New Ulm, Minnesota — The Archery Trade Association has hired Kim Watson as its new director of membership. Watson joins the ATA with 14 years of experience developing and managing membership programs and services.
In his role, Watson will develop, lead and execute the ATA strategic plan and membership budget. He will also collaborate with stakeholders and work with the sales and marketing teams to develop business objectives, concepts, deliverables, and timelines necessary to achieve membership goals. Watson will serve as the primary contact for ATA members regarding ATA membership applications, renewals, benefits and programs.
“We are honored to have Kim join our team,” said ATA President and CEO Jeff Poole. “She comes to us with deep membership experience and she will be a valuable asset to our Association and members.”
Prior to joining the ATA, Watson led the membership team of the National Independent Automobile Dealers Association and spent the previous 12 years as membership director for the Dallas Bar Association. Click here to read Watson’s full biography and learn more about his career and interests.
Watson started with the ATA on June 12 and has already become familiar with ATA programs, ATA member benefits, the renewal process and the online member portal. She hopes to use her skills and experience to help advance the ATA mission and hopes to help ATA members understand and take advantage of her benefits for ATA members.
About the Archery Trade Association The Archery Trade Association is the organization of manufacturers, retailers, distributors, sales representatives, and others who work in the archery and bowhunting industry. The ATA has served its members since 1953. We work to increase the recruitment and retention of new, current and formerly active archers and bowhunters. We are the driving force in advocacy, education and lobbying for the common good of industry and sport. We preserve and promote the rich heritage of archery and bowhunting to ensure active consumer engagement and successful manufacturing and retailing for generations to come. The organization also owns and operates the ATA trade show, the largest and longest-running trade show for the archery and bowhunting industry worldwide.
The National Deer Association (NDA) is pleased to announce that Matt Wilkins has joined the NDA team as Regional Director for the Southern Region. Wilkins will work directly with volunteer-run chapters, where he will plan and implement successful conservation-related events and fundraisers, all to help further the NDA’s mission.
“I am honored to have Matt Wilkins join the NDA team as our regional director for the South,” said director of grassroots support, Kristen Schnepp-Giger. “Matt has a passion for conservation, hunting and volunteering. His enthusiasm is contagious and he will resonate well with our volunteer base.”
Wilkins comes to the NDA with extensive experience in the outdoor industry and a proven skill set in project and team management. Prior to joining the group at NDA, Wilkins worked as a wildlife specialist at Two Way Trading, where he established the Wildlife Program to focus on food plots and habitat development. In addition, Wilkins served as Regional Director and Fundraising Coordinator with the renowned conservation group, The National Wild Turkey Federation. While there, Wilkins developed the Mentored Hunt program and managed more than 32 volunteer chapters.
“I am very excited to be a part of the number one deer conservation organization in the country,” Wilkins said. “I look forward to working with the great NDA volunteers, partners and staff.”
Wilkins is a passionate outdoorsman and hunter who takes action to not only improve conservation efforts, but also to spread awareness of those best practices to others.
Join the NDA and support their mission today, or sign up for their free e-newsletter to receive the latest on deer hunting and management at DeerAssociation.com
About the National Deer Association
Formally launched on November 10, 2020, the National Deer Association is a nonprofit deer conservation group that leads efforts to ensure the future of wild deer, wildlife habitat, and game. Formed by combining the strengths of two long-standing successful organizations, the National Deer Association has a combined 38-year effort that has changed deer management to improve hunting and protect America’s most vital and admired game species. North America for future generations. Visit DeerAssociation.com or follow @deerassociation on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook and YouTube.
New Z-Man® ChatterSpike™ showcases creative engineering and increases blade jig performance
Since the original ChatterBait® won the first of what would soon be dozens of tournament victories and mega-stacks of cash a couple of decades ago, the soft plastic trailer of the bladed jig has been around almost forever. like an afterthought. Or, depending on the design of the trailer, maybe it’s the other way around: the tail wags the dog. Perhaps science explains it best: the tail helps maintain balance, offers counterbalance and assistance with movement, and certainly communicates a very specialized message.
For Z-Man pro and ChatterBait tactician Stephen Browning, it’s all about hydrodynamics. Always, he leans on the blade for its flash, action, and sideline strumming vibes. But Browning also understands the critical role of the trailer of his chosen ChatterBait: providing volume, a bit of buoyancy, baitfish profile, and enough tail-kicking animation to augment, but not overpower, the blade itself.
Bringing out the best fish-catching vibes of a ChatterBait, while simultaneously injecting additional dimensions of balance, movement, and bass talk, the new Z-Man ChatterSpike™ looks and works like it’s perfectly at home on the back of any bladed jig.
“Beyond its smooth and durable ElaZtech® composition,” suggests Browning, “the best thing about the ChatterSpike is that it absolutely maximizes blade performance and hunting action and never gets in the way of ChatterBait talents. Many other trailers seem to be designed without considering how their volume, shape, or action affects the function of the ChatterBlade®.” Think of ChatterSpike as a smart, highly refined trailer that brings harmony to an already catchy tune.
Aerodynamic and hydrodynamic at first glance, ChatterSpike’s minimalist pintail bait facade embodies impressive engineering. “To give the ChatterSpike a crisp, fluid, and more responsive action, we sculpted it with a diamond-shaped cross section and leading edges that effortlessly slice through the water and transfer energy throughout the body,” explains José Chávez, director of z-man of Product Development. “To increase water displacement and shuddering action through the tail section, we cut a series of V-shaped ridges, up and down. This segmented back makes the ChatterSpike swim with a quick, crisp, side-to-side whipping action. It’s a tight but realistic range of motion that the angler can customize.”
Z-Man’s 4.5″ ChatterSpike features new ChatterBait towing engineering.
Viewing the bait upside down reveals its series of overlapping V-shaped segments, each reinforced with subtle swimming wings. “To increase their action and range of side-to-side motion, you can trim the wings to the proper size,” Browning says. “All the while, ChatterSpike’s slender tail twitches and quivers restlessly. When you see what this thing looks like in the water and how it works on a ChatterBait, you immediately know it’s in the money.”
Browning delves into the delicate dynamic between the shoveled jig and its trailer. “Although the ChatterSpike offers its own independent action and profile, it never interrupts the flash or vibration of a ChatterBait. So when you’re casting a lure like the new ChatterBait Elite EVO™, the ChatterSpike provides the correct balance and range of motion to maximize the blade.
“You have the sweet action of wagging your tail on every pitch. But you soon realize that no two molds are exactly alike. The lure does something a little different each time. Sometimes, it works as true as it can be. Other sets, the lure darts and dives; exhibits a strong zig and zag hunting action.
“Think of the ChatterSpike as a subtle but energetic trailer, with a wispy little reddish tail that is continually twitching. To combat hard-pressed bass, it’s certainly a more subdued and punchy movement and presentation than your typical soft plastic. And probably the most realistic movement you’ve ever seen in a ChatterBait trailer. Now consider its extra smooth, yet incredibly durable ElaZtech nature, and it has a single bait that goes on and stays put for as much bass as it can handle.”
Equipped with dorsal and ventral hook slots, the 4.5-inch ChatterSpike is easy to mount in an arrow shape and fits all jigs with blades. Beyond implementation as a ChatterBait trailer, the ChatterSpike is also suited to a variety of other applications, including spinnerbait/buzzbait trailer and smooth jerkbait/swimbait. Innovators and leaders in the ChatterBait category he created, Z-Man offers the most complete line of soft plastic bladed hooks and trailers today. Available in October, the ChatterSpike comes in ten matching ChatterBait colors, all made in the USA. For more information, visit www.zmanfishing.com.
About Z-Man Fishing Products: A dynamic company based in Charleston, South Carolina, Z-Man Fishing Products has been fusing cutting-edge fishing tackle with technology for nearly three decades. Z-Man has long been one of the industry’s largest suppliers of silicone skirt material used in jigs, spinnerbaits, and other lures. Creator of the original ChatterBait®, Z-Man is also the renowned innovator of 10X Tough ElaZtech® soft baits, among the most sought after baits in freshwater and saltwater. Z-Man is one of the fastest growing lure brands in the world.
Team Remington professional shooters Sandra Jo Jack and Zach Nannini recently scored big wins for Big Green in both the Missouri State Shoot and the ATA US Open Tournament.
In the Open, Jack won the title of Champion Ladies II with HOA and HAA Handicap victories, capping stellar performances in the Championship Doubles and Championship Handicap events. Zannini, for the second year and counting, finished as Champion at the Singles Championship Event.
Both shooters also made podium finishes at the Missouri State Shoot. Jack won key events including the singles, doubles and handicap, Lady II HAA and HOA championships. Nannini won the double event, taking the HOA and HAA Open Championship titles on the shoot, in front of a record-breaking crowd.
The Remington team competes and wins with Remington Premier cartridges. Top quality, consistency, and accuracy come standard when sporting, skeet, or trap competitors fire the iconic Premier STS and Premier Nitro families of ammunition.
Find Remington ammunition at dealers across the country and online. For more information on Remington ammunition and accessories, visit www.remington.com.
SPRINGFIELD, MO – Crossbreeding® Holsters, a leading manufacturer in the category of concealed accessories, is giving a nod of thanks to fathers across the country this year with a Father’s Day mega sale. But this is not a one day event. The CrossBreed Holsters Father’s Day sale will take place June 17-25.
If you’ve been holding off on buying a new CCW or daily carry holster, now is the time. During the sale period, customers can get 20 percent off all purchases under $150 or 25 percent off purchases over $150.
The CrossBreed Father’s Day sale covers all items on the company’s website, as well as the newest covers and accessories, such as:
New firearm settings for the latest EDC pistols from Sig Sauer (P365-XMACRO with TLR7-Sub,) Anderson Manufacturing (Kiger 9C), Lone Wolf Arms (Dusk 19), Staccato (C2 and CS) and more
The new Magna-Clip pocket magazine from the N8 Tactical line
Expanded fits for the Mini Xecutive IWB holster to accommodate the most popular micro-compact pistols
Numerous excess items
The time to prepare for your summer transportation needs is now! And remember… CrossBreed covers come with the company’s “Try It Free, Two Weeks” Guarantee and Lifetime Warranty. To order or for more information, visit CrossBreedHolsters.com.
About CrossBreed® Holsters:
CrossBreed® Holsters was founded in 2005 by Mark Craighead, an avid shooter and firearms enthusiast. His vision of American handcrafted holsters evokes the attention to detail, quality and functionality that have made CrossBreed® a leader in concealment. Visit CrossBreed® covers.
HALLSVILLE, Mo. – During the 2023 Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP) Bianchi Cup International Pistol Tournament, Bruce Piatt, 62, of Damascus, Pennsylvania, made history by winning the title of overall National Champion and his seventh Bianchi Cup, 30 years after he obtained his first. His 2023 win marked Piatt as the winningest competitor in Bianchi Cup existence, though surpassed by hands-on open event winner Douglas Koenig, 54, of Deland, FL, who has 19 wins in his career.
The CMP Bianchi Cup International Pistol Tournament, the second oldest pistol championship in the world, was held May 23-26, 2023 at the Green Valley Rifle & Pistol Club in Missouri. Although the CMP Bianchi Cup has been an annual event since 1979, this year was the first time the CMP had organized the match.
Title sponsor MidwayUSA and many other generous sponsors provided tremendous support as more than 135 people participated in the CMP Bianchi Cup, including several international competitors from Australia, Barbados, Germany, the Netherlands, New Zealand and Switzerland.
“The CMP Bianchi Cup 2023 was great!” said CMP pistol coordinator Jim Henderson. “It was a privilege for me to be a part of the work behind the scenes of this incredible event! Darren Maher and the entire staff at Green Valley R&P were the best team I have had the pleasure to work with in a long time. Pat Cooper and his army of volunteers did an absolutely fantastic job, and this event would not have happened if it weren’t for those two incredible groups of people.”
The CMP Bianchi Cup is made up of four events: the practical event, the moving target (move) event, the barricade event, and the falling plates event. Competitors shoot both standing up and prone and must also shoot with strong and weak hands in various stages. There are no recovery shots in the CMP Bianchi Cup, which increases its difficulty. Competitors shoot in the Open, Metal, Production, and Production Optics classes within each event.
Mark Blake traveled from Australia to win several Bianchi Cups.
Mark Blake, 52, traveled across the globe from Huon Creek in Australia to win the Open Championship title and take overall victory in the Moving Target event. Special congratulations also to Roman Hauber, 57, who traveled from Regensburg, Germany to claim victory for Mover Metallic. SFC Ryan Franks, 35, of the US Army Marksmanship Unit (USAMU) from Ellerslie, GA, won the Metal category in the Practice and Barricade events.
Leading the Production class was USAMU teammate SSG Christopher Hudock, 33, of Columbus, GA, who claimed victories in all four events, while teammate SSG Anthony Heinauer, 26, of Fort Benning, GA, won the Production Optic title. Through their talented athletes (SSG Hudock, SFC Franks, SSG Heinauer, and SSG Walter Johnson), USAMU claimed the 4-man tag team match.
Seiichi Ishikawa claimed Production Optic’s victories in the Barricade and Falling Plates events.
Benito Martinez, 44, of Albuquerque, NM, took home the Open victory in the Falling Plates match, while the Optical Production classes were led by Simon Golob, 48, of Kearney, MO (Practical) , SSG Heinauer (Move) and Seiichi Ishikawa. , 52, of Montebello, CA (Barricade).
“I would like to thank all the competitors for coming to the 2023 CMP Bianchi Cup,” added Henderson. “I know there are a few little things we can polish for next year, and I really appreciate everyone’s patience and understanding as we move into a new era for this historic event. I can safely say that the CMP and I look forward to many more years of this great championship!”
SFC Sally Talbott won the Women’s Overall Champion Cup.
Other featured athletes at the 2023 CMP Bianchi Cup included SFC Sally Talbott, 46, of Columbia, SC, who was the overall women’s champion, Troy Mattheyer, 60, of Ellis, KS, who won the title John Cameron Memorial Senior and Vance Schmid, 72, of Marion, IL, who was the Senior Grand Champion.
The CMP Bianchi Cup features a variety of events that combine movement and precision.
Overall winners of the CMP Bianchi Cup 2023:
Practical results:
Doug Koenig owns several Bianchi Cups of his own, acquired over the years.
Open: Douglas Koenig, 54, Deland, FL – 480-47X Metallic: SFC Ryan Franks, 35, Ellerslie, GA – 480-34X Production: SSG Christopher Hudock, 33, Columbus, GA – 469-26X Production Optics: Simon Golob, 48, Kearney, MO – 480-33X
Engine results:
Open: Mark Blake, 52, Huon Creek, Australia – 480-39X Metallic: Roman Hauber, 57, Regensburg, Germany – 476-27X Production: SSG Christopher Hudock, 33, Columbus, GA – 478-23X Production Optics: SSG Anthony Heinauer, 26, Fort Benning, GA – 480-32X
Barricade Results:
1street: SSG Walter Johnson, 29, of Pine Mountain, GA – 480-48X 2North Dakota: Brett Foster, 46, Bundabert, Queensland, Australia – 480-48X 3rd: Stephen Stewart, 50, Carlock, IL – 480-48X
Results of falling plates:
1street: Benito Martinez, 44, Albuquerque, NM – 480-48X 2North Dakota: SSG Walter Johnson, 29, of Pine Mountain, GA – 480-48X 3rd: SSG Anthony Heinauer, 26, of Fort Benning, GA – 480-48X
2 man team:
Members of the US Army Marksmanship Unit found several individual victories, along with a team victory.
Metallic: BDMP – 1848-121X Production Optics: DHS Team – 1887-118X International Team: Australia 1 Gun – 1920-180X 4 man team: USAMU Blue (SSG Christopher Hudock, SFC Ryan Franks, SSG Anthony Heinauer, SSG Walter Johnson) – 1916-143X
special categories:
Veteran Military Champion: Mark Blake, 1920-178X Law Enforcement Champion: Bruce Piatt, 1920-178X Active Duty Champion – SSG Walter Johnson, 1918-172X Revolver Champion: Steve Weathersby, 1914-154X International Champion – Mark Blake, 1920-178X
Several international athletes from all over the world attended the 2023 CMP Bianchi Cup.
International Championship Prizes:
Senior Grand Champion: Vance Schmid, 1918-157X John Cameron Memorial Senior Champion: Troy Mattheyer, 1916-154X Roger E. Hawkins Memorial Junior National Champion: Malcolm Itzstein, 1892-142X Women’s National Champion: Sally Talbot, 1889-152X National Metal Champion: SFC Ryan Franks, USA, 1914-141X National Production Champion: SSG Christopher Hudock, USA, 1901-128X National Production Optics Champion: SSG Anthony Heinauer, 1916-146X
Open National National Champion: Mark Blake, 1920-178X
National Championship Action Pistol National Champion: Bruce Piatt, 1920-178X
Find out more about the CMP Bianchi Cup at https://thecmp.org/competitions/cmp-pistol-program/cmp-bianchi-cup/. See a complete list of results on the CMP Competition Tracker page at https://ct.thecmp.org/2023CMPBianchiCupResults. See photos of the event, available for free download, at https://cmp1.zenfolio.com/f340694381.
If you are interested in sponsoring the 2024 CMP Bianchi Cup, please contact Jim Henderson at [email protected].
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.
The Scholastic Clay Target Program (SCTP) is gearing up for its National Championships scheduled for July 5-15 at the Cardinal Center in Marengo, Ohio, with the added boost of a significant increase in enrollment in 2023.
More than 3,600 athletes from more than 313 teams and 34 states have committed to more than 10,000 registrations so far in this year’s competition. The breadth of this ten-day event will translate into more than 2 million competition targets alone, with tens of thousands more to be shot in side events, such as the last permanent competition that saw more than 700 athletes participate in at least one year. . SCTP’s scoring and registration system has remained impeccable and continues to pool team athletes for national events, including a team Make A Break competition, featuring an impressive prize pool from some of the industry’s leading sponsors. of SCTP.
“We are extremely overwhelmed with the interest this year in our National Championships!” exclaimed SCTP National Director and SSSF Co-Chairman Tom Wondrash. “The tremendous amount of interest coupled with new sponsors and partners will make this year’s Nationals one of the best ever and another record-breaking year for SCTP!” “In addition, 154 SCTP athletes from 25 states will receive scholarships this year thanks to the generous support of our sponsors and partners! We could not do this alone and we appreciate each and every one of them for believing in the great things we are doing for our youth!”
The SCTP is the only industry-initiated youth shooting sports program in the world, established by the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) in 2001. Since then, the industry has extensively supported the ongoing youth development program growth of SCTP, realizing that young people are the future of this great sport. The SCTP has been extremely grateful for the support of the united industry throughout its 13 year history, and thanks you now for your continued belief in getting kids involved in clay sports! Starting in 2001 with just a few hundred athletes to over 24,000 athletes and coaches involved today, the organization is confident that its sponsors see the value SCTP brings to youth shooting sports.
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.
Provide and enhance opportunities for personal growth and development for student-athlete members; 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 the primary feed for organized and sanctioned shooting organizations and teams such as USA SHOOTING, TEAM USA, and the NGBs (NSSA, NSCA, ATA).
Along with the $218,000 in scholarships awarded by the Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP) in 2023, the Garand Collectors Association (GCA) provided a generous contribution of $30,000 to distribute to outstanding young applicants across the country. These outstanding individuals were chosen by the CMP Scholarship Committee and received a one-time $3,000 scholarship.
Kenlee Ewton (18, Soddy Daisy, TN), Caroline Audette (17, Fort Mill, SC), Elizabeth Lilly (17, Marble Falls, TX), Kimi Yokoyama (18, Honolulu, HI), Kaitlyn received the $3,000 scholarships from the GCA. Choy (17, Kaneohe, HI), Diane Heschel (18, Oak Harbor, OH), Emma Bueschel (18, Joliet, IL), Garrison Brown (18, New Stanton, PA), Paige Hildebrandt (17, Belgrade, MT) , Colby Fujino (17, Honolulu, HI), Ashton Arlington (18, Granbury, TX), Jenna Kruger (18, Pierre, SD), Christian Bell (18, Parrish, FL), Elijah Spencer (18, Boise, ID) , Olivia Schammel (18, Kingwood, TX), Tess Hines (18, Springfield, VA), Matthew Stout (18, Poquoson, VA), Ava Downs (18, Muskego, WI), Blake Jankowski (18, Tom River, NJ ) and Ada Korkhin (18, Brookline, MA).
One fellow wrote:
“I would like to thank the CMP and the Garand Collectors Association for this scholarship. I plan to study mechanical engineering and this award will help me to be able to afford it. My experiences with my rifle team were the best moments I had during high school and I look forward to finding ways to continue to be involved in marksmanship activities. My parents gave me an M1 Garand as a high school graduation present, so it is very special to me that part of my scholarship comes from the GCA. Thanks again!”
The GCA and CMP have been an integral part of each other’s cultivation throughout their histories. Each is deeply embedded with a similar interest, the M1 Garand rifle. The GCA’s mission is to share information and increase awareness of the M1, to publicize and preserve its history, and to help others collect the rifle for personal and competitive use. The organization has also shown unwavering support for the next generation of female and male shooters, for example through these remarkable scholarships.
To review all successful applicants, see the CMP Scholarship Program page at https://thecmp.org/youth/cmp-scholarship-program/. Learn more about the GCA at https://thegca.org/.
About the CMP Scholarship Program:
CMP scholarships are available to graduates of high school JROTC, 4-H, and other junior gun club members. Scholarship applications are only accepted if received complete and if the applicant is a US citizen, exhibits good moral character, is a contributing member of society, and is an academic marksman.
The CMP is dedicated to youth programs and promotes the education of the successful young adults who participate in them and is proud to support youth shooters in their continuing education, helping to shape their fulfilling futures. Through these scholarships, the CMP is able to maintain its goal of rewarding those who display exceptional talent, determination, and civility within the field of marksmanship.
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.
Gear up for hunting season with a phenomenal deal: the SEVR 12in Target, now just $94.99, normally $134.99. Archers can take advantage of the best price of the year during the SEVR Target Sale now running for a limited time.
The premium target uses easy-removal foam with a versatile 12″W x 12″H x 12″D cube shape that can be shot on all sides. The target features integrated tie-down channels so multiple targets can be attached to create a larger range type target. First of its kind rear face has 1″ molded grid pattern for aiming bows and crossbows. 12″ SEVR HD target only sold direct at sevrbroadheads.com SEVR is offering free shipping in the United States on Target HD for a limited time.
Rated speed for the fastest vertical bows and crossbows
Size: 12″ wide x 12″ tall x 12″ deep
For use with field, mechanical and fixed blade tips
Made in EE.UU.
Shootable on all sides
For a limited time, SEVR is offering this lens at the best price of the season – visit sevrbroadheads.com today.
Flint, Mich.—The opening day of the Flint Area Get Youth Outdoors, Saturday, June 10, drew more than 90 eager and excited youth, along with their parents or guardians, to the Bluegill Boat Launch on Mott Lake near Flint, Michigan.
Organized by Union Sportsmen’s Alliance (USA), United Auto Workers Local 659 and Genesee County Parks and Recreation Commission (GCPRC), in association with Skuta Outdoor Alliance, Flint River Watershed Coalition, Pheasants Forever and National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF) , the free community event offered kids and adults alike a hands-on learning experience in fishing, BB shooting, kayaking, dog training, wild turkey calls and more during the free community event.
Many participants came with their families and enjoyed the events together.
“It was an amazing day,” says Duane Ballard, Financial Secretary for Local 659 and Coordinator of the Flint Area Youth Outdoor Day. “For a first-time event, we had a fantastic turnout and incredible help from our group of volunteers.”
US member and former professional soccer player Dan Skuta was in attendance and partnered at the event with his non-profit Skuta Outdoor Alliance.
Admission to the park and parking lot was free, he adds, and each child received a free rod and reel, courtesy of the US. They then learned how to cast a line and land panfish from the lake shoreline from 24 members of the UAW Local 659 and various members of his family who donated their time and skills to train the young fishermen.
US volunteers and members of UAW Local 659 also prepared a free picnic lunch for attendees and their families.
“Duane, along with the staff at Genesee County Parks, did an amazing job organizing so many activities for the kids,” says Sam Phipps, US Conservation Programs Manager. firearms, fired BB guns and witnessed trained hunting dogs in action with the Pheasants Forever organization. They learned to paddle a kayak from the folks at the Flint River Basin Coalition and were introduced to wild turkey behavior and vocalization from the folks at the NWTF. They even learned a thing or two about conservation and the game of soccer from former pro player and USA member Dan Skuta and the Skuta Outdoor Alliance.”
From L-R: Sam Phipps, US Conservation Programs Manager; Duane Ballard, Financial Secretary for UAW Local 659 and coordinator of the Flint Area Youth Outdoors Day; Kim Jones, recording secretary for UAW Local 659; Anthony Davis, vice president of UAW Local 659; Kevin Grubbs, Director of US Field Operations
Through the US Work Boots on the Ground conservation program, union members and affiliate volunteers donated 248 hours of their time to help Flint-area children learn to appreciate the outdoors and activities outdoors during Get Youth Outdoors Day.
Participants were able to witness demonstrations and interact with trained bird dogs thanks to members of the Pheasants Forever organization.
“It was a phenomenal event,” says Nicole Ferguson, GCPRC Park Naturalist Director, “and very well run by the US and the UAW. All the volunteers who attended were excited and eager to get involved and do whatever it took. And the people who came to participate were impressed with all the new things that were offered. Our regular visitors were impressed, and many newcomers to the park said they hope to return.”
The Flint Area Youth Outdoors Day was part of a series of free community events, organized through the US Work Boots on the Ground program with the support of US national partners Provost Umphrey Law Firm, Union Plus, and Humana, as well as partners UIG, ULLICO, Bank of Labor, AFL-CIO Investment Trust Corporation, and Buck Knives.
Union Sportsmen’s Alliance (USA):USA is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to unions whose members hunt, fish, shoot, and volunteer their skills for conservation. America is uniting the union community through conservation to preserve North America’s outdoor heritage. For more information visit unionsportsmen.org or plug in Facebook, Twitter and instagram.
Ground Work Boots (WBG): WBG is America’s flagship conservation program that brings together union members willing to volunteer their time and expertise for conservation projects that enhance and enhance public access to the outdoors, conserve wildlife habitat, they restore America’s parks and mentor youth in the great outdoors. The US Work Boots on the Ground program works closely with federal, state and local agencies and other conservation groups to provide the labor needed to complete critical projects that might otherwise go undone.
