Judy and Sam Brimer stood out from the crowd at the Professional Outdoor Media Association's (POMA) annual event. The pair wore bright orange shirts each day of the conference, held in La Porte, Indiana.

They stood out for another reason at the conference's Product Showcase: these three lovely ladies joined them at their booth. Each young woman is modeling a different dress offered by the Judy and Sam's new dressmaking company, Camo Formal.

A seamstress by trade, Judy learned to sew in the fourth grade. "I was a little fashion designer," she said. "I was one of 6 girls, and I made sure we all had a new wardrobe each year." 35 years of marriage and three daughters haven't changed her passion. At one time, Judy operated nine shops in Louisiana and Texas before turning to her current business: Camo Formal.

A few years ago, they closed those shops.

Inspiration hit, and Camo Formal is now a thriving reality.  More...

NRANews Executive Producer John Popp and his band of audio/technical wizards stopped by headquarters today to shoot segments for the show. They left with a little more than originally planned.

"Taping at NRA Headquarters accomplishes two things," explained Popp. "First, shooting here provides our viewers with an actual view of the building. We tape our interviews at the museum, in the hallways, on the range - where ever we can find a free space.

"Second is the wild cards. Today, for example, we ran into Competitive Shooting's H.Q. Moody. That impromptu meeting turned into two separate interviews. They wouldn't have happened if we weren't here at headquarters."

In addition to the Moody interviews, Popp and his crew had the opportunity to sit down with Ruthann Sprague from NRA Women's Programs, J.R. Robbins from NRAHuntersRights.org, and (pictured above) National Firearms Museum's Phil Schreier. All of which are scheduled air on NRANews.com somewhere between 9pm and midnight Eastern Time over the next few days.

From Justin McDaniel at www.NRAhuntersrights.org:

If you’ve ever been frustrated by your current riflescope’s inability to perform well in low-light conditions, visit www.NRAhuntersrights.org during the month of September for a chance to win a Trijicon AccuPoint 3-9x40 riflescope.

Trijicon’s AccuPoint line features a battery-free, self-illuminating reticle for a vivid aiming point in any light, be it dusk, dawn, or sometime in between. The AccuPoint is the only variable-power riflescope that combines both fiber optics and a built-in self-luminous Tritium Phosphor Lamp, meaning the aiming point automatically glows in low-light conditions—without the need for batteries. The model we’re giving away comes with a standard crosshair and green dot aiming point.

Other great features include easy-focus eyepieces, multi-coated lenses that gather loads of light with zero distortion, long eye-relief, and a manual brightness override that allows you to easily adjust the brightness of your aiming point. An aircraft-grade aluminum body and matte-black finish ensures this scope is durable and perfectly suited for any hunting situation. A set of lens caps, Trijicon LensPen cleaning tool, and Trijicon’s lifetime warranty are included.

Free to one entrant, this scope retails for $815. For more information on Trijicon’s AccuPoint line of riflescopes, visit www.trijicon.com.

To submit your name for the Trijicon giveaway, visit www.NRAhuntersrights.org and scroll down to “Gift Giveaway” for simple entry instructions. Entries will be accepted Sept. 1 through Sept. 30, and a winner will be announced on Oct. 1.

The Texas Trophy Hunters Association provides a weekly podcast on the issues facing the hunting community. Our own JR Robbins, Managing Editor of NRAhuntersrights.org, is a frequent guest on the show. In current and coming broadcasts, learn about:

• How NRA defends hunters’ rights
• How New Jersey finally got a bear hunt
• The importance of women to hunting
• Blizzards of regulations that are driving people out of hunting.
• … and other news that affects your freedom to hunt.

Download the free podcasts.

For the latest on how NRA defends your hunting rights, be sure to bookmark NRAhuntersrights.org. Send your feedback to huntersrights@nrahq.org.

Every year at the Professional Outdoor Media Association (POMA) conference, we take a trip to a local range for Media Day. That's where participants get a chance to try out the latest in outdoor equipment and accessories. While Lightfield munitions showed off their latest Less Lethal ammunition line and Alpen Optics provided scopes for some, the lines predictably started on the firing lines.

With everything from Remington 1911s to Winchester 20 gauges, there were plenty of firearms to go around. And the folks at the Kingsbury Fish and Wildlife Area Shooting Range were more than gracious with their assistance. One Range Officer, John Rozinkis, stopped us during a cease fire to show off his BlackBerry's NRA screen saver. He might have been jockeying for a blog mention -- it worked.

A nice addition to this year's Media Day was the opportunity to test drive a Dodge Ram Outdoorsman. Available with a 1500, 2500, and 3500, the Outdoorsman comes with a bigger tank, a bigger bed, and a RamBox Holster. The Holster allows you to store two long guns or six fishing rods in well-hidden slotted flaps above the rear wheels -- a nice alternative to rear window rack. And the suspension performed well through the mud and over the fallen trees we muscled through.

All too soon it was time for lunch and a return to business at hand. We were glad to get back to the seminars and grateful for the Media Day. After all, how else could we keep on top of the equipment and gear you'll be taking out tomorrow.

From Justin McDaniel of NRAHuntersRights.org:

With waterfowl season just around the corner, you won’t want to miss this month’s DOUBLE gift giveaway on www.NRAhuntersrights.org. For the month of August we’re giving away a set of NRA Fold Up Decoys (FUDs) and Final Approach’s new waterfowl hunter’s backpack, pictured at left, quite possibly the roomiest hunting backpack you’ll ever own.

The NRA FUD is the official decoy of the NRA. FUDs fold flat and can be carried into the field hands-free, making bulky decoy bags a thing of the past. These decoys take up very little space in a boat or pickup, and when you’re done they store easily on a hook. Once in the field, it takes just seconds to fold them into lifelike, three-dimensional, full-bodied decoys. The set of six Canadas we’re giving away retails for $90 and comes with anchors, anchor lines, a carry hook, and a manual on decoying tips and tactics.

As the NRA is a shareholder in NRA FUD, Inc., proceeds from the sale of these decoys helps NRA defend hunting rights. Visit www.nrafud.com today for an informational video. NRA FUD Inc. is actively seeking dealers to help sell the NRA FUD product line. Any interested party can contact Tom Kanalas, VP of Sales & Marketing, at (517) 569-3164 for more information.

The second gift, Final Approach’s new waterfowl hunter’s backpack, has the space waterfowlers need to keep their gear organized and easily accessible. The main compartment on this well-built, multi-purpose bag measures 18”H x 15”W x 5”D, and the pack has secondary compartments as well. The backpack, done in Advantage Max-4 camo, also has a cell phone compartment, organizer pocket, computer compartment, two outside water bottle pockets, and an exterior elastic cord for securing bulky items. It’s comfortable, too, with ergonomically designed padded shoulder straps, a padded back and padded waist belt. Free to one lucky reader, Final Approach’s waterfowl hunter’s backpack retails for $79.95. For more information, look here.

To enter the August giveaway, visit www.NRAhuntersrights.org and scroll down to “Gift Giveaway” for simple entry instructions. Entries will be accepted Aug. 1 to Aug. 31, and a winner will be announced on Sept. 1. One winner will receive both gifts.

Friday night at the Professional Outdoor Media Association's (POMA) Fifth Annual Business Conference started with a smattering of NRAblog bags and ended with the traditional auction and raffle. Like we told you earlier, NRA's Deputy Executive Director of General Operations Andrea Cerwinske encouraged the crowd to use NRA as a resource for their work.

"Our programs are a natural fit for you freelance writers to cover," she said. "Come be a part of the action."

As the night rolled on, the crowd cringed and celebrated as raffle and silent auction winners were eventually unveiled. Highlights included an Olympus E-P1 Digital Camera, a Smith & Wesson M&P15 PC Tactical Rifle, a pair of Russell Scent-Stop pants, and a Quebec Spring Bear Hunt for two.

Deputy Executive Director of NRA General Operations Andrea Cerwinske flew to Indiana to address the 2010 gathering of POMA -- the Professional Outdoor Media Association. More than one hundred members of the outdoor writing and photography community are in La Porte, Indiana, for this gathering.

What did Cerwinske have to say?

"NRA General Operations encompasses 178 programs that reach women, young people, competitive shooters, ranges, instructors, and clubs all across the United States," she began. "These are fun, exciting programs that we would welcome you to join."

"Our programs are a natural fit for you freelance writers to cover," she said. "Come be a part of the action."

"Many of our events are the perfect backdrop. Just bring your camera, grab your lap top and your notebooks, and we'll provide the story."

Specifically,Cerwinske spent time outlining three programs of the NRA: the Youth Hunter Education Challenge, or YHEC; the Women On Target program; and the National Firearms Museum.

"As gun owners and hunters, our challenge is to replace ourselves, to carry on our traditions in the next generation so they will not become extinct," she said. "YHEC is one program doing just that." More...

Producers, writers, and photographers from across the country are gathered this week in La Porte, Indiana, for the fifth annual Professional Outdoor Media Association (POMA) conference.

The three-day event features business sessions and an exclusive Product Showcase, pictured above. Representatives from Hunt Comfort, Mossy Oak, Birchwood Casey, Alpen Optics, Otis Technology, Brownells, Hunter Specialties, Ram, and more offered attendees a look at their latest gadgets and gear.

From POMA Showcase 2010

From Justin McDaniel of NRAHuntersRights.org:

During the month of July, visit www.NRAhuntersrights.org for a chance to win a truly elegant yet dependable firearm that will stand up to years of use – a Henry Golden Boy.

The excellent fit, finish and overall design elegance of Henry’s Golden Boy make it a testament to fine gunsmithing. The Golden Boy’s 20-inch blued octagonal barrel, American walnut stock, adjustable buckhorn-type rear sight, brass buttplate, and gleaming Brasslite receiver transport you back to the days of America’s Old West, when company founder Benjamin Tyler Henry designed the original Henry lever action rifle.

The Golden Boy offered for the giveaway is a .22 S/L/LR and will handle 16 .22 LRs. It’s also available in .22 Magnum and .17 HMR. Small game hunters and plinkers will appreciate the excellent balance afforded by the Golden Boy and its comfortable 6 ¾-pound weight; the Henry’s famously smooth lever action opens and shuts with effortless slickness.

As Henry says, this rifle is made in America and priced right, retailing for $515.

To enter, visit www.NRAhuntersrights.org and scroll down to “Gift Giveaway” for simple entry instructions. Entries will be accepted now through July 31, and a winner will be announced on August 1.

Special thanks to NRA's 1st Vice President David Keene for the photo and report:

Chris Dorsey of Orion asked me a year or so ago if I'd participate in an African hunt for broadcast as part of the "Dangerous Game" series he produces. I agreed to travel with Chris, Mark DeYoung of ATK, which owns numerous companies of interest to NRA members including Federal Premium Ammunition, Mark's son Scott, and a camera crew to Zambia for a 10 day hunt.

Mark was targeting a lion for the show and I was after a Cape Buffalo. We both succeeded in one of the most game rich areas of Zambia and Africa. It was an exciting hunt; my first for dangerous game featuring a stare down with a large Buffalo that winded us from about ten yards. We froze as did he and we simply stared at each other for more than a minute before the Buffalo decided we weren't worth charging and wandered off.

While the old bull in the photo was the reason for my being there, I also took an Impala, a Zebra and a Nile crocodile. All in all, the hunt of a lifetime!

Above, Keene is pictured on the left and Chris Dorsey on the right. The Dangerous Game series "highlights the drama and personalities of the courageous hunters who dedicate their lives to the pursuit of some of the most fearsome animals on the planet. Not only does the series focus on heart-pounding hunts, but it also showcases the key role hunters play in conserving the species and the environments where the animals live." We'll keep you posted just as soon as we know when Keene's segment is scheduled to air. 

For all the latest on how the NRA defends your right to hunt, check out NRAhuntersrights.org.

Thanks to Justin McDaniel from NRAhuntersrights.org for the following:

NRA Youth Hunter Education Challenge turns 25

When 400 young hunters arrive in Pennsylvania’s Northern Tier next month for NRA’s International Youth Hunter Education Challenge (YHEC), it will mark the 25th anniversary of one of the most successful hunter education programs in history.

With the entire hunting community concerned about the decline in hunter numbers, YHEC is one of the few bright spots when it comes to hunter recruitment and retention. Fifty thousand youngsters participate in YHEC programs throughout the United States and Canada each year, and the majority of those participants continue hunting.

Since its founding in 1985, YHEC has helped create a generation of the safest, most responsible, most knowledgeable young hunters you’ll find anywhere. In the process, the program has sparked lifelong friendships, ignited a passion for the outdoors in more than 1.3 million kids, and created a close-knit family of volunteers, coaches, participants and alumni that has few equals.

“I hate to single anyone out, there are just so many stories to tell and great people I’ve met,” said Charlie Fox, a retired Deputy Game Protector from Bradford County, Pa., who oversees the muzzleloading event at the International YHEC and has been involved with YHEC since it began. Mentoring is really what YHEC is all about—teaching kids about firearms and bows, hunting ethics, safety, and the ways of the woods. 

Continue reading here.

Mike Krei, Director of NRA Competitive Shooting, wears many hats. Here, NRAhuntersrights.org writes about his experience hunting on the United States' west coast:

Aleutian Canada Geese: Back from the Brink 

For anyone who grew up in the Pacific Northwest or Alaska before the 1980s, it was virtually unheard of to see an Aleutian Canada goose. v Mike Krei, director of NRA’s Competitive Shooting Division, never saw an Aleutian goose while growing up in Arcata, Calif., for example, despite hailing from a family of diehard waterfowl hunters.

“I was born and raised in that area,” Krei said. “I hunted and fished there for the first 19 years of my life, and I never saw a Canada goose, let alone an Aleutian. Never saw one, never shot one. My family members were ardent duck hunters in the area for generations. My dad was a duck boat builder and so was my grandfather, so waterfowling was something that we did. I grew up hunting birds from 8 years old on up, and geese were never something that we saw.”

Between 1915 and 1936, at the height of the fur industry, Aleutian geese were nearly wiped out by the introduction of non-native arctic and red foxes for fur farming within Alaska’s Aleutian Islands—the geese’s home nesting ground.

Aleutian geese were listed as endangered in 1967 under a special designation that pre-dated the Endangered Species Act, and they were one of the first species protected when the new act took effect in 1973. With no natural defense to the predators introduced by the fur industry, there were only 800 of the birds left by the mid-1970s, according to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

In fact, the geese were not seen at all from 1938 to 1962, when U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service biologists discovered a small population of Aleutian geese on Buldir Island in the western Aleutians. That discovery led to a multi-faceted recovery effort that included removing non-native foxes from potential nesting islands and moving wild geese from Buldir Island to other fox-free islands in the Aleutian chain. Another important step was the process of acquiring, protecting and managing habitat along the geese’s migration route along the coast of Oregon and Northern California and their wintering grounds in California’s Central Valley.

Finally, the geese were protected via hunting closures—as mandated by the Endangered Species Act—throughout their range.

Continue reading here.

The Exotic Wildlife Association has announced Darren LaSorte, manager of hunting policy for National Rifle Association Institute for Legislative Action (NRA-ILA), will be the featured guest speaker at 32nd Annual Trophy Game Records of the World (TGR) Awards Banquet, hosted by the Exotic Wildlife Association (EWA).

The EWA event will be held on July 16, 2010, through July 17, 2010, at the Inn of the Hills Resort & Conference Center in Kerrville, Texas.

LaSorte, who will speak on the evening of July 17, is the NRA Manager of Hunting Policy and he coordinates all NRA lobbying on hunting-related matters in all 50 states and Congress. Prior to this position, he successfully lobbied firearms issues in more than a dozen states over his seven years as a State Lobbyist based out of NRA’s National Headquarters in Fairfax, Va. A native of Montana, LaSorte has lived and hunted throughout the country.

“Darren LaSorte is an inspiring defender of hunters’ rights and private property rights, and we are very pleased to have him as a guest speaker at the TGR Awards Banquet this year,” says Charly Seale, executive director for the Exotic Wildlife Association. “Darren fights daily against the radical, well-funded anti-hunting organizations and he works to protect and expand hunting opportunities throughout the country. His staunch advocacy for hunting rights has played an important role in supporting the exotic wildlife industry and helps make events such as our annual TGR Awards possible.”

The TGR Awards Banquet will attract hundreds of game ranchers, guides, outfitters, hunters, and exotic animal enthusiasts from around the country. The event will feature exhibitors from around the hunting and wildlife industries, fund-raising auctions, Big Buck Contest, tropaeology school, fun Texas Hold-Em poker tournament, and much more. More...

Justn McDaniel reports:

The June Gift Giveaway on NRAhuntersrights.org features one of the most advanced pieces of shooting gear we’ve offered yet—a Leupold VX-3 3.5-10x40mm CDS riflescope.

The VX-3 features Leupold’s Xtended Twilight Lens System for increased brightness in low light; DiamondCoat 2 scratch-resistant lens coating; blackened lens edges for reduced light diffusion; an internally threaded, lockable, fast-focus eyepiece; and Leupold’s famous Argon/Krypton gas waterproofing technology. Windage and elevation can be fine-tuned with cryogenically treated, ¼-MOA, finger-click adjustments.

This scope also comes with Leupold’s Custom Dial System (CDS)—you contact Leupold with your ballistics data, and they’ll send you a dial custom built to match the caliber and load you’re using. Sighting-in at different ranges will be quick and easy.

The scope has a matte black finish and duplex reticle, comes with scope caps, and is backed by Leupold’s full lifetime guarantee. As a final touch, each VX-3 scope is mounted with a 24k gold-plated ring and medallion. Free to one lucky winner, this scope retails for $499.99.

To enter, visit www.NRAhuntersrights.org and scroll down to “Gift Giveaway” for simple entry instructions. Entries will be accepted June 1 through June 30, and a winner will be announced on July 1. (Entries must be made each month to be eligible for a Gift Giveaway. Entries made prior to June 1 will not qualify for the June giveaway.)