NSSF Bullet Points Articles

16-Year-Old Phenom Honored

The International Association of Shooting Sports Journalists named Vincent Hancock of Eatonton, Ga., one of its shooters of the year for 2005. Hancock, 16, exploded onto the international men’s skeet scene last year, winning gold and silver medals at World Cups and a gold medal at the World Clay Target Championships.

Vermont Forms Legislative Sportsmen's Caucus

Legislators in the Vermont State House in Montpelier formed the Vermont Legislative Sportsmen’s Caucus last Wednesday, becoming the 27th such state body in a national network focused on promoting a pro-sportsmen’s agenda in state government. The intention to organize was announced on Hunter Appreciation Day in September, and 27 legislators were on hand for the official formation last week.

College Bill Shot Down

A Virginia bill that would have protected the rights of college students with a concealed handgun permit failed to get through the House Committee on Militia, Police and Public Safety, The Roanoke Times reports. The bill would have prohibited universities from having “the authority to establish rules or regulations limiting or abridging the ability of a student with a valid concealed handgun permit from lawfully carrying a concealed handgun.”

Hunting For Sundays

Virginia is considering legislation to allow hunting on some Sundays during the year. If approved, SB 387 would permit hunting “annually on the Sunday immediately following the Saturday opening day for early archery deer season, early muzzleloader deer season and general firearms deer season.” Another bill being considered, HB 632, would allow hunting on all Sundays in areas west of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Wild Turkeys, Turkey Hunters Continue To Increase

Information is still being disseminated from the ninth National Wild Turkey Symposium in Grand Rapids, Mich., held late last year, and one of those uplifting stories profiles the growth of both wild turkey and turkey hunting numbers. “Status and Distribution of the Wild Turkey in 2004,” a paper presented by National Wild Turkey Federation biologist Jennifer Tapley at the every-five-year event, stated that wild turkey populations have risen 22 percent and turkey hunter numbers six percent in the last five years.

Winchester Ammo Sales Up

Olin Corp., makers of Winchester Ammunition, reported ammunition sales totaled $80.7 million in the fourth quarter of 2005, up slightly from $78.7 million in the same period the previous year. The company reported overall revenue of $604.1 million in the fourth quarter, a 24 percent increase from last year.

Practical Revenue Source

Practical shooting and its potential as a solid revenue generator for retailers and ranges is the focus of the latest “Industry Intelligence Reports,” a research series from NSSF. The report explores customer demographics and reveals where and how practical shooters are spending their money.

The Blame Game

The New York Post quoted an unnamed Senate aide last week that blamed the National Rifle Association for killing the appointment of Mayor Michael Bloomberg’s girlfriend to a top federal post. NRA firmly denied the accusation. Diana Taylor was considered a top choice to head the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. (FDIC), but her nomination was blocked.

Kansas Takes Another Shot

Concealed carry legislation was defeated in Kansas last year, but supporters are confident a newly introduced bill will be passed, reports The Wichita Eagle. Though Gov. Kathleen Sebelius vetoed a similar bill last year, some believe the upcoming election could pressure Sebelius to sign a bill this time around. If the bill isn’t signed, supporters say they will work to secure the two-thirds majority vote needed to override a veto. Kansas is one of four states with a concealed carry ban.

Wisconsin Ban Stands

The Wisconsin Assembly failed to override Gov. Jim Doyle’s veto of a concealed carry bill Tuesday, which means the state’s 133-year ban on concealed weapons will stand for now. The Assembly voted 64-34 in favor of the override, two votes short of the two-thirds majority needed.