National Shooting Sports Foundation

NEWTOWN, Conn --(Ammoland.com)- The National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) — the trade association for the firearms industry — is urging all sportsmen to support H.R. 2834, the Recreational Fishing and Hunting Heritage Opportunities Act.

The bill, which is currently being considered in the House Natural Resources Committee, has strong bi-partisan support.

This important legislation would re-establish hunting, fishing and recreational shooting as important traditional activities that have a key place on the public lands administered by the U.S. Forest Service and the Bureau of Land Management.

The NSSF is deeply concerned that failure to specifically provide for continued fishing, hunting, and recreational shooting on these lands will lead to reduced opportunities and diminished support for conservation.

By requiring federal land managers to support and facilitate use and access for hunting, fishing and recreational shooting, the Recreational Fishing and Hunting Heritage Opportunities Act would establish an appropriate “open until closed” management regime for these activities which would allow more Americans to utilize the public lands that they own.

Please take a few minutes to contact your representative in Washington, D.C., and urge him or her to support of this pro-hunting, pro-conservation and pro-industry bill.

• The Capitol Hill Switchboard is 202-224-3121
• Visit NSSF’s Government Relations site at nssf.org/GovRel.

About NSSF
The National Shooting Sports Foundation is the trade association for the firearms industry. Its mission is to promote, protect and preserve hunting and the shooting sports. Formed in 1961, NSSF has a membership of more than 6,000 manufacturers, distributors, firearms retailers, shooting ranges, sportsmen’s organizations and publishers. For more information, log on to www.nssf.org.

Protect America's Hunting Heritage

Boone and Crockett Club

MISSOULA, Mont.--(Ammoland.com)- Surveys show that three of every four Americans approve of legal hunting, and support is trending upwards.

As long as the majority of citizens continue to see this sporting tradition as fair, safe and meaningful, hunting will remain a privilege of citizenship–as well as a boon to conservation.

For hunters headed afield this fall, the Boone and Crockett Club offers 10 ways to help keep the public on our side.

“Modern society has high expectations of hunters,” said Ben Wallace, president of the Club.

“In a changing culture with ever more scrutiny of all things related to the environment, our behavior toward animals, the land, firearms and even each other is more important today than anytime in our history.”

Keep alive the Hunting Heritage passed down from generations passed.

Here’s how to do your part:

1. Hunting is allowed today because the vast majority of hunters through the ages have respectfully followed laws, regulations, safety rules and high ethical standards known as fair chase–the sporting pursuit and taking of native free-ranging game species in a manner that does not give the hunter improper advantage. Continue the tradition.
2. Remember: Any animal taken in fair chase is a trophy.
3. America’s system of conservation and wildlife management is the most successful ever developed. It works only because of funding from hunters. Spread the word.
4. Respect the customs of the local area where you’re hunting, including the beliefs and values of those who do not hunt.
5. This season, make every attempt to take a youngster hunting. If you already hunt with your son or daughter, invite one of their friends to come along.
6. Technology is a wonderful thing until it replaces the skills necessary to be a complete hunter. If it seems gratuitous, leave it at home.
7. Always ask permission before hunting private land. Respect landowners.
8. Tread lightly, especially on public land. ATVs have their place–on roads and trails. If you pack it in, pack it out.
9. Sportsmen have always been instrumental in managing big game herds. If antlerless harvest is encouraged in your area and you have the opportunity, take a doe or cow.
10. Remember: The reason for a hunt is intrinsically about the experience. A kill is a justifiable outcome but not the only definition of a successful hunt.

Theodore Roosevelt founded the Boone and Crockett Club in 1887 to help uphold sporting values and promote science-based conservation and wildlife management.

Surveys by research firm Responsive Management showed that 73 percent of Americans approved of hunting in 1995. Support had grown to 75 percent by 2003, and to 78 percent by 2006.

About the Boone and Crockett Club
Founded by Theodore Roosevelt in 1887, the Boone and Crockett Club promotes guardianship and visionary management of big game and associated wildlife in North America. The Club maintains the highest standards of fair-chase sportsmanship and habitat stewardship. Member accomplishments include enlarging and protecting Yellowstone and establishing Glacier and Denali national parks, founding the U.S. Forest Service, National Park Service and National Wildlife Refuge System, fostering the Pittman-Robertson and Lacey Acts, creating the Federal Duck Stamp program, and developing the cornerstones of modern game laws. The Boone and Crockett Club is headquartered in Missoula, Mont. For details, visit www.boone-crockett.org.

U.S. Sportsmen's Alliance

Columbus, OH --(Ammoland.com)- Are you willing to help pass on your passion for the outdoors to the next generation?

Then consider volunteering as a Local Field Director (LFD) with the U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance (USSA) and U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance Foundation (USSAF)!

The USSA is gearing up for another year of grassroots battles against the anti-hunting movement and the USSAF is working to continue bringing the joys of the outdoors to hundreds of thousands of youth through our Trailblazer Adventure Program. By becoming an LFD, you will be on the front lines, defending our outdoor heritage. In fact, Local Field Directors are a critical component in protecting our outdoor right from coast to coast.

LFDs play an indispensable role in helping the USSAF organize our nationally recognized Trailblazer Adventure Program. They are “on the ground” at locations around the country facilitating Trailblazer events. The goal is to guarantee that youth and their families have the type of experience that will keep them interested in the outdoors. Thanks to the efforts of dozens of LFDs, the Trailblazer Program has had one million participants go through since its beginning in 2001.

Do you want the Anti's deciding your Hunting Future? Act Now!

LFDs also visit local sportsmen’s clubs to promote the missions of the USSA and USSAF. They help organize political and fundraising rallies and a variety of other vital activities.

Members of this elite group have received special attention across the nation. Howard Robinson, an LFD from Arkansas, was awarded the “People’s Choice Unsung Hero” award for 2010 from Outdoor Life magazine. He was recognized at a special event at the 2010 SHOT Show. Mike Kapp, another LFD from Wisconsin, made it onto the “Outdoor Life 25” 2010 list honoring the efforts of top sportsmen from across the country.

Although this is a volunteer position, the USSA and USSAF cover work-related expenses and, depending on the activity, provide compensation for time invested.

If you want to help protect outdoor traditions for future generations, we need your help.

Please contact Frank Price, Field Services Director at fprice@ussportsmen.org or call (614) 888-4868, ext. 202 for information about how you can protect our heritage for future generations by becoming a Local Field Director.

About:
The U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance is a national association of sportsmen and sportsmen’s organizations that protects the rights of hunters, anglers and trappers in the courts, legislatures, at the ballot, in Congress and through public education programs. Visit www.ussportsmen.org.

Arizona Game and Fish Department

PHOENIX, AZ – -(Ammoland.com)- The Arizona Game and Fish Department has $30,000 in grant funding to assist local nonprofit hunting organizations to implement hands-on events designed for first time hunters in an effort to recruit new hunters, and teach them about wildlife conservation in Arizona.

The grant program is a pass-through grant program funded by the National Shooting Sports Foundation’s (NSSF) Hunting Heritage Partnership, which supports state agencies’ efforts to expand hunter recruitment and retention.

Applications are being accepted now, and funding will be awarded through a competitive application process. Applications and any supporting materials may be submitted by U.S. mail, fax, or e-mail, and must be received by Monday, Aug. 9 by 5 p.m. (MST). Postmarks do not count.

“This grant program gets funding to the core engine of continuing Arizona’s hunting heritage – the state’s sportsmen’s organizations,” said Denise Raum, Game and Fish hunter recruitment coordinator.

“As volunteer-based, nonprofit organizations, funding a weekend event can be a barrier. This grant, and others like it, bridges that gap allowing them to do great work.”

Applicants must be a nonprofit organization based in Arizona, have a mission related to hunter recruitment, and have a certificate of general liability insurance. To be eligible the proposal must include, but is not limited to, the following requirements:

Promote or facilitate hunter recruitment and retention (examples include hunting camps for rabbit, dove, quail, squirrel, and predator/furbearing); Hunt using a firearm; Available to the public; Provide family activities at camp; Complete best practices training; Complete project by Jan. 31, 2010; Submit a survey / evaluation of the event. Grant funds cannot be used to purchase hunting or fishing licenses/tags/stamps, group banquets, raffle prizes,; for-profit projects, or hunting competitions.

Application packets can be obtained from the Game and Fish website at www.azgfd.gov/getoutside under “Hunting Heritage Partnership: Hunter Recruitment Camp Project” or by contacting Hunter Recruitment and Retention Coordinator Denise Raum at draum@azgfd.gov or (623) 236-7567.

Submit completed applications and supporting materials to: Arizona Game and Fish Department, IEWR, Attn.: HRR Coordinator, 5000 W. Carefree Highway, Phoenix, Arizona 85086, by e-mail to draum@azgfd.gov, or fax (623) 236-7903 Attn.: HRR Coordinator.

“Studies show that a mentored-experience is the best way to recruit new hunters. This partnership with local organizations is a great way to reach families that have an interest in hunting, but they don’t know where or how to get started,” said Raum.

Grant awards will be announced on or about August 16, 2010.

More than $400,000 was awarded to seven states by NSSF through the Hunting Heritage Partnership this year. Arizona received $40,000. The balance, not being passed through, is to be used to promote, advertise, and administer the best practices training of the grant program.

To learn more about the department’s efforts to preserve the hunting heritage, visit www.azgfd.gov/hhwg.

The recruitment and retention of hunters, anglers, trappers, and shooters is important to continue the successful management of Arizona’s wildlife. Funding for the management and conservation of game animals is funded by dollars generated by the sale of licenses, hunt tags and matching funds from federal excise taxes hunters pay on guns, ammunition, and related equipment – not through the state’s general fund. However, driving on a country road and enjoying roaming elk herds, antelope on the range or ducks in flight are enjoyed by all citizens of Arizona and beyond. Did you know regulated hunting has never resulted in the extinction of a species? On the contrary, most game species populations are more stable now then when there were no hunting regulations.

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.

New Jersey Outdoor Alliance

Belmar, NJ --(AmmoLand.com)- “We can safely say that despite the fact that people are living at a face pace in an age of wonders, our natural heritage, such as hunting and fishing in our forests, fields, and streams, and the tremendous recreational facilities which are so essential to the physical and moral good of our people have not been forgotten…

The sportsman has a heritage to safeguard, and to do it effectively, he must like a soldier on guard, never relaxing his vigilance, else he be caught napping, to his everlasting sorrow.

The foundation on which we stand and upon which all our future happy days afield depend is the Fish and Game Fund, the fund to which only those who hunt and fish contribute. Repeated attempts to divert this money have been made by selfish interests, not sportsmen. Even though these destructive measures have been killed time after time, we cannot disregard them as a menace to wildlife interests of New Jersey.

It is unfortunate that those who foster such legislation do no know more about hunting and fishing, not merely from the standpoint of the game bag or the recreation it affords, but from the revenue that enters the coffers of almost every conceivable business and trade in the State, amounting to millions of dollars annually.

The great business, were it taken out of the hands of the sportsman, would be a catastrophe to the people of New Jersey. So it behooves the sportsman and their organizations to brook no political interference and to cooperate with the board of Fish and Game Commissioners [Council] to safeguard the woods, fields and streams and all the wildlife that dwell therein, for all time to come.”

Taken from:
The Outdoor Heritage of New Jersey
Compiled by George C Warren, Jr and H.J. Burlington
New Jersey Fish and Game Commission
Published: 1937

JOIN NJOA: http://www.njoutdooralliance.org/support/njoa.html

About:
NJOA – The mission of New Jersey Outdoor Alliance is to serve as a grassroots coalition of outdoorsmen and outdoorswomen dedicated to environmental stewardship. We will champion the intrinsic value of natural resource conservation – including fishing, hunting and trapping, among opinion leaders and policy makers. We will support legislation, and those sponsoring legislation, that provides lasting ecological and social enrichment through sustainable use of the earth’s resources. Visit: www.njoutdooralliance.org

Arizona Game and Fish Department

Arizona --(AmmoLand.com)- The Arizona Game and Fish Department’s webcast about the Heritage Fund and impacts to the state if it were to be lost is now available for on-demand viewing at www.azgfd.gov/heritagefund .

The 45-minute presentation, which was given Feb. 2 at the Game and Fish Phoenix office, identifies the many successes and valuable programs achieved through the Heritage Fund and points out how elimination of the fund could have significant impacts on Arizona’s land use and growth that will be vital for the state’s economic recovery, as well as impacts on outdoor recreationists and the future well-being of the state’s wildlife.

In mid-January the Governor’s office released a budget plan that proposes to eliminate the department’s voter-approved Heritage Fund and redirect all Arizona State Lottery revenue to the state’s general fund. That proposal has been sent for consideration by the Legislature.

The department acknowledges the difficulties the state faces in addressing the budget situation. Arizona Game and Fish is a “business-model” agency that does not receive Arizona tax dollars. It is important that the customers who pay the bills in this “user pay, user benefit” model are informed and educated about the potential impacts to them that could result from a loss of Heritage funding.

Passed as an initiative in 1990 by an overwhelming 2-1 bipartisan ratio of Arizona voters, the Heritage Fund provides up to $10 million each year from lottery ticket sales for the conservation and protection of the state’s wildlife and natural areas. The Heritage Fund is one of the department’s significant funding sources, and it makes a difference in communities across Arizona and benefits all citizens.

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

Arizona Elk Society

Arizona --(AmmoLand.com)- On Tuesday, January 26th, the Arizona Game and Fish Department gave an hour and a half presentation on the governor’s proposed budget plan to the Wildlife Conservation Council. AES attends these meetings on behalf of our members.

The discussion reviewed the plan as it relates to the Game and Fish Department’s budget and how planned permanent budget cuts might affect the Department and Arizona’s wildlife communities.

Their basic take is that the plan proposes to sweep the Heritage Fund this year and next, making the sweeps permanent over future years. The plan also proposes removing voter protection of Wildlife Conservation Fund monies obtained through Indian Gaming proceeds.

Sportsman need to be aware of these proposals and talk to whomever we know about the sweeps and what the impacts to the Department may be. They are significant, looking to sweep $5 million dollars in the 2010 budget and up to $17 million (Heritage and WCF) in 2011 – a combined total cut of up to $22 Million over the next 18 months.

If the plan is approved as written, these cuts would become permanent, which would severely hinder a number of work activities the Department currently performs. What is truly concerning is these funds are not part of the General Funds generated through state taxes. The monies generated for the Heritage Fund and Wildlife Conservation Fund are voter approved funding sources for wildlife and habitat conservation in the state.

The Department is working with the governor’s office and legislators to advise them of the impacts to operations.

Unfortunately cuts seem inevitable, with the huge budget shortfall the state is looking at. The Game and Fish Department believes it has an obligation to update all of us on these potential cuts and have asked us to let sportsman know of these impacts as the plan moves forward. They see a tough fight coming and the impacts could be significant.

The numbers discussed represent a 23% reduction in the Department’s budget, potentially resulting in the loss of up to 90 employees or 14% of their workforce. Sportsman could either see fees increase drastically to offset the cuts or significant program reductions would have to take place. Additionally many rural economies could also see negative impacts resulting from these cuts, which are not presently being accounted for. The attached fact sheets describe some of these impacts and history of the funds involved.

Communication with your state representatives expressing your concerns over sweeping these funds is recommended.

Gov. Jan Brewer:
Telephone (602) 542-4331
Toll Free 1-(800) 253-0883
Fax (602) 542-1381

Arizona Senate:
(602) 926-3559 or toll-free 1-(800)-352-8404

Arizona House of Representatives:
(602) 926-4221 or toll-free 1-(800)-352-8404

Or Go To This Site To Find Your Legislator For Their Name, Email Or Fax: http://tiny.cc/OZcH4

About:
The mission of the Arizona Elk Society is to raise funds to benefit elk and other wildlife through habitat conservation and restoration and to preserve our hunting heritage for present and future generations. Visit: www.arizonaelksociety.org

USA Shooting

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. —-(AmmoLand.com)- USA Shooting and GunBroker.com are announcing a month-long, online auction of guns and other USA Shooting related items to benefit the USA Shooting Team. The announcement was made jointly by Buddy DuVall, USA Shooting Director of Marketing, and Steve Urvan, President and Founder of GunBroker.com.

The special auction, part of GunBroker.com’s Heritage Partner Program, is an extension of the Hunting Heritage Trust’s “Treasures & Traditions” program. The auction will be featured on the home page of www.GunBroker.com where it will have exposure to GunBroker.com’s average of 2.5 million unique visitors per month.

“Over the past several years, GunBroker.com has been proud to provide free promotional or online auction services to the NRA, the Hunting Heritage Trust, NSSF, National Wild Turkey Federation, Youth Shooting Sports Alliance, USA Shooting and others, and we are very pleased to announce this expansion of our pro-bono efforts,” commented Urvan. “GunBroker.com has enjoyed extraordinary growth and acceptance within the hunting and shooting sports community and we welcome this opportunity to give back to the non-profits that are so important to the future of our hunting and shooting sports heritage.”

The auction includes:

• Henry Golden Boy “Military Service” Tribute Edition Rifle
• Perazzi MX-8 Shotgun signed by Kim Rhode
• NAA Mini Pistol with .22 magnum and .22 LR and presentation case
• Colt Single Action Army Frontier Six Shooter (Blue finish)
• Kershaw “USA Shooting” Knife
• Ruger MKIII Hunter Pistol – Limited Edition .22LR
• Commemorative Beijing Olympic medallion signed by medalists
• Ruger MKII Pistol “Victory in Athens” serial # USA-00021
• Ruger SR9 Diamond-plate prototype 9mm
• Beijing hat with 2008 Olympian signatures
• Ruger 10/22 “Broadstripe” rifle signed by USA Shooting Team members
• Charter Arms “Police Bulldog” .38 spec. Pistol
• Taurus M17C Pistol .17HMR
• Colt Single Action Army (Nickel finish) .357 mag
• S&W Sigma SW40VE (.40 S&W)
• Chiappa Sharps Creedmore Rifle (45-70 cal) – #39 of 500
• Ruger MKII “Victory in Beijing” pistol serial # USA-00008

About USA Shooting:
USA Shooting, a 501c3 non-profit corporation, was chartered by the United States Olympic Committee as the National Governing Body for the sport of shooting in April 1995. USA Shooting’s mission is to prepare American athletes to win Olympic medals, promote the shooting sports throughout the U.S. and govern the conduct of international shooting in the country. Check us out on the web at www.usashooting.org and on Twitter at twitter.com/USAShooting. For more information on the online auction, please contact Buddy DuVall at buddy.duvall@usashooting.org or 719-866-4880.

GunBroker.com

About GunBroker.com:
GunBroker.com has established itself as an informative, detailed, secure and safe way to buy and sell firearms and hunting/shooting accessories. GunBroker.com promotes responsible gun ownership. As a company, GunBroker.com sells none of the merchandise listed on its Web site. Third-party sellers list items on the site, and every buyer or seller must be legally allowed to own firearms. Ownership policies and regulations are followed using licensed firearms dealers as transfer agents. For information on GunBroker.com advertising and partnership opportunities, contact Bob Delfay at rdelfay@earthlink.net.

National Shooting Sports Foundation

NEWTOWN, Conn. –-(AmmoLand.com)- The National Shooting Sports Foundation, the trade association for the firearms, ammunition, hunting and shooting sports industry, applauded the introduction of legislation, the Recreational Fishing and Hunting Heritage and Opportunities Act (HR 3749), to greatly enhance the ability of federal land managers to provide, promote and plan for recreational uses that balance the needs and interests of all outdoor enthusiasts.

The bill, introduced by U.S. Reps. Dan Boren (D-Okla.) and Paul Ryan (R-Wis.), requires that all federal public land planners evaluate the effects that management initiatives have on outdoors activities and provide a clear analysis of how proposed actions would affect these traditional users of federal public lands.

“This legislation is key to ensuring that our hunting and shooting heritage continues to endure, even amidst continued threats from anti-hunting and anti-gun special interest groups, on federal lands,” said NSSF Senior Vice President and General Counsel Lawrence G. Keane.

The bill specifically directs the U.S. Forest Service and the Bureau of Land Management to utilize the multi-use mandates in their agencies’ respective land-management plans to promote sportsmen and sportswomen’s access to forest and public lands.

The bill would further provide federal land managers with the authority to designate specific areas for recreational shooting.

“The firearms industry thanks Congressmen Boren and Ryan for their continued support of sportsmen and women in the United States,” concluded Keane.

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.

California Outdoor Heritage Alliance

SACRAMENTO, Calif. - -(AmmoLand.com)- The California Outdoor Heritage Alliance (COHA) took another step forward in their efforts to unite the political voice of California’s wildlife conservation interests recently when the Mule Deer Foundation (MDF) President and CEO, Miles Moretti, joined the COHA Board of Directors. Mr. Moretti was officially approved as a member of the COHA Board at the annual “Meeting of the COHA Members” held in late April at the Quail Point Hunt Club in Zamora.

“The Mule Deer Foundation is well aware that the greatest immediate threat to the future of our hunting heritage is from political decisions. We are also aware that the state where our community is at most risk is California. With the rest of the nation always looking to follow California’s lead, it is critical that MDF take a stand in this trendsetting state,” stated Miles. “I have always believed that by working together for a common purpose, we are more effective than when we work alone. COHA provides the opportunity for MDF and others that care about our outdoor and hunting heritage to have a strong voice in the world of California politics.” In addition to committing the time of their President and CEO to COHA’s management team, MDF has also contributed $25,000 to COHA’s annual operations.

In taking a seat on the COHA Board of Directors, Mr. Moretti and MDF have joined ranks with top management representatives of three other leading wildlife conservation organizations who also serve on the Board – including the President of Delta Waterfowl, Rob Olson, National Wild Turkey Federation Board Member and Treasurer, Vince Rosdahl, and California Waterfowl Association Board Members Jim Waters, Yancey Forest-Knowles and Mike Eberhard.

“We are proud to have Mr. Moretti join our Board, and honored to have the Mule Deer Foundation as a member of our growing alliance of wildlife organizations, industry and individuals who care deeply about the future of wildlife conservation and our hunting heritage,” stated COHA President, Bill Gaines. “MDF clearly recognizes the significant national impact of political decisions made in California, and we are pleased to have MDF working closely with our Alliance to address these challenges.”

About:
The California Outdoor Heritage Alliance is a 501(c) 4 non-profit political advocacy organization dedicated solely to the promotion of wildlife and the protection of our hunting heritage. COHA professional staff is active at the California State Legislature, Congress, State Fish and Game Commission, State and Federal resource agencies and all other political arenas where decisions are made which may impact wildlife management, habitat conservation, wildlife program funding, hunting access and opportunity, and your ability to purchase and possess sporting arms and munitions. COHA currently represents the political interests of nearly every major wildlife conservation organization active in California – including California Waterfowl, National Wild Turkey Federation, Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, California Deer Association, California Houndsmen for Conservation, Mule Deer Foundation, California Bowmen Hunters, Foundation for North American Wild Sheep, numerous hunting clubs and other outdoor interests. COHA was created in early 2006 by the California Waterfowl Association.

For more information on COHA’s membership and efforts visit www.outdoorheritage.org.

National Shooting Sports Foundation

NEWTOWN, Conn. – -(AmmoLand.com)- With hunting facing a range of challenges from access to urbanization, the National Shooting Sports Foundation has announced grants that will assist states with projects designed to keep current hunters active and introduce newcomers.

For the seventh year, NSSF will give promising program proposals its support, with $499,060 going to nine state agencies. Arizona Game & Fish Department earned two awards, totaling $82,500, and Arizona, Colorado and Oregon were first-time grant recipients. Since its inception, NSSF’s Hunting Heritage Partnership program has contributed more than $3.3 million in support of projects managed by state natural resource agencies.

“Hunting faces challenges that are often state-specific, and these grants from the National Shooting Sports Foundation help make possible programs that state agencies might not otherwise be able to provide,” said Steve Sanetti, NSSF president and CEO. “This year’s recipients are right on target with initiatives addressing access issues and encouraging inactive hunters to go afield once again.”

Added Melissa Schilling, NSSF’s manager of recruitment and retention, “We have seen promising results from programs funded by the Hunting Heritage Partnership over the years, and we expect the same from these programs, some of which are new and others which build on previous successes.”

This year’s grant recipients are as follows:

Arizona Game & Fish Department—$45,000

Project: Promoting hunting through a small-game camp model of mentoring in partnership with sportsmen’s organizations statewide and encouraging ongoing mentoring activities through the promotion of a new apprentice hunting license.

Arizona Game & Fish Department—$37,500

Project: To identify and better understand the role senior hunters can play in the recruitment and retention of younger hunters, and to identify specifically how senior hunters can be engaged in mentored hunts in order to increase hunting participation in Arizona.

Maryland Department of Natural Resources, Wildlife and Heritage Service—$27,500

Project: To offer three mentored youth hunts, providing a positive hunting experience and allowing youth to interact with wildlife managers and conservation officers who will communicate the importance of hunting, with the goal of reversing a downturn in youth participation over the last decade.

Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries—$78,500

Project: To conduct research and assess current marketing strategies to provide the basis for developing a future integrated communications and marketing plan that will motivate lapsed hunters to purchase a hunting license.

Colorado Division of Wildlife—$22,000

Project: To retain hunters who move to Colorado from other states by providing them with social connections and information about hunting opportunities in the state that are specific to their interests.

Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife—$80,000

Project: To develop and build an integrated online database and map resource that will help new and experienced hunters plan their trips, allowing for searches by species, unit and distances; displaying property boundaries and harvest statistics; and interfacing with Google search to assist hunters in finding lodging, camp sites and restaurants.

Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources—$10,240

Project: To promote and enhance hunting in Wisconsin through Learn to Hunt training workshops designed to improve instructors’ and mentors’ knowledge of “best practices” related to recruiting and retaining hunters; to increase the number of groups conducting Learn to Hunt sessions; and to build a network of mentors and organizers.

Florida Division of Hunting and Game Management—$58,620

Project: To boost awareness of in-state hunting opportunities and increase hunting in Florida’s quota-hunt management areas, with emphasis on identifying lapsed in-state hunters and encouraging use of a new guest permit, with the overall goal of overcoming a perception among Floridians that hunting is better out of state.

Michigan Department of Natural Resources—$66,200

Project: To produce an interactive Web site so hunters can view all available hunting lands and other land features throughout Michigan, with data layers consisting of aerial imagery, ownership, land use, cover, roads and more, and allowing hunters to input GPS coordinates of hunting camps or favorite locations to create a map. These and other feature will address the access challenge hunters face in Michigan.

Idaho Department of Fish & Game—$73,500

Project: To obtain long-term, secure access to land for hunters through the Access Yes! program that provides various types of compensation—monetary and otherwise—to landowners for allowing access to and through their grounds; to recruit new landowners to the program, particularly owners of corporate timberlands; and to pilot mentored youth hunts on leased property.

Twenty-six proposals from 21 states were submitted to the Hunting Heritage Partnership judging committee of NSSF.

About:
Formed in 1961, NSSF is the trade association for the firearms industry. Its mission to promote, protect and preserve hunting and the shooting sports.

Hunting Heritage Trust and Henry Repeating Arms Announce One-Per-State 'Heritage Edition' Rifles

Henry Repeating Arms

The Hunting Heritage Trust, Henry Repeating Arms, Baron Engraving and GunBroker.com have partnered in a project to produce and auction a special series of Henry Golden Boy rifles to raise funds in support of our hunting and shooting sports traditions.

The partnership features the production of special one-per-state “Heritage Edition” Golden Boys. Following a highly successful launch last year, the program has been expanded for 2009 with the production of a .22 long rifle and a .22 WMR Edition. Each addition is limited in production to one rifle per state.

The complete series is currently posted on GunBroker.com where bidding has been active. The high bid on the Kentucky .22 WMR Edition is already over $1,000 with several other rifles approaching the $1,000 mark. The auction will run through 10:00 p.m. Eastern time, Sunday, March 22, 2009.

“The Henry is a classic rifle with a powerful link to America’s firearms heritage,” commented Bob Delfay, President of the Hunting Heritage Trust. “It is totally appropriate and truly exciting that the Henry Golden Boy should be the centerpiece for a project that celebrates our hunting and shooting sports heritage at the same time that it raises funds to help protect our hunting and firearms freedoms.”

In addition to special engraving on both sides of the receiver, the rifles feature select walnut stocks, all hand-selected by Henry Repeating Arms President, Anthony Imperato.

The one-per-state “Heritage Edition” Henry rifles may be viewed at the special “Treasures & Traditions” section of www.GunBroker.com

WATERBURY, VERMONT – Richard Lamos of St. Albans, Vermont was announced at the Yankee Classic Sportsman’s Show Saturday, January 17th as the first prize winner of the Governor’s Gun in the “Hunting Heritage Collector’s Series Raffle.”

The raffle was held for the first time with collectible products owned and donated by Governor Jim Douglas and made by Vermont businesses for the Hunter Heritage Collector’s Series. Go to the “Store” section of VT Fish & Wildlife’s website (vtfishand wildlife.com) to learn more about the series.

Richard won a Special Edition MDM QuicShooter muzzleloader rifle produced by MDM Muzzleloaders in Maidstone, VT.

Second Prize, won by Jed West of Bellows Falls, VT, is a Special Edition Kingdom Knives “Palmer” fixed blade knife with sheath, made by Kingdom Knives in St. Johnsbury, VT.

Third Prize, a Beagle Outdoor Wear Hunter Heritage Collector’s Series Utility Bag was won by Kendra Wilson of Rupert, VT.

Fourth Prize is a Hunter Heritage Collector’s Series Camouflage Hat won by Jeff Laurie of West Rupert, VT.

“Proceeds from the raffle will benefit Vermont youth by being split evenly between UVM’s 4-H Shooting Sports Program and the Green Mountain Conservation Camps at Lake Bomoseen and Buck Lake,” said Mark Scott, Fish & Wildlife’s education manager. “Both programs are designed to help young people learn about Vermont’s traditional outdoor activities.”

For more information on Green Mountain Conservation Camps, go to www.vtfishandwildlife.com, and for 4-H Shooting Sports www.uvm.edu/extension or contact Lisa Muzzey at 802-885-8386;

Bianchi Double Gunbelt Rig and Two Engraved Colt Single Army Pistols

Orlando, Florida– -(ShootingWire.com)- When the GunBroker.com gavel signaled the end of 2009 SHOT Show auction, spirited bidding on three historic collector offerings had yielded $33,179 in support of America’s hunting and shooting sports heritage.

Coordinated for the first time by the Hunting Heritage Trust (in conjunction with NSSF), the 2009 auction package featured an extraordinary combination of one-of-kind offerings from Bianchi, Colt Manufacturing Company, Marlin Firearms, Remington Arms and Hornady Manufacturing.

Topping the 2009 bidding was $15,100 for a magnificent one-of-a-kind Bianchi silver trimmed double gunbelt rig fitted with two fully engraved Colt Single Action Army pistols. Purchased by Ralph Garcia-Toledo of Florida, the package was prepared in celebration of the 50th Anniversary of the Bianchi brand. The Colts featured nickel plating, full coverage engraving by Colt master engravers and wrap-around Ivory grips. Rig and revolvers come in a custom-built presentation case.

A historic pair of Marlin rifles, featuring Serial #1 and Serial #2 of the new Marlin 338MXLR Custom in the new 338 Marlin Express cartridge, brought a high bid of $11,054, from Col. Jerome Ersland of Oklahoma. The Serial #1Marlin was hand engraved by Baron Engraving with elk and bear designs accented by scroll engraving based on historically accurate Marlin patterns. In contrast, Serial #2 was an “out-of-the box” example. Rounding out this package was a case of Hornady 338 Marlin Express ammunition documented to be the first case of 338 Marlin Express made available to the consumer market. The case and each individual box was signed and authenticated by Hornady President, Steve Hornady.

A striking and historic offering by Remington Arms of Serial # 1 of the innovative Remington 105 CTi II attracted scores of bidders and yielded a high bid of $7,025. The original CTi was an industry award winner in 2007 and the CTi II is new for 2009. This striking shotgun was hand engraved by Baron Engraving and includes a handsome presentation case.

The 2009 auction was featured exclusively on www.GunBroker.com. Proceeds will benefit the efforts of the Hunting Heritage Trust in support of America’s hunting and shooting sports heritage.

Bianchi Double Gunbelt Rig and Two Engraved Colt Single Army Pistols

SHOT Show - -(ShootingWire.com)- Bidding on the exciting 2009 SHOT Show auction packages has rocketed past $20,000.00 with more than a week remaining before the auction closes at noon on the final day of the show.

Coordinated for the first time by the Hunting Heritage Trust (in conjunction with NSSF), the 2009 auction package features an extraordinary combination of one-of-kind offerings from Bianchi, Colt Manufacturing Company, Marlin Firearms, Remington Arms and Hornady Manufacturing.

Launching a new format for 2009, the auction features a special rifle, shotgun and handgun offering. Also, whereas past SHOT Show auctions have featured milestone firearms such as the Five Millionth Ruger 10-22, this year’s auction features two “Serial Number 1″ guns– a SHOT Show auction first.

Featured in the 2009 auction are:

Bianchi Double Gunbelt Rig and Engraved Colt Single Army Pistols

Word of this very special offering was leaked at last year’s show. It features a one-of-a-kind, custom silver trimmed double gunbelt rig fitted with two fully engraved Colt Single Action Army pistols in celebration of the 50th Anniversary of the Bianchi brand. The Colts feature nickel plating, full coverage engraving by Colt master engravers and wrap-around Ivory grips. Rig and revolvers come in a custom-built presentation case.

As of 5:00 pm on January 8, 2009, the high bid on this Bianchi-Colt package had already exceeded $7,500.00.

Serial #1 & #2 of the new Marlin 338 MXLR Custom

The 2009 rifle offering will feature Serial #1 and #2 of the Marlin 338MXLR Custom in the new 338 Marlin Express cartridge by Hornady.

The Serial #1 is hand engraved by Baron Engraving with elk and bear designs accented by scroll engraving based on historically accurate Marlin patterns. In contrast, Serial #2 will be an “out-of-the box” example.

Rounding out the rifle package will be a case of Hornady 338 Marlin Express ammunition documented to be the first case of 338 Marlin Express made available to the consumer market and reserved for the high bidder of this auction. The case and each individual box is signed and authenticated by Hornady President, Steve Hornady.

As of 5:00 pm on January 8, 2009, the high bid on this Marlin package had already exceeded $8,000.00.

Remington 105 CTi II-Serial # 1.

The shotgun component of the 2009 SHOW Gun offerings features Serial # 1 of the innovative Remington 105 CTi II. The CTi II features aircraft-grade titanium receiver with carbon fiber shell and is the only autoloading shotgun to feature a “Double-Down” feeding and ejection mechanism. The original CTi was an industry award winner in 2007 and the CTi II is new for 2009. This very special SHOT Show gun features Serial #1 with hand engraving by Baron Engraving.

As of 5:00 pm on January 8, 2009, the high bid on this Remington had already exceeded $5,200.00.
Available Exclusively on GunBroker.com

As in recent years, bidding for the SHOT Show auction items is taking place exclusively on GunBroker.com. GunBroker.com is a partner of both of the National Shooting Sports Foundation and the Hunting Heritage Trust. All three Show Gun packages are available for bidding on www.GunBroker.com until noon Eastern Time, January 18, 2009.

National Wild Turkey Federation

EDGEFIELD, South Carolina – -(ShootingWire.com)- The National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF)’s Hunting Heritage Super Fund distributed more than $256,000 across North America in October to further its mission of wild turkey conservation and protecting our hunting traditions.

The Hunting Heritage Super Fund supports the NWTF’s diverse array of conservation and education programs, and pools money raised at the NWTF’s Hunting Heritage banquets, donated by corporate sponsors and given to benefit wildlife conservation.

The NWTF is a national nonprofit conservation organization that was founded in 1973 and has worked with wildlife agencies to restore wild turkey populations from 1.3 million wild turkeys to nearly 7 million today. Now, NWTF’s volunteers raise funds and work daily to improve critical wildlife habitat, increase access to public hunting land and introduce new people to the outdoors and hunting.

To date, the NWTF and its partners have spent more than $279 million upholding hunting traditions and conserving nearly 14 million acres of wildlife habitat. Some of the Federation’s Hunting Heritage Super Fund projects include improving wildlife habitat, supporting hunter education and providing opportunities for women, youth and people with disabilities to experience outdoor fun through outreach programs.

October’s Hunting Heritage Super Fund spending totaled more than $256,025 and included:

- Habitat Enhancement: Spent $69,359 to improve wildlife habitat by creating more wild turkey nesting areas, planting trees and completing water development projects.

- Land Purchases: Spent $63,000 to purchase land or conservation easements to conserve wildlife habitat and provide additional hunting areas.

- JAKES: Spent $19,130 to introduce youth to outdoor activities, conservation and hunting.

- Volunteer/Professional Education: Spent $16,130 to train volunteers and staff to better serve the NWTF and its partners in its mission of wild turkey conservation and protection of our hunting traditions.

- Youth Education: Spent $15,780 to provide scholarships, educational projects, education boxes and to conduct 4-H workshops.

- Wheelin’ Sportsmen NWTF: Spent $13,850 to provide opportunities for people with disabilities to participate in outdoor activities and learn about wildlife conservation through outreach events across North America.

- Hunting Heritage: Spent $12,000 to protect and promote the hunting tradition through contributions to the U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance and the National Shooting Sports Foundation.

- Research: Spent $5,075 to purchase equipment and other materials necessary for conducting wild turkey research.

- Hunter Safety: Spent $4,250 to support hunter safety classes and initiatives, purchase hunter safety materials and equipment.

- Women’s Programs: Spent $3,100 to help introduce women to the outdoors, hunting and conservation through Women in the Outdoors outreach events held across North America.

- Management: Spent $2,065 to complete wild turkey management plans, operate wild turkey check stations and conduct hunter success and satisfaction surveys.

- Other: Spent $32,286 on miscellaneous special projects, organizational dues, educational opportunities, etc.

Location:
To find a NWTF Hunting Heritage Super Fund Banquet in your area, visit nwtf.org Hunting Heritage Super Fund banquets combine fun, fellowship, fundraising and dedication to the wild turkey. They’re a great place to meet friends who share your passion for the outdoors, win valuable prizes and buy items unique to the NWTF. Place the highest bid and you could go home with sporting art, hunting guns, knives, calls, outdoor equipment and more.

For more information about the NWTF or specific information on these projects, contact Brian Purtymun at (803) 637-7667 or visit http://www.nwtf.org .

About the NWTF:
In 1973, Tom Rodgers founded the National Wild Turkey Federation in Fredericksburg, Va., as a national 501(c)(3) nonprofit conservation and education organization with a mission dedicated to conserving wild turkeys and preserving hunting traditions. Shortly thereafter, Rodgers relocated the NWTF to Edgefield, S.C., where it’s still headquartered today.

At the time NWTF was established, there were only 1.3 million wild turkeys. Today that number stands at more than seven million birds throughout North America, thanks to the efforts of state, federal and provincial wildlife agencies, the NWTF and its members and partners.

Growth and progress define the NWTF as it has expanded from 1,300 members in 1973 to nearly a half million today. With that growth has come impressive strides in wildlife management as the NWTF has forged dynamic partnerships across the country to further its conservation mission. Together, the NWTF’s partners, sponsors and grassroots members have raised and spent more than $279 million upholding hunting traditions and conserving nearly 14 million acres of wildlife habitat.

While wild turkey restoration is nearing completion, the NWTF still has much work to do. Across North America, supporters are working to enhance habitat for wild turkeys and other wildlife while providing hunters with more opportunities and access to public and private land. In addition, NWTF volunteers and partners are introducing youth, women and people with disabilities to the outdoors through special educational events.

If you would like to become a member of Team NWTF, join a committee or start a chapter, please visit our Web site at www.nwtf.org or call us at 800-THE-NWTF.

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Watertown, Ct – The Board of Directors of the Good Gun Foundation has selected the Hunting Heritage Trust, Inc. to receive the assets of and to carry on the educational and communications mission of the discontinued foundation.

“After several years of supporting noteworthy projects in support of firearms education and enhancing public understanding of firearms ownership and use, the Board of Directors of the Good Gun Foundation has decided to discontinue fundraising and program efforts and to transfer our assets to the Hunting Heritage Trust” reported Foundation President, Bryan Tucker.

“The Good Gun Foundation had partnered with the Hunting Heritage Trust in the past,” Tucker said. “We are familiar with their objectives and their management and are very confident they will support efforts that are consistent with the former mission of the Good Gun Foundation.”

One specific Hunting Heritage Trust program that will benefit from the transfer of the Good Gun Foundation assets is production and distribution of educational programming to the nation’s schools.

“On behalf of the Board of Directors of the Hunting Heritage Trust, I would like to thank Bryan and his fellow Board members for the confidence they have placed in our young organization,” commented Bob Delfay, President of the Trust. “Our two organizations shared a strong belief in the importance of providing the American public with a positive message on responsible firearms ownership and use. We will proudly pursue that mission with this Good Gun Foundation support.”

Since its founding in 2002, the Trust has awarded a variety of grants in support of public education, youth programs, shooting safety, women’s hunting and shooting outreach and other programs. A major Trust initiative for 2008-2009 is production of a major television documentary exploring the cultural and historic importance of hunting in our nation with subsequent distribution of the program to thousands of schools nationwide.

Visit the Hunting Heritage Trust website for more information.

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Hunting Heritage Trust

The Hunting Heritage Trust has partnered with Guns & Ammo magazine to help spread the word on a special series of one-of-a-kind firearms that have been crafted by major manufacturers and are now being made available to the hunting and shooting sports community in commemoration of the 50th Anniversary of Guns & Ammo.

In recognition of the unique position Guns & Ammo has held in the shooting sports over the last five decades, and in concert with GunBroker.com, the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) and the Hunting Heritage Trust, Guns & Ammo has donated the complete series of one-of-a-kind guns for auction on GunBroker.com. Proceeds will benefit programs in support of our hunting and shooting sports heritage.

“The Hunting Heritage Trust is pleased to have been selected by Guns & Ammo to help coordinate this special project,” commented Bob Delfay, President of the Trust. “Working with our partners at GunBroker.com, we look forward to bringing word of this project to GunBroker.com’s active audience of more than 1,000,000 registered users and to maximizing the revenue generated in support of our hunting and shooting sports heritage”.

Currently posted for auction on GunBroker.com are special Ruger and Marlin rifles and a Smith & Wesson revolver. The high bids on each of the guns is already near or in excess of $1,000.00.

The Ruger is a handsomely stocked Ruger No. 1 in .270 caliber. Ruger supplied the blued rifle with highly figured walnut stock and Baron Technologies worked their magic by highlighting the re-polished receiver with the Ruger eagle on the right side and the Guns & Ammo 50th logo on the left.

Many of those who admire engraved firearms believe the lever-action rifle is the perfect platform for the engraver’s art. Marlin turned an 1895 GS over to Baron Technologies and they in turn have produced a one-of-a-kind lever action with a bear engraving on the receiver and the 50th Anniversary Guns & Ammo logo laser-engraved in the stock. The Model 1895 features superb wood and is chambered in .45-70.

A tribute to Guns & Ammo would not be complete without a revolver and a specially-engraved Smith & Wesson Model 500 fills that bill extremely well. Chambered for “the most powerful handgun cartridge in the world”, the 8 3/8-inch stainless-steel revolver has 24-carat gold engraving of the Guns & Ammo 50th Anniversary logo on the side plate and was completed by Baron Technologies.

Coming up next in the special series are offerings from Remington, Springfield Armory and Savage.

Interested collectors can view and bid on these special guns at www.GunBroker.com

Media Contact: Bob Delfay, 860-417-6197

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