Farm Bill Proposal Contains Mixed Results for Waterfowl Needs

WASHINGTON – May 8, 2008 – With a Farm Bill being readied for a final floor vote in the House and Senate, agricultural conservation initiatives are being treated differently than they were in earlier versions of this year's bill and in previous Farm Bills. 

 
 

"This bill has mixed results for ducks," said Dr. Alan Wentz, Senior Group Manager for Conservation and Communications. "We were pleased to see the revival of the Wetlands Reserve Program, but at the same time disappointed to see the Conservation Reserve Program acreage reduced."

 
 

Despite the positive results initiatives like the Conservation Reserve Program and Wetlands Reserve Program have on clean water, healthy farmland and wildlife habitat, those programs are being scaled back in acreage and changes have been made to provisions that have made them popular with farmers and ranchers.

 
 

Essential conservation programs in the Farm Bill like the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP), regarded as the "holy grail" of conservation programs, are seeing acreage reductions. CRP's proposed acreage will be lowered from the previous Farm Bill's 39.2 million acres to approximately 32 million acres.   In the Prairie Pothole Region of the northern Great Plains, America's "duck factory," CRP acres are critical for nesting habitat for waterfowl and other grass-nesting birds.  For example, 7.8 million CRP acres in the Prairie Pothole Region are responsible for adding more than 2.2 million ducks to the annual fall migration each year, according to the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service - equivalent to all ducks harvested in the Atlantic Flyway. 

 
 

However there are positive developments for some conservation provisions. The Wetlands Reserve Program and Grasslands Reserve Program are being revived. Both programs were set to expire with the 2002 Farm Bill.    Both programs would be authorized at levels below what they were in the 2002 Farm Bill.

 
 

There was also a two-year extension to incentives to conservation easements on private lands. These conservation easements have proven invaluable in convincing private landowners to protect their lands for the benefit of wildlife, water quality and other benefits to society.

 
 

Senate and House supported provisions that would discourage destruction of America's last native prairie have been diluted in this final version of the bill. Called "Sodsaver," that provision would remove taxpayer financed incentives to begin cultivating crops on virgin grasslands. Ducks Unlimited biologists have estimated that more than 3.3 million acres of native prairie will be lost during the next five years. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service estimates that for every 1% of native prairie lost, fall waterfowl migrations are reduced by more than 25,000 ducks.

 
 

The Sodsaver provisions were originally planned to be mandatory nationwide. Changes to the bill altered the language to only apply to the five Prairie Pothole states (Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Iowa and Minnesota) and participation in the program is now at the option of those states' governors.

 
 

In addition, a new program aimed at increasing access for hunters and anglers was included in the bill. Called "Open Fields", the program would provide modest subsidies for landowners that allowed public hunting and fishing access on their conservation land.

 
 

The bill faces a challenge from the Bush administration, which has threatened a veto over the lack of reforms to commodity subsidies and lack of innovation for conservation and nutrition.

 
 

With more than a million supporters, Ducks Unlimited is the world's largest and most effective wetland and waterfowl conservation organization with more than 12 million acres conserved. The United States alone has lost more than half of its original wetlands − nature's most productive ecosystem − and continues to lose more than 80,000 wetland acres each year.

Safari Club International to Sponsor National Hunting and Fishing Day

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. -- Safari Club International, a leader in protecting the freedom to hunt and in promoting conservation worldwide, has stepped up as a major sponsor of National Hunting and Fishing Day, the annual celebration of hunters, anglers and conservation.

The 2008 celebration of National Hunting and Fishing Day is set for Sept. 27.

At the urging of the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF), Congress formalized National Hunting and Fishing Day in 1971. Presidents from Richard M. Nixon through George W. Bush have officially proclaimed their support, making the annual commemoration one of the most effective grassroots campaigns ever undertaken to promote traditional outdoor sports.

Consistent with its "SCI, First for Hunters" brand, Safari Club International's sponsorship supports the work of its 180 chapters that promote hunting across the country, as well as the educational efforts of Wonders of Wildlife museum, the official home of National Hunting and Fishing Day. The museum is developing communications campaigns, event-planning tips, promotional items and free online (www.nhfday.org) tools to show that conservation succeeds in America only because of hunters, anglers and shooters. In fact, through licenses and excise taxes, these outdoor enthusiasts generate $100,000 every 30 minutes for fish, wildlife and habitat programs.

"We believe the National Hunting and Fishing Day message is bigger than a one-day celebration. Wonders of Wildlife is expanding the celebration throughout the year. The generosity and commitment of SCI, its chapters and members, are key to this goal," said Denise Wagner, national coordinator for Wonders of Wildlife.

SCI President Dennis Anderson, whose history of volunteer leadership includes serving about 3,000 youths annually at the SCI Orange County, Calif., Chapter's Youth Safari Day, said, "There's nothing like seeing a youngster's face light up when they discover these great outdoor sports. National Hunting and Fishing Day celebrations and events nationwide throughout the year help young people get outside, and SCI wants to help them take those next steps toward the pursuit of a rewarding conservation ethic and healthy outdoor lifestyle."

NSSF remains the charter sponsor for National Hunting and Fishing Day. Other sponsors for 2008 include Wonders of Wildlife, Bass Pro Shops, The Sportsman Channel, National Wild Turkey Federation, Realtree, Cabela's, Woolrich, Gunbroker.com, Outdoor Channel and Safari Club International.

Outdoor television personality Michael Waddell is serving as honorary chairman for National Hunting and Fishing Day 2008.

For more information, visit www.nhfday.org

Hunting Heritage Trust to Sponsor National Hunting and Fishing Day

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. -- An organization formed to help hunters and shooters "give back" to their traditional passions, the Hunting Heritage Trust is also the newest sponsor of National Hunting and Fishing Day.

This special day, tabbed for Sept. 27, annually celebrates the conservation leadership of hunters and anglers.

"When Congress formalized National Hunting and Fishing Day in 1971, it did so at the urging of Mr. Robert Delfay, who at the time worked for the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF). Today he is the president of the Hunting Heritage Trust and it's wonderful to see him back involved with the celebration he helped create," said Denise Wagner, national coordinator for Wonders of Wildlife museum.

Through its sponsorship, the Hunting Heritage Trust is supporting Wonders of Wildlife, the official home of National Hunting and Fishing Day.

The museum is developing communications campaigns, event-planning tips, promotional items and free online (www.nhfday.org) tools to show the public that conservation succeeds in America only because of hunters, anglers and shooters. In fact, through licenses and excise taxes, these enthusiasts generate $100,000 every 30 minutes for fish, wildlife and habitat programs.

The Hunting Heritage Trust also is organizing a special fundraiser -- an online auction of a commemorative firearm and rod-and-reel combo on GunBroker.com -- to provide additional support for the celebration. Details to be announced later this year.

"National Hunting and Fishing Day is truly one of the hallmark events in the outdoor industry and the Hunting Heritage Trust is genuinely excited to play a part in bringing the day's important message to millions of Americans," said Delfay.

NSSF remains the charter sponsor for National Hunting and Fishing Day. Other sponsors for 2008 include Wonders of Wildlife, Bass Pro Shops, The Sportsman Channel, National Wild Turkey Federation, Realtree, Cabela's, Woolrich, GunBroker.com, Outdoor Channel, Safari Club International and Hunting Heritage Trust.

Presidents from Richard M. Nixon through George W. Bush have officially proclaimed their support of National Hunting and Fishing Day, making it one of the most effective grassroots campaigns ever undertaken to promote traditional outdoor sports.

Outdoor television personality Michael Waddell is serving as honorary chairman for National Hunting and Fishing Day 2008.

For more information, visit www.nhfday.org.

BLOOMBERG OUTRAGE: ASKS JUDGE TO BAN 2ND AMENDMENT REFERENCES!

BELLEVUE, WA – New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg has moved from outrage to atrocity by asking anti-gun activist federal Judge Jack B. Weinstein to ban any reference to the Seco! nd Amendment during a civil lawsuit trial beginning May 27 against Georgia gun dealer Jay Wallace, proprietor at Adventure Outdoors.

The New York Sun reported that Bloomberg’s attorneys made the request. Alan Gottlieb, founder of the Second Amendment Foundation, said the move clearly shows that Bloomberg has “total disregard not only for the Second Amendment, but also the First.”

Bloomberg’s attorney on this case, Eric Proshansky, has reportedly argued in a brief that “Any references to the Second Amendment or analogous state constitutional provisions are likewise irrelevant” to the upcoming trial.

“This trial is supposed to be held in a federal court, not a kangaroo court,” Gottlieb stated. “What’s next, a request that Judge Weinstein not allow defense witnesses or rebuttal? Why not just dispense with the trial altogether and lynch Mr. Wallace from the limb of a tree out in Central Pa! rk?

“The civil prosecution, and un-civil persecution, of Jay Wallace has never really been about the Second Amendment, until right now,” he observed. “And, thanks to Mr. Proshansky’s brief, this trial is suddenly all about the First Amendment as well.

“We are neither surprised nor shocked at Mayor Bloomberg and the city’s attorney for making this move,” Gottlieb added. “This is the kind of behavior one should expect from a billionaire demagogue who considers himself so far above the law that he launched this vigilante campaign against firearms retailers by stepping outside legal channels in the first place. He sent private agents to several states without legal authority, jeopardizing legitimate on-going criminal investigations in the process.

“Now Bloomberg wants a gag order,” he concluded. “Apparently, in Mikey’s world, a fair trial is one in which a defense attorney is muzzl! ed, and the defendant is already guilty until proven innocent. Bloomberg missed his calling. Instead of being mayor of an American city, he should have been the administrator of a gulag.”

Make Your Voice Heard On Right-to-Carry in Our National Parks!

NRA UPDATES - As we reported last week, the U.S. Department of the Interior has issued a proposed rule to eliminate the prohibition on Right-to-Carry in national parks and wildlife refuges. The National Rifle Association led the effort to change this policy and we are very close to winning this important battle. However, the new rules cannot take effect until after a period of public comment. Our opponents will take advantage of this time to try to convince the Secretary of the Interior to reverse his decision. NRA members must take action now so that the anti-gunners are not allowed to sway this process.

Non-Partisan Voter Registration Drive To Commence In Louisville:  In addition to the myriad other activities that will occur next week during NRA's Annual Meetings in Louisville, NRA-ILA's Grassroots Division will be kicking off the Association's largest voter registration drive ever. 

Not Content With Crushing Second Amendment, Bloomberg Disregards The First:  A story in today's New York Sun, (http://www2.nysun.com/new-york/gag-on-2nd-amendment-is-citys-aim-in-gun s-suit/) demonstrates that gun-hating Mayor Michael Bloomberg's disdain for the Constitution isn't just limited to his abhorrence of the Second Amendment. 

ILA Dinner and Auction At Annual Meetings:  The Institute for Legislative Action will hold its Second Annual Dinner and Auction in conjunction with the NRA Annual Meetings in Louisville, Kentucky next Friday evening, May 16^th. 

Last Call To Register For Louisville Workshop!  This is the last call to register for the NRA-ILA Grassroots Division's FREE
Grassroots Workshop being held next week at NRA's Annual Meetings in Louisville.  This Workshop has been a regular part of NRA's Annual Meetings for more than a decade.  At this event, you will hear from NRA officers, NRA staff, and your fellow NRA members on what you can do in your own community to ensure victory for the Second Amendment in this year's elections. 

Special Session Event Planned For Louisville!  In addition to the FREE Grassroots Workshop being held in conjunction with NRA's Annual Meetings in Louisville, the NRA-ILA Grassroots Division is holding an additional FREE "In Their Own Words" Special Session in Louisville. 

Grassroots Minute Video:  To view this week's "Grassroots Minute" video, please click here:  mms://media.streamtoyou.com/nra/2008/ilamin050908.wmv.  

Stop BATFE Abuses -- Urge Your Congressman To Cosponsor H.R. 4900:
Continuing concern about the treatment of firearm dealers by BATFE has caused members of the U.S. House of Representatives--with NRA-ILA's full support--to push for new and improved reform legislation.  That push has taken the form of H.R. 4900 -- the "Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Reform and Firearms Modernization Act." 

Help Protect Your Right to Self-Defense!  Last month, Florida became one of a handful of states to enact a law to protect the rights of law-abiding gun owners to keep a firearm in their vehicle for personal protection.  Unfortunately, this law is facing opposition by large corporate giants such as Disney, Walmart, Publix, and several others.  They have even filed a federal lawsuit to try to overturn this important self-defense law.  NRA is committed to fighting for the rights of gun owners in Florida and across the country but we can't fight these attacks alone!  We need your help to ensure that all the hard work by the pro-gun community, and all that was accomplished in Florida, isn't defeated by those who want to destroy our rights.  Please consider making a contribution TODAY and join NRA in protecting the Second Amendment!  To contribute, please click here.

STATE ROUNDUP  (please click to see any updates on states not listed below.) 

ALABAMA:  "Handgun Permit Confidentiality" Passes House!  House Bill 700, "Handgun Permit Confidentiality" legislation, has already passed the House and on Tuesday, April 29, it had its second reading in the Senate Governmental Affairs Committee.  HB700 would restrict public access to the records of concealed handgun permit holders and prohibit their publication.  It is imperative that you contact your State Senator in support of HB700 today! Your State Senator can be reached at (334) 242-7800. To identify your State Senator, or for more contact information, please click here. 

ARIZONA:  Senate Playing Politics with Our Rights!  As the legislative session in Arizona is starting to wind down, a number of important bills that protect our Right to Keep and Bear Arms are being held hostage in the Arizona Legislature.  In the Senate there is bickering over other issues such as the budget. The rights of gun owners should NEVER be used as "trade goods" in petty political infighting.  For more information on pending legislation and how to take action, please click here. 

ARKANSAS:  Arkansas Primary Elections, Tuesday, May 20!  Tuesday, May 20 is Primary Election Day in Arkansas.  Please be sure to go to the polls and "Vote Freedom First."   For candidate ratings and endorsements, please call the NRA-ILA Grassroots Division at (800) 392-VOTE (8683) or visit www.NRAPVF.org.  For more information about voting in Arkansas, please click here.   Remember to Vote Freedom First on Tuesday, May 20! 

CALIFORNIA:  Urgent Action Needed to Protect Our Rights!  Three threats to our Second Amendment rights are still pending action in the California Legislature and we must take action today to preserve our freedoms.  Legislation to prohibit the sale of firearms at the Cow Palace, severely restrict the sale of ammunition, and require "smart guns" could all be heard or voted on soon.  Please click here for more information and to learn how to take action. 

CONNECTICUT:  Legislature Adjourns Without Passage of Gun Bills  The Connecticut Legislature adjourned Wednesday, May 7 after an unusual legislative year.  Despite the fact that lawmakers were expected to hear the largest number of anti-gun bills to be considered in years, no pro-gun or anti-gun legislation was passed.  Please continue to check back to www.NRAILA.org for updates. 

DELAWARE:  "Landowner Liability Protection Act" Delayed in Committee!  As we previously reported, House Bill 341, "Landowner Liability Protection Act," was scheduled for a vote in the House Housing & Community Affairs Committee, but was delayed because of opposition from the Delaware Trial Lawyers Association.  HB341 would ensure that landowners who allow public hunting access incur no liability for property damage or personal injuries caused by hunters -- regardless of whether the damage occurs on or off the landowner's property.  If HB341 is not enacted, landowners will continue to deny access to hunters for fear of being sued. Please contact the members of the House Housing & Community Affairs Committee
TODAY
and respectfully urge them to support this crucial piece of legislation.  To find contact information for the committee members, please click here. 

FLORIDA:  Help Protect Your Right to Self-Defense!  Last month, Florida became one of a handful of states to enact a law to protect the rights of law-abiding gun owners to keep a firearm in their vehicle for personal protection.  Unfortunately, this law is facing opposition by large corporate giants such as Disney, Walmart, Publix, and several others.  They have even filed a federal lawsuit to try to overturn this important self-defense law.  NRA is committed to fighting for the rights of gun owners in Florida and across the country but we can't fight these attacks alone!  We need your help to ensure that all the hard work by the pro-gun community, and all that was accomplished in Florida, isn't defeated by those who want to destroy our rights.  Please consider making a contribution TODAY and join NRA in protecting the Second Amendment!  To contribute, please click here. 

Management Plan for Lake Woodruff National Wildlife Refuge is Opened for Comments:  The Fish and Wildlife Service has drafted a 15-year management plan for the 21,500-acre Lake Woodruff National Wildlife Refuge.  Deer and feral hog hunting is provided on the refuge.  The four management alternatives would either maintain hunting opportunities at current levels or expand those opportunities to turkey hunting.  It is important to the future of hunting on this refuge that hunters in the community and in the state review the draft plan and submit comments to Cheri Ehrhardt, Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, PO Box 6504, Titusville, FL 32782 or e-mail to LakeWoodruffCCP@fws.gov.  The plan can be viewed at http://fws.gov/southeast/planning.  Comments are due by May 23. 

GEORGIA:  Governor Perdue Needs to Hear from You Today!  On April 4, the Georgia legislature passed House Bill 89 and sent it to Governor Sonny Perdue (R) for his consideration. This NRA-supported measure makes numerous improvements to Georgia's Right-to-Carry laws and represents the most comprehensive pro-gun reform measure to pass in nearly 20 years.  Unfortunately, more than a month later, Governor Perdue has yet to sign this critical pro-gun reform measure into law, and during a news conference yesterday he expressed some uncertainty over whether he would sign HB89 into law.  It is critical that Governor Perdue hear from you TODAY!  Please call and email the governor and respectfully urge him to protect our right to self-defense by signing this important legislation TODAY.  The Governor can be reached by phone at (404) 656-1776 or via email by clicking here. 

ILLINOIS:  Anti-Gun Bill Heads to Full Senate!  On Thursday May 1, the Illinois House of Representatives passed House Bill 5191.  This dangerous bill would create a new path that the anti-gun community could take in order to revoke FOID cards from gun owners with children.  Your FOID card could be revoked if a minor is able to gain access to your firearm on more than one occasion, if the government has decided (with little opportunity for a challenge) that your child has met the basic criteria for a severe or major mood disorder or severe conduct disorder.  Much of this revocation process can be based on allegations that may not be supported by independent judicial findings, or "documented" cases where the FOID Card holder is unable to challenge or appeal the "documentation."   HB5191 will now head to the State Senate and we must let our opposition be known.  Please call your State Senator and urge him or her to defeat this outrageous bill.  You can find the contact information for you State Senator by clicking here.

Magazine Ban Bill Up for Consideration!  The House could take up Senate Bill 1007, which would ban the manufacture, possession, delivery, sale, and purchase of standard capacity ammunition magazines capable of holding more than ten (10) cartridges.  This bill is worded so broadly that it would also ban certain firearms, such as some Henry rifles, which have attached tubular magazines capable of holding more than ten rounds of ammunition. This lever-action rifle, whose design dates back to the 1860s, could be prohibited under SB 1007, making this bill far more than a magazine ban.  Please contact your State Representative and respectfully urge him or her to oppose SB 1007.  Contact information can be found here. 

KENTUCKY:  National Rifle Association Specialized License Plates!  Beginning Friday, May 9, we will be working to create a specialized NRA license plate for the Commonwealth of Kentucky.  The Kentucky Department of Motor Vehicles is charged with producing the plates but under state law at least 900 applications for the special NRA license plate must be received or the plate will not be produced.  This is an ideal way to show your pride in NRA and the Second Amendment!  For more information on how to order, please click here. 

Kentucky Primary Elections, Tuesday, May 20!  Tuesday, May 20 is Primary Election Day in the Bluegrass State.  Please be sure to go to the polls and "Vote Freedom First."   For candidate ratings and endorsements, please call the NRA-ILA Grassroots Division at (800) 392-VOTE (8683) or visit www.NRAPVF.org.  For more information about voting in Kentucky, please click here.   Remember to Vote Freedom First on Tuesday, May 20! 

LOUISIANA:  NRA-Backed Right-to-Carry Reform Bills on the Move!  This past week, the Senate approved Senate Bill 142.  SB 142, the NRA-backed concealed carry permit confidentiality bill now heads to the House for consideration.  On Monday, May 12, the Louisiana House will vote on House Bill 199.  HB 199 would allow Louisiana concealed carry permit holders to protect themselves on college and university campuses and remove the state restriction on "gun-free school zones" for permittees.  Please contact your State Representatives and respectfully urge them to support HB 199 and to resist any amendments that State Representative Wooton does not support.  Call your State Representatives in Baton Rouge on Monday at (225) 342-6945 or send them emails in support of HB 199 over the weekend.  Email addresses can be found here.

"Assault Weapons" Ban Legislation Pulled From Committee Agenda!  The House Administration of Criminal Justice Committee was scheduled to hear arguments for House Bill 68 and House Bill 78, both sponsored by State Representative Cedric Richmond (D-New Orleans).  On Wednesday, May 7, Representative Richmond decided to pull both bills out of the committee and it is anticipated that they will not be heard this session.  HB68 seeks to ban pump-action firearms as well as semi-automatics, and millions more firearms than the Clinton "assault weapons" ban of 1994-2004.  HB 78 would have created a limited ban on the possession of so called "assault weapons" by some people and would have opened the door in the future to broader prohibitions.  Thank you to the law-abiding, gun-owning community in Louisiana for all the emails and phone calls that stopped these egregious attacks on our rights from being heard!  Please keep checking www.NRAILA.org and your email for updates of other important legislation this session. 

Plan for Red River National Wildlife Refuge Includes Hunting:  The Fish and Wildlife Service has issued a draft plan for the Red River National Wildlife Refuge, a unit of the North Louisiana Complex.  Plans to expand current hunting opportunities are included in the Service's proposal for managing the refuge over the next 15 years.  Comments will be accepted until May 14th and can be sent via electronic mail to:  tina_chouinard@fws.gov.  The plan is available for review at http://southeast.fws.gov/planning, or may be mailed to Tina Chouinard, Natural Resource Planner, Fish and Wildlife Service, 6772 Highway 76 South, Stanton, TN 38069.  In order to assure that sportsmen's interests are anchored in this planning process, it is important that hunters take the time to submit comments. 

MICHIGAN:  Registration Reform Bill Sent to Senate Judiciary Committee!  House Bill 4490 sponsored by State Representative Paul Opsommer (R-93) and House Bill 4491 introduced by State Representative Joel Sheltrown (D-103) have passed the House and have been assigned to the Senate Judiciary Committee.  A hearing date has not been scheduled yet.  The bills would repeal the required "safety inspection" for newly obtained handguns.  Michigan law requires anyone who comes into possession of a pistol to take it to the police or sheriff's department for a safety inspection.  The requirement of a safety inspection is a burdensome waste of time for law-abiding gun owners and the bills will end that inconvenience.  Please contact members of the Senate Judiciary Committee and respectfully urge them to support these necessary pieces of legislation. For committee member contact information please click here. 

MISSOURI:  Senate Passes Major Firearms Reform Legislation!  On Monday, May 5, by a vote of 30 to 4, the Missouri Senate passed House Bill 2034.  This bill makes a series of positive changes to various areas of Missouri's firearms statutes, including: sweeping and meaningful protections of shooting ranges and hunting preserves; liability protection for landowners allowing public hunting access; prohibiting the unlawful refusal to transfer a firearm by denying a sale to a person entitled to possess a firearm under state and federal law; eliminating the six-month residency requirement in order to apply for a license to carry a concealed firearm; sealing "permit to acquire" concealable firearm records; and makes necessary revisions to existing statutes regarding the possession of explosives and felony possession of firearms.  HB 2034 now goes back to the state House of Representatives for final consideration.  Please contact your State Representative TODAY and strongly encourage him or her to support the Second Amendment, and Missouri's time-honored hunting and sport shooting heritage by voting in favor on HB2034. You can find your State Representatives by clicking here. 

MONTANA:  BLM to Close Land to Recreational Shooting Outside Helena:  The Bureau of Land Management is seeking public comment on its proposal to close land within the 4,700-acre North Hills Recreation Area located northeast of Helena.  BLM proposes to close the entirety of Section 34, Township 12 North, Range 3 West.  This would close several user-created shooting areas that are located adjacent to the main access road to the Recreation Area.  The area would not be closed to hunting during the big game season.  All BLM lands outside of the closed area would remain open yearlong to recreational shooting.  The deadline for comments is June 15th.  Comments should be submitted to BLM Butte Field Office, 106 North Parkmont, Butte, MT 59701 or electronically to pzurcher@blm.gov.  A public meeting will be held May 29th at 7:00pm at the Montana Association of Counties at 2715 Skyway Drive, Helena.  For additional information you may call 406-533-7638. 

NEBRASKA:  Nebraska Primary Elections, Tuesday, May 13!  Tuesday, May 13 is Primary Election Day in the Cornhusker State.  Please be sure to go to the polls and "Vote Freedom First."   For candidate ratings and endorsements, please call the NRA-ILA Grassroots Division at (800) 392-VOTE (8683) or visit www.NRAPVF.org.  For more information about voting in Nebraska, please click here.   Remember to Vote Freedom First on Tuesday, May 13! 

NORTH CAROLINA:  Management Plan for Pee Dee National Wildlife Refuge is Opened for Comments:  The Fish and Wildlife Service has drafted a 15-year management plan for Pee Dee National Wildlife Refuge, a 8,400-acre refuge that spans Anson and Richmond Counties, NC.  Deer, feral hog, turkey and small game hunting is provided on the refuge.  The three management alternatives would either maintain hunting opportunities at current levels or expand those opportunities.  It is important to the future of hunting on this refuge that hunters in the community and in the state review the draft plan and submit comments to Jeffrey Bricken, Refuge Manager, Pee Dee National Wildlife Refuge, 5770 US Highway 52 North, Wadesboro, NC 28170.  The plan can be viewed at http://southeast.fws.gov/planning and comments may be e-mailed to Jeffrey_bricken@fws.gov.  Comments are due May 22. 

OKLAHOMA:  Senate Gives Final Approval to Right to Hunt Ballot Measure!  On Monday, May 5, the Oklahoma Senate passed Senate Joint Resolution 38, a measure authored by State Senator Glenn Coffee (R-30) and State Representative Randy Terril (R-53), by a vote of 46 to 0! With this vote Oklahoma voters will be asked to approve a state constitutional amendment to protect the right to hunt, fish and harvest game, in this November's General Election. If passed by the voters this fall, Oklahomans will have established the nation's most comprehensive and meaningful constitutional protections for hunters and sportsmen. Such language will serve as a model for others states in our on-going efforts to defend our hunting heritage from attacks by well-funded, radical anti-hunting groups such as the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) and People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA).  Please call and thank your Senator for voting in support of SJR 38 and protecting Oklahoma's cherished heritage!  To find your State Senator please click here.

OREGON:  Oregon Primary Elections, Tuesday, May 20!  Tuesday, May 20 is Primary Election Day in Oregon.  Please be sure to vote Freedom First. For candidate ratings and endorsements, please call the NRA-ILA Grassroots Division at (800) 392-VOTE (8683) or visit www.NRAPVF.org.  For more information about voting in Oregon, please click here.  Remember to Vote Freedom First on Tuesday, May 20! 

RHODE ISLAND:  Anti-Gun ("Microstamping") Bills Being Heard in Committee!  After being pulled from the agenda of the House Judiciary Committee, House Bill 7834 has been referred to the House Finance Committee.  HB7834, the "microstamping" proposal would ban the sale of semi-automatic handguns not equipped with so-called "microstamping" technology.  HB7834's Senate companion bill, Senate Bill 2720, is being held up for further study in the Senate Committee on Judiciary.  Please contact the members of the House Finance Committee as well as the members of the Senate Committee on Judiciary IMMEDIATELY and respectfully urge them to oppose H7834 and S2720 respectively!  For committee member contact information please click here.

SOUTH CAROLINA:   Right to Hunt Amendment Still Needs Work!   NRA continues to work with key State Senators in Columbia to fix H 3202, the Right to Hunt and Fish Constitutional Amendment.  Originally, this legislation would have allowed South Carolina voters to vote on an amendment to the South Carolina Constitution that would have recognized the Right to Hunt and Fish for future generations.  This version included two of the most important protections--protecting the right to hunt species "traditionally pursued," and the right to use "traditional methods" for taking game.  In the Senate, however, these critical points were removed through amendments.  Negotiations have led to a new version, which does protect hunting wildlife "traditionally pursued," but still falls short of protecting "traditional methods."  The only way to ensure hunting is fully protected in the Palmetto State is if H 3202 includes language that protects "traditional methods" used for taking game.  Please contact your State Senator and respectfully urge him or her to work with NRA to ensure H 3202 includes specific protections for hunting game "traditionally pursued," as well as for using "traditional methods" for taking game.  To find your State Senator please click here.

TENNESSEE:  Bill Seeks to Create NRA License Plates and Aid Hunter Education in the Volunteer State!  House Bill 2453, sponsored by State Representative Eric Swafford (R-25), would create a National Rifle Association license plate and allocate 50% of the funds toward hunter education.  HB2453 is currently in the House Transportation Committee. Please continue checking www.NRAILA.org and your email for updates. 

WEST VIRGINIA:  West Virginia Primary Elections, Tuesday, May 13!  Tuesday, May 13 is Primary Election Day in West Virginia.  Please be sure to go to the polls and "Vote Freedom First."  For candidate ratings and endorsements, please call the NRA-ILA Grassroots Division at (800) 392-VOTE (8683) or visit www.NRAPVF.org.  For more information about voting in West Virginia, please click here.  Remember to Vote Freedom First on Tuesday, May 13!