News: AR-15 Ban, CWD, Shadow-Bannings, Hunters Finding Fugitives & More  

Hunting, Shooting & Outdoor Headlines From The Past Week 

Much has happened in the past week. From an AR-15 ban being overturned, to shadow-banned social media pages, to hunters helping find fugitives, check out some of the action from the past week. 

Federal Judge Opposes Illinois Ban on AR-15 and 30-Plus-Round-Magazines 

Recently, a federal judge opposed the Illinois ban on AR-15s and 30-plus-round magazines. The Gun Owners of America and Gun Owners Foundation secured a permanent injunction against the State of Illinois’ act that prohibited these. 

“This week just keeps getting better for gun owners and worse for anti-gunners, like J.B. Pritzker,” said Erich Pratt, GOA’s Senior Vice President. “We warned them to fall in line, but instead they chose to do the opposite. And, while this case took time, we are thrilled with the victory and for the citizens of Illinois. We the People deserve the right to decide how best to protect ourselves and our loved ones, not anti-gun tyrants.” 

“This is incredible news, and we’re so proud to have played a major part in defeating this egregious violation of the Second Amendment,” agreed Sam Paredes, on behalf of the board for GOF. “No doubt Governor Pritzker will appeal, but we are fully prepared to hold him accountable to the Constitution and the Bill of Rights.” 

Elk Tests Positive in Southeast & Southwest Montana for the First Time 

The first elk in southeastern Montana, and in southwestern Montana — which were the fourth and fifth elk from the entire state—recently tested positive for chronic wasting disease (CWD). The elk in the southeastern region was in Hunting District 704 on private land. 

 “My theory on why we’re just now seeing it in elk is simply the smaller number of samples collected from elk,” said Biologist Emily Mitchell. “Due to the ease of pulling a whole deer carcass out, it is more likely for folks to get their deer sampled at an FWP sampling station. However, elk are so much bigger that hunters usually only bring the quarters or meat out of the field, and so they don’t get tested. I think we have such a small sample size of elk that it isn’t that it’s new on the landscape, we just hadn’t gotten enough samples to detect it yet. Statewide, we have sampled just over 38,600 deer, but only 4,800 elk.” 

New Outdoor Recreation Economic Data Incoming 

We’ve known for decades just how much impact hunting, fishing, and shooting have on America’s economy. (It’s a lot.) But new economic data from the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA), will soon shed more light on this. Expect the report to be published on November 20. 

Winchester Launches New Hunting Instagram Channel 

Winchester Ammunition recently announced a new hunting Instagram channel. This will allow them to produce quality content for their viewers. 

“It’s important to recognize the interests of our audience and hunting content remains in high demand. As an industry leader and legendary brand of more than 150 years, Winchester continues to deliver quality, engaging content to all types of outdoor enthusiasts,” said Jason Gilbertson, Director of Marketing for Winchester Ammunition. “People of all experience levels search for hunting content from trusted brands and we’re here to deliver.” 

Winchester Ammunition Commits $100,000 to Folds of Honor 

Winchester Ammunition recently committed a pledge of $100,000 to the Folds of Honor Foundation. This will help provide educational scholarships to the spouses and children of fall or disabled service members with the U.S. armed forces. 

“Winchester has a long history in support of the U.S. military dating back to the early 1900s. We are honored to continue our contribution to Folds of Honor and help the families that are truly in need,” said Brett Flaugher, President of Winchester Ammunition. 

Donate a Deer This Season 

Most states have programs where hunters can donate harvested deer. The meat is processed and packaged by licensed deer processors, and then it’s distributed to families in need. Michigan is but one example of this, and its Wild Game Donation Program is excellent. It will hold numerous events to collect harvested deer. You can also donate money to help keep the program alive. 

Missouri Deer Season Is Producing Great Results 

KHQA News recently reported that the Missouri deer season is off to a big start and is continuing to post solid numbers. Hunters are dropping a lot of whitetails, despite the warmer-than-average temperatures. Those numbers should continue improving into the final days of gun season. 

More Gun-Centric Social Media Pages Getting “Shadow-Banned” 

Gun- and hunting-centric social media pages have been restricted and held back for many years. That said, it seems to continue getting worse. Bryan Mumford, a gun safety instructor and concealed carry training business owner, is among these. It’s causing such businesses to look toward alternative means of advertising and generating revenue. 

Deer Hunter Helps Troopers Find Fugitive 

According to the Kansas City Star, a local deer hunter helped state troopers find a fugitive. The 28-year-old man was allegedly involved in a “dangerous hit and run.” Apparently, the hunter spotted the individual eyeing his ATV “suspiciously.”