Fifth Circuit Strikes Down Federal Age-Based Handgun Ban

NEW ORLEANS – Today, Firearms Policy Coalition (FPC) announced that the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals has ruled that the federal government’s handgun ban for adults aged 18 to 20 years old is unconstitutional. The opinion in Reese v. ATF can be viewed at firearmspolicy.org/reese.

“Ultimately, the text of the Second Amendment includes eighteen-to-twenty-year-old individuals among ‘the people’ whose right to keep and bear arms is protected. The federal government has presented scant evidence that eighteen-to-twenty-year-olds’ firearm rights during the founding-era were restricted in a similar manner to the contemporary federal handgun purchase ban […] In sum, 18 U.S.C. §§ 992(b)(1), (c)(1) and their attendant regulations are unconstitutional in light of our Nation’s historic tradition of firearm regulation,” the Court said in its opinion.

“Today’s ruling is yet another critical FPC win against an immoral and unconstitutional age-based gun ban. We look forward to restoring the Second Amendment rights of all peaceable adults throughout the United States,” said FPC President Brandon Combs.

The Reese case is part of FPC’s high-impact strategic litigation program, FPC Law, aimed at eliminating immoral laws and creating a world of maximal liberty. FPC is joined in the litigation by two FPC members as well as the Second Amendment Foundation and Louisiana Shooting Association. FPC thanks FPC Action Foundation for its strategic support of this FPC Law case. Read more

Gun Control

SAF Win in Challenge of Ban on Handgun Sales for Young Adults

The Second Amendment Foundation (SAF) has scored an important victory in its challenge of a federal prohibition on handgun sales to young adults with a unanimous ruling by a three-judge panel of the Fifth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals to reverse a lower court decision and remand the case back for further action.

SAF is joined in the case by Firearms Policy Coalition, Louisiana Shooting Association and two private citizens, Emily Naquin and Caleb Reese, for whom the case is named. The case is known as Reese v. ATF.

Writing for the court, Circuit Judge Edith Hollan Jones, a Ronald Reagan appointee, stated, “Ultimately, the text of the Second Amendment includes eighteen-to-twenty-year-old individuals among ‘the people’ whose right to keep and bear arms is protected. The federal government has presented scant evidence that eighteen-to-twenty-year-olds’ firearm rights during the founding-era were restricted in a similar manner to the contemporary federal handgun purchase ban, and its 19th century evidence ‘cannot provide much insight into the meaning of the Second Amendment when it contradicts earlier evidence.’ In sum, 18 U.S.C. §§ 992(b)(1), (c)(1) and their attendant regulations are unconstitutional in light of our Nation’s historic tradition of firearm regulation. We REVERSE the district court’s judgment and REMAND for further proceedings consistent with this opinion.”

Joining Judge Jones are Chief Judge Jennifer Walker Elrod, a George W. Bush appointee, and Circuit Judge Rhesa Hawkins Barksdale, a George H.W. Bush appointee. Their decision relies on guidelines set forth by the U.S. Supreme Court in the 2022 Bruen ruling.

“We’re delighted the Fifth Circuit took this action,” said SAF founder and Executive Vice President Alan M. Gottlieb. “We have always maintained that young adults, who can vote, join the military, get married, enter into contracts and even run for office can also enjoy the full rights of citizenship which includes rights guaranteed by the Second Amendment. If we can trust young adults to defend our country, we can certainly trust them to own any and all legal firearms.”

“Today the Fifth Circuit reaffirmed what prior courts and common sense tell us: ‘that the right to keep and bear arms surely implies the ability to purchase them,’” said SAF Executive Director Adam Kraut. “Adults 18-20 years old are indisputably part of the People, whose rights under the Constitution are no less than their father’s or their grandfather’s.” Read more

Gun Control

Backyard buffet: Do’s and don’ts for winter bird feeding

Bird feeders can support Great Lakes birds when natural food sources may be scarce or buried beneath snow and during migration come spring, but it’s essential to follow safety tips to keep them healthy and prevent the spread of highly pathogenic avian influenza and other diseases.

To feed or not to feed

While most backyard birds are at low risk of HPAI, the virus is present in some wild bird populations in the Great Lakes. Positive HPAI cases have been documented in commercial flocks, backyard flocks, dairy cattle, wild birds and wild mammals, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Most cases occur in waterfowl and scavengers like eagles, hawks and owls, but other wild birds, including shorebirds and gulls, can harbor the virus.

Since December, there has been an uptick in HPAI wild bird deaths, primarily in Canada geese, trumpeter swans and scavenging birds. HPAI is shed – or released via viral particles – through feces, saliva and nasal discharges. Though some human cases have been reported, the general population’s risk remains low.

In Michigan, you can still feed your backyard birds, but wildlife experts urge you to keep birds safe with some simple steps. Read more

Wildlife

The Vortex Crossfire Green Dot and The Tan Crossfire Red Dot

THE CROSSFIRE® GREEN DOT AND THE TAN CROSSFIRE® RED DOT.

BARNEVELD, WI – Two new Crossfire® colors are providing shooters with even more choices. Those looking to add a green dot to their optical loadout can now find a simple, robust point of aim in the Crossfire® Green Dot. Fans of tan will love how the new tan Crossfire® Red Dot matches their favorite-colored weapon.

THE ALL-NEW CROSSFIRE® GREEN DOT. Read more

Optics

2025 Strike Force FHDR40 from Browning Trail Cameras Is Here

Browning Trail Cameras proudly unveils the Strike Force FHDR40, a revolutionary addition to the trail camera market. Combining 40MP image resolution with 1080p Full HD video, this camera delivers unrivaled clarity, making it a must-have for hunters, nature enthusiasts, and landowners alike. With cutting-edge technology and innovative features, the Strike Force FHDR40 raises the bar for performance and reliability.

More Than Just a Picture Read more

Hunting, Optics

Join Michigan DNR team for short-term, part-time or full-time work

Whether you are hoping to dip your toes into a new field, seeking a summer gig or ready to share years of comprehensive experience, the DNR has job opportunities available throughout the state.

This spring, we’re looking for:

  • More than 1,300 summer park workers and many seasonal park rangers.
  • 30 seasonal park interpreters to lead activities and present fun programs tied to each park’s unique natural and cultural resources as part of the explorer guide program.
  • Dozens of nature educators who can deliver engaging, hands-on programming for K-12 students at visitor centers and for the Nature Awaits fourth grade field trip program.

For many, working with the DNR is a unique and rewarding experience. Whether the duties are in an office, in the field or on the water, it’s about helping people connect with and enjoy our state’s natural resources and outdoor stories! Get a glimpse of several DNR positions (including park interpreter and park ranger) in the Michigan DNR Careers video playlist.

All DNR jobs

In addition to these opportunities, there are postings for positions such as license sales technician, marketing strategist and fisheries census

Wildlife

New York Firearms, Fentanyl Traffickers Sentenced

GW: It’s about time!

Leader of Gun and Drug Trafficking Network Sentenced to 14 Years in Prison; Main Firearms Supplier Sentenced to 40 Years

NEW YORK – New York Attorney General Letitia James today announced the convictions of nine members of firearms and narcotics trafficking rings that sold ghost guns, assault-style rifles, and counterfeit oxycodone pills containing deadly amounts of fentanyl in Dutchess County. The ringleader, Muayad Qader, was sentenced on January 24 to 14 years in prison after pleading guilty to four felonies. The primary supplier of firearms to the gun trafficking operation, Jason Knapp, was sentenced to 40 years in prison on January 17 after being convicted at trial for the sale and possession of 12 firearms, as well as Conspiracy. The remaining two members of the gun trafficking operation have also been convicted and are awaiting sentencing, along with the five remaining defendants charged for their roles in the narcotics trafficking operation.

“These dangerous criminals flooded New York communities with untraceable ghost guns and counterfeit opioids containing deadly amounts of fentanyl,” said Attorney General James. “This case is a significant victory in my office’s efforts to turn the tide on the crises of gun violence and opioid addiction. The convictions and sentences we secured are putting a stop to deadly gun and drug trafficking operations, protecting New Yorkers in the Hudson Valley. I thank all of our partners in this investigation, and we will continue to go after anyone who threatens New Yorkers’ safety.”

“These convictions speak to the tremendous interagency coordination and cooperation necessary to get dangerous individuals, illegal drugs, and weapons off our streets,” said New York State Police Superintendent Steven G. James. “As a result, a major drug trafficking and weapons operation has been shut down. These substances destroy communities and put lives at risk. I want to thank our members and partners at the Attorney General’s Office for their tenacious dedication to tracking illegal drugs and weapons and intercepting them at their source.”

The convictions are the result of an 18-month joint investigation led by the Office of the Attorney General’s (OAG) Organized Crime Task Force (OCTF), the New York State Police’s (NYSP) Special Investigations Unit – Hudson Valley (SIU-HV), and the Troop K – Violent Gang and Narcotics Enforcement Team (K-VGNET). In February 2024, Attorney General James announced the arrests and indictments of the defendants for their roles in the narcotics and firearms trafficking operations. Read more

Firearms

Michigan DNR Recommends Removal of Trout Lake Dam Due to Ecological and Safety Concerns

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is recommending removal of Trout Lake Dam in Gladwin County. The DNR is responsible for over 200 dams, many of which are declining in condition and need maintenance, including Trout Lake Dam. The deteriorating condition of the dam poses ecological and public safety risks, and removal was determined to be the best feasible option for balancing ecological benefits, public recreation and safety, and the DNR’s limited financial capacity for dam repair.

The 25-acre Trout Lake Dam impoundment provides recreational opportunities for the Trout Lake State Forest Campground and boating access site, which are located on the impoundment. Trout Lake Dam was built in 1961 and is located within state forest lands in the Gladwin Field Trial Area. According to the American Society of Civil Engineers, the expected lifespan of dam is 50 years; the 63-year-old Trout Lake Dam has exceeded its lifespan by 13 years. Efforts by DNR Fisheries staff to mitigate deteriorating components have been unsuccessful, and leakage has resulted in the water level lowering 7 feet below the normal impoundment elevation.

A 2024 inspection by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy — the state agency that regulates dams — determined that Trout Lake Dam was in poor condition and required remedial action. Due to ecological changes in the region and changes in fisheries management best practices, the dam is no longer critical for managing the resource, and funding is not available for repair expenses and subsequent required routine maintenance and operation costs.

As a next step, the DNR Fisheries Division will pursue EGLE permits to draw down the impoundment as necessary to address immediate public safety concerns, then seek removal funding. Currently, no changes are planned for the campground, and recreational users can take advantage of similar fishing opportunities available nearby. Read more

Fishing

Sportsmen’s Alliance Sues Washington Fish and Wildlife for Delay on Public Records

Washington Fish and Wildlife Slow-Walks Public Records Request for 16 Months

Today, Jan. 28, the Sportsmen’s Alliance Foundation sued the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife in state superior court for the department’s withholding of public records in violation of the state’s public records act (PRA). The Sportsmen’s Alliance initially sought public records in September 2023 pertaining to the business of the Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission, and the department has yet to deliver even a tiny fraction of the documents it identified as relevant to the Sportsmen’s Alliance’s request.

“Over 500 days have passed, and we’ve received less than 0.01% of the documents the department identified as relevant to our request,” said Dr. Todd Adkins, Senior Vice President at the Sportsmen’s Alliance. “Instead, we’ve been consistently strung along, with delivery promised by ever-extending deadlines. Which begs the question – what is the agency hiding? It’s no wonder the state’s sportsmen and women have little confidence in this process.”

On November 18, 2022, the Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission held a meeting at which it voted to cancel spring bear hunts. The vote came as a surprise to the Sportsmen’s Alliance and Washington hunters, as the meeting’s agenda gave no indication that a cancellation vote would be considered by the commission. Ultimately, spring bear hunting in Washington was canceled without providing sportsmen the opportunity to provide meaningful comments.

The Sportsmen’s Alliance suspected that members of the commission had violated open public meeting laws that would have allowed members of the public, including the Sportsmen’s Alliance and its members, to know that such a momentous vote was about to happen. The surprise vote raised concerns that members of the commission had routinely engaged in private communications among themselves concerning commission activities, meetings and votes. In order to investigate the activities of the commission leading up to the meeting and vote, the Sportsmen’s Alliance sought public records under the PRA.

Washington’s PRA requires the department to compile, and release, requested records in a reasonable amount of time. At its current rate in processing our request, the department will take 1,975,034 days, or over 5,411 years, to produce the responsive records. Unfortunately, this comes as no surprise. We’ve heard from sportsmen throughout Washington who wait for months and even years to get a response to their own requests.

“The department’s PRA request system is broken, and we’re hopeful our lawsuit results in a voluntary or mandatory fix,” said Michael Jean, Litigation Counsel at the Sportsmen’s Alliance Foundation. “In the meantime, however, we are asking the court to compel the release of the public records we’ve lawfully requested in order to hold the commission accountable for any statutory missteps it may have taken.” Read more

Wildlife

ATN Corp’s TICO LTV

ATN Corp, the foremost authority in advanced Smart Digital, Night Vision, and Thermal Vision Optics is thrilled to showcase one of their latest innovations this year at SHOT Show, the TICO LTV. This groundbreaking thermal clip-on device offers a revolutionary upgrade for hunters and observers, transforming any daytime scope into a high-performance thermal sight.

With the TICO LTV, you’ll experience a significant upgrade in your hunting and outdoor gear with the TICO LTV from ATN. This innovative thermal clip-on effortlessly converts your daytime scope into a high-performance thermal sight, offering unprecedented benefits for predator detection and observation. With versatile viewing modes including Black Hot, White Hot, and Color, the TICO LTV adapts to various environments and target detection needs, ensuring you never miss a moment.

The TICO LTV is engineered for simplicity and efficiency. It attaches quickly to your rifle scope using the Scope Mounting System (SMS) or Quick Detach Mount (QDM), providing a secure and swift connection. There’s no need for zeroing; just install, align with the reticle, and you’re ready to go. Despite its advanced features, including a 1024×768 OLED display, the TICO LTV remains lightweight at just 1.1 lbs and boasts an ultra-low power consumption for over 8 hours of continuous use. Read more

Optics
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