FPC Statement on Trio of Gun Control Bills Signed by RI Gov. McKee

Providence, RI — Firearms Policy Coalition issued the following statement in response to Rhode Island Gov. Daniel McKee’s signing of three gun control bills:

Last week the Rhode Island legislature passed several pieces of anti-rights legislation over a wave of objections by the people. Those bills ban standard capacity magazines (House Bill 6614), a discriminatory law–the type of which we’ve defeated before–prohibiting adults under the age of 21 from purchasing and possessing firearms and ammunition (House Bill 7457), and ban the open carrying of loaded long guns in many public places (House Bill 7358). Today, Gov. McKee signed these measures into law, with fanfare, celebrating the abrogation of the natural rights of his constituents.

Governor McKee has spectacularly failed the people of Rhode Island. These draconian measures run roughshod over the most fundamental rights of the people. By denying Rhode Islanders standard magazines–which became standard because of their immense utility in defending and preserving human life–restricting the ability to bear arms, and wholesale eliminating the rights of legal adults, these laws do nothing but make clear the naked contempt the government of Rhode Island has for the security and well-being of its people. Read more

Gun Control

More Gun Control on the Way

From Jim Shepherd…

Texas Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) hit the proverbial nail on the head when he said “This bill is not going to please everyone…” shortly after the bipartisan group of Senators he led dropped the long-awaited, much-speculated full text of their “bipartisan gun safety bill” last evening. According to the Senators, the bill will “protect America’s children, keep our schools safe, and reduce the threat of violence across the country.”

In response, groups like the Firearms Policy Coalition and the National Rifle Association wasted no time in letting the Senators know they’re the opposite of happy. “You can thank the worthless GOP,” the FPC wrote, “which has basically f*cked you and your rights- but couldn’t be bothered to buy you dinner.”

Erich Pratt, Senior VP of the Gun Owners of America issued a statement saying “Once again, so-called conservative Senators are making clear they believe that the rights of American citizens can be compromised away. Let me be clear, they have NO AUTHORITY to compromise our rights, and we will not tolerate legislators who are willing to turn gun owners into second-class citizens.”

The National Rifle Association’s statement was more polite, but equally direct: “The NRA will support legislation that improves school security, promotes mental health services, and helps reduce violent crime. However, we will oppose this gun control legislation because it falls short at every level. It does little to truly address violent crime, while opening the door to unnecessary burdens on the exercise of Second Amendment freedom by law-abiding gun owners.”

Despite the vociferous opposition, the Senate says it is “confident” it will have the legislation passed before the Senate leaves for its two-week July Fourth recess.

Gun Control

Too Hot to Fish for Trout

By Glen Wunderlich

Charter Member Professional Outdoor Media Association (POMA)

During a recent fishing trip to the South Branch of the AuSable River in Crawford County, I came upon a sign posted at the Chase Bridge landing in bold text:  This section of the AuSable is prone to sustained spikes in water temperature above 68 degrees.  If the water temperature is at or above 68 degrees, please consider not fishing!  Survival of our trout depends on this.  I had to learn more.

 

Since it was a catch-and-release, flies-only section of the quality stretch, a person would not be permitted by law to keep any fish anyway.  (An exception is made for youngsters, so check the rules.)  The sign urged anglers to go somewhere else under such conditions.  Obviously, one would need a thermometer for testing purposes.  However, in this instance an alternative was provided right on the sign by virtue of the QR codes related to various portions of the river.  By scanning a particular code with a smart phone, one could not only get the current water temperature at Chase Bridge, but other places along the river.

 

The idea of not fishing to protect trout during hot months – and particularly the hottest parts of a given day – seems to make sense, because trout are more prone to expiring after putting up a fight.  Playing a fish (or, toying if you will) to exhaustion can turn an angler’s thrill to a lethal situation for the fish.  Some countries have outlawed catch-and-release fishing altogether, regardless of water temperature, because of this.

A recent study by Idaho’s Department of Fish and Game, however, concludes that not fishing does not protect a significant number of trout during hot months in some waters.

While the study indicated that more trout caught when water temperature above 73 degrees F died after release, it also indicated that anglers were able to catch a lot fewer trout when the water temperature was 73 or higher, because fish simply quit feeding.

In colder water, the mortality of tagged and released fish was lower, but anglers caught a lot more fish, so the overall mortality was higher.

As we approach another hot spell this week, it’s important to understand that warming water will soon follow.

Here are some suggestions for those compelled to fish in questionable conditions.

*  Subdue fish a quickly as possible by using heavier leaders and tightening any drags, if applicable.

*  Do not remove the fish from the water.  Unhook the fish in the net or water and limit the process to 10 seconds or less.

*  If using a net, allow the fish to be submerged in it for a minute or longer, if the above step lasts for more than 10 seconds.

*  Release the fish in an area where it can be observed while recovering.  If necessary, hold the fish by the tail – never by its midsection.  If the fish ends up on its side or tumbles, it must be held upright until it regains its balance.

*  If the trout does not recover and regulations allow for harvesting, then keep it.

In summary, keep a stream thermometer on hand for critical temperature measurements.  Fish for trout in early mornings or late afternoons.  Another obvious alternative is to fish for warm-water species such as bass or panfish in other waters.

Fishing

Vermont: New Laws on Coyote Hunting with Dogs, Recovery of Game and Furbearers, and Trapping Best Management Practices

Hunters and trappers need to be aware of new legislation taking effect

MONTPELIER, Vt. – The Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department says three new hunting or trapping related laws passed by the Vermont Legislature during the 2022 session are going into effect.

Under the new laws: hunting coyotes with dogs and training dogs to hunt coyotes will be temporarily banned in Vermont starting July 1; the retrieval and use of game and furbearing animals by hunters and trappers are now required with some exceptions; and the Fish and Wildlife Department is beginning a process with the Fish and Wildlife Board and Legislature to identify and implement new best management practices for trapping in the state.

“These laws are the outcome of a collaborative approach by legislators and the Fish and Wildlife Department,” said Christopher Herrick, Commissioner of Fish and Wildlife. “Vermonters care deeply and sometimes disagree vehemently about topics like wanton waste, hunting with dogs, and trapping. The three laws passed this session show that good public process backed by good science can guide us towards compromises that benefit wildlife and people.” Read more

Wildlife

Howa 1500 Carbon Flag Chassis Now Shipping

Reno, NV – (June, 21st 2022) – Legacy Sports International’s – NEW – HOWA CARBON FLAG Chassis is in stock and now shipping! On the Cover of FIREARMS NEWS

The ever-popular HOWA Flag Chassis Precision Rifles are now available in a CARBON barrel version in both 6.5 Creedmoor and .308. The continued demand for the Howa Flag Chassis platforms have now evolved into another popular offering for Precision shooting that is lighter and a wonderful precision package out of the box that won’t break the bank for those looking to get into the long range precision shooting game, all while sporting the USA FLAG theme on their setup. Red White and Blue or Grayscale versions available. Either way you go , these new Carbon offerings not only look great and are also are 1 lb. -8 oz. lighter than previous models and continue to provide the long range shooting applications that many of today’s shooters prefer for a variety of reasons and still adhering to excellent ballistics down range. Read more

Firearms

Fears Inducted into Georgia Hunting & Fishing HoF

Rome, GA — Legendary outdoor writer J. Wayne Fears has been inducted into the Georgia Hunting & Fishing Hall of Fame. The hall of fame is sponsored by the Georgia Outdoor Writers Association and is housed at the Charlie Elliott Wildlife Center which combines a state wildlife management area, public fishing area and regional wildlife education and conference center on 6,400 acres southeast of Atlanta.

While Fears is known for writing about adventures worldwide, he spent his first 10 years out of college working as a wildlife professional and freelance writer in the state of Georgia. He received his Master’s Degree from the University of Georgia, was a founding member of the Georgia Outdoor Writers Association in 1969 and served as its president the following year.

Hall of famer and national fishing writer Jimmy Jacobs made the induction presentation for Fears induction, held at a banquet in Rome, Georgia. In the induction Jacobs stated, “There are three categories in which a nominee must excel in at least one to be considered for induction, Fears more than qualified in all three.”

Past Georgia Hunting & Fishing Hall of Fame honorees include President Jimmy Carter and renowned Outdoor Life magazine field editor Charlie Elliott, who was a mentor to Fears when he started his outdoor writing career. Read more

Fishing, Hunting

Zanders Introduces Exclusive DRD Tactical Sub-6 Rifles

SPARTA, IL – Zanders Sporting Goods, a national distributor located in Sparta, Illinois, is proud to announce its exclusive DRD Tactical Sub-6 Rifles.

The AR15 meets the AK47 with this super lightweight mashup. Coming in at just under six pounds, it has steel in all the right places to offer solid, rugged construction in an impressively light design. Built from the ground up, every feature was redesigned with superior performance in mind. The lower receiver features an integrated 1913 picatinny rail on the butt plate, with a side-folding Magpul® buttstock securely mounted to the rear rail. Fire with the stock folded if you please. The new bolt with dovetailed gas key incorporates rail slots to eliminate BCG tilt and reduces friction for unbelievably smooth, efficient cycling that runs cleaner than standard AR systems. The barrel extension provides better lockup utilizing a trunnion system composed of steel on steel vs. steel on aluminum, which increases strength while reducing wear.

The initial black model is available now exclusively through Zanders, with the Blue, Ghost, and Sandstone colors coming in the following months.

Dealers can call 800-851-4373, or visit www.gzanders.com to place their orders. Read more

Firearms

Top Con Law Journal to Publish Paper on the Right to Train with Firearms

William & Mary Bill of Rights Journal to publish “The Right to Train: A Pillar of the Second Amendment,” spotlighting the rich history, rational thought, and longstanding laws that champion training with arms as key to the survival of America’s Republic

LAS VEGAS – Firearms Policy Coalition (FPC) and FPC Action Foundation (FPCAF) today announced that William & Mary Bill of Rights Journal (BORJ) will publish a scholarly paper authored by the foundation’s director of constitutional studies, Joseph Greenlee. Through a first of its kind in-depth exploration, “The Right to Train: A Pillar of the Second Amendment” presents compelling evidence in support of the right to train with the very weapons protected by the U.S. Constitution, and provides courts with examples of history and legal precedent to establish it as a “core” human right. The article, expected to be published in BORJ’s forthcoming Vol. 31, 2022 issue this fall, can be viewed here on SSRN.

“The Right to Train” examines every aspect of the right’s application, including for self-defense, community defense, militia rights, and the prevention of tyranny. As Greenlee’s research compels, history clearly illustrates that the activity of training was cherished by the Founders as an essential element of the enumerated right to keep and bear arms.

The paper’s findings address a timely need for substantive exploration of this critical right. “Since the Supreme Court confirmed that the Second Amendment protects ‘the individual right to possess and carry weapons’ in District of Columbia v. Heller,” the paper’s introduction reads, “…lower courts have been grappling with whether there is also a right to train with those weapons…Given the historical foundation of the right to train, courts should ensure that it is robustly protected by the Second Amendment, as the Founders intended.” Read more

Firearms

Michigan: UP Motorists Cautioned to Be on Lookout for Moose

Moose: A moose stands in a wetland area alongside U.S. Highway 41 in Marquette County.

Motorists traveling in the Upper Peninsula are being urged to keep an eye out for moose and to exercise extra caution when driving after dark.

Over the past week, five bull moose have been struck and killed by vehicles along portions of M-95 and U.S Highways 141 and 41 West in Marquette and Baraga counties.

“All of the moose killed were struck after darkness fell, when moose, especially the darker colored bulls, are more difficult for motorists to see,” said John Pepin, Michigan Department of Natural Resources deputy public information officer. “Each of these accidents occurred in areas marked with ‘moose crossing’ signs.”

Specifically, three crashes occurred on June 10, two in Baraga County and one in Marquette County. The incidents in Baraga County were located a mile west of Nestoria on U.S. Highway 41 and 1.5 miles south of Covington on U.S. Highway 141. The mishap in Marquette County happened on M-95, a half-mile south of its intersection with U.S. Highway 41. Read more

Wildlife

Fifty Caliber Airgun Hog Spot & Stalk on The High Road with Keith Warren

WATCH NOW: https://www.highroadhunting.com/the-high-road/50-cal-airgun-hog-spot-amp-stalk

New Braunfels, TX June 20th, 2022 – Today Keith Warren is heading to ground zero for THE BEST hog hunting in the world, Hog Wild Adventures just outside of Houston, Texas! On this video Keith will be hunting feral hogs with air guns and putting them down left and right!

WATCH ALL EPISODES FREE: https://www.highroadhunting.com/full-episodes

Hunting
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