Author: Adam Back

Purple Heart Ranch and Broken S Ranch Welcomed Our Nation’s Heroes

The Military Warriors Support Foundation’s Skills4Life program stays busy hosting events for our nation’s wounded combat veterans. Two sponsored events in December were a great success for Skills4Life. The Danny Roberson Memorial Hunt was held December 8-11, 2022 at Broken S Ranch, and the Purple Heart Ranch Hunt was held December 17-20, 2022.

Four hunters gathered in Sterling City, TX for the 2022 Purple Heart Ranch hunt. Even though the weather was cold and the temperatures were dropping, they each had multiple opportunities to tag deer for meat freeze. The hunters and guides gave it their all, and three Heroes branded a deer. Last year’s frost and summer drought didn’t make it easy for the deer last year. Despite this, all the Heroes had a great time sharing and sharing memories. The Military Warriors Support Foundation and Skills4Life would like to thank everyone involved, especially the Glass family, for embracing our Heroes and welcoming them with open arms.

The 2022 Danny Robertson Memorial Hunt was held at Broken S Ranch. Skills4Life had all but one of the hero tags for hunting. Everyone had a great time; the food was excellent and friendships were made. It was a memorial hunt for Danny Robertson, a longtime guide at Broken S Ranch and a friend to all; his presence was definitely felt. Skills4Life is already planning the 2023 hunt and as always we look forward to our return to Broken S Ranch.

About the Military Support Foundation:

The Military Warriors Support Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit charitable organization founded by retired LTG Leroy Sisco, celebrating 15 years in 2022 of his mission to provide critical transition support for combat-wounded heroes of our nation, Gold Star spouses and their families. Its programs focus on housing and homeownership, recreational activities, transportation assistance, and leadership development. Through select programs, they are on track to provide 1,000 mortgage-free homes in all 50 states and more than 150 payment-free vehicles. In addition to housing or the vehicle, families receive family and financial tutoring. More than $26.6 million in the hero’s personal debt has been paid off through the mentorship program. For more information, visit MilitaryWarriors.org.

For more information please visit
www.militarywarriors.org

Valentine’s Day is a special occasion for lovers of all ages. This year, in addition to gifting a dozen roses that will wither in a week and a box of soon-to-be-gobbled-and-soon-forgotten chocolates, why not add a gift that will keep on giving, one that will spark deep thought and inspire lifetime? ? That gift is a copy of Mike Arnold’s groundbreaking book, Bringing Back the Lions: International Hunters, Local Tribespeople, and the Miraculous Rescue of a Doomed Ecosystem in Mozambique. The value of this gift will continue for years to come.

In Bringing Back the Lions, Arnold, a Distinguished Research Professor of Genetics at the University of Georgia and one of the world’s leading conservation writers, details how a small group of professional hunters spearheaded a nearly 30-year effort to bring back once incredible wildlife paradise from a decimated and nearly arid landscape to one of the world’s major wildernesses, the area of ​​Mozambique known as Coutada 11, an official concession that covers 2,000 square kilometers (approximately 772 square miles) and includes some of the more diverse habitats and animals. species in Africa.

Written not in the boring style of a science class or textbook, but entertaining and engaging, this book details how, for generations, conservationists around the world have spent billions of dollars and countless hours trying to restore life. Wildlife and wildlife habitat in areas of sub-Saharan Africa decimated by many factors, including poachers, corrupt governments, starving local populations, and a lack of education and experience on how to balance current needs and wants with long-term sustainable goals that benefit both wildlife and local people. And while these efforts often produce short-term results, long-term successes have been few and far between.

“During my time at Coutada 11, I came to understand the essence of what I call the ‘invisible line,’ which demarcates a barren landscape with one full of life,” Arnold said. “I found that it depended on a combination of full stomachs, employment and the empowerment of local villagers; likewise, it depended on protection against marauders who would inadvertently tear apart the environmental web. On one side of the line, without animals, few trees, a lunar landscape; on the other, a solid canopy of trees broken by the occasional natural clearing, containing an overabundance of wildlife. The line reflected the restoration and protection of many ecosystems.

“It is no coincidence that the ‘invisible line’ also separated Sena hunter-gatherers and subsistence farmers from a previously unseen category of their brethren: a rural population of middle-class merchants, cash crop farmers, and industry employees. of the safari, an industry that caused the transformation of the ecosystems and the life of the inhabitants of the Seine”, said Arnold. “I had forgotten the truth. In wild Africa, as in North America, South America, Europe, and Asia, you find wild animals only where they are more valuable alive than as food. Here, as around the world, the conservation-by-hunting model works when nothing else will. Even photo tourism, with its associated infrastructure of roads and hotels required to transport and house the swarms of tourists, leaves a huge carbon footprint compared to hunting concessions, which host a fraction of the number of visitors.

“Professor Arnold’s work is a wonderful mix of travelogue, adventure tale, historical novel and environmental odyssey – an uplifting story of ecological and social restoration,” said Ian Sherman of Oxford University Press.

A lifelong hunter who has traveled the world, Arnold has published hundreds of research articles and four books on a variety of topics, including conservation biology. Publications like Science Magazine, The New York Times and National Public Radio continue to call Mike for interviews covering his research. In late 2022, he attended the 20th annual meeting of the African Wildlife Consultative Forum in Maputo, Mozambique, where he was honored to present a copy of his book to the Honorable Carlos dos Santos, Ambassador of Mozambique to the United States. He also recently had the opportunity to present an inscribed copy of Bringing Back the Lions to former US Secretary of State James A. Baker.

Bringing Back the Lions is available at www.Amazon.com, https://www.barnesandnoble.com/ and other excellent bookstores. It will be a Valentine’s gift that will be cherished for years to come.

Winchester Ammunition has continued its support of the Scholastic Clay Target Program (SCTP) as a Red Diamond sponsor in 2023. This three-year agreement through 2024 is indicative of Winchester Ammunition’s long-term support of the youth shooting sports program. Despite the very high demand for its products, Winchester Ammunition remains the official ammunition of SCTP and of the SCTP International Team, which is made up of the 15 best SCTP youth shooters in the international disciplines of skeet and bunker trap.

“As the Official Ammunition for SCTP and the SCTP International Team, Winchester remains committed to supporting the growth of shooting sports,” said Jason Gilbertson, Winchester Ammunition’s director of marketing. “SCTP is an exciting and growing organization built on committed leadership, coaches, athletes and parents. We are excited for the next season.”

“We are grateful and encouraged by the tremendous support from the best in the industry, year after year,” said SCTP National Director Tom Wondrash. “Our shared vision of the exponential growth of youth shooting sports is realized through the remarkable support of Winchester. As a Red Diamond sponsor of SCTP, Winchester has shown its dedication by supporting our members in all areas. From the newest shooter benefiting from the spring shot program, to our elite international SCTP team being given the resources to compete at the highest level. We are delighted to have the continued support of Winchester Ammunition!”

About the Scholastic Shooting Sports Foundation
The Scholastic Shooting Sports Foundation (SSSF) is a 501(c)(3) public charity responsible for all aspects of the Scholastic Clay Target Program (SCTP) and the Scholastic Action Shooting Program (SASP) in the United States. The SCTP and SASP are youth development programs in which adult coaches and other volunteers use shooting sports to teach and demonstrate sportsmanship, responsibility, honesty, ethics, integrity, teamwork, and other positive life skills.

SSSF’s mission is to provide and enhance personal growth and development opportunities for member student-athletes; become the leading authority on all things firearms related activities for youth; pass on to future generations the legacy of lifelong, safe and responsible enjoyment of shooting sports. This includes serving as a feeder/pipeline for organized and sanctioned shooting teams and organizations.

Position will help fuel mission growth at Badger State

Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever are proud to announce the hiring of Andy Williams as the organization’s Wisconsin regional representative. In his new role, Williams will support more than 8,000 members and volunteers dedicated to enhancing public and private land conservation efforts for pheasants, quail and other wildlife.

“We are excited to call Andy a new member of the team in Wisconsin and look forward to his contributions to the incredible network of chapters that exist across the state,” said Matt Christensen, Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever field services manager. “Having demonstrated unique job skills running his own business, the organization believes in his ability to help accomplish more missions alongside our incredible volunteers.”

Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever empower local and county chapters with the responsibility of determining how 100 percent of their locally raised conservation funds will be spent – ​​the only national conservation organization to operate through this grassroots structure. As a result, chapter volunteers are able to see the fruits of their efforts at the local level, while belonging to a larger national organization with a voice in federal and state conservation policy. Williams will be responsible for helping chapters achieve local conservation results by helping to meet the organizational pillars for habitat, education, access and advocacy.

Williams graduated from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in 2010 with a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice. Before joining the Habitat Organization, he was a carpenter for a contracting company and then owned a personal construction business in 2016. He owned and operated New Space Renovations until 2019, when he transitioned to be home with his children. little ones. Williams lives in Oregon, Wisconsin. with his wife, two daughters and a pair of black Labrador retrievers. When he’s not working, he can be found hunting, fishing, hiking or watching the Badgers volleyball team, where his wife is on the coaching staff.

“My whole life I have been passionate about the outdoors and I am very proud to be going to work for an organization that is helping to conserve habitat for the next generation,” said Williams. “Wisconsin has a lot of potential for upland habitat projects. I can’t wait to start working with our volunteers.”

For more information about Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever in Wisconsin, contact Andy Williams at 402-984-3161 or [email protected].

About pheasants forever and quail forever

Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever make up the nation’s largest nonprofit organization dedicated to upland habitat conservation. This community of more than 400,000 members, supporters, and partners is dedicated to protecting our highlands through habitat improvement, public access, education, and advocacy. A network of 754 local chapters spread across North America determine how 100 percent of their locally raised funds are spent—the only national conservation organization to operate through this grassroots structure. Since its inception in 1982, the organization has dedicated more than $1 billion to more than 575,000 habitat projects benefiting 24 million acres.

CAMP PERRY, Ohio – For those looking for an entertaining evening with friends, family, or even alone, the CMP has created a series of exciting airgun events for all to enjoy, all at the Gary Anderson CMP Competition Center in Ohio and Judith Legerski CMP Competition Center in Alabama. Whether you are an expert marksman or someone who has never tried the sport before, we have a place for you in the line of fire.

The competition centers feature 80-point indoor electronic shooting ranges that regularly host local, state and national events. Each week, the climate-controlled facility hosts timeslots open to the public, where people of all ages can shoot the advanced targeting system for practice or fun. The variety is open Tuesday and Thursday from 5 pm to 8 pm (Ohio) and 4 pm to 7 pm (Alabama) and by appointment Monday through Thursday from 9 am to 3 pm (Ohio) and 8 am to 2 pm (Alabama).

Special events scheduled for 2023 include:

• Fun Date Night!: Come anytime in February to participate in our Pairs Team Match – an air rifle event that features a supported rest (bench) for stabilization. The party fee is $10 per couple.
• March Madness Game, March 16: The competition begins at 6 pm Contestants face off and the winner moves on to the next group. The party fee is $5 per person.
• Elimination match, April 18: Competition begins at 6 pm Guests fire off shots and the lowest score is eliminated until a winner is crowned. The party fee is $5 per person.

The winners of each event will receive prizes at local establishments!

If you don’t have a BB gun, don’t worry. The CMP has several easy-to-use, lightweight air pistols on loan. Sporter-class air rifles are free with the entrance fee, while National Competition (NMAR) air rifles are available to rent for a reasonable fee. Participants must bring their own pellets or can buy them at the shooting range. People who have personal air pistols can use them, as long as they have less than 600 fps.

The simplicity of the bench-style shoot allows safe access for all, so the CMP encourages people with disabilities to attend as well.

Visitors to the shooting range must complete a CMP Affidavit of Eligibility and a one-time liability waiver, as well as attend a brief safety briefing before arriving at the shooting line. Children under the age of 18 must have a signed parental consent form. CMP staff members are always on site to answer questions and ensure a safe environment for everyone.

The Gary Anderson CMP Center of Competence is located at 1000 Lawrence Rd., Building 5042, Port Clinton, Ohio, 43452. The Judith Legerski CMP Center of Competence is located at 1470 Sentinel Dr., Anniston, Ala. Learn more about each rank by visiting http://thecmp.org/air/cmp-competition-centers/ or call us at (419) 635-2141.

The Civilian Marksmanship Program is a federally chartered 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation. It is dedicated to firearms safety and marksmanship training and the promotion of marksmanship competition for United States citizens. To learn more about the CMP and its programs, log on to www.TheCMP.org.

Federal Ammunition is proud to be the title sponsor of the Pheasant Fest and Quail Classic taking place in Minneapolis, Minnesota, February 17-19. The event will bring together tens of thousands of highland hunting enthusiasts to see the best new products, including Federal Premium’s line of Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever brands.

“Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever continue to lead the way for upland conservation and have done great work under the leadership of Howard Vincent over the past several decades,” said Jon Zinnel, Senior Manager of Federal Conservation Programs. “We congratulate Howard on his enthusiastic leadership of the organization, and we also look forward to working with incoming CEO Marilyn Vetter, who will debut at this year’s Pheasant Fest and Quail Classic.”

Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever will offer a full line of free seminars for attendees, as well as access to vendor booths, workshops, youth activities and many other activities on the show floor. Attendees are encouraged to stop by Federal Booth #1835 to speak with Federal’s passionate staff about the perfect ammunition for any upcoming highland hunting adventure.

“At this event, Pheasants Forever celebrates 40 years of conservation success,” Zinnel continued. “We look forward to their bright future as they continue their conservation efforts across the country, and we are excited to continue working closely with them for many more years to come.”

Pheasants Forever, including its quail conservation division, Quail Forever, is the nation’s largest nonprofit organization dedicated to upland habitat conservation. Their mission is to conserve pheasants, quail, and other wildlife through habitat improvements, public access, education, and conservation advocacy. For more information, visit www.pheasantsforever.org.

Federal ammunition can be found at dealers across the country. For more information on all Federal products or to shop online, visit www.federalpremium.com.

Fiocchi, the world leader in defensive, target shooting and hunting ammunition, has just announced the availability of its latest 5.7x28mm cartridge. The new subsonic ammunition joins two 5.7x28mm cartridge models introduced at the SHOT Show 2023.

The newest Fiocchi 5.7x28mm cartridge is offered in the company’s Range Dynamics series. Featuring a 62-grain FMJ bullet, the Range Dynamics Subsonic is the go-to choice for high volume suppressed or unsuppressed fun at the range.

Available in boxes of 50 rounds, Range Dynamics Subsonic is perfect for self-defense carbine training and semi-automatic pistol use, and completes Fiocchi’s 5.7x28mm lineup that includes the 35-grain Hyperperformance jacketed frangible and 40 grain Hyperperformance hollow point cartridges. .

To learn more about the new Range Dynamics Subsonic 5.7x28mm cartridges or to view Fiocchi’s complete line of defense, hunting and target ammunition, visit FiocchiUSA.com.

About Fiocchi:

Since 1983, Fiocchi of America has been headquartered in Ozark, Missouri. As the US-based independent 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 target and hunting cartridges, centerfire rifle and pistol ammunition, standard and competition grade .22LR rimfire, specialty and classic cartridges, reloading components and blanks.

The Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies welcomes Director Chuck Sykes to the list of Officers, and Directors Bryan Burhans and Kendra Wecker to the list of AFWA Executive Committee Members.

“The Association is excited to have Director Sykes as our new Vice President, and to have Directors Burhans and Wecker join our Executive Committee,” said Curt Melcher, Director of the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife and Association President. of Fish and Wildlife. Agencies. “Together, we will work to fulfill the Association’s Mission, Vision, Values ​​and Goals and continue the great work of this remarkable organization.”

Chuck Sykes is the Director of the Alabama Division of Wildlife and Freshwater Fish. For more than 10 years, Sykes has overseen the operations of all fish and wildlife biologists and conservation enforcement officers. He and his staff manage, protect, conserve and enhance Alabama’s wildlife and aquatic resources for the sustainable benefit of the people of Alabama. Sykes has graciously accepted the appointment as Vice President of the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies, moving from the membership list, to the Executive Committee.

Bryan Burhans is the executive director of the Pennsylvania Game Commission, which manages nearly 500 species of game and non-game wildlife, 1.5 million acres of public lands, and the expectations of nearly 1 million hunters and fishermen. Kendra Wecker is Chief of the Ohio Division of Wildlife and oversees the Ohio Department of Natural Resources’ efforts to manage and conserve fish and wildlife populations on behalf of all Ohioans. The Association is excited to have both Burhans and Wecker as new members of the AFWA Executive Committee.

It corresponds to the Executive Committee to determine everything that is not specifically provided for in the Statutes and Regulations of the Association until it is approved in ordinary assembly; hire and assign duties to the Executive Director and subordinate employees; approve the annual budget of detailed estimated expenses; and provide for the payment of legitimate expenses incurred on behalf of the Association. Visit www.fishwildlife.org/landing/executive-committee to see the complete list of the Executive Committee.

The Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies— the organization representing North America’s fish and wildlife agencies — promotes sound resource management and conservation, and speaks out on important fish and wildlife issues. Found on the web at www.fishwildlife.orgOn Facebook /Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies and on twitter @fishwildlife.

Wisconsin company continues to experience record sales growth

Delta Defense, the service provider of the US Concealed Carry Association (USCCA), the fastest growing self-defense association in the country, announced today that Mike Lowney has been named president of the company.

Lowney has more than 15 years of senior management and C-suite experience, including more than a decade of strategic program development at Harley-Davidson Motor Company and most recently as Chief Strategy Officer for Delta Defense.

“Mike’s ability to recognize industry trends and listen to the customer has been vital to our continued growth over the past three years.” said Tim Schmidt, CEO and co-owner of Delta Defense. “His leadership and experience will further strengthen our industry alliances and national presence, fueling growth that will benefit the more than 700,000 USCCA members.”

“I am honored to help lead our continued growth in 2023 and beyond. A record number of Americans, from all walks of life, choose to be their family’s first line of defense. It is humbling that so many of them are choosing the USCCA to help them on their self-advocacy journey.” Mike Lowney said.

Delta Defense has experienced average sales growth of 42% over the last three years, adding more than 250 jobs in southeast Wisconsin alone. Delta Defense now employs more than 600 team members throughout the United States. In addition, Delta has been a multi-year recipient of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel’s “Best Place to Work” award and has been ranked on the INC list. 5,000 “Fastest Growing Companies” for the past 11 years.

Lowney and his team have built critical alliances with the largest firearms manufacturers in the industry and partnership agreements with major companies across the country to deliver firearms training and education on-site. With a network of more than 10,000 firearms instructors and educators across the country, Delta Defense and the USCCA membership are enabling millions of Americans to better protect themselves and their families.

About the USCCA. The US Concealed Carry Association (USCCA) is an association of responsibly armed Americans whose members obtain exceptional self-defense education, life-saving training, and self-defense liability insurance, preparing them for before, during and after a legal act of self-defense. defending. The USCCA is the largest and fastest growing self-defense association dedicated to responsible gun owners.