National Rifle Association

FAIRFAX, Va. --(Ammoland.com)- The 2011 “Firearms Law & The Second Amendment Symposium,” sponsored by The NRA Foundation, will be held on Saturday, October 15, 2011, at the University of San Diego Law School.

Focusing on recent developments in our nation’s courts regarding the Second Amendment, speakers will discuss and debate current Second Amendment scholarship and related issues.

The symposium will feature top Second Amendment scholars and attorneys discussing topics that range from the history of the Second Amendment to current Second Amendment litigation in California and across the nation, to the nuts and bolts of legal practice in defending gun owners’ civil rights.

This event promises to present a thought-provoking discussion of our fundamental, individual Right to Keep and Bear Arms. Each Symposium registrant will receive important information including panelists’ written materials on their respective subjects- an excellent source for future reference. For guests who are attorneys, this year’s event may once again meet state requirements for continuing legal education.

The event, including all materials, food and beverages, is free.

The Symposium will be held:

Saturday, October 15, 2011
University of San Diego Law School
Hahn University Center
Forums A-B
5998 Alcala Park
San Diego, CA 92110
9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
(Registration and continental breakfast from 8:30 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.)

To register, please visit http://www.nraila.org/workshops/Symposium.aspx?ID=sandiego2011, or call the NRA-ILA Grassroots Division at (800) 392-8683

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

NRAFoundation.org

FAIRFAX, Va. --(Ammoland.com)- The NRA Foundation awarded a total of $21,000 to attendees from the 2010 Youth Education Summit through this year’s Y.E.S. Grand Scholarship.

Scholarships are paid directly to the accredited college or technical school of the student’s choice.

The Y.E.S. Grand Scholarship is only available to students who attend the national Y.E.S., a seven-day, expense paid educational experience in Washington, D.C. for rising high school juniors and seniors.

After the summit, students have nine months to work on a Grand Scholarship application, where they develop a portfolio that communicates the student’s introduction of NRA programs into their community as well as the impact those programs made.

Among this year’s entries, many students gave presentations on their Y.E.S. experiences to local youth clubs and schools, volunteered at Friends of NRA banquets and established Eddie Eagle GunSafe® programs in their communities.

The following students were selected from the dozens of portfolios submitted by attendees of last year’s Youth Education Summit:

• $5,000 – Breanna Lincoski, Daisytown, Pennsylvania
• $5,000 – Philip Wegmann, Woodburn, Indiana
• $2,500 – Russell Babb, Highland, Utah
• $2,500 – Luke Macfarlan, Siloam Springs, Arkansas
• $1,250 – Catherine Cox, Southern Pines, North Carolina
• $1,250 – Samantha Salazar, West Seneca, New York
• $1,250 – Tori Schlotzhauer, New Franklin, Missouri
• $750 – Alyssa Campbell, Huber Heights, Ohio
• $750 – Elizabeth Gonzalez, Chesterton, Indiana
• $750 – Nathan Switzer, Newport News, Virginia

Funding for Y.E.S. and the Grand Scholarship is provided by The NRA Foundation. For more information, visit www.friendsofnra.org/yes or contact Senior Event Services Coordinator Nicole McMahon at (800) 672-3888 ext. 1342, or by email at nmcmahon@nrahq.org.

Established in 1990, The NRA Foundation, Inc. is a 501(c) (3) tax-exempt organization that raises tax-deductible contributions in support of a wide range of firearm-related public interest activities of the National Rifle Association of America and other organizations that defend and foster the Second Amendment rights of all law-abiding Americans. These activities are designed to promote firearms and hunting safety, to enhance marksmanship skills of those participating in the shooting sports, and to educate the general public about firearms in their historic, technological and artistic context.

More information about The NRA Foundation can be found online at www.nrafoundation.org or by calling 800-672-4521.

Colt Model 1911 - Master Engraved Anniversary Edition

NRAFoundation.org

FAIRFAX, VA --(Ammoland.com)- The NRA Foundation proudly announces the donation of a unique Anniversary Model 1911 pistol from Colt’s Manufacturing Company. Celebrating 100 years of the 1911, the commemorative pistol is currently up for auction on GunBroker.com.

After being formally adopted by the Army in the year 1911, the pistol gained its designation as the Colt Model 1911 and was adopted by both the Navy and Marine Corps in 1913. During a century of service, the 1911 served as a staple of the United States military and as an iconic symbol for it. Among those who used it, the 1911 won a reputation for unmatched ruggedness, reliability and effectiveness.

The pistol, based on the model O1918, features over 300 hours of hand engraving by Colt master engravers in classic American style scroll. Authentic ivory grips display images of Sam Colt and a WWI Doughboy holding a Model 1911. High relief 24 karat gold inlays feature the text “100 years of Faithful Service” and the Colt Dome on the top of the slide and a profile of John Browning with the serial number “1911COLT001” on the right side. The left side includes the text “1911 2011” with the Rampant Colt inlaid in the center.

This one-of-a-kind firearm is being auctioned on GunBroker.com with a hand-made walnut museum-style display case donated by Brookfield Case of Coopersville, Michigan to support the unending battle for protection of Americans’ right to bear arms. The auction will end during The National NRA Foundation Banquet at the 2011 NRA Annual Meetings in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

To commemorate this rare opportunity, the 100th Anniversary Colt Model 1911-Master Engraved Edition winning bidder will receive Colt’s hand-drawn sketches, signed by each of the engravers, in a custom frame with NRA coin and lapel pin. In addition to this unique firearm auction, the future 1911COLT001 owner will also have the opportunity to tour Colt’s Manufacturing Facility in Connecticut with a Colt Executive.

Lieutenant General William M. Keys, USMC (ret.), President and Chief Executive Officer of Colt’s Manufacturing Company, stated, “In 1911, we teamed up with John Browning and commissioned him to design a pistol chambered in .45 Automatic Colt Pistol to win the Army’s new pistol competition. Now, 100 years later, it’s our rare privilege, as the original maker of the Model 1911 pistol, to team up with The NRA Foundation to furnish this Anniversary Model for sale to the highest bidder.”

“Colt’s generous donation will assist The NRA Foundation in securing the future of NRA’s programs for the American public to experience,” said John DaSilva, National Manager, Events and Marketing of NRA Field Operations. “The support from our industry partners is vital in our successful mission and grassroots efforts to service the needs of NRA’s programs.”

To purchase tickets for the 2011 National NRA Foundation Banquet, visit www.nraam.org or call 703-267-1417. Live bidding is currently underway at www.gunbroker.com and concludes on the night of the event on 4/28 at 9:00 PM EST.

The NRA Foundation is the country’s leading charitable organization in support of the shooting sports, awarding more than $140 million in grants since its inception in 1990. Through its efforts, the Foundation provides essential funding for programs such as youth education, law enforcement training, conservation, and marksmanship training.

NRAFoundation.org

Fairfax, Va. --(Ammoland.com)- The George Montgomery Foundation of the Arts has recently made a generous donation to the NRA Youth Wildlife Art Contest, now known as the George Montgomery/NRA Youth Wildlife Art Contest.

Through the endowment, the two organizations hope to further promote youth artwork and appreciation of nature’s beauty.

Now entering its 23rd year, the contest began in 1987 through the efforts of John Robbins, Managing Editor of Hunting Communications and former NRA InSights Editor Brenda Dalassandro. With the aid of the recent donation, marketing and outreach efforts can now be increased to foster relationships with art teachers across the country. The opportunity to engage aspiring young artists will introduce them to the NRA’s youth programs for the very first time.

The donation is also comprised of other assets which include an extensive bronze collection by George Montgomery himself. The George Montgomery bronze, a self portrait of the artist, will be named the George Montgomery/NRA Youth Wildlife Art Contest Best in Show Trophy. This representation trophy will be awarded to the top entry throughout all categories.

George Montgomery was an American actor and artist who emanated ruggedness in over 80 films and televisions series throughout the 20th century. Known best for his roles in westerns, Montgomery grew up the youngest of fifteen on a farm where he gained skills, such as handling horses, which contributed to his acting career. Montgomery drew from his childhood and acting roles in his art, creating many fine sculptures depicting fellow actors and scenes from the American Old West.

“The donation from the George Montgomery Foundation of the Arts will allow us to reach more young people than ever before,” said General Operations Executive Director Kayne Robinson.

“The foundation’s generosity will ensure the continued appreciation for wildlife and the outdoors.”

The contest is open to students in grades one through 12. Entries may portray any North American game bird or animal that may be legally hunted or trapped. Artwork will be judged on effort, creativity, anatomical accuracy and composition.

The deadline to enter the contest is November 1. For more information and to view winning artwork from last year, visit www.nrahq.org/youth/wildlife.asp.

NRAFoundation.org

FAIRFAX, VA.--(AmmoLand.com)- Leupold & Stevens, Inc., America’s Optics Authority, has shown its support for the Second Amendment and The NRA Foundation by becoming the Official Event Sponsor of the 2010 NRA Foundation Annual Meeting Auctions, held May 13-14, at the Charlotte Convention Center in Charlotte, North Carolina.

At this year’s meetings, the 2010 National NRA Foundation Banquet and the 2010 Sportsmen’s Auction will feature hundreds of amazing products from companies all over the world. Attendees won’t want to miss the opportunity to bid on exclusive firearms, outdoor gear and hunts. Over $215,000 was raised for the shooting sports in last year’s auctions and The NRA Foundation is expecting to surpass that mark this year.

The 2010 NRA Annual Meetings cover 300,000 square feet of exhibit space and feature more than 450 of the most spectacular product displays from every major firearm company in the country, plus knives, wildlife art, shooting accessories, hunting gear and much more. Attendees can book the hunt of a lifetime in the NRA’s exclusive hunting outfitter section or see priceless collections of firearms in the gun collector area.

The meetings also provide opportunities to attend spectacular events featuring nationally-known speakers such as former vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin, Lt. Col. Oliver North, actor Chuck Norris, former House Speaker Newt Gingrich and radio and television host Sean Hannity, as well as a concert by Charlie Daniels, and much more!

In 2009, more than 64,000 people attended the NRA Annual Meetings in Phoenix, Arizona. For more information about the 2010 NRA Annual Meetings and Exhibits sponsored by MidwayUSA, call 877-672-7632 or visit www.nraam.org.

Founded in 1871, the NRA is America’s foremost defender of Second Amendment rights and the world’s leader in firearms education and training. NRA’s successes would not be possible without the determined efforts and countless hours of service our four million members and industry leaders that have supported Second Amendment rights and NRA programs.

For more information about Leupold, please visit www.leupold.com.

NRAFoundation.org

FAIRFAX, VA –-(AmmoLand.com)- The NRA Foundation has awarded a total of $20,000 through the 2010 Youth Education Summit (Y.E.S.) Grand Scholarship contest, whose pool of applicants came from 2009 summit attendees.

The scholarships are paid directly to the accredited college or technical school of the student’s choice.

Scholarships awarded include:

• $6,000 – Alyssa Ferrin, Phoenix, Arizona
• $5,000 – Ben French, Paradise, Montana
• $3,000 – Holly Stewart, Nashville, Tennessee
• $3,000 – Alexis Zobel, Shelbyville, Indiana
• $1,500 – Stacy Schlotzhauer, New Franklin, Missouri
• $500 – Korbin Kiblinger, Redmond, Oregon
• $500 – Justice Locatelli, Corralitos, California
• $500 – Lisa-Marie Rieckhoff, West Allis, Wisconsin
• Honorable Mention – Mackenzie DeRuyter, Valleyford, Washington
• Honorable Mention – Colin Wait, Durango, Colorado

To apply, students must first attend the national Youth Education Summit. After attending, students have eight months to work on a Grand Scholarship application where they develop a portfolio that communicates their experience at Y.E.S. and how it has contributed to their personal growth and introduce an NRA program to their community. Many students talked with local media, volunteered at Friends of NRA events, and started Eddie Eagle GunSafe® programs in their communities. Applications were judged on quality, diversification, and quantity. All of the entries showed impressive characteristics of each individual.

This program is funded through state grants from The NRA Foundation. Much of the money is raised through Friends of NRA, a grassroots-fundraising program utilizing banquets and auctions as a primary means to fundraise.

The Youth Education Summit is a seven-day, expense paid educational experience in Washington, D.C. for rising high school juniors and seniors. While in the nation’s capital, students learn the significance of the U.S. Constitution and the Bill of Rights while developing an understanding of federal government and the importance of active participation. The National Rifle Association started Y.E.S. in an effort to encourage America’s youth to become active and knowledgeable citizens. The 2010 program takes place on July 12 – 18. For more information, visit www.friendsofnra.org/yes or contact Senior Event Services Coordinator Nicole McMahon at (800) 672-3888 ext. 1342, or by email at nmcmahon@nrahq.org.

Friends of NRA is a grassroots fundraising program designed to generate support for NRA educational programs. Working with NRA field representatives, volunteers organize banquets in their communities, complete with auctions, raffles and door prizes. Since 1993, more than 15,000 Friends of NRA events have been held across the country, raising over $140 million. Half the proceeds are used to support local and state shooting sports programs and the other half is awarded to qualifying national programs. More information about Friends of NRA can be found online at www.friendsofnra.org or by calling (800) 672-3888 ext. 1354.

Established in 1990, The NRA Foundation, Inc. is a 501(c) (3) tax-exempt organization that raises tax-deductible contributions in support of a wide range of firearm-related public interest activities of the National Rifle Association and other organizations that defend and foster the Second Amendment rights of all law-abiding Americans. These activities are designed to promote firearms and hunting safety, to enhance marksmanship skills of those participating in the shooting sports, and to educate the general public about firearms in their historic, technological and artistic context.

More information about The NRA Foundation can be found online at www.nrafoundation.org or by calling 800-672-4521.

NRAFoundation.org

FAIRFAX, Va. --(AmmoLand.com)- MidwayUSA and its CEO, Larry Potterfield, have pledged $50,000 to become a Friends of NRA 2010 National Corporate Sponsor.

The donation will be used to provide funding for NRA Foundation programs dedicated to youth and women’s shooting sports, range development and law enforcement such as the Eddie Eagle GunSafe program, Refuse to be a Victim and Women on Target.

MidwayUSA is a world leader in shooting and reloading supplies which it sells online and through mail-order catalogues. Founded in 1977 and headquartered in Columbia, Missouri, they have maintained their strong commitment to Friends of NRA and the shooting sports over the years. Brenda Potterfield, co-owner and wife of Larry, has previously served as the Vice President of the NRA Foundation’s Board of Trustees.

Friends of NRA is a grassroots fund-raising program that fosters community involvement, raises money, and gives 100% of the net proceeds to qualified local, state, and national programs. Working with the NRA’s field staff, thousands of volunteers nationwide participate in the program by organizing committees and planning events in their communities.

Larry Potterfield was instrumental in the startup of Friends of NRA with the founding of the first chapter in Columbia, Missouri, in 1992. Since then, Friends of NRA has expanded to hold over 12,000 events. The original chapter still holds its monthly meetings at the MidwayUSA building.

“Since the beginning of the program, the shooting and hunting industry has been a key source of financial support in achieving fundraising goals,” said John da Silva, National Manager of Events & Marketing for Friends of NRA. “Both Larry and Brenda Potterfield, along with their business, MidwayUSA, understood the significance of our mission and have generously contributed financial support at the local and national level for the Friends of NRA program.

“This new corporate sponsorship commitment has established a standard [for the program]. We are very grateful for this $50,000 annual contribution and look forward to Midway and other corporations financial support of the Friends of NRA program and The NRA Foundation,” said da Silva.

“Everyone knows that Friends of NRA has been a tremendous financial success for NRA and the shooting sports programs in the states,” said Potterfield. “But often overlooked is the grassroots networking value it brings to NRA members and the NRA organization. At every event you get to see and talk with ‘Friends of NRA’.”

In addition to helping establish Friends of NRA, MidwayUSA has asked customers to round up the total of each order and donate the change to the NRA/ILA since 1992. The Potterfields have also created several educational endowments in the NRA.

Visit the Friends of NRA website at www.friendsofnra.org. For more information contact Event Services Manager Jeremy Greene at (703) 267-1354 or jgreene@nrahq.org.

Visit the MidwayUSA website at www.midwayusa.com. For more information you can contact customerservice@midwayusa.com or call 1-800-243-3220.

The NRA Blog

NRAblog.com

Fairfax, Virginia -(AmmoLand.com)- AmmoLand.com’s featured Gun Blog of the Month, for December 2009, is the The NRA Blog at www.nrablog.com .

The NRABlog is the official blog for the National Rifle Association and is a joint effort by all the different branches of the NRA organization and is a great source for for an intimate look inside the events and programs of the NRA.

As diverse as the NRA membership the NRAblog covers many topics from Firearms Collecting to Women OnTarget Hunts to the National Police Shooting Championships. The Nra Blog is well worth taking time to explore.

NRABlog Blog Interview:

Q: What is your Blog’s Official Name?
A: NRAblog

Q: How many people work on the NRA Blog or what is the organizational structure?
A: NRAblog is a combined effort of the NRA’s Media Relations division and each of the divisions of NRA General Operations: National Firearms Museum, Competitive Shooting, Education + Training, Field Operations, and Law Enforcement Activities.

Q: What are the names of the writers or contributors to the NRA Blog?
A: Blog contributors from Media Relations include Lars Dalseide, Kyle Jillson, Danielle Sturgis, Kerrin Brinkman.

You’ll also hear from the staff of the NRA National Firearms Museum — Jim Supica, Phil Schreier, Doug Wicklund and Matt Sharpe – and assorted folk from across the NRA.

Q: Does each person have a specialty that they focus on?
A: Typically, Danielle blogs about our women’s programs, along with events happening at the NRA HQ Range and the National Firearms Museum; Kerrin covers most of the Education & Training division, including our busy youth program division and all NRA Certified Instructors; Lars takes care of Law Enforcement and disabled shooting; Kyle blogs about a variety of competitions and Friends of NRA events.

With 184 programs and a busy calendar of events, though, we share opportunities and areas in order to cover as much as possible.

Q: Where are is the NRA Blog located?
A: Wherever the programs of the NRA take us! Granted, most of our writing is done from NRA HQ here in Fairfax, Virginia, but in 2009 we have blogged “on location” from the following events:

• National Rifle and Pistol Matches at Camp Perry, OH
• NRA Annual Meetings in Phoenix, AZ
• National Police Shooting Championships in Albuquerque, NM
• SHOT Show in Orlando, FL
• Women’s Wilderness Escape at the NRA Whittington Center in Raton, NM
• Friends of NRA banquet in Fountain City, WI
• Wanenmacher Gun Show in Tulsa, OK
• Club University workshops in Albany, NY; Sacramentio, CA; and Nashville, TN
• Collegiate championships in TX

Q: What is the point of view or purpose of your blog?
A: We aim to spread awareness of the programs of the NRA – whether through pictures, video, first-person accounts, or interviews. NRA members and nonmembers alike are welcome to use NRAblog as a resource.

Q: How long has your Blog been active?
A: After a re-design, NRAblog went live in December of 2008. We’re turning one this month!

Q: What are the main sections or categories of the NRA blog and what do they cover?
A: The following tabs at the top of the site offer easy navigation of our main areas:

• Hunting: Covers the hunters’ services department of the NRA; our sister site www.NRAhuntersrights.org ; and more.
  
• The National Firearms Museum: Includes info on gun collecting, gun shows, the curators and their media appearances.
  
• Competitions: Contains live coverage of the NRA National Rifle and Pistol Matches and information about all disciplines of competition.
  
• Law Enforcement: Covers all areas of Law Enforcement competition, including the National Police Shooting Championships and Tactical Police Competition; also Law Enforcement Officer of the Year and law enforcement training.
  
• Training: Encompasses all NRA Certified Instructor disciplines.
  
• Youth Programs:  Includes information about Youth Hunter Education Challenge, the Winchester Marksmanship program, and more.
  
• Women’s Programs:  Covers our popular Women On Target Instructional Shooting Clinics; Refuse To Be A Victim seminars; the Women’s Wilderness Escape; and women-only hunts.
  
• Community Outreach:  Contains information about upcoming Friends of NRA events; biographies of NRA Field Representatives; NRA Business Alliance; NRA Clubs & Associations; NRA volunteers; events and opportunities for veterans; and grants in action pieces.

Q: Do you have any other digital sites?
A: Of course! We invite blog readers to make use of the following resources:

• www.NRA.org
• www.NRAnews.com
• www.NationalFirearmsMuseum.org
• www.NRAILA.org

Also, for those interested in social media, check out NRAblog on the following network sites:

• Twitter: http://twitter.com/NRAblog
• Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=40573473288&ref=ts
• YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/user/GOnraMedia
• LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/groups?gid=89220&trk=hb_side_g

Q: What is one thing that you want AmmoLand Shooting Sports News readers to know about the NRA Blog?
A: We’re your one-stop resource for the programs of the NRA! If you’re looking to learn more about the Youth Hunter Education Challenge, the NRA Bianchi Cup, or the NRA Business Alliance, check us out. We offer a variety of website links to other parts of the NRA, including the NRA-Institute on Legislative Action.

Q: What things would you like to do or expand on in the NRA blog to in the future?
A: We’re always working to find new ways to connect with our readers. Now that we are on Twitter and YouTube and Facebook and LinkedIn, we’d like to start a monthly or weekly newsletter feature. NRAblog readers could opt to receive the newsletter via email to stay up-to-date with the programs of the NRA and to learn about exclusive offers and more.

Q: What parting remarks or comments you would like to make or promote?
A: We’re thrilled to be included on your site! Thanks for all you do to get the word out about firearms groups, events, and merchandise. See you at the NRA Annual Meetings, May 13-18 in Charlotte, NC.

AmmoLand is thrilled to be the first to wish the NRA Blog a Happy 1st Birthday! So be sure and stop by the NRA Blog on Facebook and wish them Happy Birthday on their wall.

Visit: www.NRAblog.com

National Rifle Association of America

National Rifle Association

FAIRFAX, VA – -(AmmoLand.com)- The NRA Foundation is pleased to report it has awarded 53 counties in Pennsylvania new grants for programs and events promoting and preserving the shooting sports. Field Representatives Kory Enck and Tom Baldrige, who coordinate the fundraising efforts for Pennsylvania, report that the success rests largely on the state’s infrastructure of dedicated volunteers.

“We’ll award just under $500,000 by the end of 2009 [to programs in Pennsylvania],” Enck said. “We reached 53 of 67 possible counties, averaging $7,000 per county, thanks to the hard work of our NRA volunteers throughout the state.”

Committees and programs across the state are putting that money to work. The Pennsylvania Youth Hunter Education Challenge, or YHEC, teaches approximately 250 youth firearm safety, responsibility, and outdoor skills each year.

“If they’d of had YHEC when I was a kid, I’d have been involved in it in a heartbeat,” Enck said. Enck reports that $17,500 went to the Pennsylvania Youth Hunter Education Challenge this year.

Additionally, $15,000 helped to fund a statewide leadership program for young adults called the Pennsylvania Youth Education Summit.

Learn more about Friends of NRA events in Pennsylvania at

http://www.friendsofnra.org/Events.aspx?sid=39&sc=PA

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.

Arizona Game and Fish Department

Arizona - -(AmmoLand.com)- The Arizona Friends of the NRA (National Rifle Association) and the NRA Foundation recently awarded the Arizona Game and Fish Department $25,000 in grant funds to purchase a mix of air gun rifles, air gun pistols, .22 rimfire rifles and shotguns to be used in introductory hunting and shooting sports programs.

“The NRA Foundation’s state grant program provides much needed funding toward expanding and improving our programs,” said Ashley Lynch, shooting sports program coordinator with Game and Fish. “The grant is an increase of $9,000 from last year’s grant and a portion will go to good use buying quality air gun rifles and pistols, which allows us to hold shooting events in areas that can’t accommodate .22 or shotgun shooting.”

Once purchased, youth shotguns and .22-caliber rimfire rifles will be packaged into “loaner kits.” These kits will be used by department staff and can be loaned to partnered sportsmen’s groups and other organizations to run marksmanship workshops or small game hunting camps designed to introduce families to shooting and hunting throughout the state.

Lynch added, “A key element to the success of these traditional American pastime programs is being able to provide participants with a quality, safe and functional firearm to make their first experience positive and rewarding.”

There continues to be a growing demand for target shooting. Each year, the department receives more requests from organizations like the Scholastic Clay Target Program, Boy Scouts of America, Future Farmers of America, hunter education instructors and more to host target-shooting events than they can run, mainly because of limited equipment resources.

The National Shooting Sports Foundation research reports indicate there are nearly 48 million men and women who are interested in shooting and are simply waiting for an invitation. Grants of this kind will assist the department’s already successful shooting education programs. Target shooting is self-rewarding, builds hand-eye coordination skills, and teaches patience, discipline, and the understanding and respect for firearms. Shooting sports and hunting are rated among the safest forms of outdoor recreation.

To learn more about the department’s many outreach programs, visit www.azgfd.gov/getoutside.

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

National Rifle Association

Washington, DC - -(AmmoLand.com)- The National Rifle Association has chosen 45 high school sophomores and juniors to participate in this year’s Youth Education Summit (Y.E.S.) in Washington.

Y.E.S. is a 7-day, expense-paid educational experience in Washington, D.C. While in the nation’s capital, students will learn the significance of the U.S. Constitution and the Bill of Rights while developing an understanding of government and the importance of being an active participant. Students will tour the Capitol, National Archives Museum, Pentagon, Mt. Vernon, and many of the memorials and monuments in Washington, D.C.

The students listed below were selected from over 300 qualified applicants from across the country. They were required to complete an extensive application, which included the submission of an essay about the Second Amendment, a personal statement, transcripts and three personal recommendations.

The National Rifle Association launched the Y.E.S. program in 1996 in an effort to encourage America’s youth to become active and knowledgeable citizens at both national and local levels. The NRA Foundation provides all funding for the program through monies raised by Friends of NRA events.

Friends of NRA is a grassroots, fund-raising program organized by local volunteers. Since the program’s inception in 1993, Friends of NRA has funded thousands of local projects that include youth education efforts, firearm training, and wildlife conservation projects.

2009 YES Participants

• Antonios Apostolidis – Boonton, NJ
• Katelyn Arter – Lockesburg, AR
• Joshua Bailey – Glendo, WY
• Chris Bertke – Reynolds Station, KY
• Mary Bishop – Enterprise, AL
• Sarah Bowers – Payette, ID
• Lydia Bruce – Wichita, KS
• Shelby Burdick – Waterford, CT
• Nicholas Coover – East Berlin, PA
• William DeRoos – Omaha, NE
• Mackenzie DeRuyter – Valleyford, WA
• Parry Draper – Scott Air Force Base, IL
• Mark Edmonson – Ogden, UT
• Holley Jo Eike – Fargo, OK
• Dayna Ferguson – Oregon, OH
• Alyssa Ferrin – Phoenix, AZ
• Ben French – Paradise, MT
• Chad Hart – Cedar Hills, UT
• Ryan Hunton – Harrison City, PA
• Alec Janda – Chagrin Falls, OH
• Andrew Janzen – Happy Valley, OR
• Paige Jensen – Weiser, ID
• Steven Johnson – Ponchatoula, LA
• Korbin Kiblinger – Redmond, OR
• Chase Killer – Wickenburg, AZ
• Adam Kroczaleski – Standish, MI
• Justice Locatelli – Corralitos, CA
• Sarah Malaske – Eagan, MN
• Sarah May – Franklinton, NC
• Maria Mical – Clearwater, FL
• Christopher Perez-Jacome – Hialeah, FL
• Monica Petersen – White, SD
• Alex Porter – Eureka, NV
• Brandon Reed – Higbee, MO
• Lisa-Marie Rieckhoff – West Allis, WI
• Charles Rios – Lompoc, CA
• Stacy Schlotzhauer – New Franklin, MO
• Holly Stewart – Nashville, TN
• Bethany Sweat – Nogal, NM
• Christine Talens – Los Angeles, CA
• Brittany Tietje – Duncannon, PA
• Colin Wait – Durango, CO
• Theodore Zaras – Sutton, WV
• Alexis Zobel – Shelbyville, IN
• Chase Zreet – Georgetown, TX

For more information on this year’s Youth Education Summit, please contact Nicole McMahon at (703) 267-1342 and nmcmahon@nrahq.org or log onto www.nrafoundation.org/yes.

About:
Much of the money that funds Y.E.S. is raised through Friends of NRA, a grassroots fund-raising program which utilizes banquets, auctions, to foster community involvement, raise money, and give 100% of the net proceeds to qualified local, state and national programs. For more information about the Youth Education Summit, visit www.friendsofnra.org/yes or contact Laura Dindal, Event Services Manager, at (800) 672-3888, extension 1354, or email her at ldindal@nrahq.org