The Fish & Game Dept of the state of Idaho has posted a request on their "News and Publications" page of their website requesting input from the public on issues relating to technology changes that effect hunting. Their concerns are: "Technological advances in hunting equipment now available to hunters have been considerable since most of Idaho's current big game hunting equipment restrictions for center fire rifle, archery and muzzleloader were adopted 15 years ago. The Fish and Game Commission wants to hear from hunters on several potential changes to hunting equipment restrictions".

Members of the F&G Commission will be considering many regulation changes, but one of the areas F&G has solicited information on is of particular concern to the Fifty Caliber Community and to firearms owners of large caliber rifles and pistols. If seriously considered it has the possibility to place additional restrictions on 'selected' firearms used for hunting purposes because those firearms might pose an unfair advantage to species of game in Idaho. "Currently, Idaho does not impose a maximum caliber restriction for firearms used to hunt big game. Some hunters are concerned about the "fair chase" aspects of long-range cartridges and have requested a rule change to prohibit the use of 50 caliber or larger center fire cartridges".

For the past 15 years Idaho has restricted the use of hunting with the 50 BMG in Idaho by placing a weight restriction of 16 lbs. on any rifle used for hunting purposes. That restriction has effectively precluded the use of 50 BMG rifles in Idaho because there are no 50 BMG rifles manufactured that weigh less than 16 lbs. Now it seems they want to further restrict hunting of legitimate game by eliminating any center fire rifle of 50 caliber or more. The Fifty Caliber Institute is opposed to this proposal and we are asking all of our members in the state of Idaho to actively oppose this proposal and to notify their respective F&G Commissioner of their opposition. You can respond to the solicitation for public input and will find the contact info for all of the Idaho Fish & Game Commissioners HERE.

We would like to point out, the .50 BMG alone has been around since 1918, and the 50-70, .50 Alaskan, etc. almost as long. Other centerfire .50 cal firearms such as the Remington rolling block pistol and rifle were issued in .50 centerfire (50-70) as well as trapdoor Springfields and Sharps rifles before Idaho was a state. These calibers have been used to hunt deer, bear, elk and buffalo for decades. There's nothing "new" or "technologically advanced" about those calibers to suddenly warrant action on the proposed use of 50 caliber or larger center fire cartridges by Idaho F&G. We would also like to point out to the commission that 50 caliber centerfire rifles are legitimate choices of firearms for game such as bear, elk, buffalo, deer and other game. In a state that allows hunting of elk with a .22 caliber rifle, we feel there is plenty of room for a discussion on the issue of appropriate calibers for hunting purposes. In the words of one of our members, "...I just don't think an agency should be concerned with the weight of or the caliber of the tool with which I choose to use harvest those natural resources."

The hearings by the Idaho Fish & Game Commission are scheduled to be held on January 10th-12th, 2007 at their regularly scheduled commission meeting in Boise, ID. Prior to that, residents of Idaho can present information and input on this subject in a series of open house meetings being held throughout the state. Unfortunately FCI received information regarding the proposed changes too late for our members to attend many of those meetings. More information can be obtained by reading the website of Idaho Fish & Game and we encourage everyone interested to read the information closely and get involved. The residents of Idaho are going to be the folks the F&G Commission will listen too. If you object to being discriminated against, get involved.

FCI will be sending a letter of opposition to the Idaho Fish & Game Commission stating our position and the letter will be posted on our website (Ed. Note: See FCI response letter Page 1 and Page 2). The Annual Fish & Game Commission meeting is scheduled at the same time that FCI staff will be attending the SHOT Show. Arrangements will be made for an alternate representative for FCI to be there.

Ohio Legislature Overrides Governor's Veto:

One small step for man....One giant step for concealed carry in Ohio!! On Monday Dec. 11th the State Senate of the "Buckeye" state over-rode the veto of (anti-gun) Republican Governor Robert Taft Jr. on legislation that would reform Ohio's concealed carry laws and create "pre-emption" in that state, thus removing the patchwork of conflicting local firearms ordinances. Governor Taft (who is on his way out as an elected official) had earlier vetoed the bill that would have clarified specific language in concealed carry laws in the state of Ohio. The Senate passed the override by a 21-12 margin after the House had overridden the veto earlier.

Where this is of consequence to .50 caliber firearms owners is in the section pertaining to "pre-emption," the exercising of a state's right to prevent cities from creating ordinances conflicting with state law. Specifically, the "Assault Weapons Bans" in Ohio cities like Columbus that prohibit semi-automatic firearms, including the Barrett M82A1, EDM Model 05, Serbu BFG-50A, and Pauza P50 (among others), will now be negated.

In a news release by the Citizens Committee for the Right To Keep and Bear Arms (CCRKBA) three members of the Ohio state Government were singled out for thanks and we feel it is appropriate here to add our thanks to those individuals. Democratic Law Maker Marc Dann, (Atty. General Elect) and fellow Democrats Charles Wilson and Kimberly Wurz joined (all but three) fellow Republican lawmakers in overriding this veto. In addition, the efforts of the NRA and several state firearms rights organizations on behalf of Ohio sportsmen should be recognized. We ask all law abiding gun owners in Ohio to call or send a letter of thanks to these folks for an exceptional job of protecting our rights. Thank you to all of them. -Keith Pagel, Executive Director

New Jersey "One Gun a Month" Law Overturned In a lengthy and carefully reasoned decision read from the bench, New Jersey Superior Court Judge Maurice Gallipoli declared Jersey City's one gun a month handgun rationing law null and void, holding that it violates state pre-emption, equal protection, and was "arbitrary and capricious."

Ordinance # 06-116 - whose stated objective was to reduce crime - wildly missed the mark by rationing handguns to persons pre-certified by the State as non-criminals after undergoing extensive background checks.

"Rationing gun sales to law abiding citizens is about as effective at reducing crime as rationing alcohol to responsible drinkers is at reducing drunk driving accidents," said ANJRPC President and NRA Board Member Scott Bach, who initiated the litigation against Jersey City over the summer, with ANJRPC as lead plaintiff. "You can't reduce crime by disarming victims, and that's precisely what this ill-conceived law did," Bach said.

The ordinance criminalized Jersey City dealer sales of more than one handgun per month, deviating from New Jersey's already tough gun control laws, which require separate government-issued permits for each handgun. Permits are only issued after an extensive, costly, and lengthy background investigation of the purchaser.

The invalidated law was introduced by Jersey City Mayor Jerramiah Healy earlier this year, in a rush to appear to be combating Jersey City's mounting crime problems. The City Council passed the law by a vote of 6-2, despite a mountain of evidence demonstrating that the law would not impact crime because it targeted only law abiding purchasers. The President of the City Council even called the measure "feel good" legislation that would probably not reduce crime - before voting in favor of the law.

"No one wants to reduce crime more than honest gun owners," continued Bach. "But to reduce crime, you have to target the criminal, not the tool, because the criminal mind will always find another tool. We need tough prosecutors and judges to end plea-bargaining and impose tough sentences against criminals, with no parole."

The lawsuit was brought by ANJRPC with the support of NRA-ILA, the NRA Civil Rights Defense Fund, and the New Jersey Association of Firearms Dealers (an affiliate of the National Shooting Sports Foundation).

Editor's Note: ANJRPC President Scott Bach is a fifty caliber owner and a member of the Fifty Caliber Shooter's Assn., Inc.

Letters to the Editor:

(Editors Note - I'm only going to run one 'letter to the Editor' in this newsletter. It's long, but worth reading. This letter puts into context much of the feedback we receive here at FCI and strikes to the heart of what is happening in America right now. I'm also publishing the name of the author because I think he deserves the respect and best regards of all of us. I hope he doesn't get mad, but we were honored to receive his comments. I second his recommendations to stand firm. John Burtt-FCI)

Mr. Burtt,

We've all seen and heard quote after quote, clichés, and catchy anecdotes for everything from "Eat beef" to "Don't mess with Texas". After reading about the election totals and our losses in our representatives, a grim face was cast at my table. While there is nothing I can do about it now, I know there are many battles to come regarding both our integrity as a society and our rights as citizens to pursue our own happiness, be it chili cook-offs or 50 Cal shoots. I brace myself and at the same time I wonder how it could have happened. I try hard to educate those around me and try to promote our shooting sports. Many I know around me are avid hunters and sportsman, dedicated to their sport on opening day, but not on the home front in June. They seem to forget about the need to protect their rights on Election Day, and all other days of the year. Many are so busy at work they put off going to the polls, and in the same respect they don't think about our rights as citizens. Our battle is more than about the right to keep and bear arms. It's about the right to live and live the way you want to. If they take away our second amendment rights, what is there to ensure that they don't take away our other rights? We fought a war to protect that very principle. It was more than a war of religion. We left England to found a country where we could live as we chose fit. Our forefathers chose to live according to God's principles, and He blessed this country. God used this country to save the world from the greatest evil the modern world had ever seen.....twice. Were it not for the United States, and the Depression hardened men and women of this country, the majority of the world would be found today under a Nazi jackboot. Only today, this country has a blurred sense of direction. Those who hold dear a modest sense of morality are typically quiet and well-mannered. We are being drowned out by the special interest groups. Our leaders seem to hear those who scream the loudest and repeat themselves untiringly. Like a spoiled child, they throw screaming temper-tantrums until they get what they want. If they don't get it, they try to manipulate, push, and lie to get what they want. Then, like any spoiled child, they are not happy with what they have now acquired, and want the next thing in sight. If they are given discipline, they scream about how unfair they have been treated and threaten to sue everyone in sight. Our social standards are being compromised by these spoiled children, and we are politely biting our lips and stepping back to make room. We, as sportsmen and men of integrity, need to stand firm and say, "No!" And when a temper-tantrum ensues, we need to step to the polls and use the only rod we have to discipline the children. We must all become our community's John Wayne and set the example we think society in our town needs. As upright and just men we can set a goal for our youth to follow. Let us not forget what our fathers and their fathers before them worked so hard to provide for their children. As Paul Revere once wrote, "Those who forget the past are condemned to repeat it." Let us not forget the mistakes we, our fathers, and our neighbors (Great Britain, Europe, Australia) have made. Stand up for what you believe in and get up off your butt and do something about it. Hunting is not a spectator sport, and neither is life.

God bless you, yours, and our precious USA.

Respectfully,

Casey Harrington

Good Advice for Everyone:

We continue to get emails from people across the country asking us for advice about what to do or what to expect regarding the laws relating to the 50 BMG. Here are some good guidelines from Keith Pagel.

...Your e-mail was referred to us here at the Fifty Caliber Institute (FCI) by the Fifty Caliber Shooters' Assn (FCSA). The FCI is the legislative and media relations wing of the extreme sport of .50 BMG caliber shooting, whereas the FCSA is the sport shooting wing.

Your e-mail didn't give any clue as to where you live, but if you DON'T live in California, or some other jurisdiction that bans the .50 caliber, you shouldn't worry about owning a .50 BMG caliber rifle. No one from the government is going to kick in your door in the middle of the night. If you're not doing anything illegal, you don't have anything to worry about.

If you do live in a jurisdiction that prohibits such firearms, don't chance it. It's not worth it.

If you're not sure if it's legal, check with a reputable source like the NRA's website. If you're still not satisfied with that, hire a lawyer to research the current situation that applies to you.

When I moved into another state 15 years ago, before moving, I checked with the local gun shops in the area that I was moving into to ensure that what I owned was not prohibited. Once I moved here, I had a lawyer verify my status first thing. It cost me $150. A pittance of insurance for peace of mind.

Here at the FCI, we're working to keep it legal for you to own and shoot these fine rifles. I encourage you to keep up on the legislative situation, both nationally and in your home state, by signing up for our "E-mail Alerts" on the main page of our website. We'll keep you posted on what's afoot, and also tell you what you can do to ensure your rights aren't swept under the rug.

Yes, we have political support. Things seem dark & gloomy right now because the press in this country likes to play up issues of their own choosing. The makeup of Congress may have changed, but that doesn't mean the majority of Americans have thrown out the Constitution of the United States.

I'm sure we'll have legal battles to fight the NEXT couple years, but we had legal battles to fight the LAST couple, even with a Republican House, Senate, and President. Fighting for your rights is merely the status quo. It will always be.

There's a saying: "Freedom Isn't Free." You usually see that associated with the fine men and women in uniform fighting overseas. But while they are tackling an enemy away from our shores, they expect us, here at home, to protect the rights they're fighting for. So while they do their job, it's OUR job, each and every one of us, to ensure that our rights aren't subjugated by silly legislation designed only to advance the political careers of a handful of people who like to see themselves on TV.

I can tell from your letter that you are scared and confused. You have a right to be. It's a scary and confusing time. But I'll give you a bit of advice that I was given a long time ago and that I've found useful many times since. Whenever things in life become scary and confusing....

"Just do the right thing."

And what do they mean by that ?

It means two things. #1-As a person, obey the law, follow your moral compass, trust your inner beliefs in what is the right way and the wrong way to govern your actions. #2-Be responsible. Keep up on what your elected officials are doing (all issues, including firearms rights). Let them know when you think they're doing wrong. Advise them on which way you want them to vote on legislation when it comes up for a vote in committee and on the floor. Then take action accordingly when it's election time. Vote with your ballot, your wallet, and your volunteer time.

I know that too many people today feel that they don't have the time to do the latter, but take it from a guy that doesn't want to be involved in all this political mess, who just wants to own and shoot his firearms safely and responsibly; "doing the right thing" politically takes less time than writing checks to pay your bills. Congressmen don't want to read a 600 page novel from you, anymore than you want to write one. Just jot down a couple paragraphs telling them which piece of legislation you're concerned over and how you feel about it. Add in a couple points to support WHY you feel that way and you're done.

It's a small investment to ensure you get to sleep soundly at night.

Keith Pagel
Executive Director, FCI

S.H.O.T Show in Orlando, FL If you're not aware of it the annual S.H.O.T. Show is coming up in January and it will be held in Orlando, FL this year. The Fifty Caliber Shooters Assn., Inc. (FCSA) will be hosting a booth at the show this year and if you are a .50 BMG shooter or owner we are inviting you to come by our booth at the show and introduce yourself. As you can see from the photo we've had some pretty distinguished people stop by the booth in the past and we'd love to meet you. If you're not a member of FCSA we'll twist your arm a little to encourage you to join our great club and to join NRA.

Win This TNW Semi-Auto .50 BMG Time is running out to get involved in FCI's current fundraising activities. The drawing for this M3-HB beltfed .50 BMG will be held next week on December 22nd. This beautiful hand made piece of equipment is valued at $10,000! You can check it out on our web site at: http://fiftycal.org/eventsM3.php Each coupon is $25 or you can buy increments of $100 at a time. Because each $100 contribution will get you five (5) chances to win this beautiful piece of American history!! You can enter the drawing by going to the FCI website and printing out a coupon and mailing it in or you can process a contribution using a credit card right there on our website.

M-3 Donated By TNW Firearms

Everyone have a safe and happy Holiday Season and good shooting.

John Burtt, Chmn
FCI