August 7, 2025
Thursday Bulletin – August 7, 2025
Hunting Season Is Just Around The Corner
Somehow, summer is disappearing before our very eyes. The first harbinger of Fall is the Sturgeon Full Moon which will be in all its glory on Saturday, August 9th. There are other signs that Fall is on the way as well. For example, this week, I received my Bass Pro/Cabela’s Fall Hunting Catalog in the mail. The days are also getting shorter and the temperatures are starting to inch down, little by little. Fall isn’t quite around the corner, but it’s only a few blocks away.
It is now time to prepare for hunting season. Time is shorter than you think. I would make sure your firearms are clean and ready to go. Most shotguns have choke tubes these days and those need to be removed and cleaned, relubricated and put back in your shotgun. Be sure to use choke tube lube, not just oil. If your firearms have telescopic sights or red dot sights, the mounts need to be checked and tightened. For those with battery powered optics, be sure those work and be sure to have a couple of spare batteries in your gun case. Getting ready for hunting season is one of those “teachable moments” in which you can involve your children and grandchildren and impart the rules of firearm safety to them. Don’t miss this opportunity!
Dove season starts September 1st, which also is Labor Day this year. What could be better?
IDNR Proposed Hunting Rules For 2025
The Illinois Register has listed proposed amendments to the rulemaking process for 2025. The proposed amendments begin on page 9914 of Issue #31/August and pertain to bobcat, woodchuck, possum, striped skunk, red fox, coyote and gray fox. There is also a section on site specific rules for hunting. If you hunt on IDNR grounds, you should probably review these rules. You only have 45 days to leave comments. The section is quite long, but I would take the time to read it.
To read the #31/August edition (or prior editions) of the Illinois Register online, visit the Illinois Secretary of State Illinois Register index page HERE.
Litigation Update
All of our litigation is proceeding. We are preparing for our oral arguments in The Harrel et al v Rauol et al on September 22, 2025. I want to thank all of those who are supporting our efforts.
Support ISRA Legal efforts by donating HERE.
Not an ISRA member? Join the ISRA and support 2A rights in Illinois – CLICK HERE.
Legislative Update
The Illinois Legislature is not in session at this time.
You can follow along by clicking the ISRA Legislation Page.
“Guns N Grub” Event At The ISRA Range – Volunteers Needed!
Come join us for a one-of-a-kind event at the ISRA Range in Bonfield, IL. on September 13, starting at 9am! Firearm training, great food, and a vibrant shopping experience combine to create an unforgettable day filled with excitement, learning, and cameraderie.
To learn more about the Guns N Grub event and to register, go HERE.
We also need volunteers to help during the day from 7am to 5:30pm. Coffee, donuts and lunch are provided. If you would like to to volunteer to help out during this terrific event or If you have any questions, please call the ISRA office at 815-635-3198 or email us at: member@isra.org
ISRA’s 122nd Anniversary Commemorative Coin Raffle
Enter TODAY! Time is running out!
This year’s challenge coin memorializes “The Shot Heard Around the World”. Eighty armed patriots had the courage to stand against the most powerful empire the world had ever known. This emphasizes the importance of the 2nd Amendment and the birth of the United States of America.
Right now, we all realize we are in the fight of our lives. We are fighting to preserve the 2nd Amendment on every level: local, state, and national. It is not news that this battle takes money. The fight has become very expensive, and we need every penny to keep the fight going.
When you purchase this year’s challenge coin, you are helping fund our side of the battle that we are in. You will also be entered into a drawing for 122 great prizes. There is one terrific prize for every year of our existence. The more tickets you purchase gives you additional chances to win a prize and help us fight on to victory. Your entry must be postmarked by August 13th, 2025. The winning tickets will be drawn August 20th, 2025, at the Illinois State Rifle Association headquarters.
Winner does not have to be present to win and will be notified. Dues and donations to the ISRA are NOT tax deductible. You have 90 days from the drawing to pick up your prize(s). All winners of firearms must comply with all federal, state, and local laws. Good luck to all!
To enter online, CLICK HERE.
Sighting-In-Day Raffle
Once again, we are pleased to announce our “Sighting-In-Day” raffle for a Savage Axis II 350 Legend w/scope and other great prizes. Tickets are only $10 a piece and entering is easy – enter online, by phone or by mail! Entries by mail must be postmarked by October 13, 2025. The drawing is at 1pm on October 21, 2025.
One need not be present to win and winner will be notified. Dues & donations to the ISRA are NOT tax deductible. Winner of firearm must comply with all federal, state, and local laws. You have 90 days from the drawing to claim firearm. Good luck to all!
To enter online, CLICK HERE.
M1 Garand Rifle Raffle
We are also pleased to announce our M1 Garand Expert Rifle Raffle with WWII U.S. Army M1923 M1 Garand rifle cartridge belt. Tickets are $20 per chance, 3 for $50, 8 for $100, etc. The winning ticket will be drawn on November 11, 2025.
One need not be present to win and winner will be notified. Dues & donations to the ISRA are NOT tax deductible. Winner of firearm must comply with all federal, state, and local laws. You have 90 days from the drawing to claim firearm. Good luck to all!
To Enter online, CLICK HERE , or call the ISRA office for more details at 815-635-3198.
ISRA’s “250th Anniversary of the Revolutionary War”
Muzzleloader Raffle
We are pleased to offer a Pennsylvania Rifle for the 250th Anniversary of the start of the Revolutionary War!
The Pennsylvania Rifle, and the people who carried them, played a pivotal role in the Revolutionary War. Their marksmanship was exemplary. Many of the sharpshooters in the Revolutionary War were from Pennsylvania and used Pennsylvania rifles. The most famous of these is Patrick Murphy, who shot and killed British General Patrick Ferguson in the Battle of Kings Mountain. Murphy made the shot, at a range of 300 yards, using his Pennsylvania Flint Lock Rifle.
One need not be present to win and winner will be notified. Dues & donations to the ISRA are NOT tax deductible. Winner of firearm must comply with all federal, state, and local laws. You have 90 days from the drawing to claim firearm. Good luck to all!
In commemoration of this 250th Anniversary, we’re pleased to offer 5 prizes that include:
1st Prize: Traditions Pennsylvania Carbine Rifle – .50 Cal Percussion & Midway Deluxe Padded 54″ Gun Case
2nd Prize: ISRA Custom Engraved BUCK Hunting Knife
3rd Prize: ISRA Custom Engraved BUCK Hunting Knife
4th Prize: ISRA Black Powder Hat
5th Prize: ISRA Black Powder Hat
To enter online, CLICK HERE.
“I am frequently asked if the ISRA sells our membership list. The answer is absolutely not.” ~ Richard Pearson
Free Hunter Safety Program At The ISRA Range
Be prepared for hunting season! All those born after January 1, 1980, are required to complete a hunter safety education certification (certificate of competency) or provide evidence of holding a hunting license issued by Illinois or another State in a prior year before purchasing a hunting license. We can help with that!
Join us on August 14th – 5pm to 8pm and August 16th – 8am to 4:30pm for the ISRA Hunter Safety Programs held at the ISRA Range in Bonfield, IL. The programs are free of charge. Call the ISRA office at 815-635-3198 to register, or register online HERE.
Upcoming 2025 ISRA State Championships
August 9th and 10th (Saturday & Sunday) – Illinois State Outdoor Precision Pistol Championship
For more info, CLICK HERE
August 23rd and August 24th (Saturday & Sunday) – Illinois State Smallbore Championship
For more info, CLICK HERE
September 6th & 7th (Saturday & Sunday) – Illinois State F Class Championship
For more info, CLICK HERE
September 20th (Saturday) – Illinois State Short Course Championship
For more info, CLICK HERE
October 11th (Saturday) – Illinois State Black Powder State Championship
For more info, CLICK HERE
Register NOW for ISRA Pistol 201
Registration is open for the ISRA Pistol 201 Course on Saturday, August 23, 2025, with instructor David Diller. The course covers a range of topics in a classroom setting, as well as practical exercises, dry fire training and live fire training at the ISRA Range. Please CLICK HERE to register online or call us the ISRA office ASAP. It is a terrific course!
Register NOW for ISRA Academy CCL Renewals
Do not miss out on the ISRA Academy featuring CCL renewals each month. Be sure to pre-register by checking the ISRA Range Calendar for times/dates and clicking on the event of your choice for more info.
Click here for ISRA Range or call the ISRA Offices for more info at 815-635-3198.
Education & Training @ ISRA Range, Bonfield, IL.
August 10 (Sunday) CCL Renewal & Qualification – Range 11, Clubhouse 1pm-4pm
August 14 (Thursday) IDNR Hunter Safety Course – Clubhouse 5pm-8pm
August 16 (Saturday) IDNR Hunter Safety Course – Clubhouse & Range 1 8am-4:30pm
August 22 (Friday) NRA Basic Rifle Shooting Course – Range 11 & Clubhouse 8:30am-5pm
August 23 (Saturday) NRA Basic Instructor Training (BIT) – Clubhouse 8:30am-2:30pm
August 23 (Saturday) ISRA Pistol Training 201 Course – Range 8 8am-5pm
August 24 (Sunday) NRA Basic Rifle Instructor – Range 11 & Clubhouse 8:30am-6pm
August 27 (Wednesday) CCL Renewal & Qualification – Range 11, Clubhouse 9am-12pm
August 29-31 (Friday-Sunday) Rangemaster 3-Day Firearms Instructor Development & Certification Course
October 2-5 (Thursday-Sunday) Massad Ayoob’s MAG-40 Course
*** Please contact academy@isra.org for any training or class questions and check the ISRA Range for links to dates, times, descriptions of ISRA activities and events.
World Shooting and Recreational Complex (WSRC) Events
The ISRA office is located at: 1 Main Event Lane, Unit 502-503, Sparta, IL 62286
Women Only Classes at WSRC
October 10 (Friday) “Refuse To Be A Victim” – 5pm – 9pm
October 11 (Saturday) NRA Basic Pistol – 8:30am – 5pm
October 12 (Sunday) NRA Basic Rifle – 8:30am – 5pm
ISRA Members: View the Spring 2025 Shooter HERE
If you would like to donate to us, please visit: https://isra.org/support-us/
Thank you for your support!
GET IN THE FIGHT, STAY IN THE FIGHT, JOIN THE ISRA
To Join the ISRA, Go To: https://isra.org/join-us/
The Illinois State Rifle Association
is the home of marksmanship in Illinois
Tidbits
August 7, 1782 – General George Washington, commander and chief of the Continental Army, creates the badge for military merit commonly known as the “Purple Heart”.
The Badge was presented to soldiers for “Any singularly, meritorious action”. Only three Purple Hearts were issued in the Revolutionary War and was sadly dormant until 1927.
In 1927, General Charles P. Summerall, U.S. Army Chief of Staff, tried unsuccessfully to have Congress pass the “Badge of Military Merit”. In 1931, General Douglas MacArthur worked on reinstating the badge for the bicentennial of George Washington’s birth. On April 22, 1932, Washington’s birthday, the U.S. War Department announced the creation of the Order of the Purple Heart, its oldest decoration of merit awarded to the members of the United States Armed Services. It is now awarded to those who have been wounded or killed in action fighting against the enemy and also for prisoners of war.
My father received two Purple Hearts. I had a friend who received a Purple Heart in World War II, and one in the Korean War. Anyone who received this badge of distinction deserves our admiration.
August 7, 1942 – The First Marine Division begins Operation Watchtower, the first offensive attack in the World War II, by landing on Guadalcanal.
August 9, 1936 – Jesse Owens wins his fourth gold medal at the 1936 Berlin Olympics. Moreover, his relay team set a new world record that lasted over 20 years. Jesse Owens winning the gold and being a talented black American, gave Adolf Hitler stomach cramps.
August 10, 1776 – News of the Declaration of Independence finally reaches London. I’ll bet that was a big day for King George and the British Parliament.
August 12, 1898 – The Spanish American War ends. In the peace treaty, the United States gained Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines. Cuba became a U.S. protectorate. The United States had become a player on the world stage.
August 13, 1961 – Berlin becomes a divided city. East German soldiers started laying down barbed wire and brick in the area between East Berlin and the democratic western section of the city. The structure became known as the “Berlin Wall”. It would stand until Ronald Reagan called for the destruction of the wall in 1987. By that time, America had become much stronger and taken more seriously, especially with Reagan’s emphasis of “Peace Through Strength”.
August 14, 1945 – The United States officially announces Japan’s unconditional surrender. Japan would formally surrender in writing two weeks later, on September 2, 1945. Sixteen million men and women had served in the armed forces of the United States in World War II, earning the heart-felt moniker “The Greatest Generation”.
Other Events & Gun Shows
While the gun show information shown in this email is believed to be accurate, 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 Weekly Range Schedule.
Sept 20, 2025 National Civil War, Military, and Collector Arms Show, DuPage County Fairgrounds, Wheaton, IL.
Sept 27 – Sept 28, 2025 Chillicothe Sportsmen’s Club Gun & Knife Show, Chillicothe Sprotsmen’s Club House, Chillicothe, IL.
Sept 27 – Sept 28, 2025 Kankakee Gun & Sportsman’s Show, Kankakee County Fairgrounds, Kankakee, IL.
Oct 4 – 5, 2025 Central Illinois Gun Collectors Association – New Berlin Gun Show, Sangamon County Fairgrounds, New Berlin, IL.
Oct 12, 2025 Kane County Sportsman’s Show, Kane County Fairgrounds, St. Charles, IL.
Oct 25 – Oct 26, 2025 Belleville Gun & Knife Show, Belle-Clair Fairgrounds, Belleville, IL.
Oct 25 – Oct 26, 2025 Sauk Trail Gun Show, Bureau County Fairgrounds, Princeton, IL.
Nov 1 – Nov 2, 2025 Bloomington Gun & Knife Show, Interstate Center, Bloomington, IL.
Nov 9, 2025 Kane County Sportsman’s Show, Kane County Fairgrounds, St. Charles, IL.
Nov 22 – Nov 23, 2025 Kankakee Gun & Sportsman’s Show, Kankakee County Fairgrounds, Kankakee, IL.
Nov 29 – Nov 30, 2025 Central Illinois Gun Collectors Association – New Berlin Gun Show, Sangamon County Fairgrounds, New Berlin, IL.
Nov 29 – Nov 30, 2025 Sauk Trail Gun Show, Bureau County Fairgrounds, Princeton, IL.
Dec 6 – Dec 7, 2025 Chillicothe Sportsmen’s Club Gun & Knife Show, Chillicothe Sprotsmen’s Club House, Chillicothe, IL.
Sept 13 – Sept 14, 2025 Kankakee Gun & Sportsman’s Show, Kankakee County Fairgrounds, Kankakee, IL.
Dec 14, 2025 Kane County Sportsman’s Show, Kane County Fairgrounds, St. Charles, IL.
Feb 14 – Feb 15, 2026 Central Illinois Gun Collectors Association – New Berlin Gun Show, Sangamon County Fairgrounds, New Berlin, IL.
ISRA Grassroots Monthly Meetings
Come and meet fellow activists and learn the latest on protecting our Second Amendment Rights!
Northwest Suburban – 3rd Tues – Golden Corral, 601 S. Randall Rd., Elgin, IL; Doors open 6pm; Meeting 7pm – 8pm
South Suburban/Cook County – 2nd Thurs – Kenootz Pizza, 4659 147th St., Midlothian, IL; Doors open 6:30pm; Meeting 7pm – 8pm
Will County – 3rd Wed – Silver Dollar Restaurant, 422 E. Mississippi Ave., Elwood, IL; Doors open 6pm; Meeting 7pm – 8pm
Livingston County – 4th Saturday of the month – South Post Guns, 104 Livingston Rd., Streator, IL; Social Hour 4:30pm – 5:30pm; Meeting 5:30pm – 6:30pm
Stand Strong &
Thank you for being a member!
If you are not an ISRA member, join today!
Donate: https://isra.org/support-us/
Visit: www.isra.org
Upcoming Meetings: https://isra.org/isra-activities-and-events/
Upcoming Range Events: https://isra.org/the-range/#range-calendar
Stand by for the ISRA Range Post on
Tuesday!
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