NSSF Commends Bicameral Bills to Halt State Excise Taxes on Firearms

WASHINGTON, D.C. — NSSF®, The Firearm Industry Trade Association, commends the introduction of the Freedom from Unfair Gun Taxes Act, introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives by U.S. Reps. Darrell Issa (R-Calif.) and Richard Hudson (R-N.C.) as H.R. 2442 and in the U.S. Senate by U.S. Sen. Jim Risch as S. 1169. The bicameral legislation would prohibit states from implementing excise taxes on firearms and ammunition to fund gun control programs.

“States that are hostile to the firearm industry and Second Amendment freedoms have abused their ability to levy taxes on the sale of firearms and ammunition as a ‘sin tax.’ Exercising a right – whether it is your First Amendment freedoms, Second Amendment or Fourth or Fifth Amendment freedoms – is not a sin,” said Lawrence G. Keane, NSSF Senior Vice President and General Counsel. “The idea that law-abiding citizens who responsibly exercise their Second Amendment rights must bear the cost to fund programs designed to denigrate that very right is anathema to free exercise of our rights. This is akin to the unconstitutional poll taxes that were struck down by the U.S. Supreme Court in 1966. The lawmakers in the states that levy these taxes reveal their contempt for the Second Amendment and disdain for citizens who obey the law. NSSF is grateful to Congressmen Issa and Hudson, as well as Senator Risch, for their principled stand against these taxes that are an affront to the free exercise of Constitutionally-protected rights.” Read more

Firearms

ESCORT Shotguns Introduces the WS Youth 20-Gauge Shotgun

Youth shotguns have a long and storied history. It’s often the first introduction to hunting for many individuals who have fond memories of hunting with their first firearm. ESCORT Shotguns continues that tradition with its WS Youth shotgun.

The WS Youth is a great introduction to hunting shotguns. This 20-gauge provides more than enough energy to easily hunt fowl and deer with reduced recoil. The 13.75-inch length of pull offers safe and effective handling without oversizing or overweighing the abilities of younger and smaller frame hunters. The receiver is manufactured from an aircraft alloy, providing a lightweight yet robust platform for exceptional performance.

This WS Youth includes Escort’s multi-choke system for pellet throw pattern requirements depending on game and shotshell choice. The 22-inch oxidation-resistant chrome-plated steel barrel contrasts the Turkish walnut stock and forend, offering durability and reliability. Like the other WS models, the WS Youth boasts an 11mm groove for scope mounts, allowing users to attach optics for improved aiming precision and a 7mm checkered and ventilated anti-glare raised rib, complemented by a fiber optic front sight, facilitates quick and accurate target acquisition. While suitable for youth shooters, this is an heirloom shotgun anyone would be proud to pass down and receive.

To learn more about the WS Youth Shotguns from Escort Shotguns, please visit: https://escortshotgunsusa.com/product/escort-ws-youth/

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Firearms

Dorsey Discusses Rise in Non-Resident Hunting Fees on The Great Outdoors with Charlie Potter

Chris Dorsey recently appeared as a guest on The Great Outdoors with Charlie Potter WGN Radio show and podcast. The two discuss the rise in non-resident hunting license fees that is sweeping the country–especially the West, and tackle the questions a lot of hunters are asking: Is it legal and constitutional for states to charge exorbitant license fees and limit access to federal lands that they do not manage? Is it fair to non-residents who pay federal income tax and who partially foot the bill for federal lands to pay 10X or more what residents pay to hunt the same ground? Is it also fair for states to disproportionately limit non-resident access to federal lands? How will the states balance the demands of resident hunters with their desire to raise more money for management programs? Will there be legal maneuvering and legislative retaliation by congressional delegations of eastern states to limit Pittman-Robertson funding to western states seen as hostile to non-residents? Are states through their increase in license fees contributing to the overall decline of hunter numbers while at the same time looking for federal R3 money (the industry’s Recruitment, Retention and Reactivation effort) to grow hunter ranks? Read more

Hunting

SAF Files Amicus Brief in Challenge of D.C. Mag. Ban

BELLEVUE, Wash. —— The Second Amendment Foundation (SAF) has filed an amicus brief with the U.S. Supreme Court supporting petitioners in a case known as Andrew Hanson, et. al. v. District of Columbia, et. al., challenging the District’s ban on so-called “high-capacity magazines” capable of holding more than ten cartridges.

SAF is joined by the National Rifle Association (NRA). The case has national implications and the amicus brief calls the court’s attention to the fact that the federal circuit courts are divided on the question whether magazines are “arms,” what constitutes “common use,” and whether arms most useful for military service are protected by the Second Amendment.

SAF is represented by attorney Adam Kraut, who is SAF’s executive director. NRA is represented by attorneys Joseph G.S. Greenlee and Erin M. Erhardt at the NRA Institute for Legislative Action.

“In our brief,” Kraut noted, “we remind the court that repeating arms predate the Second Amendment by roughly three centuries, and that semiautomatic firearms were invented in 1885. Likewise, detachable box magazines came along back in 1862. Despite technological advances over the past 200 years, neither the sale nor possession of repeating arms of any capacity were ever banned in the United States.”

“The very essence of the Second Amendment is to protect the right to keep and bear arms,” said SAF founder and Executive Vice President Alan M. Gottlieb. “The language of the Second Amendment does not stipulate which bearable arms are protected, only that they are, and that the right of the people to bear those arms shall not be infringed. Because of the lower court split on whether magazines are ‘arms,’ we believe the high court needs to resolve this controversy without further delay.” Read more

Gun Control

2025 Fishing Season is Open

New regulations take effect April 1, 2025

Heading out to fish? New sportfishing regulations for Michigan’s 2025 fishing season begin Tuesday, April 1, and are in effect through March 31, 2026. Changes this season include modifications to steelhead and muskie size limits and gear restrictions on some waters. Highlights include:

Inland stream rainbow trout (steelhead) possession limit

Steelhead regulations on several Type 3 and Type 4 streams have been slightly modified from last year. Some streams no longer have a 20-inch minimum size limit on steelhead (the daily possession limit of which is one). See Pages 42-65 of the Michigan Fishing Regulations for more specific information. Read more

Fishing

Adult Trout Stocked in Clinton and Huron Rivers, Spring Mill Pond

Approximately 4,250 adult trout were stocked recently by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources in the Huron River (Proud Lake Recreation Area, Oakland County) and Spring Mill Pond (Island Lake Recreation Area, Livingston County) in southeast Michigan. These fish are retired broodstock from Michigan’s state fish hatcheries.

  • The Huron River, downstream of the Proud Lake Dam, was stocked with approximately 1,950 brown trout and 1,350 rainbow trout, all ranging in size from 13 inches to 19 inches.
  • Spring Mill Pond was stocked with approximately 450 brown trout and 500 rainbow trout, also ranging from 13 inches to 19 inches.

Special regulations apply for anglers interested in targeting these trout:

    • The Huron River at Proud Lake Recreation Area is closed to fishing Oct. 1 through March 31. April 1-25, anglers are limited to flies only, catch-and-release fishing, with the exception that children under 12 may keep one trout sized between 8 inches and 12 inches.
    • Spring Mill Pond at Island Lake Recreation Area is closed to fishing March 15-31. Anglers are limited to artificial lures only, catch-and-release fishing April 1-25.
    • On both bodies of water, beginning April 26, all baits are allowed, and anglers may keep up to five trout over 8 inches, but only three over 15 inches.

Read more

Fishing

Report Published for Mule Deer Community Conversations

The Wyoming Game and Fish Department has compiled key concerns and feedback received from the public regarding mule deer management in the state following a series of public meetings and an online comment period.

From August-December 2024, Game and Fish held 37 Mule Deer Community Conversations across the state. Staff met with members of the public to discuss mule deer management, including how best to address factors affecting mule deer populations.

“These community conversations provided an excellent opportunity for the public to discuss the challenges facing Wyoming’s mule deer. Public understanding and input are crucial to our agency’s work,” said Game and Fish Deputy Wildlife Chief Justin Binfet. “Mule deer face significant issues, from habitat loss to chronic wasting disease. Given the unfortunate declines observed in mule deer statewide, and in the West, we also wanted to check in with the public to gauge their preferences for how to set mule deer hunting seasons going forward.” Read more

Hunting

Join HSCF in April & Enter to Win a Wimberley Arms S12 Field Shotgun

The Houston Safari Club Foundation (HSCF) is excited to announce its April Membership Drive, offering new members a chance to win a Wimberley Arms S12 Field Shotgun!

From Tuesday, April 1, through Wednesday, April 30, anyone who joins HSCF as a new member will be automatically entered into the drawing for this premium firearm. The lucky winner will be announced on Thursday, May 1.

By becoming an HSCF member, you’ll join a passionate community dedicated to hunting, conservation, and education. Membership also provides access to exclusive events, networking opportunities, and advocacy efforts that support the future of hunting and wildlife conservation. Don’t Miss This Opportunity!

Sign up today and take your shot at winning the Wimberley Arms S12 Field Shotgun!

Join Now: https://hscfdn.org/membership/join/ Read more

Hunting

Shoot ON Announces “Ready to Carry” Giveaway

March 2025 – Shoot ON, the premiere source for firearms reviews, instruction, and DIY gun content, announces the “Ready to Carry” Giveaway. This latest offer is presented by Shoot ON in association with four of the leading brands in the personal defense segment: FN, Fiocchi, CrossBreed, and Burris.

The “Ready to Carry” Giveaway is a complete personal defense package that covers everything you need to protect yourself and your family, beginning with FN’s new Reflex XL MRD micro-compact 9mm. The Reflex XL MRD is an optic-ready pistol that delivers exceptional ergonomics and a best-in-class trigger for optimal performance and concealability with up to 18-round capacity.

To ensure a fast and accurate sight picture on the FN Reflex XL MRD, the all-new Burris FastFire E red dot is included in the giveaway package. The FastFire E is Burris’ first enclosed emitter red dot and is built to withstand the hard knocks of daily carry duty. The robust housing protects the “always on” 3.5 MOA emitter to ensure you are instantly ready to engage a threat.

The terminal component of the “Ready to Carry” Giveaway package includes five boxes of Fiocchi’s new CovertX personal defense ammunition. The premium-manufactured CovertX features a new jacketed hollow point projectile specifically engineered for controlled expansion when fired from short-barrel handguns while delivering optimal performance at full-size handgun velocities.

Supporting this personal defensive package is the popular SuperTuck holster from CrossBreed. The SuperTuck is an IWB holster developed for deep concealment. Hosting a high-retention Kydex pocket, generous premium leather backer with a combat cut for ultimate comfort, and sturdy, powder-coated steel belt clips that are adjustable for cant and ride height, the SuperTuck holster rounds out this practical EDC package.

The total value of the “Ready to Carry” Giveaway prize package is $1,331.90.

There is no purchase necessary to enter the “Ready to Carry” Giveaway. Simply go to the Shoot ON “Ready to Carry” Giveaway page and enter (must be 21 years old to enter). You can also boost your odds of winning through the Daily Bonus Entry option. Read more

Firearms

Hults Bruk Introduces New All-purpose Axe

Since 1697, Hults Bruk axes have been hand made in Norrkoping, Sweden, by professional blacksmiths. Now, the brand is introducing Spika (pronounced “speak a”), a multi-purpose axe with a 17.5″ handle and total weight of 2.1 lbs. In addition, for the first time, Hults Bruk has designed and produced a collection of six essential accessories for its entire line of axes.

Hults Bruk axes are recognized for their strong Swedish steel, solid American hickory handles and heads that are hand-finished for a razor-sharp edge and stamped with the HB logo.

The new Spika boasts a unique hybrid design with a shorter handle and multi-purpose head – a combination that makes the axe more portable and versatile. Spika can be used for precision work like carving and whittling, as well as campsite and bushcraft tasks like chopping, splitting, delimbing and trail maintenance.

Spika Head – The Spika head is 1.5 lbs. and its cutting edge is approximately 3.125″. (Since all Hults Bruk axes are hand forged, there can be slight length variations from axe to axe.)

Spika Head Features – A hand notch in the head provides a solid grip for work close to the body and allows users to steer the axe with maximum control. The axe has a semi-straight edge with a flat and wide grind so it can rest firmly against whatever is being worked on. In addition, the edge has a slight curve so Spika can be used for light forestry work, such as clearing a path. The head is also a bit thicker over the cheeks, giving it good splitting capabilities. Finally, Spika has a hardened butt that can be used to pound non-steel items like tent stakes. Read more

General
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