Grass Roots North Carolina for Firearms Education

North Carolina --(Ammoland.com)- Greensboro Show:GRNC needs volunteers to host the tables at the next gun show in Greensboro.

It will be held this weekend Jan. 28th & 29th and YOUR help is needed. We need all the available volunteer workers we can find.

If you could spare a morning or afternoon on one of those days it would be greatly appreciated. If you have an articulate friend whom you would like to introduce to gun rights activism please invite her or him to work with us at the show. It is not necessary for that person to be a current member.

Volunteers please email Jed Norris at jednorris@bellsouth.net or call at 336-674-5347 with your preferred day and time(s) to be scheduled to work. Please respond directly to Jed Norris by clicking on the link rather than replying to this alert. This will assure that your note will not be delayed or lost in the shuffle.

Paul Valone Briefs Progress Saturday
Come on out and volunteer or at least drop by on Saturday morning from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm. GRNC President Paul Valone will be at the GRNC table briefing members of the progress of the efforts to achieve restaurant carry.

About:
Grass Roots North Carolina/Forum for Firearms Education is a non-profit, all volunteer organization devoted to educating the public about trends which abridge the freedoms guaranteed by the Bill of Rights, and engaging in grass roots activism to preserve those freedoms. Formed in 1994 to conduct a highly successful rally for the Second Amendment, GRNC has gone on to conduct projects like “Remember in November: A Gun Owner’s Guide to Voting,” bringing concealed carry to North Carolina. Visit:www.grnc.org

National Shooting Sports Foundation

LAS VEGAS --(Ammoland.com)- Energized by unprecedented gun sales nationwide, firearms industry professionals turned out in record numbers to the Shooting, Hunting and Outdoor Trade Show (SHOT Show), and many made a point of saying “the best is yet to come.”

“It’s a wonderful time to be in our industry,” said Sandy Chisholm of North American Arms, a handgun manufacturer. “We’ve seen tremendous enthusiasm on the part of sellers and buyers, and we see the prospect of a very good year ahead.” Many agreed with that assessment of the market and of the SHOT Show.

The largest trade show of its kind in the world and the fifth largest trade show in Las Vegas, a city of trade shows, the SHOT Show set an overall attendance record of more than 61,000, including new highs for buyers at 36,383 and media at 2,466. Though show organizers deliberately reduced the size of the show to better accommodate attendees at the Sands Expo and Convention Center, still some 1,600 exhibitors filled booth space covering 630,000 net square feet. The show attracted industry professionals from all 50 states and 100 countries.

The SHOT Show is owned by the National Shooting Sports Foundation, the trade association for the firearms, ammunition, hunting and shooting sports industry. Revenues from the show support NSSF’s many programs that carry out its mission of promoting, protecting and preserving hunting and the shooting sports. “The SHOT Show allows NSSF to do many good things for industry, shooting and hunting,” said NSSF President and Steve Sanetti. Added Chris Dolnack, NSSF senior vice president and chief marketing officer, “We have worked hard to make sure SHOT is a great selling and buying experience, and it has resulted in our best show ever.”

Thanks to Americans’ passion for firearms, the $4 billion firearms and ammunition industry has been a bright spot in the down economy. The industry supports many small businesses and helps preserve the 180,000 jobs associated with the shooting sports. In 2011, company executives saw records set for background checks, a reliable indicator of sales, including the most ever in a single month (December) and single day (Black Friday). Many in the industry believe, however, that Americans’ interest in owning firearms will continue to grow in 2012, fueling their unabashed optimism about the year ahead. Many also said they would not be surprised to see supporters of the Second Amendment react as they did before the last presidential election when their fears over candidates who were unfriendly toward firearms ignited a sales surge.

From the opening bell, buyers filled the aisles to review products, many of them new offerings that will make their way to retail stores during the year. “Traffic is like we’ve never seen it before,” said Mark Malkowski, president of Stag Arms, maker of modern sporting rifles (AR-style rifles), a big seller over the past several years. “Retailers we’ve talked to are expecting a record year.”

One firearms retailer, Todd Vance of Vance Outdoors in Columbus, Ohio, agreed. “We had our best-ever year in 2011, and we’ve started off this year great and expect to be up.” In his store, Vance said buyers are interested in concealable handguns, home-defense firearms, ammunition and tactical rifles, particularly new .22 caliber models.

Another handgun manufacturer, Sig Sauer, reported having its best first day at SHOT since the company began keeping sales records. “The market is stimulated,” said Bud Fini, vice president of marketing, who added that the company’s shooting academy is seeing many new gun owners. “First-time buyers, that’s where the expansion is coming from,” Fini said.

Accessories, from holsters to rifle slings to optics, are an important part of the SHOT Show. “We are selling sights like you can’t believe,” said Aimpoint’s Roger Bell of the company’s pro staff. “We signed up a lot of new dealers, and that says to me the market is expanding.”

In the Mossberg booth, Tom Taylor, vice president of marketing, said, “This is about as much excitement as I’ve seen at a SHOT Show. People are buying optimistically, and we’re going to build optimistically.”

For first-time exhibitors, the SHOT Show can provide a big lift. “When you are a start-up company without a big marketing budget, the SHOT Show helps put you in front of the right audience,” said Jeane Stewart of U.S. RAC, maker of firearm safety products for law enforcement. Stewart said her company great valued the show’s New Products Center.

Any SHOT attendee will tell you the show is more than about selling and buying; it’s a powerful display of industry unity and its resolve to meet any challenge affecting the right to make, sell and own firearms. At the NSSF State of the Industry Dinner, NSSF President Steve Sanetti said, “I have never seen us so unified and united in our purpose.” As evidence, he pointed to NSSF’s fast-growing membership, which now tops 7,000, an all-time high.

More than 2,000 NSSF supporters filled the sold-out hall for the State of the Industry Dinner, which was sponsored by Outdoor Channel and included a review of NSSF’s accomplishment from the past year and entertainment from hugely popular comedian Larry the Cable Guy.

Opportunities abound at the SHOT Show, and some who attend are selling more than products. At South Dakota’s booth, representatives had a goal of convincing manufacturers they should be making products in the state. “Last year South Dakota connected with more than 50 companies. Within four months, two of those companies expanded their operations to South Dakota,” said economic development commissioner J. Pat Costello.

Many awards are presented at the show. NSSF presented Larry Potterfield of Midway USA with its Ken Sedlecky Achievement Award for his generous and longstanding contributions to programs that promote youth target shooting. The Professional Outdoor Media Association and NSSF honored veteran communicator and best-selling author S.P. Fjestad with the prestigious POMA/NSSF Grits Gresham Shooting Sports Communicator Award. Fjestad publishes “The Blue Book of Gun Values,” a widely consulted database.

The show continues to benefit from the broadbased press contingent that lavishes attention on newly released products. The media, of course, are usually the first to spot celebrities, who this year included American Idol judge and rock star Steven Tyler, and NFL Hall of Famer Lynn Swann. A big success was SHOT Show Media Day at the Range on the day prior to the show, where credentialed press reviewed and tested products. More than 1,100 press and 100 exhibitors attended Media Day–more than ever before.

NSSF ramped up its use of social media to keep its members and consumers informed about the show, making frequent posts to the SHOT Show Blog and providing Twitter updates that showgoers followed on “Twitterfall” screens placed throughout the venue. An expanded NSSF press room sponsored by Budweiser accommodated the record number of press with free Wi-Fi, a large working press area and other amenities.

In conjunction with the SHOT Show, NSSF sponsored the PGA Charities’ Birdies for the Brave golf tournament that raised funds for injured armed service veterans.

The SHOT Show will return to the Sands Expo & Convention Center next year January 15-18.

About NSSF
The National Shooting Sports Foundation is the trade association for the firearms industry. Its mission is to promote, protect and preserve hunting and the shooting sports. Formed in 1961, NSSF has a membership of more than 7,000 manufacturers, distributors, firearms retailers, shooting ranges, sportsmen’s organizations and publishers. For more information, log on to www.nssf.org.

National Shooting Sports Foundation

NEWTOWN, Conn --(Ammoland.com)- Five industry sponsors have signed on to support the popular SHOT Show University educational seminars for federally licensed firearms retailers at the 2012 Shooting, Hunting and Outdoor Trade Show (SHOT Show).

Supporting the sold-out program are North American Hunter, Mil-Comm Products Co. Inc., National Association of Sporting Goods Wholesalers (NASGW), Winchester Ammunition and American Gunsmithing Institute (AGI).

“We are extremely grateful for the support provided by these companies and organizations that will help make SHOT Show University a valuable educational experience for so many firearms industry professionals,” said Randy Clark, NSSF’s managing director of business development.

The SHOT Show is owned by the National Shooting Sports Foundation, the trade association for the firearms, ammunition, hunting and shooting sports industry, and is produced and managed by Reed Exhibitions. The show is the largest of its kind in the world, attracting nearly 60,000 attendees and more than 1,600 companies exhibiting firearms, ammunition, outdoor apparel, law enforcement, optics, cutlery and related products and services.

Educational opportunities for firearms retailers such as SHOT Show University have long been a part of SHOT Show. Recently, seminars have been added for the law enforcement community as well.

The five sponsors are

• North American Hunter: A multi-species hunting magazine, North American Hunter is written for the passionate and engaged hunting enthusiast and outdoorsman. The magazine provides the latest tactics, tips, hunting techniques, conservation updates and new products. Its digital and social properties include www.HuntingClub.com, InsideTrack E-newsletter, and Facebook.com/HuntingClub; North American Hunter TV on the NBC Sports Network; and the North American Hunting Club.
• MIL-COMM Products, Co, Inc. manufactures the TW25B line of military-grade, extreme performance gun-care products, including the newly launched NRA Licensed Gun Care System line of lubricant/protectants and cleaners (www.nraguncare.com). MIL-COMM recently introduced its new, non-solvent MC50 bore cleaner and will debut a unique new aerosol cleaner-lubricant product, REVOLVER BLAST, for revolvers and tightly fitted gun parts at this year’s SHOT Show.
• NASGW: This national organization comprises wholesalers, manufacturers and independent sales reps, all of whom are primarily involved with hunting and shooting sports equipment and accessories. The group organizes and sponsors the NASGW Annual Meeting/Expo Event, which provides educational, marketing and communications opportunities for sellers and buyers of hunting and shooting sports-related equipment.
• Winchester Ammunition: The company’s rich heritage dates back to 1866 and includes the taming of the American West, the Allied Forces’ victory in World War II and helping sportsmen and women create many fond memories made in the great outdoors. Known as “The American Legend,” Winchester takes pride in the production of sporting, law enforcement, military and personal defense ammunition. Winchester continues to raise the bar with new products like Blind Side waterfowl, PDX1 Defender personal defense ammunition and Razorback XT, a tough bullet for tough boars.
• AGI: The institute provides training to gun owners and professional gunsmiths and offers various certifications via its video courses, which can be reviewed online at www.americangunsmithing.com. AGI employs the latest video technology and cutaway firearms to give a clear understanding of exactly how firearms function. AGI provides information available on the design, function, maintenance and repair of particular models of firearms. Owning an AGI course is like having the country’s best gunsmithing instructors available when you need them.

In recognition of their support, the sponsors’ logos will be prominently displayed at the SHOT Show University seminars.

SHOT Show University will take place on Monday, January 16, the day before SHOT Show begins. The SHOT Show will run January 17-20 at the Sands Expo Convention Center in Las Vegas. Learn more about SHOT Show University and SHOT Show.

About NSSF
The National Shooting Sports Foundation is the trade association for the firearms industry. Its mission is to promote, protect and preserve hunting and the shooting sports. Formed in 1961, NSSF has a membership of more than 6,800 manufacturers, distributors, firearms retailers, shooting ranges, sportsmen’s organizations and publishers. For more information, log on to www.nssf.org.

New York State

ALBANY, New York --(Ammoland.com)- “Operation Background Bust” Shows Blatant Disregard for Gun Show Laws Requiring Background Checks

Vendors Sold Guns to Customers Who Disclosed They Had Orders of Protections Against Them – Fully Knowing They Couldn’t Pass a Background Check

AG Calls On Lawmakers to Address ‘Accountability-Gap’ in Gun Show Law

Schneiderman: Illegal Sales at Gun Shows Endanger the Public by Giving Felons, Terrorists and the Dangerously Mentally Ill an Open and Anonymous Marketplace to Buy Guns Without a Background Check

Attorney General Eric T. Schneiderman today announced that his office has filed criminal charges against 10 gun sellers from across New York State who violated the state’s background check requirement for the sale of firearms at gun shows. This investigation exposed both a flagrant and dangerous disregard of the law that jeopardizes the public’s safety and the need to immediately strengthen the state’s existing gun show laws to better protect all New Yorkers.

As a result of the investigation Schneiderman’s office is also sending out cease and desist letters to gun show operators based upon the violations found to date. The letters direct them to comply with the law and to cease practices that permit gun sales without background checks. Additionally, later today the Attorney General will issue subpoenas to several gun show operators seeking documentation and testimony related to the respective gun show events. The Attorney General’s investigation is ongoing.

“The illegal sale of guns at gun shows endangers the public by giving felons, terrorists and the dangerously mentally ill an open and anonymous marketplace to buy guns without a background check. Our investigators found a blatant disregard for the law where sellers made the conscious decision to sell deadly weapons to individuals who admitted they would not pass a background check,” said Attorney General Schneiderman. “Operation Background Bust not only exposed major flaws in the gun show laws but also proved how ‘off the books’ operations jeopardize public safety by making it easy for guns to fall into the wrong hands. In addition to filing criminal charges against the sellers, and demanding that the gun show operators cease and desist from engaging in illegal practices, my office plans to work with the Legislature to hold gun show operators liable when guns are sold at their gun shows without the required background check. “

The Attorney General’s eight-month investigation into the practices of vendors at gun shows throughout the State revealed that on many occasions, weapons sellers at gun shows failed to ensure that a National Instant Criminal Background (NICS) check was conducted on the prospective gun buyer, as required by state law. These illegal sales, classified as misdemeanors, took place even after undercover investigators told the gun sellers that they had orders of protection against them and could not pass a background check.

The investigation further exposed a gap in current law which holds only the individual gun seller, not the gun show operator, legally accountable for failing to ensure that a background check on the prospective gun purchaser has been conducted. As the investigation clearly revealed, this “honor system” for conducting background checks at gun shows is not working and must be supplemented with a system that also holds the gun show operator liable when a gun sale takes place without the required NICS background check.

Beginning in March of this year, undercover officers from the Attorney General’s office purchased weapons from sellers at gun shows in Erie, Genesee, Saratoga, Schoharie, Suffolk and Washington counties. The 10 defendants charged today chose to sell a firearm to the undercover officer with brazen disregard for the required NICS background check. Typically, the undercover investigator told the seller that he had an order of protection against him and would not be able to pass a background check.

NICS background checks are required for all gun purchases at gun shows throughout the State, as provided by General Business Law §897. A person who fails a NICS background check is ineligible to purchase or possess a gun under federal law.

Persons prohibited under federal law from purchasing or possessing a gun include those who:

* Have been convicted of a felony * Have been adjudicated a “mental defective” or committed to a mental institution * Are unlawful users of or addicted to a controlled substance * Being an alien, are illegally or unlawfully in the U.S. * Are subject to a court order that restrains the person from harassing, stalking, or threatening an intimate partner or child of such intimate partner * Have been convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence; or * Have been dishonorably discharged from the U.S. Armed Forces

The NICS background check requirement was put in place in New York to prevent these types of individuals from obtaining a gun at a gun show, where typically hundreds of guns are bought and sold. Failure to perform such a background check is a Class A misdemeanor.

To facilitate the conducting of NICS background checks, gun show operators in New York are required to post signs giving notice of the background check requirement, as well as have a terminal inside the show where, by either phone or computer, a prospective purchaser’s name and information can be cross-checked against the national NICS database which contains individuals who would be disqualified from purchasing a firearm for the reasons above.

The Attorney General’s investigation found lax compliance with the notice requirements by gun show operators. On some occasions, sellers agreed to sell the weapon to the undercover officer and then left the premises of the gun show in an attempt to evade the background check requirement by selling the firearm in a location other than the gun show itself. However, this conduct is also illegal under General Business Law §897.

New York’s background check requirement for all gun show sales was enacted in 2000 in an effort to prevent potentially dangerous individuals, including felons and the seriously mentally ill, from having easy access to firearms in the State. By ignoring the background check requirement, the sellers charged today are accused of putting a firearm in the hands of a buyer who, in violation of law, has not been determined to be legally eligible to possess that weapon.

The 10 charged defendants are: David Cox – Stillwater, Saratoga County Michael Ferrara – Saratoga Springs, Saratoga County Daniel Heinsler – Waterport, Orleans County Dan Kowalczewski – Cheektowaga, Erie County Alexander Lasurdo – Wading River, Suffolk County John Malinowski – Waterford, Saratoga County Sam Savino- North Bellmore, Nassau County William Smith – Corfu, Genesee County Christopher Sterling – Alden, Erie County Peter Tric – Kingston, Ulster County

The Gun Shows examined as a part of this investigation include: May 14 – Hamburg (Erie County) May 20 – Greenwich (Washington County) June 19 – Alexander (Genesee County) July 16 – Cobleskill (Schoharie County) August 27 – Saratoga Springs (Saratoga County) September 24 – Hauppauge (Suffolk County)

The gun types included: 3 AR-15 (Assault Rifles) 1 semi-automatic rifle called a “Mauser” (from Czech Republic) 1 Savage 7mm Rifle 1 Remington Model 710 1 Colt 7.72 x39 1 Enfield Military rifle 1 Browning .22 cal, model 235 1 Ithaca .22 gauge 1 Remington 25.06

Each defendant is charged with a Class A Misdemeanor, Failure to Conduct a Background Check at a Gun Show.

The Attorney General’s office also intends to work with lawmakers to impose gun sale monitoring obligations on operators to help ensure that the current NICS-check requirement at gun shows is not being flouted, and impose enhanced liability on operators who fail to comply with those stricter monitoring requirements.

“New York leads the nation with a tough law that requires background checks for all sales at gun shows,” said New York City Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg. “But the Attorney General’s important investigation shows that tough laws need tough enforcement. I applaud Attorney General Schneiderman for sending the message that sellers at gun shows need to obey the law and do their part to keep communities safe.”

“When gun show vendors purposely subvert the law and illegally sell a firearm, they endanger all of us,” Westchester District Attorney Janet DiFiore, President of the District Attorneys Association of the State of New York. “I fully support Attorney General Schneiderman’s crackdown on this illegal conduct.”

“While enforcement actions like this are essential, Attorney General Schneiderman is right that more needs to be done to ensure that gun show sellers comply with the background check law and that our laws are improved to make our state even safer,” State Senator Jose Peralta said. “I look forward to working with the Attorney General to address this critical public safety issue.”

“Gun shows are a notorious source of illegal guns, and anything we can do to reduce trafficking is integral to public safety,” Richard Aborn, President of Citizens Crime Commission of NYC. “Attorney General Schneiderman is a longtime champion of sensible gun laws, and played a critical role in passing the background check law that these sellers were violating. So it’s no surprise that he is vigorously enforcing the law, and supporting efforts to strengthen it. This is exactly the kind of leadership we need to protect the people of New York from senseless gun violence.”

“We commend Attorney General Schneiderman, not only for cracking down on violators of the gun show background check law, but for his forceful advocacy to strengthen the law,” Jackie Hilly, Executive Director of New Yorkers Against Gun Violence, said. “The legislature should listen to our state’s top law enforcement officer by closing the terror gap and holding gun show operators accountable for widespread violations of the law that put our communities in danger.”

“Thank you, Attorney General Schneiderman, for reining in irresponsible gun sellers who are putting our communities at risk just to make a profit,” Reverend Dr. Calvin O. Butts, III, The Abyssinian Baptist Church, said. “Too many young lives are lost every year because deadly weapons get in to the wrong hands.

“Background checks are intended to prevent seriously dangerous individuals from purchasing guns: felons, individuals under orders of protection for domestic violence, people who have been adjudicated to be too mentally unstable to own a gun,” New York Urban League President Arva Rice said. “That these sellers would deliberately bypass the background check is as appalling as it is dangerous. Attorney General Schneiderman is making our communities safer by holding irresponsible gun sellers accountable.”

The charges are merely accusations and the defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in the court of law.

This case is being handled and prosecuted by Assistant Attorney General Thomas Schellhammer and Assistant Attorney General In-Charge of the Rochester Regional Office Debra Martin under the Supervision of Executive Deputy Attorney General for Criminal Prosecution, Nancy Hoppock and Executive Deputy Attorney General for Regional Affairs, Martin J. Mack.

Eastern Sports & Outdoor Show Announces 2012 Show Dates

Eastern Sports & Outdoor Show

HARRISBURG, PA --(Ammoland.com)- The Eastern Sports & Outdoor Show will present its 57th edition of the largest show of its kind February 4-12, 2012 at the State Farm Show Complex, Harrisburg, PA.

This year’s show will feature the latest and greatest in hunting and fishing equipment and techniques presented by more than 1,200 exhibitors including: more gun manufacturers than ever, a fully loaded fishing and boat hall, two full archery halls, and hundreds of guides and outfitters from across the USA and around the world.

A wide range of celebrity guests and seminar speakers will meet fans and provide expert advice and instruction throughout the show including: Ralph & Vicki Cianciarulo, Lee & Tiffany Lakosky, Hank Parker, Fred Eichler, Jimmy Houston and many more.

Family entertainment will include Raptors Up Close, Chris Bracket Archery Trick Shooting, Kids Trout Pond, and a NEW Kids Day on Saturday, February 11, featuring an entire day of fun activities for kids.

Online ticket sales for the Show are open and discount tickets can be purchased at: EasternSportShow.com/tix

The Eastern Sports & Outdoor Show presented by Outdoor Channel and Comcast. Now in its 57th year, has grown to be the largest outdoor hunting and fishing event of its kind in North America. With more than 1,200 exhibitors, The Eastern Sports & Outdoor Show brings the passion for the outdoors–indoors–by bringing outdoor sports enthusiasts of all ages from across the country to view the latest and best in hunting and fishing gear, shop for ATV’s and RV’s and plan & book hunting and fishing trips with outfitters & charters from around the world. The Eastern Sports and Outdoor Show also offers a wide range of seminars presented by experts along with hunting- and fishing-related contests and family-oriented entertainment. The Eastern Sports & Outdoor Show is sponsored in part by Cabela’s, Thompson/Center Arms, and Progressive Insurance.

Virginia Citizens Defense League

Covington VA --(Ammoland.com)- This might be of interest to the entire VCDL group who have children.

My 12 year old son and I attended the gun show yesterday at the Showplace in Mechanicsville.

One firearm’s dealer asked me to pick up and hand guns to my son first, before allowing him to handle guns at the show, since the ATF would be all over him in his words if the parent didn’t hand the child the gun.

I will comment that my children are always under my direct supervision when handling firearms no matter where we are.

I politely asked the firearm’s dealer to show me the written legislation in the 2nd amendment that prevents persons under the age of 18 from handling a firearm at a gunshow.

Then he switched his statement claiming that it’s Virginia law for children under age 16. I asked to see the Virginia law in writing since I’ve never heard of it. He was polite and stated that he saw it my way but he needed to comply with the ATF and VA laws. Additionally, the gun show did not have a sign at the entrance stating that children under age 16 are prohibited from handling firearms without a parent picking up the subject gun first and handing it the child.

It seems like everywhere I go, people are running their mouths and quoting laws, codes and/or ordinances to me that directly interfere with the constitution and my constitutional rights, but are unable to show me where they’re written or who authorized them. I can’t even get Eric Cantor, my elected official in the 7th District, to provide me with the written legislation that authorized the Census Bureau in 2010 to request more than the three questions that the constitution clearly dictates when conducting the 10 year census.

I would appreciate your providing clarification for me and VCDL members who have children in the updates.

Are there federal or state laws that prohibit children under the age of 16 from picking up or handling firearms at a gun show, with or without direct parent supervision?

Incidently, my son had quite a wish list by the time we left, but I doubt that would have been the case if he hadn’t handled the merchandise first!

As always, thank you for all of your hard work in running the VCDL and helping the membership with our questions and concerns.

Jim Dinger

Federal law is one problem: 18 USC 922 (x) prohibits a person under 18 years of age to possess a handgun without the prior written permission of the parent or guardian. With the parent handing the gun to the child and not the dealer, that changes the situation. Although, technically, the parent should have a written note giving themselves permission to hand the gun to the child. Hey, gun laws are mostly stupid and this is another one.

State law requires the child must be in the presence of an adult while the child is in possession of a handgun. This one is kind of sticky, too, as gun shows are not specifically listed in the exemption – just shooting ranges and firearms education class. Code section is 18.2-308.7.

Thanks to Mike Stollenwerk for his guidance on the federal code section.

About:
Virginia Citizens Defense League, Inc. (VCDL). VCDL is an all-volunteer, non-partisan grassroots organization dedicated to defending the human rights of all Virginians. The Right to Keep and Bear Arms is a fundamental human right. Visit: www.vcdl.org

EPIC Outdoor Game Fair

Tucson, Arizona --(Ammoland.com)-  While fun in the great outdoors will be a centerpiece of the EPIC Outdoor Game Fair, the event will shine a spotlight on the conservation and education leadership of hosts Safari Club International Foundation (SCIF) and Quail Unlimited (QU) and their conservation partners.

The event will feature displays of conservation organizations including the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, Ducks Unlimited, Scholastic Shooting Sports Foundation, as well as SCIF’s Sensory Safari, and the Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ two-hour Hunter Education review course.

In addition there will be numerous seminars, shooting demonstrations and appearances by authorities from across the outdoor industry. The EPIC Outdoor Game Fair will run September 23-25, 2011 at Foxhall Resort and Sporting Club in Douglasville, Georgia.

“With so many great hands-on activities at the EPIC Outdoor Game Fair, participants will have so much fun they won’t even realize they’re learning,” said Joe Hosmer, President of SCIF. “Without sharing a conservation ethic and educating people about fish, wildlife and the natural world, we can’t expect to foster a love for the outdoors or our sporting traditions. That’s the real goal of this event.”

Conservation and education are a key part of the EPIC Outdoor Game Fair because proceeds from the event support Safari Club International Foundation’s (SCIF) efforts to promote science–based conservation through wildlife research, capacity building in governments, youth and teacher education, and humanitarian programs that show the importance of hunting in society. Since 2000, SCIF has provided $47 million to these efforts and recent expenditures have exceeded $5 million annually. SCIF works very closely with many other conservation organizations and many of these partners will also be hosting displays in The Conservation Pavilion at Game Fair.

Educational seminars will go on throughout the weekend in every one of the activity villages. The Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will be offering a two-hour Hunter Education course on Sunday, September 25 from 12:30 to 2:30 pm. This 2-hour review course is for hunter education students that have successfully completed either the CD-ROM course or any of the three online courses. Scott Linden will present his popular Bird Hunting Boot Camp, Bill Oyster will be teaching participants how to construct their own custom bamboo fly rod, C.J. Buck of Buck Knives will provide information about knives and their care, and G.O. and Haley Heath of Family Traditions will offer insights on our outdoor traditions. In addition, the Georgia DNR will offer seminars on backyard birding and the snakes of Georgia. EarthQuest’s Birds of Prey village will have regular seminars on falconry and raptors. The Equestrian Village will be constantly busy with demonstrations of various riding disciplines and clinics by top instructors including renowned hunter and equitation trainer, Anna Mullin, and competitors such as Jessie Kuka, world record holder in cowboy mounted shooting.

At the shooting village, there will be instruction by National Sporting Clays Association instructors as well as demonstrations from some of the best shooters in the country. Mossberg’s Red White & Proud Tour featuring Xtreme Sport Shooter Patrick Flanigan will provide fast-paced shooting excitement. Also shooting each day will be Benelli’s Scott Matthews, an amazing freestyle shooter known as “The Sure Shot.”

There will be so much to do and see at the EPIC Outdoor Game Fair that the entire family will be kept busy and learning all weekend long. Time is running out to buy your discounted tickets that are only available online. Go to the EPIC Outdoor Game Fair website (www.epicgamefair.org) to buy them today. As a thank you to our troops serving our nation, active military personnel will receive the same online discount onsite when they present their identification.

Get regular updates on the event blog, EPICGameFairBlog.org, Facebook, Facebook.com/EPICOutdoorGameFair and Twitter, Twitter.com/EPICGameFair.

Safari Club International Foundation (SCIF) is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization that funds and manages worldwide programs dedicated to wildlife conservation, outdoor education, and humanitarian services. Since 2000, SCIF has provided $47 million to these causes around the world. Visit www.safariclubfoundation.org for more information.

Quail Unlimited is the oldest national, nonprofit conservation organization dedicated to the management of America’s wild quail. Known as “America’s Leader In Quail Conservation SM,” QU’s overall vision is to restore America’s quail populations for future generations. The organization’s core values include the wise stewardship of our land and its resources, and the continuation of our proud heritage of conservation, therefore, leaving a legacy and firm foundation for our youth and families to build upon.

Virginia Citizens Defense League Gun Shows And Events

Virginia Citizens Defense League

Covington VA --(Ammoland.com)- The Virginia Citizens Defense League thanks the following member-activists who generously gave of their time to advance and help defend the rights of their fellow gun owners by working our recruiting and information booths at gun shows and events around the state.

Roanoke, August 20-21 Sherrill Smith, Philip Honaker, Edward French, Bill Noell, Ken Modica, Don Beheler, and Al Steed Jr.

As an all volunteer organization, VCDL depends on YOU to volunteer your time at our area events, where we recruit new activists and keep gun owners informed. No experience necessary; if it’s your first time we’ll pair you with a veteran volunteer. To find out more about helping at our gun show tables, go to:

http://www2.vcdl.org/cgi-bin/wspd_cgi.sh/vcdl/gs.html

and click on any of the blue links, or contact the coordinator for the show/event listed below with which you are interested in helping. Here are the upcoming events with which we need YOUR help:

a. HILLSVILLE http://www.vfw1115fleamarketgunshow.com, September 2-5

• Friday, September 2 8:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. 1:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
• Saturday, September 3 8:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. 1:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
• Sunday, September 4 8:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. 1:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
• Monday, September 5 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. 12:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

VCDL is going to have a table at the massive Labor Day gun show and flea market in Hillsville. We need lots of volunteers for this giant event!

Please contact Al Steed, Jr. at SWVAgunshows@vcdl.org to help
in Hillsville.

b. SALEM http://www.cegunshows.com, September 10-11

• Saturday, September 10 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
• Sunday, September 11 10:00 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. 1:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Please contact Al Steed, Jr. at SWVAgunshows@vcdl.org to help in Salem.

c. FREDERICKSBURG http://www.guns-knives.com, September 17-18

• Saturday, September 17 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
• Sunday, September 18 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Please contact Robert Herron at Fredericksburggunshows@vcdl.org to help in Fredericksburg.

d. CHARLOTTESVILLE, RRPC annual fun day http://rrpc.org, September 24

• Saturday, September 24 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Rivanna Rifle and Pistol Club in Charlottesville is having its annual Fun Day on Sept. 24. This event is open to club members, their families and guests. VCDL has been invited to set up a table and educate folks on what we do.

We need some volunteers to help man the booth. Please help out if you can. Contact Pat Webb at pat.webb@vcdl.org to help.

e. FISHERSVILLE http://www.showmasters.us, September 24-25

• Saturday, September 24 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
• Sunday, September 25 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Please contact Bob Schmidt at Shenandoahgunshows@vcdl.org to help in Fishersville.

f. HAMPTON http://www.guns-knives.com, September 24-25

• Saturday, September 24 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
• Sunday, September 25 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Please contact Ron Lilly at HamptonRoadsgunshows@vcdl.org to help in Hampton.

g. WASHINGTON COUNTY, October 1-2

• Saturday, October 1 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
• Sunday, October 2 9:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. 12:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

VCDL will again have a table at the gun show held at the Washington County Fairgrounds, 17046 Fairground Dr, Abingdon VA 24212, near Exit 14, I-81.

Helpers are needed for this event, so plan on coming out to support VCDL! Please contact Al Steed, Jr. at SWVAgunshows@vcdl.org to volunteer.

h. CHANTILLY http://www.cegunshows.com, October 7-9

• Friday, October 7 3:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
• Saturday, October 8 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
• Sunday, October 9 10:00 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. 1:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Please contact Danny Paulson at NOVAgunshows@vcdl.org to help in Chantilly.

i. RICHMOND http://www.cegunshows.com, October 15-16

• Saturday, October 15 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
• Sunday, October 16 10:00 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. 1:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Please contact David Crosby at CentralVAgunshows@vcdl.org to help at the Showplace in Mechanicsville.

j. VIRGINIA BEACH http://www.guns-knives.com, October 22-23

• Saturday, October 22 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
• Sunday, October 23 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Please contact Gary Moeller at VBgunshows@vcdl.org to help in Virginia Beach.

k. ROANOKE http://www.showmasters.us, October 22-23

• Saturday, October 22 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
• Sunday, October 23 9:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. 12:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Please contact Al Steed, Jr. at SWVAgunshows@vcdl.org to help in Roanoke.

l. NORFOLK http://www.showmasters.us, November 5-6

• Saturday, November 5 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
• Sunday, November 6 10:00 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. 1:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Please contact our coordinator at Norfolkgunshows@vcdl.org to help at the Norfolk Scope.

m. DALE CITY http://www.olddominionshows.com, November 5-6

• Saturday, November 5 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
• Sunday, November 6 9:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. 12:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Please contact Michael Burnham at NOVAgunshows@vcdl.org to help in Dale City.

n. RICHMOND http://www.showmasters.us, November 12-13

• Saturday, November 12 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
• Sunday, November 13 9:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. 12:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Please contact David Crosby at CentralVAgunshows@vcdl.org to help at the Richmond Raceway Complex.

o. CHANTILLY http://www.cegunshows.com, November 18-20

• Friday, November 18 3:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
• Saturday, November 19 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
• Sunday, November 20 10:00 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. 1:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Please contact Danny Paulson at NOVAgunshows@vcdl.org to help in Chantilly.

p. HAMPTON http://www.guns-knives.com, November 26-27

• Saturday, November 26 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
• Sunday, November 27 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Please contact Ron Lilly at HamptonRoadsgunshows@vcdl.org to help in Hampton.

About:
Virginia Citizens Defense League, Inc. (VCDL). VCDL is an all-volunteer, non-partisan grassroots organization dedicated to defending the human rights of all Virginians. The Right to Keep and Bear Arms is a fundamental human right. Visit: www.vcdl.org

EPIC Outdoor Game Fair

Tucson, Arizona --(Ammoland.com)- The Entertainment Stage at the EPIC Outdoor Game Fair will feature well-known country music stars Aaron Tippin and Crossin Dixon.

The two acts will anchor the beginning and end of the three-day festival. In addition, the entertainment at the Main Stage will feature concerts by the Mike Brookshire Band, the Moonshine Mafia as well as other local bands.

All performances are included with the price of admission tickets that are available online at www.epicgamefair.org. Hosted by Safari Club International Foundation (SCIF) and Quail Unlimited (QU), the EPIC Outdoor Game Fair is September 23-25, 2011 at Foxhall Resort and Sporting Club just outside of Atlanta, Georgia.

“Adding such top entertainment to the EPIC Outdoor Game Fair is just the icing on the cake for what will be a crowd-pleasing event,” said Joe Hosmer, President of SCIF. “The Entertainment Stage is meant as a focal point where attendees can gather and watch fun and exciting shows – all for the regular price of admission! They’re just one more reason this is a can’t-miss event.”

Aaron Tippin, a singer known for his songs about hard work and patriotism, will be performing the closing act of the EPIC Outdoor Game Fair from 6 to 7:15 pm on Sunday, September 25. Tippin rocked the country music world in 1990 with his song “You’ve Got To Stand For Something” and continued releasing hits such as “Working Man’s Ph.D.” and “That’s As Close As I’ll Get To Loving You.” After the tragic events of 9/11/01, Tippin wrote the emotional anthem “Where The Stars And Stripes And The Eagle Fly.” Besides being a singer-songwriter, pilot, farmer, winemaker and competitive bodybuilder – Tippin is an avid outdoorsman. He recently joined former Arkansas governor, Mike Huckabee, on a turkey hunt in Texas.

Rising country music stars, Crossin Dixon, will play the opening night of the EPIC Outdoor Game Fair from 6 to 7:15 pm on September 23. Comprised of equal parts Southern rock and contemporary country, Crossin Dixon rose to Nashville’s attention in the mid-2000s on the strength of their live act. The band is made up of four Mississippi natives – vocalist Jason Miller, drummer Michael Bole, and guitarists/vocalists Brandon Hyde and Charlie Grantham. Crossin Dixon songs include “Guitar Slinger,” “Make You Mine,” “I Love My Old Bird Dog (& I Love You)” and “Goodbye to Henry.”

Atlanta’s hometown artist, Mike Brookshire, will be performing from 2:30 to 3:40 pm on Friday, September 23. Born in Atlanta, Mike learned to play on an old flat-top put together by his father from pieces salvaged from several old guitars. In 2007, Mike was inducted into the “Hall of Fame” by the Atlanta Country Music Hall Of Fame, the “Visionary Award” by the Georgia Music Industry Music Association, and awarded “Song Writer of The Year” by The Atlanta Society of Entertainers. He currently tours and plays solo dates around the south with his band, and has a great album out, “A Lot Of Explainin’ To Do.” Between gigs and sessions, he also finds time to play at some of the industry’s biggest events and galas, such as his yearly appearance on stage with such artists as Kenny Chesney, Carrie Underwood, Taylor Swift, Lady Antebellum, Sugarland, Montgomery Gentry, Brooks and Dunn, Reba McEntire and many more at the Academy of Country Music Awards.

Moonshine Mafia, a 4-piece band based out of Payson, Arizona will appear on the Entertainment Stage on Saturday and Sunday. They perform anything from classic country to current country as well as favorite classic rock songs from The Eagles and Pink Floyd.

In addition to the concerts on the Entertainment Stage, stars of the outdoor world, Scott Linden and Haley and G.O. Heath will also be featured during the weekend. Linden, the star of Wingshooting USA is bringing his “Bird Hunting Boot Camp” seminar to the stage. Full of fun, audience interaction, prizes and pop quizzes, Scott uses props for a dynamic, information-packed seminar that usually plays to standing-room-only crowds and garners rave reviews. Family Traditions with Haley Heath is a popular program on the Sportsman Channel that epitomizes today’s generation of hunters and shows first-hand how family traditions can be passed down in powerful ways. Haley, a 5th-generation hunter, “Ultimate Outdoorsman Finalist” and the first woman to receive The Sportsman Channel’s “Viewer-Favorite” award, hosts the show. Haley and her husband, G.O. will be signing autographs at the Entertainment Stage.

The entertainment on the Main Stage at the EPIC Outdoor Game Fair will provide much-needed rest times from the action-packed activities that will be going on throughout the event. From archery to shotgun shooting to dog training to fishing and equestrian sports, the three-day event will have it all and will be a top destination this fall for families in the southeast.

There are many places online with up-to-the minute information about all of the exciting entertainment, events and seminars that are being planned for the EPIC Outdoor Game Fair. Besides the EPIC Outdoor Game Fair website (www.epicgamefair.org), you can also get regular updates at the event blog, EPICGameFairBlog.org and follow us on Facebook, Facebook.com/EPICOutdoorGameFair and Twitter, Twitter.com/EPICGameFair

Safari Club International Foundation (SCIF) is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization that funds and manages worldwide programs dedicated to wildlife conservation, outdoor education, and humanitarian services. Since 2000, SCIF has provided $47 million to these causes around the world. Visit www.safariclubfoundation.org for more information.

Quail Unlimited® is the oldest national, nonprofit conservation organization dedicated to the management of America’s wild quail. Known as “America’s Leader In Quail Conservation SM,” our overall vision is to restore America’s quail populations for future generations. Our core values include the wise stewardship of our land and its resources, and the continuation of our proud heritage of conservation, therefore, leaving a legacy and firm foundation for our youth and families to build upon.

National Sporting Clays Association

San Antonio, TX --(Ammoland.com)- Exposing new generations to the shooting sports and an active outdoor lifestyle is one of the greatest obstacles to the growth of our sports, and the National Sporting Clays Association (NSCA) has joined with some of the most dedicated advocates in the outdoors to address that challenge.

The NSCA will be a sponsor of the EPIC Outdoor Game Fair, a three-day outdoor event focused on Education, Participation, Instruction, and Competition for the entire family, planned for September 23-25 near Atlanta, Georgia.

EPIC Outdoor Game Fair Logo Created and hosted by Safari Club International Foundation and Quail Unlimited, the EPIC Outdoor Game Fair will feature activity villages in a host of categories, including shooting, archery, fishing, canines, ATVs, birds of prey, equestrian, and boating. Activities will be geared to both children and adults, beginners and experienced. Guests can also enjoy live music, exhibits, seminars, and a variety of performers.

Foxhall Resort & Sporting Club near Atlanta will be the venue for the event, debuting its new Marty Fischer-designed, 15-station sporting clays course. During the Game Fair, shooters may experience the wobble trap, 5-stand, or full sporting clays course. New shooters can get an introduction to shotgunning from a professional instructor. Wobble trap shooting is sponsored by Beretta and, as with most activities, is included in the daily Game Fair pass. NSCA members shooting the 100-target course may choose to have their targets registered as monthly targets.

EPIC Outdoor Game Fair

In addition to opportunities to shoot, guests can enjoy exhibitions by some of the most exciting shotgunners in the world. Xtreme Sport Shooter Patrick Flanigan will bring his energetic and entertaining show to the Shooting Village, as will Benelli shooter Scott Matthews. Olympic gold medalist and international shotgunning superstar Vincent Hancock will also be on hand for exhibition shooting and autographs.

As a sponsor, NSCA is providing Certified Instructors for new shooters, as well as exhibiting and providing expertise for the Shooting Village. “The National Sporting Clays Association is very excited to be a part of the 2011 EPIC Outdoor Game Fair,” said Robert Crow, NSCA Director. “This event is a perfect opportunity for the NSCA to introduce new shooters, long-time hunters, and other outdoorsmen to the exciting game of sporting clays. Thousands of people who enjoy the outdoors but have never shot sporting clays will be at the Game Fair. We want to show them how much fun the game is, and our highly-qualified instructors can give them just the kind of introduction to sporting clays that will make them want to shoot again.”

Safari Club International Foundation president Joe Hosmer welcomed NSCA as a sponsor, noting that National Hunting and Fishing Day occurs during the Game Fair. “What better time to be introduced to shooting than on Hunting and Fishing Day, and what better way to be introduced to shotgunning than through the experts of NSCA!” commented Hosmer. “Many of us who aren’t competitive shooters but hunt and travel with shotguns in pursuit of upland game and waterfowl already have a kinship with NSCA shooters. And,” Hosmer added, “the NSCA mission, which includes ‘to create an atmosphere of healthy competition and meaningful fellowship,’ is spot-on for this EPIC Game Fair.”

Among the other sponsors of the Game Fair are Orvis, Eukanuba, Winchester, Beretta, Crosman, General Motors, Rigby, Mossy Oak, Shooting Sportsman magazine, Laser Shot, Kevin’s Catalog, Earthquest, Gilchrist Club, and Safari Club International.

Full information on each of the activity villages, exhibitions, seminars, entertainment, sponsors, and more can be found at EPICGameFair.org or on the Game Fair’s Facebook page, Facebook.com/EPICOutdoorGameFair. Discounted advance-purchase tickets are also available on the site.

About:
The National Sporting Clays Association is the official governing and sanctioning body of Sporting Clays in the United States. Headquartered at the National Shooting Complex in San Antonio, it is the world’s largest Sporting Clays organization, with members in all 50 states and 10 foreign countries. To locate NSCA member clubs in your area or for more information on the National Sporting Clays Association, visit our website at www.nssa-nsca.org

Safari Club International Foundation (SCIF) is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization that funds and manages worldwide programs dedicated to wildlife conservation, outdoor education, and humanitarian services. Since 2000, SCIF has provided $47 million to these causes around the world. Visit www.safariclubfoundation.org for more information.

Quail Unlimited is the oldest national, nonprofit conservation organization dedicated to the management of America’s wild quail. Known as “America’s Leader In Quail Conservation,” its overall vision is to restore America’s quail populations for future generations through wise stewardship of the land and its resources. See www.qu.org to learn more.

Easton Foundation

Newberry, FL --(Ammoland.com)- Easton Newberry Sports Complex and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission have teamed up to host the first annual Easton Foundations Hunting Expo the weekend of Aug. 27th & 28th.

The event will feature companies from all realms of the hunting world, as well as a 3D shoot, live radio broadcast and music, special guests, food, games and activities for all ages and raffles including several bows generously donated by Easton, Bear, and Mathews.

Hunters and archers alike are encouraged to bring their bows and try their hand at the challenging, yet fun 3D range. There will be 30 lanes in total, with a variety of animals including white-tailed deer, bear, boar and even some exotic animals such as hyena and cheetah.

Future hunters may take the bow hunter’s education course while at the expo Saturday. Those interested in the course must bring their own equipment and pre-register with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (MyFWC.com/Bowhunt). The course will begin at 8 a.m. and end around noon.

Hunters may also bring their best mounts for bragging rights and official scoring by Pope & Young, who will be on hand throughout the weekend.

Live entertainment will be provided by 93.7 K Country on Saturday from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. Local country music artist Bryce Carlisle will perform later that afternoon.

The expo will also feature renowned bow hunter and star of Outdoor Life Network’s “The Season” Justin Martin, who will appear both Saturday and Sunday.

There will be raffles, prizes and giveaways every hour. Prizes include T-shirts, sights, bows, arrows and much more. One lucky winner will take home a Hoyt Carbon Element Bow valued at well over $1000.

The main goals of the Hunting Expo are to develop competitive archery efforts through Easton Newberry Sports Complex, and to grow the sport of archery as a whole.

“Our main objective for the Easton Foundations Hunting Expo is to reach the large market of hunters in the surrounding areas by introducing them to what we have to offer at ENSC,” said Brandie Lovelace, Operations Director of the Easton Newberry Archery Center.

“The hunting seasons are highly defined in Florida, and we hope to draw in all types of hunters to our expo by inviting gun vendors in order to have something for everyone,” she continued.

The event will be held at the Easton Newberry Sports Complex, about a mile North of the intersection of SR 26 & Route 27/41 in Newberry, Fla, just off Route 27/41.

Guests from out-of-town may enjoy discounted rates at SpringHill Suites by Marriott, located just off of Interstate 75 at the Archer Road Exit.

The Easton Newberry Sports Complex was developed by Easton Foundations and the City of Newberry. The Complex opened in 2009 and is dedicated to furthering the sport and introducing archery to a broader audience. The archery center caters to all skill levels and features a state-of-the-art indoor range as well as an outdoor 3D range.

If you’d like more information about this event or Easton Newberry Sports Complex/The Easton Foundation, please call Amy Patacsil at 352-472-2388 or email Amy at apatacsil@esdf.org.

EPIC Outdoor Game Fair

Tucson, Arizona --(Ammoland.com)- Advanced purchase tickets for the EPIC Outdoor Game Fair are now available online!

Hosted by Safari Club International Foundation (SCIF) and Quail Unlimited (QU), EPIC Outdoor Game Fair will provide hands-on activities bringing outdoor sporting Education, Participation, Instruction and Competition to families, youth and individual enthusiasts. The three-day event is September 23-25, 2011 at the Foxhall Resort and Sporting Club just outside of Atlanta, GA.

Participants that purchase tickets in advance will find day passes on the EPIC Outdoor Game Fair website that are cheaper than onsite admission prices, and discounted 3-day event packages are only available online. In addition, registration for some of the seminars, shooting events and other special events will only be available through the event’s website.

“The EPIC Outdoor Game Fair’s website provides a quick and easy way for people to get tickets for this unique and exciting event,” commented Joe Hosmer, President of SCIF.

“Anyone with an interest in the great outdoors should plan on being at Foxhall Resort and Sporting Club this September. From shooting to archery to fishing to ATV’s to nature education to music and so much more, Game Fair is going to have it all. It is a can’t-miss event, and online ticket sales will allow you to get your passes locked in early!”

EPIC Outdoor Game Fair is going to have a first-rate lineup of activities that cater to outdoor enthusiasts with all levels of experience. Shooting Sportsman Magazine, Beretta, Laser Shot, Crosman and John Rigby & Co are headlining the Shooting Village that will include shotgun sports, shooting simulators and airgun venues, expert instruction, and the unique opportunity to field test fine guns that will be available for sale onsite. In addition, Marty Fischer has designed a new sporting clays course at Foxhall that will be one of the finest in the country.

The Canine Village is sponsored by Eukanuba and will feature a Super Retriever Series trial, Big Air Competition, “ask the pro” sessions and numerous opportunities for hands-on training seminars with the industry’s top trainers. Mossy Oak is sponsoring the Archery village that will include 3-D courses, sporting arrows and other archery sports. A Birds of Prey area, sponsored by Earthquest, Inc., will include live displays of owls, falcons, hawks and other raptors, as well as daily flight demonstrations and seminars on falconry and wildlife rehabilitation. In addition, there will be fishing, ATV, and equestrian villages, plus nature activities, numerous vendors, concerts and much, much more.

“Every week, new and even more exciting sponsors and exhibitors are getting lined up for EPIC Outdoor Game Fair,” said Bill Bowles, President of QU. “Even though this is the first year for this event, it is shaping up to be the southeast’s largest, hands-on outdoors festival. Get your tickets and make your travel plans now so you don’t miss the first of many years of EPIC Outdoor Game Fair fun!”

There are many places online with up-to-the minute information about all of the exciting events and seminars that are being planned for the EPIC Outdoor Game Fair. Besides the EPIC Outdoor Game Fair website, you can also get regular updates at the event blog, EPICGameFairBlog.org and follow us on Facebook, Facebook.com/EPICOutdoorGameFair and Twitter, Twitter.com/@EPICGameFair

Safari Club International Foundation (SCIF) is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization that funds and manages worldwide programs dedicated to wildlife conservation, outdoor education, and humanitarian services. Since 2000, SCIF has provided $47 million to these causes around the world. Visit www.safariclubfoundation.org for more.

Quail Unlimited is the oldest national, nonprofit conservation organization dedicated to the management of America’s wild quail. Known as “America’s Leader In Quail Conservation SM,” our overall vision is to restore America’s quail populations for future generations. Our core values include the wise stewardship of our land and its resources, and the continuation of our proud heritage of conservation, therefore, leaving a legacy and firm foundation for our youth and families to build upon.

Grass Roots North Carolina for Firearms Education

North Carolina --(Ammoland.com)- Represent GRNC at the Next Winston/Salem Gun Show

GRNC needs volunteers to host the tables at the next Winston/Salem Gun Show to be held the weekend of May 28 & 29 in the Education Building at the LJVM Coliseum.

This is an essential outreach to promote GRNC. It’s also an opportunity to connect with fellow pro-freedom citizens! Volunteer some time, it is a rewarding experience.

Please set aside a couple of hours to help. If you have an outgoing and articulate friend whom you would like to introduce to gun rights activism please invite her or him to work with us show weekend whether or not that person is a current member.

Volunteer: Volunteers please call or text Robert Speight at 336-687-9101.

About:
Grass Roots North Carolina/Forum for Firearms Education is a non-profit, all volunteer organization devoted to educating the public about trends which abridge the freedoms guaranteed by the Bill of Rights, and engaging in grass roots activism to preserve those freedoms. Formed in 1994 to conduct a highly successful rally for the Second Amendment, GRNC has gone on to conduct projects like “Remember in November: A Gun Owner’s Guide to Voting,” bringing concealed carry to North Carolina. Visit:www.grnc.org

National Shooting Sports Foundation

NEWTOWN, Conn --(Ammoland.com)- The National Shooting Sports Foundation, owners of the Shooting, Hunting and Outdoor Trade (SHOT) Show, and Reed Exhibitions, producers of the SHOT Show, have reached an agreement with Las Vegas Sands Corp. to present the SHOT Show at the Sands Expo and Convention Center through 2014.

“SHOT Show attendees have made it clear to us that Las Vegas is their city of choice, and this agreement allows the National Shooting Sports Foundation to meet their expectations and to continue our great relationship with the city and the Las Vegas Sands Corp.,” said Steve Sanetti, president and CEO of NSSF, trade association for the firearms, ammunition, hunting and shooting sports industry. “The Sands has responded to our requests for improvements to the venue that have been very favorably commented upon by exhibitors and attendees alike, and this was a key factor in our decision.”

The SHOT Show is one of the largest trade shows in North America, featuring 1,600 exhibitors covering 660,000 net square feet of product-display space. Exhibitors, buyers and media from more than 100 countries attend the show.

Reed Exhibitions has produced the SHOT Show for NSSF since 1979 and is the most prolific partner of the Sands Expo and Convention Center.

“We are pleased to continue our successful relationship with the Las Vegas Sands Corp. The SHOT Show venue renewal is a measure of our confidence in their ability to continue enhancing the customer experience,” said Chet Burchett, president, Reed Exhibitions Americas.

SHOT Show is the largest event the Sands Expo has hosted, with the 2011 show attracting more than 57,000 industry professionals, including more than 2,000 members of the media.

“Our renewed agreement with the NSSF and Reed Exhibitions is a testament to the success that we’ve all enjoyed while working together. We’re excited about the opportunity to continue the relationship,” said Michael Leven, president and chief operating officer of Las Vegas Sands Corp.

The National Shooting Sports Foundation’s mission is “to promote, protect and preserve hunting and the shooting sports” on behalf of a membership of more than 6,000 manufacturers, distributors, firearms retailers, shooting ranges, sportsmen’s organizations and publishers. NSSF is celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2011.

Reed Exhibitions is the world’s leading events organizer, with over 460 events in 36 countries. In 2010 Reed brought together over seven million active event participants from around the world, generating billions of dollars in business. Today Reed events are held throughout the Americas, Europe, the Middle East and Asia Pacific, and are organized by 34 fully staffed offices. Reed organizes a wide range of events, including trade and consumer exhibitions, conferences and meetings. Its portfolio of over 460 events serves 44 industry sectors.

Las Vegas Sands Corp. (NYSE: LVS) is a Fortune 500 company and the leading global developer of destination properties (integrated resorts) that feature premium accommodations, world-class gaming and entertainment, convention and exhibition facilities, celebrity chef restaurants and many other amenities. THE VENETIAN® and THE PALAZZO®, Five-Diamond luxury resorts on the Las Vegas Strip, are among the company’s properties in the United States. Las Vegas Sands is committed to global sustainability through its SANDS Eco 360 program and is an active community partner through its various charitable organizations.

Virginia Citizens Defense League

Covington VA --(Ammoland.com)- The Virginia Citizens Defense League thanks the following member-activists who generously gave of their time to advance and help defend the rights of their fellow gun owners by working our recruiting and information booths at gun shows and events around the state.

Shad Planking, April 20 Gary Moeller, Philip Van Cleave, Leonard Harris, Dennis O’Connor, Dale King, Bill Heiet, Bob Sadtler, Karlus Bailey, Richard Vaught, and Mark Spruill

As an all volunteer organization, VCDL depends on YOU to volunteer your time at our area events, where we recruit new activists and keep gun owners informed.

No experience necessary; if it’s your first time we’ll pair you with a veteran volunteer. To find out more about helping at our gun show tables, go to:

www2.vcdl.org/cgi-bin/wspd_cgi.sh/vcdl/gs.html

and click on any of the blue links, or contact the coordinator for the show/event listed below with which you are interested in helping. Here are the upcoming events with which we need YOUR help:

• SALEM www.cegunshows.com, April 30-May 1 Saturday, April 30 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. Sunday, May 1 10:00 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. 1:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. Please contact Al Steed, Jr. at SWVAgunshows@vcdl.org to help in Salem.
• RICHMOND www.cegunshows.com, May 14-15 Saturday, May 14 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. Sunday, May 15 10:00 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. 1:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. Please contact David Crosby at CentralVAgunshows@vcdl.org to help at the Showplace in Mechanicsville.

About:
Virginia Citizens Defense League, Inc. (VCDL). VCDL is an all-volunteer, non-partisan grassroots organization dedicated to defending the human rights of all Virginians. The Right to Keep and Bear Arms is a fundamental human right. Visit: www.vcdl.org

Otis Technology Gun Care

PITTSBURGH, PA --(Ammoland.com)- Gun cleaning demonstrations, pro staff autographs and savings of 25% off MSRP of Otis products is what you will find at the Otis booth #747 from Friday, April 29 th – Sunday, May 1st at the NRA show in Pittsburgh, PA.

Save 25% off all products and receive a free Otis hat or t-shirt with each transaction made at the Otis booth. NRA show attendees will also receive free shipping with each purchase made at the show.

The quality of Otis products is as high as the energy that will be around the Otis booth as members of their pro staff team of Olympians, Shooters, and Celebrities join the NRA crowd!

Friday and Saturday from 9AM-11AM stop in to meet 8 time world record holder and Xtreme Sports Shooter, Patrick Flanigan. From 11AM-1PM is your chance to meet USA Biathletes, Tracy and Lanny Barnes and talk to them about their recent victories at the US Nationals and World Cup in Germany. It’s go time when Matt Hughes, UFC Hall of Famer and 9 time UFC Welterweight champion enters the Otis ring from 1PM-3PM. End the day with a visit from America’s most decorated female Olympic shooter and 4 time Olympic medalist Kim Rhode and ask about her recent nomination for the 2012 Olympics!

Autograph sessions kick off on Sunday with appearances from Tracy and Lanny Barnes from 11AM- 12Noon, followed by a final appearance from Patrick Flanigan from 12Noon-1PM. Matt Hughes returns to the booth from 1PM-2PM and Kim Rhode will appear from 2PM-3PM.

Otis Technology is known for manufacturing the most advanced gun cleaning systems available. The superior Breech-to-Muzzle design combined with unmatched quality has positioned Otis as the gun care system of choice with the US Military.

Grass Roots North Carolina for Firearms Education

North Carolina --(Ammoland.com)- Asheville Gun Show – GRNC is still in need of volunteers to host the tables at the next gun show in Asheville to be held the weekend of March 26th & 27th.

It will be held at the Western NC Ag Center at I-26 @ Exit 40 (across from the Airport), 1301 Fanning Bridge Road, Fletcher, NC: www.wncagcenter.org

www.mkshows.com/cgi-bin/show_display.asp?12

Let’s make an impressive showing as we break into this fertile ground. Volunteer some time, it is a rewarding experience.

Please set aside a couple of hours that weekend to help. If you have an articulate friend whom you would like to introduce to gun rights activism please invite her or him to work with us show weekend whether or not that person is a current member.

Volunteer
Volunteers please contact John Hammond at johndhammond@msn.com or at phone number 828-699-3117.

Please respond directly to John Hammond by clicking on the email link. This will assure that your note will not be delayed or lost in the shuffle.

About:
Grass Roots North Carolina/Forum for Firearms Education is a non-profit, all volunteer organization devoted to educating the public about trends which abridge the freedoms guaranteed by the Bill of Rights, and engaging in grass roots activism to preserve those freedoms. Formed in 1994 to conduct a highly successful rally for the Second Amendment, GRNC has gone on to conduct projects like “Remember in November: A Gun Owner’s Guide to Voting,” bringing concealed carry to North Carolina. Visit:www.grnc.org

At car shows and swaps throughout the United States, cars are sold in private sales with no dealer being involved, hmm?, sounds just like gun shows…

Letters to the AmmoLand Editor: Got something on your mind? Let us know and you can see it here.

Manasquan, NJ --(Ammoland.com)- At car shows and swaps throughout the United States, cars are sold in private sales with no dealer being involved.

Car shows at which cars are exhibited or offered for sale or exchange provide a convenient and centralized commercial location where criminals and other wrongdoers obtain cars without credit background checks and without records that enable car tracing.

We all know that cars kill and that they are one of the biggest killers in the US. Cars cause accidents and facilitate crimes. Cars even cause mass murder and mayhem (like intentionally driving into a crowd). Cars are a menace that must be tightly controlled.

Some of these cars end up in criminal hands as get-away cars or are used by murderers, drug dealers or gang-bangers. Some cars are smuggled into Mexico and used by drug lords there. Convicted felons, mentally deranged persons, domestic abusers, and aliens unlawfully in the US can all buy a car at a show. Even those on the terrorist watch list can go to a car show and buy a car.

Many of these cars have transmissions which are automatic and/or semi-automatic. At these car shows various accessories are freely bought and sold, like extended gas tanks, folding seats and even mufflers. One can also buy “a shoulder thing that goes up,” also known as a safety belt.

Some cars are converted and many are customized. Why would anyone need such a car? The police are “out-carred” on a daily basis. Many departments say they need more horsepower, but can’t afford it. How many must die before we close the car show loophole?

Fortunately, Representative McCarthyism and Senator Lousenburp have filed bills to require all car transfers at car shows and swaps to go through a dealer. They have the full support of Mayor Bloomingidiot and C.M.A.Y.R. (Corrupt Mayors Against Your Rights)

Some of the important features of the bill are as follows:

1. It will insure that a credit background check is run, a record is made and all paperwork will be done. Dealers can only sell to customers who have proper identification so a computer check can be done.
2. “Car event operators” must submit names of all “vendors” to the FBI, both before and after the show. It does not matter whether any vendors sold a car. A private citizen going to a car show hoping to sell or trade a car, but who does not find a buyer and leaves with his own car, would remain in a “vendor” file with the FBI forever.
3. It would require registration of car shows. This would allow the authorities to make sure event organizers have no paperwork violations. It would also allow government agents to question car owners who gather for purposes other than selling cars.
4. It allows inspection, at a car show, of a show promoter’s or dealer’s entire business records—including records of transactions that occurred at other shows or at a dealer’s licensed place of business.
5. It turns casual conversations into “car show sales.” A person could still agree to sell a car to a friend in a conversation at the local gas station; but if the same conversation took place at a car show, the credit check requirement would forever apply to that car. It even applies to a car that a seller and buyer talk about at a car show, but don’t have with them.

This should fix the car show loophole. Next to be fixed are the wedding show loophole, home improvement show loophole, sports memorabilia show loophole, coin show loophole, flower show loophole, model train show loophole, doll show loophole, boat show loophole, motorcycle show loophole, comic book show loophole, horse show loophole, golf show loophole, and of course the gun show loophole. If it saves just one life it’s worth it. We have to do it, for the children.

Attorney Evan Nappen is the General Counsel for Pro-Gun New Hampshire. He practices law in Concord, New Hampshire, and Eatontown, New Jersey.

Eastern Sports & Outdoor Show

HARRISBURG, PA – The Eastern Sports & Outdoor Show, presented by Outdoor Channel and Comcast, has announced that a lineup of top Bass Pro Shops hunting and fishing experts will be appearing at the 2011 Show.

The big-name roster includes: Anglers, Woo Daves, Timmy Horton and Jason Quinn, and hunters, Bob Foulkrod , and Allen Treadwell.

“These guys are at the top of the hunting and fishing world–among the best at what they do. And, they have a unique abilities to pass on their knowledge, skills and abilities to others,” says Chris O’Hara, Event Director.

• Woo Daves -Appearing February 6, 2011 -In 2009, Daves was inducted into the Bass Fishing Hall of Fame. His most recent wins include the 2009 Thomas Lee Hart, Sr. Fish for the Hungry Tournament. Daves is one of America’s most successful and well-known fishing personalities with more than 40 top-10 finishes on the BassMaster tournament trail. He is a 17-time BassMaster Classic Qualifier, the 2000 BassMaster Classic Champion and a member of the Nitro, Motorguide, Stren Line, and Flowmaster fishing teams. Daves is the only three-time winner of Master Fisherman/Promotion Award by Frank Carter Company and was selected as a Road Warrior for USA TODAY. Daves will present bass-fishing seminars at the Bass Pro Shops Hawg Tank.
• Timmy Horton -Appearing February 8 & 9 – In 2000, Horton was named Angler of the Year and Rookie of the Year. He is a 10-Time Bassmaster Classic qualifier with four Bassmaster wins to his credit. He has been in the money 97 times and has had 23, top-10 Bassmaster finishes. In 2006 and 2007 he was an Elite 50 and Majors qualifier. Horton is the youngest angler, voted by an expert panel, to be on ESPN’s 35 Greatest Anglers of All Time. Horton is member of the Bass Pro Shops / Nitro Pro Staff.
• Jason Quinn -Appearing February 6, 7, 8 – Quinn is a five-Time Bassmaster Classic Qualifier with more than $1-million in career earnings He is the host of Hardwares House on ESPN 2
• Bob Foulkrod -Appearing February 5 & 6 – Foulkrod is known as one of America’s most respected bowhunting authorities. He runs one of the country’s top bowhunting schools where he has taught his hunting skills to hundreds of bowhunters across North America. In 1993, Foulkrod was inducted into the International Archery Hall of Fame. Foulkrod is a member of the Redhead Pro Hunting Team.
• Allen Treadwell -Appearing February 10,11,12 – Treadwell is a former member of the U.S. National Skeet Shooting Team and one of the world’s most accomplished competitive shooters. He hunts everything from waterfowl to whitetails to bull elk. Treadwell is Redhead Pro Hunting Team member.

For more information on the complete schedule of seminar speakers, contests, family entertainment and how to buy tickets on line for the 2011 Eastern Sports & Outdoor Show, log onto www.easternsportshow.com .

Other Eastern Sports & Outdoor Show sponsors include: Thompson/Center Arms, Cabela’s, Chevrolet, and Michael Waddell’s Bone Collector.

The Eastern Sports & Outdoor Show presented by Outdoor Channel and Comcast, now in its 56th year, has grown to be the largest outdoor hunting and fishing event of its kind in North America. With more than 1,200 exhibitors, The Eastern Sports & Outdoor Show brings the passion for the outdoors–indoors–by bringing outdoor sports enthusiasts of all ages from across the country to view the latest and best in hunting and fishing gear, shop for ATV’s and RV’s and plan & book hunting and fishing trips with outfitters & charters from around the world. The Eastern Sports and Outdoor Show also offers a wide range of seminars presented by experts along with hunting- and fishing-related contests and family-oriented entertainment.

Outdoorchannel TV

Temecula, Calif. --(Ammoland.com)- Outdoor Channel, America’s leader in Outdoor TV, invites you to join all of the action and excitement at the 2011 America’s Outdoor Show, Chicago’s largest and longest running sports show.

Outdoor Channel is proud to be the exclusive media sponsor for this year’s event, which is being held at the Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, Illinois from January 26th through the 30th.

America’s Outdoor Show is the premiere outdoor hunting and fishing event for the entire family. With hands on activities, demonstrations, over 200 hours of seminars and more than 100 hours of expert advice from the industry’s most experienced anglers and hunters, America’s Outdoor Show continues to be a must-attend for all Midwestern outdoorsmen and women.

Outdoor Channel is proud to be the exclusive media sponsor of the 2011 event. As America’s leader in Outdoor TV, Outdoor Channel reaches more than 35 million households nationwide with its action-packed, family-friendly adventure programming featuring the biggest on-air celebrities in the industry.

This year’s event will feature a lineup of the network’s most popular talent who will meet and greet fans at Outdoor Channel’s booth #1330. In addition, prizes will be given away daily to show attendees.

Check out Outdoor Channel’s booth for daily prize giveaways and raffles. But get their early, as special prizes (such as hats and camo beanies) will be given away to the first 100 people who visit the booth Thursday through Sunday. An Outdoor Channel prize pack, which includes a duffel bag, travel tumbler, t-shirt and hat, will be raffled off each evening.

Suit Up at the Outdoor Channel Outfitters Pavilion
Every outdoor enthusiast knows that a great outfitter can be the difference between success and failure. That’s where Outdoor Channel Outfitters comes in. They’re a national association for professional guides and outfitters.

America’s Outdoor Show Nuts & Bolts
The 2011 America’s Outdoor Show runs from January 26-30 at the Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, Illinois. For complete information, visit www.americasoutdoorshow.com/.

Eastern Sports & Outdoor Show

HARRISBURG, PA – -(Ammoland.com)- For the first time, the Eastern Sports & Outdoor Show, presented by Outdoor Channel and Comcast, will feature NEW Family Meal Specials and Daily Food Specials to help lower the cost for everyone attending the Show.

“We know how hard it is to feed a family, especially in these tough economic times. That’s why we put together an offering of family and other food specials,” says Chris O’Hara, Event Director.

“We tried to add something for everyone, families, kids and adults, and make the prices better than in the past,” added O’Hara.

NEW Family Meal Specials & Daily Food Specials include:

• $20 Everyday Family Bundle served every day at Hitching Post, North Lobby Grill, Keystone Café, Sunset Strip, North Expo, South Expo and Lower Spine Café. Includes: four hot dogs, four (12 oz.) sodas, & choice of four either potato chips or 100-calorie cookie pack.
• $10 Everyday Family Bundle served every day at Hitching Post, North Lobby Grill, Keystone Café, Sunset Strip, North Expo, South Expo and Lower Spine Café Includes: two hot dogs, two (12 oz.) sodas, & choice of two either potato chips or 100-calorie cookie pack.
• $3.50 Kid’s Special at participating locations. Includes: one PB&J or hot
  dog, one milk or (eight-oz.) soda, and one pack of cookies or potato chips.
• $7.00 Daily Specials in the second floor cafeteria. Includes: daily entrée, potato chips & eight-oz. Pepsi.
• $7.00 Beer & Bratwurst every day in the second floor cafeteria.
• $6.00 Beer & Pretzel Specials at participating locations.
  Includes:12 oz. beer with a Philly-style pretzel.
• $2.00 Bottled Water served at all beer portable locations.

In addition, beer-battered fish sandwiches will be sold exclusively in the two concessions located in the Fishing Hall.

Also, the NEW Sportsman’s Lounge in the General Merchandise Outpost (Northwest Hall) will feature wild game dishes, sandwiches and an additional beverage station with plenty of seating.

For more information on exhibitors, a complete schedule of entertainment, seminar speakers, contests, and how to buy tickets on line for the 2011 Eastern Sports & Outdoor Show, log onto www.easternsportshow.com.

Other Eastern Sports & Outdoor Show sponsors include: Thompson/Center Arms, Cabela’s, Chevrolet and Michael Waddell’s Bone Collector.

The Eastern Sports & Outdoor Show presented by Outdoor Channel and Comcast, now in its 56th year, has grown to be the largest outdoor hunting and fishing event of its kind in North America. With more than 1,200 exhibitors, The Eastern Sports & Outdoor Show brings the passion for the outdoors–indoors–by bringing outdoor sports enthusiasts of all ages from across the country to view the latest and best in hunting and fishing gear, shop for ATV’s and RV’s and plan & book hunting and fishing trips with outfitters & charters from around the world. The Eastern Sports & Outdoor Show also offers a wide range of seminars presented by experts along with hunting- and fishing-related contests and family-oriented entertainment.

National Wild Turkey Federation's 35th Annual National Convention

National Wild Turkey Federation

CULLEN, Va. --(Ammoland.com)- Jimmy Carwile, owner and auctioneer of Carwile Auctions, Inc., has been tapped to conduct an auction at the 35th annual Convention and Sport Show of the National Wild Turkey Federation, slated for Feb. 17-20 at the Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center in Nashville. Mr. Carwile will conduct the Ladies’ Luncheon & Auction on Sat., Feb. 19.

“I am honored to have been selected to participate in an event of this size and scope,” Mr. Carwile remarked.

“The NWTF attracts between 40,000 and 50,000 people a year to its annual convention and sport show. To say I am both humbled and excited would be an understatement. I’ve been involved with the NWTF at the regional level for years, but never something like this.”

About five years ago, Mr. Carwile began conducting auctions for the High Bridge Strutters, a Virginia chapter of the NWTF.

“He’s never charged a penny and he always does a fantastic job,” said Andy Ellington, president of the chapter. “Our regional director came to last year’s auction and saw Jimmy in action. That led to an invitation to call an auction in Nashville.”

At the High Bridge Strutters auction last year, Mr. Carwile called the action from a scissor-jack, suspended high above the crowd.

“That allowed him to connect better with the people,” Mr. Ellington said, “and it really worked. We saw an increase of 30 percent over the previous year’s sale. Jimmy is just great. We named him an honorary member of our chapter.”

The Ladies’ Luncheon & Auction on Saturday will feature some wonderful items up for bid. These will include an African hunting safari, hunting and fishing packages, golf trips, a Country Music Awards festival package, fine wine, apparel gift certificates and more. The auction will take place in the Presidential Ballroom, starting at 1 p.m. Lunch will be at 12:30.

Jimmy Carwile has been tapped to conduct an auction at this year's NWTF Convention.

Another auction, which Mr. Carwile will not be conducting, will be held on Friday evening, Feb. 18. It will be part of a Grand Auction & Beach Party, featuring beach-themed music by the Swingin’ Medallions. Items to be auctioned include a 2011 Chevrolet Silverado 4WD truck, a New Holland tractor and a white-tail deer archery hunt in Illinois worth $9,000. The National Wild Turkey Federation was founded in 1973 and is dedicated to the conservation of the wild turkey and the preservation of the country’s hunting heritage. The NWTF and its members have helped restore wild turkey populations across the U.S., spending more than $331 million to conserve over 15.9 million acres of habitat for all types of wildlife.

This year’s National Convention and Sport Show is already completely sold out, with all 625 booth spaces taken, making it an already record-setting event. Last year’s convention drew more than 44,000 attendees, and the NWTF is expecting another strong turnout next month. It will be the first major convention at Oryland in Nashville since the devastating flood in May.

Legendary performers Trace Adkins, The Band Perry and other entertainers will perform during the nightly events. Friday’s itinerary will feature a Western-themed Hunt Luncheon & Auction, starting at 11 a.m. (CST). Saturday’s centerpiece events will be the Grand Auction & Beach Party and the Ladies’ Luncheon & Auction (with Jimmy Carwile conducting the auction).

Other events will include a Wednesday Night Early Bird Special, a Thursday Night Welcoming Party (featuring Trace Adkins), a Friday Morning Federal Breakfast, a Saturday Winchester Veterans Recognition Breakfast, a Saturday Night Awards Banquet (featuring The Band Perry) and a Sunday Remington Breakfast. Auctions will be held throughout the weekend.

Carwile Autions, Inc., is based in Cullen, Va. The firm specializes in farm and farm equipment auctions, real estate auctions, antique and personal property auctions, and auctions featuring cars and trucks. The firm conducts estate sales, business liquidations and commercial building and real estate sales. Most of the auctions are personally conducted by Jimmy Carwile.

Mr. Carwile began his career as an auctioneer in 1974, but his interest in the auction business goes back to his childhood.

“I always wanted to sell things at an auction sale,” he said, adding, “I’ve never attended a school to become an auctioneer. It started out as a hobby and I just kind of picked it up.” In 1981 he won the Virginia State Auctioneering Championship award.

After working for various Virginia-based auction houses for 16 years, Mr. Carwile launched Carwile Auctions, Inc., in 1988. He incorporated in 1999. His sing-song chant is pleasant to the ear and has made him a favorite choice for folks looking for an auctioneer who prides himself on speaking slowly and distinctly, unlike many of his rapid-fire counterparts.

Carwile Auctions is always looking for quality consignments for future sale. To consign an item, an estate or a collection, you may call them at (434) 392-5604 or (434) 547-9100. Or, you can e-mail them at info@carwileauctions.com. To learn more about Carwile Auctions, and the upcoming NWTF Convention & Sport Show Auction, log on to www.carwileauctions.com.

Eastern Sports & Outdoor Show

HARRISBURG, PA --(Ammoland.com)- Hank Parker and Babe Winkelmen, two legends of the fishing world, are headlining the NEW Fishing Experience at the 2011 Eastern Sports & Outdoor Show presented by Outdoor Channel and Comcast, February 5-13, State Farm Show Complex, Harrisburg.

“The NEW Fishing Experience is designed to promote fishing as well as educate and entertain fishing enthusiasts of all skill levels and ages,” said Chris O’Hara, Event Director.

“In the world of fishing it doesn’t get any bigger than Hank Parker and Babe Winkelman. Their skills, accomplishments and ability to teach others are amazing,” says Chris O’Hara, Event Director.

The NEW Fishing Experience has several elements designed to educate and entertain attendees of the Show including:

• All New Seminar Stage and Demo Pool – Try before you buy any fishing lure or rod!
• Hank Parker – Feb. 8-10 seminars at the New Seminar Stage and Demo Pool.
• Babe Winkelman – Feb. 11-13 seminars at the New Seminar Stage and Demo Pool.
• Expert Trout Fishing Seminars with Frank Nale – Feb. 5,6, 10-13
• Trout Filleting and Cooking – Learn how to properly handle your fresh catch in the field and turn it into a delicious meal when you get home.
• Bass Pro Shops Hawg Tank – Daily Seminars with Regional and National Pros and Experts.
• Kids Casting Contest – Capital City Bassmasters Casting Contest each weekend plus daily casting demos.
• Kids Trout Pond
• Fishing Simulator

For more information on the complete schedule of seminar speakers, contests and family entertainment offered at the 2011 Eastern Sports & Outdoors Show, log onto www.easternsportshow.com.

Other Eastern Sports & Outdoors Show sponsors include: Thompson/Center Arms, Cabela’s and Michael Waddell’s Bone Collector.

The Eastern Sports & Outdoor Show presented by Outdoor Channel and Comcast, now in its 56th year, has grown to be the largest outdoor hunting and fishing event of its kind in North America. With more than 1,200 exhibitors, The Eastern Sports & Outdoor Show brings the passion for the outdoors–indoors–by bringing outdoor sports enthusiasts of all ages from across the country to view the latest and best in hunting and fishing gear, shop for ATV’s and RV’s and plan & book hunting and fishing trips with outfitters & charters from around the world. The Eastern Sports & Outdoor Show also offers a wide range of seminars presented by experts along with hunting- and fishing-related contests and family-oriented entertainment.

VCDL Gun Show Volunteers Wanted

Virginia Citizens Defense League

Covington VA --(Ammoland.com)- As an all volunteer organization, VCDL depends on YOU to volunteer your time at our area events, where we recruit new activists and keep gun owners informed.

No experience necessary; if it’s your first time we’ll pair you with a veteran volunteer.

To find out more about helping at our gun show tables, go to: www2.vcdl.org/cgi-bin/wspd_cgi.sh/vcdl/gs.html

Click on any of the blue links, or contact the coordinator for the show/event listed below with which you are interested in helping. Here are the upcoming events with which we need YOUR help:

• a. DALE CITY www.olddominionshows.com, January 15-16 Saturday, January 15 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. Sunday, January 16 9:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. 12:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. Please contact Sam Childress at NOVAgunshows@vcdl.org to help in Dale City.
• b. HAMPTON www.guns-knives.com, January 22-23 Saturday, January 22 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. Sunday, January 23 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. Please contact Ron Lilly at HamptonRoadsgunshows@vcdl.org to help in Hampton.
• c. SALEM www.cegunshows.com, January 22-23 Saturday, January 22 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. Sunday, January 23 10:00 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. 1:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. Please contact Al Steed, Jr. at SWVAgunshows@vcdl.org to help in Salem.
• d. FISHERSVILLE www.showmasters.us, January 29-30 Saturday, January 29 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. Sunday, January 30 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. Please contact Bob Schmidt at Shenandoahgunshows@vcdl.org to help in Fishersville.
• e. RICHMOND www.showmasters.us, February 5-6 Saturday, February 5 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. Sunday, February 6 9:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. 12:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. Please contact David Crosby at CentralVAgunshows@vcdl.org to help at the Richmond Raceway Complex.
• f. CHANTILLY www.cegunshows.com, February 11-13 Friday, February 11 3:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Saturday, February 12 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. Sunday, February 13 10:00 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. 1:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. Please contact Danny Paulson at NOVAgunshows@vcdl.org to help in Chantilly.
• g. NORFOLK www.showmasters.us, February 19-20 Saturday, February 19 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. Sunday, February 20 10:00 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. 1:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. Please contact Ed Burton at Norfolkgunshows@vcdl.org to help at the Norfolk Scope.
• h. VIRGINIA BEACH www.guns-knives.com, February 19-20 Saturday, February 19 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. Sunday, February 20 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. Please contact Gary Moeller at VBgunshows@vcdl.org to help in Virginia Beach.
• i. DOSWELL www.guns-knives.com, February 26-27 Saturday, February 26 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. Sunday, February 27 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. Please contact Robert Herron at Fredericksburggunshows@vcdl.org to help at the Meadow Event Park in Doswell, near Kings Dominion.
• j. HARRISONBURG www.showmasters.us, February 26-27 Saturday, February 26 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. Sunday, February 27 10:00 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. 1:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. Please contact Bob Schmidt at Shenandoahgunshows@vcdl.org to help in Harrisonburg.
• k. HAMPTON www.guns-knives.com, March 5-6 Saturday, March 5 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. Sunday, March 6 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. Please contact Ron Lilly at HamptonRoadsgunshows@vcdl.org to help in Hampton.
• l. RICHMOND www.cegunshows.com, March 5-6 Saturday, March 5 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. Sunday, March 6 10:00 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. 1:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. Please contact David Crosby at CentralVAgunshows@vcdl.org to help at the Showplace in Mechanicsville.
• m. DALE CITY www.olddominionshows.com, March 19-20 Saturday, March 19 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. Sunday, March 20 9:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. 12:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. Please contact Sam Childress at NOVAgunshows@vcdl.org to help in Dale City.
• n. FREDERICKSBURG www.guns-knives.com, March 18-20 Friday, March 18 1:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. 4:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Saturday, March 19 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. Sunday, March 20 11:00 a.m. – 1:30 a.m. 1:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. The 4th annual Fredericksburg Outdoor Show featuring the Fredericksburg Gun & Knife Show will be a large three-day event, and we need plenty of volunteers! More info is available at www.bmgevents.com/frederickburg/OutdoorShow/ Please contact Robert Herron at Fredericksburggunshows@vcdl.org to help in Fredericksburg.
• o. ROANOKE www.showmasters.us, March 19-2 Saturday, March 19 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. Sunday, March 20 9:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. 12:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. Please contact Al Steed, Jr. at SWVAgunshows@vcdl.org to help in Roanoke.
• p. RICHMOND www.showmasters.us, March 26-27 Saturday, March 26 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. Sunday, March 27 9:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. 12:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. Please contact David Crosby at CentralVAgunshows@vcdl.org to help at the Richmond Raceway Complex.

About:
Virginia Citizens Defense League, Inc. (VCDL). VCDL is an all-volunteer, non-partisan grassroots organization dedicated to defending the human rights of all Virginians. The Right to Keep and Bear Arms is a fundamental human right. Visit: www.vcdl.org

SHOT SHOW Backstage Access on GunBroker.com

GunBroker.com

Kennesaw GA --(Ammoland.com)- Closed to consumers for more than 30 years, the Shooting and Hunting Outdoor Trade (SHOT) Show in 2011 will for the first time reveal many of its new and traditional products to the public immediately on GunBroker.com, the world’s largest online auction of firearms and related accessories.

Through special arrangement with SHOT Show organizers and select exhibitors, the nation’s hunters and shooters will be able to get an exclusive look at new firearms, ammunition and other exciting innovations on GunBroker.com (www.GunBroker.com) at the same time they are announced to the trade.

Starting on the show’s opening date of January 18, visitors to GunBroker.com will be able to learn about these products months before others may have a chance to see them.

“GunBroker.com has enjoyed a productive business relationship with the SHOT Show and with the National Shooting Sports Foundation for years, and we are extremely excited about this major expansion of our partnership,” commented Steve Urvan, GunBroker.com founder and CEO.

“Also, we appreciate the tremendous support of our 1.6 million GunBroker.com users and three million monthly unique visitors in making our growth and success possible. We are pleased that we can bring this special service to our loyal supporters and new users in 2011.”

GunBroker.com’s special “2011 SHOT Show Product Center” will be open online from January 18 to March 1. Sponsored by the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF), the SHOT Show has long been the largest display of firearms and other hunting and shooting equipment in the world. Because the SHOT Show is a professional trade show closed to the public, the actual exhibits can be viewed only by professional retailers, wholesalers, manufacturers and members of the media. The 2011 SHOT Show will be held in Las Vegas.

About:
GunBroker.com is an informative, detailed, secure and safe way to buy and sell firearms and hunting/shooting accessories. GunBroker.com promotes responsible gun ownership. Aside from merchandise bearing its logo, GunBroker.com sells none of the items listed on its Web site. Third-party sellers list items on the site and Federal and state laws govern the sale of firearms and other restricted items. Ownership policies and regulations are followed using licensed firearms dealers as transfer agents. Currently GunBroker.com has over 1.5 million registered users, with 400,000 auctions running at any time and has over three million unique monthly visitors to the site.

Eastern Sports & Outdoor Show

HARRISBURG, PA --(Ammoland.com)- The Eastern Sports & Outdoor Show, presented by Outdoor Channel and Comcast, has added the US Open Turkey Calling Championship and a Predator Calling to its impressive lineup of championship contests at this year’s show, February 5-13, State Farm Show Complex, Harrisburg, PA.

“We’ve always had a turkey calling contest at the Show, and this year we’re pleased that the PA Chapter of the NWTF will again host their contests, but we have added the US Open to the 2nd weekend of the Show (Feb. 12 & 13) and it will definitely bring the best turkey callers from all over the country to compete,” says Chris O’Hara, Event Director.

“Predator calling is something new at the Show and we’re really excited about attracting some of the country’s best callers to the East Coast Predator Showdown,” added O’Hara.

The US Open Turkey Calling Championship is one of the most prestigious turkey calling contests and is considered one of the top 3 turkey calling contests in the country. This year’s contest will feature a new format for the Open Finals–for the first time in the history of the US Open, a bracket-style elimination will be utilized. There will also be a Friction Contest and a Youth Contest. Dates for the US Open are Feb. 12 for the Friction, Youth and Open Preliminaries and Feb. 13 for the Open Finals. Registration is on Saturday, Feb. 12 at 10:00AM with the contest starting at Noon.

The Predator Calling Contest, sponsored by FOXPRO High Performance Game Calls, will take place in the Small Arena on February 7th, with registration beginning at Noon.

Participants will compete for championships in two divisions, Distress Division and Coyote Vocalization Division. The top five (combined scores) finalists will then compete for the title of 2011 East Coast Predator Showdown All-Around Champion.

Other contests crowning champions during the Show include:

• • 21st Annual Northeastern States Elk Calling Contest – Youth And Adult Division
• • Duck and Goose Calling
• • Owl Hooting
• • Turkey Calling: Youth Division
• • Turkey Calling: Amateur Adult Division
• • Turkey Calling: Professional Open Division
• • Turkey Calling: Professional Friction Division
• • The Pennsylvania Fly Tying Championship
• • 2011 PA 3D Bowhunters Challenge & Keystone IBO Indoor Nationals
• • Antler Scoring
• • 31st Annual Knife & Hawk Championship
• • SRWA Gunning Decoy Contest
• • Taxidermy Competition
• • Photography Contest

For more contest information including dates, times, and registration information, log onto www.easternsportshow.com .

Other Eastern Sports & Outdoors Show sponsors include: Thompson/Center Arms, Cabela’s and Michael Waddell’s Bone Collector.

The Eastern Sports & Outdoor Show presented by Outdoor Channel and Comcast, now in its 56th year, has grown to be the largest outdoor hunting and fishing event of its kind in North America. With more than 1,200 exhibitors, The Eastern Sports & Outdoor Show brings the passion for the outdoors–indoors¬–by bringing outdoor sports enthusiasts of all ages from across the country to view the latest and best in hunting and fishing gear, shop for ATV’s and RV’s and plan & book hunting and fishing trips with outfitters & charters from around the world. The Eastern Sports & Outdoor Show also offers a wide range of seminars presented by experts along with hunting- and fishing-related contests and family-oriented entertainment.

Eastern Sports & Outdoor Show

HARRISBURG, PA --(Ammoland.com)- The 2011 Eastern Sports & Outdoor Show, presented by Outdoor Channel and Comcast, will feature a world-class lineup of hunting experts conducting seminars and meeting with fans for autographs and pictures.

“Our 2011 lineup of seminar speakers is very impressive. If you want to be a better hunter, our lineup of hunting experts at Eastern Sports & Outdoor Show can definitely show you how it’s done,” says Chris O’Hara, Event Director.

Top hunting experts scheduled to appear at the Show include:

Michael Waddell– Appearing February 5, 6, 9-13

Through his Outdoor Channel shows Bone Collectors, Realtree Roadtrips with Michael Waddell, Hunt Masters, and Turkey Call, Waddell has become one of the most popular and entertaining personalities in hunting world.

Ralph & Vicki Cianciarulo– Appearing February 5 – 13

The Cianciarulos are the husband and wife co-hosts of the award-winning Archer’s Choice and The Choice television shows.

Vicki Cianciarulo is credited with taking the largest wild white-tailed deer by a female on camera, with her Colorado buck scoring over 200 inches. She also has numerous black bear, caribou, moose, dall sheep, whitetail, mule deer, antelope, a turkey Grand Slam, and many different African species to her credit. Her history includes outfitting and guiding for both bear and deer, serving on conservation boards and editing and producing television shows.

Ralph Cianciarulo is a well-known international bowhunter, a noted videographer, a seminar speaker, and a TV personality for Outdoor Channel.

Lee & Tiffany Lakosky– Appearing February 5 – 13

Husband and wife hunters, Lee and Tiffany Lakosky, are best known as stars of Getting’ Close–one of the highest-rated shows in outdoor television–and The Crush with Lee & Tiffany.

Chuck Adams– Appearing February 5 – 11

Adams is the world’s best known and most widely published bowhunter, authoring 4,550 magazine articles and 10 full-length books. He appears 25-30 times each year on ESPN, WGN, and TNN television networks and stars on ESPN’s “Whitetail Country” and “Advantage Adventures” shows. He is the youngest archer ever inducted into the National Bowhunters Hall of Fame and SCI Bowhunters Hall of Honor.

Chris Brackett– Appearing February 5 – 13

Brackett is the former host of Arrow Affliction and originator of EXTREME AERIAL BOWFISHING. Brackett will hunt anything and is obsessed with all things hunting. His mission is seeking out the latest and best in hunting equipment and techniques and sharing that knowledge with his fellow hunters. He also enjoys showing off his impressive archery skills.

The Benoits– Appearing February 5 – 13

The Benoit brothers will present a new seminar video presentation showing the latest season’s hunts with many tips on how to take big bucks.

Pat Reeve & Nicole Jones– Appearing February 5 – 13

Reeve and Jones are co-hosts of Driven TV on Outdoor. They are driven whitetail hunters who live and breath hunting. Jones has harvested a wide range of impressive animals including countless Pope and Youngs, one Boone & Crockett, a 12-foot alligator, antelope, and many African Species. Reeve has bagged over 50 Pope and Young bucks including the largest typical ever taken by a hunter on professional video, scoring 200 inches Boone and Crockett.

Jim Benton– Appearing February 5 – 13

Benton is host of the new show Chambered for the Wild on the Sportsman Channel, which features big-game hunts from around the globe. He has hunted all species of North American big. Benton has been tested by the frigid ice flows of the Arctic to become the first hunter to harvest two Polar Bears on the same hunt. He has also endured the sweltering heat of the Sonora Desert to hunt wide-racked Mule Deer. Other trips have taken him as far as Zambia to hunt Lion.

Matt Morrett– Appearing February 5 – 13

Morrett has earned five World Champion Friction Turkey Calling titles, five U.S. Open Turkey Calling Championships, and the coveted Grand National Champion title.

Eddie Salter– Appearing February 5 – 8

Salter is currently recognized as one of the countries leading authorities on turkey and deer hunting. He has appeared on ESPN, TNN, Outdoor Channel, numerous hunting videos and recent television commercials for Hunter’s Specialties, Inc. He also has been featured in numerous outdoor magazine articles and radio interviews.

Steve Criner– Appearing February 10 – 13

Criner is a Hunter’s Specialties Pro staff member. He conducts seminars all over the country and films for the Operation Predator video series. He has also been featured on numerous radio and outdoor TV shows such as H.S. Outdoors and Babe Winklemans Outdoor Secrets.

Alan Probst– Appearing February 5 – 13

Alan Probst is one of the best trappers in the county. After running his first trapline at the age of seven, it has been all about the outdoors since. Probst was a Bio-Chemistry Fisheries Science major in college before embarking on a 10-year professional baseball. He is the owner/operator of Alan Probst, Inc., which has produced four outdoor television programs including: North American Trapper, Sportsmens Outdoor Strategies, Hunt Doctor and Hlathini Safari’s African Adventures. Probst has also written professionally for the “Pennsylvania Outdoor Times” and “Outdoors Magazine” on a monthly basis as well as periodic features for other national publications such as “Fur-Fish-Game.”

Joella Bates– Appearing February 5 – 13

Bates is the first woman to take the Big 5 of Africa with a bow and the first bowhunter to take the Big 5 in a single safari. She is the first woman to take a turkey grand slam with only a bow and arrow.

For more information on the complete schedule of seminar speakers, contests and family entertainment offered at the 2011 Eastern Sports & Outdoors Show, log onto www.easternsportshow.com .

Other Eastern Sports & Outdoors Show sponsors include: Thompson Center Arms, Cabela’s and Michael Waddell’s Bone Collector

The Eastern Sports & Outdoor Show presented by Outdoor Channel and Comcast, now in its 56th year, has grown to be the largest outdoor hunting and fishing event of its kind in North America. With more than 1,200 exhibitors, The Eastern Sports & Outdoor Show brings the passion for the outdoors–indoors–by bringing outdoor sports enthusiasts of all ages from across the country to view the latest and best in hunting and fishing gear, shop for ATV’s and RV’s and plan & book hunting and fishing trips with outfitters & charters from around the world. The Eastern Sports and Outdoor Show also offers a wide range of seminars presented by experts along with hunting- and fishing-related contests and family-oriented entertainment.

Eastern Sports & Outdoor Show

HARRISBURG, PA --(Ammoland.com)- The 2011 Eastern Sports & Outdoor Show presented by The Outdoor Channel and Comcast, February 5-13, 2011, at the PA State Farm Show Complex, Harrisburg Pa, will feature more manufacturers, more new exhibitors, more attractions and expert guests at the 2011 event.

The Show will feature more than 1,200 of the best outdoor companies & brands, guides, outfitters, retailers, and manufacturers including 300 new companies that were not at last year’s Show.

“The demand for more manufacturers and new products grows each year, so we had to add a new hall featuring some of these great products,” says Chris O’Hara, Event Director, Eastern Sports & Outdoor Show. “The new hall, called the Archery & Hunting Haven, will offer everyone attending a chance to see more exhibitors, more of the latest archery and hunting gear and expert guests like Chris Brackett and new this year Corey Brossman and Joella Bates.”

“Outdoor celebrity favorites like Michael Waddell, Lee & Tiffany Lakosky, Ralph & Vicki Cinaciarulo, Chuck Adams and many more will be at the Show to sign autographs and interact with attendees,” added O’Hara. “We have also added new expert guests like Hank Parker, Babe Winkelman and Pat Reeves and Nicole Jones that add even more excitement to the line-up.”

New Manufacturers and Additions to the Show Include:
MORE MANUFACTURERS making their first appearance at the Show:

• • Mossberg
• • Savage Arms
• • Gamo Airguns
• • Nosler Custom Guns
• • Jim Benton Outdoor Adventures
• And many more!

More Exhibitors offering gun sales including:

• • Kinseys Outdoors
• • East Coast Gun Sales
• • Schryver Gun Sales

New Celebrity Appearances by:

• • Pat Reeves & Nicole Jones from Driven TV
• • Hank Parker
• • Babe Winkelman
• • World Famous Female Bowhunter Joella Bates

New Contests and events including:

• • Predator Calling Contest
• • US Open Turkey Calling Contest
• • Legal Heat, Conceal Carry Permit Class

NEW Archery & Hunting Haven

• • More Archery & Hunting Equipment
• • Archery Trick Shoot with Chris Brackett
• • Bow Fishing Seminars with Corey Brossman sponsored by Innerloc Broadheads TV Show “Innerloc’s Out There”
• • Campbell Cameras… “Filming Your Own Hunts”

NEW Fishing Experience

• • Interactive area for all ages and skill levels.
• • An all-new Casting Stage and Demo Pool
• • Expert Guest Seminars with Pros including Hank Parker and Babe Winkelman, plus local and regional experts
• • Bass Pro Hawg Tank
• • A Fishing Simulator to test your skills
• • Fish filleting and cooking seminars/demos with Professional Chef, Virginia Lazo
• • Trout pond fishing for the kids
• • Capital City BassMasters Casting Kids competitions on Sunday, Feb. 7th and Sunday, Feb 13th
• • Daily fishing lessons for kids and adults provided by Capital City BassMasters

NEW Family Food Specials and Daily Cafeteria Specials

• • Daily Cafeteria Specials featuring Pepsi Products and 1,200 seats to relax and enjoy your meal
• • New! Sportsman’s Lounge featuring Wild Game Foods in the NorthWest Hall
• • Kids and Family Specials with great family pricing

NEW Entrance closer to the Parking Lot

And the traditions that you enjoy:

• • Chuck Adams
• • Randy Oitker
• • Fly Casting Demos with Dusty Wissmath and Frank Angelo
• • The Bass Pro Hawg Tank
• • Deer Butchering with Chef Albert Wutsch
• • Sausage & Jerky Making with Rick Fetrow

For more information on the complete schedule of seminar speakers, contests and family entertainment offered at the 2011 Eastern Sports & Outdoors Show, log onto www.easternsportshow.com .

Other Eastern Sports & Outdoors Show sponsors include: Thompson Center Arms, Cabela’s and Michael Waddell’s Bone Collectors.

About:
The Eastern Sports & Outdoor Show presented by The Outdoor Channel and Comcast, now in its 56th year, has grown to be the largest outdoor hunting and fishing event of its kind in North America. With more than 1,200 exhibitors, The Eastern Sports & Outdoor Show brings the passion for the outdoors–indoors–by bringing outdoor sports enthusiasts of all ages from across the country to view the latest and best in hunting and fishing gear, shop for ATV’s and RV’s and plan & book hunting and fishing trips with outfitters & charters from around the world. The Eastern Sports and Outdoor Show also offers a wide range of seminars presented by experts along with hunting- and fishing-related contests and family-oriented entertainment. Visit: www.easternsportshow.com

NRA - ILA

Charlotte, NC --(Ammoland.com)- NRA-ILA grass roots news recently debuted a new and improved format for the “Grassroots News Minute” video!

To view the current video in its new format, please click above:

Cam Edwards talks to A. Barton Hinkle about his article in the Richmond Times-Dispatch – Read it here: www2.timesdispatch.com/news/2010/nov/30/ed-hinkle30-ar-683380/ – NRA News

“Whenever there is a shooting spree,” said William S. Burroughs, “they always want to take the guns away from the people who didn’t do it.”

Read More on these topics:

• Anti-Gun Congressman Mike Quigley Advocating Clamp Down On Gun Shows
• GAO Gun Trafficking Report Corrupted by the Anti-Gunners
• Attempt to Ban Firearm Sales

About:
Established in 1871, the National Rifle Association is America’s oldest civil rights and sportsmen’s group. Four million members strong, NRA continues its mission to uphold Second Amendment rights and to advocate enforcement of existing laws against violent offenders to reduce crime. The Association remains the nation’s leader in firearm education and training for law-abiding gun owners, law enforcement and the military. Visit: www.nra.org

Grass Roots North Carolina for Firearms Education

North Carolina --(Ammoland.com)- GRNC needs volunteers to host the tables at the next C& E Gun Show to be held the weekend of Nov. 27th & 28th at the “The Park” on Independence Blvd, formerly the Charlotte Merchandise Mart.

• http://www.cegunshows.com/ShowInformation/CharlotteNC/tabid/67/Default.aspx
• http://ppm-nc.com/

Please set aside some time to help.

If you have an articulate friend whom you would like to introduce to gun rights activism please invite her or him to work with us show weekend whether or not that person is a current member.

Volunteers please email Frank Hinson at mrwiznc2@aol.com

You may call him at at Home (704)372-8055, Cell (704)200-0513 with your preferred day and time(s) to be scheduled to work.

About:
Grass Roots North Carolina/Forum for Firearms Education is a non-profit, all volunteer organization devoted to educating the public about trends which abridge the freedoms guaranteed by the Bill of Rights, and engaging in grass roots activism to preserve those freedoms. Formed in 1994 to conduct a highly successful rally for the Second Amendment, GRNC has gone on to conduct projects like “Remember in November: A Gun Owner’s Guide to Voting,” bringing concealed carry to North Carolina. Visit:www.grnc.org

Woodlawn, Virginia --(Ammoland.com)- Another year is flying by. Autumn is here and winter is around the corner.

As for us, our year is winding down too. We only have 5 gun shows left this year.

If you have not had a chance to get to one this year listed below is the remaining dates.

Next year shows are available too. You can visit our website: www.olddominionshows.com for all our show information.

We hope to see you at one of our shows…

• Oct. 29-30-31 Charleston, WV National Guard Armory
• Nov. 6-7 Dale City, VA VFW Post 1503
• Nov. 12-13-14 Beckley, WV Raleigh Co. Civic Center (Coliseum)
• Dec. 18-19 Dale City, VA VFW Post 1503
• Dec. 17-18-19 Charleston, WV National Guard Armory

About:
Old Dominion Shows specializes in organizing large Gun/ Antiques Shows in Virginia and West Virginia for the general public. We take it upon ourselves to make sure that the events are well advertised to the public through our website, flyers, email, direct mail, and various publications such as magazines, brochures, etc. Visit: www.olddominionshows.com

Virginia Citizens Defense League

Covington VA --(Ammoland.com)- The Virginia Citizens Defense League thanks the following member-activists who generously gave of their time to advance and help defend the rights of their fellow gun owners by working our recruiting and information booths at gun shows and events around the state.

• Hillsville, September 3-6 Sherrill Smith, Dave Hicks and son, Ken Modica, Shannon & Philip Honaker, Kristian Honaker, Chris Sturgill, Mike Smith, Paul Corcoran, Greg Bellamy, Chris Fennell, Chris Rakes, Philip Van Cleave, and Al Steed Jr
• Norfolk, September 4-5 Ed Burton, Al Bougard, Neal Jefferis, Michael Durig, Hugh Cain, Richard Vaught, Carlos Bailey, Dean Ashman, Jack Dougherty, Irina and Gary Moeller, and Albert Burchard
• Salem, September 11-12 Sherrill Smith, Ken Modica, Kathy Smith, John Everette, Sonny Hannah, Bruce Powers, Al Steed Jr, and Kristian Honaker

As an all volunteer organization, VCDL depends on YOU to volunteer your time at our area events, where we recruit new activists and keep gun owners informed. No experience necessary; if it’s your first time we’ll pair you with a veteran volunteer.

To find out more about helping at our gun show tables, go to:

http://www2.vcdl.org/cgi-bin/wspd_cgi.sh/vcdl/gs.html

and click on any of the blue links, or contact the coordinator for the show/event listed below with which you are interested in helping.

Here are the upcoming events with which we need YOUR help:

a. FISHERSVILLE http://www.showmasters.us, September 25-26
Saturday, September 25 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. Sunday, September 26 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Please contact Bob Schmidt at Shenandoahgunshows@vcdl.org to help in Fishersville.

b. FREDERICKSBURG http://www.guns-knives.com, September 25-26
Saturday, September 25 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. Sunday, September 26 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Please contact Robert Herron at Fredericksburggunshows@vcdl.org to help in Fredericksburg.

c. GLEN ALLEN, Protest Eric Cantor’s Gun Ban, from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m., Oct. 2 5236 Cox Road, Glen Allen, GOP Roundup at Snag-A-Job Pavillion at Innsbrook RSVP with the subject line: “Cantor protest: x”, where “x” is the number attending, to Dennis O’Connor at:
Dennis@vcdl.org

d. CHANTILLY http://www.cegunshows.com, October 1-3
Friday, October 1 3:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Saturday, October 2 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. Sunday, October 3 10:00 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. 1:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Please contact Danny Paulson at NOVAgunshows@vcdl.org to help in Chantilly.

e. HARRISONBURG http://www.showmasters.us, October 9-10
Saturday, October 9 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. Sunday, October 10 10:00 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. 1:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Please contact Bob Schmidt at Shenandoahgunshows@vcdl.org to help in Harrisonburg.

f. DALE CITY http://www.olddominionshows.com, October 9-10
Saturday, October 9 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. Sunday, October 10 9:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. 12:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Please contact Sam Childress at NOVAgunshows@vcdl.org to help in Dale City.

g. SOUTH CENTRAL FAIR http://southcentralfair.com, October 12-16
The South Central Fair will be held in CHASE CITY, VA. The VCDL table will be in the Industrial Art Building. We need members to again step forward and assist at this new location. More details coming shortly.
Please contact Al Steed, Jr. at SWVAgunshows@vcdl.org to help at the South Central Fair.

h. RICHMOND http://www.cegunshows.com, October 16-17
Saturday, October 16 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. Sunday, October 17 10:00 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. 1:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Please contact David Crosby at CentralVAgunshows@vcdl.org to help at the Showplace in Mechanicsville.

i. ROANOKE http://www.showmasters.us, October 23-24
Saturday, October 23 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. Sunday, October 24 9:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. 12:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Please contact Al Steed, Jr. at SWVAgunshows@vcdl.org to help in Roanoke.

j. VIRGINIA BEACH http://www.guns-knives.com, October 23-24
Saturday, October 23 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. Sunday, October 24 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Please contact Gary Moeller at VBgunshows@vcdl.org to help in Virginia Beach.

k. DALE CITY http://www.olddominionshows.com, November 6-7
Saturday, November 6 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. Sunday, November 7 9:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. 12:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Please contact Sam Childress at NOVAgunshows@vcdl.org to help in Dale City.

l. NORFOLK http://www.showmasters.us, November 6-7
Saturday, November 6 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. Sunday, November 7 10:00 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. 1:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Please contact Ed Burton at Norfolkgunshows@vcdl.org to help at the Norfolk Scope.

m. RICHMOND http://www.guns-knives.com, November 6-7
Saturday, November 6 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. Sunday, November 7 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Please contact Robert Herron at Fredericksburggunshows@vcdl.org to help at the Meadow Event Park in Doswell.

n. RICHMOND http://www.showmasters.us, November 13-14
Saturday, November 13 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. Sunday, November 14 9:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. 12:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Please contact David Crosby at CentralVAgunshows@vcdl.org to help at the Richmond Raceway Complex.

o. CHANTILLY http://www.cegunshows.com, November 19-21
Friday, November 19 3:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Saturday, November 20 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. Sunday, November 21 10:00 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. 1:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Please contact Danny Paulson at NOVAgunshows@vcdl.org to help in Chantilly.

p. HAMPTON http://www.guns-knives.com, November 27-28
Saturday, November 27 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. Sunday, November 28 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Please contact Ron Lilly at HamptonRoadsgunshows@vcdl.org to help in Hampton.

q. RICHMOND http://www.cegunshows.com, December 4-5
Saturday, December 4 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. Sunday, December 5 10:00 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. 1:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Please contact David Crosby at CentralVAgunshows@vcdl.org to help at the Showplace in Mechanicsville.

r. HARRISONBURG http://www.showmasters.us, December 11-12
Saturday, December 11 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. Sunday, December 12 10:00 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. 1:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Please contact Bob Schmidt at Shenandoahgunshows@vcdl.org to help in Harrisonburg.

s. DALE CITY http://www.olddominionshows.com, December 18-19
Saturday, December 18 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. Sunday, December 19 9:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. 12:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Please contact Sam Childress at NOVAgunshows@vcdl.org to help in Dale City.

t. SALEM http://www.cegunshows.com, December 18-19
Saturday, December 18 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. Sunday, December 19 10:00 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. 1:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Please contact Al Steed, Jr. at SWVAgunshows@vcdl.org to help in Salem.

About:
Virginia Citizens Defense League, Inc. (VCDL). VCDL is an all-volunteer, non-partisan grassroots organization dedicated to defending the human rights of all Virginians. The Right to Keep and Bear Arms is a fundamental human right. Visit: www.vcdl.org

California Waterfowl

Stockton, CA --(Ammoland.com)- Come see the latest waterfowl hunting gear, guns, duck calls, plus enjoy a hunter skills challenge, target shooting, swap meet and wine tasting – all followed by a fundraiser dinner at California Waterfowl’s “Waterfowler’s Expo” and “Hunter Skills Challenge” at the Waterloo Gun & Bocci Club in Stockton this Saturday,

September 18th. Exhibitors will include: Benelli, Beretta, Bass Pro Shops, Tanglefree, numerous duck and goose call manufacturers, hunting gear suppliers, and many more.

The Hunter Skills Challenge will test the shotgun, pellet gun, and archery shooting abilities of all ages in a fun, exciting, and safe environment. Bring your own shotgun or use a loaner. All other shooting equipment and ammunition will be provided.

Cost for the Waterfowl Expo is FREE, and the Hunter Skills Challenge is only $25 for pre-registration, or $35 registration on the day of the event. All participants will be entered into the Hunter Skills Challenge raffle to win great hunts and lots of exciting hunting products. Starting at 2 pm is the “Celebration of the Harvest” 5-man fun shoot, Wine Tasting and Pairing and a cooking demonstration by renowned wild game chef Scott Leysath. Dinner, raffle, and special auction to follow. Cost is only $75 per shooter, and includes all “Harvest” activities!

The dinner event will begin at 7 pm and will include the auction of a guided Blacktail hunt on a private 7,000 acre ranch in Corning.

For more information on the “Expo” contact George Oberstadt at (916) 275-0961, or click here to download a flyer.

California Waterfowl Expo 2010 Flyer

About:
California Waterfowl is an award winning nonprofit, hunter-supported conservation organization with a mission to conserve the state’s waterfowl, wetlands, and hunting heritage. In the last 20 years they’ve protected, restored or enhanced more than 360,000 acres, providing habitat for millions of birds and animals, and introduced more than 250,000 children to the wonders of the great outdoors. Visit them online at www.calwaterfowl.org.

Peaceable Texans for Firearms Rights

Austin TX --(Ammoland.com)- In Federal District Court on July 20, 2010, the ATF won a conviction from an Austin jury that defies logic and reason.

In a trial before Federal Judge Sam Sparks, government lawyers conceded Texas resident Paul Copeland did not know his buyer was an illegal alien, but the jury they should convict him anyway because he “had reasonable cause to believe” he was selling to an illegal alien because the two men and a boy who were present at his table at the time of the sale: 1) were Hispanic, 2) spoke Spanish, and 3) wore cowboy clothing.

And the jury did as asked. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer Freel acted as lead prosecutor in the case.

The firearm transaction at issue occurred on January 16, 2010, at a gunshow at the North Austin Events Center, at 10601 N. Lamar Blvd., in Austin, Texas. Undercover ATF agents followed Mr. Huerta, his son, and another Hispanic male, Hipolito Aviles, around the “Texas Gunshow” that day, and claimed to observe Huerta’s transaction. Austin P.D. used Copeland’s case as the reason to close down the gunshow, leading to a protest by Austin residents in front of APD headquarters on January 25.

Mr. Copeland is a 56 year old Cedar Creek resident and Vietnam veteran who liked to buy, sell, and trade firearms as a hobby. On January 16, however, he had the misfortune to sell a handgun to Leonel Huerta Sr., who spoke both English and Spanish. Huerta Sr. negotiated his purchase from Copeland in English, showing Copeland his Texas Driver’s License.

At Copeland’s trial Huerta admitted on the witness stand, that he is in the country illegally, (Huerta Sr. had previously admitted this fact to Immigration & Customs Enforcement (ICE) Special Agent Leo Buentello). ATF Agent Shawn Kang claimed he saw Huerta later hand off the gun to Aviles. Despite these admissions, Huerta Sr. was never arrested, charged, or deported. Instead, his presence at the gunshow was used to entrap an American citizen into an unwitting violation of a federal gun control law. Huerta Sr., who is a resident of the City of Austin, appeared as a witness at the trial, admitted he was in the country illegally before federal prosecutors and a federal judge, yet he was allowed to leave the courtroom under his own power.

To date Huerta Sr. has not been prosecuted for his purchase, possession, or disposition of the handgun he bought from Copeland, while Copeland is now a convicted felon.

“Instead of busting the illegal alien for buying, they bust the citizen for selling,” commented Paul Velte, attorney and founder of Peaceable Texans for Firearms Rights, a gun-owners rights advocacy group from Austin.

Velte asked, “who was in a better position to know the buyer’s immigration status, the buyer or the seller?” He also said, “What happened to Paul Copeland should enrage all Americans. The Federal Government is using illegal aliens to entrap citizens lawfully exercising their right to sell firearms. The illegal alien walks free, but the citizen gets convicted. The same government charged with controlling immigration is the one using illegal immigrants to attack its own citizens. Does this make any sense? It makes no sense unless the purpose is to discourage attendance at gunshows and frighten citizens from selling their firearms to other citizens.”

Velte pointed out that “There is no way for a citizen to know who is here legally or not. In fact, under Austin’s ‘sanctuary city’ policy, not even the police officer at the door of the gunshow was allowed to ask a person’s immigration status, yet the average Texan inside the show is expected to assume that a person standing before them with a Texas driver’s license is in the country illegally just because they look Mexican and speak Spanish.”

Velte noted that the federal government’s lawsuit against Arizona was based on that very type of conduct: Concluding someone could be here illegally based on their looks or their language.

Velte said gun owners in his group are outraged, and they want to know:

1. Why is the illegal alien who purchased the gun, Leonel Huerta Sr., still living in Austin?
2. Why does he still have a Texas Driver’s license?
3. Why is ATF using illegal aliens to set up and convict American citizens?
4. What has he been promised for his cooperation?
5. Why has he not been prosecuted? He committed three distinct crimes: he purchased a firearm knowing he was an illegal alien, he possessed the firearm, and he transferred the handgun to another illegal alien (Hippolito Aviles, who was convicted and given time served on June 30, 2010).
6. Why has Huerta Sr. not been deported?

Judge Sparks sentenced Copeland on August 27 to six months confinement and 24 months of probation, and called Copeland “a liar” for not admitting guilt. ATF confiscated Copeland’s entire gun collection and initiated forfeiture proceedings. Copeland was also fired from his job due to the indictment, and he would have lost his home to foreclosure, if not for his family stepping in to pay his mortgage while he serves his sentence.

About:
Peaceable Texans for Firearms Rights is a grassroots politically active group that began as a rally at the Texas State Capitol on President’s Day, 1994, and we have been active ever since. We are citizens who are tired of the continual, piecemeal destruction of the right to own–and use–firearms and are doing something about it. Visit: www.io.com/~velte/pt.htm?ammoland

National Association for Gun Rights

Colorado -–(Ammoland.com)- The rush is on to ban private firearm sales at gun shows under the guise of referring to these sales as a “loophole.”

Federal law does not currently restrict private firearm transfers between law-abiding citizens whether they take place at home or at a gun show, and NAGR is taking a stand to keep it that way.

As you no doubt already know, Michael Bloomberg and his millionaire cronies are pouring their money into a media blitz through their anti-Second Amendment group, Mayor’s Against Illegal Guns.

The MAIG media blitz is designed to pass H.R. 2324, a bill in Congress that would ban private sales at gun shows.

As usual, the anti-gun crowd is selling its lie with the rhetoric of tragic stories which are unrelated to their actual bill. They’ve also added a new trick to their playbook, and are claiming that gun owners support their ban on private sales. This rolling out of doctored statistics, claiming that gun owners support banning private sales, is a transparent attempt to manufacture consensus, but it’s been tried in the past.

Should the BATFE be notified every time a firearm is given as a gift to a family member, or sold to friend at a gun club?

To principled gun owners, it’s an easy answer: No.

Naturally, the solution to these lies is the activism and passion of the members of NAGR and readers like you. Throughout the summer, NAGR has been putting the pressure on politicians to stand up for the Second Amendment, while we’ve also been alerting our membership to the truth about this issue to combat the well-funded lies of these “Mayors Against Illegal Guns”.

The real danger of the anti-gun MAIG media blitz is their disguising of the actual goal of their legislation. While MAIG is spending Bloomberg’s millions around the country talking about a so-called “loophole” in the law, their real goal is to ban private firearm sales between individuals.

While Bloomberg himself is repeatedly delivering a line about a so-called “small change in the law,” they are in fact out to stop any transfer of firearms without BATFE involvement – in other words, Big Brother is watching.

In order to prevent this lie from becoming law, we must remain doubly vigilant, and be ready for all contingencies. These could come in the form of a quickly reformulated bill or even a late-night amendment to unrelated legislation.

The House version of the bill, H.R. 2324, would require anyone wishing to make a private sale at a gun show to be entered into a federal government database, complete with fingerprints and photographs.

Backed by the support of Michael Bloomberg’s millions and using Senator John McCain to claim bipartisan support, the radical left is using their so-called “gun show loophole” bill to move toward shutting down all private firearm sales.

NAGR is using an aggressive strategy of grassroots activism to counter the million dollar lie. To stay informed on the latest movements on this issue, make sure you are signed up for NAGR’s email alert system.

About:
The National Association for Gun Rights was founded in 2001 to serve as a grassroots gun rights group focusing on building state-level gun rights groups and lobbying for pro-gun federal legislation. Brown has been a gun lobbyist for more than 17 years. Visit: www.nationalgunrights.org

Editorial Disclaimer: The opinions and views expressed above do not necessarily reflect those of the staff, AmmoLand Shooting Sports News, or other sponsors and partners. See the Editorial-Review Process for more details.

Anti-Gun Congressman Mike Quigley

Illinois State Rifle Association

Illinois - -(AmmoLand.com)- Rabidly anti-gun Congressman Mike Quigley (IL-5) will be holding a public hearing on a bill he has co-sponsored that would put gun shows under the supervision of the federal government.

The bill, HR 2324, would subject gun show hosts to a slew of pointless, time consuming regulations in addition to heaping all sorts of red tape and record keeping requirements on gun show hosts and participants.

The ultimate goal of Quigley’s bill is to make hosting a gun show too much of a hassle to endure. As a result, this bill would quickly make gun shows disappear all together.

It should be noted that Congressman Mark Kirk (IL-10) is another co-sponsor of this slap to the face of the 2nd Amendment.

Things You Need To Do To Save Gun Shows:

1. Attend the hearing on HR 2324. The hearing will take place on Thursday, August 19, at 9:00 AM at the Dirksen Federal Building, 219 South Dearborn, Room 2510, Chicago. Be advised that the Dirksen building is a secure facility. You will have to go through a metal detector to get in. So, make sure your pockets are empty of anything that could get you in trouble. Do not do or say anything that could get you in trouble. When you get to the hearing, politely express your disapproval of HR 2324.
2. Contact your federal representative and politely tell him or her that you are a law-abiding firearm owner and that you oppose HR 2324 and that you would like them to vote NO on the bill should it reach the House floor. (Find your Representative: IL State Board of Elections)
3. Circulate this alert to all your gun owning friends and family. Tell them to show up at the hearing as well.
4. Please post links this article to all internet blogs and bulletin boards to which you belong.
5. Donate generously to the ISRA.
6. Remember, gun control is a disease – and you’re the cure!

ISRA needs your continued support. McDonald v Chicago was not the end of the fight but the beginning. The ISRA continues the fight for your firearm rights here in Illinois, with additional federal litigation against the City of Chicago.

About:
The ISRA is the state’s leading advocate of safe, lawful and responsible firearms ownership. Since 1903, the ISRA has represented the interests of over 1.5 million law-abiding Illinois firearm owners Visit: www.isra.org

Rock Island Auction's Premiere Collectors Firearms Auction of the Year

Rock Island Auction Company

Moline, IL --(AmmoLand.com)- Rock Island Auction Company announces the premiere collector’s firearms auction of the year to be held September 10, 11 & 12 at their facility in Moline, IL.

This auction will offer some of the finest firearms to be offered at auction all year. Beginning with two One of One Thousand Winchester rifles from the A. I. McCroskie collection. Those familiar with the McCroskie name know that it is synonymous with mint condition!

The first, one of the most desirable of all Winchester firearms, is estimated at $300,000 – 500,000! It is an extraordinary “One of One Thousand” Winchester first model 1876 lever action rifle. The second offers historical value as it was a Winchester display piece for the Philadelphia Centennial Exposition. This magnificent Winchester, deluxe, J. Ulrich signed factory engraved, first model 1873 “One of One Thousand” Centennial rifle (the only one ever made) is estimated at $200,000 – 400,000. Also from the McCroskie collection is a spectacular factory engraved gold plated Winchester Model 1866 saddle ring carbine ($75,000 – 150,000) and an exceptional deluxe Winchester Model 1873 lever action rifle ($40,000 – 70,000) the case hardening on this 73 is absolutely stunning.

This is only the start of the over 250 impressive Winchesters in this auction. An exceptional John Ulrich factory engraved and inscribed Winchester model 1876 express rifle is expected to bring $60,000 – 90,000. There is an excellent selection of 1886’s led by a deluxe documented Winchester model 1886 sporting rifle. Five Henry rifles will include a consecutively serial numbered pair, an engraved and a John Comstock marked New Haven Arms Company. Also included is an excellent Volcanic Repeating Arms Company lever-action navy pistol ($25,000 – 50,000).

The Winchester sporting arms are incredible, extraordinary Model 70’s including two factory engraved and gold inlaid new in box samples, magnificent Model 21’s (twenty one in all) two Grand Americans as well as a three barrel set in .410, 20, 28 gauges ($55,000 – 85,000), superb slide action rifles and other Winchester shotgun models such as a rare stainless steel barrel Model 12 ($3,750 – 5,500).

The September auction will feature the finest European military ever offered at auction. Rock Island is proud to offer the stunning military collection of William Ashby. The William Ashby collection is collection that offers not only high condition but rarity including many prototype arms and a vast selection of sniper rifles that is hardly ever seen at auction. The sheer number and quality of military items in this auction is astounding: over 85 sniper rifles in every configuration, 98k military rifles, G-Series plus quality European military handguns. Examples include an experimental Mauser sheet metal semi-automatic rifle ($20,000 – 40,000), an extremely rare Mauser K98 rifle with experimental “Fiberglass” stock ($7,000 – 15,000) and a magnificent rare WWII Nazi G33/40 experimental “Folding Stock” Mountain/Paratrooper carbine with bayonet ($10,000 – 20,000).

Two drillings include a “personal souvenir of World War II” by 1st Lt. Robert J. Hinchcliffe. The M30 Drilling, in its transit case and packed in cosmoline was discovered buried in the garden of Dr. Theodor Morell, Hitler’s personal physician. A rare and historic Nazi Diplomatic sword of war criminal Dr. Artur Syess-Inquar will also be offered. NSKK memorabilia will also be sold including a rare WWII Africa Corps BMW R75 motorcycle and sidecar from the Ashby collection and a rare WWII German “Four Barrel” firing belt buckle pistol with gold washed Nazi Eagle ($15,000 – 25,000).

The European pistols in this sale are sensational. Examples include a cased factory relief engraved Walther Model 9 semi-automatic pistol attributed to Adolf Hitler ($25,000 – 50,000), a rare gold-plated factory engraved Walther Model PP wartime commercial pistol with ivory grips (14,000 – 22,500) and several Nazi marked broomhandles. Rare lugers include Carbines, a Krieghoff, and an American Eagle cartridge counter. Rock Island auction is also fortunate to offer an exceptional Borchardt model 1893 semi-automatic pistol with case and accessories. The elegantly designed Model 1893 Borchardt Pistol was the forerunner of the Luger and one of the first commercially marketed semi-automatic pistols. All Borchardt Model 1893 Pistols are scarce; cased examples with accessories are more rare, this particular one is estimated to bring $30,000 – 45,000.

The military selection continues with outstanding U.S. military arms led by a mint Singer Manufacturing Co., model 1911A1 semi-automatic pistol owned by 1st Lt. Charles H. Clark ($37,500 – 55,000). Accompanying the guns is a notarized letter from the consignor explaining that 1st Lt. Clark was a pilot in the U.S. Air Corps during WWII. Stationed at Burtonwood Air Depot in England and on May 11, 1943 he piloted a B17F out of Bovington Field, England to Iceland to recover bodies and papers from the crash of a B24 which crashed on May 3, 1943. In the crash the pilot, co-pilot, 4 crewmen and 8 passengers were killed; the only survivor was the tail gunner, who escaped with only minor injuries. Among the recovered items by Lt. Clark was this Singer pistol which had been in his possession until October 7, 1958 when it was passed on to the consignor who has owned it ever since.

Other examples include a rare Robert McCormick U.S. Navy contract flintlock pistol ($15,000 – 25,000), an outstanding Springfield 1842 musket ($5,000 – 7,500), officer’s model trapdoor, Krag rifles, rare serial number 7 Sedgley fist gun ($10,000 – 20,000), an all original Inland T3 M1 carbine, experimental Johnson carbines, hugely rare Remington Marine Corps M40 and M40A1 sniper rifles, a rare “gas-trap” M1 garand rifle ($11,000 – 16,000), many other M1 rifles and carbines with sniper variations and more. Japanese military contains sniper rifles, Baby and Papa Nambu pistols and much more. The selection also features three original and exceptional 1921 Thompson fully automatic machine guns.

There are over 500 sporting arms in this auction spanning the spectrum of extremely high quality to the high conditioned everyday field guns. Some highlights include a magnificent Holland & Holland royal hammerless sidelock double rifle estimated at $25,000 – 37,500, an exhibition quality gold inlaid J. Lieue Timpe combination gun ($20,000 – 40,000) and nine Browning Olympians. This auction also offers a complete rare Ruger 65 gun collection with all the same serial number to be sold as one lot ($40,000 – 50,000).

Fine shotguns contain a matched consecutively serialized pair of J. Purdey & Sons double barrel estimated at $50,000 – 70,000 and a cased engraved gold inlaid Hatfield Uplander woodcock grade V two barrel set double barrel shotgun intended for President George H. W. Bush carrying a pre auction estimate of $10,000 – 20,000. Other manufacturers include Ithaca, Parker Brothers, Lebeau Courally, AYA, Merkel, Mannlicher, Perazzi and more.

Colorful history is found in the 400 plus Colts in this auction. An example includes a Colt single action army revolver carried by Gratton Dalton in the disastrous double bank robbery in Coffeyville, Kansas, on October 5, 1892. The Dalton Gang attempted two bank robberies in their hometown simultaneously but unfortunately for them they were recognized. In the gun battle that followed the robbery Bob, Gratton, their two partners and four townsmen were killed. Emmett Dalton was badly wounded. This revolver was awarded to the doctor “for his service in keeping his brother Emmett alive for hanging which never came to pass”. This Colt with its fascinating history is estimated to bring $10,000 – 30,000.

Other Colts will include early percussion revolving rifles and shotguns, percussion pistols featuring an extremely rare special order Colt Model 1851 navy revolver with 12-inch barrel ($30,000 – 60,000). Other impressive lots include a silver plated checkered ivory gripped 1851 ($15,000 – 25,000), a historic 7th Cavalry serial range, Ainsworth inspected, Colt cavalry single action revolver with Kopec letter ($10,000 – 20,000) and a Cole Agee signed gold and silver plated SAA ($10,000 – 15,000).

Without a doubt antiques in this auction overall exude quality. The earliest known firearms are represented well with Japanese Matchlocks, Wheellocks, and Miquelets. Some examples are 18th Century silver mounted gold inlaid pistols with the Sultan of Turkey Crest (moon in a night sky) estimated at $20,000 – 35,000, an ornate pair of matched 18th century miquelets slated at $15,000 – 30,000, a 16th century German wheellock with a pre auction estimate of $16,000 – 25,000, English dog-lock trade musket and more.

The American antiques are equally impressive with examples such as a rare full stock Hawken Plains rifle, Cochran revolving turret rifle, Hall 15 round revolving rifle, prototype J. Rider marked pistol, very rare unique Brettell & Frisbie revolver and many more high quality antique arms.

Rock Island Auction Company is proud to offer an outstanding collection of custom art knives and daggers from numerous award winning knife makers from the Knifemakers’ Guild and other renowned knife making associations. These custom edged weapons feature some of the finest handcrafted stainless steel and Damascus blades in the world, which are meticulously fitted with ivory or fancy figured hardwood handles or scales. There are eye- catching artful dagger designs with nicely figured fluted ivory or hardwood handles adorned with twisted silver or gold wire and perfectly balanced knives that only the world’s elite knife makers can produce. In all there are 150 plus custom knives from renowned makers including Jim Schmidt, Willie Rigney, Buster Warenski, Ron Lake, Fred Carter, Curt Erickson, Jim Ence and many more.

Other knives will include a magnificent cased Joseph Rodgers & Sons exhibition quality Bowie knife ($3,750 – 6,500) and an extremely rare and unusual special order Randall Roman short sword with sheath – one of this type made per Gary Randall is estimated to bring $20,000 – 40,000.

In addition to the wide assortment of contemporary knives, this collection also includes a choice selection of antique weapons focusing on the Middle East and Asia, with examples of Jambiya and Kinjal daggers, armor piercing Katar and Pesh-Kabz blades and other attractive items. The craftsmanship is top notch, elaborately decorated, including a masterful demonstration of the art of cloisonné enamel inlay and a fine array of gold and silver inlaid items. Also included are a number of fine Damascus blades, showcasing the attractive folded steel patterns, with some further accented with gold inlay. Some of the finest demonstrative examples of these weapons that have entered our auction house are in this grouping, with several worthy of being a centerpiece of an edged weapon collection.

Don’t miss this once in a lifetime opportunity to own the rarest of the rare! In its entirety, over 2600 quality lots will be offered September 10, 11 & 12 by Rock Island Auction Company. Call now 800-238-8022 to order your two-volume full-color two-volume catalog or view it online at www.rockislandauction.com.

Auction times:

• Auction begins 10 am April 30th, May 1st & 2nd
• Full day preview Thursday, April 29th from 10 am – 6 pm
• Preview: April 30th, May 1st & 2nd from 7:30am – 10am, and during the auction for items not being sold that day.

Location
Rock Island Auction Company’s 23,000 square foot state-of-the-art auction facility is located at,
4507 49th Avenue, Moline IL 61265
Phone 800-238-8022, Fax 309-797-1655

Email info@rockislandauction.com
www.rockislandauction.com for more location, directions, and hotel information.

British Sterling Sub-Machine Gun Legal to Own in the USA

FirearmsTruth.com

Michigan --(Ammoland.com)- The mainstream anti-gun media does a terrible job in reporting on guns, and much of it is misunderstood even when the reporting is close to accurate.

The media would have you believe that “assault weapons” are in fact “machine guns,” but that’s not really the case. Here is why.

Anyone who has studied issues such as the assault weapon ban will tell you that the media gets upset about nothing – the truth is that assault weapons or rather firearms that look like assault weapons are often just commercial version of military firearms. These aren’t actually “machine guns” in the true sense. You certainly can’t go to most gun shows and buy a machine gun, nor can you go to the local sporting goods chain and buy one either.

Machine Guns are Legal
Machine guns can be legally purchased - but you should check with your local law enforcement agency as it still could be banned in your city or state.

To understand how to purchase a live and firing machine gun, as opposed to a non-firing “dummy gun,” you need to understand the National Firearms Act (NFA) of 1934, which was enacted on June 26, 1934. It imposes a statutory excise tax on the manufacture and transfer of “certain firearms” and mandates the registration of said items. This essentially came about as a result of the crime waves of the 1920s and early 1930s during prohibition.

“This required that guns be registered with the government, and that those registering the guns had to pay the excise tax of $200,” explains advanced collector Ken Niewiarowicz. “Who had an extra $200 to spend to buy a gun in 1934?”

This registration explains Niewiarowicz was actually done through the IRS, and it wasn’t just limited to live guns. Those aforementioned “dummy guns,” which today are sold by companies such as IMA-USA.com previously had to be registered as well.

“Most of the guns brought home by the GIs after World War II were deactivated and those still needed to be registered.”

The first major update to the old laws occurred in 1968 with the passage of the Gun Control Act, when guns were added to the jurisdiction of the Bureau of Alcohol and Tobacco. This restricted certain categories of individuals from owning guns – including felons, users of controlled substances or those who were convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence. This year also made it legal for “new” machine guns to be produced with old parts. Thus many older guns suddenly came out of the woodwork.

The law changed again in 1986, which essentially banned the creation of new machine guns again. As a result it is only possible to own machine guns that were produced prior to 1986. To obtain a gun an individual doesn’t actually need a special license either – this is a common misconception - but instead needs to live in a state (as well as city) that allows for ownership, and to pay to receive the $200 transfer stamp.

Again, this isn’t as easy as going to a large gun show and throwing a wad of cash. A background check is conducted and it can take weeks, or even months for the stamp to come through. Interesting enough, the 1934 produced stamps are still being used today.

Curio and Relic (C&C) License
Another major misconception when it comes to collecting antique firearms is what exactly is the purpose of obtaining a 03 Federal Firearms License, sometimes called the Curio and Relic (C&C) license. It should be stressed that holding a C&R FFL doesn’t actually make one a dealer, but rather this is a special license for firearms collectors. It allows these collectors to purchase C&R FFL eligible guns across state lines and to receive them directly. Introduced as part of the Gun Control Act of 1968, the 03 FFL does not entitle those individuals to be in the business of reselling guns as a dealer. The C&R list changes yearly and readers should consult the list to determine if a specific gun is on said list.

Gun Show Loophole
Now the issue of “dealer” comes up, because of the so-called “gun show loophole” that anti-gun zealots actually preach about. What exactly is a “gun show loophole” is never really made clear by the anti-gun crowd, but it basically targets any sale that is done from private individual to private individual so it clearly isn’t aimed at just those transactions taking part at gun shows.

“To require guns to be sold through dealers would mean additional taxes on the item,” says Dean Sova, promoter of the Old Time Gun, Military & Sporting Shows in Michigan.

“On a used item it has already had taxes paid and claimed by the government. This would just be further government intrusion to tax an item again.”

Ironically say many gun collectors, weren’t taxes what the whole Revolution and later the purpose of including the Second Amendment in the Constitution was all about?

Peter Suciu is executive editor of FirearmsTruth.com, a website that tracks and monitors media bias against guns and our Second Amendment rights. Visit: FirearmsTruth.com

New SHOT Show Logo Launched By NSSF

National Shooting Sports Foundation

NEWTOWN, Conn. --(Ammoland.com)- The SHOT Show’s venerable symbol of hunter, dog and bull’s-eye target, which has served the show well for four decades, will give way to a new, more inclusive logo that welcomes and supports all segments of the world’s largest shooting, hunting and outdoor trade show.

The National Shooting Sports Foundation, owner of the SHOT Show, takes pride in unveiling the new SHOT Show logo and will begin using it immediately in all advertising and communications related to the 2011 show in Las Vegas and beyond.

“Times change and trade shows change, reflecting current buying and selling trends,” said Chris Dolnack, senior vice president of NSSF, the trade association for the firearms, ammunition, hunting and shooting industry. “When the SHOT Show began in 1979, hunting was the dominant activity in our industry and our logo reflected that. Today’s SHOT Show requires a strong, clean logo that reminds all attendees, whether their business is shooting, hunting or law enforcement, that they are valued. The new SHOT Show logo does this.”

A unique mark for a unique trade show, the new SHOT Show logo is contemporary in design, providing a versatile symbol suitable for use in today’s multi-media communications, workng equally well on large signage at the show venue, on Web pages and in e-mail marketing, magazine ads and videos. The new logo features the name “SHOT Show” emblazoned over a bull’s-eye target. This clean, uncluttered approach emphasizes the SHOT Show brand without distraction.

“The target is the evolutionary element we carried over from the past logo,” said Dolnack. “The font is san-serif, which is more readable and modern. By eliminating the hunter and the dog, the logo now better reflects the diverse audiences of today’s SHOT Show. We have used the green found in NSSF’s logo in the target element as a reminder that the SHOT Show and NSSF are strongly connected.”

The new logo arose from input provided by NSSF members through SHOT Show surveys that are conducted each year. While the old logo had strong historical ties, survey respondents considered it dated and encouraged that it be changed. That was easier said than done, however.

During an 18-month process, two award-winning design firms and NSSF’s in-house creative services department provided hundreds of new logo treatments. The logo ultimately selected was one developed by NSSF’s in-house team.

“We’re very proud that the first new logo for the SHOT Show in 34 years was produced in-house by our talented graphic artists,” said Mark Thomas, NSSF’s managing director of marketing-communications. “We are very proud of that and of them.”

NSSF reminds SHOT Show exhibitors, media and other companies who use the logo to do so in accordance with the NSSF guidelines for this registered trademark and to replace the old logo with this new mark as soon as possible. Contact Mark Thomas at 203-426-1320 or mthomas@nssf.org for images appropriate to your graphics needs.

About NSSF
The National Shooting Sports Foundation is the trade association for the firearms industry. Its mission is to promote, protect and preserve hunting and the shooting sports. Formed in 1961, NSSF has a membership of more than 5,500 manufacturers, distributors, firearms retailers, shooting ranges, sportsmen’s organizations and publishers. For more information, log on to www.nssf.org.

Arizona Citizens Defense League

Catalina, AZ --(Ammoland.com)- If you can spare a few hours we would deeply appreciate your help. AzCDL’s phenomenal growth is primarily because of the hard work of our volunteers. These are great opportunities to educate the public about our hard won successes like Constitutional Carry (http://www.azcdl.org/html/accomplishments.html).

• Douglas area volunteers, please contact Duke (duke.schechter@azcdl.org).
• Phoenix area volunteers, please contact John (jarosado@cox.net).
• Tucson area volunteers, please contact Tom (tom.woodrow@azcdl.org).

In July, AzCDL will be working the following events.

July 10 & 11 is the Crossroads gun show at the Arizona State Fairgrounds in Phoenix.
Please contact jarosado@cox.net to volunteer.

July 17 & 18 is the Arizona Arms Association gun show at the Beaudry RV Center in Tucson.
Please contact tom.woodrow@AzCDL.org to volunteer.

Also on July 17th is a Tea Party rally in Douglas at the 10th Street Park.
Please contact duke.schechter@azcdl.org to volunteer.

If your AzCDL membership is coming up for renewal, you’ll save $10 if you renew at any event! It’s like getting paid to attend! Sustaining memberships also get a FREE AzCDL t-shirt. Not a member? Not a problem! You can join AzCDL at these events and still get the $10 discount.

And, don’t forget AzCDL’s annual meeting! If you join or renew your membership for $25 or more, you are entitled to attend AzCDL’s annual meeting on October 2nd for FREE. Details can be found at AzCDL’s website:
http://www.azcdl.org/html/annual_mtg.html .

A listing of upcoming Arizona gun shows can be found at:
http://www.americangunshows.com/GunShows/AZ-GunShows.htm .