Eddie Eagle Gunsafe Program

FAIRFAX, Va.--(Ammoland.com)- The Eddie Eagle GunSafe Program, NRA’s groundbreaking gun accident prevention course for children, has surpassed yet another milestone by reaching its 25 millionth child.

Created in 1988 by past NRA President Marion P. Hammer, in consultation with elementary school teachers, law enforcement officers, and child psychologists, the program provides pre-K through the third grade children with simple, effective rules to follow should they encounter a firearm in an unsupervised setting: “If you see a gun: STOP! Don’t Touch. Leave the Area. Tell an Adult.”

“Now that 25 million children have gone through the Eddie Eagle program, we can concentrate on reaching the next 25 million with this important life saving message,” said Kayne Robinson, NRA Executive Director of General Operations.

Volunteers for the Eddie Eagle program might come from diverse backgrounds, but they share a commitment to protecting children from gun accidents.

Those involved include teachers, NRA members, law enforcement officers, and community activists who teach the program, as well as private donors and Friends of NRA participants who raise funds to pay for the program’s educational materials.

More than 26,000 educators, law enforcement agencies, and civic organizations have taught the program since 1988.

“We’re here to help make a difference in their lives,” said Eddie Eagle program manager Eric Lipp. “Through the assemblies, videos and everything else, we hope that our program leaves a lasting, positive impression on all who attend.”

Law enforcement’s partnership with Eddie Eagle has proven to be very effective. Along with schools and libraries, law enforcement agencies are one of the few groups allowed to purchase an Eddie Eagle mascot costume. NRA also offers free Eddie Eagle materials to any law enforcement agency, hospital, or educational facility across the nation. To receive these free materials, or to purchase an Eddie Eagle costume, please contact the Eddie Eagle Department at 800-231-0752.

The Eddie Eagle program has been praised by numerous groups and elected officials, including the Association of American Educators, the Youth Activities Division of the National Safety Council, the National Sheriffs’ Association, the U.S. Department of Justice (through its Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency), and 26 state governors.

Funds raised through Friends of NRA and distributed through The NRA Foundation (www.nrafoundation.org) enable budget-strapped schools and police departments to teach the program at minimal or no cost. The NRA encourages citizens nationwide to participate in heightening gun accident prevention awareness within their local communities. Schools, law enforcement agencies, civic groups, and others interested in more information about The Eddie Eagle GunSafe Program, or persons who wish to see if free materials are available in their communities, should call the Eddie Eagle Department at (800) 231-0752 or visit www.nrahq.org/safety/eddie/.

Tennessee Wildlife Federation's Great Outdoors University Supports National Effort to Increase Youth Outdoor Participation.

Tennessee Wildlife Federation

NASHVILLE, Tenn. --(Ammoland.com)- The North Face has awarded a $2,500 grant to the Tennessee Wildlife Federation’s Great Outdoors University (GOU) program, which will help low-wealth children and families explore the outdoors. Since 2006, GOU has provided meaningful outdoor experiences to more than 8,000 inner-city children in Memphis and Nashville through day and weekend camping, fishing and nature trips.

The Tennessee Wildlife Federation (TWF) was selected from hundreds of applications because of the GOU program’s success in reaching kids who otherwise wouldn’t have the opportunity to experience Tennessee’s great outdoors. In the final grant cycle of 2011, The North Face awarded $125,000 in Explore Fund grants to 51 projects, helping more than 30,000 kids connect to nature.

“The children participating in trips through Great Outdoors University are being introduced to a whole new realm, and it’s impacting their lives and building an appreciation for the natural world that will carry into adulthood,” says Sonya Wood Mahler, TWF’s Great Outdoors University program manager.

“We hear over and over from our program partners that these are life-changing experiences for the kids, and only through the support of organizations like The North Face are we able to do it. Many of the kids tell me it is the best day of their lives!”

Great Outdoors University was launched as a pilot program in 2006 in Memphis by TWF Board Member Peter Schutt. GOU was designed as an outdoor experience and education program that provides ongoing, hands-on outdoor and nature programming for free to low-wealth, at-risk children and youth. GOU participants come from partnering organizations that include outdoor education in their efforts. In Memphis, for example, GOU has partnered with the Boy Scouts of America’s ScoutReach program (ensuring that all young people have an opportunity to join Scouting, regardless of their circumstances) and Girls, Inc. (dedicated to inspiring all girls to be strong, smart and bold).

GOU has filled a niche that helps these organizations fulfill their mandates to provide outdoor education in their service to children and youth. The program was expanded to Nashville in the spring of 2009. In 2011, Schutt became the first Tennessean ever to be named the National Wildlife Federation’s Volunteer of the Year. Since its inception, this program has touched the lives of more than 8,000 youth participants.

Key program support comes from the Memphis Daily News, the Maddox Charitable Trust, the Memorial Foundation and the Cracker Barrel Foundation, among others.

“We believe in the importance of bringing youth together from diverse backgrounds and providing them with opportunities to get outdoors,” said Ann Krcik, director of Outdoor Exploration at The North Face. “We support organizations that work to create these opportunities for youth because we’ve seen firsthand how these programs can ignite a passion for the outdoors and teach them the importance of protecting the places we play for generations to come.”

To learn more about the Tennessee Wildlife Federation and the Great Outdoors University program, visit www.tnwf.org. To learn more about all of the Explore Fund grantees and to keep up on their progress visit, www.planetexplore.com/explorefund and www.twitter.com/TWFoutofdoors.

About The Tennessee Wildlife Federation
Founded in 1946, The Tennessee Wildlife Federation is dedicated to the conservation, sound management and enjoyment of Tennessee’s wildlife and natural resources for current and future generations through stewardship, advocacy and education.

About The North Face Explore Fund
The North Face® Explore FundTM is a grant program committed to supporting non-profit, community organizations that break down the barriers preventing children and families from experiencing the outdoors. The Explore Fund, administered by The Outdoor Foundation, finds, engages and provides funding for new partners that help further the mission of inspiring the next generation of explorers and conservationists by helping them discover nature’s playground.

About PlanetExplore
PlanetExplore is an online community founded by The North Face, powered by partner organizations that share a passion for the outdoors, and designed to help individuals and families learn about and participate in outdoor activities and events in their area. PlanetExplore is a portal to the outdoors designed to inspire and enable people of all ages to become regularly active outside, and to enjoy the benefits gained through a connection to nature.

For more information, please visit: The Explore Fund at www.explorefund.com or PlanetExplore at  www.planetexplore.com

West Virginia DNR

SOUTH CHARLESTON, W.Va. – -(Ammoland.com)- The next training session for instructors of the West Virginia Archery in the Schools (AIS) Program has been scheduled for Feb. 22 – 23 at Cacapon Resort State Park, according to Krista Snodgrass, Program Coordinator. The training will be hosted by the Wildlife Resources Section of the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (DNR).

“We are very excited to be holding our next training at Cacapon in West Virginia’s Eastern Panhandle,” said Snodgrass. “When possible, we like to provide trainings at our state parks and Cacapon is a perfect venue for PE teachers, coaches, and others wanting to get their school involved in the AIS Program.”

The AIS Program has become the DNR’s largest-growing educational program. Since its inception in 2004, nearly 60,000 students have been introduced to archery as part of their physical education (PE) classes in 238 West Virginia schools. The program teaches Olympic-style, target archery in both public and private schools Grades 4 through 12.

“In order for schools to participate in the AIS Program, they must first have a certified instructor – preferably a PE instructor or coach who will introduce as many kids as possible to the joys of target archery,” said Snodgrass.

“The DNR only has about four trainings a year and, because class size is limited to 25, training slots are highly sought after. As an added incentive, teachers taking this training may be eligible to receive Continuing Education Hours (CEH’s) provided they submit their paperwork to their principal before the end of the school year.”

To ensure a training slot, anyone interested in getting their school involved in the program is encouraged to apply as soon as possible. The deadline to register is Feb. 1. This training will cost $25 for all school employees and $50 for non-school employees. This fee will be paid to WVDNR – Archery in the Schools Program (via check, money order or exact currency only) during the first morning of the training.

To register for the AIS training at Cacapon Resort State Park, please call Krista Snodgrass at 304-558-2771; email Krista.R.Snodgrass@wv.gov for information on the AIS Program, or visit the DNR’s AIS website at www.wvdnr.gov/archery. For more information on Cacapon Resort State Park, go to www.cacaponresort.com

Cody Leeper talks about the winning run before the 3-Gun Nation Championship Shoot-Off crowd.

3-Gun Nation

GLENGARY, WV --(Ammoland.com)- Cody Leeper defeated JD Wilcox to claim the inaugural 3-Gun Nation Junior Division Championship at the 3GN Championship here Nov. 13, winning $5,000 from Cheaper Than Dirt.

Leeper, after posting solid scores at Ozark and FNH USA 3-Gun, surged into the top qualifying spot after trailing Katie Harris for much of the season. Then the Emmett, Idaho High School junior won two Shoot-Off bouts to claim the Junior title.

In the first round, Leeper defeated Devin Niederbrach, who made his first appearance in a 3GN Shoot-Off via a remarkable decision by Katie Harris.

Eleven-year-old Devin Niederbrach had a great run during the 3-Gun Nation Junior Division Shoot-Off.

Katie Harris explains to the crowd why she elected to give up her slot in the 3GN Junior Division Shoot-Off.

Harris was earlier afforded the opportunity to compete in a 3GN Shoot-Off at last year’s Fort Benning 3-Gun when Kurt Miller vacated his spot for Harris. An event Harris and her father, Joe, consider pivotal in her shooting development, Harris has since gone on to post several top Junior and Lady finishes in Tactical Optics.

So Harris, who was already qualified to compete in the 3GN Lady Shoot-Off, decided to pay it forward, vacating her slot, which allowed young Niederbrach a chance on the big stage.

In the other first-round match-up, Warne’s JD Wilcox upset Jake Denno to advance to the finals. Denno, who had been injured much of the season, put together impressive match scores down the stretch to qualify second overall. Wilcox, in his first year of competitive 3-gun, improved his scores all season to qualify for the Championship.

But the day belonged to Leeper, who has had a phenomenal season, including a 3-Gun Nation Team Event win earlier this year. However, his most impressive stat of the season is arguably a stage win at Ozark in Tactical Optics, winning a rifle stage over the likes of Daniel Horner and the other top shooters in the sport.

Now Leeper adds a 3GN Junior Division Championship to his resume, including a check for $5,000 from Cheaper Than Dirt.

Junior competitors used sponsor-provided FN SLP shotguns, FN SCAR 16 rifles topped with Leupold scopes and fitted with SureFire suppressors, and Ruger SR-9 semi-auto pistols during the Shoot-Off.

All ammunition was provided by Federal Premium.

Eleven-year-old Devin Niederbrach had a great run during the 3-Gun Nation Junior Division Shoot-Off.

Jake Denno, who finished second overall this season on the 3GN Tour, prepares for his first-round match-up.

Warne's JD Wilcox, in his first year of 3-gun competition, made it to the finals of the 3GN Junior Shoot-Off.

For more information, go to www.3GunNation.com.

Pro Ears ReVO Hearing Protection

Pro Ears by Altus

TRAVERSE CITY, MICHIGAN --(Ammoland.com)- More than ever the youth of the world face potential hearing loss from a wide variety of sources.

Now the professionals at ALTUS BRANDS have introduced an exciting new product, the ReVO line of hearing protection ear muffs specifically designed for smaller heads and smaller ears.

Altus Brand’s EVP Charlie Ricci made the announcement: “Our children have been at a distinct disadvantage when it comes to quality hearing protection. Most “youth” hearing protection is either very uncomfortable or more of a children’s toy.

Pro Ears ReVO Hearing Protection

With the hundreds of ways kids are exposed to hearing damaging noise levels, especially in their formative years, we at Pro Ears were determined to create a product kids would want to wear AND that provided an adult level of protection. Our new ReVO line of passive hearing protection muffs are made to fit smaller heads comfortably, offer protection and with knock out graphics every kid will want to wear.ReVO Hearing Protection is a major advancement for all our children exposed to dangerous noise levels such as the shooting sports, rock concerts, auto racing and many other circumstances where high or constant noise levels can cause progressive hearing damage.”

NEW ReVO Passive Muffs:

• NRR 26 Protection
• Adult level of protection with smaller interior circumference ear seals for a better fit on smaller head and ears
• Tighter, adjustable radius headband
• Super-Sized ProForm leather ear cushions reduces potential gaps around smaller ears
• Exciting graphics kids will love.
• One Year Warranty
• Made in the USA

Pro Ears quality and rugged dependability in hearing protection designed for the smaller sports enthusiast.

In addition to Pro-Ears, Altus Brands also owns Benchmaster, Cass Creek, Rifleman Hearing Protection, CrossFire Slings, Bughats, Woodland Whisper, Harmon Scents, Heart Stopper Lures and American Bison Leather Products.

For more information please contact:

Pro Ears
484 W. Welch Ct
Traverse City, MI 49686,
800-891-3660 – fax 800-973-1741
www.pro-ears.com

Easton Foundations Archery Center In Van Nuys California

Easton Foundation

Van Nuys, CA --(Ammoland.com)- The Easton Foundations has opened its latest archery center, located in Van Nuys, CA on 15026 Oxnard Street, just minutes from its corporate office.

The Easton Van Nuys Archery Center is the second of the Easton Foundation run centers, which also includes the Easton Newberry Sports Complex in Newberry, FL.

It is part of a system of archery centers that the Foundation is funding, which also includes the Easton Foundation Archery Center in Yankton, SD, a joint program with the NFAA (National Field Archery Association) and the John and Marnie Demmer Shooting Sports Education and Training Center at Michigan State University (MSU).

“The new Easton Van Nuys Archery Center is a fabulous facility and well adapted as an archery complex. Our vision for the center is to develop programs and opportunities for a variety of coaching courses, from beginning to elite, as well as coach and archer training opportunities. As we continue to grow the sport, especially among youth, we will need many more qualified coaches and archery facilities to handle the influx of new archers. The centers The Easton Foundations are developing are a strong and positive step in that direction. ” said Don Rabska, VP of Programs and a member of the Board of Directors.

The Van Nuys center is already home to a local JOAD (Junior Olympic Archery Development) Club and is well utilized by archers from UCLA and California State University, Northridge for practice and training. The facility is also the center for the Foundations’ OAS (Olympic Archery in Schools) Program and a league night on Thursdays. The center will be adding new programs in the near future as well. The facility also hosts coaching courses and currently has coaches and students of various levels training to improve their archery skills.

“The Easton Van Nuys Archery Center is a great resource for OAS. From its start we have been using it for coach and archer training as well as for OAS competitions,” said Keaton Chia, OAS Program Supervisor, “The center has everything we need including a classroom, areas for parents to watch, and a beautiful indoor archery range. The range is fully equipped to host competitions and is also perfect for training archers and coaches. We have targets setup at 18 meters as well as at a shorter distance which is great for archers working on their form and technique. The center is also outfitted with large mirrors and other training aids. I am excited that this resource is available to our schools and youth. I look forward to the many events we will be holding at the center and for the impact it will make on the community.”

This new facility includes a 12 lane, back to back 18 meter and 7 meter indoor range, eating and viewing area for guests and conference/training room as well as offices and a warehouse.

The training center will be open to archers and coaches involved in JOAD, OAS and other programs. Interested parties should contact Idida Briones at (818) 901-0127 ext. 202 or ibriones@esdf.org.

For more information on the Easton Foundations, a full listing of our programs, grant recipients, and / or information on the grant selection process please go to our website at www.EastonFoundations.org or contact Ms. Idida Briones at (818) 901-0127 ext. 202 or via email at ibriones@esdf.org.

About the Easton Foundations:
The Easton Foundations’ aim is to keep archery a viable part of the sporting culture in communities across the United States. The Foundation was created in 1982 by Jim Easton, the founder and former CEO of Easton Sports, Inc, in preparation for the 1984 Olympics. The Foundation actively works to introduce the Olympic sport of archery to communities across the country. It supports the training of aspiring archers, trainers, coaches, and administrators and building of indoor and outdoor archery facilities at city parks, schools, universities and sports complexes.

The Easton Foundations encourages and engages youth to participate and develop skills in the sports of archery, baseball, softball, ice hockey, and cycling. It contributes to selected 501(c)(3) charitable groups and universities that share its vision of excellence and innovation in sports programs, business and engineering education, and medical research

AmmoLand Gun News

Manasquan, NJ --(Ammoland.com)- There are many responsibilities that come with having children, but there are plenty of fun times too.

And teaching my kids to shoot is one of them.

However, there is nothing wrong with taking advantage of your role as the parent sometimes…. it is one of the perks. Hence, the “range safety test”.

Several years ago after I began shooting, my children started asking me about when I would take them to the range. I would steal off for an hour and come home happy and pumped up and they wanted in on the fun. My teenage boys especially were interested but I was new to the sport and it was before I became an instructor, so I wasn’t quite ready to handle them at the range alone.

When I was ready, I told them we first had to spend time going over all the safety rules before we touched any guns. Then, they had to prove to me that they understood and respected the rules of safe firearms handling – both in words and in actions. This meant I drilled them on ALWAYS point your gun in a safe direction, ALWAYS keep your finger off the trigger until ready to shoot, and ALWAYS keep your gun unloaded until ready to use it, as well as other common sense rules related to safe shooting. I wanted them to understand that shooting is a very safe sport. In fact because of the extreme emphasis on safety, shooting is one of the SAFEST sports.

Firearms Safety Testing

And then, one night we took the guns out and I showed them how to point the gun in a safe direction and check to see if it is unloaded. We did this over and over again. I would have one child pick up the gun, demonstrate the safety rules and safety check it and then put it down. Then the next child would pick it up and so on. It became clear after a short while, after many times of checking that the gun was empty, that my 13 year old son in particular thought the ALWAYS point your gun in a safe direction was more a MOM rule than one that governs the handling of firearms.

Not that he has any less respect for a Mom rule, but I did feel like I needed to clarify this one. Yes, as a Mom I am sure I do my fair share of repetitive reminding (ie, dare I say, nagging?) For example, things like “I said put your socks in the laundry basket!” (repeated about six or seven times in a row as he is darting right past them up the stairs – again.) Or the mantra “don’t forget your lunch” repeated twenty times before he heads out the door for school. Since teenagers, and especially teenage boys only really hear half of what you say anyway, usually the last few words, repeating yourself usually works at some point. And it can save you a trip to the school with a forgotten lunch.

Although my son is a good kid, I needed to be sure he was taking me seriously, so I decided to come up with a multiple choice test for my children to complete before I allowed them to visit the range with me. Now I am the sort of person who likes to have some fun – as serious as I am when I have my Mom face on, I am more of a softie inside when it comes to discipline, but the rule is you can’t let them catch on or they will walk all over you. So I came up with a “test” for them to take. It is written with a sense of humor, but it does not mean the topics should be taken any less seriously. Obviously, I would be standing directly behind my son, he would not be alone in many of these scenarios, but I wanted him to be thinking and to use his common sense.

Also, when I wrote this test I admit I was messing around. The test was merely a graduation of sorts, my son had already proven to my satisfaction that he was ready to learn to shoot. I did not share this with him though, he was all worked up about passing – although I was sure he would pass without a problem. As for the essay question, THAT was totally for fun. I was going to stop him before he even answered it, but when I saw him writing – my curiosity got the better of me and I didn’t stop him right away. And yes, he passed. On the first attempt.

Multiple Choice Exam for Range Privileges

1. Choose the BEST Answer
2. Must receive a score of 100%
3. Exam may be taken as many times as necessary.

When handed a gun the first thing you do is:

• Point it in a safe direction.
• Check to see if it is loaded.
• Text your friends to tell them you are holding a gun.
• All of the above

You put your finger on the trigger:

• As soon as the gun is in your hand.
• As you are aiming your gun at the target.
• Once you have your target in your sights and you are prepared to shoot it.
• Whenever you want.

When you are about to enter the range you should:

• Have your eye protection on.
• Have your ear protection on.
• Have your gun in your hand.
• All of the above.
• A & B

The range officer is there to:

• Help you if your quarters get stuck in the soda machine.
• Tell you where the bathroom is.
• Hang your targets for you.
• Make sure everyone is obeying the range rules.
• Clean your gun.

Your last round went right through the bullseye! You should:

• Turn around and high five whoever is standing next to you.
• Yell out “Told you I could do it!” while holding your gun in a safe direction (ie downrange)
• Place your gun down (facing downrange), if you need to turn around and talk to anyone.
• Point your gun at your neighbor’s target to see if you can hit his also (since he can’t).
• B or C

You put your gun down to tie your shoe and now you are done shooting. You release the empty magazine. The gun is now:

• Definitely empty.
• Definitely loaded.
• Not sure – need to do a safety check.
• Empty – you asked the guy next to you and he said so.

At the range, guns are allowed to be out of their cases:

• Inside a port (or at a bench).
• Any place you want as long as you are sure the gun is not loaded.
• On the table directly behind you as long as you are watching it or loading it.
• All of the above.

Every time you pick up a gun you should:

• Find out what kind of gun it is.
• Find out what kind of ammo it uses.
• Check it to make sure it is not loaded.
• Try and pull the trigger to see if it fits your hand.

At the range it is ok to:

• Watch other people shoot from a polite distance.
• Tap someone on the shoulder to ask them an important question while they are facing downrange.
• Tell the range officer when you come in that you already know all the rules because you mother told you.
• Play around using your finger as a gun and aiming it at people.

You have checked your gun and found it is empty, one, two, three…..twenty-five times. You can now point your gun:

• Wherever you want, I mean Duh, you just checked it and it isn’t loaded.
• In a safe direction.
• At your sister, she just saw you check it and she knows you are just kidding.
• Wherever a responsible adult tells you to.
• All of the above.

Bonus points, will not take away from your score:

Turn over the page and write an essay on the following topic (500 words minimum):

Would you say that guns are dangerous or do you think it is people who are dangerous? Why?

Starting a College Marksmanship Club

AmmoLand Gun News

Manasquan, NJ --(Ammoland.com)- Practicing marksmanship in college offers students of both genders the opportunity to engage in a fun and exciting activity while learning important lessons about gun safety and use.

It can also be a way for college students to earn credits for college courses and potentially even scholarships for their academic endeavors. Students at schools across the country from smaller junior colleges to Ivy League institutions are taking part in marksmanship courses, clubs, and tournaments.

While marksmanship programs are being offered in an increasing number of college and university settings, they aren’t as common as other extracurricular activities. Schools with ROTC programs might offer classes on gun safety and basics of shooting, but this isn’t true throughout the country.

In some cases, students interested in marksmanship will need to organize their own clubs in order to experience the many benefits they offer.

College shooting clubs can teach more young people about firearm safety.

Starting a college marksmanship program might seem daunting for students without a program on their campus, but there are resources available to help them out. Interested students can apply for grants through the National Shooting Sports Foundation, the trade organization for the firearms and shooting sports industries. They established the Collegiate Shooting Sports Initiative grant program in 2009, which provides up to $300,000 in grants annually to accredited colleges and universities across the United States to create new or expand existing shooting programs.

Grants have been used by Jacksonville University to start a target shooting club, by Trinity College and Schreiner University to fund seminars for beginners on gun safety and target practice, and to create the New England Collegiate Clay Target Championship, featuring teams from Harvard, Yale, Brown, and Tufts.

The National Shooting Sports Foundation recommends students who want to launch a marksmanship or target shooting club at their school work closely with the safety or risk management office early in the development process. It’s a requirement for receiving funding through the Collegiate Shooting Sports Initiative and an important step to ensure safety and institutional support.

With increased emphasis on gun safety in the wake of shooting incidents at several campuses in recent years, students will want to make sure their shooting clubs are following all campus rules and regulations on weapons before proceeding. Working closely with safety officers on campus and making them aware that marksmanship programs will teach safety and prevent gun problems can create partnerships that will help as programs go through the approval process with the school.

Students will also want to consider which students to address with their initial recruitment efforts. Launching a club as a recreational activity rather than a competitive endeavor will create a broader pool of potential participants. Programs will also need to find a faculty or staff member to serve as liaison with the school. The school’s ROTC is a good place to start. Another option is asking local firing ranges if they know of any faculty or staff from the school who are members.

While marksmanship programs aren’t for every college student, they can offer many benefits for those already interested in target shooting or who want to learn more about this activity. Skilled students can compete in tournaments that offer significant scholarships and other awards, but students at all levels interested in target shooting and gun safety can benefit from collegiate shooting clubs.

National Rifle Association

FAIRFAX, Va. --(Ammoland.com)- Recently a federal judge in the Northern District of Texas ruled that the federal ban on dealer sales of handguns to adults from the ages of 18 to 20 does not violate the Second Amendment.

The National Rifle Association plans to file a prompt appeal of the court’s ruling to the Fifth Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals.

“We strongly disagree with this ruling,” said Chris W. Cox, Executive Director of the NRA Institute for Legislative Action.

“As we said when we filed this case, adults 18 and up have fought and died for American freedom throughout our country’s history. They are adults for virtually every legal purpose under federal and state law, and that should include the ability to buy handguns from licensed dealers to defend themselves, their homes and their families. Our fellow plaintiffs in this case are law-abiding and responsible young adults. We plan to defend their rights to the very end.”

The case is Jennings v. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. A related case challenging Texas’ ban on issuance of concealed handgun licenses to adults in the same age group is still pending before the same court.

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

No Junior has more 3GN Shoot-Off experience than Benelli's Katie Harris. Will that make the difference come November?

3-Gun Nation

USA --(Ammoland.com)- With two events remaining on the 2011 FNH USA 3-Gun Nation Tour, Presented by SureFire, Katie Harris has all but ran away with the Junior division—making the Georgia high school student the favorite in the 3GN Junior Shoot-Off, and the top prize of $5,000, courtesy of Cheaper Than Dirt!

Harris (196.54) added to her lead with an outstanding performance in Tactical Optics at the recent Adams Arms Ozark 3-Gun Championship, where she shot 68-percent of Daniel Horner’s division-winning time. Staying that close to Horner, especially on a natural terrain course of fire, shows just how much Harris has improved over the course of only her second season in 3-gun competition.

Equally impressive at Ozark, Cody Leeper shot a 66.77 in Tactical Optics, including a stage win over the entire division, likely the best individual stage performance by a junior since Horner himself tore up major 3-gun matches prior to his enlistment in the U.S. AMU. Leeper’s score pushed his overall 3GN points to 172.11.

Warne’s JD Wilcox (105.42) sits in third place on the 3GN Junior Standings; however, he will likely need a big finish, and maybe a little luck, to hold off both Jake Denno and Hayden Hixson. With two scores apiece, if Denno and Hixson each add one more score, and shoot to their ability, they should take home the final two slots. But if just one of them slips up, then Wilcox, in his first year of competition, could be shooing for Cheaper Than Dirt’s $5,000 prize in the 3GN Junior Shoot-Off in November.

See the full 3GN Junior Standings at http://www.3gunnation.com/the_series/standings/j/juniors_standings.

Cody Leeper picked up an impressive stage win in Tactical Optics during the Adams Arms Ozark 3-Gun.

Eds. Note: All competitors are encouraged to begin checking all of their scores immediately. Any scoring errors must be reported to 3GN prior to the beginning of the FNH USA 3-Gun Championships in November to be valid for the 3GN Championship, Lady Shoot-Off or Junior Shoot-Off.

Wyoming Hunting and Fishing Heritage Expo – a group of M.U.L.E.Y. program participants.

Mule Deer Foundation

CASPER, Wyo. --(Ammoland.com)- Mule Deer Foundation (MDF) staff and volunteers assisted at the recent Wyoming Hunting and Fishing Heritage Expo (Expo) in Casper, Wyo.

Final numbers are not in yet, but an estimated 14,000 people attended, with about 8,000 being school-aged children.

MDF’s Youth Programs Coordinator Jon Zinnel said, “The MDF-sponsored rifle and shotgun ranges at the Expo gave young people the opportunity to learn how to handle a firearm. All of the instructors made sure the kids fully understood the aspects of firearms and range safety before participating. Students were taught the proper and safe way to handle, aim and fire the guns. This program was consistent with MDF’s M.U.L.E.Y. mission, which is to safely introduce youth to shooting sports, ensuring the sport’s continued growth.”

MDF Corporate Partners also helped. ATK Federal Ammunition provided shotshells and rimfire ammunition for the MDF shooting ranges, and Crosman Corporation donated 10,000 pellets for the indoor air rifle range. Together, MDF and its partners helped introduce students to the outdoors and let them know where to get involved with other on-going shooting, hunting and conservation programs.

The Expo, hosted by the Wyoming Game and Fish Dept., is a statewide annual event open to the public. It provides learning and participation opportunities that emphasize the relevance of wildlife and habitat management, as well as ethical behavior and stewardship of the outdoors.

Zinnel concluded, “The Expo was just a great event. We not only influenced thousands of youth with shooting sports, but we also gained exposure and a foothold in the state of Wyoming with our M.U.L.E.Y. youth program. The Expo was very well put together, and we look forward to participating again next year.”

About MDF and the M.U.L.E.Y. Program
The Mule Deer Foundation is one of the key conservation groups in North America working to restore, improve and protect mule deer, black-tailed deer and their habitat. With a focus on science and program efficiency, MDF has raised millions of dollars and put countless man-hours on the ground for mission-critical projects. MDF acknowledges regulated hunting as a viable management component and is committed to recruitment and retention of youth into the shooting sports and conservation. Get involved at www.muledeer.org or call 1-888-375-DEER.

The mission of MDF’s M.U.L.E.Y. (Mindful, Understanding, Legal and Ethical Youth) program is to safely introduce youth to shooting sports, ensuring the sport’s continued growth. The M.U.L.E.Y. program is funded by Larry and Brenda Potterfield and the MidwayUSA Foundation. Visit the M.U.L.E.Y. Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/mdfyouth.

About Wyoming Hunting and Fishing Heritage Expo
Wyoming’s wildlife-related recreational opportunities are so valuable and important that the Wyoming Game and Fish Department initiated the Wyoming Hunting and Fishing Heritage Expo in 1998, and it has become an annual event. The Expo is just one way the Wyoming Game and Fish Department is helping to insure the future of Wyoming’s hunting, fishing and wildlife viewing heritage for generations to come. For more information visit http://gf.state.wy.us/services/education/expo/index.asp.

Federal Premium Conservation Manager Bill Stevens

FederalPremium.com

ANOKA, Minn. --(Ammoland.com)- The Minnesota 4-H Shooting sports has honored the late Federal Premium Conservation Manager Bill Stevens by renaming their annual shoot.

Stevens was a noted conservationist and avid hunter who passed away Sunday, July 3, 2011 at the age of 72 after a battle with cancer. The 2011 Bill Stevens Memorial Invitational is being held in Fairmont, Minn. this weekend.

“A True Friend of 4-H”
Bill Stevens was known by thousands and thousands as a man who never stopped promoting his true passions—hunting, shooting, youth, family and conservation.

“Bill was a true friend of the 4-H Shooting Sports & Wildlife program,” said Kia Harries, Minnesota 4-H Youth Development Extension Educator. “He was energetic, enthusiastic and supportive of young people and their interests and the volunteers who were trained to lead. He shared his dreams and ideas and helped to implement them—making 4-H Shooting Sports programs a reality across the nation.”

Stevens was instrumental in several programs and areas within Minnesota 4-H.

“He started the Silent Auction at the MN 4-H Shooting Sports & Wildlife Invitational to help keep training costs low and we have appreciated his ideas and generosity to the 4-H program, said Harries. “The 2011 MN 4-H State Shooting Sports & Wildlife Invitational has been renamed the 2011 Bill Stevens Memorial Invitational as a tribute to Bill for his passion, energy and support for getting young people involved and excited about the outdoors.”

A Tribute to a Father, Husband, Conservationist and Friend
Stevens’ enthusiasm was evident in all he did. He spent time with family, friends and youth doing what he loved all across the country. “Bill was a great mentor and a true friend,” said Federal Premium Conservation Manager Ryan Bronson. “He received so many accolades during his career and in retirement that he always downplayed. It doesn’t surprise me at all that he continues to be recognized after he is gone. These honors are a true testament to the man Bill was.”

Federal Premium has put together a few photos of Stevens as a tribute to a man who contributed so much and was liked by so many.

• Images of Bill can be seen at http://www.federalpremium.com/conservation/bill_stevens.aspx

About Federal Cartridge Company
Headquartered in Anoka, Minnesota, Federal Cartridge Company has been providing hunters and shooters with high-quality rimfire, centerfire and shotshell ammunition since 1922. It pioneered the Premium category of ammunition and is part of the world’s leading ammunition manufacturer, ATK Security and Sporting. For more information on Federal, visit www.federalpremium.com.

Me On the Olympic Shooting Team, Yes . . . YOU CAN!

USA Shooting

FORT BENNING, GA --(Ammoland.com)- Can I or do I have the ability to win a place on the US Olympic Team and to win medals at the Olympic Games?

I remember as a pre-teen shooting in my backyard or on my Aunt’s farm wondering what it would be like to compete in the Olympics.

If you are asking yourself “am I good enough,” or “can I compete at the international and Olympic level,” the answer is YES you can, IF . . . .

The answer to this question for me came after about one year as a member of my high school JROTC rifle team. I was a sophomore shooting every day for an hour and a half or more, competing in local competitions, watching my skill and score increase. Being pushed, challenged, and supported by my JROTC coach made it easy for me to see myself on the winner’s stand in the future.

It wasn’t a question of “if,” but when? Being somewhat impatient, I wanted to make it happen sooner than later.

Between my junior and senior year I worked all summer saving nearly every dollar to purchase my own Anschutz 1413 Super Match target rifle. My Dad said he would buy the leather shooting jacket if I saved the money for the rifle. This put my shooting career in high gear. My freshman year in college, I was on the varsity rifle team, a feat that no freshman had achieved before me. I was motivated to be the best. I learned about the US Army Marksmanship Unit in my junior year of college, and five years later I was competing in the Olympic Games.

When you read articles and profiles of past and current Olympians, you see common threads in how they all started. Going hunting with grandfathers, dads, or uncles at an early age, starting with a BB gun, pellet gun, 22 cal. rifle, pistol, or shotgun. It starts as a lesson in gun safety, having fun shooting at cans or targets, maybe in your backyard, someone’s farm or at a local shooting club. You realize how much fun it is and start wanting to do more shooting, getting more time on the range or in the field.

And then you get the urge to shoot the local turkey shoot or club competition. Now you’re hooked. You watch your skills increase along with your confidence. When you ask for help there are plenty of adults and competitive shooters offering to help in anyway they can. It’s the way of our sport–like an extended family. However, be careful, not all advice is right for you . . . but that’s a topic for another day.

The details of the path to the Olympics plays out differently for each of us, but the underlying basics exist in the stories for most Olympic shooting athletes.

The big “IF” at the end of “Yes you can” refers to you’re willingness to practice hard, learn from a good coach and others in the sport, compete in as many matches as possible, join a club or facility that you use on a regular basis, obtain and maintain good equipment/guns, and stay focused on your goals. I could add more philosophical concepts to this list, but these areas are enough to begin. As with any sport, there is a learning curve and how fast you progress up that learning curve depends on your commitment to continuous improvement.

The path to the Olympic Games isn’t for everyone, but if you have the drive and commitment, YES you can and USA Shooting is here to help you along the path.

Michael Theimer, Youth Programs and Athlete Development Manager, USA Shooting. Contact me at michael.theimer@usashooting.org if you want to learn more about how to get on the Olympic path

USA Shooting

FORT BENNING, GA --(Ammoland.com)- A few years ago USA Shooting’s Passport program was established in partnership with 4-H.

It is designed to reward junior athletes for achieving the next level of skill in rifle, pistol or shotgun. It’s an excellent tool for motivating juniors.

I was talking to one 4-H club coach, Kevin Henry about the success of the Passport program at this club and asked him to write an article about their experience. Here is an example of just one 4-H club’s experience.

“Coach, can I get my pin now?” I looked up from scoring targets to find Cameron, one of our young air rifle shooters standing in front of me. I smiled and replied, “Well, if you can you wait until the end of practice, we will make a presentation in front of everyone.” He paused to think about it, and then with a little bit of impatience said, “Alright”.

4H USA Shooting Air Rifle Gold III Pin

Just three weeks earlier we introduced the USA Shooting Passport Pin program to our shooters. During those three weeks, Cameron was on a mission. He worked really hard to get the required score; getting very close a couple of times, but not quite close enough. When he finally did reach his goal to get his first pin, there was no doubt he knew that he had worked for and achieved something that had stretched him.

I am exactly one half of our coaching staff at our local 4-H club. We are a young club, both in longevity and shooting experience.

We only have some basic entry level equipment and our shooters are just starting to go to their first matches. We practice in “The Barn”; a metal building with a concrete floor but no air conditioning to combat the Texas heat. Show goats, pigs, and an occasional steer live directly behind the barn. From time to time the wall behind our backstops will rattle from a kick or head butt. This usually is followed by a round of giggling from the younger shooters. We use these random distractions as part of our “Mental Conditioning and Focusing Program” to learn how to block out distractions at a match. The barn actually is quite nice as it gets us out of the sun and wind. We are grateful to be able to use it.

Our shooters don’t have the benefit of looking to older, more experienced shooters to see how they are doing. All they get to see every week are their own scores; they have nothing else to compare their results to. As the coach, I find it difficult to find ways to stretch them. The USA Shooting Passport Pin program gives us some easy to use tools to grow our shooters. The bite sized increments of the scores in the program give us attainable and realistic goals to work toward. Everyone can see what they need to do in order to advance to the next level.

Every time someone earns their next pin, we make as big of a production out of it as we can. We gather everyone we can find: shooters, coaches, and parents. We even had a goat try to get in once. One of the coaches announces what pin they have won, congratulates them and then we always take a picture and applaud. Every pin so far has produced a proud smile.

Recently we took one of our best shooters, Allie, to a Junior Olympic match that was held at a local university. This was the first match she has ever been in. She was shooting a sporter air rifle in a precision event wearing blue jeans and tennis shoes. Even though she needs a lot more experience and equipment to get up to the level of the top shooters, she rose to the occasion, beat her personal best, and earned her next pin. I didn’t tell her before the match, but I had her next pin in my pocket already. After the match, we stood by the university flag and her father took a picture of her with her smile and new pin.

When asked about it later, Allie said “It was a pleasant surprise when I scored high enough to receive my first pin!”

Back at the Barn, after one of our award ceremonies, our newest member eyed his fellow shooters newly awarded pin and asked “what is the highest pin there is?” You could see a look of determination in his eyes already.

Kevin Henry lives in Fort Worth, Texas with his wife and 2 daughters, age 9 and 11. He is one of the coaches at the Eagle Mountain 4H Club in nearby Saginaw, Texas. Both daughters are in the 4H shooting club.

Thanks for sharing this with our members and supporters, Kevin. We look forward to seeing your juniors achieve higher goals. And with your help and guidance, maybe even a future Olympian.

You can order your Passports and pins from the 4H National Supply Service: http://www.4-hmall.org/Home.aspx

Michael Theimer, Youth Programs and Athlete Development Manager (michael.theimer@usashooting.org)

I would like to announce that we are partnering with Target Talk (www.targettalk.org) to be ‘the’ bulletin board/forum for buying, selling and trading used Olympic/international shooting equipment and guns. Also, I will be monitoring and contributing to the Youth Programs forum. Stop by for a chat and learn from other junior shooting coaches across the country.

LAR&R Club is newly certified by USA Shooting as its Regional Training Center.

USA Shooting

FORT BENNING, GA --(Ammoland.com)- USA Shooting has established a program that identifies clubs with excellent facilities, coaches and training programs for both the training of aspiring Olympic athletes and development of certified coaches.

We have designated these special clubs as Certified Training Centers (CTC). Originally we called them ‘Regional’ Training Centers (RTC), but we want to expand these CTCs across the country and not just limit them to arbitrary regions.

The CTCs receive various benefits from USA Shooting to include grants to help train Olympic athletes and coaches.

At the time of this writing, we have ten CTCs across the country. Three that are focused on rifle and pistol and seven that are focused on shotgun.

Rifle/Pistol

• Los Angeles Rifle & Revolver Club, Anaheim, Ca.
  Website: www.larrclub.org
• Palmyra Sportsmen’s Association, Palmyra, Penn.
  Website: www.palmyrasportsmens.com
• Ole Mill Range Complex, Griffin, Ga.
  Website: www.olemillrangectc.com

Shotgun

• Willawalla Creek Shooting Center, Saint Jo, Texas
  Contact Dwayne Weger at dweger@coppellconst.com
• Ben Avery Shooting Facility/Clay Target Center, Phoenix, Ariz.
  Website: www.azgfd.gov/outdoor_recreation/ben_avery.shtml
• Youth International Shotgun Training Coalition, Inc., Muncy Valley, PA
  Contact Les Greey at les@greevy.com
• Buckeye International Junior Shooting Sports, Inc., Cardinal Shooting Center – Marengo, Ohio
  Website: www.buckeyeinternational.org
• Gator Trap and Skeet Club, Gainsville, Fla.
  Website: www.gatorskeetandtrap.com
• South Georgia Youth Shooting and Bridge Creek Clays, Hartsfield, Ga.
  Contact Mike Simpson at ermasmom@yahoo.com
• Tucson Trap and Skeet Club, Tucson, Ariz.
  Website: www.tucsontrapandskeet.com

Obviously we don’t have a CTC in every state or multiple locations in the larger states, but it’s a future vision that we have and we are working toward identifying more CTCs that will support aspiring Olympic athletes across the country.

Our CTCs not only provide training for athletes and run sanctioned competitions to test their learning and skills, but they are also committed to developing coaches for our Olympic level athletes.

For those parents and volunteers who want to learn more about the Olympic shooting sports and/or elevate their coaching skills should contact one of the CTCs to find out when they will be hosting a coach certification course. You can also go to the NRA Training & Education web site (www.nrahq.org/education/training/coaching/coach_training_schools.asp) to find other locations around the country that are hosting coach certification courses.

The CTCs are good for beginners, too. The CTCs run various programs that help introduce Olympic and non-Olympic shooting sports. Not all junior shooters want to commit to an Olympic dream. We want all junior shooters to learn gun safety and enjoy the shooting sport of their choice. Whether it’s just for recreation or competition.

Our CTCs have access to grants from USA Shooting that support Olympic athlete and coach development. This is a new opportunity for our CTCs that began this year. We encourage our CTCs to host Junior Olympic Development Camps, coach certification courses, assist with travel for selected high potential Olympic athletes to competitions and JODCs, assist with coach travel to competitions and our bi-annual Coach Conference here at the Olympic Training Center.

Because of where you currently live, you might not be able to train at one of our CTCs every day, but you should consider traveling to a CTC for access to one of their certified coaches, training camps and USAS sanctioned matches. This will keep your travel expenses down and begin to give you visibility with the CTC coaches and USA Shooting. As your skills and success increase, you may be invited to JODCs and national competitions at the Olympic Training Center.

If you are one of the few that want to pursue the Olympic dream, willing to work hard, train hard and compete with the best, the CTCs can help you get there.

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

Have You Tried Progressive Position Pistol?

USA Shooting

FORT BENNING, GA --(Ammoland.com)- Progressive Position Pistol (PPP) appears to be a well-kept secret or a misunderstood opportunity for coaches to prepare junior athletes for Olympic pistol sports.

The USAS National Pistol Coach, Sergey Luzov is on the hunt for junior pistol shooters who aspire to make the US National Pistol Team and compete in the Olympic Games and other world championships. The future pipeline of high potential Olympic pistol athletes (especially women/girls) is down to a trickle which jeopardizes our ability to dominate the Olympic pistol events and win medals for the US in the future.

The PPP program is intended to introduce young pistol shooters to competitive pistol shooting and give them a natural progression into the Junior Olympic pistol competitions sponsored by USA Shooting (USAS) and the conventional pistol competitions sponsored by the National Rifle Association of America (NRA).

USA Shooting recognizes the need to get youth involved in competitive shooting at a younger age. One of the problems is that most air guns are too heavy for smaller, younger shooters. The PPP program creates an opportunity for youth to begin at an earlier age. There is no minimum age limit. How early a youth starts shooting pistol depends on the youth’s ability to hold and shoot an air pistol safely as determined by an experienced pistol coach. Also, any person may compete in Progressive Position Pistol until 31 December of the year of his or her 20th birthday.

The Progressive Position Pistol Program is designed to ‘progressively’ develop junior pistol athletes from supported positions to the Olympic one handed unsupported shooting. PPP gives the junior athlete the opportunity to focus on and learn the foundational pistol skills with the opportunity to participate in competitions. This develops confidence, skills and knowledge at an early age.

The PPP match competition is a precision pistol event. Multi-shot pistols may be used, but only a single pellet may be loaded at any given moment. The pistols must be .177 caliber (4.5 mm), and use compressed air or compressed, non-flammable gas (such as CO2) for propellant.

The PPP program allows juniors to participate with minimal expense for equipment and ammunition. Similarly ranges can be set up in any large room that has a minimum of 43 feet in length (33 feet from firing point to target and approximately 10 feet behind the firing point for shooters and range officers/coaches). Conference rooms, some school rooms, gymnasiums, student activity centers, some climate controlled warehouses, etc. make excellent starting ranges.

There are three categories of competitors in the Progressive Position Pistol Program. They are defined by the shooting position used by the competitor.

They are:

• • Basic Supported
• • Standing Supported
• • International (One-Handed) Standing

Basic Supported

• Minimum age: None (depends on the youth’s ability to hold and shoot an air pistol safely as determined by an experienced pistol coach).
• Maximum age: Thirteen.

The rules of the Basic Supported are written very broadly, so coaches can progress athletes incrementally within the position without being forced to go to the next position before they are ready. The athlete may be seated or standing, 1 or 2 hands on the grip.

Firm supports can include sandbags, kneeling rolls, etc. as well as any rest made of wood, plastic, etc. that can firmly support the butt of the pistol and the shooters hands safely. Firm supports should be adjusted for height to insure an upright posture and level head position of the shooter.

Coaches should encourage athletes to progress to a one-handed position as soon as they can safely do so.

Standing Supported

• Minimum age: None (depends on the youth’s ability to hold and shoot an air pistol safely as determined by an experienced pistol coach).
• Maximum age: Fifteen.

Athlete must stand, using one hand on the pistol grip. The T Stand provides counterbalance support between elbow and muzzle. The competitor’s shooting arm must be fully extended, with the sights at eye level.

The T-Stand provides an infinitely variable amount of support of the pistol’s weight and balance without totally dampening the shooter’s movement. By design, it also provides a large range of adjustable vertical height so that the shooter can maintain proper body, head, arm, and wrist position.

The link below contains plans for building a simple, affordable version of the T Stand.

http://www.usashooting.org/downloads/Z%20PPP%20Counterbalance%20T%20Stand.pdf

International (one-handed) Standing

• Suggested Minimum age: Thirteen (If parent, coach and physician agree a younger athlete is ready, this may be waived)

International air pistol rules apply. Unsupported standing with one hand on the pistol grip.

Progressive Position Pistol Airgun Shooting

Coaching
Coaches should encourage their athletes to progress to standing supported and then to one-handed unsupported standing as they become proficient with basic skills and their hands are large and strong enough to do so safely.

Coaches should attempt to help athletes obtain pistols that are appropriately sized and weighted for juniors. USAS currently sells the Air Arms Alpha Proj at a special discount for members and affiliated clubs ($525). USAS also provides a special discount for the purchase of the Pardini K10 ‘Kids’ target air pistol ($895). Affiliated clubs can purchase these air pistols through the delayed payment plan. Both air pistols are featured in our online store. Specific details of each pistol can be found on the USAS website http://www.usashooting.org/youthPistol.php

Coaches are encouraged to take advantage of the many opportunities to learn and develop their skills and learn effective techniques for working with young people. Coach certification and training is available through the NRA/USA Shooting/CMP Coach Education Program. Detailed information is available at: www.nrahq.org/education/training/coaching/index.asp

USAS will subsidize pistol coach certification courses with a minimum of six adults/participants that will start up and/or maintain a PPP program.

For more information about USAS junior shooting programs visit the following web page: www.usashooting.org/youth.php for the Youth Programs Overview,

www.usashooting.org/youthPistol.php for pistol which includes PPP rules, T Stand construction plans, and competition information.

For more information contact Michael Theimer at michael.theimer@usashooting.org

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

Toy Gun Play

New Jersey Second Amendment Society

New Jersey --(Ammoland.com)- Every year, particularly around the holiday season, there are articles in the news about kids “trading in” their toy guns for a more “appropriate” toy or book.

Sad faced children, usually little boys, carry their prized toy guns to their fate of being crushed by machines like the Bash-O-Matic, all for the exchange of a brightly wrapped book or stuffed animal.

Last Christmas I really felt sorry for a nine year old boy named Malik from Providence, RI, whose mother made him bash all, save one, of his seven toy guns (“I mean he is a boy after all,” she said); especially since my four kids have a small arsenal of Nerf guns that we use regularly in the now infamous Spivack family wars.

When I heard about the recent toy gun buyback by Stop Shootin’ Inc in Newark, I thought, here we go again. The goal of trying to decrease the culture of violence that exists in many communities across our country is an admirable one, however a toy gun buyback program does little to address the problem, just as a real gun buyback program doesn’t do much to make our communities safer. It’s merely symbolic to take away toy guns when kids are exposed to extreme violence in movies, television shows, gaming and the internet – what is really missing is parent involvement, encouraging imaginative play and getting kids active and engaged with each other.

A one day focus on destroying plastic toys does none of this, even with selective programming. Where is the follow through?

When I was growing up, my parents couldn’t always send the six of us to camp in the summer so we were sent off to play outside. There was no Xbox so we hit the backyard and the game of choice was Cowboys and Indians. My sisters and I would meet up with the other neighborhood kids following breakfast and head off for the woods. We broke off into teams and spent the day climbing trees, searching for cover and taking prisoners. We only came home when we were hungry and our parents didn’t tell us to make sure we brought our cell phones with us.

So Much for Unstructured, Uncontrolled Play…
There are very few opportunities for kids today to play freely as we did in an unstructured, uncontrolled environment. There is a fear of letting kids be free, to connect with nature and each other, so instead they sit inside in front of the Xbox and connect via the internet. They don’t get to go wherever their imagination takes them, even to an innocent game of Cowboys and Indians or Cops and Robbers.

As adults we are all guilty of allowing this to happen, and it is easy to blame the results, especially in the inner cities, on an evil “gun culture”. The fear of allowing our kids to roam freely today does have merit, the streets of any suburban neighborhood can be a dangerous place for children. But it can be overblown too and it does affect the psyche of our children. It is easier to lock them inside than to teach them how to engage safely with the world around them. We should be focusing on ways to allow our children to experience the freedom of previous generations, so they can foster good connections to other people, to communities and to nature even in places like Newark, NJ.

I believe violence is taught either by example or by omission of important values – it is not learned from a plastic gun inside a cardboard box.

Yes, if you want to say children, particularly boys are attracted to guns, fine. Educating children on how to be safe around real guns is the easier part. Responsible ways to handle or not handle guns can be taught by responsible parents, or New Jersey schools can promote programs designed for this purpose, like the Eddie Eagle program. The harder part will be changing the way we think about giving kids opportunities to make positive connections. If we continue to control the way this generation is raised, to lock down access to freedoms and choices and opportunities for imaginative play for our children, one has to wonder what they will think about their freedoms when they get older.

At our house, the Spivack family Nerf wars will continue. I love to see my children, who at a wide range of ages often have a healthy dose of sibling rivalry, band together, plan and execute against their parents to play out the Nerf battles. It’s not about taking down anyone in a blaze of glory – it’s about teamwork, and it’s about family fun, the same way it is when we play Scrabble or Monopoly.

I’d much rather hear “stick ‘em up” coming from the playroom than nothing but the noise from the television and video games.

Shari Spivack is an officer and board member of the most active Second Amendment Rights group in NJ – The New Jersey Second Amendment Society. She is a wife, a mother, a firearms instructor and a regular contributor on firearms related and 2A rights issues.

About:
New Jersey Second Amendment Society – Our mission is to promote the free exercise of Second Amendment rights within the community and Legislature of New Jersey, to educate the community regarding the enjoyable, safe, and responsible use of firearms, and to engender a sense of camaraderie and fellowship among the members and their families. Visit: www.nj2as.comAbout:
New Jersey Second Amendment Society – Our mission is to promote the free exercise of Second Amendment rights within the community and Legislature of New Jersey, to educate the community regarding the enjoyable, safe, and responsible use of firearms, and to engender a sense of camaraderie and fellowship among the members and their families. Visit: www.nj2as.com

National Archery in the Schools Program

USA --(Ammoland.com)- The Easton Foundations (EF) have again partnered with the National Archery in the Schools Program (NASP) to provide $300,000 in grant assistance for schools to enroll in this exciting program.

Over the next few months, each of the 47 NASP states, 5 Provinces, and Washington DC will be allocated $6,000.

Last school year was the first time NASP and EF partnered to provide these equipment grants.

While the grants were intended to assist 300 schools, 517 new NASP schools actually received grants.

Once educators at a prospect school learn about NASP, the next biggest obstacle to bringing archery instruction to their students is the purchase of the archery equipment kit. Thanks to very cooperative pricing by NASP suppliers, the equipment kit costs a school far less than its retail value. Even so, it costs about $3,000 to outfit a typical Physical Education archery class of 24-36 students. NASP’s equipment specifications are highly standardized in every school world-wide. Each school uses the same bow and arrow. The Genesis by Mathews Archery is a high quality universal-fit compound bow designed for sharing among several student archers. The Genesis arrow was specifically designed by Easton Technical Products to be safe, durable, and effective for the archery student.

This principle of every student using the same equipment in archery class makes certain the focus of student learning is on mastering the process of safe and proper shooting. If different types of equipment were used the teacher’s role would be more complicated, NASP®’s perfect safety record could be impacted, and the student’s mastery of how to shoot could be short-circuited.

Most of the more than 8,800 schools that have joined the program to date have been able to purchase their equipment with little help from outside sources. However, many schools are unable to raise this money without assistance. Some schools raise money locally among civic organizations, conservation clubs or chapters of the National Wild Turkey Foundation, Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, or Safari Club International. Innovative teachers enlist the aid of parents to hold fund raising events to raise money for equipment. In many NASP jurisdictions the fish and wildlife conservation agency provides grants for the purchase of school archery equipment kit.

To help alleviate financial barriers we at NASP are excited about the generosity of the Easton Foundations (EF). EF is a non-profit foundation established by James L. Easton for the purpose of training and developing a pool of world class archers able to compete at the highest levels. The strategy used to accomplish the Foundation’s purpose is the creation or support of programs to develop archers at many levels in order to strengthen and deepen the available talent pool. “The Easton Foundations have supported NASP Schools for a number of years with equipment grants directly to the schools, support of the NASP School Equipment Grant Program allows us to assist more schools and leverage the great work of the NASP organization and State Coordinators”, commented Greg Easton from the Easton Foundations. For more about the Easton Foundations visit www.eastonfoundations.org

This grant offer is popular with coordinators who run NASP in their respective states.

Tim Beck, the Indiana DNR NASP Coordinator reports, “These equipment grants have allowed many Indiana schools to join and participate in this unique and engaging program. There is no doubt, without this type of boost some of our students would not be able to join the fun.” Florida Fish & Wildlife Commission’s Steve Robbins tells us, “Our agency provides a limited number of grants to start new NASP schools. These EF and NASP grants help even more private and public schools join Florida’s NASP effort. We have teachers waiting and hoping the grant will be renewed this year.”

The National Archery in the Schools Program is in its 10th year. If you would like to learn more about NASP and how to help our nonprofit foundation bring the program to more students please check us out at: at: www.archeryintheschools.org or www.nasparchery.com

Marlin Firearms

Madison, NC --(Ammoland.com)- Youth shooters from across the country gathered to participate in a Marlin Fun Shoot held recently in West Virginia.

The event featured Marlin’s newest family of rimfire rifles – the XT Series, the Marlin Man, interactive targets and most importantly smiling faces. Check out some of the highlights in the video above.

Marlin XT Youth Series of Bolt-Action Rimfire Rifles
Marlin is excited to announce the new XT Youth series – the first Marlin rifles designed specifically for younger shooters. Marlin spent extensive time researching young shooters form and how compact stocks impacted their sight picture and overall shooting form. Marlin knows that consistent shooting accuracy comes from proper shooting form.

The XT Youth rifles are designed with that in mind, featuring a shorter length of pull, shorter trigger reach, smaller pistol grip and a raised comb, making it easier for young shooters to acquire and hold the proper sight picture – ensuring that proper shooting form that will last a lifetime.

In addition, the XT Youth has reduced bolt force making for easier ejection and faster chambering. The new XT Pro-Fire trigger system is user adjustable from 3 pounds to 6 pounds providing the shooter a clean, crisp trigger pull with virtually zero creep. Pass on your love of shooting and hunting to the next generation, and give them the right start with this new line of rifles.

The new XT Series of bolt-action rimfire rifles are loaded with the latest and best technologies Marlin has to offer – continuing the legacy of “The Great American Rifle”. For more information and a complete listing of XT rifle models, please visit www.marlinfirearms.com/xt.

About Marlin Firearms Company
Established in 1870, the Marlin Firearms Company brands include Marlin, Harrington & Richardson, New England Firearms and L.C. Smith. Marlin Firearms produces an array of lever action, bolt action, and semi–automatic rifles. It is truly The Great American Rifle. More information about Marlin Firearms Company can be found at www.marlinfirearms.com

Glock Pistols

SMYRNA, Ga. --(Ammoland.com)- Gaston Glock’s belief in giving back was woven into the ethos of GLOCK, Inc. when the United States division of the company opened 25 years ago.

Ever since, the company has maintained its founder’s commitment to philanthropy and education; particularly in the youth arena.

“GLOCK’s focus is to assist those who put themselves in harm’s way to defend the freedoms that we all currently enjoy,” said Josh Dorsey, GLOCK vice-president. “It’s with great pleasure that GLOCK is able to make a difference by contributing to organizations that develop the characteristics of our nation’s future leaders.”

Most recently, Team GLOCK member Randi Rogers, participated as an instructor at the MGM Junior Shooter Camp held at the Parma Rod & Gun Club, in Boise, ID from July 22-24. This is the third year that GLOCK has participated as a sponsor to the camp, whose main purpose is to enhance the skills of the junior shooters and help prepare them for competition. The shooters participated in daily clinics to learn advanced shooting skills. Team GLOCK member, Tori Nonaka, is an alumnus to the camp, where she credits much of her advancement in shooting.

“I firmly believe that organizations such as the MGM Junior Shooters Camp help to teach the young shooters responsibility and achievements of setting goals,” stated Rogers. “I began shooting at a young age, and really feel that my experience in the shooting arena has helped me to not only be a better competitor, but a more accomplished adult.”

Other youth organizations GLOCK has partnered with include:

• Scholastic Steele Challenge: The SSC provides the opportunity for young adults aged 12 thru 20 to participate in the exciting and challenging family sport of “speed steel” in a supportive environment taught by trained and supportive adult coaches focusing on the safe handling and use of handguns.
• Yaarab Shriner’s Circus: Over the past 87 years, the 18 Shriners Hospitals in the United States, Canada and Mexico have provided medical care to more than 865,000 children with congenital deformities and conditions, orthopedic injuries and diseases of the neuromusculoskeletal system at no charge.
• Special Operations Warrior Foundation (SOWF): Provides college educations to the surviving children of Army, Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps special operations personnel killed in combat or training.
• Young Marines: Positively impacts America’s future by providing programs for youth that promote their mental, moral and physical health through teamwork, self-discipline and a drug-free lifestyle. The program strives to instill core values of “Honor, Courage and Commitment” adopted by the Marine Corps to each of their members.
• NRA Whittington Center’s Adventure Camp –The Camp is a unique place where young men and women have the opportunity to learn the fundamentals of pistol, rifle and shotgun shooting in a positive environment.

About GLOCK, Inc.
GLOCK, Inc. is a leading global manufacturer of pistols and accessories. GLOCK’s superior engineering has produced a pistol with only 34 parts and a rugged polymer-frame, providing industry-leading reliability shot after shot. GLOCK is renowned for its pistols which are safe, featuring three safeties; simple, offering a low number of components to provide reliability; and fast, with no encumbering parts to slow the speed to fire. This combination makes GLOCK pistols the first choice among consumers and law enforcement, with 65% of agencies nationwide choosing to carry GLOCK. Austrian-engineered, the company has manufacturing facilities in the United States and Austria. Based in Smyrna, Ga., GLOCK, Inc. is an advocate for our nation’s law enforcement and military personnel, as well as all citizens’ Second Amendment right to bear arms. For more information, please visit www.teamglock.com.

Virginia Shooting Sports Association

Virginia - -(Ammoland.com)- The Page Valley Sportsman Club and the Skyline Strutters Chapter of the NWTF is hosting a JAKES Youth shooting event in Luray Saturday, August 27, 2011.

This is a great opportunity for youth 7 -17 years of age and will offer a variety of live fire range activities including shotgun, .22 rifle and archery.

This event is free and lunch is provided. Participants are invited to bring their firearms. Ammunition for 20 gauge shotguns, .22 long rifles, .177 air gun pellets and .50 caliber round ball muzzleloaders will be provided.

Centerfire rifles are prohibited. There are non-range activities for youth under 7 years of age. Please contact Art Kasson at 540-622-6103 or email artkasson@yahoo.com to register.

About:
The Virginia Shooting Sports Association (VSSA) was originally founded as the Virginia State Rifle and Revolver Association in 1938. VSSA is the official state association of the National Rifle Association. VSSA is also closely affiliated with the Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP), Virginia Outdoor Sports Information Network (VOSIN), National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF), Virginia Gun Collectors Association, and the Virginia Wildlife Federation (VWF). Visit: www.myvssa.org

National Rifle Association

FAIRFAX, Va. --(Ammoland.com)- Staff Sergeant Michael McPhail of Phenix City, Alabama, and member of the United States Army Marksmanship Unit (USAMU) has won the 2011 NRA National Smallbore Rifle Prone Championship with a final aggregate of 4796-401x.

Held July 24-29, the NRA National Smallbore Rifle Prone Championships are a part of the NRA National Rifle and Pistol Championships held at Camp Perry, Ohio each year. Comprised of a Metallic Sight and Any Sight championship, competitors take 480 total shots over the course of 12 matches from distances of 50 meters and 100 yards to determine who will take home the Critchfield Trophy.

Coming in second place overall was Mark Delcotto from Lexington, Kentucky, with a 4796-380x and McPhail’s USAMU teammate CPT Christopher Abalo from Ft. Mitchell, Alabama, came in third with a 4795-388x.

“I’d like to thank the commander of the AMU, all the solders and support staff at AMU – coaches, other shooters, my teammates – and also the NRA and the volunteers.” said SSG MacPhail. “Without the volunteers this match would never even happen.”

Renowned shooter Nancy Tompkins of Prescott, Arizona, won the High Woman award with a 4794-375x as well as the Any Sight Championship with a 2400-200x. Reya Kempley from Carson City, Nevada, shot second with a 4794-352x and Sarah Beard of Danville, Indiana took third with a 4790-351x. Kempley also won the Metallic Sight Championship with her aggregate of 2400-182x.

The National Rifle Association and the Civilian Marksmanship Program conduct the National Matches at Camp Perry each summer. Participants range in experience levels from novices to Olympic-level shooters, and include civilians, military personnel, and law enforcement officers. The NRA National Rifle and Pistol Championships are open to everyone; NRA membership is not required.

For more information about the National Rifle and Pistol Championships at Camp Perry or other competitive shooting events or programs, visit www.nrahq.org/compete or call (703) 267-1450.

Complete list of winners follows:

• National Champion: SSG Michael Mcphail, USA – 4796-401x
• 2nd: Mark Delcotto – 4796-380x
• 3rd: CPT Christopher Abalo, USA – 4795-388x
• Civilian Champion: Mark Delcotto – 4796-380x
• Woman Champion: Nancy Tompkins – 4794-375x
• Senior Champion: Peter Church – 4791-352x
• Intermediate Senior Champion: Larry Parker Sr. – 4788-349x
• Colegiate Champion: Sarah Beard – 4790-351x
• Junior Champion: Sarah Beard – 4790-351x
• Intermediate Junior Champion: Katie Bridges – 4784-340x
• Sub-Junior Champion: Sammy Richardson – 4751-270x
• Service Champion: SSG Michael McPhail, USA – 4796-401x
• Any Sight Only Champion: Paul Nordquist – 4796-371x
• High Visitor: Keigh Ridgeway – 4785-340x

Civilian Marksmanship Program

CAMP PERRY, OHIO - -(Ammoland.com)- Registration Now Open for the 2011 Eastern U.S. Junior High­power Clinic and Championship, Camp Butner, North Carolina.

The CMP is now accepting registration for the 2011 Eastern U.S. Junior Highpower Clinic and Championship.

The clinic will take place 25 June – 1 July at Camp Butner, North Carolina. The Eastern U.S. Junior Highpower Clinic and Championship offers a full week of clinics, coaching and competition for junior highpower rifle competi­tors.

Eastern U.S. Junior High­power Shooting Clinic & Championship

Juniors attending the clinic will have the opportunity to expand their current level of experience and expertise as well as build friendships and camaraderie within the sport.

This event is sponsored by the Civilian Marksmanship Program and the Junior Marksmanship Support Group with the cooperation and support of the NC National Guard Training Site and the USMC Service Rifle Team.

On-line registration and program details are posted at www.odcmp.com/Training/EJHPC.htm. For more informa­tion, please contact Bob Hughes at rlhj43@att.net or Lue Contreras at lcon­treras@odcmp.com.

National Rifle Association

FAIRFAX, Va. --(Ammoland.com)- The National Rifle Association is pleased to announce the selection of 45 students for the 2011 Youth Education Summit (Y.E.S.), a seven-day, expense-paid educational experience in Washington, D.C.

While in the nation’s capital, rising high school juniors and seniors will learn the significance of the U.S. Constitution, the Bill of Rights and the importance of being an active citizen.

Over the course of a week, students will tour the U.S. Capitol, the National Archives Museum, Quantico Marine Corps Base, the NRA National Firearms Museum, and many of the memorials and monuments in Washington, D.C. New on this year’s itinerary is a stop at Hillsdale College’s Center for Constitutional Studies & Citizenship where students will take part in Constitutional debates and hear from Center Director David J. Bobb.

Students have the opportunity to compete for up to $10,000 in college scholarships, awarded to those who excel during the week’s activities, including individual speeches and debates. Students will also compete for up to $20,000 in scholarships after they attend Y.E.S. Each participant has eight months to develop a portfolio describing how he or she promoted NRA programs, such as the Eddie Eagle GunSafe® program, in the participant’s community.

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

2011 Y.E.S. Participants

• Rebekah Abel – Johnstown, OH
• Justin-Ryan Abueg – San Ramon, CA
• Margaret Aller – Lakeside, AZ
• Sarah Barton – Cynthiana, KY
• Leah Batty – Macomb, MI
• Miles Bewley – Tulsa, OK
• Cecilly Brannan – Rawlins, WY
• Nainisha Chintalapudi – Cary, NC
• Sarah Cox – Southern Pines, NC
• Patrick Coyle – Ansonia, CT
• Jamie Crandal- Reno, NV
• Kari DeMicco – Rivesville, WV
• Jessica Esplin – Billings, MT
• Matthew Farner – Corrales, NM
• Brian Gift – Gilbert, AZ
• Jarred Gillie – Houston, TX
• Patrick Gower – Centerton, AR
• Zane Haase – Lemmon, SD
• Brett Jackson – American Fork, UT
• Alex Klaich – Grand Junction, CO
• Amanda Krpan – Alachua, FL
• Emily Leist – Benton City, WA
• Jamie Lockhart – Signal Mountain, TN
• Azalea Lopez – Rockaway Beach, OR
• Lucas Lowry – Shawnee, KS
• AmyGrace Maynard – Portland, OR
• Theodore Mikrut – Maple Park, IL
• Colby Miller – Medford, NJ
• Cassandra Nufable – Los Angeles, CA
• Ashley Olsen – Shippensburg, PA
• Anna Parker – Merrimack, NH
• Alex Pearce – Red House, VA
• Zelphia Peterson – Rosemount, MN
• Alexandra Pixton – Pocatello, ID
• Jacob Power – Middleten, WI
• Tristan Prejean – Clear Spring, MD
• Sean Rea – Coppell, TX
• Tyler Rea – Coppell, TX
• Kaley Read – Ridgecrest, CA
• Trey Richardson – Florence, AL
• Matt Stahlnecker – Cogan Station, PA
• Heather Swearingin – Pittsburg, MO
• Daniel Wendt – Denham Springs, LA
• Barrett Young – Anchorage, AK
• Andrew Zobel – Shelbyville, IN

The National Rifle Association launched the Youth Education Summit in 1996 in an effort to encourage America’s youth to become active and knowledgeable citizens at both the 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 conservation projects.

Learn more about the Youth Education Summit, visit their website at www.friendsofnra.org/yes or email yes@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. Visit: www.nra.org

Michigan Department of Natural Resources

Michigan --(Ammoland.com)- Nearly 500 schools in Michigan participate in the DNR National Archery in the Schools Program (NASP).

This in-school target archery program is geared toward students in 4th thru 12th grade who take physical education. Students who attend a NASP School are eligible to compete in Michigan’s NASP state tournament each spring. For those who excel at the State Tournament, qualification to participate at the NASP National Tournament is a great reward.

The 2011 NASP national tournament was held May 13-14 in Louisville, Kentucky. Nearly 7,000 archers from 34 states registered to compete at the national tournament. Among those registered were 145 students, representing six teams from Michigan.

Shelby Simonds, 11th grader from Hartland Middle School placed 5th overall in the High School female division after winning a tie breaking shoot off. Simonds, whose score was 290 out of 300, received a medal for her accomplishment and placed first overall among all 11th grade female archers. Steven Schram, 9th grader from Bark River Harris, placed in the top 20 among all male archers with a score of 291 out of 300.

Hartland Elementary, Middle and High School teams performed strongly, placing in the top 20 for their divisions respectively. Other teams competing in the tournament from Michigan include: Gaylord St. Mary Cathedral, Northwoods Christian Homeschool and Laker School.

The DNR is currently offering archery equipment grants and free archery instructor certification training to schools, both public and private, that enroll in the Archery in the Schools program. For more information, contact Mary Emmons at 517-241-9477; e-mail emmonsm@michigan.gov , or visit the DNR Archery website at www.michigan.gov/archery.

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is committed to the conservation, protection, management, use and enjoyment of the state’s natural and cultural resources for current and future generations.

Ohio Department Natural Resources

COLUMBUS, OH --(Ammoland.com)-  Thirty-one Ohio teams of 699 student archers competed at the 2011 National Archery in the Schools Program (NASP) National Championship, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR), Division of Wildlife.

The competition was held in Louisville, Kentucky on May 13 and 14; it drew more than 7,000 students from 34 states and Canadian provinces.

Logan Hocking Middle School in southeastern Ohio finished third in the middle school division. Maysville Middle School of Zanesville finished fifth in the same division.

Hayden Perry of Maysville Middle School in Zanesville became the third Ohioan to take an individual title at the national competition. Perry finished tied for first in the Middle School Male Division with a score of 294 out of a possible 300.

Ciara Cox of Logan High School placed fourth in the High School Female Division, shooting 290 from a possible 300.

The National Archery in the Schools Program brings target archery to the school gym. The curriculum covers archery, safety, equipment, technique, concentration skills, and self-improvement. Kentucky originated NASP in 2002. Ohio has participated in the program since 2004. For more information on the program, visit ohionasp.com.

For a complete list of results for the 2011 National Archery in the Schools Program National Championships visit archeryintheschools.org.

The ODNR ensures a balance between wise use and protection of our natural resources for the benefit of all. Visit the ODNR Web site at ohiodnr.com.

U.S. Practical Shooting Association

SEDRO-WOOLLEY, Wash. --(Ammoland.com)- Austin Cisna of Metamora, Ill. swapped the lead with Tori Nonaka of Woodbridge, Va. and Joseph Perez of Dandridge, Tenn. before taking the Junior title at the 2011 Springfield Armory USPSA Single Stack Nationals this weekend.

Cisna started the match out in front but fell to third place on stage three where Nonaka took the lead and Perez moved into second.

Then on the fourth stage Cisna reclaimed the lead only to give it up to Perez on the very next stage where he’d stand in second place with Nonaka in third.

This order held through to stage seven of the match when Cisna overtook Perez and the lead which he’d hold on to through the remainder of the match. Cisna won the Junior title with a final score of 610.3718.

With Cisna in first and Perez now in second, Nonaka remained in third where she stalked Perez until making her move on stage 11. After closing the gap with Perez to just 6.7818 points, Nonaka jumped ahead into second place with an impressive 25-point swing that gave the 16-year-old an 18.2182 point margin.

Despite giving back some points on stage 12, Nonaka expanded her lead to more than 51 points as she finished second, sixth overall among all women, with 596.1391. Perez finished third with 544.6538.

Rounding out the top five were Travis Sievert of Gainesville, Va. in fourth with 535.4339 and 11-year-old Lee Wills of Midland, Va., who was honored by match officials as the youngest competitor in the match, in fifth with 386.2769.

“The competition among USPSA juniors is always exciting to watch and Austin, Tori and Joseph proved why as they battled each other for the title. Austin shot an excellent match and I add my voice to those of the 20,000 members of USPSA in congratulating him on this win,” said Michael Voigt, USPSA president.

Also claiming titles at this year’s championship were Dave Sevigny of Smyrna, Ga. who won the overall title with 977.8292 points, and Sara Dunivin of Phoenix, Ariz., who claimed the Women’s title with 683.7541. Among the seniors, Jon Huspek of St. Paul, Minn. claimed the Senior title with 721.2450, while the Super Senior title went to Robert Keller of Palm Beach Gardens, Fla. with 577.6446.

The Springfield Armory USPSA Single Stack Nationals were held this past weekend in Barry, Ill. with over 350 top shooters from around the country competing in the event.

The match was established in 1994 as the Single Stack Classic by pistolsmith Richard Heinie, and then USPSA Illinois Section Coordinator, Russell Cluver. The match was designed specifically for the 1911 model pistol and no other pistol design has been permitted in the competition.

In 2006, USPSA designated the popular match as a national championship. The name Single Stack refers specifically to magazine used in the 1911 pistol which holds just a single column of ammunition. The 1911 is one of the most popular firearms sold in America and the Single Stack National Championship is the preeminent showcase for the venerable 1911.

Want to learn more about practical shooting, or join the 20,000 members of USPSA in the most dynamic and fast-paced shooting sport around? Then visit www.USPSA.org, follow @USPSA_Shooting on Twitter or like USPSA on Facebook at www.facebook.com/USPracticalShootingAssn.

Delaware Division of Fish and Wildlife

DOVER, Delaware --(Ammoland.com)- Before applying for a Delaware hunting license, all hunters born after Jan. 1, 1967 are required to take a minimum 10-hour basic hunter education course. Since Jan. 1, 2010, Delaware law also requires that a live-firing experience be part of every basic hunter education class, for both online and traditional classroom versions.

There are now locations in all three counties where Delaware hunter education students can fulfill their live-firing requirement: Owens Station Sporting Clay Range near Greenwood in Sussex County, the C&R Center in Petersburg in Kent County, and Ommelanden Range near New Castle and Taylor Bridge Community Center near Townsend, both in New Castle County.

Insurance rules covering the shooting require that all students participating in any hunter education live firing provide a signed release of liability and waiver of right to sue in order to participate. Waivers for minor students under the age of 18 must now include the notarized signatures of parents or legal guardians. (NOTE: Because the Division of Fish & Wildlife’s Office of Hunter Education asks that the signed waiver be mailed in to at least seven days prior to the course date to validate a student’s registration, students may not be able to just “walk in” on the day of the class and be seated.)

The Hunter Education Program will provide all firearms, ammunition and targets but students will be responsible for their own hearing and eye protection. All basic hunter education courses taught by State of Delaware volunteer instructors are offered free of charge. This includes participation in the instructor-led field days required of all on-line course students. The online hunter education courses are provided by private vendors and are available for a nominal fee.

Additional information, waivers and websites for online courses are available at the Division of Fish & Wildlife website at www.fw.delaware.gov – scroll down to Hunter/Trapper Education Access. Copies of the waiver can be obtained at the DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife in Dover or by calling the Office of Hunter Education at 302-735-3600

Texas State Rifle Association

Houston, Tx --(Ammoland.com)- We need your help with calls and email!

Beginning in 2003, TSRA members have purchased Texas State Rifle Association vanity license plates. We are one of 100 non-profit groups such as Boy Scouts of America, Ducks Unlimited, Gold Star Mothers, YMCA, and other non-profits participating in a vanity plate program.

The Texas Department of Transportation issues the plate, and receives the $35 fee. The cost reimbursed to TxDoT is $13, leaving $22 to be allocated. The allocation of the remaining funds is spelled out in legislation, passed by TSRA during the 2003 legislative session. TSRA’s allocation is split between a permanent scholarship at Texas A&M for competitive shooters and 4-H Shooting Sports, part of the County Extension Service also headquartered and part of Texas A&M. The revenues involved are approximately $28,000 a biennium. Not a large amount but a very necessary revenue stream.

Every two years, during the legislative appropriations process the vanity plates are vulnerable to change as the State views the “income” from these plates as tax money. The current House version of the Appropriations Bill would sweep 50% from all the vanity plates into a restricted fund within General Revenue, cutting in half the charitable donation TSRA members have made to education and to the support entry level shooters and competitors through 4-H Shooting Sports. This comes at a time when college tuition is on the increase and youth programs are being cut. By the way, 4-H Shooting Sports continues to be a growing program and a huge success.

The Senate version of the appropriations bill does not dip into the vanity plate funds. Remember this money only exists because TSRA promotes our plate to our membership.

HB 1-the House Version Hurts Texans, including TSRA members by taking fifty percent of the revenue, essentially taxing your charitable contributions to a scholarship program and to 4-H Shooting Sports.

HB 1- the Senate Version Helps Texans, by leaving these funds accessible to be used as intended.

The message to House and Senate conferees should be:

“Please support HB 1, the Senate version, Sec. 13.07 Appropriation of Specialty License Plate Receipts.

Please do not touch the small but important revenues from these vanity license plates! Thank you.”

List of House and Senate Conference Committee Members Please contact them all!

House Conference Committee Members

Rep. Jim Pitts (R-Waxahachie) 512-463-0516
jim.pitts@house.state.tx.us

Rep. Sylvester Turner (D-Houston) 512-0554
sylvester.turner@house.state.tx.us

Rep. John Zerwas (R-Richmond) 512-463-0657
john.zerwas@house.state.tx.us

Rep. Myra Crownover (R-Denton) 512-463-0582
myra.crownover@house.state.tx.us

Rep. John Otto (R-Dayton) 512-463-0570
john.otto@house.state.tx.us

Senate Conference Committee Members

Sen. Steve Ogden (R-Bryan) 512-463-0105
Steve.ogden@senate.state.tx.us

Sen. Jane Nelson (R-Flower Mound) 512-463-0112
Jane.nelson@senate.state.tx.us

Sen. Tommy Williams (R-The Woodlands) 512-463-0104
Tommy.williams@senate.state.tx.us

Sen. Robert Duncan (R-Lubbock) 512-463-0128
Robert.duncan@senate.state.tx.us

Sen. Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa (D-McAllen) 512-463-0120
Juan.hinojosa@senate.state.tx.us

Join, renew, or upgrade your TSRA membership today at www.tsra.com or call 512-615-4200. Our power in Austin comes directly from our members. We need your help.

Keep the Faith

About:
The Mission of the Texas State Rifle Association is to protect and defend the inalienable rights of the individual Texan to acquire, possess, transport, carry, transfer ownership and enjoy the right to lawful use of firearms for self preservation, for the defense of family and property and the common defense of the Republic and the individual liberties of the people. Visit: www.TSRA.com

FederalPremium.com

ANOKA, Minn. --(Ammoland.com)- Federal Premium Ammunition has been supporting 4-H and the Shooting Sports program for 77 years.

4-H encourages outdoor conservation efforts and wildlife management in youth through many camps and outdoor workshops. The Shooting Sports program is a “train the trainers” program that enables nationally-certified instructors to go on and host statewide shooting sports certification courses. Certification disciplines include: archery, rifle, shotgun, muzzleloader, pistol, and coordinator or hunting skills.

Federal Premium Ammunition helps sponsor the 2011 National 4-H Shooting Sports Instructor Workshop May 15-20 in Madrid, Iowa. Volunteer shooting sports instructors attend this workshop to gain 4-H Shooting Sports instructor certification. Federal donates the ammunition used by instructors during the workshop, and also sponsors many 4-H state training programs.

Strong Bond with 4-H
The 2011 National 4-H Shooting Sports Instructor Workshop marks 32 consecutive years of support from Federal. Federal Premium Ammunition began its support of the 4-H Shooting Sports Program in 1979 and helped launch the program. The company has also been supporting 4-H conservation efforts since 1934. This 77-year bond signifies the strength of the relationship between Federal and 4-H.

“The 4-H program has a proven track record as a youth development organization,” said Federal Conservation Manager Ryan Bronson. “The Shooting Sports Program is reaching a whole new generation to help recruit and train safe and thoughtful shooters, hunters and conservationists.”

Training for Teachers
4-H has 14,000 certified volunteer shooting sports leaders nationally. Those leaders go on to teach more than 100,000 youth and 300,000 total participants in the 4-H program each year.

Instructors will be shooting ammunition donated by Federal during the National Training Workshop. Nearly 4,000 volunteer 4-H shooting sports instructors from 115 programs were certified in 2010.

Instructors at the workshop will gain national certification in many 4-H Shooting Sports disciplines, including: archery, rifle, shotgun, muzzleloader, pistol, and coordinator or hunting skills. Certified instructors also teach volunteer instructors in their own state.

Rising Demand
Recruitment and training of certified instructors at the national and state level is extremely important. The number of certified instructors in each state is often the limiting factor for youth participation in 4-H Shooting Sports programs.

Illinois’ first year of having a 4-H Shooting Sports program was in 2010. In its inaugural year, the program certified 188 instructors at four training sessions. Those instructors went on to teach more than 800 youth. Enrollments are expected to be even greater this year.

Working to Educate our Youth
In 4-H Safety and Education in Shooting Sports (SESS) youth work with trained adult volunteers to learn safe and responsible use of firearms and archery equipment, including sound decision-making, self-discipline and concentration. The program also encourages youth to develop an understanding of natural resources and environmental stewardship through participation in the shooting sports.

“We are training volunteer instructors to work with kids to develop skills for their future—because shooting sports are lifelong activities,” said Brian Whaley, who coordinates the program. “4-H shooting sports bring together youth and trained adults and emphasize positive youth development through building shooting, wildlife, conservation and outdoor skills.”

Federal supports numerous organizations, participates in many ammunition royalty programs, and provides shooting sports educational materials. To learn more about Federal’s support, please visit www.federalpremium.com/hunters_education/programs.aspx.

About Federal Cartridge Company
Headquartered in Anoka, Minnesota, Federal Cartridge Company has been providing hunters and shooters with high-quality rimfire, centerfire and shotshell ammunition since 1922. It pioneered the Premium category of ammunition and is part of the world’s leading ammunition manufacturer, ATK Security and Sporting. For more information on Federal, visit www.federalpremium.com.

Scholastic Steel Challenge Collegiate Spring Shooting Championship

Scholastic Steel Challenge

EAST GRANBY, Conn. --(Ammoland.com)- The motto of the U.S. Coast Guard is ‘Semper Paratus’ which means ‘Always Ready’ and that’s exactly what the cadets of the U.S. Coast Guard Academy were when they took on, and beat, the University of Vermont, Harvard University, Yale University and a squad from Wayland High School to claim the first Scholastic Steel Challenge Collegiate Spring Championship.

The cadets outpaced second place UVM by 79.52 seconds with a final winning time of 363.15 seconds. Cadet Barton Nanney led the team, finishing first overall with a time of 79.46 seconds and a stage win on both Speed Option and Roundabout. Finishing second overall was Cadet Alex Webber with 89.67seconds followed by Cadet Jake Naum, fourth place overall, with 96.22 seconds. Cadet Jon Sapundjieff, who took top honors on Five to Go finished fifth overall with 97.80 seconds.

“The U.S. Coast Guard Academy’s Combat Arms Team put in an outstanding performance at the Collegiate Spring Championship. As SSC expands at the collegiate level, the cadets are likely to remain at, or near, the top of each match if this weekend’s shooting is any indication,” said Scott Moore, director of the Scholastic Steel Challenge.

The University of Vermont’s Shooting Sports Club finished second with a combined team time of 442.67 seconds, led by Jeffrey Hammersmith who finished seventh overall with 99.27 seconds. Chris Stecyk placed eighth overall with 99.40 seconds while William Cain and Takeshi Horiguchi finished 10th and 11th overall with times of 116.44 and 127.56 seconds respectively.

The only non-collegiate team competing in the match finished third. Made up of students from Massachusetts’ Wayland High School, the squad posted a final time of 458.88, just 16.21 seconds behind Vermont.

Jesse Goddard, who finished third overall in the match with a time of 91.75 seconds, led the Wayland shooters. Helping propel Wayland into third was John Monahan who took top honors on Smoke & Hope, the only stage the Coast Guard Academy cadets did not win, and finished sixth overall with 98.37 seconds. Will Gunshenan and Derek Kaufman rounded out the Wayland effort with 130.35 and 138.41 seconds each.

Harvard’s team, which included shooters who had little or no experience with pistol shooting, finished fourth with a team time of 690.51 seconds. Alvin Siu led the Harvard squad with a final time of 136.78 seconds followed by Kip Christianson with 157.39 seconds, William Marks with 180.53 seconds and Lila Nieves-Lee with 215.81 seconds.

The Yale squad, which also featured shooters with limited pistol experience but, like Harvard, unlimited enthusiasm, took fifth with a team time of 717.23 seconds. Brian Lee led the Yale effort by finishing ninth overall with a time of 108.38 seconds. Lee was followed by Edward Paulino with 165.37 seconds, Justin Hart with 211.83 seconds and Dan Bersak with a match time of 231.65 seconds.

Held at the Hartford Gun Club and hosted by firearms make Smith & Wesson, the Scholastic Steel Challenge Collegiate Spring Championship marks the program’s expansion to the collegiate level.

The next major collegiate event on the SSC schedule will be the Scholastic Steel Challenge Collegiate Fall Championship which will be hosted by Sig Sauer and take place at the Sig Sauer Academy located in Epping, N.H.

The Scholastic Steel Challenge is a national team-oriented youth shooting program developed by the Steel Challenge Shooting Association and funded in part by a grant from the National Shooting Sports Foundation. The program is open to young men and women ages 12 to 20 and offers them the opportunity to compete as a four person team for a national title in the action pistol discipline of speed shooting.

From the beginning, industry support for the Scholastic Steel Challenge has been strong with the program picking up sponsorship from Action Target, Atlanta Arms & Ammo, Brownells, Glock, GT Target Stands, MGM Targets, the National Shooting Sports Foundation, the Outdoor Wire Digital Network, Precision Delta, Safariland, Smith & Wesson, Winchester Ammunition and the Youth Shooting Sports Alliance.

For more information on the Scholastic Steel Challenge and the Steel Challenge Shooting Association, visit www.SteelChallenge.com, follow @ScholasticSteel or @SteelChallenge on Twitter or find the Steel Challenge on Facebook at www.facebook.com/SteelChallenge.

About the SCSA:
The Steel Challenge Shooting Association (SCSA) is the national governing body of the sport of Speed Shooting and organizer of the Steel Challenge World Speed Shooting Championships. To learn more about the Steel Challenge Shooting Association and the Steel Challenge visit the Web site at www.steelchallenge.com. There you will find diagrams of the stages of fire, complete listing of past results, a list of past champions, world record times and more.

Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks

GLASGOW, Mont. --(Ammoland.com)- A free youth shooting and archery skills event is scheduled for Tues., May 10 at the Glasgow Trap Club.

The event — which will include clay pigeon, turkey silhouette and air gun shooting stations, as well as an archery range — is open to area youths from fourth grade to age 17. Registration begins onsite at 5 p.m., and the field events will start at 5:30.

The event ends at dark.

Shotguns, ammunition, targets and archery equipment will be provided at no cost, and participants may bring their own firearms and ammunition if they prefer. Each educational station will be fully staffed by qualified instructors.

Also included at the event will be a section on wildlife identification and adaptation and a barbeque. The barbeque will be free for participating youths, but volunteers and parents who wish to eat will be asked for a free-will offering to help cover expenses. Door prizes will be awarded, and additional volunteers are invited to attend.

The Youth Day activities are co-sponsored by local chapters of Ducks Unlimited and the National Wild Turkey Federation, as well as the Glasgow Trap Club and the Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife & Parks.

The Glasgow Trap Club is located off Skylark Road on the west side of Glasgow toward the Sunnyside Golf & Country Club. For more information, call JD Solmonsen at 406-367-5157; Ed Sugg at 404-367-5100 Bryan Krumwiede at 406-228-4434; or Ron Selden at 406-228-3700.

National Shooting Sports Foundation

NEWTOWN, Conn --(Ammoland.com)- Boy Scouts and their troop leaders, who are known for being resourceful, will easily recognize the great opportunity provided by the National Shooting Sports Foundation and its new $100,000 challenge grant that encourages shooting sports programs at local Boy Scouts of America Councils.

The challenge grants by NSSF, the trade association for the firearms, ammunition, hunting and shooting sports industry, are available to qualifying BSA Councils that plan to strengthen and increase their activities in the shooting sports. Such programs teach Scouts marksmanship skills, firearm and range safety, teamwork and fundraising.

“NSSF is taking its long-standing partnership with Boy Scouts of America to a new level with this challenge grant,” said Chris Dolnack, NSSF’s senior vice president and chief marketing officer.

“With the shooting sports among the most popular Scouting activities, NSSF is proud to assist local councils in developing new and expanded opportunities for Scouts to gain knowledge of the shooting sports.”

BSA Councils applying for a grant must specifically earmark funds for shooting sports programs and provide matching funds at least equal to the grant request. NSSF will provide funding to the first 50 qualifying applicants up to a maximum of $2,000 in matching support.

Councils must use awarded funds toward the purchase of equipment and supplies for their shooting sports activities from an NSSF member retailer, a list of which is available at www.nssf.org/retailers/find.

Examples of qualifying purchases are ammunition, eye and ear protection, firearms, targets and shooting vests.

Applicants may view NSSF BSA Council Challenge Grant guidelines and application procedures at www.nssf.org/bsagrant.

For information contact Melissa Schilling at NSSF at mschilling@nssf.org.

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

NSSF is celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2011. Learn about the Foundation’s history at www.nssf.org/50.

Ava Arlt of Kearney Catholic shatters a target into three pieces during the junior high competition Thursday at the 42nd Cornhusker Trapshoot in Doniphan.

Nebraska Game and Parks Commission

DONIPHAN, Neb. –-(Ammoland.com)- Wade Knott of Louisville was crowned the junior high school champion Thursday at the 42nd Cornhusker Trapshoot at the Nebraska Trapshooting Association home grounds, according to the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission. Knott won with a score of 95X100 on 16-yard targets.

The Adams No. 1 team of Hunter Hoatson, Dylan Siemers, Tylan Thompson, Drew Bailey, and Shane Mauch won the junior high team title with a score of 422X500.

Thursday’s action included 692 junior high competitors.

The trapshoot continues today with 255 senior high school squads shooting 100 16-yard targets today and 100 handicap targets Saturday. The overall individual winner will be awarded the Cornhusker Cup on Saturday.

The junior high results are:

• Top 10 Individuals – 1. Wade Knott, Louisville, 95X100; 2. Braden Snell, Gibbon, 94X100; 3. Lee Holden, Wilber-Clatonia 4-H, 92X100; 4. Jeremiah Keith, Maxwell, 92X100; 5. Tyler Kocian, Oak Creek 4-H, 91X100; 6. Carson Dettman, Merrick County 4-H, 91X100; 7. Ethan Rupprecht, Diller-Odell, 91X100; 8. Wyatt Schiermeyer, Fillmore Central, 91X100; 9. Jacob Frerichs, Franklin 4-H, 91X100; 10. Ryan Winkler, Crete, 91X100.
• Top Three Individual Girls – 1. Kelsie Harlan, Beatrice, 91X100; 2. Holley Pribyl, Dorchester, 86X100; 3. Anna Vasko, St. Columbkille, 85X100.
• Top Three 4-H Teams – 1. Republican Valley 4-H No. 2 (Dakota Lovett, Kevin Williams, Jacob Van Boening, Skylar Brumbaugh, and Matt Schwab), 413X500; 2. Karp and Krow 4-H No. 1, 409X500; 3. Republican Valley 4-H No. 3, 402X500.
• Top Three Girls Teams – 1. Burwell (Meranda Worden, Cella Packard, Hailey Kelly, Sadey Mitchell, and Ali Stout), 329X500; 2. Scott Middle School Pink, 319X500; 3. LaVista, 281X500.
• Top Six Teams – 1. Adams No. 1 (Hunter Hoatson, Dylan Siemers, Tylan Thompson, Drew Bailey, and Shane Mauch), 422X500; 2. Louisville No. 1, 410X100; 3. Crete No. 1, 405X500; 4. Scott Middle School Gold, 397X500; 5. Waverly No. 1, 395X500; 6. Fillmore Central No. 2, 395X500.

National Rifle Association

FAIRFAX, Va. --(Ammoland.com)- Schoolchildren in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania will soon be hearing the lifesaving message of the National Rifle Association’s Eddie Eagle GunSafe Program.

Eddie Eagle staff, along with the Allegheny County Sheriff’s Office and the Castle Shannon Borough Police Department, will be presenting their award-winning program to students from nine elementary schools in the Pittsburgh area from Monday, April 25 through Wednesday, April 27.

A firearm accident prevention program designed for children in the Pre-K through the 3rd grade, the Eddie Eagle Gunsafe Program teaches children, if they find a gun, to: “STOP! Don’t Touch. Leave the Area. Tell an Adult.” Now in its 23nd year, the program has reached over 24 million children nationwide.

Since the Eddie Eagle program’s inception, more than a million Pennsylvania children have heard its lifesaving message. Much of this is made possible through funds raised by Friends of NRA and grants distributed by way of The NRA Foundation.

“The Allegheny County Sheriff’s Office and Castle Shannon Borough Police Department have been instrumental in helping us bring Eddie Eagle’s life saving message to the local elementary schools,” said Eddie Eagle Program Manager Eric Lipp. “We’re always happy to work with local law enforcement when it comes to teaching children firearm accident prevention.”

Accidental deaths with firearms have been decreasing for decades and are currently at an all-time low among the U.S. population. Among children in the Eddie Eagle age group, fatal firearm accidents have been reduced more than 80% since the program’s nation-wide launch. NRA believes that firearm accident prevention programs such as Eddie Eagle are a significant factor in that decline.

The program was created by past NRA President, Marion P. Hammer, in consultation with elementary school teachers, law enforcement officers, and child psychologists. It has been endorsed by the Office of Juvenile and Delinquency Prevention (within the U.S. Department of Justice) and has been praised by national and community organizations, governors, and state legislatures for its effectiveness.

“The NRA is proud to continue spreading the message of the Eddie Eagle GunSafe Program to communities all across the country,” says Glen Hoyer, Director of the NRA Law Enforcement Division. “The program’s success is unmatched and will continue to grow for years to come.”

The NRA encourages citizens nationwide to participate in heightening firearm safety awareness within their local communities. Schools, law enforcement agencies, civic groups, and others interested in more information about the Eddie Eagle GunSafe Program can call the Eddie Eagle Department at (800) 231-0752 or visit their website at: http://www.nrahq.org/safety/eddie. Eddie Eagle will also be making public appearances at NRA’s 140th Annual Meeting and Exhibits, to be held April 29-May 1 at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

THE EDDIE EAGLE GUNSAFE PROGRAM:

Schedule of Assemblies

Monday, April 25, 2011

Hartwood Elementary 8:30 AM
3730 Saxonburg Blvd
Pittsburgh, PA 15238
Phone: 412-767-5396
Elementary Principal: Dr. Jacquelyn Rauzan

Fairview Elementary 10:00 AM
378 Dorseyville Road
Pittsburgh, PA 15238
Phone: 412-963-9315
Principal: Dr. Sari McNamara

Kerr Elementary 12:15 PM
341 Kittanning Pike
Pittsburgh, PA 15215
Phone: 412-781-4105
Principal: Dr. Paul Noro

O’Hara Elementary 2:15 PM
115 Cabin Lane
Pittsburgh, PA 15238
Phone: 412-963-0333
Principal: Michael Rowe

Tuesday, April 26, 2011

*Fred L. Aiken Elementary 10:00 AM
881 Greentree Road
Pittsburgh, PA 15220
Phone: 412-571-6241
Principal: Mrs. Bobbi-Ann Barnes
*This school will be hosting students from the St. Margaret of Scotland School at their 10:00am assembly.

Myrtle Avenue Elementary 1:30 PM
3724 Myrtle Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15234
Phone: 412-571-6135
Principal: Mr. Joseph Arcuri

Wednesday, April 27, 2011

Moore Elementary 9:00 AM
3809 Dalewood Street
Pittsburgh, PA 15227-350
Phone: 412-881-7776
Principal: Mr. Robert Monaghan

Elroy Elementary School 1:30 PM
3129 Elroy Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15227
Phone: 412-881-4484
Principal: Ms. Amy Burch

Barnett Pro Diablo SlingShot

Barnett Outdoors

Tarpon Springs, FL –(Ammoland.com)- There is that kid in each of us that grew up firing away with a home made slingshot.

It was crude, usually made from a tree branch and inner tube rubber but it dropped its share of critters, cans and bottles.

Well those days are history with the advent of today’s modern, high-performance Pro Diablo professional grade SlingShot from Barnett Outdoors.

The Pro Diablo is no mere toy but a fast shooting, hard hitting weapon that has become a favorite of the pros for it’s power and accuracy. It features a contoured ‘soft touch’ molded comfort grip with stainless steel arms, a 3-piece stabilizer system, detachable wrist brace, Magnum Power Bands and adjustable sighting system. It also comes with target ammo and complete Shooter’s Guide. Everything the pro down to the beginner needs to hit the mark.

If you are looking for a great looking, great shooting, top-of-the-line, high-tech SlingShot you will want to take a look at the Pro Diablo from Barnett Outdoors. Everything you would ever want in a SlingShot, and more.

For more details contact:

Wisconsin DNR

MADISON, WI --(Ammoland.com)- Hunter Education Instructors are needed to mentor fourth and fifth grade students while shooting BB guns at the Wisconsin Outdoor Education Expo on Thurs. May 19 and Fri. May 20, 2011.

The “Youth Expo” is held at the Dodge County Fairgrounds, three miles east of Beaver Dam on Hwy 33.

Five Expos held since 2006 have attracted more than 21,000 students, teachers and chaperones. The Expo is arranged by “camps,” including: archery, wildlife and conservation heritage enrichment, team building, firearm safety, fishing, camping, birds of prey, bird and animal calling, sporting dog demonstrations and trail recreation. All of this at no cost to the schools or groups attending.

Students arriving at the DNR firearm safety camp attend brief instruction on TAB-K presented by RSWs and then proceed to shoot BB guns at paper targets. Each student is mentored, one-on-one, by a Hunter Ed. Instr. or a Conservation Warden. This is where YOU can help. Plans are being made to have two 24 target ranges operating; which means over 50 instructors and/or wardens are needed each day.

If you want to help on one or both days, or want more information, contact Hunter Ed. Instr. Coordinator, Marlin Spindler, 921 N. Center St. Beaver Dam, WI 53916, phone (920)887-2895, or email at
mspindler@charter.net, or RSW Jon King atJon.King@Wisconsin.gov.

National Archery in the Schools Program

Louisville, Kentucky --(Ammoland.com)- The Kentucky Fair and Exposition Center in Louisville, Kentucky will host the largest archery event in the world in 2011.

On May 13, 14,2011 teams from 34 states will compete for more than 300 teams and individual medals, trophies , banners, and plaques. Three hundred ninety three schools will fill more than 400 team slots with total participation eclipsing the 2010 world record attendance of 6784.

With a few days to the close of registration on April 25, 6956 boys and girls from 4th-12th grades have registered. Every team registered for the tournament qualified for these NASP Nationals at their state’s tournament.

NASP is a coed activity and this year 33% (2787) of the registered participants are girls. Teams and their parents, coaches, sponsors, and fans will fill local hotels and restaurants for several days. “Flights” of shooters will dominate the more than 1250 feet ( also a world record) target range inside the Kentucky Fair and Exposition Center starting Friday morning, May 13, at 9:00 am. Competition will conclude on Saturday night, May 14 at about 6:00pm with the “Scholarship Shoot-Off” and awards ceremony.

The event is open to the public. Children over the age of 12 and adults are five dollars general admission and this provides access to more than 40 exhibitors on the show floor. Exhibits range from archery related businesses to “ adventure tourism” activities. This year the exhibit floor and the tournament are co-sponsored by the Kentucky Tourism Development Cabinet and its Adventure Tourism section.

NASP conducts this event with tremendous support from host partner the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources. NASP also partners with 47 state fish and wildlife agencies and the District of Columbia in this the 8th National tournament. NASP sponsors, the National Field Archery Association and Morrell Manufacturing are providing much of the equipment and targets to build this mammoth indoor archery range.

NASP began with twenty one Kentucky middle schools in March 2002 and has grown to nearly 9000 schools and two million student archer athletes this school year. This year’s tournament will be conducted with more than one hundred volunteers.

For more information on volunteering contact rgrimes@nasparchery.com.

South Dakota Fish, Game & Parks

PIERRE, S.D. --(Ammoland.com)- The South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks and the Department of Health teamed up in an effort to increase the amount of time pre-school age children spend outdoors.

The two departments recently awarded nature backpacks, filled with items to encourage outdoor activities, to childcare providers and pre-schools across the state. Based on class sizes provided by applicants, the backpacks will reach over 7,500 children.

“The nature backpack program is a perfect opportunity for the GFP and the Department of Health to partner with caregivers in getting kids outside,” said GFP Secretary Jeff Vonk. “Keeping kids physically active and connecting them with nature is very important, both for the children as individuals and for our society as a whole.”

Studies show children who play outside are healthier, have higher self-esteem, are good problem-solvers, have good self-discipline and do better in school.

This is the second installment of the grant program. In 2010, the Game, Fish and Parks reached 4,780 children by awarding backpacks to 180 childcare providers across the state. Follow-up surveys showed that childcare providers were going outside more often and spending longer periods of time outside each time.

Vonk said that the grant provided for 300 backpacks, and a few currently remain unassigned. These will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis to qualified applicants. Applications are available at www.gfp.sg.gov.

The Game, Fish and Parks and Department of Health plan to pair up again to offer the grant program next year, focusing on after-school and out-of-school programs. Applications for that installment will be available this fall.

More information on other opportunities provided by GFP can be found at GFP’s Children in Nature webpage.

U.S. Practical Shooting Association

SEDRO-WOOLLEY, Wash. --(Ammoland.com)- Looking towards the future of the shooting sports, the U.S. Practical Shooting Association’s Area 8 Director, Harry Foltz, announced that the Area 8 region will be offering a two-day shooting camp specifically for juniors on Saturday and Sunday, August 20-21, 2011 at the York Izaak Walton #67 in Dallastown, Penn.

The Area 8 Juniors Camp, which is designed for new as well as experienced competitors, will focus on a variety of topics such as marksmanship, stage breakdown and planning, match day performance, nutrition and exercise. There will also be an opportunity to learn about USPSA MultiGun competition with the camp providing the rifle, shotgun and ammunition required for that segment.

Instruction for the Area 8 Juniors Camp will be provided by a cadre of top USPSA competitors who have donated their time to help the young shooters develop their skills. Among those instructing will be Todd Sindelar, Matt Trout, Mike DiGennaro, Howard Thompson, Dean DeTurk, Kirk McWilliams and the husband and wife team of Ron and Megan Francisco.

The camp is limited to just 30 shooters with priority given to juniors living within the Area 8 states of Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Virginia. USPSA junior members residing outside Area 8 that are interested in attending the camp may put their name on a waiting list.

“The Area 8 Juniors Camp is a tremendous opportunity for young shooters from the Mid-Atlantic states to learn from and train under some of the best shooters in the region. Our volunteer instructors are ready to help those attending the camp take their shooting to the next level,” said Foltz.

The Area 8 Juniors Camp is sponsored by MGM Targets, TechWear USA, CPWSA, Shooters Connection, Brownells, Truck Vault, Sport Shooters Training and Atlanta Arms & Ammo. The cost of the camp is $150 per shooter and includes all range fees, lodging for one night, lunch at the range and an Area 8 Juniors Camp shirt. Organizers have planned activities for the parents accompanying their juniors.

Those interested in attending should contact Harry Foltz via email at hf219@comcast.net to indicate their interest in attending and request an application. To secure a slot parents must submit the completed application along with the camp fee.

For more information visit the Juniors Camp page on the Area 8 website at www.USPSA8.org.

Want to learn more about practical shooting, or join the 19,000+ members of USPSA in the most dynamic and fast-paced shooting sport around? Then visit www.USPSA.org, follow @USPSA_Shooting on Twitter, like USPSA on Facebook (www.facebook.com/USPracticalShootingAssn) or read the Practical Shooting blog at practicalshooting.posterous.com.

About:
USPSA is a non-profit membership association. Most of the more than 19,000 individual members belong to and regularly compete at one of the nearly 375 affiliated clubs and sections (groups of clubs banded together for mutual benefit) located across the United States. USPSA is affiliated with the International Practical Shooting Confederation (I.P.S.C.), which is comprised of approximately 67 nations. USPSA is the American region of IPSC. Visit: www.uspsa.org