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

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

by | Dec 3, 2020

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…

by | Dec 2, 2020

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.

 

Veterans Day Thanks & American Hero Membership Reminder!

by | Nov 11, 2020

The Iowa Firearms Coalition recognizes the altruistic nature of those who serve our great nation.  The magnanimity and selfless acts of countless men and women in various services across America were the basis for IFC’s “American Hero” program.  Firefighters, Law Enforcement, EMS, Active Military, and most certainly our Veterans, fulfill the prerequisite for a discounted membership rate.  You’ve done much for us.  Let us do this for you.  Both annual memberships and life memberships within the Iowa Firearms Coalition are specially offered under the “American Hero” banner.

Thank you to all our Veterans!  Please join us.

https://membership.iowafc.org/

IFC PAC- 2020 Election Strategy & Results

IFC PAC- 2020 Election Strategy & Results

by | Nov 9, 2020

The Iowa Firearms Coalition Political Action Committee focused heavily on getting out the gun-owner vote and raising awareness of pro-gun candidates in the 2020 election. In prior races, IFC had used text messaging through i360, light social media advertising, and candidate donations to influence voter turnout and support pro-gun candidates. 2020 has brought unique challenges in voter engagement through COVID-19 and massive spending in national races. It was determined that our most effective outlet to engage voters would be to target key demographics in swing district legislative races and pivot regions in Iowa through social media.  IFC-PAC running more ads was also an opportunity to prepare for a 2022 ballot initiative and increase awareness in IFC and IFC-PAC advertising.

IFC utilized previous election data and generally accepted election expectations to select target races in retaining a Second Amendment friendly majority in the Iowa House and Senate. IFC PAC did not exclude suburban and urban communities as we believe our message carries well there. Supporting this conclusion was heavy firearm purchasing trends in Iowa’s urban areas and success with the Whitver-Gustafson Senate race in 2018, where significant election effort was aimed at the Ankeny area with high engagement from gun owners. We believe that success in the same area in 2020 validated that conclusion.

IFC-PAC Candidate List:

  • Dan Dawson (SD-8)
  • Michael Bergan (HD-55)
  • Jeff Shipley (HD-82)
  • Eddie Andrews (HD-39)
  • Garret Gobble (HD-38)
  • Jon Dunwell (HD-29)
  • Steve Bradley (HD-58)
  • Brooke Boden (HD-26)
  • Mark Cisneros (HD-91)
  • Tim Goodwin (SD-44)
  • Jeff Reichman (SD- 42)
  • Brent Siegrist (HD-16)
  • Sally Abbott (HD-67)
  • John Landon (HD-37)
  • Bobby Kaufmann (HD-73)

Based on election outcomes, we believe the targeting was effective and well placed. Two of the selected races fell short. IFC PAC observed high engagement in the Jon Dunwell race, where he achieved 48.4% of the vote in his race, where the incumbent won by 17% in 2018. The other failed race was Sally Abbott, who was selected as IFC PAC had targeted that race in 2018 when Ashley Hinson was defending the seat against a Moms Demand Action endorsed candidate.  We also noted higher engagement levels in the Shipley and Boden races as we encountered higher levels of support and opposition from people engaging the posts.

ADS:

IFC-PAC ran both positive ads for the pro-gun candidates and attack ads directed at the challengers. For the pro-gun ads, we only used the endorsed language with Dan Dawson. Other positive ads labeled the candidates as defenders of the Second Amendment for incumbents and encouraged voters to preserve fundamental liberties for newcomers. Tier 1 candidates had multiple ads and graphics created on their behalf.

Samples below:

IFC PAC attack ads were centered around incumbents who had previously voted against the Freedom Amendment, Bloomberg endorsements, and simple ‘can’t be trusted with your right to keep and bear arms’ language. The attack ads for Bloomberg endorsements would link the most radical elements of the gun-control lobby’s agenda to the candidate. Tier 1 opponents had multiple attack ads created. The attack ads were run with a much larger portion of the candidate’s budget in the suburban races, where outspoken anti-gun candidates were seeking re-election.

Samples:

In addition to candidate-oriented ads, IFC also ran generic ads aimed at civil unrest, hunters, women, patriotism, and the tradition of firearm ownership. The ads appeared multiple times to target different outcomes. The generic ads ran statewide targeting politically moderate and conservative social media users and then were ran again targeting IFC PAC pivot counties. We also targeted specific interests such as hunting, right-wing news, and commonly held interests amongst our core membership.

The following map steered targeting of IFC PAC ads in pivot counties. We did add the Council Bluffs area to support two races and emphasized the Mississippi River counties with generic ads.

The overall engagement with the generic ads was positive. Ordinary shares were 200-1000, comments ranged from 150-1100, and the reach went as high as 95,000 people per ad. The highest engagement came in ads directed at hunters and centered around civil unrest.

Samples:

IFC gave you truth and Iowans voted for FREEDOM!

by | Nov 4, 2020

Members, Family, and Friends,

This election cycle has been a tough one.  We’ve had a rough year in general.  A virus has disrupted our very lives on an extremely personal level.  Most everyone I know has been placed well outside their comfort zones and in some cases worse.  Yet, we persist.  We’re diligent and committed.  This is the undeniable truth I’ve come to admire and enjoy with the IFC membership and followers.

Thank you all for your unwavering vow in the name of the true Constitutional Republic these States United enjoys.  Offering gratitude for your engagement, your donations, and your voting is the least I can do.

Especially, I want to take this opportunity to honor our volunteer force within IFC.  This crew put in serious work, none of which was confined to banker’s hours or portions of the week ‘off limits’ to interruption.  Countless meetings, conference calls, video chats, and virtual gatherings, both scheduled and on the fly, were necessary to erect IFC’s strategy.  Our tactics in deploying the electioneering ads, videos, graphics, virtual town halls, text banks, gun shows, public functions, radio appearances, podcasts, and general information across a myriad of social media platforms separated the wheat from the chaff for Iowans.  I’m proud to be counted among these fine men and women, for their altruistic character and performance illuminate the fact that our work is unceasingly for the benefit of others and not ourselves.  Thank you all.

Through the ugliness that became this election cycle, IFC offered you quantifiable truth.  This has been our commitment to you, and the truth will remain as IFC’s heart and soul.

As we’ve seen in recent months, the passions of some override common sense.  Please remain cautious with a laser-like focus on your situational awareness.  It would be wise to consider avoiding the devolving social media arguments that inevitably follow an election.  It is my personal wish that you become a catalyst towards building up communities, families, and faith throughout this great state.  If you want a way to engage personally with ideas like this, contact IFC to volunteer, and we’ll plug you in.

Again, my sincere thanks to you all for your continued commitment to the preservation and advancement of our core civil liberty known as the Second Amendment.

In Freedom,

Michael Ware
IFC Chairman