Election 2008 and the Long Road Ahead

The 2008 elections are over, and America has spoken. While many of the results were not what we hoped for, this year's election does show how NRA members have truly changed politics in America.

Across the country, from the presidential race, to the U.S. Senate and House, to state legislative races, one thing was missing this year: ads proudly proclaiming candidates' anti-gun credentials.

The gun control lobby must be distressed that many Democratic gains occurred only because the party has run so far from the gun control issue. While they fondly look back to how actively Bill Clinton campaigned for gun control in 1992 and 1996, they also remember the lesson that gun owners taught an anti-gun Congress in 1994, Al Gore in 2000, and John Kerry in 2004. This was a lesson taught by the National Rifle Association that has changed the politics of our issue across the country.

"Yes We Can . . . Ban Guns"--Obama Announces Gun Ban Agenda Before The Final Vote Count Is In: Senator Barack Obama's presidential campaign slogan, "the audacity of hope," should have instead been "the audacity of deceit." After months of telling the American people that he supports the Second Amendment, and only hours after being declared the president-elect, the Obama transition team website announced an agenda taken straight from the anti-gun lobby--four initiatives designed to ban guns and drive law-abiding firearm manufacturers and dealers out of business.

Special Deal on Sights: Aimpoint and MidwayUSA Team Up to Help NRA-ILA: Aimpoint, Inc. and MidwayUSA will donate $100 to the NRA Institute for Legislative Action for every Aimpoint CompM4 electronic red-dot sight package purchased by NRA members from MidwayUSA through the end of 2008.

The Founder's Second Amendment: Origins of the Right to Bear Arms, by Stephen P. Halbrook--Donate to NRA-ILA and Get Your Copy Now! Stephen Halbrook's The Founders' Second Amendment is the first book-length account of the origins of the Second Amendment, based on the Founders' own statements as found in newspapers, correspondence, debates, and resolutions. Mr. Halbrook investigates the period from 1768 to 1826, from the last years of British rule and the American Revolution through the adoption of the Constitution and the Bill of Rights, and the passing of the Founders' generation. From the British seizure of guns in Boston to the Founders' own use of guns in their private lives, his book offers the most comprehensive analysis ever of the arguments behind the drafting and adoption of the Second Amendment, and the intentions of the men who created it.

To contribute to NRA-ILA and receive your copy of this remarkable book, please click here.
Help Defend Your Gun Rights One Easy Click At A Time: We now have a revolutionary yet simple tool that will allow you to stay connected to NRA-ILA and raise valuable contributions to defend our Second Amendment rights without spending a dime! It's the NRA-ILA Toolbar, and you can make a difference by downloading and using it.

STATE ROUNDUP

ARIZONA: Volunteers Needed to Clean Public Lands in Table Mesa Recreation Area on Saturday, November 8! The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is hosting a cleanup event off of Table Mesa Road, north of Phoenix on Saturday, November 8. This area receives a tremendous amount of recreation, including target shooting. This alert is being sent to encourage NRA members who recreate in the Table Mesa area, or live in that part of the state, to volunteer for this event. NRA knows that its members understand the importance of keeping public lands open to the public by helping to clean up what the careless and thoughtless leave behind. Directions: From the Phoenix area, travel north on Interstate 17, exiting at Table Mesa Road (exit 236). On-site registration and cleanup begins at 8:00 a.m. BLM requests that those who wish to volunteer contact Chris Gammage at (623) 580-5512 or Mary Skordinsky at (623) 580-5500 to let them know you are coming. For more information, please click here.

Pro-Gun Input Needed as BLM Prepares Recreation Plan for Table Mesa Area! The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is preparing a recreation plan for the Table Mesa area, north of Phoenix. This is a very poplar recreation area, especially for target shooting. The BLM wants to know what types of recreation and road access are important to people who recreate in this area. They want to hear from hunters and shooters about what areas are important to them for target shooting. It is critical that recreational shooters who use the area participate in this process in order to counter the radical environmental and anti-gun forces who want to end all recreational shooting in Arizona. There is little doubt that they will be active in this public input process. The agency will be holding two public meetings and it is critical that hunters and shooters who use this area attend one of the meetings. The first meeting will be on Tuesday, November 18, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Deer Valley Senior Center located at 2001 West Wahalla Lane in Phoenix. The other meeting is scheduled for Thursday, November 20 from 6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. at the Anthem Community Center at 41130 N. Freedom Way in Anthem. Following the public meetings, the BLM will prepare a Recreation Activity Plan/Travel Management Plan and release it for public comment. Should you have questions about the planning process, you may contact Tom Bickauskas, Project Manager, at 623-580-5502.

WASHINGTON: Lead Ammunition Still in Danger in Washington State! In September we sent you several alerts pertaining to the draft Lead Chemical Action Plan (CAP) released by the state's Department of Ecology (DOE) for public comment. Through our political contacts in Washington, we learned that they have received more than 1,000 emails and phone calls from NRA members. In response to comments received from NRA members, the DOE was initially insisting that, "There is no proposed ban on lead ammunition in the draft Lead CAP." A follow-up NRA alert pointed out specific references to lead ammunition prohibitions. Subsequently, DOE issued a "correction" to the draft Lead CAP that deleted only one of the references to a prohibition on lead shot. One change in the document does not cure the problem! The DOE continues to state that it is not recommending a lead ammunition ban, only a voluntary conversion to non-lead alternatives. The draft Lead CAP, however, is still replete with statements that unmistakably direct the reader and importantly, state legislators and regulators, to the conclusion that lead ammunition should be banned. The comments that the NRA filed with the DOE can be viewed by clicking here. We encourage you to continue your communication with Governor Chris Gregoire (D) and the DOE and respectfully request that all reference to lead ammunition be removed from the draft Lead CAP before it is released as a final document. Contact information can be found by clicking here.

World Elk Calling Championships to Rock Fort Worth

MISSOULA, Mont.—Grunting, growling, squealing and bellowing—sometimes at rock-and-roll decibels—the best elk callers on the planet are headed to Fort Worth, Texas, to vie for a world title.

The boisterous competition will be held as part of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation’s 25th Annual Elk Camp & Hunting, Fishing and Outdoor Expo, March 5-8, 2009, at the Fort Worth Convention Center.

Dozens of youngsters, women and men, including reigning and former world champs, will compete in the RMEF/Leupold 2009 World Elk Calling Championships.

Leupold, a new sponsor for the competition, is Leupold & Stevens Inc., an Oregon-based optics company with quality products for hunters, shooters, wildlife observers, military and law enforcement.

The annual competition is divided into six divisions: Pee Wee (age 10 and under), Youth (age 11-17), Natural Voice (no calling devices allowed), Women’s, Men’s and Professional (sponsored competitors). Contestants perform a required series of calls imitating the natural vocalizations of elk. Official judges include wildlife biologists, naturalists, hunters, guides and outfitters.

Preliminary rounds will be Fri., March 6, at 8:30 a.m. Final rounds begin Sat., March 7, at 9:00 a.m., followed by an awards ceremony.

“This contest is always a spectacle, always entertaining. The Pee Wee Division is especially fun. Last year the competition was covered by the New York Times, which led to a surge in international attention. I can’t wait to see what happens next in Fort Worth,” said Beth Shipley, who directs the event for the Elk Foundation.

The World Elk Calling Championships began 20 years ago as the brainchild of RMEF volunteers Fred McClanahan, Jr. of Fort Collins, Colo., and Ron Dube of Wapiti, Wyo. Both are still involved. McClanahan coordinates competition and Dube serves as emcee.

Along with the RMEF/Leupold 2009 World Elk Calling Championships, the expo will fill the Fort Worth Convention Center with elk hunting seminars, displays of record elk, kids’ activities, auctions and an exhibit hall filled with art, gear, firearms and outfitted hunting and fishing opportunities. It’s all a showcase and fundraiser for one of the nation’s premier conservation organizations. The Elk Foundation recently topped 5.4 million acres of elk habitat conserved or enhanced.

Daily admission is $12 per person or $25 per family, and free for kids 5 and under.

Show hours: Thurs., March 5, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; Fri., March 6, 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.; Sat., March 7, 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.; and Sun., March 8, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

For more details, visit www.rmef.org.

DUCKS UNLIMITED’S NEW MIGRATION MAP OFFERS INSIGHTS TO LOCAL WATERFOWL HUNTERS

Migration map site considered ‘ultimate resource’ for waterfowl hunters

MEMPHIS, Tenn., Nov. 3, 2008 —Ducks Unlimited’s Waterfowl Migration Map provides in-depth information waterfowl hunters can use to improve their success this season. Hunters across the continent are posting waterfowl migration information in their areas based on incoming and outgoing birds. This information, along with a dozen other features are allowing waterfowl hunters a continental perspective of when and where migrating ducks will be in front of their blinds.

“We have developed an all-inclusive tool for waterfowl hunters to use on a daily basis,” said Anthony Jones, director of internet services for DU. “Our detailed migration map provides real-time information on where birds are in certain regions, but it also includes a number of other features.”

Hunters can utilize the map for scouting using its detailed aerial imagery and road maps or check local weather conditions. The DU Migration Map is the highlight of the First Flight: Opening Day Web site which provides tips, tactics, articles and videos to offer situational tactics for every possible hunting location. Hunters can also access state agencies to get licenses, opening dates and season regulations straight from the site.
“This site is something that local waterfowl hunters will be able to use throughout the entire season and has the capabilities of helping hunters bag more birds,” Jones explained. “Whether you are hunting in New Jersey, Illinois or California; the migration map and this site are what some waterfowl hunters have referred to as their cyber-blind bag.”

Check out the new and improved Ducks Unlimited Migration Map at http://www.ducks.org/migrationmap

Elk Foundation: 10 Tips for Processing Your First Elk

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MISSOULA, Mont.—Hunting season is well underway. You finally tag an elk or deer but now the local butcher is swamped, forcing you into a crash course in processing your own meat. Fear not, says the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, which offers the following tips and diagram to guide you.

“Many hunters don’t venture into butchering until they’re forced, either by economics or necessity,” said P.J. DelHomme, hunting editor of “Bugle,” the Elk Foundation’s member magazine, “but once they try it, it often becomes an enjoyable extension of the hunt. Converting a game animal into food is another way to connect with land and habitat and wild places.”

1. Hanging meat for aging and tenderizing is usually preferred but if you don’t have a temperature-controlled environment between 35 and 50 degrees, the process can be risky. Consider getting the meat cut, packaged and into the freezer ASAP.

2. Wild game can be aged and tenderized later using an alternative process. Remove a package of meat from the freezer and allow it to partially thaw. When the meat is beginning to soften and covered with slushy ice crystals, put a tally mark on the package and refreeze. Then repeat. When a package has three tally marks, it’s ready for cooking.

3. The four basic tools for butchering are simple around-the-house tools. You will need a good sharp knife, a whetstone to keep the knife sharp, a hacksaw and a cutting board. You may also wish to use rubber gloves.

4. Cleanliness is crucial. Rinse the skinned carcass (or quarters) and pat dry before you begin cutting. Wash your tools with soap and water before you start and clean your knife after each sharpening. If it’s not too cold, set up a cleaning table outside and use a hose with a high-pressure nozzle.

5. The goal is to simply reduce the animal to individual muscles or groups of muscles, per the diagram. Start by removing the legs. Rear legs are jointed and fit into a socket in the hip. Front legs fit onto the chest mainly with muscles and tendons. The rest of the animal basically is ribs, neck and spine, and meat can be filleted from these areas. Remove back straps by slicing down the center of the back and boning along spine outward onto ribs. Don’t forget to take the tenderloins from the inside spine.
6. Don’t try to make chops. Without professional-grade saws and butchering tools, consider simply cutting meat off the bones to make steaks, roasts, stew meat and jerky. When cutting a muscle into finished pieces, remember to cut across the grain of the meat.

7. Trim away bloodshot meat, connective tissue, membranes, cartilage, fat—anything you don’t want to eat—and toss it into a bucket or trashcan lined with a plastic bag. Use another bag or tub for clean trimmings or cuts for grinding into burger. Freeze this bag of meat and take it to your butcher for grinding later when he or she isn’t swamped.

9. If you have a vacuum-type food sealer, use it. Otherwise, wrap meat in cellophane and then butcher paper. Double wrapping is better. Mark each package with the date and type of cut. Expect finished meat to weigh less than 50 percent of the animal’s live weight.

10. If your deer or elk came from a CWD area, special instructions may apply. Refer to the Web site of the RMEF-supported Chronic Wasting Disease Alliance, www.cwd-info.org, for information.

For more information, photos, charts and breakdowns of cuts, go to the RMEF Web page www.rmef.org/hunting and click on “Carnivore’s Kitchen.”

Elk Foundation to Fund South Dakota Conservation Projects

MISSOULA, Mont.—Emphasizing habitat protection and enhancement, the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation has announced its 2008 grants for conservation projects in South Dakota.

Nine grants totaling $43,865 are being awarded.

Grants will affect Beadle, Custer, Fall River, Lawrence, Meade and Pennington counties. Two additional projects have statewide interest.

“This is all about ensuring the future of elk, other wildlife and their habitat in South Dakota,” said David Allen, RMEF president and CEO. “Grants are based on revenues from Elk Foundation fundraising banquets and other events in South Dakota, as well as worthy project proposals.”

The new Elk Foundation grants will help fund the following South Dakota conservation projects, listed by county:

Beadle County—Sponsor the South Dakota Outdoor Expo, an event to introduce families and youths to the outdoors.

Custer County—Perform maintenance on approximately 100 watering devices to enhance habitat for elk and other wildlife in Black Hills National Forest (also affects Pennington, Lawrence, Fall River and Meade counties); research elk herd movement patterns in Black Hills using radio-collared elk (also affects Pennington, Lawrence, Fall River and Meade counties); continue research on habitat, forage production and use in Custer State Park; develop watering devices, utilizing labor from Elk Foundation volunteers, to improve elk habitat in Custer State Park.

Pennington County—Develop a scientific model, using radio-collared elk, to improve population estimates for elk in the Black Hills (also affects Lawrence, Meade and Custer counties); prescribe burn 1,400 acres to enhance forage and browse for wildlife in Black Hills National Forest (also affects Custer County).

Statewide—Sponsor event to recognize landowners for participating in South Dakota’s Walk-In Area sportsmen access program; sponsor a youth hunting and outdoor experience course.

South Dakota’s RMEF leadership team also allocated $26,332 to the organization’s Black Hills Conservation Initiative, an ongoing effort to protect and steward habitat for elk and other wildlife.


Since 1984, the Elk Foundation and its partners have completed more than 154 conservation projects in South Dakota with a value of more than $19 million. Partners for 2008 projects in South Dakota include South Dakota Department of Agriculture, South Dakota Department of Game, Fish and Parks, South Dakota State University, U.S. Forest Service, other agencies, corporations, landowners and organizations.