NSSF Bullet Points Articles

Poll: Huckabee More Than Doubles Support

The Washington Post reported that while Republicans remain sharply divided over whom to choose as their presidential nominee, according to a recent Washington Post-ABC News poll, former New York City Mayor Rudolph W. Giuliani is at his lowest ratings for the year and former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee has more than doubled his support among likely GOP voters.

Romney Claims NRA Endorsement He Didn't Receive

The Romney campaign was quick to correct a misstatement by the Republican presidential candidate in which he claimed he was endorsed by the National Rifle Association during his 2002 gubernatorial campaign in Massachusetts. The comment was made during a "Meet the Press" interview. "The NRA did not endorse in the 2002 campaign," Romney spokesman Kevin Madden said when asked about Romney's comments. "Mitt Romney as a candidate received a respectable B grade rating from the NRA, and when he was governor he had the support of the NRA and the Gun Owners Action League in relaxing some of the state's burdensome licensing regulations."

Outdoor Channel CFO Resigns

Outdoor Channel Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ:OUTD) announced that William A. Owen submitted his resignation, electing to step down from his posts as executive vice president and chief financial officer effective immediately. The company said Owen has agreed to serve as an advisor to the company as needed. The company named Shad L. Burke, a certified public accountant who joined the company as chief accounting officer in October 2007, as interim chief financial officer.

DPMS Under New Ownership

St. Cloud, Minn.-based DPMS, supplier of AR15-based rifles, parts and accessories, announced that its assets have been acquired by an affiliate of Cerberus Capital Management L.P. In connection with the transaction, DPMS founder and President Randy Luth will remain president of the newly formed DPMS Firearms LLC and will continue to oversee the strategic and operational aspects of DPMS.

Steel Challenge Acquired By USPSA

The United States Practical Shooting Association (USPSA) announced it has acquired the Steel Challenge and the Steel Challenge Shooting Association from founders Mike Dalton and Mike Fichman. "The Steel Challenge is a natural fit for USPSA and we look forward to both growing the match as well as Steel Shooting in general," said Dave Thomas, USPSA executive director. "One of our primary goals is to greatly expand the role of the Steel Challenge Shooting Association here in the U.S. and internationally. Working closely with our more than 16,000 members and 350 affiliated clubs, we see a very bright future for the Steel Challenge." The Steel Challenge World Speed Shooting Championships were founded in 1981 with just 70 shooters competing for $20,000 in cash and prizes that first year. In the 26 years since, the match has grown to become one of the crown jewels of the shooting circuit and the premier professional pistol competition, with more than 220 of the world's fastest shooters competing for over $390,000 in cash and prizes in 2007.

Journalists' Congressional Comment Deadline Dec. 19

The Professional Outdoor Media Association is calling on journalists to share their views with Congress regarding land-use fees charged to the media for filming on public lands. Journalists and others who are interested in commenting may utilize an online comment form or send comments to POMA via e-mail. The deadline to provide comments is Dec. 19. Full Story

Illinois County Trying To Shut Down Gun Stores

Cook County, Ill., commissioners have introduced three proposed ordinances that would shut down all gun stores in their county, including Chuck's Gun Shop and the recently opened Cabela's in Hoffman Estates, Ill. Full Story

New Shooters, Customers At Florida Range

Mothers and daughters, Boy Scouts, 4-H members and many others gave shotgun shooting a try last week at Florida's Indian River County Shooting Range. The range held two successful "First Shots" shotgun pilots. The free classes followed the standard First Shots handgun seminar format, but covered shotgun fundamentals. Attendees were provided with basic firearm safety and had a chance to fire a shotgun and break clay targets for the first time. Three major clay target associations, the Amateur Trapshooting Association, National Sporting Clays Association and National Skeet Shooting Association, support the program. Targets represented all three shotgun disciplines -- including a rabbit. Indian River County Shooting Range has long been a supporter of programs that bring new shooters out and help them get started. Surveys of attendees showed a common recommendation -- more shooting! Get your range involved with NSSF's First Shots program.

Conference Committee Expected To Reconcile House, Senate Versions

The U.S. Senate on Friday passed the 2007 Farm Bill. The legislation is crucial in helping to sustain America's rural economy and improve fish and wildlife habitats. "We are pleased that the Senate was able to make progress on the Farm Bill and pass the legislation with strong bi-partisan support," said NSSF Senior Vice President and General Counsel Lawrence G. Keane. "The Farm Bill is vital to conservation efforts and, in the end, to our industry." A conference committee is expected to begin to reconcile the House and Senate versions of the bill early next year, and President Bush has threatened a veto of the legislation because of spending concerns.

Texas Tops Nation in Ranking of State Hunting and Fishing Economic Impact

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- 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 has been released for the first time.