NSSF Bullet Points Articles

Safest Season Ever In N.Y.

Predictions that new rifle-hunting areas would become high-casualty combat zones did not come to pass this year, as New York hunters achieved the safest season on record. Statewide, there were 14 injuries reported during the big-game season, a record low, eclipsing the previous mark of 18 set in 2004. The average for the previous five years was 27.

S.C. Sportsmen's Caucus Sought

South Carolina sportsmen and sportswomen could have a voice in the state Legislature this year if legislation to create a sportsmen’s caucus is approved, The State reports. Unlike many states, South Carolina ethics laws prohibit the formation of such groups unless legislation is passed. While legislation is awaiting action, legislators and representatives from sportsmen’s organizations are creating the S.C. Sportsmen’s Legislative Caucus Foundation, which will help support the group’s creation and help gain public support.

Martin Helps Boost Handgun Sales

Gun storeowners in Saskatchewan say Prime Minister Paul Martin’s announcement of a plan to further restrict handgun ownership in Canada has triggered a boost in handgun sales in recent weeks, reports CBC News. "Not only us, but handgun sales have gone up, we heard, in some areas, 300 percent," said storeowner Darryl Schemenauer. "The thinking is, it's going to be very hard for government to come to your house and actually take that handgun away."

Fighting Off The Bambi Factor

Some reports estimate that nearly half of all employees of state conservation agencies, including more than 75 percent of those in leadership positions, will retire in the next 10 years. Unfortunately, many incoming replacements—mostly new college graduates—seem to lack an appreciation of hunting and its historic ties to conservation.

Familes Afield Legislation Gains Support

Wisconsin youths may be able to hunt as early as age 8 if the state Senate supports a measure approved in December by the state Assembly. The Assembly passed AB 586 by a vote of 74-19. The measure, part of the Families Afield initiative introduced by NSSF, National Wild Turkey Federation and U.S. Sportsmen's Alliance, now has gained support from the Wisconsin Wildlife Federation, Wisconsin Bear Hunters Association, Wisconsin Chapters of Safari Club International, and the National Rifle Association. All see the bill as a way of recruiting new hunters.

Another Attach On Law Abiding Gun Owners

In his inaugural address Sunday, New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg vowed to campaign nationally for stiffer gun control laws, an effort he claims would stop criminals from using illegal guns. Critics, however, see the mayor’s comments as a preview to yet another attack on law-abiding businesses and gun owners.

Hunting And Health

Every year, millions of Americans make New Year’s resolutions to enjoy a healthier lifestyle. Fortunately for all of them, nature's original family gym and health-food store—the prime hunting grounds of America's great outdoors—are open for business. After all, an hour spent pheasant hunting not only burns 408 calories, but it can also provide a tasty low fat, low cholesterol meal.

Neb. Concealed Weapons Measure Has Legs

Legislation to allow Nebraskans to carry concealed weapons is due to go to the state Senate floor in the 2006 legislative session that begins Wednesday. Introduced by Sen. Jeanne Combs, an NRA member, the bill has the support of 26 of 49 senators, according to an Associated Press survey, but 10 years of frustration in trying to get such a measure passed leaves supporters only cautiously optimistic. The Lincoln, Neb., Journal Star, however, says Combs “fully expects that the bill will be enacted by the Legislature and signed into law by the governor.”

SGMA Super Show Goes To Regional Editions

Sporting Goods Business reports that the annual super trade show owned by the Sporting Good Manufacturers Association will end in 2006. In 2007, the organization’s trade show strategy will focus on two new market events, a Spring Market and a Fall Market, spotlighting seasonal selling cycles.

Canadians Blame Judges For Gun Violence

Following the Dec. 26 shooting of a 15-year-old girl, Toronto residents overwhelmingly indicated that lax judges are a “major factor” spurring gun violence. One of the suspects charged in that killing of Jane Creba in a shooting that wounded six other people was out on parole at the time of the incident.