The
future of hunting is being fought on many fronts in America these
days. Congress has been, and will continue to be, a
battleground over the 2nd Amendment. The recent flood of
lawsuits against gun manufacturers threatens to bankrupt the gun
makers. Today's youth, many living in the city or unable to
gain access to land thanks to high lease prices, are not being
introduced to hunting at the rate that prior generation was.
These are all fronts where a fight must be waged.
Unfortunately, too many gun owners, hunters, and outdoorsmen do not
fully understand the threats to our heritage and freedoms, nor do
they believe how real they are.
The
NRA
The National Rifle Association is the
only organization with the strength to fight the growing tide of
anti-gun legislation in Congress. The NRA has had more success
than any other such organization, yet a vast majority of gun owners
are not members of this vital lobby. That is disturbing, to
say the least.
Some gun owners cite the fact that they
do not agree with everything the NRA does and says. Others
cite the cost of membership, $35. In my humble opinion those
are lame excuses for standing on the sidelines while the game is in
its most decisive moments. Freedom has never come without a
price. What will these same gun owners think when
the cost of their firearms license totals twice what an annual
membership costs? What will these gun owners say when they
have to turn in their guns for a fraction of their cost?
If you care about hunting's future, the
future of this country, and about the freedoms that our forefathers
fought so bravely to protect, join the NRA. The
NRA has 3.2 million members and is steadily growing.
The
2nd Amendment
It happened in Australia and
England. Most guns were outlawed in those countries.
Today in Australia gun murders are up, firearms assaults are up,
armed robberies are up, and home invasions are on the
increase. Taking guns out of the hands has of law abiding
citizens hasn't stopped criminal activity. In fact, it has had
the reverse affect.
Yet many in Congress, particularly the
Democrats, favor more restrictions in gun ownership. They
can't begin to enforce the laws currently on the books, nor to they
intend to, but they are bound and determined to get guns out of the
hands of law abiding citizens, if nothing else.
The majority Democratic houses in
California are leading the charge to outlaws guns in that state,
making California a major turning point in the 2nd Amendment
fight.
Gun
Shows
I have no problem with them. But I
also feel background checks for those buying weapons at gun shows is
a reasonable requirement. Gun shows should not have
loopholes. I don't understand why so many oppose this.
Child
Safety Locks
Safety locks are another good safety
feature if you have young ones in the household. Gun owners
are responsible for their weapons and should take the utmost care to
make sure they do not fall in to the wrong hands.
The
Gun Lawsuits
What the anti-gun crowd couldn't do in
the legislative branch, they are attempting in the judicial
branch. I feel this is our most vital threat! A barrage
of frivolous lawsuits threaten to bankrupt the gun makers.
Where will you buy your next turkey gun if Remington, Browning, and
the others are no longer in business? Thankfully, gun makers
have been on the winning end of most of the suits so far.
Nevertheless, the legal bills continue to mount.
Youth
& the Future of Hunting
Today's youth are not growing up in the
outdoors at the same rate as the previous generation. The
youth are the future of the sport and are our future voters.
We must do all that we can to introduce them to our heritage.
Take a young hunter to the woods or the river with you whenever you
can. It is the least you can do to pass on our
heritage.
Hunters and gun owners must stand up
and be counted! Our freedoms are at stake. Once they are
gone they are gone forever. Write your legislators,
vote, join the NRA or any other organization you feel is helping to
fight for our rights. If we all joined together we would be an
unbeatable force. If we continue our silence we are certain to
fail.