Montana Firearms Freedom Act Suffers Setback

The Montana Firearms Freedom Act has suffered a setback in the plaintiffs’ attempt at declaratory judgment in order that the state can manufacture and sell, within the bounds of the state, firearms and accessories, without undergoing the scrutiny of the Federal Government.

Attorney General Eric Holder has filed in Montana court for dismissal on the grounds that “lack of subject matter jurisdiction and failure to state a claim upon which relief may be granted”.

In an effort to get MSSA v. Holder into a courtroom in order that declaratory judgment could be rendered, Judge Jeremiah C. Lynch granted dismissal on the grounds claimed by the defendant. Read more

Lead ammo and the EPA

Many of you will be aware that the Center for Biological Diversity submitted a petition to the Environmental Protection Agency asking the EPA to ban the use of lead for ammunition as a toxic material.

The good news is that when Congress gave the EPA the authority to regulate toxic materials in the environment, Congress specifically excepted lead ammunition from that EPA regulatory authority.

So, the EPA has reviewed the petition from the CBD and has rejected the request to regulate lead ammo, stating that it lacks authority to do so. Read more

Montana Gun Group Releases Candidate Grades, Endorsements

MISSOULA – The Montana Shooting Sports Association (MSSA) today released its grades and endorsements for candidates for the Montana Legislature. MSSA has posted its just-released candidate grades and endorsements at:
http://www.progunleaders.org/MSSA2010Grades/

MSSA is the primary political action organization for gun owners and hunters in Montana and has gotten 54 pro-gun and pro-hunting bills through the Montana Legislature in the past 25 years. (See MSSA Successes.) MSSA has been evaluating, grading and endorsing candidates, and publicizing those grades for 20 years as well. Unlike some groups that drift onto the scene only prior to elections to give cover to candidates weak on gun issues, MSSA is active in Montana throughout each year. Read more

Report – Oral argument; MSSA v Holder US Motion to Dismiss

Dear MSSA Friends,

Oral argument was held today on the U.S. Motion to Dismiss MSSA v. Holder, our lawsuit to validate the principles of the Montana Firearms Freedom Act.

The hearing took place in the U.S. Courthouse at the corner of Broadway and Pattee in Missoula, beginning at 9:00 AM, and finished shortly after 11:00 AM.

The U.S. moved to dismiss the lawsuit (standard, boilerplate move) based on standing, jurisdiction, and merit.

Concerning standing, the U.S. argues that I, as the sole individual plaintiff, don’t face imminent injury to allow me to obtain judicial relief because there is no certainty that the BATFE will arrest me and the U.S. will prosecute me if I forge ahead with plans to make MFFA items without federal permission (licensure). Read more

Oral Arguments On Motion To Dismiss MSSA v. Holder Scheduled

Oral argument has been scheduled in MSSA v. Holder (Montana Shooting Sports Association v. Eric Holder, U.S. Attorney General) concerning the U.S. Motion to Dismiss., for Thursday, July 15th, at 9 AM, by U.S. Magistrate Judge Jeremiah Lynch.

You should remember that MSSA v. Holder is our lawsuit to validate the principles of the Montana Firearms Freedom Act.

We don’t know yet which courtroom in the federal courthouse in Missoula will be used. Whatever one is used it would be great for the spectator area to be fully occupied. It should be an interesting day.

Several folks have asked if cameras or video recorders are allowed. I’m told that no recording devices are allowed in a federal courtroom (at least in Missoula).

Gary Marbut, president
Montana Shooting Sports Association
http://www.mtssa.org
author, Gun Laws of Montana
http://www.mtpublish.com

Picture This: Mac The Dog

Send Pictures to:

Todd Krater
U.S. Hunting Today
Managing Editor
todd@ushuntingtoday.com

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The Beginning Of The End

Fighting back against the criminal enterprise of wolf introduction.

Fraud And Deceit Behind Wolf Reintroduction – Don’t Miss This!

WHO: Jim Beers, former Chief of National Wildlife Refuge Operations
WHAT: Public presentation on fraud and deceit employed in the dangerous wolf “reintroduction” program
WHEN: Sunday, May 16, 2010
WHERE: Gran Tree Inn in Bozeman, Montana

Jim Beers, former Chief of National Wildlife Refuge Operations, will address the lies, deceit and fraud employed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the state wildlife agencies in Montana and Idaho and environmental groups to illegally introduce Canadian wolves where they were never native, nor endangered.

His presentation begins at 1:00 p.m. on Sunday, May 16, 2010, at the Gran Tree Inn in Bozeman, Montana. Admission is free. Read more

Montana Outfitter Asks Fish, Wildlife and Parks For Emergency Closure Of HD250

Editor’s Note: Below is a copy of a letter dated April 28, 2010 from Montana Outfitter Scott Boulanger, asking Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks Director, Joe Maurier, if FWP will call for an emergency closing of Hunting District 250. This letter has been verified as authentic. Read more

Montana Congressional Challenger, Mark French, Calls for Immediate Reduction of Wolf Population in Montana

Paradise, Montana (Mar. 27, 2010) – Montana Congressional challenger, Mark French, is calling for an immediate reduction of the wolf populations in Montana, citing four main points. First is the Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks (MFWP) policy of eradicating a species that represents an “emerging threat” to a native endangered species, as has become apparent with the current non-native wolf species introduced in the state. Secondly, the presence of a harmful parasite enhanced in Montana through introduction of this non-native wolf subspecies. Third is the direct threat of domestic predation as seen last week with the miniature horses near St.Regis and the recent killing of a healthy female jogger in Alaska. Lastly is the obvious and severe decline in the wild game populations linked directly to wolf predation. Read more

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