IFC, do you support NRA?

IFC, do you support NRA?

IFC is often asked if we support the NRA. It helps to seek the context of such a question. In every question or statement, we should always search for the context behind it so we can ascertain the premise. When we don’t, we skip vital information and risk arriving at the wrong conclusions. Always be cognizant of this.

Some people are searching for our affiliations when they ask us about the NRA. IFC has worked its tail off for years to move from being an affiliate club to the one and only official NRA State Association in Iowa. Through years of hard work and perseverance, we accomplished this lofty goal in January of 2019. This coveted recognition is reserved for the very best of the best and we continued to work daily with the NRA.

The legislation alone we’ve pushed forth with NRA-ILA is akin to moving mountains. If you look at where Iowa was just a bit over a decade ago, things were average at best. With Shall Issue, Castle Doctrine, Preemption, Stand Your Ground, Dove Hunting, Constitutional Carry, repeals of a dozen bans ranging from Youth Shooting to ATV and Bow Hunting Carry to legalization of Suppressors, SBR, and SBS, the list of liberties opened up to Iowans, is nearly too long to list.

From a “programs” standpoint, as the NRA Official State Association here in Iowa, we brought the first Refuse to be Victim classes into the fold. IFC arranged the first NRA School Shield training for Iowa’s Law Enforcement community. IFC and NRA work together to put on various meetings, rallies, and our huge 2A Day at the Iowa Capitol each year. Some of IFC’s sponsored shooters took top marks at the NRA Nationals in 2019. These are all things that would be exponentially harder without NRA’s cooperation and we’re glad we work together on your behalf. We do these things for others, not ourselves.

The other question we see is one regarding subjects like Wayne LaPierre or specific allegiances at NRA. People want to know if we support Wayne LaPierre or we denounce him. Frankly, that’s a false choice at this point, and we’re not entertaining it. I, like you, have serious questions I expect to have answered about operations within the NRA. However, I also understand that NRA is in the fight of its life against the behemoth we know as New York State for their right to even exist, as they are chartered in the State of New York. Every shred of communication they offer can and likely will be used against them in New York’s court. Thus, I understand not offering up words that will be twisted in court at this moment. My hope is the NRA gets done with this suit, moves the charter to a friendly state, and we learn the truth about the questions we have.

I have no doubt mistakes have been made. Why? Because the NRA is comprised of human beings and we’re prone to err. I won’t be dicing up anyone without the full facts, and I won’t complicate the issue by juxtaposing what I hear with brash statements, conspiracy theories, or grand claims. I have no doubt mistakes have been made, but frankly, I’m more concerned with how the mistakes have been realized and corrected than I am with playing the blame game. I, personally, worked for years under the kind of short-sided management that was more interested in blowing their stack over a mistake than illuminating and repairing the core problem so we could avoid the mistake a second time. I’m chiefly interested in those kinds of healthy and wise actions.

I recognize NRA has external and internal challenges. We all do, whether as organizations, corporations, congregations, or families. IFC holds the relationship we enjoy with NRA in the highest of value. I won’t be letting a series of well-timed hit pieces coming from New York publications and New York authors as the state of New York shakes down the NRA simultaneously, reshape my fundamental reverence for an organization like the NRA that has done so much for 2nd Amendment virtues over the span of nearly 150 years. I want the facts, but I’m willing to wait until they become available. If I form an opinion without them, I’m guilty of the same nonsense our opposition employs as they lobby against our fundamental civil rights on a daily basis. 

As the longest-standing civil rights group in the country, NRA has my support.

-Michael Ware – IFC Board

Iowa Dumbs Down Standards For Black Kids


Iowa already has the lowest proficiency standards in the Midwest. Now, we just lowered them more for minorities. Apparently, black lives don’t matter in Iowa classrooms.

Please share this with as many people as possible.

Thanks for listening!

 

 

Check out this episode!

DNR takes a 2nd aim, and misses, AGAIN…

DNR takes a 2nd aim, and misses, AGAIN…

In a press release, late yesterday afternoon the IA DNR made an attempt to walk back it’s earlier messaging.  Read all about their first email on Dec. 1st and the controversy HERE.  The press release cleared up confusion regarding the misunderstanding over potential changes and effective dates but fell woefully short in a specific area that Iowans need to grasp.

In the 2020 passage of HF716, the Iowa Legislature made every effort to create inclusivity moving forward, rather than an exclusive list perpetually behind the curve of innovative sportsmen and the evolving firearms industry.  Iowa lawmakers recognized the inherent problems facing the outdoors community and helped them get back out into the field and enjoy one of Iowa’s most precious resources.  They made hunting simple again, rather than full of ever-changing lists and annual procedures to beg for your individual chambering to be added or retained.  Here is the paragraph in code being referred to:

 “A barrel length of at least four inches and firing straight wall or other centerfire ammunition propelling an expanding type bullet with a maximum diameter of no less than three hundred fifty thousandths of one inch and no larger than five hundred thousandths of one inch and with a published or calculated muzzle energy of five hundred foot pounds or higher is legal for hunting deer”.

Does anyone remember the US Postal Service commercials they ran after the ‘flat rate’ boxes were introduced?  “If it fits, it ships!”  The paragraph above is a similar precept.  If your weapon is chambered with a bullet of .350″ to .500″ and has 500lbs+ of energy from a 4″+ barrel, enjoy your safe hunt in Iowa!  The Iowa legislature created an inclusive “box” for hunters and offered them the freedom to choose and use weapons chambered within that same box during the December season.

Back to the IA DNR ‘clarification’ press release…  Below is the part of the release you should be concerned with:

Prior to beginning the rulemaking process, the Iowa DNR is first soliciting information from hunters on cartridges commonly used to hunt deer in Iowa. Hunters may submit their calibers along with their justification to wildlife@dnr.iowa.gov by Dec. 14, 2020.

It would have been wise to explain to the public how the rule-making process occurs.  Unfortunately, the IA DNR did not.  Additionally, and most problematic, is the second sentence.  Most Iowans interpreted that as: “You can individually contact the IA DNR and grovel for the chance to use the weapon you already own and we’ll take it under advisement.”

The all-inclusive box as opposed to a chance to submit with justification are components of an equation that doesn’t balance.  Those two things aren’t even remotely similar.  The IA DNR press release, much like their initial email, just days before the big deer season, have both proven to be examples of what not to do.

IFC has been in constant contact with the IA DNR and many legislators since this began.  We hope to help shape the process and provide a stable and healthy outcome.  We also seek to keep you informed.  As of now, your best bet is to stay tuned and send an email through our ACTION ALERT service.  When you take two moments to send that message it reaches the IA DNR Director and the address for the rule-making commentary.

TAKE ACTION NOW AND SEND THE IOWA DNR A CLEAR MESSAGE
TO STOP THEIR CONTINUAL OVERREACH!

 

 

 

****Link to the IA DNR clarification press release.  Full IA DNR press release:

Clarification on 2021/22 deer hunting season request for comments

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) wanted to clarify that there are no changes to legal firearms for the 2020 shotgun hunting seasons starting this weekend.

The Iowa DNR is asking for hunter input ahead of the 2021-2022 deer seasons.

Prior to beginning the rulemaking process, the Iowa DNR is first soliciting information from hunters on cartridges commonly used to hunt deer in Iowa. Hunters may submit their calibers along with their justification to wildlife@dnr.iowa.gov by Dec. 14, 2020.

A draft rule will be presented to the Natural Resource Commission for initial approval and if approved, available for official public comment in 2021. A final rule will not be developed until all public comments and feedback are considered.

IA DNR falsely claims authority over Legislature…

IA DNR falsely claims authority over Legislature…

Iowa DNR is falsely claiming the authority to override Iowa Law and usher in sweeping changes to approved hunting cartridges.

https://www.iowadnr.gov/About-DNR/DNR-News-Releases/ArticleID/3304/DNR-seeking-comments-on-proposed-laws-ahead-of-the-2021-22-deer-hunting-season

To make matters worse, the Iowa Department of Natural Resources sent the 2021/22 rule changes out, just four days before the current season, subsequently confusing the public, on the seasons and the subject matter.

IFC hasn’t ascertained if this email was simply a horrible mistake, or a botched attempt at subverting the Legislature.  We’re working with both the DNR and the Legislature to gain clarity and perspective.

The intent and spirit of the law is clear on this matter, but we need your help. We encourage you to contact the Iowa DNR, which solicits sportsmen feedback ahead of a proposed rule change.

IFC is strongly opposed to this change and we are asking you to take a quick 2 minutes to provide your feedback directly to the Iowa Department of Natural Resources. Please click below to send your feedback directly to the Iowa Department of natural resources.

It’s important that your voice is heard!

IFC ACTION CENTER MESSAGE TO DNR – CLICK HERE TO COMPLETE AND SEND

 

The body of their email from Dec. 1:

DNR seeking comments on proposed laws ahead of the 2021/22 deer hunting season

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

Hunting News

Dec. 1, 2020
For Immediate Release

DNR seeking comments on proposed laws ahead of the 2021/22 deer hunting season

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources is asking for public input on two laws passed and signed during the 2020 legislative session.

The first is from House File 716 that directs the DNR to develop a list of cartridges approved for use in rifles to hunt deer in Iowa.  The following list of cartridges is proposed for inclusion:

.350 Legend

.429 DE

.35 Remington

.44 Wildey Mag

.356 TSW

.44 Remington Magnum

.357 Sig

.44 Automag

9×25 Dillion

.445 Super Mag

9×23 Winchester

.45 Super

.357 Magnum

.45 Wildey Mag

.357 Maximum

.450 Bushmaster

.357 SuperMag

.45 Winchester Magnum

.357 Wildey Mag

.451 Detonics

.357/44 Bain & Davis

.454 Casull

.375 Winchester

.45 Silhouette

.38-55 Winchester

.458 Socom

10 mm Auto

.460 Rowland

.40 Super

.475 Wildey Magnum

.401 Powermag

.475 Linebaugh

.400 Cor-Bon

.480 Ruger

.38-40 Winchester

.50 GI

.41 Remington Magnum

.50 Action Express

.41 Wildey Mag

.50 Beowulf

.414 SuperMag

.500 JRH

.44-40 Winchester

.500 Special

.440 Cor-Bon

.500 Wyoming Express

Allowable cartridges for use in handguns that were considered for use in rifles but deemed ballistically dissimilar from allowable pistol or revolver cartridges include (these cartridges are NOT proposed for inclusion to the list of allowable rifles to hunt deer in Iowa):

.35 Whelen

.356 Winchester

.358 Winchester

.444 Marlin

.45 Raptor

.45-70 Govt.

.460 S&W Mag

.500 S&W Mag

Hunters interested in additions or subtractions are asked to send their request along with a brief justification to wildlife@dnr.iowa.gov by Dec. 14, 2020.

The second is House File 2455 that requires hunters and dogs to be trained prior to tracking wounded deer.

In order to satisfy this requirement, the DNR proposes to provide a form to document the hunter and the dog’s blood tracking training and experience. This form would be kept on file for three years and the hunter and dog(s) would be eligible to track wounded deer during that period.

Hunters receiving trespassing or other violations in the act of tracking wounded deer will be deemed “not trained” until a formal blood tracking certification is obtained.

Hunters interested in commenting on this proposed approach are asked to send their ideas to wildlife@dnr.iowa.gov by Dec. 14, 2020.