NSSF Bullet Points Articles

Congress Addresses Key Issues In Session's Waning Hours

As federal legislators anticipated a holiday break and the end of the first session of the 110th Congress, members of the Congressional Sportsmen's Caucus continued to address critical sportsmen's issues, including a firearms prohibition on federal public lands and denial of funding for hunting-supported conservation programs in Africa.

New Report Released

NEW REPORT RELEASED . . . A ranking of states in categories including total number of hunters and anglers, spending by sportsmen, jobs supported, taxes generated, number of days spent hunting and fishing and the most traveled to states by hunters and anglers was released last week by the Congressional Sportsmen's Foundation with support from NSSF. Nationally, Texas is at the top of the pack. It is No. 1 in total hunters and anglers (2.6 million), money spent ($6.6 billion), jobs supported (106,000) and tax revenue generated ($1.3 billion). Florida lands the trophy for the No. 2 spot. The new rankings were compiled to complement a national report, "Hunting and Fishing: Bright Stars of the American Economy ~ A force as big as all outdoors." See where your state ranks.

Deal Expected to Close By End Of January

Remington Arms Co. announced today it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire North Haven, Conn.-based Marlin Firearms Co. The transaction is expected to close by the end of January. Full Story

NASGW Expo Breaks Attendance Record

The more than 1,400 industry members who attended the National Association of Sporting Goods Wholesalers 2007 Expo at the Grand Sierra Resort in Reno, Nev., established a new mark for participation, and 420 of those folks attended the opening breakfast, which featured a stirring multi-media keynote presentation by NRA President Wayne LaPierre. During the breakfast, recipients of the 2007 NASGW Industry Achievement Awards were announced.

NSSF Reports Online

The year-end bonus-size wrap-up issue of NSSF’s official newsletter, “NSSF Reports,” will soon be in the mail, and all members and their employees will be able to view the issue online as well, along with past issues of the informative publication. The Members-Only section of nssf.org is a goldmine of information, including “NSSF Reports,” posted exclusively for NSSF membership, and access can be gained with your member user ID and password. Forgot either, or want to know more about becoming a member? Contact Bettyjane Swann, NSSF manager, member services, at 203-426-1320, e-mail: bswann@nssf.org.

Licata Named Field & Stream Editor

Anthony Licata, former deputy editor of Field and Stream, has been named to the top editorial position at the magazine, effective immediately, according to a news release from Bonnier Corporation. Licata becomes the 15th editor in the history of the storied magazine, which was established in 1895. He replaces Sid Evans, who has become editor-in-chief of the new Garden and Gun magazine.

Bill Richardson Courts New Hampshire Hunters

BILL RICHARDSON COURTS NEW HAMPSHIRE HUNTERS . . . Presidential candidate Bill Richardson, a pro-gun Democrat, has reached out to New Hampshire voters with a mailing entitled, "Protecting Our Sporting Heritage." Its cover photo features Richardson hunting with a man and a young boy, all of them holding shotguns. The mailing goes on to say, “Bill Richardson protects 2nd Amendment rights. Americans have a long and proud sporting heritage, and that heritage is strong here in New Hampshire. It’s a heritage Bill Richardson shares, and as a gun owner and outdoorsman, it’s one he’s worked to protect . . . And as a candidate for governor, Richardson was endorsed by the NRA in 2006." It concludes, "Bill Richardson will never support legislation that would compromise 2nd Amendment Rights of Responsible Gun Owners." Find out where all the presidential candidates stand on firearms at NSSF's Voter Education Web site.

Pheasant Fest Tickets On Sale Now

Pheasants Forever’s National Pheasant Fest 2008, presented by Cabela’s, is slated for January 18-20 at the St. Paul RiverCentre in St. Paul, Minn. Whether purchasing for yourself or as a holiday gift, you can get an advance ticket for $30 from Ticketmaster, 651-989-5151, or at the RiverCentre Box Office. The ticket purchase covers admission for all three days and membership in Pheasants Forever for a year, which, in turn, includes a cap, subscription to Pheasants Forever’s journal, membership card and decal.

NRA Enhances Bianchi Cup Competition

When the National Rifle Association’s Action Pistol Championship, commonly referred to as the NRA Bianchi Cup, is held from May 21-24 at the Green Valley Rifle and Pistol Club’s Chapman Academy Range in Columbia, Mo., it will be celebrating its 30th anniversary. The NRA plans to commemorate the event with some enhancements, including splitting the production category into separate single-action and double-action categories.

Step Outside Sweepstakes Offers Big Prizes But Deadline is Near

This is the ideal time of year for hunters, shooters and anglers to share their passion and expertise with others, and get a chance to win a $1,000 gift certificate. The STEP OUTSIDE program has teamed up with Bass Pro Shops to encourage seasoned outdoor enthusiasts to introduce friends and family members to the field sports. To enter, mentors simply can visit www.huntandshoot.org/stepoutside and relate their experience with a newcomer. To be eligible, mentoring must be done by Dec. 15, 2007, so the time to "step outside" is now.