Wild Turkeys By Noppadol Paothong

Missouri Department of Conservation

JEFFERSON CITY Mo --(Ammoland.com)- Bowhunters posted increases in both deer and turkey harvests during Missouri’s 2011-12 archery deer and turkey hunting seasons, topping the previous year’s figures by more than one-third.

Hunters checked 52,671 deer during the four-month archery season. That is an increase of 10,299 (24 percent) from the previous year. Archers checked 2,923 turkeys, an increase of 739 (33.8 percent) from the 2010-2011 season.

Jason Isabelle, a resource scientist for the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC), said two factors probably contributed to the increased archery turkey harvest.

“I attribute the increase in harvest to the good hatch that we had last year in most of the state and to increased archery permit sales,” said Isabelle. “There were both more turkeys and more archers in the woods in 2011 than in 2010.”

MDC sold 110,647 archery hunting permits and issued another 82,486 no-cost landowner archer’s permits last year. The total of 190,133 archery permits is a record and continues a long-term trend of increasing interest in archery hunting.

“More people discover the enjoyment of archery season every year,” said Isabelle. “The challenge of bowhunting appeals to many hunters who start with firearms. For others, the attraction is a huge increase in hunting opportunity. For quite a few hunters, opening day of deer season can’t come soon enough and closing day comes too soon. Taking up the bow and arrow allows them to pursue their outdoor passion all fall and into winter.”

MDC Resource Scientist Jason Sumners said the reason for this year’s increased archery deer harvest is harder to nail down.

“Over the past decade we have seen a steady increase in the number of archery hunters and a resulting increase in archery harvest,” said Sumners. “However, that doesn’t explain the fluctuations we see in archery harvest from year to year. There are likely other factors at work that create annual variation in hunter effort or success. We had very mild weather last fall, and that might have caused hunters to spend more time pursuing deer. But there is still a lot we don’t know about the relationship between weather and hunter behavior and other factors that affect archery harvest.”

Sumners said he hopes to explore those factors in the future to gain a better understanding of what causes sizeable archery harvest fluctuations like those that have occurred over the last four years. For example, the deer archery harvest increased from 44,434 in 2008 to a record 51,972 in 2009 and went back down to 43,281 in 2010.

Missouri’s 2011-2012 archery and firearms deer harvests total 291,592. That is up 6 percent from the previous year. The 2011-2012 firearms and archery turkey harvests total 52,226, down 3.8 percent from the previous year.

The top archery deer-harvest counties were Jefferson with 1,092 deer checked, Franklin with 1,088 and Jackson with 1,040. Top archery turkey-harvest counties were Callaway with 76 turkeys checked, Franklin with 67 and Jefferson with 58.

All of the top counties for archery deer and turkey harvest were in or near metropolitan areas. Isabelle and Sumners agree this probably is largely because all four counties are within easy driving distance of large numbers of hunters. Also, Callaway and Franklin counties are larger than average, and both have excellent deer and turkey habitat.

“Those four counties are natural choices for folks who live in nearby cities,” said Isabelle. “Franklin and Callaway counties are between the St. Louis and Columbia-Jefferson City areas and have some of the best turkey habitat in the state. Jefferson and Jackson counties are right at the edge of the state’s two largest metropolitan areas, so it’s not surprising that lots of archers would spend time hunting there.”

MDC recorded eight firearms-related deer-hunting incidents during the 2011-2012 hunting season. One was fatal.

-Jim Low-

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Wild Turkeys By Noppadol Paothong

Missouri Department of Conservation

JEFFERSON CITY Mo --(Ammoland.com)- Turkey hunters have until Feb. 29 to apply for managed hunts during Missouri’s 2012 spring turkey season.

All 19 managed turkey hunts are listed in the “2012 Spring Turkey Hunting Regulations and Information” booklet.

The booklet, along with other information on spring turkey hunting, is available online at www.mdc.mo.gov by searching “Spring Turkey Hunting.”

The booklet and website have application instructions, outlook information on Missouri’s turkey population, conservation areas where turkey hunting is allowed, related regulations and more. The print version of the booklet will be available from hunting permit vendors and at MDC offices in mid-February.

In addition to 11 hunts open to all firearms turkey hunters, this year’s offerings include a managed hunt for archers, five hunts for youths age 11 through 15 and two hunts for people with disabilities. Managed hunts will take place during the youth turkey season, March 31 to April 1, or regular turkey season, April 16 through May 6.

Hunters may apply individually or in groups of up to three for most hunts. Youth hunts accept applications only for single hunters or pairs. An individual applying as a member of a party has the same chance of being drawn as someone who applies alone. Successful applicants will receive notice of their hunt dates and other information by mail. Drawing results will be posted March 14 through May 6 at www.mdc.mo.gov/hunt/turkey.

For the youth hunt and hunt for people with disabilities at Smithville Lake, applications should be made by phone by calling 816-858-5718. To apply for the hunt for people with disabilities at Bois D’Arc CA, call 417-742-4361. Applications for other hunts should be made online at www.mdc.mo.gov/hunt/turkey.

The number of hunters allowed to take part in each managed hunt ranges from 10 to 40. Participants in some hunts must complete a pre-hunt orientation. Hunters should not to apply for these hunts if they cannot attend the orientation.

The bag limit for managed hunts is one male turkey or turkey with visible beard. Turkeys taken during a managed hunt count toward the season limit of two. Hunters who shoot a turkey during a managed hunt before April 23 may not take another turkey during the first week of the regular turkey season. All-terrain vehicles are prohibited on areas with managed turkey hunts.

Missouri Department of Conservation

JEFFERSON CITY Mo --(Ammoland.com)- The December issue of the Missouri Conservationist is now available for AmmoLand Shooting Sports News readers for free and to enjoy.

Missouri Conservationist December 2011

About:
MDC protects and manages the fish, forest, and wildlife resources.
We also facilitate your participation in resource management activities, and provide opportunities for you to use, enjoy and learn about nature.

Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks

KANSAS CITY, Mo. -–(Ammoland.com)- – For the first time, the nation’s biggest event for pheasant and quail hunters and bird dog enthusiasts is coming to Kansas City.

Pheasants Forever’s National Pheasant Fest & Quail Classic will be held Feb. 17-19, 2012, at the Kansas City Convention Center in downtown Kansas City, Mo. The event will be sponsored by Cabela’s, the World’s Foremost Outfitter.

The annual convention has topped 20,000 in attendance each of the last six events. The Quail Classic portion of the 2012 event will be a first, representing the strong tradition of bobwhite quail hunting and conservation found in Kansas, Missouri, and across the Great Plains and southeast United States. Both the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism and the Missouri Department of Conservation will participate in the event.

Kansas and Missouri are home to a combined 47 local Pheasants Forever chapters and 34 Quail Forever chapters. With more than 10,000 Pheasants Forever and/or Quail Forever members in the two states, Howard Vincent, Pheasants Forever, Inc.’s National President and CEO, says it’s time to bring the organization’s premiere event to Kansas City.

“Kansas is one of the elite states for pheasant hunting and wildlife habitat conservation, and Missouri has positioned itself as a clear leader in efforts to restore bobwhite quail populations,” Vincent said. “Kansas City is the perfect meeting place to have fun celebrating both great game birds.”

All things bird dog-related have been the biggest attractions at previous National Pheasant Fest events, and that’s expected to be the case at the inaugural appearance in Kansas City. Approximately 40 different sporting dog breeds will be represented; dog training seminars will be held throughout the three-day weekend; and attendees will have the opportunity to meet face-to-face with breeders, trainers, and dog kennel and club representatives.

A “Youth Village” is another popular show attraction, where youth can participate in archery and air rifle ranges, a casting booth, laser shot, and more.

For more information, including exhibitor details, phone Brad Heidel, Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever’s Director of Corporate and Special Event Sales at 651-209-4956 or email bheidel@pheasantsforever.org.

Missouri Department of Conservation

JEFFERSON CITY Mo --(Ammoland.com)- Hunters checked 190,089 deer during Missouri’s 11-day November firearms deer hunt, slightly surpassing last year’s figure despite a slow start on opening weekend.

Extremely windy weather, combined with reduced deer populations in some areas, dropped the opening-weekend harvest 10,000 below the 2010 figure. Hunters persevered, however, and more than made up lost ground in the following nine days of the November hunt. In the end, they harvested 1,884 more than last year, a 1-percent increase.

Top harvest counties were Howell with 3,483 deer checked, Macon with 3,393 and Texas with 3,284. The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) recorded six firearms-related deer-hunting accidents during the November hunt, down from nine last year.

MDC Resource Scientist Jason Sumners said changes to hunting regulations over the past 20 years are responsible for producing more large-antlered deer.

Sumners noted that in 2003, antlered deer made up 37 percent of the November firearms deer harvest. Last year, 40 percent of the harvest consisted of antlered deer. This year, the figure was 43 percent. This narrowing of the gap between doe and buck harvest began with implementation of the four-point rule for antlered deer in 2004.

Missouri’s four-point rule, now in effect in all or parts of 69 counties, allows hunters to shoot an antlered buck only if it has at least four points measuring 1 inch or longer on at least one side. The antler-point restriction allows more bucks to grow trophy antlers while providing effective control of deer numbers.

Sumners said that before implementation of antler-point restrictions, 1.5-year-old bucks made up 40 to 50 percent of the total buck harvest. Today in counties with the antler-point restriction, 1.5-year-old bucks make up 10 to 15 percent of the total buck harvest. After more than four years under antler-point restrictions, 30 to 40 percent of the bucks harvested are 3.5 years and older. That means hunters are seeing and harvesting more larger-antlered adult bucks.

“It’s no wonder the four-point rule has become very popular with hunters,” he said.

MDC has been working for the better part of a decade to balance hunting opportunities against crop damage, deer-vehicle accidents and other problems associated with overabundant deer. The agency’s current challenge is to maintain a healthy, stable deer herd while working with landowners and hunters to fine-tune harvest at the local level.
MDC Director Bob Ziehmer hailed this year’s deer harvest numbers as good news for all Missourians.

“A robust firearms deer harvest is proof of a healthy deer herd that benefits all Missourians, whether they hunt or not,” said Ziehmer. “Resident deer hunters and a significant number of hunters from out of state spend approximately $700 million on their sport. That spending generates more than $1 billion in business activity. In all, deer hunting supports 11,000 Missouri jobs. In these economic times, that’s a big boost to the state’s economy.”

-Jim Low-

Whooping Cranes Pay Rare Visit To Southwest Missouri

Missouri Department of Conservation

NEOSHO --(Ammoland.com)- Jeff Richards was hunting deer north of Neosho Monday night when he heard what he thought might be an injured hunter calling for help.

When he went to investigate, he was amazed to find a pair of whooping cranes.

Whooping cranes are endangered, with fewer than 500 left in the wild. They also are spectacular, with wingspans exceeding 7 feet, white bodies and striking red-black-and-white heads.

In addition to being a hunter, Richards apparently is a naturalist, too. He knew immediately what he was seeing and called the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) office in Neosho with the news.

Jeff Cantrell, a conservation education consultant for the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) hurried to the site and was stunned to find an adult crane and a juvenile fitted with a leg band and a radio transmitter. The two birds were feeding contentedly in a crop field amid Canada geese and crows.

“I got to watch them for an hour or so and share the observations with some avid and budding birders in the area,” said Cantrell. “What a wonderful opportunity for everyone. We witnessed lots of fascinating parental behavior, foraging, and some hopping/dancing almost. When they flew off in the mid-morning they finally called for us. It was truly a heart-stirring moment.”

Whooping crane sightings have been a rarity in Missouri for more than a century. MDC has records of two separate sightings of a single bird at Mingo National Wildlife Refuge in 1958, a pair in Jackson County in 1970 and another single bird at Stockton Lake in 1996.

The most recent sighting was of a group of four to eight whooping cranes mixed in with a flock of sandhill cranes in Bates County in October 2010.

MDC asks that anyone who sees a whooping crane report it to the nearest MDC office. -Jim Low-

Missouri Department of Conservation

JEFFERSON CITY Mo --(Ammoland.com)- Hunters checked 89,728 deer during the opening weekend of Missouri’s November firearms deer hunt, a decrease of 8.3 percent from 2010.

Resource Scientist Jason Sumners, with the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC), said weather played a role in this year’s decrease, but attributed a longer declining trend to shrinking deer numbers in some parts of the state.

“There’s no question that the opening-weekend harvest was affected by warm temperatures and high winds,” said Sumners.

“However, this isn’t just a one-year decrease. The opening-weekend harvest averaged 118,000 from 2001 through 2005.

From 2006 through 2010, the average was 95,401. Those figures reflect a change in regional deer populations.”

Sumners said areas where deer numbers are down include parts of the Kansas City, Northwest, Southwest and Central regions. The opening-weekend harvest in those areas was down between 11 and 18 percent.

The opening-weekend harvest in southeastern Missouri and in the Ozark region was similar to last year’s. Sumners said deer numbers are increasing slowly in those areas.

Sumners said the declining trends in deer population and harvest numbers are not cause for concern.

“We have been trying for the better part of a decade to stabilize deer numbers in some areas,” said Sumners. “In others we have been working to bring down deer populations to reduce crop damage and deer-vehicle accidents. Now our challenge is finding ways to fine-tune harvest at the local level to balance hunting opportunity with nuisance problems.”

Sumners said this could mean future reductions in the availability of antlerless permits in some areas.

According to Sumners, a decrease of 8,000 in the opening-weekend harvest is not likely to have a significant effect on the overall deer harvest but may reflect a general trend of lower deer numbers in many parts of rural Missouri. With 12 days of the November hunting season ahead, followed by a nine-day antlerless deer season, 11 days of muzzleloader hunting and a two-day late youth season, hunters have plenty of time to catch up. Archers have through Jan. 15 to hunt. Sumners said he expects the 2011-2012 deer harvest to be in the neighborhood of 250,000 to 275,000.

Top harvest counties during the opening weekend were Howell with 1,702 deer checked, Macon with 1,617 and Texas with 1,588.

MDC recorded one non-fatal, firearms-related hunting incident during the opening weekend.

Missouri Department of Conservation

JEFFERSON CITY Mo --(Ammoland.com)- An increase in this year’s fall firearms turkey harvest could be the first concrete evidence that Missouri’s wild-turkey population is recovering.

The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) Telecheck database shows that hunters checked 7,077 turkeys during the fall firearms turkey season Oct. 1 through 31. Top harvest counties were Greene, with 209 turkeys checked, Franklin with 194 and Henry with 175. Juvenile turkeys made up 58.2 percent of the total, up from 55.5 percent last year.

This year’s fall firearms turkey harvest is 1,150 more than last year, a 19.4-percent increase. MDC Resource Scientist Jason Isabelle credits weather for the jump in fall turkey harvest.

“Our turkey flock has had a hard go for the past few years,” said Isabelle. “Cold, wet weather kept down nesting success from 2003 through 2005. We got a break in 2006, but then we had that amazing Easter freeze in 2007. 2008 was the wettest year in Missouri history, and 2009 and 2010 weren’t much better. All that took a toll on turkeys and other ground-nesting wildlife.”

Isabelle said this year’s spring and summer floods were tough on turkeys in the Missouri and Mississippi river valleys, but unusually dry weather throughout most of the state gave turkeys their first real break in five years. Surveys conducted during the summer showed a significant increase in the number of poults, as young turkeys are known.

This year’s statewide hatch of 1.7 poults per hen was the best since 2002. In Northeast Missouri, this year’s poult-to-hen ratio of 2.1 was the best it’s been since 2000. Most of Southeast Missouri also experienced a much-improved hatch this year, with the region’s poult-to-hen ratio also exceeding 2 poults per hen.

Isabelle said he expected an uptick in the fall turkey harvest, based on the improvement in nesting success. He also anticipated increased sales of fall turkey-hunting permits as hunters noticed the increased number of young turkeys in the woods. MDC sold 14,717 fall firearms turkey hunting permits this fall, compared to 13,736 last year.

Isabelle said he is encouraged by the increased fall turkey harvest and cautiously optimistic about prospects for the 2012 spring turkey season and beyond.

“This is a good first step,” said Isabelle. “We have always known that turkey numbers would rebound once the birds got a break from the weather. We still have a long way to go, but if the weather continues to be more normal we can hope for continued improvement in our turkey numbers.”

According to Isabelle, it is unlikely Missouri will ever see the numbers of turkeys it had in the late 1990s and early 2000s. That high-water mark was the culmination of a restoration program in which turkeys were reintroduced into areas where they had been absent for decades. Turkey populations expanded rapidly until they encountered “biological resistance” from predators and other limiting factors. From that peak, turkey numbers decreased slightly to sustainable levels.

“We are going to see the return of more abundant turkey numbers again,” said Isabelle. “As long as we have enough habitat, Missouri will have a great turkey resource. But wildlife populations always have peaks during periods of favorable conditions and valleys like the one we are experiencing at the moment.”

Missouri Department of Conservation

KANSAS CITY, Mo --(Ammoland.com)- White-tailed deer are on the move as autumn progresses, and that includes crossing highways. Drivers can take steps to reduce the chances of deer-vehicle accidents.

Deer encounters near roads increase in late October because the cooler weather makes them more active and there is disturbance in their regular haunts as farmers harvest crops, said Joe DeBold, urban wildlife biologist for the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC). He added that as autumn foliage falls to the ground, deer are prompted to look for new hiding places.

“Then the peak season for deer movement usually occurs around the first three weeks of November during the rut, or breeding season,” DeBold said. “These changes increase the chances that deer may dart in front of moving vehicles.”

He noted that deer are most active during evening, dusk and dawn hours.

“Drivers should be alert, slow down and drive cautiously,” DeBold said, “especially when driving through wooded or rural areas. Keep an eye on the shoulders, ditches and field edges. Often deer can be seen feeding or waiting to cross a road. Sometimes they try to dart across a road as a vehicle approaches. Be especially alert on roadways posted with deer crossing signs.”

Motorists should use high-beam headlights at night when possible for a wider field of vision.

“Watch for deer silhouettes or eyes glowing in the headlights,” he advised. “When one deer is spotted, more are often close behind.”

Slowing down is the best defense. If a deer does dart into the road, avoid panic braking or swerving, which can cause accidents.

Rural areas are not the only place where deer-vehicle strikes occur. According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, in 2010, almost one-third of the traffic crashes involving deer happened in urban areas.

“If a vehicle does strike a deer, the motorist should immediately call 911 and report any injuries and the location of the accident,” DeBold said. “If the deer is still alive, the driver should wait for law enforcement personnel to arrive at the scene.”

He added that any motorist wanting to keep the meat, hide or antlers from a deer killed on the highway must contact a conservation agent in the county where the accident occurred and request a disposition form before taking the deer into possession.

To follow MDC on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube or Flickr, or to receive RSS feeds, visit www.mdc.mo.gov. and click on the icons at the bottom of the page.

Quail and Upland Wildlife Federation

Buffalo, Missouri --(Ammoland.com)- The active hunting season in Missouri for the native ruffed grouse was closed this year due to declining populations state wide, a call to action by sportsman is now needed.

“We are dealing with a critical point for the population of wild ruffed grouse in Missouri. A plan is being put together working with the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) and the MO Grouse Chapter of QUWF as well as our National Office to restock the majestic upland bird before it is too late” states Craig Alderman, Director of QUWF.

“To date our Missouri grouse chapter has placed nearly a decade of active preparatory on-the-ground habitat work and over $250,000 of donated dollars into getting the ruffed grouse restocked on quality habitat, believed now to be very suitable by leading grouse biologists” explains Alderman.

“QUWF and its landowner and general members are battling on several fronts to restore habitat for all upland game but the wild ruffed grouse in Missouri has to have special consideration now or it will not be here in a very short time”, states Craig, “and we can measure that in short years”.

Many chapters of QUWF are working habitat for the wild quail, doves, turkey or deer but none are as dedicated than the QUWF grouse chapter who has made the commitment to cover the majority of costs of restocking to the MDC.

“We are making a HUGE financial commitment to the state and all conservationists to save the ruffed grouse. Most members, qualified biologists in their own right, have made many personal and financial commitments to see this through. We cannot allow the drumming of the ruffed grouse to disappear from our Missouri lands”, emphasizes Tom Westhoff, chairman of the Grouse Chapter and lead contact with the chapter.

“We hope this final study, they are requiring now, will be expedited and let’s get to the work at hand. With most states cost would be the factor but we are raising funds across the mid-west and will cover most of the restocking efforts. Missourians are not known for letting their resources just die away so we are really fighting for the grouse, it is that serious” states Westhoff.

QUWF National, the MO grouse chapter and MDC Director Robert Ziehmer and his staff have met numerous times to formulate an action plan “We are all in this together” , Ziehmer said in the latest meeting in Hermann, MO.

QUWF will follow the project through its newsletter, the “Whistle Call” available to all members on line at www.quwf.net. Ruffed Grouse numbers have declined across its range so a positive plan is needed now.

Quail and Upland Wildlife Federation, Inc.™, a tax exempt 501(c)(3) conservation organization, was formed to serve its members and chapters nationwide, providing a strong local source of habitat focus on quail and upland wildlife and population recovery. Millions of dollars of habitat work have been completed by its members over the years on thousands of acres of both private and public lands, now that work continues with a renewed vitality. Our chapters from coast to coast, provide the grass roots, local habitat work that is making a difference each and every day. For more information or to join QUWF please visit our website at www.quwf.net.

Missouri Department of Conservation

JEFFERSON CITY Mo --(Ammoland.com)- He’s a heavyweight from northern Arkansas. He’s dark and mysterious. He’ll eat just about anything, and he’s being seen more and more around the Show-Me State.

His name is Ursus americanus, but you probably know him better as the black bear. One of the state’s largest wild mammals, black bears have been seen in more than half of Missouri’s counties, though most are south of the Missouri River. According to the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC), black-bear sightings and numbers are growing in Missouri.

Black bears are native to Missouri, but the species was nearly eliminated from the state by 1940 due to unregulated hunting and habitat changes. Recent data indicate that a few of Missouri’s native bears might have survived. However, the growth of Missouri’s bear population in recent years probably is largely a result of a successful black-bear restoration effort by the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission in the 1960s.

According to MDC Resource Scientist Jeff Beringer, black bears are a significant part of the native ecosystem and are an indicator of the state’s wilderness habitat quality.

A fed bear is a dead bear
A growing bear population calls for caution from campers and landowners, who are most likely to encounter bears. Black bears generally are dangerous only when they lose their natural fear of people. This usually results from access to human food. A bear that associates people with food is at risk for aggressive behavior, which could result in euthanasia.

“The most important thing is that landowners and campers don’t give bears access to food or garbage,” Beringer said. “If you never let a bear get started, you won’t have a problem with them.”

Campers can avoid problems with bears by keeping a clean camp, avoiding food scents, and never feeding or approaching bears. If you encounter a bear while camping, you should try to scare the bear away by banging pots and pans or making other noise and waving your arms. If you see a bear while hiking or fishing, you should back away slowly, speaking in a normal voice and making no sudden movements.

Although bear attacks are extremely rare, if you find yourself in this situation you should fight back with any available weapons – sticks, stones, knives or even fists – striking the bear especially around the face.

“Bears are generally afraid of people. If you do have an encounter with a bear, you want to make it a negative experience for that animal,” Beringer recommended.

Black Bear Research
In fall 2010, MDC began a cooperative study with the University of Missouri and the University of Mississippi to learn more about black bears in the state and how to manage them. The project involves trapping and radio-collaring bears and gathering hair samples for DNA testing. Information gathered in this will allow researchers to determine individual animals’ size and growth rates, population size, sex ratio, genetic diversity, habitat preferences, daily and seasonal movement patterns, denning dates, reproduction and survival rates. Trapping and radio-collaring will continue through this fall.

Beringer said citizens can play an important role in the ongoing bear research project by immediately reporting all bear sightings. Such reports enable researchers to focus their efforts on areas of known bear activity.

If you see a black bear, report it by visiting www.MissouriConservation.org and searching “Report a Bear Sighting.”

Amy Huff hopes to use the archery skills she learned at MDC’s Discover Nature Women 2011 summer program to help her 10-year-old daughter.

Missouri Department of Conservation

JEFFERSON CITY Mo --(Ammoland.com)- Some things are better when shared. The Missouri Department of Conservation’s (MDC) recent Discover Nature Women summer workshop showed that nature is one of those things.

With the program’s highest attendance ever, more than 130 women participated in the 2011 event held at Windermere Conference Center in Roach, Mo., June 3-5. Some attended to gain valuable outdoor experience, some to spend a weekend with friends and family and others to make a grandmother-mother-daughter getaway.

“Discover Nature Women (DNW) provides a safe and friendly environment where women experience hands-on outdoor skills training at the beginner level, taught by a team of longtime professionals,” said MDC Education Programs Supervisor Kevin Lohraff.

Courses include fishing, basic hunting, an introduction to firearms, archery, shotgun shooting, camping, canoeing, map and compass reading, fly tying and Dutch-oven cooking. DNW offers a two-year program that allows participants to complete four courses each year for a total of eight core courses. The weekend is targeted to women 18 years and older, along with young women age 14-17 when accompanied by a woman 18 years or older.

“Not everyone has a chance to learn these outdoor activities or someone who can teach them,” Lohraff said. “Discover Nature Women is about helping women do things they might not be able to do otherwise.”

A FAMILY AFFAIR
Many women attend DNW to learn and spend time with family. It was a tri-generational outing for Sandi Rice’s family. Rice, who lives in Pittsburg, Mo., attended with daughter Christy Jolly and granddaughter Jessica Jolly, who live in Kansas City. Rice had attended a previous MDC women’s event, but her daughter made the decision to come to DNW.

“I just thought, ‘What a great opportunity to do this together,’” said Christy.

Grandmother and mother were thrilled to share the experience with Jessica, who tied her first fly during the program and took it fishing at her grandmother’s nearby home that evening.

Elizabeth Gann of Waynesville, Mo., came with her sister, Shirley Beer, who lives in Pittsburg, Kan.

“We don’t get to see each other very often,” Gann said. “This is a great way for us to spend some time together and do something we don’t normally do.”

Gann said she initially thought the workshop would teach her some outdoor skills she could practice with her husband, who hunts and fishes.

“Then I thought, ‘No, this is about learning things for myself and spending time with my sister,’” Gann said.

GIRLS’ WEEKEND OUTDOORS
Friends Amy Huff of Fenton, and Stephanie Allstun of Ballwin, made the trip to learn outdoor skills from experts along with other women at similar skill levels.

“The instructors here are just so knowledgeable,” Allstun said. “They live it; they breathe it; they love it.”

“I wanted to be taught by someone with patience who was a good teacher,” Huff said. “They made me feel comfortable that I was learning it the right way.”

Huff said she looks forward to using her new archery skills with her 10-year-old daughter, Aubrey Stuart, who started learning archery at Meramec Heights Elementary School this past year. Her school participates in the Missouri National Archery in the Schools Program, which is coordinated by MDC. Stuart was the top fourth-grade girl at the Missouri state tournament. She placed 20th out of 188 fourth- grade girls at the National Archery in the Schools Program national tournament in Louisville, Ky.

EXPERIENCE TO LAST A LIFETIME
Lori Gale of Festus attended DNW with her friend Amanda Sloan. But for Gale the weekend was about more than just fun. Gale is a year away from finishing her degree in fisheries and wildlife management at Oregon State University, and she received an internship credit for attending the workshop. Ultimately she wants to work in a wildlife-related field, possibly as a conservation agent.

“It was nice coming here and talking to experts in the field,” Gale said.

While she has prior experience in outdoor activities, Gale said the workshop built on her own knowledge, solidifying some of her fishing and compass skills.

ALWAYS SOMETHING TO DISCOVER
“Discover Nature Women is just another way MDC makes Missouri a great place to hunt, fish and enjoy nature,” Lohraff said.

“Whether novices or experienced outdoorswomen, participants gained practical outdoor skills that will help them discover nature long after DNW’s conclusion,” said MDC Education Outreach Coordinator Amy Francka. “All weekend I heard nothing but positive comments from the women who attended the event. Most women were first-time attendees and already wanted to know when they could register for next year.”

For more information on MDC’s Discover Nature Women program, visit www.missouriconservation.org.

The 34 adult elk and five newborn calves have been fitted with Global Positioning System (GPS) radio collars as part of a cooperative research project with the University of Missouri.

Missouri Department of Conservation

JEFFERSON CITY Mo --(Ammoland.com)- Missouri’s 34 restored elk, plus five new calves, were released June 1 from their three-acre holding site at the Missouri Department of Conservation’s (MDC) Peck Ranch Conservation Area.

The release followed final approval of stringent health-testing protocols by the Missouri Department of Agriculture.

The Peck Ranch Refuge Area will remain temporarily closed to the public to allow the adult elk and new calves time to acclimate to the area with a minimum of human disturbance.

MDC staff believe that additional cows remain pregnant with calving expected anytime.

The 34 adult elk and five newborn calves have been fitted with Global Positioning System (GPS) radio collars as part of a cooperative research project with the University of Missouri. The collars will help researchers track the elks’ health, movement patterns and preferred types of vegetation. The Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation provided funds for the collars. The research project is being partially funded by the Wildlife Restoration Program administered through the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

“Thanks to successful habitat restoration and citizen, landowner and partner support, elk are back in Missouri after more than a century,” said MDC Deputy Director Tom Draper. “Citizens deserve credit and should be proud. We will continue to keep the public informed as this project continues.”

For more information on Missouri’s elk restoration efforts, visit www.MissouriConservation.org and search “elk restoration.”

Missouri Department of Conservation

JEFFERSON CITY MO --(Ammoland.com)- The fourth Saturday in May marks the opening of squirrel season in Missouri. Hunters may pursue gray and fox squirrels from May 28 through Feb. 15, 2012, with rifles, shotguns or archery equipment. The aggregate bag limit is 10 squirrels and the possession limit is 20.

“Aggregate” means hunters may harvest any combination of fox and gray squirrels so long as they do not exceed 10 squirrels total in one day.

If hunters bag a daily limit two days in a row, they will have a possession limit of 20 squirrels. After that, they must eat or give away some squirrels before going hunting again in order to stay within the possession limit.

Hunters also may take squirrels with cage-type traps, as long as they label traps with their full name and address, or their Conservation number. Squirrel traps also must have openings measuring 144 square inches or less, for instance, 12 inches by 12 inches. Hunters must attend their traps daily. The same regulations apply to rabbits and groundhogs during their respective seasons.

Lonnie Hansen, the Missouri Department of Conservation’s resource scientist in charge of squirrel management, explained that squirrel numbers in the Ozarks are somewhat dependent on acorn production while squirrels have a more diverse and dependable food base in northern Missouri thanks to agricultural crops. As a result, squirrel populations are more stable there, and hunting is uniformly good from year to year.

“We had a tremendous acorn crop last fall so squirrel numbers should be building in the Ozarks,” Hansen said. “Squirrel numbers should also be high elsewhere. I think squirrel hunting should be excellent this year.”

Missouri Department of Conservation

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. --(Ammoland.com)- The National Archery in the Schools Program (NASP) national tournament brought 6,731 archers from 34 states, including 286 students from Missouri, to Louisville, Ky.

Attendance at the national tournament May 13 and 14 was just shy of the 2010 world-record attendance of 6,784. Missouri students in grades 4 through 12 competed in elementary, middle and high school divisions. The Show-Me State archers earned qualifying scores in the state tournament to be eligible for the national tournament.

Katie Nordstrom from Willard High School was Missouri’s top female archer with 282 points out of 300. Skyler Price from Maries R-2 Schools took the honor of top male archer with 288 points.

Longview Farm Elementary of Lee’s Summit ranked 22nd of 78 teams in the elementary division. George Guffey Elementary School of Fenton was close behind at 23rd, and St. Joseph Cathedral School of Jefferson City finished 65th in the division.

In the middle school division, Ridgewood Middle School of Arnold finished 29th of 104 teams. Crane Middle School ranked 46th, Holy Rosary School of Clinton 49th, Willard Middle School 64th, Cole Camp Middle School 93rd and St. Joseph Cathedral School 96th.

Willard High School ranked highest of Missouri high school teams at 48th of 111 schools. Galena High School was right behind at 49th. Crane High School placed 61st, and Helias Catholic High School of Jefferson City ranked 108th.

Fifteen individual archers competed from Missouri schools including Perry Christian Academy, Salem Upper Elementary, North Wood R-IV of Salem, Meramec Heights Elementary of Arnold, St. Clair Junior High and Simpson Elementary of Arnold.

“The growth of the Missouri National Archery in the Schools Program (MoNASP) has been tremendous over the past four years,” said MDC Education Outreach Coordinator Amy Francka, who coordinates the state program. “This surge has led students outdoors with their families to participate in this lifetime sport. Many local conservation groups and civic organizations are also volunteering to help support MoNASP in their communities. Students are connecting with family members, coaches and teachers through archery. This connection and confidence gained through archery will spread into other parts of their lives.”

For more information about the Missouri National Archery in the Schools Program, visit www.missouriconservation.org and search “MoNASP.”

U.S. Sportsmen's Alliance

Columbus, OH --(Ammoland.com)- As Missouri’s legislative session comes to an end, two bills that would have harmed sportsmen and the state’s conservation efforts died.

House Bill 115, introduced by Rep. Rodney Schad (R- Versailles), and Senate Bill 299, introduced by Sen. Brian Munzlinger (D- Williamstown), would have held Missouri’s Department of Conservation financially responsible for damages incurred by wild elk to a person or a person’s property.

In reality, this would set a dangerous precedent holding sportsmen and sportswomen liable to pick up the tab for damage caused by any wild animal.

Further, the bills would allow landowners to kill an unlimited number of elk by simply claiming damage to their property. Under the proposal, landowners would not have been required to provide proof of the damage or that elk were actually the cause of the purported damage. Essentially, this would have stripped the Department’s authority to manage wildlife despite already having an aggressive elk-conflict plan in place.

“Sportsmen are already paying the freight when it comes to wildlife conservation and funding for state wildlife agencies,” said Jeremy Rine, U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance associate director of state services. “Sportsmen can rest assured, for now, that the state’s wildlife management decisions will continue to be made by wildlife professionals. Despite this victory, sportsmen must remain on alert for this issue to come up again in the future.”

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.

Missouri Department of Conservation

JEFFERSON CITY MO --(Ammoland.com)- A 9.3-percent dip in the 2011 spring turkey harvest confirms what Missourians already knew – it has been a stormy three weeks in the Show-Me State.

Resource Scientist Jason Isabelle, the Conservation Department’s turkey specialist, announced today that hunters checked 38,328 turkeys during the regular spring turkey season April 18 through May 8. That is down 3,926 from last year.

Adding the harvest from the youth turkey season April 9 and 10 brings Missouri’s 2011 spring turkey harvest to 42,226. That is down 8.6 percent from last year. Spring turkey permit sales were down 4,885, or 3.3 percent, from last year.

Top harvest counties were Franklin, with 840 turkeys checked, Texas with 699 and Bollinger with 675. Juvenile gobblers, known as “jakes,” made up 19.6 percent of the harvest. That is virtually identical to last year, when jakes comprised 20 percent of the harvest. Isabelle predicted a smaller harvest this year because of a decline in turkey numbers statewide.

“We still have very strong wild turkey numbers in most areas compared to other states,” said Isabelle, “but there is no question that the population is down, and more in some areas than others. That was bound to affect our harvest this year. Cool, rainy and often windy conditions during much of turkey season magnified the effect.”

Isabelle said the season got off to a good start. The youth harvest was virtually identical to last year’s, and the opening-day harvest was slightly higher than in 2010. Then it turned cool and turned stormy.

Isabelle said rain, cool temperatures and wind have a double negative effect on hunting success. Stormy weather causes male turkeys to gobble less, making them harder to hunt. Nasty weather also discourages hunters from going afield.

“The turkeys are out there every day,” said Isabelle. “You can hunt them effectively, even on rainy days, but it’s harder, and it can be uncomfortable. Quite a few hunters choose not to hunt at all on rainy days. I suspect that when we look at our hunter survey data, we’ll see a reduction in the number of days that hunters took to the field this spring.”

Isabelle said he doesn’t expect this spring’s relatively light harvest to have a significant effect on the state’s turkey population. This is partly because 99 percent of the harvested turkeys are males, and turkey reproduction is determined by the number of hens. MDC sets the hunting season late enough in the spring to allow ample opportunity for gobblers and hens to breed prior to the start of the season.

“Harvesting 4,000 fewer gobblers in the spring is a minor factor compared to annual reproduction,” said Isabelle. “In a good year, our hens can produce more than 300,000 poults (young turkeys). That dwarfs the total number of gobblers we harvest, even when hunting conditions are good.”

Isabelle said Missouri has enough wild-turkey hens to stage a population recovery. To do that, however, the birds need favorable weather. Wet conditions take a toll on nesting success of ground-nesting birds like turkeys. It also reduces survival of poults, which are susceptible to hypothermia when cool, wet weather prevails.

Isabelle said wet conditions so far this spring have not helped turkey nesting, but most areas haven’t been as hard-hit as southeastern Missouri.

“Even in areas where flooding has occurred, hens still have time to re-nest and bring off a good crop of poults,” he said. “We have had several years of bad nesting conditions, but I’m hoping this will be the year when we get warmer, drier weather, and turkey numbers bounce back a bit. May and June are critical months for wild turkey production, and it’s still not too late for conditions to improve.”

The Conservation Department recorded three firearms-related hunting incidents during the regular turkey season. None was fatal. Two incidents, including a fatal self-inflicted gunshot, occurred during the youth season. Last year, the agency recorded four incidents during the regular season and two during the youth season.

None of last year’s incidents was fatal. County-by-county spring turkey harvest totals are available at the MDC website, www.missouriconservation.org. Search for “2011 turkey harvest.”

Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation

MISSOULA, Mont. --(Ammoland.com)- Thirty-four elk from Kentucky have arrived in Missouri to start a new herd–as well as a new chapter in an elk restoration saga still being authored by state conservation agencies in partnership with the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation.

The elk made an overnight ride in a semi-driven livestock trailer and arrived near Winona, Mo., on May 5. The elk had been captured in Kentucky and held for a 90-day quarantine to ensure good health. They’re now in a holding pen on the Missouri Department of Conservation’s Peck Ranch Conservation Area in southeast Missouri. The elk will be released into the wild sometime in May following final health tests.

The Missouri Department of Conservation’s news release is posted at: www.mdc.mo.gov/newsroom/elk-return-missouri-after-150-year-absence

See video of elk arriving in Missouri in the player above:

Missouri joins Kentucky, Tennessee, Wisconsin and North Carolina’s Great Smoky Mountains National Park in restoring a native species missing for more than a century.

Virginia has committed to yet another elk restoration project in the near future.

“We’ve been proud to be a major partner in all of these efforts with financial and technical assistance, and we’re especially proud that a herd we helped start in Kentucky 14 years ago is now providing seed stock for restoring a herd in Missouri,” said Blake Henning, vice president of lands and conservation for RMEF.

In 2000, RMEF invested over $61,000 to help fund Missouri’s initial elk restoration study. A restoration plan was approved in October. RMEF gave $40,000 to help build a trapping and handling facility used to bring elk from Kentucky to Missouri. RMEF also pledged $300,000 to the State of Missouri to ensure the elk not only arrive, but thrive.

“We are very grateful to the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation for its long-standing support of elk restoration in Missouri,” said Missouri Department of Conservation Director Bob Ziehmer. “Once we were ready to move forward, RMEF wasted no time putting resources behind the effort.”

Henning said, “RMEF is in this for the long haul. There is no higher calling in conservation than restoring a native game species to sustainable, huntable, balanced populations. Missourians have held to that dream and worked tirelessly for more than a decade to bring elk back. It goes to show what is possible when you dream big and never give up. To everyone who worked so hard for so long to make this possible, I offer a heartfelt ‘thank you.’ And to the elk I say ‘welcome home.’”

Missouri’s long-term plans call for hunting as a tool to manage the size of the elk herd. When hunting commences will depend on how quickly the herd grows, but officials say it could begin as soon as 2015.

The state’s elk restoration zone is a 346-square-mile area spanning parts of Shannon, Carter and Reynolds counties. The area was selected because of suitable habitat, extensive public lands, low road density, minimal agricultural activity and landowner support.

About the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation:
Snowy peaks, dark timber basins and grassy meadows. RMEF is leading an elk country initiative that has conserved or enhanced habitat on over 5.9 million acres–a land area equivalent to a swath three miles wide and stretching along the entire Continental Divide from Canada to Mexico. RMEF also works to open, secure and improve public access for hunting, fishing and other recreation. Get involved at www.rmef.org or 800-CALL ELK.

Ducks Unlimited Wetlands For Kids Day A Record Success

Ducks Unlimited

ST. LOUIS, Mo. --(Ammoland.com)- The Missouri Department of Conservation and Ducks Unlimited hosted the 13th Annual Wetlands for Kids Day at the August A. Busch Memorial Conservation Area April 2.

More than 4,500 attendees came out to enjoy the beautiful day and learn more about wildlife and wetlands.

New sponsors U.S. Bank and the Dana Brown Foundation provided financial support for this year’s event.

“This was a record year for attendance,” said Dan Crigler, private land conservationist for the MDC. “It is fantastic to see these children enjoying outdoor activities and learning about wetlands and wildlife.”

All children who registered at the event received a free goodie bag and a complimentary DU Greenwing membership courtesy of U.S. Bank and the Dana Brown Foundation. Greenwing is the designation for Ducks Unlimited members under the age of 18. Many Missouri outdoor organizations participated, running booths and events that introduced children to various aspects of the natural world.

“It takes extraordinary dedication and cooperation from multiple groups to make an event like this possible,” said DU Missouri State Chairman Dave Hakes. “We registered 1,500 Greenwing members and had more than 20 demonstration and activity stations.”

Activities included a duck wing maze that led participants through a path to help them identify ducks using only the wing; air rifle and archery target shooting; casting lessons; coloring contests; and many others. Members of the Ozark Fly Fishers Association demonstrated the art of fly tying and provided each child with his/her own fly. Sorenson Kennels once again showcased retriever training with several of their best dogs.

Children crawled inside an artificial beaver lodge built by MDC staff to learn about the importance of beavers to wetlands. A live-animal exhibit of fish, reptiles and amphibians gave visitors a close look at wetland-dependent wildlife. Volunteers from the World Bird Sanctuary brought a great-horned owl, American kestrel, peregrine falcon and barn owl to give attendees the opportunity to see these large birds up close. Children were provided a native tree seedling to plant at home courtesy of the MDC and the George O. White nursery.

Wetlands for Kids Day is held annually from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the first Saturday in April at the August A. Busch Memorial Conservation Area.

About:
Ducks Unlimited is the world’s largest non-profit organization dedicated to conserving North America’s continually disappearing waterfowl habitats. Established in 1937, Ducks Unlimited has conserved more than 12 million acres thanks to contributions from more than a million supporters across the continent. Guided by science and dedicated to program efficiency, DU works toward the vision of wetlands sufficient to fill the skies with waterfowl today, tomorrow and forever. Visit www.ducks.org

ATLATL Hunter Ron Mertz with Dart in throwing position.

Missouri Sport Shooting Association

Columbia, MO --(Ammoland.com)- Results of a survey indicated that while no hunters bagged a deer during Missouri’s first atlatl season, they experienced the excitement and challenge of pursuing game with this “new” weapon.

The author prepared a brief survey and sent it, via email, to Missouri Atlatl Association members and to other atlatlists in Missouri who were identified as potentially using the atlatl for hunting deer this year.

In several instances hunters were identified from newspaper articles this fall. While, it is possible that there were hunters in Missouri using the atlatl who were not identified, in the author’s opinion the survey results reflect all or nearly all atlatlists who hunted during the 2010 firearms season.

THE HUNTING EXPERIENCE
The hunting experience of 11 individuals who responded to the survey, no one reported harvesting a deer. Two Atlatlists reported throwing at deer and in each case the throws resulted in clean misses. Responses of several hunters reflected the thrill of “almost” bagging a deer with the atlatl. Other responses pointed to the special challenges that the atlatl presents and the advantages of designating the atlatl for use during the archery season.

“On the way in about 75 yards from my stand I spot a small doe about 50 yards ahead and it seems she has me pegged but she starts slowly walking towards me head bobbing. As she passes behind each tree I slowly get a dart notched and arm in the up throwing position. She is slightly quartering to my left which I am not believing as I am starting to think this is going to happen. Slowly she closes the distance 40, 30, 20 my heart is pounding and I am at the ready. She gets to 15 yards and is just about to get her head behind a tree and give me a great shot when she suddenly starts to drift to my right and with each step she takes I am getting more out of position to throw. She lowers her head but I am twisted to the right too far and when I throw I don’t get much on the throw and my dart passes under the deer and then she was gone. Anyway what a rush just a few steps the other way and maybe history is made.” (RP)

“It was a fantastic experience! Quite unnerving to let deer get that close.” (ES) “I hunted for four hours one afternoon during the antlerless season with my atlatl. I had four does and one 4-point buck at 40 yards, but they did not come any closer. It was EXTREMELY exciting hoping it was going to all come together!” (VC) Hunting with an atlatl and dart presents greater challenges than hunting with a rifle or bow. It is much more difficult to be in meaningful range and have adequate cover, while having the opportunity for a clear unobstructed throw. In several cases, respondents reported deer were in atlatl range, but they were not able to get a clear throw because of obstructions or that they were spotted in the process of throwing.

I spent about 80% of the time in a tree stand, but only saw one deer from there. It was a little 6 point buck that came into either a grunt call or rattled horns, since I was using both at the time. It came in behind me but I don’t think I could have gotten a throw anyway because of the brush I would have had to throw through. If I remember right, I saw a total of 7 deer while hunting. Only 1 was out of range of the atlatl but was in easy rifle range. It was also the only one that I saw in the open. Most of my success in seeing deer was on the ground, then trying to get close and find an opening to throw through. I had several opportunities at two yearlings, but it would have been throwing through heavy brush or a “head on” throw which is a very low percentage shot. Because of that, I never did throw a dart at a deer. All the deer I saw were at one time or another, close enough for an atlatl throw, with the exception of the one that I saw in the open. (RM)

When I was able to be within atlatl range there was too much brush for a good throw, or the deer spotted me before I could throw. I discovered that an atlatl hunting strategy must be developed which I found is different from a bow or rifle strategy…..I found that it will take a lot of practice throwing from different positions, at different elevations, and in a woods environment (i.e., trees, brush, etc.). (CW)

A doe was 20 yards away and the throw was on target, but the doe saw my throwing and bolted. (ES)

Atlatl Spear Heads Pictured above: Three foreshafts and points: one removable foreshaft with a steel broadhead, a fixed foreshaft with steel broadhead and a foreshaft with a stone foreshaft.

While not specifically asked, a number of respondents expressed their desire that the atlatl be designated for the archery season rather than the rifle season.

Due to cold I wish it could be held during bow season. Even after much practice I just can’t throw with a glove on. My hand got very cold. It would also allow more time in the field. (ES) I had an enjoyable time out hunting with the atlatl, but one morning, after a couple of hours in my spot I noticed a gun hunter nearby. This is a high pressure hunting season, and with a short range weapon like the atlatl it would be far preferable to have a longer, lower pressure season. I would like to see use of the atlatl moved to archery season, this would greatly enhance the experience and increase the likelihood of a harvest as an outcome. (JG)

I would like to see this weapon legalized for the archery season as I feel that early foliage and less wary deer would equal more opportunity and success. (RP)

It would be a lot easier to get a deer into my effective range if the regulations were changed to archery season! (BH)

I think we should have atlatls as a legal method during bow season prior to rifle season. Once rifle season starts, deer spook a lot easier. Wearing the blaze orange is also a hindrance. Deer can see color if they get close enough and that’s what ruined two of the opportunities I had for throwing. (CW)

If we can get it included with archery, I think our chances will improve. (RM)

I think the atlatl season should be during archery season. (AJH)

Atlatl Throwers

In addition to the reasons cited above for designating the atlatl for use during the archery season, it appears that many of the respondents also hunt with a bow, reflecting a natural link between the atlatl and bow as well as similarities in hunting tactics.

Despite the fact that no deer were harvested during this first season, it was a success. Participants enjoyed the experience and became more aware of the special challenges that use of the atlatl brings to deer hunting. Also, while the number of hunters using an atlatl was very small compared to firearms and archery hunters, the designation of the atlatl as a legal method of pursuing deer has spurred a growing interest among Missouri hunters and the number will likely be larger next year. Designating the atlatl for use during archery season would almost certainly result in an increase in the number of hunters using the atlatl. It would extend the time available for pursuing deer and provide a more conducive environment for hunters who want to experience a new level of challenge and enjoyment.

ATLATL Success!
While there were no success stories using the ATLATL that we know of in Missouri, there indeed was some success last year in Pennsylvania where a 7 year old boy took a deer with an ATLATL. What made this story even better is that his Grandpa (he must be proud) caught the kill on tape.

It’s always a success when a youngster enjoys his time in the outdoors and at an early age learns the wonders and discipline of the hunting sports. Hopefully next year someone from Missouri will make history by taking a deer with this method.

You can view the video of this hunt on YouTube at the following link.

About:
The mission of the Missouri Sport Shooting Association is to protect and preserve the shooting sports at the state level. MSSA will promote and improve the shooting sports by sponsoring marksmanship training and competitions throughout the state of Missouri. MSSA will work for the rights of the gun owner, shooter, collector, hunter, archer, black powder enthusiast, and trapper. MSSA will support the free exchange of ideas, information and education related to gun ownership, shooting, hunting, firearms and related topics. Visit: www.missourisportshooting.org

Missouri Sport Shooting Association

Columbia, MO --(Ammoland.com)- The Missouri Sport Shooting Association along with other state affiliates will be arriving at our states capitol on April 6, 2011 for our Annual Gun Rights Rally Day.

There is much to be excited about when it comes to our rights as gun owners and sport shooters here in Missouri.

Together, over the last decade we have overcome many obstacles to no doubt make Missouri one of the most pro-gun states in the nation.

Because we maintain a warm working relationship with our legislators and elected officials we send to Jefferson city, our voices get heard and our concerns get the attention they deserve as a free people in this state. You as a supporter/member of MSSA are a part of that cause and effect relationship. It’s because of your involvement that they listen to our collective voice. Join us on April 6th to once again make that voice heard in our state’s capitol.

Entertainment will include Mike Fischer with his performance of “Stone Cold Dead” as well as his new song, “Old Man With His .38″. Many of our legislators will also be making quick appearances during their work day as they have time. Elected officials including Lt. Gov. Peter Kinder and Attorney General Chris Koster have also stated they will be by to share a few words as well.

The important thing is that we NEED you to be there. So take the time right now to ask off work and make plans to join us. MSSA

DATE: April 6, 2011 START TIME: 10am – 12pm (arrive early for parking!) 1st Floor Rotunda in the Capitol Building.

If you can’t be there. We obviously encourage everyone to participate in this event. However if you can’t make it to let your voice be heard in person, please consider becoming an annual member of MSSA and allowing your voice to be heard through membership. We can wield great influence with you as our member. You can join by visiting our website and signing up there. Please do so today and help us to provide a future for gun rights and the shooting sports in Missouri.

About:
The mission of the Missouri Sport Shooting Association is to protect and preserve the shooting sports at the state level. MSSA will promote and improve the shooting sports by sponsoring marksmanship training and competitions throughout the state of Missouri. MSSA will work for the rights of the gun owner, shooter, collector, hunter, archer, black powder enthusiast, and trapper. MSSA will support the free exchange of ideas, information and education related to gun ownership, shooting, hunting, firearms and related topics. Visit: www.missourisportshooting.org

Midway USA

Columbia, MO - -(Ammoland.com)- Larry and Brenda Potterfield of MidwayUSA recently donated $110,000 to the Foundation for the Junior Trapshooters of Missouri, Inc.

The Potterfields donated $100,000 directly to the Foundation, matched a $10,000 gift from the Missouri Trapshooters Association and agreed to match a $10,000 gift from the association each year through 2015.

“Thanks to generous support from people like Larry and Brenda Potterfield, the Foundation for the Junior Trapshooters will continue to serve as a youth shooting program for Missouri,” says William Fienup, Foundation President. “These donations from the Potterfields and MidwayUSA will help us accomplish our vision of developing young trapshooters, the future of our sport.”

Established in 1967, the Foundation for the Junior Trapshooters of Missouri was created to fund instruction and training of trapshooting to Missouri youth and also assists with shooting supplies and safety training. The Foundation is associated with the Missouri Trapshooters Association in Linn Creek, MO, where hundreds of young Missourians experience and learn the sport of trapshooting each year.

Larry Potterfield, Founder and CEO of MidwayUSA remarked, “Brenda and I are excited to support young trapshooters. This organization, in our home state, is focused on developing tomorrow’s shooters today. Changing the future requires us to make the commitment in time and money to support these efforts. We’re pleased we can help.”

For more information about the Potterfields or MidwayUSA, please visit www.midwayusa.com or call

1-800-243-3220.

For more information about the Foundation for the Junior Trap Shooters of Missouri or the Missouri Trapshooters Association, please visit www.motraps.com.

(l-r) DU CEO Dale Hall, MDC Dir. Bob Ziehmer, DU Canada Senior Conservation Advisor Mike Anderson, DU Chief Biologist Dale Humburg, MDC Wildlife Division Chief DeeCee Darrow Page 2

Ducks Unlimited

KANSAS CITY, Mo --(Ammoland.com)-  With this year’s state grant program contribution of $250,000, the Missouri Department of Conservation reached the $5 million mark for donations to waterfowl breeding grounds in Canada.

With the support of MDC during the past five years, Ducks Unlimited conserved, enhanced and restored 235,059 acres of prime breeding habitat and positively influenced an additional 1.2 million acres.

“The MDC partnership with Ducks Unlimited is one of the strongest and most effective in the nation,” Mark Flaspohler, DU manager of conservation programs for Missouri, said. “Their commitment to the state grants program is just one manifestation of that partnership.”

The state grants program represents a unique international funding partnership that preserves critical waterfowl habitat in the Prairie Pothole Region of Canada, while working toward achieving the goals of the North American Waterfowl Management Plan. Contributions from the states are matched by DU Inc. and DU Canada, as well as the North American Wetlands Conservation Act.

“It is the committed support of partners like the Missouri Department of Conservation that makes waterfowl conservation and the North American Waterfowl Management Plan a success,” DU CEO Dale Hall, said.

DU Canada uses a combination of strategically targeted direct programs, agricultural extension and public policy efforts to advance its conservation goals. Direct habitat programs such as land acquisition and conservation easements help secure the remaining habitat base and provide restoration opportunities. Agricultural extension programs focus on adding nesting cover and/or improving wetland conditions, while the promotion of waterfowl-friendly agricultural practices provides positive economic benefits to producers.

“MDC’s investment in Canadian waterfowl habitat yields direct, tangible returns for Missourians,” said MDC Director Bob Ziehmer. “Leveraging our contribution and money from other states four-to-one lets us put $2 million into protecting critical nesting habitat that sends millions of ducks winging down the Mississippi Flyway to Missouri and beyond each fall.”

Waterfowl band recovery data has established a clear link between waterfowl produced and banded in Canada’s PPR and subsequently harvested in the Mississippi Flyway. Priority habitats in Manitoba stand out as a primary Canadian source of ducks harvested in Missouri.

“The conservation of this vital habitat will ensure Missouri hunters experience strong waterfowl flights from Manitoba for many years to come,” Tom Shryock, DU Missouri state chairman, said.

Ducks Unlimited is the world’s largest non-profit organization dedicated to conserving North America’s continually disappearing waterfowl habitats. Established in 1937, Ducks Unlimited has conserved more than 12 million acres thanks to contributions from more than a million supporters across the continent.

Guided by science and dedicated to program efficiency, DU works toward the vision of wetlands sufficient to fill the skies with waterfowl today, tomorrow and forever.

About:
Ducks Unlimited is the world’s largest non-profit organization dedicated to conserving North America’s continually disappearing waterfowl habitats. Established in 1937, Ducks Unlimited has conserved more than 12 million acres thanks to contributions from more than a million supporters across the continent. Guided by science and dedicated to program efficiency, DU works toward the vision of wetlands sufficient to fill the skies with waterfowl today, tomorrow and forever. Visit www.ducks.org

U.S. Sportsmen's Alliance

Columbus, OH --(Ammoland.com)- A constitutional amendment has been proposed in Missouri that would help prevent anti-hunting groups from attacking hunting, fishing and trapping at the ballot box.

Take Action! Missouri sportsmen are urged to contact their legislators and ask them to support House Joint Resolution 15.

Tell them the amendment will help protect conservation and science based wildlife management.

House Joint Resolution 15, introduced by Representative Don Ruzicka (R- Mt. Vernon), would require a two-thirds majority vote to pass any ballot issue dealing with the harvest of fish, wildlife, or forest resources. Currently, ballot initiatives in the state only require a simple majority of the vote to pass.

For the amendment to take effect it must first pass both chambers of the legislature and then be approved by voters.

Anti-hunting groups often turn to the ballot box when they are unable to sway lawmakers into passing anti-hunting, fishing, and trapping measures. These ballot campaigns often use emotional rhetoric instead of scientific facts and cost millions of dollars to defend against.

“This amendment would go a long way toward protecting Missouri sportsmen from anti-hunting attacks at the ballot box,” said Evan Heusinkveld, U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance director of state services. “Sportsmen should ask their legislators to help protect hunting and science based wildlife management in the state by supporting this amendment.”

To find your state legislators’ contact information, please visit www.ussportsmen.org/LAC.

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.

Open Carry Picnic Invitation

Missouri Sport Shooting Association

Hallsville, MO --(Ammoland.com)- The picnic this year is going to be one to remember.

We have a pistol contest set up that you can participate in. Good food will be provided by Cat’s Kitchen & Bakery which is very pro CCW. There will be a couple open ranges including a moving target range that we have not had at previous picnics that many will enjoy.

Then of course we will have the prizes to be given away at the end of the day. Drawing tickets are on sale now online and winners DO NOT have to be present. Drawing tickets will also be available at the picnic of course. The grand prize this year is a CMMG AR15 donated by Black Rifle LLC in Columbia Missouri.

The picnic starts Saturday morning at 10am and runs till 4pm but will start winding down around 3pm in order to get everyone off the range so we can call off the winners of the drawing. Many will be driving to the range in the morning from all over the state. Still others have already booked motel reservations nearby in Columbia, MO and will be meeting for the traditional dinner the night before. If you would like to join us for dinner on Friday night, the details are located on the FORUM HERE. Everyone is welcome!

The drawing tickets online will remain available until Thursday night at midnight. After that you will have to purchase them at the picnic.

Remember it’s free to come out and enjoy the day with us. You don’t have to be an MSSA member but you can sign up while your there if you want. See you this Saturday!

Picnic Location and Information

About:
The mission of the Missouri Sport Shooting Association is to protect and preserve the shooting sports at the state level. MSSA will promote and improve the shooting sports by sponsoring marksmanship training and competitions throughout the state of Missouri. MSSA will work for the rights of the gun owner, shooter, collector, hunter, archer, black powder enthusiast, and trapper. MSSA will support the free exchange of ideas, information and education related to gun ownership, shooting, hunting, firearms and related topics. Visit: www.missourisportshooting.org

Ruffed Grouse Society

Montgomery City, MO --(AmmoLand.com)- The Mid-Missouri Chapter of the Ruffed Grouse Society (RGS) will hold its 31st Annual Sportsmen’s Banquet on Saturday, March 20, 2010 at the, Montgomery County Fairgrounds, Montgomery City, MO beginning with a reception party at 4 p.m. Dinner will be served at 6:30 p.m.

As has been the custom at this event, the evening will feature a live and silent auction, games, drawings and door prizes; highlighted with the finest selection of quality firearms, artwork and collectable’s.

According to Jamie Barton, individual membership and dinner tickets are $55. There is also an optional family membership package for $40 which includes membership for each household member and a 1-year subscription for one RGS magazine. Dinner tickets for this package are $30 for each attendee. Banquet, Conservation and Sustaining sponsorship packages are also available at $275, $500 and $1,000 respectively.

As with all RGS fundraisers, proceeds from this event will be used to restore and protect grouse and woodcock habitat.

For more information and/or tickets contact Barton at 573-564-3715, ext 8.

Ruffed Grouse Society

Montgomery City, MO --(AmmoLand.com)- The Mid-Missouri Chapter of the Ruffed Grouse Society (RGS) will hold its 31st Annual Sportsmen’s Banquet on Saturday, March 20, 2010 at the, Montgomery County Fairgrounds, Montgomery City, MO beginning with a reception party at 4 p.m. Dinner will be served at 6:30 p.m.

As has been the custom at this event, the evening will feature a live and silent auction, games, drawings and door prizes; highlighted with the finest selection of quality firearms, artwork and collectable’s.

According to Jamie Barton, individual membership and dinner tickets are $55. There is also an optional family membership package for $40 which includes membership for each household member and a 1-year subscription for one RGS magazine. Dinner tickets for this package are $30 for each attendee. Banquet, Conservation and Sustaining sponsorship packages are also available at $275, $500 and $1,000 respectively.

As with all RGS fundraisers, proceeds from this event will be used to restore and protect grouse and woodcock habitat.

For more information and/or tickets contact Barton at 573-564-3715, ext 8.

About:
Established in 1961, the Ruffed Grouse Society (RGS) is the one international wildlife conservation organization dedicated to promoting conditions suitable for ruffed grouse, American woodcock and related wildlife to sustain our sport hunting tradition and outdoor heritage.

Information on the RGS, its mission, management projects and membership can be found on the web at: www.ruffedgrousesociety.org.

MissouriCarry.com

St. Louis, Missouri - -(AmmoLand.com)-  If you haven’t been on the MissouriCarry.com forums lately, you may not know that St. Louis is having a huge Second Amendment Rally on Feb 27th.

And a couple hours later that day there will be a major Tea Party gathering at the same location.

• Event Date: Feb. 27th
• Event Time: 10:00 AM
• Event Location: The St. Louis river front on the side walk north of the gateway arch.

We want to invite you to come join other concealed carry permit holders to this event. It is perfectly legal to be a CCW permit holder on National Park property and we expect many CCW permit holders will be there to join us!

This event and others like it every year give gun owners an opportunity to voice the importance of our Bill of Rights and to put our elected officials around the state on notice that we are watching them and how they vote on gun laws. 2010 will be a very important year for many elected officials in both parties and there are a number of them who will be showing up to speak at this event. Come out and meet them and hear what they have to say.

Speaking opportunities will only be available to invited guest of the event.

Those who have accepted an invitation are:

• MO State Rep. Cynthia Davis District 19 (R)
  www.cynthiadavis.net
• MO State Rep. Linda Fischer District 107(D)
  Linda’s MySpace Page
• MO State Rep. Brian Nieves District 98 (R)
  Brian’s Facebook Page
• MO State Rep. Mark Parkinson District 16 (R)
  www.markparkinson.com
• 3rd District Candidate John Wayne Tucker (R)
  www.johnwaynetucker.com
• Dr. Gina Loudon – Candidate for the Missouri Senate (R)
  www.loudonforsenate.com
• Dean Plocher Candidate for the Missouri Senate District 24 (R)
  www.plocherforsenate.com

We hope to see many of our MissouriCarry.com members there, as well as fellow members from the Missouri Sport Shooting Association and the Gateway Civil Liberties Alliance. Many of us will attending the 2nd Amendment Rally, then leave to have lunch before returning to attend the Tea Party event starting at 1:30 on the Arch Steps. We hope to see you all there!

All Pro Gun citizens are invited to come join us as we celebrate the 2nd Amendment to the Bill of Rights!

Special thanks to MissouriCarry.com member Marc Perez for coordinating what will be a wonderful event.

About:
MissouriCarry.com supports the right for all peaceable citizens to own firearms while also supporting the federal background check program that ensures only peaceable citizens are able to purchase them. Your race, sex, religion, political party, or sexual orientation are of no concern to us. Anyone that requires you to disarm is not your friend, and not our friend. Visit: MissouriCarry.com

U.S. Sportsmen's Alliance

Missouri --(AmmoLand.com)- A new legislative proposal in Missouri begins the process of amending the state constitution to make it more difficult for the animal rights groups to attack hunting, fishing, and trapping at the ballot box.

House Joint Resolution 76, introduced by Representative Mike Dethrow (R-Alton), would require a four-sevenths majority vote to pass any ballot issue dealing with hunting, fishing, or trapping to become state law.

Currently, these types of ballot measures only require a simple majority vote to pass. Both chambers of the legislature must pass the measure before the amendment is put before voters on November’s ballot.

The antis often go to the ballot box when they are unable to sway lawmakers into passing anti-hunting, fishing, and trapping measures. In their attempt to ban hunting, these ballot campaigns often aim to misinform voters by using emotional rhetoric instead of scientific facts. Nationally, many losses by sportsmen at the ballot would have been prevented if a four-sevenths majority or slightly over 57 percent were needed.

This amendment would go a long way toward protecting Missouri sportsmen from these types of attacks.

“Increasing the percentage of votes required to pass anti-hunting laws at the ballot box would make it much more difficult for the antis to take away our rights,” said Doug Jeanneret, vice president of marketing for the U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance (USSA). “Sportsmen need to let their legislators know that they overwhelmingly support this amendment.”

Take Action! Missouri sportsmen are urged to contact their legislators and ask them to support HJR 76. Tell them that passing this amendment is a necessary step toward protecting the outdoor traditions sportsmen have always enjoyed.

To find your state legislators’ phone number, use USSA’s Legislative Action Center.

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. For more information about the U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance and its work, call (614) 888-4868 or visit its website, www.ussportsmen.org.

Outdoorchannel TV

Temecula, Calif. –-(AmmoLand.com)- Outdoor Channel Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: OUTD), America’s leader in Outdoor TV, today announced that Comcast is bringing Outdoor Channel to more of its digital cable customers by making the service available on the company’s Digital Classic tier. This is in addition to Outdoor Channel’s carriage on the Sport Entertainment Package (SEP) tier.

This move has been made throughout multiple Comcast systems in the Twin Cities and Western Wisconsin, as well as in Manitowoc, WI and in the Independence, MO/Olathe, KS area. More customers can now enjoy a wide selection of Outdoor Channel’s popular hunting, fishing, shooting and adventure programming.

“We are excited to deepen our affiliation with Comcast’s Twin Cities Region and broaden our distribution across these four states in the key service areas of the Twin Cities, Independence, MO/Olathe, KS, and in Manitowoc, WI,” said Tom Hornish, COO at Outdoor Channel.

“These markets are home to many Comcast customers who are passionate outdoor enthusiasts,” added Randy Brown, Senior Vice President of Affiliate Sales & Marketing. “Now, they can easily enjoy our high quality, category-leading hunting, fishing, shooting, and other outdoor-related programming.”

“Outdoor Channel is great addition for our customers,” said Mary Beth Schubert, Vice President, Public Affairs for Comcast. “Our region has a strong affinity for the outdoors, and we are pleased to make Outdoor Channel’s top-notch content more widely available to viewers.”

Outdoor Channel takes viewers across the country and around the world, sharing unmatched thrills and experiences through the eyes of esteemed outdoor personalities. The service is available to Digital Classic and SEP tier customers on channel 270 in the St. Paul area, Independence and Manitowoc; Minneapolis area viewers can watch Outdoor Channel on channel 731.

About Outdoor Channel Holdings, Inc.
Outdoor Channel Holdings, Inc. owns and operates Outdoor Channel, America’s leader in outdoor TV, and Winnercomm Inc., an Emmy Award winning production and interactive company. Outdoor Channel offers programming that captures the excitement of hunting, fishing, shooting, off-road motorsports, adventure and the Western lifestyle and can be viewed on multiple platforms including high definition, video-on-demand, as well as on a dynamic broadband website. Winnercomm Inc. is one of America’s largest and highest quality producers of live sporting events and sports series for cable and broadcast television. Winnercomm also owns and operates the patented Skycam and CableCam aerial camera systems which provide dramatic overhead camera angles for major sports events, including college and NFL football. For more information please visit www.outdoorchannel.com.

About Comcast Corporation
Comcast Corporation (Nasdaq: CMCSA, CMCSK) (www.comcast.com) is the nation’s leading provider of entertainment, information and communications products and services. With 24.6 million cable customers, 14.4 million high-speed Internet customers, and 5.6 million Comcast Digital Voice customers, Comcast is principally involved in the development, management and operation of broadband cable systems and in the delivery of programming content.

Comcast’s content networks and investments include E! Entertainment Television, Style Network, The Golf Channel, VERSUS, G4, PBS KIDS Sprout, TV One, ten Comcast SportsNets networks and Comcast Interactive Media, which develops and operates Comcast’s Internet businesses, including Comcast.net (www.comcast.net). Comcast also has a majority ownership in Comcast-Spectacor, whose major holdings include the Philadelphia Flyers NHL hockey team, the Philadelphia 76ers NBA basketball team and two large multipurpose arenas in Philadelphia.

Secure Firearm Products

Carl Junction, Missouri --(AmmoLand.com)- Secure Firearm Products shooting team members Karl Piper, Warren Piper and Tiffany Piper dominated the Cowley Cup, held Sept. 19-20, 2009, at the Whangarei Pistol Club in New Zealand.

Karl Piper of New Zealand claimed High Master winner overall with a score of 1918 and 167X. His daughter, 15-year-old Tiffany Piper, earned Master Grade winner with a score of 1913 and 142X while Karl’s son Warren Piper took second place Master Grade with a score of 1896 and 142X.

Tiffany also become the 2009 New Zealand Open Ladies champion and junior Master Grade 1st place winner while her brother Warren finished 5th overall.

Tiffany and Warren joined the Secure Firearm Products shooting team in 2008 while Karl became a member this year.

Not only is family important to Dave Surgi and his brother, who operate family-owned business Secure Firearm Products, so is passing along their love of the shooting sports.

“It is all about sponsoring the juniors, because they are our future here in the United States and in other countries,” said Dave Surgi, president of Secure Firearms Products.

The Cowley Cup, which began in 1994, attracts between 30 and 50 shooters every year to the Whangarei Pistol Club in New Zealand. The Cup offers shoots for a different grade each year including NRA Matches, High Master, Master, Expert, Sharpshooter and Marksman, allowing every shooter who participates a chance to compete regardless of ability.

Review 2009 Cowley Cup results at this link:
www.sportsground.co.nz/files/Site/102/12/Pdf/090922183721EPFCZSOI.pdf

Secure Firearm Products Shooting Team members include:
Mark Itzstein, Ryan McQuilty, Karl Piper, Warren Piper, David Surgi, Paul Surgi and Sydney Surgi. Junior members are Tiffany Piper, Aaron Surgi, Louis Surgi and Theresa Surgi. The Secure Team is represented in the United States, New Zealand and Australia. The team competes in the following shooting disciplines: NRA Action Pistol, ICORE, USPSA, IPSC and Steel Challenge.

About Secure Firearm Products
Secure Firearm Products is a family owned and operated business. The Surgi family has been in the manufacturing business for over 60 years, and has developed and manufactured a high quality line of products for shooting sports enthusiasts and professionals since 2001. Their product line includes high security firearms cases, wall vaults and shooting target systems.

For more information about Secure Firearms Products visit www.securefirearmproducts.com

National Rifle Association

COLUMBIA, MO --(AmmoLand.com)- First Fidelity Reserve (FFR) has announced they will expand their NRA sponsorship by becoming a major sponsor of the NRA National Action Pistol Championship, also known as the NRA Bianchi Cup, set to take place in Columbia, Missouri, from May 26-29, 2010. FFR was also the sponsor of the 2009 NRA National Pistol Championships at Camp Perry.

First Fidelity Reserve will sponsor the Practical Event of the NRA Bianchi Cup and plans to provide $15,000 in cash and prizes.

FFR’s CEO Jason Whitney, who will be attending the Championship, said, “Out of all the areas within the NRA (legislative, sporting, fundraising) that we support both locally and nationally, the shooting competitions are by far the most exciting and fun. And, as always, we’re proud that the NRA asked us to be a part of Bianchi Cup!”

Since its inception in 1979, the NRA Bianchi Cup has retained its original course of fire, consisting of four events: Practical, Barricade, Moving Target and Falling Plates. Speed and accuracy are the key to winning the Championship. Each event is timed and worth 480 points, equaling a total of 1920 possible points. Action pistol competitors are permitted to use a two-handed grip, and competitors must start with their guns holstered. This dynamic type of competition makes the match more appealing to spectators.

First Fidelity Reserve is a leading provider of Bullion and Rare Coins to tens of thousands of collectors and numismatic professionals. The Beaumont, Texas, based investment company is known internationally for their knowledge of investing in collectable coins and serves as the Market Maker in certified United States coins, such as Type II and Type III Liberty Double Eagles and the renowned Indian Head and $3.00 Princess designs of early 1900, as well as key date numismatic treasure in the gold, platinum and silver American Eagle family of coins. FFR also provides a variety of informative publications, newsletters, and other educational material on coin collecting.

“The NRA Competitive Shooting Division is pleased to welcome First Fidelity Reserve as a sponsor of the 2010 NRA Bianchi Cup,” said Mike Krei, Director of NRA’s Competitive Shooting Division. “We are excited to have FFR sponsor another NRA Competitive Shooting championship and appreciate their dedication to our championships, competitive shooting sports and generous support to the 2010 NRA Bianchi Cup.”

For more information on the 2010 NRA Bianchi Cup, or the NRA Action Shooting Program, contact Tom Hughes at 703-267-1451, or by email, BianchiCup@nrahq.org. For more information on NRA Competitive Shooting Sponsorships, please visit www.nrasportsponsors.com or contact Woody Arenas in the NRA Competitive Shooting Division at 703-267-1469 or by email, warenas@nrahq.org. To learn more about First Fidelity Reserve, visit www.firstfidelityreserve.com.

Second Amendment Foundation

St. Louis, Missouri - -(AmmoLand.com)- Just a reminder, the 24th Annual Gun Rights Policy Conference will take place at the Renaissance St. Louis Airport Hotel on September 25, 26 and 27, 2009. As always, there is no cost to attend, the meal functions are free as are the materials distributed.

Friday evening, September 25th, registration will open promptly at 7:00 p.m. There will be a reception with a no-host bar sponsored by Citizens Committee for the Right to Keep and Bear Arms and National Rifle Association until 10:00 p.m. It will be held in the Renaissance Ballroom on the 12th floor of the hotel.

Saturday, September 26th, we will be in the Concourse Ballroom on the first floor of the hotel. Registration starts at 7:45 a.m. and the morning session starts promptly at 8:15 a.m. with a box luncheon. The afternoon session will end at 6:00 p.m. There will be a reception with a no-host bar sponsored by Second Amendment Foundation and National Shooting Sports Foundation from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. in the Renaissance Ballroom.

Sunday, September 27th, registration will open at 8:15 with the opening panel at 8:50 a.m. in the Concourse Ballroom. The conference will conclude at 1:00 p.m.

About:
The Second Amendment Foundation (www.saf.org) is the nations oldest and largest tax-exempt education, research, publishing and legal action group focusing on the Constitutional right and heritage to privately own and possess firearms. Founded in 1974, The Foundation has grown to more than 650,000 members and supporters and conducts many programs designed to better inform the public about the consequences of gun control. SAF has previously funded successful firearms-related suits against the cities of Los Angeles; New Haven, CT; and San Francisco on behalf of American gun owners, a lawsuit against the cities suing gun makers and an amicus brief and fund for the Emerson case holding the Second Amendment as an individual right.

Missouri Carry Firearms Raffle

MissouriCarry.com

Jefferson City, Mo --(AmmoLand.com)- There is just a few short weeks left until the 5th Annual Missouri Carry picnic gets underway in Jefferson City. If you are not going to be able to make it…PLEASE do yourself a favor and buy your raffle tickets online today.

Please note that you do not have to be present to win. We will ship your prize to you or your nearest FFL dealer for free pickup!

We have an unbelievable amount of new donated firearms and prizes this year. YOU DO NOT WANT TO MISS OUT! Never before have we had so many sponsors for our picnic.

Take a look at the prizes below and be sure to log on RIGHT NOW and get your tickets. Every year some of the winners are folks who have purchased tickets online because they couldn’t make the trip for various reasons.

The money all goes to a good cause including Missouri NRA YHEC and Second Amendment organizations in our state.

Thanks to all who have participated. We will announce winners the night of the picnic on the website forum. Good luck!

Click Here for Raffle Tickets

About:
MissouriCarry.com supports the right for all peaceable citizens to own firearms while also supporting the federal background check program that ensures only peaceable citizens are able to purchase them. Your race, sex, religion, political party, or sexual orientation are of no concern to us. Anyone that requires you to disarm is not your friend, and not our friend.

National Rifle Association

COLUMBIA, MO - -(AmmoLand.com)- The 2009 NRA Bianchi Cup will mark the 30th anniversary of the shooting event. New additions including a Production Division and Pro-Am shooting event are being introduced in celebration of the competition’s 30th anniversary.

Also known as the National Action Pistol Championship, the NRA Bianchi Cup will be held at the Green Valley Rifle and Pistol Club in Columbia, Missouri May 18-23. The world’s top action pistol shooters will compete in the event, which has drawn record support from 45 sponsors with over $200,000 in cash and prizes. Industry executives from sponsors such as Midway USA, Sig Sauer, Safariland and Bianchi International will be in attendance.

To commemorate the event’s 30th anniversary, the NRA Bianchi Cup will go back to its roots by introducing the Production Division. The first Bianchi Cup held in 1979 was conducted using production firearms. To pay tribute to the Bianchi Cup founders, the new Production Division was unveiled this year, with the first Production Champion being crowned at this year’s event. An enhanced set of prizes and awards for the Production Division will draw more participants and a renewed use of production firearms in action pistol competitions.

A Pro-Am event held on Saturday, May 23, marks another new addition for the 30th anniversary of the NRA Bianchi Cup. Celebrity shooters including country music stars Mark Wills and Michael Peterson will compete in the new Pro-Am event along with notable Missouri celebrity competitors.

“With the addition of the Production Division and the Pro-Am, the NRA Bianchi Cup just keeps getting better,” said Mike Krei, Director of NRA’s Competitive Shooting Division.

For more information on the NRA Bianchi Cup or NRA’s Action Pistol Program, call NRA Action Pistol Coordinator Tom Hughes at (703) 267-1478 or send an email to bianchicup@nrahq.org.

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

Professional Outdoor Media Association

Missouri – -(AmmoLand.com)- The Busch Family Mansion at St. Louis was announced as the site of the Professional Outdoor Media Association’s (POMA) 2009 Business Conference Kickoff Event, July 29, 2009. Attendees will enjoy an evening lawn party at the mansion and touring the spectacular private home. POMA’s conference is schedule for July 29 – August 1, 2009 (www.professionaloutdoormedia.org).

“POMA thanks Adolphus Busch IV for allowing POMA to kick off our conference at his family’s home,” said Chris Chaffin, POMA president. “Touring the home and learning more about the Great Rivers Habitat Alliance (www.grha.net), which Mr. Busch chairs, will certainly be conference highlights.”

“There is no doubt that POMA’s business conference is more important than ever for folks looking to spend wisely,” added Pete Brownell, president of Brownells. “Any time you can connect with several hundred industry professional in one location, you’ve got to do it. Add in the chance to tour the Busch mansion and it’s really a no-brainer.”

The private ancestral home of the Busch family is part of the 281-acre Grant’s Farm (www.grantsfarm.com), which takes its name from the 18th President of the United States, Ulysses S. Grant. Today, Grant’s Farm, operated by Anheuser-Busch, Inc., is open to the public and is home to more than 1,000 animals representing more than 100 different species from six continents.

Grant’s Farm has been a St. Louis tradition for over five decades and is preserved as a living symbol of the Busch family’s love for animals and Anheuser-Busch’s commitment to wildlife conservation and preservation. Admission is free and reservations are not required.

“During these tough economic times, conference attendees can make the most of their travel and public relations dollars,” said POMA Executive Director, Laurie Lee Dovey. “In addition to visiting the Busch Mansion, POMA Business Conference attendees have access to a wide range of hard-hitting, business-building seminars, a firearms testing event, equipment showcase and tackle testing event, and opportunities to network with hundreds of outdoor journalists, industry representatives and peers. That’s a lot of bang for the buck.”

The honorees of POMA’s 2nd Annual Pinnacle Awards, presented by Mossy Oak will also be announced at the event. The Pinnacle Awards honor excellence in communications that are focused on the traditional outdoor sports and wildlife conservation.

All outdoor journalists and industry professionals are invited to attend the conference. Visit www.professionaloutdoormedia.org for complete details and to register. The host facility is the Marriott St. Louis West.

Ducks Unlimited

ST. Louis, Mo – -(AmmoLand.com)- Ducks Unlimited and partners recently received a North American Wetlands Conservation Act grant to support wetland restoration projects on Clarence Cannon National Wildlife Refuge, B.K. Leach Conservation Area, and private lands in the Missouri confluence. DU and partners provided over $3.4 million to match the nearly $1 million grant.

“This project protects 1,550 acres via a donated conservation easement, restores 487 acres, and enhances 2,617 acres of diverse wetlands and associated habitats,” DU Manager of Conservation Programs for Missouri, Craig Hilburn said. “The lands included in this project are representative of areas deemed critical for wetland protection, restoration and enhancement by the Upper Mississippi River & Great Lakes Joint Venture and other regional natural resource plans,” Hilburn said.

Wetland managers at Clarence Cannon NWR and B.K. Leach CA plan to reclaim natural floodplain meanders to enhance water management which ultimately enhances wetland habitats. Improvements will require removing several small levees to reconnect the natural hydrologic flow, as well as adding pumps and updating water control structures. These efforts enrich habitat for wintering and migrating waterfowl, and allow refuge staff to better manage habitats for the imperiled King Rail and other at risk species.

“Our conservation partnerships are a critical component of every project DU undertakes,” Hilburn said. “In the case of this grant, the primary source of our match comes from Wetlands America Trust through the value of a conservation easement donated by Adolphus Busch on the 1,550-acre Belleau Farms.”

The value of donated conservation easements in the Missouri Confluence is a major contributor of match dollars used in securing NAWCA grants. These grants are then used to renovate aging infrastructure on historic public wetland areas throughout Missouri.

“We are very pleased Ducks Unlimited is focusing its efforts on such a remarkably unique area of habitat. Along with the conservation work we’ve undertaken through Great Rivers Habitat Alliance, I felt it was important to preserve the land that has been a special place for my family for many years. By placing a conservation easement on Belleau Farm through Ducks Unlimited, we are helping to break the cycle of Confluence Flood Plain development and ensuring this will be a special place for years to come,” Busch said.

Partners on the current project include Missouri Department of Conservation, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, St. Louis Audubon Society, and Wetlands America Trust.

“We are proud to participate in this effort to improve habitats in the historic Confluence Region of Missouri,” interim Refuge Manager for Great River and Clarence Cannon NWR’s Candy Chambers said.

“The improvements on B.K. Leach CA will not only provide important habitat for many species of wetland wildlife, but will also increase public hunting and other outdoor recreation opportunities,” MDC Wildlife Division Chief DeeCee Darrow said.

In Washington, D.C., Ducks Unlimited’s governmental affairs staff works with Congress to garner support for annual funding of NAWCA.

NAWCA has helped fund more than 1,800 wetland projects on 24 million acres in all 50 states, every Canadian province, and in Mexico. In Missouri alone, NAWCA projects have conserved nearly 84,000 acres of wildlife habitat. Thousands of partners, including private landowners, corporations and state governments have worked together to conserve wildlife habitat through funding provided via the grant program.

About:
With more than a million supporters, Ducks Unlimited is the world’s largest and most effective wetland and waterfowl conservation organization; Ducks Unlimited has conserved more than 12 million acres across North America. The United States alone has lost more than half of its original wetlands ? among nature’s most productive ecosystems ? and continues to lose more than 80,000 wetland acres each year.

FORT WORTH, Texas - -(AmmoLand.com)- Rick and Penney Oncken of Missoula, Montana, have received the highest honor given by the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation.

The Wallace Fennell Pate Wildlife Conservation Award honors contributions of lasting significance to the benefit of elk, other wildlife and their habitat across North America. The award was presented to the Onckens during the Elk Foundation’s 25th annual convention, which concluded March 8 in Fort Worth, Texas.

The Onckens have been avid supporters of Elk Foundation initiatives for more than 20 years. Their service includes generous cash contributions, donated conservation easements on owned and co-owned lands in Montana and Arkansas, and leadership on the organization’s board of directors.

Presenting the award to a surprised Rick and Penney, RMEF colleague Cheryl Haralson described the Oncken’s conservation spirit.

“One day Penney drove down to the store from their home near Missoula. When she came back, there was a road cut into the side of a hill above the Bitterroot River. The day before she’d watched a herd of elk right where that road now lay. It broke her heart, but not her will. She bought that 500 acres of elk heaven, put a conservation easement on it so it could never be developed, and donated the easement to the Elk Foundation,” said Haralson.

She added, “That’s how it is with Rick and Penney-both are truly dedicated to the future of elk country.”

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

About the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation:
Snowy peaks, dark timber basins and grassy meadows. RMEF is leading an elk country initiative that has conserved or enhanced habitat on over 5.7 million acres-a land area equivalent to a swath three miles wide and stretching along the entire Continental Divide from Canada to Mexico. RMEF also works to open, secure and improve public access for hunting, fishing and other recreation. Get involved at www.rmef.org or 800-CALL ELK.

Ruffed Grouse Society

Montgomery City, MO - -(AmmoLand.com)- The Mid-Missouri Chapter of the Ruffed Grouse Society (RGS) will hold its 30th Annual Sportsmen’s Banquet on Saturday, March 21, 2009 at the, Montgomery County Fairgrounds, Montgomery City, MO beginning with a reception party at 4 p.m. Dinner will be served at 6:30 p.m.

As has been the practice at this event, the banquet will feature a live and silent auction, games, drawings and door prizes; highlighted with the finest selection of quality firearms, artwork and collectable’s.

According to Tom Westhoff, membership and dinner tickets are $55, Spouse dinner ticket $35, Youth membership and dinner ticket $35. Banquet, Conservation and Sustaining sponsorship packages are also available at $275, $500 and $1,000 respectively.

And, continuing in the spirit of the outdoors, youngsters under the age of 16 who recently took and passed a hunter education course and/or women who have participated in a recent Outdoors Women program, and can verify same, will receive a complimentary dinner ticket when accompanied by a paying adult.

As with all RGS fundraisers, proceeds from this event will be used to restore and protect grouse and woodcock habitat.

For more information and/or tickets contact Westhoff at 573-929-3632, or by e-mail at westhoff@windstream.net

About:
The Ruffed Grouse Society’s (RGS) membership consists mainly of grouse and woodcock hunters who support national scientific conservation and management efforts to ensure the future of the species. Our organization headquartered in Coraopolis, PA, employs a team of wildlife biologists to work with private, and government, including local, state and federal, landowners who are interested in improving their land for ruffed grouse, American woodcock and the other songbirds and wildlife that have similar requirements. We do this with individualized attention, with specific programs to help landowners, and by working with local, state and federal governments to develop land management assistance programs.

Bass Pro Shops

Springfield, Missouri --(OutdoorWire.com)- The National Wild Turkey Federation’s flying turkey logo will appear on the Earnhardt Ganassi Racing, Bass Pro Shops sponsored #1 race car, driven by current Nextel and 2-time Busch Series Champion Martin Truex Jr.

Truex, who recently won the pole position and finished 11th in the Daytona 500, will be trying to win the NASCAR Sprint Showdown and earn his way into the NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race both on May 16th at Lowe’s Motor Speedway in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Bass Pro Shops salute to the NWTF is a part of the Conservation Fund’s “Racing for America’s Wildlife” program. The program is designed to engage the NASCAR community in conserving America’s hunting and fishing heritage through habitat protection, restoration, education, and outreach.

“We are very proud to partner with the NWTF and their work in conservation, helping special needs hunters, getting women involved in the outdoors, and youth education,” said Bass Pro Shops founder Johnny Morris. “This is our way of thanking the NWTF and their thousands of grassroots volunteers, who are also NASCAR fans, for all they do.”

The NWTF is an over 500,000 member conservation organization with chapters across the United States, Canada and 10 other foreign countries. The Federation has worked with its volunteers, partners and wildlife agencies to restore wild turkey populations to 49 states and in parts of Canada.

Bass Pro Shops is a dedicated supporter of NWTF’s Women in the Outdoors, JAKES, and Wheelin’ Sportsmen outreach programs.

“Bass Pro Shops has been a great partner to the NWTF,” stated George C. Thornton, NWTF CEO. “We are very excited about the opportunity Bass Pro Shops and Johnny Morris has given us to have the NWTF logo in front of millions of race fans across the country.”

In 2006, Johnny Morris was awarded the NWTF Lynn Boykin Hunting Heritage Award for his dedication to conservation, as well as securing the future of hunting for others. Bass Pro Shops was honored by the NWTF with the 2005 Corporate Achievement Award for their dedication to conservation and the NWTF.

About Bass Pro Shops
Headquartered in Springfield, Missouri, Bass Pro Shops, also an international catalog and internet retailer, currently has 54 retail locations in 26 states and Canada visited by over 100 million people per year. In addition, Bass Pro Shops, also provides products and services for thousands of independent dealers world wide through its subsidiary company, American Rod & Gun. Bass Pro Shops gift cards can be purchased at over 132,000 retail outlets across America. For more information regarding Bass Pro Shops store locations, products or special events, please visit www.basspro.com. To request a free catalog call 1-800-BASS PRO.