Courtesy of National Shooting Sports Foundation

JOHNNY DEPP SAYS HE’LL INTRODUCE HIS CHILDREN TO SHOOTING . . . Actor Johnny Depp, star of movies such as “Pirates of the Caribbean,” says he grew up plinking, starting at about age six in his native Kentucky. He would like to pass along the interest in shooting to his 10-year-old daughter and seven-year-old son, reports the Indo-Asian News Service. “I will most certainly take my kids out for target practice,” Depp said.

** Personal Note**

Unlike some actors in Hollywood, Depp, (one of my favorite) does not appear to be the hypocritical type such as Danny Glover (a well known anti-gun man, despite the fact that he has made millions playing with guns in movies) No, instead Depp, who has made millions of dollars as memorable characters that toke a gun (Pirates of the Caribbean and the latest John Dillinger movie Public Enemies)  Depp apparently understands and appreciates the shooting sports and more importantly he understands how important it is introduce kids to guns and shooting through safe yet fun shooting activities such as “plinking.”

Since Depp, has openly acknowledged that he supports the shooting sports  and takes an active role introducing his kids to the sport, I just might throw a few more dollars his way and go watch Public Enemies AGAIN! ~ Lisa Metheny

NATIONAL RIFLE ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA

Incorporated 1871

11250 Waples Mill Road – Fairfax, VA 22030

For Immediate Release                                                    For More Information, Contact:

January 29, 2009                                                                   Danielle Sturgis (703) 267-1595

NRA Disabled Shooting Services Plan
Open Range Day for April 11, 2009

NRA DISABLED SERVICES LAUNCHES

NRA KEWL KIDS

FAIRFAX, Va. — NRA KEWL Kids is the latest program offered by the National Rifle Association’s Disabled Shooting Services. The event is scheduled for May 2, 2009 at the Izaak Walton League in Fairfax, VA. The day will focus on outside activities for children between the ages of 8 -18 with physical disabilities and will include .22 rifle, air rifle, archery and fishing.

Disabled Shooting Services Manager Vanessa Warner expects approximately 30 participants for this event. “KEWL stands for Kids Excel Without Limits and was created to show children with disabilities that participating in the world of outdoor sports can be a reality,” Warner said. “This inaugural event is to be the pilot for what we intend to become a national program that will help other clubs to bring children with disabilities to their facilities.”

Warner has secured the support of Avery Outdoor Outfitters, Bass Pro Shops, Beeman Precision Airguns, Birchwood Casey, EPS-Doublet, Lapua, and Mars Supermarkets. “We are still accepting product donations for ‘give-aways’ and door prizes,” Warner said.

The event will kick off with safety instruction conducted by NRA-certified instructors. Participants will then head to the ranges, where Range Safety Officers and volunteers will continue the supervision and instruction. There is no fee for participants and lunch will be included.

“We are very excited to offer the NRA KEWL Kids program to the disabled community,” said Mike Krei, Director of Competitive Shooting. “Although the program was designed specifically with the needs of children with disabilities in mind, the entire shooting community stands to benefit from the experience.”

For additional information or to register for the event contact Vanessa Warner at NRA Headquarters at (703) 267-1495 or disabled-shooting@nrahq.org. To learn more about NRA’s Disabled Services, visit http://www.nrahq.org/compete/disabled.asp

Photos and Text By Lisa Metheny

Muzzy awarded its annual Tall Man Award at this year’s Archery Trade Show in Indianapolis, Indiana to legendary bowhunter Ray Howell. The Tall Man Award is one of the highest honors given within the archery industry and is the top honor handed out by the broadhead maker Muzzy®.  

The Tall Man Award is given to individuals that “stand tall” within the industry, more than just excellent archery skills are required to be considered for this award by Muzzy. Commitment to the sport of archery, a dedication to preserving the bowhunting heritage and a willingness to help others achieve their dreams through archery are just a few of the characteristics that Muzzy looks for before they name a Tall Man.

Ray Howell of Kicking Bear 1 on 1 fits all those character requirements by Muzzy. With a life long dedication to the sport of archery and commitment to making trouble youths lives better through his Kicking Bear programs, Howell is certainly worthy of such a distinguishing award.

Reading the names of previous recipients is like reading a list of “who’s who” within the bowhunting industry, names such as Judy Kovar, Dr. Dave Samuel and Joella Bates to mention a few. Muzzy once again hit the bull’s-eye with this year’s recipient Ray Howell.

“Ray is an inspiration, having started out in life with the odds stacked against him. Foster homes and getting in trouble with the law, one person who took the time take him hunting, completely turned his life around.  Unlike most others, instead of using a tough start in life as an excuse, he is a shining example of giving back.  His kicking bear camps touch thousands of youth.  We are thrilled to recognize him for all he does for our sport.” reflects Michele Musacchia-Eichler, CEO of Muzzy Products

For more information on Kicking Bear 1 on 1 and see how you can help Ray visit their Web site.

For immediate release: Jan. 6, 2009

Brown County Winter Hike, Jan. 17

Brown County State Park is hosting a winter hike to highlight the experience of nature during the quiet month of January.

Hikers may choose between two routes in the park. The Southern Loop begins at the Nature Center and offers a leisurely 3.5-mile hike along a limited access road into Strahl Valley, and around Lake Strahl. The Woodland Hike begins at the park’s recreation building and offers a 2.75- mile hike through Ogle Hollow Nature Preserve, and around Lake Ogle. 

Both hikes begin at 9 a.m. Boy Scouts will be on hand to provide s’mores at Strahl and Lake Ogle shelters during the hikes.

A hiker’s buffet breakfast, featuring naturalists who will discuss what to expect and what to look for along either trail, begins at 7 a.m. in Abe Martin Lodge. The price for the buffet is $8.99.

A Hiker’s Buffet luncheon will be served from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. The price of the lunch buffet is $9.99.

Winter Hike patches and yearly chevrons will be sold by the Friends of Brown County State Park at the lodge, starting at 11 a.m. 

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Media Contact: Jim Eagleman, interpretive naturalist, (812) 988-5240