May 3, 2010
Contact: Tammy Ryan, Committee Member, MDF Lewis and Clark Chapter
Tel.: 406-459-6669
E-mail: tryan@mt.net
Mule Deer Foundation Supports School Archery Program with May Raffle
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Helena IR:
http://helenair.com/news/local/education/
article_a84cf948-58d5-11df-9816-001cc4c002e0.html
Outdoors Montana:
http://www.outdoorsmontana.com/category/full-issue/
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KXLH:
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montana-city-school-hits-the-bullseye-thanks-to-donation/
HELENA, Mont. – Recently the Lewis and Clark Chapter of the Mule Deer Foundation donated $2,596 to the Montana City School to purchase archery equipment. The Chapter is holding a spring raffle, offering a limited access hunt open to youth only, in hopes they can donate to a different school in 2011. Deadline to buy raffle tickets is May 8, 2010.
“This generous donation to our school will allow our National Archery in the Schools Program (NASP) to run more efficiently,” said Montana City School Teacher Tyler Maxwell. “Now we can purchase a complete set of equipment that we can use anytime. It’s possible we can begin an after school program, especially if the interest continues to grow like it has been.”
Montana City School teaches target archery in grades 6-8 physical education classes, reaching over 149 students each year. Maxwell says, “This curriculum is a great way for students to do something they may not usually get to try. It brings families together.” Maxwell is also open to the possibility of sharing the equipment with neighboring schools because “the more youth involved, the better it is!”
Shaking hands, L-R: Tyler Maxwell with Montana City School accepts check
from MDF Lewis and Clark Chapter co-chair Mike McFerrin.
Archery can be taught indoors or out and is great for boys and girls of all sizes and ability levels. In addition to being a life-long physical skill, the sport can be used to teach math, science, and history concepts. NASP has been growing at an amazing rate nationally and has spread from 12 Montana pilot schools to approximately 30 schools statewide.
The Mule Deer Foundation, based in Utah, exists to ensure the conservation of mule deer and habitat. The local chapter has been active for over five years conducting this spring raffle and also an annual banquet in August. The group has donated to other projects such as habitat restoration, TIP-MONT and law enforcement.
“We are very pleased to support this archery program and are really hoping that these donations can increase so we can help more schools,” said Mike McFerrin who donates the hunt near Canyon Creek but is also a committee member of the Lewis and Clark chapter.
To purchase tickets for this hunt or to get involved, contact Dennis Deaton at 406-461-2844. The raffle will be held May 8, 2010, at Capital Sports in Helena, Mont.
One youth hunter, age 12-15, will win the chance to hunt a 4,000 acre
limited access ranch for elk and four-point buck mule deer on November
14-20, 2010, in hunting district 343. This is a walk-in-only hunt with
assistance from the ranch owner. Youth hunter must draw applicable
tags, have passed hunter's safety course, and be accompanied by a
parent or guardian.
Money raised from this raffle benefits the National Archery in the
School Program.
Tickets are $5 each or 5 for $20.
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About MDF (www.muledeer.org)
The Mule Deer Foundation is a national non-profit 501(c)3 organization, with over 12,000 members. MDF’s mission is to ensure the conservation of mule deer, black-tailed deer and their habitat. MDF is dedicated to restoring, improving and protecting mule deer habitat (including land and easement acquisitions) resulting in self-sustaining, healthy, free ranging and hunt-able deer populations; encouraging and supporting responsible wildlife management with government agencies, private organizations and landowners; promoting public education and scientific research related to mule deer and wildlife management; supporting and encouraging responsible and ethical behavior and awareness of issues among those whose actions affect mule deer; and acknowledging regulated hunting as a viable component of mule deer and black-tailed deer conservation. For information about the Mule Deer Foundation please call 888-375-DEER (3337).
About NASP (http://archeryintheschools.org)
The National Archery in the Schools Program (NASP) is a joint venture between state departments of Education and Wildlife. Several archery equipment manufacturers and organizations are also partners. The program promotes student education, physical education and participation in the life long sport of Archery. The program’s focus is to provide International Style Target Archery training in physical education classes grades 4 – 12.