DNR will take over management of the gray wolf in Wisconsin outside of reservations. This photo is of a captive gray wolf at the MacKenzie Environmental Education Center. Wisconsin Wildlife Federation Photo

Wisconsin DNR

PARK FALLS, WI --(Ammoland.com)- Beginning Friday, Jan. 27, 2011, the gray wolf will no longer be considered a federally endangered species in Wisconsin and other parts of the western Great Lakes region.

In Wisconsin, the state Department of Natural Resources will manage the wolf population outside of tribal reservation lands. DNR officials said areas where wolves have attacked domestic animals will be addressed immediately.

“We’ve been fighting hard to gain this authority, and we are grateful to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for removing gray wolves in the upper Midwest from the lists of endangered and threatened species,” said DNR Secretary Cathy Stepp.

“We are ready and capable of managing Wisconsin’s wolf population at a healthy, sustainable level and we welcome the opportunity to begin addressing those areas where problem wolves are attacking domestic animals.”

Wisconsin regulations will treat the gray wolf as a protected wild animal, which means that authorization from the DNR is required before a person can attempt to “take” or kill a wolf. There are currently no plans for a hunting season on wolves. This would involve a change in state law and a public rule-making process.

Wisconsin’s 1999 wolf management plan and a 2007 addendum to the plan will be the basis of wolf management in the state. These documents outline the conservation strategy for Wisconsin’s wolf population, as well as, outlining the approach for controlling depredation situations. Copies of these documents can be found on the department website.

Landowners or people leasing land will have authority to shoot wolves only when in the act of attacking domestic animals on their land. They also will be able to get permits to shoot any wolf coming on their land if they have experienced wolf problems within the last two years.

Any wolf shot or trapped by a landowner or leaseholder must be reported to the DNR within 24 hours. The carcass must be turned over the DNR.

Conditions under which control permits will be issued include the following five situations:

• Landowners have had verified attacks on livestock or pets on their property within the last two years can request permits.
• Landowners with vulnerable pets or livestock, and whose property lies within one mile of a property with a depredation during the same year.
• Farmers with livestock in a DNR-designated “proactive control area.”
• Farmers who have had verified harassment of livestock.
• Any landowner in an area where a perceived human safety situation occurs.

Under the rule published by USFWS in late December, which takes effect Friday, gray wolves in the Western Great Lakes Distinct Population Segment will no longer be considered either endangered or threatened by the federal government. The segment includes the states of Wisconsin, Michigan and Minnesota and portions of Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Iowa, South Dakota and North Dakota.

Along with permits to landowner, the services of U.S. Department of Agriculture-Wildlife Service trappers will again be available to trap and remove problem wolves in Wisconsin.

USDA-Wildlife Service, which operates in Wisconsin under a contract with the DNR, will be available to investigate reports of wolf depredations and when wolf depredations are verified would be authorized to capture problem wolves. Because suitable wolf habitat is saturated in Wisconsin, wolves captured at depredation sites will not be relocated but will be euthanized.

With the federal delisting of wolves, states will be required to continue monitoring of the state wolf populations for the next five years. The department currently uses a system of radio-tracking collared wolves, snow track surveys and collection of public wolf observations to track population trends.

The DNR will continue to recruit and train citizen volunteers to assist with wolf management, primarily through tracking surveys.

During the winter of 2010-2011, biologists estimated a population of about 800 wolves in Wisconsin. The results of this winter’s surveys will be available in the spring.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Adrian Wydeven, DNR mammalian ecologist, at 715-762-1363; Ed Culhane, DNR communications, at 715-781-1683, or Bob Manwell, DNR communications, at 608-264-9248

Wisconsin DNR

MADISON, WI --(Ammoland.com)- Much of Wisconsin received snowfall last weekend and this week, but snow depths continue to be marginal for outdoor winter recreation through much of southern, central and northwestern parts of the state.

Anywhere from 4 to 6 inches of snow fell last weekend, but the snow was light and fluffy and strong winds caused drifting and bear spots in many locations.

Snowmobile trails remain open only in about a dozen northern counties, and are only rated as good in a few of those according to the Wisconsin Department of Tourism’s Snow Conditions Report (exit DNR). Cross-country ski conditions faired better, but many trails in the southern half of the state have had minimal grooming and many are reporting there are some bare or thin spots. The good news is that snow is forecast for later this week into the weekend, with higher amounts expected in the southern part of the state.

Cold temperatures that moved into Wisconsin this week have finally frozen over most of the larger lakes that still had open water last week, including Winnebago and Mendota. However, some areas are reporting that certain spots are still being kept open by large numbers of waterfowl that were staying in the area. And conservation wardens are continuing to caution that much of the ice that formed is still very thin, and now covered by a protective layer of snow. There were numerous reports of snowmobiles and ATVs going through the ice on Lake Winnebago in the last week. Wardens are still advising foot traffic only on southern waters and for people to check ice depths regularly and be prepared should they fall through thin ice.

Ice conditions in the north through the central part of the state are generally good with a foot or more being reported in many locations. Many areas reporting fishing action slowed this week, likely due to the new snow cover. The best action continued to be for panfish, with some reports of very nice crappie and bluegill being caught, but with anglers having to move around a lot to find them. Action for walleye was slower, but there were still some reports of nice northern pike being taken on tip-ups.

While ice has also begun to form on some Lake Michigan harbors, there were still anglers open water fishing this past week. None of the harbor ice is considered safe at this time. Similarly, ice is again forming on the Bay of Green Bay and Lake Superior’s Chequamegon Bay, but it is not safe. Anglers on Sawyer harbor and Little Sturgeon Bay were reportedly fishing along the shore ice, but with open water not too far out in the bay.

Mid-January generally is the onset of coyote and red fox breeding cycles that last into March. Cold, crisp winter nights afford opportunities to listen for the raspy barks of red fox or the high pitched yipping of coyotes. Pup litters of both species are born in March or April.

Among the waterfowl keeping areas of some lakes open were more than 300 tundra swans that have been on Lake Mendota for a couple of weeks. And more than 100 trumpeter swans have been reported on open water at Willow River State Park in St. Croix County. Visitors to bird feeder have included nuthatches, pine siskins, black-capped chickadees, dark-eyed juncos, blue jays, tufted titmice, northern cardinals and American goldfinches

• DNR Outdoor Report in Portable Document Format (Requires Adobe® Acrobat® Reader®)
• DNR Outdoor Report in Rich Text Format
• Upcoming Events at DNR Parks, Forests and Trails

Wisconsin's Mandatory Keep-Your-Gun-Clean Law Struck Down

Wisconsin Gun Owners

Madison, Wisconsin --(Ammoland.com)- Since 1917, Wisconsin gun owners have been required by state law to transport guns in cases. And leaning a gun up against a vehicle was also a violation.

That changed on November 4, when Governor Scott Walker signed SB228 into law (Act 51), making it legal to transport unloaded long guns without cases. That includes boats as well as automobiles, an important victory for waterfowl hunters.

“The mandatory gun case law was a stupid, overbearing restriction that required gun owners to keep their guns clean,” said Corey Graff, Executive Director of WGO. “It criminalized dirty guns — the ultimate Big Brother example of state control run amok.”

But DNR officials, who oversee regulation of the state’s over 600,000 gun deer hunters, were crying rivers of tears over the law’s demise.

“This is not what we need,” said Dave Zeug of Shell Lake, a retired Wisconsin game warden, it was reported in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. “It does nothing to improve the quality of the hunt, and it certainly won’t make things safer.”

The DNR had in the past opposed the bill, but this year took a more neutral tone.

SB228 was fast-tracked after being introduced on October 12 by State Senators Moulton, Holperin, Kedzie, Galloway and Lazich. State Rep. Scott Krug was one of many republican co-sponsors.

In its coverage of the law change, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel cited statistics showing Wisconsin’s firearm incidents of 1.1 to 100,000 hunters as compared to the national average of 3.0 to 100,000, in what appears to gun activists as an attempt to show causation between the mandatory gun case law and the Badger State’s low accident rate.

According to the Journal Sentinel report, “Tim Lawhern, administrator of the DNR’s Enforcement and Science Division, said Wisconsin hunter education courses will continue to recommend firearms be transported unloaded and in cases. “It’s the safest way,” Lawhern claimed. “It also protects your investment.”

Yet, despite Lawhern’s assertion that gun cases are the “safest way,” the 2011 Wisconsin Gun Deer Season was the third fatality-free season on record, since records have been kept. The law change went into effect on Nov. 18 — one day before the gun deer season.

Said Lawhern after the season (where those uncased firearms failed to kill anybody), “Hunters can be proud of a second consecutive firearm-related, fatality-free year and the third fatality free season on record. This is an important milestone and one we hope to see again and again in future seasons.”

Without the State forcing gun owners to lock their guns in cases — whether to protect them from dust or from themselves — it is hard to fathom how hunters managed one of the safest seasons ever.

Is your WGO Membership current? Renew or join online at wisconsingunowners.org!

About:
WGO works for grassroots gun owners, not politicians. While many gun lobbies fight for “reasonable gun control,” WGO sets a higher standard: Defining the terrain of pro-gun political battle. Sure, many groups claim they’re “pro-gun” – all the while they provide cover for anti-gun deals cut by politicians – but only WGO truly informs gun owners, remaining committed to a 100% pro-gun position. We oppose all gun control – regardless of the political party – and work tirelessly to restore the Second Amendment. Visit www.wisconsingunowners.org

WGO on the institutional gun lobby .

Wisconsin Gun Owners

Wisconsin --(Ammoland.com)- Q: I’m already a member of the NRA. Why should I join WGO?
A: WGO is a state-based lobbying organization, meaning your support stays in Wisconsin, where gun legislation is decided. So instead of paying some Washington, D.C. executive’s six-figure salary, your donation is used to fund a grassroots fight in your own backyard — here in Wisconsin — where it makes a real difference.

Q: I’ve read that WGO is a “no-compromise” gun rights organization. I’ve always believed we shouldn’t compromise our inalienable rights, but doesn’t the ‘political reality’ dictate we must compromise?
A: The political reality is what you make it. Just ask the homosexual movement, whose numbers nationally are estimated by the Family Research Council to be around 2-3% of the population, who have successfully rammed their agenda into virtually every facet of public policy making. They understand that Politics is the art of confrontation, not compromise. What is often described as a “compromise” in the context of politics is rarely ever a true compromise by definition. Instead of both sides bringing something to the table to give up, anti-gunners initiate a confrontation by making outrageous demands. They then back off and demand less than they originally wanted, claiming they are being “reasonable.” Labeled a “compromise,” this strategic back-step is gladly accepted by establishment republicans and the institutional gun lobbies. But anti-gunners gave up nothing in the equation, it was only a net loss for gun owners — it was a trap. The ‘political reality’ is that “compromising” is the worst possible strategy and a proven recipe for political failure. For a graphic illustration of these concepts, visit our Political Cartoons page. Also visit NRAWOL to see more examples.

Q: I belong to several other state gun organizations, and they say our republican legislators are doing a great job defending our gun rights. Why are you so critical?
A: State politicians are doing a lousy job defending the Second Amendment. In the 2005-06 session, for example, republicans held a majority in both state houses. Instead of introducing a clean concealed carry bill, they introduced one loaded with gun control. This, they claimed, was the ‘political reality’ required to appease anti-gunners into voting for an override of Governor Jim Doyle’s veto. But anti-gunners know their own game and can’t be appeased. Thus, the move back-fired and divided gun owners (some gun owners don’t support gun control). Preemptive surrender fell flat on its face, just as WGO predicted. The reason you never heard this story, is because most state gun groups are led by untrained volunteers who understand only access politics. If they told you the truth, they’d lose access to their politicians. Some don’t know the truth and have been kept in the dark. Similarly, in the 2011-2012 session: This time we had republicans in control of both houses and a republican governor. Yet nary a peep was heard from anti-gunners because republicans surrendered the fight on Constitutional Carry before it began and rammed through a “compromise” bill instead.

Q: But lobbyists have to have access to politicians, don’t they?
A: Lobbyists need access to good legislators. However, it’s not the job of lobbyists to represent the views of bad legislators to their members, it’s the job of lobbyists to represent the views of members to bad politicians. The leaders of most organizations wind up working for politicians. Habitual cronyism feeds off itself and pretty soon the gun group defends the legislator at all costs … even when that politician is ramming gun control into law! In sharp contrast, WGO works for gun owners, not politicians.

Q: Okay, so other gun groups are sucking up to lousy legislators. But without the few ‘pro-gun’ legislators we have, we’d lose everything!
A: No, you’re already losing everything — incrementally. When bad legislators cut gun control deals with the left, many gun groups reward these politicians for their bad behavior. This results in more gun control. If your dog piddles on the rug, and you give him a treat and say ‘Good boy!’ he’ll keep piddling on your rug. WGO does not reward bad behavior. The reason establishment organizations tow the party line and resist getting crossways with legislators is simple: Money. It’s easier for them to raise more funds by telling everyone what they think they want to hear.

Q: Is WGO a professional lobbying organization?
A:  Volunteers are an important part of any battle, but wars are not won by armies led by volunteers. That’s the job of Generals. Those who are working against gun rights in Wisconsin are professional organizations, dedicated full-time to trashing your firearm freedoms. Founded in 2003, Wisconsin Gun Owners, Inc. is a 501(c)4, Tax-Exempt non-profit organization. WGO is registered with the State of Wisconsin as a non-stock corporation (non-profit), and registered lobbying organization with the Wisconsin Government Accountability Board. In addition, WGO has a highly-trained staff and network of consultants specializing in political strategy. WGO is independent of — but often works in concert with — groups like Gun Owners of America (GOA), National Association for Gun Rights (NAGR) and Campaign for Liberty (C4L). While WGO is not legally affiliated with these groups, you’ll often find our organizations fighting a unified battle to defend your right to keep and bear arms in Wisconsin.

Q: How does WGO use my membership donation?
A:  The primary focus of WGO is grassroots lobbying. This entails a sophisticated communications program — direct mail, online and print petitions, post card campaigns, phone bank operations, on-the-ground literature dissemination, member mobilization and communications with legislators and the press. Your contribution will be used to fund all of these important initiatives. At any time you can see where WGO stands on the issues, and how much money has been expended towards these efforts, via the Wisconsin Government Accountability Board by visiting our lobbying page.

About:
WGO works for grassroots gun owners, not politicians. While many gun lobbies fight for “reasonable gun control,” WGO sets a higher standard: Defining the terrain of pro-gun political battle. Sure, many groups claim they’re “pro-gun” – all the while they provide cover for anti-gun deals cut by politicians – but only WGO truly informs gun owners, remaining committed to a 100% pro-gun position. We oppose all gun control – regardless of the political party – and work tirelessly to restore the Second Amendment. Visit www.wisconsingunowners.org

Constitution Party of Wisconsin

Wisconsin --(Ammoland.com)- On July 26, 1953 “Fidel Castro”Ruiz tried to take over Cuba.

His first effort failed, so he launched a 5 year plan of coalition building and logistics.

On March 17, 1958 Castro declared “total war” on the government of Fulgencio Batista y Zaldivar. On January 1, 1959 Batista resigned and fled Cuba. Upon the success of that goal, he turned around and asked his allies to turn in their weapons. He put the question this way, “Armas para que?” or “Arms for what?”

It took two years to disarm his former allies. In 1961 Castro announced, “I am a Marxist-Leninist.”

Then he asked the question, “Elections for what?” He then enslaved the Cuban people, turning that nation into an island prison.

The Constitution Party of Wisconsin (CPoW) has an answer for “Arms for what?” Given the sinful nature of man, no one individual or group of individuals should have a monopoly on power. Constitution Party of Wisconsin supports our Republic, with constitutional checks and balances, including the Second Amendment to the US Constitution. The Second Amendment prohibits any interference with gun ownership by saying: “A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.”

Constitution Party of Wisconsin has several reasons for gun ownership.

1. It is your Constitutional Right. Our Platform States: “The right to bear arms is inherent in the right of self defense, defense of the family, and defense against tyranny, conferred on the individual and the community by our Creator to safeguard life, liberty, and property, as well as to help preserve the independence of the nation. The right to keep and bear arms is guaranteed by the Second Amendment to the Constitution; it may not properly be infringed upon or denied.” CPoW defines Constitutional Carry, as no restrictions, no taxes, and no prior permission from any level of government. It is a Right, not a privilege. The CPoW platform further states, “The Constitution Party upholds the right of the citizen to keep and bear arms. We oppose attempts to prohibit ownership of guns by law-abiding citizens, and stand against all laws which would require the registration of guns or ammunition.”
2. A well used firearm is an excellent way to fend off criminals. A firearm is the only equalizer that gives an elderly man or woman a chance against street gangs, thugs, rioters, rapists and murderers. Our Platform states; “We emphasize that when guns are outlawed, only outlaws will have them. In such circumstances, the peaceful citizen’s protection against the criminal would be seriously jeopardized.”
3. Constitution Party of Wisconsin supports property ownership, including the Castle Doctrine. The homeowner has the God-given Right to defend his home against theft, invasion, and murder: to “safeguard life, liberty, and property.” “If a thief be found breaking up, and he be smitten that he die, there shall be no blood shed for him.” Exodus 22:2 The next verse does say, if it is daytime, and you can see he is stealing, then he ought not be killed, but forced to pay restitution by the judges. The security of home is what is being emphasized, not the well-being of a criminal.
4. Most importantly, the citizen needs to bear arms to defend against tyranny. People under NAZI rule were crying out for rifles. People wanted a fighting chance, after realizing that appeasement forged their chains. Our Platform further states, “We call for the repeal of all federal firearms legislation, beginning with the Federal Firearms Act of 1968.” That Act mirrors the NAZI Firearms Act of 1938, which disarmed the German citizen. Constitution Party of Wisconsin opposes all acts of disarmament, “We call for the rescinding of all executive orders, the prohibition of any future executive orders, and the prohibition of treaty ratification which would in any way limit the right to keep and bear arms.”

Constitution Party of Wisconsin affirms that an armed citizen is a mark of a free nation. The armed citizen is part of America’s defense. America has outstanding Armed Forces, but they are deployed around the world.

Any enemy would find 300,000,000 armed citizens a deterrent, no matter what they say. Constitutional Carry is the way to go. Registries only serve as tools for rogue governments to disarm the citizenry. That begs the question, If a civil government is honest, then why does it insist on rendering innocent people helpless? Why does it insist on taking away the Nation’s homedefense?

Riley J. Hood is the Chairman of the Constitution Party of Wisconsin. To learn more, visit constitutionpartywi.com

About:
The Constitution Party of Wisconsin is a Political Party that seeks to put men of integrity into Partisan, Non-Partisan, and appointed positions of Authority. We are working to implement the Biblical Principles of Civil Government, as laid out in The Declaration of Independence and the Constitution. Visit: www.constitutionpartywi.com

Will Vested Interests In Making A Buck Crush Constitutional Carry?

Wisconsin Gun Owners

Wisconsin --(Ammoland.com)- By the close of business on November 1, 2011, the Wisconsin Department of Justice reported that over 80,000 concealed weapons permit applications were downloaded from their website. That’s a lot of $50 checks.

To be more precise, that’s $4 million dollars worth of checks if all 80,000 people who downloaded the application actually applied.

And that was just on day one. In Michigan, over 270,000 people had purchased a CCW permit in that state since its CCW law had been passed. If Wisconsin climbs to a similar number, as I believe we will, we’re talking about somewhere in the neighborhood of $13.5 million dollars in new revenue pouring into state coffers every five years. No bureaucrat can ignore $13.5 million dollars.

Business is good if your business is regulating inalienable rights.

Now, Act 35 — Wisconsin’s new shall-issue permit-to-carry-law — specifically states that these monies are not to exceed the administration costs of the license-to-carry program. But let’s face it: Does it really cost the DOJ $50 to conduct a background check and print up a little black-and-white card?

Make no mistake: This is a new gun tax. Some have called it a “coat tax.” We all know that bureaucracies don’t tend to get smaller over time. More revenue will invariably lead to more vested interests in the system. This cycle will become self-perpetuating. New agents and administrators will be hired on. And the program becomes a means unto itself.

And then there’s the problem of a state law enforcement agency with a list of gun owners — never a good thing. With congress and the institutional gun lobby trying to pass HR 822, so-called National Rightto- Carry Reciprocity, it’s plain to see how the feds would also begin to get a vested interest in keeping — and regulating — concealed carry by permit.

No Money in Freedom
Contrast that with what would happen if Constitutional Carry were to be passed (that is, no permit, background check or fees, as intended in the Second Amendment), then the money — poof! — suddenly goes away. What will all these big-government bureaucrats do with themselves? For starters, they’d have to compete in the private sector for jobs requiring actual skills. And that’s hard work (for a government leach).

Now, there is some precedent that in states like Alaska, Arizona and Wyoming a permit-to-carry system morphed over time into Constitutional Carry. But that always occurred years after a permit system had been in place.

In other words, much money had already been made. And other factors — like a properly-trained pro-gun lobby convinced state politicians their vested interest in political reelection was in freedom-to-carry and not permit-to-carry. So those states moved to better laws in spite of vested interests working against them, not for lack of them. Finally, what about the vested interests of concealed carry trainers? Some of these chaps — like the police department up in Marion, Wisconsin — are charging people upwards of $150 for a class to get a permit. Others, like Technical Colleges in Central Wisconsin, charge around $15 for the class.

One need not resort to wild conspiracy theories to explain why state officials are resistant to a concept like Constitutional Carry. It can simply be explained by human nature and the vested interests that feed off each other.

It all means that the fight to restore the right to bear arms will be met with resistance from every possible angle — even from those on the pro-gun side. Thankfully, the price of liberty is eternal vigilance. And if anything is worth a little vigilance, it’s liberty.

About:
WGO works for grassroots gun owners, not politicians. While many gun lobbies fight for “reasonable gun control,” WGO sets a higher standard: Defining the terrain of pro-gun political battle. Sure, many groups claim they’re “pro-gun” – all the while they provide cover for anti-gun deals cut by politicians – but only WGO truly informs gun owners, remaining committed to a 100% pro-gun position. We oppose all gun control – regardless of the political party – and work tirelessly to restore the Second Amendment. Visit www.wisconsingunowners.org

386 Wisconsin Anti-Gun Businesses That Don't Want Your Money

Wisconsin Gun Owners

Wisconsin --(Ammoland.com)- We wanted to make sure you had an updated copy of the WGO Don’t Buy List prior to your holiday travels.

• Here it is: Download the Current Don’t Buy List (12/21/11)
• Click Here to Report a Business Posting No CCW

Wisconsin Gun Owners Don’t Buy List
As we reported in our last update, new anti-gun signs are popping up all over Wisconsin.

But the good news is that No CCW signs are falling like dominoes, too, thanks to vigilant members.

So while we’ve added over a hundred additional businesses to the list in the last two weeks, we’ve also removed several businesses, thanks to you.

This program works.

But we’re only able to run the program - and, ideally to keep expanding it - with your support.

Please do what you can.

P.S. – Will you forward this alert page to a friend or family member?

About:
WGO works for grassroots gun owners, not politicians. While many gun lobbies fight for “reasonable gun control,” WGO sets a higher standard: Defining the terrain of pro-gun political battle. Sure, many groups claim they’re “pro-gun” – all the while they provide cover for anti-gun deals cut by politicians – but only WGO truly informs gun owners, remaining committed to a 100% pro-gun position. We oppose all gun control – regardless of the political party – and work tirelessly to restore the Second Amendment. Visit www.wisconsingunowners.org

Wisconsin DNR

MADISON, WI --(Ammoland.com)- With the announcement today that the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service is removing the gray wolf from Endangered Species Act protection , Wisconsin’s long fought battle to manage growing wolf populations within its borders is nearly over.

Gov. Scott Walker has charged the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources with being ready to begin implementing Wisconsin’s Wolf Management plan by Feb. 1, 2012.

“We are eager and ready to take on the challenges of wolf management,” said DNR Secretary Cathy Stepp. “We appreciate Governor Walker’s attention to this issue.”

More information about the gray wolf in Wisconsin and a copy of the Wisconsin Wolf Management Plan are available on the DNR website.

Stepp also thanked the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (exit DNR) for their responsiveness to the concerns that she raised, especially with regard to their finding that the population of wolves in the Western Great Lakes is a single species. In addition, she praised the work of Wisconsin’s Congressional Delegation and that of Michigan and Minnesota in raising the importance of addressing this issue now at the national level.

“I want to acknowledge the citizens of Wisconsin for their patience as we worked on the delisting,” said Stepp. “They were persistent in bringing their concerns to my attention. It is because of that persistence that we were able to achieve the delisting.”

Today’s action is only the first step in the process. Once wolves are delisted, the DNR will be able to do depredation controls, via trapping and permits to landowners in depredation areas.

“While the department is committed to long-term conservation of wolves in Wisconsin, it is critical that we be allowed to manage wildlife populations within our borders,” said Stepp.

Wisconsin Carry

Wisconsin --(Ammoland.com)- On September 18, 2010 five law abiding Wisconsin residents were peacefully having dinner at a Culver’s Restaurant in Madison, Wisconsin.

These 5 individuals, who were legally openly carrying as provided by Wisconsin law had finished their dinner and were preparing to leave the restaurant when they were unlawfully detained by a mass of Madison police officers.

Despite the absence of reasonable suspicion or probable cause of any crime or violation, Madison police illegally demanded identification from the men under the threat of arrest if they did not comply.

2 individuals who chose not to comply with the illegal action of the Madison police were subsequently arrested and cited for obstruction. 2 days later those unlawfully issued citations were rescinded and all 5 men, even those who complied with the officers illegal demands were issued citations for disorderly conduct.

On May 5th of 2011, the frivolous disorderly conduct charges against all 5 men were dropped.

Wisconsin Carry, Inc. a non-profit corporation dedicated to protecting and advancing the right of Wisconsinites to carry in the manner of their choosing, open or concealed, filed a federal lawsuit against the City of Madison and the 5 Madison Police officers who participated in the unlawful detainment and treatment of these 5 individuals.

A copy of that lawsuit is available here: http://www.wisconsincarry.org/pdf/Madison5/lawsuit.pdf

Today a judgment of $10,000 against the City of Madison and 5 Madison police offers was agreed to by Wisconsin Carry, Inc. and our 5 co-plaintiffs. This judgment will be entered into the record of the Federal District Court, Western Wisconsin.

A copy of the judgment agreement can be viewed here: http://tiny.cc/dgt8r

About:
Wisconsin Carry, Inc. is a non-profit corporation dedicated to the preservation and reclamation of the rights of law-abiding Wisconsin residents to carry in the manner of their choosing. We believe that “open carry” and “concealed carry” are choices to be made by law-abiding citizens based on their situation and preference. Wisconsin Carry, like many gun-rights organizations in Wisconsin, is investing a great deal of resources to get Wisconsin law changed to allow concealed carry this next legislative session by proposing Constitutional Carry. Wisconsin Carry, Inc. will continue to use legal recourse to deter unlawful treatment of law-abiding Wisconsin residents who currently exercise their right to open carry, and soon will exercise their right to concealed carry in Wisconsin. Visit: www.wisconsincarry.org

Wisconsin Carry

Wisconsin --(Ammoland.com)- Wisconsin Carry, Inc. firmly believes in, and advocated for constitutional carry this past legislative session.

While we were successful in putting constitutional carry front and center on the legislative and media radar, ultimately, Wisconsin’s concealed carry law that passed requires mandatory proof of training to be supplied with your application to the DOJ.

A hunters education certificate serves as proof of training as does your DD214 showing honorable discharge from the military. In addition, a concealed carry permit (current or expired) from another state will also serve as proof of training.

Wisconsin Carry believes that there are thousands of Wisconsin residents who have extensive firearms experience but because that experience was gathered through family/friends/self-teaching etc they may not have the formal proof of training certificate.

We are also concerned that for many people in this economy, paying $80 to $150 for a training class may be prohibitive and prevent some individuals from being able to obtain the proof of training certificate they need to apply for their concealed weapon license.

Lastly, Wisconsin Carry believes that there are many people that may not have experience with firearms but who have a great interest in taking personal accountability for the safety of themselves and their loved ones. Wisconsin Carry would like to give these people an avenue to enter the right-to-carry movement in Wisconsin as well. We believe that the more law-abiding citizens carrying for self-defense, the more people who will be there to stand up and push-back should future legislatures try to take the right to carry away. We also believe that every law abiding citizen we can bring into the carry movement will be another voter who will not want to pay the renewal tax every 5 years to continue to exercise a human-right to self-defense that they have enjoyed. We believe these people will stand with us to demand constitutional carry from the legislature in the future.

In consideration of these factors and objectives, Wisconsin Carry has devoted a huge amount of resources into developing a 4 hour training course that will exceed the “proof of training” requirements of Act 35. We have certified a handful of qualified instructors across the state to begin to teach this class FREE OF CHARGE to members AND non-members who would like to obtain their concealed carry permit but are encumbered because they do not have a “proof of training” certificate.

We have already begun to schedule and conduct these classes across the state. Initial classes we have scheduled on a limited basis and announced only to dues paying members to ramp up slowly and manage the demand.

I will be sending email notification around of all classes that have openings. (You must Subscribe to Our Email List to Receive Updates)

For each of these classes I ask that you contact the instructor by email to reserve a FREE space in the class. Please do not contact me with questions about possible future classes in different parts of the state. AS SOON AS we have a class together, I will send a notice around. If you contact me to ask, I won’t have any information to share because nothing would have been set (except for those which announcements have been made)

Please *DO* contact me if you have a venue that would have space available at no cost to WCI to HOST a class.

If this class below is not in your area, please STAY TUNED, we will have many many more FREE classes across the state in the upcoming months.

WCI FREE training class: Amberg, WI – Marinette, County

Amberg Community Center,
N15035 Grant
St, Amberg WI 54102

Saturday, 14 Jan 2012 at 9:00 AM.

20 openings in this class. To attend this class email WCI Certified instructor Ron Holmes:

ronald682@centurytel.net

IF YOU ATTEND THIS CLASS YOU ARE ASKED TO GO TO THE FOLLOWING LINK AND DOWNLOAD PRINT AND BRING THE DOCUMENTS TO CLASS:

http://www.dwave.net/~phred/WCI_Downloads.html

This class is free and open to WCI Members AND friends and family of WCI members. Non-members who are on our email list and their family and friends are welcome to attend as well. You do *NOT* need to be a member to attend.

Carry On,

About:
Wisconsin Carry, Inc. is a non-profit corporation dedicated to the preservation and reclamation of the rights of law-abiding Wisconsin residents to carry in the manner of their choosing. We believe that “open carry” and “concealed carry” are choices to be made by law-abiding citizens based on their situation and preference. Wisconsin Carry, like many gun-rights organizations in Wisconsin, is investing a great deal of resources to get Wisconsin law changed to allow concealed carry this next legislative session by proposing Constitutional Carry. Wisconsin Carry, Inc. will continue to use legal recourse to deter unlawful treatment of law-abiding Wisconsin residents who currently exercise their right to open carry, and soon will exercise their right to concealed carry in Wisconsin. Visit: www.wisconsincarry.org

Wisconsin DNR

MADISON, WI --(Ammoland.com)- After last week’s colder temperatures and snowfall built up the anticipation of ice anglers, snowmobilers and skiers, warmer temperatures and rain this week dampened that excitement considerably.

Conservation wardens across the state are reporting that ice conditions have deteriorated considerably. Lakes that had 2 to 3 inches of ice now have areas of open water and ice just an inch or two thick along shorelines. Lakes in the far north are in the best condition, with some near shore areas having a solid 5 to 6 inches of ice, but areas out over deeper water and just a short distance away may only have 2 to 3 inches of ice.

Only far north central Wisconsin has any remaining snow cover, with the most being reported in northern Iron County at about 5 inches. Most areas are reporting only 1 to 3 inches of snow remain.

Prior to the warm-up anglers were reporting fair to good action on early ice for bluegills and some northern pike. Initial walleye success on northern lakes has been generally slow for the tip-up anglers, but a few nicer fish have shown up, including a couple of 25-inch walleye have been reported.

Ice had begun to form on both Lake Superior’s Chequamegon Bay and on Lake Michigan’s Green Bay, but with warmer temperatures and wind, most of that ice has broken up. Some anglers have returned to open water fishing, with reports of walleye being caught from boats on the Fox River and some good sauger action on the Mississippi River.

Reports were mixed from the statewide antlerless deer hunt, with some areas mostly in the southern part of the state reporting participation and deer registrations were up, while activity was limited in much of northern Wisconsin. Bow hunters are now taking advantage of this recent mild weather to spend more time on tree stands.

Large flocks of Canada geese are still being reported across much of the state. The exterior goose season is now closed, but the Mississippi River subzone remains open through Dec. 29. Turkeys are reporting to be forming into their larger winter flocks with as many as 40 to 50 being seen feeding on many agricultural fields in the mild weather.

With the mild weather, some late season hunters are reporting still seeing black bear out and about, and wildlife biologists confirmed a black bear denning up in Sauk County this week, the first time this has been confirmed in quite a few years.

There has been an abundance of divers ducks, especially golden-eyes and mallards, stil being seen because of the open water. Large numbers of migrating waterfowl has been seen along the shores of Green Bay, including one report of an estimated 12,000 mergansers.

And for people looking for last minute holiday gifts for the outdoors lovers on their lists, 2012 Wisconsin State Park admission stickers and State Trail passes are on sale now at all state park and forest offices and DNR Service Centers.

DNR Outdoor Report in Portable Document Format (Requires Adobe® Acrobat® Reader®)

NRA News

Fairfax, VA --(Ammoland.com)- NRA-News is a valued partner that continues to cover breaking gun rights news with a new and improved short video format in the “NRA News Minute” videos.

To view the current firearms or gun rights news video, please click above:

Cam Edwards talks to Nik Clark from Wisconsin Carry on one legislator’s attempt to ban concealed carry of guns in gas stations.

Read More on these topics:

• Court OKs Lawsuit Challenging Post-Office Gun Ban
• San Francisco Bans Guns From Advertising Posters
• Gallup Poll – Americans Say No to Gun Bans

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. Visit: www.nra.org

256 Wisconsin Businesses That Don't Want Gun Owner Money

Wisconsin Gun Owners

Wisconsin --(Ammoland.com)- The WGO Don’t Buy List program continues to grow.

That’s good news because it means gun owners are being vigilant and standing their ground. And they’re using WGO’s online system to report anti-gun businesses.

It’s also bad news: It means there are A LOT of anti-gun businesses out there across the Badger State.

Click Here to Download the Current Don’t Buy List (12/8/11)

Activism Works
You’re going to want to sit down before you read this.

We got word today from Dave, a WGO member, who called us last week to report that a VFW Post of which he is a member (Dave is a veteran, also) had posted no CCW signs.

According to him, the Eagle’s Nest Bar and Restaurant, AMVETS Menomonie Post 1128, in Boyceville, Wisconsin, had posted the signs without consulting the membership.

Dave took action. He attended this week’s member meeting and politely – but firmly – raised it as an issue. We consulted Dave, telling him we believed most people who post these signs do so not anticipating much blowback.

So Dave did what any self-respecting soldier would do: He reminded the VFW Post of what they stood for! It worked.

Not surprisingly, most of the other veterans were also opposed to the signs. After one person objected, the majority spoke up … and prevailed.

“I was able to convince post board to take sign down,” he said. “I posed question to members and had others chime in to oppose hanging that sign on post property. Was voted on and only one in oppostion to taking the sign down. The sign was removed last night after our meeting.

“Thanks for your encouragement.”

The lesson is: Most businesses who post No CCW signs are taking the path of least resistance, knee-jerking to the hysteria manufactured in the media about concealed carry.

Unaware they are advertising themselves as Criminal Safe Zones (note yet another Va. Tech Shooting today to illustrate this bloody reality) these people rarely think through their position.

They are also unaware that they are deeply offending the most powerful voting block there is — gun owners.

So, please help us educate them by supporting this program.

WGO is sustained only by private donations from grassroots gun owners like you — there are no fat cat corporate donors (and, we’d like to keep it that way).

P.S. – Will you forward the link to this alert to a friend or family member?

About:
WGO works for grassroots gun owners, not politicians. While many gun lobbies fight for “reasonable gun control,” WGO sets a higher standard: Defining the terrain of pro-gun political battle. Sure, many groups claim they’re “pro-gun” – all the while they provide cover for anti-gun deals cut by politicians – but only WGO truly informs gun owners, remaining committed to a 100% pro-gun position. We oppose all gun control – regardless of the political party – and work tirelessly to restore the Second Amendment. Visit www.wisconsingunowners.org

Wisconsin Gun Owners

Wisconsin --(Ammoland.com)- Castle doctrine signed into law. Today Governor Scott Walker signed AB69 into law, reinforcing civil liability immunity in self-defense cases that happen in the home, vehicle or place of business.

AB69 — known as castle doctrine — provides legal protection to those who in cases involving “Use of force in response to unlawful and forcible entry into a dwelling, motor vehicle, or place of business.”

Click here to download AB69

Similar legislation was shot down by past Governor Jim Doyle in 2005, 2007 and 2009.

The legislation, introduced by Senator Van Wanggaard, passed both the Assembly and Senate along bipartisan lines. There are 30 other states that have some form of the “Castle Doctrine” in place.

“When faced with a threatening intruder, you shouldn’t have to worry about criminal or civil liability concerns. At that point, your only concern should be your safety. There is no place where a person has more of a right to be safe than in their own home,” Wanggaard reportedly said.

The language in the bill was not as strong as it could have been, according to Wisconsin Gun Owners, Inc. (WGO). The state’s only no-compromise gun rights organization had lobbied to change the word “privilege” of self-defense to “right” of self-defense. WGO also did not want to limit the liability protection to the home, motor vehicle or place of business, but to “any place a person may legally be.”

The organization plans to continue pushing for a better law, though they aren’t holding their breath waiting for the institutional gun lobby to take up that torch.

In the meantime, anti-gun lawyers with the State Bar of Wisconsin — a group representing more than 600 criminal defense lawyers, prosecutors, judges, academics and other numbskulls — opposed the bill crying foul that it would enable homeowners to shoot “trick-or-treaters.”

Of course, that scare tactic didn’t work, and the act itself states that force may only be used against an intruder, “after unlawfully and forcibly entering it, the actor was present in the dwelling, motor vehicle, or place of business, and the actor knew or had reason to believe that the person had unlawfully and forcibly entered the dwelling, motor vehicle, or place of business.”

What’s one way you can help us improve this law? Join us in this battle: Click here to join WGO

About:
WGO works for grassroots gun owners, not politicians. While many gun lobbies fight for “reasonable gun control,” WGO sets a higher standard: Defining the terrain of pro-gun political battle. Sure, many groups claim they’re “pro-gun” – all the while they provide cover for anti-gun deals cut by politicians – but only WGO truly informs gun owners, remaining committed to a 100% pro-gun position. We oppose all gun control – regardless of the political party – and work tirelessly to restore the Second Amendment. Visit www.wisconsingunowners.org

Dr. James Kroll Named as Deer Trustee for State of Wisconsin

NACOGDOCHES, Texas --(Ammoland.com)- After years of hunter frustration over the deer management policies, the State of Wisconsin has turned to one of the industry’s most respected authorities on whitetail deer. Dr. James C. Kroll (aka ‘Dr. Deer’)has been appointed as the state’s first Deer Trustee to help manage the state’s deer herd.

Dr. Kroll will conduct an objective, scientific study of Wisconsin deer management practices and work to restore soured relations between the state’s hunters and the Department of Natural Resources.

“Wisconsin is well-known for its outdoor traditions, and I’m excited to be working alongside wildlife officials and sportsmen to help ensure Wisconsin’s hunting heritage exists for many generations to come,” says Dr. James Kroll, who also serves as the director of the Institute for Whitetailed Deer Management and Research at Stephen F. Austin State University (SFASU).

“From land fragmentation to habitat to general health, our research will be reviewing all influences on Wisconsin’s deer herd and we’ll be actively looking for input from hunters across the state.”

Dr. Kroll will hold a series of ‘listening sessions’ in the coming months to hear the opinions and concerns of Wisconsin sportsmen.

“A management plan based on science is definitely the correct approach, but part of that science is social science and we need to listen to the landowners and the hunters in the field,” says Dr. Kroll.

“The habitat and management needs can vary greatly in different parts of the state and, for a proper management plan, we need to account for all of those unique conditions.”

The director of the Institute for White-tailed Deer Management and Research and Henry M. Rockwell Chair of Forestry, Stephen F. Austin State University (SFASU), Dr. Kroll has authored more than 300 technical and popular articles, ten books and numerous videos. Over the past three decades, he has appeared on TNN, ESPN, the Outdoor Channel, Sportsman Channel, Wild TV and Pursuit Channel, winning two awards for his Dr. Deer contributions. He appears weekly on North American Whitetail TV, and stars in Winchester presents Dr. Deer.

Dr. Kroll has also recently introduced his all-new Dr. Deer Management System, the industry’s first automated deer management consulting service. Developed in partnership with GMS, the Dr. Deer Management System helps hunters and land owners keep accurate records on their hunting properties and receive a professional analysis and consultation by Dr. Kroll within just a few hours. The program provides more than 27 different reports, year-to-year comparisons as well as geographical analysis for property and production quality. For more information on the Dr. Deer Management System, visit www.DrDeer.com

Based in Nacogdoches, Texas, Dr. James C. Kroll has celebrated the lives of whitetails for four decades and he is often considered the Father of Modern Deer Management. Through Dr. Deer Inc., Dr. Kroll provides information on the latest applied research and consulting services through the all-new Dr. Deer Management System. For more information on Dr. Deer Inc, visit www.DrDeer.com

Wisconsin 2012 Black Bear Permit Application Deadline Dec. 10 2011

Wisconsin DNR

MADISON, WI --(Ammoland.com)- Black bear hunters have until close of business on Dec. 10 to apply for available permits for the 2012 black bear hunting season.

Applications for the black bear permit drawing cost $3 and may be purchased through the Online Licensing Center on the DNR website, at all authorized license agents, at DNR Service Centers (Hours for service centers vary; check the DNR website for service center days and hours of operation; DNR Service Centers are not open on Saturdays), or by calling toll-free 1-877-LICENSE (1-877-945-4236).

The 2012 black bear season begins Sept. 5, the first Wednesday after Labor Day, and runs through Oct. 9. The opening week of Wisconsin’s bear hunting season alternates – allowing those who hunt over bait to go first one year and those who hunt with the aid of dogs to go first the next year.

In 2012, hunters who hunt over bait will go first in all management zones; the season for those hunting with the aid of dogs or using other methods will open Sept. 12 in zones that allow hunting with the aid of dogs (A,B, and D). In Zone C, where hunting with dogs is prohibited, hunters may hunt bear over bait or by other means not using dogs from September 5th through Oct. 9.

There were 27,793 hunters who submitted applications for the 9,005 Class A bear harvest permits available for the 2011 bear season. A total of 103,853 hunters applied for either a harvest permit or a preference point in 2011.

Applicants currently need to have collected between four and nine preference points in order to successfully draw a bear harvest permit. Hunters can check their preference point status in one of three ways: by visiting the Online Licensing Center, by calling Customer Service & Licensing toll-free at 1-888-WDNRINFo (1-888-936-7463), or by contacting a local DNR Service Center.

The bear drawing is held each year in early February. Drawing winners will be notified via U.S. Mail shortly after the drawing. Drawing winners may purchase their 2012 Class A bear license beginning March 7, the start of the 2012 license year.

Total permit availability for the 2012 black bear season has not yet been determined. Proposed quota and permit levels will be taken up by the State Natural Resources Board at its January 2012 meeting.

More information on black bear hunting is available on the DNR website.

FOR MORE INFORMATION: Linda Olver, Assistant Big Game Specialist – (608) 261-7588

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 DNR

MADISON, WI --(Ammoland.com)- The 2011 gun deer season opener is just days away! Please consider helping the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources by reporting your deer hunting activity, even if no deer or other wildlife were seen during your hunting trip(s).

This survey provides wildlife managers with information on deer sighting rates and the relative abundance of deer and other wildlife in the state.

To enter your observations, click here. Have an enjoyable and successful hunt!

Preliminary Deer Hunter Wildlife Survey Results: September 17-November 14

A total of 575 Wisconsin deer hunters have reported 2,365 hunting trips via the online survey.

192 individuals have also supplied an email address to have a summary of their observations e-mailed to them at the end of the survey period.

Trips were reported from 71 of 72 counties in the state, and in 113 of 139 deer management units. DMU 64 has the greatest number of observations (109), followed by DMU 53 with 100 observations. Hunters reported spending 8,889 observation hours in the field, and averaged 3.8 hours per trip. Most trips and observation hours occurred in the Southern Farmland followed by the Northern Forest, the Eastern Farmland, the Western Farmland and lastly the Central Forest region.

Deer hunters have reported 1,154 bucks, 1,721 does, 1,193 fawns, and 458 unknowns. Statewide, hunters averaged 0.51 deer seen per hour. Deer seen per hour varied between regions with the high being the Eastern Farmland averaging 0.61 deer per hour and the low being the Central Forest averaging 0.30 deer per hour. The Western Farmland and the Southern Farmland both reported 0.57 deer per hour. Hunters in the Northern Forest saw 0.42 deer per hour.

The most frequently observed species other than deer were turkeys. Hunter sightings varied greatly by regions, with most sightings occurring in Wisconsin’s primary turkey range, the farmland and central forest regions. The next most frequently seen animal was ruffed grouse.

Please continue to enter your observations by clicking here.

Questions about the Wisconsin Deer Hunter Wildlife Survey, accessing the tally sheet, reporting your observation, or the results of the survey, can be referred to Brian Dhuey or Jes Rees.

About: Tom McHale describes himself as a conservative gun-totin’ bible-clingin’ literary assault dude who enjoys finding humor in just about anything. His web blog My Gun Culture is an irreverent, twisted look at gun news bordering on the ridiculous. It covers shootin’ stuff, loud noises, defending your own, the occasional mall ninja, and about 200 years of the American way. These are the (partially) true stories of My Gun Culture says Tom. Visit: www.mygunculture.com

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

Wisconsin Gun Owners

Wisconsin --(Ammoland.com)- The WGO Don’t Buy List is a Citizen Watch-list exposing Wisconsin businesses that post No Concealed Weapons signs – businesses disrespectful of the rights of their customers.

George Webb’s: Official Criminal Safe Zone These businesses simply can’t afford to alienate pro-gun people in a state like Wisconsin where there are so many gun owners, but they are posting these outrageous signs nonetheless because they don’t anticipate the loss of any substantial revenue.

With your help, this program aims to change that.

Download the current (11/09/11) Don’t Buy List in .PDF digital format. Businesses that have been reported are listed in alphabetical order by city.

As of today’s date, there are roughly 50 businesses on the list, but we know there are many more out there across the state. That’s why we need your help to report offenders.

Gun Free Zones

No CCW Signs: = Segregation, Bigotry and Ignorance
These anti-gun, anti-concealed carry businesses will be notified that they have been added to the Don’t Buy List and given an opportunity to remove the signs. If the signs come down, they will be promptly removed from the list.

The Don’t Buy List will be distributed at gun shows, through the mail, the Internet, sportsman’s clubs, frankly anywhere and everywhere.

We are asking Wisconsin gun owners to do three things:

• Report all businesses posting no CCW signs using this form. This will give other permit holders a “heads up.”
• Inform these businesses that they have lost your business until the signs come down and they begin to respect the Bill of Rights. Take your business to the competition!
• Make a financial contribution to support this program. The more resources WGO can commit to this program, the wider we can distribute this list and the greater impact we’ll have. Donate

Thanks for your vigilance and support.

Report Wisconsin Anti-Gun Businesses Now

About:
WGO works for grassroots gun owners, not politicians. While many gun lobbies fight for “reasonable gun control,” WGO sets a higher standard: Defining the terrain of pro-gun political battle. Sure, many groups claim they’re “pro-gun” – all the while they provide cover for anti-gun deals cut by politicians – but only WGO truly informs gun owners, remaining committed to a 100% pro-gun position. We oppose all gun control – regardless of the political party – and work tirelessly to restore the Second Amendment. Visit www.wisconsingunowners.org

National Rifle Association

FAIRFAX, Va. --(Ammoland.com)- Earlier, the Joint Committee for the Review of Administrative Rules (JCRAR) voted in a 7 to 2 bi-partisan effort to address and eliminate portions of the emergency rules promulgated by the Department of Justice (DOJ) to implement Wisconsin Act 35, the new concealed carry law.

The Committee’s action focused on several portions of the emergency rules offered by Attorney General J.B. Van Hollen’s DOJ that exceeded his statutory authority and ignored clear legislative intent.

One of the most important actions involved the Legislature eliminating many of the onerous requirements associated with the information that must be provided on a license applicant’s training certificate (no training certificates issued anywhere in the country met the DOJ criteria prior to the announcement of the emergency rules).

Another involved the elimination of the requirement that all training classes be a minimum of four hours. This is an issue the Legislature debated during the process that culminated in the passage of the new law and it is clear that it never intended for the DOJ to impose any specific curriculum or length of training class requirements.

The NRA applauds members of the committee for ensuring the legislative intent and letter of the law is respected by the DOJ as it implements this essential self-defense law. Assembly Leader Scott Suder (R-69) deserves special thanks for his outstanding leadership in this rules review process.

Please contact and thank members of the JCRAR committee and Assembly Majority Leader Scott Suder and thank them for ensuring the opportunity of Wisconsin residents to defend themselves and their families is not arbitrarily restricted.

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. Visit: www.nra.org

About: Tom McHale describes himself as a conservative gun-totin’ bible-clingin’ literary assault dude who enjoys finding humor in just about anything. His web blog My Gun Culture is an irreverent, twisted look at gun news bordering on the ridiculous. It covers shootin’ stuff, loud noises, defending your own, the occasional mall ninja, and about 200 years of the American way. These are the (partially) true stories of My Gun Culture says Tom. Visit: www.mygunculture.com

Wisconsin Gun Owners

Wisconsin --(Ammoland.com)- Gun owners wishing to apply for a Wisconsin concealed carry permit may visit the Wisconsin Department of Justice website to print an application, which became live today.

Click Here for the WI DOJ Concealed Carry Page

Applications, proof of training and the $50 application fee may be mailed to:

A Wisconsin Hunter Education Certificate qualifies as sufficient training under this law. A duplicate may be purchased for $3.75 and printed using the Wisconsin Conservation Licensing System through the Wisconsin DNR.

Click here to obtain a duplicate.

Visit the WI DOJ webpage for additional FAQs on training requirements.

Businesses who don’t want the patronage of gun owners are now posting No Guns Allowed signs, as required by law. Please bookmark the WGO Don’t Buy List page and report any anti-gun businesses so we can disseminate this information to gun owners.

A Few Words on Constitutional Carry
When WGO was founded less than a decade ago, we were the sole voice fighting for Constitutional Carry (referred to then as “Vermont-style carry”) in Wisconsin.

And while some groups jumped on the Constitutional Carry bandwagon earlier this year when everyone assumed the newly-controlled legislature could easily pass it, many of these individuals or groups have become suspiciously quiet on the issue lately, and seem happy to accept today’s new permit law as a permanent inevitability.

But we have other plans.

It is one thing to give lip service to something when victory seems within easy reach.

It’s a completely different matter to fight when the going gets tough.

With that sentiment, we’ll let the other groups claim victory. For our part, we’d simply like to welcome you - and invite them - to Phase II of the fight to restore our inalienable right to bear arms.

Stand by for details on Constitutional Carry soon … and thanks for your support of gun rights in Wisconsin.

About:
WGO works for grassroots gun owners, not politicians. While many gun lobbies fight for “reasonable gun control,” WGO sets a higher standard: Defining the terrain of pro-gun political battle. Sure, many groups claim they’re “pro-gun” – all the while they provide cover for anti-gun deals cut by politicians – but only WGO truly informs gun owners, remaining committed to a 100% pro-gun position. We oppose all gun control – regardless of the political party – and work tirelessly to restore the Second Amendment. Visit www.wisconsingunowners.org

“‘Castle Doctrine’ establishes the presumption that an individual who forcibly enters ones home, business or occupied motor vehicle [emphasis added] is there to cause death or great bodily harm, and allows force, including deadly force, against that person.” – NRA-ILA e-mail alert 10/28/11

Wisconsin Gun Owners

Wisconsin --(Ammoland.com)- When you read the quote above, you’re no doubt thinking, “That sounds like a good thing.”

But upon closer examination you will notice that the “privilege” of self-defense that AB69 and SB79 purport to advance only apply to your home, business or inside your vehicle.

Inside your vehicle…?

Think about that for a moment.

Why is State Rep. Dean Kaufert refusing to amend castle doctrine legislation to include all areas where free people may go? Why is he restricting self-defense to the interior of your vehicle?

Bad guy approaching your car. Bad guy drawing weapon. Bad guy pointing weapon at your children.

At this point, you still don’t have the “privilege” of self-defense (according to this legislation), so hang tight and let him get closer … much closer.

Bad guy grabbing your car door. Bad guy … climbing inside. Is he inside the car? Is he close enough to touch your wife and grab your kids?

OK, NOW you may defend yourself.

Let me tell you something: If an attacker is inside your car, it’s too late.

The most outrageous thing about these bills is how Rep. Dean Kaufert (R-55th) and the establishment republicans are refusing to expand the legislation to “any place a person may legally be.”

This should be a very simple thing for a pro-gun legislator to do. So what’s the problem?

They’ve already refused to listen to gun owners who wanted the legislation to recognize the “right” of self-defense, and have instead opted to insult us by codifying this most basic of inalienable rights as a “privilege” – a clear step backwards.

Now, without this much-needed amendment, the legislation will be lacking in necessary areas of protection.

Is the institutional gun lobby silently ushering this bill along to give cover to state politicians?

Why won’t Rep. Dean Kaufert and the republican caucus act like they’re in power and make this bill a real slam-dunk pro-gun piece of legislation?

Why are they surrendering this fight when they control the legislature? (Did gun owners waste their votes on them?)

A vote is scheduled for today, Tuesday, Nov. 1 at 11 am. Therefore, you need to act quickly.

ACTION:

1. It is urgent that you call and e-mail Rep. Dean Kaufert 608-266-5719(Rep.Kaufert@legis.wisconsin.gov) and your representative (Click Here to find your state representative) urging them to amend AB69 and SB79 to include “any place a person may legally be.”
2. Contribute something to this lobbying campaign so we can effectively amend what should be good pro-gun legislation but is instead being hi-jacked by incompetence.

P.S. If you believe you have a right to self-defense any place you happen to be, then State Rep. Dean Kaufert (R-55) is working against you by refusing to amend castle doctrine legislation to include “any place you may legally be.” Rep. Kaufert and the republican caucus seem to think you need to let a mass murderer inside your vehicle before you may legally use deadly force in self-defense.

A vote is scheduled for Tuesday morning, 11/1, so call Rep. Kaufert immediately at 608-266-5719 and e-mail: Rep.Kaufert@legis.wisconsin.gov

Tell Rep. Kaufert you want AB69 amended and the vote delayed.

About:
WGO works for grassroots gun owners, not politicians. While many gun lobbies fight for “reasonable gun control,” WGO sets a higher standard: Defining the terrain of pro-gun political battle. Sure, many groups claim they’re “pro-gun” – all the while they provide cover for anti-gun deals cut by politicians – but only WGO truly informs gun owners, remaining committed to a 100% pro-gun position. We oppose all gun control – regardless of the political party – and work tirelessly to restore the Second Amendment. Visit www.wisconsingunowners.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 DNR

MADISON, WI --(Ammoland.com)- Reports from across Wisconsin indicate that white-tail deer movement has picked up considerably in the last week, with bucks beginning to pursue does even during the day.

The most activity continues to be near dusk and at night, and conservation wardens across the state are reporting increased numbers of car-vehicle collisions in the last week. Drivers should slow down and watch for deer along roads. If a deer crosses the road, be prepared for another deer following closely behind.

With leaf drop done across most of the north and progressing rapidly in central and southern Wisconsin, archery deer hunters reported a big increase in success this week, with many nice bucks reported. Crop harvest is also progressing rapidly, which is also making it easier for hunters to spot deer.

The strong winds of a week ago brought in the first flights of northern ducks and increased the number of Canada geese moving into the state. Diving duck numbers are building to peaks on the Upper Mississippi River and large inland water bodies. The aerial counts for pools 7, 8, and 9 on the Upper Miss exceeded 80,000 canvasbacks early last week.

Pheasant hunters are reporting very good success on the stocked state hunting grounds. Woodcock numbers also increased in many locations this week, as their migration seems to be peaking.

Trapping has begun and trappers are reporting increased numbers of raccoon and muskrat, with some potholes and marshes that were empty several years ago due to the drought showing muskrat houses again.

With all the hunting and trapping activity, fishing has been slower, but some very good reports are coming in from anglers who are still fishing. Water temperatures have now dropped into the low 50s and upper 40s on northern lakes, and many lakes either have or are turning over. Musky anglers have continued to provide most of the fishing pressure, with nearly all having switched to live suckers now. Some very good crappie and bluegill action is also being reported on the backwaters of the Mississippi and Wisconsin rivers.

Water flows on Lake Michigan tributaries have been kept pretty constant with some timely rains, but levels have now been dropping. This has helped to extend the fish run through October. Salmon were still being reported in most tributaries this week, but numbers have been declining. Egg collection at spawning facilities is coming to a close, after a very successful year.
DNR fish crews netting sturgeon on the Wisconsin River below the Prairie du Sac Dam this week pulled in a 46-and-a-half pound bighead carp, an invasive fish. This is the second bighead carp documented on the Lower Wisconsin River. Bighead carp are a concern because they eat plankton and can potentially decrease populations of native fish and mussels.

Common Loon migration has begun with birds moving into the bigger lakes in Southern Wisconsin and onto Lake Michigan to stage before they leave for the Gulf Coast for the winter. People can follow the loon migration online at the USGS Loon website (exit DNR).

Tamaracks, the only conifer in Wisconsin to turn color and drop leaves, are now bright gold across northern and central Wisconsin, and a second burst of fall color has arrived in southern Wisconsin this week, with trees that were green last week turning red/rust color, and many yellow leaves still holding on.

DNR Outdoor Report in Portable Document Format (Requires Adobe® Acrobat® Reader®)

Appleton Wisconsin Police on Concealed Carry

Wisconsin Gun Owners

Wisconsin --(Ammoland.com)- Capt. Rudy Nyman of the Appleton Police Department discusses the implementation of Wisconsin’s new concealed carry law.

Capt. Rudy Nyman of the Appleton Police Department discusses the implementation of Wisconsin’s new concealed carry law.

Note: We are not endorsing Captain Nyman’s comments, but rather posting this so you can be aware of the attitudes of police toward concealed carry permit holders.

Note also that Capt. Nyman says that all public buildings in Appleton will post to prohibit concealed carry (a citywide de facto suspension of constitutional rights).

That means there will be suspension of constitutional rights (both state and federal) in our government buildings (those owned by taxpayers) throughout Appleton.

This hearkens back to the days of segregation. And it could be taken as “Martial Law Lite.”  But no matter how you take it, WGO will be tackling these outrageous city-level gun bans and creation of criminal safe zones by our aldermen one by one.

What’s one way you can help us repeal these local gun bans? Join us in this battle:

Whatch Now

About:
WGO works for grassroots gun owners, not politicians. While many gun lobbies fight for “reasonable gun control,” WGO sets a higher standard: Defining the terrain of pro-gun political battle. Sure, many groups claim they’re “pro-gun” – all the while they provide cover for anti-gun deals cut by politicians – but only WGO truly informs gun owners, remaining committed to a 100% pro-gun position. We oppose all gun control – regardless of the political party – and work tirelessly to restore the Second Amendment. Visit www.wisconsingunowners.org

Wisconsin Carry

Wisconsin --(Ammoland.com)- The following letter was submitted to the state legislature this morning regarding Assembly Bill 237 which would grant police new statutory authority to arrest citizens for civil forfeiture violations (dog at large, fireworks violations, sending unsolicited fax) and hundreds of other minor infractions which currently police many not arrest for, only issue a citation.

Please share this letter with your state representatives and senators.

Last night Representative Farrow REMOVED himself as a co-author of the bill thanks to the efforts of our members who contacted him.  Please contact your reps and senators, share this letter, and ask them to REJECT Assembly bill 237.

You may locate your state legislators here:

http://legis.wisconsin.gov/w3asp/waml/waml.aspx

——————–

Dear Rep. Bies, Assembly rules committee, Assembly Criminal Justice Committee, et al,

On October 5th of this year a letter was submitted by Asst. Police Chief Dean J. Collins who is championing a request for the legislature to change state law with regard to forfeiture violations.

Currently there are violations which the state legislature felt were not serious enough offenses to warrant potential incarceration. Those violations are punishable only by civil forfeiture (fine).

Wisconsin Carry is mindful that the legislature is faced with a diverse assortment of requests for potential new legislation.  We are also aware that, unfortunately, it is nearly impossible for you to become an expert in each piece of legislation that you will evaluate and vote for in your capacity as a legislator.  For that reason you rely on what you hope to be the honest and truthful input from your constituencies.

The purpose of this letter is to bring to your attention some glaring and significant misrepresentation of fact that we have become aware of which occurred in both the letter submitted to the Criminal Justice Committee on October 5th, as well as the testimony given by Brookfield Asst. Police Chief Dean J. Collins on October 24th.

A copy of the letter is available here:

http://legis.wisconsin.gov/lc/comtmats/files/ab0237_20111019134400.pdf

A link to the video testimony is available here: (note Chief Collins testimony begins at approximately the 54 minute mark)

http://www.wiseye.org/videoplayer/vp.html?sid=7103

In the letter and video testimony, Asst. Chief Collins suggests that this legislation is necessary to protect municipalities from lawsuit for unlawful arrest.  Mr. Collins uses a lawsuit that Wisconsin Carry filed against the City of Brookfield and some of its police officers as evidence that this legislation is necessary.  It is important for the committee and legislature to be aware that the primary reason Brookfield was sued was because their officers initiated a felony stop with guns drawn against, made an unlawful arrest of, unlawfully searched a vehicle of, and unlawfully seized property of, one of our members *without probable cause* nor *reasonable suspicion* that she had committed any crime OR violation of any statute.

Let me be perfectly clear. Brookfield was not primarily sued because they lacked the statutory authority to arrest for unlawful transport.  Brookfield was sued because they had no probable cause or reasonable suspicion to detain or arrest our member for any reason at the time they initiated the felony stop against her.  Brookfield officers violated our members 14th amendment due process rights which incorporate the 4th amendment rights to be free from unlawful search and seizure.  If you pass this law, Brookfield would still have faced a nearly identical lawsuit and the outcome would have been identical.

Changing this law vastly expands police authority, but it *will not* protect Brookfield or any other municipality from the very same litigation that they faced and that other departments who violate the civil rights of our members will face in the future. It is our hope that we never have to file another lawsuit.  This will be possible if police departments around the state train their officers to understand the basic concepts of reasonable suspicion and probable cause before detaining or arresting people.  AB 237 will have the opposite affect.  It will perpetuate a false belief that police can arrest anyone, at any time.  Ironically, Wisconsin Carry believes that despite the months that have passed for Brookfield to conduct a full review of their procedures, Asst. Chief Collins testimony and his misconceptions about why his department was sued make a convincing argument that the people of Wisconsin need MORE legislative protections from law enforcement personnel who fail to grasp the basic US Constitutional rights that his officers violated in this situation, not less protections.  When civil rights are violated, the solution ought not to be to request new legislation to expand police power and erode citizen’s rights so they cannot be violated, but rather to end the practice of violation of people’s civil rights.

Furthermore, in the video testimony from Asst. Chief Collins he makes the statement that if the legislature does not pass this bill there will be “nothing the police can do” to enforce civil forfeitures.  This is also categorically false.  Police will continue to be able to issue citations for fines in these situations.  If those fines go unpaid,courts can and will continue to issue bench warrants for the arrest of the persons who do not pay their civil forfeiture.  This procedure has worked very well throughout the history of our state.

It is intellectually dishonest for Asst. Chief Collins to misrepresent this truth to the Criminal Justice Committee in his testimony.

State civil forfeiture violations are things the legislature felt were not serious enough violations to be punishable by jail, rather only monetary penalty.  Therefore the authority to arrest a person for those very same violations was not appropriate.  If the legislature now believes that there are some violations that are currently only civil forfeitures that the legislature believes *should* be punishable by greater penalties than we would encourage the legislature to address those individually and make those specific violations crimes so that law enforcement can exercise the statutory authority to arrest that already exists under state law, and NOT create new legislation that gives the police blanket authority to arrest citizens for violations so simple as “dog at large” “sending an unsolicited fax” or “fireworks violations” just to name a few.

We recognize the police would surely like to have the power to arrest anyone at any time for any violation no matter how minor, but we believe that a *critical* role of government has always been to limit the authority of law enforcement to a specifically defined set of parameters and thus protect the civil rights of citizens and provide protection from an over-reach of authority and prevent a move toward a police state.

Thank-you for your thoughtful consideration.  On behalf of the Wisconsin Carry, Inc. Board of Directors and our membership in the State of Wisconsin, we urge you to reject Assembly Bill 237.

Carry On,

About:
Wisconsin Carry, Inc. is a non-profit corporation dedicated to the preservation and reclamation of the rights of law-abiding Wisconsin residents to carry in the manner of their choosing. We believe that “open carry” and “concealed carry” are choices to be made by law-abiding citizens based on their situation and preference. Wisconsin Carry, like many gun-rights organizations in Wisconsin, is investing a great deal of resources to get Wisconsin law changed to allow concealed carry this next legislative session by proposing Constitutional Carry. Wisconsin Carry, Inc. will continue to use legal recourse to deter unlawful treatment of law-abiding Wisconsin residents who currently exercise their right to open carry, and soon will exercise their right to concealed carry in Wisconsin. Visit: www.wisconsincarry.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

National Association for Gun Rights

Colorado -–(Ammoland.com)- They just can’t keep their hands off of your rights.

The ink is hardly dry on your new compromised CCW law, and now Wisconsin Attorney General J.B. Van Hollen is inventing ways to shred your self-defense rights.

And he’s doing it at your expense.

State Senator Pam Galloway (R-Wausau) sponsored a concealed carry bill that Van Hollen is now trying to rewrite to include specific training requirements…

…Training requirements that lawmakers deliberately excluded from the bill!

Sen. Galloway stated that Hollen’s rewriting of the bill is “outrageous and a clear overreach.”

You and I both know Senators and Representatives are supposed to write legislation – not an Attorney General with a chip on his shoulder.

But that’s not the weirdest part. Guess what? Hollen is a yet another RINO (Republican-In-Name-Only) who was endorsed by the NRA.

Of course, as both you and I know, that works conveniently as “cover” for a politician.

And it seems to be more and more common to see a politician meddling with Second Amendment freedoms while holding up their NRA endorsement as “proof” that they are “pro-gun.”

Luckily, people like you and I pay closer attention than that. I need you to make a fuss – RIGHT NOW!

Give Attorney General Van Hollen an earful at (608) 266-1221. Let Van Hollen know that it isn’t his job to rewrite legislation. Tell him to stop jerking around with Wisconsin’s permit system.

Tell him gun owners won’t forget this attack on their self-defense rights.

P.S. Give Attorney General Van Hollen an earful at (608) 266-1221. Let Van Hollen know that it isn’t his job to rewrite legislation. Tell him to stop jerking around with Wisconsin’s permit system.

About:
The National Association for Gun Rights 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. The National Association for Gun Rights’ mailing address is P.O 7002, Fredericksburg, VA 22404. They can be contacted toll-free at 1-877-405-4570. Its web address is 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.

Wisconsin Gun Owners Don't Buy List Combats Gun-Free Killing Zones

Wisconsin Gun Owners

Wisconsin --(Ammoland.com)- Wisconsin’s new concealed carry law requires businesses to post “No Guns Allowed” signs if they want to keep gun owners with concealed carry permits out.

This is outrageous. But thankfully there’s a solution.

Of course, these idiotic signs advertise to everyone that they are a Criminal Safe Zone — an easy target for mass-murdering thugs.

The good news is this: We will find out very quickly who is pro-gun and who is anti-gun.

Don’t Buy List
I’d like to introduce a new WGO program called the Don’t Buy List.

You see, the Don’t Buy List Program is simple, and it’s been used by our pro-gun friends in other states to great effect. Here’s how.

When you encounter a business that won’t serve you because you’re armed, you’ll fill out and mail us a card, or fill out a form on our website that will alert us to the business in question. You can even remain completely anonymous. When we get this information, the business is placed on the Watchlist (which is not published). We then send a polite (but firm) letter to the business giving them a chance to “see the light.”

If they take down the signs, no action is needed, we win. If they don’t, they are placed on the public Don’t Buy List and immediately begin to lose customers.

The letter goes something like this…

We have been advised that your business is posting signs which prohibit citizens from carrying licensed concealed handguns. We freely acknowledge that it is your right to post a sign which effectively announces “Rob me. I’m unarmed.”

But by posting, you force law-abiding citizens who have gone to great trouble and expense to earn permits to leave the firearms they carry for protection at home, thereby defeating the intent of the law. Attorneys note that you might incur liability exposure by preventing citizens from protecting themselves as allowed by Wisconsin law.

We do not regard personal protection reform as just a gun issue, but rather one of empowering citizens to protect themselves when police are not able. We continue …

Accordingly, we have created the “WGO Don’t Buy List” .

Your business is slated to be added to a periodically-updated list which is distributed to tens of thousands of gun owners through gun shops, gun shows, concealed handgun classes, the Internet, sporting clubs, our newsletter and, frankly, any other available means. Recipients of the list will be advised to consider whether a business supports their right to personal protection when deciding where to spend money.

Your business will be added to the WGO Don’t Buy List if you do not notify us immediately that either an error has been made or that you have removed the signs. Your business will be removed from the list only when signs are removed.

An estimated 270,000+ Wisconsin residents will eventually take concealed handgun classes.

With your support of this program, we will send copies of the WGO Don’t Buy List to as many of those people as possible.

With the economy being what it is today, no business in Wisconsin can afford to lose any customers. They sure can’t afford to alienate gun owners in a state where opening day of gun deer season is virtually a national holiday.

Please do two things today. One, bookmark this page. If you encounter an anti-CCW business, fill out the form and let us know about it.

This program is not for sissies or crybabies.

If you don’t mind being segregated to the back of the bus and treated like a second-class citizen because you’re a gun owner, then please e-mail me your best excuse as to why you can’t support this program.

If, however, you truly want to make a difference for gun rights, then please do what you can to support the WGO Don’t Buy List.

Also your financial support will give us the resources to print and mail the Don’t Buy List postcards, print and mail the list to gun owners and hire additional help to manage the program. Please consider donating to WGO.

Remember to bookmark the Don’t Buy List form page. And be on the lookout. If you spot an anti-gun sign, take a photo, jot down some notes and utilize this page.

Sincerely,

About:
WGO works for grassroots gun owners, not politicians. While many gun lobbies fight for “reasonable gun control,” WGO sets a higher standard: Defining the terrain of pro-gun political battle. Sure, many groups claim they’re “pro-gun” – all the while they provide cover for anti-gun deals cut by politicians – but only WGO truly informs gun owners, remaining committed to a 100% pro-gun position. We oppose all gun control – regardless of the political party – and work tirelessly to restore the Second Amendment. Visit www.wisconsingunowners.org

Wisconsin Carry

Wisconsin --(Ammoland.com)- On June 6th, 2009, Dave Bernson, a Wisconsin Carry member was unlawfully arrested in his home by a Milwaukee Police Officer after he had been legally carrying in the only manner allowed by Wisconsin law (open carry).

Mr. Bernson’s house and vehicle were searched without his consent and without a warrant.

A legally owned handgun was seized by the police. Mr. Bernson was then transported to a Milwaukee jail facility where he was later released without any charges being filed.

After Mr. Berson applied for the return of his property from the Milwaukee Police Department over a month later, he was then issued a citation for unlawful transport of a firearm by the MPD. A Milwaukee circuit judge later dismissed that frivolous citation. Despite there being no charges and no convictions of any crime or wrong-doing by Mr. Bernson his unlawfully seized firearm was not returned.

On Jan. 10th, 2010, Wisconsin Carry, Inc filed a lawsuit against the City of Milwaukee and the arresting MPD officer on Mr. Bernson’s behalf to seek damages for his unlawful arrest and seizure of his property. A copy of that lawsuit is available here:

www.wisconsincarry.org/pdf/GFSZA_Legal_Documents/03_GFSZ_Complaint_A2.pdf

Wisconsin Carry is pleased to announce that a settlement in the amount of $6,500 has been reached with The City of Milwaukee to resolve this lawsuit and compensate Mr. Bernson for the violation of his civil rights. A copy of the settlement agreement is available here:

www.wisconsincarry.org/pdf/GFSZA_Legal_Documents/Resolution-of-Settlement-Oct-2011-10-12-04.pdf

—

A quick note to pass along:

There is an Open Carry Picnic:
Sunday October 9, 2011
Noon – 4:00 PM
Marathon Trap and Sportsman’s Club
West of Wausau
Exit 188 on I39/US 51 to County N and drive West 7 miles

Open carry encouraged but not required. This is not a WCI event, but we have been invited to attend and we will have a table set up.

Carry On,

About:
Wisconsin Carry, Inc. is a non-profit corporation dedicated to the preservation and reclamation of the rights of law-abiding Wisconsin residents to carry in the manner of their choosing. We believe that “open carry” and “concealed carry” are choices to be made by law-abiding citizens based on their situation and preference. Wisconsin Carry, like many gun-rights organizations in Wisconsin, is investing a great deal of resources to get Wisconsin law changed to allow concealed carry this next legislative session by proposing Constitutional Carry. Wisconsin Carry, Inc. will continue to use legal recourse to deter unlawful treatment of law-abiding Wisconsin residents who currently exercise their right to open carry, and soon will exercise their right to concealed carry in Wisconsin. Visit: www.wisconsincarry.org

Wisconsin Carry

Wisconsin --(Ammoland.com)- With the plethora of municipalities taking up gun-bans/posting of government buildings, in preparation for the new concealed carry law to take effect Nov. 1 we have seen scores of municipalities take up this issue.

Some have made wise choices and ALLOWED guns in local government buildings (city hall, library, etc)

Unfortunately, many have chosen to follow ignorance and emotion and decided to post city buildings:

I have been asked by a few members for talking points to use when they attend their local meetings to push back/advocate for the common sense of allowing carry by the law-abiding.

Here are some suggested talking points that you might get an idea or two from that perhaps you haven’t already. As you attend your local city council meetings when these issues are discussed, feel free to use some, or all of these in addition to your own ideas.

First: As a matter of principle, its immoral for the city government to deny a citizen their constitutionally guaranteed HUMAN right to self-defense in buildings that the very citizen pays for through their taxes. Those are not private buildings, they are government buildings, but a government “of the people”. Ultimately they ARE the people’s buildings. If we embrace a government “of the people” how can we deny citizens a constitutional right to carry in their own buildings? Its immoral. They mayor doesn’t own the building. He didn’t pay for it. The city council doesn’t own the buildings. They didn’t pay for it. The taxpayers paid for it.

Second: I would ask the council members if they honestly believe that a sign will stop a deranged lunatic from coming into the city hall (or the city library, etc) with a gun. In an era of growing frustration with government, the potential for a lunatic on a shooting rampage does exist (we saw it in Florida at a school board meeting, we saw it in Missouri) A deranged shooter will ignore the sign and every law-abiding person inside will have left their means to defend themselves in their car.

I might pose the question to the council, if some lunatic is unable to pay their property tax bill and decides to go on a suicidal shooting rampage at the city council meeting, do you want to be sitting where you are with no means to defend yourself or would you wish that someone in that room stop the threat and save lives.

I would tell them “god forbid what happened at that board meeting in Florida or in Missouri happens here”, but if someone lunatic comes in and points a gun at you and starts shooting. As everyone dives under the desk, in that moment, will you regret that you prohibited EVERY “good guy” in the room from having a gun who could save your life. Will you (city council members) regret that your signs not only created an environment where should a lunatic come in and start shooting, no one will be able to stop it, but your signs will ALSO give a lunatic a sense of confidence that the city council meeting is a GOOD place to go on a shooting rampage because the prohibition on guns means everyone in there is unarmed.

Its noteworthy that around the country, deranged lunatic’s DO NOT go into police stations [or gun shows] and start shooting. They go in schools and universities and school board meetings, and city council meetings where guns are PROHIBITED. I don’t think this is coincidence. I think lunatics want easy prey. If they just wanted to die, they could kill themselves. They want to inflict mass casualties before they do. That’s why they usually don’t go on shooting rampages in police stations where there are guns that could stop them.

They find places where guns are prohibited and they go on a rampage there.

Tell them to be COMPASSIONATE towards the men and women of (your city here) who want to protect themselves from the crime that will inevitably someday seep outward from (insert nearest major city here) and not to impose these bans on their ability to be carrying when they go into a city building.

Tell them that fearing a law-abiding citizen who carries for self defense and would never draw a gun unless a life was in danger MORE than they would fear a lunatic criminal who would be hell-bent on mass casualties lacks any logic what-so-ever.

Lastly, you could tell them that places with “no guns” signs posted would make the parking lot a target for thieves because they know there is a high likelihood that guns would have been left in the vehicle because they are prohibited in the building. A city council meeting at night that lasts several hours would give a criminal ample opportunity to break into cars in the parking lot to steal guns left there.

One quick announcement:
The “Uninfringed Liberty Group” is hosting its 3rd annual right-to-carry tea-party. It will be held on October 22, 2011 from 1 – 4 pm at the band shell at Lakefront Park in Hudson, WI. It doesn’t appear their website www.uninfringedliberty.com is updated with any other information at this time, but check in the near future for more details. Open-carry encouraged but not required at the event.

Carry On!

About:
Wisconsin Carry, Inc. is a non-profit corporation dedicated to the preservation and reclamation of the rights of law-abiding Wisconsin residents to carry in the manner of their choosing. We believe that “open carry” and “concealed carry” are choices to be made by law-abiding citizens based on their situation and preference. Wisconsin Carry, like many gun-rights organizations in Wisconsin, is investing a great deal of resources to get Wisconsin law changed to allow concealed carry this next legislative session by proposing Constitutional Carry. Wisconsin Carry, Inc. will continue to use legal recourse to deter unlawful treatment of law-abiding Wisconsin residents who currently exercise their right to open carry, and soon will exercise their right to concealed carry in Wisconsin. Visit: www.wisconsincarry.org

Wisconsin DNR

MADISON, WI --(Ammoland.com)- Temperatures were comfortable for the first few days of the archery deer, squirrel, turkey, and exterior goose seasons last Saturday, but rain on Sunday made many hunters stay home.

Youth waterfowl hunters reported good success during their two-day hunt, with mostly blue-wing teal, mallards and wood ducks harvested, along with some geese.

Turkey hunters report turkeys are still flocked up in family groups.

Archery hunters had some success on opening weekend in southern Wisconsin, with a number of registration stations having some deer brought in, with most of the bucks having polished antlers and gray winter coats. Bucks are still grouped up and many are still in summer patterns, but the cooler weather is starting to get deer moving, so drivers should start being more aware of deer crossing roads.

The northern duck zone and new Mississippi duck and Canada goose zone seasons open this Saturday, and waterfowlers out scouting are reporting increasing numbers of migratory geese moving into the state and just a few northern ducks starting to show up. Wildlife crews have been out activating banding locally breeding ducks at major wildlife areas, and are reporting good numbers of mallards and wood ducks. Hunters that shoot a banded duck are asked to go online to www.reportband.gov and report the band number and where the bird was harvested.

With so many hunting seasons open, fishing pressure showed a sharp drop on many waters. In the north, there have still been quite a few musky anglers out and they have been seeing quite a bit of action along the deep weed edges. Some anglers have started dragging suckers with only mediocre success due to the warm early fall water temperatures. Walleye fishing has been steadily improving. Bass continue to be found in relatively shallow water with the best action late afternoons after the water has warmed up.

Bluegills were being caught throughout the Mississippi River backwaters. White bass and walleye were being caught below dams on the Rock River and catfishing has been good on the Crawfish River.

Strong southeast winds in the last week have made fishing on Green Bay and Lake Michigan difficult. Anglers continued to report some walleye and perch on the west shore off Oconto and some perch action at Little Sturgeon Bay on the Door County. Salmon were scattered up the Manitowoc and Twin rivers, but only a small number were seen by the dams with few caught. Similarly, despite some rain in the last week, water levels remain low on southeastern Lake Michigan tributaries, and few salmon have started to move upstream yet, though some were reported on the Sheboygan and Root rivers.

Sandhill cranes are flocking up and some large groups are being seen. Blackbirds are forming some very large flocks also. There have been several reports in southern Wisconsin of collared whooping cranes being seen. Waterfowl hunters are being cautioned to make sure they watch out for whooping cranes and trumpeter swans.

Fall color is really starting to come on in the north, with about a dozen counties now reporting colors at 25 to 50 percent and Vilas County reporting color at 50 to 75 percent on the Department of Tourism’s Fall Color Report (exit DNR).

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 Gun Owners

Wisconsin --(Ammoland.com)- As a political lobbying organization, WGO works to defend and restore your right to keep and bear arms.

And if you’ve been a supporter of WGO for any amount of time, you know there simply isn’t a more committed gun rights organization in Wisconsin pushing for Constitutional Carry (no permit carry).

Even so, there will be many Wisconsinites rushing out to get a permit to carry a gun this fall. According to a recent news report, over 270,000 people have been licensed to carry a handgun in Michigan since that state passed its CCW license system nearly a decade ago. I expect the number of Wisconsinites to meet or exceed that number over time.

However, just because you have a permit to carry a gun, doesn’t mean you’re necessarily prepared to do so. That’s because carrying a loaded handgun carries with it inherent liabilities. It isn’t just about what’s the best handgun, or the most effective ammo, holster or other gear, though those are indeed important considerations.

I’m talking about taking the time and spending some of your money on educational resources to get the training needed to win a gunfight. Ironically, if you were to use a gun in self-defense, there’s a good chance you’ll find yourself facing an additional threat: The anti-gun District Attorney, who is now out to skewer you alive with a manslaughter or murder charge.

Can You Articulate?
I’ve spent the last several years studying everything I can get my hands on about the judicious use of self-defense and I am still struck by the fact that Defensive Gun Uses (DGUs) rarely happen as they are depicted by Hollywood.

Even in the best of circumstances (in which you survive the gunfight), the prospect of being railroaded by a prosecutor hell-bent on portraying you as a radical gun nut with a trigger finger — and the dead attacker as a poor victim and nice kid — is very real.

Are you able to articulate to a jury and other triers of fact that you were a reluctant participant? Can you communicate a reasonable and immediate fear of death or bodily harm? Did options other than deadly force exist? Did you try but were unable to retreat? What should you say to the police?

Concealed Carry Program
To help you answer these questions, we’ve launched the WGO Concealed Carry Program. Simply put, it’s a way for you to get your hands on the best educational resources — from authors like Massad Ayoob, books published by Gun Digest and DVDs like the excellent Thunder Ranch series with Clint Smith.

By supporting this win-win program, you give WGO the resources to lobby for your rights and teach more people about the responsible use of defensive handguns. And you get a package of stuff that will help you be prepared — for the thug on the street or the prosecutor in the courtroom. Be on the lookout for more details coming soon.

Don’t Buy List
The other initiative we’re launching is the Don’t Buy List. If the experience of other states is any indication, once Nov. 1 rolls around you’ll see businesses posting “No Guns Allowed” signs. Business owners are within their rights to post these offensive displays of ignorance, but it’s our right to take our business elsewhere — and let them know about it. In fact, with the economy being what it is, no business in Wisconsin can afford to lose any customers, let alone to alienate gun owners. Our Don’t Buy List will send a polite but strong message to anti-gun businesses: Serve gun owners or lose our business. Of course, I welcome your ideas for improving this program.

E-mail me at executivedirector@ wisconsingunowners.org

About:
WGO works for grassroots gun owners, not politicians. While many gun lobbies fight for “reasonable gun control,” WGO sets a higher standard: Defining the terrain of pro-gun political battle. Sure, many groups claim they’re “pro-gun” – all the while they provide cover for anti-gun deals cut by politicians – but only WGO truly informs gun owners, remaining committed to a 100% pro-gun position. We oppose all gun control – regardless of the political party – and work tirelessly to restore the Second Amendment. Visit www.wisconsingunowners.org

ATF Announces $5,000 Reward In Wisconsin's Fletcher Arms Gun Theft

Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives

ST. PAUL, Minn. --(Ammoland.com)- ATF is offering a reward of up to $5,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for the theft of firearms from Fletcher Arms, Waukesha, Wis., announced Special Agent in Charge Bernard J. Zapor of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) St. Paul Field Division,

Approximately 30 firearms were stolen in a Sept. 2 burglary from Fletcher Arms, a federally licensed firearms dealer.

ATF and the Waukesha Police Department are investigating the theft.

“We are asking for the public’s help to recover these firearms and bring the person or persons responsible for this crime to justice,” said Zapor.

Any information regarding this burglary should be reported to ATF at 1 (800) ATF-GUNS (800-283-4867) or Waukesha Police Department at (262) 524-3814.

Fletcher Arms

More information about ATF and its programs is available at www.atf.gov