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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.

4-H'er Selected for 25th Annual Grand National Waterfowl Hunt

Fourteen year old Stephanie Durham from Hurlock Maryland was selected from applicants across the state of Maryland to participate in this year's hunt. Stephanie has been in 4-H since she was old enough to join at age six. She started out as a Clover in the Leprechauns Club in Dorchester County and eventually held the offices of Secretary and President. Some of her many project areas have included sewing, cooking, arts and crafts, photography, and woodworking. Stephanie is an active member of the Dorchester County 4-H Shooting Sports Club where she currently participates in the areas of Archery, Shotgun, and Pistol. She has also been a participant in the Rifle Club, where she had the opportunity to attend the state match for three years and has won medals for proficiency. At the 2006 State Archery Match she placed first in the State in the Intermediate Division 3-D Recurve and third in the Intermediate Division FITA Recurve. Fashion Review, Horticulture Judging, and Public Speaking have also been a part of Stephanie's 4-H experience. In Public Speaking she won at both the County and Regional Contests and has participated at the State Level. She won ribbons for Fashion Review and Horticulture Judging as well. Entering numerous projects in the Dorchester County and Caroline-Dorchester County Fairs every year since she has been in 4-H, Stephanie always came away with many ribbons. She has entered winning projects in the State Fair as well. Ms. Durham is currently a participant in the 4-H 50/50 Advisory Council. Through 4-H she has participated in the Youth Day at Pintail Point, Jakes Day, GNWA Black Powder Shoot, and Talbot Kennel Club dog trials in Trappe, MD. She has also assisted with the Safari Club dinner in Annapolis, MD. This summer Stephanie attended the State 4-H Teen Focus Conference at the University of Maryland College Park.

Stephanie is the daughter of Parker and Christine Durham and attends North Dorchester High School, where she takes honors classes. Her favorite subjects include math, gym and band. Her school activities include playing trumpet in band and jazz band, softball, and the poms squad. She is a varsity cheerleader for the North Dorchester Eagles. Ms. Durham is an honor roll student. Stephanie is an active member of Unity-Washington United Methodist Church, where she attends Youth Group and has been an acolyte, liturgist, usher, and greeter. In her spare time she enjoys shooting trap and skeet and watching baseball.

Ms. Durham says "The 4-H program, both locally and at the state level, have much to offer our youth. There is the opportunity to learn new things and make new friends through all the programs that are available. 4-H helps to foster many good qualities including leadership skills, self-discipline, self-esteem, and personal responsibility." Stephanie also stated that "being a part of the Grand National Hunt would be a great opportunity for me to meet people who could educate me about wildlife conservation and what can be done in our area. It would also be a great opportunity to promote our 4-H shooting sports program and show the positive effect that 4-H can have on today's youth."

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 2007 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 16-18 in Cambridge, Maryland. Hunting will take place on Friday, November 17th and Saturday, November 19th. 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 president, Wayne LaPierre; 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. 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.

The Grand National underwrites a college scholarship program awarded annually to students pursuing a career in a natural science. Since its initiation in 1987, the scholarship roster includes high school graduates seeking an advance education in forestry, marine biology, veterinary medicine, agricultural science and conservation management. "Investments in today's youth will guarantee thoughtful management of tomorrows resources." What a grand opportunity for Maryland 4-H youth to join in this exciting conservation program. 2007 marks the 25th anniversary of the Grand National.

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.

Teens tops in shooting sport

Twin brothers Trent and Eric Pribil, seniors at Edmond North High School, are polishing up their rifles and shotguns for another year of participating in shooting sports.

The two competed in July at the National Rifle Association International Youth Hunter Education Challenge in Raton, N.M., as part of a team of five from Oklahoma. Areas of competition included various types of firearms as well as map and compass orienteering, wildlife identification, a hunter responsibility examination and a hunter responsibility trail, which involved "shoot or don't shoot" scenarios.

It was the second time for the Pribil brothers and their team to compete at the event. In 2005, they placed 20th overall; this year, they moved up to eighth place, with Trent earning first place in orienteering.

In June, Trent and Eric traveled to Rapid City, S.D., earlier this summer to attend the National 4-H Shooting Sports contest in hopes of becoming national ambassadors for the sport. During the week, they presented both prepared and impromptu speeches, went through interview sessions and displayed their public relations and communication skills.

As a result, the two were among four teens chosen to be national ambassadors for the upcoming year, representing the role of young people and working with sponsors of the 4-H shooting sports program.

"Everyone wants to have youth involved in their program," Eric said. "Obviously the youth are the future, so everyone sees the importance."

The identical twins have been involved with outdoor activities and shooting with their father, Brian, since they were about 6 years old, they said. Their mom, Carey, got "hooked" as well, and now the family regularly enjoys hunting, fishing and camping together.

Brian and Carey started the first 4-H shooting sports program in Oklahoma County; shooting sports are the fastest-growing 4-H project in the state, Carey said.

The brothers are making college plans and considering degrees in wildlife-related fields.

"We're proud of promoting youth shooting sports," Eric said. "It has allowed us to meet a lot of new people and maybe even opened up new career opportunities for us."

The boys say shooting sports are a great way for a family to enjoy the outdoors together.

"And shooting is a sport you can do your whole life - it's an investment," their mother said. "I think it's made (the boys) into more well-rounded individuals. It has taught them leadership, life skills, discipline, concentration and responsibility. We're really proud of them."

acollinsworth@edmondsun.com | 341-2121, ext. 117

Copyright 1999-2006 cnhi, inc.

Virginia Friends of NRA honored

"The State Friend of Extension honor is presented to those individuals and organizations that have offered their help to the agency through many years and in many important ways", said Michael Martin, president of Epsilon Sigma Phi.

The Virginia Friends of NRA has supported the 4-H Educational Centers and 4-H Shooting Education Clubs since 1993. It fosters community involvement, raises money, and provides leadership as it offers youth development, firearms education and training, and range development.

In 2004, it provided $46,000.00 in grant funds to the program and in 2005, $75,000.00.

USA SHOOTING FORMS FIREARM SAFETY COALITION

Orlando, FL, Jan. 10) -- Recognizing the need to promote the safe handling, storage and transportation of firearms, USA Shooting announced during the recent Orlando Shot Show that leading firearm instruction and sports shooting organizations are joining with them to form the USA Shooting Safety Coalition. To date, in addition to USA Shooting, other participating organizations include: the National Shooting Sports Foundation, National 4-H Shooting Sports Foundation, and the International Hunter Education Association. Child Guard, manufacturer of the CS-100 Firearm Safety Device, has agreed to provide technical assistance as well as funding to the coalition's initiatives. Additionally Child Guard has established programs that will donate a portion of the proceeds from the sale of Child Guard's CS-100 gun locks to each organization's safety training programs. "The development of the USA Shooting Safety Coalition complements our commitment to safety for competitive shooting athletes of any age. We intend to assemble the best teaching practices from the leading safety training professionals and present this material in a video format that is interesting and exciting to view", said Buddy DuVall, Director of Marketing for USA Shooting. "This program will create a "best practices" message that all trainers can utilize." The coalition program will create materials for use by instructors to ensure consistent, high level firearm safety training while raising the awareness of shooting as a competitive sport and fun family activity. The program, created in cooperation with USA Shooting, will be the collaborative effort of the best firearm trainers in the country. Training segments will be edited to create 30 and/or 60 second clips to be run as TV inserts. These clips will make a safety point and direct viewers to the USA Shooting''s s website to view streamable safety videos and link to coalition members websites to find local, high quality safety trainers and seminars. "It is our belief that dynamic safety messages can be developed that promote education and will contribute to a significant reduction of firearm related accidents" said James Burton, CEO of Child Guard. "There is obviously an existing national recognition of the importance of safe handling, transportation and storage of firearms. The work of the Coalition will help remind firearm owners that we all play an important role in firearm safety and create a training system that assures a complete education to new shooters," concludes DuVall. To date Coalition partners comprise over 115,000 firearms trainers and instruct over 1,000,000 students per year.

National 4-H Shooting Sports Foundation Joins Education and Firearm Safety Initiative