Civilian Marksmanship Program

CAMP PERRY, OHIO - -(Ammoland.com)- The CMP would like to welcome 22 newly affiliated clubs.

If you would like more information on affiliating with the CMP, please visit www.odcmp.com/Clubs/Affiliate.htm.

• · Exeter Sportsman’s Club, Exeter, NH
• · Enfield Outing Club Youth Shooting Team, Enfield, NH
• · New Jersey Firearms Academy, Jersey City, NJ
• · Inwood Fire Department Rod & Gun Club, Harbor Isle, NY
• · Daisytown Sportsman Club, Johnstown, PA
• · 4th Armored Historical Preservation Group, Glenside, PA
• · Tri State Gun and Archery, Counsel, TN
• · Oil Capital Rod & Gun Club, Broken Arrow, OK
• · Estes Park Gun & Archery Club Inc., Drake, CO
• · Floyd County Conservation Club, Georgetown, IN
• · Plummer Area Sportsman’s Club, Plummer, MN
• · Missouri University of Science & Technology Army ROTC, Rolla, MO
• · Caribou County Shooting Club, Montpelier, ID
• · Fighting Eagles Club, Cheney, WA
• · 4-H Patriot Shooting Club, Hampton, VA
• · Crawford County 4-H Shooting Sports, Vail, IA
• · Ridge Community High School, Davenport, FL
• · Boone County 4-H Shooting Sports Club, Albion, NE
• · Elite Equestrians 4-H Club, Alliance, OH
• · Bucks County Council BSA, Pipersville, PA
• · Box Butte Co. 4-H Shooting Sports, Alliance, NE
• · Osceola County 4-H Shooting Sports, Kissimmee, FL

About:
The Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP) is a national organization dedicated to training and educating U. S. citizens in responsible uses of firearms and airguns through gun safety training, marksmanship training and competitions. The CMP is a federally chartered 501(c)(3) corporation that places its highest priority on serving youth through gun safety and marksmanship activities that encourage personal growth and build life skills. Visit: www.odcmp.com

New Ohio Gun Range

Shooters Gun Shop & Indoor Range

Huron, Ohio --(Ammoland.com)- Shooters Gun Shop & Indoor Range is in the process of building an Gun Shop & Indoor Gun Range in Huron, Ohio on the corner of Bogart & Boos Roads (near Sandusky, Ohio just 2 minutes from the route 250 and route 2 intersection)

We will have 18 Pistol 25 yard lanes and 18 Rifle 100 yard lanes.

The 83,000 square foot building will house both ranges, Gun Shop w/ onsite gun smith, 27,000 square feet of rental space for sports related events and banquets,

Five 225 square foot cabañas, a full restaurant that seats 140 people and a catering kitchen. We are also considering ammunition manufacturing to be housed here also.

This is a new structure with state of the art Mancom targeting systems and dividers. Our web site is under construction but it is up with all the membership information. www.shooterswanted.com I have been working deals for members that belong to other clubs or firearms organizations please call me if you or your club’s members would be interested in joining.

Grand Opening is to be Thanksgiving weekend 2011 over $25,000.00 in door prizes and giveaways.

Thank You

About:
Shooters Gun Shop & Indoor Range is a Ohio Corporation established in January 2011. Its’ goal is to promote firearms safety and proper training of individuals who have the right to bear arms in the United States of America. Shooters Gun Shop & Indoor Range was founded and is headed by Robin Scott Goretzki President. As a Service Connected Disabled American Veteran Robin has put together a core staff of Veteran and non Veteran Americans that will uphold a law abiding Americans constitutional right to bear arms, freedom of speech, and the American way of life. Visit: www.shootersgunshop-range.com

Pennsylvania Game Commission

HARRISBURG, PA --(Ammoland.com)- While Pennsylvania’s junior pheasant hunt seems like a long way off, Pennsylvania Game Commission Executive Director Carl G. Roe noted that now is the time for hunting clubs to make plans to host an organized junior pheasant hunt or other special hunts that have been established for squirrels, rabbits waterfowl or spring gobbler.

“The future of hunting is directly related to the continuing participation of young Pennsylvanians,” Roe noted. “The goal is to successfully compete with all the other activities and recreational opportunities that vie for a young person’s time. It’s truly a challenge for the Game Commission, as well as Pennsylvania’s one million hunters.

“To maximize this opportunity for younger hunters, and to ensure we pass along the importance of ethics and sound ideals that have shaped our hunting heritage, the Game Commission urges local clubs to consider hosting a junior pheasant hunt or other special junior hunts in their communities.”

Those clubs interested in hosting a junior pheasant hunt are encouraged to use the 26-page planning guide prepared by the Game Commission and the Pennsylvania State Chapter of Pheasants Forever. The booklet offers a step-by-step guide on how to develop an organized junior pheasant hunt. The guide book includes: a sample timeline; suggested committees and assignments; general event planning considerations; and several sample forms and news releases. It also includes event evaluation guides so clubs and organizations may consider changes for future junior pheasant hunts.

Roe noted that the junior pheasant guide can be adapted and used by clubs to host other special hunts, including for rabbit, squirrel, waterfowl and spring gobbler.

To view the guide, go to the Game Commission’s website, put your cursor over “HUNT/TRAP” in the menu bar at the top of the page, click on “Hunting” in the drop-down menu listing, select the “Pheasant” in the “Small Game” listing, and choose “Junior Pheasant Hunt Planning Guide” in the Junior Pheasant Hunt” section.

Once a club schedules a junior hunt, they can submit the information for posting on the Game Commission’s on-line “Special Hunts” calendar, which enables those looking to participate in a special junior hunts to locate, and register on-line for, an opportunity near them. Clubs that want to have their junior hunt advertised in the “Special Hunts” calendar should contact Julie Imes, Game Commission Outreach Coordinator, at jimes@state.pa.us, or at 717-787-4250 (ext. 3327).

“All youth who register for a youth hunt using this on-line calendar receive a free, one-year subscription to Game News,” Imes said. “Also, real-time registration information of how many participants are signed up is one benefit to clubs having their event included in the ‘Special Hunts’ calendar, in addition to reaching more potential participants.”

To bolster participation in the junior pheasant hunt, the Game Commission again plans to stock pheasants just prior to this special season. For the 2011 hunt, the agency will release 15,000 birds on lands open to public hunting. These areas will be identified in the 2011-2012 Pennsylvania Digest of Hunting and Trapping Regulations, as well as in future Game Commission news releases and on the agency’s website (www.pgc.state.pa.us).

Additionally, the Game Commission will provide, free of charge, a limited number of pheasants to those clubs that host a junior pheasant hunt. Applications must be received by July 22, and the only two stipulations to be eligible are that clubs must have registration open to the public and the hunt must be held on lands open to public hunting.

To participate in these junior hunts, youngsters must be 12 to 16 years of age, and must have successfully completed a basic Hunter-Trapper Education course. As required by law, an adult must accompany the young hunters. Participating hunters do not need to purchase a junior hunting license to take part in the junior hunt, but all participants must comply with the mandatory fluorescent orange requirements established for the season.

Based on previous surveys of junior pheasant hunt participants, about half of the juniors successfully bag game; a male relative had accompanied most of them; the majority of participants were between the ages of 12 and 14; and many of them intend to hunt again. The agency also received many positive comments about the junior hunting opportunity.

Pheasants Forever is a national non-profit habitat conservation organization with a system of hard-working local chapter volunteers dedicated to the protection and enhancement of pheasants and other wildlife populations. Pheasants Forever emphasizes habitat improvement, public awareness and education, and land management policies that benefit private landowners and wildlife alike. For more information, visit the organization’s website (www.pheasantsforever.org).

Northeast Wisconsin High Power Rifle League

Wisconsin --(Ammoland.com)- A brief overview of the Northeast Wisconsin High Power Rifle League

This league had its beginnings in Sheboygan County back in the early ’80′s.

At that time it was known as the Sheboygan County Service Rifle League and consisted of teams from Kiel, Plymouth, Sheboygan, and Sheboygan Falls. We fired a standard 50-rnd NMC with three sighters right up front.

In those days a score of 450 was pretty impressive. Remember, the AR-15 was still just a blip on the horizon. The weapon of choice then was the M1.

After just a couple of years Plymouth dropped out of the league, but we them picked up Appleton. Then Valders came into the fold, and Waupaca was with us for a while, too. Valders, Sheboygan Falls, and Waupaca are now history but we’ve picked up Twin Cities (Neenah/Menasha) and Nicolet (Green Bay) over the years. This last year (2010) Kaukauna has joined forces with us as well. So our current roster stands at six teams.

During the summer months we shoot one match at each teams home facility. A competitor may shoot twice on any given day if he or she so chooses. At the end of the year, your three best scores are used to determine your rank in the over-all lineup. On any given match day, the three best scores in each stage of the match plus the aggregate are pitted against the three best from each other team. For example, Kiels three best offhand scores are matched against the three best offhand scores from Appleton, Twin Cities, Nicolet, etc. The high team gets 6 points for this with subsequent teams getting 5, 4, 3, and so on in the order of value from top to bottom. So if a team makes a “clean sweep” (6 points in each stage plus the aggregate) they can pick up a possible 30 points. At the end of the season, the team with the most accumulated points is declared the Winning Team for that year.

The cost of running this league is as follows. Each shooter must pay a once-per-year fee of $10.00 to get in. Then you pay a fee of $7.00 per match fired. The $10.00 entry fee gets you a T-Shirt with the league logo on it, and pays for your scores to be sent into the NRA. This is an NRA sanctioned league.

During February we have an annual awards banquet/business meeting to reap the fruits of our labor. There is a lot of camaraderie, and we have a pretty good time of it.

Scores have crept up over the years with better equipment coming on the market, and better talent. Today scores in the 480′s are not uncommon. We have even broached the 490′s on a few occasions. All shooting is done from 100-yds in this league.

If you live in an area where there are two or more neighboring teams within a reasonable driving distance you may wish to consider forming such a league. If you want any additional information, feel free to give me a call at 920-439-1253. Don J. Kemps or visit: www.newhighpower.com

When asked who inspired the Horomanski girls, Elyse, Marie and Jenna to become highpower shooters, they quickly pointed out their father, Curt.

Civilian Marksmanship Program

CAMP PERRY, OHIO - -(Ammoland.com)- Curt Horomanski, 52, of Monroeville, Penn-sylvania, says hees happy to provide shooters for the Steel Eagles junior rifle team. His oldest daughter Chessa, 22, recently graduated from the junior ranks but he still has three daughters shooting with the Steel Eagles and members of the Pennsylvania Rifle and Pistol Association.

Elyse, 19, Jenna, 16, and Marie, 14 , all point their fingers at dad when asked whoes the driving force behind their participation in service rifle competition. The girls didn’t take the traditional route of shooting air rifle or .22 caliber smallbore rifle prior to jumping into highpower. All of the Horomanski girls fired nothing but AR-15 rifles from the start, their dad says.

They all started at 12,. Curt said. ”We started in club shooting and they went to the firing line standing and didn’t hit the target very much, sometimes they were on paper, but not in the scoring area. Of course the tears would roll down, but they got better and better”. he said.

Over the years the Horomanski family has traveled to matches in Pennsylvania, Maryland, Ohio, and most recently, North Carolina, improving at each event. The girls attended the Eastern Junior High-power Clinic and Championship at Camp Butner, North Carolina, and did very well shooting and socializing.

They went down there and didn’t want to leave,. Curt said. They made a lot of friendships at Butner and I think it really helped them a lot.

“I enjoy going to shooting events because I like making friends from all across the country”. said Marie, the youngest. “We used to stay to ourselves but now we feel more comfortable meeting new shooters and getting to know them”. The girls admit they are a unique group because many of the shooting events they attend are populated primarily by boys. Each of them learned to load ammunition prior to shooting in competitions, Curt said. 

These events are a great place for them to meet boys the marrying kind – I’ll be honest. These young guys are very polite and very responsible young men. While dad is traveling with the girls, mom is back home with the girls younger brother, but she attends matches when she can. 

They have an eight-year-old brother helping them load ammo and pretty soon he will join them on the line, once hees 12, Curt said.

Elyse, who shot her personal best at Camp Perry this year, said ”Our mom is learning about shooting and she’s really supportive. She always makes sure we have bug spray, sun tan lotion and food and water. I agree that its fun meeting people and getting an opportunity to improve my shooting and being with my sisters.

I love competing as an individual and team because weere always challenging ourselves to do better. You know what they say, practice makes perfect,. Jenna said. ”

“We are always trying to improve and we don‘t dwell on past mistakes.”

Bob Eikey, 41, of Jeannette, Pennsylvania, the Steel Eagles Highpower Director, said hees happy to have families like the Horomanskies involved. ”To Curtes credit, hees been doing the job of three parents and I know it’s a lot of work dragging three teenagers around to these events”.

Eikey said. ”It’s a sibling-oriented sport. We have also got a couple of brothers and some cousins that shoot with us too. Eikey is assisted by Joe Hendricks, 42, of Wexford, Pennsylvania. Hendricks has a solid history of high-power shooting and coached his own very successful junior team several years ago, Eikey said. ”He’s one of the best coaches in the country.

”We are growing as fast as we can grow and improving at every match,. Eikey said. A former Ohio State University rifle shooter, he’s been participating in highpower for about 10 years and hees enjoying working with juniors,” he said.

”You know, shooting is a sport of small numbers, so we’re trying to grow our programs and do the best we can. We’ve been successful attracting new juniors to our program by attending gun shows and distributing information”. Eikey said.

He said he has been experimenting with new ways to introduce the program to youngsters and has had success attending gun shows and handing out information about the organization. As a result, he attracted about 400 junior shooters who expressed interest.

”We waited for them to contact us and weeve been successful acquiring some promising new shooters. We chased off the Kool-Aid drinkers and those who just wanted to shoot our ammunition and recently we brought on four new shooters”. he said.

”I certainly can’t do this alone, but I will do anything I can to help families grow our team. We have got some very generous sponsors and they supply us with gear and we make the most of it.”

The Steel Eagles 7 of 7 two-person junior team of John Yates, 18, of Hackettstown, New Jersey, and Brian Deyoung, 15, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, took top honors in the At-Large category of the National Trophy Junior Team Match and won Freedomes Fire medallions. The Steel Eagles Gold six-person team placed second in the National Trophy Rifle Team Match behind the California Grizzlies Team Seeley. Firing members for the Steel Eagles were Jacob Perryman, 17, of Pleasant Gap, Joseph Hendricks, Jr., 14, of Wexford, Elyse Horomanski, Nathan Evagash, 16, of Glenshaw, Thomas Trent, 16, of Penn, and Garrett Miller, 19, of West Chester.

• For complete results of the 2010 CMP National Trophy Rifle Matches, log onto: http://clubs.odcmp.com/cgi-bin/report_matchResult.cgi?matchID=5690.
• To view photos from the matches, log onto: http://cmp1.zenfolio.com/.

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

AmmoLand Gun News

Montpelier, VA--(Ammoland.com)- The Cavalier Sporting Clays Shooting League is sponsoring a Fall Shooting League to improve your hunting and shooting skills from September 19 to October 28, 2010 at the Cavalier Rifle & Pistol Club, in Montpelier.

The league is open to all competitors and offers six different courses – published in advance – 50 shots each. The League is limited to 50 competitors with a registration fee set at $5/course of fire plus cost of clays.

For league rules, registration and schedule visit: www.CavalierSportingClays.com.

NRA Clubs & Associations

Indianapolis, In --(Ammoland.com)- NRA Clubs & Associations is pleased to announce the upcoming NRA Club University on Saturday, July 17, at the Radisson Indianapolis Airport Hotel in Indianapolis, Indiana. Club University is a unique one-day forum for businesses, shooting clubs and State Associations wishing to grow or enhance their operations. Sign up online at www.nrahq.org/clubs/club_university/registration.asp .

“Anyone interested in tweaking their membership capabilities, improving community relations, or adding women’s programs to their operation should attend,” said NRA National Clubs & Associations Manager, Elizabeth Bush.

“This is a great resource for club growth and success.”

Starting at 8:00 a.m. on Saturday, July 17, experts from the National Rifle Association will be on hand to address a variety of topics pertinent to the efficient operation of a gun range or club including: acquiring grants, increasing club membership, marketing, youth programs, and NRA’s Institute of Legislative Action. Members of the Indiana State Rifle & Pistol Association and club operations professionals will also be there to address range related issues, club insurance, competitive shooting programs, and much more!

This invitation is open to all shooting clubs, ranges, or anyone interested in becoming more involved in the shooting sports. Registration is limited. The $35 non-refundable registration fee includes breakfast, lunch, educational materials, a group breakout session, and an exclusive, interactive session with keynote speaker Ron Rosenberg.

Ron Rosenberg is a nationally recognized, award-winning expert on marketing and customer service and winner of the prestigious “International Marketer of the Year” award at the GKIC International Marketing Summit. He has authored several books and learning systems covering his proven strategies for unprecedented growth.

Reserve your spot now for the Indianapolis Club University by going to www.nrahq.org/clubs/club_university/registration.asp. For additional information, contact NRA Clubs & Associations at (800) NRA-CLUB (672-2582) or e-mail clubs@nrahq.org.

NSSF Grants Fuel Collegiate Target Shooting

National Shooting Sports Foundation

NEWTOWN, Conn --(AmmoLand.com)- On college campuses across the country, men and women are taking up target shooting in increasing numbers.

From Harvard to Jacksonville University to the University of Colorado, the shooting sports are “in” as students discover how they can enjoy these safe, fun activities with their friends.

To encourage this growth trend, the National Shooting Sports Foundation, trade association for the firearms and shooting sports industry, last year began providing grants through its Collegiate Shooting Sports Initiative to support the development of varsity teams for those students interested in competition and create clubs for students interested in the recreational and social benefits of target shooting.

“After just one round of grants, NSSF has seen participation in target shooting grow significantly at colleges,” said Zach Snow, NSSF’s senior shooting sports coordinator. “We’re just getting started, so the sky’s the limit. All it takes to form a team or club is for a dedicated coach, faculty member or student to step up and lead the way. Once that happens, participants follow.”

Here’s how NSSF’s Collegiate Shooting Sports Initiative is making target shooting a common activity on campus:

• Jacksonville University began a sporting clays, skeet and trap club program thanks to the work of master-level instructor David Dobson, who will join the JU faculty this fall to teach a class on the theory of wingshooting and continue as the program’s head coach. Dobson’s work at Jacksonville inspired one of his shooting students to launch a clays shooting club at the University of North Florida, a team Dobson also coaches. Said Dobson, “NSSF’s grant program has energized both coaches and student participants to promote collegiate target shooting. In NSSF, we now have a resource to turn to for funding and non-monetary assistance, particularly in the early stages of creating a program when support is most needed. NSSF’s support will be significant to our success moving forward.”
• Trinity College and Schreiner University promoted introductory seminars where new shooters learned how to safely handle firearms and were introduced to shooting games for rifle, shotgun and handgun.
• The first New England Collegiate Clay Target Championships, supported by NSSF, featured teams from Harvard, Harvard Law, Yale, Brown, Tufts and the University of Vermont.
• Last month’s ACUI College Clay Target Championships were the largest ever with 40 teams participating, some new or expanded programs thanks to grants from NSSF.
• The University of Arkansas – Fort Smith, assisted by a grant from NSSF, finished as the fourth-ranked air rifle team in the country at the inaugural NRA Intercollegiate Rifle Club Championship at Purdue University.

“We hope these success stories will give interested students or prospective coaches the incentive to start a varsity team or a club shooting group at their college or university,” said Sarah Morton, NSSF’s shooting development coordinator. “We’re here to assist them in getting the activity established.”

NSSF developed the Collegiate Shooting Sports Initiative to provide a “next step” for hundreds of thousands of students already participating in youth programs such as the Scholastic Clay Target Program, Boy Scouts of America and 4-H.

“When these students go off to college, many will want to continue participating in the shooting sports — just like athletes in other sports want to,” said Snow. “We have a great feeder system in place, but opportunities to shoot at the college level have been limited. With the Collegiate Shooting Sports Initiative grant program, we’re expanding opportunities for experienced shooters and newcomers.”

Snow said NSSF developed the Collegiate Shooting Sports Initiative for the following reasons:

• Raise awareness of shooting sports and firearm safety at the college level
• Provide financial and non-financial assistance in developing college shooting clubs or teams
• Serve as a resource for colleges and students interested in learning more about the shooting sports
• Help grow the shooting sports at the college level

Get details on how to apply for a Collegiate Shooting Sports Initiative grant from NSSF at http://nssf.org/college.

All grant applications must be received by NSSF no later than 5 p.m. (ET) on Sept. 17, 2010.

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

Ben Avery Shooting Facility

Arizona Game and Fish Department

Arizona --(AmmoLand.com)- Beginning Wednesday, May 12, the Arizona Game and Fish Department’s Ben Avery Shooting Facility will be switching to its summer hours of operation to take advantage of the cooler morning temperatures and earlier sunrise.

To simplify the schedule and reduce confusion, the mid-day closures have been eliminated. Shooters can now enjoy the range anytime between the opening and closing hours. Hours vary slightly between the main firearm range and the shotgun range.

However, regardless of range, shooters should check in 30 minutes prior to closing time to ensure ample shooting opportunity.

Summer hours of operation are:

Main Range – pistol, rifle, and archery

• Monday – CLOSED
• Tuesday – CLOSED
• Wednesday – 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
• Thursday – 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
• Friday – 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Saturday – 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
• Sunday – 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Clay Target Center – shotgun

• Monday – CLOSED
• Tuesday – CLOSED
• Wednesday – 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.
• Thursday – 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.
• Friday – 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.
• Saturday – 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.
• Sunday – 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Clay Target Center note: Shooting during the hours after dark is limited to the trap and skeet fields only. There are no lights for the sporting clays courses.

Learn how to shoot, join a shooting program or league:
The Arizona Game and Fish Department offers a variety of structured introductory target shooting programs. There are programs for women, children, families, and co-ed participation. Department programs are taught by certified range safety officers to assure participants learn how to be safe, responsible, and skilled when using firearms, air guns or archery equipment. For many of these programs, the equipment is provided. To learn about the shooting programs available, contact the Ben Avery Shooting Facility at (623) 582-8313 or visit www.azgfd.gov/basf.

In addition to being a fun and safe recreational activity, target shooting also has a positive impact on local and rural economies. Target shooters’ purchases support local business, communities, and shooting ranges, benefiting the local workforce and their revenue streams. Furthermore, the Pittman-Robertson Wildlife Restoration Act, a federal excise tax on the purchases of ammunition, firearms, and archery equipment, is collected and then appropriated back to state wildlife agencies for wildlife management, public access, and hunter safety and shooting programs.

The Ben Avery Shooting Facility is on the northwest corner of I-17 and Carefree Highway in north Phoenix, approximately 10 minutes north of Loop 101. The Clay Target Center is just west of the main facility. Located on 1,650 acres, Ben Avery is one of the largest government-operated recreational shooting complexes in the world. It averages more than 120,000 shooters per year and is home to a number of regional- and national-class competitions and other major events. Target shooting available at the facility includes rifle, pistol, air gun (indoor), shotgun, archery (indoor and outdoor), as well as a number of other specialty shooting disciplines.

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.

Union Sportsmen’s Alliance

LOUISVILLE, Ky. --(AmmoLand.com)- The Union Sportsmen’s Alliance will host a Sportsmen’s Dinner on Friday, March 26, 2010 at the IBEW Local 369 Hall in Louisville, Ky.

Tickets for the event are $75 and include a new or renewed USA membership.

Following the success of its Inaugural Sportsmen’s Dinner in Minneapolis, Minn., last April, the USA is working with Unions across the country to hold similar events to continue to grow this one-of-a-kind hunting and fishing club.

The dinner will begin at 6:30 p.m. followed by a silent auction and various raffles for fantastic prizes, including a U.S.-made Beretta 3901 shotgun featuring the USA logo.

“This is our first event of 2010 and we couldn’t have picked a better place to kick things off,” said USA Regional Coordinator Tim Bindl.

“The support we have received from Union members in the area has been phenomenal, and we hope that through fellowship and fun, we can spread the word about the USA and further strengthen the bond of our Union brothers and sisters.”

For more information about this event or to make reservations, contact USA Membership Coordinator Heather Tazelaar at 877-872-2211 (toll free) or heathert@trcp.org.

About the Union Sportsmen’s Alliance
The USA is a one-of-a-kind, hunting and fishing exclusively for union members, retirees and their families. The USA extends union member benefits beyond the workplace to the woods and water by connecting union hunters and anglers across North America and providing them with the latest hunting and fishing information, special offers and benefits, exclusive discounts and much more. To learn more about the USA, visit www.UnionSportsmen.org.

Sporting Clay Shooting at 74 Ranch Resort TX

Fellowship of Christian Sportsmen Texas

Campbellton, Texas --(AmmoLand.com)- Our Annual 24 hour Sporting Clays Shoots is scheduled for 4/9/10 – 4/10/10 at the 74 Ranch.

The cost is $250.00 per person for Friday noon to Saturday noon (double occupancy, kids who shoot cost $200, non-shooters cost $150). This includes 10 – 12 hours of shooting, four fantastic meals, and nice lodging. The cost does not include your shotgun shells.

We will arrive shortly before noon Friday and unload. Lunch will be served, and then it’s off to the range in golf carts. You can shoot as much as you like until dinner time. You may shoot after dinner as well, but in the past we have chosen to fellowship, as we had enough shooting for one day. The next morning will start with a super breakfast, followed by shooting, and another great lunch. We will depart the ranch after lunch.

A round of 50 clay targets on the Sporting Clays course at Capitol City costs $19.49. If you were to shoot 1000 rounds at Capitol City it would cost you $389.80. For $250.00 at the 74 Ranch you get 1000 rounds or so, four first class meals, and lodging equivalent to Best Western or La Quinta!

The 74 Ranch has the following benefits:

1. Over 300 target combinations
2. 15 stations – minimum 4 traps per station
3. 75 Auto LaPorte Traps with Remotes
4. 20-foot, 40-foot, and two 100-foot Towers
5. 3 stations over water
6. 3 stations with targets 30 yards below your feet
7. Golf Carts

This is as much sporting cays shooting in 24 hours as we normally do in almost two years at Capitol City .

At the 74 Ranch, we also don’t keep score (like we do at Capitol City) which speeds things up considerably. At Capitol City we usually rotate shooters after every 8 – 10 shells. At the 74 ranch we usually rotate after 2 – 3 boxes! At the 74 Ranch you can literally “park” at a station until you figure it out. Several of our members can testify how this has dramatically improved their shooting.

We can take 12 shooters. Your check for $250 is due no later than 3/9/10 (one month before the shoot). The first 12 who get their checks in to Mark get the spots. If Mark does not have your check in hand by the end of the day on 3/9/10, you will not be guaranteed a place.

Send your check made out to 74 Ranch to:
113 North Field Drive
Round Rock, TX, 78681
Contact Mark for more information at 512-773-9115.

About FCS:
FCS is a non-denominational, non-political, family friendly sportsmen’s organization, founded in Austin, Texas in 1988. We provide Christian fellowship opportunities for people who like to hunt, shoot, fish, camp, etc. Events range (alphabetically) from clay target shoots to upland bird hunts. Visit: www.fcs-texas.com

50 BMG Rifle Shoot

North Coast Shooters Association

Camp Blanding, FL --(AmmoLand.com)- The North Coast Shooters Association is having a shoot this weekend March 12, 13 and 14th. at Camp Blanding.

The shoot will be at 600 yards and on the pop-up targets. We will have 2 classes shooting, one will be shooting 50 BMG cal rifles and the other will be any other rifle class, this will encompass Highpower match and service rifle, sniper rifle, and F-class T/R.

The course of fire will be unlimited sighters and then 5 shots for record for groups and scores, three times.

Membership in NCSA is required and is $35 a year, this is needed for insurance purposes. Sign-up can be done online or at Camp Blanding on Friday up until 3pm.

You can find more information at: www.northcoastshooters.com

About:
The North Coast Shooters Association was formed to be the instrument to open up additional places to shoot on ranges that are primarily located East of the Mississippi river. Our mission statement is to make the NCSA, LTD. Available with our insurance to fellow shooters to assist them in opening the doors at ranges across the country for civilian shooters ranging from .22 rim fire to .50 caliber BMG competition.

If you have a range in your area and need assistance in getting a match set up there please feel free to contact us. Visit:

Rockcastle Shooting Center

Park City, KY – -(AmmoLand.com)- Overcast skies, wind and chilly temperatures, not typical for Kentucky; could not keep away the many registered shooters, from six states and as far away as Brazil from attending this past weekends event.

Rockcastle Shooting Center which is part of Park Mammoth Resort hosted the event. The 15 station designed Sporting Clay course with targets set by Bill McGuire provided seasoned shooters with challenging registered NSCA level targets.

Nick Noble, General Manager of Rockcastle Shooting Center said, “For our first sporting clays event out of the gate, we were really proud to have had the largest turnout of shooters for a Tennessee Winter Series event. Many of the shooters commented they’re looking forward to returning in September when Rockcastle Shooting Center hosts the Gamaliel Cup, in addition to our other 2010 planned shooting events which are posted on our web site.”

After the competition, shooters gathered in The Lodge and Conference Center to receive their awards and relax in The Lookout Restaurant to enjoy a southern style menu that closed out their shooting day. Additionally, Rockcastle Shooting Center hosted a First Shots® program later on in the day, which was well attended by area residents.

The Rockcastle Shooting Center, located in south-central Kentucky is nestled atop a wooded bluff and is a part of Park Mammoth Resort a historic resort in Park City, KY. The 2000 acre resort features a 100 guest room cozy lodge, restaurant and conference center, indoor heated pool, scenic nature trails, 27 hole regulation golf course and an all encompassing shooting center meeting the needs for all sporting clay, pistol and rifle shooting enthusiasts.

For further information of scheduled events at Rockcastle Shooting Center and the first class accommodations and amenities offered by Park Mammoth Resort, visit our web site at www.parkmammothresort.us or email our guest client services at info@parkmammothresort.us.

New York State SportRifle

New York – -(AmmoLand.com)- To all Sporterifle Shooters, I am sure some of you have heard of some problems between Sporterifle and the New York State Rifle and Pistol Association. I feel it is time to explain the situation to all.

Sporterifle and NYSRPA have enjoyed a somewhat rocky but workable relationship for 50 years.

Two years ago, just before our summer meeting, I was approached by Joe DeBergalis, Vice President of NYSRPA, with a proposal to offer a discount on NYSRPA dues. But in order to enjoy this we had to have 100% of our shooters be NYSRPA members.

This was unacceptable to the Sporterifle board for the following reasons:

1. We believe that membership in any organization should be of free choice. We encourage membership in NRA, NYSRPA etc., but believe it should be free choice of the individual, not forced to participate in an activity.
2. It would be unfair to our out of state shooters.
3. It would put an additional burden of record keeping, either on Sporterifle or the team Captains to keep track of and collect NYSRPA dues.
4. It would open the door for NYSRPA to demand a fee every time a shooter shoots that would go to NYSRPA.
5. It would open the door for NYSRPA to have a voice in our policies and finances. Mr. DeBergalis was very unhappy that I would not support this idea and that I informed him that my allegiance was Sporterifle first and NYSRPA’s interests a distant second. He then threatened to take my views to the NYSRPA Executive Board and Tom King, NYSRPA President.

I did not attend any further meetings of NYSRPA board after that, to avoid any further conflict. I announced at last year’s banquets that I would not run for re-election. My feelings were that I could not do anything further to advance Sporterifle with the NYSRPA. Historically the Director is a person recommended by Sporterifle and then accepted by the NYSRPA and has a seat on both boards. I could not in good conscience feel I could represent the interests of both groups when the views were so opposite.

The Sporterifle board discussed this situation at our summer meeting 2009, and I again stated why I would not seek the office again at the end of this term (summer 2011). Sporterifle Board decided not to offer another candidate for the NYSRPA board. About December of this year I received a letter from Mr. DeBergalis accepting my resignation from the NYSRPA board that I had never tendered. I answered by registered letter that I had not resigned and that I had every intention o f finishing my term but not seeking re-election. A couple of weeks later I received a letter from Tom King saying that I was off the board, period. I then called Mr. King and restated my position.

He told me that Sporterifle was under NYSRPA control, they could take it over and run it as they saw fit. He also stated we could lose our NRA matches. He implied that he and Mr. DeBergalis would use their influence as NRA board members to force the NRA to drop our match sanctions even though we had done nothing wrong.

We, being the Sporterifle Board, decided that we needed legal advice as to what, if any, hold NYSRPA had over us. We had a meeting with a legal firm in Rochester who reviewed the situation. As we are incorporated in the State of New York as NYS Sporterifle and we received no money or goods from NYSRPA and there was no contract, in the lawyers’ opinion, NYS Sporterifle was under no obligation or control of NYSRPA. The lawyers also suggested several things we should do in order to “Bullet Proof” our situation. We authorized them to proceed.

At the present time there is no connection between NYS Sporterifle and New York State Rifle and Pistol Association. We have been removed from NYSRPA’s web site and we have removed their name from our web site and from all of our documentation. I expect you will see some changes in our match offerings due to this change and the situation with the NRA matches. I also expect to see a small increase in Sporterifle fees to cover the cost of the lawyers.

Tom King is running for re-election to the NRA board this March. Many long-time NRA and higher level NRA members get to vote on this position. In view of Mr. King’s actions toward Sporterifle, I cannot support his re-election bid. I also hope that you who can vote in this election and your friends and relatives who can vote in this election will NOT vote for Mr. King for NRA board. His actions toward Sporterifle and his willingness to deprive the NRA of $2000 a year that we send the NRA in match fees in order to pursue his personal vendetta does not make him a fit person to hold that office.

We believe that what we are doing is in the best interest of Sporterifle and the Sporterifle shooters. As always, we solicit and request your comments and feelings on the above. I am well aware that Sporterifle shooters are happy to leave the administration and conduct of Sporterifle to us as leaders, but feel that this is important enough to hopefully elicit your thoughts and comments. This is not a situation we created, but a situation being forced upon us by the New York State Rifle and Pistol Association.

We were willing to go on doing the same as we had in the past; NYSRPA was not.

About:
NYS Sporterifle is a postal target competition using 22 cal. rimfire rifles. The shooting position is off-hand standing with the target at 50 feet. The sport is designed so that expensive special equipment is not required. It is possible to be competitive with equipment you may already own. Visit: www.sporterifle.org

National Rifle Association

FAIRFAX, VA – -(AmmoLand.com)- NRA Clubs & Associations will hold their first NRA Club University of 2010 on March 13 at the SpringHill Suites by Marriott Orlando International Airport. Club University is a unique one-day forum for firearm retailers, gun ranges, clubs, or any related group with a desire to improve their shooting sports operation.

“This is our first Club University of 2010 and we’re very excited to hold it in Florida,” said NRA National Clubs & Associations Manager, Elizabeth Bush.

“Anyone interested in learning more about club insurance, membership drives, grant opportunities, or media relations, can spend a few hours with us for all the answers they need.”

Starting at 8:00 a.m. on Saturday, March 13, NRA staff and other experts in club operations will address pertinent topics of interest specifically recommended by organization leaders. Topics for discussion will include: marketing, maintaining club membership, range related issues, grants, club insurance, Youth Programs, Competitive Shooting, group breakout session and much more!

This invitation is open to all NRA members, shooting clubs, ranges, non-members and anyone interested in becoming more involved in the shooting sports. Registration is limited. The $35 non-refundable registration fee includes breakfast, lunch, educational materials, and a special presentation by keynote speaker Ron Rosenberg.

Ron Rosenberg is a nationally recognized, award-winning expert on marketing and customer service and a winner of the prestigious “International Marketer of the Year” award at the GKIC International Marketing Summit. He has authored several books and learning systems. Attendees will participate in a highly interactive session where Ron will share his proven strategies for unprecedented growth.

Located at 5828 Hazeltine National Drive in Orlando, the SpringHill Suites by Marriott Orlando International Airport is one of the newest hotels in the area with wireless access and complimentary on-site parking.

Register online today at www.nrahq.org/clubs/club_university/registration.asp. For additional information contact NRA Clubs & Associations at (800) NRA-CLUB (672-2582) or e-mail clubs@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.

Merigold Hunting Club

MERIGOLD, Miss.--(AmmoLand.com)- After years of planning, working together and looking for ways to enhance the value of a membership, the members of Merigold Hunting Club www.merigoldhuntingclub.com are pleased.

The dynamics of constructing a facility that can achieve each member’s objectives can be challenging. The leadership of Merigold worked in a fashion that utilized the skills of the membership.

“Merigold Hunting Club was built off of the vision of our founding members. We wanted to create another chapter in the lure of our club,” stated Andrew Westerfield, President of Merigold Hunting Club. “By using resources from within our membership, we felt that the experience at Merigold couldn’t be duplicated.”

“The lodge is such a success that we have had guests from all over the country come and stay with us”

Merigold’s lodge is 7,000 square feet, built from cypress, pecan, willow and poplar gathered from the grounds of Merigold Hunting Club. The lodge has three guest suites which each has a full bathroom, kitchen, bar, washer & dryer and sitting area. The lodge is centrally located between a new boat dock, game care center, and the crossroads to multiple hunting locations within the 13,000 acre club. The architects reviewed the needs of the club, reviewed the topography of the land and determined a fitting location. The lodge produces spectacular views of water, woods, cabins and food plots. The Board of Managers didn’t leave any stone uncovered. The lodge is also fully equipped with a full commercial kitchen and outside patio that can accommodate the entire membership, their families and friends.

Since the groundbreaking of the lodge, the 51 members of Merigold have enjoyed the new amenities. “The lodge is such a success that we have had guests from all over the country come and stay with us,” mentioned Westerfield.

The Mississippi Delta lures hunters from all over the world and the supply of premium clubs is dwindling. Merigold Hunting Club values their tradition and plans to continue building off of the natural resources that attracts hunters from all over the world.

Mississippi is known for its rich wildlife and commitment to natural resources. Merigold Hunting Club does not take that for granted. In the upcoming hunting seasons, Merigold, the oldest hunting charter in Mississippi, will continue to take advantage of Mississippi’s treasures.

Merigold Hunting Club, LLC is considered the Father of Mississippi Hunting Clubs dating back to its conception in 1911. Located just outside of Cleveland, Mississippi on over 13,000 acres, Merigold offers a premiere outdoor experience for members and their families. With a strong game and land management philosophy the members of Merigold have developed an exclusive outdoor experience designed specifically for the serious outdoorsman.

National Rifle Association

Fairfax, Va. – -(AmmoLand.com)- This spring the NRA Collegiate & Schools Program will be introducing a NRA Intercollegiate Rifle Club Championship that will be open to all levels of collegiate shooters.

This new championship will include NRA College Rifle Clubs, Varsity Rifle Teams, ROTC Teams, and independent shooters, for which there is currently no national championship.

“As a result of the new championship, we hope to see a boosted level of awareness toward collegiate shooting that will help foster rifle programs across the nation,” said Tori Croft, National Manager of NRA Collegiate & School Programs.

Purdue University will be the host of the 2010 NRA Intercollegiate Rifle Club Championship, which will be held April 8-11 at the Purdue University Armory.

The championship will feature smallbore and air rifle competitions, training summits for all participants and coaches, and an opportunity for coaches and shooters to meet others in the sport they would normally not see during the regular season. NRA College Rifle Clubs, Varsity Rifle Teams, and ROTC Teams will have both individual and team champions while Independent Shooters will have only an individual champion.

Shooting in the NRA Intercollegiate Rifle Sectionals is required to qualify for the championship. Additionally, the top three teams and top five individuals from sectionals will be given free entry to the championship.

“I am extremely excited about this new championship and would like to thank Purdue University for being generous hosts. The opportunities this will afford to collegiate rifle clubs are immeasurable,” said Croft. “The NRA Intercollegiate Rifle Club Championship will grow and strengthen the competitive rifle teams on campuses across the nation. I eagerly anticipate this brand new championship, and urge all rifle clubs across the nation to shoot in the Intercollegiate Sectionals in hopes of qualifying.”

For more information on Collegiate Shooting, visit http://www.nrahq.org/compete/coldir.asp

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.

North Suburban Police Pistol League

Wisconsin Firearm Owners, Ranges, Clubs & Educators

Wisconsin --(AmmoLand.com)- The North Suburban Police Pistol League Inc, is a not-for-profit, law enforcement shooting club with over 225 law enforcement and civilian members from the Chicagoland and southern Wisconsin area.

The NSPPL is an affiliated club with the National Rifle Association, the Civilian Marksmanship Program, Illinois State Rifle Association, and WI-Force.

Many of the League’s members are certified through the National Rifle Association as Rifle & Pistol Coaches, Training Counselors, and Instructors. Through these members, the League also offers NRA Certified Instructor and Range Safety Officer training. They also have a Certified Utah Concealed Firearm Permit Instructor on staff.

Peter J. Kolovos, is the Secretary/Treasurer, and Director of Training for the NSPPL. Pete runs the day to day operation of the League. He has been involved with firearms and competitive shooting since the late 1960′s. Pete is a Benefactor Life Member of both the NRA and the ISRA. Pete is a Certified Police Firearms Instructor, a Police Sub-Machinegun instructor, a NRA Level 3 Pistol Coach, a Level 2 Rifle Coach, a Utah CFP Instructor, and an NRA Training Counselor. He has also been a member of the NSPPL Executive Board for the last ten years. Since that time Pete’s taken the organization from a mere 30 members and expanded the League and many of it’s programs to where it is today! One of the finest shooting clubs in the Midwest.

About:
Wi-FORCE promotes and protects the shooting sports, hunting, and the lawful ownership and use of firearms in Wisconsin. We coordinate match schedules of member clubs, sanction the state championship matches, monitor and recommend legislation, and provide training and educational programs for our members, competitors and Wisconsin shooters. Wi-FORCE supports the interaction and education of all individuals and groups interested in the shooting sports and the natural right of citizens to own arms. Visit: www.wi-force.org

Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks

KINSLEY, KS —-(AmmoLand.com)- On Saturday, Sept. 19, the Kinsley Gun Club will host its 17th Annual Kids Klassic trap shooting tournament for young shooters. Each youngster will fire at 100 targets. A $25 entry fee will include a custom T-shirt, lunch, and a chance to win a door prize, including a Remington 1100 Classic Trap shotgun, a Tri-Star SB shotgun, and one of two Remington .22-caliber rifles — all provided by area businesses and the shooting fraternity. The entry fee does not include shells.

Shooters will compete for trophies, Olympic-style medallions, shotgun shells, and other prizes in four age groups for individuals and five-person teams. Ten $100 savings bonds will be awarded by drawing, so everyone has a chance to win. Other awards include 19 flats of shotgun shells and individual trophies for four age groups with special awards to 4-H members. The top three five-shooter teams earn trophies and shells. A trophy and prize will be reserved for the top girl shooter, as well.

While everyone high school age and younger is welcome to attend, participants who enter must be strong enough to handle a shotgun safely and are expected to know the basic rules and etiquette of trapshooting. The shoot is not for beginners.

Entries (including T-shirt sizes and number of adults for lunch) must be received by Sept. 14. To enter, receive an official program, receive more information, or find out where to practice close to home, phone toll free at 1-888-324-5445, email franko@gbta.net, or write to Frank O’Brien, P. O. Box 351, Lewis, KS 67552.

About:
The Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks is a cabinet-level agency with a Secretary appointed by the Governor. A seven-member, bipartisan commission, also appointed by the Governor, advises the Secretary and approves regulations governing outdoor recreation and fish and wildlife resources in Kansas. The commission conducts business during regular public sessions.

Gun Owners' Action League - The Official Firearms Association of Massachusetts

Framingham, Massachusetts - -(AmmoLand.com)-The public hearing for the Governor’s regulatory proposals concerning club events “Firearm Exhibitions” and the redefining of “Bona Fide Collector” was held today at the State Police Headquarters in Framingham.

The hearing was to begin at 10:00 am but was slightly delayed as the State Police had to move the hearing to the gymnasium do to the large attendance. Approximately 150 citizens took the time to attend today’s hearing in opposition to the Governor’s proposed regulations. Not a single person in attendance spoke in favor of them.

There was a tremendous representation of the firearms community in attendance. Clubs from all over the state sent members to testify including Fin Fur and Feather of Millis, Holbrook Sportsmen’s Club, Maspenock Rod & Gun Club, Danvers Fish & Game, Reading Rifle & Revolver Club, Haverhill Hound Rod & Gun Club, Southborough Rod & Gun Club, MRA, Braintree Rifle & Pistol Club, Harvard Sportsmen’s Club, Taunton Rifle & Pistol Club, MIT Pistol & Rifle Club, Hopkinton Sportsmen’s Club, Bass River Rod & Gun Club and others.

GOAL was also very pleased to see the many junior shooters, parents and coaches that took the time to come to the hearing and testify against the proposed regulations. It was very inspiring to listen to the junior shooters talk about how the shooting sports had changed their lives for the better. Perhaps one of the most memorable quotes of the day came from junior’s coach Rick Johnson who concluded his testimony by stating: “Laws and regulations don’t save lives, education does.”

GOAL would like to thank State Representatives George Peterson and John Fernandes came to the hearing to testify in opposition of the proposal. Representative Carolyn Dykema also sent her legislative aide to attend the hearing.

Others that came to testify against the regulations included Jake McGuigan of the National Shooting Sports Foundation, Lt. Scott Sencabaugh, of the Willmington PD, Michelle Young and Brian Pouliot Harvard law students, representatives from the Boy Scouts and Selectwoman Elizabeth Coughlin.

“I am always proud to have the honor of representing our members, today I was exceptionally proud. The well thought out personal testimony that our members provided today expressed the intelligence, passion and personal investment they have in standing up for their rights,” said Jim Wallace Executive Director of GOAL. “To watch these junior shooters get up in front of a large audience and stand up against a government that is trying to destroy their heritage was a lesson for all of us and a sight I will not soon forget.”

It was announced at the hearing that the period to submit written comments on the regulations has been extended to Friday, July 24, 2009. To submit written comments, please send them attn: Catherine Bailey, Assistant General Counsel, Executive Office of Public Safety and Security, One Ashburton Place, Room 2133, Boston, MA 02108.

No action was taken on the regulations at today’s hearings. We should know within a few weeks what the administration intends to do with them.

GOAL would like to thank all of those who traveled and took time out of their day to attend and testify. Attached is the the written testimony that GOAL provided at today’s hearing.

Testimony on the Firearms Exhibitions Regulations

Testimony on the Bona Fide Collectors Regulations

About:
Gun Owners’ Action League is the official state firearms association in Massachusetts. We are an association of law-abiding citizens who believe in the basic right of firearms ownership for competition, recreation and self-protection. GOAL works hard to defend the Constitution and the Bill of Rights against those in Massachusetts who wish to infringe upon the freedoms guaranteed by our forefathers. The programs sponsored and developed by Gun Owners’ Action League are supported by competitors, sportsmen, recreational shooters and law enforcement throughout the state. We were formed in 1974 to protect the right to keep and bear arms for lawful purposes in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. We are recognized as the state’s premier gun rights association. www.goal.org

National Rifle Association

FAIRFAX, VA – -(AmmoLand.com)- The Carmi Rifle Club will host an NRA Day Youth SportsFest at their facility in Carmi, Illinois on June 6th from 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. All youth ages 9 to 18 are welcome to participate.

The day’s activities will include a lesson in firearms safety and instruction with shotguns, centerfire pistols, rifles and .22 caliber pistols, The cost of the event is $30 and includes all equipment and a picnic lunch.

For more information on NRA Day, contact Amanda Millward, Shooting Sports Camp Coordinator at (703) 267-1591 or visit www.nrahq.org/education/shootingcamp.asp. To learn more about this event, contact Valinda Rowe at 618-963-2788.

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.

National Rifle Association

FAIRFAX, VA – -(AmmoLand.com)- The Shooting Sports Clubs of Southern Wisconsin will host a NRA Day Youth Sports Fest Camp at the Beloit Rifle Club on May 30th from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. in Beloit, Wisconsin. Children of all ages are invited to attend the event.

This youth-oriented event will allow children the opportunity to participate in a variety of activities. Participants can learn to shoot rifles, pistols, shotguns and muzzleloaders while also having the chance to practice archery and cowboy action shooting. A firearms safety and history lesson will also be part of the day’s events.

Youth of all ages are invited to attend the event. The cost of the event is $10.00 per child and $5.00 for each additional child in a family. Pre-registration is encouraged.

For more information on NRA Day, contact Amanda Millward, Shooting Sports Camp Coordinator at (703) 267-1591 or visit www.nrahq.org/education/shootingcamp.asp. To learn more about this event, contact Tom Helbig at (608) 755-1840.

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.

National Rifle Association

FAIRFAX, VA – (Ammoland)State Line Rifle Association and Bristol Shooting Ranges will host two NRA Day Shooting Sports Camps on May 17th and September 26th from 8:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Conservation Club of Kenosha County in Bristol, Wisconsin.

Participants will attend a firearms safety class and have the opportunity to shoot Civil War muzzleloaders, handguns, rifles as well as participating in trap shooting and cowboy action shooting. The cost to participate is $10.00 and includes all instruction and shooting.

Space for the event is limited to 50 people per event and participants must be at least 12 years of age. To register for either event and pre-pay to guarantee a spot, send the name, address, phone number, and age of each attendee along with payment to:

SLRA
PO Box 7837
Gurnee, IL 60031-7005

Applications will be valid upon confirmation. Participants must sign-in for the events by 8:30 a.m. at the Clubhouse and attend a mandatory safety meeting at 9:00 a.m. Food will be available for purchase at the events. Rain dates for the camps are May 24th and September 27th.

For more information on NRA Day, contact Amanda Millward, Shooting Sports Camp Coordinator at (703) 267-1591 or visit www.nrahq.org/education/shootingcamp.asp. To learn more about this event, contact Marilyn Garamoni at (847) 362-9187 or Wayne Foresta.

NATIONAL RIFLE ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA
Incorporated 1871
11250 Waples Mill Road, Fairfax, VA 22030

Buckeye Hills complex and range renamed after local World War II heroes.

Joe Foss Shooting Complex

Buckeye, Ariz - -(AmmoLand.com)- On Friday, Jan. 16, the Maricopa County Parks and Recreation Department hosted the grand opening of the Joe Foss Shooting Complex, formerly known as the Buckeye Hills Shooting Range, located in Buckeye, Ariz. The facility is a self-sufficient “green” complex operated by on-site solar power with battery backup for lighting, cooling and heating, and running on its own well water for restrooms and potable drinking water.

The new facility consists of a 200-yard main range and a 50-yard pistol range, both with 40 stations and covered awnings. The range is open to the public on Saturdays and Sundays. The winter hours are 8 a.m. – 4.30 p.m. The daily range fee is $7 and youth shooters under the age of 18 are free. The Buckeye Sportsman’s Club is in charge of range operations.

“We are very excited to see this new range in this key growth corridor of the state,” said Anthony Chavez, shooting sports coordinator for the Arizona Game and Fish Department. “The facility is incredible and we are looking forward to continuing our relationship with the Buckeye Sportsman’s Club and the Maricopa County Parks and Recreation Department to make it a big success.”

Experienced personnel from the Arizona Game and Fish Department’s Ben Avery Shooting Facility provided the Buckeye Sportsman’s Club with consultation, training and guidance on range safety, operations, management, and the many other elements required to run a successful and safe shooting facility. Clubs or organizations operate most of the shooting ranges owned by the department, and this has proven to be a successful model.

FAIRFAX, Va. — NRA Field Operations is pleased to announce NRA Club University will be held at 8:30 a.m. on Saturday, March 21 at the Hotel Preston, 733 Briley Parkway, Nashville, TN 37217.  NRA Club University is a unique forum for shooting clubs and State Associations wishing to grow or enhance their operations.

The Tennessee Shooting Sports Association, area clubs, NRA staff and other experts in club operations will address pertinent topics of interest specifically recommended by club leaders.  Topics for discussion will include: how to promote your club, how to maintain club membership and recruit new members, issues faced by range owners, opportunities for NRA Foundation Grants, club insurance, the NRA’s Institute for Legislative Action, NRA Youth Programs, and NRA Women’s Programs.

This invitation is open to all shooting clubs. Registration is limited and is accepted on a first-come, first-serve basis. The cost to attend is $30 per person and includes complementary breakfast, catered lunch, educational materials to take back to your club, plus a chance to win two door prizes.  Prizes include a Remington R-15 Rifle .223 Caliber Camo, donated by Joe Lundberg of Hero-Gear, LLC <http://www.hero-gear.com> , and a Fighting Rifle Course (2-day class) & Advanced Fighting Rifle Course (2-day class), courtesy of Tracy Hightower and Tactical Response.

Register online at www.nrahq.org. For additional information, contact Son Nguyen, NRA Clubs & Associations at (800) 672-3888, Ext. 1345 or (703) 267-1345 or by e-mail at clubs@nrahq.org.