SAF Files Summary Judgment Motion in Minn. Carry Ban Lawsuit

The Second Amendment Foundation filed a motion for summary judgment in a federal lawsuit in Minnesota, challenging that state’s ban on concealed carry by young adults between the ages of 18 and 21, alleging the ban violates the Second and 14th Amendment rights of those citizens.

The lawsuit was filed in U.S District Court for the District of Minnesota. The case is known as Worth v. Harrington.

Joining SAF are the Minnesota Gun Owners Caucus, Firearms Policy Coalition and three private citizens in the affected age group. Defendants are John Harrington, commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Public Safety, plus three county sheriffs, Mille Lac County Sheriff Don Lorge, Douglas County Sheriff Troy Wolbersen and Washington County Sheriff Dan Starry, in their individual and official capacities.

The Second Amendment Foundation in this case is represented by COOPER & KIRK, PLLC. a national recognized constitutional and civil rights law firm based in Washington, D.C.

“We recognize the rights of law-abiding young adults to vote, join the military, sign contracts, start businesses, get married and do other things,” said SAF founder and Executive Vice President Alan M. Gottlieb, “but when it comes to exercising one of the most basic fundamental rights protected by the Constitution, suddenly we treat them like children. You shouldn’t be able to have it both ways. Read more

Gun Control

Kalashnikov-USA, CMC Triggers Launch New AK 2.0 Trigger

Pompano Beach, Florida August 8, 2022 – Kalashnikov-USA (KUSA), the premier manufacturer of AK-pattern firearms in the United States, has joined forces with CMC Triggers, the Texas-based pioneer of drop-in triggers, to offer a new, single-stage, nonadjustable precision trigger offered with either a 3.5- or 2.5-pound pull weight. As with other CMC triggers, the internal components are made from 8620 alloy steel and S-7 tool steel. The chassis is made from 7075-T6 aircraft grade anodized aluminum. CMC’s superb machining, polishing and fitting results in a crisp trigger with a clean break and positive reset. Tested extensively in KUSA rifles, the new AK 2.0 trigger provides positive ignition with a wide variety of ammunition. Offered with a flat trigger bow, it is designed to be a drop-in fit with other AK pattern rifles having correctly aligned and dimensioned trigger and hammer pins. Available for purchase on KUSA’s website, the MSRP is $189.99. Read more

Firearms

ZeroTech Introduces TRACE Advanced 3-18x50mm Illuminated Riflescope

ZeroTech Optics is pleased to announce our new Trace Advanced riflescope, born from the success of the globally popular 4.5-27x50mm, the Trace ADV 3-18×50 FFP illuminated Long Range Hunter (LRH) was designed with long range hunters and shooters in mind. Each feature is specifically designed to meet and exceed the expectations of demanding shooters to give them the ability to put rounds on target with speed, and most importantly, precision

The ZeroTech Optics Trace Advanced 3-18x50mm FFP LRH utilizes our super robust one-piece main tube, crisp Precision Turret System with zero stop and a precise parallax adjustment that will be sure to keep you on target in even the harshest of conditions. New to the ZeroTech Trace Advanced range is the capped lower profile windage turret and is also mag ring throw lever compatible. Heavy Duty (HD) aluminum flip up covers will protect lenses from dirt and debris that can be folded flat and rotated to open in any desired orientation. Read more

Optics

GForce Arms, Inc. Announces the EQUALIZER GF9 Pistol

The company’s first entry to the handgun market is a game changer.

GForce Arms, Inc. is proud to announce the EQUALIZER GF9 handgun to be made here in the USA.

Rich in features, the Equalizer boasts front and rear slide serrations for fast weapon manipulation. Out of the box fiber optic sights are equipped, and an optics ready slide able to mount any red dot using a RMR footprint. A 3.25” 9mm precision barrel to ensure you are putting accurate rounds on target. With aggressive stippling on the grip and thumb rest, the Equalizer makes recoil management easy. A flat faced trigger aids in a smooth trigger pull. In addition, four grip backstraps are included (0°, 2°, 4°, and 6°) to create the perfect grip angle for the shooter.

Heavy in glock compatibility, the GForce Equalizer is a game changer for aftermarket part support. Fully customizable trigger, slide, barrel, sights, and optics. This allows the end user to truly make the Equalizer their own; with the additions of different trigger weight, slide ergonomics, barrels and suppressors, as well as red dots.

GForce Arms is a team of people who absolutely, undeniably, and without question love our country and firearms. We love to shoot with our family and friends. We take pride in our products and strive to provide firearm buyers with a quality and reliable product at an affordable price. We strive to generate new and positive interest in shooting sports. Finally, we strongly support the promotion and education of shooting sports and firearms safety, regardless of age, gender, or experience.

GF9 MODEL FEATURES Read more

Firearms

FPC Files for Injunction Against Minnesota Carry Ban As To Adults Under 21

MINNEAPOLIS, MN (August 8, 2022) – Firearms Policy Coalition (FPC) has filed a motion for summary judgment in its Worth v. Harrington lawsuit, a case that seeks to restore the right of adults under 21 years of age to carry loaded, operable arms in public for self-defense in Minnesota. The motion can be viewed at FPCLegal.org.

“At the time the Second Amendment was ratified, not only were there no laws in any state that purported to limit the rights of 18-to-20-year-olds to carry firearms for self-defense, there were several laws enacted, including the Militia Act of 1792, that required 18-year-olds to buy and maintain firearms,” FPC argues in the motion. “Defendants will not be able to point to any historical tradition that could justify Minnesota’s attempt to deviate from the plain text of the Second Amendment, therefore this Court must declare the Carry Ban unconstitutional.”

The State of Minnesota also filed its own motion for summary judgment, which began by arguing that this case is “part of [FPC’s] coordinated, multi-state litigation plan to force a determination on the issue of whether the Second Amendment covers the right of 18-to-20-year-olds to publicly carry handguns,” and went on to say that “[t]he plain text of the Second Amendment does not cover those under 21, therefore a historical analysis is unnecessary” and that “18-20 year old women are also not covered by the plain text of the Second Amendment.” Read more

Gun Control

Hunting Coalition Sues California Over Firearms Marketing Law

Sportsmen’s Alliance, Safari Club International, SoCal Top Guns and Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation cite violations of well-established and constitutionally protected rights in 1st, 2nd, 5th and 14th Amendments

On Friday, a coalition of outdoor groups sued the State of California in federal district court in Sacramento challenging a recently passed law banning the “marketing” of firearms to minors. The legal challenge by Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation, SoCal Top Guns, Safari Club International and Sportsmen’s Alliance Foundation seeks to protect youth hunting, shooting sports and education in the state.

Although described by Gov. Newsom and supporters as a prohibition on marketing the sale of firearms to youth, the new law goes well beyond direct advertising to include any marketing activity involving firearms and firearm accessories. This includes not only the purchase of firearms, but lawful use. The law’s broad terms also prohibit marketing hunter education, school-sponsored firearms teams, youth hunts, youth camps that include firearms training and even short seminars or “how to” events. The law is so broadly written that it bans social media, leaflets or flyers, videos, magazine articles or any other communication that showcases or illustrates the use of firearms by youth. Read more

Gun Control

Cabela Family Foundation Announces New TV Series ‘Hard Truths of Conservation

Hosted by the son of Dick and Mary Cabela, founders of Cabela’s Outfitters, ‘Hard Truths of Conservation’ will air in the OUTDOORS block on The HISTORY Channel and premieres on Saturday, August 20 at 9 am ET.

(Conservation Visions) August 5, 2022

St. John’s, NL – August 5, 2022 – The Cabela Family Foundation announces an exciting new series, “Hard Truths of Conservation,” to explore the role that sustainable wildlife use, including hunting, can play in a modern conservation landscape. Hosted by wildlife conservationist and advocate, Dan Cabela, son of Dick and Mary Cabela, who founded the world-famous Cabela’s Outfitters, the ten-episode series will air on The HISTORY Channel’s OUTDOORS block at 9am ET and premieres on Saturday, August 20th. Insightful, objective, and visually stunning, “Hard Truths of Conservation” will expose the current realities of wildlife conservation, as well as the benefits of treating wildlife resources as both valuable and renewable.

The conservation of natural ecosystems has never been more crucial with both biodiversity loss and the human population increasing more rapidly than ever before. Often unknowingly, our survival is dependent on the continued functioning of these systems. But what does conservation in a modern world require? Read more

General

LWCF Coalition Celebrates Two Year Anniversary of GAOA and Impact of Permanently Funding LWCF

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) Coalition released the following statements in recognition of the Great American Outdoors Act’s (GAOA) second anniversary and the benefits of permanently funding the Land and Water Conservation Fund at least $900 million yearly.

“While efforts to protect, conserve and improve our public lands, waters and outdoor recreation opportunities continue, it is important to pause and celebrate victories along the way, and today on the 2nd anniversary of the Great American Outdoors Act is one such time,’ said Lesley Kane Szynal, co-chair of the LWCF Coalition. “With that one act, the Land and Water Conservation Fund is forever guaranteed to be funded at least $900 million per year ensuring there are conservation and recreation projects in every state and in communities large and small. We look forward to building on this win and continuing the fight to conserve the outdoors that make our nation great and ensure equitable access to outdoor spaces for all Americans no matter where they live.”’

“In the early stages of 2020 when the pandemic was raging, stores and business were shuttered, and many treasured outdoor locations closed to the public, it was hard to imagine we would pass one of the most significant pieces of outdoor legislation in decades,” said Jessica Turner, President of Outdoor Recreation Roundtable. “Fast forward two years and GAOA is already a huge success, permanently funding the Land and Water Conservation Fund with at least $900 million each year and ensuring substantial resources for federal land and water management agencies to fix and maintain our parks, forests, trails, campgrounds, lakes, and rivers.

The positive impact of the Great American Outdoors Act on our nation’s public lands and waters is immense. From coast to coast, more Americans have access to the outdoors because of this legislation, and LWCF continues to applaud the legislators, advocates and outdoor enthusiasts who work every day to preserve and protect the wild places that make America so special. Examples of projects funded through GAOA include the following: Read more

Wildlife

Fifth Circuit Brief: Semi-Automatic Firearms, ‘Bump Stocks’ Are Not Machine Gun

NEW ORLEANS – Today, Firearms Policy Coalition (FPC) announced the filing of an important appellate brief, joined by FPC Action Foundation, in the case of Cargill v. Garland, which challenges the ATF’s unconstitutional ban on “bump stock” devices. The brief can be viewed at FPCLegal.org.

In December 2021, a 3-judge panel of the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals upheld the ban, saying that “the Bump Stock Rule’s interpretation of the NFA’s definition of ‘machinegun’ is the best interpretation of the statute.” Last June, however, the Court ordered that the panel opinion be vacated and that the full Court would review the appeal (known as a rehearing en banc).

“Because virtually all semiautomatic weapons can be bump fired, and because that technique can be aided by myriad common household products or clothing items, ATF’s definition is necessarily overbroad and would eliminate statutory distinctions between less-regulated semiautomatic rifles and handguns, and more-regulated machineguns,” argued FPC and FPCAF in their brief to the en banc Fifth Circuit. “Bump firing, whether aided by a bump stock, a rubber band, or merely a well-controlled finger, is not shooting automatically and the ease with which any given weapon can be bump fired does not turn semiautomatic firearms into heavily regulated machineguns.” Read more

Gun Control

New Research to Address Declines Linked to Roost Sites

(Photo Credit: Darcy Daniels)

New Research to Address Declines Linked to Roost Sites

The NWTF is funding a new wild turkey research project in the Texas Rolling Plains Ecoregion, located in the north-central part of the state.

The project will help the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department better understand changes in available roosting habitat over the last 20 years and how roost sites are negatively impacted by encroaching invasive vegetative species, like Russian olive and salt cedar. The research will utilize state-of-the-art imaging techniques to classify over 20 years of landscape-scale data. It will also provide insight into future management needs, helping slow the spread of invasive species and bolstering Rio populations in the region.

“TPWD, NWTF and Texas A&M University are collaborating to take a closer look at larger landscape habitat changes,” said Jason Hardin, TPWD wild turkey program leader and co-chair of the NWTF Technical Committee. “The focus of this work is on the potential loss of wild turkey roosting cover, primarily cottonwood trees in the Rolling Plains, which may have been exacerbated by the 2011 drought. These partners will examine changes in brush cover along the riparian corridors where wild turkeys are primarily found in the Rolling Plains. TPWD and NWTF have a keen interest in finding answers so that we can provide management options to landowners in this historic stronghold for wild turkeys.”

(Photo Credit: Darcy Daniels)

The Rolling Plains region is characterized by its gently rolling open-country landscape, interspersed with rivers and streams. The waterways (riparian areas) provide essential habitat for the Rio Grande wild turkeys that inhabit the area. These riparian areas, however, are where much of roosting habitat is diminishing.
With no shortage of predators in the region, Rio Grande wild turkeys are particular about their roost sites. Rios like to roost in large trees, both in diameter and height. Previous research found the birds’ average preferred roost tree size was about 45 feet tall and about 23 inches in diameter.

What’s more, even if trees fit the size preference for Rios, if invasive brush has taken hold, Rios will often avoid roosting in those trees, likely to avoid predators lurking in the brush. The brush is also poor for the overall health of trees like the cottonwood. The woody vegetation encompasses the tree, competing for water and nutrients and making the trees more susceptible to damage from fire and other disturbances. Read more

Wildlife
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