FDIC Reverses Course on “Operation Choke Point”

In a major development concerning NSSF’s leadership to halt discrimination in the provision of financial services and products to firearms related businesses due to “Operation Choke Point”, the top officials of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) on Wednesday admitted wrongdoing and said they would cease practices that had the effect of encouraging such disparate treatment.

U.S. Rep. Blaine Luetkemeyer (R-Mo.) released a statement after a meeting with Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Chairman Martin Gruenberg and Vice Chairman Tom Hoenig discussing the agency’s involvement in Operation Choke Point.

Yesterday, the Congressman told NSSF, “After a year of mounting pressure from Congress and outside organization like the National Shooting Sports Foundation, top officials from the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation finally acknowledged their involvement and wrongdoing in Operation Choke Point. While I am very pleased the FDIC will put in place new polices and change the culture at the agency, there is still work to be done, specifically with the Department of Justice. I am pleased the National Shooting Sports Foundation supports my legislation, the Financial Institution Customer Protection Act, and I have no doubt the foundation will remain steadfast in educating its members and continuing the fight in ending Operation Choke Point once and for all.”

The FDIC’s important admission immediately received the attention of the Heritage Foundation’s Daily Signal, which filed a comprehensive news story by news producer Kelsey Harkness (read it at: http://dailysignal.com/2015/01/28/exclusive-fdic-changes-tactics-response-operation-choke-point/).

Earlier this week, the firearms industry’s outspoken opposition to discriminatory financial services practices was the subject of major print and video coverage by the Daily Signal’s Harkness, who traveled to the SHOT Show to gauge industry response, including an exclusive interview with NSSF Senior Vice President and General Counsel Lawrence G. Keane. (http://dailysignal.com/2015/01/26/ready-aim-fire-choke-point-draws-heat-from-gun-industry/) Read more

Gun Control

Illinois Governor Vetoes Bobcat Hunting Bill

Posted by firstforwildlife on January 16, 2015 · Leave a Comment

bobcat4

bobcat2On January 11, Illinois governor, Pat Quinn showed his true colors when it comes to conservation and vetoed the bobcat hunting bill. Safari Club International criticizes Governor Pat Quinn for vetoing House Bill 4226, a bill that would have allowed bobcat hunting in Illinois for the first time in 40 years. Governor Quinn’s veto ignores necessary science-based management of bobcats in Illinois. Removing professionals from wildlife management will allow bobcat populations to remain unchecked and as a result other wild game populations will decrease and livestock losses will continue to increase in the state.

HB 4226, which was supported by wildlife professionals at the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR), would have amended the wildlife code to allow hunters to kill one bobcat in a season that would run November 1st to February 15th. The bill passed overwhelmingly in the House by a vote of 91-20 while the vote was closer in the Senate, 30-19. Read more

Hunting, Wildlife

The Oculus 7.0 ED Monocular

You started planning this hunt the day you put in for the tag. Things got serious when you were notified that you were successful in the draw. You’ve agonized over every piece of gear, looking for ways to save space, cut weight and still have everything you need to be successful. One of the easy choices was going with the Oculus 7.0 ED Monocular.

The Oculus 7.0 ED Monocular is the perfect compromise for hunters looking to save space and weight. Optics are essential to hunting, whether to scout before a hunt or scan for game during the hunt. For where you’re going, binoculars would be nice, but aren’t really worth the added weight and space for as

The Oculus® 7.0 ED Monocular

much as they would be needed. This is the time for the 4.375-inches long, 4.5-ounce monocular to shine. Read more

Optics

Get hooked on fun, camaraderie of ice fishing

Fishing is a year-round activity and when the thermometer plunges below freezing in Michigan, most anglers have little choice but to hit the hard water. Ice fishing becomes the go-to activity until spring.

young boy ice fishing holds up his yellow perchFor beginning anglers, ice fishing offers one significant advantage: access. Boat-less anglers, who otherwise are limited to shorelines or fishing piers much of the year, can often access entire lakes. That inspires some anglers to proclaim that ice-fishing season is their favorite time of year.

Fortunately, ice fishing can be relatively simple. All that’s needed to start is a way to make a hole in the ice (an auger or spud), a way to clear the slush from it (an inexpensive scoop), and rudimentary equipment.

So how do you get started? Read more

Fishing

MFA Introduces New Illuminator Mossy Oak® Camo Flashlight for Outdoor Enthusiasts

TOLEDO, OH – Mark Feldstein & Associates Inc. (MFA), a product development company and importer of unique giftware, housewares and electronics, recently introduced the Illuminator Camo Flashlight with licensed Mossy Oak® camouflage patterns designed for outdoor sports and recreation.

The Illuminator is a battery-free/bulb-free flashlight that generates ultra-bright light anywhere with the wind up of a built-in handle. One minute of winding provides up to one hour of continuous light. The special exterior of the Illuminator Camo Flashlight features the popular Mossy Oak Break-Up® and Break-Up® Pink camouflage patterns, making it an ideal safety accessory and gift item for hunters, campers and anglers. Read more

Fishing, Hunting

Senate Upholds Protections for Backcountry Lands

WASHINGTON, D.C. -The U. S. Senate voted today to reject an amendment to the Keystone XL Pipleline bill that would have removed protections from 15 million acres of backcountry lands in U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service refuges and Bureau of Land Management wilderness study areas. The Senate’s rejection of the amendment affirms the value that Americans-especially hunters and anglers-place on wild, backcountry lands.

“America’s wild, unroaded backcountry is perhaps our greatest natural asset, ” said Steve Kandell, director of Trout Unlimited’s Sportsmen’s Conservation Project. “These lands have been valued by sportsmen and women for generations as a lasting American frontier where fish and wildlife can thrive and hunters, anglers and other adventurous souls can experience the outdoors in a wild, natural state. ” Read more

Wildlife

Innovative Self-Healing, Non-Ricochet Targets Now Offered By The Mako Group

Farmingdale, NY – The Mako Group is pleased to add RTS (Reactive Targeting Systems) by FAB Defense to its roster of products. The RTS Target Systems provide instant target feedback-audio or visual-confirming the hit. They are durable yet lightweight, self-healing and above all, safe. These systems are ideal for law enforcement training, shooting ranges and individual use.

“At Mako, we’re committed to offering innovative, high-quality products that serve the needs of our customers,” says Bob Pallitto, National Sales Manager at The Mako Group. “And RTS certainly fits right in. These targets are durable, lightweight and safe with a wide variety of uses, including indoor/outdoor, rifle and handgun, law enforcement and recreation. We’re very proud to represent this unique line of products.”

Key benefits of the RTS Target include:

  • Safe. With no metal parts, there are no ricochets, ensuring the safety of shooters even from point-blank range.
  • Durable. Whereas cardboard and paper targets need constant replacement, RTS is made from a revolutionary polymer that heals itself after each shot passes through. RTS Target are can be used indoor our outdoor in temps above 32F.
  • Portable. Lightweight and easy to assemble, the RTS Target takes up very little space when stored.
  • Universal. The RTS is perfect for both handgun and rifle out to 300 yards. It is ideal for law enforcement, military and recreational training.
  • Adjustable. The target’s reaction sensitivity can be altered so that it will fall after a single hit or by a series of rapid hits.
  • Trackable. The mobile, wireless hit counting system accurately tracks and records hits. Read more
Firearms

Nosler Unveils World’s Most Powerful 7mm Commercial Cartridge

Bend, OR- One year ago, Nosler introduced their first namesake cartridge to the world. Since then, the 26 Nosler has achieved such renowned success that adding another member to the cartridge family became an obvious decision. Please welcome the 28 Nosler® as the most powerful 7mm cartridge commercially available today.

Ballistic enthusiasts are well aware of the benefits and advantages that 7mm (.284 caliber) bullets have, such as inherently high ballistic coefficients for long range accuracy and minimized wind drift.

The attributes listed above, in partnership with the Nosler bullets and velocities listed below will soon be available in Nosler’s Trophy Grade™ Ammunition. For those looking for the edge in power, velocity and long range performance in 7mm caliber, look no further. Read more

Ammunition

MI Department of Natural Resources’ teachers academy returns for 8th year

Academy of Natural Resources participants getting a lesson on treesThe Michigan Department of Natural Resources is accepting registrations for its summer Academy of Natural Resources, a program for educators who help connect students to the outdoors through curriculum choices. This year the weeklong program begins July 19 at the Ralph A. MacMullan Conference Center, on the northern shores of Higgins Lake in Roscommon County.

“Our program is six months away but we already have 16 teachers who have applied for our scholarships,” said academy coordinator Kevin Frailey. “It’s exciting to have this early interest. We may be headed for a record year in attendance.” Read more

Wildlife
1 … 1,577 1,578 1,579 1,580 1,581 … 2,057