May 24, 2013
The US Fish and Wildlife Service has released a plan that will guide management of the Sunkhaze Meadows National Wildlife Refuge and the Carlton Pond Waterfowl Production Area for the next fifteen years. The planning area is located in Penobscot, Kennebec, and Waldo Counties.
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March 28, 2013
Please call and e-mail Governor Steve Bullock and urge him to sign these pro-gun bills into law.
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March 25, 2013
Tomorrow, House Bill 1563 is expected to receive its third and final reading on the floor of the Indiana Senate. Sponsored by state Representative Sean Eberhart (R-57) and state Senators Carlin Yoder (R-12) and Richard Young (D-47), HB 1563 would repeal Indiana’s current prohibition on the use of a suppressor while hunting.
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March 25, 2013
Last week, the Pennsylvania Senate unanimously approved Senate Bill 623, sponsored by Senator Jake Corman (R-34), which authorizes the Pennsylvania Game Commission to expand its successful Mentored Youth Hunting Program to all ages. If passed and enacted into law, Senate Bill 263 would allow a licensed hunter to take an unlicensed adult hunter afield.
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March 22, 2013
Yesterday, the House Fish, Wildlife and Parks Committee approved Senate Bill 197 by a narrow 11 to 10 vote. This pro-hunting measure, sponsored by state Senator Scott Boulanger (R-44), passed on third reading in the state Senate by a bipartisan 30 to 15 vote last month. SB 197 makes important improvements to Montana’s hunting laws to allow new hunters to go afield with an experienced mentor, prior to the completion of a hunter education course. SB 197 needs your help to pass in the House and get to Governor Steve Bullock (D) to be signed into law.
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March 20, 2013
House Bill 1282, sponsored by state Representative Joe Heilman (R-45), would allow hunters in North Dakota to use lawfully possessed suppressors (also referred to as silencers) on firearms while hunting. This legislation passed in the state House by a 90-2 vote on January 31 and in the state Senate by a 29-17 vote on March 18. HB 1282 will now go to Governor Jack Dalrymple (R) for his signature.
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March 18, 2013
Today, the Senate Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee unanimously passed House Bill 1563, legislation that would repeal Indiana’s current prohibition on the use of a suppressor while hunting. In addition to this pro-hunting provision, an amendment was introduced in committee by state Senator Jim Tomes (R-49) that would strengthen Indiana’s shooting range protection law. HB 1563, sponsored by state Representative Sean Eberhart (R-57) and state Senators Carlin Yoder (R-12) and Richard Young (D-47), now goes to the Senate floor for consideration.
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March 12, 2013
House Bill 205, sponsored by Representative Krayton Kerns (R-58), would legalize the use of suppressors for all hunting. While suppressors do not eliminate the sound of a firearm, they do reduce the muzzle report in a manner similar to the way that a muffler reduces exhaust noise from a vehicle. The benefits associated with suppressor use include increased accuracy due to reduced recoil and muzzle blast, protection from hearing damage and reduced noise pollution. The state Senate could vote on HB 205 tomorrow. For more information on firearms and suppressors, click here.
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March 12, 2013
This week, the Oklahoma Senate could vote on Senate Bill 934, sponsored by Senator Anthony Sykes (D-24). This NRA-backed legislation will make meaningful improvements to Oklahoma gun laws. SB 934 will strike down existing barriers in state law and provide an opportunity for youth under the age of 18 to participate in Oklahoma’s rich heritage of hunting and shooting sports whether it be with a shotgun, rifle or pistol. This important legislation needs your support, so contact your state Senator TODAY.
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March 11, 2013
The Wyoming Legislature concluded its 2013 session with mixed results for law-abiding gun owners. Although one pro-hunting reform was passed and signed into law by Governor Matt Mead (R), two more pro-gun reforms were left on the Senate’s calendar and defeated through deceptive procedural tactics without receiving a fair vote.
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March 4, 2013
Senate Bill 82, introduced by the Senate Natural Resources Committee, directly targets lawful hunting by Nevadans. This bill would classify the black bear as a “protected mammal” and would prohibit the Board of Wildlife Commissioners from authorizing the hunting of black bears.
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March 4, 2013
The following pro-gun bills have passed in their legislative chamber of origin and will be heard in their respective committees this week. Please contact these committees in support of these bills and attend their committee hearings if possible.
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March 4, 2013
On February 27, Senate Bill 69 passed out of the Senate Ways and Means Committee by a 10-2 vote with one excused Senator. What started off as a Gun "Buyback” bill has evolved into a firearm registration and background check bill. This burdensome and unnecessary infringement on your Second Amendment rights is now headed to the Senate Floor and could be voted on TOMORROW. Your state Senator must hear from you TODAY!
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February 20, 2013
Tomorrow, the Oklahoma Senate Public Safety Committee will hear Senate Bill 934, sponsored by Senator Anthony Sykes (D-24). This NRA-backed legislation will make meaningful improvements to Oklahoma’s gun laws.
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February 19, 2013
Wyoming Governor Matt Mead (R) signed into law Senate File 132, legislation introduced by Senator Ogden Driskill (R-01) that allows the use of suppressors for hunting all game in the Cowboy State starting on July 1, 2013. Thanks to passionate input from gun owners and sportsmen, the Wyoming House of Representatives voted 44 to 14 in favor of this pro-hunting reform while the state Senate voted 23 to 7.
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February 13, 2013
Thanks to passionate input from hunters and sportsmen, the Wyoming House of Representatives voted 44 to 14 in favor of a much-needed pro-hunting reform. SF 132, as introduced by Senator Ogden Driskill (R-01), passed in the Senate and House Agriculture Committee by overwhelming margins.
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February 12, 2013
The 77th Nevada Legislature convened on February 4. Two NRA-supported pro-gun measures have been introduced as well as an anti-hunting bill that must be defeated.
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February 12, 2013
Bills that would infringe on our Right to Keep and Bear Arms have been filed and will be moving through the Iowa legislature. Your action is necessary!
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February 12, 2013
Tomorrow, the House Committee on Fish, Wildlife and Water Resources will hear House Bill 129. This NRA-supported bill introduced by state Representative Patrick Brennan (R-Chittenden-9-2) would allow bow hunters and dog trainers to carry a handgun for self-defense while in the field. Currently, Vermont law and hunting regulations prohibit the carrying of a firearm while engaged in bow hunting or dog training. A growing number of states are amending their laws to allow such a practice. This bill needs your support, so please contact Committee members in advance of their 9:00 a.m. meeting tomorrow, February 13.
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February 12, 2013
Yesterday, Representative Albert Sommers (R-20) added a last-minute, crippling amendment to a pro-hunting bill that would remove the state prohibition on hunting with sound suppressors. Representative Sommers’ amendment to Senate File 132 would maintain the state’s outdated ban on hunting with suppressors for all game except varmints. Earlier today, Representative Mark Baker (R-49) offered a counter amendment that would erase this unnecessary restriction. However, despite the flood of comments from hunters and sportsmen who vigorously support full inclusion of suppressors for hunting, 32 state Representatives ignored their constituents by voting against Representative Baker’s amendment.
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February 11, 2013
During Committee of the Whole (COW) today in the state House of Representatives, a pro-hunting bill that would remove the state prohibition on hunting with sound suppressors was amended with unnecessary and crippling changes. Senate File 132, introduced by Senator Ogden Driskill (R-01), has already passed in the Senate and House Agriculture Committee by overwhelming margins. However, Representative Albert Sommers (R-20) added a last-minute amendment that would maintain the state’s ban on hunting with suppressors for all game except varmints. Please contact your state Representative and politely ask him or her to vote to remove this crippling amendment when SF 132 comes up for a final vote either tomorrow or Wednesday.
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February 8, 2013
Next week, several pro-gun measures will be heard in committee. It is critical that you contact your state Representative TODAY and, using the information provided below, urge him or her to support and vote for those bills listed below.
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February 8, 2013
The U.S. Forest Service is in the process of revising the management plan for the Nantahala and Pisgah National Forests. When completed, the plan will guide management of the two national forests for approximately 15 years. Nearly all decisions made about public use of national forests across the country, including access and opportunity to hunt and target shoot, flow from these management plans.
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February 7, 2013
As the state House of Representatives prepares for its final vote to repeal the state prohibition on hunting with sound suppressors, a number of hostile amendments are being proposed that would essentially cripple this bill’s purpose. Senate File 132, introduced by Senator Ogden Driskill (R-01), passed the House Agriculture, State and Public Lands and Water Resources Committee by a 6 to 3 vote earlier this week with Representatives Dan Zwonitzer (R-43), Rita Campbell (R-34) and Stan Blake (D-39) voting against it. Thanks to your calls and e-mails Representative Blake has changed his opinion on the bill and said he will now vote for it on the House floor. Last week, the state Senate passed this bill unamended by a 23 to 7 vote. A final vote on the House floor will be held any day now and it is imperative that you let your Representative know that a vote for any amendment is a vote against your rights.
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February 7, 2013
Thanks to the leadership of Lieutenant Governor Tate Reeves and Chairman of the Senate Wildlife, Fisheries & Parks Committee Giles Ward, the Mississippi Senate overwhelmingly approved three NRA-backed bills this week: Senate Bill 2212 by Sen. Giles Ward (R-Louisville) corrects vague and problematic language in Mississippi’s firearm carry laws; Senate Bill 2048, also by Senator Ward, expands the opportunities for hunters to use crossbows in archery and primitive weapons seasons regardless of physical ability; and Senate Bill 2647 by Sen. Briggs Hopson (R-Vicksburg) requires reporting of firearm-purchase disqualifying mental health records to the National Instant Check System. All three bills now move to the State House of Representatives where they will be assigned to an appropriate committee for further consideration.
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February 5, 2013
Senate Bill 197, sponsored by state Senator Scott Boulanger (R-44), would establish an apprentice hunting certificate program that allows individuals of any age to learn the art of hunting while under the supervision of a mentor before completing a hunter education course. SB 197 is scheduled for its first hearing today in the Senate Fish and Game Committee at 3:00 p.m. in hearing room 303 in the Capitol. While no action will be taken today, it is still imperative that you contact members of the Senate Fish and Game Committee today and urge them to support and promote our hunting heritage by voting for SB 197.
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February 5, 2013
Today, the state House Agriculture, State and Public Lands and Water Resources Committee voted 6 to 3 to repeal the state prohibition on hunting with sound suppressors (which are additionally regulated under federal law) while providing additional penalties for those who use them illegally. Representatives Dan Zwonitzer (R-43), Rita Campbell (R-34), and Stan Blake (D-39) voted against this bill. Last week, the state Senate voted 23 to 7 to pass Senate File 132, introduced by Senator Ogden Driskill (R-01). This bill is now eligible for a final vote of approval in the House, which could be held as early as tomorrow. This is your last chance to contact your state Representative and politely encourage his or her support of this common sense hunting reform measure.
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January 30, 2013
As previously reported by the NRA-ILA in December, there is an effort underway in Nevada to ban the use of hounds while hunting black bear. The Nevada Board of Wildlife Commissioners (NVBWC) will be once again hearing a petition to impose this ban at its meeting in Las Vegas this Friday, February 1, and it is likely that action will be taken on this issue. Their agenda and guidelines for public comment can be viewed here (petition details are under 5 and guidelines are under 14).
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January 29, 2013
The Wyoming House Judiciary Committee approved two pro-gun bills today: House Bill 103, introduced by state Representative Allen Jaggi (R-19), would strengthen the state’s authority over firearm laws while prohibiting local counties from enacting their own ordinances in clear violation of the current state firearms preemption statute, and House Bill 105, also introduced by Rep. Jaggi, would allow law-abiding citizens to carry a concealed firearm in more locations. Both of these bills passed in committee by an 8 to 1 vote and are scheduled for a House floor vote tomorrow. Please contact your state Representative TODAY and urge him or her to support these pro-gun reforms.
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January 28, 2013
Three bills of interest to gun owners and sportsmen in the Cowboy State are moving through the state legislature in Cheyenne. The House Judiciary Committee will have a hearing tomorrow to consider two bills: House Bill 103, introduced by Representative Allen Jaggi (R-19), which would strengthen the state’s authority over firearm laws while prohibiting local counties from enacting their own ordinances in clear violation of the current state firearms preemption statute, and House Bill 105, also introduced by Rep. Jaggi, which would allow law-abiding citizens to carry a concealed firearm in more locations. Please contact members of the House Judiciary Committee and your state Representative today and politely ask them to support HB 103 with Representative Jaggi’s amendment and HB 105 without any amendments.
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January 25, 2013
The 2013 legislative session is underway and several pro-gun bills have been introduced.
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January 22, 2013
The Wyoming Senate Travel, Recreation, Wildlife and Cultural Resources Committee voted 4 to 1 in favor of a pro-hunting reform authored by Senator Ogden Driskill (R-1). Senate File 132 would repeal the state prohibition on hunting with sound suppressors (which are additionally regulated under federal law) while providing additional penalties for those who use them illegally. This bill is now eligible for a vote in the full Senate. A date for this Senate floor vote has not been scheduled at this time but please call and e-mail your state Senator urging him or her to vote in favor of this meaningful hunting improvement legislation! Your senator’s contact information can be found here.
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July 20, 2012
Public comment is sought on three alternatives for a draft Hunting Management Plan for Big Cypress National Preserve that has been released by the National Park Service (NPS), along with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS). The draft plan, which addresses concerns voiced in a previous public comment period, can be viewed by clicking here. The deadline for public comment is August 24 – make your voice heard today and support Alternative 3!
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June 8, 2012
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) has drafted a plan to guide management of the Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge for the next 15 years. This 9,184-acre refuge is located in Cayuga, Seneca and Wayne Counties and was established in 1938 to provide nesting, feeding, and resting habitat for waterfowl and other migratory birds. In the drafted plan, three alternatives are presented for public review. Alternative A would keep things as they currently are. Alternative B would open new opportunities and more accessible sites for hunting. Alternative C is similar to Alternative B, but would leave waterfowl hunting in its current state.
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June 1, 2012
Pro-hunting legislation has been introduced in the New York Senate. Senate Bill 6968, sponsored by state Senator John A. DeFrancisco (R-50), would classify mourning doves as “migratory game birds,” ultimately allowing for the creation of a dove hunting season.
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May 22, 2012
Today, the Oklahoma House of Representatives voted overwhelmingly to legalize the use of suppressors while hunting through passage of Senate Bill 1743 by a 78 to 3 vote. Last week, SB 1743 passed in the state Senate by a 44 to 0 vote. This bill now heads to Governor Mary Fallin for her consideration and approval.
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May 4, 2012
Yesterday, Minnesota Governor Mark Dayton (D) signed House File 2171, the 2012 Game and Fish Omnibus Bill. This legislation includes Minnesota’s first regulated wolf hunting and trapping season, as well as provisions allowing youth firearm education and safety courses at specified publicly-owned or managed firearm ranges
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May 4, 2012
House Bill 4819 stalled in the state Senate Agriculture and Conservation Committee this week and needs your support. This legislation, if enacted, would expand the use of crossbows for hunting to provide increased opportunities for new and experienced hunters alike. Please contact members of the Senate Agriculture and Conservation Committee today and respectfully urge them to support House Bill 4819 and the full inclusion of crossbows for hunting!
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April 27, 2012
Yesterday, two NRA-supported bills advanced in the Oklahoma House, before the legislative crossover deadline. Senate Bills 1760 and 1743 both received the required third reading in the House and each bill was approved by an overwhelming majority.
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April 19, 2012
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) is currently allowing the public to comment on a recent plan to manage the Lee Metcalf Refuge for the next 15 years. Located south of Missoula, this 2,800-acre refuge is one of the smallest refuges in the country and is one of the few remaining undeveloped areas in the Bitterroot Valley. The Lee Metcalf Refuge is open to archery hunting for deer, which is one of the fish and wildlife related recreational opportunities available.
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