The National Shooting Sports Foundation, trade association for the firearms and ammunition industry, calls the 3.6 percent rise in paid hunting license holders for 2009 one of the most encouraging signs for hunting in recent years.

An ATF proposal to require federally licensed firearms retailers to report multiple sales of rifles has been placed on hold by the White House amid stiff opposition from the firearms industry and NRA.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) is moving to require federally licensed firearms retailers to report multiple sales of modern sporting rifles beginning January 5, 2011. Specifically, the ATF requirement calls for firearms retailers to report multiple sales, or other dispositions, of two or more .22 caliber or larger semi-automatic rifles that are capable of accepting a detachable magazine and are purchased by the same individual within five consecutive business days.

Gone Huntin Safaris TV just received quite a nice achievement award when Co-Host Charlie Barnes managed to squeak out top honors by the thinnest of margins at the third annual Dallas Safari Club's BIG BORE SHOOT held near Van Alstyne, Texas.

BASS, the worldwide authority on bass fishing, today announced that Bass Pro Shops, the world's leading supplier of outdoor gear, will build on the marketing alliance formed last year by assuming title sponsorship of the Bassmaster Opens in 2010-2011. With the agreement, final-day weigh-ins of select Bassmaster Open events will be held at Bass Pro Shops stores.

As a critical Second Amendment case goes before the United States Supreme Court, U.S. Senators Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-TX) and Jon Tester (D-MT), and Congressmen Mike Ross (D-AR) and Mark Souder (R-IN) are gathering signatures for an amicus curiae (“friend of the court”) brief by Members of Congress. 

A federal-level task force appears determined to develop a rushed policy that will ultimately govern anglers' use of public waters, including the likely expansion of no-fishing zones into the Great Lakes. Any such recommendations will be met head-on by BASS and several other sportfishing advocacy groups.

Sportsmen are needed to help prevent the confirmation of Cass Sunstein as President Obama's head of the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA).   Because this position has oversight of regulations including those that impact hunting, sportsmen have reason to be concerned about the nominee’s stated views that hunting be banned if its only value is that of recreation.

Senator John Cornyn (R- TX) has blocked President Obama’s choice for a powerful regulatory position in the White House because of the nominee’s support for animal rights.  He’s done his part, now sportsmen need to do theirs.   Your support is needed to make sure the block, known technically as a “hold,” stays in place.