By Bob Barr President
Bob Barr
President
William A. Bachenberg
First Vice President
Mark E. Vaughan
Second Vice President
Doug Hamlin
Executive Vice President
John Frazer
Secretary
Sonya Rowling
Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer
Randy Kozuch
Executive Director, NRA-ILA
Robert Mensinger
NRA Chief Compliance Officer
Happy New Year! With the 2024 presidential and congressional elections now in the rearview mirror, it’s vitally important that all of us remain focused on our guiding issue—protecting the Second Amendment and all aspects thereof. In this regard, one of the most important things each of us can do to ensure our voices are heard as we move forward into 2025 is to vote for the NRA Board of Directors.
As a quick reminder, the NRA Board of Directors is made up of 76 members, 75 of which are elected to staggered, threeyear terms by eligible voting members of the NRA during the annual board election. Each elected director holds office from the adjournment of the Annual Meeting of Members at which their election is announced until the adjournment of the third Annual Meeting of Members next following such election or until their successor is elected and qualified.
One director, the “76th Director,” is elected annually by participants at the Annual Meeting of Members and holds the office until the next Annual Meeting. The bottom line is that members voting in this year’s board election will elect or reelect 25 directors who will serve on the board for the next three years.
The Board of Directors formulates policies, governs and has general oversight over the affairs and property of the association. Equally important, the board is responsible for electing, from the pool of board members, the officers to lead the NRA, including the president, two vice presidents, the executive vice president, the secretary and the treasurer, along with members of the executive committee.
The Board of Directors convenes for three regular meetings a year, where members get together to govern the affairs of the association. If necessary, a special meeting can be held at any time at the call of the president.
Given the critical role the Board of Directors plays in our association’s present and future, one would think that NRA members would be very interested in participating in the annual Board election and helping elect the candidates they believe will best lead us into the future. Unfortunately, that hasn’t been the case of late.
Friends, we’ve just got to do better than that.
After all, how do you get your voice heard if you don’t participate in one of the best ways to be heard?
I sometimes hear members complain that they wish they could have more input into the direction our association is going and the way it is being led. Many are unaware that they can have more input through the annual Board of Directors election. If you don’t vote, you have very little say in the future of our association.
GIVEN THE CRITICAL ROLE THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS PLAYS, ONE WOULD THINK NRA MEMBERS WOULD BE VERY INTERESTED IN PARTICIPATING … BUT VOTER TURNOUT HAS BEEN DISMAL OVER THE LAST DECADE.
That’s why I am urging every eligible NRA member to vote in this year’s election. Ballots will be included in the February issue of all Official Journals, but I believe this topic is so important that I want to urge members to start thinking about the Board elections now so they don’t accidentally miss the opportunity to participate next month. Directions for voting are straightforward, and casting your vote is simple—just fill out your ballot marking the requisite number of names and mail it in. It couldn’t be easier!
A strong and involved NRA membership is the very best defense we can have against the gun-control forces we constantly face, and it also is the very best way we can ensure that our education, training, competition and advocacy programs meet and exceed the expectations of our millions of members. So, please, do your part to keep the NRA at the forefront of our God-given and constitutionally guaranteed right to keep and bear arms by voting your choices for our Board of Directors!
For news about your NRA, visit: nra.org and nraila.org
Share this column online at nrapublications.org.
According to NRA Secretary John Frazer, voter turnout in the Board of Directors election has been dismal over the past decade, with only about 3% to 8% of members casting a vote in the annual election.
Thank you.
To search for events in your area, go to
Visit the links below to find gun shows, programs, clubs, events and training in your area.
Public and private officers interested in becoming law enforcement firearm instructors should attend one of NRA’s Law Enforcement Firearms Instructor Development Schools.
NRA Police Pistol Combat competition is intended to be used as an extension of an officer’s training.
gunshows.nra.org
Dates and locations of gun shows are subject to change. Please contact the show before traveling. Discounted NRA memberships are sold through NRA recruiters. Some shows may offer free admission to people who sign up for new memberships or renewals.
To become an NRA Recruiter, contact NRA Recruiting Programs at recruiter@nrahq.org
ssusa.org/coming-events
For more information, please contact the NRA Competitive Shooting Division at comphelp@nrahq.org
Friends of NRA events celebrate American values with fun, fellowship and fundraising for The NRA Foundation. To learn more about events in your area, visit friendsofnra.org, contact your local field representative or send an email to friends@nrahq.org.
refuse.nra.org | nrainstructors.org
MEMBER SERVICE (800) 672-3888
NRASTORE.COM (888) 607-6007
5-STAR MEMBER BENEFITS
NRA Approved Services (877)
The NRA’s Refuse To Be A Victim® program provides information on crime prevention and personal safety. To learn more about the program, visit refuse.nra.org. The most up-to-date seminar and instructor training schedule is available on the Internet by visiting nrainstructors.org, or online training is available at nraonlinetraining.org Questions? Email to refuse@nrahq.org or by calling (800) 861-1166. Member Information & Benefits
stateassociations.nra.org
Joining NRA-affiliated state associations supports NRA’s mission in your state. See clubs.nra.org for more information.
NRA Cigar Club nracigarclub.com Penfed Credit Union (855) 278-1163
APRIL 24-27, 2025
For hotel accommodations at the NRA Annual Meetings, visit nraam.org.
A lot can go wrong at the club from property damage to third-party injuries, but Club insurance helps cover the costs if something does. Plus, Lockton Affinity Outdoor’s Club insurance is available to a variety of firearm-related clubs like:
Leased hunting land Landowner coverage and more
If you have your own range, meet at a range, participate in competitions and events, travel or own land, Lockton Affinity Outdoor has coverage for you.
The 29th Annual NRA National Gun Collectors Show will be held in Las Vegas, Nev., on Jan. 24 and 25, 2025. This show is one part of the storied Las Vegas Antique Arms Show, which has been a favorite of firearms collectors and enthusiasts for more than 60 years, making it one of the longestrunning shows in Vegas history.
What might you see at this event? Flintlocks and wheellocks, certainly. Perhaps an early Colt or Winchester
will catch your eye. You should also see international collectors’ arms from all over the world and the greatest artistry in engraving. There won’t just be firearms, either—you can enjoy perusing military and western collectibles, knives and samurai swords and much more, with over 1,300 tables hosted by dealers, craftsmen and organizations.
This is the only time that the NRA offers cash rewards for private gun collectors to come out and share their
hobby with the public and fellow collectors. The NRA and Morphy Auctions will co-sponsor more than $10,000 in cash awards for the best exhibits.
To reserve display or sales tables, please contact Cheryl Goyda at 877968-8880, extension 755, or via email at cheryl.goyda@morphyauctions.com
See you at the Westgate Resort and Casino in Las Vegas on Jan. 24 and 25! The show is open to the public on Friday and Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 pm.
Joe M. Allbaugh, Oklahoma; Thomas P. Arvas, New Mexico; Paul D. Babaz, Georgia; Scott L. Bach, New Jersey; William A. Bachenberg, Pennsylvania; Bob Barr, Georgia; Ronnie G. Barrett, Tennessee; Clel Baudler, Iowa; Charles R. Beers, III, New York; J. Kenneth Blackwell, Ohio; Matt Blunt, Virginia; Donald J. Bradway, Idaho; Dean Cain, Nevada; J. William Carter, Kentucky; Ted W. Carter, Florida; Patricia A. Clark, Connecticut; Anthony P. Colandro, New Jersey; Charles L. Cotton, Texas; David G. Coy, Michigan; Larry E. Craig, Idaho; Isaac Demarest, Ohio; Steven W. Dulan, Michigan; Rick Ector, Michigan; Todd R. Ellis, Pennsylvania; Edie P. Fleeman, North Carolina; Carol Frampton, South Carolina; Joel Friedman, Nevada; Sandra S. Froman, Arizona; Dennis Fusaro, Virginia; Craig Haggard, Indiana; Al Hammond, Florida; Maria Heil, Pennsylvania; Charles T. Hiltunen III, Indiana; Niger Innis, Nevada; Curtis S. Jenkins, Georgia; Greer Johnson, Georgia; Phillip B. Journey, Kansas; Tom King, New York; Jeff Knox, Arizona; Willes K. Lee, Virginia; Amy Heath Lovato, New Jersey; Robert E. Mansell, Arizona; Rocky Marshall, Texas; wMitzy McCorvey, Texas; Bill Miller, West Virginia; Owen Buz Mills, Arizona; David Norcross, Virginia; Johnny Nugent, Indiana; Janet D. Nyce, Pennsylvania; James W. Porter II, Alabama; Jay Printz, Montana; David Raney, Michigan; Kim Rhode, California; Mark Robinson, North Carolina; Wayne Anthony Ross, Alaska; Barbara Rumpel, Florida; Don Saba, Arizona; Ronald L. Schmeits, New Mexico; Steven C. Schreiner, Colorado; John C. Sigler, Delaware; Leroy Sisco, Texas; Danny Stowers, Texas; Amanda Suffecool, Ohio; Craig Swartz, Iowa; Jim Tomes, Indiana; Dwight D. Van Horn, Idaho; Mark E. Vaughan, Oklahoma; Blaine Wade, Tennessee; Linda L. Walker, Ohio; James L. Wallace, Massachusetts; Howard J. Walter, North Carolina; Judi White, Arizona; Bruce Widener, South Carolina; Eb Wilkinson, Arizona; Robert J. Wos, Florida; Cathy S. Wright, Maryland
Communications intended for any member of the NRA Board of Directors should be addressed to: (Name of Board member), NRA Office of the Secretary, 11250 Waples Mill Road, Fairfax, VA 22030; or nrabod@nrahq.org ; or (703) 267-1021. Please include your name, contact information and NRA membership I.D. number, as only communications from NRA members will be forwarded.
Don’t
With over 1,000 exhibitors, a jam-packed schedule of events, and tons of family-friendly activities for all ages, there’s truly something for everyone at the Great American Outdoor Show!
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Saturday, February 1 9:00am - 7:00pm
Sunday, February 2 10:00am - 5:00pm
Monday, February 3 to 10:00am - 7:00pm
Friday, February 7
Saturday, February 8 9:00am - 7:00pm
Sunday, February 9 10:00am - 4:00pm
2025 NRA COUNTRY CONCERT HEADLINED BY RILEY GREEN!
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY. 8 I PA FARM SHOW COMPLEX
Join fellow outdoor enthusiasts for an unforgettable night of music at the 2025 Great American Outdoor Show in Harrisburg, PA! Multi-PLATINUM singer-songwriter Riley Green will be rockin' the house with special guest John Morgan on Saturday, February 8th. Get your tickets now!
Best In Show
Aylin K.
Every year around the holiday season, the NRA Hunting Division is proud to host the George Montgomery/Youth Wildlife Art Contest. Hundreds of art submissions are accepted and nearly 350 artists digitally submitted paintings, drawings, sketches, and engravings. The submissions ranged from small varmints to large game animals that can be legally hunted or trapped in the United States.
The George Montgomery/NRA Youth Wildlife Art Contest offers young artists interested in hunting and wildlife an outlet to display their creative talent, practice artistic techniques, and refine wildlife identification skills through the creation of original works. This contest encourages youth to nurture their interest in the visual arts, hunting, and wildlife conservation. It also reinforces the positive effects of hunting and wildlife conservation with the public at large.
Students grades 1 through 12 (including homeschooled children) are eligible to enter and all entries
must portray North American game birds or animals that may be legally hunted or trapped. Artists have the chance to win thousands of dollars in prizes! The three National Finalists for each category, who do not become the Best in Show, and all Honorable Mentions will have their artwork featured in the NRA Club Connection and the NRA Youth Wildlife Art Contest website.
Additional prizes for each category will be as follows: First Place: $750 cash prize, Second Place: $500 cash prize, Third Place: $250 cash prize, Best in Show will receive a $1000 cash prize!
Next year’s contest will go back to having original art sent to NRA for judging and will start September 1 and entries must be submitted by October 31, 2025 to be eligible. Visit https://artcontest.nra.org/ for more details.
All winning artwork is available to view online at https:// artcontest.nra.org/award-winners/2024-awardwinners/
Group 1 1st Place
Group 3 1st Place
Group 2 1st Place
Group 4 1st Place
Group 1 2nd Place
Evelyn W.
Group 2 2nd Place
Sandy Y.
Group 3 2nd Place
Sophia Z.
Group 4 2nd Place
Andrea S.
Group 3 3rd Place
Kevin C.
Group 1 3rd Place
Thinithi G.
Group 2 3rd Place
Lydia L.
Group 4 3rd Place
Evelina C.
Honorable Mention
Group 1
Annabella H.
Honorable Mention Group 2
Jiyuan B.
Honorable Mention Group 1
Hyungioo A.
Honorable Mention Group 1
Rachel W.
Honorable Mention Group 2
Aarti G.
Honorable Mention
Group 2
Kheya M.
Honorable Mention
Group 3
Reese L.
Honorable Mention
Group 4
Catheryn L.
Honorable Mention
Group 3
Sophia Z.
Honorable Mention Group 3
Evelyn Z.
Honorable Mention Group 4
Allison O.
Honorable Mention Group 4
Nina L.
Honorable Mention Group 4 Sheridan L.
Honorable Mention Group 4 Kevin T.
NRA announces the National High Power, Pistol and Smallbore Championships—the NRANational Matches—are exiting Camp Atterbury, Ind., and will be held at different clubs aroundthe country in 2025.
After signifi cant internal discussion and involvement with key NRA Competitive ShootingBoard Member stakeholders and committee members from each discipline, the National Rifle Association of America has determined that beginning in 2025, the NRA National Matches for High Power Rifle, Precision Pistol and Smallbore Rifle will take place at different clubs throughout the United States.
These matches will be managed by selected match directors and staff who possess the necessary expertise to deliver an exceptional NRA National Championship experience under current NRA Rules. The NRA will continue to base its competitive shooting operations at Camp Atterbury, Indiana, and will conduct several annual championships and competitions at Camp Atterbury, such as the NRA World Shooting Championship and the America’s Rifle Challenge Championships.
“At the request of the committee leaders and appropriate NRA board members, the National Matches going to the clubs will ensure NRA rules continue to govern NRA Championships,” said NRA’s Director of Competitive Shooting Cole McCulloch. “The clubs are also in a position to hire experienced staff and match directors, which is what our competitors require.”
This change for the NRA National Matches is a positive development for competitive shooters and the shooting sports.
“This opportunity gives the chance to bring the Matches closer to the smallbore community,” said Patti Clark, NRA director and chairperson of NRA’s Smallbore Rifle Committee. “It also allows us to keep our autonomy while providing matches to our community. As soon as we have dates and locations, we will update the competitors as soon as possible. I look forward to the 2025 awards ceremony, where we will be surrounded by NRA’s historic smallbore legacy.”
The National Rifle Association of America will release the 2025 NRA High Power, NRA Precision Pistol and NRA Smallbore Championship calendar and other detailed information on this topic soon via the NRA Competitive Shooting Facebook page, as well as at the Shooting Sports USA website at ssusa.org
Every day, the NRA is working to increase your enjoyment of the shooting sports by offering educational shooting programs, providing club benefits, and defending our Second Amendment rights. NRA affiliates play a major role in the
delivery system of NRA Programs. By becoming affiliated with NRA, you will send a strong message to those who threaten our gun rights and you will help to continue the shooting sports tradition.
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Cadets during the pre-competition briefing at the 2024-2025 NRA Arizona State JROTC 3-Position Air Rifle Championship held at Ben Avery Shooting Facility in Phoenix, Ariz, on Sept. 21.
There were 51 shooters that attended the 2024-25 NRA Arizona State JROTC 3-Position Air Rifle Championship in September.
2024-2025 NRA Arizona State JROTC 3-Position Air Rifle Championship
USFT-Youth Shooting Sports Program
Ben Avery Shooting Facility Phoenix, Arizona
September 21
51 competitors
Submitted by Dan Palmer
The 2024-2025 NRA Arizona State JROTC 3-Position Air Rifle Championship was held at the Ben Avery Shooting Facility’s air gun indoor range in Phoenix, Arizona, on September 21, 2024.
This competition is one of two qualifier matches in Arizona for JROTC cadet athlete competitors to be invited to compete in the Arizona National Sectional Match scheduled for January 10, 2025.
Fifty-one cadets—including 22 women—representing the AFJROTC, USAJROTC, MCJROTC, and NJROTC programs attended the event, with 12 competing
teams and three individual competitors.
Teams at this year’s competition included Basic Academy MCJROTC (Henderson, Nevada), Cienega NJROTC (Vail, Arizona), Deer Valley AFJROTC (Glendale, Arizona), Fontana MCJROTC (Fontana, California), Kofa MCJROTC (Yuma, Arizona), Sandra Day O’Connor AFJROTC (Phoenix, Arizona) and Tombstone USAJROTC (Tombstone, Arizona).
Jaylie Hays from Cienega H.S. NJROTC team one was the top shooter at the match, posting scores of 547-15X in qualification and 629-15X after the top eight final. Delila Mendez from Kofa H.S. MCJROTC team one was the runner-up with a 541-21X qualification score and 623-22X after the top eight final. In addition, Bryant Fletcher from Cienega H.S. NJROTC team one came was in third place, with a 526-20X qualification score and 618-21X after the final.
Fontana H.S. MCJROTC team one was in first place with a score of 2087-39X, while Kofa H.S. MCJROTC team was the runner-up with 2063-49X. In third place was the Cienega H.S. NJROTC team one with a score of 2023-45X.
Additionally, Fontana MCJROTC team two finished in fourth place, Tombstone USAJROTC team one was in
fifth place, Sandra Day O’Connor AFJROTC team one claimed sixth place,
Kofa MCJROTC team two was in seventh place, Cienega NJROTC team two was in eighth place, Sandra Day O’Connor AFJROTC team two in ninth place, Deer Valley AFJROTC team one earned 10th place, Sandra Day O’Connor AFJROTC team three was ranked 11th and Basic Academy MCJROTC team one secured 12th place.
A big thank you to David Halbrook of NRA Days for taking care of us once again this year and making sure we had plenty of t-shirts, hats, pins, safety cards and NRA Marksmanship Qualification books available for competitors and spectators. Thanks also goes to M&J Trophies of Glendale, Arizona, for performing an outstanding job on the medals for the competition.
The following volunteers that helped as staff and range safety officers also deserve thanks, including Chief Range Safety Officer Michael Schoenle, Range Safety Officer and Jury Chairperson James Cook IV, along with Range Safety Officers Ariana Cherry and Natalee Coti-Alvarado.
SPORTER TEAM LEADERBOARD
Fontana H.S. MCJROTC Team 1, 2087-39X
Kofa H.S. MCJROTC Team 1, 2063-49X
Cienega H.S. NJROTC Team 1, 2023-45X
SPORTER INDIVIDUAL LEADERBOARD
Jaylie Hays, 629-15X
Delila Mendez, 623-22X
Bryant Fletcher, 618-21X
Topping the team leaderboard at the 2024-2025 NRA Arizona State JROTC 3-Position Air Rifle Championship was Fontana H.S. MCJROTC team one, walking away from the match with an aggregate score of 2087-39X. Team members were Javier Campos, Stephanie Mendoza, Eliezer Moreno and Aleen Castro.
Nearly 80 women attended NRA Day at Gateway Rifle & Pistol Club in Jacksonville, FL, Saturday, Nov 16th. The event, held in conjunction with the annual Ladies Day, provided an orientation to safe gun handling, offering training with pistols, air rifles, the AR-15 rifle, cowboy action shooting and personal safety.
After official welcomes and a thorough safety orientation, the women were then split into five groups. They rotated through different activities to sample several styles of shooting.
On the air gun range the women shot air rifles at 10 meters. Coaches gave a brief lesson on how the air rifle worked, and basic sight alignment and trigger squeeze. Although the targets were small, the ladies did very well.
This year Jackie Emslie, an NRA certified instructor, offered a refreshing look at situational awareness. Her Look Around, Hear the Sound program covered proactive measures to detect potential problems, and skills and techniques to stay safe.
On the pistol line, the ladies shot .22 caliber pistols at 7 yards, using two hands. After an orientation on firearm and safe gun handling, the pistol coaches reviewed the fundamentals of a good shot, loading and unloading. Then the women showed their skills. Although it was the first time shooting a pistol for several of the ladies, the coaches were impressed!
Dakota Lil and her gang introduced the women to cowboy action shooting, the period dress and firearms of the era. They shot revolvers and shotguns at
targets placed at different distances. The patience of the volunteers working with the ladies helped many overcome their personal fears of firearms.
On the rifle range, the ladies learned what an AR-15 was, how it worked, the different calibers available and why it is so much fun to shoot. They reviewed the
safety rules and the fundamentals. The ladies were seated and used either a tripod on the rifle or a sandbag for stability, with targets set 25 yards away. This was a great introduction for many, who came away with a new understanding and appreciation of the rifle. A huge thanks to our volunteers, without whom this event would have never happened! We also want to recognize those businesses that supported us. Thank you to NRA for the t-shirts and pins, the FSSA, Ruger, Gun Gallery, Esco-Tech, and The AWA Jacksonville West Chapter. These organizations continually give their support for our Ladies programs and are truly appreciated!
Scouting America recently announced several updates to the shooting sports program. First, a name change – Range and Target Activities (RATA). This name change reflects a more concise description of the program – all activities take place on a range and involve targets! This is true for firearms, air guns, muzzle loaders, as well as archery, tomahawk and knife throwing, catapults, rockets, etc. Also, the name Scouting America is the overall organization’s public name of corporate Boy Scouts of America (BSA). Scouting America is an active phrase, indicative of the active style of events and activities of Scouting.
The Cub Scout RATA recognition patches and pins transitioned to Elective Adventures effective June 2024. Each program level Lions through Arrow of Light now has these electives meshed into the advancement process for all ages.
Troops, Crews, and Ships conducting unit level RATA now must have at least one adult complete the Range Activities SAFEty course through ScoutingU. Anytime the unit conducts a range activity, this adult must be present on the range, along with the required instruc-
tors and safety officers. This 30-minute training is accessed via the leader’s my.scouting account and is similar to other unit level oriented safety training such as Safe Swim Defense, Safety Afloat, Hazardous Weather, etc.
Other program updates effective 1 September 2024 include expansion of pistol shooting to all older Scouts, regardless of unit affiliation. This means all Scouts age 14 and older, or age 13 and have completed the eighth grade, may now participate in pistol shooting! The NRA FIRST Steps Pistol program is the required program for all pistol activities, excepting only the Cowboy Action activity, which has no changes. Single Action and Double Action revolvers and semi-automatic pistols may be used in calibers .177, .22LR, .38SPCL, and 9mm.
Owing to this pistol update, the BSA Pistol Safety and Marksmanship program is retired. AirSoft pistol is removed from the Multi-Gun AirSoft (MGAS) activity, which also has another change for the AirSoft rifle which must now only be a bolt-action style rifle as is used in rifle shooting activities.
Another update to rifle activities is removal of all
center-fire rifles from the program. Rifles approved for use must be .22LR caliber bolt-action. Here again is an exception for Cowboy Action, which uses a lever action rifle.
Hunting is no longer approved; however, Hunter Education Safety training remains a part of the program. Note that there are no changes for shotgun, archery, chalkball / powderball, throwing activities, and other activities detailed in the updated National Range and Target Activities manual.
Some changes to be aware of regarding equipment, ammunition, and ranges used on Scouting America Nationally Accredited properties include:
■ personal equipment or ammunition may NOT be used for shooting, throwing, etc.
■ This includes all guns, paintball, archery equipment, etc.
■ Ammunition must be wholly managed by the local council
■ Muzzle Loading Pistols may no longer be used; no change for Muzzle Loading Rifle and Shotgun
■ Black powder or substitutes may be used
The private property approval process is retired. All RATA activities must take place on either Nationally Accredited properties or at approved commercial ranges.
A “commercial firearm range” is a supervised facility that offers a controlled environment for safe firearm practice. It will provide shooting lanes, targets, and may offer equipment rentals and training in safe firearm handling and marksmanship. Standard operating procedures are required for each firearm type used on-site. Scouting’s range and target activities must follow all of Scouting’s range and target activities policies or range standard operating procedures that are equivalently stringent, including no variation from Scouting’s limitations on firearms used. These ranges may be operated by a licensed business, a government entity or a nonprofit.
Range & Target Activities | Boy Scouts of America web site.
https://www.scouting.org/outdoor-programs/ range-activities/
Range and Target Activities FAQs | Boy Scouts of America
https://www.scouting.org/outdoor-programs/ range-activities/range-activities-faq/
Your local council Range and Target Activities Committee or Range Activities Director (formerly Shooting Sports Director)
The National Range and Target Activities manual –download from the RATA web link above.
Author – Jim Sheckels, Cumberland County, North Carolina; NRA Regional Training Counselor Liaison, Mid-Atlantic Region 5 and member of Scouting America’s National Range and Target Activities SubCommittee. Jim has been an NRA Trainer for 18 years and a member of BSA for 58 years. Jim may be contacted be email at jim@sheckels.com.
The NSSP would like to formally announce our New National Ambassador for 2024/2025. Please welcome 17 year old LOGAN ELLIOTT. Logan is from Tuttle, Oklahoma and attends Tri-City Worship Center in Newcastle Oklahoma. He has obtained his GMA with Merit and is a member of FCF. He is active in 4-H Shooting sports including Air Rifle, .22 Rifle, Shotgun Hunting Skills and Archery. Logan belongs to the Tri-City youth Gun Club shooting Skeet and Trap and Pistols. He is involved with the Grady County NASP Archery program. WELCOME ABOARD LOGAN.
The goal of the NRA Civil Rights Defense Fund is to provide legal and financial assistance to select individuals and organizations defending their right to keep and bear arms. Since inception, the NRA CRDF has awarded millions of dollars for legal research, education, and support of cases defending these rights. Cases of special interest to the NRA CRDF are those that advance Second Amendment advocacy and help shooting ranges defend their range. Cases that present unsettled or new issues of law are also of interest.
Applications for financial support must be submitted by an attorney. Requests should include, at a minimum, the following information:
1. Legal or constitutional issue to be resolved and how it would have a widespread favorable impact;
2. Summary of the facts;
3. Background of the litigants or other parties;
4. Summary of past and projected administrative and legal proceedings;
5. Projected costs of litigation for the different stages of the case and an explanation of the basis for such projected costs, including hourly attorney fees and projected number of hours;
6. Other sources of funding and amounts received and requested;
7. Probability of obtaining a favorable result and basis for conclusion.
Additional information is required where a shooting range is requesting support.
Individuals or organizations may also apply for grants to fund research projects, such as law review articles, books, websites, or similar scholarship and research. While this application process is the same as that for litigation funding, a different list of information is required to be provided to the Board of Trustees for consideration. This list can be found on the NRA CRDF website.
If funding is granted, the grant will be limited to the case applied for only and only for the purposes which were specified in the application. Specifically, a grant does not extend to other cases or matters, even if they involve the same parties and/ or arise out of the same facts and circumstance. For additional conditions of funding, including obligations, disputes, invoices, and payments, visit www.nradefensefund.org
Applications for funding must be submitted to nracrdf@nrahq. org via an electronic application at least (30) days prior to the meeting (late spring, fall, or winter) in which the request is to be considered.
Please visit www.nradefensefund.org for more information about the fund and the application process.
Royal Rangers is an activity-based, small group church ministry for boys and young men in grades K-12. Our mission is to evangelize, equip and empower the next generation of Christlike men and lifelong servant leaders. We provide Christlike character formation and servant leadership development for boys and young men in a highly relational and fun environment.
Please go to royalrangers.com to learn more.
WANT TO KNOW WHERE THE NEAREST ROYAL RANGERS OUTPOST IS TO YOU?
www.RR
NSSP is affiliated with the Royal Rangers Ministry. We are a Non-Profit group with a 501c3 status. We are totally self funded. Any monetary donations or product donations are tax deductible and will be used to fund our ministry. We also include the Girls Ministry and invite the Girls and Women leaders to participate in our Top Shot Competitions.
NSSP and Royal Rangers have developed a shooting sports program to offer both Royal Rangers and Girls Ministry members a safe and fun opportunity to participate in nationwide NSSP Top Shot Competitions.
TOP SHOT COMPETITIONS ARE IN THE FOLLOWING DISCIPLINES:
3-Position Sporter Air Rifle B.B. Gun Smallbore Light Rifle 3-P Trapshooting Black Powder Rifle Archery
Reaching over 125,000 Members and Their Families YOUR Brand... YOUR Products... YOUR Services... ...Targeted Marketing That Works! Ad Space & Strategic Partnerships Available
1st Place $5000 2nd $3000 and 3rd $2000
Now is the time to start working on getting ready to submit for the Outstanding Achievement Youth Award! The NRA’s Outstanding Achievement Youth Awards (OAYA) encourages and recognizes those junior shooting sports participants who take an active part in their community and shooting sports through individual contributions, educational pursuits, and accomplishments.
■ The award is designed to promote a greater appreciation of the programs the NRA has to offer and to increase awareness of the shooting sports activities in which youth can participate.
■ Youth are eligible through their 21st birthday. The requirements are not that difficult to acquire. One must meet 5 of the core requirements which are:
■ Complete one NRA Basic Firearm Training Couse
■ Participate in the NRA Marksmanship Qualification Program by earning a rating in one discipline.
■ Write an essay “What the Shooting Sports has Taught Me”
■ Submit 3 Letters of Recommendation.
■ A copy of your school transcripts
■ In addition, there are elective requirements one must choose 5 from the list for submission. To more information visit: https://oaya.nra.org/ or email oayaprogram@nrahq.org 703-267-1505
The deadline for submission is May 1 of every year. Every youth that submits receives a certificate as well as a medal.
“Have fun shooting and remember, our youth are our future.”
The 2024 Maryland State Rifle & Pistol Association (MSRPA) Smallbore State Match and the 4H State Rifle Match took place September 15th at the Associated Gun Clubs in Marriottsville, MD. Hosted by the Baltimore Rifle Club, the event included a 3X20 3-Position and a 60 shot Prone Match. Juniors shot in the 4H event and individuals aged 20 or older shot in the smallbore match. There were 47 participants who hailed from IWLA-Damascus, Anne Arundel Fish & Game Conservation Club, Maryland Rifle Club, Arlington Rifle & Pistol Club, along with 4H clubs from Howard and Queen Anne counties. The participants also celebrated with NRA Day shirts and pins, educational material and more. Prior to the start of the match, Andrea Miller, Match Director and MSRPA Competitive Chair welcomed the match participants, thanked all the volunteers and the NRA, and reminded everyone, “Have fun shooting and remember, our youth are our future.”
Many Maryland gun clubs sponsor shooting sports programs under the supervision of certified instructors through an NRA sponsored Junior Rifle Program. These programs teach personal responsibility with firearms while stressing safety and proper handling; provide opportunities to participate in informal target and competitive shooting; provide certification for Scouting Rifle Merit Badges; provide sponsorships for state competitions; and provide background for hunter safety training.
Cathy Wright, NRA and MSRPA board member, was on hand, along with 14 volunteers including a Chief Range Officer, Line Officers, Scorekeepers, and other parent volunteers. Many thanks to NRA’s Clubs & Associations for their support and to the Baltimore Rifle Club for hosting this popular and successful event.
Cathy Wright 919-360-9484
The Clark County Sportsmens Club , located in Marshall illinois, became a not for profit corporation in 1954. This year, 2024 was our 70th anniversary. When US Congressman Mike Bost became aware of this he stopped to visit our club and presented us with a Certificate of Congressional Recognition. Mr. Bost is the representative from district 12 in Illinois.
The Clark County Sportsmens Club is affiliated with the NRA, ISRA and CMP. We currently have about 200 members. As a not for profit we are obliged to provide service to the community. We have done this through the years by making our clubhouse and ranges available to youth groups such as Boy Scouts, 4-H and the high school trap team. We’ve held a “Womens Only” handgun league several summers now. It combines training, fun shooting and competition it is open to members and non-members alike. We also make our facilities available to the Marshall Police dept. and Clark County Sheriffs dept for training and practice. We hold a “toys for tots” shoot every year.
In 1954 we had a clubhouse and 2 trap ranges. Since then we have added the East range which has 25, 50, and 100 yard shooting stations. (Sadly one trap range had to be sacrificed.) But this allows us to hold handgun and benchrest rifle matches. Most recently we added the West range which was built for bowling pin matches but is open for 20 yard hangun shooting daily.
We’re now ready for the next 70 years. Gary Wallace, president pictured is rep. Bost with members of the club.
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The MSRPA Annual Meeting was held Sunday, October 6th at the Associated Gun Clubs in Marriottsville. Board Chair, Patty Bruzdzinski, welcomed the members and guests; and President, Jeff Andrews, presented MSRPA’s activities and accomplishments:
On the legislative front our Legislative Vice-President, Cathy Wright, spent many days in Annapolis meeting with and lobbying State Senators and Delegates on our behalf. While two anti-2A bills were passed and signed, several other bills never came out of committee. On the judicial front we still await a decision on Kipke vs Moore in response to SB1’s signing last year. The MSRPA has been present at several gun shows this year in Frederick, Howard County, Timonium, and Easton. MSRPA also participated in the Friends of NRA Dinner in Annapolis last month. MSRPA sponsored state championship matches in indoor & outdoor precision pistol, air pistol, and smallbore rifle. We also sponsored pistol teams at the CMP matches at Camp Perry, OH, as well as Juniors shooting in various local, regional, and national matches.
Following a catered lunch from Mission BBQ, our guest speaker Doug Hamlin, NRA’s new Executive Vice President, was introduced. He presented an overview of the NRA’s mission to “deliver for its members by being the national leader in the fight to defend the Second Amendment and to promote responsible gun ownership, public safety, firearms education and training, hunting, and shooting sports, with integrity,
accountability, and transparency.” Doug’s presentation was followed by a Q & A.
The following Officers and Board Members were also elected to serve:
President & Board Member - Jeff Andrews
1st Vice-President & Board Member - Wally Chance
2nd Vice-President & Board Member - Cathy Wright
3rd Vice-President & Board Chair - Patty Bruzdzinski
Secretary & Board Member - Michael Bruzdzinski
Treasurer & Board Member - Jim Bryant
Awards were presented by Andrea Miller, Competition Chair, and Jeff Andrews, President.
Shannon Moriarty - Shannon began her shooting career during COVID by reading books and practicing by herself in the garage.
By July of 2020 she was able to practice in person with the Arlington Rifle and Pistol Club Junior Team. Shannon has now participated in the Junior Olympics four times, winning in 2022 a silver medal in the Women’s under-15 Air Rifle and in 2023 a bronze medal in the Women’s under-15 Smallbore. She has won the USA Shooting Winter Air Gun Championships for the Women’s under-15 for the past three years and was a member of the Arlington Rifle and Pistol Club Junior Hotshots team that won the 2024 National Champions and the 2024 Pardini Junior Air National Championships.
Amara Ince - Motivated to find a new passion after the disruptions caused by COVID-19, Amara began her shooting journey in
2021. In a remarkably short time, she honed her skills and showcased her talent, earning an impressive third place in the Junior Olympics State Championship. This achievement not only highlights her dedication and hard work but also sets a strong foundation for her future in competitive shooting. Amara’s rapid progress and commitment to the sport have made her a rising star in the shooting community.
Emma Doyle - Emma began her 3 PAR career with the Calvert NJROTC in 2021. She has competed in 17 national and countless state and local competitions. Emma shot in the CMP Regionals, the Junior Olympics, the CMP National Championship, the Navy Nationals, and the All-Service Nationals three years in a row. Her career culminated at the 2024 All-Service Nationals, where she shot a 559 and a 558 breaking the school record, and then placed 1st in the finals, earning the
Gold Distinguished Shooting badge. Emma accepted an Army National Scholarship and currently attends Embry Riddle Aeronautical University.
Doug Griggs - Doug joined the Izaak Walton League of America - Wildlife Achievement Chapter in the 1990’s and quickly became more involved helping the youth shooting sports at the Damascus Air Rifle Club where his son participated in the air rifle and smallbore shooting competitions. Doug began to coach, and later achieved a Coach Level 1 certification. He coached in the Sporter Air Rifle Class, eventually ran the intermediate level youth shooting group, and continued coaching long after his son graduated from the program. Doug has dedicated himself to managing the marksmanship programs that help the young shooters develop and achieve their shooting skills.
TheFlorida State Precision Pistol Championships were held in conjunction with NRA Day at Gateway Rifle and Pistol Club (GRPC) on October 19 & 20. Both Saturday and Sunday were beautiful days as 29 shooters from 8 states competed in a great two-day event. Nestor Pena (Winter Haven, FL) was the match winner, High Civilian, High Senior, and High Veteran category winner, firing a 2575-94X and was awarded the Florida Sport Shooting Association (FSSA) trophy as State Precision Pistol Champion. Seth Innes (Hollywood, FL) finished second with a 2551-70X, with third overall going to Robet Fanucci (Mershon, GA) firing a 2542-78X. Keith Sanderson (Monument, CO) was the High Master Class winner followed by Tim Goszka (Sun City Center, FL) who won the Master Class and was the Grand Senior Champion. Mark Goodman (St. Petersburg, FL) won the Expert Class and Mark Fiji (Los Angeles, CA) took the Sharpshooter Class and was also the Metallic Division winner. Sheri Tanner (Tampa, FL) was the Marksman Class winner and was the High Women. Jacob Milich (Jacksonville, FL) was the Service category winner and Jack Ragsdale (Lumberton, MS) was the Police category winner. John
Hollingshead (Frederick, MD) was the .22 Only Aggregate winner. In the NRA Distinguished Revolver Match, Seth Innes was the winner with a 264-5X, edging out Jacob Milich, who posted 264-3X. Finishing third was Derek Dattner (Chicago, IL) with a 264-2X.
NRA Day provided all competitors the opportunity to come together at the state championships to learn, experience, share, and grow in appreciation of the
shooting sports. Additionally, NRA provided T-shirts and pins to the competitors and staff ball-caps to the volunteers. More information on NRA Day can be found at: https://nraday.nra.org.
Many thanks to our sponsors: Pardini USA, Hornady, Magpul, Ransom International, Swab Its, My Medic, Clenzoil, Esca Tech, Mission BBQ, Midway USA, The National Rifle Association and The Florida Sport Shooting Association for their generous contribution of prizes.
The Florida Sport Shooting Association thanks our match volunteers and Gateway Rifle and Pistol Club for an outstanding job hosting the State Pistol Championships. A complete list of scores along with a match slideshow can be found at http://grpc-jax.com/disciplines/outdoor_pistol.html.
Article and images provided by Ted Carter, FSSA President and State Championship Match Director.
The NRA Foundation is dedicated to supporting law enforcement agencies in their crucial role of maintaining public safety. From 2001 to 2023, the Foundation has awarded over $3.3 million to programs across the country, providing es sential resources such as training ammunition, safety gear (including body armor and eye/ear protection), K-9 programs, firearms, communication equipment, specialized training courses (including active shooter training), and first aid supplies.
This support extends to both large and small police departments, sheriff’s offices, constables, and cor rectional officers. One notable recipient is the East Pennsboro Township Police Department in Enola, Pennsylvania, which has received two grants from The NRA Foundation, totaling $24,000. In 2024, they were awarded $9,000 to continue their transition to advanced non-lethal tools, following a $15,000 grant in 2023 that helped equip officers with the latest technology. These grants significantly enhance the department’s ability to handle real-world situations effectively.
Grants like these not only improve officer safety but also foster better community relations by providing non-lethal force options. The NRA Foundation proudly continues its commitment to supporting law enforce ment agencies, enabling them to enhance public
supported. Thank you again for your generous gift.”
In Hitchcock, TX, Shelby Samuelson, a School Resource Officer with the Hitchcock ISD Police Department, noted, “Thank you to The NRA Foundation for supporting our department! This grant provided ammunition for training and gun cleaning kits, allowing six officers to qualify for their duty firearms and meet the state’s annual qualification requirement.”
Johnnie Hall, Constable of Gonzales County Constables Office Precinct 1 in Gonzales, TX, shared, “Because of this NRA Foundation grant, our Constable’s Office now has the enhanced equipment needed to ensure the safety of Gonzales County citizens and visitors alike. Once training is completed, these firearms will be placed in patrol units and be in service daily. THANK YOU!”
Additionally, the Plumas County Sheriff’s Office in Quincy, CA, received over $14,000 in grants for targets, stands, holsters, cleaning equipment, mounted lights, and hearing protection. Correctional Officer Jessianne Joiner highlighted the grant’s positive impact: “The items received improved safety for personnel, enhanced training opportunities, and saved costs that can be redirected to other critical needs. Overall,
this support has significantly contributed to the safety of our community.”
Interested in applying for an NRA Foundation grant? Learn more and apply for a grant today: https://www. nrafoundation.org/grants/
Grant applications are closing soon. View the grant application deadlines here: https://www. nrafoundation.org/media/1xvjpe2i/grant-application-deadlines-webpage-list-2025.pdf
Thank you to all who have attended and supported Friends of NRA events and helped make these grants possible. You can continue to make an impact by attending a Friends of NRA event near you! https:// www.friendsofnra.org/events/
Female participation in shooting sports is on the rise, bringing fresh energy to a traditionally male-dominated field. However, many women in the sport struggle with confidence and find it challenging to connect with other like-minded women.
That’s where the Thrival Foundation comes in. Based in Southern Idaho, Thrival Foundation’s mission is to empower women and children through education and the development of self-reliance skills. They firmly believe encouragement, support, and knowledge are the keys to a brighter future. By equipping individuals with the tools they need to be self-sufficient and confident, they aim to make a positive and lasting impact on the world around us. Their commitment is to foster self-reliance, inspire personal growth, and pave the way for a more empowered and self-assured society.
Thanks to Idaho Friends of NRA fundraising, The NRA Foundation awarded over $3,000 to the Thrival Foundation in 2024 to support their mission. This funding helped provide a Glock 19, 9mm ammo, a gun safe, targets, three Ruger .22’s, and .22 practice ammo.
Over the past year, Thrival Foundation held its inaugural Wild Women’s Rendezvous, bringing together 75 women aged 16 and older from around the globe in the scenic hills of Idaho. The event focused on learning, bonding, and personal growth, with an emphasis on hunting and outdoor skills. Its mission is to have each participant leave feeling more confident and better prepared for outdoor adventures. This gathering, led by strong and capable women, aims to inspire a new generation of outdoor enthusiasts and foster connections among like-minded individuals.
Tara Bell, Executive Director of the Thrival Foundation, explained, “The support we receive from Friends of NRA is invaluable. We would struggle to host the Wild Women’s Rendezvous without our grant. We are training over 75 women in one week in self-reliance skills to empower women and kids to have the confidence to thrive. That is priceless. We thank you!”
During the 5-day Wild Women’s Rendezvous event, participants learn:
■ Wilderness Safety & Survival
■ Safe Shooting Practice (Rifles, Handguns, Traditional Archery, Compound Archery, & Shotguns)
■ Health & Fitness for the Outdoorswoman
■ Hunting, Trapping, & Hound Hunting
■ Wild Game Processing, Wild Game Cooking, Skinning, & Furs
A participant of the program, Jamie, shared, “The conscious choice to avoid risk is to avoid truly living. Here you will learn that you can take care and protect yourself. You’ll leave a new person.”
The NRA Foundation is proud to support organizations such as the Thrival Foundation, empowering them to make a bigger impact.
Learn more about The NRA Foundation and apply for an NRA Foundation grant: https://www.nrafoundation.org/grants/
The 2025 application cycle ends soon. View grant application deadlines here: https://www. nrafoundation.org/media/1xvjpe2i/grant-application-deadlines-webpage-list-2025.pdf
Make an impact on your local shooting sports programs by attending a Friends of NRA event near you! https://www.friendsofnra.org/events/
ATTEND. SPONSOR. DONATE.
The NRA Foundation Sportsmen’s Auction at the Great American Outdoor Show
Friday, January 31st, 2025, at 5:30pm PA Farm Show Preferred Ballroom 2300 North Cameron Street Harrisburg, PA 17110
Get ready for an unforgettable evening filled with auctions, raffles, exclusive firearms, and plenty of fun all in support of preserving the future of the Second Amendment! This year’s event is set to be our best yet, and with your support as a sponsor or donor, we can make a substantial impact on The NRA Foundation's mission to support and safeguard our freedoms for the next generation!
With over 300 attendees—your target audience—this is a unique opportunity to showcase your brand in front of a room full of outdoor enthusiasts, sportsmen, and supporters of the Second Amendment. Sponsoring or donating to this event means more than contributing to a great cause; it’s a strategic way to elevate your brand and connect directly with potential clients and customers. As a sponsor, your name and logo will be prominently displayed, making a lasting impression on everyone in attendance.
To sponsor or donate, email us at nrafevents@nrahq.org
Since 1992, Friends of NRA has hosted over 26,000 events with more than 4.8 million attendees, raising over $1.1 billion in support of The NRA Foundation's charitable mission. The Foundation is dedicated to funding educational firearm programs on local, state, and national levels.
The NRA Foundation has funded more than 63,000 grants to enhance shooting sports education across the country. These grants support vital programs, including:
• Youth education
• Women’s clinics
• Law enforcement training
• Hunter safety
• Range improvements
• Firearms and marksmanship training
The NRA Foundation is committed to safeguarding our Second Amendment rights by promoting safe and responsible firearms ownership through grants funding qualified programs. As the leading charitable organization supporting the shooting sports in America, the NRA Foundation is dedicated to serving freedom-loving individuals, preserving core American values and traditions, and fostering a culture of responsibility.
NRA Foundation grants play a crucial role in providing essential resources for programs nationwide, ensuring the availability of quality training, materials, and educational opportunities. A notable example of this impact is the NRA Foundation’s support of the USA Clay Target League in 2024.
This year, the NRA Foundation awarded 22 grants totaling over $64,000 to the USA Clay Target League to help with season-ending tournament expenses. These grants reached more than 22,300 student athletes across over 1,300 high schools, supported by more than 1,500 coaches. Since 2011, the NRA Foundation and Friends of NRA have contributed over $196,400 to the League.
John Hubener, Fundraising Manager of the USA Clay Target League, remarked, “While the numbers are impressive, the overall positive impact that the NRA Foundation and Friends of NRA fundraising chapters have had on the next generation of shooting sport enthusiasts is truly immeasurable. This funding ensured
that our student athletes, coaches, and their families experienced a safe, memorable, and affordable clay target shooting sport tournament event in 2024.”
The grants help cover a portion of a wide variety of essential needs including range fees, targets, awards, participant shirts, patches, score sheets, and insurance. Each state hosts its own tournaments, and the amount allocated from the NRA Foundation is based on local fundraising efforts by Friends of NRA committees!
This year, state tournaments supported by NRA Foundation grants included Arkansas, Arizona, California, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New York, Oklahoma, Oregon,
Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Texas, Virginia, Wiscon sin, and Wyoming. The National Championship took place in July in Mason, Michigan.
The NRA Foundation is proud to support the USA Clay Target League in its dedication to safety, fun, and marksmanship. Together, an impact was made on 31 events across 19 states, benefiting over 22,300 stu dent athletes in 2024 alone.
In addition to their substantial support for the USA Clay Target League, the NRA Foundation also provided funding to individual school and club teams partici pating in the League. Through 140 state fund grants, totaling nearly $515,000, it is estimated these grants positively impacted an additional 6,250 student athletes in 2024.
Through these efforts, the NRA Foundation continues to uphold their commitment to promoting responsible firearms ownership and enriching the lives of young athletes across the nation.
Learn more about USA Clay Target League.
Learn more about The NRA Foundation and grant awards.
The NRA Youth Education Summit is an all-expense-paid, six-day leadership and scholarship program for rising high school juniors and seniors held in July in the Washington, D.C. area.
During Y.E.S., students will have the opportunity to engage with political leaders, visit historic monuments, and showcase their skills in competitive debates—all while competing for college scholarships.
The Youth Education Summit is designed to encourage students to explore the inner workings of American government, the Bill of Rights, and the U.S. Constitution. Y.E.S. aims to inspire students to become responsible citizens who actively participate in the democratic process and return to their communities as advocates for the Second Amendment.
High school sophomores and juniors are eligible to apply. To enter, students must submit a completed application through an online portal, along with their high school transcript, a three-page essay on the Second Amendment, a personal statement, and three letters of recommendation. Applications open in the fall and close in January.
If you would like to make a tax-deductible contribution to the Y.E.S. scholarship fund, please visit Donate to Y.E.S. Your donation will help invest in the next generation of leaders!
For more information about the NRA Youth Education Summit, to apply, read frequently asked questions, or donate, visit our website at www.yes.nra.org.
Questions? Contact us at YES@nrahq.org.
The National Rifle Association of America is pleased to announce the continuation of our partnership with the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation thanks to the overwhelming use of NRA’s free Online Hunter Education course by Oklahoma residents and the utilization of the NRA Public Range Fund. These milestones were celebrated on December 2nd at the Oklahoma Wildlife Conservation Commission meeting with a ceremonial check presentation. During this meeting, the Commission honored Peter Churchbourne – Managing Director of NRA Hunting/HLF with an award recognizing “outstanding contributions to the sportsmen and sportswomen of Oklahoma.”
“Thanks to our partnership with the NRA, more than 29,000 Oklahoma sportsmen and sportswomen took the free hunter education course provided by the NRA over the past two and a half years,” said Lance Meek, Senior Communication and Education Specialist for the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation. “I’d encourage other states to look at offering the NRA course.” The matching funds that the NRA’s free course provided for the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation, totaling $731,225, can be used by the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation to apply for Pittman-Robertson grants that will result in $2,193,675 of real dollars for the department.
Also celebrated was the $25,000 awarded from the NRA Public Range Fund to assist with the building of the new Copan WMA Shooting Range. “We appreciate the continued support from the NRA Public Range Fund that helps us provide safe shooting ranges for Oklahoma residents. To date this fund has provided $93,000 to the state of Oklahoma,” said Amanda Thomas, OK Shooting Range Coordinator.
“We are pleased to partner with the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation and applaud them for capitalizing on the opportunities that the NRA provides for state wildlife agencies and their state residents,” said Peter Churchbourne. “I am honored and humbled to have received their award and enjoy working with their agency and staff”.
Online Hunter Education: Designed and provided by the organization that built the first-ever hunter education program in the United States in 1949, the NRA Hunter Education online course offers a fresh and fully comprehensive approach to hunter education. The 15-chapter, online sequence features attentiongrabbing videos, eye-catching graphics and diagrams, interactive modules, audio recordings, and dozens of action photos presented in appealing, easy-to-access components that provide the best method for teaching future hunters lessons they will remember for the rest of their lives. To take the NRA Hunter Education online course or learn more, visit NRAHE.org.
Public Range Fund: The NRA Public Range Fund was established in 2009 as a matching grant program to encourage city and county governments, and state and federal agencies, to work with the NRA on efforts to build and improve public ranges across the United States. With over $2,000,000 granted through 2024, this fund has helped Americans find safe and free places to exercise their Second Amendment Rights. To learn more, visit Range Services | NRA Explore
About the National Rifle Association Established in 1871, the National Rifle Association is America’s oldest civil rights and sportsmen’s group. 5.5 million members strong, NRA continues its mission to uphold Second Amendment rights and is the leader in firearm education and training for law-abiding gun owners, law enforcement and the military. Visit http://www.nra.org.
Congratulations NRA members and other pro-gun voters! Once again, our votes helped make the difference. Don’t just take our word for it. Following President Donald Trump’s resounding victory, former Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) whined about gun rights voters to the New York Times.
In an interview with Times re-
porter Lulu Garcia-Navarro, Pelosi stated that cultural issues played an important role in the 2024 election. Garcia-Navarro asked the former House Speaker, “why did voters who earned less than $100,000 go for Trump in such large numbers?” Pelosi responded in part, “Well, there are cultural issues involved in elections as well… Guns, that’s an issue.”
Pelosi’s forthright acknowledgement of the gun vote is welcome public recognition of the powerful role gun owners play in American politics. However, astute observers of the 2024 presidential campaign will have seen earlier signs of this reality.
Try as they might, the Kamala Harris campaign couldn’t run far enough fast enough from the can-
didate’s decades-long anti-gun and anti-Second Amendment record. The Harris campaign claimed Harris no longer supported the type of firearm confiscation she repeatedly advocated in 2019. The handgun ban supporter touted how she supposedly owns a Glock pistol and how she would use it against a home invader.
The Harris campaign attempted to cast her anti-gun running mate, Gov. Tim Walz (D-Minn.), as some sort of gun-toting Midwestern everyman. The vice presidential
“Well, there are cultural issues involved in elections as well… Guns, that’s
candidate took to a Minnesota field in an ill-fated hunting photo-op. And of course there were the dopey Harris-Walz camouflage hats.
Gun owners can add Pelosi’s comments to the long list of prominent acknowledgements of pro-gun political power in presidential elections.
In 2017, twice-failed presidential candidate Hillary Clinton released her book, “What Happened,” about the 2016 presidential election. Clinton repeatedly acknowledged NRA’s influence on the 2016 election and the broad political landscape.
Pointing out the grassroots power of gun rights supporters, Clinton explained, “The politics of guns has been toxic for a long time… The vocal minority of voters against gun safety laws have historically been more organized, better funded, and more willing to be single-issue voters.”
Recounting her first policy speech of the 2016 campaign, where she attacked NRA, Clinton admitted, “Going after the NRA is dangerous for candidates…”
Discussing NRA’s contribution to her defeat, Clinton noted,
As for the NRA, it kept its promise to do everything it could to stop me. All told, the gun lobby spent more than $30 million supporting Trump, more money than any other outside
group and more than double what it spent to support Mitt Romney in 2012. About two-thirds of that money paid for more than ten thousand negative ads attacking me in battleground states.
Following the 2000 presidential election, President Bill Clinton spoke with CBS News’ Dan Rather about Vice President Al Gore’s loss. Rather asked Clinton, “Do you agree or disagree that some of your failures -- policy as well as personal failures in the White House -- had an impact on Al Gore’s losing?” The president replied in part, “I don’t think there is -- I don’t know if you’d call this a policy failure, but I don’t think there’s any doubt that, in at least five states I can think of, the NRA had a decisive influence…”
Later in the interview, Clinton described NRA as “an effective adversary” and said, “you’ve got to give it to them, they’ve done a good job. They’ve probably had more to do than anyone else in the fact we didn’t win the House this time. And they hurt Al Gore.”
Through the decades, gun owners have made clear that they are a force to be reckoned with. By continuing to organize, and demonstrating the power of the pro-gun vote at the ballot box, NRA members and other gun owners can preserve our Second Amendment rights for years to come.
Make your plans for the 2025 NRA Annual Meetings & Exhibits in Atlanta, GA from April 24 - 27! Featuring 14 acres of guns & gear, the industry’s top brands, presentations from leading 2A supporters, banquets, auctions, 50+ FREE seminars, demos, and tons of family-friendly activities. This is the NRA’s flagship event of the year - don’t miss out!
The only consumer show where you can see all the industry-leading brands under one roof. Register onsite or in advance at www.nraam.org!
With so many events spread over four exciting days, there truly is something for everyone at the 2025 NRA Annual Meetings & Exhibits!
NRA Foundation Banquet & Auction
NRA Leadership Forum
NRA Annual Members Meeting
Women’s Leadership Forum Brunch & Auction
National Prayer Breakfast
NRA Youth Day Activities - 50+ FREE Seminars & Workshops - Saturday Night Celebration
- And Much, Much more!
“Defend the 2nd” is our salute to the millions of NRA members that live by this credo. Visit our website at www.nraam.org for more info, and the chance to have your picture displayed at the 2025 Annual Meetings & Exhibits in Atlanta!
AL STATE RIFLE & PISTOL ASS'N 2009 Rodgers Drive Huntsville, AL 35811 205-655-3730
Eambhm1@aol.com
AK OUTDOOR COUNCIL, INC. 310 K St Ste 200 Anchorage, AK 99501 907-740-1702
www.alaskaoutdoorcouncil.org
AZ STATE RIFLE & PISTOL ASS'N P.O. Box 74424 Phoenix, AZ 85087 623-687-4251
www.asrpa.com
AR RIFLE & PISTOL ASS’N P.O. Box 2348 Conway, AR 72003 501-327-4702
arkansasrifle.com
CA RIFLE & PISTOL ASS'N, INC. 271 E Imperial Hwy Ste 620 Fullerton, CA 92835 714-992-2772 www.crpa.org
CO STATE SHOOTING ASS'N 7661 McLaughlin Road Falcon, CO 80831 719-966-7512 www.cssa.org
CT STATE RIFLE &REVOLVERASS'N 300 Pepes Farm Road, Unit 5233 Milford, CT 06460 860-480-4600 https://csrra.org/
DE STATE SPORTSMEN’S ASS'N P.O. Box 94 Lincoln, DE 19960 www.dssa.us
FL SPORT SHOOTING ASS'N, INC. P.O.Box 56261 Jacksonville, FL 32241 904-880-1715
www.flssa.org
GA SPORT SHOOTING ASS’N 880 Marietta Highway - PO Box 351 Roswell, GA, 30075 478-955-7068
www.georgiasportshootingassociation. com
HI RIFLE ASSOCIATION PO Box 543 Kailua, HI 96734
808-224-2824
www.hawaiirifleassociation.org
ID STATE RIFLE & PISTOL ASS’N PO Box 140293 Boise, ID 83714-0293 208-900-1911
www.idahosrpa.org
IL STATE RIFLE ASS'N, INC. P.O. Box 637 420 E. Locust St. Chatsworth, IL 60921 815-635-3198
www.isra.org
INSTATERIFLE&PISTOLASS'N,INC. P.O. Box 40025 Indianapolis, IN 46240 812-534-3258
www.isrpa.org
IA FIREARMS COALITION PO Box 310 Moville, IA 51039 515-423-0391
www.iowafc.org
KS STATE RIFLE ASS'N P.O. Box 8760 Topeka, KS 66608 913-608-1910
www.kansasrifle.org
LEAGUE of KY SPORTSMEN, INC. 1116 Hume Rd Lexington, KY 40516 859-858-0135
www.kentuckysportsmen.com
LA SHOOTING ASS'N 350 Quill Ct. Slidell, LA 70461 985-781-4174
www.louisianashooting.com
ME PINETREESTATER&PASS'N,INC 14 Pine Road Wiscasset, ME 04578 207-882-4713 www.mainerpa.org
MD STATE RIFLE & PISTOL ASS'N 341 Whitfield Rd Catonsville, MD 21228 410-838-1734 www.msrpa.org
(MA) GUN OWNERS’ ACTION LEAGUE PO Box 567, 361 W Main St Northborough, MA 01606 508-393-5333 www.goal.org
MI RIFLE & PISTOL ASS’N P.O. Box 71 Marshall, MI 49068-0071 586-727-1977
www.michrpa.com
MN RIFLE & REVOLVER ASS'N, INC. P.O. Box 143 Farmington, MN 55024 320-968-6898 www.mrra.org
MO SPORT SHOOTING ASS’N 6140 N. Wagon Trail Rd. Columbia, MO 65202-9658 573-449-2849 www.missourisportshooting.org
MAGNOLIA STATE SHOOTING SPORTS ALLIANCE PO BOX 15593 Hattiesburg, MS 39404-5593 601-260-1145
https://www.facebook.com/people/ Magnolia-State-Shooting-SportsAlliance/100092283475481/
MT RIFLE & PISTOL ASS’N P.O. Box 48 Ramsay, MT 59748 406-696-5697 www.mtrpa.org
NE FIREARMS OWNERS ASSOCIATION PO Box 24714 Omaha, NE 68124 402-213-5600 www.nebraskafirearms.org/
NV FIREARMS COALITION 5575 Simmons St, Ste I-176 North Las Vegas, NV 89031 702-373-5935 www.nvfac.org
GUN OWNERS OF NH, INC. P.O. Box 847 Concord, NH 03302-0487 603-225-4664
ASS'N OF NJ R&P CLUBS, INC. 5 Sicomac Rd Ste 292 North Haledon, NJ 07508 973-764-4100 www.anjrpc.org
NM SHOOTING SPORTS ASS'N, INC. P.O. Box 93433 Albuquerque, NM 87199 505-990-1802 www.nmssa.org
NY STATE R&P ASS’N, INC. 713 Columbia Pike East Greenbush, NY 12061 518-272-2654 www.nysrpa.org
NC RIFLE & PISTOL ASS’N P.O. Box 4116 Pinehurst, NC 28374 910-639-4742 www.ncrpa.org
ND SHOOTING SPORTS ASS'N P.O. Box 228 Bismarck, ND 58502 701-255-4601 www.ndssa.org
OH RIFLE & PISTOL ASS’N PO Box 1201 Morehead, KY 40351-5201 330-304-6908 www.orpa.net
OK LAHOMA RIRLE ASSOCIATION 1530 N. Harrison Box 333 Shawnee, OK 74804 405-374-9262 https://oklahomarifle.org/
OR STATE SHOOTING ASS’N
P.O. Box 231191 Portland, OR 97281-1161 503-635-5874 https://keystone2a.org/
KEYSTONE RIFLE & PISTOL ASSOCIATION PO Box 45 Huntingdon Valley, PA 19006 919-215-4161 www.ossa.org
GUNRIGHTS & SAFETY ASS'N OF PR PO Box 191919 San Juan, PR 00919-1919 787-691-1919 www.grsapr.org
RI 2nd AMENDMENT COALITION 928 Atwood Ave Johnston, RI 02919 401-944-1600 www.ri2nd.org
GUN OWNERS OF SC P.O. Box 211 Little Mountain, SC 29075 803-924-2665 www.gosc.org
SD SHOOTING SPORTS ASS'N 304 West Prospect Ave Pierre, SD 57501 605-660-1059 www.sdshootingsports.org
TN SHOOTING SPORTS ASS'N, INC. 4442 Gray's Point Rd Joelton, TN 37080 615-352-3954 www.tennesseeshootingsportsassociation. org
TX STATE RIFLE ASS'N P.O. Box 2140 Bastrop, TX 78640 512-615-4200 www.tsra.com
UT STATE RIFLE & PISTOL ASS’N 2718 E. 9725 South Sandy, UT 84092-3405 801-942-6529 usrpa.org
VT FED'NOFSPRTMN’SCLUBS,INC. PO Box 225 Lyndonville, VT 05851 206-427-8257 www.vtfsc.com
VA SHOOTING SPORTS ASS’N P O Box 34247 North Chesterfield VA 23234 804-271-9212 www.myvssa.org
WA STATE R&P ASS'N, INC. P.O. Box 64971 University Place, WA 98464 725-400-4867 www.wsrpa.net
WV STATE RIFLE & PISTOL ASSOC. PO Box 553 Charles Town, WV 25414 443-623-3150 www.wvasrpa.org
WISCONSIN FORCE PO Box 130 Seymour, WI 54165 608-445-6816 www.wisconsinfirearmowners.org
WY STATE SHOOTING ASS'N, INC. Box 942 Worland, WY 82401 307-347-8852 www.wyossa.com
Director of Field Staff
Eastern Regional Director
Area 2 (NY, CT, MA, ME, NH, VT, RI)
Bryan Hoover bhoover@nrahq.org
David Wells dwells@nrahq.org
Shawn Sage ssage@nrahq.org
Area 4 (DE, NJ, Eastern PA) VACANT
Area 5 (Western PA)
Area 7 (WV, Western VA, Western MD, KY)
Area 14 (IN)
Area 45 (DC, Eastern MD, Eastern VA)
Area 49 (OH)
Area 51 (MI)
Central Regional Director
Area 17 (WI)
Area 18 (IL)
Area 19 (MO)
Area 20 (OK, KS)
Area 21 (MN, ND)
Area 23 (IA, NE)
Area 29 (WY, SD)
Area 30 (CO, UT)
Southern Regional Director
Area 9 (SC, Eastern NC)
Area 10 (GA, AL, MS)
Area 26 (Southern & Western TX)
Area 16 (AR, LA)
Area 42 (NCW)
Area 43 (TN)
Area 44 (Eastern & Northern TX)
Area 48 (FL)
Cory Schaeffer cschaeffer@nrahq.org
Michael Swackhamer mswackhamer@nrahq.org
Josh Toennessen jtoennessen@nrahq.org
Brandon Spence bspence@nrahq.org
Marc Peugeot mpeugeot@nrahq.org
VACANT
Donald Higgs dhiggs@nrahq.org
VACANT tflynn@nrahq.org
Jason Wolfe jwolfe@nrahq.org
Tim Besancenez tbesancenez@nrahq.org
Chad Grissom cgrissom@nrahq.org
Eric Linder elinder@nrahq.org
Tim Bacon tbacon@nrahq.org
Byron "Dusty" Klein bklein@nrahq.org
VACANT
Mike Webb mwebb@nrahq.org
Steve Slavik sslavik@nrahq.org
Richard Mulford rmulford@nrahq.org
Tyler Ward tward@nrahq.org
Alex Campbell acampbell@nrahq.org
VACANT
Tom Knight tknight@nrahq.org
Liz Foley efoley@nrahq.org
Bret Eldridge peldridge@nrahq.org
Western Regional Director
Area 28 (MT)
Area 31 (AZ, NM)
Area 33 (ID)
Area 34 (OR, HI, WA)
Area 35 (Northern CA, Central CA)
Area 46 (Eastern CA, NV)
Area 50 (CAM and CAS)
Area 53 (Alaska)
Brad Kruger bkruger@nrahq.org
Joseph Crismore jcrismore@nrahq.org
Ron Capalongan rcapalongan@nrahq.org
Steve Vreeland svreeland@nrahq.org
Robert Berg rberg@nrahq.org
Daniel Wilhelm dwilhelm@nrahq.org
Jody Lammel jlammel@nrahq.org
Jason Russo jrusso@nrahq.org
VACANT
Important upcoming deadlines and events:
NRA Great American Outdoor Show - Harrisburg, PA - PA Farm Show Complex - February 1-9, 2025 https://www.greatamericanoutdoorshow.org/
NRA Annual Meeting and Exhibits - Atlanta, GA - Georgia World Congress Center - April 24-27, 2025 https://www.nraam.org/
