Author: Adam Back

Presented by Mark Valletta, President of Down East Garand Shooters

The Down East Garand Shooters (DEGS) is a CMP affiliated club in eastern North Carolina that has a tradition of awarding one lucky member an M-1 Garand at our annual end of the year banquet. Any member who has competed in a minimum of five relay matches per season is eligible to be included in the drawing for the M-1 Garand.

This year the draw procedure went off the rails due to a bad decision on my part. Typically, all eligible member names go into a pot and are drawn one at a time, eliminating each member as we go. The last person standing gets the rifle. It’s a slightly more dramatic way to give the rifle away instead of just drawing the name and be done with it.

I’ll spare the details, but the end result was that our member, Chris Hymen, through no fault of his own, was given an unfair advantage at the end of the draw. My mistake got member Kim Morey stripped of a win. That was totally up to me and my poor suggestion how to solve this problem.

Anyway, Kim Morey was going to be the winner of the raffle, and Chris went on his way. The first act of sportsmanship was for Chris to say straight away that we should draw in the first game of the season. We immediately decided to redraw our first game of the 2023 season. (Thanks for the idea, Chris! I owe you some ammo as a consolation prize, my friend!)

As we worked out the match problem at the banquet, Tom Wareham later suggested to me that since some people have won multiple rifles over the years, it would be great if a winning member who had previously won a rifle voluntarily gave it to someone who had won. He never won a rifle. He said that if he won this year, he would pass it on to a member who hadn’t received one in the past. Another more sporty suggestion.

Well, Tom didn’t win, but apparently the idea ignited the spark.

The new rifle giveaway happened on Saturday March 18th and, low and behold, Jason Cisarano (previous winner of two Garands) was the winner. Tony Simonetti, who had never won a rifle before, was the penultimate member standing in the draw. Jason decided that he wanted to let Tony keep the rifle. After some haggling, Tony reluctantly agreed.

Thank you, Jason, for your act of sportsmanship!

Shortly after the game, Tony came up to Jason and me and said, “You know, Kim Morey should have ended up with this rifle at the banquet.”

Although he had never won one of our rifles, Tony decided he wanted Kim to keep the rifle. We asked Kim to come over and we introduced her to the 2022 Season Garand. She was excited.

I can never begin to say enough about the caliber (no pun intended) of the character of the members of this club, and beyond that, the many people who are involved in shooting sports. I consider it an honor to be associated with each of you. Thank you to our club members for giving my banquet a grand finale!

CMP encourages you to get involved in your local clubs and help help new shooters get started in the sport of target shooting. Find your local club on our website at https://ct.thecmp.org/app/v1/index.php?do=clubSearch or contact your local state director at https://thecmp.org/training-tech/ state-director/ to find out how you can help in your state.

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.

ARGO, manufacturer of all-terrain vehicles, SxS, UGVs and a world leader in amphibious extreme terrain vehicles (XTVs), announces its commitment to serve the commercial off-road market in many important ways. In the years leading up to this announcement, ARGO has been developing many exciting products to be built at its North American factory. The release of the new Sasquatch is the first of many new releases that are positioned to give the commercial off-road market what it has been missing. In addition to new products, ARGO continues to develop its dedicated business division by incorporating industry veterans and improvements at its North American facilities.

Over the past few weeks, the ARGO community and industry enthusiasts have been closely following the weekly “sightings” of the new North American-made amphibious XTV, the ARGO Sasquatch XTX. Positioned as a true testament to ARGO’s commitment to the commercial off-road market. The Sasquatch enters the global market for early ground crawlers touting the latest in off-road technological advances and interior comforts. With the launch of ARGO on the 6^he and the final “sighting” of Sasquatch earlier this week, the excitement continues to build as this allegorical wonder continues to take shape.

Digging deeper to further the established presence and manage exponential growth within the commercial off-road segment, two new members were brought on board to navigate the large-scale effort to maintain and develop ARGO’s stronghold of commercial accounts. These credible, passionate and essential veterans are Joe Klosterman and Jim Mason. With a combined knowledge of over 60 years of offroad and industry-related experience in dealer development, customer retention, competitive insight and streamlining the sales network, the appointment of Joe and Jim as Eastern Regional Sales Managers y oeste arrives at an opportune moment to help with the development and implementation of a new line of commercial vehicles. Excited by the recent events that have transpired, President and CEO Brad Darling went on to say, “The commercial marketplace has always been a constant in ARGO’s history and in recent years our team of world-class research and development engineers has made great strides showing growth that caters to the commercial market. We are very proud to announce the launch of the new Sasquatch along with the growth of our commercial sales team. I can assure you that this is just the beginning of our continued journey with commercial products and services.”

With a strong appetite to increase its existing market share within the commercial off-road market, ARGO continues to be a driving force and plans to expand its professional channel of dealers and commercial products, showing the world what Know No Boundaries stands for.

About ARGO ARGO has been the world leader in amphibious Xtreme Terrain Vehicles (XTV) since 1967. ARGO markets its XTV, ATV and SxS products through a network of independent dealers located throughout the United States and Canada and through dealers representing dealers in Europe, South America, the Middle East, Asia and other international markets.

The TT Medic MASCAL package is optimized for the simultaneous initial treatment of multiple casualties when individual treatment is not immediately possible.

Tasmanian Tiger®, a line of tactical nylon products distributed exclusively for the US market by Proforce Equipment, Inc., is proud to announce the upcoming release of the TT Medic MASCAL Pack, available May 2023. Designed specifically for the needs of Active Threat Medics (ATM), TT Medic MASCAL (Mass Casualty) Package is a first aid treatment package that is optimized for simultaneous initial treatment of multiple casualties when individual treatment is not immediately possible.

“We are pleased to introduce the TT Medic MASCAL package to our line of medical packages,” commented Richard Lewis, President and CEO of Proforce Equipment, Inc. “This package is specifically designed to meet the unique needs of Active Threat Medics who may be facing to multiple casualties in high pressure situations, we have created a pack that is practical, durable and reliable.”

One of the key features of the TT Medic MASCAL Pack is its practical and efficient design. The front of the pack is equipped with four Individual First Aid Kit Bags (IFAKs), allowing quick and easy access to essential supplies. The interior layout is strategically organized to accommodate a large stock of medical supplies for emergency operations involving mass casualties (the backpack does not come equipped with medical supplies). Additionally, the sides of the pack are equipped with MOLLE in a laser-cut design, providing ample space to attach additional gear or accessories. The pack comes with a handle for easy transport and includes a scissor bag for convenience.

“We understand the critical role Active Threat Medics play in providing immediate medical care in high-stress situations. The TT Medic MASCAL package is designed to meet their needs and provide them with a reliable and efficient tool to save lives,” concluded Lewis.

The MASCAL Medic TT pack weighs 4.06 lbs/1.84 kg. and measures 18.11 H x 11.02 W x 3.94 D/46 H x 28 W x 10 D cm. and is made of Cordura® 700 Denier (Multicam 500 Denier). It is available in Black, Olive and Coyote for an MSRP of $289.00 and Multicam for an MSRP of $319.00.

Click to view the 2023 Tasmanian Tiger Digital New Item Catalog here or Vol. 3 Digital catalog of products here. Find a local dealer here for any of the exciting Tasmanian Tiger products.

Stay in the conversation by following us on Facebook, Twitterand Instagram. All sales inquiries can be directed to [email protected].

About Tasmanian Tiger®:

Tasmanian Tiger®, a division of Tatonka GmbH, is an international brand founded in 1999 to provide wearer-designed nylon products for elite combatants and law enforcement in Europe and Asia. From prototype to production, all products are manufactured at the company’s own facilities, ensuring a consistently high level of quality throughout all production processes. All products undergo quality checks before leaving the facility and are regularly checked by independent international test centers.

EDGEFIELD, SC — The Michigan Senate recently passed Resolution No. 26 commemorating 50 years of NWTF^he Anniversary and recognizing the organization’s conservation impact both in Michigan and nationally.

“We are incredibly honored to be recognized by our elected officials for our 50th anniversary,” said Bert VanderWeele, president of the NWTF’s Michigan State Chapter. “We have an incredible partnership with MDNR to conserve wild turkeys and preserve our hunting heritage. Since 2014, the NWTF has received more than $1.45 million to help conserve more than 7,000 acres of wild turkey habitat in Michigan. We are proud to be recognized for this work and our rich history as a conservation organization.”

The resolution, in part, reads:

“…WHEREAS, the NWTF and its Michigan State Chapter assisted the Michigan Department of Natural Resources in restoring wild turkey populations throughout the state, resulting in an estimated 200,000 birds, supporting populations of robust and healthy wild turkeys capable of hunting opportunities in all 83 counties in our state; and

WHEREAS, the NWTF, its members, and chapters have been at the forefront of reversing the decline in hunting participation through nationwide investments in hunter recruitment, retention, and reactivation efforts. They also partner with other states to develop opportunities to engage people from all walks of life in the outdoor tradition. Since 2012, the NWTF has recruited and reactivated more than 1.5 million hunters, including Michigan, which was one of the first states to develop an NWTF cooperatively funded position focused on addressing hunter engagement; and

WHEREAS, since 1985, the NWTF has invested more than half a billion dollars to conserve or enhance more than 22 million acres of critical wildlife habitat, forests, and grasslands on public and private lands. This work includes Michigan state and national forests, publicly owned and managed wildlife areas, as well as private lands…”

The NWTF policy team and its volunteer leadership are working with state legislatures across the country to pass similar measures this year that enshrine the NWTF’s legacy and mission in state law.

Learn more about the policy and advocacy work of the NWTF.

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.

RITON Optics is pleased to announce the release of its versatile crossover scope, the 3 PRIMAL 3-18×50! This new addition to the Riton Optics family is a testament to the company’s dedication to providing top-of-the-line optics for the most demanding hunters and shooters.

The 3 PRIMAL 3-18×50 scope is a feature-rich optic for both hunting and long-range shooting. It features a wide magnification range, with a minimum magnification of 3x and a maximum of 18x, making it optimal for almost any shooting or hunting scenario. The 50mm lens provides exceptional light transmission, brightness and clarity, even in low light conditions.

Featuring Riton Optics’ advanced optical system and LRH (Long Range/Hunter) first focal plane reticle, the 3 PRIMAL 3-18×50 provides accurate carry-overs and windage holds throughout the entire magnification range. The illuminated reticle is adjusted using the control on the parallax knob, has six levels of brightness, and an off position between each level.

Built to withstand the rigors of the field, the 3 PRIMAL 3-18×50 is built with a tough 30mm aircraft-grade aluminum main body tube and black anodized for durability and protection. Like all Riton magnified optics, the 3 PRIMAL 3-18×50 is also shockproof, waterproof, and fogproof, giving shooters the confidence they need when out hunting or at the range.

Packed with features such as exposed turrets, zero-reset/zero-stop with 1/10 MRAD windage and elevation adjustments, integrated/removable dual-location launch levers with a flush mount and included 14mm lever, and A fast focusing eyepiece, the 3 PRIMAL 3-18×50 is truly one of the most versatile scopes for hunters and shooters alike. Plus, all Riton Optics rifle scopes are backed by a limited lifetime warranty and the Riton Promise.

Now available for purchase at www.RitonOptics.com and authorized dealers for an incredible MSRP of $659.99. Get yours today and see the difference!

About Riton optics:

see the difference

Riton Optics’ goal is to bring quality and affordability to the optical industry with the greatest focus on the customer. We focus on market research, unique design, and detailed product testing to ensure that all Riton optics meet the demands of all shooters. Staffed by avid shooters and hunters, the product line focuses on practical, real-world applications that provide customers with the quality and functionality needed in a variety of applications. Each optic goes through two rounds of quality control before reaching the hands of end users, this is done by in-house experts, who are competitive shooters and hunters. We are confident that as soon as you look through our HD glass you will truly see the difference and why thousands of shooters and hunters are switching to Riton.

you will experience the difference

At Riton we have an unwavering passion for providing high quality optics at the most competitive prices in the industry and accompanied by incredible service. Our commitment to excellence extends from our product to our customer service and finally to our limited lifetime warranty. The quality of our products makes this the best guarantee you will probably ever have to use; However, as hunters and shooters, we know that sometimes bad things happen to even the best gear.

You’ll see the difference in everything we do because we’re different, and we built this company to be exactly that, so you, the consumer, get everything you deserve.

The 2023 Wetlands Conservation Achievement Awards recognize outstanding contributions to the conservation and restoration of North American wetlands and waterfowl.

Ducks Unlimited (DU) has announced the winners of the 2023 Wetland Conservation Achievement Awards to individuals and organizations that have made outstanding contributions to the conservation and restoration of North American wetlands and waterfowl.

The Wetland Conservation Achievement Awards are presented in eight categories and are presented during the 88th North American Conference on Natural Resources and Wildlife in St. Louis, Missouri.

This year’s winners:

Federal Elected Official: Tom Carper, US Senator, Delaware. Among many accomplishments throughout his more than 30 years as an elected official, Carper, as chairman of the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works, led the passage of several bills critical to wetland conservation, including the reauthorization of the North American Wetlands Conservation Act (NAWCA). ), the passage of the Chesapeake WILD Act and, most recently, the Red River Valley National Wildlife Refuge expansion bill.

Federal Agency Employee: Tim Cooper, Manager, Chenier Plain Texas National Wildlife Refuge Complex. Cooper has repeatedly addressed management needs and concerns about future resources throughout the Complex and the surrounding region. Working in partnership with others, Cooper’s efforts help develop solutions, explain needs to diverse audiences, and obtain funding and permits to implement the Salt Bayou Restoration Plan, an ongoing $100 million resort-wide conservation project.

State Elected/Appointed Official: State Senator George E. “Chip” Campsen III, South Carolina. A DU member and avid duck hunter, Campsen has represented Senate District 43 for 20 years. His focus areas in the General Assembly include constitutional, natural resource and election law, fiscal policy, criminal justice reform, government restructuring and all issues affecting the state’s coastline. He is a member of the state Senate committees on Judiciary, Rules, Transportation, Legislative Oversight, and Agriculture and Natural Resources. His varied interests and service on all of these committees are important to the people of South Carolina. Still, his leadership as chairman of the Senate Fish, Game and Forestry Committee is essential to accomplishing Ducks Unlimited’s wetlands conservation work.

State/Provincial Agency: Mary Mertz, Director, Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR), and Kendra Wecker, Chief, ODNR Division of Wildlife (DOW). For the past four years, Mertz and Wecker have coordinated, directed, and implemented portions of the H2Ohio Program, resulting in improved water quality, wetland habitat, and quality of life for Ohioans. The duo increased ODNR’s role in the Ohio Partnership Hunt, led by DU in partnership with ODNR, DOW and the Lake Erie Wetlands Association to better raise awareness and support for the conservation of Lake Erie’s coastal wetlands. Both leaders are committed to continuing the longstanding partnership with the Fall Flights program, funding habitat conservation in Canada’s breeding grounds and supporting wetland conservation in southern Ontario.

Research/Technical: Dr. Bruce Dugger, Professor of Wildlife, Oregon State University. Dugger is the coauthor of more than 80 peer-reviewed articles, book chapters, and technical reports. His research has addressed the challenges facing a wide variety of wetland-dependent birds, including the management of hunted species, the conservation and recovery of endangered waterfowl, and environmental challenges such as climate change. More recently, he has been studying the impacts of sea level rise on salt marshes along the Pacific coast, an area of ​​great importance to Ducks Unlimited.

Local/Private Conservancy: Galveston Bay Foundation. Ducks Unlimited works with the Galveston Bay Foundation on coastal breakwater projects, waterfowl nesting islands, and beneficial dredging projects in the greater Galveston Bay. The foundation is involved in everything from conservation education to land protection and habitat restoration, from subtidal reefs to native grasslands.

Communications: Natalie Krebs, executive editor, Outdoor life magazine. Krebs has extensively written, edited, and assigned stories on waterfowl conservation, bringing more diversity to hunting, ethical hunting, and tips and tactics for aspiring duck hunters. Educating the public about conservation is crucial to preserving our hunting heritage and protecting the landscapes needed by outdoor enthusiasts.

Conservation Legacy: Terry Steinwand, Retired Director, North Dakota Department of Game and Fish. As director of the North Dakota Department of Fish and Game, Steinwand led the acquisition and protection of thousands of acres of wildlife habitat, including the permanent protection of valuable wetlands and wetland habitat. During his 39-year career, he was active on numerous committees, including the North American Waterfowl Management Plan (NAWMP) Joint Venture Community, the Devil’s Lake Outlet Advisory Committee, and the International Joint Commission. Steinwand was a member of the North American Wetlands Conservation Council for 15 years. He was vice president of the Council from 2008 to 2015 and president from January 2016 until his retirement in 2021.

“Each year, Ducks Unlimited is proud to recognize the accomplishments of individuals from the United States, Canada and Mexico who have made exceptional contributions to North American wetland and waterfowl conservation. These partners, colleagues and leaders have contributed substantially to the conservation of these vital resources,” said Dr. Karen Waldrop, DU’s Director of Conservation. “DU relies on a network of talented individuals to achieve our wetland and waterfowl conservation goals. The 2023 winners demonstrate how great things can be achieved by people with a shared passion for wetlands, waterfowl and wildlife. DU is honored to recognize your work. We are pleased to honor these inspiring efforts that blaze a path for others to follow.”

Click here for a list of past winners.

Ducks Unlimited Inc. is the world‘North America’s largest nonprofit organization dedicated to conserving vanishing waterfowl habitats. Established in 1937, Ducks Unlimited has conserved more than 15 million acres thanks to the contributions of more than one million supporters across the continent. Guided by science and dedicated to program efficiency, DU works toward the vision of enough wetlands to fill the skies with waterfowl today, tomorrow, and forever. For more information about our work, visit www.patos.org.

Owners of Taurus 856 and 605 revolvers who want to improve their shooting performance can now upgrade to the XS Standard Dot Night Sights. Designed for self-defense, standard dot sights feature a tritium-powered front sight surrounded by an orange or green photoluminescent glow dot that absorbs ambient light and glows in low-light conditions to provide dual illumination. The additional surface area of ​​the convex dot increases light absorption, intensifying the charge of the Glow Dot. The high visibility sight aids in faster and more accurate target acquisition, especially for those with aging eyes or impaired vision.

“Our night sights are bright and easy to see, day or night, providing significant advantages in self-defense situations,” said Addison Monroe, XS Sights Marketing Manager. “The increased visibility gained by upgrading the factory scopes to the XS Standard Dot sights makes it easier to get on target faster, and the scopes are really easy to install at home.”

The XS Standard Dot sights for the Taurus 856 and 605 revolvers fit pistols with a factory set sight on the front. The XS replacement sight is pre-drilled for the detent pin, making home DIY installation simple.

XS Sights are CNC machined from solid steel bars in XS Sights’ in-house machining shop in Fort, Worth, Texas. The company designs, machines, and makes its own tritium insert to ensure the highest quality American-made products.

Retail Price: $73.00

For more information, visit www.xssights.com.

All XS scopes are backed by a 10-year no-questions-asked warranty and XS’s 30-day satisfaction guarantee.

About XS views

XS Sights are known for making the fastest sights in any light. For over 25 years, the XS team has created some of the most innovative sights on the market today for handguns, rifles, and shotguns. Whether used for self defense or hunting, these scopes are designed and built to be the absolute best for their specific purpose. Made in the USA. Proud of Texas. 2A Strong.

Gold Tip’s Randy Morocco Wins Second Consecutive ASA Tour Event

gold tip^®, the industry leader in carbon arrows and bolts, congratulates the team’s archers on another series of impressive results at the 2023 ASA Fort Benning Pro/AM, which took place at Fort Benning, Georgia. Gold Tip archers went on to win first place in the Senior Pro Known and Men’s Unknown Pro classes, plus numerous other podium finishes.

Fort Benning, the second stop on the ASA 3-D National Tour, is also the largest 3-D archery venue, with more than 1,700 registered shooters from across the United States and the world. A newcomer to Team Gold Tip, Randy Morocco sealed his second victory on the ASA circuit, again earning first place in the new Senior Pro Known class after claiming the same title in ASA Foley competition. Throughout the match, Morocco fired Gold Tip Triple X Pros. His teammate and personnel manager, Tim Gillingham, placed third in the same event.

“Randy has been shooting very well and it’s nice to have him on Team Gold Tip,” Gillingham said. “I tried really hard to beat him this weekend, but he wasn’t giving up any of the lead that he had gained.”

New to the pro podium was Gold Tip staffer Hunter Hogan who put in an outstanding second place performance in the Men’s Pro Unknown class. Meanwhile, at the Men’s Known Pro, where some of the best shooters in the sport compete, Gold Tip/Bee Stinger^™ pros Lane Brandt and Alex Taylor took second and third respectively after an incredibly close tiebreaker.

In the Women’s Pro class, staff member Lindsay Christensen took third place, while in the Senior Pro Unknown class, Joe Pitt also took home third place.

For more information on Gold Tip and Bee Stinger, visit goldtip.com and beestinger.com.

About the golden tip

Gold Tip, a Vista Outdoor brand, is an archery manufacturer of the most innovative, durable and accurate carbon arrows in the world. Each Gold Tip arrow is manufactured from the finest aerospace grade materials and built to meet industry weight and straightness specifications. Gold Tip products are backed by a network of friendly and knowledgeable employees, dealers and distributors. That’s why so many of the world’s top professional archers depend on Gold Tip, and why bow hunters and archers say Gold Tip makes the toughest arrows they’ve ever shot. For product news and information, visit www.goldtip.com or follow us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/goldtiparrows/ and Instagram https://www.instagram.com/goldtiparrows/.