May 4, 2024
GOLD 2024 – Special Day for Gun-Rights Advocates
This year’s Illinois Gun Owner Lobby Day has once again come and gone. We hope you enjoyed our program. All our speakers did an excellent job, and our hats are off to them!
We were pleased to see so many of you there – both members and a lot of first timers! We had many new members sign up, and many who renewed their membership. Souvenir T-shirts, caps and hoodies were sold. Also, lots and lots of IGOLD raffle tickets were bought, for the last chance to win the Ruger Precision 6.5 cal. Creedmoor Rifle, or one of the 9 other prizes. We’ll be drawing the lucky winner today. Thank you so much for all your support. These dollars go a long way toward helping us protect all our rights to keep and bear arms!
We came out in force and made our presence known to our lawmakers. Be proud of that – We are! It was a good day to share and be surrounded by so many like-minded, law-abiding gun owners!
Make sure you plan to come to IGOLD next year! I will know and announce in December, the date for IGOLD 2025.
Illinois Legislative Cases, Status Updates
Harrel v. Raoul – Judge McGlynn has set May 10th as the deadline for disclosing expert reports. We are back in court shortly after that when the judge expects to set the trial date. He said he is tentatively looking at the week of July 8th to start the trial. Of course, that might not actually happen, but it is a good window into his thinking.
Schoenthal v. Raoul – The final summary judgment briefs were just submitted to the court. No word if there will be any oral argument, or if the judge plans to rule on the briefing, as he has thousands of pages to review from the parties discussing the history of firearms and public transportation.
Reece v. Raoul – The Plaintiff bought a PICA-covered firearm and attachments during the week that Judge McGlynn’s injunction was in force (almost a year ago). He wishes to be able to keep and register the items according to PICA, but is unable to do so because of the January 10, 2023 deadline for ownership under the statute. He filed suit claiming that was an inequitable violation of the law. The other day, summary judgment positions were argued in Will County Court. The Judge has said he will rule by mail, on this narrow but important issue.
The People v. Vivian Brown – After two trips to the Illinois Supreme Court and one to the Appellate Court, the matter of the FOlD challenge is back in the White County criminal court. We have just argued the motion to declare the FOlD requirement unconstitutional, this time under the Bruen standard (arguing there is no historical tradition at the time of the founding of requiring licensing for home firearm possession), but also mentioning the recent decision out of Chicago’s Federal District Court, holding that even illegal immigrants have the constitutional right to a firearm for self-defense. Though of course that case is going to be heard on appeal, the reasoning is certainly telling. The White County judge discussed that case and Bruen generally, and said he will be considering all the arguments and ruling in the near future.
This is the same judge who struck down the law before Bruen, so we believe it will be even easier to do so now. If he strikes the law down again, a third trip to the Illinois Supreme Court is all but certain.
Meyer v. Raoul – The challenge to the prohibitions on CCLs for 18-20-year-olds is pending in the Federal Southern District, and the Judge has summary judgment filings for review. As other courts around the country have struck down similar restrictions under Bruen, we hope the Judge in our case will follow suit.
U.S. Supreme Court to Hear Challenge to Biden’s ‘Ghost Gun’ Rule
The U.S. Supreme Court has granted the petition for a writ of certiorari (to be more fully informed) in the case of Garland v VanDerStok, which challenges the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives’ “Final Rule” which considers frames and receivers to be firearms.
Monday, the Supreme Court agreed to consider the Biden administration’s rule regulating so-called “ghost guns” that can be assembled at home. “Ghost Gun” is a pejorative term, used by gun control advocates to describe a homemade firearm that lacks a serial number, and therefore can’t be tracked by law enforcement.
The Garland v VanDerStok case dates back to April 2022 when the ATF published its “Final Rule” changing the regulatory definition of the term “firearm,” to encompass objects which are not firearms, along with firearm parts kits, in direct contradiction of Congress’ definition of those terms found in the Gun Control Act of 1968. In October 2023, the Supreme Court reinstated the rule, which lower courts had enjoined.
Florida’s Governor Directs Funds to Conservation Control
Governor Ron DeSantis assigned a bill which will direct 96% of online gambling funds to conservation. The total amount is $379 million. Most notably, $100 million of the funds will go to control invasive species, such as boa constrictors that have been released into the Everglades.
Invasive species have wrecked our beautiful country. Starlings drove out Bluebirds. Gar destroyed our pristine waters. Asian beetles have become an aggravation, and there are hundreds of other examples too numerous to mention.
Some of the species were government programs. In the 1880s, box cars of common carp were dumped into the streams of this country as part of a government project. The Asian beetle was another government project. The Asian carp was brought in, and we were told they would never escape their impoundments. Yet another government approved project. I could go on, but I would end up saying something that I wish I hadn’t.
For more information on the Spring Turkey Hunting Seasons, go to https://dnr.illinois.gov/hunting/spring-turkey-program.html.
In celebration of this landmark anniversary, and in recognition of one of the most popular Black Powder rifles ever made, we are offering this opportunity to win your very own, 50 cal. Percussion Target Rifle, that comes with an essential Muzzle-loading kit of accessories. Or your chance to win one of two replica Black Powder Pistols, also made by renowned firearm manufactures. Order your tickets today! Click on the flier to download a printable order form.
April 25, 1859 – Construction Begins on the Suez Canal.
The canal stretches 101 miles and connects the Red Sea to the Mediterranean Sea. The Suez Canal has played an important role in world politics and trade, to this day. The idea of the Suez Canal, or any canal, is not new. They date back to the times of the Egyptian Pharaohs, who built several canals. Most fell into disrepair or were destroyed by military actions. Today, dozens of ships navigate the Suez Canal daily, hauling more than 300,000,000 tons of cargo a year.
April 26, 1607 – First Colony in North America
Captain John Smith established the first permanent colony of the New World, at the location that would become Jamestown, Virginia.
April 26, 1865 – President Lincoln’s Assassin Dies
John Wilkes Booth is killed by Union soldiers on a farm in Virginia. Booth was 26 years old at the time.
April 28, 1945 – Mussolini Executed
Italian Dictator Benito Mussolini was shot & killed while trying to escape Italy and sneak into Switzerland. The Italian people celebrated Mussolini’s death by hanging his body upside down on display in Milan. Mussolini was trying to avoid capture by the Americans and the British, but he fell into the hands of the communist partisans, who had fought against Mussolini’s dictatorship. Mussolini did not want to get tried as a war criminal. He got his wish.
April 29, 2004 – World War II Monument Opens in Washington DC
I have visited the World War II Memorial twice. Not on a tour, but just because I was in Washington DC, and wanted to see it and the other memorials. Both times I met people I knew while there. If you ever have the chance, be sure to visit all the memorials in DC.
One of the great things that has been happening in recent years, is what is known as the Honor Flights. These flights take veterans free of charge to visit the WWII Monument and to other memorials as well as the Arlington National Cemetery. If there is a collection in your area for donating to help support these flights, please do. To get more information on the flights, go to: Honor Flight Network.
April 30, 1789 – Our Nation’s First President’s Inaugural Address
George Washington is sworn in as the very first president of the United States and gives us the first presidential inaugural address, at Federal Hall, in New York City. Of all the patriots, George Washington was the linchpin that held the country and the army together. If you look at the Colonial Army versus the British Army on paper, there was no way the American patriots could’ve won. George Washington’s amazing leadership, sacrifice, and character is what won the American Revolution. Of course, Washington was not the only patriot of those times, but his leadership overcame all the obstacles, and provided a guide to the other patriots. The most important thing he did, was that he refused to become a military dictator, and instead became a civilian president. In 1789, Washington could become anything he wanted to be, but his amazing foresight set our country on the right path.
May 1, 1931 – Dedication of the Empire State Building
President Herbert Hoover dedicates New York City’s Empire State Building. It was the world’s tallest structure of the time, surpassing the Chrysler Building by 204 feet. The Empire State Building is 1250 feet tall, or 102 stories. But the top of the lightning rod is 1454 feet. Built during the Great Depression when many people were unemployed, 3400 workers were employed on a single day, and at very good wages. It became a symbol of hope in the United States that was desperately needed during those very difficult times.
Click here to view the entire calendar. All classes and events are open to the public & all range members, unless otherwise noted. here
Calling all women who are interested in learning about shooting and self-defense! This event is designed to provide a safe and supportive environment for women to explore the world of shooting. Whether you are a complete beginner or have some experience, this event welcomes women of all skill levels.
Additionally, we will provide all the necessary equipment, including firearms and ammunition, eye and ear protection so you can fully immerse yourself in this exciting experience. Our goal is to empower women and promote self-confidence through education and hands-on practice. Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity to connect with like-minded women and discover the joy of shooting. Join us at the Empowering First Shots – Free Women’s Shooting Event and take the first step towards becoming a confident shooter!
The class will be held on Saturday, June 15, 2024. There are 4 time slots you can choose from to sign up. Each class will last approx. 2-3 hours. For more information and to register for this event, click here, or go to: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/empowering-first-shots-free-womens-shooting-event-registration-698794963547?aff=oddtdtcreator
The ISRA Range is located at 1589 N 7000w Rd, Bonfield, IL 60913.
The ISRA Range offers great classes and leagues
for shooting enthusiasts!
Interested in joining a league?
Just show up 15 – 30 minutes early.
Range memberships are available.
A day at the ISRA Range is always a great day!
Thank you for being a member!
If you are not an ISRA member, join today
Donate: https://isra.org/support-us/
Upcoming Meetings: https://isra.org/isra-activities-and-events/
Upcoming Range Events: https://isra.org/the-range/#range-calendar
While the gun show information shown in this email is believed to be correct – sometimes changes occur. This is provided for informational purposes only.
If your club or organization is holding a gun show, event or class, let us know the details, and we’d be happy to post it in our Thursday Bulletin.
Looking for a Hunter Safety Class? You can them here throughout the state on the IDNR website, which lists classes by county and date: https://dnr2.illinois.gov//SafetyEdClassByCounty
April 28 McHenry County Sportsman’s Show, Woodstock
May 3 – 5 Pecatonica Gun Show, Winnebago County Fairgrounds, Pecatonica
May 18 – ISRA Range Open House Tours
May 17 – Kids & Clays Charity Fundraiser, Decatur Gun Club
May 18 – 19 Kankakee Gun & Sportsman’s Show, Kankakee Co. Fairgrounds, Kankakee
May 18 – 19 Introductory Wingshooting Clinic, Des Plaines State Fish & Wildlife Area, Wilmington
May 19 Kane County Sportsman’s Show, Kane County Fairgrounds, St. Charles