We also look at core issues related to the future of hunting such as hunting ethics, hunter education, the public trust of wildlife, and the North American Model of Wildlife Management.
Monday, May 3, 2010
Technology and fair chase
Terrific video from the NSSF about the AR-15 and its use in hunting. They make the point that virtually ALL conventional sporting arms started out as "military guns."
I just hope this message is getting to the right audience. I know we need to inform the hunting community, but at the same time, the non-hunting (voting) public needs to understand the basic truths about the "black guns". It's an uphill push, but it's necessary and right.
I occasionally get down on the NSSF because they are beginning to adopt the NRA's hyperbolic approach to firearms issues, but in this case, they got it right.
Also interesting in light of the following item about proposed "assault weapon" legislation in Illinois. From the U.S. Sportsmen's Alliance:
"Illinois Firearms Ban Threatens Sportsmen 5/5/10
"An 'assault weapon' ban currently pending in Illinois would prohibit many commonly used hunting firearms and could be up for a vote at any time on the Statehouse floor.
"The measure, House Bill 5751 introduced by Representative Edward Acevedo (D-Chicago), would prohibit the manufacture, delivery, sale, purchase or possession of semi-automatic 'assault weapons.' The bill defines assault weapon to include many firearms that are commonly used for hunting such as semi-automatic shotguns that have either a pistol grip or a thumbhole stock.
"The bill does allow for the continued possession of banned firearms that are owned before the ban takes effect but would not allow the purchase or transfer of new firearms that are on the list. Additionally, HB 5751 includes an exemption for the possession of a banned firearm if it is used solely for hunting. However, this exemption does not provide adequate protection for sportsmen who might also use that same firearm for recreational or target shooting.
“'This legislation casts an extraordinarily wide net catching many firearms that sportsmen commonly use,' said Evan Heusinkveld, U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance (USSA) director of state services. 'Illinois sportsmen are making their voice heard and we hope that the House will understand the damaging effects of this measure.'
"The USSA has already issued an action alert to sportsmen in Illinois alerting them of the need to immediately contact their state representatives."
I just hope this message is getting to the right audience. I know we need to inform the hunting community, but at the same time, the non-hunting (voting) public needs to understand the basic truths about the "black guns". It's an uphill push, but it's necessary and right.
ReplyDeleteI occasionally get down on the NSSF because they are beginning to adopt the NRA's hyperbolic approach to firearms issues, but in this case, they got it right.
Also interesting in light of the following item about proposed "assault weapon" legislation in Illinois. From the U.S. Sportsmen's Alliance:
ReplyDelete"Illinois Firearms Ban Threatens Sportsmen
5/5/10
"An 'assault weapon' ban currently pending in Illinois would prohibit many commonly used hunting firearms and could be up for a vote at any time on the Statehouse floor.
"The measure, House Bill 5751 introduced by Representative Edward Acevedo (D-Chicago), would prohibit the manufacture, delivery, sale, purchase or possession of semi-automatic 'assault weapons.' The bill defines assault weapon to include many firearms that are commonly used for hunting such as semi-automatic shotguns that have either a pistol grip or a thumbhole stock.
"The bill does allow for the continued possession of banned firearms that are owned before the ban takes effect but would not allow the purchase or transfer of new firearms that are on the list. Additionally, HB 5751 includes an exemption for the possession of a banned firearm if it is used solely for hunting. However, this exemption does not provide adequate protection for sportsmen who might also use that same firearm for recreational or target shooting.
“'This legislation casts an extraordinarily wide net catching many firearms that sportsmen commonly use,' said Evan Heusinkveld, U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance (USSA) director of state services. 'Illinois sportsmen are making their voice heard and we hope that the House will understand the damaging effects of this measure.'
"The USSA has already issued an action alert to sportsmen in Illinois alerting them of the need to immediately contact their state representatives."