Explore The NRA Universe Of Websites

APPEARS IN News

NRA Names New Federal and State <br> Legislative Hunting Affairs Liaison

Wednesday, January 5, 2005

(Fairfax, VA) -- The National Rifle Association, the nation’s oldest sportsmen’s organization, has named Dawson R. Hobbs as Manager of Hunting Policy.  Mr. Hobbs will serve as the principal liaison for all hunting related legislative issues at both the congressional and state level. 

This is a new position within the NRA created to consolidate and strengthen American hunters’ political power through a visible advocacy group that preserves the sport, expands seasons, opens lands and celebrates the culture of hunting.  A vital part of this position will be to rein in the growing effort to marginalize rank and file hunters by reducing hunting opportunities and increasing hunting tariffs. 

“Hunters in this country face increased regulation every day at every level of government.  They’ve become a constituency that many politicians pay lip service to every election year but then are ignored during the legislative process.  This routine must stop,” NRA chief lobbyist and chairman of the National Rifle Association’s Political Action Committee, Chris W. Cox said.    

Dawson Hobbs joined NRA as a legislative aide in 1998.  He then worked as a research analyst during 2000 election, assisting with the writing and production of election mailings.  He also authored numerous legislative and election related articles for NRA magazines. 

In 2001, Dawson was promoted to lobbyist for state and local government issues, where he successfully worked on lawsuit preemption bills in Kansas and West Virginia, dove hunting bills in Michigan and Minnesota, and 16 pro-gun bills in Virginia -- including major exemptions from one-handgun-a-month law, expanded reciprocity for RTC permit holders and expanded Virginia’s firearms preemption law.  In 2003, Hobbs spearheaded efforts to save the West Virginia University rifle team by securing an appropriation from the legislature.  And, during his tenure as a lobbyist he helped defeat anti-gun legislation in seven states, including a gun ban in Illinois that would have seriously impacted hunters.

A native of Dallas, Texas, Dawson Hobbs received a bachelor of arts in history from Texas A&M University.  He grew up hunting and shooting with his father and two brothers, and still enjoys spending days afield.

--nra--

Established in 1871, the National Rifle Association is America’s oldest civil rights group.  Four million members strong, NRA continues its mission to uphold Second Amendment rights and advocates enforcement of existing laws against violent offenders to reduce crime.  The Association remains the nation`s leader in firearm education and training for law-abiding gun owners, law enforcement and the armed services.

TRENDING NOW
Virginia Gun Shops Brace for the New Jerseyfication of the Commonwealth

News  

Monday, September 28, 2026

Virginia Gun Shops Brace for the New Jerseyfication of the Commonwealth

Jay Jones, the anti-gun but pro-bullets to the head Virginia attorney general, announced on September 15 the creation of the Firearms Accountability & Industry Responsibility (FAIR) Unit within the Civil and Criminal Justice & Public ...

DOJ Calls Time on Minnesota’s Second Amendment Waiting Game

News  

Monday, September 28, 2026

DOJ Calls Time on Minnesota’s Second Amendment Waiting Game

For too long, Minnesota Governor Tim Waltz and his anti-gun allies in the state have treated the exercise of a constitutional right as something subject to government permission and whatever wait is required for the ...

Support of Self-Defense for Law-Abiding Citizens Continues to Spread Globally

News  

Monday, September 28, 2026

Support of Self-Defense for Law-Abiding Citizens Continues to Spread Globally

In spite of some countries deciding they cannot trust their own citizens with firearms, other countries seem to be rejecting this policy…at least a bit.  

U.S. Department of Justice Declares Age 18-20 Handgun Sales Ban Unconstitutional

News  

Wednesday, September 23, 2026

U.S. Department of Justice Declares Age 18-20 Handgun Sales Ban Unconstitutional

On September 17, the Department of Justice’s Office of Legal Counsel (OLC) issued a memorandum opinion to answer the question “whether restricting young adults from buying firearms comports with the Second Amendment as the Supreme ...

California: Newsom Takes One Last Shot at the Second Amendment as Governor

Monday, September 28, 2026

California: Newsom Takes One Last Shot at the Second Amendment as Governor

On Saturday, Governor Gavin Newsom inked his signature to six anti-gun bills, continuing his attack on law-abiding gun owners as he closes his final months as the Governor of California. Since taking office in 2019, ...

NRA Files Amicus Brief Urging SCOTUS to Hear Challenge to Ban on Firearms Possession by Nonviolent Felons

Thursday, October 1, 2026

NRA Files Amicus Brief Urging SCOTUS to Hear Challenge to Ban on Firearms Possession by Nonviolent Felons

Today, the National Rifle Association, joined by the Firearms Policy Coalition and Second Amendment Foundation, filed an amicus brief urging the U.S. Supreme Court to hear a challenge to the federal lifetime prohibition on firearms ...

NRA Files Amicus Brief Urging SCOTUS to Review Lawsuit Blaming Firearm Ads for Criminal Acts

Friday, September 25, 2026

NRA Files Amicus Brief Urging SCOTUS to Review Lawsuit Blaming Firearm Ads for Criminal Acts

Today, the National Rifle Association and Second Amendment Foundation filed an amicus brief urging the U.S. Supreme Court to grant review in Daniel Defense, LLC v. Lowy. The case asks whether firearm manufacturers can be sued ...

NRA Files Amicus Brief Urging SCOTUS to Hear Challenge to Maine’s 72-Hour Waiting Period Law

Thursday, September 24, 2026

NRA Files Amicus Brief Urging SCOTUS to Hear Challenge to Maine’s 72-Hour Waiting Period Law

The National Rifle Association and Second Amendment Foundation filed an amicus brief urging the U.S. Supreme Court to grant review in Beckwith v. Frey, a challenge to Maine’s 72-hour waiting period requirement for firearm purchases.

“Law abiding citizens with an AR-15 are not a threat to anyone” — Law Enforcement Groups Weigh in on Supreme Court “Assault Weapons” Cases

News  

Wednesday, September 23, 2026

“Law abiding citizens with an AR-15 are not a threat to anyone” — Law Enforcement Groups Weigh in on Supreme Court “Assault Weapons” Cases

The Trace, the “newsroom” funded by anti-gun extremist Michael Bloomberg, reported in June on the extent to which the NRA-backed NYSRPA v. Bruen case has, to date, rebuilt the modern Second Amendment landscape.

Jive Turkeys: Everytown Gears Up to Spoil Thanksgiving with Gobbledygook

News  

Monday, November 17, 2025

Jive Turkeys: Everytown Gears Up to Spoil Thanksgiving with Gobbledygook

Thanksgiving in America isn’t just about food, family and football. According to a survey published by casino.ca (with its Great Thanksgiving Family Feud Map), the holiday typically “comes with a slice of family chaos and a touch of ...

MORE TRENDING +
LESS TRENDING -

More Like This From Around The NRA

NRA ILA

Established in 1975, the Institute for Legislative Action (ILA) is the "lobbying" arm of the National Rifle Association of America. ILA is responsible for preserving the right of all law-abiding individuals in the legislative, political, and legal arenas, to purchase, possess and use firearms for legitimate purposes as guaranteed by the Second Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.