NSSF Bullet Points Articles

State Legislative Sportsmens Caucuses are Active

A stepped-up communications campaign by the National Assembly of Sportsmen’s Caucuses clearly demonstrates how active many of these blocs of state legislators have been in their respective capitols. For example, just days ago, press releases on activities in Virginia, Missouri, Oklahoma and Minnesota were filed by the assembly and posted on its Web site.

News Of The Day On NSSF Homepage

Updated every day and by the minute when events warrant it, NSSF's "Scanning The News" section at www.nssf.org is the place to stay abreast of media stories concerning the firearms industry, gun ownership, shooting and hunting. Miss something? Catch up by viewing the archives.

United Opposition to Bear Protection Bill

Twenty-two organizations signed a letter opposing House of Representatives Bill 5534, called the “Bear Protection Act of 2008.” The letter sent to both the chair and ranking member of the House Natural Resources Committee expressed the belief that the Lacey Act already provides adequate protection and that the new bill is a veiled attempt to reduce black bear hunting opportunities.

Colorado Legislature Bans Internet Hunting

Sen. Lois Tochtrop and Rep. John Soper co-sponsored HB1200 in the Colorado General Assembly to ban computer-assisted remote hunting within the state, a measure that passed both the state House and third reading in the Senate. Colorado will join 36 other states that have banned the practice

Yourth Shooting Sports Alliance

The Youth Shooting Sports Alliance will host special youth shooting sports program forums in Greenville, S.C. on April 19; Montgomery, AL., on April 26; and Lexington, KY., on May 3. These forums will provide an opportunity for youth program leaders and representatives of archery clubs, gun clubs and commercial shooting range facilities to work together to ensure that shooting range facilities in each community provide a positive shooting atmosphere conducive to encouraging new shooters and their families to continue their shooting experience. Learn more about these programs and YSSA at www.youthshootingsa.com.

Call In To Block Cook County Gun Ban

The Illinois State Rifle Association has sent out an alert regarding a telephone poll in Cook County where callers can vote for or against gun-control ordinances; it's important to note that you do not need to be a resident of Cook County to vote. According to ISRA, the Cook County Board is attempting to justify passage of gun-control ordinances designed to close all gun shops and ban and confiscate most guns owned by citizens of the county. ISRA says here's what callers should do: Call 1-312 -603-6400 and select Option 1 when prompted. At the next prompt, select Option 1 again. Then, when prompted to vote on the gun-control ordinance, press 2. It's important to let all your gun-owning friends know about this and have them vote too; also, post this alert to your Internet sites and blogs.

Range Receives Mayors Award

The mayor of Post Falls, Idaho, gives out just one "Community Service Award" a year and Center Target Sports, an indoor shooting and training center in Post Falls, and an NSSF member, received the honor this time after being in business only three years. The mayor recognized the range and its owners, Ed and Peggy Santos, for their contributions of time, funds and services to the local community, especially to the Post Falls Woman's Shelter. Mayor Clay Larkin said it best, "[Center Target Sports is] very much a 'good neighbor' and we are proud to have them in our community."

Families Afield Success Continues

Wyoming is the latest state to enact Families Afield-style legislation. Gov. Dave Freudenthal signed into law Senate File 51, which will allow youths and other novice hunters to receive a one-year special authorization to hunt with a licensed adult before completion of a hunter education course. Since Families Afield was launched in 2004 by NSSF, the U.S. Sportsmen's Alliance and National Wild Turkey Federation, 24 states have passed legislation to eliminate unnecessary hunting age restrictions and ease hunter education mandates for first-time hunters. In related news, USSA reports that nearly 31,000 new hunters in Michigan have taken advantage of the state's apprentice hunting license since it become law in 2005. Similar legislation in Wisconsin, however, remains mired in the state legislature.

South Carolina SCTP Success Story

Hilton Head Christian Academy is one of more than 25 private schools in South Carolina that have formed a Scholastic Clay Target Program team, reports The Island Packet. The NSSF-sponsored program provides an opportunity for youngsters to compete in trap, skeet and sporting clays. Learn more about SCTP or participate in the SCTP Online Forum.

Industry Supports First Shots

This year nearly 100 shooting ranges across the country will provide local residents with the opportunity to take their first shots with a handgun, rifle or shotgun through NSSF's First Shots program. When these newcomers squeeze the trigger for the first time, they will have done so because of the support given to the program by many firearm industry companies and shooting sports organizations. Sponsors provide much-needed loaner firearms, training and safety literature, important information on how to get more involved in shooting or hunting, and fun promotional items. See the list of companies providing support to the program in 2008.