Hodgdon’s Upgraded Reloading Data Center

Posted By on February 23, 2014

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Hodgdon® Announces New Upgraded Reloading Data Center

Shawnee Kansas, February 2014. Hodgdon® has upgraded the performance and look of its free on-line reloading data resource. Already the most comprehensive on-line searchable and sort-able listing of reloading data available, this easier to use upgrade now puts the Reloading data Center (RDC) at your fingertips on your smart-phone or tablet. In addition to reload data, the new RDC will be your source for reloading tips, tricks, and how to information.

hodgdon reloading data center graphic copy“It has been seven years since Hodgdon revolutionized reload data availability with the Reloading Data Center” said Chris Hodgdon. “This upgrade makes it easy to look up data on your cell phone, which is very handy on the range or sitting at your reloading bench.” Chris also explained that the RDC will soon be your source for learning about reloading as well as finding data – a complete reloading source.

Go to hodgdon.com and click on the Reloading Data Center link to see the new RDC.

Hodgdon®, the Brand that’s True

Leupold’s New MOA TS-32X1 Reticle

Posted By on February 9, 2014

Leupold has always produced outstanding scopes and optic products. They recently came out with a new Minute Of Angle (MOA) based TS-32X1 Reticle which really looks amazing. It looks so good we thought you needed to know about it since we can’t wait to get our hands on one and test it out. Here is there press release on it.

Leupold® Custom Shop Introduces MOA-based TS-32X1 Reticle

TS-32X1_reticleBEAVERTON, Ore. – Leupold® introduces the TS-32X1 reticle, a minute-of-angle (MOA) based system designed to allow for precision shots without the need for dial adjustments.

A heavy post and thin stadia crosshair features 1-MOA hashmarks on both the horizontal and vertical lines. Every other hash mark on the horizontal stadia is slightly longer, providing quick and easy 2-MOA measurements. Every four MOA is indicated by a number.

The vertical stadia is also set up with 1-MOA tics and longer 2-MOA marks. In addition, every fourth mark is numbered, all the way to the complete 32-MOA elevation range. Wind dots in the lower half of the reticle are spaced in 2 MOA increments, both vertically and horizontally.

This system allows for immediate and precise holdovers and wind holds as well as range estimation. The TS-32X1 is a perfect reticle to pair with riflescopes featuring ¼-MOA target adjustments or M1 dials.

The TS-32X1 is the first in a family of MOA-based reticles that will cover several magnification ranges.

This new reticle is currently available for most second (rear) focal plane VX®-3, VX-III, Vari-X® III and Mark 4® 4.5-14 LR/T® riflescopes. Existing riflescopes can be retrofitted for $159.99 through the Leupold Custom Shop. To add the TS-32X1 to a new riflescope ordered through the Custom Shop is $129.99.

Find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/LeupoldOptics.

Leupold & Stevens, Inc., the preeminent American-owned optics company, employs hundreds of people in its state-of-the-art manufacturing facility near Beaverton, Ore. Family owned and privately operated, Leupold offers products that are sold worldwide to hunters, competitive shooters, American military warfighters, law enforcement personnel and wildlife observers. The product line includes rifle, handgun and spotting scopes; binoculars; rangefinders; mounting systems; and optical tools and accessories.

Leupold & Stevens, Inc., P.O. Box 688, Beaverton, OR 97075-0688, U.S.A.

Phone: (800) LEUPOLD or (503) 526-1400 • Fax: (503) 352-7621 • www.leupold.com

Mossberg’s FLEX-22™ Autoloading Rifles

Posted By on February 7, 2014

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37063_Youth_FLEX22_10RdMossberg International™ Introduces FLEX-22™ Autoloading Rifles

Rimfire Rifles Designed to Accept Tool-less Locking System Accessories

North Haven, CT – Following the introductions of the new 20 gauge 500® FLEX™ and 500 JIC® (Just In Case) FLEX pump-action shotguns at the 2014 SHOT Show, Mossberg International is pleased to bring a rimfire rifle to the FLEX family of multi-platform, modular firearms. The FLEX-22 combines the versatility of the Mossberg FLEX TLS™ (Tool-less Locking System) with a fun-to-shoot, cost-effective 22LR autoloading platform. Now available in two models; a 6-position, adjustable tactical stock with 25-round magazine and in an easy-to-handle Youth model with compact stock and 10-round magazine. Either model can be quickly reconfigured, without tools, for a custom-like fit with FLEX TLS accessory stocks and recoil pads.

37064_FLEX22_25RdBased on the Mossberg International line of 22LR autoloaders (702 Plinkster®/715T™), FLEX-22 rifles come standard with free-floating barrels with a 1:16 twist rate; fully-adjustable front and rear fiber optics sights (adjustable for windage and elevation); durable synthetic stocks with stippled forends for more positive grip; complementing blue metal finishes; last-shot, hold-open design; and optional 10-round or 25-round detachable magazines.

The FLEX TLS System is the ultimate, adaptable platform with its patented series of connectors that allow stocks, recoil pads and forends (FLEX shotguns only) to be reconfigured for individual, custom-like fit or for specific use. Stocks can be interchanged with the simple lift and turn of the TLS latch on the receiver; remove the stock and slide the replacement stock onto the connector. Once aligned, simply turn the TLS latch 90 degrees clockwise and close the latch, locking the stock firmly in place. Recoil pads can easily be switched from large, medium or small (3/4 – 1 1/5 inches) with the TLS release buttons located on stocks; when depressed. The FLEX-22 easily accepts all FLEX TLS stocks and recoil pads.

FLEX-22 Autoloading Rifles – The 25-round model features the 6-position FLEX tactical stock with length-of-pull (LOP) adjustments from 11 to 14 inches, controlled by the integrated lever; shorter 16 1/2-inch barrel with A2-style muzzlebrake for reduced muzzle jump; top-mounted, removable Picatinny rail for ease of adding optics; and handy magazine loading cap (37064). The Youth version features the FLEX compact, fixed LOP stock (12 1/2 inches) combined with the compact (3/4 inch) recoil pad; 18-inch barrel length; dovetailed receiver that accepts 3/8-inch scope mounts; and 10-round magazine (37063). MSRP: $261 – 275

Spending a day at the range or an afternoon in the field can be more enjoyable with the FLEX-22, easily-configured to fit your individual length-of-pull. For more information on the Mossberg FLEX TLS System of accessories and modular 500/590® pump-action shotguns, MVP™ bolt-action rifles and the latest member of the family, the Mossberg International FLEX-22 rimfire rifle, please visit our website at www.mossberg.com.

CMP Newsletter Jan 22 2014

Posted By on January 23, 2014

 

2014 Garand-Springfield-Military (GSM) Rifle Clinic Dates Announced

The GSM Master Instructor clinics educates advanced shooters and instructors and certifies them as Master Instructors who are qualified to teach specific marksmanship instructional topics using CMP training material and curricula. Certified instructors have the tools and know-how to teach basic and intermediate rifle marksmanship skills to new and beginning shooters in their communities.

Read the complete article.

Shoppers Watch as Shooters Compete at Bass Pro 600

The Tracker Boat section of the Bass Pro Shop of Leeds, AL, has been an area of changing scenery over the last few weeks. At Christmas, the windows were frosted to create a Winter Wonderland where Santa listened to what children wanted underneath their trees. Then, a few days later, the windows were cleaned off and Santa’s house was moved to make room for the CMP’s mobile range during the 2014 Bass Pro 600 – held Saturday, January 4 and Sunday, January 5.

Read the complete article.

Sign Up Now for This Year’s Highly-Anticipated CMP Games – Oklahoma and Eastern CMP Games

Registration is now open for the CMP Games – Oklahoma and the Eastern CMP Games in North Carolina. The Oklahoma Games registration opened Dec. 2, 2013 and Eastern Games opened Jan. 2, 2014, with each remaining open up to the start date of the event.

Read the complete article.

CMP Mobile Range Hosts Texas All-Service JROTC State 3P Air Rifle Championship

The CMP electronic mobile range has trekked across the South again to help support the Texas State JROTC match. Hosted by the North East Independent School District in San Antonio, TX, The All-Service JROTC State Championship saw 96 sporter and 37 precision competitors over two days and five relays. Many schools braved the icy Texas roads and weather reports of snow to attend the match.

Read the complete article.

Shooting Articles in Other Media

Staff photo by Jason Fochtman, Your Houston News

CISD students learn marksmanship skills – By Kimberly Sutton, The Villager – Your Houston News, The Woodlands, TX – Shaping, mentoring and influencing students while teaching Air Force Junior ROTC marksmanship is what Chief Master Sergeant Daniel Cuifo enjoys most about teaching at The Woodlands High School. For the past eight years, Cuifo has been instructing students how to use high quality .177 caliber air rifles. He was in the Marines from 1978-1982, then in the Air Force from 1983-2006. The Woodlands High School’s AFJROTC Marksmanship program has more than 50 students qualified to fire 3-position air rifles. Read the complete article.

Photo by Wicked Local staff photo/Rob Thorn


Shooting star: Bridgewater-Raynham marksman heading to Junior Olympics
– By Rebecca Hyman, Wicked Local Raynham – Who says it takes more athleticism to run fast than to stand still? Bridgewater-Raynham Regional High School junior Brendan Whitaker knows how much strength, endurance and concentration it takes to excel as a competitive shooter at the elite level. "It’s all about reducing movement on the target," said Brendan, who is gearing up for his second trip to Colorado Springs to represent Massachusetts in the Junior Olympics this April as the men’s state champion in competitive rifle shooting. Read the complete article.

By Paul A. Smith of the Journal Sentinel

Biathlon tries speed against marksmanship – By Paul A. Smith of the Journal Sentinel – Eagle, WI – There’s a crackle in the air of the southern Kettle Moraine. Since the mercury was hovering at 10 degrees, the soundtrack could be traced to sap popping in the trees. The dry atmosphere, too, was likely causing some electrical discharges. And burning logs in local fire pits and warming shelters are no doubt contributing. But upon closer observation, most of the "cracks" were centered at McMiller Sports Center and a course used by a unique breed of winter athletes. "You’re zeroed in nicely," said Tom Davenport of Mukwonago, confirming the accuracy of bullets fired by fellow club member Shelley Heath of Shorewood. Read the complete article.

MPHS Navy JROTC marksman is ‘top shooter’ in national qualifier – By  Moss Point School District – MOSS POINT, Mississippi – On Nov. 21, Moss Point High School’s NJROTC Varsity (Team 1) and Junior Varsity (Team 2) Air Rifle Teams competed in the national JROTC Postal Competition (Sporter Category) that is open to all JROTC cadets and JROTC unit teams in the United States; including Navy, Army, Marine Corps and Air Force units.  Read the complete article

Shooting gallery open to public – Whitehall Athletic Club’s indoor range available – Photo by Nancy Frasier – Whitehall, NY – Gun enthusiasts can practice their sport in comfort this winter. The Whitehall Athletic Club at the Armory has opened its shooting gallery to the public. "It’s the original shooting gallery built in 1899," Greg Gross, owner, said. "The range has been totally refurbished and modernized. We’re open for business." The gallery, which is open to both pistol and rifle owners, has three stations. Read the complete article

News from the CMP

Inside the Bullseye – Stories of Olympic experiences and how sport target shooting has touched our lives forever – By Ruth Ann Anderson – My husband, Gary Anderson, won two Olympic Gold Medals, set six world records and seven world championships before retiring from the target shooting sports. Our lives have been forever touched by the sport — his career, our friends, our travel, our artwork and gifts and now even our retirement. The purpose of this blog is to pass our stories to our children, Kirsten Anderson Georgi and Dr. Erik K. Anderson, and to our grandchildren Max Hartwell Georgi and Annaliese Marie Georgi. I’m calling my blog "Inside the Bullseye."  Visit http://ruthiestales.blogspot.com to read Inside the Bullseye.

CMP Club Annual Reports.  CMP Affiliated Clubs, State Associations and MOUs are encouraged to visit http://www.thecmp.org/Clubs/AnnualReports.htm to complete an annual Club Renewal and Activity Report to renew their affiliation with the CMP. The Club Activity Report requests current data about CMP Affiliated Clubs and information about the club’s activities during the calendar year 2013. Information reported is used to determine the organization’s eligibility for CMP programs as well as to evaluate and develop CMP programs. 2014 Club Renewal and Activity Reports are due no later than April 1, 2014.

Women Coach Survey.  USA Shooting and several partner/allied organizations are interested in growing the number of women coaches in our shooting sports. We see a growing number of women/young ladies taking an interest and participating in competitive shooting sports. Please take a few minutes to provide us with some basic information to help us learn what the issues are for women becoming shooting coaches. This survey is for those women who may already be shooting coaches and those who would like to be a shooting coach. Click the link to start the survey:

http://www.usashooting.org/membership/coaches/
surveys/women-coaches-survey

. If you have any questions, feel free to contact. Michael Theimer at 719-866-4889 or michael.theimer@usashooting.org.

The 2014 CMP Games – Oklahoma will take place 9-13 April at the Oklahoma City Gun Club. The CMP Games – Oklahoma will feature clinics, SAFS/M16 match, EIC Rifle Match, GSMM Four Gun Aggregate, Vintage Sniper Match, CMP As-Issued 1911 Pistol Match, Military & Police Service Pistol Match, EIC Pistol match, and several other events! Registration is now open at http://ct.thecmp.org/app/v1/index.php?do=match&task=edit&match=10814.

NRA Certified Range Safety Officer Course offered at Linden Sportsmen Club (Linden, MI). For those of us that shoot competitively, we know that it is always "Safety First, Last and Always". A NRA Certified "Range Safety Officer" one-day class is scheduled February 1, at the Linden Sportsmen Club. This first class is open to LSC Members only and the initial cost will cover instruction and materials for the class. Upon completion, students will be required to contact the NRA and pay their fee for final certification. With enough interest there will likely be at least one second class open to members and non-members alike. For details, please contact Steve Raslich, gunteacher1969@gmail.com, NRA Certified Instructor.

Registration for the 2014 Arkansas BB Gun Championship is open. The Championship will be held at the C.A. Vines 4-H Center in Little Rock, Arkansas, on February 7-8, 2014. Download the Official Match Program and Registration Forms at www.odcmp.org/1213/ARBBGunChampionship.pdf.  For more information contact Tina Jobe at 479-644-9442 or jobepack@hotmail.com

Applications for $1,000 CMP Scholarships Now Available – The Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP) has released applications for its annual scholarship program for the 2014-2015 Freshman college year. The CMP offers $1,000 one-year scholarships based on merit and rifle or pistol marksmanship affiliation to current high school seniors. Applications and more information can be found at http://www.thecmp.org/competitions/Scholarships.htm

Affiliate your club with the CMP.  We look forward to working with you to assist your club in reaching its goals and in reaching the mission and vision of the CMP – to promote marksmanship training and firearms safety for all qualified U.S. citizens with a special emphasis on youth. Visit http://www.thecmp.org/Clubs/Affiliate.htm for more information or contact the CMP Affiliate Relations Department at 419-635-2141, Ext. 1182 or email clubs@thecmp.org

 

In This Issue

2014 GSM Rifle Clinic Dates Announced

Shooters Compete at Bass Pro 600

Sign Up Now for This Year’s CMP Games Events

CMP Mobile Range Hosts Texas All-Service JROTC 3P Championship

Shooting Articles in Other Media

News from the CMP

CMP National Postal Championship

G-S-M Rifle Master Instructor Clinics

Coaching Young Rifle Shooters

2014 NM Schedule Changes

Open Public Shooting

WWW.THECMP.ORG

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CMP National Postal Championship

CMP sponsors a nationwide three position air rifle postal (mail-in or correspondence) competition for all junior programs including all JROTC, 4H, Boy Scouts, and junior clubs. The top shooters in these matches will qualify for the CMP Regional Championships. This is a 3×10 match and the cost of this postal will be $5.00 per competitor.

Register Today

 

Garand-Springfield-Military Rifle Master Instructor Clinics

February 8-9, Camp Perry, OH
March 15-16, Anniston, AL
May 2-3, Camp Butner, NC
July 15, Camp Perry, OH
October 10-11, Phoenix, AZ

Experienced rifle marksmanship instructors and shooters who would like to receive advanced training and be certified as "Master Instructors" to teach CMP-sanctioned Garand, Springfield and Vintage Military Rifle or Rimfire Sporter Clinics are invited to apply to attend a two-day CMP Master Instructor Training Workshop.

Click here for more information and an Application Form.

 

 

Coaching Young Rifle Shooters  By Gary Anderson, DCME

The most comprehensive guide to instructing junior shooting, written by one of the nation’s premier shooters, Gary Anderson. In his 11 years of international competition, Gary has won two Olympic gold medals, seven World Championship gold medals, six world records, and 16 national titles. In the 200-page book, loaded with illustrations, Gary provides coaches with all the tools needed to develop the young shooter and improve the skills of us and coming juniors.  Full color instruction guide. 

NLU 758   $19.95 plus S&H

Order your copy today on the CMP E-Store!

 

Please note the changes for the 2014 National Match Schedule posted at

http://www.thecmp.org/nm/
2014nmcalendar.pdf

.

Photos may be downloaded or ordered on our website at http://cmp1.zenfolio.com/.

 

Open Public Shooting

CMP Marksmanship Centers

Tuesday & Thursday Evenings

The Marksmanship Centers will be closed December 24, 26 and 31.

Anniston, AL

Port Clinton, OH

Shooters, including aspiring new shooters, adult and youth, who live in the Camp Perry, Ohio area or Anniston, Alabama area are invited to take advantage of the opportunity to do practice shooting at the Marksmanship Center air gun ranges. Both 80-point, 10-meter air gun ranges are fully equipped with electronic targets that accommodate air rifle, air pistol or National Match Air Rifle shooting. Rental equipment is available for a small fee.

Visit

http://www.thecmp.org/
3P/PublicShooting.htm

for more information.

 

The Mighty .410 – Mossberg’s Model 500 Bantam

Posted By on December 29, 2013

#50112_Bantam

By: Liz Kauza (14)

10During a summer trip to my grandparents’ home in New Jersey, my grandfather, John Kauza, told me about his work with the Boy Scouts of America. He initially got involved in 1978 when my dad told him the troop needed help, so he started a rifle merit badge course for them. Now, 35 years later, he has trained over 5,000 boy scouts and other young shooters, to include disabled scouts, scouts from England, and a Polish speaking troop in New Jersey. After hearing the story, my sister and I were looking forward to shooting. My grandfather worked very hard with a team of boy scouts and volunteers to build new shooting ranges for the scouts at Yards Creek Scout Reservation in New Jersey. Eager to show us, my grandfather took my sister Stephanie and I out to the range to try it out.

The range is in a scout camp in northern New Jersey and backs up along the Appalachian Trail. Deer, turkey, black bear, and the occasional rattlesnake abound on the scout camp. The range is at the top of a long and winding road, and I found the solitude to be rather peaceful. There is a 12-position rimfire rifle range with a covered spectator area, and to the left there is a three-station, six-shooter-position shotgun range. To the left of these stations, a future expansion will include a 300-yard centerfire rifle range and pistol range.

6It was a perfect summer day, with no humidity and the sun warming our backs. We decided to shoot skeet, and I used a Mossberg Model 500 “Bantam” in .410 with a cylinder choke slug barrel. This barrel was shorter than the standard version, and as I soon discovered, was much easier to handle for a young shooter like myself. Though a .410 is mistakenly viewed as an expert’s gun, I did pretty well, hitting 9 out of 10 clay birds. I am left-handed, so I shot lefty as Stephanie pulled in a “nonstandard.” Normally, when the shooter is ready, they will say “pull,” and then the clay bird is launched downrange. I found that I hit more clay birds by having Stephanie pull at random and without warning, and she took great delight at seeing how quickly she could launch them downrange.

My sister and I alternated shooting throughout the day with my dad and grandfather backing us up from the other position. I was surprised at how easily I could shoot for the entire day with the .410. I consistently hit the clay birds, and as the day progressed, I felt as if my skill was improving. Most importantly, I did not feel sore or tired from the weight of the gun or its recoil. It fit very well when I mounted the gun, and it was easy to track and shoot the clay birds. I shot over 200 rounds throughout the day and felt great afterwards.

Shooting is a great way to get your mind off of everyday life. When you’re on the range, all of your problems seem to fall away, leaving just you, the gun, and your targets. There’s nothing quite as satisfying than watching a clay bird turn to powder.

Review of the .410

The Model 500 is a time-proven and reliable shotgun design. It is a slide-action or “pump” type shotgun chambered for 2 ½ and 3-inch shells. It has a tubular magazine underneath the barrel, and the spent shells are ejected to the right. The barrels come in various lengths, from 18 ½ to 28 inches, with 28 inches being standard. The basic model comes equipped with a brass front bead sight and vent ribbed barrel. The safety is located on the top rear of the receiver and is especially handy for a left-handed shooter like myself.

My experience with the .410 Mossberg Model 500 “Bantam” with an 18 ½-inch cylinder choke slug barrel was very positive. The major difference between this model and the standard model is the 18 ½-inch barrel with a choke is more open than the standard barrel with a full choke. Equipped with a standard brass front bead sight and a shorter sight plane, I found it easier to use because it is lighter and more controllable than a 20 gauge or its 17-gauge older brother. I was able to bring the gun into firing position easily, locate the target, shoot, and follow through on a consistent basis. After a full day of shooting over 200 rounds, I was not in any pain from the gun and still felt as if I could shoot all day.

1One of the options available is the 24-inch, fully vented, ribbed barrel with TruGlo front and rear sights. This innovative system pairs the long sight plane and a vivid chartreuse (neon green) front sight, light-gathering tube with a dual dot Terminator-red light-gathering rear sight. This system allows the shooter to easily identify a proper sight picture, thereby enhancing accuracy; not to mention, it looks very cool.

Download the article at www.juniorshooters.net/articles it is in Volume 15

Federal Premium Sponsors Pass It On – Outdoor Mentors Expansion

Posted By on December 17, 2013

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Federal Premium® Ammunition has stepped up with a three-year commitment to help expand and grow the Pass It On – Outdoor Mentors program, giving more children the opportunity to experience the great outdoors.

ANOKA, Minn. – Dec. 17, 2013 – Federal Premium® Ammunition and Pass It On – Outdoor Mentors are proud to announce a new three-year sponsorship commitment to help expand and grow the Pass It On – Outdoor Mentors program that gives children the opportunity to experience the great outdoors. The organization is currently working in several states to implement outdoor mentoring partnerships that provide more opportunities for kids to learn to hunt, shoot and fish.

“With our emphasis on reaching children with no connection to the outdoors, it is critical to our efforts that we depend on support from the outdoors industry,” said Mike Christensen, Pass It On – Outdoor Mentors President. “Having Federal Ammunition on our team will greatly enhance our ability to get kids outdoors.”

“Research by a number of organizations confirms that new hunters and shooters are recruited by a mentor. Growing this model is good for the future of hunting and shooting,” said Federal Premium Ammunition’s Conservation Manager Ryan Bronson. “Pass It On – Outdoor Mentors is one of the few organizations that bridge the gap between youth mentoring organizations and hunting organizations, and that’s why we chose to support it.”

Pass It On – Outdoor Mentors partners with state fish and wildlife agencies, conservation organizations and youth organizations to give at-risk children opportunities to participate outdoor sports and activities.

“Too many children today don’t ever get the chance to experience the great outdoors,” Christensen said. “When you hear a youngster say they’ve never seen a cow or been on a dirt road, you know we have to step up our efforts to get these children outdoors. We’re working to change that.”

About Federal Ammunition

Since 1922, Federal Premium® Ammunition has been providing hunters and shooters with high-quality shotshell, centerfire and rimfire ammunition. To learn more about Federal Premium’s products and programs, go to www.federalpremium.com.

About Pass It On – Outdoor Mentors

Pass It On – Outdoor Mentors is a Wichita, Kansas-based national organization dedicated to providing children with mentors who will share with them the experiences of traditional outdoor activities. The heart of the group’s mission is to give children opportunities to connect with nature. Partnering with organizations with like-minded conservation and youth participation efforts, such as Big Brothers Big Sisters, Pheasants Forever, the National Shooting Sports Foundation, Delta Waterfowl, the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, the National Wild Turkey Federation, and others, the group finds and trains volunteers with a passion for the outdoors who can give a child the chance to go fish, hunt or simply spend time in the fields with a caring adult. For more information about Pass It On – Outdoor Mentors, please visit www.outdoormentors.org.

My First Turkey

Posted By on November 24, 2013

By: Abbigail Taylor (10)Photo 1 Abbigail with Turkey 2

Last year my dad took me to Scooters Youth Hunting Camp for the first time. The camp is held in Emmett at Gem State Rod and Gun Club. The camp has six different stations. They allow you to shoot shotguns, 22’s, muzzleloaders, archery. They also show you the proper techniques for knife sharpening and gun cleaning and have a station for survival. The camp also has mini-seminars. One was Larry Lansdowne (known for his turkey calling). He demonstrated three different types of calls: the yelp, cluck, and purr. After hearing Larry’s demonstration, I knew I wanted to go turkey hunting.

This past winter I took hunter’s safety with my mom. Being 10, I can’t hunt big game for another two years. So now was my time to hunt turkeys. Unfortunately, my dad has never hunted turkey before either. We talked to Paul Waldon. He said, “I will take Abbi out, put her in for a controlled hunt, and if she gets drawn, I will take her.” My mom and dad bought my hunting license and put me in for the draw. A few weeks had past, and finally I got a postcard in the mail saying that I had been drawn for the controlled turkey hunt. I was jumping off the walls with excitement.

Abbigail, turkeys, and dad 2

My dad called Paul to let him know I was drawn. A couple weeks into the season, Paul called and said, “I found a great spot.” On Sunday, April, 28th, we met Paul at Fred Meyer at 5:00 a.m. Paul had us put all our gear in his truck so we could get to the property we were hunting in Notus. After we parked, we walked on a dirt road along the river to the blind. We got all set up, and Paul told us the plan. We waited and waited, listening to Paul call to the turkeys as they answered back. Soon we heard gobblers all around us. After about an hour of calling, Paul saw a tom and hen come around the corner. As soon as the tom saw the decoys, he ran over to them and started jumping on them. I then got a good eye on him and Paul said, “SHOOT!” so I did. “You got it,” Paul and my dad said. After we celebrated, Paul said, “Let’s sit quietly and see if we can get some more to come in.” Paul started calling again, and in a little bit, two more big toms and two hens came in. We took tons of pictures and videos of the turkeys. One turkey was pecking at the head of my dead turkey that was lying on the ground. We heard tons of weird noises from the turkeys. Paul explained all the noises and why they make the noises while strutting.

When the turkeys walked off, we went out to look at the turkey I shot. We then tagged it and took lots of pictures of me, my dad, and my turkey. We stopped at a great café (The Garage) for breakfast and talked and enjoyed the time together. After breakfast, we went back to Fred Meyer to get our car. He showed us how to preserve the spurs and pluck the beard and feathers. My dad and I took the turkey back to our house to show my mom and sisters and clean it. We took some feathers to keep, skinned it, and washed all the meat to clean it really good.

I told everybody that it was the best day ever, and I would always remember the day I got my first turkey in one shot. I learned so much. I really enjoyed every part of it, and I can’t wait to go turkey hunting again!

Do You Stink at Pre-season Scouting?

Posted By on November 19, 2013

DEAD DOWN WIND2013 420 CMYK

By: Ty Weaver (17)

Article from Junior Shooters magazine Volume 15 Summer 2013 – Old issues of Junior Shooters are available as a free download under the header ARTICLES!

I do mean this literally! Answer this question ; Do you enter the woods before or after hunting season with less emphasis on bio-engineered enzyme technology? Impressive huh? In other words are you tromping around in critter country smelling like something other than nothing?

Most of us take time to prepare ourselves during hunting season to be as invisible as possible; sight and scent but for some reason we let our guard down when the season ends. Why? We are always so careful to wear camo, stay quiet, and practice scent control during the season only to relax after the season ends. A big buck’s senses don’t stop after season.

Technology can actually give the upper hand to the critters versus the hunter. New technology like game cameras are the cause of spreading more human and foreign odors in big buck country than anything else. Every time you enter the woods to pull your card from the camera you are spreading "yuck" in your hunting area, not to mention the smell of the camera itself! Where has it been? Did you touch it with your bare hands? How long was it sitting in the back seat of your truck? Even worse, was your little sister trying to take pictures of herself with it while doused in some smelly foo foo juice that she calls smell good? I know this one from experience! I could even smell the camera!

2013 391 CMYKWe do have access to some phenomenal technology that gives us an advantage or at least levels the playing field a bit. That is the technology and products offered by Dead Down Wind. Now look here. Most folks that read my articles know that I’m not great at writing technical articles, I’d rather write about pursuit and adrenaline rushed adventures but I really believe and can attribute many successful adventures due to Dead Down Wind products. I may squeeze in a quick adventure at the end of this article. Yup, I will!

Here is what I do as it pertains to off season scouting. I take a shower before I head out scouting with Dead Down Wind personal hygiene products, soap, shampoo, conditioner and apply DDW antiperspirant. I use a towel and wash cloth that was laundered with DDW laundry detergent.

 1200P Bar Soap 10 ct HIGH RES1230N Antiperspirant 2.25 oz HIGH RES1209_ShampooConditioner_8oz HIGH RES

1120 Laundry Detergent 20 oz HIGH RESI have my not so good camo washed in Dead Down Wind laundry detergent that I wear every time I enter the woods during the off season. This saves the wear and tare on my good stuff. The wear and tare is from me as this detergent will not fade camo even after repeated washings. I can attest to this as Mom washes mine a zillion times a year! It also has UV inhibitors so you won’t glow like a caffeine over dosed lightning bug! And here is the big, big, big, technology plus; It contains bio-engineered Enzyme Scent Prevent Technology to clean, deodorize and unclog carbon molecules! You can read more about this at www.deaddownwind.com It will even remove TastyKake and Moxie stains from your camo. Only a few local area folks will know what these tasty morning starting treats are all about! Yum!

1113 Dryer Sheets 15 ct HIGH RESMom also uses the DDW Dryer Sheets. Take notice I reference Mom a bunch cause I wouldn’t even know how to turn on the washing and drying apparatuses in the house. I love you Mom! The dryer sheets help prevent the lightning bug thing, are anti static, and they are 100% biodegradable. They also work great for patching holes in small game or deer ears when you are doing taxidermy work which eliminates sewing. I can explain that later.

1215N Boot & Storage Powder 113 gm HIGH RESI store my clothes in a container with DDW Boot & Storage Powder. I store my boots in a separate container with the powder. Here is a cool piece of data; each foot has 250,000 sweat pores! Don’t try to count them just trust me on this one! I store my boots with powder in them and also apply the power directly to my skin before heading out. This works awesome on gloves and packs! It even works in smelly trash cans! I sprinkle some on my sister to wake her up in the morning!

My most favorite product is Evolve 3D Field Spray. I apply this before heading to stand and again once I arrive at the critter hot spot! This stuff is proprietary bio-engineered enzyme technology in a spray bottle! It prevents and terminates the full spectrum of odor molecules; human, smoke, gas, little sisters, and other odors! It is skin safe. This is your last line of defense against any critter alarming contaminant scents a hunter or pre-season scouter may acquire before and during the hunt! Do not skip this step!

DDW has many other useful pre-season products like waxes and odorless oils that I use on my tree stands and game cameras.

If you follow this recipe you will not spread yuk during your pre-season outings and the critters will never know that you are visiting their turf! This will pay off big when next season rolls around!

In April Dad and I were on a scouting mission in West Texas. We prepped ourselves and our gear as mentioned above. This was new territory for us and we knew very little about this property but what we did know is that hogs and exotics like Axis deer are open year around in Texas. We decided to scout the old fashion way by sitting in an area that overlooked a large area of land equipped with binoculars and of course our bows just incase we spot something worth pursuing.

BigFuzzy1Dad was sitting in a hilly area of the property and I was located on a knoll overlooking a small creek. Just before dark I spotted some axis deer below me. All were does and a couple small bucks until Big Fuzzy stepped out the cedar! He was a monster axis buck in velvet! I have always wanted to shoot and mount a buck like this. I have mounted many axis bucks but none in velvet. My only route to reach him in time before dark was to make a very quick stalk with the wind on the back on my neck. Not the best option but my only one at the time. The stiff wind helped to conceal noise a bit but it made me nervous. At 38 yards I settled the pin of my Alpine F1 Fireball on Big Fuzzy’s vitals and touched off my Equalizer release. The Victory arrow tipped with a Magnus 125 grain BuzzCut smacked the crease of Big Fuzzy’s shoulder. I sent Dad a text and in no time we followed a short blood trail to my monster axis. Big Fuzzy was Dead Down Wind!!!!!!

BigFuzzy2How will I ever top this? Would you believe I repeated the exact same thing the very next night? I did! Exactly like the first time! Look at the photos close and you will see that Big Fuzzy has a brother!

"Every kid is waiting to be invited outdoors. Ask them!"

Your buddy always,

Ty Weaver

Visit www.deaddownwind.com

My First Ruger Rimfire Match

Posted By on November 12, 2013

By: Ashley Rumble (10)Ashley shooting pistol at Ruger Rimfire

From Volume 14 Spring 2013

About two months ago, I was competing in my first shooting match, the Parma .22 Ruger Rimfire Challenge. I was using a Marlin fully-outfitted, tube-fed hunting rifle and a Smith and Wesson 22A. The pistol worked well, but the Marlin was an extremely heavy rifle more made for bench rest shooting than speed shooting while standing. The first stage was easy enough, but my dad had just bought some clips for the pistol, and they didn’t work too well, so the gun kept jamming. So at the end of the stage, I had all 30 seconds on all of my strings. (Strings are the rounds on each stage, and there is only a 30-second time limit for each string).

The next stage was the first rifle round. There were three strings, and it was rifle only. I could finally finish the round because both of the guns had been greased and ready to go to the next round of knocking down letters. Everyone on my squad kept shooting right through the “D” on the end, and, of course, the easiest target was the stopper plate.

Ashley shooting rifle at Ruger RimfireThe next round was knocking down circles and was my best string with the rifle. Next up was lollipops, and they were kind of difficult so I didn’t do too well with those. There was a rifle-only stage, and that was my worst stage of the day. On the last string, the Marlin was getting so heavy I couldn’t lift it anymore, and I felt awful going to the next stage. The next stage was a rifle-only stage; we were shooting whistle pigs, and they were so tiny and easy to miss, but they were fun.

(“one of the people on our squad let me fire his Ruger 10/22, and I cut my time in half while using it. “)

After everyone had their turn, one of the people on our squad let me fire his Ruger 10/22, and I cut my time in half while using it. The next round was Texas spinner stars, and the pistol portion of it I didn’t like at all because it was hard to aim, but the other part, which was the rifle part, was a lot more fun. Then we went to a pistol-only stage where we shot some circles that were very close together, and I got my fastest time yet.

Ashley with Certificate for a 10/22Finally, we were at the last stage where I shot the Ruger again and had some really good groups and really good times. We went to the prize table and waited for the last group to finish. It took a long time because they had some issues with their last round, but finally they finished and we started the raffle.

The second ticket they called was mine. I was very excited as I went up to the prize table and looked around at what there was to offer. I eyed an action for a 10/22, and my dad said I could build a rifle around it, but then a kid pointed out some paperwork for a free 10/22 as one of the prizes. I wasn’t sure if I wanted it, but my dad urged me to take it. Unsure as I was, I took the gun and felt very good about it afterwards.

Ashley wii 10/22 she oneI couldn’t have gotten the gun without my dad and the people on my squad. Everyone I met was very friendly and helpful, and I really appreciated all the help that everyone had offered. It was a great experience, and I hope I can compete in more .22 matches in the future.

(Editor’s Note: Ashley has continued to shoot Ruger Rimfire and Steel Challenge matches; constanly improving her times. She has written articles in Volume 15 (Summer 2013) and Volume 16 (Winter 2013). She continues to write, test firearms, and enjoy the shooting sports always keeping safety as her number one priority.)

Hodgdon 2014 Reloading Manual

Posted By on November 4, 2013

THE 2014 HODGDON® ANNUAL MANUAL©Hodgdon 2014 reloading manual

YOUR GO-TO RESOURCE FOR RELOADING

Shawnee KS, October 30, 2013, Hodgdon® The Brand that’s True presents the 2014 Annual Manual©. This manual is expanded to 170 pages of Hodgdon®, IMR® and Winchester® brand powder and reloading information. Also included are nine new articles written by some of the finest outdoor writers in the industry under a wide range of topics.

Reload data for the new innovative propellant CFE®Pistol is shown in 17 calibers. In addition, updated data is listed for 21 rifle and pistol calibers including the 500 Nitro Express 3”.

Get the complete go-to resource for reloading with the 2014 Annual Manual© at newsstands and Hodgdon dealers everywhere in January 2014 for only $8.99. For more information visit hodgdon.com, call 913-362-9455 Monday-Thursday 7a-5:30p CST or write to 6430 Vista Drive, Shawnee, KS 66218

For all your Gunpowder needs it’s Hodgdon®, The Brand That’s True

Practical Edge Junior Team – USPSA

Posted By on October 27, 2013

The First USPSA Junior Team

By: Jaret Maynard (15)Jaret Maynard columbia cascade

My name is Jaret Maynard and I am 15 years old. I am also 1 of 11 kids on the Practical Edge Junior Shooting Team, the one and only junior team in the sport of USPSA.

Right: Jaret Maynard shooting around a barrel stack on a stage at Columbia Cascade in Albany Oregon.

USPSA is a combination of men and women of all ages that compete with a variety of pistols. In USPSA we shoot IPSC cardboard targets and steel plates and poppers. The sport has been around for a while however, we are the first one to throw a junior team aspect into the sport.

Eastin Ard Yakima

Eastin Ard snapping his head around to engage the his next array of targets.

The team idea came into play soon after I started USPSA ( August 2012 ). The mastermind who came up with the idea was my mom, Dee Maynard, our team coordinator. Before I started shooting, I was a wrestler ( similar to shooting in that it’s a one man sport with teams ). When I started shooting, she wondered, "Why is this sport any different?" Not three months later, we were having our first practice.

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Left to right: Practical edge making a name at Columbia Cascade! Olivia Bayuk won 1st D class production. Dexter Bradley won high overall. Mikayla Blosser won Lady champion, second B class and Second junior. Jaret Maynard won high junior and first B class. Coach, Mark Bradley won first master class open.

The team consists of 11 juniors, three with prior experience to the sport, 8 brand new to the sport. Eastin Ard, Austin Schoffstall, Adam Zaragoza, Shane Hill, Mikayla Blosser, Olivia Bayuk, Jeremy Marboe, Dexter Bradley, Sheridan Arntzen, Samantha Joyner, and me, Jaret Maynard. The youngest is 10 and the oldest is 18. The team is coached by Mark Bradley, and my dad Randy Maynard.

Shane Hill Benton City

Shane Hill engaging a target array at our local range with his XDM 9mm.

As our season progressed, the kids saw major improvements in everyone’s abilities. Some team members started placing higher in the overall at matches, some started placing higher on single stages, some just reduced the amount of mistakes they made throughout the match. Some of this was due to our team practices, however, the most difference was made in dry fire (same goes for any shooter, not just juniors). As a team, we live practice three times a month and have one local match we attended as a team. There are other matches within 100 miles that a lot of the kids also attended.

Dexter Bradley Benton CityMikayla, Dexter and I and our families went to Area 1 this year and had astounding finishes there. Mikayla won 4th place lady, Dexter won Junior champion, I won 3rd place B class open. Mikayla and I also attended the MGM junior camp.

National junior champion, Dexter Bradley, burning down a stage at our local range.

We learned a lot and even brought back some drills for the team to work on at practice! These drills only bettered the team for our big travel match, Columbia Cascade in Albany, Oregon. At Columbia Cascade, Dexter was Match Champion, I was Junior Champion and 1st B Class, Mikayla won 2nd B Class and Olivia won 1st D Class. I am very proud of how well our team did!

Mikayla blosser columbia cascadeRecently, after a team practice, I had the chance to talk with Mikayla Blosser about her thoughts on shooting, and on our team.

Mikayla Blosser: Tearing it up with her predator tactical open gun at Columbia Cascade in Albany Oregon!

"I Like competitive shooting because, everyone’s success or failures depends fully on themselves. I set my own goals and expectations and then I have to be driven enough to work to reach and go beyond those expectations. Meaning I’m truly only limited to what I limit myself to. I also love getting to meet and shoot with the other people in this sport. I have learned so much from so many other shooters that I can apply to all areas of my life and I’ve made some pretty great friends throughout my experience. Plus there’s never a dull moment on the range especially with our team!"

Dexter added, "For the majority of my junior shooting career, I didn’t have many other juniors to practice or compete with, until the Practical Edge Junior Team was born. It’s nice having support from other junior shooters. It’s great being able to mentor the younger shooters on the team."

Olivia Bayuk  columbia cascade

Olivia shooting an array of steel on a stage at Columbia cascade!

I personally like shooting because unlike other sports, we get to compete with the pros. Shooters are probably the nicest people and so welcoming to new shooters. I like the being on the Practical Edge Jr. Team because before the team existed, we (kids) were competitors who were friendly with each other. Now we are friends who compete against and with each other.

Shoot Like A Girl – Crosman’s Challenger Sporter

Posted By on August 27, 2013

BC82nBhCIAAzItA_jpg-large

Kristy Titus recently tweeted the photo above visited Redmond (Oregon) High School to do some shooting with the JROTC team. “All they use are Crosman Challenger rifles. Six of the ten rifles were obtained through a grant from the National Rifle Association”, she said.

The JROTC program announced in January they had been awarded a $10,000 endowment from the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation. The money will be used to support the rifle team. The team’s top shooter is a girl, explains Kristy, “Katlyn Belcher has set  several school records and the second top shooter is a girl named Tayler Pierce who was also voted Team Captain by her team peers. With the teams top two shooters being female, the team motto is “Shoot Like A Girl.”

Kristy became involved with the team indirectly, “my best friend started handgun training course for women called LOL Group Therapy (Ladies of Lead). The Redmond JROTC coach, Lt. Col. Robert Wendel is our instructor for the NRA basic pistol certificate. I volunteered to come shoot with the kids prior to finding out about the RMEF endowment. After learning of the endowment and the fact that they shoot Crosman, it was a no brainer, I needed to get involved with the team. I am going to be shooting with the team again sometime in April.”

As well as being part of the Crosman / Benjamin prostaff, Kristy is a member of RMEF and Team Elk. Kristy has enjoyed learning about competitive shooting and working with the team, “I love being a part and serving as a mentor for youth hunters and shooters, helping to BC827s8CIAESDI2_jpg-largeinspire a thriving, dedicated community of new outdoorsmen and women that are well equipped with shooting fundamentals and ethics. The Redmond HS Marksmanship team welcomed me as a part of their team for the day. It was fun having the students give me tips on how to accurately shoot three position air rifle. The fundamentals were completely different that what I am used with high powered rifles and it was a blast having the students teach me.”

As a Brand Ambassador for some of the most recognized companies in the outdoor industry including Cabela’s, Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, Realtree, Swarovski Optik and Under Armor, Kristy happily provides guidance to youth through shooting and hunting. She visits with them about how she got started as a professional hunter “right here in Central Oregon in party by volunteering my time organizing educational events.”

“Setting up a foundation of goal setting, the power of positive visualization and mental positivity. It was ironic after I spoke to the (JROTC) class about my job, one of the coaches informed me that they have been reinforcing some of the same concepts that I spoke about into the class curriculum. I hope that the things I said to them really hit home. Most of the kids on the team are not in other sports and would otherwise not have a sport that would potentially earn them a letter for their letterman jackets. The team is offering kids a chance to be successful where they may not be in traditional sports. I have found that a well placed compliment and doing kind things for kids that may or may not be not used to receiving, can last a lifetime and influence them forever. I want to be the person giving those compliments and encouraging those kids.”