To help expand the YHEC program, Mr. Busch has offered to help NRA raise $750,000 by giving $1 for every $2 others donate or pledge toward YHEC in 2008. Mr. Busch will give the NRA $250,000 if the NRA can raise $500,000 in gifts toward the expansion of the YHEC program by December 31, 2008.

Noting that "every gift counts," Mr. Busch said he encourages everyone who cares deeply about the hunting traditions to support NRA youth hunting programs through this matching gift opportunity, with the overriding goal of raising $750,000 for YHEC.

Since its inception in 1985, YHEC has reached more than 1.2 million young hunters. Conducted at local, state, and provincial levels, YHEC inspires young people up to age 18 to participate in eight events including four shooting and four non-firing exams: Orienteering, Wildlife Identification, Hunter Safety Trail, and Hunter Responsibility.

"NRA's YHEC program is important because it generates interest in hunting and shooting sports among youth," said Busch, who started target shooting as a young boy and often went bird hunting with his father. "I have shared the joy of hunting with my father, my children, and most recently, my grandchildren. On top of being fun and challenging, hunting teaches kids to be respectful of firearms and the environment."

YHEC is a perfect match for young people interested in improving their shooting skills. The program is conducted by some of the world's best hunting educators and offers opportunities to fire at a variety of lifelike game targets using rifles, archery bows, muzzle-loaders, and shotguns.

Mr. Busch was drawn to NRA's YHEC because it brings young people together with common interests; it teams them with adult role models dedicated to firearms skills and safety education. "In this age of electronic entertainment, younger people are less prone to outdoor activities and are less familiar with the outdoors and conservation of natural resources."

YHEC balances the fun of shooting among newfound friends with the competitive nature that resides in most kids. Although NRA YHEC organizers emphasize that the real challenge is personal improvement, the program is geared toward competitive shooting and simulated-hunting events, culminating in an annual week-long international competition each summer.

Mr. Busch said YHEC is the perfect opportunity for like-minded NRA supporters to enrich the lives of today's young leaders interested in hunting and the shooting sports.

"Philanthropy is important in any aspect of life because it helps those who are less fortunate," he said. "Matching gifts are a great way to raise money because they encourage others to donate. The message I would like others to take away from this challenge is that NRA's YHEC teaches the next generation to respect firearms and the environment, and will help ensure that the joys of shooting sports continue for many generations."

For additional details about the Youth Hunter Education Challenge (YHEC), go to www.nrahq.org/hunting/youthed.asp.

For more information on the Busch YHEC Gift Matching opportunity or to contribute to programs that promote youth hunting, contact Heide Kaser, Assistant Director, Strategic Giving, NRA Office of Advancement, (703) 267-1622. To learn more about opportunities to make a gift to the NRA, call 1-877 NRA GIVE or visit www.nragive.com.