Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership

Denver, Colorado,--(Ammoland.com)- Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) and the Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership (TRCP) are raising concerns about a new proposal for Colorado’s 4.2 million acres of national forest roadless areas, and are calling on President Obama on Tuesday to ensure they are at least as safeguarded as roadless areas in other states.

At issue is a state-based rule that would guide management of more than four million acres of valuable backcountry lands located in Colorado.

The appeal, published as a 3/4-page ad in Tuesday’s Denver Post, comes as a final version of a proposal that would replace the national roadless rule in Colorado is being formulated. It also follows a ruling by the federal Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals upholding the national Roadless Area Conservation Rule, which conserves roughly one-third of America’s national forests, along with the prime fish and wildlife habitat and outdoor recreation opportunities found on those lands.

The ad reads: “[Y]our proposed plan for Colorado’s roadless forests would open pristine habitat to commercial development, such as road-building, drilling and power line construction. As drafted, it threatens the state’s best backcountry and multi-billion dollar outdoor recreation industry.”

OIA and TRCP maintain that standards for Colorado’s roadless national forests must be at least as strong as the Roadless Area Conservation Rule in order to gain support from the sportsmen’s and outdoor recreation communities and to ensure the responsible management of these important public lands.

Economics are an important consideration in managing Colorado’s public lands. According to a report published by Outdoor Industry Association, outdoor recreation contributes $7.6 billion in annual retail sales and services, generates nearly $500 million in annual state tax revenue and supports 107,000 Colorado-based jobs.

Under the draft Colorado roadless rule, however, massive power line corridors and increased energy development would be allowed. Sportsmen and outdoor recreationists have been heavily invested in the years-long development of the Colorado rule and remain committed to resolving its shortfalls.

“Sportsmen across Colorado want to see our 4.2 million acres of backcountry national forests kept intact,” said TRCP Colorado Field Representative Nick Payne, “but as drafted, the Colorado roadless rule allows development, such as drilling and power-line corridors, that would fragment some of the finest fish and wildlife habitat in the country. Hunters and anglers are depending on the Obama administration to fix the rule’s shortfalls for the benefit of fish, wildlife and our outdoor traditions. The rule must be as strong as or stronger than the 2001 Roadless Area Conservation Rule — nothing less.”

Colorado’s roadless areas are the source of about one-third of the state’s surface water, which provides irreplaceable access to hunting, fishing and outdoor recreation. Elk and deer require Colorado’s backcountry to survive and thrive, and the headwaters of all the state’s major rivers are located in roadless lands.

“Colorado’s roadless areas provide world-class recreation experiences,” said Frank Hugelmeyer, president and CEO of OIA. “Protecting roadless values will drive Colorado’s recreation economy for generations to come.”

The national roadless rule conserves nearly 60 million acres of national forest lands in 38 states. It was the result of the largest public lands review process in U.S. history, with more than 1.2 million comments and 600 public hearings. The Oct. 2011 Tenth Circuit decision to uphold this policy followed a similar ruling by the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals in 2009.

Outdoor Industry Association
Based in Boulder, Colorado, Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) is the leading trade association for the outdoor industry and the title sponsor of Outdoor Retailer. OIA supports the growth and success of more than 4,000 manufacturers, distributors, suppliers, sales representatives, and retailers of outdoor recreation apparel, footwear, equipment, and services. For more information, go to outdoorindustry.org or call 303.444.3353.

Sportsmen Ask Obama to Conserve CO Roadless Back Country

Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership
Inspired by the legacy of Theodore Roosevelt, the Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership is a coalition of organizations and grassroots partners working together to preserve the traditions of hunting and fishing. Learn more at trcp.org.

Rocky Mountain Gun Owners

Colorado --(Ammoland.com)- As you may know, Colorado state law doesn’t allow a taxpayer-funded facility to ban concealed carry (i.e. they think you shouldn’t be able to defend yourself).

Based on that law, Rocky Mountain Gun Owners filed a complaint against Colorado State University two years ago, and won.

This week, the same lawyer who filed against CSU again represented Rocky Mountain Gun Owners members by filing a lawsuit against Northern Colorado Medical Center (NCMC) in Greeley.

NCMC is a county-owned hospital, and bans permit holders (in fact, all firearms) from entering that facility, though they do not have the required metal detectors and security personnel at every entrance.

Put simply, they can’t do that.

As of this moment, NCMC is a Criminal Safezone. You may never set foot in NCMC, but this is a direct assault on your Second Amendment rights, and it’s happening all across Colorado — illegally.

If RMGO prevails, law-abiding gun owners in Colorado will be allowed to carry in NCMC to protect themselves and their families from any violent criminal who would seek to do them harm.

It will send a message to every (illegally) gun-banning facility.

Make no mistake about it, this is a lawsuit to put ALL taxpayer-funded facilities on notice: RMGO will sue if you violate the Second Amendment rights of Colorado gun owners.

Gun owners in Colorado should be outraged by this gross violation of state law and our Second Amendment rights.

You and I need to make an example of NCMC — that banning guns in taxpayer-funded facilities will not be tolerated in Colorado.

It’s not only detrimental to the safety of law-abiding citizens, but it shows a blatant disregard for the law. And we worked too hard to set the law to allow unelected bureaucrats to set policies that violate the law.

Thanks again for your passionate commitment to defending and protecting our Second Amendment rights. I’ll be sure to keep you updated.

Rocky Mountain Gun Owners is a nonprofit, nonpartisan, single-purpose citizens’ organization dedicated to preserving and protecting the Constitutionally protected right-to-keep-and-bear-arms through an aggressive program designed to mobilize public opposition to anti-gun legislation. Rocky Mountain Gun Owners’ mailing address is P.O. 27, Windsor, CO 80550. They can be contacted toll-free at 1-888-874-7646. Its web address is www.RMGO.org .

Not produced or e-mailed at taxpayer expense.

Former Sheriff Pat Sullivan, here giving cover to fellow gun control advocate, was arrested for using drugs to solicit a male prostitute.

Rocky Mountain Gun Owners

Colorado --(Ammoland.com)- One of the reasons I am so opposed to the government being involved in your Second Amendment rights is that it takes the power away from you and puts it in their hands.

In the hands of people like the former Republican Sheriff of Arapahoe County, Patrick Sullivan.

Sullivan made a habit of helping out groups like the Brady Campaign when it came to preventing law-abiding citizens from exercising their Second Amendment rights.

He even testified before Congress for Handgun Control in favor of the Brady bill, and in the State Capitol against any concealed carry reform.

During his 18-year tenure as Arapahoe County Sheriff, Sullivan was a poster boy for big government and was bestowed the title of national “Sheriff of the Year” in 2001 for his efforts at infringing your rights – even at a national level.

Whenever she needed him, Sarah Brady trotted out Sheriff Sullivan as a token Republican who wanted to impose gun control on America — and it worked.

Our nation still lives under the insidious scheme of the Brady Act (which, incidentally, violates the Constitutional prohibition of infringing on the right to keep and bear arms).

Sheriff Sullivan was also famous for trying to buy off local gun rights activists with a “buddy” concealed carry permit (when permits were almost impossible to acquire).

In 1995 Sullivan offered me a permit, attempting to buy my inactivity in the battle for concealed carry in Colorado. It didn’t work. I literally told Sheriff Sullivan where to stick his permit, and continued to work to change Colorado’s law.

On Tuesday Sullivan was arrested for dealing meth to a man for… Well, let’s just say it was for things I would rather not repeat.

That’s right; a power-hungry sheriff intent on taking your freedoms turned out to be a drug-dealing, male prostitute-seeker.

Former Sheriff Sullivan is now sitting in the Patrick J. Sullivan Jr. Detention Facility. That’s right. He’s sitting in the jail named for his honor.

And this is the kind of person the Brady Campaign champions and uses to testify as an “expert”? I would like to tell you that I’m shocked, but you’re smart enough to know better. This is why I am always skeptical of any politician who seeks more control, not less. They are out for personal gain and they will get it at your expense.

In the case of Sheriff Sullivan, I can personally say I’ve witnessed him trampling on your rights for years. Sheriff Sullivan was one of the main obstacles to passing concealed carry in Colorado. Yet apparently the anti-gun crowd thinks men like this should set a standard for who can own a gun and who can’t.

While this may be dismissed by some as just another corrupt cop, the fact is that he has been personally involved in the fight against your Second Amendment rights. And he was successful at it.

It’s pure travesty of justice that a man like Sullivan could be given such authority to prevent you from your own rights, but without standing up to power, it’s like I said at the beginning – it corrupts.

I make it my pledge to you, the gun owner, to stand up against jack-booted thugs like Patrick Sullivan at every turn, regardless of position or party affiliation.

Are you with me?

For freedom,

Dudley Brown
Executive Director

P.S. The gun-grabbers are everywhere, and somebody has to keep their eyes on them. Rocky Mountain Gun Owners is working day and night to keep gun owners like you up-to-date on the latest threats to your Second Amendment rights.

About:
Rocky Mountain Gun Owners is a nonprofit, nonpartisan, single-purpose citizens’ organization dedicated to preserving and protecting the Constitutionally protected right-to-keep-and-bear-arms through an aggressive program designed to mobilize public opposition to anti-gun legislation. Rocky Mountain Gun Owners’ mailing address is P.O. 27, Windsor, CO 80550. They can be contacted toll-free at 1-888-874-7646. Its web address is www.RMGO.org

Second Amendment Foundation

BELLEVUE, WA --(Ammoland.com)- The Second Amendment Foundation has been joined by 17 other firearms rights groups in an amicus brief filed in a case now before the Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals, challenging laws that prohibit the carrying of firearms by law-abiding non-resident U.S. citizens in Denver, Colorado.

The case, Peterson v. Garcia, was filed by Washington state resident Gray Peterson, who cannot exercise his right to bear arms because Colorado statute prohibits the issuance of a concealed carry permit to non-residents, and does not recognize Peterson’s Washington license or his Florida carry permit because he is not a Florida resident. Denver bans the open carry of firearms, leaving Peterson - who visits Colorado frequently - without any legal means of carrying a firearm for his personal protection.

“This is a case that affects citizens in at least 20 states and the District of Columbia,” noted Miko Tempski, SAF legal affairs director. “We’ve been joined by organizations from 16 of those states in this brief, because they all have members who may travel to Colorado and face the same problem if they enter the City of Denver.”

Joining SAF are the Buckeye Firearms Foundation (Ohio), Citizens’ Rights Action League (Rhode Island), Commonwealth Second Amendment (Massachusetts), Connecticut Citizens Defense League, Calguns Foundation, Inc. (California), Gun Owners Civil Rights Alliance (Minnesota), Hawaii Defense Foundation, Illinois Carry, Illinois State Rifle Association, Maine Open Carry Association, Maryland Shall Issue, Oregon Firearms Educational Foundation, Wisconsin Carry, Inc., SCOPE, Inc. (New York), Stillwater Firearms Association (Nevada), Virginia Citizens Defense League, Inc. and West Virginia Citizens Defense League, Inc. All are state-focused non-profit organizations dedicated to preserving, defending and promoting firearms rights.

“The Second Amendment doesn’t only say you have a right to keep arms,” Tempski continued, “it also stipulates that citizens have the right to bear arms. Because of our successful lawsuit in the McDonald case last year, leading to the Supreme Court’s ruling that the Second Amendment applies to state and local governments, the right to bear arms is very much at issue with Mr. Peterson’s challenge. Any law or ordinance that touches on this right must be held to the strictest of scrutiny.”

The Second Amendment Foundation (www.saf.org) is the nation’s oldest and largest tax-exempt education, research, publishing and legal action group focusing on the Constitutional right and heritage to privately own and possess firearms. Founded in 1974, The Foundation has grown to more than 650,000 members and supporters and conducts many programs designed to better inform the public about the consequences of gun control. SAF has previously funded successful firearms-related suits against the cities of Los Angeles; New Haven, CT; and San Francisco on behalf of American gun owners, a lawsuit against the cities suing gun makers and an amicus brief and fund for the Emerson case holding the Second Amendment as an individual right.

International Confederation of Revolver Enthusiasts

LOS OSOS, Calif. --(Ammoland.com)- Wheelgunners from throughout the Rocky Mountain region will be headed to Galeton, Colo. this weekend for the Smith & Wesson Rocky Mountain Regional Revolver Championship.

The Smith & Wesson Rocky Mountain Regional Revolver Championship is being held June 25-26 at the Weld County Fish & Wildlife High Plains Shooting Range.

The eight stage match is hosted by the Rocky Mountain Revolver Club and slots are still available for walk-up entries.

This is the second of seven events in the 2011 International Confederation of Revolver Enthusiasts (ICORE) Regional Series presented by Smith & Wesson.

“The revolver season is in full swing with shooters from around the country hitting ranges and testing their skills in competition. I can think of no better test of a shooter’s skill than entering one of the matches in the ICORE Regional Series presented by Smith & Wesson,” said Ron Joslin of ICORE.

Smith and Wesson

As part of their sponsorship, Smith & Wesson is donating firearms which will be given away by random drawing to series competitors at the end of the ICORE regional season. For each regional event an ICORE shooter competes in he or she will be entered into the drawing. Shooters that enter three matches, for instance, will be entered into the drawing three times.

The dates for the future regionals are:

• – Central States Regional Revolver Championship on July 17 in Buchanan, Mich.
• – East Coast Regional Revolver Championship September 25 in New Tripoli, Penn.
• – Southern Regional Revolver Championship on October 7-9, Byram, Miss.
• – Australia Regional Revolver Championship on October 14-16 in Brisbane, Australia
• – New England Regional Revolver Championship on October 23 in Guilderland, NY

For more information on ICORE and the ICORE Regional Series presented by Smith & Wesson, visit www.ICORE.org, follow @ICORE_Shooting on Twitter or find ICORE on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ICOREshooting.

Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation

MISSOULA, Mont. --(Ammoland.com)- Restoring grasslands by managing encroaching trees, shrubs and weeds is the main theme in a list of 2011 grants for Colorado from the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation.

Along with improving wildlife foraging areas, RMEF funding also will help Colorado with a new research project to map elk and deer movements and habitat use. Data will help biologists maximize hunting as a management tool in Delores, Montezuma and San Miguel counties.

All together, the new RMEF grants total $144,150 and affect 12 counties: Dolores, Eagle, Fremont, Grand, Gunnison, La Plata, Mesa, Mineral, Montezuma, Park, Saguache and San Miguel.

“Across Colorado, the native grasslands that elk use for forage are shrinking. Forests are slowly overgrowing and noxious weeds are infesting landscapes,” said David Allen, RMEF president and CEO. “The habitat projects that we’re funding this year will help manage these lands, and could add at least 6,500 acres to the 388,203 acres that we’ve previously helped to conserve or enhance for wildlife in Colorado.”

Nationally, RMEF hopes to impact about 100,000 acres in 2011 to reach the 6 million-acre lifetime mark in lands conserved or enhanced for elk and other wildlife.

Allen thanked RMEF volunteers and fundraiser attendees for building the organization’s grant coffers in Colorado, saying, “Because of their amazing passion and generous support, a major conservation milestone is within reach.”

RMEF grants will help fund the following 2011 projects, listed by county:

• Dolores County–Begin research project to capture and radio-collar 20 cow elk and 20 doe deer in the Dove Creek area. Locations will be recorded three times a day for two years. Collected info will help biologists address seasonal habitat use and migration patterns, and how best to provide hunting opportunities to help control crop depredation in the area (also affects Montezuma and San Miguel counties).
• Eagle County–Remove encroaching pinyon-juniper from 567 acres, prescribe burn 450 acres, mow 250 acres and re-seed native grasses on 150 acres to improve elk winter range in the Berry Creek, Cottonwood Mesa, High Trail Gulch, Red Dirt, Ute Trail, Muddy Creek and Derby Mesa areas of White River National Forest.
• Fremont County–Improve winter range for elk by mechanically treating 500 acres of pinyon-juniper encroaching into native grasslands in the McCoy and Racepath Gulch areas of BLM lands.
• Grand County–Enhance forage for elk by treating 185 acres of Canadian thistle, yellow toadflax, oxeye daisy, musk thistle and other noxious weeds in the Sulphur Ranger District of Arapaho-Roosevelt National Forest.
• Gunnison County–Prescribe burn 450 acres in Taylor Creek area below Taylor Park Reservoir to improve habitat for elk, bighorn sheep and other species.
• La Plata County–Treat 100 acres of noxious weeds such as yellow toadflax, spotted knapweed, houndstongue, oxeye daisy, musk thistle and Canada thistle to improve forage for elk and other wildlife in Cherry Creek area of San Juan National Forest.
• Mesa County–Improve forage for elk, mule deer and other species by prescribe burning 1,912 acres in Nick Mountain area; provide sponsorship for annual Outdoor Heritage Day in Grand Junction to educate youths about outdoor resources, wildlife, conservation and recreation.
• Mineral County–Thin 40 acres with hydro axe and prescribe burn 300 acres to remove encroaching conifer and reinvigorate native grasses, forbs and shrubs for elk in Blue Creek and Pool Table Mountain areas of Rio Grande National Forest.
• Park County–Improve meadows and aspen stands used by elk and deer in winter months by removing conifer with a hydro axe and prescribe burning 2,167 acres in the Reinecker Ridge area of James Mark Jones State Wildlife Area.
• Saguache County–Aerially apply herbicide to remove cheatgrass from 1,000 acres of steep elk habitat in Cochetopa Canyon area of BLM lands.

Projects are selected for grants using science-based criteria and a committee of RMEF volunteers and staff along with representatives from partnering agencies and universities.

Partners for 2011 projects in Colorado include Bureau of Land Management (BLM), Colorado Division of Wildlife, U.S. Forest Service, other agencies, organizations and landowners.

Since 1985, RMEF and its partners have completed 530 different conservation and education projects in Colorado with a combined value of more than $119.1 million.

About the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation:
Snowy peaks, dark timber basins and grassy meadows. RMEF is leading an elk country initiative that has conserved or enhanced habitat on over 5.9 million acres–a land area equivalent to a swath three miles wide and stretching along the entire Continental Divide from Canada to Mexico. RMEF also works to open, secure and improve public access for hunting, fishing and other recreation. Get involved at www.rmef.org or 800-CALL ELK.

Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation

MISSOULA, Mont. --(Ammoland.com)- MISSOULA, Mont.–Wolf Mountain Ranch near Steamboat Springs, Colo., has long been noted as a critical migration corridor for one of Colorado’s preeminent elk herds.

Ranch owners yesterday completed a deal to permanently protect 1,330 acres through a conservation easement with the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation (RMEF).

The easement ensures the future of the ranch’s wildlife habitat by restricting development even if land ownership changes.

Each fall, the Bears Ears elk herd, one of Colorado’s largest at 23,000 head, leaves summering areas high in the Park Range and Elkhead Mountains and crosses Wolf Mountain Ranch en route to wintering areas 60 miles to the west. Some elk inhabit the 19,000-acre ranch year round. The property’s mix of sagebrush, mountain shrub, open grassland and aspen and mixed conifer forest also is home to Columbian sharptail and greater sage grouse, mule deer, bear and many other game and nongame species.

The ranch, 18 miles west of Steamboat Springs, participates in Colorado’s Ranching for Wildlife program and is utilized by public hunters each year.

“Wolf Mountain Ranch also is a working cattle operation. We’re pleased to help ensure the future of its agricultural heritage as well as its wildlife values,” said Brandon Hoffner, lands program manager for RMEF. “This easement helps guarantee the Bears Ears elk herd will be around to hunt and enjoy for generations to come.”

Funding partners in the project include the ranch owners, Pirtlaw Partners, Ltd., along with the Routt County Purchase of Development Rights Program, Colorado Division of Wildlife (CDOW) and RMEF.

Monitoring of conservation easement provisions will be shared by CDOW and RMEF.

Hoffner added that RMEF has been selected to hold future easements on Wolf Mountain Ranch (RMEF now holds four conservation easements in the area), if funding for the projects can be obtained. Approximately 6,092 acres of the ranch are protected through easements with The Nature Conservancy. The new 1,330-acre project brings total protected acreage to 7,422, or about 39 percent of the entire ranch.

About the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation:
Snowy peaks, dark timber basins and grassy meadows. RMEF is leading an elk country initiative that has conserved or enhanced habitat on over 5.9 million acres–a land area equivalent to a swath three miles wide and stretching along the entire Continental Divide from Canada to Mexico. RMEF also works to open, secure and improve public access for hunting, fishing and other recreation. Get involved at www.rmef.org or 800-CALL ELK.

Rocky Mountain Gun Owners

Colorado --(Ammoland.com)- This Tuesday the Constitutional Carry bill (HB1205) will be heard in the Senate State, Veterans & Military Affairs Committee.

This bill has already moved out of the House, but to reach the Senate floor it needs to first pass through this committee.

Take the time to join Rocky Mountain Gun Owners and help us pass Constitutional Carry in Colorado.

This bill is designed to do one thing: allow citizens who are legally eligible to possess handguns to carry that handgun concealed, without obtaining a costly, burdensome and bureaucratic permit.

This bill doesn’t get rid of the existing permit system, nor does it change anything if you wish to obtain a permit. It just gives citizens another option for self defense.

That’s what I call real freedom.

This bill is a major step for Colorado gun rights, and is something every gun owner in Colorado should get behind.

Senators Kevin Grantham and Bill Cadman, the two Republicans on the State Affairs Committee, are already co-sponsors of HB1205.

Today, I need you to contact the three undecided members of the committee and politely urge them to see that this bill moves to the Senate floor for further debate.

You can contact them here:

Rollie Heath
rollie.heath.senate@state.co.us
303-866-4872

Bob Bacon
bob.bacon.senate@state.co.us
303-866-4841

Betty Boyd
betty.boyd.senate@state.co.us
303-866-4857

P.S. Please contact the members of the Senate State, Veterans & Military Affairs Committee today to urge them to support House Bill 1205.

About:
Based in Colorado, Rocky Mountain Gun Owners is Colorado’s largest state-based gun lobby. It is a group solely dedicated to the Second Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. Our strategy is simple: don’t give an inch. Visit: www.rmgo.org

Rocky Mountain Gun Owners

Colorado --(Ammoland.com)- We aren’t done, but I’ve got some good news for you.

The first phase of passing Constitutional Carry through the Colorado State House was accomplished this morning.

House members agreed to move this common-sense legislation forward by a vote of 40 to 25 (we’ll post this vote when it becomes available on our website).

Even though we’re definitely not done yet (and I know that I don’t have to tell you that anything can happen in politics) this is still great news.

Because of your emails and phone calls, these House members have moved our bill through the house with an overwhelming majority.

A special thanks to the able leadership of long-time RMGO member State Rep. Chris Holbert (left). Who now passes the baton to State Senator Greg Brophy (Right).

Our next step is the assignment of the bill to a Colorado State Senate Committee.

Naturally, I’ll keep you up to date on Colorado’s Constitutional Carry Bill moves along, but I wanted to keep you informed as we get closer to final passage.

Sincerely,

About:
Based in Colorado, Rocky Mountain Gun Owners is Colorado’s largest state-based gun lobby. It is a group solely dedicated to the Second Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. Our strategy is simple: don’t give an inch. Visit: www.rmgo.org

Letters to the AmmoLand Editor: Got something on your mind? Let us know and you can see it here.

Colorado --(Ammoland.com)-If you are a qualified voter for NRA Board Members I urge you to vote.

Now if you would accept a recommendation, I would sincerely like you to consider voting for Steve Schreiner, of Englewood Colorado, to be on the NRA Board of Directors. Steve is currently on the NRA Board.

One of the Board members passed away last year and Steve, being the next highest (but not elected) vote getter, took over that position and we have benefited greatly from his expertise in political affairs and matters of firearm freedom.

Steve devotes several hours each working day to firearm freedom efforts and to the NRA. On weekends he is at major gun shows in the Colorado region manning a firearms freedom Second Amendment NRA supporting booth.

Steve donates huge amounts of his personal time and money as an advocate of protecting our firearm rights at every opportunity! Schreiner tirelessly recruits people to protect our gun rights and he is without doubt the most dedicated member ever to be on the NRA Board. I know this all to be true–first hand!

Colorado's Steve Schreiner for NRA Board of Directors

I am serious, no other Board member will be more dedicated to protecting our Second Amendment, NONE! He really deserves reelection.

Many times we look at the ballot and have only what the candidates themselves write up in the Rifleman to judge how we might vote or we may accept NRA recommendations (for unknown agenda reasons). And many times rather than take a chance on someone we don’t know much about we just send in partially filled out ballots…I have done that.

I have personally known Steve Schreiner for 30 years. Schreiner has a solid background in the ways of political operation having been an aide to a U.S. Congressman years ago. He earned a Bronze Star for Valor and also earned the Silver Star in Nam for heroism.

If you were to meet Steve you will find a dedicated, highly-intelligent very active energetic guy with a wily sense of humor who WILL NOT compromise our founding father’s well written Bill of Rights and the Second Amendment. Steve is dedicated! We really do need people like him on the NRA board-seriously, we really do.

If you have room on your NRA Ballot to vote for Steve Schreiner, I urge you to do so he will prove to be incredibly effective on the NRA Board protecting our Second Amendment Rights. .

Thank You For Your Consideration,

Rocky Mountain Gun Owners

Colorado --(Ammoland.com)- Next week the Constitutional Carry bill faces it’s first hurdle in the Colorado Legislature when it is heard in the House Judiciary Committee.

On Thursday, Feb. 24th at 1:30pm the House Judiciary Committee will hear HB1205 by Rep. Chris Holbert (R-Parker) and Sen. Greg Brophy (R-Wray).

This bill already has a huge number of co-sponsors, but to reach the House floor it needs to first pass through this committee.

If you have not already done so, please sign our petition for Constitutional Carry.

And then take the time to join Rocky Mountain Gun Owners and help us pass Constitutional Carry in Colorado.

This bill is designed to do one thing: allow citizens who are legally eligible to possess handguns to carry that handgun concealed, without obtaining a costly, burdensome and bureaucratic permit.

This bill doesn’t get rid of the existing permits. It just gives citizens another option for self defense.

That’s what I call real freedom.

One of the chief advantages this bill presents is that citizens are not put on any government tracking list merely for carrying the tools for self defense, nor do they have to pay fees for a permit.

I’ve heard a lot of people say “The Constitution is my permit”, but this actually gives teeth to that thought.

Citizens in Vermont, Alaska and Arizona currently enjoy that right, and Wyoming could be joining that list in the next few weeks.

Just as important as what HB1205 does are what it does not do:

• Does not repeal or otherwise change Colorado’s existing concealed carry permit law (CRS 18-12-201).
• Does not authorize the carrying of a concealed handgun by felons, the mentally ill, juveniles or anyone otherwise prohibited from possessing a handgun under state and federal law.
• Does not change where concealed handguns are allowed as defined by CRS 18-12-214.
• Does not affect reciprocity agreements with other states in any manner.
• Does not affect the ability of prosecutors to pursue charges for other crimes.

This bill is a major step for freedom, and is something every gun owner in Colorado should get behind.

Even if you already have a concealed carry permit, this bill is still a major advance for freedom, since it wouldn’t affect your permit.

Today, I need you to contact the members of the House Judiciary Committee to politely urge them to support this important legislation.

Note: Rep. Bob Gardner, the Committee Chairman, is the only Republican on this committee who has not yet co-sponsored this bill.

You can e-mail these State Representatives at the following addresses:

• Bob Gardner R - bob.gardner.house@state.co.us
• Mark Barker R - mark.barker.house@state.co.us
• Brian DelGrosso R - brian@briandelgrosso.com
• Crisanta Duran D - crisanta.duran.house@state.co.us
• Daniel Kagan D - repkagan@gmail.com
• Pete Lee D - pete.lee.house@state.co.us
• Claire Levy D - claire.levy.house@state.co.us
• B.J. Nikkel R - rep.nikkel@gmail.com
• Su Ryden D - su.ryden.house@state.co.us
• Jerry Sonnenberg R - jerry@repsonnenberg.com
• Mark Waller R - mark.waller.house@state.co.us

For Freedom,

Dudley Brown
Executive Director

P.S. Please contact the members of the House Judiciary Committee today to urge them to support House Bill 1205.

About:
Based in Colorado, Rocky Mountain Gun Owners is Colorado’s largest state-based gun lobby. It is a group solely dedicated to the Second Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. Our strategy is simple: don’t give an inch. Visit: www.rmgo.org

Rocky Mountain Gun Owners

Colorado --(Ammoland.com)- Friday State Rep. Chris Holbert (R-Parker) and State Sen. Greg Brophy (R-Wray) introduced HB1205, the Constitutional Carry Act of 2011.

This bill is designed to do one thing: allow citizens who are legally eligible to possess handguns to carry that handgun without obtaining a costly, burdensome and bureaucratic permit.

One of the chief advantages this bill presents is that citizens are not put on any government tracking list merely for carrying the tools for self defense. Citizens in Vermont, Alaska and Arizona currently enjoy that right, and Wyoming could be joining that list in the next few months.

Just as important as what HB1205 does are what it does not do:

• Does not repeal or otherwise change Colorado’s existing concealed carry permit law (CRS 18-12-201).
• Does not authorize the carrying of a concealed handgun by felons, the mentally ill, juveniles or anyone otherwise prohibited from possessing a handgun under state and federal law.
• Does not change where concealed handguns are allowed as defined by CRS 18-12-214.
• Does not affect reciprocity agreements with other states in any manner.
• Does not affect the ability of prosecutors to pursue charges for other crimes.

This bill is a major step for freedom, and is something every gun owner in Colorado should get behind.

Make sure you sign our petition for this bill by clicking here. We’ll let you know as soon as this bill is scheduled for a House Committee.

For Freedom,

About:
Based in Colorado, Rocky Mountain Gun Owners is Colorado’s largest state-based gun lobby. It is a group solely dedicated to the Second Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. Our strategy is simple: don’t give an inch. Visit: www.rmgo.org

Removal of Backcountry Lands from Colorado Energy Sale Draws Sportsmen’s Praise

Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership

WASHINGTON --(Ammoland.com)- The Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership today roundly praised a decision by the Bureau of Land Management to withdraw thousands of acres of prime backcountry fish and wildlife habitat in Colorado from an upcoming energy lease sale.

The five proposed leases, totaling 10,364 acres and slated for auction on Nov. 10, are located in national forest roadless areas near Craig and south of Rifle and provide important wintering grounds for elk and mule deer, as well as valuable native trout habitat.

“These prized backcountry lands would have been compromised if development was allowed to proceed as planned,” said TRCP Colorado Field Representative Nick Payne, “and we appreciate the Forest Service’s and Bureau of Land Management’s prompt attention in correcting this problem. As proposed, the leases would have violated the Forest Service’s own rules; their willingness to withdraw them from sale fosters more balanced management in the future.”

While the lands in question are located on national forest land, the BLM manages mineral leasing for all federally administered lands, including national forest roadless areas. If the leases were issued, road building could have potentially been allowed within the Sugarloaf North and Black Mountain roadless areas near Craig and the Battlement Mesa roadless area south of Rifle, thereby violating both the 2001 national roadless rule and an agreement between the U.S. Department of Agriculture and state of Colorado.

The state of Colorado and the U.S. Forest Service meanwhile continue to develop the Colorado roadless rule, a plan that could determine the management of 4.4 million acres of roadless areas. The Colorado roadless rule-making process has been dogged by controversy since its inception, with many in the sportsmen’s community criticizing shortcomings in the draft plan that would preclude adequate conservation of backcountry fish and wildlife habitat.

“Colorado’s roadless areas must be conserved at a level that is equal to or stronger than the safeguards afforded by the national roadless rule,” said Joel Webster, associate director of campaigns for the TRCP Center for Western Lands. “While sportsmen are encouraged by the receptiveness of the Forest Service to our recommendations for improvements, the proposed Colorado rule requires additional work before it will satisfactorily conserve core fish and wildlife habitat in the Centennial State.”

“Monday’s decision also did not resolve roughly 70,000 acres of gap leases in roadless areas that have been sold since 2001 and that violate the Forest Service’s own policies meant to safeguard the surface values of roadless areas,” continued Webster. “America’s hunters and anglers remain ready to work with federal decision makers to assure the responsible management of these priceless lands into the future.”

Learn more about the TRCP’s work in support of roadless area conservation.

TRCP Colorado Roadless Report

About:
Inspired by the legacy of Theodore Roosevelt, the TRCP is a coalition of organizations and grassroots partners working together to preserve the traditions of hunting and fishing. Visit: www.trcp.org

Students for Concealed Carry on Campus

Any Campus, USA --(Ammoland.com)- Once again, Colorado is the scene for one of the next steps in the fight to restore the right to self-defense on campus, as once again one of their flagship universities turns to the courts to validate its defiance of state law.

The University of Colorado (CU) is being sued by Students for Concealed Carry on Campus (SCCC) for its refusal to comply with the state law passed in 2002 which restricts entities that can prohibit concealed carry.

The university board of regents still asserts their right to enact campus-wide bans on concealed carry, despite its absence on the list of approved self-defense regulators.

In December 2008, SCCC in conjunction with the Mountain States Legal Foundation sued CU for violating Colorado law. The court dismissed the lawsuit, but an appeal quickly brought victory. The CU Board of Regents voted to appeal.

On Monday, the Colorado Supreme Court agreed to grant a writ of certiorari to CU in their appeal.

At issue, states the court, is:

• Whether the General Assembly intended the Concealed Carry Act to divest the Board of Regents of its constitutional and statutory authority to enact safety and welfare measures for the University of Colorado’s campuses.
• Whether a constitutional challenge to a statute or ordinance regulating the right to bear arms is governed by the deferential “rational basis” standard of review or a more stringent “reasonable exercise” standard of review.

Gun control advocate Paul Helmke issued a statement, saying “We urge the Court to allow the University of Colorado to continue to protect student safety by prohibiting armed students and visitors.”

Oddly enough, safety appears to be the last thing on the minds of Paul Helmke or the CU board of regents; crime at CU has risen 35 percent in the past four years under CU’s gun ban, while crime at nearby Colorado State University has dropped 60 percent in the same time frame. (CSU has allowed concealed carry by licensed individuals since 2003 without incident.)

“Gun control advocates stubbornly stick to their theory that paper and ink on the doors will prevent crime,” stated SCCC President David Burnett.

“While they desperately pursue validation from higher courts, 14 other colleges have recognized that the fear of encountering armed resistance repels criminals far better than stickers. At best, the anti-defense advocates will be taking one step forward and 14 steps back.”

SCCC advocates only those citizens already possessing the credentials be allowed to carry a concealed weapon to carry on campus for self-protection.

About:
Students for Concealed Carry on Campus is a national grassroots organization consisting of over 44,000 college students, faculty members, parents, and concerned citizens who support the right to self-defense on campus. SCCC is non-partisan and not affiliated with any political party or organization. Visit: www.concealedcampus.org

National Association for Gun Rights

Colorado -–(Ammoland.com)- I would like to tell you he isn’t, but there’s no getting around the evidence. But more on that shortly.

Sometimes people make the mistake of believing that simply because a politician says “I’m pro-gun” it means he or she will vote for freedom once elected to office.

I hope you don’t make that mistake.

You see, the United States Senate is only one or two votes away from taking away your right to keep and bear arms.

It is extremely dangerous for gun owners to take politician’s word, especially during an election season. Even the smallest mistake in trust could have disastrous consequences.

Consider this: We have the most anti-gun administration in years. The last time we had executives this radical, the Brady Bill was shoved down our throats, banning an entire class of semi-automatic hunting and sporting rifles and stripping rights from gun owners.

In other words, it is absolutely critical for gun owners to know where every candidate stands on liberty, especially in the U.S. Senate.

That’s why we sent surveys to candidates in the Colorado Senate race, asking specific questions about their stance on your right to keep and bear arms.

The results may surprise you.

First, the good news:

Republican U.S. Senate candidate Ken Buck answered the National Association for Gun Rights’ 2010 Federal Candidate Survey 100% pro-gun.

Ken Buck has a specific plan to oppose all gun legislation and protect your rights.

But now for some bad news:

Democrat Senator Michael Bennet refused to answer our survey.

Unfortunately, when a candidate ignores our survey, it means they will vote for gun control legislation if elected. It means they are hiding their views.

But that’s not all.

Senator Bennet actually has a voting record, and it’s not good.

Bennet has routinely voted for gun control.

In fact, Senator Bennet has voted:

• to confirm the most anti-gun Attorney General in American history;
• to confirm two of the most anti-gun Supreme Court nominees ever offered;
• to confirm a new anti-gun “Regulatory Czar”.

…And the list goes on.

Bennet’s record is one of supporting gun control – even when the stakes are high – and opposing pro-gun reforms.

That’s why it is vital in this election to make your voice heard.

Nothing gets my blood boiling more than politicians who believe in compromising your rights for the sake of advancing their own careers, especially when those rights are guaranteed by our Constitution.

Now we need to make sure that these politicians know whose rights they are protecting and standing up for.

Here’s what you can do:

1. Call Senator Bennet’s office and tell him to apologize for his anti-gun voting record. Demand that he answer the survey from the National Association of Gun Rights and pledge that he will stand up against anti-gun legislation in the future.
2. Thank Republican candidate Ken Buck for his staunch support of the Second Amendment and for pledging to fight against efforts to curb those rights.

There’s no question about it, the upcoming election is an historic one that will greatly affect the direction our great country is headed, more so than at any time in our lifetime.

With so much at stake, I am going above and beyond to make sure that every person in Colorado who cares about the Second Amendment knows exactly where their candidates stand.

But even more important, contact Senator Bennet to demand he answer some hard questions about his views on the Second Amendment.

Act fast. There’s not a moment to lose.

P.S. Make Senator Bennet apologize for his anti-gun voting record.

Contact his office and demand he answer the National Association for Gun Rights survey and pledge to stand up against anti-gunners in Washington.

And while you’re at it, thank Ken Buck for not compromising and for answering his Candidate Survey 100% in favor of supporting your right to keep and bear arms.

About:
The National Association for Gun Rights was founded in 2001 to serve as a grassroots gun rights group focusing on building state-level gun rights groups and lobbying for pro-gun federal legislation. Brown has been a gun lobbyist for more than 17 years. Visit: www.nationalgunrights.org

Editorial Disclaimer: The opinions and views expressed above do not necessarily reflect those of the staff, AmmoLand Shooting Sports News, or other sponsors and partners. See the Editorial-Review Process for more details.

Montrose, Colo., Memorable Fall Hunting Getaway

Colorado Division of Wildlife

Montrose, Colo. --(Ammoland.com)- Montrose, Colo., is an outdoor lover’s paradise. So much so that recently, the city was named to Outdoor Life magazine’s annual list of the 200 best towns in America for outdoorsmen.

The options for sportsmen are as vast as the Colorado backcountry is big. Montrose, with its 62,000 acres of BLM-managed lands, boasts elk, deer, antelope, mountain lions, sheep, waterfowl, rabbits, and even a drawing for moose season.

Montrose has more than a dozen outfitters standing by to take hunters to some of the favorite local hot spots. Whether new to the sport or loking to sharpen their skills, one of these knowledgeable outfitters can help keep hunters on target.

There are many different trip types available; guided trips start at about $3,000.

• Action Adventures (www.actionadventures.net) – Specializing in wilderness horseback pack-in elk hunts, Action Adventures also offers private land elk and mule deer hunts.
• Camp David Outfitting (www.campdavidoutfitting.com) – This group offers exclusive private land hunts for elk and mule deer on the beautiful Uncompahgre Plateau. Guided Hunts include lodging, meals, transportation while hunting, and packing out the animals.
• Conrad’s High Country Outfitters (www.conradsoutfitters.com) – Archery hunting for big bulls in the Colorado backcountry has been this outfitter’s specialty for 30 years, though they also cater to muzzleloader and rifle hunters. In addition to elk and mule deer, Conrad’s also offers hunts for antelope, black bear and Merriam turkeys.
• Dark Timber Outfitting (www.darktimberlodge.com) – Dark Timber Lodge is nestled on National Forest and BLM land in acclaimed units 61 and 62, offering 50,000 acres of hunting ground on each unit. Sportsmen enter the hunting area on ATVs and then go by foot.
• Hyatt Guides and Outfitters (www.elwing.com/hunting/hyattinfo.html) – Offering guided hunt packages, one-on-one guided and self-guided hunts, Bruce Hyatt specializes in elk and deer hunting with bow and arrow and rifle.
• J & Ray (www.sportsmansdream.com/jray/) – This third-generation, family owned and operated outfitter has been in the Colorado outfitting business since 1969. J & Ray hunts elk and deer in unit 65 in the Uncompahgre Wilderness Area.
• Kinikin Outfitters (www.huntwesterncolorado.com) – Kinikin Outfitters has exclusive hunting rights to more than 20,000 acres of private ranchland and specialize in memorable elk and mule deer hunts in units 62, 64, 65 and 70.
• Silverspur Outfitters (http:/www.huntsilverspuroutfitters.com) – Personal service is the hallmark of this family-owned business. Hunts are all on private land that borders BLM and National Forest.
• Soap Mesa Outfitters (www.southwestcoloradoelkhunting.com) – Soap Mesa Outfitters offers quality guided elk and mule deer hunts on its 3,500-acre property overlooking Blue Mesa Reservoir, the Black Canyon of the Gunnison, Soap Creek and the Gunnison National Forest, as well as 6,000 acres of West Elk National Forest.
• Western Colorado Outfitters (www.westerncoloradooutfitters.com) – Western Colorado Outfitters has been providing quality hunts in Colorado since 1976. This group offers guided elk, mule deer and black bear hunts on a forest permit area that they have been hunting for more than 30 years.

For information on hunting seasons, draws, tags and other regulations, contact the local Colorado Division of Wildlife office at 970-252-6000.

About Montrose (www.visitmontrose.com)
Montrose is a uniquely-authentic town that has carved out a place for itself in the landscape and culture of Colorado. Montrose was recently named to Outdoor Life magazine’s annual list of the 200 best towns in America for outdoorsmen. Seventy-three percent of the land surrounding the city is public land, making Montrose a Mecca for all kinds of outdoor activities, including: hunting, fishing, camping, hiking, road biking, and mountain biking. A multi-faceted community, Montrose serves up layer upon layer of discoveries, each more unique than the last. Whether visitors are looking for adventure, agritourism, history, culture, shopping, fine dining or anything in between, Montrose has a little something for everyone.

Rocky Mountain Gun Owners

Colorado - -(AmmoLand.com)- Colorado law requires concealed handgun permit applicants to first obtain firearms training from a certified instructor.

At RMGO we’ve developed a method for you — and/or your family, friends and workmates — to acquire the required training for a concealed handgun permit while supporting Rocky Mountain Gun Owners.

RMGO is now offering one-night, 4 hour Basic Handgun Safety Courses in Northern Colorado for $100 — and $75 for RMGO members.

• Monday, Sept. 13, 2010 – Fort Collins LaQuinta Inn – Click here to register
• Thursday, Sept. 23, 2010 – Denver-Englewood Inverness Hotel – Click here to register

Best of all, the proceeds from this class go to Rocky Mountain Gun Owners, who fights for your rights in the public policy arena.

This class satisfies the legal requirement for Colorado’s concealed handgun permits as well as addressing such issues as carrying openly, carrying in your vehicle, the use of deadly force, and many other issues. For anyone who will apply for a permit to carry, for someone just considering it, or for the citizen who simply wants to know more about personal safety this class is a must.

While there are a great number of firearms instructors in Colorado teaching these classes — some good, some not so good — none have the experience of being the pro-gun lobbyist who shaped Colorado’s concealed carry law in the decade-long battle it took to pass a “shall issue” law, and few deal with the law’s implications on a daily basis.

Our Instructor

Dudley Brown is a lifetime shooter and longtime firearms instructor, in addition to his role as Rocky Mountain Gun Owners’ Executive Director and head lobbyist.

Brown has been involved deeply in the concealed carry issue for decades, most notably as the main lobbyist at Colorado’s State Capitol.

One of the most important things a permit holder should know are how Colorado’s concealed carry law is administered, where a citizen can carry, and where — by statutory prohibition or bureaucratic regulation — citizens are not allowed to carry concealed.

Of course, safe gunhandling is also a vital part of any firearms training course, and something RMGO takes seriously — and works to instill in our students.

The class takes just one night, and you’ll leave with a certificate as proof of your completion of the class.

We believe you’ll also leave with a solid foundation to build upon.

In the class you’ll hear a broad-ranging discussion on such issues as:

• Why Carry a Concealed Handgun?
• Basic Handgun Safety
• Choosing a Handgun and Ammunition
• Legal Use of Deadly Force
• Carrying Concealed in the Real World — tips, tricks and gray areas
• Carry Methods – Holster styles
• Defending your Rights

And much, much more.

This is a safe, fun class, with a lively discussion and some eye-opening perspectives.

• Please note: this class does not contain a live-fire component. Students are urged throughout the class to obtain live-fire instruction in addition to the basic Handgun Safety Course.
• Also note: this class satisfies the legal requirements for any and all permits issued in the state of Colorado (and many other states as well).

Vermont Carry

Is our goal and RMGO has long held the belief that training should be voluntary, not mandatory. No other group — none — can lay claim to opposing government-mandated training for concealed carry for the decade-long battle for concealed carry. In fact, we’ve been advocating for true freedom — a Vermont-style concealed carry law (if you can legally possess a firearm, you can carry, without a “big-brother-may-I”) — since the group’s inception, and will continue to push for it.

Voluntary vs. Government-mandated training — That doesn’t mean we are opposed to training. Anyone who owns a firearm should get as much quality training as they can possibly afford. We are, however, opposed to government-mandated training. And one of the reasons we are conducting concealed carry classes is that we believe citizens already have to jump through too many hurdles to obtain a concealed handgun permit. Therefore, we offer the least onerous class the law will allow while still covering everything a citizen needs to know before acquiring a permit.

Monthly Northern Colorado classes — We are currently scheduling monthly concealed carry classes in the Fort Collins area on the second Monday of each month.

Note: Class space is limited, so sign up online now to save your seat.

RMGO class valid statewide — Our Concealed Carry class satisfies the legal requirement set forth in Colorado law. This means every sheriff’s office in Colorado must accept our class, or we’ll sue them. Understand that some sheriff’s offices are trying to make their own law by adding requirements for live-fire, but state law simply doesn’t allow them to do that. Colorado law (C.R.S. 18-12-201.3) stops Sheriffs from implementing rules and/or actions that place a burden on the applicant beyond the law. 18-12-202.5(c) defines a “Handgun Training Class” as “A firearms safety course or class that is offered and taught by a certified instructor.”

We offer a money-back guarantee that our training is valid under current Colorado law, and will be accepted by your sheriff.

RMGO Life Members — Our training classes are free to RMGO Life Members. If you’d like to become one, you can do so here.

Classes in your area — Though we are only offering training in Northern Colorado right now, RMGO can do private classes and those set up for your home town. To set one up, contact RMGO at our office for the details. RMGO is also seeking coordinators for training classes in Grand Junction and Colorado Springs. If you would like to help put a class together, we’ll come down to teach it. (As a general rule, you’ll need 10 or more students lined up for the class prior to scheduling it with our office)

Outdoorchannel TV

Temecula, Calif. --(Ammoland.com)- Outdoor Channel, America’s Leader in outdoor TV, today announced that the network has been moved from the Sports tier to the more broadly distributed Digital Preferred tier throughout Comcast’s cable systems in southern Colorado.

Starting August 24th, more Comcast customers in Colorado Springs, Pueblo and Trinidad will have access to Outdoor Channel’s compelling line-up of hunting, fishing, shooting and adventure programming on channel 127.

The transition from the Sports tier to the Digital Preferred tier allows additional subscribers in this region to catch the most thrilling outdoor line-up in the history of the network. Additionally, the network is also available to Comcast customers in southern Colorado on the HD tier.

Outdoor Channel is the only full-time network in the outdoor genre to produce 100 percent of its programming in native high definition (HD).

“We are extremely pleased to expand on our relationship with our long-standing partner Comcast and provide their subscribers with a value-rich collection of premium outdoor programming across multiple platforms, including HD,” said Tom Hornish, Chief Operating Officer, Outdoor Channel.

“Outdoor enthusiasts are abundant in Colorado, which is known for its beautiful, varied terrain of mountains, mesas, plains, rivers, and canyons,” added Randy Brown, Executive Vice President, Affiliate Sales & Marketing, Outdoor Channel. “Outdoor Channel’s increasingly popular pipeline of new and original content is really resonating with viewers and distributors in a tremendous way, and we’re excited to reach a broader audience in Colorado.”

“We are delighted to extend the reach of the Outdoor Channel in southern Colorado,” said Chris Shea, Vice President Marketing and Sales, Comcast Mile High Region. “Southern Colorado residents have a deep passion for the great outdoors, and we are excited to make Outdoor Channel more widely available to our existing and prospective subscribers.”

Season after season, the network airs original action-packed content that captures the excitement of the great outdoors through the eyes of esteemed talent and renowned celebrities. Outdoor Channel is currently airing its third quarter show schedule as part of its “Biggest Summer Ever” campaign, which boasts 13 brand new original shows, 71 season debuts of returning favorites, the biggest industry talent, the boldest outdoor producers and a powerful slate of celebrated entertainers. Moreover, the network recently acquired a variety of new fishing shows set to debut in 2011: “Buccaneers and Bones,” “Fishing University,” “Madfin Shark Series,” “Spanish Fly” and “Zona!

About Outdoor Channel Holdings, Inc.
Outdoor Channel Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: OUTD) owns and operates Outdoor Channel, America’s leader in outdoor TV, and Winnercomm Inc., an Emmy Award winning production and interactive company. Outdoor Channel offers programming that captures the excitement of hunting, fishing, shooting, off-road motorsports, adventure and the Western lifestyle and can be viewed on multiple platforms including high definition, video-on-demand, as well as on a dynamic broadband website. Winnercomm Inc. is one of America’s leading and highest quality producers of live sporting events and sports series for cable and broadcast television. Winnercomm also owns and operates the patented Skycam and CableCam aerial camera systems which provide dramatic overhead camera angles for major sports events, including college and NFL football. For more information please visit www.outdoorchannel.com.

What Do, Jane Norton, Sarah Brady, Have In Common

National Association for Gun Rights

Colorado --(Ammoland.com)-Jane Norton claims to be pro-gun.

And though we’ve been skeptical of Jane Norton – especially considering she was recruited by one of the leading anti-gun Senators in the U.S. Senate – we decided to give her the benefit of the doubt.

She even joined her opponent, Ken Buck, in filling out the National Association for Gun Rights 2010 Federal Candidate Survey 100% pro-gun.

But right now, Jane Norton is acting more like radical gun-banner Sarah Brady.

In her radio and TV advertisements, Jane Norton is vocally advocating for the legal persecution of law-abiding gun owners – against an active member of Colorado’s largest gun rights group, Rocky Mountain Gun Owners (RMGO).

To prop up her faltering campaign, Jane Norton’s operatives have been pushing the liberal media to talk about the malicious prosecution of a gun owner in a positive light.

Norton is trying to curry favor with the media elite and the anti-gun Establishment types, since it plays on their anti-gun sentiments.

Really, she’s just using the anti-gun hysteria of those who hate freedom to attack her opponent.

• It’s desperate, for certain.
• It’s also flat-out wrong.

Norton is trying to demonize gun store owner Greg Golyansky — a long-time member of RMGO. Unlike many politicians, he’s got a history of standing for freedom.

Golyansky and his family moved from behind the Iron Curtain to America because of freedom, something they didn’t have in their homeland. He went through legal channels, moved to Colorado and started a business. I know Greg personally, and I can tell you that he’s someone who’s very excited about freedom and our country’s founding principles.

That’s who Jane Norton is vilifying – a Colorado gun owner – in an attempt to tar her opponent.

As Paul Harvey used to say, here’s the rest of the story.

A decade ago the BATFE (federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives) used a sting operation against Greg Golyansky, attempting to jail him for mere paperwork violations of their byzantine regulations.

To his credit, then Assistant U.S. Attorney Ken Buck – now Jane Norton’s U.S. Senate primary opponent – refused to prosecute Golyansky. Simply put, the evidence wasn’t there.

But Ken Buck’s boss — former Democrat U.S. Senate candidate Tom Strickland – tried to force Buck into prosecuting Golyansky, despite the lack of evidence.

Why did Tom Strickland try to force Buck to prosecute this so-called gun crime?

Simply put, Tom Strickland is a raving anti-gun extremist. He wanted to empower the BATFE to go on witch hunts against gun owners across our country via a program called Project Exile (we call it Project Gestapo, since it uses outrageous anti-gun rhetoric and promotes “turning in your neighbors for illegal guns.”)

I should know about this case: Greg called me when it happened.

I told Greg Golyansky that this is what happens when there’s a combination of rabid, anti-gun politicians in charge of “administering the law” and a tide of gun control is sweeping our state, as it was in the wake of the Columbine tragedy.

Fast forward to the 2010 elections.

Jane Norton, behind in the polls, is now using this non-issue against Ken Buck.

Frankly, this makes me furious.

I know politicians are not to be trusted, but when they answer a written survey and sign their signature attesting to it, I expect them to live up to their word.

But it only took a few weeks for Jane Norton to break her written promise.

You see, in the NAGR 2010 Candidate Survey we ask candidates if they would support legislation to reduce the power of the BATFE.

Jane Norton answered yes — and now attacks her opponent because he resisted the overreaching grasp of the BATFE!

This has made us question Jane Norton’s entire survey.

And since she was recruited by one of America’s leading anti-gun Senators, who has routinely worked to close down the private sale of firearms in America and enact gun controls on numerous levels of the federal government…

… we have no choice but to question all of her answers to our survey.

Put simply, gun owners cannot trust Jane Norton in the U.S. Senate.

As a gun owner, and someone concerned with our Second Amendment freedoms, we encourage you to cast a vote against Jane Norton for U.S. Senate.

P.S. Jane Norton – like radical anti-gunner Sarah Brady – is embracing BATFE’s malicious persecution of gun owners, and cannot be trusted with our firearms freedoms in the U.S. Senate.

We encourage you not to vote for Jane Norton in the August 10th Republican primary.

It seems CU would rather risk a repeat of Virginia Tech than let its staff and students defend themselves..? - AmmoLand.com

Students for Concealed Carry on Campus

Colorado --(Ammoland.com)- The University of Colorado voted Friday to continue fighting for the right to ban guns on campus.

The CU Board of Regents voted 5-4 in favor of appealing the lawsuit brought by Students for Concealed Carry on Campus (SCCC), which sought legal confirmation that college directors lack authority to suspend Colorado law or Constitutional rights.

Clearly, power and politics, rather than concern for student safety, are ruling the day for CU’s regents. Crime at CU has risen 35 percent in the past four years at the college which prohibits lawful concealed carry, while crime at Colorado State University has dropped 60 percent in the same time frame. No thinking person can look at those numbers and still assert that allowing concealed carry will prove dangerous for the campus.

In fact, other colleges in Colorado have seen the handwriting on the wall with the recent legal victory won by SCCC and changed their policies and allowed concealed carry on campus.

The Associated Press reported that Tillie Bishop, the swing vote, insisted the regents must be allowed to set the rules for a college campus. This argument may hold for private institutions with the authority to set their own rules on firearms as much as attire or conduct, but public taxpayer-funded institutions must not and do not possess the right to govern or suspend the right to bear arms any more than they can suspend free speech, or govern what books to read or what religion to follow. A right is a right.

Regent Michael Carrigan claimed SCCC first chose the oppositional approach by bringing a lawsuit, asking instead that students, faculty and staff be mustered to support ending the gun ban. It appears Regent Carrigan is under the mistaken impression that a majority must express support for a right before it can be granted. (It is doubtful that such a standard would be applied to freedom of speech or of the press.)

Regent Stephen Ludwig reiterated the well-worn and well-discredited argument that students experimenting with sex, alcohol and drugs don’t need guns added to the mix. Regent Ludwig should immediately begin tracking down and reporting students who are both licensed to carry concealed weapons and involved with illicit drug use, or who are armed while intoxicated, since either is grounds for permit revocation as well as criminal prosecution.

SCCC advocates allowing citizens who already possess the credentials to carry a concealed weapon to carry on campus. Arguments against “arming students” are not relevant, since the argument is not about who should carry, but whether or not colleges can enforce discriminatory policies against those who already carry.

By pursuing a costly legal battle with slim odds of success at the expense of the university – students, faculty, staff and ultimately parents and taxpayers – the CU Board of Regents continues to prove its willingness to put personal politics and authority ahead of the greater good of the entire college.

About:
Students for Concealed Carry on Campus is a national grassroots organization consisting of over 44,000 college students, faculty members, parents, and concerned citizens who support the right to self-defense on campus. SCCC is non-partisan and not affiliated with any political party or organization. Visit: www.concealedcampus.org

Pheasants Forever's Farm Bill Biologist Program

Pheasants Forever

Aurora, Colo. --(Ammoland.com)- Pheasants Forever has added three new Farm Bill biologists in Colorado through a partnership with the Colorado Division of Wildlife and the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS).

The partnering groups are focused on protecting environmentally sensitive agricultural lands through conservation programs and improving public hunting lands for wildlife.

“Partnerships are critical to accomplishing our habitat mission in this day and age,” explained Bob Hix, Pheasants Forever’s regional field representative for Colorado.

“All 17 Pheasants Forever chapters in the state, the Division of Wildlife, and the NRCS have joined together in partnership to fund these three new positions. These new employees will translate into thousands of acres of improved habitat and hunting access.”

Pheasants Forever’s Farm Bill Biologist program is designed to educate farmers and landowners – through one-on-one consulting - about the benefits of conservation programs (such as the Conservation Reserve Program and Environmental Quality Incentives Program), as well as assisting farmers and landowners through program implementation. Pheasants Forever first began employing Farm Bill Biologists in 2003 and now has more than 50 biologists working in ten states – Colorado, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, and Wisconsin. Farm Bill Biologists have contacted and consulted with over 30,000 landowners, resulting in the improvement of more than 1.3 million acres of land for wildlife.

“The establishment of three new Farm Bill biologists in eastern Colorado really builds on each partners’ ability to deliver conservation to the landscape. Wildlife, private landowners, and wildlife enthusiasts will benefit greatly from the fruits of this partnership,” added Ed Gorman, Colorado Division of Wildlife’s small game coordinator.

The new Colorado Farm Bill Biologists include:

• Holyoke: Jerry Miller is a native of Northeastern Colorado, having grown up on a farm near the North Sterling Reservoir. He graduated from Colorado State University with a degree in forest management and most recently was employed as a conservation technician for the Haxtun and Sedgwick County Conservation Districts. He’s also been an active volunteer in PF’s Leopold Education Project and a member of the Phillips County PF Chapter. Jerry can be emailed at jmiller@pheasantsforever.org.
• Burlington:Kraig Paulson is moving to Colorado this week. Paulson holds a biology degree from the University of Wyoming and has been employed by Pheasants Forever since 2006. He started out as a PF habitat specialist in Montana and has spent the last couple years working as Pheasants Forever’s regional biologist for Washington and Oregon. Kraig can be contacted at kpaulson@pheasantsforever.org.
• Lamar:An Iowa native, Nathan Schmitz graduated from Iowa State University. Prior to joining Pheasants Forever, Schmitz worked for the Colorado Division of Wildlife and the University of Wyoming studying sage grouse. Nathan can be reached at nschmitz@pheasantsforever.org.

Using his trusty longbow and arrows he makes himself, Tred Barta bagged this bear recently in Oregon. Now hunting and fishing from a wheelchair, Barta's TV show, "The Best and Worst of Tred Barta," has just been picked up for its eighth season. Pic: Vail Daily

EAGLE COUNTY, CO --(Ammoland.com)- It took a year, but Tred Barta finally got his bear. More important, he can put on his socks.

Barta, 58, was scheduled to leave for Alaska last spring to tape another episode of “The Best and Worst of Tred Barta,” his popular hunting/fishing/adventure show on the Versus cable channel, when he started losing the power in one leg. Hours later he was in a Denver hospital.

After months of tests, he finally learned about two rare conditions that nearly killed him: a “spinal stroke,” and Waldenstrom’s disease, a form of blood cancer.

Usually upbeat, brash, and utterly unconcerned with what just about anyone thinks of him, Barta acknowledges he hit a point last summer when he wanted to end it all…

Read The Whole Story:

National Association for Gun Rights

Colorado --(Ammoland.com)- Cory Gardner earns support of gun rights political action committee.

Today, the National Association for Gun Rights PAC announced their endorsement of State Representative Cory Gardner (R-Yuma), who is running for Colorado’s 4th Congressional District.

“Cory Gardner has been a rock-solid leader for gun rights as a state legislator,” declared Dudley Brown, Executive Director of the National Association for Gun Rights PAC.

“From fighting the U.N. Small Arms Treaty to defending the right to carry, gun owners can count on Cory Gardner. I’m proud to endorse such a stalwart gun rights champion,” continued Brown. “Cory will bring a much-needed brand of no-compromise leadership to Congress and Washington, D.C.”

Gardner will be participating in Friday’s 4th Congressional District Assembly and faces two opponents in the August Republican primary.

About:
The National Association for Gun Rights was founded in 2001 to serve as a grassroots gun rights group focusing on building state-level gun rights groups and lobbying for pro-gun federal legislation. Brown has been a gun lobbyist for more than 17 years.

National Association for Gun Rights

Colorado --(AmmoLand.com)- Despite the looming specter of the U.N. Small Arms Treaty, attempts to ban all private firearm sales and establish a national gun registry, gun rights activist do have cause to celebrate.

The increasingly acrimonious battle over right to carry on campus is becoming a winning battle ground for gun rights activists.

Just last week the National Association for Gun Rights and our Colorado ally, Rocky Mountain Gun Owners (I serve as Executive Director of both organizations), scored a decisive victory for concealed carry on campus. Working with Students for Concealed Carry on Campus at CSU, our attorney filed suit against Colorado State University over their attempt to ban self-defense on campus.

Under pressure from the lawsuit and a recent appeals court ruling that overturned a similar ban at the University of Colorado, CSU officials rescinded their anti-gun policy.

In light of CSU’s decision, the Colorado Community College system released a statement acknowledging that students, faculty, and citizens have the legal authority to defend themselves on community college campuses across the state.

It is outrageous that these universities and secondary education facilities would try to make students and faculty into potential victims, especially when their policy is in direct contradiction to existing state law.

I believe that over the next several years we’re going to see the right-to-carry on campus being pushed across the country.

Rest assured, the National Association for Gun Rights will continue to be a leader for the self-defense rights of students and faculty across the country.

Please know that is was you – the donors, members and activists – who made this possible. So give yourself a quick pat on the back, then roll up your sleeves, and let’s continue to work for freedom.

P.S. The National Association for Gun Rights is only able to take up these important fights through the contributions of gun rights activists like you.

Outdoorchannel TV

Temecula, Calif. --(AmmoLand.com)- Outdoor Channel Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: OUTD), America’s leader in Outdoor TV, today announced that Outdoor Channel HD has launched across all Comcast Cable Systems in Colorado. Now, Comcast subscribers in the “Centennial State” can enjoy the sights, sounds and thrill of Outdoor Channel’s popular programming with razor-sharp clarity in widescreen format.

“When it comes to outdoor recreation, Colorado is the epicenter. Outdoor Channel HD’s entry into the market is a good fit, as viewers are sure to appreciate our picturesque hunting, fishing, shooting and rugged adventure outdoor programming,” said Tom Hornish, COO at Outdoor Channel.

“The outdoor genre is made for high-definition, adding depth, color and vibrancy to the great outdoors, as well as enhancing the viewer experience,” added Randy Brown, Executive Vice President, Affiliate Sales & Marketing at Outdoor Channel.

“Outdoor enthusiasts abound in Colorado, which is known for its vivid landscape of mountains, plains, rivers, and canyons. Outdoor Channel HD is a premium HD product that speaks to our customers’ passion for the outdoors,” said William Mosher, Vice President of Sales and Marketing, Comcast Mile High Region. “We are dedicated to providing our subscribers with highly sought-after HD networks, and the addition of Outdoor Channel reinforces that strategy.”

As the only full-time network in the outdoor genre to offer a true, dedicated high definition simulcast, Outdoor Channel HD is committed to becoming 100 percent native HD by June 28, 2010. The network takes viewers across the country and around the world, sharing unmatched thrills and experiences through the eyes of esteemed outdoor personalities.

About Outdoor Channel
Outdoor Channel Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: OUTD) owns and operates Outdoor Channel, America’s leader in outdoor TV, and Winnercomm Inc., an Emmy Award winning production and interactive company. Outdoor Channel offers programming that captures the excitement of hunting, fishing, shooting, off-road motorsports, adventure and the Western lifestyle and can be viewed on multiple platforms including high definition, video-on-demand, as well as on a dynamic broadband website. Winnercomm Inc. is one of America’s largest and highest quality producers of live sporting events and sports series for cable and broadcast television. Winnercomm also owns and operates the patented Skycam and CableCam aerial camera systems which provide dramatic overhead camera angles for major sports events, including college and NFL football. For more information please visit www.outdoorchannel.com.

CSU Backs Down From Gun Ban

Rocky Mountain Gun Owners

Colorado - -(AmmoLand.com)- Today the CSU Board of Governor’s voted to rescind their illegal ban on concealed carry on campus.

“They didn’t have a legal leg to stand on,” said Dudley Brown, Executive Director of Rocky Mountain Gun Owners (RMGO). “We told them in January, in no uncertain terms, that state law did not allow them to create their own gun ban. Unfortunately, it took a lawsuit to force them to back down.”

RMGO filed suit against CSU’s Board of Governors on April 15th, proving that unelected board had no authority to override existing state law, which explicitly allows permit holders to carry on college campuses. A day later, a Colorado Appeals Court ruled against CU’s ban on carrying.

“This has been a good couple of weeks for law-abiding citizens who want to defend themselves on Colorado campuses, and a terrible week for criminals who assume no one is able to defend themselves on campuses,” Brown said. “We’re now going to track the policy of every secondary education campus in the state — every community college, every university, all of them — and file suit against those who attempt to violate Colorado law.”

“The citizens, students and faculty at these facilities should thank the members and donors of Rocky Mountain Gun Owners, the organization responsible for correcting these errant bureaucrats, and Students for Concealed Carry on Campus, who put a lot of hard work into this battle.”

Rocky Mountain Gun Owners is Colorado’s largest gun rights organization.

About:
Based in Colorado, Rocky Mountain Gun Owners is Colorado’s largest state-based gun lobby. It is a group solely dedicated to the Second Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. Our strategy is simple: don’t give an inch. Visit: www.rmgo.org

Roadless areas provide important habitat for a variety of fish and wildlife, including the bighorn sheep. Photo courtesy of CDOW.

Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership

Colorado --(AmmoLand.com)- A strong and active sportsmen’s voice assures that the needs of fish, wildlife and our outdoor heritage are considered by land managers and decision makers. Over the past three years, sportsmen like you have weighed in on creation of the Colorado roadless rule, a public-lands management document that could determine the future of 4.2 million acres of national forest backcountry in Colorado.

Colorado’s roadless areas provide important habitat security for the nation’s largest mule deer and elk herds and high-quality wild trout habitat for world-class fisheries.

Under development since 2007, the Colorado roadless rule requires additional improvement to safeguard these invaluable natural resources and some of the best hunting and fishing in the nation.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture wants to hear from sportsmen like you. Your input will help ensure that Colorado’s 4.2 million acres of public-lands backcountry will be conserved for future generations to use and enjoy.

Take a moment to comment now!

About:
Inspired by the legacy of Theodore Roosevelt, the TRCP is a coalition of organizations and grassroots partners working together to preserve the traditions
of hunting and fishing. Visit: www.trcp.org

Rocky Mountain Machine Gun Shoots

Cheyenne Wells, CO --(AmmoLand.com)- Rocky Mountain Machine Gun Shoots provides spectators hours of fun watching and … The Cheyenne Wells Shoot is on for April 30th through May 2nd, 2010.

The Cheyenne Wells Shoot is on for April 30th through May 2nd, 2010. After some hard negotiations, the rental fees have been set, and the show goes on as the biggest machine gun shoot west of the Mississippi River.

You are invited to shoot at targets from more than a mile away, as well as model airplanes in flight, moving cars, and many other types of reactive targets, all within a safe venue.

Dealers who would like the opportunity to rent their firearms to the public at the Cheyenne Wells Shoot, and for you folks who would just like to bring your own guns out to shoot, please contact us for line space rental information.

The Fort Morgan Shoot, which ran for seven years, is no more. The state revoked the recreation lease we had on the land; apparently, they don’t need our money. I’m sure the government will make it up in new taxes.

Rocky Mountain Machine Gun Shoot's Cheyenne Wells Shoot Is On

Photo Galleries

• Fort Morgan Shoots RMFCSA sponsored shoots in Fort Morgan, CO
• Cheyenne Wells Shoots Annual RMFCSA-sponsored shoots in Cheyenne Wells, CO
• Clinics RMFCSA training events Cheyenne County Fair & Rodeo – Town of Cheyenne Wells, Colorado Mar 19, 2010 … 10th
• Annual Machine Gun Shoot & Military Vehicle Display April 30 – May 2nd, 2010 A benefit for the Cheyenne Wells Volunteer Fire Department … www.townofcheyennewells.com/upcomingevents.htm

Video results for cheyenne wells machine gun shoot Cheyenne Wells Machine Gun Shoot Highlights 10 min – Nov 20, 2007 www.youtube.com/user/vedicwarrior

Visit Rocky Mountain Machine Gun Shoots for more: www.rmfcsa.org

Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation

MISSOULA, Mont.- -(AmmoLand.com)- Wildlife conservation projects in 14 Colorado counties have been selected to receive grants from the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation in 2010.

The new RMEF funding, totaling $146,250, will affect Archuleta, Chaffee, Delta, Fremont, Garfield, Grand, Gunnison, Las Animas, Mesa, Montrose, Ouray, Park, Rio Blanco and San Miguel counties.

“These grants are possible because of the successful banquets and fundraisers staged over the past year by our Colorado volunteers—most of whom are elk hunters as well as devoted conservationists,” said David Allen, RMEF president and CEO. “Since 1984, our annual grants have helped complete 502 different projects in Colorado with a combined value of more than $115 million.”

RMEF grants will help fund the following projects, listed by county:

Archuleta County-Prescribe burn 1,500-2,000 acres of ponderosa pine and mixed conifer forest to improve forage for elk and other wildlife in the Sheep and Davis creeks areas of San Juan National Forest.

Fremont County-Hydro-axe 400 acres of pinion-juniper to improve forage and distribution of elk in the upper Arkansas River basin on BLM lands (also affects Chaffee County).

Gunnison County-Restore 765 acres of riparian habitat and improve water table on elk winter range by installing check dams and re-establishing a single creek channel in the Graflin Gulch area of BLM lands.

Las Animas County-Use a hydro-axe to clear 200 acres of oak brush and conifer to improve habitat for elk in the Bosque del Oso State Wildlife Area.

Mesa County-Prescribe burn 2,167 acres of decadent shrubs and juniper to improve forage for wintering elk and deer in the Kannah Creek Basin area of Grand Mesa National Forest; enhance elk and deer habitat by prescribe burning 2,317 acres in the Mud Hill and Reservoir Gulch areas of Grand Mesa National Forest.

Montrose County-Conduct research on Sudden Aspen Decline by constructing exclosure fencing around 10 aspen stands to assess regional impacts of ungulate browsing and conifer encroachment (also affects Ouray, Delta, San Miguel and Mesa counties); treat noxious weeds and re-seed native grasses on 80 acres in the Tabeguache area of Uncompahgre National Forest.

Park County -Thin 60 acres and prescribe burn 2,167 acres to improve mixed conifer and aspen habitat utilized by elk and deer in the James Mark Jones State Wildlife Area.

Rio Blanco County -Enhance forage conditions for elk and deer by prescribe burning 250 acres of shrub-choked lands in the Oak Ridge State Wildlife Area; treat 300 acres of noxious weeds in the Flat Tops area of Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest (also affects Routt, Grand and Garfield counties), use hydro-axe to clear 150 acres, prescribe burn 880 acres, and treat noxious weeds on 100 acres in the White River National Forest.

Projects are selected for grants using science-based criteria and a committee of RMEF volunteers and staff along with representatives from partnering agencies and universities.

Partners for 2010 projects in Colorado include Bureau of Land Management (BLM), Colorado Division of Wildlife, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. Forest Service, other agencies, corporations and landowners.

About the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation:
Snowy peaks, dark timber basins and grassy meadows. RMEF is leading an elk country initiative that has conserved or enhanced habitat on over 5.7 million acres—a land area equivalent to a swath three miles wide and stretching along the entire Continental Divide from Canada to Mexico. RMEF also works to open, secure and improve public access for hunting, fishing and other recreation. Get involved at www.rmef.org or 800-CALL ELK.

RMGO Endorses Larimer for Sheriff

Rocky Mountain Gun Owners

Colorado - -(AmmoLand.com)- Today, Rocky Mountain Gun Owners’ PAC (the only pro-gun PAC in the state of Colorado) endorsed Republican Carl Bruning for Sheriff of Larimer County.

“The Sheriff is a very important elected official, especially to gun owners, “ said Dudley Brown, Executive Director for RMGO, Colorado’s largest gun rights organization. “If you value your right to keep and bear arms, Carl Bruning is the only choice for Larimer County Sheriff.”

Bruning is a graduate of the U.S. Air Force Academy, and was a USAF pilot and commander in Operation Desert Shield. He was selected first in his unit to deploy to the Middle East, and led his aircrew on the first mission in theater. Following Desert Storm, Carl received his Masters of Business Administration degree. Bruning has served as a Vice President and senior executive, with proven leadership and management experience.

“Like 12 years ago, when Larimer County gun owners banded together to elect Jim Alderden as Sheriff, they’re banding together right now to elect Bruning,” Brown said. “Carl Bruning will be the kind of Sheriff Republicans can be proud of and will support for years to come.”

“Carl Bruning has not only answered our candidate survey 100% in favor of our Second Amendment rights, but has shown that he’s a Champion of the Second Amendment,” said Brown. “Given the threats to our gun rights, it’s vital we have leaders like Carl standing firm against gun control.”

Bruning faces a number of candidates in the August primary, as well as in the November elections.

About:
Based in Colorado, Rocky Mountain Gun Owners is Colorado’s largest state-based gun lobby. It is a group solely dedicated to the Second Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. Our strategy is simple: don’t give an inch. Visit: www.rmgo.org

National Association for Gun Rights

Colorado --(AmmoLand.com)- Last week, RMGO and NAGR staff held a News Conference on the CSU campus to render the draft policy — which bans even permitted citizens from carrying concealed on campus — null and void.

Then, sign our petition against this illegal ban.

Click here to sign our petition to CSU.

You can also see the latest news — including some of the press coverage of that event — at www.rmgo.org/csu

Colorado State

Colorado --(AmmoLand.com)- I wanted to let your readers know that the Colorado Springs Utilities Company is looking for public input on their watershed access plan until Feb. 26.

These properties provide some excellent habitat for deer, elk and bighorn sheep on Pike’s Peak. Below is the link to Colorado Spring’s Utilities Watershed Access Plan. You can click on the top-right part of the page to look at the plan, and download a comment form:

http://tiny.cc/hunteraccess

The plan (as currently written) will prohibit hunting on their properties, in any capacity. As an advocate for sportsmen at the DOW, we’ve publicly maintained throughout this process that we feel hunting is an acceptable and safe use of this area.

To maintain quality of the experience, also think that hunting could be implemented on a limited basis.similar to other areas in the state. It is surrounded by USFS land that already allows public hunting (GMU 59).

Springs Utilities told me that they heard my comments loud and clear, but simply have not heard from enough sportsmen in Colorado to make this a consideration. Any comments you can provide with respect to allowing hunting would be beneficial to sportsmen.

Colorado State

Colorado Springs, CO --(AmmoLand.com)- I am carrying a bill this session called the Colorado Firearms Freedom Act, SB10-092 .

If passed, this bill would create a confrontation at the federal level by making it legal to possess a firearm in Colorado regardless of federal regulations PROVIDED the firearm’s use AND manufacture meet certain requirements, including being manufactured in Colorado, with products produced in Colorado and stamped “Made in Colorado.”

Should these and a few other requirements be met, Colorado would join about twenty-two other states that have passed or are attempting to pass similar legislation, the purpose of which will be to provide support for a lawsuit already instigated by Montana (first state to pass such legislation) to challenge the overreach of the Federal Government’s use of the Commerce Clause.

I’m asking for all Colorado citizens concerned with the increasing regulations on Firearms and states’ rights to seriously consider testifying before the Committee.

The bill will be heard THIS Wednesday, February 10th at 1:30 by the Senate State, Veterans and Military Affairs Committee in Senate Committee Room 356. If you are willing to do so, please contact me at senatorschulteis@gmail.com or by calling my office at 303-866-4835 Visit: www.daveschultheis.com

National Rifle Association

Fairfax, Virginia – -(AmmoLand.com)- On Wednesday, January 20, Colorado State University (CSU) formally announced their draft proposal to prohibit firearms on all CSU campuses.

Exempt from the ban would be weapons used by law enforcement, military and the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC).

This draft policy will be brought up for consideration at the CSU Board of Governors meeting on Tuesday, February 23. A copy of the draft can be found at www.safety.colostate.edu/files/weapons_policy_draft_01_15_10.pdf.

Last year, the CSU Board of Governors drafted the policy knowing that it would violate the Colorado state firearm preemption law and the Colorado Uniform Shall-Issue Concealed Carry Law. Current state law strictly regulates the carry or transport of firearms on schools, colleges and universities.

It is important that the people of Colorado voice their concerns to the CSU President that the policy must uphold the Colorado law and allow permit holders to carry concealed for self-defense.

Please contact President Tony Frank TODAY by phone at 970-491-6211 or email presofc@colostate.edu and respectfully urge him to comply with Colorado law.

About:
Established in 1871, the National Rifle Association is America’s oldest civil rights and sportsmen’s group. Four million members strong, NRA continues to uphold the Second Amendment and advocates enforcement of existing laws against violent offenders to reduce crime. The Association remains the nation’s leader in firearm education and training for law-abiding gun owners, law enforcement and the armed services. Visit www.nra.org

National Rifle Association

Colorado – -(AmmoLand.com)- With session in full swing in Colorado, more pro-gun bills are beginning to move in the State Legislature.

Two important pro-gun bills, Senate Bill 51 and House Bill 1094, have been introduced and referred to the appropriate committees, where they currently await action.

Sponsored by State Senator Scott Renfroe (R-13), SB 51 would remove the Governor’s ability to “suspend or limit the sale, dispensing, or transportation” of firearms during a declared state of emergency. After Hurricane Katrina, law-abiding gun owners were left defenseless against looters, arsonists and other criminals after the New Orleans police superintendent ordered the confiscation of firearms. We must guarantee law-abiding citizens the ability to defend themselves and their families. Currently, SB 51 has been referred to but has not been scheduled for a hearing in the Senate State, Veterans & Military Affairs Committee.

On Thursday, February 11, the House Judiciary Committee will hear HB 1094. Sponsored by State Representative Cory Gardner (R-63), HB 1094, would extend Colorado’s self-defense law to apply in places of business. If passed, this legislation would permit all employees to defend themselves by any means of force, including deadly force, if they have reasonable belief that an intruder has committed, or intends to commit a crime, during unlawful entry. The exclusion of businesses in the current self-defense law has been a noticeable omission, which this bill seeks to rectify.

It is important that you contact the members of the Senate State, Veterans & Military Affairs Committee and urge them to protect the rights of lawful gun owners during states of emergency by setting a hearing date for Senate Bill 51. Also, please contact the members of the House Judiciary Committee and respectfully urge them to support HB 1094. Contact information for both committees can be found below.

State, Veterans & Military Affairs Committee:

State Senator Rollie Heath (D-18) – Chair
303-866-4872
E-mail: rollie.heath.senate@state.co.us

State Senator Bacon (D-14) – Vice-Chair
303-866-4841
E-mail: bob.bacon.senate@state.co.us

State Senator David Schultheis (R-9)
303-866-4835
E-mail: senatorschultheis@gmail.com

State Senator Bill Cadman (R-10)
303-866-2737
E-mail: bill.cadman.senate@state.co.us

State Senator Betty Boyd (D-21)
303-866-4857
E-mail: betty.boyd.senate@state.co.us

House Judiciary Committee:

Representative Claire Levy (D-13) – Chair
303-866-2578
E-mail: claire.levy.house@state.co.us

Representative Elizabeth McCann (D-8) – Vice-Chair
303-866-2959
E-mail: beth.mccann.house@state.co.us

Representative Daniel Kagan (D-3)
303-866-2921
E-mail: repkagan@gmail.com

Representative Lois Court (D-6)
303-866-2967
E-mail: loiscourt@msn.com

Representative Joe Miklosi (D-9)
303-866-2910
E-mail: joe@joemiklosi.com

Representative Mark Waller (R-15)
303-866-5525
E-mail: mark.waller.house@state.co.us

Representative Bob Gardner (R-21)
303-866-2191
E-mail: bob.gardner.house@state.co.us

Representative Su Ryden (D-36)
303-866-2942
E-mail: su.ryden.house@state.co.us

Representative Sal Pace (D-46)
303-866-2968
E-mail: sal.pace.house@state.co.us

Representative B.J. Nikkel (R-49)
303-866-2907
E-mail: rep.nikkel@gmail.com

Representative Steve King (R-54)
303-866-3068
E-mail: steve.king.house@state.co.us

About:
Established in 1871, the National Rifle Association is America’s oldest civil rights and sportsmen’s group. Four million members strong, NRA continues to uphold the Second Amendment and advocates enforcement of existing laws against violent offenders to reduce crime. The Association remains the nation’s leader in firearm education and training for law-abiding gun owners, law enforcement and the armed services. Visit www.nra.org

Pheasants Forever

Stratton, Colo. –-(AmmoLand.com)-  January 26, 2010 – Colorado Pheasants Forever is hosting its 1st Annual State Habitat Meeting on Saturday, Jan. 30th, at the Stratton Activity Building in Stratton, Colorado.

A wildlife habitat-themed weekend kicks off Friday, Jan. 29th, with a Landowner Workshop hosted by the Colorado Division of Wildlife.

The weekend is geared to landowners interested in improving wildlife habitat on their property.

The Landowner Workshop is from 8AM – 2PM.

This event includes presentations on:

• Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) enhancement and mid-contract management
• State and federal private lands conservation incentive programs

RSVP to Jenny McCassland at the Burlington Conservation District at (719) 346-7699 to attend.

Saturday seminars run 8:30AM – 4PM and will cover habitat opportunities for pheasants and quail, crop yields for wildlife and continuous CRP practices. Presenting organizations include Pheasants Forever, the Colorado Division of Wildlife, the Natural Resources Conservation Service, Rocky Mountain Bird Observatory and the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks.

“Not only are we excited about the first annual state meeting, but the event is a step in the right direction for habitat conservation in our region,” said Bob Hix, Pheasants Forever Regional Representative for the state of Colorado. “The seminar speakers for our first event come from a variety of different organizations, and attendees are sure to gain valuable insights to successful habitat management.”

For more information about the Colorado Pheasants Forever 2010 Habitat Meeting, visit www.coloradopf.com or email Bob Hix, Pheasants Forever Regional Representative at bhix@pheasantsforever.org.

Colorado Pheasants Forever 2009 Wildlife Habitat Work

Colorado’s 18 Pheasants Forever chapters and 2,500 Pheasants Forever members completed over 200 wildlife habitat projects in 2009, benefiting pheasants, quail and other wildlife on over 4,700 acres.

For additional information please visit www.PheasantsForever.org and www.QuailForever.org

National Rifle Association

Colorado --(AmmoLand.com)- On Wednesday, January 20, Colorado State University (CSU) formally announced their draft proposal to prohibit firearms on all CSU campuses.

Exempt from the ban would be weapons used by law enforcement, military and the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC).

This draft policy will be brought up for consideration at the CSU Board of Governors meeting on Tuesday, February 23. A copy of the draft can be found at www.safety.colostate.edu/files/weapons_policy_draft_01_15_10.pdf.

Last year, the CSU Board of Governors drafted the policy knowing that it would violate the Colorado state firearm preemption law and the Colorado Uniform Shall-Issue Concealed Carry Law. Current state law strictly regulates the carry or transport of firearms on schools, colleges and universities.

It is important that Colorado’s NRA members voice their concerns to the CSU President that the policy must uphold the Colorado law and allow permit holders to carry concealed for self-defense.

Please contact President Tony Frank TODAY by phone at 970-491-6211 or email presofc@colostate.edu and respectfully urge him to comply with Colorado law.

International Sportsmen's Expositions Outdoor Adventure Show

International Sportsmen’s Exposition

Vancouver, WA - -(AmmoLand.com)- We are giving away $1400 worth of tickets!

International Sportsmen’s Expositions has allotted AmmoLand Shooting Sports News a small amount of FREE passes to the upcoming Outdoor Adventure Shows in Arizona, California, Colorado and Utah.

Any of our readers who live in these states and want to take advantage of these 100% Free passes / ticket please email us with the complete names of the two people attending, your contact information and the event you would like to attend. Tickets will then be held for you, in your name, at the Will Call window of each event.

Show Dates & Tickets Left

• Denver, CO January 7 – 10th 2010 …Tickets Remaining 20pc
• San Mateo, CA January 14 – 17th 2010 …Tickets Remaining 20pc
• Sacramento, CA January 21st – 24th 2010 …Tickets Remaining 20pc
• Phoenix, AZ February 26th – 28th 2010 …Tickets Remaining 20pc
• Salt Lake City, UT May 18th – 21st 2010 …Tickets Remaining 20pc

Limit is two passes per group. Check our Forum for tickets left available…

Read more about ISE events here: ISE Outdoor Adventure Show

About International Sportsmen’s Exposition (ISE)
Headquartered in Vancouver, Washington, ISE is the world’s premier producer of hunting, fishing and outdoor sports shows. ISE events are held in Denver, Phoenix, Salt Lake City, San Mateo and Sacramento. ISE events annually attract more than 200,000 attendees interested in fishing, hunting, camping and adventure travel. Visit: www.sportsexpos.com

Ammoland is not responsible for lost, missing or miss connected tickets. Contrary to popular belief we can’t fix stupid.

International Sportsmen’s Exposition

DENVER, CO —-(AmmoLand.com)- A one-of-a-kind celebration of the great outdoors returns to Denver as the 33rd annual International Sportsmen’s Exposition (ISE)—the Rocky Mountain region’s largest outdoor adventure travel, fishing, hunting and camping show—sets up camp January 7-10 at the Colorado Convention Center, 700 14th Street, in downtown Denver (www.SportsExpos.com).

More than 30,000 outdoor sports enthusiasts are expected to “escape the blahs of winter for the ahs of the outdoors” during the four-day show where 500 different exhibiting companies will spotlight: travel destinations and experts; fishing tackle and gear; hunting products and gear; boats, kayaks and marine accessories; RVs and campers; apparel and optics; nature art; ATVs and motorcycles; lifestyle furnishings; trucks, trailers and aftermarket accessories; and outdoor clubs, groups and organizations.

The ISE is the region’s largest annual gathering of travel companies. Show visitors can meet with guides, outfitters, travel companies and lodge owners to plan fishing, hiking, hunting, boating, rafting, kayaking, offroading, horseback riding and many other outdoor getaways in Colorado, nearby states, as well as in Alaska, Canada, and Central and South America. More than 20 companies will spotlight photo and hunting safaris in South Africa.

New features this year include DockDogs water-jumping pool, a giant, computer-operated interactive archery range, expanded youth fair, and the Ultimate Rifle & Gear Raffle, presented by the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation (www.rmef.org). Nearly $5,000 in Browning, Remington and Winchester rifles, plus BowTech bow and Sitka apparel will be offered at the show, with all monies collected going to conservation efforts in Colorado.

In addition, the nearly 300,000-square-foot exhibit hall will present a half-dozen stages hosting more than 200 hands-on presentations and demonstrations by the outdoor industry’s top fishing, fly-fishing, hunting and dogtraining experts.

This year’s teaching pros from the world of hunting include:

• Corey Jacobsen, six-time world elk-calling champion
• Jeff Foiles, 18-time world, regional and state goose- and duck-calling champion
• Chad Schearer, world champion elk caller, and host of the award-winning “Shoot Straight” on The Sportsman Channel
• Geoff Nemnich, champion predator caller and founder of the Western Nebraska Coyote Classic
• Scott Linden, author, host of “Scott Linden Outdoors” radio show, and “Wingshooting USA” show on In Country TV and the Dish Network
• Cameron Hanes, bowhunter, 50-mile marathon runner, and host of Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation’s “Elk Chronicles” on the Outdoor Channel
• Guy Eastman, publisher, Eastmans’ Hunting Journal, co-founder of Eastmans’ Bowhunting Journal, and co-host of “Eastmans’ Hunting TV” on the Outdoor Channel
• Bob Hix, local seminar speaker and regional director for Pheasants Forever Hunting demonstrations and seminars cover the latest in gear, techniques and destinations for finding bulls, bucks, bears, coyote, upland birds and waterfowl. Fishing pros include:
• Mariko Izumi, host of World Fishing Network’s “Hookin’ Up.”
• Nicole Darland, co-host of “Fly Fisherman TV” on The Sportsman’s Channel
• Barry and Cathy Beck, the fly-fishing industry’s pre-eminent photographers
• Terry Wickstrom, living legend angler, author, and host of “Angling Adventures TV” and Denver-based “The Fan Outdoors” sports radio 950
• Landon Mayer, Colorado fishing guide and author of just-published “How to Catch the Biggest Trout of Your Life”
• Kelly Galloup, western legendary guide, author, and product designer
• Kirk Deeter, Colorado guide, frequent contributor to “Field & Stream” magazine, author, and co-host of “Fly Talk” blog
• Tom Bie, screenwriter, editor of The Drake Magazine
• Chad LaChance, local host of “Fishful Thinker TV” on Altitude Sports Channel
• Jack Dennis, legendary retailer, author, guide to celebrities, TV host
• Pat Dorsey, pre-eminent Colorado guide
• Tyler Befus, 12-year-old Coloradan, fly tier, author, lecturer
• Jarrett Edwards, Colorado native with state big-bass record, host of “Jarrett Edwards Outdoors” on the World Fishing Network

Visitors to the ISE can learn fishing strategies and techniques for mastering the streams, still and salty waters of Colorado, the West, Mexico, South America, Canada, Alaska and around the world.

Local company Freestone Aquatics, Inc. will provide live trout—some to 10 pounds, including Kamloops, Eagle Lake and Donaldson Rainbows, Brookies, and browns. To be planted in local waters after the show, the fish will be on display in the 30-foot-long, 5,000-gallon, glass-walled demonstration tank sponsored by the World Fishing Network (WFN) and FishExplorer.com. Also at the tank, visitors can meet and get an autographed photo of angling personality Mariko Izumi, host of WFN’s “Hookin’ Up.” WFN, which just opened a bureau in Denver, is the only 24/7 fishing channel (www.wfn.tv).

The Discover Fly Fishing Pavilion, sponsored by the American Fly Fishing Trade Association, is a 40,000-sq.-ft. show within the 300,000-sq.-ft expo. Focused on gear and teaching the sport, the pavilion spotlights nine fly-fishing retailers, virtually all major product manufacturers, Fly-Fishing Learning Center, Fly-Fishing Theater, two fly-casting lesson ponds, a Fly-Tying Video Theater, and author’s book-signing booth. Fishing enthusiasts will also want to see the Colorado premiere of “Rise”, a 70-minute film produced by Confluence Films. Shown on a huge screen in Upper Lobby D Saturday evening, the film will raise money for Colorado Trout Unlimited. “Rise” chronicles an action-packed fly-fishing journey shot in Los Roques, Venezuela; Idaho’s Henry’s Fork; the Florida Keys; Patagonia, Argentina; New Orleans and Southeast Louisiana; and the Katmai Region of Alaska.

Parents will want to take their kids to the 10,000-sq.-ft. “Youth Outdoor Sports Fair,” sponsored by the Colorado Division of Wildlife (www.wildlife.state.co.us). The Fair caters to youth and encourages them to learn more and to participate in outdoor activities. Children can learn to fish at the catch-and-release glass-walled tank stocked with Colorado trout (guides and gear provided free); practice archery under the guidance of the Colorado Bowhunters Association; and see live wild birds from the Raptor Education Foundation (www.usaref.org).

CDOW also is teaming nature with technology in a new program co-sponsored by the Raptor Education Foundation and Best Buy. The web-based education program encourages visitors to play the “Nature Hunt” game, which includes questions on hunting, fishing, conservation and natural history. Players can also enter to win laptop computers (one will be given away each day of the show). Best Buy will also present a Wii fishing game for visitors of all ages.

New to the expo this year, a 6,000-sq.-ft. archery range, controlled by computer and featuring three-dimensional, moving (pop-up) targets, will host a contest.

Also new is the Best-of-the-West DockDogs Contest. Dockdogs (www.dockdogs.com) is the world’s leading water-dog-jumping organization. In the competition, dogs will jump off dock into a water-filled pool and are judged for distance, height and endurance. Two winners from the ISE competition will be invited to DockDogs World Championships next July.

The Sporting-Dog Arena will feature snake-aversion training, the Larimer County Search and Rescue Team, Agility Dogs and, of course, professional trainers, including local champions Tom Herman and Grits.

Besides the archery and DockDogs events, the ISE will feature contests open to youth, adults, first-timers and experts, including:

• New “Best of the West” Accuracy Fly-Casting Tournament
• Fly-Skins Team Casting Challenge, featuring the world’s best casters
• “Best of the West” Elk-Calling Contest, sponsored by the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation

Show hours are Thursday and Friday, 12 noon—9:00 p.m.; Saturday, 10:00 a.m.—8:00 p.m.; and Sunday 10:00 a.m.—5:00 p.m.

Tickets can be purchased online, or at the ticket booths in the Colorado Convention Center. Show admission is $15 for adults; kids 15 and under enter free of charge. Parking is available at Coors Field for $8/car and free shuttle service to and from the Convention Center. Parking is also available at the Denver Convention Center parking garage or people can take the RTD’s Light Rail to the Convention Center stop. For more information, visit www.SportsExpos.com

About International Sportsmen’s Exposition (ISE)
Headquartered in Vancouver, Washington, ISE is the world’s premier producer of hunting, fishing and outdoor sports shows. ISE events are held in Denver, Phoenix, Salt Lake City, San Mateo and Sacramento. ISE events annually attract more than 200,000 attendees interested in fishing, hunting, camping and adventure travel.

Pike National Forest, CO --(AmmoLand.com)- Following an accidental shooting last July, the Forest Service closed the very popular and heavily used Rampart Shooting Range on the Pike National Forest. In its nearly 20 year history, Rampart had never before experienced a shooting-related injury or fatality.

Rampart is the only free public range in El Paso County and receives 40,000 visitors a year. The Service called the closure a “time-out” in order to assess whether the design of the range was a factor. An investigation determined that the range was not a factor in the accident. Safety experts have said that the accident could have happened at any range. But after it closed Rampart, the Forest Service devised a scheme to keep the range closed permanently.

The Forest Service has listed requirements that must be met before it will reopen Rampart. There is no timetable for meeting these requirements and likely no money to cover costs. The most significant issue is the requirement of requiring full time supervision. Most ranges on federal lands operate without supervision and this requirement could place all such ranges in jeopardy. Rampart Range is in need of improvements which were identified more than two years ago. Such improvements can be addressed and implemented with the range reopened. The Forest Service has said that it could take up to five years before Rampart is reopened, but there is no guarantee that it would reopen Rampart in that time frame or at any time in the future.

NRA has been working to get Rampart Range reopened since the day it was closed, but we need the help of Colorado hunters and shooters to show the Forest Service and your elected officials that the federal government cannot continue to close public lands to recreational shooting, and certainly not without replacing those areas lost with other areas of the same or great value. Rampart Shooting Range is an important resource for the shooting community along the Front Range. There is no incentive for the Forest Service to reopen Rampart unless the shooting sports community demands it!

ACTION: - Please send a letter of support for the immediate reopening of Rampart to:

• Tom Tidwell, Chief of the Forest Service, at ttidwell@fs.fed.us, and copy your letter to
• Senator Mark Udall at senator_mark_udall@markudall.senate.gov
• Senator Michael Bennet at http://bennet.senate.gov/contact/
• Congressman Doug Lamborn at CO05ima@mail.house.gov
• Governor Bill Ritter by clicking here.

Please stress that:

• Keeping the range closed is not supportable by the investigative report.
• That the closure has robbed the shooting community of a valuable resource.
• That needed improvements to the range can be planned and implemented without closure.

About:
Established in 1871, the National Rifle Association is America’s oldest civil rights and sportsmen’s group. Four million members strong, NRA continues its mission to uphold Second Amendment rights and to advocate enforcement of existing laws against violent offenders to reduce crime. The Association remains the nation’s leader in firearm education and training for law-abiding gun owners, law enforcement and the military.