Brownells invites customers to help celebrate the grand opening of the new Brownells website beginning Monday, February 27 at www.Brownells.com.
The new version of www.Brownells.com is optimized for mobile devices and features improved search capabilities along with a blog and content section.
The centerpiece of the New Website Grand Opening celebration is the Gun Room Giveaway which will give one lucky winner everything needed to fully outfit a gun room including weapons, ammo, accessories, optics, magazines , tools and cleaning supplies, with a total retail value of more than $12,000 .
The Gun Room Giveaway is sponsored by SIG Sauer, Magpul, Hornday, Brownells and others, and contains products from many leading companies.
In addition to the grand prize, the Gun Room Giveaway offers a $1,000 Brownells gift card for second place and a $500 gift card for third place.
Contestants can enter for a chance to win on the Gun Room Sweepstakes page through March 5, 2023.
During the Grand Opening celebration, visitors to the new Brownells website can expect great deals on products from Magpul, Leupold, Smith & Wesson, Federal, Hornady, Vortex and other big names in the firearms industry.
Plus, shoppers can find a special discount code on banners at Brownells.com during the Grand Opening.
To view the new Brownells website and learn more about Grand Opening giveaways and offers, visit www.Brownells.com.
About Brownells
Taking Firearms Seriously Since 1939™, Brownells is the world’s leading source for guns, gun parts and accessories, ammunition, gunsmith’s tools and survival kits. With a huge selection of common and hard to find items, and an extensive collection of videos, articles, and gun schematics, Brownells is the expert on all things shooting. Committed to upholding our great traditions, Brownells has more, does more and knows more, and guarantees it all, forever. For more information or to order, call 800-741-0015 or visit Brownells.com. Stay up to date with Brownells on YouTube, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
SK Guns®, the country’s only limited edition mass production manufacturer, is honored to announce its contribution of more than $20,000 in support of the National Wild Turkey Federation’s conservation research mission.
On February 18, 2023, at the NWTF Annual Convention & Sports Expo in Nashville, SK Customs donated two sets of custom designed and engraved firearms, including a Henry® Golden Boy Silver in .22LR and a new Smith model & Wesson® 1911 with chamber. at 45ACP to help raise money for conservation in celebration of the NWTF 50thhe Anniversary.
“At SK Customs, we consider it vital to support the outdoor community and dedicate resources and funds to organizations like the NWTF,” said Simon Khiabani, owner and founder of SK Guns. “Thanks to the convention’s Grand National Live Auction, we were able to help raise over $20,000 to fund research and conservation efforts and enhance development opportunities in the general firearms and outdoor industry through our SK returns initiative.”
Since 1973, wild turkey populations have increased from 1.3 million to more than 6 million, and the NWTF has conserved or improved more than 22 million acres of wildlife habitat, invested more than $500 million in conservation efforts and outreach, and has invested more than $8 million in wild turkey research. Customers can now show their support for NWTF’s mission to continue advancing wildlife conservation, forest resiliency, and robust recreational opportunities across the US by pre-ordering the collectible set. Visit skguns.com for more information.
Turkey Tracks Leading To NWTF 50he anniversary logo and facing away reflecting the next 50 years in the future
A long beard is incorporated into the right hand side of the receiver beginning with a similar scroll of “Uniquely Custom” turkey feathers leading to a 24k gold plated and etched imagery of two gobblers.
The left side shares a continuation of the feather scroll showing two wild turkeys in flight.
An arrow that uses turkey feathers for feathering points towards 50he anniversary logo on top of receiver
“Healthy Habitats. Healthy Harvest.” appears on the forend as a reminder that the NWTF and its volunteers and partners ensure that the future of the wild turkey stays strong for years to come
50NWTF001 of 200 and 50NWTF50 of 200
New Smith and Wesson® 1911 model
Housed in 45ACP
5” barrel
Tracks from Turkey and the NWTF 50he the anniversary logo is engraved on the hickory grips
A long beard is incorporated into the right slide beginning with a similar “Uniquely Custom®” turkey feather scroll leading to an engraved 24k gold plated image of two gobblers.
The left slide shares a continuation of the feather scroll showing two wild turkeys in flight.
An arrow that uses turkey feathers for feathering points towards 50he anniversary logo on top of receiver and barrel
The rifling on the 1911 is uniquely emblazoned with the NWTF logo, never before seen on any 1911 collector’s firearm.
Numbered 001 of 200 and 50 of 200
With an MSRP of $3,100, each collector will receive the corresponding numbers in the set.
He SK returns The initiative provides and enhances personal growth and development opportunities through the regular donation of firearms for fundraising purposes to organizations that are making an impact across the country. The initiative supports a wide range of causes as regular donors to foundations like the NWTF, DC Project Kids and Clays, and more.
To learn more about SK Guns® and new production offerings from SK Customs®, visit skguns.com.
Follow us on Instagram and Facebook to be the first to know about our latest production releases.
About SK Guns/SK Customs
SK Guns® has changed the world of collectible firearms by being the only producer of mass-produced, custom and limited-edition collectible firearms in the industry. He SK Guns® brand has redefined what custom limited edition means by being “Only Custom®”.
SK Guns® has expanded its capabilities to manufacture “Uniquely Custom®” firearms with an unmatched level of quality and artistry. The team of master engravers, expert finishers, historians and master gunsmiths are dedicated to every detail within the brand. Visit skguns.com for more information.
Alien Gear Holsters® supports the mission of Operation Underground Railroad (OUR) to end child exploitation and sex trafficking.
Alien Gear Holsters®, designers and manufacturers of American-made firearm holsters and accessories, and the Rapid Force™ line of Level 2 and Level 3 duty holsters, announce an important collaboration with Operation Underground Railroad (OUR), a 501(c)(3) organization with a mission to permanently eradicate child sex trafficking worldwide. As part of this partnership, all of OUR operations teams will be equipped with the new versatile Photon Holster from Alien Gear Holsters.
Founded in 2013, Operation Underground Railroad brought together former CIA agents, current and former law enforcement officers, and highly-skilled agents to lead coordinated identification and extraction efforts around the world alongside local law enforcement officers. OUR efforts continue post-rescue with assistance and aftercare, as well as providing appropriate information to assist with prosecution. OUR has supported over 1,000 operations with over 6,000 survivors recovered and 4,000 more predators taken off the streets and online and arrested.
“Human trafficking is a global crisis, and the most vulnerable victims are children sold into slavery. Alien Gear Holsters is honored to partner with Operation Underground Railroad and raise awareness of this tragedy while supporting their efforts to save as many lives as possible,” said Sandi Little, Alien Gear Holsters Director of Operations. “The Photon Holster System is perfect for your operators who require a highly versatile, concealable holster.”
The Photon Case debuted at the 2023 SHOT Show®. Unlike other cases currently on the market, the Photon is feature rich and highly versatile. It is ambidextrous, IWB and OWB compatible, and is sidecar ready for the optional magazine. Additional features include an optical cutaway, light, threaded barrel, and high view/co-witness compatibility. And the Photon is adjustable for camber, ride height, and hold.
For more information on Alien Gear Holsters and the Rapid Force line, visit www.aliengearholsters.com. Join the conversation on the Alien Gear Holsters Facebook, Instagram and YouTube page.
Learn more about OUR and what they are doing to stop human trafficking by watching the video above.
About Alien Gear Holsters®:
Alien Gear Holsters, a division of Tedder Industries, is based in the United States and manufactures everything exclusively from their facility in northern Idaho. Founded in 2013, Alien Gear Holsters are the most comfortable concealed carry holsters on the planet. Any planet. Alien Gear Holsters manufactures holsters comprised of lightweight neoprene and durable leather with fully interchangeable plastic shells that are interchangeable with any style of inside and outside the waistband pistol holster.
Rapid Force™ Duty Holsters protect our first responders’ firearms. Designed to meet the needs of active law enforcement and military service members, Rapid Force features secure Level 2 or Level 3 retention, fast and intuitive draw, and extreme durability.
Using state-of-the-art 3D modeling, precision injection molding, and specially blended polymers, Alien Gear Holsters can repeatedly produce high-quality holsters, made entirely in the USA, for far less than other brands of tactical holsters can produce. . Alien Gear is proud to employ military and law enforcement veterans, competitive shooters, and firearms enthusiasts to ensure our mindset matches yours.
FISH THE SOUTH RIVER WITH WILD WATER FLY BY: DALLAS HUDGENS
SOUTH RIVER
Winter is when only the gonzo fishermen come out to play. Everyone else is huddled by the wood stove, but a few enjoy standing in the water when the air temperature is below freezing. If you’re looking to be one of those anglers, look no further because this is the guide to winter fly fishing in the South River and Virginia.
THE SOUTH RIVER
The South River runs through the heart of the Shenandoah Valley at Waynesboro, Virginia. This spring-fed river maintains the perfect temperature for trout year-round, never getting too hot during the hot, humid summers and never freezing in the middle of winter.
Fishing at the base of the Blue Ridge Mountains, you may see snow-capped peaks as the sun peeks through the clouds. They will glow in the background as you fix your flight line and break the ice on your guides.
If breaking the ice in your guides doesn’t seem like a good time, don’t worry. Virginia winters are mild compared to the rest of the country, with high temperatures generally in the 40s. Lows can drop below freezing so avoid fishing before mid-morning as this is the best way to weather the worst of cold weather. However, you should be careful with the weather. Freezing temperatures are possible during the day, so make sure you always have a layered clothing system stowed away.
You can wear neoprene boots in sub-zero temperatures, but you usually need tracksuit layers and compression tops and bottoms to keep warm under your boots. The good news is that the water will not be as cold as the air.
In winter, the South River flows about 2.5 to 3 feet in the width of the river, which is ideal for wading.
Just because the water doesn’t freeze doesn’t mean you fish it like you would in the spring, summer, or fall. Bug hatches are minimal and you only need a handful of flies to be effective.
SOUTH FISHING
My first winter fishing in the South was easily the coldest winter in ten years. There were several weeks in a row with highs that stayed in the single digits or in the teens. The middle of the river was flowing a lot, but a foot of ice had built up on the banks. I have not seen this before or after.
The first trip was early in the morning. The high that day was supposed to be 17F and was sitting at 6F when I woke up. Waiting until the temperature stabilized wouldn’t have made much of a difference to fishing with how cold it was, so I decided to go early and be back at the house around noon to make some chili and watch football while I warmed up.
I live on the other side of Blue Ridge, and as I was driving up and over the mountain, I looked down at the basin and saw that it had snowed overnight. The valley can have a completely different climate than where I live despite being only twenty minutes away. The snow didn’t affect the fishing but added a nice aesthetic.
I had bundled up in the house and drove to the river in my boots. I had also assembled my Wildwater 5-6 Weight fly rod and tied flies to my leader. Finger dexterity is minimal in cold weather, so having everything tied up beforehand can save time and improve knotting.
The easiest part of fly fishing in the winter is that you only need one style of fly, mosquitoes. It is best to have a few different colors that you can experiment with to see what the fish like best. The 20 size is a great place to start.
I tied a size 10 Black Wooly Bugger and a size 20 black midge as a dropper on the hook bend, using 6x Flourocarbon Tippet. It was a cloudy morning, and the snow must have previously been falling as rain because the water was not as clear as usual.
I stick with dark colors when the water is dirty and conditions are cloudy. The larger woolly insect acts as an attractor that the trout can see. They may not be interested, but it will cause them to search the area where your mosquito will soon be floating.
INHABITANTS OF THE SOUTH RIVER
The occasional native brook trout finds its way into the river; however, it is quite rare. Most of the time, you will be fishing for stocked rainbow and brown trout. Thanks to increasingly strict conservation laws, the state is now seeing some wild trout begin to gain a foothold in the river. There aren’t many, but hopefully they will continue to flourish.
I only caught rainbows this morning, and they were all knitters. The four I caught weren’t huge, but they floated in the foot-long range. Each took the mosquito. Of course, it’s impossible to tell if they only took it because they saw the bugger first, but I can attest that I have better days as a nymph when I drop a smaller fly from an attractor.
After releasing the last fish, I decided to go. My hands were red and had begun to feel numb to the point where pinching the fly line required concentrated effort. It was the first of many days I spent fishing in the south during the winter, but it was easily the coldest.
About Wild Water Fly Fishing
Wild Water Fly Fishing represents a dedication to bringing friends and family together by providing them with everything they will need to prepare for a trip to the lake. Whether you are a parent or grandparent wanting to nurture a child’s interest in fly fishing, Wild Water offers the best tools to make your fly fishing trip an unforgettable experience. Wild Water Fly Fishing is the only company that focuses exclusively on affordable and easy to use fly fishing starter packs for all species of fish.
Salt Lake City, Utah – Easton, the leading manufacturer of performance archery equipment, is proud to announce the addition of factory helical fletching to its popular 5mm AXIS arrows. Serious bowhunters trust AXIS for the perfect combination of speed and added penetration. With the addition of factory helical feathering, AXIS now offers more broad point precision right out of the box.
Factory helical fletching sets the vanes at a slight angle to the arrow axis, creating a helix shape that offers the benefits of increased stability, better arrow flight, and longer effective range, resulting in a The result is greater precision of the broad tip and easier adjustment. Overall, the factory helical fletch is a valuable tool for archers looking to improve their shooting skills and increase their chances of success on the field.
AXIS arrows are known as the premier carbon hunting arrows in the industry today. Bow hunters turn to AXIS for its 5mm micro-bore to keep arrows on target in crosswinds and reduce drag for greater penetration. AXIS made in the USA shafts feature Easton’s exclusive seamless ACU carbon, known for its precision with its consistent backbone and weight. The 5mm AXIS, with new factory helical feathers, is available in seven spine sizes, from 600 to 200.
For more information on Easton’s 5mm AXIS arrows with factory helical fletching, visit www.eastonarchery.com
EDGEFIELD, SC—The National Wild Turkey Federation’s Making Tracks Awards with the USDA Forest Service recognize individuals and projects that best incorporate wild turkey conservation education, partnerships and management.
The NWTF presented awards during its 50th anniversary celebration at its 47th annual Convention & Sports Show, sponsored by Mossy Oak, to projects and programs that furthered the NWTF’s mission in the forests and grasslands of our nation.
The winners of the 2023 Making Tracks with the USDA Forester Service awards are:
Dena Holmes Collaboration Award: Dena Holmes
Dena Holmes, who passed away in January 2022, was an employee of the National Wild Turkey Federation for 22 years and served as Manager of Contracts and Administration Agreements for more than 15 years of her time with the NWTF. During her tenure, she helped develop and manage numerous agreements, becoming a go-to resource for NWTF staff, as well as many Forest Service employees.
Holmes’s daughters, Lauren and Chelsey, accepted the award on his behalf.
Holmes approached the work collaboratively and creatively, with the goal of finding ways to achieve great work on the ground through the Stewardship Authority, as well as other tools and agreements. Receiving the award posthumously, Holmes is the inaugural recipient of the award named after her. Going forward, the award will go to NWTF partners who take a collaborative approach to conservation like Holmes did.
“Accepting this award on behalf of our mother is an honor beyond measure,” the family said in a group statement. “Her hard work and dedication to this organization is her legacy. She really loved her work and looked forward to conventions like this every year. We are proud to know that she left such a big mark on people she considered not only co-workers, but also family and that her legacy can live on through this award.”
Partnership Achievement: Coconino National Forest – Mogollon Rim Ranger District
The NWTF forged a new agreement with the Coconino National Forest for the General Springs Project in 2022 that will conserve and improve approximately 3,500 acres while providing protection for the East Clear Creek watershed and water main, which serves the city of Payson, Arizona, with potable water and is valued at over $300 million in water and hydroelectric infrastructure.
The agreement also provides other important infrastructure protection, including power line corridor protection and thinning of roads.
“The real prize was working with a group of people, both FS and NWTF, who care deeply about preserving a magical landscape for future generations,” said Robert Guebard, Forest Service timber contracting officer. “[They are] Dedicated and attentive in all aspects of the project.”
Habitat Management Program Award: Land Between the Lakes National Forest
Since 2015, the NWTF and Land Between the Lakes National Forest have built an effective partnership through their management agreement, providing early successional habitat for wildlife, encouraging outdoor recreation, and providing environmental education opportunities.
To date, the management agreement has affected more than 5,000 acres of wildlife habitat in the bi-state recreation area. Some of the projects implemented include mowing, discing, seeding, liming, fertilizing, managing warm-season native weeds and grasses, and maintaining roads and fields in open conditions.
Areas that have been managed are also popular locations for hunters and wildlife watchers. Some of the work that has been done has been done within the Elk and Bison Prairie.
This project has been beneficial to the public and NWTF members and chapters.
The local NWTF chapter worked with the national forest to build a handicap accessible hide, in honor of the local chapter president, which is now open for deer and turkey hunting.
“I am very excited and grateful to receive this recognition,” said Elizabeth Raikes, a wildlife biologist with Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area. “I enjoy working with the NWTF on projects, and their biologists and support staff strive to make a lasting difference in conservation efforts. They have worked with us at Land Between the Lakes on a wide range of projects since 2008. I look forward to working with the NWTF for years to come.”
Habitat Management Program Award: George Washington and Jefferson National Forest
The NWTF and the George Washington and Jefferson National Forest Partnership has evolved over the years into a multi-year approach to achieving the desired future condition of the national forest as outlined in the forest management plan. This includes providing management to support a mosaic of wildlife habitats. Activities integrate disciplines of hydrology, soils, archaeology, fisheries, recreation, timber, roads, and fire and wildlife management to improve fish and wildlife habitat on hundreds of acres of the national forest.
“I appreciate the recognition that the National Wild Turkey Federation has given to the George Washington and Jefferson National Forests and to the many partners who have promoted important conservation work in the spirit of shared stewardship,” said Mary Yonce, district ranger for the Forest Service. “This Making Tracks award is a testament to the importance of collaboration and teamwork that shows that more is possible by working together. I look forward to continuing our relationship as we strive to achieve mutual conservation goals.”
“The Forest Service is by far the oldest partner agency of the NWTF,” said NWTF Co-Director General Kurt Dyroff. “We partner with the Forest Service on forest health and conservation projects across the country, and we are proud to recognize these specific and notable partnerships and programs.
“We are also incredibly honored to award Dena Holmes posthumously in memory of her decades of service to the NWTF and the conservation community. She was a linchpin in our great partnership with the Forest Service, and her work ethic and her tireless commitment to the NWTF are sorely missed.”
About the National Wild Turkey Federation
Since 1973, the National Wild Turkey Federation has invested more than half a billion dollars in wildlife conservation and has conserved or improved more than 22 million acres of critical wildlife habitat. The organization continues to advance wildlife conservation, forest resiliency, and robust recreational opportunities across the US by working beyond borders at the landscape scale.
2023 is the 50th of the NWTFhe anniversary and an opportunity to push the organization’s mission into the future while honoring its rich history. for his 50he anniversary, the NWTF has set six ambitious goals: positively impact 1 million acres of wildlife habitat; raise $500,000 for wild turkey research; increase membership to 250,000 members; dedicate $1 million to education and outreach programs; raise $5 million to invest in technology and the people of NWTF; and raise $5 million to build a $50 million endowment for the future. Find out how you can help us achieve these lofty goals.
Evolution Outdoor is now shipping the new and highly anticipated Drift Series Tackle Sling Pack. The design of the Drift Series Sling Pack allows the user to carry all of the fishing essentials on their back with the convenience of swinging gear to the front when needed.
“With the incredible success of our Drift Series backpacks, we knew we needed to create a more compact style for the angler looking for a lightweight, quick-access tackle storage solution,” said Colt Fadal, executive director of sales and marketing for Evolution Outdoor. “We are pleased to announce that this versatile product is now officially shipping to retailers across the country for anglers to get their hands on.”
Available in multiple colors, the Drift Series Sling Packs include an innovative quick access feature that provides convenient and easy access to all storage trays. The integrated tie down Y-strap secures the trays to the pack, and in stormy weather these sling packs are equipped with an integrated rain fly that can be tucked away when not in use. With its large exterior storage pocket, 2 reinforced side pockets, 3 rubberized mesh open pockets, and a zippered storage pocket on the shoulder strap, there’s plenty of room for all your essentials.
Drift Series Tackle Backpack Features:
Innovative and convenient open access design
Extremely wear resistant 1680D construction
“Capless” design for easier access
Secure trays with integrated tie-down Y-strap with adjustable side-release buckle closure
Integrated rain fly for stormy weather
Reinforced zippered side pockets
3 rubber mesh slip pockets
Built-in line spool feed in side pocket
Adjustable and resistant padded shoulder strap.
2 pliers holsters: front pliers holster and additional pliers holster on the shoulder strap
Holds up to 3 trays in the open access compartment
Includes 3 matching color trays from the Drift series.
Size: 3600
Colors: blue, green, sea foam
The MSRP for the Drift Series Sling Pack is $59.99. For more information on this product or to purchase Evolution’s complete line of fishing, tactical and hunting gear, visit their website.
About outdoor evolution
Evolution Outdoor is moving forward to provide consumers with the best outdoor gear available for outdoor adventures. Through a unique and functional design, they are dedicated to providing the consumer with the best tactical gear, premium coolers, fishing gear, gun cases, and innovative products. Evolution Outdoor was established with the consumer in mind, and they strive to design and manufacture quality, solution-based products that allow customers to achieve the best outdoor experience.
EDGEFIELD, SC — The National Wild Turkey Federation honored MassWildlife Director Mark S. Tisa with its new Innovation Award for the agency’s exceptionally creative strategies and novel approaches that fostered positive conservation impacts, outreach, and the education.
“I am honored to receive the NWTF Innovation Award,” said Tisa. “With shared goals for R3 and upland habitat conservation, MassWildlife and NWTF are natural partners. MassWildlife and NWTF continue to grow our important partnership, collaborating on hunting apprenticeship and mentoring programs, as well as access and habitat improvement projects. Through strong wildlife management and support from conservation partners like NWTF, MassWildlife is proud to continue to expand turkey hunting opportunities in Massachusetts by increasing the annual take limit, expanding youth opportunities, and extending the season. autumn in recent years.
Tisa accepted the NWTF 50th Anniversary Award for Innovationhe 47th anniversary celebrationhe NWTF annual convention and sports extravaganza, sponsored by Mossy Oak.
In partnership with MassWildlife, under Tisa’s leadership, the Massachusetts State Chapter of the NWTF has achieved notable achievements in hunting heritage and conservation. This partnership would not be possible without the guidance of Tisa and the outstanding volunteers at NWTF in Massachusetts. Together they have used creative strategies to address conservation issues and declining hunters.
MassWildlife has proposed and implemented multiple regulatory changes that have significantly increased hunting opportunities and hunter satisfaction while reducing regulatory complexity, including:
Increased annual turkey season limit from two to three birds to encourage participation in the fall hunting season.
Expanded the archery-only fall turkey season to create more overlap with the fall archery deer season.
Remove smaller shot size restrictions to allow hunters to take advantage of new advances in heavier-than-lead ammunition such as TSS.
Create a pheasant and quail season at the end of the season so that hunters can pursue any previously uncaught birds stored until December 31.
Simplified and standardized rules and regulations at WMAs during pheasant and deer seasons.
Extended and simplified small game seasons for hare, cottontail and gray squirrel.
With Tisa’s support, MassWildlife is a critical partner of NWTF and the Ruffed Grouse Society in the USDA Forest Service’s landscape-scale restoration grant that seeks to improve forest health on approximately 2,000 acres of public and private forests in western Massachusetts.
Successful implementation of a license/permit fee increase package (first in 25 years) that helped the agency remain solvent and avoid reduction in staff and services. In particular, Tisa made a concerted effort to work with the sports community to find, understand, and identify a process where fees would gradually increase over a 5-year period.
In addition, Tisa and MassWildlife have been a strong partner of the NWTF in programs for both youth and adult hunters. For example, the Massachusetts Young Adult Turkey Hunting Program is a collaboration between MassWildlife, the Massachusetts State Chapter of the NWTF, and participating sports clubs, providing turkey hunting training and instruction, as well as providing the opportunity for participating youth to experience a guided spring turkey. hunt on youth hunting day. More than 1,000 young people have gone through this program since 2009. Tisa was a key figure in getting this program off the ground.
“We are proud to present Director Tisa with the Innovation Award,” said NWTF Co-Executive Director Kurt Dyroff. “To say that the director used an innovative approach to conservation and hunter recruitment would be an understatement. Director Tisa has done everything possible to ensure that both turkeys and turkey game are alive and well in the Bay State.”
About the National Wild Turkey Federation
Since 1973, the National Wild Turkey Federation has invested more than half a billion dollars in wildlife conservation and has conserved or improved more than 22 million acres of critical wildlife habitat. The organization continues to advance wildlife conservation, forest resiliency, and robust recreational opportunities across the US by working beyond borders at the landscape scale.
2023 is the 50th of the NWTF he anniversary and an opportunity to push the organization’s mission into the future while honoring its rich history. for his 50 he anniversary, the NWTF has set six ambitious goals: positively impact 1 million acres of wildlife habitat; raise $500,000 for wild turkey research; increase membership to 250,000 members; dedicate $1 million to education and outreach programs; raise $5 million to invest in technology and the people of NWTF; and raise $5 million to build a $50 million endowment for the future. Find out how you can help us achieve these lofty goals.
Fiocchi, the world leader in defensive, target shooting and hunting ammunition, announces the appointment of shooting industry veteran David Blenker to the role of president and chief executive officer of its North American operations. Blenker will replace Anthony Acitelli, who is retiring after a three and a half year tenure in this position.
A seasoned corporate leader and a veteran of decades in the shooting industry, Blenker has led two new projects in the past five years: the new Taurus USA and A-1 Industries’ new manufacturing facility in Bainbridge, Georgia.
Blender’s involvement in the shooting industry goes beyond corporate management. He is a former member of the Board of Governors of the National Shooting Sports Foundation, as well as a former board member of the Sporting Arms and Mmunition Manufacturers’ Institute, a former board member of the South Florida Council of Boy Scouts of America, and is currently a board member. He joined the Youth Shooting Sports Alliance. Here, Blenker exerts his passionate advocacy for grassroots growth in shooting sports, an effort that aligns perfectly with Fiocchi’s continued support of the Scholastic Clay Target Program. Blenker is also an avid hunter and competitive shooter.
In his new role as President and CEO of Fiocchi USA, Blenker will guide several major initiatives for the company, including the expansion of Fiocchi of America, such as the new primer manufacturing facility in Arkansas, and further Fiocchi’s commitment to implementation of sustainable technology around the world. the product lines.
“I am truly excited to work with such a legendary brand as Fiocchi and to work alongside the dedicated employees who have helped the company make such great strides in recent years,” said Blenker. “With its growing manufacturing capabilities and growing footprint in North America, I look forward to this new chapter in Fiocchi’s nearly 150-year history. I also have to thank outgoing CEO Anthony Acitelli for his excellent stewardship of the brand and for bringing Fiocchi’s North American operations to this point.”
Former President and CEO Anthony Acitelli joined Fiocchi in 2019. During his tenure, Acitelli spearheaded the company’s successful ISO certification effort and oversaw the completion and opening of the new priming facility in Port of Little Rock, Arkansas. . A successive launch of new product lines and various marketing initiatives led by Acitelli helped propel Fiocchi to the forefront of the consumer ammunition segment.
“I really enjoyed my time leading the Fiocchi North American team,” said Acitelli. “There is no greater reward than seeing the hard work of so many people come to fruition and lay the foundation for a company’s next step toward a bright tomorrow. I am looking forward to retiring and am pleased to leave the company in good hands as David brings the kind of experience, integrity and long-term vision that will serve Fiocchi well into the future.”
David Stepan, Chief Investment Officer and Board Member of CSG Group (Czechoslovak Group) commented: “Smooth leadership transition is always the goal of any company, and with veteran executives like Anthony and David, this task is made easy.
“All of us at Fiocchi and CSG Group want to first thank Anthony for his remarkable achievement in elevating the Fiocchi brand to its hard-earned and respected position in the US market over the past four years. His guidance has paved the way for David as he begins to build the business forward with major projects underway, such as building our new priming plant, increasing factory production, focusing our vertical integration efforts, and increasing our presence in the market. We are confident that his professionalism and extensive knowledge of the shooting and firearms industries will lead us to achieve our ambitious goals.”
For more information on Fiocchi ammunition, visit FiocchiUSA.com.
About Fiocchi:
Since 1983, Fiocchi of America has been headquartered in Ozark, Missouri. As the independent US-based arm of Fiocchi’s large global brands, Fiocchi of America and Baschieri & Pellagri USA continue to integrate and launch new products targeting the US market. In 2020, Fiocchi continues its expansion of products in the hunting, concealed carry, personal defense and law enforcement market channels. Fiocchi offers a complete portfolio of shooting cartridges for target shooting and hunting, centerfire pistol and rifle ammunition, standard and competition grade .22LR rimfire, specialty and classic cartridges, reloading components and blanks.
About CSG:
CSG, headquartered in Prague (Czech Republic) is a diversified industrial group active in 5 strategic business segments, aerospace, defense, automotive, railways and enterprise projects, where it operates globally. CSG Group is 100% controlled and led by Michal Strnad, who has been able to transform it into the most relevant industrial group in the Czech Republic with a strong international presence. CSG employs more than 8,000 people worldwide and owns and manages a diverse portfolio of industrial and commercial companies in the civil and defense sectors. Over the years, CSG has established several strategic partnerships with top-tier European and US multinational companies, including General Dynamics, Siemens, Stadler, Raytheon, Lockheed Martin, Boeing, Airbus, NexterSystems and Rheinmetall.
Fiocchi, a world leader in defensive, target shooting and hunting ammunition, is pleased to announce its partnership with The Clay Lab. This new partnership is part of an ongoing initiative by Fiocchi to support shooting sports and help grow the base of knowledge and participation in sports competitions on clay and recreational shooting.
Developed and hosted by competitive shooters Scott Hardison, JP Tayamen, and Jeremy Smock, The Clay Lab focuses on producing high-quality videos that cover the sporting clays community, events, and equipment reviews, but also delves into processes and technical aspects. . of shotgun shooting to provide valuable information for both beginners and advanced shooters.
“Joining Team Fiocchi has been an exciting time for our channel,” said The Clay Lab co-host Scott Hardison. “As our squad’s in-game knowledge and experience has increased, we’ve come to understand the importance of quality ammunition. With Fiocchi’s backing, we cannot be more confident in our future. Delivering quality content to the community has always been our goal, so it just makes sense for our channel to be paired with the quality of Fiocchi.”
To learn more about The Clay Lab, visit ClayLabUSA.com or check out their YouTube channel.
For more information on Fiocchi ammunition, visit FiocchiUSA.com.
About Fiocchi:
Since 1983, Fiocchi of America has been headquartered in Ozark, Missouri. As the independent US-based arm of the great global brand Fiocchi, Fiocchi of America continues to integrate and launch new products targeting the US market. In 2020, Fiocchi continues its product expansion into the hunting, concealed carry, self defense and law enforcement market channels. Fiocchi offers a complete portfolio of shooting cartridges for target shooting and hunting, centerfire pistol and rifle ammunition, standard and competition grade .22LR rimfire, specialty and classic cartridges, reloading components and blanks.
