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Winchester’s Herb Parsons Inducted Into Outdoor Hall Of Fame

Winchester Repeating Arms

Nashville, Tenn --(AmmoLand.com)- Former Winchester® exhibition shooter, Herb Parsons, was recently inducted into the Legends of the Outdoors National Hall of Fame, August 22, in Nashville, Tenn.

Parsons, a leader in the shooting sports industry, began working for Winchester as a salesman in 1929. He excelled on the trap range, won the Grand American in 1954, was a member of Sports Afield’s trap and skeet All-American team, served as a gunnery instructor for the U.S. Army during World War II, and demonstrated shooting exhibitions for millions of people.

Because of his excellent marksmanship, Parsons has been recognized as the greatest exhibition shooter of all time in publications such as Guns & Ammo, Outdoor Life, Sports Afield and many others.

“This Hall of Fame induction of Mr. Parsons, is well deserved. I just wish he was here to receive it himself,” said Dick Hammett, president of Winchester Ammunition. “He was a leader for his family, for Winchester and for our entire industry. We are thrilled to see that his work and talents are being recognized. We also congratulate all of the 2009 inductees for their efforts, their leadership and their wisdom for our industry.”

During a medical procedure in 1959, Parsons died at a young age of 51. His sons, Drs. Lynn and Jerry Parsons, attended the ceremony on his behalf.

“Mr. Herb Parsons was a hero to every young boy and girl who ever had the chance to see him perform,” said Garry Mason, president and founder of Legends of the Outdoors National Hall of Fame. “To get to induct one of my lifelong heroes is a dream come true for both me and my staff. To become an outdoorsman was a dream come true for thousands of kids while growing up in the fifties and sixties. Mr. Herb Parsons made that dream come closer to reality for us all. Winchester could not have had a better ambassador to the great outdoors than that of Mr. Herb Parsons. His legendary performances for Winchester should be shown on television each and every day.”

During the ceremony, Brenda Valentine, the “First Lady of Hunting” and prostaffer for Winchester Ammunition, was the guest speaker. She was also the first woman to be inducted into the Legends of the Outdoors National Hall of Fame.

Other 2009 Inductees include:

• – Jim Crumley
• – Toxey Haas
• – Rob Keck
• – Terry Redlin
• – Eddie Salter
• – Emily Shaffer

For more information, visit www.legendsoftheoutdoors.com or contact Garry Mason at 731.539.0171.

To learn more about Winchester Ammunition products, visit www.winchester.com.

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Pheasants Forever and Pizza Ranch Expand Successful “First Bird” Program
Pizza Ranch supporting PF youth mentor hunts and recognizing first-time hunter accomplishments.

Pheasants Forever

Saint Paul, Minn. - -(AmmoLand.com)- Pizza Ranch is stepping up its support of Pheasants Forever’s (PF) youth programs. In addition to sponsoring PF’s successful “First Bird” program for the 2009-2010 hunting season, Pizza Ranch will assist local Pheasants Forever chapters across the Midwest in promoting chapter youth events, including youth mentor hunts.

PF’s “First Bird” program sponsored by Pizza Ranch was developed in 2008 to recognize the accomplishments of youth hunters who successfully bagged their first upland bird. Pizza Ranch is looking to add to the initial success of the “First Bird” program by stepping forward to support youth mentor hunts in local communities.

PF chapters based in the same town or area as a Pizza Ranch have the opportunity to partner with their neighboring franchise to create a local youth mentor hunt. All participating chapters will receive 24 blaze orange hunting caps and a banner to publicize the event. Chapters can become involved by simply contacting their nearby Pizza Ranch.

“We are excited to partner with Pheasants Forever on another great project for our area youth. Pheasants Forever youth mentor hunts are a great way to get local youth involved in our communities and the outdoors,” stated Gwen Lahrs, Senior Advertising and Marketing Manager for Pizza Ranch.

“The first year of the First Bird program generated phenomenal response, and with the help of Pizza Ranch, we’re excited to publish even more youngster photos on the pages of our magazines and at www.PheasantsForever.org ,” said Greg Emerick, PF Director of Corporate Sales, “Pizza Ranch also prides itself on being active in local communities, and boosting Pheasants Forever chapter youth events this fall will definitely help strengthen our youth outreach efforts.”

TO ENTER the Pheasants Forever “First Bird” program sponsored by Pizza Ranch

The Pheasants Forever “First Bird” program sponsored by Pizza Ranch is aimed at getting todayâ?Ts youth actively involved in outdoor activities such as hunting.

Young hunters who send in a photo of their first bird will receive:

• A “First Bird” Commemorative Pin
• Coupon for a free pizza at a Pizza Ranch restaurant
• A chance to get their photo published in the Pheasants Forever Journal of Upland
• Conservation and Upland Tales youth magazine.

Please send your photo (prints will not be returned) along with your first and last name, birth date, mailing address, phone number, and any other information you would like to share to: Pizza Ranch Inc., Attn: First Bird, PO Box 465, Orange City, IA 51041-0465.

About Pizza Ranch
Pizza Ranch has 144 franchises in Iowa, Minnesota, South Dakota, North Dakota, Wisconsin, Nebraska, Michigan and Illinois. The chain was founded in 1981 in Hull, Iowa and since has grown to its current size while focusing its brand around “providing a business ministry opportunity where guests receive a legendary experience through quality food and service.” More information about Pizza Ranch can be found at www.pizzaranch.com .

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

For additional information about Pheasants Forever, please visit www.PheasantsForever.org

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