October 9, 2025
Thursday Bulletin – October 9, 2025
The Fall – My Favorite Time Of Year
Cooler air has finally arrived and, I must say, I was ready for it. Pleasant days and cool nights should help bring out the fall colors in trees and bushes. The first frost in my area usually arrives between the 15th and 20th of October. It’s starting to feel like hunting season, my favorite time of year.
I previously wrote about the dangers of field fires and, I am sad to say, there have been several in my area. Over the weekend there was a big one, five miles long, southwest of Kankakee that required 40 fire departments and 15 to 20 farmers creating fire breaks to put it out. If you see one of these fires stay away from it. One of the problems fire departments have is when spectators block roads and lanes which prevent or slow down fire trucks from getting to the fire. If you get caught impeding a fire truck, there is a stiff fine for that.
Fall and winter indoor shooting leagues and competitions are now getting organized. I encourage you to find a league near you and join in the fun. I really enjoy precision shooting. Sandy Ford Junior shooters in Streator, Illinois is holding monthly international (Olympic) matches. These include air pistol, standard pistol, free pistol, center fire and sport pistol. These matches will really help you improve your marksmanship. See section “Sandy Ford’s Indoor International Pistol Event” below for more info. The first match is October 11th and the second match is November 8th. Matches run all the way until April.
If you have an indoor shooting league let me know. I will be happy to mention it.
On Thursday, October 23rd, we will begin our fall indoor air pistol practice and league. We start at 5:30pm and go until 7:30 pm. We will provide coaching, targets, Olympic quality air pistols and pellets for $5.00 a night. We will also begin the NRA marksmanship awards program for all who attend. This is designed to help shooters improve their skills. New shooters are welcome. We provide coaching. Coaching goes beyond basic instruction. Coaching requires a long-term commitment to the athlete. This is not a one and done program.
One of our shooters, who shot in the program and recently moved to Kentucky, just won 1st place overall in Women’s Precision Pistol in both the rim-fire and center-fire divisions and came in 3rd in air pistol out of 137 competitors at the NRA World Championships. The ISRA is the home of marksmanship in Illinois (and maybe Kentucky too!).
Sandy Ford’s Indoor International Pistol Event Sanctioned by USA Shooting / Sponsored by Sandy Ford Junior Shooters
Standard, Air, Free, Center Fire, Sport
2025 – 2026 Winter Season: Oct. 11, Nov. 8, Dec. 6, Jan. 10, Feb. 14, Mar. 14, Apr. 11
At Sandy Ford Sportsman Club – Indoor (12 point) 50’ Range – 720 S Bloomington St (Rte 23 South) on West side (1 block south of OSFMG hospital) Streator, Illinois
Events and Relay times: Standard @ 9:00 AM – Air @ 10:30 AM – Free @ 1:00 PM – Center Fire & Sport @ 3:30 PM (Relay times may be adjusted based on participation)
4 five-shot-series in 150, 20, 10 seconds B-33 Target
15 minutes sighters –– 22.5 minutes per three target series (15 shots)
Rules: Current USA Shooting Pistol Rulebook – online at www.usashooting.com
Fees: One event: $15.00 Second event: $10.00 Each additional event: $5.00
All checks payable to Sandy Ford Sportsman Club.
Contacts: Don Weber, 847-840-9067 (leave message) or Gary Riss, 815-257-2634
*Please reserve a space prior to the match. We accept entries at the match if space permits. If we know ahead of time, we can plan and try to accommodate.
Youth Deer Season For Young Hunters Opens Soon
Youth deer season is on October 11th to 13th this year. It is open to hunters who have not reached their 18th birthday. If the young hunter does not fill their permit during the youth season, it is valid for the first regular firearm season held on November 21st to the 23rd. Young hunters must be accompanied by a responsible adult. Good Luck!
When Neda Herman of Basin, Wyoming, was 15 years old, her father took her hunting. She has had a passion for hunting ever since. Recently, Neda bagged a nice cow elk on opening day in the Big Horn mountains. It was a one shot kill. Neda and her son quartered the elk and packed the meat out. Neda is 83 years old, what’s your excuse?
The ISRA Range will be holding our Annual Sighting-in-Day on Saturday, October 18, from 10am until 3pm. If you are going hunting or have a firearm that you want help with, bring it out.
We will be sighting in rifles, handguns, shotguns and muzzle loaders. You will need to bring your firearm and your own ammunition. We will provide targets, shooting rests and assistance. I’m looking forward to seeing you there.
TIME’S Almost UP!!! Sighting-In-Day Raffle
Come on out and have your pistol, rifle, shotgun, or muzzleloader sighted for $10 per gun. Bring at least 25 rounds of ammo with you. We provide the targets, instructors and lunch!
In addition, 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.
Entries must be postmarked by October 13, 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.
Litigation Update
On Monday, September 22, the U.S. Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals heard oral arguments for the State’s appeal of Harrel et al v. Raoul et al, the so-called “assault weapons” ban case. Arguments went as expected. The DOJ civil rights lead attorney, Harmeet Dhillion, supported our position. Now the waiting game begins.
Thanks to all those who have and will continue to support the ISRA in our efforts to protect the Second Amendment in Illinois. If you are not a member join now. This fight is far from over.
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 General Assembly will hold its first Veto Session on October 14, 15 and 16. The second Veto Session will be October 28, 29 and 30th. They will be home in time for Halloween. No gun legislation is expected currently. Nevertheless, the ISRA will be there.
You can follow along by clicking the ISRA Legislation Page.
Emergency Medical Classes Available To ISRA Members
ISRA Academy is please to offer a duel-certificate 8-hour emergency medicine course that is registered with the IDOH. Firearms instructors and RSOs receive up to 8-hours of continuing education CEU credits for completing this class. The class is open for all ISRA members. The full, one day, 8-hour class runs twice on two consecutive days – on November 8th, or November 9th, from 8am – 5pm.
For additional class details/registration.
Contact: (708) 990-4367 or E-mail: teamsttg@aol.com
ISRA Range – Once Fired Brass For Sale
If you are an ISRA member and reload your own ammunition the ISRA Range has once fired brass for sale. Please contact Mike James at 847-456-3386.
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.
“I am frequently asked if the ISRA sells our membership list. The answer is absolutely not.” ~ Richard Pearson
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.
Upcoming 2025 ISRA State Championships
October 11th (Saturday) – Illinois State Black Powder State Championship
For more info, CLICK HERE
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.
October 12 (Sunday) Springfield League Last Shoot of the Year – Range 10 – 9:00am – 12:30pm
October 18 (Saturday) ISRA Annual Sightin-In Day – Range 2, 3, 5, 6 – 10:00am – 3:00pm
October 19 (Sunday) Basic CCL Qualification – Range 9 – 1:00pm – 5:00pm
October 25 (Saturday) Range Closed at 12:00pm for Private Event
October 26 (Sunday) Basic Pistol Fundamentals – Range 10 – 8:00am – 4:00pm
October 30 (Thursday) CCL Renewal & Qualification – Range 11 & Clubhouse – 9:00am – 12:00pm
November 1 (Saturday) Range Work Day – 8:00am – 4:00pm
November 2 (Sunday) DTI Defensive Urban Rifle Course – Range 11 & Clubhouse – 9:00am – 5:00pm
November 8 & 9 (Saturday & Sunday) Emergency Medical Response for Trauma Injuries Course – Clubhouse – 8:00am – 5:00pm
November 15 & 16 (Saturday & Sunday) Concealed Carry Class – Range 11 & Clubhouse – 9:00am – 5:30pm
November 15 (Saturday) NRA Basic Pistol – Classroom/Range 1 – 9:00am – 5:30pm
November 16 (Sunday) CCL Renewal & Qualification – Range 11 & Clubhouse – 9:00am – 12:00pm
November 22 (Saturday) NRA Range Safety Officer – Clubhouse – 8:30 – 6:00pm
November 23 (Sunday) NRA Basic Instructor Training (BIT) – Clubhouse – 8:30am – 2:30pm
November 29 (Saturday) CCL Renewal & Qualification – Range 11 & Clubhouse – 1:00pm – 4:00pm
November 30 (Sunday) NRA Certified Chief Range Safety Officer Class – Range 1 & Clubhouse – 8:30am – 6:00pm
December 6 (Saturday) NRA Basic Pistol Instructor – Classroom/Range 1 – 8:00am – 6:00pm
December 6 (Saturday) Range Work Day – 8:00am – 4:00pm
*** 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 Summer 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
October 10, 1845 – U.S. Naval Academy opens in Annapolis, Maryland. Originally, it was known as the Naval School, but was renamed the Naval Academy in 1850. The curriculum required students to attend classes during the normal school year and develop a trade aboard ship in the summertime. This has not changed since its inception.
October 10, 1877 – The United States Army holds a formal funeral for Lieutenant Colonel George Armstrong Custer who was killed at the battle of Little Big Horn. Custer had graduated at the bottom of his class in 1861 during the Civil War. He gained a reputation of being a bold commander who was sometimes fool-hardy. Custer would be the youngest Major General in the United States Army.
October 12, 1492 – Christopher Columbus reaches the New World. He actually landed in the Bahamas and claimed the land for Queen Isabella and King Ferdinand of Spain. He was actually looking for a direct route to China and Asia and thought that he had landed in Japan.
For a long time, Columbus was given credit for discovering the New World but, actually, the Vikings had colonies in the New World in the 10th century.
October 12, 2000 – The USS Cole is attacked by terrorists. 17 sailors and 38 others were wounded in the attack. The terrorists were part of Osama bin Laden’s al-Qaeda network.
October 13, 1775 – The Continental Congress authorizes the construction and administration of the first American Naval force. Happy birthday, United States Navy – 250 years and going strong!
October 14, 1912 – Presidential candidate Theodore Roosevelt is shot in Milwaukee by a saloon keeper named John Schrank. The 32 caliber bullet was aimed directly at Roosevelt’s heart. Roosevelt’s heavy coat, glasses case and manuscript slowed the bullet.
Roosevelt pulled the bloody manuscript from his coat pocket and kept on speaking for 84 minutes with the bullet still lodged in his chest. Teddy was a tough one!
October 15, 1991 – Clarence Thomas is confirmed into the Supreme Court by a vote of 52 to 48. The battle to get Thomas confirmed was a bitter one but Thomas will become one of the leading jurists of the United States Supreme Court.
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.
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