NSSF Bullet Points Articles

Retailers Can Use NICS E-Checks

Last Thursday Bullet Points passed along FBI/NICS information to firearms retailers in Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama who were unable to process National Instant Criminal Background Checks using the usual phone numbers because of Hurricane Katrina-caused outages. Alternate phone number 304-625-0259 will connect retailers to the FBI NICS Customer Service Center, where firearm background checks can be requested.

USFWS Recommends More Flexibility In Goose Control

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service released a Final Environmental Impact Statement that addresses the management of overabundant resident Canada goose populations. The USFWS says its preferred goose management alternatives will give state wildlife agencies, as well as landowners and airports, more flexibility in controlling resident geese. “Resident Canada geese populations have increased dramatically during the past 15 years,” said service director Dale Hall. “We believe increased local management with national oversight is the best approach to reduce conflicts and bring the population under control.”

Budget Bill Concerns

Terms in a budget bill that could result in “development, fragmentation, habitat loss and potential pollution” have several sportsmen’s organizations concerned that it could lead to the loss of quality hunting and fishing opportunities, reports the U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance. The U.S. House of Representatives approved the bill, HR 4241, on Nov. 18.

Elk Die-Off Mystery Solved

In February 2004 approximately 600 elk died in southern Wyoming, and no one knew why, despite batteries of tests on blood samples. Now, Wyoming biologists have the answer, and the key clue in the investigation came through an article from 1964 that one of the biologists read in which he learned of cattle and sheep dying from usinc acid in lichen that they ate.

Bear Mauls Hunter

A Pennsylvania bear hunter bagged a 320-pound bruin on Nov. 21, opening day of his state’s season, but his prize didn’t come easily. Samuel H. Beauchamp, 47, of Newville shot the bear three times with a .444 Marlin during a drive. Approaching to within 15 feet of the downed black bear, the hunter fired a fourth shot, to the chest. “The bear came alive,” Beauchamp said. “When he came to his feet, I turned to back off, but he covered the distance between us and wrapped his paw around my hip and clawed me.” The bear inflicted bites to the hunter’s thighs, while Beauchamp fought to shake it off. After the second bite, the bear died.

'No Net Loss' Bills Introduced In Florida

Florida state legislators in both houses have introduced legislation to maintain public hunting opportunities. Sen. Nancy Argenziano and Rep. Donald Brown have introduced SB 430 and HB 265, respectively, which would direct the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission to open compensatory huntable land if a public area previously open to hunting is closed.

'No-Retreat' Bill

An Alabama lawmaker is seeking support for a “no-retreat” bill modeled after a law recently passed in Florida, reports The Huntsville Times. The bill by State Rep. Albert Hall (D-Gurley) would allow residents to use deadly force if they are in danger in a house, building or car without being able to retreat from an intruder.

New York Decision Awaited

While the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act was created specifically to protect firearms industry companies from “junk” lawsuits, the case against firearms industry companies by the city of New York has yet to be dismissed. The case drew the attention of National Public Radio last week. NPR's report included comments from NSSF senior vice president and general counsel Lawrence Keane as well as an attorney in the case for the city. At a hearing last week, federal Judge Jack B. Weinstein opted to give no decision on the defendants’ motion to dismiss. A written decision is expected soon.

Ohio's Youth Season Helping

Ohio’s youth firearm deer-hunting season was a success again this year with 15,000 youths heading afield, bagging a record 8,722 deer, reports the Toledo Blade. The annual youth season has clearly helped grow youth hunting ranks annually in the state, the Ohio Division of Wildlife said, with numbers rising from 34,459 in 2002 to 39,491 in 2003 and 41,562 in 2004.

Family Friendly In Utah

The Utah Division of Wildlife has approved lowering minimum hunting ages, a measure that would encourage more parents to introduce their sons and daughters to the great outdoor tradition. The state legislature will now consider whether the agency's proposal should become law. Read the Salt Lake Tribune's article and mixed-review editorial. Utah has some of the country's most restrictive laws prohibiting young hunters, according to the Families Afield report produced by NSSF, National Wild Turkey Federation and U.S. Sportsmen's Alliance.