Dismayed by the lack of marksmanship shown by their troops, Union veterans Col. William C. Church and Gen. George Wingate formed the National Rifle Association in 1871. The primary goal of the association would be to "promote and encourage rifle shooting on a scientific basis," according to a magazine editorial written by Church.
After being granted a charter by the state of New York on November 17, 1871, the NRA was founded. Civil War Gen. Ambrose Burnside, who was also the former governor of Rhode Island and a U.S. senator, became the fledgling NRA's first president.
An important facet of the NRA's creation was the development of a practice ground. In 1872, with financial help from New York State, a site on Long Island, the Creed Farm, was purchased for the purpose of building a rifle range. Named Creedmoor, the range opened a year later, and it was there that the first annual matches were held.
Political opposition to the promotion of marksmanship in New York forced the NRA to find a new home for its range. In 1892, Creedmoor was deeded back to the state and NRA's matches moved to Sea Girt, New Jersey.
The NRA's interest in promoting the shooting sports among America's youth began in 1903 when NRA Secretary Albert S. Jones urged the establishment of rifle clubs at all major colleges, universities and military academies. By 1906, NRA's youth program was in full swing with more than 200 boys competing in matches at Sea Girt that summer. Today, youth programs are still a cornerstone of the NRA, with more than one million youth participating in NRA shooting sports events and affiliated programs with groups such as 4-H, the Boy Scouts of America, the American Legion, Royal Rangers, National High School Rodeo Association and others.
Due to the overwhelming growth of NRA's shooting programs, a new range was needed. Gen. Ammon B. Crichfield, adjutant general of Ohio, had begun construction of a new shooting facility on the shores of Lake Erie, 45 miles east of Toledo, Ohio. Camp Perry became the home of the annual National Matches, which have been the benchmark for excellence in marksmanship ever since. With nearly 6,000 people competing annually in pistol, smallbore and high-power events, the National Matches are one of the biggest sporting events held in the country today.
Through the association's magazine, The American Rifleman, members were kept abreast of new firearms bills, although the lag time in publishing often prevented the necessary information from going out quickly. In response to repeated attacks on the Second Amendment rights, NRA formed the Legislative Affairs Division in 1934. While NRA did not lobby directly at this time, it did mail out legislative facts and analyses to members, whereby they could take action on their own. In 1975, recognizing the critical need for political defense of the Second Amendment, NRA formed the Institute for Legislative Action, or ILA.
Meanwhile, the NRA continued its commitment to training, education and marksmanship. During World War II, the association offered its ranges to the government, developed training materials, encouraged members to serve as plant and home guard members, and developed training materials for industrial security. NRA members even reloaded ammunition for those guarding war plants. Incidentally, the NRA's call to help arm Britain in 1940 resulted in the collection of more than 7,000 firearms for Britain's defense against potential invasion by Germany (Britain had virtually disarmed itself with a series of gun-control laws enacted between World War I and World War II).
After the war, the NRA concentrated its efforts on another much-needed arena for education and training: the hunting community. In 1949, the NRA, in conjunction with the state of New York, established the first hunter education program. Hunter Education courses are now taught by state fish and game departments across the country and Canada and have helped make hunting one of the safest sports in existence. Due to increasing interest in hunting, NRA launched a new magazine in 1973, The American Hunter, dedicated solely to hunting issues year-round. NRA continues its leadership role in hunting today with the Youth Hunter Education Challenge (YHEC), a program that allows youngsters to build on the skills they learned in basic hunter education courses. YHECs are now held in 43 states and three Canadian provinces, involving an estimated 40,000 young hunters.
The American Hunter and The American Rifleman were the mainstays of NRA publications until the debut of The American Guardian in 1997. The Guardian was created to cater to a more mainstream audience, with less emphasis on the technicalities of firearms and a more general focus on self-defense and recreational use of firearms. The Guardian was renamed America's 1st Freedom in June of 2000.
Law enforcement training was next on the priority list for program development. Although a special police school had been reinstated at Camp Perry in 1956, NRA became the only national trainer of law enforcement officers with the introduction of its NRA Police Firearms Instructor certification program in 1960. Today, there are more than 13,000 NRA-certified police and security firearms instructors. Additionally, top law enforcement shooters compete each year in eight different pistol and shotgun matches at the National Police Shooting Championships held in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
In civilian training, the NRA continues to be the leader in firearms education. Over 125,000 certified instructors now train about 1,000,000 gun owners a year. Courses are available in basic rifle, pistol, shotgun, muzzleloading firearms, personal protection, even ammunition reloading. Additionally, nearly 7,000 certified coaches are specially trained to work with young competitive shooters. Since the establishment of the lifesaving Eddie Eagle GunSafe® Program in 1988, more than 28 million pre-kindergarten to fourth grade children have learned that if they see a firearm in an unsupervised situation, they should "STOP. DON'T TOUCH. RUN AWAY. TELL A GROWNUP." Over the past seven years, Refuse To Be A Victim® seminars have helped more than 100,000 men and women develop their own personal safety plan using common sense strategies.
In 1990, NRA made a dramatic move to ensure that the financial support for firearms-related activities would be available now and for future generations. Establishing the NRA Foundation, a 501 (c) (3) tax-exempt organization, provided a means to raise millions of dollars to fund gun safety and educational projects of benefit to the general public. Contributions to the Foundation are tax-deductible and benefit a variety of American constituencies including youth, women, hunters, competitive shooters, gun collectors, law enforcement agents and persons with physical disabilities.
While widely recognized today as a major political force and as America's foremost defender of Second Amendment rights, the NRA has, since its inception, been the premier firearms education organization in the world. But our successes would not be possible without the tireless efforts and countless hours of service our nearly five million members have given to champion Second Amendment rights and support NRA programs. As former Clinton spokesman George Stephanopoulos said, "Let me make one small vote for the NRA. They're good citizens. They call their congressmen. They write. They vote. They contribute. And they get what they want over time."
Events across the West featuring products, services and destinations of 300 to 600 exhibiting companies. Hands-on activities, Youth Fairs, hundreds of seminars at multiple theaters, contests for beginner to expert. These events are the ideal opportunity to discover your life outdoors.
Dry Fly Rods is a custom fly rod shop that builds graphite & fiberglass fly rods, Wood Rod Tubes, Fly Tying Tables, Fly fishing art, and Pens.
Colorado fly fishing guide trips, Denver fly fishing guides, fly fishing trips, and Colorado fly fishing instruction. Specializing in the South Platte River and its tributaries. Our fly fishing guides guides fish from Rocky Mountain National Park to South Park. Offering clients opportunity to fly fish small streams, lakes, tailwaters, and some of the best private waters in Colorado.
Quality Whitetail, Mule Deer and Turkey in Colorado, Kansas and Nebraska.
Our mission is to provide quality, affordable opportunites for hunters from every class, of every age, every gender worldwide at a modest price, while giving back the the community for our youth and the disabled hunters.
We pride ourselves on having the most passionate teams at our store and out on the lake with you. Extremely skilled and passionate about watersports, our team is committed to getting you, your friends & family out on the water.
Tommy’s offers new and used boat sales, a full service department and a huge array of water sports equipment and accessories. We are proud to sell Malibu Boats and Axis Wake Research. Tommy’s exists to be the number one full service provider to the water sports enthusiast, at all levels and we hope to see you in the shop & out on the lake!
Evo provides high quality camping equipment.
Shop www.evo.com and our stores in Seattle, Portland, and Denver for the best selection and deals.
Enlightened Equipment strives to make some of the lightest, most effective backpacking gear possible. Made entirely by hand in our own shop here in Winona MN, we specialize in ultralight backpacking quilts and accessories, offering lighter, more pacakable, and higher value options to help you sleep better in the outdoors.
For more information, visit: www.EnlightenedEquipment.com
Surrounded by high country glacial lakes, miles of scenic wilderness trails and abundant wildlife Ripple Creek Lodge would like to invite you to experience the history, breath taking beauty and remote wilderness of northwest Colorado. Ripple Creek Lodge offers accommodations in comfortable cabins, guided fishing adventures, trail riding excitement and relaxing family vacations in the unforgettable Flat Tops Wilderness Area and White River National Forest.
Welcome to Stefan Joubert Safaris
Your African rifle and bow hunting destination.
Stefan Joubert Hunting Safaris is located in the rugged Limpopo Province of South Africa.
It is about a 3-hour drive from OR Thambo Internasional Airport to where we’ll take you to the heart of the African bushveld. Exactly where you belong.The choice is yours: experience the luxury of our lodges or stay in our beautiful tent camp in the middle of the Mopani bushveld.
Professional hunter Stefan Joubert will be your host during your African safari. Stefan Joubert Safaris offers you a wide range of trophies to take on your safari, not only a wide range but top quality trophies.
Dangerous game hunting is our passion. You will be following some of the best trackers in Africa looking for your old dagga boy, or great tusker. Or maybe you will be sitting deadly still in a blind waiting for your dream cat to appear any moment. We have some of Africa’s finest dangerous game hunting concessions.
Stefan Joubert Hunting Safaris promises you an African safari of a lifetime on the Dark Continent.
Located across from Chicot Park, Knobbhill Hunting Lodge boasts 1,000 acres of high fenced property, providing a fun yet challenging hunting experience for hunters of all ages. Our mix of pine and hardwood provides a feel that is truly unique to Central Louisiana, and enhances the overall deer hunting experience.
Fishing Rod Manufacture Since 1910 specializing in High Performance Bass Rods and High Performance Fly Rods.
2 hour, 1/2 day, and Full day Guided Fly Fishing and Instruction on the Ausable, Saranac, Salmon, and Chateaugay River systems. Float trips and wade fishing trips available. Private water opportunities galore including two remote private stretches of the famed Ausable River and Twin Ponds, our wild Brook Trout Preserve.
Located 1 mile from Whiteface Mtn., on the banks of the Ausable River, the Hungry Trout is the most accessible, one-stop destination for all your fly fishing provisions. A massive fly collection, a complete fly tying wall, and all the gear you could want from the top manufacturers in the business. The products we carry are the products we depend on as professional river guides, which in turn leads to confident sales in products we believe in.
An authorized Dealer for:SIMMS, Rio, Nautilus, Temple For Outfitters, Montana Fly Company, Wapsi, Hareline, Umpqua, Loon Outdoors, Regal Vise, Folstaff, Columbia PFG and much more.....
Quepos Fishing offers fishing charters service in Quepos, Costa Rica. Both inshore & offshore fishing is available, all boats have experienced & friendly crews who do everything possible to delivered memorable fishing trips.
Our Services:
Cotter Trout Dock is a premier guided trout fishing destination on the White River in Arkansas. You can catch brown trout, rainbows, cutthroats and brookies in the white River or bass on the Buffalo River
About Game Gear the Company
We have been manufacturing athletic apparel since 1946. We have continued to redefine the way people view American manufacturing since the company was established so many years ago. We at Game Gear also has a comprehensive line of Custom Team Uniforms, Workout Gear, Travel & Corporate Apparel, or Fan wear. Game Gear is your one stop solution for Quality, Turnaround and Service. You can choose from Performance Hunting Apparel, cutting edge Sublimation, at once Stock, or Custom X press options with Screen Printing, Embroidery, and Tackle Twill on over twenty-five performance fabrics. Our service is second to none and we will continue to strive forward and redefine the term: Made in the USA. Welcome to Game Gear.
To provide a first-class lodge and resort to accommodate outdoor sportsmen as the logical extension of the hunting or fishing experience, guaranteed to enhance their enjoyment of South Dakota, encourage camaraderie among the parties, and ensure their frequent return to this amazing state. The Lodge reflects rural architecture and style, promotes local cuisine and encourages appreciation of South Dakota culture.
Deep River Outfitters is a for-profit business that designs, manufactures and sells apparel, primarily t-shirts, and other accessories that celebrate American Rivers. Distinct to our business model is that 10% of all sales support local ministries. Our products are sold primarily through e-commerce and marketed by aggressive social media campaigns.
As a name, Deep River Outfitters is drawn from Ezekiel 47: 1 – 12, the Prophet Ezekiel’s vision of a river flowing from the Temple of God. The river starts off very shallow and Ezekiel can only describe the water as being ankle deep. Further downstream, Ezekiel ventures in and describes the river as ‘deep enough to swim in—a river that no one could cross." In response, the Angel of the Lord declares, “where the river flows, life abounds."
New Product Designs are released every week and feature river landmarks and scenes of the abundant life found on the banks of American rivers. Our t-shirts are printed on the popular Comfort Colors t-shirt and are guaranteed to become one of your favorites!
Our name "Hunt to Eat" is a morphing of the phrase "Will hunt for food." Hunt to Eat says: I hunt for adventure; I hunt for the physical and mental challenge. I hunt to be with family and to create memories. I hunt for the camaraderie and for the solitude. I hunt for the love of nature and the outdoors; I hunt to explore. I hunt to be a conservationist. I hunt to harvest my own food; I hunt to eat.
Since 1983 our experienced team of Colorado realtors has always maintained the highest standard of honesty and integrity while specializing in listing, selling, and assisting with buying beautiful Colorado Mountain Properties.
Our team has extensive knowledge in 1031 tax exchanges and Conservation Easements and related tax benefits for our buyers and sellers.
We also pride ourselves in understanding exactly what our client’s goals and expectations are. Putting our clients first has earned us a reputation as the “Go To Guys” for mountain properties.
Bringing buyers and sellers together to comprehensively and professionally assist them in achieving their Colorado property dreams is the ultimate compliment for our services.
We are a full service Fly Fishing Learning Center in beautiful Colorado Springs, helping others enjoy this exciting sport. As an Orvis endorsed outfitter, we provide fun full and half-day guided trips on some of Colorado's most beautiful gold medal waters. We carry all of your favorite brands, from Orvis and Sage to Simms and Winston, to name a few. Our casting ponds make choosing the right rod easy. And we love to teach the skills needed for successful fly fishing in our affordable classes and camps, including those for women only. Check out our web site today!
D.O.A. Lures are the most versatile lure on the market today! Mark Nichols started with one 3" Shrimp and has grown D.O.A.Fishing Lures into a company that now has over 20 different lure families with over 120 different colors. D.O.A. lures now covers both Saltwater and Freshwater fishing. Whether your Snook fishing in Stuart Florida, or ice fishing in Vermont, D.O.A. has the right lure for you.
Hush Covers and Hush & Go Boot Wraps are your solutions for SILENCE. Hush Covers for hang-on tree stands are available in five patterns and two sizes. Hush Covers for ladder tree stands are available in three sizes and three pattern options. Easy to install and lightweight, Hush Covers allow you freedom of movement while in even old, creaky stands, without making a sound. You will be warmer with our wool top side. Warmer stand = longer hunts! Pivot silently to get the perfect shot! They will never know you are there. They also work in box blinds and ground blinds.
Hush & Go Boot Wraps are perfect for silent spot and stalk or just to keep your feet warmer in your blind or stand. Three sizes and five patterns, they weigh about 6 ounces and you can put them on both feet in about 10 seconds. No need to stop, sit down, take your boots off, ruin your socks. Hush & Go Boot Wraps turn your boots into socks so you can lose no time in stalking your prey and you will never forget where you left your boots!
Keibeb Safaris founded by Steph Marais in 2006, offering exceptional trophy hunting, luxurious accommodation and uniquely Namibian hospitality.
Keibeb Safaris the ideal hunting destination for first-time African hunters, experience well travelled hunters as well as non-hunting observers. We offer a full range of exciting activities for the hunter and observer in our completely safe hunter friendly country in the south-western part of Africa.
Our private hunting area covers an area of approximately 12 square miles populated with free ranging game – no domestic stock fences. Adjoining properties add another 60 square mile. 22 species of game are available for trophy hunters to choose from. Many additional species can be viewed and photographed during your safari.
Along with our hunting safaris Keibeb Safaris also arranges customised photographic safaris throughout Namibia, Botswana, Zambia and Zimbabwe. These customised trips can be undertaken by either chartered private plane or in the comfortable air-conditioned vehicle as requested by the client. A personal guide will host you on these exclusive adventures.
HuntCastTM Predictions
More than a Solunar calendar, HuntWise combines 8 tracked variables to determine your species-specific peak kill times.
Temperature Graph
Easily track temperature changes using an easy-to-read graph.
Wind Graph
Use the wind graph to help plan your scent strategy or place your decoy setups.
Barometric Pressure Graph
Don't miss out on drastic pressure changes when your kill chances drastically increase!
Species to be hunted
Main species to be hunted are: blesbok-common, blesbok-white, buffalo, bushbuck, bushpig, caracal, duiker, eland, eland-livingstone`s, gray rhebok, hartebeest, jackal, letchwe, mountain reedbuck, nyala, oribi, ostrich, porcupine, reedbuck, springbok-common, springbok-black, steenbok, waterbuck, wildbeest-black, zebra-burchell.
Michael is an experienced guide and hunter, born around the Rochester, MN area. He grew up on there farm spending his summers fishing and falls hunting through out Minnesota and Wisconsin Areas. He began guiding in Alaska in 2002. He is an avid bow and rifle hunter. Michael has guided in Alaska for many years and has led 100’s of hunters, fishermen and women through the Alaskan wilderness for their adventure of a lifetime. Taking his life long passion of hunting and fishing, he specializes in Trophy Size Brown Bear, Moose and King Salmon adventures. past clients that Michael has guided continue to come back and can vouch for his expertise, knowledge of the area and guarantee of a great Alaskan Experience.
AXIL brings people together through their passion for the outdoors. AXIL provides innovative gear, tutorials, adventures, services & unique opportunities.
AXIL Provides Innovative Gear, Tutorials, Adventures and other services for outdoor enthusiasts worldwide. Company was founded by Weston Harris in 2000 launching SportEAR as it's initial product line. The SportEAR line gained immediate worldwide recognition as the top of the line hearing enhancement and protection among top sporting good organizations and outdoor enthusiasts everywhere.
Nifty, Cool Camping Gear and Useful Gadgets that you must own! See unique and amazing camping gear that other campers will be envious of!
I have been a nature lover, outdoorsman, hunter and fisherman since I was a kid growing up in western Pennsylvania, South Carolina, and Maryland. I began drawing, painting and wood working in middle and high school and began working in clay in 2007. I find that working in 3D is actually easier for me. I don't have to try to make a 2D image look 3D, I can just work on the piece as it would be. I love the lost wax process. It is an ancient art that with today's modern materials allows an artist to do some amazing things.
My family and I relocated to Monument, CO in 2012 where I currently work from my home studio. My foundry is located in Denver where I do my casting and patina work. I continue to love the outdoors and am always looking for the next adventure.
I do original, limited edition work and am happy to talk through commissioned pieces from miniature to monumental.
Mojo Sportfishing Gear is a new kind of fishing apparel developed with insight garnered from more than 20 years in the apparel business and the innovation to create a new kind of line that appeals to today’s consumers. Mojo carries on the tradition of functionality and durability for the serious fisherman, while introducing a unique look and feel that makes the line suitable on or off the boat.
The Drotto Boat Latch was designed to help boating enthusiasts with launching and loading their boat. The boat launching system is built with a heavy gauge steel to ensure durability and strength. It's hard plastic liner protects the boat latch and your boat at the same time. The boat launching system also has a zinc or black powder coating to choose from to help prevent rusting and corrosion on the boat launching system. For more info or to purchase the Drotto boat latch please visit www.boat2trailerhookup.com
Galvin Guiding is a group of like-minded professional fly fishing guides who focus on exceptional, personalized service while treating you like family. Whether you’re a beginner or seasoned veteran, our talented guides have the patience, local knowledge, and technical expertise to help you get the most of your outing. Think of us as your fly fishing concierge. We love to share our passion for fly fishing with everyone, and encourage both women and children to join us!
Strap the Kogalla Ra Adventure Light to your backpack, jacket, shirt, etc and never worry about adventuring outdoors without enough light again. With 800 lumens of illumination, you’ll never want to run, hike, or camp without it. Traditional headlamps can’t even compare to the flood of light provided by the Ra Adventure Light. The flexible spring steel frame conforms to many shapes and is even waterproof up to one meter. This hands-free alternative to headlamps provides uniform illumination for your adventures no matter how dark.
Archery is our passion.
We take pride in having a large selection of new and used Archery equipment and accessories.
We take trade-ins. Ask about our no interest financing.
AFFTA -- The American Fly Fishing Trade Association -- is the sole trade organization for the fly-fishing industry. Our mission is to promote the sustained growth of the fly fishing industry.
Brian's Canvas Products manufactures a wide range of canvas, vinyl and related textile products. With a 16,000 square foot facility located at the Freeport Center in Clearfield, Utah, We are capable of maintaining raw goods on site for large manufacturing runs. In addition to manufacturing, Brian's Canvas is a wholesale distributor of evaporative cooler covers, evaporative coolers and parts for the greater western United States.
The Trout on Inn is lodging along the North Platte River in Wyoming. We are located on the Grey Reef Section, known for its Blue Ribbon fishing.
The Grand Trunk adventure began in 2001 during a backpacking trip through Thailand.
A shared passion for travel and a simple idea to keep people off the ground has since evolved into a renowned product line of hammocks, shelters, camping, and travel accessories. Inspired by the road less traveled and those who live for their next adventure, our mission is to elevate your experience wherever you go.
Whether it’s the distant lure of the unknown or the charm of a favorite local getaway, Grand Trunk strives to make all your travel and outdoor experiences more convenient and enjoyable.
Alaska Fishing at Its Best. Fishing Alaska Trophy King Salmon, Silver Salmon and Rainbow Trout. Alaska Fishing Trips Near Anchorage and Wasilla, Alaska.
Chef Jeff began making beef jerky out of his home a few years ago but only brought it out during the holidays. Soon family and friends began clamoring for the yummy jerky!
Demand increased to the point that we are now trying to bring this addictive fresh beef jerky to the mainstream...but we need your help! Please add us, tell your friends, and try some Banzai Jerky!
