March 13, 2025
Legislative Update
Representative Rita Mayfield (D-60 Waukegan) has HB1177. This bill, if passed, would impose a 3.75% tax on all firearms and parts. This bill is a direct attack on law abiding gun owners. It is a type of sin tax like what is imposed on gambling and liquor. A constitutional right is not a sin. Moreover, in the Bruen et al v New York State Pistol & Rifle Association et al, the Supreme Court of the United States ruled specific taxes on firearms unconstitutional. Of course, the mere fact that something is unconstitutional hasn’t stopped the Illinois General Assembly. This is all part of the “we’ll pass a law and, if you want your rights back, you’ll have to sue for them” attitude by many in Springfield.
As frosting on the cake, the proceeds from this tax would go to fund the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA). Chicago can’t fund their own mismanagement so they want those who live in Rock Island, Quincy, Marion, and everywhere else in the state to help. By the way, their 2025 operating budget is $2.16 billion dollars.
Right now this bill is in the House Sales Tax Subcommittee. The testimony is subject matter only. We will watch this bill. Most importantly, HB1177 shows you the attitude and disregard that those legislators in the Northeast corner of the state have for the rest of us.
You can follow along by clicking the ISRA Legislation Page.
Litigation Update
The Second Amendment Foundation has filed a response brief with the Supreme Court of the United States, asking to set a date for arguments in the Jacobson v. Worth case. The Jacobson v. Worth case involves the right of 18 – 20 year olds to obtain a concealed carry license. The case comes out of Minnesota. We have a similar case in Illinois involving FOID cards for 18 – 20 year olds.
Nothing else is moving right now, but our attorneys are prepared when we do finally get a briefing date from whichever court. We will keep you updated.
Killing Two Birds With One Stone?
It is nice to see the ATF finally facing the scrutiny of the Trump Administration. The question is, if the ATF goes the way of the Dodo bird, what is to be done with the ATF building?
I think the answer is simple. With the shortage of eggs, why not turn the building into a really large chicken coop. That would not only solve what to do with the building, but it would help to relieve the egg shortage and give some of those who were terminated a new job for which they are eminently qualified. We could give the operation a catchy, new name like “The ATF Chicken Ranch.”
Who Elects These People?
In Boston, a knife-wielding man chased two people into a Chick-fil-A with the intent to murder them. An off-duty policeman happened to be in the store at the time. The policeman drew his sidearm and ordered the man to drop the knife. The perp refused, forcing the officer to shoot. The perp died later at the hospital.
Boston’s Mayor Wu got up in front of the cameras to address this event but she did not recognize the policeman, the intended victims or the traumatized people in the store. Nope. Mayor Wu expressed
her condolences to the attacker’s family. Well boo-double-hoo. Unbelievable.
Deer Season Stats
Illinois deer hunters had a great deer season. The total reported deer harvest was 170,758 deer. That’s 10,000 more than last year. The youth deer harvest was down about 500 and the muzzle only deer harvest was also down about 500 deer.
The Deer Classic will be held in Peoria on March 21st, 22nd and 23rd. Come see us at our booth. You might even win a new deer rifle or shotgun.
ISRA Academy Ladies Weekend – April 4 – 6, 2025
The ISRA Academy is hosting a Ladies Weekend with instructor Mandi Ehler at The World Shooting Complex in Sparta, Illinois, from April 4th to April 6th, 2025. The NRA “Refuse To Be A Victim” program, which offers constructive tips and techniques for personal safety, will be held on Friday, April 4th. The NRA Basic Pistol shooting course, focusing on safety and fundamentals, will be held on Saturday, April 5th , and the NRA Basic Rifle Course, encompassing all things rifle-related, will be held on Sunday, April 6th , 2025. Reserve you spot today!
For more information, please visit our website, email us at academy@isra.org or call the ISRA at: 815-844-9949.
Register For “Bullseye 101” at Aurora Sportsmen’s Club – April 5
The Aurora Sportsmen’s Club is once again offering “Bullseye 101”–an introduction to Bullseye Pistol Shooting.
This is a free, one day overview of bullseye and will be held on Saturday, April 5, at ASC. The session is open to ASC Members and invited guests. Shooters of all ages (10 year olds and up) and all skill levels are welcome to attend. Lunch is on your own, but we will organize a group pizza order.
The classroom session in the morning will cover safety, scoring, equipment, and a seminar on improving your shooting skills. The afternoon session will provide an opportunity to shoot a National Match Course (or two) comprising the slow fire, timed fire and rapid fire stages found in any formal Bullseye match.
Bullseye is a natural progression from shooting ASC Club Pistol and knowledge of the process and protocols will open up new opportunities for shooting precision pistol.
Pre-registration is required.
You can find more information on the Bullseye 101 session HERE and REGISTER HERE .
Upcoming Municipal Elections
Tuesday, April 1 will be the municipal elections in Illinois. These elections are extremely important because this is from where the next round of State Representatives and State Senators will emerge. It is very important that you review all candidates in these elections and vote for those who are pro-gun.
Register NOW for ISRA Academy CCL Renewals
Do not miss out on the ISRA Academy featuring CCL renewals each month. Upcoming dates are:
3/16/2025 (Sunday) 9:00am – 12:00pm / Range 11 & Clubhouse – Register HERE
3/27/2025 (Thursday) 1:00pm – 4:00pm / Range 11 & Clubhouse – Register HERE
Henry 1000 Man Shoot Rifle Raffle
Help us fund our youth shooting programs by purchasing tickets for our Henry 1000-Man Shoot Silver Boy rifles! ISRA will be raffling off rifle #873 out of 1000, which comes in its original case, on March 31, 2025. Don’t miss this opportunity to not only win a beautiful and rare firearm but also to support and encourage our young marksmen!
If you prefer to call the office and purchase tickets, you may do so between 8am and 4pm, Monday through Friday. You can also mail a check to the ISRA at P.O.Box 637, Chatsworth, IL. 60921. Be sure to include a note stating it is for the Henry Rifle Raffle.
Ticket prices are 1 for $25, 5 for $100 and 15 for $250.
Purchase Tickets for the Henry 1000 HERE
New IGOLD Merchandise in the ISRA Online Store
Come visit the ISRA Online Store to view our new line of IGOLD merchandise. We have new items added every week and, if you have something particular you would like to see available, let us know! We would love to hear your ideas and appreciate your input! Email them to us at: member@isra.org
Visit the ISRA Online Store HERE
Education & Training @ ISRA Range, Bonfield, IL.
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ISRA Academy is continuing to offer CCL renewals each month –
3/16/2025 (Sunday) 9:00am – 12:00pm / Range 11 & Clubhouse – Register HERE
3/27/2025 (Thursday) 1:00pm – 4:00pm / Range 11 & Clubhouse – Register HERE
4/27/2025 (Sunday) 9:00pm – 12:00pm / Range 11 & Clubhouse – Register HERE
Basic CCL Qualification (2 days) with NRA Basic Pistol (day 1 – 3/15/2025)
3/15/2025 (Day 1 – Saturday) 8:30am – 5:00pm / Range 1 & Clubhouse – Register HERE
3/16/2025 (Day 2 – Sunday) 9:00am – 5:30pm / Range 11 & Clubhouse – Register HERE
4/27/2025 (Sunday) 9:00am – 12:00pm / Range 11 & Clubhouse – Register HERE
Pistol Coaching Class / Level 1 –
3/22/2025 (Saturday) 8:30am – 4:30pm / Range 1 & Clubhouse – Register HERE
3/23/2025 (Sunday) 8:30am – 4:30pm / Range 1 & Clubhouse – Register HERE
Pistol Optics Principles with Brian Hill of “The Complete Combatant” –
4/12/2025 (Saturday) 9:00am – 6:00pm / Range 11 & Clubhouse – Register HERE
4/13/2025 (Sunday) 9:00am – 6:00pm / Range 11 & Clubhouse – Register HERE
*** Please contact academy@isra.org for any training or class questions and check the ISRA Range Calendar HERE for links to dates, times, descriptions of ISRA activities and events.
Important Announcement – IGOLD
The 2025 IGOLD date has been moved to May 14, 2025. This is due to a change in the legislative calendar. I am looking forward to seeing you there.
GET IN THE FIGHT, STAY IN THE FIGHT, JOIN THE ISRA
To Join the ISRA, Go To: https://isra.org/join-us/
March 13, 1942 – United States Army Quartermaster Corps begins training for the new K-9 Corps. The United States Army Quartermaster Corps train dogs for the Army, the Navy, the Marines, and the Coast Guard. In World War I, millions of dogs were utilized in different capacities, including carrying messages and providing psychological comfort for our soldiers.
In 1918, an abandoned puppy was found in France that was left over from the German war-dog program. That puppy came to the United States and, in 1922, that puppy made his debut with the stage name of “Rin Tin Tin”. The German Shepherd breed was little known in the United States until Rin Tin Tin’s movie debut.
During World War II, one famous German Shepherd, serving in the Army’s Third Infantry Division, broke away from his handler and attacked an enemy machine gun nest, causing the entire crew to surrender. The dog, Chips, was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross, the Silver Star and the Purple Heart. Later, the Army revoked those medals because they were given to an animal. I have to think about that one. Thousands of dogs give their lives, protecting their handlers and other troops.
Today, not only are German Shepherds trained, but so are Belgian Malinois, Sheepdogs, Doberman Pinchers, Collies, Siberian Huskies, Malamutes, and Eskimo dogs.
March 13 – 14, 2025 – Look up. There is a “Blood Moon” this morning starting at 1:26am, Central Time. The “Blood Moon” refers to a total lunar eclipse occurring on the night of March 13 and into the early morning of March 14. During this event, the moon will appear red due to Earth’s shadow blocking direct sunlight, with totality lasting approximately 65 minutes, making it a spectacular sight for observers in North and South America. Peak viewing for our area is 2am.
March 14, 1776 – Alexander Hamilton receives his commission as a Captain in the New York Artillery. Throughout the next year, he established himself as a great artillery leader in several battles around New York City. In March 1777, Hamilton’s performance came to the attention of General George Washington, who commissioned him as a Lieutenant Colonel and his personal aide to both himself and the Continental Army.
While most of us think of Hamilton as establishing the United States Treasury, he did many other great things as well. One of those was that he was the primary author of the Federalist Papers – 85 articles designed to convince the United States to ratify the Constitution of the United States. His fellow authors were James Madison and John Jay. That is some pretty lofty company.
March 15, 44 B.C. – Julius Caesar was stabbed to death by a group of conspirators who believed his death would restore the Roman Republic. What would eventually happen would be the exact opposite. In the end, Caesar’s great nephew, Augustus, would destroy the Roman Republic forever.
Julius Caesar, however, left his mark on history. He established something called the Julian Calendar, which was slightly adjusted in the 16th century, but we still use it today. So every time you look at the calendar, you can think of Julius Caesar.
March 16, 1802 – Congress founded the United States Military Academy at West Point. Today, it is simply known as West Point by most people. West Point turns out about 900 graduates a year.
March 17, 461 A.D. – Saint Patrick dies. The celebrated priest has a day named after him. The first celebration took place in the United States in 1601 and the first St. Patrick’s Day parade was in New York in 1752. Corned beef and cabbage all around!
March 18, 1925 – The “Tri-State Tornado” passes through Eastern Missouri, Illinois and Southern Indiana, killing 695 people and injuring some 13,000 people. When the tornado struck Murfreesboro, Illinois, it killed 234 people there, and another 127 people in West Frankfort, Illinois.
When I was going to Eastern Illinois University, my landlady’s father had worked for the Illinois Central Railroad. I think it was in Frankfort, Illinois, that this occurred, but I am not sure. They saw the tornado coming and there was a cold steam locomotive parked, waiting for service. This lady’s father and another worker crawled inside the fire-box of the 200 ton monster and weathered out the storm. When the tornado passed, they crawled out of the locomotive and there was very little left around them.
March 19, 1918 – Congress approved “Daylight Savings Time”. This was not a new idea. Benjamin Franklin had come up with the idea a long time ago.
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.
Mar 1 – Mar 2, 2025 Kankakee Gun & Sportsman’s Show, Kankakee Co. Fairgrounds, Kankakee, IL.
Mar 7 – Mar 8, 2025 Prairieland Frontiersman Show, Sullivan American Legion, Sullivan, IL.
Mar 9, 2025 Kane County Sportsman’s Show, Kane County Fairgrounds, St. Charles, IL.
Mar 29 – Mar 30, 2025 Sauk Trail Gun Show, Bureau County Fairgrounds, Princeton, IL.
April 5 – April 6, 2025 Chillicothe Sportsmen’s Club Gun & Knife Show, Chillicothe, IL.
April 13, 2025 Kane County Sportsman’s Show, Kane County Fairgrounds, St. Charles, IL.
May 17 – May 18, 2025 Kankakee Gun & Sportsman’s Show, Kankakee Co. Fairgrounds, Kankakee, IL.
June 6 – June 8, 2025 Pecatonica Gun Show, Winnebago County Fairgrounds, Pecatonica, IL.
Sept 27 – Sept 28, 2025 Chillicothe Sportsmen’s Club Gun & Knife Show, Chillicothe Sportsmen’s Club House, Chillicothe, IL.
Oct 12, 2025 Kane County Sportsman’s Show, Kane County Fairgrounds, St. Charles, IL.
Oct 25 – Oct 26, 2025 Sauk Trail Gun Show, Bureau County Fairgrounds, Princeton, IL.
Nov 1, 2025 Bloomington Gun & Knife Show, Interstate Center, Bloomington, IL.
Nov 9, 2025 Kane County Sportsman’s Show, Kane County Fairgrounds, St. Charles, 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.
Dec 14, 2025 Kane County Sportsman’s Show, Kane County Fairgrounds, St. Charles, 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, 1591 S. Randall Rd., Algonquin, 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/
Upcoming Meetings: https://isra.org/isra-activities-and-events/
Upcoming Range Events: https://isra.org/the-range/#range-calendar