Excellence.”

About MidwayUSA
MidwayUSA (www.midwayusa.com) is a family-owned catalog and internet retailer specializing in Just About Everything for Shooting, Reloading, Gunsmithing and Hunting. Now celebrating our 35th Anniversary, Larry and Brenda Potterfield turned their passion for shooting sports into a career in 1977 by opening a small retail firearms store that would eventually become MidwayUSA. MidwayUSA is still owned by the Potterfield Family and Customer Satisfaction is still our Number One Goal.

• For more information about MidwayUSA, please visit our website or call 800-243-3220.
• For more information about the Titan Awards and the CBT, visit their website or call 573-499-1830.

Barrett MRAD Rifle

Barrett Firearms

Murfreesboro, TN --(Ammoland.com)- Barrett, a company world renown for providing high-end firearms, optics, ammunition and training, is honored once more with a Golden Bullseye Award from an NRA Publication.

In 2010, the Barrett Model 98B was named the American Rifleman, Rifle of the Year. Now for 2012, Shooting Illustrated honors the new Barrett MRAD bolt action .338 Lapua Magnum rifle with the same prestigious title.

Winners are chosen by a seven-member committee consisting of editors, graphic designers and veteran NRA Publications staff, representing more than a century of collective experience in shooting and hunting for the purpose of acknowledging the finest products available in shooting sports.

Barrett MRAD Multi-Role Adaptive Design Long-Range Rifle

To qualify for consideration for a Golden Bullseye Award, the MRAD 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.”

The MRAD offers a more portable marksmanship solution capable beyond 1500 yards. Additionally, the MRAD is the Barrett submission for SOCOM’s Precision Sniper Rifle (PSR) Program in which the MRAD meets or exceeds all of the key thresholds proposed and has caught the attention of discerning clients who appreciate this rifle’s ultimate accuracy and operational enhancements. The MRAD follows in the tradition of the Barrett M107, where durability and ruggedness meet precision and accuracy.

Barrett will be presented with the Golden Bullseye Award for 2012’s Rifle of the Year at the 2012 NRA Annual Meeting and Exhibits in St. Louis, Missouri, on Friday, April 13th, 2012. In addition to the trophy, the Barrett MRAD will be featured in an editorial overview of the Golden Bulleye Awards in the April issue of American Rifleman and American Hunter and the May issue of Shooting Illustrated.

Barrett is a family owned and operated company specializing in .50 BMG rifles. 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 please go to barrett.net/press or contact the above listed.

Benelli USA

ACCOKEEK, MD --(Ammoland.com)- Benelli’s 30-second commercial spot called, Super Size It, which introduces the new Super Vinci shotgun has been nominated for Outdoor Channel’s Golden Moose Award (GMA) for “Best Commercial.”

Produced by Benelli Multimedia, the spot features the Duck Commander driving up to order Vinci’s at The Quack Shack drive-thru. Click here to watch the commercial: http://youtu.be/qfYHwgwEzEw

In 2010, Benelli USA won “Best Commercial” for the popular “What’s In That Case” commercial, teasing the release of the revolutionary new Vinci shotgun. In 2006, Benelli USA won their first Golden Moose Award for the commercial, “Same Time Tomorrow,” the highly entertaining 30-second spot, featuring the shooting talents of Benelli USA’s exhibition shooters.

The 12th Annual Golden Moose Awards ceremony will be held on January 19th, 2012 at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada. At that time Outdoor Channel presents awards to the producers, editors and other team members who produced the best and most favorite outdoor shows of 2011. An estimated 2,500 outdoor industry leaders, television personalities and outdoor community friends will attend the celebration, often referred as the “Outdoor Oscars.”

“We’re proud to be nominated for a Golden Moose Award, which recognizes the best in outdoor TV and commercial productions,” said Stephen McKelvain, VP Benelli USA Marketing and Communications. “For the Super Vinci’s introduction we wanted to grab viewer’s attention with dynamic graphics and some light-hearted Duck Commander humor that people would find, not only amusing, but also leave a lasting impression.”

For the latest news and product information visit www.benelliusa.com

Outdoor Industry Association

BOULDER, COLO. --(Ammoland.com)- Celebrating the rejuvenation and spirit that inspires so many people to embrace the active outdoor lifestyle, the OIA Outdoor Inspiration Awards presented by adidas Outdoor today announced the four winners voted to receive 2012 honors.

The winners of the 2012 OIA Outdoor Inspiration Awards presented by adidas Outdoor are:

• Erik Weihenmayer – PERSON
• National Outdoor Leadership School – GROUP
• Nantahala Outdoor Center – COMPANY
• The North Face – COMPANY

The OIA Outdoor Inspiration Awards presented by adidas Outdoor recognize those who inspire others to appreciate and recreate in the outdoors, and the 2012 winners were selected from hundreds of moving stories of inspirational efforts from all over the world.

Erik Weihenmayer became an accomplished mountain climber, paraglider and skier, despite losing his vision at the age of 13 with the belief that, disabled or not, you should always live your life as if there are no limits. Alongside Erik as finalists in the People category are Marilyn Price, Founding Director, Trips for Kids and Rebecca Cohen, Author of 15 Minutes Outside: 365 Ways to get out of the House and Connect with your Kids.

National Outdoor Leadership School, the 2012 Group winner, is a non-profit group that has educated more than 200,000 students in wilderness skills and leadership, operating on the firm belief that positive, ethical leaders change the world. Paradox Sports, an organization that helps the physically disabled to participate in human-powered outdoor sports, and Skirt Sport’s Kick Start Personal Motivator program, which pairs women with barriers to fitness with female mentors to help them train for their first 5K race, were also named finalists in the Group category out of a highly competitive field of nominations.

Since it first opened as a small rafting company on the banks of the Nantahala River, Small Company category winner Nantahala Outdoor Center has worked to inspire and encourage people of all ages and backgrounds to get outside, be active, and improve their lifestyles by enjoying the outdoors. Additional finalists, selected from dozens of nominations in the category, included Boardworks, a company that strives to make stand-up paddle more fun for more people, and Nevado Mountain Adventures, which offers consumers the opportunity to try new ski gear on their own terms at special demos at the nation’s resorts.

Large Company winner The North Face pushes the boundaries of innovation and design so that outdoor enthusiasts can push the boundaries of exploration, all while committing itself to protecting and preserving outdoor playgrounds and engaging communities in outdoor efforts. KEEN, recognized for their light-hearted “Recess is Back” campaign, and Merrell, with their welcome encouragement of outdoor adventures, were also named finalists in this category.

Hundreds of business and outdoor leaders will gather at the Capitol Theatre in Salt Lake City during the evening of Friday, January 20, 2012, at Outdoor Retailer Winter Market, one of the largest annual gatherings of outdoor-involved companies, to recognize each of these inspiring influencers affecting outdoor recreation today. World-renowned mountaineer Reinhold Messner and 2011 International Federation of Sport Climbing World Champion Sasha DiGiulian will act as the official emcees of the OIA Outdoor Inspiration Awards ceremony, and share their motivations and how they “pay it forward.” For more information on the OIA Outdoor Inspiration Awards celebration, visit www.outdoorindustry.org/inspire.

Outdoor Industry Association
Based in Boulder, CO, Outdoor Industry Association® is the leading trade association for the outdoor industry and the title sponsor of Outdoor Retailer. OIA supports the growth and success of more than 4,000 manufacturers, distributors, suppliers, sales representatives and retailers of outdoor recreation apparel, footwear, equipment and services. For more information go to outdoorindustry.org or call 303.444.3353

adidas Outdoor
adidas Outdoor is the athletic brand in the outdoors. The company’s founder, Adi Dassler, designed equipment solutions for athletes that improved their performance. adidas Outdoor began in the 1970’s with the creation of the first light trekking shoe for climbing legend Reinhold Messner for his first Everest ascent without oxygen in 1978. That tradition continues today with products influenced by Messner and Alexander and Thomas Huber, the extraordinary brothers who consistently inspire the climbing community with their bold adventures in a unique style that is light and fast.

Outdoor Channel Reveals The Nominees For The 12th Annual Golden Moose Awards

Outdoorchannel TV

Temecula, Calif. --(Ammoland.com)- Outdoor Channel (NASDAQ: OUTD), America’s Leader In Outdoor TV, today unveiled the slate of nominees for its 12th Annual Golden Moose Awards, the most popular and longstanding outdoor television awards ceremony in the country.

Being held on January 19, 2012 at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Las Vegas during the Shooting, Hunting, Outdoor Trade Show (SHOT Show), the Golden Moose Awards honor the producers and on-air talent from Outdoor Channel’s industry-leading programming.

This year’s Golden Moose Awards will be hosted by Michael Waddell of Outdoor Channel’s “Realtree Road Trips with Michael Waddell” and “Bone Collector.” The show will also include a performance from one of country music’s most popular bands, Zac Brown Band. The group’s lead singer, Zac Brown, is a lifelong outdoorsman and was featured on Outdoor Channel’s hit show “Fear No Evil,” which is nominated for two accolades at this year’s awards ceremony. Zac’s newest show – “Red Arrow” – can be seen exclusively on Outdoor Channel in 2012.

New in 2012, Outdoor Channel will stream the Golden Moose Awards on OutdoorChannel.com live, allowing audiences from around the country and around the world to tune-in to this highly anticipated event. Outdoor Channel will also be tweeting updates from the event and plans to broadcast the 2012’s Golden Moose Awards on the network as a special in February.

“The Golden Moose Awards recognize the creative achievements of our quality outdoor programming, and the talented personalities and skilled production work that bring these shows to life,” said Tom Hornish, COO at Outdoor Channel.

“This year’s ceremony is the only place that fans will find so many of today’s biggest outdoor celebrities, like Ted Nugent, Shawn Michaels, Joe Mantegna, Craig Morgan and more, all on one stage. It’s sure to be a must-see event!”

Several of the highly coveted “Fan Favorite” accolades will be awarded at the event. Fan Favorites are determined by more than 18,000 viewers who choose from the following five categories: Best Host(s), Best Fishing Series, Best Hunting Series, Best New Series and Best Overall Series.

The nominees in all categories and Fan Favorite Finalists for the 12th Annual Golden Moose Awards are…

BEST OVERALL:

• The Best of the West
• BioLogic & Drury’s Wildlife Obsession
• Bone Collector
• Bow Madness
• The Choice with Ralph & Vicki
• Driven with Pat and Nicole
• Benelli Presents Duck Commander
• Fear No Evil
• MidwayUSA’s Gun Stories
• Jim Shockey’s The Professionals
• Primos Truth About Hunting
• Shawn Michaels’ MRA
• Trev Gowdy’s Monster Fish

BEST BIG GAME:

• Beretta’s Wild and Raw
• Beyond the Hunt
• Bone Collector
• Bow Madness
• Buck Commander Protected UA
• Craig Morgan All Access Outdoors
• Driven with Pat and Nicole
• Jim Shockey’s Hunting Adventures
• Primitive Instinct
• Realtree Road Trips with Michael Waddell
• Ted Nugent Spirit of the Wild
• Trophy Hunters TV
• Wildgame Nation

BEST DEER:

• Beyond the Hunt
• Bone Collector
• Cabela’s Ultimate Adventures
• Craig Morgan All Access Outdoors
• Driven with Pat and Nicole
• Hunt Masters
• Jim Shockey’s Hunting Adventures
• Legends of the Fall
• Moultrie’s The Hit List
• Primitive Instinct
• Realtree Road Trips with Michael Waddell
• Shawn Michaels’ MRA

BEST SHOW OPEN:

• Beretta’s Wild and Raw
• The Best of the West
• Bone Collector
• Buccaneers & Bones
• Cabela’s Ultimate Adventures
• Driven with Pat and Nicole
• Ford’s Fishing Frontiers
• MidwayUSA’s Gun Stories
• Jim Shockey’s The Professionals

BEST BIRD HUNTING:

• Bone Collector
• Benelli Presents Duck Commander
• Ducks Unlimited
• Friends of NRA
• Headhunters TV
• Pheasants Forever

BEST SHOOTING SPORTS:

• American Rifleman
• Gun Nuts
• MidwayUSA’s Gun Stories
• Shooting Gallery
• Shooting USA

BEST OFF-ROAD:

• Destination Polaris
• Dirt Trax Television
• Fisher’s ATV World
• Friends of NRA
• Jim Shockey’s Hunting Adventures

BEST TURKEY:

• Addicted to the Outdoors
• Beyond the Hunt
• Buck Commander Protected by UA
• Craig Morgan All Access Outdoors
• Hunting the Country
• Realtree Road Trips with Michael Waddell
• Tecomate Whitetail Nation

BEST FISHING:

• Jimmy Big Time
• Trev Gowdy’s Monster Fish
• Ultimate Match Fishing
• Wanna’ Go Fishing
• Zona’s Awesome Fishing Show

BEST CONSERVATION:

• Buccaneers & Bones
• Ducks Unlimited
• Jim Shockey’s Hunting Adventures
• Jim Shockey’s The Professionals
• Shawn Michaels’ MRA
• Team Elk
• Wardens

BEST COMMERCIAL:

• Archers Choice – Ameristep
• Benelli – Super Size It
• Chevy Tahoe – Ducks
• Ram Outdoorsman
• Russell Outdoors
• Scent Shield
• Scentblocker – Livewire

BEST EDUCATIONAL/INSTRUCTIONAL:

• American Rifleman
• BioLogic & Drury’s Wildlife Obsession
• Buccaneers & Bones
• Buckmasters Whitetail Magazine
• Benelli Presents Duck Commander
• Friends of NRA
• MidwayUSA’s Gun Stories
• Shooting USA

BEST BLOOPER/OUTTAKE:

• Addicted to the Outdoors
• Archers Choice with Ralph & Vicki
• Buckmasters Whitetail Magazine
• Craig Morgan All Access Outdoors
• Jim Shockey’s Hunting Adventures
• Jimmy Big Time
• Moultrie’s The Hit List

BEST VIDEOGRAPHY:

• Beyond the Hunt
• Bone Collector
• Driven with Pat and Nicole
• Benelli Presents Duck Commander
• Fear No Evil
• Headhunters TV
• Jim Shockey’s The Professionals
• Jim Shockey’s Hunting Adventures
• Pheasants Forever
• Team Elk

BEST SOUND DESIGN:

• The Best of the West
• Buck Commander Protected UA
• Driven with Pat and Nicole
• Shawn Michaels’ MRA
• Young Blood
• Zona’s Awesome Fishing Show

BEST GRAPHICS:

• Buck Commander Protected by UA
• Craig Morgan All Access Outdoors
• Gold Fever
• Shawn Michaels’ MRA
• Team Elk

BEST ONLINE ORIGINAL SERIES:

• Babes with Bullets
• boonDocs
• Camo Gourmet
• Hook Shots
• Michael Bane Video Podcast

FAN FAVORITE FINALISTS

FAN FAVORITE FISHING SERIES:

• The Bassmasters
• Bill Dance Saltwater
• Speargun Hunter

FAN FAVORITE HOST(S):

• Archer’s Choice with Ralph & Vicki – Ralph& Vicki Cianciarulo
• Bone Collector – Michael Waddell, Travis “T-Bone” Turner, Nick Mundt
• Ted Nugent Spirit of the Wild –Ted & Shemane Nugent

FAN FAVORITE HUNTING SERIES:

• Archer’s Choice with Ralph & Vicki
• Bone Collector
• Ted Nugent Spirit of the Wild

FAN FAVORITE NEW SERIES IN 2011:

• Friends of NRA
• MidwayUSA’s Gun Stories
• Team Elk

FAN FAVORITE BEST OVERALL SERIES:

• Archer’s Choice with Ralph & Vicki
• Bone Collector
• Ted Nugent Spirit of the Wild

To view winners from last year’s event, please visit: http://www.outdoorchannel.com/Hunting/News/Outdoor-Channel-Unveils-the-Winners-of-the-11th-Annual-Golden-Moose-Awards.aspx .

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 leading and highest quality producers of live sporting events and sports series for cable and broadcast television. Outdoor Channel Holdings, Inc. also owns and operates the 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.

Zeiss Sports Optics

CHESTER, Va. --(Ammoland.com)- Carl Zeiss Sports Optics has signed on the as a sponsor of Sportsman Channel’s 2011 Sportsman Choice Awards, the network’s viewer-decided awards program.

All shows and show hosts airing on the network in 2011 were eligible with the final vote going to channel viewers.

The awards will be presented during SHOT Show week in Las Vegas for the following Best Show categories: Best Hunt Show, Best Shoot Show, Best Fish Show, Best Combination (hunting and fishing) Show, Full Draw Award (bowhunting), Best New Series and Best Show Host(s). The evening also features Best Clip awards for select categories.

“Sportsman Channel is honored to have Zeiss be a part of our Sportsman Choice Awards,” said Gavin Harvey, Sportsman Channel CEO. “They’ve been a great partner and supporter of the network. We look forward to the evening’s events and celebrating with our fans and business partners.”

The Zeiss sponsored show “A Hunter’s Life with Larry Weishuhn” has been nominated for two Sportsman Choice Awards – Best New Series and Best Clip for Animal of the Year.

“Sportsman Channel offers some of the finest outdoor shows on television today, and we are proud to support this popular, viewer-driven awards program,” said Michael A. Jensen, President of Carl Zeiss Sports Optics.

“Zeiss has strong ties with the Sportsman Channel and its viewers, and we will continue to strengthen this exciting partnership in 2012.”

About Sportsman Channel:
Launched in 2003, Sportsman Channel, and Sportsman HD, 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. Sportsman Channel reaches 27 million U.S. television households and is available in HD, visit http://sportsmanhd.com for more information.

For more information about ZEISS optics, visit: www.zeiss.com/sports or call 1-800-441-3005.

NRA Names Stoeger M3500 - Shotgun of the Year

Stoeger Firearms

ACCOKEEK, MD --(Ammoland.com)- The Stoeger Model 3500 3½-inch Magnum competed in a rigorous comparison test and evaluation conducted by the editors of American Rifleman and is named the “2012 Golden Bullseye Shotgun of the Year.”

The award will be presented to Stoeger at the 2012 NRA Annual Meeting on May 15-18, in St. Louis, Missouri.

At the heart of the Stoeger M3500 is the proven Inertia Driven operating system; simple and efficient with only three moving parts in the bolt for lightning-fast, reliable operation.

Unlike older gas-system guns, the M3500’s Inertia Driven action is contained primarily within the receiver; giving the Stoeger M3500 a better, more centered balance and swing. With no propellant gas venting into the action, the M3500 stays cleaner longer and is inherently more reliable.

The M3500 handles a full range of loads, from 2¾-inch field loads up to the potent 3½-inch Magnum, without adjustment. For reliability and performance, no other 3½-inch semi-auto in its price range compares. With the proven rugged design of its operating system, the Stoeger’s Model 3500 will handle just about any hunting challenge, providing a great value for hunters.

All M3500s come with four choke tubes (Full, Modified, Improved-Cylinder and Extra-full turkey), and a shim kit for drop and cast adjustment. The receiver is drilled and tapped and a Weaver-style scope base comes standard. A threaded steel recoil reducer is included and can be installed in the buttstock to reduce recoil when using Magnum loads. The M3500 is available in three different finishes — Matte black synthetic, Realtree® APG™ or Realtree® Max-4™.

“Earning this prestigious award from the NRA Publications group fittingly recognizes Stoeger’s commitment to quality, reliability and value, and we are honored,” said Stephen McKelvain, Benelli USA’s VP of Marketing & Communications. “The M3500 is just another example of that commitment to ever-increase the quality of Stoeger products and still maintain a value price that makes them the perfect choice for hunters everywhere.”

SPECIFICATIONS: Gauge: 12 Gauge Barrel Length: 24”, 26” & 28” Sights: Red Bar Front Sight Metal Finish: Black synthetic, Realtree Max-4Ô, Realtree APG Stock Material: Synthetic Average Weight: 7.5 lbs. Overall Length: 46”, 48” & 50” Length of Pull: 143/8” Drop at heel: 2.5” Drop at Comb: 1.5” MSRP: $629 – $719

For the latest news and product information visit www.benelliusa.com

Richard Childress, president and chief executive officer of Richard Childress Racing

Bass Pro Shops

Springfield, MO --(Ammoland.com)- Bass Pro Shops has named Richard Childress, president and chief executive officer of Richard Childress Racing and Bob Ziehmer, Director of the Missouri Department of Conservation as their “2011 Conservation Partners of the Year”.

Both men were presented their awards by Bass Pro Shops founder Johnny Morris at the company’s annual Christmas luncheon for associates held at their national headquarters in Springfield, Missouri.

Childress, a former NASCAR driver, heads up Richard Childress Racing, a 12-time NASCAR championship-winning organization. Together with racing legend Dale Earnhardt they established RCR as one of the premier teams in all of motorsports.

Another great passion Childress has is big-game hunting and the conservation and preservation of wildlife habitat in the United States and throughout the world. He currently serves on the board of directors of the National Rifle Association and the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation.

“Richard is a long-time friend and hunting buddy who loves racing and has used his platform in racing to promote many conservation causes. I have had some great times sitting around a campfire with him on hunting trips and during that time discovered the true heart this man has for conservation,” stated Bass Pro Shops founder Johnny Morris.

Bob Ziehmer, Director of the Missouri Department of Conservation

Morris also felt that Missouri Department of Conservation Director Bob Ziehmer was most deserving of a Bass Pro Shops Conservation Partner of the Year Award during this 75th anniversary of the agency.

Ziehmer assumed the role as Director on January 15, 2010 and is the eighth director in those 75 years. He believes that input and involvement are critical to conservation.

“All of us at Bass Pro Shops are proud to honor Bob and the Missouri Department of Conservation for everything they have done for all of us as Missourians to protect our right to hunt and fish as well as for their conservation efforts that help protect the wildlife and their habitat,” continued Morris. “Their work has gained them recognition as the national conservation leader that other states try to model”.

Past winners of the Bass Pro Shops Conservation Partner of the Year Award include Wayne LaPierre of the National Rifle Association, Rob Keck of the National Wild Turkey Federation, Jeff Trandahl of the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation and John Hoskins of the Missouri Department of Conservation.

About Bass Pro Shops:
Bass Pro Shops® operates 58 retail stores in 26 states and Canada visited by over 112 million people annually. Bass Pro Shops® also conducts an international catalog and internet retailing operation, American Rod & Gun® wholesale division sells to over 7,000 independently owned retail stores worldwide. Outdoor World® Incentives also sells Bass Pro Shops® gift cards through over 132,000 retail outlets across America. The Bass Pro Shops® restaurant division with 28 locations. The company’s Tracker Marine Group® (www.trackerboats.com) manufactures and sells Tracker®, Nitro®, SunTracker®, Tahoe®, Grizzly® and Mako® boats through Bass Pro Shops® retail stores and over 400 dealers worldwide. The Resort Group (www.bigcedar.com) includes Big Cedar Lodge® and other resort properties including restaurants and golf courses. For more information regarding Bass Pro Shops® store locations, products or special events, please visit www.basspro.com. To request a free catalog, call 1-800-BASS PRO. Follow us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/bassproshops.

Leupold’s Mark 8 1.1-8x24 mm CQBSS Riflescope

Leupold Tactical Optics

BEAVERTON, Ore. --(Ammoland.com)- Leupold’s Mark 8 1.1-8×24 mm CQBSS riflescope has received the prestigious 2012 “Optic of the Year” Golden Bullseye Award presented by the National Rifle Association’s (NRA) American Rifleman magazine.

Golden Bullseye Awards acknowledge the finest products available in the shooting sports. Winners are selected by a seven-member committee comprised of editors, graphic designers and veteran NRA Publications staff.

“We pushed the envelope with this scope to give American warfighters and competitive shooters the optical edge they need to accomplish their mission in the most demanding environments,” said Kevin Trepa, vice president, tactical division for Leupold & Stevens, Inc.

“We greatly appreciate this Optic of the Year recognition for the Mark 8 CQBSS because the award criteria are in line with our own standards: reliability in the field, meeting or exceeding performance expectations, and innovation in design and function.”

Pat Mundy, communications manager for Leupold & Stevens, added, “We are thrilled to receive this award because we have such high regard for American Rifleman magazine and its staff. We are honored that they selected the Mark 8 CQBSS as their Golden Bullseye winner for optics in 2012.”

Leupold’s Tactical Optics Division introduced the Mark 8 1.1-8x24mm CQBSS riflescope to meet cutting-edge military requirements. Engineered for combat, the Mark 8 CQBSS also makes a superior optic for competitive three-gun shooters and home-defense carbines. It features state-of-the-art auto-locking turret knobs, as well as a lens system that provides operators with both the speed of a super-bright red dot sight and the capability of an 8-power precision sniper scope in one rugged, field-proven unit. For more information on the Mark 8 CQBSS, go to www.leupold.com or call 1-800-LEUPOLD.

Leupold & Stevens, Inc., the preeminent American-owned and -operated optics company, employs hundreds of people in its state-of-the-art facility near Beaverton, Ore. Leupold is a fifth-generation, family owned company whose products are sold worldwide to hunters, competitive shooters, American military warfighters, law enforcement personnel and wildlife observers. The product line includes rifle, handgun and spotting scopes; binoculars; rangefinders; trail cameras; mounting systems; and optical tools and accessories.

Leupold & Stevens, Inc. is a Charter Supporter of the Hunting and Shooting Sports Heritage Foundation.

• Leupold & Stevens, Inc., P.O. Box 688, Beaverton, OR 97075-0688, U.S.A.
• Phone: (800) LEUPOLD or (503) 526-1400 • Fax: (503) 352-7621 • www.leupold.com

Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks

PRATT, KS -–(Ammoland.com)- The Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies (AFWA) — the organization that represents North America’s fish and wildlife agencies — has honored the Alexander Ranch of Barber County with the 2011 National Private Lands Fish and Wildlife Stewardship Award.

The award recognizes an individual- or family-run farm, ranch, or forest operation that has incorporated proactive conservation and environmental protection measures into its operation. The Alexander Ranch is owned and operated by Ted, Brian, and Mona Alexander.

The Alexander Ranch became eligible for the national award by winning the 2011 Kansas Wildlife Habitat Conservation Award. The national award program receives one nomination from each of the 56 states and territories represented by AFWA.

“The Alexanders’ decades of dedication to the improvement of native grasslands in an area once over-grazed and degraded by the encroachment of eastern redcedar deserves statewide recognition,” said Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) wildlife biologist Chris Berens, who nominated the Alexander Ranch for the award. “Their management efforts created a diverse grassland that benefits livestock and a wide variety of wildlife species.”

The ranch covers more than 7,000 acres and has flourished as a custom grazing operation for the past 27 years. Partnering with several agencies, the Alexanders have leveraged resources to optimize the land’s environmental capabilities. Through these partnerships, the ranch operated on a rotational grazing system with three grazing cells, each split into many smaller paddocks, allowing 40-45 days post-grazing recovery time for the grass in each paddock. However, in the past two years, the Alexander Ranch experimented with a higher stocking rate, higher stock density, and herd impact along with a shorter grazing seasons — resulting in longer periods of grass recovery — which seems to be a success.

Additionally, a cooperative effort with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Partners for Fish and Wildlife Program and KDWPT was key to many of the accomplishments on the ranch, which is home to several wildlife and aquatic species considered at-risk or in need of conservation. This partnership helped the Alexanders interseed forbs on old cropland acres previously converted to native grass, enhance water developments, restore riparian areas, and expand the grazing system.

The ranch has also entered into a “Candidate Conservation Agreement with Assurances” with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services. This voluntary agreement guarantees to address the conservation needs of a species before they become listed as endangered or threatened by specifying actions that will remove or reduce threats to the species.

“Any number of landowners could have won the National Private Lands Fish and Wildlife Stewardship Award based solely on habitat enhancements and other stewardship accomplishments on their ranches,” said Berens. “However, it’s the off-the-ranch activities that make the Alexanders stand out.”

One of the most notable is their willingness to share what they have learned throughout the years with other ranchers, either through one-on-one mentoring or through one of the many conservation organizations to which Ted and Brian belong or serve on the boards. Additionally, they have opened their ranch to training opportunities for public, state, and federal agency staff and have allowed many university students to conduct wildlife research, including the interaction of wildlife and grazing practices.

“The Alexander Ranch is a great example of how excellent ecosystem management can benefit both the producer and Kansas wildlife,” Berens added. “Congratulations and many thanks to the Alexander Ranch for their contributions to promoting wise working-land practices in Kansas.”

Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation

MISSOULA, Mont. --(Ammoland.com)- Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation volunteer board member Fred Bryant of Kingsville, Texas, is among four finalists for the 2012 Budweiser Conservationist of the Year award.

The winner, to be selected by consumer voting, will receive $50,000 from Budweiser and the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation to support their priority conservation projects.

To vote, go to www.budweiser.com, enter your birth date to confirm you are over 21, look for “We’re Donating $65,000. Vote for Conservationist of the Year” on the main page, and click to cast your vote. Only one vote accepted per person and all voters must be at least 21 years of age. All votes must be received by Jan. 6, 2012.

Votes also are accepted by mail. On a 3×5 card or piece of paper, write your name, address and age as well as the name of the candidate you’ve selected. Mail to 2012 Conservationist of the Year, P.O. Box 1069, Young America, MN 55594-1069.

Bryant serves as chairman of the RMEF Lands and Conservation Committee. Under his leadership, RMEF has permanently protected more than 224,000 acres–an area nearly the size of Rocky Mountain National Park–of vital habitat for elk and other wildlife. Many of those acres are now also open for the public to hunt and fish.

RMEF President and CEO David Allen said, “Congratulations to Fred. He’s an extraordinary leader and dedicated conservationist who deserves recognition, and RMEF is very fortunate to have him on our team.”

Allen added, “Every time a new lands project comes up, Fred begins his analysis by asking the same three key questions: 1) Is it good for elk and other wildlife, 2) is it important habitat in danger of being lost to development, and 3) will it open or maintain public access to sportsmen.”

“I hope every elk hunter who’s of age will go online and return the favor,” he added.

Budweiser’s website includes the following bio:

“Fred Bryant’s 34-year history of advancing conservation stretches from Canada to the Andes of Peru. But nowhere is it more apparent than the many places wild elk roam across North America. Fred’s work with RMEF has protected over 85,000 acres of habitat in the last year alone. But RMEF is just one aspect of Fred’s tireless commitment to conservation. Fred has also worked with Taking Care of Texas, Boone and Crockett Club and many other conservation organizations. And as an author, speaker and professor of range and wildlife management at Texas Tech University and the Caesar Kleberg Wildlife Research Institute at Texas A&M University-Kingsville, Fred has taught thousands of students to share his passion for the outdoors.”

Other nominees include Don R. Johnson of Festus, Mo., Bill D’Alonzo of Greenville, Del., and David Ramsey of Unicoi, Tenn.

The 2012 Budweiser Conservationist of the Year will be formally recognized on Jan. 18, 2012, during the Shooting, Hunting and Outdoor Trade (SHOT) Show in Las Vegas.

Budweiser has been the official beer of RMEF for over 23 years. Since 1999, the “Help Budweiser Conserve the Outdoors” program, along with the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation and RMEF members, has raised more than $1.1 million for conservation and education.

Allen said, “Budweiser is one of RMEF’s longest standing and most valuable partners. The company’s dedication to our mission began in 1988 with a major gift for our first-ever permanent land protection project, and it continues today with sponsorship and support on many levels throughout our organization.”

About the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation:
RMEF is leading a conservation initiative that has protected or enhanced habitat on over 6 million acres–an area larger than Yellowstone, Grand Canyon, Glacier, Yosemite, Rocky Mountain and Great Smoky Mountains national parks combined. RMEF also is a strong voice for hunters in access, wildlife management and conservation policy issues. RMEF members, partners and volunteers, working together as Team Elk, are making a difference all across elk country. Join us at www.rmef.org or 800-CALL ELK.

Silencerco

Salt Lake City, UT --(Ammoland.com)- SilencerCo, the leader in firearm suppressors manufacturing has been named one of the Top Three Growing Companies in the greater Salt Lake City area by KSL, Salt Lake City’s top television station, newspaper and website. SilencerCo will be featured as part of a segment on the top Salt Lake City companies airing LIVE on KSL TV tonight, December 20, 2011.

Silencerco was formed in 2008 by Joshua Waldron and Jonathon Shults. Waldron and Shults learned that the military released a solicitation stating it wanted all firearms deployed to be silenced.

The most common Veterans Administration medical claim is hearing damage/loss due to gun fire. The second most common VA medical claim was PTSD. Tinnitus, which is a ringing in ones ears due to noise induced hearing damage, is a constant reminder of the event which caused the PTSD. If you can stop the ringing, you can more easily rehabilitate the soldier. Silencers protect the hearing of soldiers, which helps them get back into civilian life sooner or be a more effective soldier while deployed. Besides the benefits to soldiers, Waldron and Shults learned of the many benefits of civilian ownership of silencers.

In 2008 Silencerco opened a small shop of 2,700 square feet. It secured institutional lending to purchase a manufacturing machine; and, after several months of learning how to machine, designing prototypes and learning the science of fluid dynamics, it released its first product to the market in January of 2009.

While Shults stayed in the shop learning the intricacies of manufacturing and producing their first product, Waldron drove from state to state personally visiting dealers to show them why Silencerco’s product was superior to anything else on the market. In 2009, Silencerco opened 87 dealerships nation-wide and sold nearly 800 units of the Company’s first product.

In January of 2010, Silencerco released its next product which became an instant success. Business grew so fast that it had no way of producing enough supply for the demand. While trying to expand its production, the Company was turned down by over 15 lending institutions. The Company was able to get small loans and purchased two additional manufacturing machines. Even with its limited capabilities, Silencerco’s revenue grew by over 400% during 2010.

After months of disappointment from lending institutions, Silencerco finally secured a round of funding from Zion’s Bank to expand its manufacturing capabilities. In 2011, it increased its revenue by 300% from 2010’s revenue numbers. Its products have changed the industry and consumers could not get them fast enough. In August 2011, it acquired one of its main competitors. A loan from Zion’s Bank was used to fund the acquisition; and, with the added cash flow from the acquisition, Silencerco was able to get more machinery for manufacturing.

Based on 2011 operations, Silencerco is now the largest silencer manufacturer in the country for civilians and they are continuing to make progress in acquiring military deals. Silencerco has created 25 jobs and have done so in the hardest economic times our country has seen for a long time.

About the Founders
Joshua Waldron has defied odds many times in his life. Not only has Waldron made a thriving business in the worst of economies, but he learned how to walk again when every doctor said he couldn’t. When Joshua was 15, he was in a horrible car accident that severed his spinal cord. After 3 years of physical therapy, he was able to leave his wheelchair behind and has walked ever since. Waldron has never collected disability and has been self-employed his entire life. After college at the University of Utah, he was an editorial photographer and was published in hundreds of magazines.

Jonathon Shults is becoming widely known as one of the most brilliant minds in the firearms industry. Without any formal training or experience, he is now a master machinist, engineer, inventor, computer programmer and manufacturing engineer of the leading silencer manufacturer in the country. Shults has developed some of the most advanced manufacturing techniques and inventory management software in the manufacturing world and has accomplished this without a day of higher education. Before starting Silencerco with Waldron, Jonathon was a sound engineer and owned a recording studio. He has recorded for several big clients with world-wide sales.

Some of Silencerco’s Other Accomplishments.

• Expanded the silencer market dramatically with their “yes, silencers are legal” education campaign.
• Obtained patents with more pending.
• Recognized as an industry leader in only 3 years of operations.
• Had its products featured in a favorable light on Discovery Channel’s “Mythbusters.”
• Invited to be keynote speakers at the NRA, the largest lobbyist firm in the world.

See also the following links:

• www.silencerco.com
• www.silencersarelegal.com
• www.swrmfg.com (this company was acquired by Silencerco)
• www.youtube.com/silencerco

Jim LePeak (center) of Munith was named the 2011 Michigan Hunter Education Instructor of the Year at a recent Natural Resources Commission meeting. Congratulating LePeak are Natural Resources Commission Chair Tim Nichols (left) and Department of Natural Resources Director Rodney Stokes (right).

Michigan Department of Natural Resources

Michigan --(Ammoland.com)- The Department of Natural Resources and the Michigan Natural Resources Commission recognized Jim LePeak of Jackson County as the 2011 Hunter Education Instructor of the Year at the commission’s Dec. 8 meeting in Lansing.

A resident of Munith, Mich., LePeak has volunteered his time to the DNR’s Hunter Education program since 1999, serving as an instructor as well as a coordinator – equipping and providing training to other instructors – for Jackson and Hillsdale counties.

“Volunteer hunter education instructors like Jim LePeak are vital to developing knowledgeable, safe and responsible hunters, and we are grateful for all that they do,” said DNR Director Rodney Stokes. “Jim goes above and beyond in his efforts to carry on Michigan’s rich hunting heritage.”

LePeak volunteers his time as a proctor for the annual Michigan Youth Hunter Education Challenge and participates as an instructor and range safety officer for the DNR’s weeklong Hunter Education Academy each year. He also helped in facilitating a first-aid and CPR class for hunter education instructors in Jackson County.

“Jim tirelessly promotes the hunter education program – participating in local parades and community events, providing incentives to students who take his class and even including information about upcoming classes on his answering machine,” Stokes added. “He has also recruited many new instructors to the program, including his two sons and his grandson.”

LePeak serves as treasurer of the Michigan Hunter Education Instructor Association and was instrumental in the dissemination of donated computers to instructors throughout southern Michigan. He is also certified as an International Bowhunter Education Program instructor, offering his knowledge and expertise to prospective archery hunters in his area.

Hunter education in Michigan has taught thousands of people safe hunting techniques, firearm handling and hunter ethics and has had a dramatic impact on reducing hunting incidents in our state. To learn more about the DNR’s hunter education program, visit www.michigan.gov/huntereducation.

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is committed to the conservation, protection, management, use and enjoyment of the state’s natural and cultural resources for current and future generations. For more information, go to www.michigan.gov/dnr.

Ralph, RJ and Vicki Cianciarulo

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 bow hunting.

This year, Muzzy is proud to present the award at the 2012 ATA show in Columbus, Ohio to the Cianciarulo family. The award will be presented on Wednesday, Jan. 11 at 10 a.m. in the Muzzy booth.

Arlene Cianciarulo

Ralph and Vicki Cianciarulo host two of the top-rated hunting television shows, Archer’s Choice and The Choice, which air on the Outdoor Channel. Known as “North America’s Favorite Hunting Couple,”Ralph and Vicki have worked from the bottom up to earn a reputation that is second to none in the hunting industry.

Their company, Archer’s Choice Media, is a family owned and operated business dedicated to promoting hunting and the outdoors through their hunting TV shows. Their TV shows have been nominated for the Outdoor Channel’s Golden Moose Awards, and in 2005 they won a Golden Moose for Fan Favorite Hunting Show.

“The Cianciarulo family is the real deal,” Michele Musacchia-Eichler, Muzzy CEO, says. “They represent the hunting industry with such class and dedication, always giving back and always with an eye on the future and protecting our hunting heritage. It’s our honor to recognize them with this award.”

Ralph says that hunting and archery are their lives, and they have been blessed in so many ways.

“We are honored to be recognized by Muzzy, a company who gives back to this entire industry in so many ways,” Ralph says. “This means so much to our family. We can’t say thank you enough to Michele and everyone from Muzzy.”

Ralph also thanks his family for their support, especially his mother Arlene Cianciarulo who does her fair share to keep the family and business running. She helps out in the production studio and with Ralph and Vicki’s son RJ when the couple is on the road or in the field. She’s also been there for encouragement.

“As long as I can remember, my parents have encouraged me to do the best I can no matter what I did in life,” Ralph says. “The best way for any of us to compliment our parents is to always remember actions reflect leadership. Thanks Mom and Dad.”

For more information, check out www.muzzy.com

American Deer & Wildlife Alliance Now Accepting Nominations for the W.I.L.D. Awards

American Deer & Wildlife Alliance

AUSTIN, Texas --(Ammoland.com)- Creating a better habitat for business, the American Deer & Wildlife Alliance (ADWA) is proud to announce it is accepting nominations for its all-new Wildlife Industry, Leadership & Development (W.I.L.D.) Awards.

The W.I.L.D. Awards will spotlight real examples of what has been accomplished in the deer, wildlife and hunting industries, and the people and products who have made a significant impact. Nominations for the awards will be accepted through December 31, 2011.

“The spirit of the W.I.L.D. Awards is to recognize leading innovative approaches in products and to acknowledge the leadership of individuals in growing our industry,” says John Meng, president of the American Deer & Wildlife Alliance.

“By showcasing the most innovative products and the dedicated stewards within our industry, the W.I.L.D. Awards will contribute to the overall promotion of the industry and help keep our American outdoor traditions strong.”

W.I.L.D. Award categories include New Product of the Year, Best Optics, Best Firearm Product, Best Hunting Ranch, Wildlife Stewardship, Outdoor Advocacy, Deer Breeder of the Year and many others. To review the categories and submit nominations, please go to www.surveygizmo.com/s3/616163/WILD-Awards-Nominations

The American Deer & Wildlife Alliance is a non-profit organization working to promote the deer and wildlife industry and to preserve our American outdoor traditions. As a part of its public education efforts, ADWA sponsors the Points Report, a full-color quarterly newsletter providing industry news and commentary; Spikes Magazine, a quarterly youth publication distributed to summer camps and public libraries across the country; and www.iHuntAmerica.com website, a comprehensive search engine for hunting ranches, game preserves and outfitters. ADWA also sponsors Keith Warren’s Deer & Wildlife Stories, a nationally broadcast television program on the Pursuit Channel, and the Outdoor Patriot (www.OutdoorPatriot.com), a monthly podcast which features commentary and industry guests.

To learn more about the W.I.L.D. Awards and the American Deer & Wildlife Alliance or for membership information, visit www.deerwildlifealliance.org or call 512.778.6292.

Headquartered in Austin, Texas, the American Deer & Wildlife Alliance is a non-profit organization dedicated to the growth of the deer and wildlife industry, and to help educate consumers and the youth on the conservation issues which effect deer and wildlife as well as the industry. For more information on the American Deer & Wildlife Alliance, call 512.778.6292 or visit www.deerwildlifealliance.org.

U.S. Sportsmen's Alliance

Columbus, OH --(Ammoland.com)- Some hunters go hunting, and other hunters make it a mission to help others go hunting.

One such hunter on a mission is Scott Campbell of Delaware. Campbell founded Hunters Helping Soldiers in 2009, and this work has earned him recognition as an Outdoor Life 25: Leaders in Hunting, Fishing and Conservation. Campbell is also a U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance Field Director.

Campbell got the idea for his military focused project because so many of his family members were also soldiers. He began his mission with a small, local-level hunt for veterans and the concept grew to include wounded vets, current active military members, families of deployed soldiers, and military retirees. Kids of those soldiers are also a major participating category.

“We held a youth camp this past summer, and we’ll do it again next summer,” noted Campbell. “The military came out to the event, including displays with HumVees, and this made a great impression with the kids.”

Hunters Helping Soldiers now has chapters in a dozen states—and is growing. A fundraising event that was held in November will help back several projects slated for 2012. Campbell is featured in the 2011 December issue of Outdoor Life magazine in the Helping Hands category. More details on the program can be found at www.Huntershelpingsoldiers.org.

USSA field director Howard Robinson of Arkansas also received this national recognition in 2009. Others receiving the honor this year include legendary knife maker Chuck Buck, Summit Treestand’s founder Dave Woller Sr., the late hunting call manufacturer Dick Kirby, and Chad Waligura, a young paralyzed hunter who has designed several innovations to help disabled hunters return to the fields and forests.

About:
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. Visit www.ussportsmen.org.

Leupold Optics

BEAVERTON, Ore. --(Ammoland.com)- Leupold, America’s Optics Authority, announces that current partner and endorsee Brian “Pig Man” Quaca along with his outdoor television series, “Pig Man: The Series,”has been chosen as a top-five nominee in three separate categories of the 2011 Sportsman Choice Awards presented by the Sportsman Channel.

Leupold title sponsors “Pig Man: The Series,” which is nominated in the categories of Best Show Host, Best Hunting Show and Best Show Intro.

Pig Man TV

As Season 2 of Leupold’s “Pig Man: The Series” draws to a close, Pig Man and Leupold have much to celebrate over the first 24 months of their partnership together. During Season 1, Pig Man was named Sportsman Channel Host of the Year and the show received a Bronze Telly Award for outstanding outdoor television production. Earlier this year, it was announced that “Pig Man: The Series” would be awarded a Silver Telly in its sophomore season. A Silver Telly is the most highly sought after award in all of outdoor television. Matched with Leupold &Stevens, Inc., the newly anointed NAGSW Optics Manufacturer of the Year as his title sponsor, Pig Man continues to set the standard for outdoor entertainment.

“That’s the beautiful thing about this industry,” Quaca said. “I hunt because I love the sport, and I hunt on TV because my fans and viewers enjoy the entertainment—but you cannot do what I do under the level of scrutiny TV creates without an elite company such as Leupold providing me with the best optics on the planet and ultimately the opportunity to be successful in the public eye.”

Voting for the 2011 Sportsman Choice Awards is under way via Facebook and scheduled to end Sunday, December 11, 2011 at midnight. Leupold encourages voters to log onto www.facebook.com/sportsmanchannel and support Pig Man in his continued efforts to create quality outdoor programming.

Leupold & Stevens, Inc., the preeminent American-owned and -operated optics company, employs hundreds of people in its state-of-the-art facility near Beaverton, Ore., where rugged, dependable, high-performance Golden Ring optics, Mark 4 riflescopes and Redfield Revolution riflescopes are designed, machined and assembled. Leupold is a fifth-generation, family owned company whose products are sold worldwide to hunters, competitive shooters, American military warfighters, law enforcement personnel and wildlife observers. The product line includes rifle, handgun and spotting scopes; binoculars; rangefinders; trail cameras; mounting systems; and optical tools and accessories.

Leupold & Stevens, Inc. is a Charter Supporter of the Hunting and Shooting Sports Heritage Foundation.

Leupold & Stevens, Inc., P.O. Box 688, Beaverton, OR 97075-0688, U.S.A.
Phone: (800) LEUPOLD or (503) 526-1400
Fax: (503) 352-7621 • www.leupold.com

Michigan Department of Natural Resources

Michigan --(Ammoland.com)- Department of Natural Resources Wildlife Division Chief Russ Mason has been honored with the Professional Award of Merit from the North Central Section of the Wildlife Society.

Mason was presented his award Dec. 5 at the 72nd Midwest Fish and Wildlife Conference in Des Moines, Iowa.

Mason, who took over as head of the wildlife division in 2008 after a lengthy career in wildlife management with USDA Wildlife Services, the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies and the State of Nevada, is the third Michigan recipient of the award.

Michigan DNR Wildlife Division Chief Russ Mason

Former DNR biologists Lou Verme and Ed Langenau were honored in1989 and 1994 respectively.

The award -– which is not given out every year – honors an active wildlife professional who has contributed to knowledge, enjoyed an outstanding accomplishment, or displayed leadership over a number of years.

“It is truly humbling to receive such an honor from my peers,” Mason said. “I’d like to thank former DNR Director Becky Humphries, who gave me the opportunity to come to Michigan to work in state wildlife management, current Director Rodney Stokes for continuing to provide that opportunity, as well as the dedicated DNR staff and an army of conservation-minded hunters, trappers and anglers, who make everything we’ve accomplished in Michigan possible.”

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is committed to the conservation, protection, management, use and enjoyment of the state’s natural and cultural resources for current and future generations. For more information, go to www.michigan.gov/dnr.

Birchwood Casey Named Accessory Manufacturer of the Year by NASGW (L to R) Mike Wenner, Ben Johnson, Todd Binsfeld, Chris Rodengen

Birchwood Casey

Eden Prairie, MN --(Ammoland.com)- Birchwood Casey was named Accessory Manufacturer of the Year for the fourth year in a row at the recent annual meeting of the National Association of Sporting Goods Wholesalers (NASGW) in Reno, Nevada.

Each year at the NASGW meeting awards are given to the top accessory, ammunition and firearms manufacturers who demonstrate a commitment to two-step distribution and who provide outstanding value and service. Wholesaler members evaluate the manufacturer’s performance on a list of key criteria; distribution policy, marketing, sales and promotion, logistics and operations, NASGW and industry support.

Since 1948, serious shooters, avid collectors and professional gunsmiths have relied on Birchwood Casey for shooting and gun care products that have stood the test of time. From legendary Tru-Oil Gun Stock Finish and Perma Blue Liquid Gun Blue to revolutionary Shoot*N*C Targets, Birchwood Casey has pioneered innovative products with an unwavering dedication for quality.

For more information, consumers can log onto the Birchwood Casey website at www.birchwoodcasey.com, write to 7900 Fuller Road, Eden Prairie, MN 55344-2195 or call 800.328.6156 x7933.

Georgia DNR Names Tim Butler Ranger Of The Year

Georgia Department of Natural Resources

SOCIAL CIRCLE, Ga. --(Ammoland.com)- The Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division selected RFC Tim Butler, a conservation ranger for Pulaski/Bleckley counties, as the 2011 State Ranger of the Year.

Runner-up to the Ranger of the Year award, RFC Tim Hutto of the Southeast Georgia Region, received the 2011 James R. Darnell Award. This award is titled “The Fawn” and is a James R. Darnell sculpture.

“The State of Georgia is fortunate to have people such as RFC Tim Butler and RFC Tim Hutto who dedicate their lives to protecting our natural resources,” says Col. Eddie Henderson, Wildlife Resources Division’s Chief of Law Enforcement. “I commend both honorees for their dedication and contributions toward Georgia’s conservation enforcement efforts.”

RFC Tim Butler has been a conservation ranger for only six years, but his reputation for accomplishing hard work and his dedication to a job well done have earned him the respect of his peers and the public. His accomplishments this year include conducting 16 special details to detect resource violations such as illegal duck shoots, fish shocking and night deer hunting.

Butler is best known for his night foot patrols and scouting for illegal baiting and night hunting offenders. He also employs online satellite imagery and tax records to gather intelligence, study topography and formulate tactics to address unlawful activity before it occurs.

Butler easily transitions from working with fellow conservation rangers to assisting and cooperating with other agencies, whether they are local, state and federal levels in investigative work. His public outreach includes conducting information and education programs, participating in local cleanup efforts, promoting Wildlife Resources Division at various venues, and being an after-school mentor and instructor for the local CHAMPS (Choosing Healthy Activities & Methods Promoting Safety) program.

Earlier this year, Butler also was recognized as the 2011 Waterfowl Officer of the Year honor and twice previously has been nominated for Ranger of the Year by his work section.

In the process of determining the Ranger of the Year, WRD selected one nominee from each of the seven DNR Law Enforcement regions.

They were:

• Region 1, Calhoun – Cpl. Shawn Elmore
• Region 2, Gainesville – Cpl. Adam Loudermilk
• Region 3, Thomson – Cpl. Derrell Worth
• Region 4, Macon – RFC Tim Butler
• Region 5, Albany -RFC Bob Holley
• Region 6, Metter – RFC Tim Hutto
• Region 7, Brunswick – Cpl. Chris Ridley

For more information on becoming a WRD conservation ranger, visit www.georgiawildlife.com/enforcement/law-enforcement-section