NSSF Reacts to SCOTUS Denial of Illinois MSR Ban Challenge

NSSF®, The Firearm Industry Trade Association, is disappointed by the U.S. Supreme Court’s denial of a writ of certiorari in Barnett v. Raoul, one of several challenges to Illinois’ bans on Modern Sporting Rifles (MSRs) and standard-capacity magazines. The decision not to review the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit’s decision at this early stage of the litigation, while disappointing, does not mean the Supreme Court will not review the matter later after final judgment.

The Supreme Court denied review now because the U.S. Court of Appeals has not yet issued a final judgment. Justice Samuel Alito, however, would have granted the petition now. Justice Clarence Thomas wrote, “This Court is rightly wary of taking cases in an interlocutory posture. But, I hope we will consider the important issue presented by these petitions after the cases reach final judgment.”

Justice Thomas concluded Illinois’ bans are “highly suspect,” finding it “difficult to see how the Seventh Circuit could have concluded that the most widely owned semiautomatic rifles are not ‘Arms’ protected by the Second Amendment.” Read more

Gun Control

SCOTUS Vacates Second Circuit Ruling in GOA Challenge to NY Carry Law

The United States Supreme Court vacated the Second Circuit Court of Appeals’ ruling in a challenge to New York’s mistakenly named “Concealed Carry Improvement Act,” which was brought by Gun Owners of America (GOA) and Gun Owners Foundation (GOF).

GOA and GOF filed a petition for certiorari in February of this year, after the Second Circuit Court failed to properly apply Supreme Court precedent established in New York State Rifle & Pistol Association v. Bruen and provide relief from the statute’s many unconstitutional provisions, including New York’s “good moral character” requirement to receive a concealed carry permit.

GOA quickly challenged the hastily passed statute, which was insubordinately passed by Governor Kathy Hochul and the General Assembly in Albany immediately following the Bruen decision in 2022.

Frustratingly, the new statute is more onerous and restrictive than the one held unconstitutional in the Bruen decision. GOA had previously secured a preliminary injunction in federal district court blocking several portions of the law, but it was largely undone by the Second Circuit.

The law’s provisions that were still in effect required applicants for a concealed carry license to:

  • Prove one’s “good moral character”
  • Have in-person interviews with law enforcement
  • Provide four “character references”
  • Undergo 18 hours of combined training – a tremendous increase from the existing 4-hour requirement

Erich Pratt, GOA’s Senior Vice President, issued the following statement:

“New York’s anti-gun politicians were quick to double down after the Bruen decision, but today they’ve been smacked down again. With the High Court making clear the Second Circuit got it wrong and by remanding the case back to the lower court, the High Court is forcing New York’s politicians to eat a huge plate of humble pie. We look forward to continuing the fight for New Yorkers’ right to carry – without government pre-requisites.” Read more

Gun Control ,

International Wildlife Museum Taxidermy for Sale

The International Wildlife Museum of the Safari Club International Foundation permanently closed on December 31, 2023. The museum housed nearly 2,000 taxidermy mounts and skulls. In the wake of this closure, The SCIF Board has approved the sale of specimens not protected under the Endangered Species Act, Migratory Bird Treaty Act, or Marine Mammal Protection Act. The proceeds from these sales will support SCIF’s Conservation and Education efforts.

Lolli Livestock Inc. will facilitate the sale of these items through their auctions and website. The first auction will take place on July 11, 2024, starting at 9:00 a.m. Read more

Wildlife

Winchester XPERT High Velocity Steel Shotshell for Teal

EAST ALTON, IL — Winchester Ammunition introduces a high velocity steel shotshell for waterfowl hunters that live to hear the buzz of early-season teal.

Available in 12 gauge 2 ¾ inch and 3 inch, XPERT® Teal features high-velocity payloads that provide increased range and allow for shorter leads on fast-flying teal. XPERT high velocity steel shotshells have long been considered one of the most dependable and consistent performing shotshells among waterfowl hunters. Read more

Ammunition

Streamlight Introduces ProTac HL 6

Ultra-Bright Rechargeable Li-Ion Flashlight Delivers 5,300 Lumens and 80,000 Candela

Streamlight® Inc., a leading provider of high-performance lighting and weapon light/laser sighting devices, introduced the ProTac HL® 6, the newest and brightest addition to the ProTac® series of tactical lights. Delivering up to 5,300 lumens and an extraordinary beam reach, the rechargeable system comes with a charge cord and two Streamlight SL-B48® Li-Ion rechargeable battery packs with an integrated USB-C charge port. The new light also features a convenient head-mounted, push-button switch, an anti-roll face cap and a sure-grip rubber sleeve.

“The ProTac HL 6 is like a handheld flood light, allowing users to see all around them while also providing a powerful beam reach to put more light on a target at a distance,” said Streamlight Chief Revenue Officer, Michael F. Dineen. “It’s the ideal light for first responders, outdoor enthusiasts, industrial technicians and other users, whether performing room clearing, lighting an outdoor path or troubleshooting repairs under low-light conditions. It also is powered by convenient and cost-saving rechargeable batteries.” Read more

Optics

Michigan Signs Agreement to Protect Great Lakes from Invasive Species

Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced that Michigan signed an agreement with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and Illinois to cosponsor the construction of the Brandon Road Interbasin Project. This milestone agreement with the Biden Administration unlocks $274 million in federal and $114 million in state funding for the first of three phases of the $1.15 billion project that will prevent invasive carp and aquatic nuisance species from entering the Great Lakes.

“Today’s agreement will help us get shovels in the ground as soon as possible on the critical Brandon Road project,” said Governor Gretchen Whitmer. “The Great Lakes are the beating heart of Michigan’s economy, and Brandon Road will help us protect local communities and key industries, including fishing and boating, that support tens of thousands of good-paying jobs. I am grateful to Governor Pritzker in Illinois, the Army Corps of Engineers, and our champions in Congress for their long-term partnership on this monumental task. Together, we will get the job done so we can protect our lakes and power economic growth for generations to come.” Read more

Fishing

Eighteen Draw Arkansas Elk Hunt Permits

The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission drew the names of 18 Arkansans on the stage of the Buffalo River Elk Festival Saturday to participate in this fall’s annual public land elk hunts.

More than 6,600 applicants applied for elk permits online during the May application window, and 15 of the permits allotted for public land were drawn from those entries. An additional 620 people applied on-site at the festival for three additional permits reserved for attendees of the event. Permits were drawn from a squirrel cage in front of an anxious crowd throughout the day. Winners of the three on-site permits had to be present to win during the final drawing of the festival.

Hunters are allowed to choose their weapons from archery (including crossbows), muzzleloaders, modern rifles, modern shotguns and handguns.

All public land hunts occur on the Buffalo National River, Gene Rush Wildlife Management Area and Bearcat Hollow Wildlife Management Area. Hunters are assigned specific zones within these public lands. Public land permit holders are encouraged to attend an orientation before the hunt and will be notified of the time and location.

Arkansas also holds private land elk hunts, managed through a quota system, for hunters who have landowner permission in Arkansas’s Core Elk Management Zone. Visit www.agfc.com/elk for more information. Read more

Hunting

Nightstick USB-590XL Dual-Light Tactical Flashlight

NIGHTSTICK USB-590XL DUAL-LIGHT TACTICAL FLASHLIGHT
Enhance situational awareness and maintain night vision with Nightstick’s USB-590XL Rechargeable Flashlight. This virtually indestructible light delivers a powerful beam of up to 1100 lumens, while the red flood mode provides scene illumination without compromising night vision acuity. Built to last from aircraft grade 6061-T6 aluminum with type II anodized finish, this light is IP-X7 waterproof with a 2-meter drop rating. Choose from three brightness modes, just press and hold the main switch to cycle between high, medium, and low modes. Press the secondary switch to activate flood mode. Operates on the included li-ion rechargeable battery for day-to-day use, or CR123 batteries when used with the included CR123 carrier.
PRODUCT SPECS Read more

Optics

Lake Erie and Maumee State Lodge to Host Outdoor Media in 2025

The Professional Outdoor Media Association (POMA) is excited to announce that it will hold its 2025 Annual Meeting at Maumee Bay Lodge & Conference Center, hosted by Destination Toledo. The annual gathering of the nation’s top outdoor journalists and supporting outdoor companies will kick off early Monday morning, June 22 and conclude Wednesday evening, June 24.

“We’re thrilled to help bring outdoor media from all over the U.S. to Northwest Ohio for POMA’s 2025 Annual Meeting,” said Mark Brazeau of Destination Toledo. “With world-class walleye fishing and abundant hunting resources all in close proximity to Toledo, we’re excited to show off all the amazing opportunities available to outdoor enthusiasts from around the country!”

Northwest Ohio, home to Port Clinton, the “Walleye Capitol of the World,” and one of the nation’s top waterfowl and birding spots at Magee Marsh, offers a unique blend of outdoor experiences. It’s also the location of one of the most historic shooting events each year at nearby Camp Perry. For hunters, anglers and shooters, few places are such a perfect fit for POMA as Northwest Ohio. Read more

Fishing, Hunting, Wildlife

Michigan fall turkey application period open now

Fall turkey hunting license applications for the 2024 season are available now through August 1.

You can buy an application for $5 online at eLicense, anywhere DNR licenses are sold, or through the Michigan DNR Hunt Fish app. Drawing results will be available Aug. 12.

Learn how to apply and find season regulations in the Michigan Fall Turkey Hunting Regulations Summary at Michigan.gov/Turkey or view the summary in the DNR Hunt Fish app to carry it with you wherever you go.

Questions? Call 517-284-9453 or email

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Hunting
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