Hunting and Fishing News Blog Articles

SEVR, renown for broadhead accuracy has introduced innovative practice points for archery. SEVR Match Grade field points have been designed with attention to every detail.  Match Grade points feature an elongated tangent ogive shape, inspired by high ballistic coefficient bullets. This provides for superior long-range accuracy and easier extraction from practice targets.  Every point is precision machined from SEVR’s hardened Robusto™ steel, with a slick, dark nickel coating for a mirror-like surface finish. Offered in standard 8-32 threads in five popular diameters in 100 and 125-grain weights. The 11/32” diameter adds a 150-grain option to perfectly match 150-grain crossbow broadheads.  SEVR Match Grade field points have the tightest tolerances in the industry, are weight accurate to half a grain, and concentric to a tolerance of a half-thousandths of an inch.

Get outside and enjoy shooting with the most advanced practice point in archery today.

SEVR Match Grade points are available now and sold exclusively at sevrbroadheads.com

Houston Safari Club Foundation (HSCF) and “Hunting Matters” welcomes Heidi Lyn Rao: 2022 Golden Bullseye Award for NRA Women: “Woman of the Year”.

If you ask anyone who meets Heidi, to describe her without fail they would say that she is the busiest person they know. Heidi started her career 24 years ago with Texas Parks and Wildlife as the Training Specialist who is responsible for the state’s Hunter Education Program across Southeast Texas. She was soon given the additional honor of statewide coordinator of the Becoming an Outdoors-Woman Program.

When she is not working for the State of Texas, she is an avid supporter of the Nation Rifle Association (NRA). Heidi is a lifetime member of the NRA and is a Training Counselor. She conducts basic and instructor firearms training classes in rifle, shotgun, pistol, and defense and protection in and out of the home. She also teaches the Texas License to Carry (LTC) Course.

Heidi has served on the NRA Youth Programs Committee and currently serves on the NRA Ladies Pistol Project Team. She is a contributing author, submitting articles to NRA Women, NRA Family, and NRA Hunter’s Leadership Forum. For all her hard work, she is recognized and is the proud recipient of the 2022 Golden Bullseye Award for NRA Women: “Woman of the Year”. 

Heidi began her business North American Outdoors in 2013 and continues to promote the outdoors through hunting, trapping, firearms safety, and education. She and her husband have published 7 books to date, all focused around introducing kids and parents to firearms and hunting, how to raise a “wild” child, and keeping safe when recreating where wildlife predators roam. She also has a weekly podcast called “North American Outdoors.”

Remington Ammunition has announced a partnership in support of Ducks Unlimited’s (DU) outreach initiatives. Remington is excited to support DU’s efforts to conserve, restore and manage wetlands and associated habitats for North America’s waterfowl.

“We’re thrilled to announce this partnership and are looking forward to supporting DU and many of their conservation and outreach projects,” said Jon Zinnel, Conservation Program Manager for Remington. “Ducks Unlimited makes a major difference in wetland conservation and Remington is here to support these efforts any way we can.” 

As the leader in waterfowl conservation efforts, Ducks Unlimited is a grassroots, volunteer-based organization with a focus on habitat conservation. Through their efforts, DU is now the world’s largest and most effective waterfowl and wetlands conservation organization able to deliver its work through partnerships with private individuals, landowners, agencies, scientific communities and other entities. DU and their members host more than 4,000 fundraising events annually, allowing funds to be allocated to high priority areas to further conserve wetlands and the waterfowl population.

“Remington is an iconic brand in the outdoor industry and has been a part of the hunting and shooting culture for over 200 years,” said Jim Alexander, Managing Director of Corporate Relations for Ducks Unlimited. “We are proud to call Remington a partner in conservation and look forward to doing great things together.”

Since 1937, DU has led conservation efforts for wetlands and their associated habitats. They know that waterfowl habitats benefit other wildlife and people, and work through partnerships to address the range of factors that impact waterfowl habitats across North America.

The Association of Fish & Wildlife Agencies is soliciting Initial Proposals for the 2023 Multistate Conservation Grant Program which funds projects that address regional or national level priorities of state fish and wildlife agencies. The deadline for submitting the Initial Proposals for 2023 cycle is May 18, 2022. 

“The Multistate Conservation Grant Program provides vital funding to our State fish and wildlife agencies and partners for wildlife and sport fish restoration projects that address problems affecting states on a regional or national level,” said Tony Wasley, Director of the Nevada Department of Wildlife and President of the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies. “We need these important investments for the future of conservation.”

Proposals will be ranked based on project qualifications, quality and how they address the 2023 strategic priorities. Additional information can be found on the AFWA website, including FAQs, list of the 2023 Strategic Priorities, 2023 Notice of Funding Opportunity, and Background and General Information. Please submit proposals and questions to [email protected].

The Multistate Conservation Grant Program is administered by the Association of Fish & Wildlife Agencies in partnership with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Created through the Fish and Wildlife Administration Improvement Act of 2000, $6,000,000 from the Pittman-Robertson and Dingell-Johnson funds are made available annually for conservation projects impacting a majority of states. Along with the annually available funds of $6,000,000, the President signed the Modernizing the Pittman-Robertson Fund for Tomorrow’s Needs Act (Modernizing PR Act) into law on December 20, 2019 as part of the larger Further Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2020. This law amends the Pittman-Robertson Wildlife Restoration Act (WR Act, 16 U.S.C. 669) to, among other measures, create a new Modern Multistate Conservation Grant Program, which provided an additional $5,000,000 to the program.  In addition to funding competitive conservation projects, the program also funds the National Survey on Hunting, Fishing and Wildlife Associated Recreation, the nation’s most important wildlife participation and related economic impact database.

The Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies—the organization that represents North America’s fish and wildlife agencies—promotes sound resource management and conservation, and speaks on important fish and wildlife issues. Found on the web at www.fishwildlife.org, on Facebook  /AssociationofFishandWildlifeAgencies and on Twitter @fishwildlife.

In murky water and low-light conditions, a rattling lure creates sounds for bass to zero in on. The SPRO Little John 50, one of the finest crankbaits on the market, is now even better thanks to a hard steel ball that generates a loud bass-attracting rattle. The SPRO Little John 50, designed by B.A.S.S Elite Series Angler John Crews, is a shallow-running crankbait, deadly when teased across the tops of shallow underwater vegetation. It also excels at targeting suspended bass. 

The Rattle Little John 50 (and MD50) Crankbait inherits the best tournament-proven features of the original lure, including a unique lip made from a computer-chip board. An internal steel ball creates a loud hard-rattling sound bass find irresistible. You can cover more water thanks to the lure’s silent weight transfer system. The design translates into unbelievably long casts for this small crankbait.  

These compact crankbaits pack a big, bold sound. Rigged with the world’s sharpest trebles made by Gamakatsu, the Rattle Little John 50s are ready to catch fish right out of the package. Both lures weigh ½-ounces and are 50 mm long. The Rattle Little John 50 is tuned to run at 3 -5 feet of water, while the Rattle Little John MD50 runs deeper at 7-9 ft.

SPRO Rattle Little John 50 Features:

SPRO Rattle Little John MD50 Features:

The Clean Energy Minerals Reform Act would institute royalties and fees on industry, fund abandoned mine cleanup

WASHINGTON – A bicameral effort to modernize hardrock mining laws in the United States and fund the restoration of abandoned mines, the Clean Energy Minerals Reform Act, was introduced on Tuesday afternoon by House Natural Resources Chair Raul Grijalva (D-AZ) and Sen. Martin Heinrich (D-NM). The bills would update, for the first time, the 1872 General Mining Law, which has governed mining on U.S. public lands for 150 years.

The Clean Energy Minerals Reform Act would institute royalties and other fees on hardrock mining operations, requiring the industry to pay for its use of public resources. More than 270 million acres of federal public lands are open to hardrock mining under the 1872 Mining Law, more than two-thirds of the entire U.S. public estate.

Hunters and anglers have long advocated for legislation to modernize the 1872 Mining Law, and Backcountry Hunters & Anglers welcomed this most recent move by Congress.

“Under the 1872 Mining Law, the mining industry has enjoyed carte blanche access to U.S. public lands for 150 years, extracting $300 billion of minerals from our lands without having to pay a cent in royalties,” said BHA President and CEO Land Tawney. “While this law might have made sense back in 1872, the American people deserve better today. Imposing a reasonable royalty and other necessary fees on multinational mining corporations is fair and reasonable. Hardrock mining should be similar to oil and gas and coal, who pay their fair shares.”

EDGEFIELD, S.C.—Diversified Energy Company recently invested $100,000 into the NWTF, funds that will be used for national conservation delivery and outreach programs. 

“Diversified Energy is impressed with the breadth of the NWTF’s mission delivery,” said Al Clark, NWTF national director of development. “Their company is excited to bolster our efforts with a monetary gift, but they are also looking forward to getting their staff involved as volunteers at our outreach events. We are immensely thankful for Diversified Energy’s generosity and volunteerism, and we are looking forward to a continued partnership.”

The NWTF will use half of Diversified Energy’s gift toward its conservation projects and partnerships across the East, including the White Oak Initiative, stewardship agreements on multiple national forests, habitat enhancement projects and more. 

The remaining funds will impact NWTF JAKES events in Pennsylvania, Virginia, Tennessee and Ohio, where Diversified Energy has operations. This year alone, these events will collectively provide more than 1,000 youths with outdoor opportunities and experiences. 

“In addition to our mission, what allures partners to invest in the NWTF is our ability to leverage funds and turn, on average, $1 into $5,” Clark said. “We are proud to use the generous gifts of others to make the greatest impact.”

MPA’s new Multi-Color anodized grip option adds flair to its World Class DS Series Pistols.

MasterPiece Arms (MPA), manufacturer of DS Series Pistols, BA Rifles and Chassis Systems, is proud to announce its new multi-color anodizing options for its line of DS Pistol grips. The first multi-color anodizing option currently available is the  DS9 Hybrid Red and Black. This is just one of the many versions MPA will be offering. MPA has been working closely with one of its suppliers to produce this grip for those customers looking to add a unique touch to their pistol. These grips can be added to any of the MPA DS Series Pistols. This multi-color anodizing option can be added for an upcharge of $300. 

For more information on MasterPiece Arms and its product line of rifles, chassis systems, pistols, and accessories, visit www.masterpiecearms.com.To find out the latest delivery and lead times for all MPA bolt action rifles and chassis, please click here.

About MasterPiece Arms:

MasterPiece Arms‘ main offices, located in Comer, Georgia, combine quality engineering and state-of-the-art manufacturing to design and produce firearms, such as the highly successful BA Rifles and Chassis Systems and DS Pistol Series. Masterpiece Arms uses high accuracy CNC machining, turning, barrel making, laser cutting, and bending in its manufacturing process controlled by their ISO9002/TS16949 Registered Quality System.

A talented young artist from South Dakota has taken top honors at the National Junior Duck Stamp Art Contest. A green-winged teal by 15-year old Madison Grimm, will grace the 2022-2023 Junior Duck Stamp, which raises funds to educate and engage our nation’s youth in wildlife and wetlands conservation and outdoor recreation. This is Madison’s 3rd national win.

A panel of five judges chose the entry, painted in acrylic, from among best-of-show entries from 50 states, Washington, D.C. and two U.S. Territories.

“I’m so excited to announce the top winners of this unique contest,” said Service Director Martha Williams. “The Junior Duck Stamp Program encourages students to explore their natural world through science, art, and writing, share their gift with others, and nurture a lifelong love of nature and the outdoors.”

Students in kindergarten through grade twelve participate in their annual state Junior Duck Stamp Program through their school, home, art studio or after-school group, or from a refuge, park or nature center. After learning about wetlands, waterfowl, and wildlife conservation, they express their learning through a drawing or painting of a duck, goose, or swan.

The top piece of art in the nation – chosen at this annual competition – is featured on the Junior Duck Stamp, sales of which support educational programs and activities that nurture our next generation of conservationists.

Gamakatsu®, the longtime leader in hooks for everything from bluegills to blue marlin, has brought the company’s unique talents for innovation into the soft bait market with the introduction of DuraScent baits. Whatever species anglers are chasing, there’s a DuraScent offering tailor-made for that purpose, with built-in features that outfish and outlast the competition.

All DuraScent baits are made in Japan to strict market standards which are reflected in both their hyper-realism and their durability. DuraScent baits are extremely durable, lasting longer than traditional soft plastics which allows them to stand up to the toothiest fish. Super-soft elastomer provides extreme flexibility, allowing DuraScent baits to be stretched out to six times their original length. That means more time fishing, and less time re-rigging. DuraScent baits also float, which allows for a myriad of effective rigging options, taking advantage of natural currents to tempt anglers’ prey.

DuraScent plastics are infused with an all-natural blend of fish-attracting scents including shrimp, crab, and fish oil. After extended use, the extreme scent in DuraScent baits can be “refreshed” with a good stretch or two. Made with a non-toxic formula that is free of plastisol and phthalates making them environmentally friendly.

No matter which species is targeted for the day, there’s a DuraScent plastic that’ll catch them better than anything else. When other soft plastics get overlooked, these get chewed. The offerings include:

DuraScent Shrimp Features:

Part of the Essential series, the SPRO® engineers worked diligently to create the Flappin Frog, extending the company’s footprint in the world of topwaters with a frog meant to be buzzed. The skirted legs have been replaced by paddle tailed appendages that can be buzzed across the surface or retrieved in a stop-and-go pattern. They’re deadly over thick cover and in open water alike. The frog is made of elastomer material, which makes it float and stretch. They’re deadly over thick cover and in open water alike.

As with the other SPRO frogs, a vital part of the Flappin’ Frog’s effectiveness is that it’s built around a Gamakatsu Nano-Coated Superline Double Frog Hook that gives a weedless presentation as increases hookup percentage without risk of bending out. The frog’s body is built of a floating elastomer material, so when a fish strikes half-heartedly or misses the lure, you can stop it in its tracks and tempt it to come back.

The Flappin’ Frog makes a ruckus, whether retrieved at rocket speed, or slowly walked back. The legs kick and buzz with only the slightest forward movement, and savvy anglers can mix up their retrieves until they find out what bass want on a particular day.

The Flappin’ Frog will initially be offered in 11 of SPRO’s proven frogging colors so any angler can imitate any forage.

Flappin’ Frog Features:

Outdoor retailer SCHEELS is continuing their support of youth shooting sports as part of their 3-year sponsorship of the Scholastic Clay Target Program, a youth development program of the Scholastic Shooting Sports Foundation (SSSF).

“SCHEELS is honored to be a proud supporter of the SCTP as they continue to grow and develop the sport of competitive shooting at the scholastic level,” said Marcus Thornton, VP of Marketing. “We are excited to help play a role in the mission of the SCTP and to aid in the further development of our youth through the excitement around shooting sports.”

“The SCTP continues to receive tremendous support throughout the industry,” commented Tom Wondrash, SCTP National Director. “SCHEELS is a fantastic sponsor, lending support and notable engagement with our youth development program from headquarters all the way down to the local retail stores. This effort in sponsorship stands as an exceptional example of industry support of youth shooting sports that goes beyond strictly monetary support. We are very thankful for the support of SCHEELS throughout the years and look forward for years to come!”

The SCTP is excited to be working with SCHEELS, with a focused partnership between SCTP teams and their respective community’s SCHEELS retail locations. The opportunity to start new teams in areas as well as grow in communities with current team/store overlap will prove to be a win-win scenario in the current youth shooting sports season and beyond.

If you or your company are interested in getting involved with the SCTP in support of youth development and youth shooting sports and teams, please contact SCTP National Director Tom Wondrash at  [email protected]

EDGEFIELD, S.C.— The NWTF is proud to announce the winners of its Live Wild Turkey Photography Contest.

“Our 2022 contest saw over 700 live wild turkey photos submitted,” said Pete Muller, NWTF communications director. “We are incredibly thankful for everyone who participated, and we are thrilled to recognize this year’s winners.”  

Winning recipients were awarded for first, second and third place, including a People’s Choice award selected by the voting public.

Judging for first place, with a grand prize of $1,000, through third place was performed by a panel of professional photographers, and the People’s Choice Award was determined by the most votes given to a photo on the contest’s website. 

Brooke Dinnen won first place for her photo entitled “Spring Dream.” The Okeechobee, Florida, native donated her winnings back to the NWTF to support on-the-ground conservation work.

Hornady Security® designed the Fireproof Keypad Safe for homeowners that have more than one or two handguns but don’t have the room for a full-size safe. The Fireproof Keypad Safe provides robust security and flexible storage for firearms, documents or other essential items from theft, misuse and fire.

Like all Hornady Security products, the Fireproof Keypad Safe is tough and highly resistant to attacks. It is built with a powder-coated, heavy-duty, 16-gauge steel body and a double-thick 8-gauge steel door to thwart unauthorized access. The safe’s flush-mounted door, equipped with four one-inch diameter locking lugs, prevents unwanted entry. 

A battery-operated programmable electronic lock and discrete keyed backup offer quick valuables access. Its illuminated keypad allows access anytime, even in complete darkness. An integrated interior LED automatically lights the interior, aiding visibility. The adjustable shelf and safe interior are covered in a protective carpet offering flexible storage configurations while protecting the contents from damage.

The Fireproof Keypad Safe weighs 49-pounds allowing installation anywhere in the home. It also includes concrete anchor bolts for permanent mounting and enhanced security. In the case of fire, the safe protects contents for 30 minutes at up to 1,400°F. 

Hornady Security’s specialized secure storage solutions come in many sizes to protect firearms, documents and valuables. The Fireproof Keypad Safe is a flexible mid-sized option for securing several handguns and other items – perfect for those with limited space. As a bonus, it also protects the contents in the event of a fire.  

When world-class long-range shooting instruction pairs with a precision rifle foundation, marksmanship skill development, and hunting confidence are sure results. That is why Benelli is excited to announce its continued partnership with Outdoor Solutions’ Long Range Shooting School programs and, for 2022, sponsorship of the Utah Long Range School event. This program will take place June 10-13 at the Outdoor Solutions long-range facility near Salt Lake City, Utah.

The Long Range Shooting School is designed to reinforce practical marksmanship skills in hunters to be confident in making reliable, ethical shots on big game animals out to 400 yards. Presented by experienced long range shooters from competitive, military, and hunting backgrounds, the Long Range Shooting School curriculum instills proper shooting fundamentals. The school helps students develop techniques that ensure accurate shots at extended distances from various field shooting positions.

Reliable and accurate firearms work together with marksmanship development as they provide a constant in the training equation. Outdoor Solutions has utilized Benelli’s premium Lupo bolt action rifles for its long-range instruction, and Lupo will be the exclusive instructional firearm for this year’s Utah Long Range School event.

“Outdoor Solutions is proud to partner with a premium brand like Benelli,” said Greg Ray, Outdoor Solutions founder, and co-owner. “We’ve used the Lupo exclusively for our From Field to Table events and were so impressed that we’ve now included the Lupo in our Long Range Schools. We invite hunters interested in learning or refining their long-range shooting skills to join us for a Benelli Lupo-exclusive class from June 10 to 13, 2022, at our Utah location.”

The Benelli Lupo follows the company’s philosophy of building the most dependable and field-proven firearms on the market today. Built to the same exacting standards of performance and durability that have made Benelli the leader in the shotgun segment, the Lupo delivers numerous standard features to ensure a customizable fit for the shooter. And a 3-shot sub-MOA accuracy guarantee that big-game hunters can rely on in the harshest field conditions.

Huk, the nation’s leading performance fishing brand, is celebrated and embraced far beyond the water’s edge. The iconic fishing brand has a wide-reaching appeal that resonates with the NASCAR fan base. Huk has recently enhanced its relationship with Richard Childress Racing and team driver Austin Dillon. Dillon will race the No. 3 Huk Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 in the NASCAR Cup Series race at Darlington Raceway on Sunday, May 8. 

Recently, Dillon took a short pitstop from his busy schedule and shared with the Huk team some of his passions when he is away from the track. Dillon is an avid outdoor enthusiast. When he gets the chance to do something on the water, he must make that time count. Dillon depends on quality gear that keeps him comfortable and protected, no matter the condition. Huk’s extensive stylish and performance-driven apparel line quickly became his first choice. “I love how each product is thoughtfully engineered and designed to excel with features such as superior breathability, sun protection, cooling fibers, and quick-drying fabrics,” Dillon commented. “I enjoy a very active lifestyle and one thing I enjoy about Huk is that the clothing is very versatile. It works whether I’m on the water, at the golf course, or casually spending time outdoors with my family and friends.”

Austin wears Huk clothing during his outdoor adventures and is pleased to share his personal picks. “Huk is a great brand, and I’ve enjoyed representing them and look forward to our continued relationship,” said Austin. “Huk’s passions for the outdoors align with mine, and I know NASCAR fans will enjoy the fun styles and designs that Huk is launching in the 2022 season.” Following are some of Austins’ favorite picks. 

Icon X Polo

The Huk Icon X Polo is built for the ultimate comfort, fit and feel both on and off the water. The Icon X polo transitions from the river to streetwear without changing. Hydrophobic fibers transport water and sweat away from the skin to the exterior of the clothing, where it can evaporate more efficiently. The lightweight, breathable, quick-drying, moisture-wicking 50+ UPF-rated material allows for all-day comfort on and off the water pursuits. Featuring Huk’s laser perforated underarms and back for supreme breathability, the fit and function of the Icon X polo will quickly earn anglers’ respect.

Nebraska Game and Parks has selected Jeff Fields as the agency’s new Parks Division administrator. Fields, a native of Tilden, Nebraska, began his new duties April 11.

Fields came to the agency in 1992, working as a seasonal employee for the Resource Services Division. After working in law enforcement and park management in Iowa for several years, he returned to Game and Parks in 1998 to serve as superintendent of Ponca State Park. In 2017, he became the regional park superintendent for the northeast parks region.

“My life’s passion is to provide opportunities for the public to experience and learn about Nebraska’s natural, recreational and cultural resources,” Fields said. “I am honored to lead an outstanding team of staff, volunteers and partners as we strive to fulfill this mission.”

Said Deputy Director Jim Swenson: “Jeff brings an impressive resume of achievements, leadership skills and partnership development that will allow him to collaborate with the agency team and partners as we work to conserve and protect our natural, cultural and recreational resources. We are excited to watch him apply his passion for family-friendly outdoor recreation and interpretation across our park landscapes.”

To learn more about Game and Parks, visit to OutdoorNebraska.org.

How to Scout, Locate, and Lock Down a Bird

By Kristine Ostertag

It’s finally that time of the year when hunters start prepping their camo, blinds, and shotguns to chase that trophy longbeard. In recent years, turkey hunting has witnessed an evolution in gear and technology, which has made it easier for hunters to locate and lock down birds. Once that fanned-out Tom is in the sights, advances in shotguns and ammunition have made harvesting a turkey almost effortless. 

You may wonder where to begin when it comes to scouting and locking down a bird. Mornings and evenings are the best times to see birds out in the fields. Toms head for field edges and open areas after flying down from the roost, strutting and gobbling as they search for hens. Midday turkeys tend to go to their loafing and dusting areas. Birds can be harder to spot at this time of day, since they are most likely in shaded locations such as wooded areas or river bottoms. Once you have located a few birds during the prime scouting hours, you will want to locate the area where they are roosting – this is, “putting the birds to bed.”

If you are unable to identify which trees they roosted in as dusk falls, return the next morning and use an owl call, or wait for the birds to start talking to locate them. Once you know where the turkeys are roosting, you can begin to narrow down their patterns. Placing cameras at various locations around the roosting area can help you find their landing zones. You will also want to place cameras inside field corners, along logging roads and travel routes, and near food sources. SPYPOINT cameras are a great choice for turkey hunters, and will help you narrow down a time and place to sit. 

The Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP) would like to wish a happy retirement to Teresa Casey, who officially retired from Naval Service Training Command NJROTC Program Support on Jan. 31, 2022.

In the world of junior air rifle, Casey was an essential part of molding one of CMP’s most popular events of the year, the Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (JROTC) Sporter and Precision Air Rifle Championships. As the program coordinator for the Navy JROTC (NJROTC) marksmanship program, she was a key leader in developing a relationship with the CMP as well as growing Navy marksmanship programs, including shoulder-to-shoulder competition.

“From my career, I am probably the most proud of two things,” Casey said. “Supporting Naval Aviation, especially during Desert Shield and Desert Storm, and supporting cadets, instructors and host high schools that make NJROTC the outstanding citizenship development program that it absolutely is.”

Casey worked for the Department of the Navy as a Civil Servant for 39.5 years. Her journey with the department began at age 16 when she served onboard the Naval Air Station Pensacola, Florida, at the Naval Aviation Depot, Quality Assurance Department. The position was a part-time co-op in a work skills program through Escambia High School, where she graduated from in 1984.

From there, she was hired full time as a clerk – a title she held for the next three years. Casey then moved on to Production Controller (a.k.a. parts chaser and job scheduler) for manufacturing aircraft electrical cables for eight years. The depot eventually underwent base realignment and closure, but Casey was able to get a job with the NJROTC program.

JERICHO, Vt. – Registration is now available for the Civilian Marksmanship Program’s (CMP) annual New England Games and Highpower Rifle Matches! The outdoor event is set to be held Sept. 18-25, 2022, at the Camp Ethan Allen National Guard Training Site.

Hosted jointly by the Vermont State Rifle and Pistol Association (VSRPA), the New England Games features a full lineup competitors will enjoy, including traditional CMP Games (recreational-style marksmanship matches) and Highpower Rifle opportunities.

Popular events like the Garand/Springfield/Vintage and Modern Military (GSMM), Rimfire Sporter, Carbine and Vintage Sniper matches combine classic and contemporary rifle competitions that are suitable for those just beginning as well as those seasoned in the sport. Additionally, highpower rifle matches like the 80 Shot Aggregate series, a 4-Man Team event and a Service Rifle Excellence-In-Competition (EIC) match offer even more exciting challenges on the range, fired on CMP’s own line of outdoor electronic targets.

Pistol athletes may look forward to Service Pistol and .22 Rimfire Pistol EIC events, along with As-Issued 1911 Pistol and Military & Police Service Pistol matches, which are also open to a wide spectrum of ages and experience levels. In 2022, pistol events have grown to include 900 Aggregates for .22, Centerfire and .45 caliber firearms.

For educational opportunities, the CMP Marksmanship 101 Rifle and Pistol courses will be held at New England Games, providing hands-on learning in the classroom and on the firing line. Participants in the courses learn gun safety, target shooting skills, positioning, basic rifle mechanics and much, much more. All firearms and equipment will be provided for the classes, which are conducted by leading industry professionals. Also, an M1 Maintenance Clinic will give participants specific instruction on how to care for and preserve the historic M1 Garand rifle, and the GSMM New Shooter Clinic will help competitors learn more about the fundamentals of the match before hitting the firing line.