NSSF Bullet Points Articles

Teenage Girls And Shotguns

The number of teenage girls participating in shotgun sports is up dramatically over the past five years, and there's every indication that parents are pleased with their daughters' new pastime. Across trap, skeet and sporting clays, the number of female participants age 12-17 rose 56 percent—from 133,000 to 208,000—between 1999 and 2004, according to a National Sporting Goods Association report.

SCTP Goes Electronic

A new online team registration feature and a fresh new look for NSSF’s Scholastic Clay Target Program Web site were unveiled today at www.nssf.org/sctp. SCTP’s volunteer state directors and coaches can now visit the automated registration section to enter teams at their convenience. Upon entering a team online, uniform orders will be placed immediately with the vendor.

Fund To Finance New York Appeal

A federal judge’s decision to ignore federal law and allow New York City to proceed with its frivolous lawsuit against firearms companies once again underscores the importance of the Hunting and Shooting Sports Heritage Fund, which is set to combat the decision.

Highway Bill Has Something For Hunters, Too

In addition to huge benefits for sport fishing and boating interests, the Highway Bill passed last week in Congress contains a number of provisions important to hunters, according to the Congressional Sportsmen's Foundation. Among the benefits are additional funding for hunting signage, noxious weed control, wildlife refuge roads, recreational trails, wetlands and habitat management. Also included is a study on how to reduce wildlife mortality on America's highways.

Anti-Gun Governor In Illinois

Illinois has become the perfect example of what happens when gun owners neglect election-year diligence. Governor Rod Blagojevich, a career gun-control advocate who somehow convinced rural voters to look the other way at the ballot box, on Friday signed into a law a measure opposed by gun owners, and on Sunday vetoed three bills that had been supported by gun owners.

USA Shooting Starts New Youth Pistol Program

With help from a $20,000 NSSF grant, USA Shooting is initiating a new youth pistol program designed to provide a solid foundation and ongoing instruction in the fundamentals of handgun shooting. In addition to increasing participation in the sport, USA Shooting expects to groom future Olympians through the program. Clinics will be offered for prospective coaches. For more info, e-mail Martin Edmondson or call 719-866-4881.

Clearing A Major Hurdle

Legislation critical to the future of the firearms industry cleared a major hurdle Friday by passing the U.S. Senate on a 65-31 vote . The Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act blocks predatory lawsuits that attempt to blame makers and sellers of firearms for the criminal misuse of lawfully sold products.

Firearms And Air Travel

In an effort to educate the public on the rules that govern transporting firearms and ammunition aboard commercial airlines, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has published a fact sheet titled “Transporting Firearms and Ammunition Aboard Commercial Air Carriers.” TSA encourages travelers to become familiar with the outlined rules to help prevent unnecessary delays at airport security and baggage checkpoints.

Capitol Hill Staffers At The Range

When it comes to getting the support of a senator or congressman on a sportsmen-specific issue the key to success often relies on working with a staff member. Building good relationships with these individuals and educating them about hunting and recreational shooting is important.

Michigan Hunters Band Against Formidable Foe

More than $112,000 was paid to a California petition management firm to obtain signatures to put a ban on dove hunting on Michigan's ballot this fall, reports the U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance (USSA). The report states that the Humane Society of the United States has contributed more than $153,000 to this anti-dove hunting campaign. In response, Michigan sportsmen have formed the Citizens for Wildlife Conservation Committee to protect the state’s hunting tradition and to raise funds and awareness toward defeating the proposed ban.