Federal Judge Declares California Fee-Shifting Unconstitutional

BELLEVUE, WA – A federal judge has declared California’s controversial “fee-shifting” tenet of the state’s new gun control law to be unconstitutional, and permanently enjoined the state from enforcing this provision, known as Section 1021.11.

It’s a victory for the Second Amendment Foundation and its partners in their lawsuit challenging the statute. SAF founder and Executive Vice President Alan M. Gottlieb said this is a major setback for the gun control extremism that has been running rampant in California. The case is known as Miller v. Bonta.

“Christmas came early for Golden State gun owners and rights groups everywhere who find it necessary to challenge the state’s restrictive firearms regulations,” Gottlieb said. “Section 1021.11 would have penalized gun rights groups, and their attorneys, for having the courage to take the state to court.”

SAF was joined by the San Diego County Gun Owners Political Action Committee, California Gun Rights Foundation, Firearms Policy Coalition, Inc., John W. Dillon, Dillon Law Group, P.C., George M. Lee, Gunfighter Tactical, LLC, John Phillips, PWGG, L.P., Ryan Peterson and James Miller, for whom the case is named. Representing SAF and its partners are attorneys Bradley A. Benbrook at the Benbrook Law Group, PC and David H. Thompson at Cooper & Kirk, PLLC.

In his ruling, U.S. District Judge Roger T. Benitez observed, “This Court concludes that the purpose and effect of § 1021.11 is to trench on a citizen’s right of access to the courts and to discourage the peaceful vindication of an enumerated constitutional right. Because the state fee-shifting statute undermines a citizen’s constitutional rights, it is this Court’s role to declare its invalidity and enjoin its threat.” Read more

Gun Control

Wyoming: CWD Detected in New Elk Hunt Area

LANDER – The Wyoming Game and Fish Department has confirmed the presence of chronic wasting disease in Elk Hunt Area 127. The disease was detected in a cow elk in November. This marks the fifth elk hunt area where CWD has been detected this year.

Elk Hunt Area 127 is in the Lander Region and overlaps Deer Hunt Areas 157 and 171, where CWD was detected in 2012 and 2015, respectively.

To ensure hunters are informed Game and Fish announces when CWD is found in a new hunt area. The Centers for Disease Control recommends hunters do not consume any animal that is obviously ill or tests positive for CWD.

Continued monitoring of CWD over time is important to help Game and Fish understand the potential impacts of the disease as well as evaluate future management actions for deer and elk. A map of CWD endemic areas is available on the Game and Fish website. The disease is 100% fatal to deer, elk and moose that have been infected. To date this year, Game and Fish personnel have tested 6,309 CWD lymph node samples from deer and elk — primarily submitted by hunters — and continue to evaluate new recommendations for trying to manage the disease. Read more

Wildlife

Oregon Receives $3.3 Million for Wildfire Rehab, Habitat Work, Elk Research

MISSOULA, Mont. — As part of its ongoing commitment to ensure the future of elk and other wildlife by helping rehabilitate landscapes impacted by wildfire, the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation and its partners allocated $3,351,126 for more than two dozen projects across Oregon.

“Unfortunately, high-severity wildfires over the last several years damaged soil and native seed banks in large swaths of Oregon elk habitat. And that opens the door for invasive weeds to crowd out native vegetation,” said Blake Henning, RMEF chief conservation officer. “Among other things, this funding goes toward 13 on the ground habitat conservation projects to restore and enhance elk habitat.”

RMEF supplied $324,894 in grant dollars that leveraged $3,026,232 from its partners. Read more

Wildlife

XS Sights Introduces Lever Rails for Henry Big Boy Carbines

Fort Worth, Texas – XS® Sights is pleased to introduce new Lever Rails for Henry Big Boy carbines chambered in .357 Magnum (HN-6001R-N) and .44 Magnum (HN-6002R-N).

The XS Sights Lever Rails are machined from aircraft-grade aluminum and hard coat anodized to provide a lightweight mounting system that is tough enough for a lifetime of service. The rail bolts on to round barrel models of the Henry Big Boy – no gunsmithing required – for a quick, do-it-yourself upgrade. Machined to Mil-Std 1913 Picatinny specifications, the XS Lever Rail extends from the rear of the receiver to the front sight dovetail cut to allow mounting of any optic – red dot, scout scope, or low-powered variable optic (LPVO) – giving you the most versatile mounting platform available.

The XS Sights Lever Rails for the Henry Big Boy carbines are designed for carbines with steel receivers and round barrels. Due to differences in barrel contour, the rails and sights are caliber specific.

The XS Lever Rail will not fit carbines with brass receivers, and it will not fit carbines with octagonal barrels.

Retail Price: $72.00 Read more

Firearms

The Fastest Compact Crossbow Ever Created, Meet the 460 Feet-Per-Second, 26.5” Short Flatline 460™

Mogadore, OH. TenPoint Crossbows continues its dominance in crossbow speed, accuracy, and shoot-ability with the fastest compact crossbow the world has ever seen – the NEW Flatline 460.

Designed to deliver elite performance from the smallest footprint possible, the Flatline shoots a blistering 460 feet-per-second, measures only 26.5” short, and is equipped with all-new Scope Struts that provide rock solid mounting for the scope – delivering unrivaled durability and accuracy.

“The Flatline 460 is designed for the hardcore hunter – the hunter who walks a little further, sits a little longer, and needs to make the most of that split second opportunity when it presents itself,” said Phil Bednar, CEO. “With its micro footprint – including shorter 16-inch arrows – it provides all the advantages of a low profile without sacrificing speed or accuracy.

At the heart of the Flatline’s speed and power is a patented reverse-draw bow assembly and 14-inch power stroke. By reversing the bow assembly and changing the riser mounting position, the string’s resting position is extended farther down the rail which creates a 47% longer power stroke than a forward draw crossbow measuring the same length. This increased power stroke provides many advantages over forward draw crossbows:

  • Generates top-end speeds that no forward draw crossbow can match
  • Generates more speed with less draw weight – creating a smoother, quieter shot, with less shock and vibration
  • Creates a longer nock-to-string engagement time during the shot – leading to greater accuracy

In addition, the center-mounted riser provides superior balance, eliminating the “nose heavy” feel of traditional crossbows and making it easier to hold steady, increasing the shooters accuracy. Read more

Archery

NEW TenPoint Stealth 450™ Built for Premium Speed, Greater Long-Range Accuracy, and Safe De-Cocking

Mogadore, OH. TenPoint Crossbow Technologies launched their fastest forward draw crossbow ever – the NEW Stealth 450. Faster and more accurate at longer ranges, the Stealth 450 delivers speeds of 450 FPS (400-grain arrow) and features the industry best ACUslide™ silent cocking and safe de-cocking system. The ultra-compact crossbow measures a mere 6.5-inches wide, 33-inches long, and weighs 7.5-pounds.

Fueled by RX6-Cams™, the forward draw bow assembly is the difference maker for the Stealth 450. The innovative cam system generates incredible rotation to produce speeds of 450 feet-per-second. The crossbow’s revolutionary Vector-Quad™ cable technology utilizes four cables instead of the traditional two which eliminates cam lean and generates straight-nock travel leading to same-hole down-range accuracy.

The Stealth generates greater down-range accuracy thanks to the combination of its NEW Scope Struts and 100-yard EVO-X® Marksman™ Elite Scope. The dual Scope Struts, along with a NEW, longer dovetail (+1.5”) provide rock-solid stability for the heaviest of rangefinding or night vision scopes and exponential durability for the scope – ensuring the scope rail does not move if dropped during the hunt. The Scope Struts increase strength and rigidity by 80%.

The EVO-X Marksman Elite Scope is a variable speed scope, capable of precision down-range accuracy out to 100-yards. The variable speed design is compatible with crossbows shooting up to 500 FPS, the Marksman Elite scope features external Target Turrets for easy adjustment to windage and elevation (one click represents ½” MOA at 100-yards) for unmatched long-range accuracy.

In addition, a rail-mounted bubble level allows you to identify and correct any “canting” of the crossbow, helping to eliminate left and right misses. Read more

Archery

Michigan: DNR Welcomes 12 New Conservation Officers

Class photo: Members of Recruit School #11 pose with academy and executive staff from the Michigan DNR Law Enforcement Division on the state Capitol steps Friday in Lansing. In January, the 12 probationary conservation officers – 11 men and one woman – will continue their training by rotating county assignments to receive real-life experience in handling fish, game, recreational safety, general criminal and other situations.

One of the most selective law enforcement academies in the state, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources Conservation Officer Academy hosted graduation Friday at the Michigan State Police Training Academy in Lansing, welcoming 11 men and one woman into the ranks of some of the most highly trained law enforcement professionals in Michigan.

Fifteen candidates initially were selected from nearly 400 applicants to be a part of Recruit School #11 – the DNR’s 23-week training academy that stared July 10. Read more

Fishing, Hunting

Mossberg Adds 940 Pro Tactical Holosun Micro Dot Combo

NORTH HAVEN, CT – Joining the 940 Pro Tactical Optic-Ready autoloading shotgun family is a micro dot-equipped version. The 940 Pro Tactical Holosun Micro Dot Combo features a HS407K open reflex optical sight, giving consumers the choice of purchasing the standard 940 Pro Tactical (with cover plate for when a mounted optic is not used) or a ready-for-the-range combo.

Mossberg’s optic-ready 940 Pro Tactical 8-shot autoloaders are based on a cleaner-running and redesigned gas-operating system that can run up to 1,500 rounds between cleaning intervals. And like all 940 Pro shotguns, the Tactical versions have corrosion-resistant internal parts and finishes including nickel boron-coated gas piston, magazine tube, hammer and sear. Read more

Firearms

Boone and Crockett Club Partners with Timber Companies, Conservation Organizations to Stop Spread of CWD

Seven timber companies and four conservation organizations are joining together to fight the spread of chronic wasting disease (CWD) among deer, elk, and other species of the deer family (known as “cervids”). The new CWD coalition will promote practices that help discover, manage, and mitigate the negative impacts of CWD. The Coalition includes the Forest Investment Associates, Molpus Woodlands Group, PotlatchDeltic, Rayonier, Resource Management Service, The Westervelt Company, Weyerhaeuser, Alabama Wildlife Federation, Boone and Crockett Club, Georgia Wildlife Federation and National Deer Association. This footprint spans to well over 20 million acres across the nation.

“We are pleased to join with so many other private landowners and other stakeholders in addressing this critical problem,” said Brian Luoma, The Westervelt Company President and CEO. “Federal and state agencies, the U.S. Congress, state legislatures, researchers and sportsmen conservationists are all doing their part in educating the public about this critical issue. We are fully supportive of all efforts to prevent further spread and are grateful to everyone who is participating in the coalition, including our own employees, who have taken the lead in combating CWD.”

The new coalition acknowledges it will take the cooperation of state wildlife agencies, hunters and private landowners working together to slow the spread of the disease. The group has developed a list of voluntary “best management practices” to help monitor, manage, and prevent the spread of CWD. The coalition will also support communication, research, policy, and public health. These categories parallel the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies CWD recommendations and are tailored to address the challenges facing private landowners and managers in the U.S. with large numbers of recreational users. Read more

Wildlife
1 … 587 588 589 590 591 … 2,104