NSSF Bullet Points Articles

July-Sept. Increase A Welcome Sign

Excise taxes collected on firearms and ammunition from July to September were up slightly when compared to the same period in 2004. The increase indicates a slight rise in sales, a welcome sign for the firearms industry.

President Bush Signs Historic 'Protection Of Lawful Commerce In Arms Act'

Showing his continued support for legal reform to protect America’s law-abiding businesses and its economy, President Bush today signed into law a bill that will put an end to “junk” lawsuits against the nation’s firearms industry.

NWTF Continues Support To Help Pass Landmark Legal Reform

NEWTOWN, Conn.—Showing continued dedication in protecting America’s hunting traditions and firearms freedoms, the National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF) has donated another $100,000 in support of the Hunting and Shooting Sports Heritage Fund, which has played a key role in fending off frivolous lawsuits against the firearm industry.

House Passes Protection Of Lawful Commerce In Arms Act

NEWTOWN, Conn.—Congress took a historic step today toward ending "junk" lawsuits.

With a 283-144 bi-partisan vote, the U.S. House of Representatives passed a landmark bill to block lawsuits that seek to hold firearms manufacturers liable for the criminal misuse of their lawfully sold products.

Weapons Prosecutions Up

New data from the Department of Justice show federal prosecutions of weapons-related criminal cases have risen sharply during George W. Bush's terms as president. In fact, weapons was the third-largest criminal enforcement area in 2004, jumping from 5,490 prosecutions in 2000 to 10,937 in 2004.

Bill Guarantees Voice For Animal Rights Interests

Sportsmen in Massachusetts are being urged to protest a bill that would automatically grant spots on its supervisory fish and wildlife board to “animal welfare organizations.” Senate Bill 496 addresses the composition of the seven-member board, mandating that two members be appointed by animal welfare organizations and two by environmental organizations.

Internet Hunting Furor Continues

California has joined the growing list of states that have banned Internet hunting. On Friday, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger signed NSSF-supported SB 1028 to create a ban similar to those in about 10 other states. Meanwhile, the Texas company that originated Internet hunting has changed business strategies: Site visitors can now shoot a paintball at a live person.

NWTF, U.S. Forest Service Renew Partnership

The National Wild Turkey Federation and the U.S. Forest Service have signed a new Memorandum of Understanding, the third between the two groups dating back to 1986. Their partnership, now extended through 2010, allows for joint planning on habitat and restoration projects benefiting the wild turkey on National Forest lands.

Elk Overflow

The elk population in Colorado has grown so much that it is threatening potato crops in the San Luis Valley and vegetation in local and national parks and causing conflicts elsewhere, reports "The Rocky Mountain News." After last year’s hunting season—when 63,336 elk were harvested—there were 275,000 elk in the state, 86,000 above the state Division of Wildlife’s objective of 189,000.

CWD Found In Moose

The Colorado Division of Wildlife has confirmed chronic wasting disease in a free-ranging moose, the first known case of a wild moose contracting the disease. Researchers knew that moose were susceptible, though outside of experimental conditions the disease had been seen only in deer and elk.