Remington Arms Company

Madison, NC --(Ammoland.com)- Team Remington/Bushmaster shooters will be conducting a free shooting clinic in conjunction with Western CMP Games and Creedmoor Cup Matches held at Ben Avery Shooting Facility.

The clinic will be held at the Activity Center on October 19, 2011.

The free shooting clinic will be conducted by team coach, Ken Roxburgh and Team Remington/Bushmaster members.

The clinic will offer formal classroom instruction, practical application, dry and live fire training, and demonstrations by some of the world’s leading highpower service rifle and match rifle competitors.

Clinic Topics:

• Fundamentals of highpower shooting
• Positions – standing, sitting, prone
• Trigger control/aiming
• Effects of weather
• Wind reading
• Competition Data book
• Range etiquette
• Weapon handling and safety
• Courses of fire
• Care/cleaning
• Assembly/disassembly of match weapons

Interested shooters can register for the Team Remington/Bushmaster Highpower Rifle Shooting Clinic at www.odcmp.com/Competitions/West_Entry.pdf . Participants are encouraged to bring their shooting equipment and rifles; ammunition is not required for the course.

In addition to hosting the free shooting clinic, Team Remington/Bushmaster will be donating two Bushmaster DCM (Department of Civilian Marksmanship) rifles and one Remington 597 autoloading, rimfire rifle to be used as match prizes for the event. For more information on Bushmaster® and Remington rifles, please visit Bushmaster.com and Remington.com.

About Freedom Group, Inc.
Freedom Group is the world’s leading innovator, designer, manufacturer, and marketer of firearms, ammunition, and related products for the hunting, shooting sports, law enforcement, and military markets. As one of the largest manufacturers in the world of firearms and ammunition, we have some of the most globally recognized brands including Remington, Bushmaster, DPMS/Panther Arms, Marlin, H&R, Parker, EOTAC, Mountain Khakis, AAC, and Dakota. The Company distributes its products throughout the U.S. and in over 80 foreign countries. More information about the Company can be found at www.freedom-group.com.

The Company assumes no obligation to update publicly such forward–looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

'Shoot For A Cure' Sporting Clays Event Is This Saturday

Arizona Game and Fish Department

PHOENIX, AZ – -(Ammoland.com)- The Ben Avery Clay Busters, a 501(c)(4) nonprofit organization, is holding a “Shoot for a Cure” event to help in the fight against cancer.

The event will be held at the Arizona Game and Fish Department’s Ben Avery Clay Target Center this Saturday, Oct. 8.

A 25-target sporting clays “fun shoot” will be held starting at 10 a.m. It is open to shooters of all abilities. No experience is necessary – experienced shooters will coach you. Cost is $25 and includes shotgun rental and shells.

The fun shoot will be followed by a 100-target NSCA registered tournament, with registration starting at 11 a.m. Cost is $100 and includes NSCA/ASCA fees for registered shooters.

Registration fees will be payable by cash or check only. Net proceeds from participant registrations will go to the Phoenix affiliate of the Susan G. Komen for the Cure Foundation.

The Ben Avery Clay Target Center is located at 5060 W. Skeet St. in Phoenix. Take I-17 to the Carefree Highway exit and go west 1.5 miles on Carefree Highway. Turn right at the stoplight (Game and Fish headquarters is on the corner) and follow the signs to the Clay Target Center.

For more information, including an event flyer and a registration form for the registered shoot, visit www.azgfd.gov/ctc and click on “upcoming events.” Or, contact (602) 571-4055 or baclaybusters@gmail.com.

The Arizona Game and Fish Department prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, national origin, age, or disability in its programs and activities. If anyone believes that they have been discriminated against in any of the AGFD’s programs or activities, including employment practices, they may file a complaint with the Director’s Office, 5000 W. Carefree Highway, Phoenix, AZ 85086-5000, (602) 942-3000, or with the Fish and Wildlife Service, 4040 N. Fairfax Dr. Ste. 130, Arlington, VA 22203. Persons with a disability may request a reasonable accommodation or this document in an alternative format by contacting the Director’s Office as listed above.

Arizona Game and Fish Department

PHOENIX, AZ – -(Ammoland.com)- Shooting sports enthusiasts, on the early show April 12, 2011, KNXV-15 television showed a report on the pending hearings in Congress on extended capacity magazines for handguns.

They used a backdrop of our Ben Avery Shooting Facility entrance sign for their video reporter’s standup. Attached is a letter from us to Channel 15 regarding that story.

From my standpoint and important for you to know:

• Ben Avery Shooting Facility is the place where legal recreational shooting and archery takes place with families, youngsters in Hunter Education, Olympic hopefuls practice and compete, and a host of shooting disciplines enjoy safe, responsible use of firearms.
• Law enforcement officers practice and qualify with pistols, rifles and shotguns…nearly every day of the week, with most all local, state and federal agencies participating.
• Ben Avery is a “Phoenix Point of Pride”. There are only 31 “Points” in the valley.
• The tragedy in Tucson should in no way be linked to our range nor to the legal, responsible use of firearms.
• Rather than chastise, our approach to Channel 15’s managing editor was to inform and offer another viewpoint for them to consider.
• We invited them to come and see what Ben Avery Shooting Facility is about as well as gave them the dates of next year’s Outdoor Expo on which they will hopefully do one or more stories.

As issues like these arise in the future, I have directed staff to respond in a professional, courteous manner to correct misinformation and offer “the rest of the story” as Paul Harvey was famous for doing. In that light, I wanted you to know.

Attachment

April 12, 2011

Andy Ramirez, Managing Editor
KNXV-15 TV
515 N. 44th Street
Phoenix, AZ 85008

Dear Andy:

I watched the news story that ran on Channel 15 this morning by Hatzel Vela on the hearings in our nation’s capital on extended capacity magazines for handguns. I was appalled that your producers chose the backdrop of our Ben Avery Shooting Facility entrance sign to discuss the issue of a mentally unstable person’s actions in Tucson in January. This was an act of violence and in the opinion of many…terrorism. The media has a responsibility to help the public understand the difference between responsible firearms owners and not confuse that with those in society that misuse firearms, or any other device turned into a weapon, to the detriment of society. The difference between the two is not even comparable, yet your piece invited viewers to make that connection. How is that balanced and objective?

Ben Avery is a Game and Fish Department-owned shooting range where shotgun, pistol, rifle and archery enthusiasts can pursue SAFE, responsible shooting activities. It is also the place that hundreds of youngsters each year get safety training and hunter education, learn the responsibilities of owning and using firearms, and the ethics of hunting. The City of Phoenix has awarded Ben Avery as one of Phoenix’s Points of Pride, a recognition of special parks, cultural facilities, historic residences and mountain peaks, that contribute to the quality of life in the Valley and foster a sense of community pride.

Law enforcement from most of the Valley police departments, DPS and other state agencies (including Arizona Game and Fish Rangers) and most of the federal law enforcement agencies use the facility to practice and qualify with their issued firearms. Their job is to be proficient and able to bring their weapons into use if needed, and Ben Avery serves a critical role in ensuring they are better prepared to protect you and me, or themselves from “the bad guys!”

Lastly, why not choose to do a more progressive, positive story on shooting, like our Outdoor Expo event in March where 42,000 people visited Ben Avery in three days to see and experience responsible shooting sports? More than 50,000 rounds were fired safely, many by first-time shooters. We would like to invite Channel 15 to come out and participate in next year’s Outdoor Expo and report on what responsible, ethical, and SAFE shooting is all about. That date is March 31 & April 1, 2012. An invitation is extended for anytime you would like to do a story on what is available at Ben Avery or any of the other six shooting ranges the Commission owns.

If you would like to discuss this issue, please call me directly at (623) 236-7226.

Sincerely,

Jim Paxon
Information Branch Chief

Cowboys To Show Off Their Six-Shooters At Winter Range

Arizona Game and Fish Department

PHOENIX, AZ – -(Ammoland.com)- The Old West will come alive once again when hundreds of men, women, and juniors gather for the 20th annual Winter Range hosted at the Arizona Game and Fish Department’s Ben Avery Shooting Facility from Feb. 22-27.

Winter Range is an exciting “Old West” style event that provides the backdrop for the Single Action Shooting Society’s National Championship of Cowboy Action Shooting.

This annual event traditionally draws thousands of spectators and Old West enthusiasts.

Cowboy Action Shooting is the fastest growing shooting sport in America, and requires contestants to compete with firearms typical of those used in the taming of the Old West: single-action revolvers, lever-action rifles, and old-time shotguns.

Participants must also adopt a “shooting alias” appropriate to a character or profession of the late 19th century, a Hollywood Western star, or an appropriate fictional character, and then costume themselves accordingly.

In addition to the competitive events, Winter Range will also feature displays of period militaria, exhibitions of western skills and crafts, and vendors purveying everything from period clothing to antiques and reproductions. Entertainment will be readily available in the form of a number of singers, cowboy bands, and the authentic history of gaming. A variety of food services are also available – from authentic chuck wagon cooking to hot dogs. This is an exciting event for the whole family.

The Ben Avery Shooting Facility is located in north Phoenix on Carefree Highway just west of I-17 (Exit 223). Daily event times are 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. from Wednesday, Feb. 22 through Saturday, Feb. 26, and 8 a.m. to noon on Sunday, Feb. 27. Admission is free, but parking is $5. While in the shooting areas, spectators will be required to wear eye protection (sunglasses and corrective glasses are acceptable). Ear protection is strongly suggested, especially for children.

For more information, visit www.winterrange.com.

Pioneer Arizona Living History Museum

Arizona Game and Fish Department

PHOENIX, AZ – -(Ammoland.com)- Hello Shooters: Many patrons of the Ben Avery Shooting Facility have been following the developments over the last six weeks related to the Pioneer Arizona Living History Museum property located west of I-17 on Pioneer Road in Phoenix. That property borders the Ben Avery property to the north. The following is an update.

The Phoenix City Council voted at a special session on Aug. 18, 2010, to authorize the City to acquire the Pioneer Arizona Living History Museum property from the current owner, either by purchase, donation, or by the power of eminent domain. The current owner had acquired the 92-acre property at a state land auction on July 15, 2010, narrowly outbidding the City.

The City has had a long-standing interest in acquiring the property for the purpose of preserving the museum and land. The Arizona Game and Fish Commission voted unanimously at the Commission’s February 2009 public meeting to support the City’s acquisition efforts to ensure that a family-friendly, historical-themed park be maintained at this location, which would also be compatible with the ongoing operations of the shooting range and serve as a buffer against encroachment.

The Ben Avery Shooting Facility has been in operation since 1960. It is rated a Five-Star facility by the National Association of Shooting Ranges, has been designated a Phoenix Point of Pride, and supports more than 200,000 visitor days annually. The facility is owned by the Arizona Game and Fish Commission and professionally managed and operated by the Arizona Game and Fish Department. It provides a safe, controlled environment that supports recreational and competitive shooting, as well as a venue for law enforcement training, military training, hunter education, beginning and advanced firearms training, and CCW training.

Ben Avery serves local, state, national and international shooters and events. Recent high-profile events hosted at the facility include the 2008 U.S. Olympic Archery Trials, the 2010 U.S. Skeet Open, the annual Winter Range cowboy action and cowboy mounted shooting championships, and the annual Western Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP) and Creedmoor Cup high-power rifle competitions, to name a few. In addition, the facility hosts the annual Arizona Game and Fish Department Outdoor Expo, which draws more than 30,000 visitors.

While all Arizona residents and out-of-state visitors have access to the unique Arizona opportunity that the Ben Avery Shooting Facility represents, the Arizona Game and Fish Department receives no general tax revenue, and the range and its facilities represent the contribution of substantial shooter, archer, and sportsmen and sportswomen dollars that support this world-class venue.

The Department will continue to monitor developments on this issue.

The Arizona Game and Fish Department prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, national origin, age, or disability in its programs and activities. If anyone believes that they have been discriminated against in any of the AGFD’s programs or activities, including employment practices, they may file a complaint with the Director’s Office, 5000 W. Carefree Highway, Phoenix, AZ 85086-5000, (602) 942-3000, or with the Fish and Wildlife Service, 4040 N. Fairfax Dr. Ste. 130, Arlington, VA 22203. Persons with a disability may request a reasonable accommodation or this document in an alternative format by contacting the Director’s Office as listed above.

Arizona Game and Fish Department

Arizona --(AmmoLand.com)- Patrons of the Ben Avery Shooting Facility are advised that the Arizona Army National Guard will be conducting training exercises on the facility grounds over the next two weeks (through May 24). As part of that training they will be conducting multiple range improvement projects, including some involving night operations.

These activities will not impact public shooting opportunities at the Main Range, the Clay Target Center, or the Archery Ranges. However, please use caution when traveling on the Ben Avery Shooting Facility property, as there will be military vehicles, personnel and heavy equipment present.

The Arizona Game and Fish Department prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, national origin, age, or disability in its programs and activities. If anyone believes that they have been discriminated against in any of the AGFD’s programs or activities, including employment practices, they may file a complaint with the Director’s Office, 5000 W. Carefree Highway, Phoenix, AZ 85086-5000, (602) 942-3000, or with the Fish and Wildlife Service, 4040 N. Fairfax Dr. Ste. 130, Arlington, VA 22203. Persons with a disability may request a reasonable accommodation or this document in an alternative format by contacting the Director’s Office as listed above.

Ben Avery Shooting Facility

Arizona Game and Fish Department

Arizona --(AmmoLand.com)- Beginning Wednesday, May 12, the Arizona Game and Fish Department’s Ben Avery Shooting Facility will be switching to its summer hours of operation to take advantage of the cooler morning temperatures and earlier sunrise.

To simplify the schedule and reduce confusion, the mid-day closures have been eliminated. Shooters can now enjoy the range anytime between the opening and closing hours. Hours vary slightly between the main firearm range and the shotgun range.

However, regardless of range, shooters should check in 30 minutes prior to closing time to ensure ample shooting opportunity.

Summer hours of operation are:

Main Range – pistol, rifle, and archery

• Monday – CLOSED
• Tuesday – CLOSED
• Wednesday – 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
• Thursday – 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
• Friday – 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Saturday – 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
• Sunday – 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Clay Target Center – shotgun

• Monday – CLOSED
• Tuesday – CLOSED
• Wednesday – 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.
• Thursday – 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.
• Friday – 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.
• Saturday – 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.
• Sunday – 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Clay Target Center note: Shooting during the hours after dark is limited to the trap and skeet fields only. There are no lights for the sporting clays courses.

Learn how to shoot, join a shooting program or league:
The Arizona Game and Fish Department offers a variety of structured introductory target shooting programs. There are programs for women, children, families, and co-ed participation. Department programs are taught by certified range safety officers to assure participants learn how to be safe, responsible, and skilled when using firearms, air guns or archery equipment. For many of these programs, the equipment is provided. To learn about the shooting programs available, contact the Ben Avery Shooting Facility at (623) 582-8313 or visit www.azgfd.gov/basf.

In addition to being a fun and safe recreational activity, target shooting also has a positive impact on local and rural economies. Target shooters’ purchases support local business, communities, and shooting ranges, benefiting the local workforce and their revenue streams. Furthermore, the Pittman-Robertson Wildlife Restoration Act, a federal excise tax on the purchases of ammunition, firearms, and archery equipment, is collected and then appropriated back to state wildlife agencies for wildlife management, public access, and hunter safety and shooting programs.

The Ben Avery Shooting Facility is on the northwest corner of I-17 and Carefree Highway in north Phoenix, approximately 10 minutes north of Loop 101. The Clay Target Center is just west of the main facility. Located on 1,650 acres, Ben Avery is one of the largest government-operated recreational shooting complexes in the world. It averages more than 120,000 shooters per year and is home to a number of regional- and national-class competitions and other major events. Target shooting available at the facility includes rifle, pistol, air gun (indoor), shotgun, archery (indoor and outdoor), as well as a number of other specialty shooting disciplines.

The Arizona Game and Fish Department prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, national origin, age, or disability in its programs and activities. If anyone believes that they have been discriminated against in any of the AGFD’s programs or activities, including employment practices, they may file a complaint with the Deputy Director, 5000 W. Carefree Highway, Phoenix, AZ 85086-5000, (602) 942-3000, or with the Fish and Wildlife Service, 4040 N. Fairfax Dr. Ste. 130, Arlington, VA 22203. Persons with a disability may request a reasonable accommodation or this document in an alternative format by contacting the Deputy Director as listed above.

Arizona Game and Fish Department

Arizona --(AmmoLand.com)- Various media outlets on Saturday, March 13 reported the accidental shooting of an 12-year-old-boy near the Ben Avery Shooting Facility.

While most reports of the incident were accurate, the Arizona Game and Fish Department wants to make certain the public understands the incident did not occur on Ben Avery Shooting Facility and the accidental shooting was self-inflicted.

The Phoenix Police Department said the child was injured around 11 a.m. on Saturday in a desert area west of the Shooting Facility boundary. The child was target shooting with his father and grandfather when the accident occurred.

When the initial call for assistance was received, Ben Avery Shooting Facility personnel assisted Phoenix Police Department officers in searching and clearing all range facilities to make certain the incident didn’t occur on the range or that other activity on the range didn’t contributed to the accident.

Arizona Game and Fish Department property was used as a staging area to provide emergency treatment and load the boy onto a medical transport helicopter.

The Ben Avery Shooting Facility is located on the northwest corner of I-17 and Carefree Highway in north Phoenix. Situated on 1,650 acres, it is one of the largest government-operated recreational shooting complexes in the world.

It averages more than 120,000 shooters per year and is home to a number of regional- and national-class competitions and other major events. Offering a wide array of target-shooting opportunities, the facility has 67 covered stations at the main range (all handicap accessible), and more than 25 additional rifle, pistol, and archery ranges for recreational and competitive shooting. The Clay Target Center offers 18-lighted trap/skeet overlay fields and two sporting clays courses.

About:
The Arizona Game and Fish Department prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, national origin, age, or disability in its programs and activities. If anyone believes that they have been discriminated against in any of the AGFD’s programs or activities, including employment practices, they may file a complaint with the Deputy Director, 5000 W. Carefree Highway, Phoenix, AZ 85086-5000, (602) 942-3000, or with the Fish and Wildlife Service, 4040 N. Fairfax Dr. Ste. 130, Arlington, VA 22203. Persons with a disability may request a reasonable accommodation or this document in an alternative format by contacting the Deputy Director as listed above.

2010 Winter Range

Winter Range

PHOENIX, Ariz. –-(AmmoLand.com)- The 19th annual Winter Range, the National Championship of Cowboy Action Shooting, announced that this year’s match will receive comprehensive coverage by the Outdoor Channel’s hit television show Cowboys as well as DownRange TV and CAS City.com which will provide daily online event coverage.

Winter Range will take place at the Ben Avery Shooting Range in Phoenix, Ariz., February 24-28, 2010 with over 600 men, women and juniors expected to compete.

“Winter Range represents one of the finest gatherings of Cowboy Action shooters in one of the most picturesque locations, and for the first time Cowboys, DownRange TV and CAS City will be on hand to capture all the action,” explained Michael Bane, producer of Cowboys and

A team of 12 will be on hand from the Outdoor Channel providing comprehensive coverage of the event. Cowboys host, Ron “Tupelo Flash” Stein, will be filming two episodes of the popular show which will air in Q3 and Q4 of this year. The online effort will be spearheaded by Bane and Marshal Halloway, online editor for DRTV and CAS City, and supported by Teresa Heilevang, Denise Jackson and Paul Erhardt who will each be contributing to the online content of DRTV and CAS City.

In addition to covering the match, Bane, Stein, Halloway and Heilevang will also be competing in the match giving the viewers an extraordinary inside look at the sport of Cowboy Action Shooting.

“One of the things we’re doing differently this year is that four of us are competing in the match and our coverage will reflect that hands on, insider perspective that viewers can’t get anywhere else,” explained Bane.

“Whether it’s on TV or online, the Outdoor Channel will be giving its audience the best seat in the house to follow this year’s National Championship of Cowboy Action Shooting.”

The Winter Range Championship and Exhibition is produced by the Arizona Territorial Company of Rough Riders, a not-for-profit group representing various Cowboy Action Shooting™ clubs in Phoenix and throughout Arizona. Proceeds from this year’s event will be donated to the Wounded Warriors Project.

The Ben Avery Shooting Range, where Winter Range takes place is located at the intersection of I-17 and Carefree Highway (Exit 223). Winter Range will occupy the western portion of the range and can easily be located by the huge white tent that serves as the hub of activity.

Daily event times are 8am until 5pm Wednesday through Saturday and 8am to 12pm on Sunday. Admission is free, but a $5 parking fee will be collected.

For more information on Winter Range visit WinterRange.com. To follow the competition online, visit DownRange.tv or CASCity.com where you’ll find interviews, shooter profiles, scores, photos, podcasts and videos from the match.

Arizona Game and Fish Department

Ben Avery Shooting Facility, Az - -(AmmoLand.com)- Due to current supply and demand conditions, finding ammunition for target shooting can be a challenge. To help recreational shooters ease their troubles and reduce the impact on their wallets, the Arizona Game and Fish Department’s Ben Avery Shooting Facility is hosting an air gun league this fall.

The off-hand air gun league is for shooters looking to have fun and learn about one of the fastest-growing forms of shooting sports competition.

The league runs for eight weeks and meets every Thursday evening starting Sept. 10 at the Ben Avery Shooting Facility’s indoor Air Gun Range. Participants ages six and older are welcome and classifications will include rifle and pistol for men, women, juniors and highest overall. Each match includes 300 points consisting of three relays of 10 shots from 10 meters in 20 minutes.

“Air gun shooting is a great way to introduce kids and ladies to shooting sports that might be hesitant to shoot live ammunition,” said Range Master Matt Schwartzkopf with Ben Avery Shooting Facility. “It’s also an excellent way to build character, discipline, patience and confidence.”

Loaner air guns and pellets are available on a limited and first-come, first-served basis. Adaptive equipment may be available for disabled shooters, but please include any equipment needed during pre-registration. The range is restricted to a velocity of 600 fps (feet per second) or less.

Schwartzkopf added, “All of our leagues offer participants a safe and recreational atmosphere to improve their shooting skills. Combined with our loaner equipment, and there’s no reason not to give it a try.”

The cost is $60 for adults and $30 for youth 17 and under. Pre-registration is required, contact Matt Schwartzkopf at mschwartzkopf@azgfd.gov or (623) 236-7076.

The Ben Avery Shooting Facility is on the northwest corner of I-17 and Carefree Highway in north Phoenix, approximately 10 minutes north of Loop 101. Located on 1,650 acres, it is one of the largest government-operated recreational shooting complexes in the world. It averages more than 120,000 shooters per year and is home to a number of regional- and national-class competitions and other major events. Offering a wide array of target-shooting opportunities, the facility has 67 covered stations at the main range (all handicap accessible), and more than 25 additional rifle, pistol, and archery ranges for recreational and competitive shooting. The Clay Target Center offers 18-lighted trap/skeet overlay fields and two sporting clays courses.

To learn more about shooting sports and the Ben Avery Shooting Facility, visit www.azgfd.gov/basf.

About:
The Arizona Game and Fish Department prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, national origin, age, or disability in its programs and activities. If anyone believes that they have been discriminated against in any of the AGFD’s programs or activities, including employment practices, they may file a complaint with the Deputy Director, 5000 W. Carefree Highway, Phoenix, AZ 85086-5000, (602) 942-3000, or with the Fish and Wildlife Service, 4040 N. Fairfax Dr. Ste. 130, Arlington, VA 22203. Persons with a disability may request a reasonable accommodation or this document in an alternative format by contacting the Deputy Director as listed above.

Summer Evening Shooting Leagues At Ben Avery Shooting Facility

Arizona Game and Fish Department

PHOENIX, AZ — -(AmmoLand.com)- If the recent NRA convention in Phoenix got your American spirits pumping, or you just recently bought a new firearm to replace that old hand-me-down, then now is the time to join one of the summer recreational shooting leagues at the renowned Ben Avery Shooting Facility.

Beginning in June and running for eight weeks, these three leagues are designed to introduce recreational shooters to organized shooting that will expand and improve your marksmanship skills. The disciplines are bull’s-eye pistol, international-style archery and off-hand air gun. Both the pistol and archery leagues will be outdoors under stadium lighting, with the air gun league housed under the recently renovated indoor air gun range.

“All three of our leagues offer participants a safe and recreational atmosphere to improve their shooting skills,” said Marty Herrera, manager of the Ben Avery Shooting Facility. “Our leagues are run by our certified Range Safety Officers who have experience and knowledge in a variety disciplines and organized shooting.”

Bull’s-eye pistol league:
The bull’s-eye pistol league is for shooters ages 14 or older. Each night consists of four components: a slow-fire, timed-fire, rapid-fire, and a national match component. The four components collectively make up a 900-point match in which participants may shoot one or more of the components. The league meets every Tuesday night from June 9 to July 28 at the Small Bore Range. Shooting begins promptly at 6:30 p.m. Participants are encouraged to use their own firearm and ammunition (rimfire or centerfire) and either revolvers or semi-automatics are permitted. The range has a limited supply of loaner .22 caliber firearms and ammunition available on a first-come, first-served basis. The cost is $24 for each single component or $80 for all four components. Pre-registration is required, contact Christopher Dean at cdean@azgfd.govor (623) 582-8313.

International-style archery leagues:
The international-style archery league offers brackets for youth ages 8-17, men and women. FITA style targets will consist of a 3-spot or single 40 cm target face at 20 yards or an 80 cm target at 10 yards for the youth. The league meets every Wednesday night from June 10 to July 29 at the FITA Range with an awards banquet on Aug. 5. Start time is at 7 p.m. Loaner bows (introductory style) are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Individual costs are $60 for adults and $30 for youth. Family shooters receive a discount. Pre-registration is required, contact Mike Raum at mraum@azgfd.govor (623) 582-8313.

Off-hand air gun leagues:
The off-hand air gun league is for shooters looking to have fun and learn about one of the fastest growing forms of shooting sports competition. Each match includes 300-points consisting of three relays of 10 shots from 10 meters in 20 minutes. The league meets every Thursday evening from June 11 to July 30 at the Air Gun Range. Shooting starting promptly at 6:30 p.m. The range is restricted to a velocity of 600 fps (feet per second) or less. Loaner air guns and pellets are available on a limited and first-come, first-served basis. Adaptive equipment may be available for disabled shooters, but please include any equipment needed during pre-registration. The cost is $60 for adults and $30 for youth 17 and under. Pre-registration is required, contact Matt Schwartzkopf at mschwartzkopf@azgfd.govor (623) 236-7076.

The Ben Avery Shooting Facility is on the northwest corner of I-17 and Carefree Highway in north Phoenix, approximately 10 minutes north of Loop 101. Located on 1,650 acres, it is one of the largest government-operated recreational shooting complexes in the world. It averages more than 120,000 shooters per year and is home to a number of regional- and national-class competitions and other major events. Offering a wide array of target-shooting opportunities, the facility has 67 covered stations at the main range (all handicap accessible), and more than 25 additional rifle, pistol, and archery ranges for recreational and competitive shooting. The Clay Target Center offers 18-lighted trap/skeet overlay fields and two sporting clays courses.

The summer hours are Wednesday and Thursday, 7 a.m. to 1 p.m., then 5 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.; Friday, 7 a.m. to 1 p.m.; Saturday, 7 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.; Sunday, 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. The range is closed Monday and Tuesday.

To learn more about shooting sports and the Ben Avery Shooting Facility, visit www.azgfd.gov/basf.

About:
The Arizona Game and Fish Department prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, national origin, age, or disability in its programs and activities. If anyone believes that they have been discriminated against in any of the AGFD’s programs or activities, including employment practices, they may file a complaint with the Deputy Director, 5000 W. Carefree Highway, Phoenix, AZ 85086-5000, (602) 942-3000, or with the Fish and Wildlife Service, 4040 N. Fairfax Dr. Ste. 130, Arlington, VA 22203. Persons with a disability may request a reasonable accommodation or this document in an alternative format by contacting the Deputy Director as listed above.

Arizona Game and Fish Department

PHOENIX – -(ShootingWire.com)- The Arizona Game and Fish Department’s 2009 Outdoor Expo drew a record 35,000 people last weekend, breaking last year’s attendance of 26,000.

The event was held March 28-29 at the 1,650-acre Ben Avery Shooting Facility in Phoenix, a world-renowned five-star range that is listed as a Phoenix Point of Pride.

“We host the Expo each year to give the public a chance to learn about Arizona’s amazing wildlife resources and recreational opportunities,” said Assistant Director Ty Gray. “The family event gives outdoor enthusiasts and novices a hands-on chance to discover or experience activities like wildlife viewing, fishing, hunting, shooting sports, archery, camping, off-highway vehicle recreation and boating recreation.”

Expo activities were held in four different locations throughout the Ben Avery range. An expanded family area included live wildlife displays (hawks, owls, small mammals, snakes and lizards), catch-and-release fishing for kids, casting demos and fishing tips for adults, archery classes, and outdoor workshops.

Other areas provided the chance to learn about specialty shooting sports or try out firearms in a safe, controlled environment on the shooting range, view off-highway vehicle demonstrations and learn about responsible OHV riding, see boating displays and learn about boating recreation and safety, observe hunting dog demonstrations, and view exciting cowboy mounted shooting competition.

Visitors were also able to visit with about 150 exhibitors, including sportsmen’s/conservation organizations, shooting clubs, government agencies, and commercial vendors of outdoor products and services.

In addition to the weekend Expo, the department’s second annual pre-Expo “Youth Day’ was held on Friday, March 27. The event focused on wildlife and conservation education and was attended by 1,400 pre-registered public, private, charter and home school children accompanied by 400 adult chaperons.

Gold sponsors of the 2009 Outdoor Expo were PIERCE Bullet Seal Target Systems and the American Red Cross, Grand Canyon Chapter.

Next year’s Outdoor Expo will be held March 27-28, 2010, at the Ben Avery Shooting Facility. More information will be posted at www.azgfd.gov/expo as it becomes available.

Arizona Game and Fish Department

Arizona - -(AmmoLand.com)- Then bring your family to the FREE Arizona Game and Fish Department Outdoor Expo today and tomorrow, March 28-29, at the Ben Avery Shooting Facility in Phoenix.

There are lots of hands-on activities—take an archery class, catch a fish, hike a nature trail, shoot all types of firearms in a safe, controlled environment on the shooting range, see live wildlife, watch exciting rock crawler and ATV demonstrations while learning about responsible OHV riding, see horse-mounted cowboy shooting competition, learn about boating recreation and safety, attend an outdoor workshop, or visit with more than 100 outdoor groups, government agencies, and commercial vendors of outdoor products and services.

Admission and parking are free – bring a little money for food and beverages, or for the nominal ammunition fee if you want to try out firearms on the range.

Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on both Saturday and Sunday. Located on Carefree Highway, 1/2 mile west of I-17 (exit 223). Just follow the signs.

For more information, visit www.azgfd.gov/expo.

About:
The Arizona Game and Fish Department prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, national origin, age, or disability in its programs and activities. If anyone believes that they have been discriminated against in any of the AGFD’s programs or activities, including employment practices, they may file a complaint with the Director’s Office, 5000 W. Carefree Highway, Phoenix, AZ 85086-5000, (602) 942-3000, or with the Fish and Wildlife Service, 4040 N. Fairfax Dr. Ste. 130, Arlington, VA 22203. Persons with a disability may request a reasonable accommodation or this document in an alternative format by contacting the Director’s Office as listed above.

Arizona Game and Fish Department

PHOENIX – -(AmmoLand.com)- Want the opportunity to shoot the new high-powered .416 Alaskan Rifle just made for taking down a grizzly bear or other large game animal, but is engineered to be lighter and shorter than magnums?

Or maybe you are interested in the other extreme – Ruger’s rugged new generation of small lightweight pistols built on aircraft-quality aluminum frames, which can readily fit into fanny packs or purses?

Take the opportunity to shoot guns, guns and more guns from the three major firearms manufacturers participating in the Arizona Game and Fish Department’s Outdoor Expo at the Ben Avery Shooting Facility on the northern edge of Phoenix from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, March 28-29.

You can test fire different firearms from Sturm, Ruger & Co., GLOCK, and Smith & Wesson in a safe, supervised shooting range setting during the expo. But the shooting excitement doesn’t stop there.

Bring your youngsters along because they can also shoot .22s and air guns while learning more about firearm safety.

Interested in shooting black powder firearms or trying your hand at cowboy action shooting? Then come on out to the nation’s largest public shooting complex, which will be jam-packed with fun and interesting things to do. You can:

View exciting shooting competition by the cowboy mounted shooters at the brand new cowboy action arena Visit the enhanced Clay Target Center and shoot skeet and trap in a supervised environment Take an archery class or try out 3D archery on a walking course through the desert Learn everything you wanted to know about off-highway vehicle recreation and the latest laws. View quads, side-by-sides, and 4x4s, plus see rock crawler, trial bike and ATV demonstrations Visit with more than 100 exhibitors—sportsmen’s organizations, conservation groups, shooting clubs, government agencies, and commercial vendors of outdoor products and services See hunting dog demonstrations Attend informative workshops on fishing, hunting, and wildlife conservation Learn about all kinds of outdoor skills, including Stone Age camping So you don’t miss a thing, trolley transportation is available throughout this huge shooting complex, which is located on Carefree Highway, ¼-mile west of I-17. Just follow the signs.

Admission and parking are free – bring a little money for food and beverages, or for the nominal ammunition fee if you want to try out firearms on the range.

Gold sponsors for this year’s Outdoor Expo are Pierce Bullet Seal Target Systems, the Weatherby Foundation, and the American Red Cross, Grand Canyon Chapter.

For more information about the Outdoor Expo, visit www.azgfd.gov/expo.

About:
The Arizona Game and Fish Department prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, national origin, age, or disability in its programs and activities. If anyone believes that they have been discriminated against in any of the AGFD’s programs or activities, including employment practices, they may file a complaint with the Deputy Director, 5000 W. Carefree Highway, Phoenix, AZ 85086-5000, (602) 942-3000, or with the Fish and Wildlife Service, 4040 N. Fairfax Dr. Ste. 130, Arlington, VA 22203. Persons with a disability may request a reasonable accommodation or this document in an alternative format by contacting the Deputy Director as listed above.

PHOENIX - -(ShootingWire.com)- After hearing this news, Ralphie, the 8-year-old boy from the movie A Christmas Story, would be grabbing his trusty Red Rider BB gun and fixing his sights on the Ben Avery Shooting Facility’s Air Gun Range – and he won’t have to worry about shooting his eye out.

The Arizona Game and Fish Department’s Ben Avery Shooting Facility has made extensive improvements to its Air Gun Range. Now fully paved and well lighted, the 42-position indoor range offers temperature control for yearlong shooting. All shooting lanes are freshly painted and identified, as are both the yellow and red firing lines. There is a raised platform booth for the range master with a full PA system for conducting safe shoots. There are plans for stadium seating in the near future.

Air gun shooting is one of the fastest-growing shooting sports in America, and competitive shooting can lead to college scholarships or even a chance at Olympic competition. While these accomplishments may be the cream of the crop, other lessons learned from target shooting include humility, accountability, honor, integrity, commitment, teamwork, self-confidence, problem-solving skills, and many other positive personal character developments important to becoming a good citizen.

To celebrate, the Arizona Game and Fish Department is hosting a Grand Opening Fun 3-Position Cup Match for both sporter-class and precision-class shooters. The event will take place at 8 a.m on Friday, March 27, the day before the Arizona Game and Fish Department’s Outdoor Expo. Although there will be experienced 3-position shooters participating, this is a great opportunity to see what this safe and fun shooting sport is all about. And, if you don’t have an air gun to shoot, don’t worry, the range has loaner guns available. There is no cost to enter, but preregistration is recommended.

In addition, if you find you have the “shooters bug” like Ralphie, with no plans this summer, look no further. There is an evening summer league starting in June for shooters ages 8 and over with skill levels of beginner to veteran. Registration is $30 for junior shooters and $40 for adults, and loaner guns are available for newcomers. Families receive a discount and will benefit in sharing a common interest. A single adult with one or more junior shooters pays only $20 per junior shooter. Two adults with one or more junior shooters pay only $15 per junior shooter. The adult pays the regular $40 fee.

To register for either event, call the Ben Avery Shooting Facility at (623) 582-8313.

The range is restricted to air guns shooting 600 feet per second or less only. All shoots, leagues and instruction will follow the National 3-Positions Air Rifle Council rules and regulations. To learn more about 3-position air gun rules, visit www.odcmp.com/3P/Rules.pdf.

The Air Gun Range is located at the east end of the Ben Avery Shooting Facility, located on Carefree Highway, ¼ mile west of Interstate 17 in Phoenix. For more information, visit www.azgfd.gov/basf.

The Arizona Game and Fish Department’s Outdoor Expo offers an extensive amount of hands-on shooting activities, including old west style cowboy action shooting, youth .22 and air gun shooting, to black powder muzzle loaders, and the opportunity to try out the latest in firearms from well known manufacturers like Smith and Wesson, GLOCK, Ruger and more. Open March 28-29 from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. at the Ben Avery Shooting Facility, the free event caters to families of all ages interested in the outdoors. For more information, visit www.azgfd.gov/expo.

About:
The Arizona Game and Fish Department prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, national origin, age, or disability in its programs and activities. If anyone believes that they have been discriminated against in any of the AGFD’s programs or activities, including employment practices, they may file a complaint with the Deputy Director, 5000 W. Carefree Highway, Phoenix, AZ 85086-5000, (602) 942-3000, or with the Fish and Wildlife Service, 4040 N. Fairfax Dr. Ste. 130, Arlington, VA 22203. Persons with a disability may request a reasonable accommodation or this document in an alternative format by contacting the Deputy Director as listed above.

PHOENIX, AZ – -(AmmoLand.com)- IDo you love the smell of gun powder in the morning or the sound of arrows whizzing through the air?

Is your trigger finger itching to catch some shooting excitement? Or maybe you have fantasized about being the fastest gun in the West.

Then load up your shooting frame of mind for the Arizona Game and Fish Department’s Outdoor Expo 2009 on March 28-29 at the Ben Avery Shooting Facility located just west of Interstate 17 on Carefree Highway. IT’S FREE. There’ll be shooting galore and a whole lot more for the whole family.

Besides being able to shoot the latest and greatest firearms from companies like Sturm Ruger, Glock, Smith & Wesson, you can even get tips from top-caliber shooting experts, such as Evil Roy (Gene Pearcey).

During this two-day event, Evil Roy (www.evilroyshootingschool.com ) will once again be a popular draw at the cowboy action shooting range where he will provide tips or tricks to quickly yet accurately shoot six guns, lever-action rifles and shotguns. Roy ought to know, he has a room full of cowboy action shooting trophies and a few decades of competitive experience.

This crowd-pleasing event offers lots of exciting, hands-on outdoor recreational activities and booths:

Visit with more than 100 exhibitors—sportsmen’s organizations, conservation groups, shooting clubs, government agencies, and commercial vendors of outdoor products and services.

• Test your skill at archery.
• Take your kids to the huge catch-and-release fishing tank.
• See live wildlife demonstrations (hawks, owls, snakes, more)
• Hike a nature trail/field course.
• Try target shooting with different firearms on the range.
• Watch custom off-road vehicles called “rock crawlers” nimbly walk over huge boulders and other obstacles.
• View exciting shooting demonstrations by the cowboy mounted shooters, cowboy action shooters and more.
• Attend informative workshops on fishing, hunting, and wildlife conservation.
• See off-highway vehicle and boating exhibits
• Learn about outdoor skills, firearm safety and more.

Last year’s Outdoor Expo drew 26,000 attendees. One segment being expanded this year is the Family Fun area. This area was a big hit last year and Game and Fish is adding some new attractions, such as a fishing demonstration tank with local experts sharing their secrets on fishing techniques and places to fish.

So you don’t miss a thing, there is trolley transportation available throughout the 1,650-acre shooting facility.

To get to the Expo, take I-17 to Carefree Highway (Exit 223). Go west ½-mile on Carefree Highway and follow the signs. Admission and parking are free – bring a little money for food and beverages, or for the nominal ammunition fee if you want to try out firearms on the range.

Gold sponsors for this year’s Outdoor Expo are Pierce Bullet Seal Target Systems and the American Red Cross, Grand Canyon Chapter.

There’s still time for “outdoor-related” vendors and sponsors to participate. Vendor/sponsor registration forms can be downloaded from the links above right, or by calling Stormi Johnson at (623) 236-7222.

This is a great event to experience or learn more about the amazing outdoor recreational opportunities in Arizona. Activities such as camping, fishing, hunting, wildlife viewing, shooting sports, off-highway vehicle recreation and boating recreation are great ways to spend quality time with family and friends.

About:
The Arizona Game and Fish Department prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, national origin, age, or disability in its programs and activities. If anyone believes that they have been discriminated against in any of the AGFD’s programs or activities, including employment practices, they may file a complaint with the Deputy Director, 5000 W. Carefree Highway, Phoenix, AZ 85086-5000, (602) 942-3000, or with the Fish and Wildlife Service, 4040 N. Fairfax Dr. Ste. 130, Arlington, VA 22203. Persons with a disability may request a reasonable accommodation or this document in an alternative format by contacting the Deputy Director as listed above.

Arizona – Finding a safe and challenging place to shoot your bow and arrow is getting tougher each year. To help archers keep their skills sharp, the Ben Avery Shooting Facility is offering an eight-week-long winter archery league starting Jan. 7, 2009.

Every Wednesday night under stadium lights on the FITA Range, shooters can safely shoot 3-spot or single targets at 20 yards. Archery classifications for men and women include compound unlimited, compound bow hunter and recurve/longbow. A junior class is also available for shooters ages 8-17 to encourage family participation.

Leagues run from Jan. 7 – Feb. 25, 2009. There will be a cookout and an awards banquet on March 11. The cost is $60 per adult and $30 for junior shooters. Registration fees are reduced for families. If one parent participates, each junior is only $20, and if both parents participate, each junior is only $10. Some introductory loaner bows (compound and recurve) are available.

Preregistration is required. To register or for more information, contact Mike Raum at (623) 582-8313 or mraum@azgfd.gov.

About:

The Arizona Game and Fish Department prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, national origin, age, or disability in its programs and activities. If anyone believes that they have been discriminated against in any of the AGFD’s programs or activities, including employment practices, they may file a complaint with the Director’s Office, 5000 W. Carefree Highway, Phoenix, AZ 85086-5000, (602) 942-3000, or with the Fish and Wildlife Service, 4040 N. Fairfax Dr. Ste. 130, Arlington, VA 22203. Persons with a disability may request a reasonable accommodation or this document in an alternative format by contacting the Director’s Office as listed above.

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