High-Capacity Magazine Bans, Conservation Enablement, Massive Donations & More 

A Look at Recent Events in the Hunting, Fishing, Shooting & Conservation Arenas 

Much happens in the wide world of hunting, fishing, shooting, conservation, and other outdoor-oriented spaces. As such, here’s another roundup of recent events in these all-important areas. 

Senate Passes America’s Conservation Enhancement Reauthorization Act 

In an effort to bolster conservation, the Senate recently passed America’s Conservation Enhancement (ACE) Reauthorization Act. This enables crucial conservation programs to operate. 

"America’s Conservation Enhancement Reauthorization Act impacts many of North America’s foundational conservation programs,” said Ducks Unlimited CEO Adam Putnam. “From national initiatives like NAWCA to regional partnerships like the Chesapeake Bay Program, this bill will strengthen our ability to conserve wetlands and other waterfowl habitat in all 50 states. Its passage indicates a strong finish for the 118th Congress, and we thank Reps. Wittman and Thompson and Sens. Carper and Capito for their leadership. We look forward to carrying this bipartisan momentum for conservation into the new year.” For more information, visit www.ducks.org, and be sure to Follow DU’s Twitter feed – @DucksUnlimited and @DUConserve – to get the most up-to-date news from Ducks Unlimited. 

Winchester Donates Ammo to Support NSSF First Shots Program 

In another display of incredible community support, Winchester donated an additional 40,000 rounds of rimfire ammunition to support NSSF’s First Shots program. This brings the 2022-2024 donation total to more than 160,000 rounds. 

“Growing the number of shooting sports participants and providing positive experiences are extremely important, and the NSSF First Shots program continues to engage new participants,” said Jason Gilbertson, Director of Marketing for Winchester Ammunition. “As an industry leader, Winchester is committed to the mission of the program and its success.” 

“We are hugely grateful to Winchester for its ongoing support of NSSF’s First Shots program,” said Zach Snow, NSSF Director, Member Development. “As with Winchester’s past donations of rimfire ammunition, this year’s will allow first-time and novice target shooters to gain experience in handling and using firearms safely. Americans in growing numbers are eager to learn about firearm ownership, and First Shots has been designed to assist them by providing education in the classroom and experience on the firing line.” For more on Winchester, visit winchester.com. 

Lawsuit Challenges Washington D.C. Magazine Ban 

Recently, the Firearms Policy Coalition (FPC) announced a filing of a federal lawsuit challenging Washington D.C.’s ban on firearm magazines holding more than 10 rounds. 

“The magazines at issue in this case are not ‘dangerous and unusual,’ but instead are standard components of the sorts of bearable arms in common use for lawful purposes,” the lawsuit argues. 

“Washington D.C. is not exempt from the Constitution,” said FPC President Brandon Combs. “Today FPC continues its work to end these immoral firearm magazine bans and other unconstitutional policies throughout the country.” For more, visit firearmspolicy.org.  

MidwayUSA Foundation Raises Over $1 Million for Youth Shooting Sports 

Another organization that prioritizes giving back, the MidwayUSA Foundation recently raised more than $1 million for youth shooting sports. The latest originated from Giving Tuesday, with $566,205 in fundraising plus matching funds. Teams across the nation worked diligently, including: 

·  1st Place Mid Carolina Youth Shooting Team – [SC] $53,650 Raised 

·  2nd Place Georgia Competitive Shooters – [GA] $45,000 Raised 

·  3rd Place Gaston Young Guns High School Shooting Team – [NC] $40,000 Raised 

·  4th Place Taunton Marksmanship Unit – [MA] $37,456 Raised 

·  5th Place Doddridge Co 4-H Hot Shots Shooting Sports – [WV] $25,000 Raised 

“When kids walk through the door, the only thing they have to have is desire,” said Roy McClain, President of Georgia Competitive Shooters Inc. and founder of Georgia Youth Shooting Sports Foundation. “Thanks to the Foundation, we can provide ammo and targets, assist with travel expenses, provide quality coaching, and take care of other administrative needs.” For more information about how the MidwayUSA Foundation is changing the future of youth shooting sports, please visit MidwayUSAFoundation.org or call 1-877-375-4570.