Firearm Owners, Ranges, Clubs, and Educators Inc.

Wisconsin --(Ammoland.com)- Wisconsin FORCE, NRA, our friends in the Hunters Rights Coalition, and United Sportsman of Wisconsin helped pass a new gun case bill that will make handling firearms in and around motorized vehicles much more convenient and, more importantly, safer.

A special thanks to Secretary Cathy Stepp, Executive Assistant Scott Gunderson, Tim Lawhern, DNR Division of Enforcement and Science Administrator, and all of the good people at the DNR.

It has been refreshing that the DNR has been very professional in working with pro-hunting and pro-Second Amendment groups to improve our great hunting heritage in Wisconsin.

A great way to be able to show that a firearm is unloaded is to leave the action open. This is enhanced with a chamber flag. Always make sure that the firearm’s magazine is empty and, if you have a removable magazine, remove it before opening the action. With some firearms it may be difficult to leave the action open, but it may be left partially open with the colored tab of a chamber flag showing. Safety is everyone’s responsibility!

Here are some of the questions and answers on the DNR website on Wis. ACT 51.

(For more questions and answers please go to http://dnr.wi.gov/org/es/enforcement/act51_faq.htm)

Q: Do firearms still have to be in a case before they are placed in or on a motorized vehicle, including ATVs, UTVs, snowmobiles and farm implements?

A: No. Effective Nov. 19, 2011 for rifles, shotguns and muzzleloaders, and Nov. 1, 2011 for handguns, firearms no longer have to be in a case in order to place them in or on a vehicle, or to transport them unloaded in or on a vehicle.

Q: Do firearms still have to be unloaded before they can be placed in or on a motorized vehicle, including ATVs, UTVs, snowmobiles and farm implements?

A: If the firearm is a loaded rifle, shotgun or muzzleloader, it can only be placed on the top or exterior of a vehicle which is stationary. It is important to be aware that it remains illegal to place a loaded rifle, shotgun or muzzleloader inside any motorized vehicle or to actually load any rifle, shotgun, or muzzleloader while the firearm or person loading the firearm is still inside the vehicle. All long guns must be outside of a motorized vehicle before a person may load these firearms. A loaded firearm can be set down on the top or exterior of a stationary vehicle, but it must be unloaded before the firearm is placed inside or transported in or on the vehicle.

Q: Is there anytime when a person is allowed to actually load a firearm when they are still in or on a motorized vehicle?

A: Yes. Handguns can be loaded by a person in or on a motorized vehicle. In addition, certain disabled individuals who hold a Class A or B hunt from a vehicle permit are still allowed to load a firearm and hunt from a stationary motorized vehicle.

Q: Now that it is legal to place a loaded uncased firearm on a vehicle, is it also legal for a person to be sitting on the exterior of the vehicle holding the loaded uncased firearm.

A: Yes, provided the vehicle remains stationary.

About:
Wi-FORCE promotes and protects the shooting sports, hunting, and the lawful ownership and use of firearms in Wisconsin. We coordinate match schedules of member clubs, sanction the state championship matches, monitor and recommend legislation, and provide training and educational programs for our members, competitors and Wisconsin shooters. Wi-FORCE supports the interaction and education of all individuals and groups interested in the shooting sports and the natural right of citizens to own arms. Visit: www.wi-force.org

Firearm Owners, Ranges, Clubs, and Educators Inc.

Wisconsin --(Ammoland.com)- This was the largest match ever held at Winnequah Gun Club – 157 competitors shot very well during the week despite the heavy rain and crazy winds on a couple of days.

Temperatures were cool in the morning and warmed up some during the day. The “Winnequah Wind God” did a super job all week – kept everyone saying “Where did that come from??”

Everyone appeared to have a good time and we received a lot of compliments on how well the match was run, especially with six relays. A big thank you goes to club and nonclub members who helped run the match. The days were long and there were a lot of close scores fired.

A total of 21 NRA National Records were set by F Open and FTR competitors. WGC member Robert Sebold tied a NRA National Record, Mid-Range 600yd, score 150.13. Another club member Rita Nash, won the F Class Open Karin Liebetrau High Woman trophy, score 1249.22.

The 4-Man 1000yd Team Match held on Thursday was cancelled due to rain and strong winds. The Team Aggregate consisted of only the 600yd scores fired that day, no 1000yd scores were used.

The major winners are:

• Tuesday 600yd Daily Aggregate: F Open MW Robert Bock, NY score 450.32; FTR MW Jeff Rorer, NC score 449.21.
• Wednesday 1000yd Daily Aggregate: F Open MW David Mann, TX score 448.21; FTR MW Ian Klemm, VA score 443,29.

Thursday 4-Man 600yd Team Aggregate: F Open MW The Long Shots, score 790.36, members David Gosnell, David Bailey, Mark Walker, Ken Dickerman, Coach Michelle Gallagher; FTR MW Team Sinclair, score 771.22, members Brad Sauve, Paul Phillips, Derek Rodgers, Jeff Rorer, Coach Ray Gross.

Friday 1000yd Daily Aggregate: F Open MW Jim Murphy, KY score 440.09; FTR MW John Weil, OR score 432.13.

Grand Aggregate Special Awards: F Open High Senior Jim Murphy, KY score 1331.55; F Open Grand Senior, John Brewer , MS score 1328.62; F Open High Woman Rita Nash, WI score 1249.22; FTR High Junior K Bryan Beem, NM score 1270.23; FTR High Woman Laura Perry, AL score 1307.39.

Grand Aggregate:

• F Open 1st Place National Champion – Jim Murphy, KY score 1331.55
• F Open 2nd Place National Champion – Don Nagel, OH score 1330.46
• F Open 3rd Place National Champion – David Gosnell, CO score 1329.61
• FTR 1st Place National Champion – Jeff Rorer, NC score 1315.41
• FTR 2nd Place National Champion – John Weil, OR score 1308.42
• FTR 3rd Place National Champion – Laura Perry, AL score 1307.39

Congratulations to all the winners new National Record holders. Great shooting by all the competitors and thank you for coming to Winnequah Gun Club. Hope to see you at a match in 2012.

About:
Wi-FORCE promotes and protects the shooting sports, hunting, and the lawful ownership and use of firearms in Wisconsin. We coordinate match schedules of member clubs, sanction the state championship matches, monitor and recommend legislation, and provide training and educational programs for our members, competitors and Wisconsin shooters. Wi-FORCE supports the interaction and education of all individuals and groups interested in the shooting sports and the natural right of citizens to own arms. Visit: www.wi-force.org

Wisconsin Hunters Rights Coalition Applauds Governor's Quick Action on Pro-Hunting Legislation

Wisconsin Firearm Owners, Ranges, Clubs & Educators

Wisconsin --(Ammoland.com)- The Gun Case Bill, SB 228, just passed through the Assembly yesterday. No longer will Wisconsin have the most restrictive gun case law in the country.

It is currently illegal to lay an uncased and unloaded firearm on the trunk of your car as you tighten your boots.

“Thanks to the Governor’s quick action in signing this legislation, hunters will be able to exercise safer handling of their firearms already in the 2011 deer season,” said Carl Schoettel, Vice President of the Wisconsin Bear Hunters Association. “Wisconsin’s gun case law has been completely impractical and has done nothing but penalize hunters for an irrelevant action, giving Wisconsin the reputation of being unfriendly to hunters.”

SB 228 is very straightforward, allowing hunters to have uncased and unloaded guns, bows and crossbows in or on their vehicle. Placing the firearm on or in the vehicle is often the safest and most practical place. Hunters should not have to put their firearm in the snow as they get out their gun-case every time they get back to their vehicle.

The other bill being signed today – SB 75 – from Senator Terry Moulton (R-Chippewa Falls) and Representative Tom Tiffany (R-Hazelhurst), helps preserve the integrity of Wisconsin’s deer hunting seasons by permanently ending Earn-a-Buck and making October T-Zone hunts into a rarity.

“We thank the Governor for recognizing that the intention of these programs was to help maintain our deer herds and all we have to show for it is an increase in tagging violations thanks to inaccurate registrations and population estimates” said SCI Central President Joe Koback.

The programs have been incredibly unpopular and the only measurable impact on hunting has been to turn some hunters away from the sport. The Department of Natural Resources’ (DNR) own statistics show fewer hunters are hunting and less deer are being harvested while their own deer population numbers continue to grow.

The Hunters Rights Coalition is Wisconsin’s only group 100% dedicated to advancing hunting opportunities and protecting the rights of Wisconsin’s hunters. The Coalition is made up of several groups including: The Wisconsin Bear Hunters Association, Wisconsin Chapters of Safari Club International, and Wisconsin Firearm Owners, Ranges, Clubs, and Educators Inc.

For more information please contact our representative: Bob Welch 608-819-0150

About:
Wi-FORCE promotes and protects the shooting sports, hunting, and the lawful ownership and use of firearms in Wisconsin. We coordinate match schedules of member clubs, sanction the state championship matches, monitor and recommend legislation, and provide training and educational programs for our members, competitors and Wisconsin shooters. Wi-FORCE supports the interaction and education of all individuals and groups interested in the shooting sports and the natural right of citizens to own arms. Visit: www.wi-force.org

Firearm Owners, Ranges, Clubs, and Educators Inc.

Wisconsin --(Ammoland.com)- Wisconsin Firearm Owners, Ranges, Clubs, and Educators (Wisconsin FORCE) applauds the Department of Administration (DOA) for its decision on concealed carry within public buildings.

The decision, announced earlier today, will allow concealed carry permit holders to lawfully carry in many public buildings including most of the state capitol building, accurately following the legislative intent of Act 35. Existing federal and state law specifies some locations where concealed carry will not be allowed and this decision does not affect them. These include police stations, court houses, mental health facilities, probation and parole offices, and more.

“Concealed carry is a right we’ve spent years fighting for here in Wisconsin,” said Wisconsin FORCE president Jeff Nass. “Several other states have similar policies regarding public buildings and we’re very pleased to see Wisconsin following suit.”

“Law-abiding permit holders are viewed in the majority of states as posing no threat while they are carrying – whether inside a building or not. In fact, if permit holders were to be prohibited from carrying inside a public building they would obey the law, while those willing to misuse firearms would ignore the law anyway.”

Concealed carry permits can be applied for starting Tuesday, November 1st. Permits will be available to applicants 21 and older who pass a background check and have proof of firearm training. A basic firearm safety course is required. Qualifying courses include hunter safety, courses certified by national and state organizations, U.S. Military training, law enforcement training, or photo copy of a current or expired license to carry a firearm.

As an advocate of civil rights, Wisconsin FORCE worked very closely with The Wisconsin Hunters Rights Coalition and the National Rifle Association to insure all Wisconsinites had access to the lawful use of firearms for self-defense.

For more information please contact: Jeff Nass at 920.687.0505

About:
Wi-FORCE promotes and protects the shooting sports, hunting, and the lawful ownership and use of firearms in Wisconsin. We coordinate match schedules of member clubs, sanction the state championship matches, monitor and recommend legislation, and provide training and educational programs for our members, competitors and Wisconsin shooters. Wi-FORCE supports the interaction and education of all individuals and groups interested in the shooting sports and the natural right of citizens to own arms. Visit: www.wi-force.org

Firearm Owners, Ranges, Clubs, and Educators Inc.

Wisconsin --(Ammoland.com)- As the 2011 legislative session progresses, legislators are once again continuing their efforts to guarantee a person’s right to self-defense within the state.

Following in the same vein as the Personal Protection Act, the state House and Senate versions of “Castle Doctrine” self-defense legislation are expected to receive a full vote in their respective chambers early next week.

Also of note is the Department of Administration’s recent efforts to establish a policy which would allow permit holder to carry in the state capital for self-defense.

Wisconsin Assembly Bill 69 and Senate Bill 79 commonly known as the “Castle Doctrine,” would provide essential protections for law abiding citizens who defend themselves and their families from a criminal looking to do them harm. “Castle Doctrine” establishes the presumption that an individual who forcibly enters ones home, business or occupied motor vehicle is there to cause death or great bodily harm, and allows force, including deadly force, against that person.

This bill also eliminates any “duty to retreat” so that law abiding citizens no longer must turn their back on a criminal and try to run when attacked. Finally, AB 69 and SB 79 would provide that any person who uses force authorized by law shall not be prosecuted for using such force. It also prohibits criminals and their families from suing victims for injuring or killing the criminals who have attacked them. In short, it gives rights back to law-abiding people and forces judges and prosecutors to focus on protecting victims.

NRA supports this bill and the amendment to be offered by Assembly Majority Leader Scott Suder (R-69) that would ensure those not covered under the areas protected by “Castle Doctrine” will continue to have the same protections they do today under current law.

Please contact your state Representative and Senator and respectfully urge ask them to support AB 69 and SB 79 along with the Suder amendment.

DOA sets policy on Concealed Carry!
With the new Personal Protection Act becoming law, effective November 1, the Wisconsin Department of Administration (DOA) has devised a policy which would allow Concealed Carry Permit holders to lawfully carry concealed in the state Capitol and other public buildings (which have yet to be determined). In light of several protests during the legislative session this year and years past, legislators have felt unsafe thanks to threatening e-mails and phone calls. The DOA’s new policy would allow citizens, legislators and staff to lawfully carry concealed in most parts of the Capitol. Under the DOA rules individual legislators will be able to post their offices if they choose and the Senate and Assembly have the ability to set rules for their chambers and proceedings. A number of legislators have already voiced their support for this policy and we expect many more to follow.

Please contact DOA and thank Secretary Mike Huebsch for supporting Wisconsin citizen’s right to defend themselves while visiting the Capitol. You may contact The Wisconsin Department of Administration at doaweb@doa.state.wi.us.

About:
Wi-FORCE promotes and protects the shooting sports, hunting, and the lawful ownership and use of firearms in Wisconsin. We coordinate match schedules of member clubs, sanction the state championship matches, monitor and recommend legislation, and provide training and educational programs for our members, competitors and Wisconsin shooters. Wi-FORCE supports the interaction and education of all individuals and groups interested in the shooting sports and the natural right of citizens to own arms. Visit: www.wi-force.org

Wisconsin Firearm Owners, Ranges, Clubs & Educators

Wisconsin --(Ammoland.com)- Governor Scott Walker reluctantly approved the Emergency Concealed Carry Rules promulgated by the Wisconsin Department of Justice (DOJ).

While the Governor has many of the same concerns that were expressed by NRA-ILA Executive Director Chris Cox in his letter to Attorney General Van Hollen, he understandably did not want to further delay the ability of citizens of Wisconsin to carry concealed handguns for self-defense.

His rejection of the Emergency Rules would have resulted in a significant delay on implementation of the new law that takes effect on November 1.

Governor Walker stated, “We’re hopeful that the Department of Justice improves the permanent rules substantially before sending them to the Administration and the legislature for approval.”

The NRA will continue to work with the state legislature to ensure that this happens.

Unfortunately, DOJ has chosen to overstep its authority by imposing conditions on prospective concealed weapons license applicants that the legislature never adopted or intended. As part of the Executive Branch of state government, DOJ’s role is to faithfully implement the laws adopted by the legislature, not dramatically change them. If the Emergency Rules are allowed to become permanent, they will set a dangerous precedent that perverts our system of government and its principles associated with the separation of powers.

When the Legislature adopted Act 35, the concealed weapons law, two provisions were very clear. There was to be no minimum number of hours of firearms training required in order to satisfy the training mandate and any qualifying firearms training or safety class that a prospective applicant has taken at any time in the past would be accepted.

Through its Emergency Rules, the DOJ has effectively negated both of these provisions. First, the Rules require a minimum of four hours of training. Both houses of the legislature contemplated amendments that would have required a minimum number of hours of training and specific curriculum. These amendments were rejected.

Secondly, DOJ had deviated from the examples set by other states with virtually identical statutory language by micromanaging the information that must be provided on training certificates submitted by applicants. No training certificates anywhere in the country contain the information that the Wisconsin DOJ demands. This renders all existing certificates insufficient for submission with a citizen’s license application. DOJ could have easily established a system that would have allowed existing training certificates to be submitted while ensuring that the requirements of the concealed weapons law are met.

It is now time for you to act! The Emergency Rules will now be sent to the legislature for approval or rejection. Please contact your state representative and senator and ask that they reject the Emergency Rules and work to ensure that that the permanent rules ultimately reflect the clear letter of the law and the legislature’s intent. In the meantime, the Emergency Rules will remain in effect so as to ensure that there is no delay in the November 1 implementation of this essential new law. Contact information for your state representative and senator can be found by clicking here.

About:
Wi-FORCE promotes and protects the shooting sports, hunting, and the lawful ownership and use of firearms in Wisconsin. We coordinate match schedules of member clubs, sanction the state championship matches, monitor and recommend legislation, and provide training and educational programs for our members, competitors and Wisconsin shooters. Wi-FORCE supports the interaction and education of all individuals and groups interested in the shooting sports and the natural right of citizens to own arms. Visit: www.wi-force.org

Wisconsin Firearm Owners, Ranges, Clubs & Educators

Wisconsin --(Ammoland.com)- Jeff Nass has been selected as the recipient of NRA’s Institute For legislative Action (ILA) Jay M. Littlefield Memorial Volunteer of the Year Award.

Jeff Nass, current president of Wisconsin FORCE, continually goes above and beyond all expectations of a great volunteer. Under Jeff’s leadership, WI-FORCE, formally known as WRPA, (Wisconsin Rifle and Pistol Association), has gone through a complete, positive transformation to become the NRA’s “boots on the ground” in Wisconsin.

Jeff has been involved with everything from the NRA’s Education and Training Division’s programs, Range Department issues such as RTTA assignments, to working directly with the Friends of NRA and it’s grant program.

Jeff Nass Selected for Jay M. Littlefield Volunteer of the Year Award

In 2010, Jeff spent many days in the Wisconsin state capital monitoring and testifying on behalf of the NRA and Wisconsin gun owners. Jeff has always, and continues to, work directly with the NRA ILA liaison presenting a strong united front to Wisconsin legislators and media. Wisconsin gun owners and NRA members, are very fortunate to have such a dedicated volunteer at the helm of the state association.

Jeff’s credentials include NRA Training Counselor, NRA Chief Range Safety Officer, and NRA Range Technical Team Advisor. Jeff is also the state coordinator for the NRA’s Field Support Team program with over 26 localized teams. He is also one of the founders and current chairman of his local Friends of NRA event in Appleton.

Please join us in congratulating Jeff on his award and more importantly thanking him for his service to Wisconsin gun owners, Wisconsin FORCE, and the NRA.

The following the award Jeff had this to say:

I am surrounded by enablers, and my wife Jenna  is the guiltiest of them all! This Saturday I am honored to receive one of three NRA-ILA “Jay M. Littlefield Memorial Volunteer of the Year Awards” at NRA headquarters. The award is an annual honor that recognizes an NRA member who “demonstrates exceptionally meritorious activism in defense of our Second Amendment rights”.

All of us are very lucky that Jenna is such a great supporter of our rights. She allows me to devote time and money supporting the Second Amendment. Without her I would not have been in a position to accomplish all that we have gotten done. We also have the best NRA Field Representative in the country in Scott Taetsch.

There is a long list of people that have helped blaze the path that I am following. If I tried to list everyone that was involved both in the forefront and behind the scenes, protecting our rights, I am sure I would miss many. Without the groundwork being set and the support of those around me, I am sure that what I have achieved would not have been obtainable. Since the NRA is flying me out to receive this award, I will be using it as an opportunity to do a face to face with several at headquarters that I have been working with to improve things in Wisconsin. If you appreciate what has been done and want to support the future, I ask that you support the NRA, Wisconsin FORCE, and the Friends of the NRA.

See you on the Range

Jeff

About:
Wi-FORCE promotes and protects the shooting sports, hunting, and the lawful ownership and use of firearms in Wisconsin. We coordinate match schedules of member clubs, sanction the state championship matches, monitor and recommend legislation, and provide training and educational programs for our members, competitors and Wisconsin shooters. Wi-FORCE supports the interaction and education of all individuals and groups interested in the shooting sports and the natural right of citizens to own arms. Visit: www.wi-force.org

Wisconsin Firearm Owners, Ranges, Clubs & Educators

Wisconsin --(Ammoland.com)- Last weeks NRA/ILA/FORCE events were a great success. All three events were standing room only (including outside the room). Eau Claire and Richfield both had over 200 attendees and Wausau, even with the hearing from Noon to 6 PM, had 175 people, overflowing the room.

We are blessed with four great NRA representatives, National Board of Director Buster Bachhuber, Scott Taetsch our NRA Field Representative, Brent Gardner the Grass Roots Coordinator and Darren LaSorte our ILA Representative.

We are strongly pushing both Permitless Carry and Shall issue.

Both work extremely well together. For those that do not need a permit to carry out of state and do not travel within 1000 feet of any school, permitless carry will work great. For those that do travel out of state or come within 1000 feet of a school, the permit carry will work well. It is important to note that it looks like Michigan will recognize our permit as written. This is important as Michigan requires a permit from the state of your residence. After a long hard fight (10 years) It looks like a bill will pass in June.

Wisconsin FORCE is hosting three additional events. One in Superior, Green Bay and Janesville. We hope to see you all there.

Monday, May 16, 2011 6:30PM – 7:30PM-8:00PM
Ace’s on 29th, 2827 Oakes Avenue, Superior, WI 54880
***Space is limited***
Please register by emailing your full name to Superior@wi-force.org

Tuesday, May 17, 2011 6:30PM – 7:30PM-8:00PM
Stadium View, 1963 Holmgren Way, Green Bay, WI 54304
***Space is limited***
Please register by emailing you full name to GreenBay@wi-force.org

Wednesday, May 18, 2011 6:30PM – 7:30PM-8PM
Americas Best Value Inn (Sicily Room), 3900 Milton Avenue, Janesville, WI 53546
***Space is limited***
Please register by emailing you full name to Janesville@wi-force.org

About:
Wi-FORCE promotes and protects the shooting sports, hunting, and the lawful ownership and use of firearms in Wisconsin. We coordinate match schedules of member clubs, sanction the state championship matches, monitor and recommend legislation, and provide training and educational programs for our members, competitors and Wisconsin shooters. Wi-FORCE supports the interaction and education of all individuals and groups interested in the shooting sports and the natural right of citizens to own arms. Visit: www.wi-force.org

Wisconsin Firearm Owners, Ranges, Clubs & Educators

Wisconsin --(Ammoland.com)- Personal Protection Bill: For the past year, WI-FORCE has been your voice in Madison helping to ensure that the citizens of Wisconsin maintain their Second Amendment rights.

WI-FORCE’s position has not changed: “Constitutional Carry” which, as it implies, is very close to the right as the Constitution guaranties, is the concept that we support. WI-FORCE has and is working to get the best possible bill passed.

The key word is “passed.” WI-FORCE is committed to getting the best bill possible that will allow the citizens of Wisconsin to exercise their constitutional rights.

Training: WI-FORCE is a strong advocate of training, but that training will need to fit the needs of the individual. This means that the individual needs to make the decision about what type and how much training is needed. Not a one-size-fits-all requirement mandated by the State. An individuals situational information is critical in making the decision on how much training is needed. WI-FORCE will protect not just the rights of the rich, the young or healthy citizen, but also (and maybe more importantly) the poor and the physically challenged.

All or None: The only way to ensure our rights is to get a bill passed. A few members that have contacted me have opined “all or none”, but most understand that there are many opinions of what the bill should be. Although a Personal Protection bill (including concealed carry of firearms) is first on OUR agenda, but our legislators may have some other minor things to deal with such as jobs and the economy. WI-FORCE is committed to getting the best bill possible, as soon as possible, that will allow the citizens of Wisconsin to exercise their Constitutional Rights.

We Were There: 2010 could have been a bad year in Madison for the Second Amendment. WI-FORCE and our lobbyist, Bob Welch of the Welch Group, monitored over 100 bills and potential bills in Madison pertaining to firearms and hunting. Yes, I said over 100. When you needed a voice, WI-FORCE was there. Who else was there? The NRA. Although there are times that logistically it is impossible for Jordan Austin, our state NRA Representative, to make the hearings, he contacts us as the chartered NRA State Association, and provides aid and statements from the NRA and their legal team. We were able to get a few good bills passed and, more importantly, we stopped all of the very bad bills. Don’t be fooled. Nobody else is protecting your rights in Madison on a regular basis.

What is in the new Bill? As I write this, no one has a bill in the legislature, and no one runs an approved or certified course for Wisconsin. WI-FORCE and NRA- ILA will be working with our legislators to get the best possible bill passed. Our current legislators knew last January that Wisconsin would have a Personal Protection bill. Talks with some in the majority party about passing a bill last summer did take place, but we could not get a reasonable bill written. With the coming changes in Madison, things will be much friendlier, but there is still a lot of work to do.

Other Groups: Although there are several groups that have been very public, be careful who you support or associate with. Very few groups have worked at all for your rights in Madison. No one was there on a regular basis other than WI-FORCE and the NRA. WI-FORCE contracts a full time lobbyist in Madison to ensure that we are there whenever there is anything to do with our 2nd Amendment rights. We do work with and have the support of several other groups, but again, do your homework and be careful who you support.

How Can You Help? Stay in contact with us by signing up for the Trigger (our monthly email newsletter) at www.wi-force.org and check back with the website regularly. Renew your membership in WI-FORCE and recruit others to join. When the time is right, and if it is needed, we will tell you to call your legislators or show up in Madison.

Remember, when things were bad, we were there. Now that things have improved, please support us. Yes, we need funds. It costs money to be in Madison. Although WI-FORCE is 100% volunteer, we do have a paid lobbyist and have travel expenses.

Please consider a donation to the WI-FORCE political fund and if your club makes political contributions, move that they contribute to WI-FORCE. Send donations to: WI-FORCE / Voice, W271 N7055 Hansen Dr., Sussex, WI 53089

About:
Wi-FORCE promotes and protects the shooting sports, hunting, and the lawful ownership and use of firearms in Wisconsin. We coordinate match schedules of member clubs, sanction the state championship matches, monitor and recommend legislation, and provide training and educational programs for our members, competitors and Wisconsin shooters. Wi-FORCE supports the interaction and education of all individuals and groups interested in the shooting sports and the natural right of citizens to own arms. Visit: www.wi-force.org

Wisconsin Firearm Owners, Ranges, Clubs & Educators

Wisconsin --(Ammoland.com)- 2010 could have been a bad year in Madison for the Second Amendment.

WI-FORCE and our lobbyist, Bob Welch of the Welch Group, monitored over 100 bills and potential bills in Madison pertaining to firearms and hunting.

Yes, I said over 100. When you needed a voice, WI-FORCE was there. We were able to get a few good bills passed and, more importantly, we stopped all of the very bad bills. WI-FORCE was your voice.

Although a Personal Protection bill (including concealed carry of firearms) is first on our agenda, our legislators may also have some other minor things to deal with like jobs and the economy. WI-FORCE is committed to getting the best bill possible to allow the citizens of Wisconsin to exercise their Constitutional Rights.

What you should know about personal protection / concealed carry: No one has a bill, no one runs an approved or certified course for Wisconsin. WI-FORCE and NRA- ILA will be working with legislators to get the best bill that is possible passed. Our current legislators knew last January that Wisconsin would have a Personal Protection bill. There were some talks with the Majority party about passing a bill last summer before the election, but we could not get a reasonable bill. With the change, things are much friendlier, but there is still a lot of work to do.

Why is WI-FORCE the one to lead on this issue? First and foremost our motive is the Constitutional rights of the citizens of Wisconsin. We have been your voice, protecting the Second Amendment in Madison. Secondly, we have the resources in self-defense instruction that have taught classes for out of state carry permits for over 15 years. WI-FORCE’s resources have extensive training in firearms and the judicious use of lethal force. They include Nationally Certified Counselors (they certify other instructors) for personal protection both inside and outside of the home, and instructors certified by the Massad Ayoob Group. These resources will help us advise the legislators to produce the best bill possible.

WI-FORCE is a strong advocate of training but that training will need to fit the needs of the permit holder, not how much money can be made by instructors and their organizations. The last 10 years we have seen, and will see, more so called experts pop up. The first couple of years after a state passes a personal protection bill, there are a large group of people in need of classes. Experts pop up out of nowhere. Once their state’s pool is reduced, many that were making a living instructing, run out of customers. They then expand their potential customers by expanding to other states. I strongly suggest you choose carefully, both choosing a class and the knowledge that you take from that class. Massad Ayoob, Thunder Ranch, and Gunsite training facility have great reputations and understand that good teachers know their material and are able to teach it to others. Many that think they can teach, believe so because they have been trained well, but they do not have the skills to teach their knowledge, while others teach well, but their knowledge is limited. Always check the background of the instructor or organization you are looking to train with. Make sure that the instruction you get matches your needs.

WI-FORCE’s first job is to protect and help ensure the Second Amendment rights of all citizens of the Wisconsin. We will protect not just the rich, the young or healthy citizens, but also (and maybe more importantly) the poor and disabled.

What can you do to help? Stay in contact with the Trigger ( get your buddies to sign up for the Trigger too! ) and check the website regularly at www.wi-force.org . When the time is right and, if it is needed, we will tell you to call or show up in Madison. Remember, when things were bad we were there. Now that things have changed, please support us.

About:
Wi-FORCE promotes and protects the shooting sports, hunting, and the lawful ownership and use of firearms in Wisconsin. We coordinate match schedules of member clubs, sanction the state championship matches, monitor and recommend legislation, and provide training and educational programs for our members, competitors and Wisconsin shooters. Wi-FORCE supports the interaction and education of all individuals and groups interested in the shooting sports and the natural right of citizens to own arms. Visit: www.wi-force.org

Wisconsin Firearm Owners, Ranges, Clubs & Educators

Wisconsin --(AmmoLand.com)- It’s that time of the year when we are all running around trying to get things done by the end of the year, celebrating another year with friends and families, ad getting ready for Santa Claus and the birth of a new year. A busy time for sure!

The Board of Directors of WI-FORCE have been busy also, This year we put on the third annual NRA state convention and WI-FORCE annual meeting in Eau Clair. The turnout was great and the weekend was a huge success. We hired and worked closely with a paid lobbyist in Madison. This relationship has paid big dividends already by alerting us to important meetings on issues that your WI-FORCE President has attended and testified at.

We launched the Trigger and our subscriber list keeps growing. We look forward to making this even more valuable next Year. And by the end of the year we will have a new membership database system that will help us to better service our WI-FORCE membership in a more effective manner.

Yes, a lot of work has been done but there is still more to do and WI-FORCE needs your help. We have several Board positions open and we are having a difficult time finding people to fill the positions. If you have a little time and a willingness to help support our freedoms in Wisconsin, give Jeff Nass a call and see if a Board position would be right for you.

That’s all for this year, please accept my best wishes for a Safe, Happy and Blessed Holiday Season!

From the desk of the Pres!
by Jeff Nass

Although this year’s hunt was a disappointment to many, I hope that you enjoyed your time with friends, family, and the many other great things involved with your hunt.

As I close this year as President, I believe we have accomplished a great deal, but also see many areas that still need attention. If you know of someone that can help us move forward, please nominate them for the Board.

Have a great Christmas and a Happy New Year.

About:
Wi-FORCE promotes and protects the shooting sports, hunting, and the lawful ownership and use of firearms in Wisconsin. We coordinate match schedules of member clubs, sanction the state championship matches, monitor and recommend legislation, and provide training and educational programs for our members, competitors and Wisconsin shooters. Wi-FORCE supports the interaction and education of all individuals and groups interested in the shooting sports and the natural right of citizens to own arms. Visit: www.wi-force.org

North Suburban Police Pistol League

Wisconsin Firearm Owners, Ranges, Clubs & Educators

Wisconsin --(AmmoLand.com)- The North Suburban Police Pistol League Inc, is a not-for-profit, law enforcement shooting club with over 225 law enforcement and civilian members from the Chicagoland and southern Wisconsin area.

The NSPPL is an affiliated club with the National Rifle Association, the Civilian Marksmanship Program, Illinois State Rifle Association, and WI-Force.

Many of the League’s members are certified through the National Rifle Association as Rifle & Pistol Coaches, Training Counselors, and Instructors. Through these members, the League also offers NRA Certified Instructor and Range Safety Officer training. They also have a Certified Utah Concealed Firearm Permit Instructor on staff.

Peter J. Kolovos, is the Secretary/Treasurer, and Director of Training for the NSPPL. Pete runs the day to day operation of the League. He has been involved with firearms and competitive shooting since the late 1960′s. Pete is a Benefactor Life Member of both the NRA and the ISRA. Pete is a Certified Police Firearms Instructor, a Police Sub-Machinegun instructor, a NRA Level 3 Pistol Coach, a Level 2 Rifle Coach, a Utah CFP Instructor, and an NRA Training Counselor. He has also been a member of the NSPPL Executive Board for the last ten years. Since that time Pete’s taken the organization from a mere 30 members and expanded the League and many of it’s programs to where it is today! One of the finest shooting clubs in the Midwest.

About:
Wi-FORCE promotes and protects the shooting sports, hunting, and the lawful ownership and use of firearms in Wisconsin. We coordinate match schedules of member clubs, sanction the state championship matches, monitor and recommend legislation, and provide training and educational programs for our members, competitors and Wisconsin shooters. Wi-FORCE supports the interaction and education of all individuals and groups interested in the shooting sports and the natural right of citizens to own arms. Visit: www.wi-force.org

M1 Garand Rifle

Wisconsin Firearm Owners, Ranges, Clubs & Educators

Wisconsin --(AmmoLand.com)- The FORCE’s remaining M1 Garand Rifles are being offered to Individual and Club members of WI-FORCE in good standing.

Since Service Rifle shooting has almost exclusively gone to the AR-15 type rifles, and since the AR-15 is much more “user friendly” for Junior shooters, the M1 Garands are being sold to raise funds to purchase more AR-15 rifles for the Program.

The Garands have all been maintained in very good serviceable condition over the years and would be great additions to anyone’s collection.

For full details, see the next edition of the Hunter-Marksman or contact Arny Seitz (the designated agent for this program – Thanks Arny!) at seitbach@wi-net.com.

And, remember, this is a fundraiser for the Juniors, not just a gun purchase!

About:
Wi-FORCE promotes and protects the shooting sports, hunting, and the lawful ownership and use of firearms in Wisconsin. We coordinate match schedules of member clubs, sanction the state championship matches, monitor and recommend legislation, and provide training and educational programs for our members, competitors and Wisconsin shooters. Wi-FORCE supports the interaction and education of all individuals and groups interested in the shooting sports and the natural right of citizens to own arms. Visit: www.wi-force.org

Wisconsin Firearm Owners, Ranges, Clubs & Educators

Wisconsin --(AmmoLand.com)- If you read the newspaper everyday, you can become very frightened by the future. That’s because never a day goes by that someone does not try to take away one of our freedoms in the name of safety, or political correctness, or whatever.

Opponents to our freedoms are well organized and strong. I know that “I” cannot do anything to stop them. Only a strong “WE” can serve as a defense against a strong “THEY”.

This month, I watched a club meeting at which members argued relentlessly over a relatively meaningless issue. Board members of an association to which I belong, ripped each other apart by email, including attacks on personal integrity, all over a minor issue. It’s not just me, you’ve all seen it. This is where I see our weakness. “WE” (those who pull a trigger) just can’t seem to get along with each other. It’s true at the local club level, the state level, and even the national level.

For us to succeed in this never ending battle to defend our freedoms, we must find a way to set aside petty differences of opinion and focus on the real goals.

Today WI-FORCE is an active force in Madison, and the NRA is a force in Washington, but our strength is in numbers so we must band together to succeed. It doesn’t matter if you like EVERYTHING the NRA does or what the WRPA/Wi-FORCE did in the past, now is the time to join together to make a strong “WE”.

Ask your family, friends, fellow hunters, etc., if they are members of the NRA and most importantly WI-FORCE. It is the simplest thing anyone can do to be a part of the “WE” in Wisconsin.

About:
Wi-FORCE promotes and protects the shooting sports, hunting, and the lawful ownership and use of firearms in Wisconsin. We coordinate match schedules of member clubs, sanction the state championship matches, monitor and recommend legislation, and provide training and educational programs for our members, competitors and Wisconsin shooters. Wi-FORCE supports the interaction and education of all individuals and groups interested in the shooting sports and the natural right of citizens to own arms.  Visit: www.wi-force.org

Wisconsin Firearm Owners, Ranges, Clubs & Educators

Wisconsin --(AmmoLand.com)- As we head into the fall, I encourage you to volunteer at your gun club and help out at deer rifle site in. Your expertise can help make both the site-in and hunting season a more memorable event for your neighbors and fellow trigger pullers. Please encourage membership in WI-FORCE. We are not just about competitions; we have also been working in Madison on issues, including puppy mill and cruelty to animal’s legislation, which improperly written could hurt hunters and sportsmen.

The DNR says there are over 600 clubs in Wisconsin, only 50 are WI-FORCE members. If your club is not a member, please encourage them to do so. Applications are on the website. Our progress in concealed carry has improved with the announcement that our current Governor will not run for re-election. Work is already being done on our annual convention in February. More details will be coming out soon.

Volunteers! by Paul Baumann
Lets talk about “Volunteers”. Webster defines a volunteer as “One who offers to enter into any service of his or her own free will”. In our organization, the people who serve on the Board of Directors, or serve as Dicipline Coordinators, Instructors, Match Directors, or any others that “Serve” for the benefit of WI-FORCE members, do so without any compensation other than the rare but much appreciated “Thank you”.

We volunteers are not special people in that we have special talents or lots of free time, we are special because we believe in what we are doing and recognise that we all need to take a turn pulling on the oars to keep our boat on its course.

We need your help! WI-FORCE is looking for nominations to the WI-FORCE board of directors. We need some good people who are willing to put in some time and effort to make WI-FORCE a valuable organization for the shooters of Wisconsin. Please consider helping by offering your unique talents to help our organization.

There are many ways to Volunteer within WI-FORCE. We need reporters for our newsletters. It seems when we put someone in charge of something, we immediately think that he/she will just take care of everything. WRONG! We need eyes and ears and typing fingers our there to help us produce informative articles that are of interest to all of our members.

PLEASE, share a little of yourself with our organization. You will feel good that you have contributed and I know that some of us will be there to say “Thank YOU!”.

About:
Wi-FORCE promotes and protects the shooting sports, hunting, and the lawful ownership and use of firearms in Wisconsin. We coordinate match schedules of member clubs, sanction the state championship matches, monitor and recommend legislation, and provide training and educational programs for our members, competitors and Wisconsin shooters. Wi-FORCE supports the interaction and education of all individuals and groups interested in the shooting sports and the natural right of citizens to own arms.  Visit: www.wi-force.org