Completing Form 4473 December 2023 Edition SHOT University Online Training

WASHINGTON, D.C. — NSSF®, The Firearm Industry Trade Association, is pleased to announce that the training series titled “Completion of the ATF Form 4473 2023 Edition” is now available through the SHOT UniversityTM Online education center. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) revised the form in December 2022 to reflect new statutory requirements implemented due to the enactment of the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, the NICS Denial Notification Act and the ATF Final Rule 2021R-05F.

This training series is now live and reviews critical elements of the new form’s use and purpose, as well as tips for identifying and correcting common errors made by both buyers and sellers. The suite is composed of three, easy-to-digest segments:

  • Module 1: Overview of Form 4473
  • Module 2: Completing Form 4473, Sections A-B
  • Module 3: Completing Form 4473, Sections C-E

All FFL counter salespeople, compliance officers, records keepers and license holders should consider these SHOT University Online courses to be vital training to enhance FFL training and help reduce errors when using the new form. Updated 4473 overlay forms will also be available in a couple weeks, and NSSF encourages all FFLs not using digital solutions to order by logging in to the online store. New overlay orders are $15 for members, $30 for non-members and ship with a “Sweat the Details” pamphlet for sales team to refer to. Read more

Firearms

SAF Files Appellant Brief in Case Against New York Anti-Carry Law

BELLEVUE, WA – Attorneys representing the Second Amendment Foundation and its partners in a lawsuit challenging New York State’s so-called “Anti-Carry Default” law have filed an appeals court brief in the case with the U.S. Second Circuit Court of Appeals, responding to the state’s appeal of its lower court loss. The case is known as Christian v. Nigrelli.

Joining SAF are the Firearms Policy Coalition and a private citizen, Brett Christian, for whom the case is named. They are represented by attorneys Nicolas J. Rotsko at Phillips Lytle LLP in Buffalo and David H. Thompson, Peter A. Patterson and John W. Tienken at Cooper & Kirk LLC in Washington, D.C. Defendants are New York State Police Supt. Steven A. Nigrelli, and Erie County District Attorney John L. Flynn, in their official capacities.

In their brief, plaintiffs note how Christian was able to legally carry his sidearm for personal protection prior to Sept. 1, 2022, the effective date of New York’s new gun control law. The law was hastily passed in reaction to the Supreme Court’s 6-3 ruling in New York State Rifle & Pistol Association v. Bruen, which nullified the state’s previous law requiring “proper cause” in order to obtain a concealed carry permit. The new law attempts to circumvent the high court’s Bruin doctrine regarding Second Amendment cases. Read more

Gun Control

Only One Week Left to Enter Great Outdoor America Giveaway

March 8, 2023 (Vancouver, Wash.) – Outdoor America is the leading multi-platform media brand designed to inspire Americans to spend more time in our nation’s great outdoors. And what better way to inspire outdoor enthusiasts than an assortment of prizes to facilitate your next adventure.

The Great Outdoor America Prize Giveaway will fuel your need for ultimate outdoor living. The sweepstakes winner will win everything they need to kick off the spring season of outdoor adventure valued at more than $1,000. This ultimate haul includes gear from FIREDISC, Lunkerhunt, Over Under Clothing, Williams Knife Co. and YETI. The giveaway kicks off on February 15, 2023 and runs until March 15, 2023. The winner will be announced on March 16, 2023.

“We are thrilled to partner with these great brands to offer one lucky winner a prize package that’s perfect for anyone that loves getting outside,” said John West, President of Outdoor America.

Enter today! The contest ends on March 15, 2023. Contestants can find complete rules and enter at https://www.outdooramericagiveaways.com/.

General

California: Fifteen Agencies Collaborate to Support Monarch and Pollinator Conservation Efforts

State and federal agencies in California are joining forces to address the decline of monarch butterflies and other pollinator species in the state. The Multi-Agency Monarch and Pollinator Collaborative aims to facilitate long-term conservation of the western population of the migratory monarch butterfly and its habitats, as well as other pollinator species in the state.

“Monarchs and other pollinators are critical to maintaining ecosystem resilience and preserving California’s biodiversity,” said California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) Director Charlton H. Bonham. “It will take a collective effort between agencies to make significant headway toward the state’s conservation goals and recover pollinator populations.”

Recent surveys reveal a positive turn for the monarchs. The 2023 count of overwintering monarchs along the California coast showed a robust population of more than 330,000 butterflies. This represents more than a thousandfold increase over the all-time low count of less than 2,000 individuals in 2020. Read more

Wildlife

Michigan: 2023 Spring Turkey Drawing Results Available

Check your spring turkey drawing results at Michigan.gov/DNRLicenses, through the Michigan DNR Hunt Fish app or by calling 517-284-9453 (WILD). Licenses can be purchased online or at any license retailer.

Hunters who were unsuccessful in the drawing can buy a leftover license starting Monday, March 13, at 10 a.m. EST.

Didn’t apply for a license? Remaining leftover turkey licenses will go on sale to everyone Monday, March 20, at 10 a.m. Licenses are sold on a first-come, first-served basis. There is no guarantee that leftover licenses will be available for any hunt unit.

Hunt 0234 license

Would you like a license that offers flexible hunting options? Hunt 0234 might be for you. With the Hunt 0234 license, you can hunt on:

  • Both public and private lands in the Upper Peninsula (Unit M) and in the northern Lower Peninsula (Units A, B, E, F, J and K).
  • Private land only in the southern Lower Peninsula (Unit ZZ).
  • Fort Custer military lands with permission.
  • Season dates May 6-31.

Hunt 0234 licenses go on sale March 20 at 10 a.m. Learn more about this hunt and season dates in the 2023 Spring Turkey Digest.

Hunting

SEVR 21″ HD Target

SEVR Broadheads is now shipping the all-new innovative archery practice target—the 21” SEVR HD. The premium target uses a NEW easy-pull foam and features an oversized rectangular 4:3 aspect-ratio face. A generous 21”W x 17”H x 13”D, its versatile, rectangle shape is larger than comparable targets and can be shot horizontally for more stability. The target can also be turned and shot vertically for added confidence at longer distances. The target also features integrated tie-down channels so multiple targets can be strapped together to create a larger range-type target. The first-of-its-kind rear face has a molded 1” grid pattern for sighting-in bows and crossbows and can be used with the included 10 wooden marker pins. SEVR HD has a molded channel to store the free arrow puller that is included with each target. Only SEVR’s direct-to-consumer model combines comparable quality with a 40% larger target for the same price versus the leading retail brands. The target is only sold direct at sevrbroadheads.com. SEVR is offering free shipping on the HD target for a limited time.

  • Speed rated for the fastest vertical bows and crossbows
  • Size: 21”W x 17”H x 13”D
  • For use with field points, mechanical, and fixed-blade broadheads
  • Made in the USA
  • Shootable on all sides
  • Sold direct at $169.99 + free shipping for a limited time

For more information or to order visit: www.sevrbroadheads.com

Archery

AG Composites – More Than the Average Custom Stock

OWENS CROSS ROADS, AL (March 7, 2023) —In this world of mass production, where automated, computerized production helps cut costs and increase the precision of the components being manufactured, consumers often end up with products that are just the same as everyone else’s. That’s not a bad thing when we’re talking about auto parts, but when it comes to your rifle’s stock, having something that has been finished by hand will give it a unique, one-of-a-kind look that engenders a sense of pride of ownership not found in mass-produced stocks.

AG Composites, a veteran-owned company that designs and manufactures advanced composite products, combines the best of both worlds – advanced computerized design and manufacture with hand finishing – to produce the world’s finest composite rifle stocks, each with a unique look.

“AG Composites is a company built on technology using modern design software from Solidworks and AutoDesk to create Computer Aided Design (CAD) models of every stock we manufacture,” said Matt Tandy, AG Composites owner. “At the same time, 90 percent of the work on every AG Composite stock is hands-on craftmanship. We rely on the skills of our stock finishers to give each stock a unique look. For example, each stock is hand painted and, although they need to be consistent in the pattern, I can tell which of our employees painted each stock, as they all have their own unique style. The result is a unique look that our customers love.

“At AG Composites, our design engineers bring their aerospace industry CAD modeling experience to every stock we design,” continued Tandy. “In addition, we use only the highest-quality carbon fiber, epoxy, and paint products to manufacture our premium line of composite rifle stocks. “Our proprietary manufacturing process is the ‘secret sauce’ behind our ability to produce best-in-class stocks with delivery times that are a fraction of our competitors. Consistency, efficiency, cost control, and frequent quality control checks are the primary drivers of each step of our manufacturing process. Our goal is to give our customers outstanding value and superior performance and be the best in the business.” Read more

Firearms

Win a Hunt with Legendary Bowhunter Chuck Adams

Only 2,000 Pope and Young Raffle Tickets Available to hunt with

Chuck Adams at Liberty Ranch Outdoors

March 7, 2023 – Pope and Young, North America’s leading bowhunting conservation organization has teamed up with Liberty Ranch Outdoors to offer one lucky winner the opportunity to share camp and hunt with legendary bowhunter Chuck Adams.

In their continued efforts to Preserve, Promote, and Protect bowhunting, Pope and Young has created a unique raffle that not only provides one lucky winner the opportunity to hunt Liberty Ranch, but the chance to share that experience with legendary bowhunter Chuck Adams. The winner will spend one week with Chuck at Liberty Ranch a 7,000-acre deer hunting paradise in Oklahoma with incredible lodging, great deer hunting, and amazing food.

Tickets for this once in a lifetime raffle are $20, and the funds raised go to supporting bowhunting rights, and Pope and Young as they fight for YOUR rights as a bowhunter. The hunt will take place in December 2023, and the winner of the raffle will be announced at the Pope and Young 33rd Biennial Convention. To Learn more, view our discounted bundled ticket pricing, and get your tickets HERE! Read more

Hunting

New Season, No License: Shed Hunting

By Glen Wunderlich

Charter Member Professional Outdoor Media Association (POMA)

A brand new season is underway (maybe under snow, too) and no license is needed.  An exciting means to shake off the winter blahs and to get the family into a little competition is before us all:  antler shed hunting.  Some of the whitetail bucks still have their headgear, but others have already shaken theirs onto the ground.

Why do it?  If exercise isn’t enough of a motivator, how about some cash? A click of the finger reveals many entrepreneurs on Ebay selling their finds either whole or in pieces for sizeable sums.  In most cases, however, finding both sides of an antler set is difficult, if not impossible, because they are not necessarily shed at the same time.  However, the fun is in the hunt.

The State of Michigan has no law prohibiting the collection or selling of naturally shed antlers. Furthermore, there is no permit necessary to do so, unlike in some of the Western states.

Last week, while cutting wood with my friend, Joe and his faithful four-legged hound-mix, Junior, we “received” our first shed of the season: half of a fresh 8-point shed.  While we were busy making wood chips, Junior followed signals from his nose and found the first antlers of the season and proudly trotted back to us with his head held high; looks like he needs no training for this routine.

While most veterinarians advise refraining from antlers for dogs, if you choose to give your dog an antler, it is a good idea to supervise your dog while it chews.

Pit Bull Mix Enjoys An Antler

Fragments can cause serious problems if ingested.  It’s best to avoid antler chews until a puppy’s adult teeth have fully erupted and their bones are mature.  Do not boil antlers before giving them to your dog, because so doing makes them more likely to splinter.

Apart from myriad iterations of chandelier artwork, knife handles and other craftwork, shed antlers are a hunter’s first indication of what may lie ahead in the next hunting season.  That alone may make the search worthwhile.  Serious whitetail hunters pride themselves upon scouring the terrain for the same buck’s sheds, year after year.

Examples of areas to search can be anywhere deer typically congregate:  bedding areas, trail crossings, and food sources such as food plots.  It’s best to take your time and to look closely at nearby ground, rather than far away.  If you’re one of the mushroom hunters, use the same technique employed to find them and you may stumble upon some discarded headgear.

Through the month of March, 80 percent of the whitetails congregate in 20 percent of any given habitat that has the best food sources this time of year. Bucks cast their antlers in these places, and it makes sense to look there first, rather than your favorite hunting grounds.

Take your dog, take the kids and take your time to fun and games with unique rewards.

Hunting

Michigan: Wisconsin Man Dies in Snowmobile-Groomer Crash

A 42-year-old Wisconsin man was killed Thursday morning when the snowmobile he was operating crashed into an approaching trail groomer.

Todd Lisowe, of New Holstein, was pronounced dead at the scene of the crash, which was located south of Crystal Falls. Attempts to resuscitate Lisowe were made.

The crash – the 15th snowmobile fatality in Michigan this winter – occurred at about 11:45 a.m. CST along Snowmobile Trail UP 113.

Michigan Department of Natural Resources conservation officers said Lisowe was the first rider traveling south with three other Wisconsin snowmobilers between U.S. Highway 2 and Stager Lake Road.

The riders were headed from Big Bay in Marquette County to Pembine, Wisconsin.

Lisowe collided with a trail groomer that was headed north, actively grooming the trail. The groomer was being operated by the Chippewa Sno-Kats Snowmobile Club of Crystal Falls. Read more

General
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