Whitetails Unlimited’s Deer Hunters Guidelines

Whitetails Unlimited

Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin --(AmmoLand.com)- One of the most popular educational publications produced by Whitetails Unlimited is the Deer Hunters Guidelines booklet, which has just been updated and reprinted in time for the 2009 deer season.

This 8-page booklet includes basic information about the white-tailed deer, hunting tips and techniques, and firearms safety.

“It is a great resource for beginning hunters,” said Jeff Davis, Whitetails Unlimited’s manager of communications, “but it is also useful for refreshing the memories of experienced hunters.” Davis points out that just because you are an experienced hunter, does not mean you should quit learning, or paying attention to the basics of hunting and firearms safety.

The booklet was printed in a recent edition of Whitetails Unlimited Magazine, which is delivered to every member of Whitetails Unlimited. Individual copies of the booklet are available at no charge by contacting WTU national headquarters at (920) 743-6777. Larger quantities are available at a very reasonable cost.

The booklet is also available on the Whitetails Unlimited website www.whitetailsunlimited.com as a PDF file that can be downloaded.

“This is one of our most popular publications, and in the past has been distributed in all 50 states,” said WTU Executive Director Pete Gerl. “Nahan Printing in St. Cloud, Minnesota, was very generous in sponsoring this publication, which includes updated text and new photos.”

About:
Founded in 1982, Whitetails Unlimited is a national nonprofit conservation organization. Our mission is to raise funds in support of education, habitat enhancement and acquisition, and the preservation of the hunting tradition for the benefit of the white-tailed deer and other wildlife. When it comes to the whitetail and its environment, WTU’s degree of professionalism and dedication has earned us the reputation of being the nation’s premier whitetail organization.

Brought to you by - AMMO LAND.COM - Firearms & Shooting Sports News Ammo Land.com Submit Gun, Ammo and Shooting Related News at Ammo Land.com

Whitetails Unlimited’s Deer Hunters Guidelines Booklet Released

Wisconsin DNR

EAU CLAIRE, WI --(AmmoLand.com)- With Wisconsin’s new mentored hunting law, youngsters 10 and 11 years old will be joining the upcoming gun deer hunt, carrying firearms under the close supervision of their mentors.

Each of these mentors has a big responsibility, and in a critical way so does every other gun hunter in the field this year, said warden supervisor Steve Dewald with the state Department of Natural Resources.

“We obviously want these youth to have a positive experience in their meetings with other hunters,” Dewald said. “These kids are at an impressionable age and what they see this year they will long remember. Our fondest hope is that these young people will be made to feel welcome in the community of hunters.”

And so everyone who hunts becomes a mentor. It has always been this way. And while a few violators will attract attention, thousands of hunter conservationists will quietly pursue their passion for wildlife this fall, following not only the rules but strict, personal codes of safety and responsibility.

To celebrate and honor these hunter conservationists, the state Department of Natural Resources and the La Crosse Tribune proudly announce the opening of nominations for the 13th annual Ethical Hunter Award.

“We are asking hunters to acknowledge ethical behavior in other hunters when they see it,” Dewald said.

Dewald, outdoor writer Jerry Davis and La Crosse Tribune outdoor editor Bob Lamb created the award in 1997 in an effort to bring attention to the positive contributions made by Wisconsin’s safe and ethical hunters.

“This is a statewide award, and every year we get nominations from all across Wisconsin,” Dewald said. “That’s a good sign.”

The award signifies the qualities of “hunters helping others rather than pursuing personal gain” and “hunters engaged in behavior that positively reflects on the tradition of hunting.”

Dewald encourages people who have nominated hunters in the past to consider whether the person they nominated would still qualify and to consider nominating that person again. There have been persons nominated in the past who would have won the award if nominated in a different year.

These stories that come in the mail illustrate what wildlife and law enforcement professionals already know – that positive and often admirable behavior is common among the majority of hunters, Dewald said.

The following are requirements to be eligible to receive the Ethical Hunter Award:

• The nominee must be a licensed Wisconsin hunter.
• The ethical hunting act must have taken place in Wisconsin during the 2009 calendar year.
• Written nominations should contain the name, address and telephone number of the witness or witnesses to the behavior that led to the nomination.

Written nominations should be sent to Warden Supervisor Steve Dewald at the Department of Natural Resources, 3550 Mormon Coulee Road, La Crosse, WI 54601 by Jan. 15, 2010.

An 18-year-old Rhinelander hunter received the award last year for helping a young woman hunter whom he met out in the field to trail, field dress and retrieve a 17-point buck that she had shot but was unable to find.

Other award recipients in previous years have been recognized for:

• assisting a conservation warden who was dealing with a dangerous subject
• restoring wildlife habitat
• making private lands available to new hunters
• providing opportunities for disabled hunters
• rendering aid to a citizen at a serious car accident

Special youth awards are also given to youngsters who hunt ethically.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Steve Dewald, warden supervisor – (608) 785-9970 or Ed Culhane, a DNR communications specialist, at (715) 839-3715

Brought to you by - AMMO LAND.COM - Firearms & Shooting Sports News Ammo Land.com Submit Gun, Ammo and Shooting Related News at Ammo Land.com

Nominees Sought for 13th Annual Ethical Hunter Award

National Shooting Sports Foundation

NEWTOWN, Conn.—-(AmmoLand.com)- Fall is a time of year parents and their children enjoy doing things together—attending soccer matches, carving scary jack-o’-lanterns, raking leaves (OK, maybe that one’s not so much fun) and gathering around the table for Thanksgiving dinner.

It’s also a great time of year to introduce a young person to hunting.

Hunting seasons are open across the country. From deer to upland birds, waterfowl, wild turkey, squirrel and rabbits, hunters have their choice of game to pursue. When the time is right for an adult mentor to introduce a youth to hunting, the National Shooting Sports Foundation’s STEP OUTSIDE program helps make that introduction fun.

You can start by sending your son or daughter an electronic postcard with a colorful photo of the game animal or hunting scene of your choice. This helps youth visualize the experience, and it’s a nice surprise when the e-postcard pops up in their inbox.

Enjoy the hunt:
Remember the sights, sounds and smells. Then when you’re back home, take a moment and together enter the STEP OUTSIDE Sweepstakes and earn a chance to win one of five $1,000 gift certificates at Bass Pro Shops. It’s easy. Tell NSSF about your experience by taking a short survey. Maybe you were successful in harvesting your game, or maybe not. It doesn’t really matter because, as all hunters know, it’s the experience afield with family and friends that counts.

Not a hunter? That’s OK. Introduce a youngster to target shooting and you can still enter. Just take the survey by the deadline of Jan. 1, 2010. Winners will be selected in a random drawing on Jan. 19.

The valuable survey information helps NSSF design programs like STEP OUTSIDE and other initiatives that encourage youth to enjoy the outdoors.

As a hunter and a target shooter, you’re in a unique position to share your knowledge of the outdoors and pass on a great tradition. Many states are making it easier to do this by offering apprentice hunting licenses that allow youth to join a licensed adult mentor on hunt.

Keep in mind that autumn is a time of year when we harvest many things that began as a seed in the spring. Yet it’s also a time of year when we can plant a seed that just may turn a youngster into a lifelong hunter, target shooter and conservationist.

Learn more at www.stepoutside.org today.

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 4,000 manufacturers, distributors, firearms retailers, shooting ranges, sportsmen’s organizations and publishers. For more information, log on to www.nssf.org.

Brought to you by - AMMO LAND.COM - Firearms & Shooting Sports News Ammo Land.com Submit Gun, Ammo and Shooting Related News at Ammo Land.com

Hunting Season Is the Perfect Time to Mentor a New Hunter

Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks

STERLING, KS —-(AmmoLand.com)- On Nov. 7, the Heartland Pioneer Chapter of Quail Forever will sponsor a youth hunt at Dr. Jack Mull’s wildlife preserve, approximately 12 miles east of Sterling.

Experienced instructors and bird dogs will safely guide young hunters on a pheasant and quail hunt.

The event will reinforce hunter education concepts, and participants will learn how to hunt in a line and behind trained bird dogs.

This mentor/youth hunt will include a morning session and an afternoon session.

Each session will be limited to 10 students. Participation is limited to youngsters in grades 6 through 12.

Students must possess a hunter education certificate and a hunting license if they are 16 or older. (Because the hunt will be conducted on a controlled shooting area, youth older than 16 may participate.)

Food and fellowship at Dr. Mull’s cabin will cap off the day.

The registration deadline is Oct. 31. Contact Nolan Fisher at 620-242-3700 for more information.

Brought to you by - AMMO LAND.COM - Firearms & Shooting Sports News Ammo Land.com Submit Gun, Ammo and Shooting Related News at Ammo Land.com

Quail Forever Chapter To Conduct Youth Pheasant And Quail Hunt

Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks

GLEN ELDER, KS —-(AmmoLand.com)- On Saturday, Nov. 7, the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks will conduct an event designed to lure more youth and novice hunters into the field.

The Glen Elder Youth Shooting Challenge will begin at 1 p.m. and run through 4:30 p.m. at the Glen Elder Wildlife Area Office, just south of the US. Highway 24 and Kansas Highway 128 junction, approximately 1 mile west of Glen Elder.

Although designed for youth and beginners, everyone is welcome to participate regardless of age or experience.

Shotshells and targets will be provided. Shooters may use their own shotguns but youth model shotguns will be available for those who don’t have a shotgun.

Young hunters and their mentors participating in the youth pheasant and quail hunting season, Nov. 7-8, are encouraged to participate, and adults who bring youth may shoot, too.

Young hunters lucky enough to bag a rooster that morning before the trap shoot may enter the long tail feather contest to win prizes.

Prizes will also be awarded for the biggest quail by weight. Bring the birds (pheasant tail and spur or entire quail) any time from 1 p.m. to 4 pm. Prizes will be awarded at 4:10 pm.

For more information, phone 785-545-3345

Brought to you by - AMMO LAND.COM - Firearms & Shooting Sports News Ammo Land.com Submit Gun, Ammo and Shooting Related News at Ammo Land.com

Free Trap Shooting At Glen Elder, KS

National Shooting Sports Foundation

NEWTOWN, Conn. –-(AmmoLand.com)-Across the country, bird hunting seasons are getting under way.

NSSF reminds all sportsmen and women that a great way to kick off the new season is at a wingshooting preserve near you.

NSSF’s WingshootingUSA.org provides links to more than 1,000 preserves across the country.

You’ll also find bird hunting resources, including a safety video for new hunters or those that need a quick refresher before heading afield. A

lso, be sure to tune in to the Wingshooting USA television show each week on DISH Network and the Sportsman Channel.

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 4,000 manufacturers, distributors, firearms retailers, shooting ranges, sportsmen’s organizations and publishers. For more information, log on to www.nssf.org.

Brought to you by - AMMO LAND.COM - Firearms & Shooting Sports News Ammo Land.com Submit Gun, Ammo and Shooting Related News at Ammo Land.com

Bird Hunting Seasons Take Flight Remember Wingshooting Safety

Arkansas Game & Fish Commission

Cache River, Arkansas --(AmmoLand.com)- Click here to go to the Cache River NWR web site. AUGUSTA – The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has announced that the Cache River National Wildlife Refuge will be holding a special youth only waterfowl hunt and program. The refuge recently acquired 1,180 acres along Bayou DeView in Woodruff County and will designate this area as a Special Youth Only Waterfowl Hunt Area.

Arkansas Special Youth Waterfowl Hunts

Youth (ages 15 and younger) can apply for permits to occupy one of five designated blinds. The will be allowed to hunt waterfowl on drawn weekend dates during the regular duck season. A successfully drawn hunter will also be allowed to invite one youth (age 15 or younger) as a guest to participate in the hunt. At least one adult, not less than 21 years old, must supervise the youth hunters, but will not be allowed to hunt.

Volunteer mentors will be available (with advanced notice) to supervise any youths that may need assistance to participate in the hunt.

Cache River NWR to hold special youth waterfowl hunt Permits will be selected by random drawing. To apply, submit an index card or postcard with the full name (first, middle, last), mailing address and telephone number of the youth hunter. The drawing will take place on Monday, Nov. 2. The entry must be mailed early enough so that it is received before Nov. 2. Duplicate, unclear or incomplete entries will not be accepted. Send the cards to:

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Central Arkansas Refuges
26320 Hwy 33 South
Augusta, AR 72006

Drawn hunters will be placed in the first available weekend dates as drawn.

Persons selected will be notified by mail and provided a blind permit (no fee) with a full list of refuge regulations and a map identifying the blind/hunt area.

Blind permits are non-transferable and valid only for the youth whose name appears on the permit and their guest. For more information, go to: http://www.fws.gov/cacheriver/youthwaterfowl.html or call Karen Graves at (870) 347-2614 or email at: karen_graves@fws.gov.

Brought to you by - AMMO LAND.COM - Firearms & Shooting Sports News Ammo Land.com Submit Gun, Ammo and Shooting Related News at Ammo Land.com

Cache River NWR To Hold Special Youth Waterfowl Hunt

West Virginia DNR

SOUTH CHARLESTON, W.Va. – -(AmmoLand.com)-The Wildlife Resources Section of the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources will sponsor a Beyond BOW (Becoming an Outdoors-Woman) Women’s Squirrel and Archery Deer Hunt, Oct. 15-17, for women interested in squirrel hunting and/or archery deer hunting.

There is no structured instruction, but a number of women will be available for assistance. All participants will need a valid hunting license. Early registration is recommended as space is limited.

Participants will stay the nights of October 15, 16, and 17 at the Lantz House, a farmhouse owned and operated by Wheeling Jesuit University, which adjoins Lewis Wetzel Wildlife Management Area near Jacksonburg in Wetzel County.

• · Archery Hunt: If you choose to take part in this hunt you must be an experienced archer with your own equipment and be able to show proficiency.
• · Squirrel Hunt: You must bring your own .22 caliber rifle or shotgun with appropriate ammunition. Blaze orange is not required, but recommended.

“We are also planning a Beyond BOW Women’s Deer Hunt December 5-7,” said event organizer Billie Shearer. “This antlerless deer hunt will be in Lewis County. Participants will receive instruction on basic firearms safety, deer hunting techniques and field dressing. There will be a trip to the rifle range to sight in your firearm and for target practice.”

To participate in this antlerless deer hunt, you must be at least 18 years old and preference will be given to those who have attended a BOW workshop, a BOW hunter safety class, and those who have not attended a previous BOW hunt. Participants will need a valid hunting license and a Class N stamp. All participants will need to bring their own firearm and ammunition. All licenses may be purchased at any license agent or online at www.wvhunt.com.

Applications are now available, but space is very limited. For more information, please contact Billie Shearer at 304-558-2771 or billieshearer@wvdnr.gov.

Brought to you by - AMMO LAND.COM - Firearms & Shooting Sports News Ammo Land.com Submit Gun, Ammo and Shooting Related News at Ammo Land.com

Beyond Becoming an Outdoors-Woman Hunts Oct. 15-17 and Dec. 5-7

Arizona Game and Fish Department

PHOENIX, AZ —-(AmmoLand.com)- Young and first-time hunters preparing for deer season this fall are encouraged to attend or go online to enjoy a free deer-hunting clinic on Tuesday, Oct. 6 at 6 p.m.

Hosted by the Arizona Game and Fish Department, the clinic will inform and educate young and first-time hunters about the characteristics of deer, their habits and behaviors. The clinic will also offer tips and techniques for hunting these incredible animals in different habitats and weather conditions. Audience participation is encouraged, and questions from both the attending audience and those submitted by e-mail (webcast@azgfd.gov) from online viewers will be addressed.

The event will be held at the department’s Phoenix office at 5000 W. Carefree Highway. To accommodate all interested hunters and constituents, the event will be webcast live on the Internet by visiting www.azgfd.gov/webcast.

“It’s important to us to provide young and first-time hunters with the basic knowledge and skills to make their pursuit for deer a positive and rewarding experience,” said Brian Wakeling, chief of game management. “For many new hunters that ‘positive experience’ doesn’t always equate to harvesting an animal. It’s the pursuit that is exciting, and this clinic will provide them with the knowledge to help avoid some of the pitfalls that could distract from the hunt itself – like planning for weather, knowing one’s physical capabilities, not getting lost, and others.”

To learn more about hunting in Arizona, visit www.azgfd.gov/hunting.

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

Brought to you by - AMMO LAND.COM - Firearms & Shooting Sports News Ammo Land.com Submit Gun, Ammo and Shooting Related News at Ammo Land.com

Youth Deer Hunters: Increase Your Odds For Success

Maryland Department of Natural Resources

Blossom Point, Md. –-(AmmoLand.com)- The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) invites women to participate in its Becoming an Outdoors Woman (BOW) deer hunting workshop on November 6-7, 2009. The workshop is designed for women 18 years of age or older who are new to hunting or have limited deer hunting experience. Men are also welcome.

“This is a great opportunity to work with experienced staff from DNR and Blossom Point for two unforgettable days,” said Patricia Allen, Maryland’s BOW State Coordinator. “This workshop is designed for new to beginner hunters. If you have ever wanted to experience white-tailed deer hunting but were not sure how to get started, then this is the program for you.”

Classroom instruction will focus on the basics of deer hunting – safety, regulations, hunting skills, white-tailed deer biology and population management. Participants will have time on the shooting range Friday afternoon to sight-in their firearms.

On Saturday, November 7, the day begins before sun-up as participants are stationed in their tree stands for a day of hunting. Staff will be on hand to assist throughout the day. This workshop is for antlerless deer only.

“By the end of the day participants will hopefully have a deer, or at least some great stories to tell,” said Allen.

The fee for the workshop is $45, which includes registration, instruction, lunch on Friday, breakfast, lunch and snacks on Saturday. All participants must posses a valid Maryland Hunting License.

Download the registration form online at
http://www.dnr.state.md.us/wildlife/beyondbowevents.asp
or contact Patty Allen at 410-260-8537. There are only 30 slots available.

About:
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR), which is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year, is the state agency responsible for providing natural and living resource-related services to citizens and visitors. DNR manages more than 461,000 acres of public lands and 17,000 miles of waterways, along with Maryland’s forests, fisheries, and wildlife for maximum environmental, economic and quality of life benefits. A national leader in land conservation, DNR-managed parks and natural, historic, and cultural resources attract 12 million visitors annually. DNR is the lead agency in Maryland’s effort to restore the Chesapeake Bay, the state’s number one environmental priority. Learn more at www.dnr.maryland.gov

Brought to you by - AMMO LAND.COM - Firearms & Shooting Sports News Ammo Land.com Submit Gun, Ammo and Shooting Related News at Ammo Land.com

Womans Deer Hunting Workshop To Be Held in November

Arizona Game and Fish Department

Arizona --(AmmoLand.com)- Students, are you looking for fun, competition, and the chance to meet new friends and be part of a team?

The Arizona Game and Fish Department’s 2009-10 Scholastic Clay Target Program (SCTP) season is ready to get underway, and students interested in learning about and competing in skeet, trap and sporting clays shotgun shooting are encouraged to find a club in their community.

The program is open to boys and girls from age 9 through 12th grades.

“Our SCTP is one of the best in the nation and we continue to see students become great athletes of clay target shooting through this team-based youth development program,” said Statewide Shooting Sports Coordinator, Ashley Lynch. “The mentoring, instruction, safety, and teamwork instilled by our certified coaches are second to none.”

The program is run similar to other youth-based athletics. The season runs from Oct 1, 2009 – May 1, 2010. Athletes can join at anytime depending on club availability. All of the SCTP clubs in Arizona are run 100 percent by volunteers. These dedicated volunteers are committed to teaching today’s youth to carry on the American tradition of shooting sports recreation.

“Shooting sports are an activity that any person with the desire can participate in. The structure of this program allows kids to have fun, compete, and learn safety and discipline skills,” said Lynch.

Currently, there were 20 active clubs across the state; below is a list by region with contact information to get you started.

Central region:
• Chandler area – Arizona Dust Devils (480) 628-9977
• North Phoenix – Ben Avery Clay Crushers (602) 920-5465
• Buckeye – Buckeye Buckshots (623) 869-9050
• Phantom / West Valley – Phantom Sure Shots (623) 925-9549
• East Valley – Rio Salado Target Terminators (480) 510-5604

Northern region:
• Cottonwood / Verde Valley – American Heritage Academy (enrollment to AHA students only)
• Prescott – Prescott (928) 636-4709
• Williams/Flagstaff – Williams Bird Busters (928) 635-4330
• Wickenburg – Wickenburg (928) 231-7644

Northeastern region:
• St. Johns – Leading Edge Shooters (928) 337-4955
• Springerville / Round Valley – White Mountain Rod & Gun Club (928) 333-5692
• Show Low – White Mountain Clay Busters (928) 369-1155

Northwestern region:
• Kingman – Mohave Top Guns (928) 753-5274
• Lake Havasu – Havasu SCTP (928) 486-8607

Southern region:
• Casa Grande – Central Arizona Target Shooters (CATS) (520) 251-2024
• Tucson – Tucson Shooting Stars (520) 780-0715
• Globe – Globe SCTP (602) 542-2785

Southeastern region:
• Double Adobe / McNeal – Double Adobe Young Guns (520) 364-4000
• Sierra Vista – Huachuca Hot Shots (520) 266-1078

Southwestern region:
• Yuma – Yuma Young Guns (928) 246-7157

To learn more about the department’s SCTP program, maps of participating teams, or how to get involved, visit www.azgfd.gov/sctp.

SCTP is a youth development program that teaches trap, skeet and sporting clays to students in grades 12 and under. The program uses a competitive, team-based format and has been called the “Little League” of shooting sports. More than 600 kids compete in Arizona’s SCTP. Nationally, about 10,000 youngsters compete in 40 states.

To learn more about the Scholastic Shooting Sports Foundation national SCTP program, visit www.sssfonline.org.

Brought to you by - AMMO LAND.COM - Firearms & Shooting Sports News Ammo Land.com Submit Gun, Ammo and Shooting Related News at Ammo Land.com

Join A Youth Shotgun Shooting Team This Fall

Arizona Game and Fish Department

Pheonix, Az --(AmmoLand.com)-Parents, do you want to see your kids take a break from playing video games all day and get outdoors for some healthy activity?

Then check out the Arizona Game and Fish Department, your outdoor recreation resource. The department has partnered with dedicated sportsmen groups to offer first-time hunters dozens of mentored, hands-on, how-to hunting and shooting opportunities this fall.

For the majority of these events, all the participant has to do is show up and the mentors take care of the rest, including food and equipment. For others, participants must bring basic outdoor Camping gear, and some hunts may require a hunting license and appropriate tags or stamps.

“Hunting in Arizona is very safe and it provides a healthy experience for the body, the mind and the soul,” said Arizona Game and Fish Director Larry Voyles. “Not only is it fun and challenging, but hunters play a critical role in modern wildlife conservation through harvest, funding, habitat restoration, advocacy and more.

A national survey in 2008 reports there is overwhelming public support for hunting. One method identified by the study to increase hunting participation is to provide new hunters with a mentored experience to teach them the skills needed to foster their self-interest.

Therefore, in teaching this valuable tradition in the 21st century, the department is taking on an approach like that of organized sports. The department’s Mentored Hunting Camp Project connects experienced sportsmen organizations with interested new hunters into a setting that teaches them the basic skills, ethics, and how-to’s in a safe and positive environment to foster those who have an interest in hunting but have no means with which to get started.

“Hunting is an American tradition that historically has been passed down from generation to generation, much like a skilled trade. However, as Arizona continues to transform from a rural- to an urban-based society, these traditions are not fostered like in years past, resulting in hunter participation rates not keeping pace in comparison to rising population levels,” added Voyles

Funded by the National Shooting Sports Foundation’s (NSSF) Hunter Heritage Grant Program, the Arizona Game and Fish Department created a pass-through grant program to local nonprofit organizations for the Mentored Hunting Camp Project.

“Arizona Game and Fish’s mentor program is an excellent example of thinking outside the box to put new hunters in the field,” said Melissa Schilling, National Shooting Sports Foundation, recruitment and retention manager. “This proposal is a ‘model’ program for other agencies to roll into their hunter recruitment and retention efforts.”

Voyles noted, “The NSSF Hunter Heritage Grant Program provided our agency an invaluable opportunity to develop a new program with our sportsmen’s groups for recruiting the hunter-conservationists of the future.”

Hunters are the original wildlife conservationists. Dating back more than 100 years ago, forward thinkers like President Theodore Roosevelt, John Muir, Aldo Leopold, and others began to establish laws and management practices that would assure the sustainability of wildlife and their habitats for future generations. These mentored hunting camps are a way for today’s youth to become a part of this ongoing tradition and play a role in wildlife conservation.

The types of hunts, time of year and location can accommodate nearly any schedule, and include:

• Sept. 26, 5-Stand and Sporting Clays Camp – Hosted by Mohave SCTP at Seven Mile Hill Shooting Range in Kingman. To register, call (928) 758-2355.
• Fall 2009 (date pending), Small Game Hunting Camp – Hosted by Northeastern Arizona Sportsman’s Association, at Vernon. To register, contact (928) 337-3768.
• Oct. 3-4, Trophy Squirrel Camp – Hosted by Chandler Rod and Gun Club at Forest Lakes east of Payson on the Mogollon Rim. To register, e-mail info@chandlerrodandgunclub.com.
• Oct. 8-11, Antlerless Elk Camp – Hosted by Outdoor Experience 4 All at Mormon Lake, south of Flagstaff, in unit 6A. Special hunt for children with a life-threatening illness (Open to those already issued an elk tag). For information, contact (480) 529-8340.
• Oct. 8-12, Junior Deer Hunting Camp – Hosted by Arizona Deer Association at the Colcord Ridge Campground for units 3A, 3C, 22, and 23 (Open to those already issued a deer tag). For information, call (623) 866-8919 or azace@cox.net.
• Oct. 15-18, Juniors Elk Hunt Camp – Hosted by Arizona Elk Society at Bear Springs, near Overgaard, for units 3C and 4A (Open to those already issued an elk tag). For information, call (480) 720-2393.
• Oct. 15-18, Junior Elk Hunt Camp – Hosted by Arizona Elk Society at Happy Jack Lodge for unit 6A (Open to those already issued an elk tag). For information, call (623) 594-7074.
• Oct. 15-19, Junior Elk Hunt Camp – Hosted by Arizona Deer Association, location to be determined, for unit 3A and 3C (Open to those already issued an elk tag). For information, call (623) 866-8919 or azace@cox.net.
• Nov. 19-22, Junior Deer & Javelina Hunt Camp – Hosted by Arizona chapter of the Safari Club International at Marley Ranch south of Tucson for units 36A and 36B (Limited javelina tags still available, deer tags already issued). For information, call (520) 490-8367.
• Nov. 19-22, Junior Deer Hunt Camp – Hosted by Arizona Deer Association, location to be determined, for unit 20C (Open to those already issued a deer tag). For information, call (623) 866-8919 or azace@cox.net.
• Nov. 26-29, Bull Elk Hunt Camp – Hosted by Arizona Deer Association at Bar D Ranch for unit 6A (Open to those already issued an elk tag). For information, call (623) 866-8919 or azace@cox.net.
• Dec. 5-6, Predator Hunting Seminar and Camp – Hosted by Huachuca Gould’s chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation, at Rose Tree Museum in Sierra Vista. To register, contact (520) 508-4272.
• Dec. 5-6, Small Game Hunting Camp – Hosted by Chandler Rod and Gun Club, at Gold Canyon. To register, e-mail info@chandlerrodandgunclub.com.
• Dec. 11-13, Junior Waterfowl Hunting Camp – Hosted by Southwest Habitat Partnership, at Cibola National Wildlife Refuge. To register, e-mail getoutsideaz@gmail.com.
• Dec. 18-21, Junior Muzzleloader Deer Hunting Camp – Hosted by Mohave Sportsman Club, at Cain Springs in unit 16A (Open to those already issued a deer tag). For information, call (928) 758-2355.
• December (date pending), Shotgun Shooting Camp – Hosted by Northeastern Arizona Sportsman’s Association in St. Johns. To register, call (928) 337-3768.
• Jan. 16-17, Quail Hunting Camp – Hosted by Cochise Bird Dog Club at Empire Ranch near Sonoita. To register, call (520) 458-1584.
• Jan. 21-24, Juniors Javelina Hunting Camp – Hosted by Arizona Deer Association, location to be determined, in unit 20C (Apply for javelina tag before Oct. 13, Hunt No. 5039). For information, call (623) 866-8919 or azace@cox.net.
• Jan. 21-24, Javelina Hunting Camp – Hosted by Arizona Deer Association, location to be determined, in unit 23 (Apply for javelina tag before Oct. 13, Hunt No. 5040). For information, call (623) 866-8919 or azace@cox.net.
• Jan. 22-24, Junior Jack Rabbit Hunting Camp – Host by Arizona chapter of the Safari Club International, at Altar Valley. To register, contact (520) 490-8367.
• April 15-18, Youth Turkey Hunting Camp – Hosted by National Wild Turkey Federation, location to be determined, in Unit 6A near Flagstaff (Turkey tag required, available at any license dealer). For information, call (928) 848-4549.
• April 15-18, Youth Turkey Hunting Camp – Hosted by National Wild Turkey Federation at Colcord Ridge Campground for units 3, 4, and 23 (Turkey tag required, available at any license dealer). For information, call (928) 848-4549.
• April 15-18, Youth Turkey Hunting Camp – Hosted by National Wild Turkey Federation at Alpine for units 1 and 27 (Turkey tag required, available at any license dealer). For information, call (928) 848-4549.

Several other events made available by the grant program have already occurred (see list below). However, many of these are annual events and are worth noting in your calendar:

• August, Christian Hunting and Shooting Camp – Hosted by Grace Community Church Group at Nowell Tree Farm.
• September, Junior Dove Hunt – Hosted by Chandler Rod and Gun Club and Arizona Game and Fish Department at department’s Robbins Butte Wildlife Area.
• September, Junior’s Fall Turkey Hunting Seminar – Hosted by Huachuca Gould’s chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation in Sierra Vista.
• September, Beginner’s Dove Hunt – Hosted by Chandler Rod and Gun Club and Arizona Game and Fish Department in the East Valley.
• September, Trap Shooting Camp – Hosted by Mohave SCTP at Seven Mile Hill Shooting Range in Kingman. To register, call (928) 758-2355.

To learn more about hunting, how to get a big game tag and other programs, visit the Arizona Game and Fish Department’s Web site at www.azgfd.gov/hunting under “Mentored Hunting.”

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

Brought to you by - AMMO LAND.COM - Firearms & Shooting Sports News Ammo Land.com Submit Gun, Ammo and Shooting Related News at Ammo Land.com

Learn How To Hunt In A Safe Mentored Environment

Ohio Division of Wildlife

COLUMBUS, OH --(AmmoLand.com)- Ohio’s youth hunters will again have several added opportunities to learn and practice their hunting skills this fall. The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife offers several ways for families to hunt together and create lasting traditions in the state’s outdoors.

WATERFOWL: Youngsters age 15 and younger wanting to pursue waterfowl may do so, statewide, on Saturday and Sunday, October 3-4.

SMALL GAME: Hunters age 17 and younger may hunt statewide for rabbit, pheasant and all other legal game in season during two designated weekends, October 24-25 and October 31 and November 1. Quail also may be taken in 16 designated open counties.

Pheasant releases for young hunters will occur prior to these dates on the following state wildlife areas: Resthaven, Oxbow, Berlin, Killdeer Plains, Camp Belden, Grand River, Spencer, Wellington, Delaware, Dillon, Caesar Creek, Rush Run, Fallsville and Darke, as well as Charlemont Metropark in Lorain County.

WHITE-TAILED DEER: A youth deer-gun season will be open statewide, November 21- 22. Young hunters age 17 and younger who are accompanied by a non-hunting adult may take one deer of either sex during this season, in accordance with existing bag and deer zone limits.

WILD TURKEY: It is not too early to be planning to participate in the spring youth wild turkey hunting for 2010. A statewide spring youth wild turkey season will be offered on Saturday and Sunday, April 17-18. This hunt is open to youths age 17 and younger.

CONTROLLED HUNTS: The Division of Wildlife also offers several controlled hunts for young hunters throughout the hunting season. Applications to participate in these hunts are accepted June 1 through July 31. Applications are available at the division’s five district offices and on wildohio.com, and may be completed by mail or online. There are controlled youth hunts for white-tailed deer, wild turkey and waterfowl.

To participate in the upcoming youth hunts, all young hunters must be accompanied by a non-hunting adult, and must abide by all regular hunting hours and bag limits. A valid 2009-2010 youth hunting license, along with the appropriate permits, are required. For complete details on all of Ohio’s youth hunting seasons, refer to 2009-2010 Ohio Hunting and Trapping Regulations booklet, call 1-800-WILDLIFE (1-800-945-3543) or go online to wildohio.com.

The 2009-2010 licenses will not be printed on weatherproof paper. Sportsmen and women should protect their licenses and permits from the elements by carrying them in a protective pouch or wallet.

About:
The Ohio Department of Natural Resources ensures a balance between wise use and protection of our natural resources for the benefit of all. Visit the ODNR web site at www.ohiodnr.com.

Brought to you by - AMMO LAND.COM - Firearms & Shooting Sports News Ammo Land.com Submit Gun, Ammo and Shooting Related News at Ammo Land.com

ODNR Division of Wildlife Youth Hunting Opportunities

Whitetails Unlimited

Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin --(AmmoLand.com)-A hunter’s first white-tailed deer is an important part of their personal hunting heritage, and Whitetails Unlimited’s My First Deer program is ready to celebrate that rite of passage with them.

As this year’s deer seasons approach, when you (or someone you know) take that first deer, remember to go to the Whitetails Unlimited web site and join a special group of hunters.

The My First Deer program celebrates a life-long memory – a hunter’s first deer. While oriented strongly toward youth, the program acknowledges a hunter of any age entering into a very special hunting fraternity of sportsmen and women. This special group of hunters can trace its roots all the way back to the Native Americans and early European settlers in North America.

To participate, a hunter need only submit a photo of their first deer, along with a short narrative (250 word maximum) about the hunt that resulted in their first deer.

To mark the occasion, Whitetails Unlimited will provide the successful deer hunter with a personalized color certificate, suitable for framing, and a custom WTU shooter’s cap to wear with pride. In addition, everyone who participates will be entered into a drawing for one of three gift cards, generously donated by Cabela’s. First prize is a $300 Cabela’s gift card, second prize is a $200 Cabela’s gift card, and third prize is a $100 Cabela’s gift card. The drawing will be held January 5, 2010, with winners posted on the WTU web site.

“This is a great way to mark this special deer hunting experience, and provide the successful hunter with a permanent reminder of that memorable day,” said Kevin Devault, WTU’s manager of conservation funding. “It’s a day and a moment in a hunter’s life that I promise they will never forget.”

Whitetails Unlimited introduced My First Deer as a pilot program in the last part of 2008, and it was an immediate success. As a result, WTU is running the program for the entire year in 2009.

“Just ask any deer hunter, young or old, about their first deer and they will relive the entire experience as if it just happened yesterday,” said Devault. “Responsible hunters today, as in the past, continue to play a vital role in determining the fate of our nation’s deer population and the sport of regulated hunting. Honest, ethical hunters are the true conservationists in today’s society.”

For complete details on the My First Deer program, visit the WTU website at www.whitetailsunlimited.com.

About:
Founded in 1982, Whitetails Unlimited is a national nonprofit conservation organization. Our mission is to raise funds in support of education, habitat enhancement and acquisition, and the preservation of the hunting tradition for the benefit of the white-tailed deer and other wildlife. When it comes to the whitetail and its environment, WTU’s degree of professionalism and dedication has earned us the reputation of being the nation’s premier whitetail organization.

Brought to you by - AMMO LAND.COM - Firearms & Shooting Sports News Ammo Land.com Submit Gun, Ammo and Shooting Related News at Ammo Land.com

Whitetails Unlimited’s My First Deer Program Looking For Successful Hunters in 2009

Georgia Department of Natural Resources

SOCIAL CIRCLE, Ga. –-(AmmoLand.com)- The Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division selected Colonel Jack Bradford, ret. U.S. Army – Fort Gordon, as the 2008 Hunter Education Instructor of the Year.

“The State of Georgia is fortunate to have such a education instructor as Col. Bradford who is a proven asset to the department through his commendable efforts,” says Lt. Judd Smith, Wildlife Resources Division conservation ranger.

For more than 16 years, Bradford has served in this important educational capacity, teaching hundreds of youth and adults the importance of safe hunting. He regularly trains volunteers, schedules courses and assigns instruction blocks, ensuring that proper class preparation is followed. He primarily serves the Augusta-Richmond County area, but is well-known throughout the Thomson region.

Dedicated to youth and adult hunters, Bradford also volunteers as a range instructor at the Fort Gordon Sportsmen’s Complex. In addition, he also supports and assists the Medical College of Georgia, Children’s Medical Center, the Boy and Cub Scouts of America in the Augusta area and the WEE CAN SKI program, which allows children with special needs to experience water skiing on Clarks Hill Lake.

For more information on the 2008 State Hunter Education Instructor of the Year, call the Wildlife Resources Division Law Enforcement Headquarters office at (770) 918-6408.

Brought to you by - AMMO LAND.COM - Firearms & Shooting Sports News Ammo Land.com Submit Gun, Ammo and Shooting Related News at Ammo Land.com

Dedicated DNR Hunter Ed Instructor Recognized in Georgia

Delta Waterfowl Mentored Hunting Program Takes Off

Deltawaterfowl.org

Bismarck, N.D.—-(AmmoLand.com)- The seeds of John Denker’s love of waterfowling were sown when he was a young boy working as his father’s field apprentice in and around his hometown of Quincy, Illinois.

“I was affectionately called the bag boy, the kid who picked up the birds, typically a mixed bag of ducks and geese, and hauled them back to the vehicles after the hunt,” said Denker, 28. “I loved to be outside and wouldn’t sleep the night before just knowing we were going. With my Dad, I got to be one of the guys, and those early days spurred my love of waterfowling that has only grown as I’ve gotten older.”

Denker, vice chairman of the Illinois Prairie Chapter of Delta Waterfowl, is following his father’s example by passing on his love of waterfowling and its many traditions. On October 23 and 24, the Illinois Prairie Chapter, in partnership with the Clinton Lake Waterfowl Association, is putting on its first mentored youth waterfowl hunt. The weekend event will have plenty of hands-on education (hunting tactics, conservation, safety, ethics and more) and a morning hunt, after which there will be bird-cleaning demonstrations and a cookout.

“I’m worried about the trend away from waterfowling and the outdoors in general with our kids,” said Denker. “As waterfowlers and conservationists, we have to give back—in fact, it’s our obligation—and that starts with the next generation. With our youth event, we’re trying to get kids off the couch and away from their video games and into the outdoors.”

The Illinois youth hunt is one of roughly 70 mentored hunts that Delta Waterfowl chapters and volunteers are putting on across the U.S. this hunting season. The goal is to use mentors to connect kids and adults to waterfowl hunting’s rich culture and heritage—a heritage that’s loosing more and more of its constituency every year. According to the 2006 National Survey of Fishing, Hunting and Wildlife-Associated Recreation, waterfowl hunter numbers from 2001 to 2006 dropped 27 percent.

“That big of drop in hunter numbers is a conservation crisis in the making,” says Delta Senior Vice President John Devney. “The goal of our mentored hunt program is to build a bigger constituency around the issues of affecting waterfowl and waterfowl hunting. If we don’t, our heritage will suffer, plain and simple. We have to have a voice to address the critical issues facing ducks.”

Some Delta youth events have already gotten underway across the U.S. Devney said he recently attended the Third Annual Utah Delta Waterfowl youth fair at the Farmington Bay Waterfowl Management Area, organized by the Great Basin Waterfowlers Chapter. He said 263 children 15 and younger participated in the educational and skills-training event, in preparation for the state’s youth waterfowl hunting day.

“It was one amazing experience to see that many kids in one place learning about waterfowl and waterfowl hunting,” he said, noting that more than 425 people, kids and adults, attended. “It was a tremendous, tremendous event.”

While youths are the long-term solution to hunter recruitment and retention, Delta Waterfowl is also reaching out to adults and families. Last year, for example, Delta’s West Dakota Waterfowlers Chapter (Minot, N.D.) and the North Dakota Game and Fish Department’s Becoming an Outdoors Woman program sponsored the state’s first women’s mentored waterfowl hunt and workshop. Fifteen women attended. This year’s women’s-only workshop is slated for September 26 and 27 in Minot.

“It was one of the best experiences I’ve had as a waterfowl hunter and I didn’t even pull the trigger,” said Delta Regional Director Scott Terning of Bismarck, who served as a mentor for the hunt.

Terning said the two-day workshop included instruction on waterfowl identification, firearms safety and shooting, hunting tactics and ethics, and waterfowl conservation, among other topics. The morning hunt was followed by instruction on bird cleaning and preparation.

“We even went out scouting and explained where they can and cannot hunt,” Terning said, whose group of four women killed 13 drake mallards and three blue-winged teal. “A big part of waterfowl hunting is developing hunter-landowner relationships, and that’s something we believe was important to teach.”

Brook Johnson, a Minot State University student, attended last year’s women’s workshop and said it was a transformative experience. “It was an awesome, awesome time, and I recommend it to all women,” said Johnson, a Delta member. “You hear all this talk about preserving wetlands and grasslands and you really don’t understand why until you get out in the field and experience hunting firsthand. The women’s mentored hunt really put that into focus for me.”

Johnson said the workshop hooked her on waterfowl hunting.

“I’ve already been out for the early goose season and can’t wait until the duck opener,” she said. “I’m probably going to hunt more than my guy friends.”

To learn more about hunting participation and the issues affecting it, read Delta Waterfowl’s five-part magazine series called the Vanishing Hunter at www.deltawaterfowl.org/media/magazine/archive/vanishinghunter/part1.php

About:
Delta Waterfowl provides knowledge, leaders and science-based solutions that efficiently conserve waterfowl and secure the future for waterfowl hunting.

Brought to you by - AMMO LAND.COM - Firearms & Shooting Sports News Ammo Land.com Submit Gun, Ammo and Shooting Related News at Ammo Land.com

Delta Waterfowl Mentored Hunting Program Takes Off

Arizona Game and Fish Department

PHOENIX, Az —-(AmmoLand.com)- The Arizona Game and Fish Department invites the public to a free educational presentation on Wednesday, Sept. 23 to learn about the natural history, management efforts, and biological and social issues related to mountain lions and bighorn sheep in Arizona.

The event will be held at 6:30 p.m. at the department’s Phoenix office at 5000 W. Carefree Highway. To accommodate interested constituents who are unable to attend in person, the seminar will be webcast simultaneously on the Internet by visiting www.azgfd.gov/webcast. For those watching online, questions may be submitted electronically for consideration during the interactive question-and-answer period.

A panel of three of the department’s expert wildlife biologists will each provide a 15-minute informative presentation with pictures, natural history and management objectives. Ron Thompson will speak on mountain lions; John Hervert will cover bighorn sheep; Pat Barber will provide an overall summary of the department’s role for managing both species in southwestern Arizona, including the Kofa National Wildlife Refuge.

The speakers have more than 70 years of collective experience in wildlife management:

Pat Barber, a second-generation Yuma native, is the department’s Yuma regional supervisor. He has a Bachelor of Science degree in biology with an emphasis in fish and wildlife management from Northern Arizona University. In his 14 years with the department, Barber spent eight years in the field as a wildlife manager, was the predator and furbearer biologist, and was the department’s chief of law enforcement before assuming his current position. He is very knowledgeable about bighorn sheep and mountain lion management. Barber played a lead role in the change to the three-month closure for the mountain lion hunting season, regulatory protection for female lions with spotted kittens, and establishing the mechanisms requiring physical check-in for hunter-harvested mountain lions to improve data collection.

John Hervert is the department’s wildlife program manager in the Yuma regional office. He has a Master of Science degree in wildlife ecology from the University of Arizona. Hervert is a veteran biologist of 25 years with the department. His knowledge and experience is extensive, with 30 years working with desert ungulates (desert bighorn sheep and mule deer) and 20 years working with mountains lions in the Sonoran Desert. Hervert’s areas of special interest include water physiology, development of aerial survey techniques, and re-establishment of bighorn sheep and two endangered species, the Sonoran pronghorn and Mexican Wolf.

Ron Thompson is the department’s large carnivore biologist. He has a Bachelor of Science degree in wildlife biology from the University of Arizona. Before rejoining the department in his current position, Thompson had a long career as a wildlife manager. After retirement, he was a contract wildlife biologist involved in adaptive management strategies for bighorn sheep and mountain lions for projects in New Mexico as part of the Turner Endangered Species Fund and in Arizona and the Kofa National Wildlife Refuge. He is highly interested in using leading-edge DNA science for the future management of carnivores. Thompson is responsible for the development of a statewide conservation plan for mountain lions and bears.

After the presentations, the public is encouraged to engage in a question-and-answer session to address questions, concerns and issues about these dynamic species. Web viewers will have access to a link at www.azgfd.gov/webcast for submitting questions to the panel electronically for consideration.

The mission of the Arizona Game and Fish Department is to conserve, enhance, and restore Arizona’s diverse wildlife resources and habitats through aggressive protection and management programs, and to provide wildlife resources and safe watercraft and off-highway vehicle recreation for the enjoyment, appreciation, and use by present and future generations.

To learn more about the desert bighorn sheep and mountain lions in Kofa Mountains Complex and the department’s management objectives, visit www.azgfd.gov/kofa.

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

Brought to you by - AMMO LAND.COM - Firearms & Shooting Sports News Ammo Land.com Submit Gun, Ammo and Shooting Related News at Ammo Land.com

Learn About Mountain Lions And Bighorn Sheep At Free Presentation

Whitetails Unlimited

Ohio --(AmmoLand.com)- Whitetails Unlimited’s 2009-2010 Deer Camp Tour, a series of regional or statewide fundraising events, got a rousing start with an event in Ohio last Saturday.

“This is going to be our best series of Deer Camps yet,” said WTU Executive Director Pete Gerl.

This year the Deer Camp Tour is being expanded to 16 events in eight states, with the next event being held on the Iowa/Nebraska border in late October, followed by the New York State Deer Camp in early November. The Deer Camp concept started more than a decade ago with a single event in northern Wisconsin.

“The money we raised last year was essential in expanding many of our nationwide programs,” said WTU Executive Director Pete Gerl, “and we’re very excited about this year’s events. The response from our members and our industry sponsors, both regional and national, has been outstanding.”

Proceeds from WTU Deer Camps help fund some of Whitetails Unlimited’s programs that have national scope, such as Project POLITE, My First Deer, Whitetail Watch, Comprehensive Deer Management, and WTU’s Kids on Target.

Even during this time of national economic trouble, advance ticket sales for these events have been strong. In addition, support from the outdoor industry for sponsoring Deer Camps is ahead of last year, according to Dave Hawkey, WTU’s vice president of field operations.

“Having quality sponsors makes for a quality event, and sponsors are very important to the success of our Deer Camps. Keep in mind that the people who attend WTU Deer Camps are passionate deer hunters, and therefore our sponsors are able to get their message and products in front of a very targeted and motivated audience. In the end, everyone has a great time at the Deer Camp event, the sponsors get exposure to their exact target consumers, and WTU’s conservation programs ultimately benefit after the Deer Camp is over. These events are a winner for everyone,” said Hawkey.

Last year eight Deer Camps were held in four states: one each in Illinois, Iowa, and Michigan; and five in Wisconsin. Due to the successful history of WTU Deer Camp events, the schedule has been expanded to 16 Deer Camps for 2009-10, with single events in New York, Illinois, Missouri, and Texas; a pair of events in Iowa and Michigan; three events in Ohio; and five events in Wisconsin.

“Throughout the history of the Deer Camps, WTU has built a reputation based on quality events that support high quality conservation programs,” said Hawkey.

Gerl added that, “The hunters and conservationists who attend our Deer Camps, and the businesses that partner with us to be sponsors at these events, combine to allow us to accomplish our mission of education, conservation, and preservation of an American tradition. It may be a cliché to say that we’re nothing without our members and sponsors, but it’s true. Working together we can accomplish amazing things, and our thanks go out to everyone involved.”

Gerl said that the entire Whitetails Unlimited organization has worked hard to get everything in order to put on twice as many Deer Camps as last year, but everything is going smoothly.

“Our field directors bear the biggest load, but the national headquarters team is doing everything they can to support the efforts of the field staff. Deer Camps are a distinctive event, featuring additional merchandise and sponsored items, and even different dinner items, events and locations from our normal events. Deer Camps normally sell out, and we get great people attending. Everyone is excited about these events.”

About:
Founded in 1982, Whitetails Unlimited is a national nonprofit conservation organization. Our mission is to raise funds in support of education, habitat enhancement and acquisition, and the preservation of the hunting tradition for the benefit of the white-tailed deer and other wildlife. When it comes to the whitetail and its environment, WTU’s degree of professionalism and dedication has earned us the reputation of being the nation’s premier whitetail organization.

Brought to you by - AMMO LAND.COM - Firearms & Shooting Sports News Ammo Land.com Submit Gun, Ammo and Shooting Related News at Ammo Land.com

Whitetails Unlimited Deer Camp Tour Kicks Off

New Mexico Game and Fish

New Mexico --(AmmoLand.com)- Visitors to the 2009 New Mexico State Fair can see a live fox, wild turkeys, trout and more at the Department of Game and Fish exhibit Sept. 11-27 in the Natural Resources Building of Expo New Mexico.

Live game fish, snakes and owls also are on the visual menu at this year’s exhibit. Visitors to the audio-visual room will have a chance to hear presentations by Wildlife Rescue, Wildlife West Nature Park, Valles Caldera, Bosque Del Apache, JTD Knives, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and the Department’s Aquatic Education Program.

New this year: The New Mexico Duck Calling Contest will be at 10:30 a.m. Sept. 20 on the front lawn of the Natural Resources Building. The winners will qualify for the World Championship Duck Calling Contest in Stuttgart, Ark. Sponsors include Buck Gardner Calls, Ducks Unlimited, Delta Waterfowl, Duke City Duck Club and the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish.

The “Poach Coach,” a trailer designed by the Department to display animals unlawfully killed, will make a special appearance Sept. 17 for Law Enforcement Day.

Fair admission is $7 for adults, $5 for seniors, $5 for children ages 6-12, and free for children ages 5 and younger. This year, the Fair is offering a package deal of five people for $20. The tickets can be used at any time. Parking is $5 per vehicle.

For more information, please visit www.wildlife.state.nm.us and click on the State Fair logo.

Brought to you by - AMMO LAND.COM - Firearms & Shooting Sports News Ammo Land.com Submit Gun, Ammo and Shooting Related News at Ammo Land.com

Department Of Game And Fish At The NM State Fair

Trijicon Scopes

Raton, NM --(AmmoLand.com)- Trijicon®, world leader in Brilliant Aiming Solutions™, has introduced the new ‘Trijicon Aiming For Excellence’ Hunt Skills Award and increased its annual support to become a new Silver Sponsor of the NRA Whittington Center’s Adventure Camp.

At this unique camp set on more than 33,000 acres in the rugged New Mexico wilderness, top volunteer industry instructors share their expertise on the fundamentals of pistol, rifle, muzzleloading, and shotgun skills with teenagers from all over the U.S. It includes courses on everything from wilderness map reading, preparing a hunting camp, and animal tracking to game calls, care of downed game and wildlife management techniques. The non-profit camp features two 13-day summer sessions of approximately 40 campers each, for kids ages 13 to 17.

Trijicon personnel held an instructional seminar at the camp this summer, introducing the new annual award — ‘Trijicon’s Aiming for Excellence.’ The winner from each session was the camper with the highest score in the comprehensive Hunt Skills testing segment of the camp, and each won a specially engraved Trijicon AccuPoint® riflescope. The challenging course includes hunter safety instruction, tracking, and completing a back country walk-though “hunt,” where the participants were faced with shooting targets of a wide range of animals, making sure that they were in season and were the ones for which they were given a faux license.

Darren Curry, of Los Cruces New Mexico, won the ‘Trijicon Aiming for Excellence’ award during the second session of the camp.

“The Hunt Skills class was my favorite part of the camp — it was so cool to learn all about hunting and safety and then go on the hunt itself and apply everything we’d learned,” says the 14-year-old, who had never been hunting before. “I can’t wait to use the Trijicon AccuPoint I won on an elk hunt my dad is going to take me on. I’ve been practicing at the range with it and love the illuminated reticle!”

The winner from the first session was Jacob Sanchez from Rancho Cucamonga, CA, (see photo.)

Trijicon has been donating both funds and a wide range of its industry-leading products, including Trijicon AccuPoint® riflescopes, ACOGs® and Bright & Tough™ night sights for pistols, to this exceptional program for the past three years. As part of the company’s ongoing commitment to engaging with young shooting sports enthusiasts, and ensuring the future legacy of the industry, Trijicon has increased its donations for 2009, which resulted in joining the ranks of other leading manufacturers in the Silver Sponsor sector.

“The sponsors that contribute to the NRA Whittington Center Adventure Camp program are not only developing the next generation of shooters and outdoor enthusiasts, but are actively engaged in a character-building experience that will stay with these participants for the rest of their lives,” says Bill Perkins, Camp Director. “Family members frequently comment about the maturity and personal growth that they see after only 13 days. By the end of camp, the campers have learned valuable firearm safety skills but they have also developed self-confidence that occurs from successfully meeting a challenge.”

Trijicon values the opportunity to engage with youth to ensure the viability and future of the industry.

“Teaching these amazing young people the proper use and care of firearms and fundamentals of hunting and shooting sports only makes our future stronger. We hope that the campers will be able to take what they learn here and pass it on to friends, family and eventually their own children,” says Trijicon’s Senior Marketing Coordinator Susan Belanger. “We’re very proud to introduce the Trijicon Aiming for Excellence Award to the NRA Whittington Center’s Adventure Camp this year. We wanted to reward the camper at each session that best exemplifies the essence of Trijicon’s beliefs — aiming for excellence in all we do is a standard for Trijicon — we take pride in our products and how they help military, law enforcement officers and hunters all across the world. The winners of this award have shown that they also take pride in themselves and are willing to help others.”

About:
To learn more about Trijicon’s partnership with the NRA Whittington Center Adventure Camp, or any of Trijicon’s other charitable events, contributions or products, contact: Trijicon, Inc. 49385 Shafer Ave., Wixom, MI 48393 • (800) 338-0563 • Or visit www.trijicon.com.

For more information, including a free DVD, about the Whittington Center’s Adventure Camp, please contact the NRA Whittington Center at P.O. Box 700, Raton, NM 87740 • (800) 494-4853 • Or visit www.nrawc.org.

Brought to you by - AMMO LAND.COM - Firearms & Shooting Sports News Ammo Land.com Submit Gun, Ammo and Shooting Related News at Ammo Land.com

Trijicon, Inc. Launches First Annual Trijicon Aiming For Excellence Hunt Skills Award

National Archery in the Schools Program

Orlando, Florida --(AmmoLand.com)- The Magic Kingdom, Blizzard Beach, and Typhoon Lagoon are mainstays of the family vacation destination at Disney’s Wide World of Sports®. Millions of families and individuals come to Orlando, Florida for the dream vacation of a lifetime. On October 8-11, 2009 the first National Archery in the Schools Program (NASP®)” 1st World Tournament” will be conducted at the Disney’s Wide World of Sports® Jostens® Center. NASP® expects up to 2,000 participants from the program’s elementary, middle, and high schools.

The National Archery in the Schools Program is inviting teams from the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa to compete in the first world NASP archery tournament. Teams and individuals who qualified for the 2009 NASP® national tournament held in May 2009 in Louisville, Kentucky are eligible to participate at the World Tournament.

Those teams that qualified for the 2009 NASP® National Tournament or placed first in their state can send from 12-24 participants four of whom must be the opposite gender. Elementary school teams with a score of 2500, Middle school teams with a score of 2600, and High school teams with a score of 2700 and any individuals who were on a team that qualified in their state or provincial tournament are eligible.

There will only be two archers in each lane per flight, one each from different schools. If archers share bows they must be registered in different flights. Flight times will begin at 1:00pm EST on October 8 and the tournament will conclude with the World Awards Ceremony at noon on October 11, 2009. Each archer will be provided five practice shots before shooting at the 10 and 15 meter distances. Archers may practice in vacant lanes during competitive flights as space is available.

World Tournament registration is available on-line. Selection of flight times and dates will occur immediately to facilitate travel plans for teams and individuals. Pre-registration will begin on August 26 at 8am EST and close on September 23rd 5pm EST. To register on-line visit www.archeryintheschools.org Registration fee is twenty five ($25) per archer payable on-line at the time of registration. Fees are not refundable. Shooting times and dates will be available on a first come first serve basis and until they are labeled “FULL.” The team coach will receive immediate confirmation of the date and requested shooting time. Each registrant will receive a “1st World NASP® Tournament” souvenir t-shirt.

Disney World has provided a special “NASP® World Tournament Package” for participants, families and fans. This package can include lodging and tickets to Disney theme parks. NASP® attendees are encouraged to book flights, travel, and accommodations as early as possible. We are expecting up to 2,000 archers and at least that many coaches, fans, families and officials.

NASP® began in March 2002 in 21 pilot schools and has grown to more than 5000 schools in the elementary, middle, and high school levels. This school year more than a million students will learn this lifetime skill from their physical education teachers in schools across the U.S., Canada, and beyond.

For more information email: jgauthier@nasparchery.com
Visit: www.archeryintheschools.org

About:
The National Archery in the Schools Program (NASP) is a joint venture between state departments of Education and Wildlife. Several archery equipment manufacturers and organizations are also partners (listed below). The program promotes student education, physical education and participation in the life long sport of Archery. The program’s focus is to provide International Style Target Archery training in physical education classes grades 4 – 12

Brought to you by - AMMO LAND.COM - Firearms & Shooting Sports News Ammo Land.com Submit Gun, Ammo and Shooting Related News at Ammo Land.com

Disney’s Wide World of Sports to Host 1st World NASP Tournament October 8th – 11th, 2009

South Dakota Fish, Game & Parks

MILBANK, S.D –-(AmmoLand.com)- Grab your bow and head to Hartford Beach State Park to show off your skills. The annual 3-D Archery shoot sponsored by the Milbank Valley Archers is Sept. 12-13. Contestants can register between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. on Sat, and 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sunday.

Participants can shoot in competition or just for fun. Competition categories are based on equipment used, age and gender. Youngsters are welcome and will shoot the same targets as adults, but from closer locations.

A “Tough Man” option is also available, in which shooters must shoot from difficult locations. Families can shoot a round together, even if competing in different categories.

“The steep wooded landscape of Hartford Beach lends itself to some interesting shooting opportunities,” said Jeff Nodsle, park manager. “The course consists of 30 three-dimensional, life-size animal targets. The first 20 targets are along the Prehistoric Village Trail, and the second set of targets is along the Beach Trail.”

This tournament is sanctioned by the National Field Archery Association. The cost is $10 for adults, $8 for non-competitive shooters, $5 for cubs (ages 8-11), peewees (ages 7 and under) are free, and family admission is $25. In addition, a park entrance license is required. Concessions will be available.

This event is held each year the second weekend in September. For more information call (605) 432-6374. Hartford Beach State Park is located 15 miles north of Milbank off SD 15.

Brought to you by - AMMO LAND.COM - Firearms & Shooting Sports News Ammo Land.com Submit Gun, Ammo and Shooting Related News at Ammo Land.com

SD’s Hartford Beach State Park Hosts Annual Archery Shoot

GoHuntGeorgia.com

SOCIAL CIRCLE, Ga. --(AmmoLand.com)-Are you ready for an advanced education in outdoor skills? Then take the challenge – the Hunter Education Skills Challenge to be specific. This program, open to any youth age 18 or younger that has completed their hunter education course, will be available at several upcoming events.

“Consider the Challenge program as a ‘graduate studies’ course for hunter education students,” says Jennifer Pittman, Shooting Sports Coordinator. “This program will include events that simulate realistic conditions in order to reinforce and test a young hunter’s skills.”

The Challenge has up to six components: archery, air rifle, safety trail challenge, orienteering, wildlife identification and responsibility. Participants receive scores for each component with a maximum total high score of 500. Competitions include two divisions – Junior (age 14 and younger) and Senior (age 15-18). The top 10 scoring participants at each local competition (in each Division) are eligible for the state Challenge (scheduled for Sat., Jan. 16, 2010).

All youth hunters are welcome to participate in a local Challenge if they wish – no pre-registration is required. Following is information on upcoming events (all events are on Saturdays):

• Aug. 29, Chickasawhatchee WMA, Albany, GA
• Sept. 5, Wildlife Resources Division Headquarters, Social Circle, GA
• Sept. 26, Sloppy Floyd State Park, Summerville, GA
• Oct. 3, Coopers Creek WMA Check Station, Blairsville, GA
• Oct. 10, Clybel WMA Shooting Range (Charlie Elliott Wildlife Center), Mansfield, GA
• Oct. 10, Lake Russell WMA C heck Station, Gainesville, GA
• Oct. 24, River Bend WMA Check Station, Dublin, GA
• Oct. 31, Griffin Ridge WMA Check Station, Ludowici, GA

For more information on any of these Challenge events, visit www.gohuntgeorgia.com (select “Get Involved” and then “Programs”) or call 770-918-6416.

Brought to you by - AMMO LAND.COM - Firearms & Shooting Sports News Ammo Land.com Submit Gun, Ammo and Shooting Related News at Ammo Land.com

Hunter Education Skills Challenge Program Targets Youth

Whitetails Unlimited

Wisconsin – -(AmmoLand.com)- Inspired by the overwhelming success of Whitetails Unlimited’s Kids on Target firearm marksmanship program, WTU is now implementing the “3 For Three” archery component for young archers.

“This is a great way to get young people involved with archery in a positive, safe and supervised manner,” said Whitetails Unlimited Executive Director Pete Gerl. “The firearm component of Kids on Target, which is sponsored in part by Rossi USA, has been an overwhelming success, and now we are able to provide encouragement for youngsters to get involved outdoors in a terrific life-long activity – archery.”

Designed for archers 18 and under, participants receive a free kit with official targets, program guidelines, and the 10 Commandments of Archery Safety. They are encouraged to practice as much as necessary, under adult supervision, at a public shooting range. When they are confident in their shooting abilities and ready to qualify, they then use an official target and must place three arrows within the 6-inch colored portion, from a minimum distance of 12 yards. Upon qualification the young successful archer will return the target with the completed witness verification form and receive a WTU Kids on Target gold medal and a personalized color certificate, suitable for framing. These awards will serve as a reminder of their accomplishment of hitting “3 For Three.”

There is no charge to individual participants for any part of the program. For clubs or organizations interested in group participation there will be a nominal fee to help offset a portion of the expense.

“We really want to get young people out of the house and involved in the shooting sports,” said Gerl, “and since the firearm branch of Kids on Target was so successful, expanding into archery was a natural second step. We’d like to get kids away from all the electronics in their lives, and get them outdoors involved in the shooting sports. Obviously, we hope some of them take up archery hunting, but even if they don’t, they will learn a fun sport and some life lessons about success and accomplishment through practice and perseverance. Receiving the medal and certificate is just the kind of outside motivation that most kids respond to in a very positive way.”

Gerl noted that WTU has a long history of recruiting and developing new hunters and participants in the shooting sports, and the Kids on Target program is a continuation of Whitetails Unlimited’s mission of preserving an American tradition.

Participating in the program requires everyone follow the 10 Commandments of Archery Safety, and young archers must be supervised by an adult. In many situations, kids that don’t have success with other sports are excited about the shooting sports.
For more details about Kids on Target, visit the WTU website at www.whitetailsunlimited.com.

About:
Founded in 1982, Whitetails Unlimited is a national nonprofit conservation organization. Our mission is to raise funds in support of education, habitat enhancement and acquisition, and the preservation of the hunting tradition for the benefit of the white-tailed deer and other wildlife. When it comes to the whitetail and its environment, WTU’s degree of professionalism and dedication has earned us the reputation of being the nation’s premier whitetail organization.

Brought to you by - AMMO LAND.COM - Firearms & Shooting Sports News Ammo Land.com Submit Gun, Ammo and Shooting Related News at Ammo Land.com

Whitetails Unlimited Unveils 3 For Three Archery Program

Video Game Takes Kids Outside

New Jersey Fish and Game

Trenton, NJ --(AmmoLand.com)- The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is launching a new online video game aimed to encourage kids to go outside and learn about the environment. Designed for children ages 8 to 11 years old, Neighborhood Explorers is accessed through the Service’s Let’s Go Outside! website at http://www.fws.gov/letsgooutside/.

The journey through the game begins when you meet three children – Mia, Lucy and Steve – who gather in a tree house as the school year begins and talk about all the fun outdoor environmental activities they did over the summer. They form a Neighborhood Explorers Club, called the NX Club, and share information about planting gardens with native plants, backyard bird watching and urban wildlife. By exploring the tree house with your cursor, you can learn about endangered species, conservation heroes and threats to our natural world. Then you can play a fun jeopardy-style trivia game that tests your newly acquired environmental information in an entertaining and interactive venue.

Other activities include recording nature sightings in your own back yard, a race against time to find a missing praying mantis in the midst of an urban neighborhood, and identifying birds in a variety of habitats. When you finish a game, you can receive a gold, silver, or bronze patch, depending on how many points you score. Every game is a fun challenge as well as a valuable educational experience. You can also receive patches for documenting environmental projects and local wildlife, thus reinforcing the connection between the virtual and natural worlds.

When you’ve earned all five patches, you can receive a free tree from the Arbor Day Foundation! (A free membership to the NX Club is required so a record of your earned patches can be saved). After earning all five patches, you will be directed to the Arbor Day Foundation web site, where you can provide your name and address to get a free tree with directions for planting. There are only 450 trees available, so you should get started winning your patches right away!

Neighborhood Explorers provides an excellent educational opportunity for children and parents. By participating in this game, kids learn about nature and are encouraged to spend more time outside. Steve’s summer activity, for example, is simply exploring and observing nature. Children can also learn about problems that the environment is facing, such as pollution and invasive species, and discover ways to help solve these problems.

Unstructured play and discovery outside is an important part of childhood, and Neighborhood Explorers reinforces this through a medium that kids are familiar with: a video game. This is a great opportunity to show kids how caring about conservation and the environment can make a real-life difference in the world.

About:
The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working with others to conserve, protect and enhance fish, wildlife, plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. We are both a leader and trusted partner in fish and wildlife conservation, known for our scientific excellence, stewardship of lands and natural resources, dedicated professionals and commitment to public service. For more information on our work and the people who make it happen, visit www.fws.gov.

Brought to you by - AMMO LAND.COM - Firearms & Shooting Sports News Ammo Land.com Submit Gun, Ammo and Shooting Related News at Ammo Land.com

Video Game Takes Kids Outside

Nebraska Game and Parks Commission

LINCOLN, Neb. –-(AmmoLand.com)- Nebraskans are reminded to think safety first when hunting doves this fall.

Hunter Education Coordinator Mike Streeter of the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission has suggestions for a safe and successful hunt:

– Wear hunter orange to and from your favorite stand and hang some hunter orange around the site to let others know your location.

– Each year someone is injured when a hunter fires at a low-flying dove and strikes another hunter hiding on the other side of the field. Know your target and what is beyond it.

– Watch the muzzle and never point it at anyone.

– Keep your finger off the trigger and out of the trigger guard until you are ready to shoot.

– Stay calm and take your time to set up shots. You never will hit a dove if you rush the shot. Use an open choke and let the doves get as close as possible to make good, planned shots. The best shot size for this is 7½ or smaller.

– Bring water to drink and avoid dehydration.

– Use a folding stool to sit on to reduce exposure to insects, such as spiders, chiggers and ticks. Use an insect repellent with DEET. This will make you more comfortable and increase your ability to sit still for long periods of time. Doves key off movement, so keep movement, such as fending off insects, to a minimum.

Dove season opens Sept. 1. Hunting permits may be purchased at OutdoorNebraska.org.

Dove hunters, except Nebraska residents under age 16, require a free Harvest Information Program number. Visit nehip.com or call toll-free (877) 634-8687 to obtain one. A Nebraska waterfowl stamp is not required. Shotguns must be restricted to hold no more than three shells.

Brought to you by - AMMO LAND.COM - Firearms & Shooting Sports News Ammo Land.com Submit Gun, Ammo and Shooting Related News at Ammo Land.com

Tips for Safe Dove Hunting

American Deer & Wildlife Alliance

AUSTIN, Texas —-(AmmoLand.com)- The American Deer & Wildlife Alliance (ADWA) proudly announces it will host its Second Annual ADWA Bow Hunting & Archery Clinic on September 26, 2009 at Archery Country, the oldest archery store in Austin, Texas.

The event will be held from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m., and will provide introductory archery instruction to kids, ages six to 15. All equipment will be provided.

“The ADWA Youth Bow Hunting Clinic was a huge success last year, and we’re very excited to return to Archery Country,” say Alicia Clements, operations manager for ADWA. “ADWA’s primary mission is to promote and introduce outdoor activities and wildlife-related issues to our children. At no time in our history have our youth been so disconnected from nature and we feel it’s critically important to preserve an outdoor heritage which is so uniquely American.”

The ADWA Bow Hunting & Archery Clinic includes two hours of personal archery instruction led by senior instructor Eric Pack and generous raffle items. Attendees will also receive goody bags containing the highly acclaimed youth publication, SPIKES Magazine, and various other goodies donated by corporate members of ADWA.

Price for attending the event is $10 per participant. Space is limited, so please call ADWA to reserve space today at 877.331.8600.

The American Deer & Wildlife Alliance is a national non-profit organization comprised of companies, associations and individual sportsmen dedicated to promoting wildlife, land stewardship and America’s outdoor traditions.

To learn more about the American Deer & Wildlife Alliance or for membership information, visit www.deerwildlifealliance.org or call 877.528.7100.

ABout:
Headquartered in Austin, Texas, the American Deer & Wildlife Alliance is a non-profit organization dedicated to the growth of the deer and wildlife industry, and to help educate consumers and the youth on the conservation issues that affect deer and wildlife as well as the industry. For more information on the American Deer & Wildlife Alliance, call 877.528.7100 or visit www.deerwildlifealliance.org.

Brought to you by - AMMO LAND.COM - Firearms & Shooting Sports News Ammo Land.com Submit Gun, Ammo and Shooting Related News at Ammo Land.com

American Deer & Wildlife Alliance Announces 2nd Annual Youth Bow Clinic

Weatherby SA-08 Shotgun Models: Youth Synthetic and Waterfowler

Weatherby.com

Paso Robles, CA - -(AmmoLand.com)- Weatherby® has expanded its line of SA-08 semi-automatic shotguns with new Youth Synthetic and Waterfowler models for hunters and shooters.

The Youth Synthetic has a short 12 1/2-inch length of pull, 24-inch barrel and only 5 3/4 pounds of weight. The Waterfowler sports Mothwing Marsh Mimicry™ camo on the stock and metalwork, with the exception of the matte black bolt. Utilizing the moth’s biological patterns, Mothwing camo is designed to mimic and disappear into the surrounding environment.

“Like all SA-08 semi-auto shotguns, the Youth Synthetic and Waterfowler are precisely balanced, and feel trim and lightweight,” said Brad Ruddell, Weatherby’s vice president of sales and marketing. “They offer the utmost in load versatility, as well as performance-tested reliability and very affordable prices. The Youth Synthetic is easy for young hunters and shooters to handle, while the Waterfowler helps marshland hunters stay well concealed in their environment.”

Both models feature the proven dual valve system, which allows shooters to quickly adapt the shotguns to accommodate the widest load ranges, from ¾ ounce to heavy 3-inch magnum. Another benefit of the dual valve system is reduced recoil as compared to traditional single valve shotguns.

Other key features of the Youth Synthetic and Waterfowler:

• • injection-molded synthetic stock is durable yet lightweight
• • alloy receiver further reduces weight and improves overall balance
• • unique drop-out trigger system can be removed and reassembled quickly for easy cleaning
• • chrome-lined barrels can withstand years of high-volume shooting and reduce the effort necessary to keep the barrel clean

New Weatherby® SA-08 Shotgun Models: Youth Synthetic and Waterfowler

• barrels have lengthened forcing cones for improved patterns and less shooter fatigue
• ented top rib for smooth follow-through after the shot, also dissipates heat
• Weatherby’s screw-in Integral Multi-Choke System is compatible with the Briley® thread pattern; each shotgun comes with Improved Cylinder, Modified and Full choke tubes that allow shooters to tailor their shot patterns for specific hunting applications

The Youth Synthetic is available in 20 gauge, has a black stock and matte black metalwork to reduce glare, and a brass bead front sight. Retail prices start as low as $449.

Available in 12 gauge, the Waterfowler offers a choice of 26-inch or 28-inch barrel length. The gun weighs a light 6 1/2 pounds. Manufacturer’s suggested retail price is $649.

For more information, contact a local Weatherby dealer, call the company at (805) 227-2600 or visit www.weatherby.com.

About:
Founded in 1945, Weatherby, Inc.’s line features the popular Vanguard® and legendary Mark V® rifles, over/under and side-by-side shotguns in the classic Athena® and Orion® lines, semi-auto and pump shotguns, premium ammunition and security/shooting accessories. The company is based in Paso Robles, Calif., and invites all hunters and shooters to visit and join its free online community at www.weatherbynation.com.

Brought to you by - AMMO LAND.COM - Firearms & Shooting Sports News Ammo Land.com Submit Gun, Ammo and Shooting Related News at Ammo Land.com

New Weatherby SA-08 Shotgun Models: Youth Synthetic and Waterfowler

South Dakota Fish, Game & Parks

WATERTOWN, S.D. –-(AmmoLand.com)- Pelican Lake Recreation Area invites all skill levels to an archery class Saturday at 10 a.m.

“This shoot is for all ages and abilities and is intended to introduce the sport of archery to more people,” said assistant park manager Rhet Russell. “This is an excellent chance to get the whole family involved in the outdoors.”

All equipment will be provided including targets, left- and right-handed bows, and arrows. “The equipment is made for all abilities and is very easy to use,” added Russell.

There is no cost to attend the programs; however, a park entrance license is required. Pelican Lake Recreation Area is located 9 miles southwest of Watertown off US 12.

For more information about the archery class call (605) 882-5200. For more information about programs in South Dakota state parks visit www.sdparks.info or call (605) 773-3391.

About:
The purpose of the Department of Game, Fish and Parks is to perpetuate, conserve, manage, protect, and enhance South Dakota’s wildlife resources, parks, and outdoor recreational opportunities for the use, benefit, and enjoyment of the people of this state and its visitors, and to give the highest priority to the welfare of this state’s wildlife and parks, and their environment, in planning and decisions.

Brought to you by - AMMO LAND.COM - Firearms & Shooting Sports News Ammo Land.com Submit Gun, Ammo and Shooting Related News at Ammo Land.com

South Dakota Offers Archery Class

New Mexico Game and Fish

ALBUQUERQUE, NM --(AmmoLand.com)- If you’ve always had a hankering to shoot a muzzleloader, try your hand at archery or learn a thing or two about hunting and fishing, don’t miss the eighth annual New Mexico Outdoor Expo, a free family event Aug. 22-23 at the Albuquerque Shooting Range Park.

Education and fun are the objectives of Expo, which was moved from May to August this year to take advantage of New Mexico’s fabulous early fall weather. Activities will be from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

“This is an excellent opportunity for families learn some fun activities that will take them outdoors,” said

Jennifer Morgan of the Department of Game and Fish Hunter Education Program. “It’s also a chance for us to show people how to safely enjoy the lifetime sports of hunting, shooting and fishing.”

Certified instructors will staff ranges for .22-caliber rifles, shotguns, muzzleloaders and archery, providing one-on-one instructions to participants of all ages. Young shooters are especially welcome. Other activities include a fishing pool loaded with hungry, live fish for youngsters to catch and release; a climbing wall; and numerous demonstrations to help people polish their hunting and fishing skills.

This year’s Expo will include special demonstrations and training sessions for off-highway vehicle riders about how to safely enjoy their sport while complying with new state laws for OHV use on public lands.

To get to the Albuquerque Shooting Range Park from Albuquerque, take Interstate 40 west to the top of Nine-mile Hill, exit and drive 4.2 miles north on Paseo del Volcan, turn left at the park sign and drive 2.6 miles to the shooting range.

For more information about New Mexico Outdoor Expo, please call (505) 222-4731.

About:
State of New Mexico Department of Game and Fish: Providing New Mexico and its wildlife Year-round Excellent Services

Brought to you by - AMMO LAND.COM - Firearms & Shooting Sports News Ammo Land.com Submit Gun, Ammo and Shooting Related News at Ammo Land.com

Learn To Shoot, Hunt And Fish At Free Outdoor Expo

Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks

PRATT, KS — -(AmmoLand.com)- The Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP) has announced conversion of the agency’s current Furharvester Education Correspondence Course to an online course. The paper correspondence course will no longer be issued. Any paper tests received after Aug. 15 will not be accepted. The online course is currently available free of charge.

“We have never had enough furharvester instructors to meet the demand for classes,” says Keith Sexson, KDWP assistant secretary for operations. “As a result, we have had to provide a paper correspondence course that has not really filled our needs as a learning tool. The new online course is much more thorough and will do a much better job of preparing students for the trapping experience.

“Instructor-led furharvester education courses will still be offered but will continue to be limited in number and location,” Sexson adds. “The online course will provide the majority of certifications, which will save considerable money in staff time for data entry, printing, processing, and mailing costs.”

To take either the online course or an instructor-led course, students will go to the KDWP website, www.kdwp.state.ks.us. From there, click “Other-Services,” then “Education,” then “Furharvester” to reach the furharvester education page. To choose an instructor-led course, click “Course Schedule.” To take the online course, click Kansas Furharvester Education online course. Students will be asked to create an account and will then be sent an email confirming their account creation and providing a link to start the course. Once the course is complete, students will be issued an official Kansas Furharvester Education certificate that they may print out at home.

“One advantage of the online course is that it allows the students to log in and out as they desire,” says Wayne Doyle, statewide Hunter Education Program coordinator for KDWP. “They do not have to complete the course at one sitting, and quizzes are given as they progress through the course. A wrong answer to a quiz question will require them to return to the missed instruction and get it right before proceeding.”

Once students have completed all sections of the course, they will take a final test and must score at least 84 percent to be certified. If they fail the test on the first try, they can re-study and re-take the test until they get a passing score.

For more information on the course, phone 620-672-5911 and ask for Hunter Education.

Brought to you by - AMMO LAND.COM - Firearms & Shooting Sports News Ammo Land.com Submit Gun, Ammo and Shooting Related News at Ammo Land.com

KDWP Offers Online Furharvester Education Course

National Hunting and Fishing Day

Deltawaterfowl.org

Bismarck, N.D.- -(AmmoLand.com)- Delta Waterfowl is proud to announce it is a new partner of National Hunting and Fishing Day, slated for September 26.

National Hunting and Fishing DayThe annual commemoration will hold several events across the country to promote awareness about hunting, fishing and wildlife conservation, as well as celebrate America’s rich, time-honored outdoors heritage. Delta Waterfowl’s regional directors are busy spreading the word to chapters and volunteers at the grassroots level about the day’s many events.

“Hunters and anglers have always been on the front lines of conservation-with their pocketbooks or by getting their hands dirty-and this day commemorates their achievements and generosity and raises awareness for what we need to do now and in the future to keep our traditions alive and well,” said Senior Vice President John Devney. “Delta Waterfowl is very pleased to be partner of this celebration of our outdoors heritage.”

On May 2, 1972, President Richard Nixon signed the first proclamation of National Hunting and Fishing Day, saying he urged “all citizens to join with outdoor sportsmen in the wise use of our natural resources and insuring their proper management for the benefit of future generations.”

By late summer, all 50 governors and more than 600 mayors had proclaimed their versions of National Hunting and Fishing Day. In the end, more than 3000 hunting- and fishing-related events were held, providing an estimated 4 million people with an opportunity to experience or learn about America’s outdoors traditions.

“It’s very important that the general public understand the critical role sportsmen and women played-and play-as stewards and guardians of our natural resources so that generations to come can hunt and fish and enjoy the outdoors,” said Devney. “For decades, hunters and anglers have worked countless hours to preserve and improve countless acres of vital habitat-land and waters that, of course, have benefitted everyone. That’s why a special day like this devoted to raising awareness is so important.”

Still, Devney is worried. He says conservation’s primary funding sources-hunters and anglers-are, for a variety reasons, leaving the heritage. Devney said waterfowl hunters in particular are an ominous case in point: According to the 2006 National Survey of Fishing, Hunting and Wildlife-Associated Recreation, waterfowl hunter numbers from 2001 to 2006 plunged 27 percent.

“As a research organization, we looked at those disturbing losses and decided to investigate, and what we came up with was a five-part series in our magazine called the Vanishing Hunter that documented the demographic and social issues contributing to the loss of hunters nationwide,” said Devney. “What we learned, in part, is that the first step to securing the future of hunting is reconnecting with the culture-those ancient roots that keep our traditions alive.

Devney says the research has helped improve Delta’s comprehensive mentored hunt program. “We’ve always targeted youths to address the long-term issues of hunter recruitment, but now we’re reaching out to university students, women and families, and the reception has been tremendous,” said Devney, noting that Delta’s mentored hunts are unique because they incorporate hunter education, conservation education, skills training, game preparation and eating. “By immersing youths and adults, men and women into all aspects of our waterfowling culture, we believe they will become lifelong hunters and conservationists.”

Indeed, reversing hunter and angler loses is critical to the long-term future of conservation, notes Denise Wagner, program coordinator for National Hunting and Fishing Day. Through licenses, permits, and special taxes on hunting and fishing equipment, hunters and anglers generate $100,000 every 30 minutes-totaling more than $1.75 billion per year-for fish, wildlife and habitat, she said.

Said Wagner: “We’re pleased to partner with Delta Waterfowl this year. With their help we’re reaching out even further with a message that healthy fish, wildlife, and habitat depend on leadership and stewardship of hunters and anglers.”

For more information about National Hunting and Fishing Day and its events: www.nhfday.org. For more information about Delta Waterfowl: www.deltawaterfowl.org.

About:
Delta Waterfowl provides knowledge, leaders and science-based solutions that efficiently conserve waterfowl and secure the future for waterfowl hunting.

Brought to you by - AMMO LAND.COM - Firearms & Shooting Sports News Ammo Land.com Submit Gun, Ammo and Shooting Related News at Ammo Land.com

Delta Waterfowl New Partner of National Hunting and Fishing Day

West Virginia DNR

West Virginia - -(AmmoLand.com)- Women who want to learn new outdoor skills are invited to register for the fall Becoming an Outdoors-Woman Workshop, to be held at Watoga State Park in Pocahontas County September 11-13, 2009.

The workshop is sponsored by The West Virginia Division of Natural Resources.

“Have you ever wanted to learn a new skill but have never had the opportunity to try? Or, have you wanted to take up an outdoor sport but were afraid to purchase all the equipment and then find out later that you hated it?” asks event coordinator Billie Shearer. “If so, the West Virginia Becoming an Outdoors-Woman (WV BOW) Program is definitely for you! Women who are at least 18 years old can learn new outdoor skills in a safe, non-threatening atmosphere.”

In the fall WV BOW workshop schedule, approximately 30 classes are being offered including biking, shooting, fishing, Camping, fly tying and outdoor cooking to list only a few.

Registration is now open with a fee of $150, which covers lodging, some meals, and class materials during the workshop. For more information or to register for the workshop, please contact BOW at 304-558-2771 or billieshearer@wvdnr.gov.

The registration form can be downloaded at www.wvdnr.gov/hunting/bow.shtm.

Brought to you by - AMMO LAND.COM - Firearms & Shooting Sports News Ammo Land.com Submit Gun, Ammo and Shooting Related News at Ammo Land.com

Register for September Becoming an Outdoors-Woman Fall Workshop

Deltawaterfowl.org

Bismarck, ND - -(AmmoLand.com)- Several anti-hunting groups were quick to take credit when news of declining hunter numbers broke, but a closer look at the data suggests the numbers are more reflective of changing demographics than changing attitudes.

It’s true hunting participation has dropped precipitously from its 1975 peak and hunting has been losing market share, but concerns about the future based strictly on the license sales ignore two undeniable forces that have dramatically skewed the numbers—the baby boom generation and urbanization.

This index shows hunting has not kept pace with the overall population growth, but that’s only part of the story. According to the national survey, 49 percent of all hunters are rural males, 91 percent of all hunters are males, and rural residents are four times more likely to hunt than urbanites. These statistics, which have changed only slightly since the 1991 survey, clearly define the prototypical hunter as a rural male.

While the total population has increased steadily since 1955, the pool of likely participants—rural males—has increased only fractionally.

In 2006 rural males (13 percent of the 16 and older population) comprised a disproportionate 49 percent of hunters over 16. Twenty-three percent of rural males hunt as opposed to just 6 percent of urban males.

Hunting grew twice as fast as the rural population through the mid-1970s and early ‘80s, but that growth was fueled by 80 million baby boomers who by 1980 comprised nearly 60 percent of the hunting population.

Hunter numbers tapered off in the last two surveys as baby boomers began dropping out, and future decreases are inevitable as boomers age and the urban population continues to expand. Given these demographic realities, it is unlikely hunter numbers will ever return to the glorious levels they once enjoyed.

The prototypical hunter of the 1970s and ‘80s is slowly fading from view, and the pool of candidates to replace him is shrinking. If hunter numbers are to remain stable in the post-boom era, outdoor interests must create a new mold from which to cast the next generation of hunters.

Meanwhile, we can take comfort in the knowledge that the numbers aren’t as bad as our critics would have us believe.

Tori J. McCormick is associate editor of Delta Waterfowl magazine.

About:
Delta Waterfowl provides knowledge, leaders and science-based solutions that efficiently conserve waterfowl and secure the future for waterfowl hunting.

Brought to you by - AMMO LAND.COM - Firearms & Shooting Sports News Ammo Land.com Submit Gun, Ammo and Shooting Related News at Ammo Land.com

Bad News for Antis: Hunter Numbers Not as Bad as they Appear

International Training Inc's Women’s Only Weekend

DILLEY, TX - -(AmmoLand.com)- International Training, Inc. Texas held its first Women’s Only Weekend this past July. Sixteen women from coast to coast attended this unique training, designed specifically for the threats facing today’s women.

Saturday morning started with Greg Reid, Manager, Government Operations, giving a classroom brief on Advanced Driver Training and Crash Avoidance. This course takes basic driving skills to the next level where students gain hands-on experience in practical driving maneuvers in realistic emergency situations found on today’s highways and back roads. Instructor John Estrada graphically demonstrated the power of an airbag and why we must maintain a minimum safe distance from the airbag.

The class moved to Tracks 1 and 2 and “Ladies, start your engines!” was announced.
The women learned effective threshold braking and the use of vision to anticipate and avoid accidents, even while driving under stressful conditions until everyone successfully made it “through the cones”. On track 2, the same principles were extended to high speed driving, where students pushed the ITI fleet vehicles in excess of 80-90 MPH on the back “straight”.

After a lunch break, the ladies returned to brave 100 degree plus temperatures for a hands-on demonstration and practical application of unarmed defense techniques. Attacks from the front, attacks from behind, and ground fighting techniques were all practiced on the padded Defensive Tactics surface.

The second day started with Senior Instructor Benjamin Kurata presenting Handgun Orientation in the main classroom. A thorough review of the 4 major types of handguns, how to safely load, fire, reload, and unload them was covered. From there, types of ammunition, projectiles, and ammo components, storage and use were thoroughly discussed before the class made its way to Ranges 1 and 2 at the ITI Texas live fire range area. Director Bank Miller worked with half the class on semi-automatic pistols and Ben Kurata worked with the other half of the class on double action revolvers. At mid-morning the groups switched, and everyone live fired many, many rounds through both types of handguns before the lunch break.

After lunch, the group returned to the range complex where everyone was issued a semiautomatic pistol and magazines. Director Miller worked with half of the class on Range One, covering shooting on the move and multiple target engagement. Ben Kurata worked with the other half of the class on the Reactive Steel range, using non-toxic frangible ammunition, which allows shooting on the steel targets at closer, more realistic distances. The Reactive Steel exercises were a big hit with the students, and two students inquired about purchasing dueling trees for their personal use. At the mid-afternoon mark the groups switched ranges again so that everyone was exposed to shooting on the move, engaging multiple targets and lady versus lady shooting on reactive steel.

At the conclusion of the day, the class re-grouped in the main classroom for closing, critique, and graduation. Some of the comments made included:

“You guys nailed it!”
“This is the only place I am aware of where you can get this level of training in driving, empty hand defense, and shooting.”
“When’s the next one? I have a lot of friends that will want to attend.”

Bank Miller and Ben Kurata asked the class for input as to what the next level of Women’s Only Weekend should include. Based on the input from the class, Women’s Weekend II is scheduled for Saturday, October 10 and Sunday, October 11 and will include the following:
• Day 1: Advanced Driver Training and Crash Avoidance – full day on the tracks
• Day 2: Home and Vehicle Defense – full day on the range, starting with shooting from, in, and around vehicles, then Home Defense techniques – dealing with corners, hallways, “fatal funnels”, stairways, and diminished light conditions.

As in Women’s Weekend I, ITI Texas will supply all vehicles, gas, tires, safety equipment, handguns, magazines, holsters, ammo, and targets including vehicles for ballistic testing. For more details on Women’s Weekend I and Women’s Weekend II, please visit ITI’s web site at http://itiwsi.com/responsible_civilian.html or call us at 830-334-2990, 08:00 – 16:30, Central time)

International Training Inc's Women’s Only Weekend: Reverse Headbut Training

About International Training, Inc.
International Training Incorporated (ITI) is a subsidiary of Wackenhut Services Inc. Founded in 1989, ITI is committed to providing benchmark security training programs emphasizing professionalism, quality, customer service, and a fair price. ITI conducts both mobile and fixed site training in security assistance and security service programs for the U.S. Government, U.S. military, corporate America, and now private citizens. For more information on ITI or any of their courses, log on to www.itiwsi.com.

Brought to you by - AMMO LAND.COM - Firearms & Shooting Sports News Ammo Land.com Submit Gun, Ammo and Shooting Related News at Ammo Land.com

International Training Inc’s Womens Only Weekend Proclaimed a Success

New Jersey Fish and Game

Cape May, NJ - -(AmmoLand.com)- The registration deadline of Friday, August 14 is quickly approaching for the NJDEP’s Division of Fish and Wildlife “Becoming an Outdoors-Woman” (BOW) Coastal workshop.

Slated for September 11 – 13, 2009, the workshop is a fabulous opportunity to spend three value-packed days and two nights in beautiful Cape May when the crowds are gone and the weather and water are usually superb.

The incredibly low fee of $370 includes lodging at the oceanfront Grand Hotel ( http://www.grandhotelcapemay.com/ ), seven meals and free instruction and use of equipment needed for the various wildlife and outdoor skill classes.

Although oriented towards women, this workshop is open to anyone who is at least 18 years of age who would like to learn about wildlife and outdoor skills on the Jersey coast. Snorkeling, fishing, geocaching, shooting, kayaking, archery, falconry, boating, crabbing and bird watching are just a few of the 24 hands-on learning sessions being offered. No prior knowledge or skills are required – just a willingness to learn from experienced and talented instructors.

This workshop has been a life changing experience for many women who discovered the joy of the outdoors and enriched their lives with the skills and confidence they acquired. It can do the same for you or someone you care about.

Sending someone to the workshop is a super gift idea and a great way to say, “Thanks, you deserve some time for yourself”.

Don’t miss out on this unique value and wonderful opportunity and experience. Visit http://www.njfishandwildlife.com/pdf/2009/bow_coastal09.pdf today to view and print the workshop brochure and registration form.

Brought to you by - AMMO LAND.COM - Firearms & Shooting Sports News Ammo Land.com Submit Gun, Ammo and Shooting Related News at Ammo Land.com

NJDEP’s Division of Fish and Wildlife Becoming an Outdoors-Woman

Whitetails Unlimited

Wisconsin – -(AmmoLand.com)- For the past decade, Whitetails Unlimited has provided support for the Wisconsin DNRs Learn to Deer Hunt Program, and is the official sponsor of Sandhill’s Youth Essay Contest. This year WTU is again offering prizes for the contest, and educational materials for classroom instruction. The contest is open to youth under 16 years old who have never hunted deer.

To date, Whitetails Unlimited has provided more than $11,000 in financial support including branded merchandise and educational material for the program. Prizes have included rifles in an assortment of calibers, binoculars, knives & sheaths, and caps. The program is held at the Sandhill Outdoor Skills Center.

This is an ideal way to provide a great experience for a first-time deer hunter, said WTU Executive Director Pete Gerl. At a time when everyone in the outdoor industry is concerned about new hunter recruitment, a program like this is the perfect vehicle to ensure that new hunters are mentored in the right way.

WTU is the official sponsor of the essay contest, and is providing prizes for first through fifth place.

The Sandhill Outdoor Skills Center is a 9,158-acre wildlife area operated by the Wisconsin DNR in central Wisconsin. The facility offers an on-site education center, shooting ranges, trails, and a wide variety of workshops and seminars, including hunting and trapping experiences. The state acquired Sandhill in 1962, and it is one of the largest areas in North America containing an enclosed white-tailed deer herd regulated by public hunting.

The Learn to Hunt Deer Program provides an opportunity for about 200 youth and beginner adults to receive training on deer hunting, and then participate in a special hunt several weeks before the statewide gun deer season. In past years, 50 to 60 deer were harvested annually by these novice hunters on the Sandhill property.

For more information, visit http://dnr.wi.gov/org/land/wildlife/reclands/sandhill/lth.htm and www.dnr.state.wi.us/Org/land/wildlife/reclands/sandhill/

­About:
­ Founded in 1982, Whitetails Unlimited is a national nonprofit conservation organization. Our mission is to raise funds in support of education, habitat enhancement and acquisition, and the preservation of the hunting tradition for the benefit of the white-tailed deer and other wildlife. When it comes to the whitetail and its environment, WTUs degree of professionalism and dedication has earned us the reputation of being the nation¹s premier whitetail organization.

Brought to you by - AMMO LAND.COM - Firearms & Shooting Sports News Ammo Land.com Submit Gun, Ammo and Shooting Related News at Ammo Land.com

Whitetails Unlimited Sponsors Learn to Hunt Program

National Hunting and Fishing Day

SPRINGFIELD, Mo.- Bowhunting is deeply engrained in traditional outdoor sports and conservation, a proud heritage promoted and protected by the Pope and Young Club. Today the Club is announcing a new partnership to help strengthen these efforts—a sponsorship of National Hunting and Fishing Day for 2009.

NHF Day, formalized by Congress in 1972, has been called the most effective grassroots effort in history to educate the American public about hunting, fishing and conservation.

Always the fourth Saturday in September, the 2009 celebration is slated for Sept. 26.

“It’s gratifying to welcome new sponsors, and the Pope and Young Club is the latest national supporter for our continuing efforts to build public appreciation for traditional outdoor lifestyles and their ties to healthy fish, wildlife and habitat. We’re appreciative of the Pope and Young Club’s leadership,” said Denise Wagner of Wonders of Wildlife museum in Springfield, Mo.—the official home of NHF Day.

Wonders of Wildlife is developing new ways to deliver the NHF Day message. For example, free, downloadable hunting and fishing communication tools, tips, handouts and more for students and public speakers are now posted to www.nhfday.org.

Such efforts are designed to pass the word that nobody does more for conservation than hunters, anglers and sport shooters. Hunting and fishing licenses, along with excise taxes on firearms, ammunition, bows, arrows, rods and reels, together generate $100,000 every 30 minutes—totaling more than $1.75 billion per year—for conserving fish and wildlife resources.

“The Pope and Young Club is proud to proclaim its public support of National Hunting and Fishing Day. We stand shoulder to shoulder with millions of sportsmen and women in paying tribute to our nation’s first and oldest outdoor pastime. Our NHF Day sponsorship represents a serious commitment to assisting in the organized efforts to preserve hunting and fishing for future generations to enjoy, and we are immensely pleased to be a part of this vital campaign,” said Pope and Young Club President M.R. James.

Country music star Luke Bryan is the honorary chairman for NHF Day 2009.
The growing list of sponsors for National Hunting and Fishing Day includes Wonders of Wildlife, National Shooting Sports Foundation, Bass Pro Shops, Sportsman Channel, Realtree, GunBroker.com, Hunting Heritage Trust, Cabela’s, Boone and Crockett Club, Smith & Wesson, Field & Stream/Outdoor Life, Woolrich, Yamaha and the Pope and Young Club.

For more information, visit www.nhfday.org.

About:
National Hunting and Fishing Day, celebrated the fourth Saturday of every September, remains the most effective grassroots efforts ever undertaken to promote the outdoor sports and conservation.

Brought to you by - AMMO LAND.COM - Firearms & Shooting Sports News Ammo Land.com Submit Gun, Ammo and Shooting Related News at Ammo Land.com

NHF Day Welcomes New Sponsor – Pope and Young Club

Pheasants Forever

Iowa – -(AmmoLand.com)- Pheasants Forever has always billed its largest event, National Pheasant Fest , as more than an outdoor trade show. While the event offers more than one can expect to do in a three-day weekend, the show is really about your favorite hunting field or a nearby wildlife area. It’s about Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever’s mission. It’s about wildlife habitat.

Far more goes into deciding which city/state will host National Pheasant Fest than whether or not it has a sizable venue. The goal of the event is to leave a legacy in the state long after the event is gone. For example, one of Pheasants Forever’s goals in bringing its signature event to Madison, Wisconsin for the first time in 2009 was to use event fundraising to help create the first Build a Wildlife Area project in Wisconsin. With the help of Pheasants Forever and other partners, the Wisconsin Build a Wildlife Area campaign made its first land acquisition, a 204-acre parcel of restored wetlands and adjacent upland grasslands in St. Croix County. The area may be open for public hunting and outdoor recreational activities as early as this autumn!

Pheasants Forever is looking to leave the same such legacy in Iowa , a state that needs the organization’s wildlife habitat mission more than ever. Iowa is coming off one of its worst recorded pheasant hunting seasons, with 383,000 roosters harvested last year. While Iowa has unfortunately received lousy nesting weather and severe flooding in recent years, the low harvest total is also an indicator that the state is feeling the ill effects of the conversion of thousands of acres of habitat to cropland.

Ultimately, National Pheasant Fest is returning to the Iowa Events Center in February to rejuvenate interest in restoring and creating upland habitat in Iowa and beyond; to galvanize hunters to be strong stewards of the land; to give youth the sense that the outdoors and conservation can be fun and rewarding. It all comes back to Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever’s mission.

We look forward to seeing you in Des Moines next February! Bring the family, especially the kids. Come admire and inquire about the bird dogs. Seek out advice from wildlife habitat professionals. And of course check out the great outdoor gear that will be available from all our sponsors and exhibitors. But most importantly, come ready to leave a legacy.

Countdown Until The Fest Only 212 Days until Pheasant Fest 2010!

A Special “Thank You” to Pheasant Fest Sponsors

• Diamond Sponsors
• Gold Sponsors
• Silver Sponsors

Pheasant Fest Phast Facts
The five previous *National Pheasant Fests* have attracted 111,000 hunters, landowners, sport dog owners and wildlife habitat conservationists! At the most recent *National Pheasant Fest*, over 1,100 in attendance joined PF as members over the course of the three-day event. Over 1,000 landowners have taken advantage of the Landowner Habitat Help Room at *National Pheasant Fest*, leading to over 65,000 habitat acres that have been evaluated for management recommendations by Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever wildlife biologists.

Fest Freeze Frame
MOCK TRIAL. Rudy’s Youth Village is home to one of the more popular youth attractions at National Pheasant Fest, the mock pheasant hunt. Youngsters get the chance to sharpen their firearm handing skills, using wooden replicas, and learn the basics of safe, ethical hunting.

Bird Dog Bonanza Update
Bird Dogs Own National Pheasant Fest It should come as no surprise that sporting dogs have and continue to be the most popular attraction at National Pheasant Fest. Expect bird dogs to play their largest role yet when National Pheasant Fest 2010 hits Des Moines next February.

The Bird Dog Bonanza, an entire section of the National Pheasant Fest show floor, will again be dedicated to our four-legged outdoor companions and will be presented by Native performance dog food and SportDOG Brand electronic dog training systems. The Bird Dog Bonanza is where you can find exhibitors and information on everything bird dog related, including training, nutrition and breeds. In fact, look for upwards of 40 bird dog breeds to be a part of National Pheasant Fest 2010!

For more information contact: Brad Heidel (651) 209-4956 or bheidel@pheasantfest.org

About:
Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever are non-profit conservation organizations dedicated to the protection and enhancement of pheasant, quail, and other wildlife populations in North America through habitat improvement, land management, public awareness, and education. PF/QF has more than 125,000 members in 750 local chapters across the continent.

Brought to you by - AMMO LAND.COM - Firearms & Shooting Sports News Ammo Land.com Submit Gun, Ammo and Shooting Related News at Ammo Land.com

More Than an Event, It’s Forever, National Pheasant Fest

Pheasants Forever & Quail Forever

Ramsey, Minn. - -(AmmoLand.com)- Pheasants Forever (PF) and Native® performance dog food have teamed to give Game Fair 2009 attendees more opportunities than ever to learn from the professionals. Pheasants Forever Hill, PF’s annual locale at the show, offers seminars from 10 AM to 5 PM daily at the PF/Native® stage featuring Native® dog food’s pro staff and PF hunting experts. Game Fair 2009 will be held August 7, 8 & 9 and August 14, 15 & 16 at Armstrong Kennels Ranch in Ramsey, Minnesota.

Native® performance dog food pro staffers appearing at Game Fair 2009 will include Chad & Jodi Hines, Jason Givens, Rick McConico, Sue Barnes, Todd Sterrett and Matt Rossi. This unmatched lineup provides expertise ranging from flushers to pointers. If you have a question about your sporting dog ” from increasing endurance to e-collars ” Game Fair 2009 is the place!

Hunting experts at the PF/Native stage include Bob St.Pierre, PF Director of Marketing and Public Relations and FAN Outdoors radio host, who will be talking public land roosters; and PF’s Mark Herwig, Editor of the Pheasants Forever Journal of Upland Conservation. A certifiable wing-nut, Herwig will offer dove hunting tips and tactics, just in time for autumn’s earliest opener!

Pheasants Forever also kicks off the 7th Minnesota Build a Wildlife Area campaign at Game Fair 2009. Developed by Pheasants Forever, the Anoka County PF Chapter , Game Fair, and Outdoor News in 2003, the unique campaign raises funds for the acquisition of public wildlife areas. Through the unique Build a Wildlife Area partnership, every dollar raised is tripled through matching grants from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Minnesota’s Build a Wildlife Area campaigns have generated over $914,000 and acquired seven new Wildlife Management Areas in Minnesota totaling 2,592 acres, all of which have been transferred to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources and are open to the public.

Game Fair 2009 will also be a great opportunity to become a Pheasants Forever member with special membership premiums being offered each day of the show. Annual Pheasants Forever membership includes a year’s subscription to the PF Journal, a vehicle decal, membership card and invitation to your local PF chapter event.

About:
Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever are non-profit conservation organizations dedicated to the protection and enhancement of pheasant, quail, and other wildlife populations in North America through habitat improvement, land management, public awareness, and education. PF/QF has more than 125,000 members in 750 local chapters across the continent.

Brought to you by - AMMO LAND.COM - Firearms & Shooting Sports News Ammo Land.com Submit Gun, Ammo and Shooting Related News at Ammo Land.com

Tips from the Pheasants Forever and Native Pros at Game Fair 2009