Operation: 100,000 Patriots

 Mission: recruit 100,000 donors for the PVA-Outdoor Recreation Heritage Fund

Goal: $20 per donor….the cost of going to the movies.

www.pvaheritagefund.org

Lt.Col. Lew Deal, USMC (ret)

Lew4vets@aol.com

202-371-6692

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

Contact: Hilary Hutcheson

503-828-7074, hilary@outsidemedia.com

Talus performs vanishing act, creates ColdAvenger Hunter face mask in camouflage

New hunting mask marries top-of-the-line camouflage fabric with premium ventilation technology

Missoula, MT—May 12, 2008— Designed with the hunter in mind, Talus Outdoor Technologies, LLC introduces the ColdAvenger¢ç Hunter made with Predator¢ç brown deception camouflage. With the same ventilation technology as the ColdAvenger Classic, the newly-designed ColdAvenger Hunter features a soft yet heavyweight fleece camouflage material. The mask provides hunters and outdoors people with the ultimate cold-weather breathing protection, and its wind-resistant, water-shedding and insulating fabric characteristics make it an essential hunting accessory.

¡°Predator Camouflage is functional and durable, and better yet, its already been tested in the outdoor elements,¡± says Talus COO John Sullivan. ¡°With Predator¡¯s line of camouflage patterns, we knew we could create a product that would truly benefit a wide range of hunters with the need to stay warm, dry and most importantly, unseen.¡±

The Talus ColdAvenger Hunter is designed for a variety of winter outdoor activities where deception and protection from cold is essential. The face piece is made of medical grade plasticizer free polyurethane selected for its safety, microbial resistance, and overall cold weather endurance. The medical grade polyurethane nose and mouth chamber mixes inhaled cold air with exhaled warm air to achieve a dynamic balance of warmth and humidity while keeping moisture away from the face. The Talus ColdAvenger¡¯s patent-pending ventilation technology actually keeps temperatures inside the mask 40¢ª– 60¢ªF higher than outside air.  The Predator fabric is a soft and ultra quiet 380 gram heavyweight fleece that has a comfortable stretch to fit the face, ears, and neck. The result is a state-of-the-art product that keeps your face warm and dry while helping to humidify inhaled cold air and allowing you to breathe freely.

¡°The true advantage to the ColdAvenger technology does not lie in the use of the advanced fabrics, but in the implementation of our patent-pending ventilator system,¡± says Sullivan. ¡°Our ventilation system allows the user to breathe freely without resistance, removes moisture, eliminates fogging of most eyewear, protects airways from the damaging cold, and keeps you warm. All this equates to a much more comfortable and safe outdoor experience.¡±

The cold weather face mask comes in a variety of sizes and can be purchased online at www.talusoutdoortech.com. The camouflage mask retails for $59.95 and is currently offered in one color – brown deception. With its earth-toned colors and a unique Three-Dimensional pattern, the Predator Brown Deception fabric works well in any terrain. 

Founded and headquartered in Missoula, Montana, Talus Outdoor Technologies¢â is a leading innovator in technologically-advanced outdoor gear. Talus is dedicated to helping outdoor enthusiasts Stay Out Longer.¢â  In 2007, Talus introduced the ColdAvenger¢ç, an advanced, high-quality cold weather protection mask developed by a physician and a skier. The ColdAvenger¢ç is the result of more than two years of research and development testing in Northern Rocky Mountain winters to achieve four functional goals: thermal comfort, ventilation adequacy, moisture control and ease of breathing during exercise. Talus is proud to provide an elite product while being socially and environmentally conscious.

www.talusoutdoortech.com

From: Nikon Sport Optics

NIKON INTRODUCES NEW LINE OF PREDATOR HUNTING RIFLESCOPES

Thanks to Nikon, predator hunters now have a choice of riflescopes built specifically for their unique needs. Paired with Nikon’s all new BDC Predator Hunting Reticle the new Coyote Special riflescopes are definitely at the top of the food chain.

Nikon’s patent pending BDC Predator Hunting Reticle utilizes ballistic circles with carefully researched spacing that is designed around the needs of predator hunters. The unique, open circle design does not obscure the target, making shots on a moving coyote simple.

“More and more predator hunters are demanding gear built for the sport they enjoy most,” said Jon LacCorte, Senior Product Marketing Manager. “It only makes sense for us to combine our BDC technology in a riflescope built just for the predator hunter.”

Each of the new Nikon Coyote Special riflescopes also includes ARD (Anti Reflective Device) technology that eliminates game-spooking objective lens glare, and are available in a choice of camouflage finishes.

Generous eye relief and Nikon’s legendary durability means predator hunters can depend on these scopes in any condition and on any hunt.  With Nikon’s multicoated lenses featuring 92% light transmission, the view is crystal clear at those critical first and last minutes of light.  The durable one-inch tube and hand turn 1/4 MOA adjustment mean simple, easy sight in sessions and scopes they stay on target.

The new Coyote Special riflescopes are available in two power ranges and two camo options to match any terrain or riflescope need. For hunts that take place in more open country the 4.5-14X40 gives the power range necessary to make the longer shots while thick cover hunters will enjoy the wide field-of-view the 3-9X40 offers.

The 3-9X40 with BDC Predator Hunting Reticle in Realtree Advantage Max 1 or Mossy Oak Brush has an MSRP of $279.95. The 4.5-14X40 with Predator Hunter BDC in Realtree Advantage Max 1 or Mossy Oak Brush has an MSRP of $349.95. Both models will be on dealer shelves by late spring 09.

Nikon also offers matching camouflage scope rings in the Advantage Max 1 and Mossy Oak Brush patterns.

Nikon Inc. is the U.S. distributor of Nikon sports and recreational optics, world-renowned Nikon 35mm cameras, digital cameras, speedlights and accessories, Nikkor lenses and electronic imaging products.

For more information about the new Coyote Special Riflescope and the full line of Riflescopes, Laser Rangefinders, Binoculars, and Spotting Scopes, contact: Nikon Sport Optics, 1300 Walt Whitman Rd., Melville, NY 11747-3064.  1-800-645-6687.  www.nikonhunting.com. To download product images and information visit www.nikondownload.com

2009 Ice Bowl Disc Golf Event to be Held at Big Sioux Recreation Area

BRANDON, S.D. – Try out the new disc golf course at Big Sioux Recreation Area and give to the local food bank at the 2009 Ice Bowl Disc Golf Event on Feb. 22. Registration starts at 11 a.m. with play under way at noon.

The cost is $20 per person, plus non-perishable food items. Your entrance fee includes an ice bowl disc and a $5 donation to the Brandon food pantry. Discs are guaranteed for the first 35 entrants. In addition, participants are encouraged to bring food for a potluck.

Everyone will play 18 holes. Divisions include: competitive divisions (open, advanced, and intermediate) and a recreational division for new players/families. Prizes will be awarded for winners in each division. There will also be a $2 ace pool with added prize. Additional contests to be held include a putting contest, closest to the pin, and a ham toss (closest to the ham wins the ham).

“We have 9 of the new 18 holes completed at the new Big Sioux disc golf course,” said Jason Baumann, park manager at Big Sioux Recreation Area. “So we will play these holes plus the original 9 for this event. It’s the last time these holes will be used, as the new course will be completed this spring.”

The Ice Bowl event is held in parks all over the country during January and February and allows disc golfers to raise food and money for their local food banks while getting out in the wintertime to play a round of disc golf.

“Our motto is ‘no wimps and no whiners,’ as this event will not be cancelled due to cold weather or snow,” added Baumann.

A park entrance license is required to enter the park. For more information, contact John Wheeler at 605-336-5040 or chainbangers@yahoo.com.

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.

Experience the Mickelson Trail on Snowshoes

PIERRE, S.D. – The Mickelson Trail in the Black Hills, a trail known for hiking and biking in the warmer months, will introduce visitors to a different mode of transportation for the winter months. Trail users are invited to experience the trail by snowshoe during a series of snowshoe walks in January and February.

Hikes will be held at 1 p.m. on January 10 and 24 and February 7 and 28.  “The locations of the walks will be determined the week of the walk,” said Dana Garry, park manager for the Mickelson Trail. “It all depends on the snow conditions,” added Garry. In the event of no snow, a hike will be held.

Staff will teach basic snowshoeing skills while leading a three-mile nature walk along the trail. A limited number of snowshoes are available for participants to use; please call the Lead office at (605) 584-3896 ahead of time to reserve a pair. Participants are also asked to call the Lead office prior to the hike for information on where to meet.

“We’d also like to remind people that snowshoes are available for check-out anytime, not just during guided hikes,” said Garry. The shoes can be checked-out at the Black Hills Trails Office in Lead.

There is no cost to participate in the program, although a trail pass is required. Both day and annual trail passes will be available for purchase before the program. Participants are reminded to dress appropriately for the weather.

The Walk in the Park programs are a series of educational, guided hikes held throughout the year in South Dakota state parks and recreation areas. For more information on the Walk in the Park programs and for a full listing of events for 2009, visit the state parks website at http://www.sdgfp.info/Parks/Calendar.htm or call (605) 773-3391.