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Margaret Hornady Announces Retirement from Hornady Manufacturing

6/2/09

(Grand Island, Neb.) – Vice President of Hornady Manufacturing, Margaret Hornady-David, is announcing her retirement, effective June 1, 2009. "Hornady Manufacturing has been a major part of my entire life," said Hornady. "But it is time to focus my attention on family and a demanding list of mayoral responsibilities."

Margaret Hornady is the Mayor of Grand Island. She and her husband, Don David, have five children and five grandchildren, all of whom live in the New England states. Margaret and her husband moved to Grand Island to assume the role of Vice President and Chief Engineer respectively following the death of her father, Joyce Hornady, in 1981. Don has since retired from the position.
Her brother, Steve Hornady, President of the company, acknowledges that running Hornady Manufacturing is an enormous undertaking. "There are many challenges to running a family-owned business," said Steve, "and Margaret's communication skills and easy way with people made her an outstanding V.P. and Human Resources Director."

Margaret's belief in the power of involvement is evident in a long list of local and national efforts. She was a member of the Grand Island City Council from 2000 before she was elected as Mayor in 2006. Board memberships have included the Saint Francis Medical Center, Crane Meadows Nature Center, Goodwill Industries of Greater Nebraska, and NET Radio. She has been Chairperson for the
Grand Island Area Chamber of Commerce, and was named "Woman of Distinction" by the YWCA and "Woman of the Year" by Business and Professional Women. She recently helped Grand Island Little Theater as their capital campaign co-chair.

Hornady Manufacturing is a world leader in innovative bullets, ammunition, reloading tools and accessories, and Margaret has played a major role in the promotion and protection of shooting sports and conservation efforts. She currently serves on the board of the Youth Shooting Sports Alliance, a national organization that supports youth shooting programs through supplies and funding for family-friendly ranges and gun clubs.

Margaret has also been a board member of the 4-H National Shooting Sports Foundation, as well as Chairman and Director of the Platte River Charity Shoot, an annual event sponsored by Hornady Manufacturing to benefit Goodwill Industries of Greater Nebraska. The Charity Shoot has raised over $650,000 for Goodwill since its inception in 1992.

"I have always felt that service is essential to a rich and full life," said Margaret. "It's a great way to meet people, get to know your community, and make a difference in how we live, work, and raise our families." She will continue to office at Hornady Manufacturing where she will conduct her charitable and community activities and be available to her many friends among the Hornady
employee family.

4-H Member Among NRA Scholarship Recipients

4/15/09

The NRA Foundation has awarded $20,000 in scholarships to youths from all over the United States as part of the 2009 Youth Education Summit (Y.E.S.) Grand Scholarship Contest. This year, there were many outstanding applications to review.  Tyler McGee, 17, a junior at Apple Valley High School, President of the High Desert Magic 4-H in California, and Teen Leader of the Shooting Sports Project was chosen as one of the recipients and was awarded a $3,000 scholarship. 

Tyler was chosen to attend the Y.E.S. program sponsored by the NRA Foundation, last summer. The seven-day, expense-paid, educational experience in the nation’s capital provided an exciting opportunity for Tyler and 45 select high school sophomores and juniors from across the United States. While in Washington, D.C., the students met members of Congress, learned the significance of the Constitution, visited with scholars and experts, and toured national landmarks. This experience gives students an understanding of the federal government while learning the importance of an individual’s active participation in government affairs.

After attending Y.E.S., the students are asked to submit two projects in a portfolio format. The first is to communicate their experience at Y.E.S., and how it has contributed to their personal growth. Tyler wrote several articles posted on the state and national 4-H websites. The second is to introduce an NRA program that they learned about during their Y.E.S. experience to their community, and relay the results of the program in their portfolio. Tyler presented the Eddie Eagle GunSafe Program to all the first graders in the Apple Valley Unified School District to teach them the safety rules needed in case they find a gun of :Stop, Don't Touch, Leave the Area, Tell an Adult.

For more information about the Youth Education Summit, visit www.friendsofnra.org/yes or contact Laura Dindal, Event Services Manager, at (800) 672-3888, extension 1354, or email her at ldindal@nrahq.org.

4-H Volunteers Join With Industry for a Day of Work and Fun

Gus Koerner, Extension Agent for 4-H, Brevard County, Florida
1/9/09

The Shooting, Hunting, Outdoor Trade Show and Conference (SHOT Show) is most comprehensive trade show for all professionals involved with the shooting sports industries.  This year the show was held in Orlando and it gave 4-H a chance to participate.  This is an unusual opportunity and honor for the 4-H community because the trade show is not open to the public, but only manufacturers, vendors and the media. To read more click here.

4-H Youth Recognized at NRA President's Reception  National Rifle Association President's Reception - (F. Scott Fitzgerald Ballroom Westin Arlington Gateway Arlington, VA

1/9/09

FOX News Military Analyst Oliver North, NRA President John Sigler, and two-time Howard County 4-H Gun Club President Mark Burchick pose for a photo.

Mark Burchick and his Father were personal guests of John Sigler for his reception, in which several persons, including Mark were recognized for special merit regarding our second-amendments rights, legislation, valor (Wounded Warrior Program), Olympians and leadership regarding the responsible and recreational use of firearms (Youth Shooting Sports Programs).

Mark and John shot together during the Grand National Waterfowl Hunt on the Maryland Eastern Shore, held this past November.  Mark was honored as being selected as the "model" for the 4-H Youth Shooting Sports program beating out many other applications, and primarily based on his academic grades and leadership within 4-H youth shooting sports.

After meeting Mark through the course of a three-day waterfowl hunting weekend, Mr. Sigler asked if Mark would attend his reception, stating that he loved to "gush over the quality, maturity and integrity of youth shooters and for their recreational enjoyment of the shooting sports and hunting."  He went on to say that he is "quite optimistic about the future of shooting sports when he see's the caliber of young men and woman who represent the responsible use of firearms." 

Mark just missed meeting Hugo Beretta, owner of Beretta Firearms but was able to speak with William Graves, the founder of the Marine Sniper School.  As a Marine Sniper, Mr Graves has been recognized world-wide in military circles.

Mark had an opportunity to speak at length with Wayne LaPierre, CEO and vice-president of the National Rifle Association.  Mr. LaPierre was a gracious host along with Mr. Sigler, and we had a fantastic time visiting and listening to others.  The hor d'oeuvres were great!

Mr. Mark Burchick, William Graves, Mark Burchick and Wayne LePierre.  What a great way to spend the evening!

A special "behind the scenes" thank you to Mr. Conrad Arnold,
our State 4-H Director of Shooting Sports,
who manages all of Maryland's 4-H youth shooting sports programs!

Calling All 4-H Shooting Sports Members!!!!

Submitted by Tyler McGee, High Desert Magic 4-H,  San Bernardino County
1/9/09

This past year I had the awesome experience to be chosen to participate in the 2008 YES- Youth Education Summit in Washington DC.  YES is sponsored by the NRA and is a seven day, all expense paid educational opportunity for 45 high school juniors and seniors from across the country to take part in a hands-on learning experience. Last July, I packed my bags and boarded the plane alone and headed for Washington D.C. When I arrived in D.C I found myself surrounded by many other young adults not only wearing the matching NRA YES t-shirt, but possessing the same passion for firearms and helping other people as I did. I knew the trip was off to a great start already by the ongoing debates about the upcoming presidential election on the bus ride to the hotel and I was amazed to find out how many other people shared the same values as me. Before the trip began we were randomly assigned to a debate team, where we had to stand up for our assigned topic. We were already collaborating months prior to the trip so we could have the winning debate. We were surprised to find out everyone there also had awesome debates.  Throughout the trip we visited all the sights of D.C and private tours, (including the white house!) We visited West Point Military Academy and the Marine Base in Quantico. Quantico was probably the best part of the trip. First we arrived early in the morning and got to run through the Marine Corps Night Jungle Warfare Simulation training building. We were each given a multi thousand dollar night vision pair of goggles and navigated through the completely black obstacle course and tried not to get shot by the terrorists whom were hiding throughout the building. Next we walked around the scout sniper school and got to train on the Marine Corps F.A.T.S simulators. These simulators are virtual battlefields that test your marksmanship and shot placement ability. We also shot at the NRA national headquarters basement range. Besides the awesome experiences and tours, we were able to meet some great people who share the same values and love of firearms just as I do. I made several really good friends that I plan on visiting this summer. So if you are currently a sophomore or junior, participate in shooting sports, and want an opportunity to meet new friends from across the country and compete for scholarships, this is your chance!  To apply for YES 2009 go to www.nrafoundation.org/yes/ and get your application turned in by March 9, 2009.

4-H'er Selected for 26th Annual Grand National Waterfowl Hunt

11/13/2008

Celebrities coming to Cambridge Maryland for the 2008 Grand National Waterfowl Hunt include Pro baseball player Jeff Treadway & Barry Bales, bass player for Alison Krauss & the Union Station ….. Joining the list of these celebrity participants is Maryland's 4-H representative Mark Burchick, Howard County 4-H Member.

Mark Burchick was born on July 21, 1992. Mark & his family lived in Beltsville, Maryland prior to moving to Clarksville in October of 1994.  Mark and his three siblings live with their parents Mark & Michelle Burchick. His oldest brother Josh was selected as the Grand National Waterfowl 4-H Hunter in 2002.  Mark has attended three schools including Pointers Run Elementary, Clarksville Middle, and River Hill High School, all in Clarksville. He currently takes several honors classes and one advanced placement class in Modern World History and is on the Honor Roll completing last year with a 3.93 GPA.  Mark is interested in the film industry and photography, and is currently enrolled in Gifted and Talented Independent Research and Photo 2, which allow students to pursue their own interests. Mark attends many extracurricular activities and sporting events at the school, such as Varsity Football, Basketball, and Ice Hockey. Following graduation from High School, he intends to enroll in a four year college and obtain a degree. In addition to school and home activities, Mark is very involved in his local church community at St. Louis Catholic Parish where he is currently in the Confirmation process, completed in November of this year, and is also pursuing becoming a mentor for the next years Confirmation candidates.

When not in school, Mark enjoys fishing, hanging out with friends, recreational rifle and shotgun shooting, raising and selling livestock, photography, movies, and video games. He has raised and sold lambs, goats, ducks, geese, quail, chickens, turkey, pigs, and rabbits as a member of the Dayton 4-H Club, a youth group that teaches responsibility through raising livestock and helping the community. He is also the current second term president of the Howard County Jr. 4-H Gun where he also served as the clubs vice president and historian, both for two years. In 2007, Mark attended, along with several parents and peers from the club, the Maryland 4-H Shooting Sports Instructor training necessary to become a Junior Shotgun Instructor. The club currently shoots trap, skeet, sporting clays, and five-stand on a regular basis, as well as an annual upland bird hunt. He has hunted several times on the family farm, as well as goose hunts at his neighbors. Members of his Jr. 4-H Gun Club participate in rifle and archery programs and in the near future, the club will begin a regular handgun schedule.  Mark has participated in the annual GNWA Black Powder Shoot, the annual Maryland 4-H Shotgun Match, the annual Maryland 4-H Rifle Match, MD 4-H Sporting Clays Fundraising Tournament, and the Maryland Youth Hunter Safety Education Challenge.

Burchick stated in his application: “I believe that the Grand National represents sound stewardship of habitat for the benefit of sustained waterfowl.  The tradition of waterfowl hunting on the Maryland Eastern Shore and the Atlantic/Chesapeake flyway is a rich cultural and natural history.  It is important to have an organization like the Grand National to promote and lead the eastern shore’s efforts of protecting and enhancing quality waterfowl habitat and hunting.”

The Grand National Waterfowl Association based in Dorchester County is again providing this opportunity for one Maryland 4-H member to be a hunter in the 2008 Grand National Waterfowl Hunt. This annual hunt is held to promote opportunities in Dorchester, encourage wildlife conservation and promote the shooting sports. This year the event is scheduled for November 20-22 in Cambridge, Maryland. Hunting will take place on Friday, November 21st and Saturday, November 22nd. The Friday hunt is a goose hunt, with Saturday being a competitive duck hunt. Grand National will assign the 4-H hunter to a three-person team. The team member will be scored on their first five shots and each member of the winning team will take home a new shotgun. This event also includes a number of very special dinners and social events.

Previous teams have included corporate CEO's, governors, senators, congressmen, sports figures and entertainment celebrities. Past shooters include country music star Irlene Mandrell; race car driver Bobby Allison; trick shot artist John Satterwhite; NRA presidents, Wayne LaPierre & John Sigler; film & TV star Wilford Brimley; basketball star Tom McMillan; baseball star Jim "Catfish" Hunter; Jim and Sharon Crumley, founders of Treebark Camo; Senator Bill Brewster, General Norman Schwarzkopf; General Alexei Leonov, first to walk in space; and General Thomas Stafford, Commander of Apollo 10, first lunar module to the moon. Past shooters sometimes return to enjoy Dorchester's hospitality.

1999 was the first year that the GNWA provided this opportunity to Maryland 4-H Shooting Sports Club members. 4-H Youth selected for this once in a lifetime opportunity have included: 1999 -Norman Era of Dorchester County; 2000 -Paul Miller of Baltimore County; 2001 -Jonathan Levan of Queen Anne's County, 2002 -Josh Burchick of Howard County, 2003 - Alex Kicas of Carroll County, 2004 - Christopher Utz of Carroll County, 2005 - Matthew Pender of Dorchester County, 2006 – Phillip McIntee of Dorchester County, 2007 – Stephanie Durham of Dorchester County.  All of the 4-H youth have had a wonderful time as participants in the Grand National Hunt and represented Maryland 4-H very well.

The Grand National is a non-profit Dorchester County organization founded in 1982 by a group of local men and women dedicated to promoting sound conservation practice compatible with business interest on Maryland's Eastern Shore.

Starting in 1984, the fledging organization spearheaded a privately funded "band and release" free flying duck project that now exceeds the one and one half million-bird mark. Recognized worldwide as a major player in the field of conservation, the Grand National continues to provide funding for ornithology research and redevelopment of wetland habitat on both public and private land.

National 4-H Headquarters Recognizes Bill Stevens for Outstanding Service to National 4-H Shooting Sports Program

7/29/08

GRAND ISLAND, NE—National 4-H Headquarters recognized Bill Stevens, retired Conservation Manager, Federal Cartridge Corporation, for his lifelong dedication to the 4-H Shooting Sports Program during the 2008 National 4-H Shooting Sports Invitational in June.

During his 42-year career, Stevens dedicated countless hours to developing the 4-H Shooting Sports Program. As a member of the National 4-H Shooting Sports Committee, he traveled across the nation by road to promote the concept of 4-H Shooting Sports to conservation organizations and shooting sports companies. His efforts transformed the program into a major youth development initiative in more than 46 states, where more than 300,000 youth built their appreciation of the great outdoors.

“Bill Stevens played a crucial role in teaching America’s youth the safe and responsible use of firearms, the principles of hunting and archery, and the importance of conservation ethics,” said Cathann Kress, Director, Youth Development, National 4-H Headquarters, CSREES, USDA. “His unwavering support of 4-H and the 4-H Shooting Sports Program is a great inspiration. We are proud to recognize his achievements.”

Stevens also worked on the National 4-H Shooting Sports Foundation, serving as a bridge between the shooting industry and the Cooperative Extension System of Land-Grant Universities to raise money in support of 4-H Youth Development. He also helped establish a 4-H Shooting Sports Committee in his home county, Anoka, MN, where his son was a 4-H member.

“Bill Stevens is an icon in the firearms and ammunition industry, [and] he has made my job easier by building such a firm foundation to work from. I am proud to have the opportunity to carry on his work,” said Ryan Bronson, Bill Stevens’ successor at Federal Cartridge Corporation.

Stevens holds a bachelor’s degree in fisheries and wildlife management from the University of Minnesota. An avid hunter and fisherman, he has traveled the US, Canada, Africa, Mexico, and Argentina to pursue his passion. He retired from Federal Cartridge Corporation in 2007, and currently lives in Fridley, MN, with his wife, Nila, and his son, Andrew. He continues to be an active volunteer with 4-H today.

4-H is a community of 6 million young people across America learning leadership, citizenship, and life skills. National 4-H Council is the national, private sector, non-profit partner of the 4-H Youth Development Program and its parent, the Cooperative Extension System of the United States Department of Agriculture. Learn more about 4-H at www.4-H.org.

USA Shooting Safety Coalition Video "BASICS OF FIREARM SAFETY" Now Available!

(Colorado Springs, CO, Jan. 24)-The USA SHOOTING SAFETY COALITION has completed a "Basics of Firearm Safety" video that incorporates the best practices of member training organizations. In contrast to previous efforts by a variety of sources, this video is fast paced, interesting and fun to watch. The pacing, music, video sequences and transitions will hold the interest of students and creates easy to remember safety points. To read more click here

Ruger Milestone Rifle Highlights SHOT Show Auction

The 2008 auction promises to be another exciting one. The items include a highly embellished Ruger rifle with a historic serial number, an elegant Pennsylvania longrifle and a finely crafted, expertly engraved folding knife.

The 5,000,000th Ruger 10-22 was presented to the 4-H Shooting Sports Program by Ruger President Steve Sanetti to help raise support and awareness of this vital program that provides 300,000 youths shooting instruction and opportunity each year. Following the presentation, the rifle was turned over to the Ruger Custom Shop for further enhancements, resulting in one of the finest 10-22s ever made.

The rifle features rich, hand-engraved scroll designs and selective 24kt gold highlights that complement the clean lines and legendary performance of this classic rifle. Full-cover engraving enhances the nickel-finished receiver, featuring scroll designs and a banner that reads "Five Millionth" highlighted with 24kt gold to recognize the milestone the rifle represents. Hand-cut engraving also adorns the barrel and barrel band, and the butt plate features full-coverage engraving and the monogram of William Batterman Ruger. The rifle was hand engraved by Rob Bunting of the Ruger Studio, and Baron Engraving coordinated production of this one-of-a-kind firearm and donated their custom finishing services. The rifle has been stocked with select American black walnut. The auction of this rifle has been facilitated by the newly formed Youth Shooting Sports Alliance, and proceeds will benefit the 4-H Shooting Sports Program.

A spectacular custom Pennsylvania flintlock rifle will also be part of the auction, with proceeds going to the National Muzzleloading Rifle Association (NMLRA). It was crafted by master gunsmith James Klein of Fulton, Mich., in the traditional 18th-century style of Peter Berry. Berry studied under the old masters J.P. Beck and Jacob Dickert, and was a very successful gunmaker in his time.

With Master Klein's extensive knowledge of Peter Berry's work, and with his great talent for building, he has created a faithful, artful rendition of this historic muzzleloader. It is a .50 caliber model that has a striking tiger maple stock and utilizes the highest quality components available. The Colerain barrel, Siler lock and double set triggers make the rifle a real shooter. The lock and triggers were assembled by master lock builder Walter Cain. Mr. Klein has also added to the rifle sterling silver inlays, a handmade brass patchbox, relief carving and hand-engraved mounts.

Klein has been studying and building traditional 18th- and 19th-century style muzzleloading rifles for nearly two decades, focusing on Pennsylvania and Kentucky longrifles. He began his tutelage under master gunsmith Homer Dangler, and continues the tradition in the guns he builds and the rifle kits and Dangler finishing products that he sells.

The 2008 auction also includes a one-of-a-kind knife by the award-winning William Henry Studio. The button lock's blade is honed from a 45-layer "wave" Damascus steel hammer forged from ZDP 189, hardened to Rockwell 67C, considered the finest cutlery steel in existence. The knife's graceful lines are complemented by hand-cut scroll designs by the world-renowned Italian engraver, Lorenzo Gamba, and 10,000-year-old wooly mammoth tooth scales. The one-hand opening knife is further adorned with diamond inlays on the thumb stud and lock button, and 18kt rose gold fittings provide the final elegant touches. Proceeds from the knife auction will be donated to the 4-H Shooting Sports Program.

Bidding on these auction items will be conducted online at www.gunbroker.com and will begin on Jan. 5, 2008. Bidding will conclude at noon on Feb. 5, 2008.

For hi-res images of auction items, contact taeschliman@nssf.com or dmiles@nssf.com.

Federal's Conservation Manager Bill Stevens Retires, Closes Career with Field & Stream Lifetime Achievement Award

Stevens' career at Federal is highlighted by many admirable achievements, including his pivotal role in starting the 4-H Shooting Sports program-which just celebrated 25-years in existence and has trained thousands of volunteers nationwide in how to properly teach young people the shooting skills. As our industry is well aware, without new shooters coming up through the ranks, our heritage will be lost. Stevens has done more than his part to ensure our shooting sports thrive for decades to come. He will continue to volunteer his time to this important program.

Stevens is also credited with Federal's strong support of important conservation groups. His philosophy has always been to use scientific methods to put efforts where they count-right on the ground for hunters to enjoy the resource. He has been instrumental in starting and growing royalty programs for the National Wild Turkey Federation, Pheasants Forever, Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, Safari Club International and Ducks Unlimited. These programs include organization logos on select Federal Premium packaging and give dollars directly back to habitat.

Stevens' successor is Ryan Bronson, who comes to Federal from the Minnesota DNR with a proven record for hunter recruitment and retention and a strong background in both the outdoor industry and the political arena. Bronson was political director for Governor Tim Pawlenty's campaign in 2002 and most recently built the Minnesota archery in the schools program to 60,000 participants from the ground up. He was pivotal in launching youth hunting programs in the state and brings a biology degree and well-rounded background to the position. Bronson is charged with continuing Federal's legacy while identifying new opportunities to an expanding brand portfolio and new era of industry challenges.

According to Stevens, "This industry has been good to me and I can't say enough about all the great people I've had the privilege to meet over the years. I wouldn't change a thing about my tenure and will continue to be actively involved in the 4-H Shooting Sports program. I also look forward to seeing Federal's conservation and education program continue to thrive with Ryan's very qualified contributions."

In addition to the recent Field & Stream Heroes of Conservation Lifetime Achievement award, Stevens has been recognized with the following: Wildlife Management Institute George Bird Grinnell Distinguished Service Award; USDA Cooperative Extension Service; National Partner in 4-H; NWTF Lynn Boykin Hunting Heritage Award; SCI Educator of the Year Award; IWLA Honor Roll; MN Ducks Unlimited Jimmy Robertson Award and other local and regional awards and recognition.

On behalf of the 900 employees at Federal Cartridge Company and many industry voices, congratulations to Bill Stevens and thank you for your contributions to the future of our beloved heritage.

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

About ATK Ammunition Systems Group Headquartered in Anoka, Minnesota, ATK Ammunition Systems Group is a leading supplier of small and medium caliber military ammunition, ammunition propellant, commercial and military smokeless powder, law enforcement and sporting ammunition, ammunition related products and an operator of two U.S. Army ammunition manufacturing plants. The organization employs approximately 5,000 people. More information is available at www.outdoorwriters.atk.com.

About ATK ATK is a $4 billion advanced weapon and space systems company employing approximately 16,500 people in 21 states. News and information can be found on the Internet at www.atk.com.