NSSF Bullet Points Articles

The Outdoor Channel Expands Conservation Efforts

TOC’s public relations director, Chris Chaffin has been promoted to senior director of public relations and conservation to reflect the television company’s desire to carry more promotions of conservation and to encourage viewers’ involvement. “This expansion of responsibilities,” said Andy Dale, TOC president and CEO, “reflects our commitment to the outdoors, to hunters, fishermen, shooters and to the nation’s wildlife resources.”

56 Plans

Wildlife agencies from all 50 states and six U.S. territories have submitted Wildlife Action Plans for approval by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), Interior Secretary Gale Norton announced Wednesday. If approved, the plans will be the first of their kind, providing a state-by-state look at wildlife and the actions needed to ensure their survival. USFWS is planning to distribute $68.5 million in grants next spring for states and territories to implement approved action plans.

Thompson, TOC And Virginia Team Up For Special Hunt

Thompson/Center Arms has donated Encore rifles and scopes to the Armed Forces Foundation, to be used in hunts by physically challenged soldiers as part of their rehabilitation program. According to Chris Chaffin of The Outdoor Channel, those firearms may soon begin rehab assistance in a cooperative effort that will allow two returning women veterans, each of whom has lost an arm in Iraq, to hunt. The first hunt is scheduled for Thanksgiving Week, and the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries will be taping the hunt for the “Fish and Wildlife Journal” series aired on TOC.

Mixed Reactions

News that an 8-year-old girl took the first black bear of Maryland’s bear-hunting season prompted a number of positive stories in the press, including a lengthy reaction piece in The Washington Post. However, it isn’t surprising that the Associated Press took the opportunity to seek a comment from the U.S. Humane Society for a follow-up story. While the AP’s story includes the hunting community’s views and efforts—located in the lower half—it spotlights the Humane Society’s efforts to establish stricter age requirements on hunting.

Wall Street Journal Puts Hunting On Page 1

The business daily published a story on how hunting’s appeal is turning toward the upscale sportsman, who can afford hunting at expensive resorts and outfitting operations, purchase high-priced firearms at “gun libraries” and go on stand in enclosed structures that provide many of the comforts of home.

SHOT Business Wins Eddie Award

SHOT Business, the largest circulating trade magazine for the shooting industry, has received a 2005 Eddie Award, presented by “Folio:” magazine. The Eddies are a unique competition in which magazines are evaluated against their own mission statement, rather than against the competition.

Canada's Problems Not America's

In response to Canadian government officials saying they are considering legal action against U.S. firearms manufacturers, Montreal’s The Gazette was quick to denounce the idea, saying that guns in Canada are not America’s problem. Officials say they are looking into the possibility of suing U.S. companies because they say U.S.-made guns are being used in crimes after being smuggled across the border.

Penn. Youth Hunting Bill Makes Progress

The U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance, which is partnering with NSSF and the National Wild Turkey Federation in the Families Afield program, reports that on Nov. 1 language from a Senate bill in Pennsylvania was attached to a coyote-baiting bill in the state’s House and received unanimous committee approval, moving the bill to the Senate floor.

New Law Affects Dealers

Since the “Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act” was signed into law many firearms dealers have been inquiring how the law affects them in comparison to manufacturers. “The Act provides protection to dealers against ‘junk’ lawsuits to the same extent it does manufacturers,” said Lawrence G. Keane, NSSF general counsel and senior vice president.

'Level Playing Field'

“Congress finally did something right,” journalist Charley Reese writes about Congress’s recent passage of the “Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act.” In a recent column, Reese points out that much of the mainstream media’s coverage on the new law lacked the facts about how it affects firearm industry companies.