For Immediate Release

                                                                   February 24, 2007

EMPIRE RIFLE COMPANY ANNOUNCES CONSERVATION AWARD

MERIDEN, NH -  The Empire Rifle Company is proud to announce the establishment of the Empire Rifles Conservation Award, a grant to be made annually to an African professional hunter who demonstrates exceptional conservation and hunting ethics.

“Hunting in Africa is an incredible experience – one of the greatest any big-game hunter can have,” said George Sandmann, founder and president of Empire.  “The future of African hunting is safeguarded largely through the efforts of individual professional hunters who watch over vast concession areas in wild Africa.

“We at Empire believe it is time – long overdue, in fact – that we recognize the conservation efforts of individual professional hunters.

“Empire Rifles specializes in rifles for African hunting, and we have enjoyed great acceptance in the marketplace.  We want to share some of our good fortune, and help to preserve African hunting at the same time.”

The cash grant of $5,000 will be awarded annually.  The recipient will be chosen by a committee consisting of Sandmann, professional hunter Joe Coogan, and Terry Wieland, shooting editor of Gray’s Sporting Journal.

“Joe was raised in Africa and hunted professionally across the continent for more than 30 years,” said Sandmann.  “Terry is a veteran of more than a dozen safaris who specializes in African hunting and dangerous-game rifles.

“Among the three of us, we bring a range of perspectives to the whole question of hunting ethics and conservation.”

Judging for the award will be based on a number of factors:

• The Empire Rifles Conservation Award will look for candidates with a distinguished conservation record, focusing on the health of the habitat and game, as opposed to merely taking the most or the highest scoring trophies.  Examples include hunting only solitary male lion and hard-bossed Cape buffalo.

• Habitat conservation is absolutely vital to the future of African hunting, as is ensuring that local people have a direct financial interest in the preservation of game species and hunting. High marks will be given for efforts to involve the local population in game management and conducting hunting safaris.

• Battling poaching is critical to the health of game species.  Professional hunters invest money, manpower, and equipment to supplement government resources, and their efforts have a ripple effect which should be encouraged.  Anti-poaching activities will be an important component.

The Empire Rifles Conservation Award is funded by the Empire Rifle Company, supplemented by contributions from clients and other donors.  The first corporate donor is Sporting Wood Creations, makers of “Best Quality” collapsible African shooting sticks (www.sportwc.com).  Empire Rifles hopes that, with strong support, the award can be expanded to allow multiple annual awards, and eventually include hunting areas outside Africa.

For more information, or to make a contribution, please call George Sandmann at Empire Rifles (603) 469-3152, or e-mail conservation@empirerifles.com.

Complete information about Empire Rifles: www.empirerifles.com.