“This is a win for science over emotion. It’s a win for facts over hysteria. Congress has reaffirmed that state wildlife biologists—not lawyers, judges or animal rights activists—are the best authority in conservation and wildlife management today,” said David Allen, RMEF president and CEO.

He added, “We’re grateful that Congress has begun the process of rescuing science-based wildlife management from the frivolous lawsuits that have kept America’s proven system of conservation bogged down for years in court proceedings and bureaucracy.”

“We thank Senators Tester and Baucus, Congressman Rehberg and Governor Schweitzer of Montana for their willingness to take on this fight. We also thank Congressman Simpson and Senators Risch and Crapo and Governor Otter of Idaho. Additionally, I want to thank Senator Hatch from Utah and Senators Barrasso and Enzi and Congresswoman Lummis of Wyoming for their efforts as well. All of these lawmakers went way out on a limb to debate and fight and establish this first-ever type of legislation. Sportsmen and ranchers everywhere need to thank them for their help,” said Allen.

RMEF has been urging Congress to help end a decade-long struggle to grant states the authority to manage recovered wolf populations. But while Idaho and Montana are now authorized, other states remain vulnerable to continued federal litigation and stall tactics by extremist groups. Several Western and Great Lakes states have long-recovered wolf populations that should be delisted and turned over to the states for management.

Allen said, “RMEF will continue to call for delisting gray wolves wherever populations are recovered. We hope today’s legislation sets a precedent for other states like Wyoming and the Great Lakes states, among others, to get gray wolves delisted and under the management authority of their state wildlife agencies.”

He added, “We’ll have to wait and see, but we’re hopeful that Congress has sent a clear message that the public is tired of courtroom conservation and environmental groups playing games with the Endangered Species Act. If those folks don’t stop manipulating the ESA beyond its original goal, they will destroy its usefulness and purpose.”

About the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation:
Snowy peaks, dark timber basins and grassy meadows. RMEF is leading an elk country initiative that has conserved or enhanced habitat on over 5.9 million acres—a land area equivalent to a swath three miles wide and stretching along the entire Continental Divide from Canada to Mexico. RMEF also works to open, secure and improve public access for hunting, fishing and other recreation. Get involved at http://www.rmef.org/ or 800-CALL ELK.

This long running case began in 2003 when the Fund for Animals, which later merged with the Humane Society of the United States  (HSUS), filed a lawsuit to stop hunting on 39 refuges.  The U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance Foundation (USSAF), along with other organizations, intervened on behalf of sportsmen.  Anti hunting groups later expanded the lawsuit to include more 50 refuges.     

Judge Gwin’s ruling stops  HSUS’ attempt at using the National Environmental Policy Act to close hunting on these refuges.  In making the decision  the judge  noted that  “Plaintiffs, however, are not entitled to an inviolate sanctuary for their preferred uses – Congress has determined that, to the extent possible, hunters, fishers, observers, photographers, and educators must share the refuges.”

The judge’s ruling relied heavily on language  in the 1997 Refuge Improvement Act, championed  by  the U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance,  which made hunting, fishing and other wildlife oriented activities priority uses on refuge units. The Act also mandated hunting and fishing activities be “facilitated”. 

It is unknown at this time if HSUS will appeal the ruling. 

“The majority of refuges were created to be open to hunting but relentless attacks by anti-hunting groups forced Congress to spell it out in law,” said Rob Sexton, USSAF vice president for government affairs.  “Now, the courts have once again ruled that hunting is a priority use of refuge land wherever and whenever compatible with wildlife management.”

The U.S. Sportsmen’s Legal Defense Fund (SLDF), the legal arm of the U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance Foundation, has worked since the beginning of this case to defend the rights of hunters and has collaborated with other groups including Safari Club International (SCI). Together, the SLDF and SCI are co-counsels and also represent Ducks Unlimited, the National Rifle Association, Izzak Walton League, Delta Waterfowl Foundation, and California Waterfowl Association.

National Wildlife Refuges provide excellent opportunities for sportsmen to pursue waterfowl, big game, furbearers, and much more.  Hunting is a popular public activity on refuge land and a practical means of maintaining optimal wildlife populations.  

The National Wildlife Refuge System Administration Act of 1966 empowered the  Fish and Wildlife Service  to open refuges to hunting when compatible with the purposes for which the refuges were established.  In 1997, National Wildlife Refuge System Improvement Act went a step further.  It ensures that refuges are managed for wildlife conservation and that hunting and fishing are priority public uses on refuge units.

The U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance Foundation is responsible for public education, legal defense and research. Its mission is accomplished through several distinct programs, coordinated to provide the most complete defense capability possible  For more information about the U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance Foundation and its work, call (614) 888-4868 or visit its website, http://www.ussafoundation.org/.

This voluntary workforce of devoted elk hunters and other conservationists is providing much of the horsepower for RMEF initiatives in 2011—habitat conservation and enhancement, elk restoration, hunting heritage and youth education programs, and more.

The labor figures were released by RMEF in conjunction with National Volunteer Appreciation Week, April 10-16, 2011. President Nixon designated the annual commemoration in 1974 to celebrate America’s spirit of volunteerism for good causes. U.S. Presidents still issue formal proclamations to help keep volunteerism going strong.

“Volunteer labor doesn’t show up on financial statements. Neither bankers nor the IRS even consider it a true asset. But this year the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation will reach its 6 millionth acre of habitat conservation, we’re helping to restore elk herds in Missouri and Virginia, and we’re influencing millions of people with positive messages about hunting and wildlife. And I can promise you that almost none of that would happen if not for our volunteers,” said David Allen, RMEF president and CEO.

“Conservation today depends on volunteers,” he added, saying, “and I hope all who love the outdoors will join RMEF in thanking not only those whose volunteerism is inspired by elk, but everyone who gives of their time and talents for wildlife and wild places.”

For tips on how to get started as a volunteer for conservation, visit the link/URL below:

http://www.rmef.org/NewsandMedia/NewsReleases/2009/Volunteer.htm

Nationwide, RMEF boasts 10,000 volunteers who conservatively average 80 hours of donated labor annually, for a total of 800,000 hours. The 2010 national average value for an hour of volunteer labor is $21.36, according to the nonprofit Independent Sector using U.S. Bureau of Labor statistics plus estimates for saved employee benefits.

RMEF volunteers coordinate and host banquets and other fundraisers, assist wildlife and land managers by building wildlife watering devices, conducting elk research, removing unneeded fencing and countless other jobs.

About the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation:
Snowy peaks, dark timber basins and grassy meadows. RMEF is leading an elk country initiative that has conserved or enhanced habitat on over 5.9 million acres—a land area equivalent to a swath three miles wide and stretching along the entire Continental Divide from Canada to Mexico. RMEF also works to open, secure and improve public access for hunting, fishing and other recreation. Get involved at www.rmef.org or 800-CALL ELK.

(AUGUSTA, GA) —Bad Boy Buggies presents its new Work Series of bedded utility vehicles, ideal for handling land- and game-management tasks on large properties.

Landowners, conservationists and game managers can choose from three different Work Series vehicles in a variety of configurations to meet the specific needs of their operation. Depending on the model, the Work Series offers vehicles with electric, gas or diesel powertrains, and two-wheel-drive or four-wheel-drive capabilities, at varying maximum payload capacities.

“With the introduction of the Work Series, Bad Boy Buggies provides hunters and outdoorsmen with a complete portfolio of vehicle solutions for both in-season and off-season use,” said Mike Parkhurst, vice president of sales for Bad Boy Buggies. “Just as our traditional 4×4 electric vehicle is purpose-built for stalking trophy game, the Work Series is perfect for managing property in the off-season to ensure conditions are ideal when game are in season.”

The Work Series includes the following three models:

• The Bad Boy Buggies XD is the largest vehicle in the line, with a total load capacity of 1,600 pounds and a 22 hp, 1,007cc three-cylinder diesel engine. The XD features user-selectable four-wheel-drive, four-wheel independent suspension, and four-wheel hydraulic disc brakes, and a manually selectable locking rear differential that can be engaged in two-wheel-drive or four-wheel-drive operation, for maximum control and traction in loose terrain.

The vehicle’s 14.4-cubic-foot cargo bed can hold up to 1,100 pounds, and the vehicle can tow up to 1,300 pounds from its rear hitch receiver. A rollover protection system (ROPS) protects driver and passengers, and standard features such as a 12-volt accessory outlet and glovebox make the ride more comfortable and productive.

The 1600XD also can be outfitted with numerous aftermarket options and accessories, including a front hitch receiver, vinyl enclosure, and a hydraulic power source to drive augers, plows, log-splitters, post drivers and other implements needed for chores.

• The Bad Boy Buggies HD is a versatile two-wheel-drive hauler, available with a choice of a 13 hp, 401cc, low-emissions Kawasaki® gas-powered engine or a silent, zero-emissions 48-volt electric drivetrain. A standard 9.6-cubic-foot cargo bed and rear hitch receiver enable the HD to handle hauling and towing tasks with ease, and generous ground clearance makes the HD surefooted on difficult terrain. To meet the specific needs of any operation, the HD can be outfitted with options such as a 14.9-cubic-foot aluminum cargo bed, an electric power cargo-bed dump, and a front hitch receiver.

• The Bad Boy Buggies LD is a dependable, two-wheel-drive runabout vehicle for smaller tasks and chores on any property. The LD is available with either a 13 hp, 401cc, low-emissions Kawasaki® gas-powered engine or a zero-emissions, highly efficient 48-volt electric drivetrain. A standard 5.9-cubic-foot cargo bed, bench seating for two, and total capacity of 800 pounds make the LD an ideal choice for handling day-to-day tasks and transportation needs.

The Work Series is available now at your local Bad Boy Buggies authorized dealer. For more information about the Work Series and the complete Bad Boy Buggies vehicle line, visit www.badboybuggies.com or join Bad Boy Buggies’ Facebook community at www.facebook.com/badboybuggies.

About Bad Boy Buggies

Bad Boy Buggies is a leader in utility vehicles for hunting and outdoor lifestyles. Bad Boy Buggies pioneered the category of electrically powered 4×4 vehicles, ideal for hunting and outdoor recreation due to their silent, odorless operation and environmentally friendly, emissions-free drivetrains. Today, the Bad Boy Buggies product line ranges from four-wheel-drive electric hunting machines such as the XTO, a fully electric, 4WD vehicle with seating for four, to the Work Series of diesel, gas- and electric-powered utility vehicles, including the Bad Boy Buggies XD, a versatile 4WD, diesel-powered utility vehicle with a total capacity of 1,600 pounds.

BB Buggies Inc. is an operating unit of Textron Inc.’s E-Z-GO business unit.

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The annual commemoration is set for Saturday, Sept. 24, 2011.

Pickens joins a long list of mostly entertainers and athletes, including Hank Williams Jr., Terry Bradshaw, Jeff Foxworthy, Arnold Palmer and many others, who over the years have lent their name and fame to help build public appreciation for traditional sporting pursuits. Founded by the National Shooting Sports Foundation, Congress formalized NHF Day in 1971 to officially recognize hunters and anglers for their leadership in fish and wildlife conservation.

Since then, NHF Day honorary chairs have annually espoused the recreational enjoyment of hunting and angling—along with the ancillary, yet all important, benefits of those family activities to the general health of fish, wildlife and habitat. After all, America’s 34 million hunters and anglers fund nearly 75 percent of the budgets for all 50 state fish and wildlife agencies. Through license fees and special excise taxes on sporting equipment, hunters and anglers contribute $1.7 billion per year for conservation. Nobody does more for America’s great outdoors!

But Pickens is a bit different from many NHF Day honorary chairs in that, for him personally, conservation isn’t a supplemental benefit of hunting and fishing recreation. Rather, conservation is the means to those recreational ends.

Pickens is one of America’s most prominent and influential businessmen. He is a top authority on world energy issues, president and CEO of the investment firm BP Capital Management and founder of Mesa Petroleum. Pickens also is a noted philanthropist with gifts to charitable causes exceeding $800 million. But when he isn’t making or giving away money, the Dallas resident can be found mapping out the next conservation efforts to improve habitat for quail and other wildlife on his 68,000-acre ranch.

His passion for good land management—and the improved hunting and fishing quality that follows—was borne early on while hunting with his father on farms near his hometown of Holdenville, Okla.

“My father and I didn’t talk about conservation. It was just considered routine that you harvest only the legal limits, and only take what you plan to use. There were plenty of times I can remember going on hunting trips with friends where we only ate what we could trap, catch or shoot. There were some pretty hungry nights, but I learned what it meant to enjoy the outdoors,” said Pickens. “Over the years, I came to understand that game animals and fish alike rely heavily on us to take care of their surroundings so I make an effort to observe and manage the habitat on my property very closely.”

Pickens’ ranch is considered one of the best quail hunting properties in the nation due to his continuous efforts to rotate livestock enough to keep grass and other vegetation from overgrowing, while not allowing overgrazing.

Pickens hopes to use his NHF Day position to help generate increased awareness of diminishing quail habitat due to inadequate land management.

“Quail populations are dwindling in many areas. They just aren’t where they used to be, and I don’t think it can be attributed to overhunting. I think it’s a loss of habitat that we are noticing, and habitat can be improved through practical conservation efforts such as managed cattle grazing,” said Pickens.

A just-right balance of grazing and other land management techniques, he says, can still pay handsome dividends on Saturday afternoons with good buddies and good dogs.

“I love the time that I get to spending hunting birds with friends, or even sitting on a pond bank with a fishing pole. I’m thankful that I have those activities as an escape from my business life,” said Pickens.

He added, “Hunting and fishing have been such a great part of my life. That’s why it’s truly a privilege to be selected as an honorary chairman for NHF Day. It’s a simple way that I can give back to something that I have loved, and I hope future outdoorsman can learn to appreciate everything that I was able to enjoy growing up as a kid.”

Wonders of Wildlife is the official home of NHF Day. The Springfield, Mo., museum coordinates public education and awareness campaigns to promote traditional outdoor sports. A newly constructed Conservation Education Center in late 2011. The museum itself is undergoing extensive renovations and will reopen in 2012.

The growing list of sponsors for NHF day 2011 includes Wonders of Wildlife, National Shooting Sports Foundation, Bass Pro Shops, Sportsman Channel, Realtree, GunBroker.com, Academy Sports and Outdoors, Cabela’s, Smith & Wesson and Yamaha.

For more information, visit http://www.nhfday.org/.

Competition was held as part of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation’s annual Elk Camp & Hunting, Fishing and Outdoor Expo, which ended March 6 in Reno, Nev. The event helps raise awareness of elk, habitat and the conservation initiatives of RMEF.

Results:

Professional Division
1. Corey Jacobsen, Boise, Ida.
2. Joel Turner, Eatonville, Wash.
3. Audrey McQueen, Eagar, Ariz.

Men’s Division
1. Dirk Durham, Moscow, Ida.
2. Gary Nemetchek, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
3. Dustin Howard, Friday Harbor, Wash.

Women’s Division
1. Misty Jacobsen, Priest River, Ida.
2. Amy Morris, Payson, Utah
3. Jessie Coy, Cody, Wyo.

Natural Voice Division
1. Michael Hatten, Elko, Nev.
2. Remi Warren, Reno, Nev.
3. Sheila Veerkamp, Victor, Mont.

Youth Division
1. Greg Hubbell Jr., Belmont, Calif.
2. Brayden Langley, McMinnville, Ore.
3. Russell Nemetchek, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan

Pee Wee Division
1. Colton Crawford, McMinnville, Ore.
2. William Card, Fallon, Nev.
3. Tucker Rash, Fallon, Nev.

In the competition, amateur-level callers have 30 seconds to mimic cow elk sounds, followed by bull sounds. Professionals are required to make specific calls such as barks, whistles and screaming bugles. Most callers blow across a latex reed placed inside the mouth. In the natural voice division, however, no reeds are allowed. A variety of plastic tubes are used like megaphones, giving the sounds realistic resonance. Judges score each competitor anonymously.

Winners received prizes and cash ranging from $500 to $2,500.

Prize sponsors included Leupold, Block Fusion, Cabela’s, Horn Hunter Packs, Hoyt, Kershaw Knives, Montana Decoy, Montana Silversmiths, New Archery Products (NAP), Remington, Schnee’s and Traditions Performance Firearms.

Leupold, America’s Optics Authority™, has been a title sponsor of the competition for three years, as well as a longtime supporter of RMEF’s work to ensure the future of elk, other wildlife and their habitat.

About the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation:
Snowy peaks, dark timber basins and grassy meadows. RMEF is leading an elk country initiative that has conserved or enhanced habitat on over 5.9 million acres—a land area equivalent to a swath three miles wide and stretching along the entire Continental Divide from Canada to Mexico. RMEF also works to open, secure and improve public access for hunting, fishing and other recreation. Get involved at http://www.rmef.org/ or 800-CALL ELK.

Those dollars will help support many RMEF initiatives to ensure the future of elk, other wildlife and their habitat. RMEF is a major supporter of new elk restoration efforts in Missouri and Virginia. And, by the end of 2011, officials expect to top 6 million acres conserved or enhanced since the organization was founded in 1984.

RMEF’s 27th Annual Elk Camp & Hunting, Fishing and Outdoor Expo was held March 3-6 in Reno, Nev. Auctions, raffles, donations, exhibitors and attendees, new memberships and merchandise sales contributed to the total raised for conservation.

“Elk Camp always sets the tone for the coming year, and this year’s event had great energy and spirit. I believe we’re off and running toward a year of major milestones for our organization,” said RMEF President and CEO David Allen.

Other Elk Camp highlights included:

? Staff Sgt. Patrick Zeigler honored during an emotional opening ceremony
? Sneak preview of the new television series “RMEF Team Elk” to air on Outdoor Channel
? RMEF/Leupold World Elk Calling Championships
? RMEF’s highest honor, the Wallace Fennell Pate Wildlife Conservation Award, presented to Dr. Terry Sweet of Grand Junction, Colo.
? Numerous awards and recognitions for RMEF volunteers and supporters
? Entertainment by Daryle Singletary, Easton Corbin, Bob Eubanks and Clay Walker

Event sponsors included Midway USA, Browning, Budweiser, Cabela’s, Danner, Hunter’s Specialties, Gerber, Leupold, North American Hunter, Realtree, Roper, Aflac, and Bill Barrett Corp.

Allen said, “We can’t say thank you enough to our sponsors, exhibitors and attendees for their continuing support. Together, we’re shaping the future of elk country.”

The 28th Annual RMEF Elk Camp and expo will be in Las Vegas, Feb. 2-4, 2012.

About the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation:
Snowy peaks, dark timber basins and grassy meadows. RMEF is leading an elk country initiative that has conserved or enhanced habitat on over 5.9 million acres—a land area equivalent to a swath three miles wide and stretching along the entire Continental Divide from Canada to Mexico. RMEF also works to open, secure and improve public access for hunting, fishing and other recreation. Get involved at http://www.rmef.org/ or 800-CALL ELK.

Boone and Crockett Country, presented by Leupold, debuted fall 2010 as a television documentary celebrating the best in North American big game hunting and conservation. The Boone and Crockett Club-produced series explores wildlife biology, relevant conservation and science-based game management issues, best trophy destinations, and the time-honored, ethical traditions of recreational hunting.

“We’re honored to be recognized with two prestigious awards in just our first year of production,” said Keith Balfourd, executive producer of Boone and Crockett Country. “Theodore Roosevelt insisted that the organization he started in 1887 be solely focused on big game conservation, and for the Boone and Crockett Club television series to be honored for delivering that message is another way to honor the Roosevelt legacy.”

In February, an episode on the gray wolf and the Endangered Species Act won a Bronze Telly Award in the category TV14 Nature/Wildlife.

Founded in 1979, the Telly Awards is the premier award honoring outstanding local, regional, and cable TV commercials and programs, the finest video and film productions, and web commercials, videos and films. Winners represent the best work of the most respected advertising agencies, production companies, television stations, cable operators and corporate video departments. This year there were nearly 11,000 entries from all 50 states and numerous countries.

In January, Boone and Crockett Country was recognized with a Golden Moose Award as “Best Conservation Series” on Outdoor Channel.

The Golden Moose Awards honor top programming on Outdoor Channel. This year, 23 awards were presented, including several “Fan Favorites” determined by online voting.

Boone and Crockett Country airs several times each week, and new episodes will begin in the fall. To check local listings on Outdoor Channel, visit http://www.outdoorchannel.com/.

About the Boone and Crockett Club
Founded by Theodore Roosevelt in 1887, the Boone and Crockett Club promotes guardianship and visionary management of big game and associated wildlife in North America. The Club maintains the highest standards of fair-chase sportsmanship and habitat stewardship. Member accomplishments include enlarging and protecting Yellowstone and establishing Glacier and Denali national parks, founding the U.S. Forest Service, National Park Service and National Wildlife Refuge System, fostering the Pittman-Robertson and Lacey Acts, creating the Federal Duck Stamp program, and developing the cornerstones of modern game laws. The Boone and Crockett Club is headquartered in Missoula, Mont. For details, visit http://www.boone-crockett.org/.

The USSA received the award at the NWTF’s 35th annual National Convention and Sport Show in Nashville, Feb. 17 to 20.

“The USSA was founded to protect our outdoor heritage for future generations,” said Bud Pidgeon, USSA president and CEO. “Throughout our history, we’ve fought attacks from animal rights groups and others who want to destroy our way of life. Our successes are not possible without leadership and support from the National Wild Turkey Federation. It is an honor to be recognized for our successes by this great organization that is just as dedicated as we are to the future of hunting, fishing and trapping.”

The USSA, formerly called The Wildlife Legislative Fund of America, was born after its founders mounted a mass media campaign that defeated, by a 2-1 vote margin, a proposed 1977 Ohio constitutional amendment that would have banned all trapping in the state. It raised a $1 million war chest to educate Ohio voters on the truth about trapping’s role in conservation.

Never before had a formal group made its mission the defense of hunting, fishing and trapping against animal rights organizations. In 2003, the organization officially changed its name to the U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance to better define to the national sportsmen community that the group was there to fight for their rights.

“For more than 30 years, the USSA has led the way in opposing — and defeating — the anti-hunting movement’s agenda on Capital Hill and in courtrooms across the country,” said NWTF CEO George Thornton. “They’ve demonstrated to American voters time and again that hunting is an effective conservation tool and part of our country’s heritage. The NWTF is proud to recognize their efforts.”

The most dynamic partnership between the NWTF and USSA is the Families Afield program. Formed by the two groups, along with the National Shooting Sports Foundation, the effort helps states create hunting opportunities for youth. Since 2004, Families Afield has helped bring positive legislative changes to 30 states, opening up hunting to more than 500,000 young people and mentored adults who otherwise wouldn’t have been able to participate.

The Lynn Boykin Hunting Heritage Award’s namesake was a former president and chairperson of the NWTF’s national board. During her tenure, she emphasized the importance of our hunting heritage. Her leadership forged a new outlook for the organization, paving the way for its outreach efforts. Today, the NWTF’s mission to celebrate and preserve North America’s hunting heritage is some of its most important work.

The U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance is a national association of sportsmen and sportsmen’s organizations that protects the rights of hunters, anglers and trappers in the courts, legislatures, at the ballot, in Congress and through public education programs. For more information about the U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance and its work, call (614) 888-4868 or visit its website, www.ussportsmen.org.

Scheduled for a Spring 2011 introduction in blued and stainless versions, the Vanguard S2 rifle features a new two-stage Match Quality Target Trigger.  The trigger has an auxiliary sear for a “creep free” consistent let-off and pre-set sear engagement at .008-.012.  It is adjustable for weight of pull down to 2.5 pounds. 

“Our new S2 incorporates the most significant changes to Vanguard rifles since they were first introduced in the early 1970s,” said company President Ed Weatherby.  “An outstanding new trigger, a more current look and a written SUB-MOA accuracy guarantee make the S2 a tremendous value, with all the flat-shooting, hard-hitting performance expected of a Weatherby.” 

The Vanguard S2 sports a new Griptonite^™ stock with the traditional Weatherby profile that allows quick eye-to-scope alignment and fast target acquisition.  Constructed of modern materials, the stock has non-slip panels and a right-side palm swell for improved handling and control.  Also new is the metalwork’s matte bead blast finish on both the blued and stainless versions. 

Other added features include a 3-position safety, and a trigger housing constructed from aluminum alloy to reduce weight.  The Vanguard S2 has a 24-inch barrel and weighs approximately 7.25 pounds. 

Like all Vanguard rifles, the S2 is based on the legendary Mark V^® action.  The Vanguard action has a one-piece machined bolt, fully enclosed bolt sleeve and three rings of steel surrounding the casehead for an extra measure of strength and structural integrity. 

The Vanguard S2 blued version will be available in 15 calibers: .22-250 Remington, .223 Remington, .243 Winchester, .25-06 Remington, .257 Weatherby Mag., .270 Winchester, .300 Winchester Mag., .300 Weatherby Mag., .30-06 Springfield, .308 Winchester, .338 Winchester Mag., 7mm-08 Remington, 7mm Remington Mag., .270 Winchester Short Mag. and .300 Winchester Short Mag. 

The stainless version will be offered in .223 Remington, .243 Winchester, .257 Weatherby Mag., .270 Winchester, .300 Winchester Mag., .300 Weatherby Mag., .30-06 Springfield and 7mm Remington Mag. 

Retail prices are expected to be around $450 for the Vanguard S2 blued version and $600 for the stainless.  Right-hand models only. 

For more information, contact a local Weatherby dealer, call the company at (805) 227-2600 or visit www.weatherby.com. 

Founded in 1945, Weatherby, Inc.’s line features the popular Vanguard^® and legendary Mark V^® rifles (production and custom), over/under and side-by-side shotguns in the classic Athena^® and Orion^® lines, Threat Response^™ shotguns and rifles, semi-auto and pump shotguns, premium ammunition and security/shooting accessories.  The company is based in Paso Robles, Calif., and invites all hunters and shooters to visit and join its free online community at http://www.weatherbynation.com/.