Take a Look at Tom Remington’s Post

On 31 August 2009, I wrote about  Montana’s Firearms Freedom Act.      Tom Remington (Black Bear Blog) has an update that ‘tells it like it is!’

Title of Posting: CNN Covers Montana’s Firearms Freedom Act

Dated: September 8, 2009

URL: http://mainehuntingtoday.com/bbb/2009/09/08/cnn-covers-montanas-firearms-freedom-act/#comment-145194

State's Rights vs. Federal Rights

Added  Benefits: He has audio and a You-Tube Video on the subject (on the site)!  Check it out!

This will be fascinating to watch!  Essentially, Montana has thrown down the gauntlet to the federal government.  The problem: The fed’s  intrusion into the lawful ownership of guns.

Part 2: Ah Fall, Can Gun Legislation Be Far Behind?

Here’s some more fun from LaLa Land (also known as ‘congress’)

Handgun Safety and Registration Act

Guns and Congress - An Unhealthy Combination!

Emails: Essentially  they all claim that  the  US Congress has a bill before them that  would require all handgun owners to list  their handguns on their federal tax forms.

Senate Bill 2099  would require all guns be  listed on the 2009 tax forms and a $50 tax/gun be paid.

If you  like to watch your blood pressure reach the top of the charts, don’t miss  reading:   http://www.snopes.com/politics/guns/taxreturns.asp

The Truth :  The truth is much  less sinister; SB-2099 was before Congress in 2000, not the year 2009 (old news).  It went no-where in Congress.

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Blair Holt Bill of 2009

Haven’t we heard  of this bill before?  Yep! This bill was first submitted in 2007.   More info: http://www.snopes.com/politics/guns/blairholt.asp

Emails::  There’s a list of things that would change in relation to guns.  In a phrase:  no license = no gun.

This bill also  addresses any semiautomatic firearm (that can accept any detachable ammunition-feeding device). Same idea:   no license = no gun.

The bill directs the Attorney  General to set up and run a federal record of sales system. It would be a criminal act not to register  as the owner of a firearm.

The emails go on to itemize  other requirements:

- all guns be sold through a licensed dealer,

- a driver’s license  #,

- your Social Security  Number,

- fingerprinting  of the applicant,

- a physical  and mental evaluation

- $25  fee each time a gun is sold; sale must be registered

- failure  to abide by above provision = loss of right to own gun + 1 year in            jail!

- All firearms must be locked and unavailable to folks under the age of 18.

- The govt. would  have the right to come in and inspect if guns are locked and  unavailable to those under 18.

- If owners  do not have the gun thus described (safe, locked), the fine is 5 years in jail!

The Truth :  The application has 10 parts for an applicant –

1) Provide  a clear, passport-type photo with a clear likeness

2) Name, address, Date of Birth,

3) Any other names this person has ever used or by which this applicant has        ever been known.

4) A clear thumb print

5) A statement from state and federal govt. that this person is not barred                from owning a firearm.

6) Certification by the applicant that he/she will not store guns where those           under 18 can get to them.

7)  Certificate of written firearms examination, relating to –

* safe storage of guns, particularly away from those under 18 years

* safe handling of firearms

* use of guns in the home and dangers of their use

* legal responsibilities of owner in relation to federal, state and local laws

* any other subjects the Attorney General may deem necessary

8  Authorization for release of any/all mental health records of               applicant to Attorney General

9)  Date of application.

10) Signature of applicant.

The good news is that there is no one willing to co-sponsor this bill.   Most representatives think this is an issue they don’t want to lose their seat over; and that says volumes!

For this nonsense, we pay those folks big bucks (& unbelievable health care)!

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This blog is a companion to my website: EasyOnlineOrdering.com

Ah Fall, Can Gun Legislation Be Far Behind?

Guns and Government -- An Ugly Combination!

As the days shorten and the heat gives way to balmier weather, can gun legislation be far behind?  These are issues making their way around the Internet.

Oklahoma

Emails: It  seems that citizens and states are getting nervous about the federal government’s encroachment  into their perceived domain, especially regarding guns.

The Truth: Oklahoma passed a resolution in April of 2009, demanding that the federal government “cease and desist” mandates beyond those outlined in the Constitution.

The 10th Amendment of the US Constitution is cited as the relevant document that states the federal government’s rights and obligations. (Of course, no one mentions that US presidents have been ignoring the 10th Amendment since the days of FDR!)

This declaration was a resolution, not a law, and therefore is a symbolic act which has no legal effect.” (direct quote from www.snopes.com, http://www.snopes.com/inboxer/pending/oklahoma.asp).

Montana

Emails: This state went a step (or two) further. The emails flying around indicate that Montana has defied the federal government in relation to gun ownership.

The belief of these organizers is that the federal government wants to confiscate all firearms (a non-surprise).  Essentially, the emails indicate that Montana has the right to defy the federal claims of having the right to control arms.

The Truth: (Again from Snopes.com, http://www.snopes.com/politics/guns/montana.asp) In April 2009, Montana passed the Montana Firearms Freedom Act.

Essentially it throws down the gauntlet to the federal government: “A personal firearm, a firearm accessory or ammunition that is manufactured commercially or privately in Montana and remains in the borders of Montana is not subject to federal law or federal regulation, including registration, under the authority of congress to regulate interstate commerce.”

This fancy bit of wording means that Montana says that the federal government has no right to regulate the firearms owned in Montana.

They are saying that:  Just because the federals have the right to regulate commerce (between states, etc.), that does not give them the right to regulate firearms that have nothing to do with interstate commerce.

The only problem with this feisty law is that states do not have the right to nullify federal laws. The Supreme Court is likely to shoot Montana’s law down (pun intended).

Finally

Lest you think that is all that our legislators in LaLa Land are up to, come back tomorrow. If you have “anger management issues,”  it would be best to skip tomorrow’s posting!

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This blog is a companion to my website: EasyOnlineOrdering.com

Update: Ammunition Accountability Legislation

A few months ago, I warned about this problem, trickling its way through the state legislatures.  Here’s the article, shortened.

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Ammunition Accountability Legislation

Trouble Afoot!

This bill is being pushed in 18 states & requires all ammunition to be encoded by the manufacturer into a data base of all ammunition sales. They will know how much you buy and what calibers.

Nobody can sell any ammunition after June 30, 2009 unless the ammunition is coded.

Any privately held uncoded ammunition must be destroyed by July 1, 2011.

To find more about the anti-gun group that is sponsoring this legislation and the specific legislation for each state, go to:

http://ammunitionaccountability.org/Legislation.htm

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Today, I found this info @ National Association for Guns Rights

(http://www.nationalgunrights.org/ammoaccountability.shtml)

I’ve been wondering if these bills had gotten anywhere in the states where they were proposed. Again, this is a shortened version. You can go to the site for more info.

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The Real Story

Ammo Accountability group has patents on technology used to enforce legislation they sponsor

The Ammunition Accountability Act and corresponding website are run by a company that developed the technology necessary to enforce the same legislation they lobby for. In other words, the founders of the Ammunition Accountability Act are pushing legislation which will have a direct and substantial financial benefit to them.

The legislation calls for each individual piece of ammunition produced to be etched or stamped with a unique serial number. This patented technology was developed by Russ Ford and his business partners (of Seattle, Washington).

Ford and his associates were unable to convince any ammunition manufacturers to use their technology, so they hired a lobbyist to push for state-level ammo tagging legislation.

Ostensibly Ford and company are billing this legislation as a way to stop violent crime by tracking handgun and “assault weapon” ammunition.

However, the sample text of their legislation — provided on their website — would outlaw the ownership of all non-tagged ammo of any caliber.

Not only does the legislation directly aim to financial benefit Ford and his business partners, but it will push most ammunition manufactures out of business, and make home reloading ammunition illegal.

Their legislation has been introduced in 18 states, however none of introduced pieces of legislation have gotten beyond committee hearings in any state. All the introduced bills died on their respective calendars when each state legislative session adjourned sine die.

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Sounds like your legislators heard you screaming!

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This blog is a companion to my website: www.EasyOnlineOrdering.com

Here We Go Again: HR 45 Blair Holt Firearm Licensing & Record of Sales Act of 2009

Gun Control by Secrecy

It’s very important to be aware of a new bill HR 45 introduced into the House.
This is the Blair Holt Firearm Licensing & Record of Sale Act of 2009.
Even gun shop owners didn’t know about this because it is flying under the radar.

To find out about this – go to any government website and type in “HR 45” or Google  – HR 45 Blair Holt Firearm Licensing & Record of Sales Act of 2009.

You will get all the information.

Basically this would make it illegal to own a firearm – any rifle with a clip or ANY pistol unless:

-It is registered
-You are fingerprinted
-You supply a current Driver’s License
-You supply your Social Security #
-You will submit to a physical & mental evaluation at any time of their choosing
-Each update – change or ownership through private or public sale must be reported and costs $25
-Failure to do so you automatically lose the right to own a firearm and are subject up to a year in jail.
-There is a child provision clause on page 16 section 305 stating a child-access provision. Gun must be locked and inaccessible to any child under 18.

The Government would have the right to come and inspect that you are storing your gun safely away from accessibility to children and fine is punishable for up to 5 yrs. in prison.

If you think this is a joke – go to the website and take your pick of many options to read this…
http://www.opencong ress.org/ bill/111- h45/text

It is long.  Help more people become aware of this …. Pass the word along.

Any hunters in your family – pass this along.

The best way to fight this is to tell all your friends about it and “spring into action”.

Consider joining a pro-gun group like the Colorado Rifle Association, hunting associations, gun clubs and especially the NRA.

This is just a “termite” approach to complete confiscation of guns and disarming of our society to the point we have no defense – chip away a little here and there until the goal is accomplished before anyone realizes it.

This is one to act on whether you own a gun or not.

The Second Amendment…America’s original Homeland Security

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I’ve printed this because I have absolutely no faith in our government. However, there is a more balanced view of this to be read here:

http://www.snopes.com/politics/guns/blairholt.asp

A Call to Action: Ammunition Accountability Legislation

A Plan to Take Your Ammo!

It has already started…

Ammunition Accountability Legislation

Remember how Obama said that he wasn’t going to take your guns? Well, it seems that his allies in the anti-gun world have no problem with taking your ammo!

The bill that is being pushed in 18 states (including Illinois and Indiana) requires all ammunition to be encoded by the manufacturer into a data base of all ammunition sales. So they will know how much you buy and what calibers.

Nobody can sell any ammunition after June 30, 2009 unless the ammunition is coded.

Any privately held uncoded ammunition must be destroyed by July 1, 2011. (Including hand loaded ammo.)

They will also
charge a .05 cent tax on every round so every box of ammo you buy will go up at least $1.00 or more, a brick of 22’s will go
up enormously!

If they can deprive you of ammo they do not need to take your gun!

This legislation is currently pending in 18 states: Alabama, Arizona, California, Connecticut, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee and Washington.

Send to your friends in these states AND fight to dissolve this BILL!!
To find more about the anti-gun group that is sponsoring this legislation and the
specific legislation for each state, go to:
http://ammunitionaccountability.org/Legislation.htm

“We cannot expect the Americans to jump from capitalism to Communism, but we can
assist their elected leaders in giving Americans small doses of socialism until they suddenly
awake to find they have Communism.”

- Soviet Leader Nikita Khrushchev, 1959

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I could not believe this was true and checked with Snopes;  Snopes.com says this is “undetermined.”

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“Thanks” to Dorothy139 for letting me know about this issue!

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What is the Definition of a ‘Spike’ Deer?

Unbranched Antlers

According to the dictionary, a spike is an unbranched antler of a young deer.  Therefore, a spike deer is one that has unbranched antlers.

Before you get dewy eyed about this cute creature, please be aware that it is not what you want in your deer herd, if you are trying to manage for better deer yields.

Same Song, A Different Verse

If you are interested in  learning about this issue, I’ve written a series of 4 articles about ‘when to take (harvest) spike deer.’

Don’t take my word for it: Texas Parks & Wildlife and Texas A & M University have done extensive testing to prove their claims.  My articles rephrase and explain their hypothesis.

1) Should I Shoot a Spike While Hunting White- posted  21 Nov. ‘08

2) Why Don’t We Just Let that Little Spike Grow Up?      24 Nov. ‘08

3) What About Spikes While Whitetail Deer Hunting?     26 Nov. ‘08

4) “This Spike is Better Lookin’ Than Any Ol’                      28 Nov. ‘08
6 Point Deer!”

In a Nutshell

For those who just read the last page of a book: Spikes do not carry the genes for gorgeous racks. Culling them from the herd, before they can breed with the does, reduces their numbers – eventually.

This leaves antlered deer to breed and pass on their genes for full racks.

Does have an important role in all of this and TP&W also offers advice in this area.  From what I’ve read, managers who have taken their advice have noticed improved yields from their lands.

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This posting is in response to a question asked online recently.

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This is a companion to my website: EasyOnlineOrdering.com

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The Story of an 8 year-old & an Uzi

Submachines & Kids - A Deadly Combo!

Christopher Bizilj (bah-SEAL’) of Ashford, Conn., and his father, Charles, were on their way to Westfield Sportsman’s Club.

A Machine Gun Shoot and Firearms Expo

Pelham Police Chief Edward Fleury owns the COP Firearms & Training, which was sponsoring the Machine Gun Shoot and Firearms Expo.

The show sounded like fun:  An advertisement said it would include machine gun demonstrations and rentals and free handgun lessons.

“It’s all legal & fun — No permits or licenses required!!!!” reads the ad.

“You will be accompanied to the firing line with a Certified Instructor to guide you. But You Are In Control — “FULL AUTO ROCK & ROLL,” the ad said.

Hundreds Came to the Show

The machine gun shoot drew hundreds of people to the sporting club.  Charles Bizilj said his son had experience firing handguns and rifles but the gun show was going to be his first time with an automatic weapon.

With his father 10 feet behind him, reaching for a camera, Christopher took the Uzi in hand and fired.

Chritopher lost control of the 9mm micro submachine gun as it recoiled while he was firing at a pumpkin. He  shot himself in the head.

Legal Outcome

Police Chief Edward Fleury was indicted on involuntary manslaughter, as were Carl Guiffre of Hartford, Conn., and Domenico Spano, of New Milford, Conn.

The latter two men brought the submachine gun to the show after assurances from Fleury that it was legal under Massachusetts law, District Attorney William Bennett said.

Mr. Bennett has a different spin on the issue:  ”A Micro Uzi is made by and for the Israeli Special Forces. This weapon has a rate of fire of 1,700 rounds per minute. It is not a hunting weapon.”

Fleury and the club also were indicted on four counts each of furnishing a machine gun to minors.   The club faces a fine of up to $10,000 for each violation.

The Real Tragedy

The “Instructor” who was with Bizilj was a 15 year old who was neither “certified” nor “licensed.”

How does a 15 year-old live with this tragedy for the rest of his life? How do Christopher’s parents reconcile themselves to his loss?

Why Bring This Up Now?

Granted, this is old news; it happened at the end of October. However, we are heading into “Gun Show season” soon.

These extravaganzas are great fun and good learning experiences.  However ….

Ask questions about the set-up, before handing a weapon to a youngster. Ask yourself a question – or two.  Is your child mature enough to handle a gun that shoots live ammo? Can he/she adjust to the recoil?

Safety takes seconds! Grief like this can last a lifetime!

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This is a companion to my website: EasyOnlineOrdering.com

How to Take Up Hunting; How do I Start Hunting?

Targeting a New Sport!

This question, asked on this site earlier last week, has required some thought. Traditionally, relatives have taken youngsters under their wing by ’showing them the ropes’ and taking them on hunts and fishing expeditions.

With single parent homes, this tradition has fallen away. Fewer than 3% of hunters and anglers are now under 17 years of age. (For more info on this, see my earlier articles: Where Have All the Hunters Gone? parts 1 & 2, and Why Should You Get Your Kids Interested in Hunting?

A Generation of Non-Hunters & Anglers

I’m surprised to read how many people are trying to get started hunting and/or fishing. This is a wonderful sign, but it must be difficult for newcomers. How does an adult experience something he/she didn’t learn earlier?

Here’s the list, then I’ll explain.

Find a mentor/friend.

Would-be hunters need to take a Hunter Education class.

For anglers, take Boater Education class. (or like-named course)

Get proper license(s).

Start target practice, sighting in gun, with help of friend or mentor.

Go on a fishing or hunting trip (or 2 or 3) with mentor/friend (possibly using his/her extra equipment).

Now, go purchase gun and/or fishing equipment.

Getting Started

Finding a mentor will simplify the task greatly. You’ve probably heard hunters and anglers talking about their latest trip. Take someone you feel friendly toward aside and ask if you might join him/her.

Contact your state “parks and wildlife” department for info about hunter and/or boater education classes. These courses discuss archery, as well as conventional firearms.

Texas Parks & Wildlife Internet site is: http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us and their telephone # is: 800-792-1112. They can direct you to info about your state.

Bear in mind, even learners must have a license to fish or hunt. Most sporting stores, gun shops and Wal-Mart have the annual issued by your state on this year’s hunting and fishing regulations.

Pick up a copy and read it carefully. Ignorance to the law isn’t considered a valid excuse for breaking a game law. A ticket can really dim your enjoyment of the sport!

Archery, Guns, Equipment

Most sporting newbies want to hit the  gun shops first. However, you lack the skill or experience to make a great choice. By borrowing or renting equipment, you have an opportunity to ‘test drive’ before you buy.

Finally

In my experience, hunters & anglers are a very generous group. Just letting others know you are interested is enough to get you started – in most instances.

But remember, once you are an experienced hunter/angler, share your knowledge with others! I’ll bet there’s a youngster in your family who would love to join you!  Pass it on!

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Did I leave something out? Share your knowledge with others! Leave a comment!

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This is a companion to my website: EasyOnlineOrdering.com

#2 of 3: Removing the “Gamy” from Wild Game!

Reduce 'Gamy Taste' with These Tips!

Where Does ‘Gamy’ Come From?

Generally, experts agree that that “gamy” taste is a by-product of improper handling of the game, after bringing the game down OR before cooking.

What are some examples?

• Leaving an animal in the snow (dusk shot), to field dress in am
• Not field dressing animal ASAP
• Not completely removing entrails
• Not rinsing cavity with clean water, soon after field dressing
• Not getting animal on ice as quickly as possible
• Not processing the animal within a day or two of harvest
• Not rinsing carcass after skinning; hair, etc., creates off-flavors
• Your deer’s diet – from wooded acreage, probably has more gamy taste
• Deer on agricultural & suburban areas – better diet = better taste
• Hauling game home exposed – in/on the truck/vehicle

Dave Adds

As an experienced deer processor, Dave (of  http://www.best-venison.com) has seen it all and has the photos to prove it. Look around his site for other info on reducing gamy taste.

• Dave indicates that leaving bone-in the venison contributes to the gamy taste.
• He believes “aging” deer can add gamy taste. See his suggestions.
• He also indicates anything less than “double wrapping venison” for the freezer is a bad idea.

The Big Question

Essentially, the real question you should always be asking yourself is, “If this were beef from the grocers, how would I handle this piece of meat?”

Taming “Gamy” Before Cooking

Check out this site:  http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/07333/837468-34.stm Steve Loder, author of 3 wild game cookbooks, gives an interesting explanation of venison’s fat being the source of much of it’s ‘gaminess.’

His theory and solutions are too lengthy to cover here, but he has the credentials to know his subject and give great advice.

Methods to Reduce Gaminess

There are many ways to remove the wild taste. At eHow, http://www.ehow.com/how_2067752_get-wild-taste-out-of-deer.html -check out the  idea there.

To Tenderize & Remove the Wild Taste

• Before we fry the backstrap of the deer, we marinate the meat in milk for ~24 hours.
• Cut up a pineapple – mix pressed pineapple slices, pulp, juice with meat chunks (or slices), cover, place in refrigerator for a couple of days, then use. If you are using a large piece of meat, increase the amount of fresh pineapple.
• Buttermilk is another popular marinating liquid

Try venison in tomato-based dishes, such as meatballs and spaghetti sauce, lasagna, chili, etc. The tomato masks (or removes, I’m not sure which) the wild taste.

Do any of you cooks have any other ways to reduce the gaminess in venison or other game?

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This is a companion to my website: EasyOnlineOrdering.com