Texas

Ducks Unlimited's Great Lakes and Atlantic Region (GLAR) was recognized last week with the National Blue-winged Teal Award during the 78th North American Wildlife and Natural Resources Conference in Arlington, Virginia. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) presented GLAR with the award for DU's work benefiting waterfowl and other wetland birds.

As is true with many issues in politics, the name sounds common sense — universal background checks — but the devil is often in the details. First, would the law actually advance the safety of the citizenry, and if so, would it make the citizens safer than the existing laws? Second, would the law be more harmful than good. Many pro gun supporters point to the administration's statements and a historical account that universal gun registration is a necessary step to universal gun confiscation.

Diamondback Arms was recently purchased by Taurus USA and as of yet there hasn't been an official statement. Diamondback successfully staved off claims by Glock a couple of years ago after alleged patent infringement charges were levied, but that does not seem to be the case this time.

Mauser enthusiasts finally have something to celebrate - the launch of the M12 — best of all, the new offering will be at a price the average Joe can afford. The new M12 rifle is available with a wood stock or in the M12 Extreme configuration, which will feature a black synthetic stock. Both provide the proven Mauser features of solid steel construction with a smooth trigger pull and interlocking barrel.

Not as well known as some gun rights organizations, the Second Amendment Foundation is doing outstanding work at protecting the rights of gun owners across the nation. It is certainly worth a couple of minutes of your time to read over SAF's home page and sign up for its free newsletter.

If it is strong enough to be the official sight of Team Elk - (Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation) and leading archers and bowhunters around the globe, it is certainly worth a spot on your shortlist of sights the next time to head to your local proshop.

Although at this point the law still needs to pass the general assembly, the writing is on more than just the wall. Lawmakers are saying there is something in these new laws for everyone, but it looks like a very sad day for the Second Amendment in Connecticut. Both sides agree that there is nothing in these new laws that would have prevented a tragedy such as Sandy Hook.

Outdoor Roadmap is now offering online Hunter Safety Training that is approved for certification as required for the classroom requirement for Texas Hunter Safety, Florida Hunter Safety, West Virginia Hunter Education, Connecticut Hunter Ed and the Kentucky Hunter Safety course.  The Outdoor Roadmap online hunter safety course provides the convenience and time saving benefit available from taking the hunter ed course when and where you want to wherever you have internet service.  To start taking an online hunter education course use this link:  www.outdoorroadmap.com/hunter-e

Draconian changes to Colorado's gun laws are changing the landscape both figuratively and literally as manufacturers of firearms and related products including target systems such as HiViz are fleeing the state. Below is the statement from Phillip Howe, president and CEO of HiViz Shooting Systems. ~ Dave Dolbee

Colorado recently passed new gun legislation that restricts the manufacture and sale of gun parts. The International Defensive Pistol Association (IDPA) has made the determination that the regional championships which was conservatively expected to draw 300 shooters — not to mention the staff, spectators and vendors — was no longer a suitable venue for the event. Here is their full statement.