February 12, 2026
Thursday Bulletin – February 12, 2026
Executive Director’s Message
Richard Pearson
The USA’s 250th Anniversary & The ISRA’s 123rd Anniversary
We are rapidly approaching several great anniversaries. The biggest one is the 250th year of our great and wonderful republic, the good ol’ USA. I can’t tell you how proud I am to be a citizen of the United States of America! I have spent a good part of my life studying American history and the courage and sacrifices made by millions of people to make the USA the greatest country ever. No one ever said it would be easy. Not only do I want you to celebrate our 250th anniversary, I want you to make sure your children, grandchildren and everyone you know joins in! It is a memory you, and they, will never forget.
I remember our 200th anniversary. I saw the freedom train in Peoria, Illinois, and all the fireworks displays… memories that are unique to the USA. It was a wonderful time which brought out the patriotism in everyone, young and old.
The Illinois State Rifle Association (ISRA) will also be celebrating two anniversaries. First, 2026 will be the 123rd anniversary of the Illinois State Rifle Association. The ISRA is almost half as old as the USA. The ISRA has done it’s part in training soldiers and citizens in marksmanship, firearm safety, and defending the Second Amendment. Every member should be proud of the ISRA’s accomplishments!
Also, the ISRA Range will be celebrating it’s 100th anniversary in 2026. We are planning a birthday party at the ISRA Range (more on that to come). I encourage all gun clubs to hold some type of celebration to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the good ol’ USA. USA-USA-USA!
From The NRA – Updated Training Credential Fee Structure
NRA credentialing update as of 2/1/2026
There is an adjustment to the NRA Training Credential Fee Structure. As of February 1, 2026, the updated fee structure below is in effect.
Credentialing Fees
Member: $40
Non-Member: $175
Additional Rating Activation Fee
Member: $20
Non-Member: $40
The current instructor renewal rates have remained static since 2019 despite increases in operational costs. This adjustment will allow us to continue delivering high-quality training programs and maintaining the Basic Firearms Training Program with a focus on:
– Continued investment in digital systems, including upgrades to the instructor portal.
– Expanded development of new courses, to be announced soon.
– Expanded instructor resources, curriculum development, and program support.
Additionally, this new fee structure establishes parity between members and non-members; previously, members were paying more between their membership dues and credential fees than non-members.
If you just renewed your membership, please wait 24-48 hours to ensure membership and instructor credentials sync up and so you are invoiced correctly.
The NRA appreciates your continued commitment to firearms education, safety, and responsible instruction. You role as an NRA Trainer is vital to the NRA mission and we thank you for your dedication to our core values of Knowledge, Skills, and Attitude.
Please contact the Training Department at training@nrahq.org for any questions.
2A Rights Are Worth Fighting For, No Matter Where You Are
Sometimes we, who live in Illinois, think we are they only ones getting our Second Amendment rights constantly attacked. Just to let you know, we aren’t the only ones. This is not to make you feel better but to let you know how well connected and well-funded the anti-gun side is.
The attack on the Second Amendment is ongoing in Oregon, Virginia, Massachusetts, Maryland, Delaware, New Jersey, California, Washington, and other states. Another of those places is New Mexico, where they are proposing a law even worse than our PICA.
Not only is the anti-gun side well-funded by left wing billionaires, the United Nations is also in on it. There is nothing that scares communist, socialist dictators more than citizens having firearms. And nothing irks me more than foreign countries trying to take away our rights. They hate the Second Amendment and American gun owners.
What if their people wanted and got the same freedoms we have? Heaven forbid. I want you to know how important you all are and thank you for being in this fight. If you are not yet in the fight, come and join us. We need you! See you at IGOLD on April 15!
Not an ISRA member? Join the ISRA and support 2A rights in Illinois – click HERE.
Legislative Update
IGOLD – Illinois Gun Owner Lobby Day Info
Come to the BoS Center in Springfield, Illinois, for Illinois Gun Owner Lobby Day on April 15, 2026. The most important day of the year for gun owners in Illinois, IGOLD is when gun owners gather in Springfield to speak with one voice and send a message to the legislature. Dave McDermott, the well known self-defense attorney, will be one of the speakers at IGOLD. You don’t want to miss his address. Please mark your calendars to reserve this date. If your club or business would like to bring a bus-load of people to IGOLD, the ISRA will pay for parking meters and parking spaces.
Tables are available to those who wish to display their products, organization or services to those attending. Political candidates may also purchase a table. Tables are $100.00 each. If interested, please call the office at 815-635-3198.
You can find the latest information at the ISRA’s IGOLD Page.
For more information on how you can join, help, or donate, call the ISRA office at (815) 635-3198, e-mail us at member@isra.org or click the links below:
* * *
The General Assembly will reconvene on 2/17.
The Governor’s Budget Address will take place on 2/18. IGOLD will take place on 4/15.
You can find the House calendar HERE and the Senate calendar HERE to view all the legislative session deadlines.
You can follow along by clicking the ISRA Legislation Page.
Litigation Update
ISRA SUPPORTING
Schoenthal v Raoul (7th Cir.) – At this time we have not heard anything from the Supreme Court of the United States on whether or not they are going to take the Schoenthal v Roaul case. We do know they are considering it.
We need extra support right now, so please… donate HERE.
Not an ISRA member? Join the ISRA and support 2A rights in Illinois – click HERE.
My Recommendations For NRA Board Of Directors
You should be receiving your NRA ballot in the mail soon and every year I am asked who I recommend for the NRA Board of Directors. The members below are from my October 2025 list. Remember, these are my recommendations – if you have other ideas that is fine. The important thing is that eligible voting members actually DO VOTE. The turn out for NRA Board of Directors elections have been miserable.
My criteria for my picks are simple. I must know them and they must actually do something that matters. Reading a resume alone doesn’t get it for me. I much prefer sweat over talk. I know many of the candidates on the list but that doesn’t mean I am going to recommend them.
To be eligible to vote in NRA elections you must be a five year or a Life, Endowment, Patron or Benefactor member of the NRA. The NRA Board of Directors has 76 members. One third of them (25) are elected each year for a three year term. The 76th board member is elected for a one year term at the annual meeting. Eligible members can vote for up to 25 candidates. The problem is that for every person you vote beyond that first vote makes each subsequent vote less valuable. The fewer people you vote for the more weight your vote has. The term for this is “bullet voting” which is highly appropriate for a rifle association. There is a balance between one and twenty five. I believe the practical number is five. Below are my five recommendations.
Robert Beckman – Cincinnati, Ohio.
Lynn Gibson – New Athens, Illinois.
Amanda Suffecool – Wayland, Ohio.
Todd Vandermyde – Yorkville, Illinois.
James Wallace – Newburyport, Massachusetts.
Remember, this is just what I think. Remember, your vote is still YOUR VOTE.
Safe Storage of Firearms Act – ISRA Partners With StopBox
The Safe Storage of Firearms Act, designated as Public Act 101-0031, is now fully implemented. Under this legislation, firearm owners are required to secure their firearms in a safe storage device if certain individuals are present on their premises. The term “premises” is defined broadly as any location under a person’s control, including homes, businesses, or vehicles. Therefore, a safe storage device is necessary for these areas unless the firearm is carried by the owner.
Despite concerns having been raised regarding the focus and implications of this law, and that the Illinois State Rifle Association (ISRA) is continuing to evaluate possible legal challenges to its constitutionality, the ISRA is excited to partner with StopBox – firearm security devices! While we don’t agree with this Safe Storage Act, we realize that many of our members are at risk because of this. If you have a handgun or select shotguns and rifles that needs to be secured, this is an answer for you. Any proceeds from the sale of StopBox will be used to continue the fight for your gun rights. Scan the QR code to order today or call the ISRA office at 815-635-3198 for more information.
National Deer Association – Deer Season Stats
Each year the National Deer Association puts out a report on white tailed deer. While not all states cooperate in the reporting, it does give some interesting statistics. Illinois is one of those whitetail states that does not report. I know… you are shocked.
Texas leads the way with the number of whitetails just over an estimated 5 million. Their deer harvest is about 490 to 500 thousand each year. Some of our neighboring states do report, such as Wisconsin, which has reported a deer population at 2.1 million. Missouri reports 1.7 million, Kentucky reports 1.02 million and Tennessee reports 1 million. Indiana and Iowa, like Illinois, also did not file a report. Of course, some states with small numbers or no whitetails did not report either. I am guessing there are over 30 million white tales in the United States. No wonder they are a popular critter to hunt.
Also, in Ohio, deer hunters checked over 230,000 deer last deer season. I had no idea Ohio was such a haven for whitetails. On a good note in Illinois, deer hunters and processors donated 2,600 pounds of venison to food pantries. Thank you everyone!
ISRA Academy Announces 2026 Massad Ayoob Group Classes
The Illinois State Rifle Association is very excited to announce we are hosting multiple Massad Ayoob Group classes this year including MAG20 Live Fire, MAG30, MAG40, and MAG80. Please click on the class title to learn more about each one, including pre-requisites.
MAG20 will be May 2-3, 2026
MAG30 will be June 12-14, 2026
MAG40 will be August 20-23, 2026
MAG80 will be August 26-30, 2026
MAG40 will be held in Sparta, IL, at the World Shooting and Recreational Complex, all others held at ISRA Range in Bonfield, IL.
Registration is now open!! Register early as seats are limited!!
Please use THIS LINK to register for MAG20, MAG40, or MAG80.
Please use THIS LINK to register for MAG30.
Every Eligible Person In Your Home Should Have A FOID Card.
We often receive calls about a husband who has passed away and left his wife with a gun collection. The problem is the wife does not have a FOID card. Don’t let this happen in your household. Spouses should have a FOID card. Be sure that anyone whom you might want to handle your firearms has a FOID card.
“Money can only buy happiness if you spend it on freedom. Join the ISRA today.” ~ Richard Pearson
The “ISRA Paladin” Sustaining Membership
The ISRA recently introduced our new sustaining membership. The membership is called the “ISRA Paladin.”
When you become an ISRA Paladin, you join the front line in defending the Second Amendment in Illinois. Your commitment helps power the ISRA’s training, education, and legal efforts that protect the rights of every law-abiding gun owner in our state.
What is a PALADIN—and why should you become one?
In the time of King Charlemagne, the Paladins were his most trusted and honorable knights—sworn to act with courage, defend the innocent, and protect what was just. Their loyalty and leadership made them legends. Today’s ISRA Paladins carry that same spirit. They stand firm for freedom, safeguard the innocent, and defend our rights against those who would take them away.
You can be a Paladin member and an Annual, Life, Endowment, Benefactor, or Patron member concurrently. Every bit helps.
If you would like to become a ISRA Paladin member, please call the office at 815-635-3198. You may also print out the Paladin Membership card below and send it to the ISRA office along with your annual dues (see card below).
Thank you for your continuing support of the mission of the ISRA!
Gently-Used Springfield Armory XD-S Mod.2® Raffle
Ticket prices:
1 Ticket – $10
3 Tickets – $25
7 Tickets – $50
15 Tickets – $100
For more Information, CLICK HERE.
The Illinois State Rifle Association is a 501(c)4 non-profit organization, donations to Illinois State Rifle Association are not tax-deductible. Prize must be claimed within 90 days of drawing.
For other questions on this raffle, contact:
ISRA – PO Box 637 – Chatsworth, IL 60921
(815) 635-3198 or E-Mail: member@isra.org
ISRA Memorial Brick Fundraiser – Honor Your Mentors
We all have people in our lives who have influenced our lives in a positive manner, we do not want them forgotten. My father is a perfect example, he taught me how to shoot, hunt, and many other life lessons. He was a WWII veteran with two purple hearts, I did not want him to be forgotten.
To remember people like my father and those in your life that have made a positive impact over the years the ISRA has established a Memorial Brick Project. The memorial bricks are laid out around the flagpole at the ISRA Range in Bonfield, IL, which is located near Kankakee, IL.
Please look over the attached flier and consider buying a brick for someone who has made a difference in your life.
For more info or to order your commemorative brick today, CLICK HERE.
“I am frequently asked if the ISRA sells our membership list. The answer is absolutely not.” ~ Richard Pearson
Education & Training @ ISRA Range, Bonfield, IL.
*Every Thursday (unless otherwise noted) ISRA Precision Air Pistol Training – Range 12 & Clubhouse – 5:30pm – 7:00pm
March 21 & 22 (Saturday & Sunday) Concealed Carry Class – Range 11 & Clubhouse – 9:00am – 5:30pm
March 22 (Sunday) CCL Renewal & Qualification – Range 11 & Clubhouse – 9:00am – 12:00pm
March 29 (Sunday) Armed Women of America – Range 11 & Clubhouse – 9:00am – 11:00pm
May 2 & 3 (Saturday & Sunday) Massad Ayoob – MAG20 – Range 8 & Clubhouse – 9:00am – 5:30
June 12 – 14 (Friday, Saturday & Sunday) Massad Ayoob – MAG30 – Range 11 – 8:00am – 6:00
August 20 – 23 (Thurs, Fri, Sat, Sun) Massad Ayoob – MAG40 – World Shooting & Recreational Complex – 8:30am – 7:00
August 26 – 30 (Wed, Thurs, Fri, Sat, Sun) Massad Ayoob – MAG80 – ISRA Range, Bonfield (more info TBA)
*** 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.
ISRA Members: To view the
Illinois Shooter – Winter 2026, click HERE.
If you would like to donate to us, please click HERE.
Thank you for your support!
GET IN THE FIGHT, STAY IN THE FIGHT, JOIN THE ISRA
To Join the ISRA, click HERE.
The Illinois State Rifle Association
is the home of marksmanship in Illinois
Tidbits
February 12, 1809 – Happy birthday to “Honest Abe”! Abraham Lincoln was born in Hodgenville, Kentucky. His family was very poor and he was only able to attend school for one year, after which he was self-taught. His career included being a shopkeeper, a postmaster, a surveyor, and an attorney.
He became President in the election of 1860 and presided over the Union victory during the Civil War. He was held in high regard by scholars, historians and the public as one of the greatest Presidents in American history. Not bad for a man who only had one year of education. Maybe so-called “formal education” is not all it is cracked-up to be.
February 14, 270 A.D. – Saint Valentine, a priest in Rome, was beheaded by Emperor Claudius II. Claudius believed that unmarried men would make better soldiers, so he outlawed marriage for young men to encourage more enlistments in the army. Saint Valentine continued to marry young couples, against Claudius’ doctrine, for which he was imprisoned. During his imprisonment, he befriended the jailer’s daughter and left her a farewell note signed “from your Valentine” before Claudius had him beheaded – a grizzly beginning to the legend of St. Valentine’s Day.
February 14, 1884 – Theodore Roosevelt’s wife and mother die on the same day. Roosevelt discovered his mother, Mittie, had died of typhoid fever. Later that day, Roosevelt’s wife, Alice Lee, died of Bright’s disease after having given birth to his daughter, Alice, two days prior.
Near the end of 1884, Roosevelt entrusted his daughter to his sister to raise and they all set out for the Dakota Territory. There, Roosevelt raised a herd of prize cattle, passed his free time by writing and reading history, and even became a sheriff. In 1885, the cattle were wiped out in a blizzard. In 1886, Roosevelt moved back East and took up politics once again.
February 16, 1804 – The U.S. Navy boards and burns the captured U.S. warship, USS Philadelphia, during the First Barbary War. The USS Philadelphia had run aground and its captain, William Bainbridge, and crew, were captured by pirates on Tripolitan gunboats. The United States contingent feared that the Philadelphia would be used against them. The raid was led by Lt Stephen Decatur Jr., who captured or killed all but two of the Tripolitan sailors aboard the Philadelphia.
Tripoli is located in present-day Libya.
February 18, 1885 – Samuel Langhorne Clemens, under his pen name Mark Twain, publishes his book entitled “The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn”. The book is based around the story of young Huck Finn and his friend and runaway slave, Jim.
The book has been hailed a masterpiece despite many of the society types of the time turning up their noses at the book. Great American author, Ernest Hemingway, said about the book – “there was nothing before. And there has been nothing as good since.”
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.
Feb. 14 – Feb. 15, 2026 Central Illinois Gun Collectors Association – New Berlin Gun Show, Sangamon County Fairgrounds, New Berlin, IL.
Mar. 7 – Mar. 8, 2026 Kankakee Gun & Sportsman’s Show, Kankakee County Fairgrounds, Kankakee, IL.
Mar. 8, 2026 Kane County Sportsman’s Show, Kane County Fairgrounds, St Charles, IL.
March 28 – March 29, 2026 Belleville Gun & Knife Show – Belle-Clair Fairgounds, Belleville, IL.
March 28 – March 29, 2026 Sauk Trail Gun Show, Bureau County Fairgrounds, Princeton, IL.
April 11 – April 12, 2026 Chillicothe Sportsmen’s Club Gun & Knife Show, Chillicothe Sportsmen’s Club House, Chillicothe, IL.
April 18, 2026 National Civil War, Military, and Collector Arms Show, DuPage County Fairgrounds, Wheaton, IL.
April 19, 2026 Kane County Sportsman’s Show, Kane County Fairgrounds, St Charles, IL.
May 16 – May 17, 2026 Kankakee Gun & Sportsman’s Show, Kankakee County Fairgrounds, Kankakee, IL.
June 19 – June 21, 2026 Pecatonica Gun Show, Winnebago County Fairgrounds, Pecatonica, IL.
Sept. 12 – Sept. 13, 2026 Chillicothe Sportsmen’s Club Gun & Knife Show, Chillicothe Sportsmen’s Club House, Chillicothe, IL.
Sept. 19, 2026 National Civil War, Military, and Collector Arms Show, DuPage County Fairgrounds, Wheaton, IL.
Other Events
Feb. 14, 2026 Sandy Ford International Pistol Event, Sandy Ford Sportsman Club Indoor Range, 720 S Bloomington St, Streator, IL.
Mar. 14, 2026 Sandy Ford International Pistol Event, Sandy Ford Sportsman Club Indoor Range, 720 S Bloomington St, Streator, Illinois
April 11, 2026 Sandy Ford International Pistol Event, Sandy Ford Sportsman Club Indoor Range, 720 S Bloomington St, Streator, IL.
ISRA Town Hall Monthly Meetings
Come and meet fellow activists and learn the latest on protecting our Second Amendment Rights!
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
Madison County – 1st Wednesday of the month – Piasa Armory, 625 Lewis and Clark Blvd., East Alton, IL; Doors open at 6:15pm; Meeting starts at 6:30pm
Northwest Suburban – 3rd Tuesday of the month – Golden Corral, 1591 S Randall Rd., Algonquin, IL; Doors open 6pm; Meeting 7pm – 8pm
South Suburban/Cook County – 2nd Thursday of the month – New Location: Cooper’s Bar and Grill, 15158 S. Cicero Ave., Oak Forest, IL; Doors open 6:30pm; Meeting 7pm – 8pm
Will County – 3rd Wednesday of the month – Silver Dollar Restaurant, 422 E. Mississippi Ave., Elwood, IL; Doors open 6pm; Meeting 7pm – 8pm
Stand Strong &
Thank you for being a member!
If you are not an ISRA member, join TODAY!
Donate: isra.org/support-us/
Visit: isra.org/
Upcoming Meetings: isra.org/isra-activities-and-events/
Upcoming Range Events: isra.org/the-range/#range-calendar
PO Box 637
420 E Locust St
Chatsworth Illinois 60921
USA
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