Buckeye Firearms Association

Castle Doctrine hearing & vote rescheduled for May 14

cbaus — Fri, 09 May 2008 11:32:00 -0400

House Criminal Justice Committee Chairman Rep. John White's office has been doing a yeomans' job as he works to juggle both the House and Senate versions of Castle Doctrine legislation.

The House version, HB264, has received four hearings in White's committee, and a fifth hearing and possible vote scheduled for yesterday was put off until next week, when the committee will instead take up consideration of the Senate version of Castle Doctrine (SB184), which passed out of the Senate with unanimous support last month.

Chairman White (R-38) scheduled SB184 for sponsor testimony and a possible vote before the House Criminal Justice Committee. The meeting is scheduled for for Wednesday, May 14 at 2:30 p.m. in Statehouse Room 114.

"We are pleased that the House is taking up consideration of the Senate version (SB184)," said Ken Hanson, Buckeye Firearms Association Legislative Chair. "We have worked from Day One for SB184 to be the vehicle for Castle, and are thrilled the House has already had hearings on their version, which should speed up passage of the Senate version."

Thank you for responding to our call to use our Write to Legislators website feature to contact your legislators. Please encourage your friends and family to support the Constitutional right to bear arms for self-defense by doing the same.

To download Substitute Senate Bill 184, click here.

Buckeye Firearms Assoc. Chairman posts open letter to Justice Paul Pfeifer as another brutal crime occurs in Ohio park

cbaus — Fri, 09 May 2008 09:13:00 -0400

"What's the need to be packing in a public park? What's the compelling need?"
- Republican Ohio Supreme Court Justice Paul Pfeifer, April 9, 2008

Two weeks ago, it was a man stabbed in the face in a Toledo park at the conclusion of an evening jog. This week, it's a woman kidnapped from the Equestrian Center of the Lorain County Metro Parks’ Carlisle Reservation, raped and shot in the back before being stuffed in the trunk of her own car.

Compelling enough, Justice Pfeifer?

That's just what Buckeye Firearms Association Chairman Jim Irvine is asking in an open letter to the Ohio Supreme Court Justice.

The text of the letter follows:

Justice Pfeifer,

On April 9, 2008 during the oral arguments of the Ohioans for Concealed Carry v City of Clyde lawsuit in which Clyde’s ban on concealed carry in parks is being challenged, you said:

“What’s the need to be packing in a public park? What’s the compelling need?”

Do you consider being stabbed in the face acceptable or good? Do you consider having your dog killed acceptable or good? What about being shot and crammed into the trunk of a car? Do you think rape is good? Or might these constitute a “compelling need?” Decent people certainly think so, but judging from your harsh words as you sit on high all dressed in black to judge others, you certainly argue against it. All of these things happened in an Ohio parks last month.

Lest you think these are rare events, I encourage you to visit our web site. This is far from a complete list of crimes committed in Ohio parks:

http://www.buckeyefirearms.org/node/5638

I consider rape a heinous and vile act. Maybe you don’t. But society in general believes that crime victims have a “compelling need” to protect themselves. Ohio law recognized that right.

While the sheer numbers are not as large, for each individual and their family, violent crimes are every bit as damaging as severe car accidents. Maybe you also think there is no “compelling need” for seatbelts in cars, but it would clearly be wrong for you to prohibit someone else from using seatbelts for their own safety. A gun is no different. (Except of course that a gun has some constitutional protections.)

I hope the future you will think before making such stupid and insensitive remarks. Crime victims deserve much better from a Supreme Court Justice. I pray you are willing to rule based on the facts of this case and not your personal dislike of firearms.

Sincerely,
(signed)

James M. Irvine

Click here or on the letter image to download the letter in .pdf format.

Citizen saves rape/shooting victim.

Deer, people on collision course - Attack on dog a sign of deer populating parks

Girl raped at gunpoint in "no-guns" Toledo park

ACLU opposes sex offender ban in city parks; ignores illegal CHL ban

Wild Boar Blamed for Golf Course Damage

Coyote attack in public park

35 Charged In Large Fight At Marion Park

Teenager pulls gun during fight in Newark (OH) park

Wanted teen breaks park rules/CCW law; shoots self in Columbus park

11 yr.-old raped in ''hell''; otherwise known as a ''gun-free'' Toledo city park

More evidence of the need for self-defense in parks

Park flasher problem highlights needs for armed self-protection in parks

My new normal

cbaus — Thu, 08 May 2008 00:10:00 -0400

By Breda of The Breda Fallacy

The state of Ohio says that I am now allowed to carry a concealed handgun. The license itself is a little plastic thing, similar to my drivers license. I keep looking at it, somewhat bemused. It bears a photo of me looking grim, some personal information, and a number that I can only assume represents my place in the line of people who have applied and been accepted before me, and those that will come after.

Such a simple thing, and yet...

I waited to make my "armed in public" debut until Mike got home last night. Since we had done the class and the application together, I wanted to share this moment with him too. And of all the places available to us, we went to the pet store to buy cat litter.

Getting ready to go, I put on my black leather blazer-style jacket. "Can you tell? Can you see it? I can see the lump, can you?" My hips felt uneven as I smoothed the jacket down.

"No, no, you're fine," Mike said. "Dark colors are good, it does a better job of hiding any shadows or outline. Now turn around...lift up your arms. Uh-oh. There it is. I can see it now."

"I don't normally walk around stores with my arms raised above my head, you know." I pulled the jacket back down and grabbed my purse. "Besides, no one will notice because they're not expecting to see it, they're not looking for it."

I watched Mike walk to the car. I couldn't even tell he was carrying. He's a big guy, uses an inside the waistband holster and was wearing a bulky sweatshirt. It seemed easier for him. "Am I going to have to buy a new holster, maybe a new wardrobe?" I wondered. Summer is bound to be complicated. I quickly began to understand why Leah, our NRA instructor, open carries everywhere. She dons a cute outfit and then straps on her belt and holster like anyone else would wear a wristwatch.

As we pulled out of the driveway and headed down the street, Mike said, "There. It's official. You are a now free person, no longer a subject." I looked over at him and started laughing. I felt my world change. It's a wild feeling - enormous freedom and enormous responsibility all at once.

Breda is a reference librarian and artist who writes at The Breda Fallacy.

The Right to Bear Arms, Deliver Food

cbaus — Thu, 08 May 2008 00:05:00 -0400

Pro-Gun Punditry: Wednesday's Buckeye State Roundabout

cchumita — Wed, 07 May 2008 14:05:00 -0400

By Chris Chumita

There are more stories pertaining to our gun rights in Ohio then we can possibly draw attention to with individual daily commentary. But they are all worthy of mention.

What follows is our review of headlines from around the state though a pro-gun rights lens.

From robberies to kidnapping, these articles should be a part of your required reading!

What follows is several days of headlines accompanied by short, concise pro-gun analysis.

5/4/08: Akron, Ohio: Violent Robberies Reported In Akron Area

From the article:

Akron police said they are dealing with a series of violent robberies in the area.

Also from the article:

And three people robbed and kidnapped a homeowner on Frederick Boulevard. The victim is expected to be OK.

How can the gun-grabbers argue that we do not need firearms to protect ourselves after the read about incidents like these?

5/4/08: Cleveland, Ohio: 3-Month-Old, Mom Found Duct Taped

From the article:

A local woman was found naked on a stranger's porch, bound and gagged with duct tape after she said two men kidnapped her and her baby at gunpoint, NewsChannel5 reported.

Take a few minutes to read about this horrifying incident. This is just one of the reasons why my wife legally carries a firearm for self-defense, and why I encourage you to as well.

5/2/08: Madison, Wisconsin: Slain UW Student's Phone Dialed 911 But Got No Response

From the article:

A 911 dispatcher received a call from the cell phone of a University of Wisconsin-Madison student sometime before she was killed last month but the call was apparently ignored, according to officials.

Also from the article:

Meanwhile, Isthmus, Madison's alternative weekly reported on Thursday that police investigators think Zimmermann was stabbed and beaten to death inside her West Doty Street apartment on April 2. Police said the UW-Madison junior was killed after her assailant broke into her first-floor apartment. Zimmermann's fiancé later found the woman's body in the two-flat house that they shared. Police said that the fiancé isn't considered a suspect.

Authorities are still searching for her killer and haven't arrested anyone in connection the case.

Our colleges are "gun-free zones" which require law-abiding citizens to only rely on the police for protection. This incident proves how dangerous that can be. The victim called for help, but no one came. I should also point out that Wisconsin does NOT have a law that allows citizens to legally carry concealed handguns.

5/1/08: Cleveland, Ohio: Man Says Robbers Locked Him In Closet, Set Clothes On Fire

From the article:

Police are investigating a fire in West Park in which a man said he was tied up by robbers who then set a fire in his apartment.

The fire broke out Friday morning at a three-story apartment building on West 159th Street.

The victim, Terran Williams, told authorities that two people came to his door, one pointing a gun at him and asking for a person named Dave.

Thankfully, the victim escaped without serious injury and was not burned to death. This story is an excellent example of how we cannot count on the police to protect us, because they usually arrive after the violent incident.

5/1/08: Lithopolis, Ohio: Ohio Teen Hides Under Covers From Home Intruders

From the article:

A teenager home alone who hid in bed from two intruders said that she pulled bed sheets over her head because she believed they were thieves who were more likely to look elsewhere for items to steal.

Home invasions can happen anywhere and at anytime. This incident proves that they even happen in "safe" communities like Lithopolis.

5/1/08: Parma, Ohio: Police Continue Search For Gunman In Bank Robbery

From the article:

A Parma school is no longer on lockdown Thursday afternoon following an armed bank robbery.

Another armed robbery and another school having to be locked down. Just two more reasons to fight for our rights to carry a concealed firearm.

5/1/08: Cleveland, Ohio: Police: Men Posing As Water Workers Rob Elderly Couple

From the article:

Police said the culprits told the couple that they needed to check the water. They took the husband into the basement.

His wife realized something was wrong and told the men to leave. Police said one of the robbers made a cell phone call and three more people arrived. The robbers took $100 from the woman's purse.

Thankfully, the victims were not physically injured. This incident helps to remind us of the importance of checking for city IDS and even calling the Water Department to confirm that they are supposed to be there. For other great crime prevention tips, consider taking the NRA's "Refuse To Be A Victim" class.

4/30/08: London, Ohio: Freed Man Accused Of Raping Again

From the article:

A man accused of committing a rape while out on bond in another rape case lashed out at a judge yesterday, so deputies yanked him around by his shackles to force him from the courtroom.

The justice system did not protect the community. All it did was release Alkire so he could strike again.

4/30/08: Dayton, Ohio: Police: Suspected Burglar Shot By Home Owner

From the article:

Sgt. Scott Lawson said, “At this time, it looks like an aggravated burglary and that the homeowner defended his home. But it is still being investigated.”

Another home invasion, but did not end the way th ethug expected. The real victim (the homeowner) used a firearm to defend himself and his home. This is exactly why we need to pass a "Castle Doctrine" in Ohio.

4/29/08: Akron, Ohio: Man Makes Off With Cash After Midday Robbery In Akron

From the article:

As the clerk rang up the order, the suspect came around the counter with a gun and demanded cash.

When the clerk opened the drawer, the suspect knocked her down and ran off with $20.

This was an armed robbery in the middle of the day at a business that you could easily have been at with your children. Always be prepared to defend yourself.

The Good Fight

cbaus — Wed, 07 May 2008 00:10:00 -0400

By Gerard Valentino

Every vocal pro-gun advocate is familiar with the condescending look of so-called friends or family members who are sure we're nothing but bloodthirsty members of the NRA cult. We've all been there when someone belittles our judgment by asking, "I hope you have those guns locked up so your kids won’t get them" or "aren’t you afraid you will shoot a family member by accident?" And then there's my favorite silly anti-gun statement, "you know, someone who keeps a gun in the house is 75% more likely to kill a friend of family member than an intruder."

Personally, I have a family member that is a self-described intellectual and, based on the desire to feed his feelings of superiority, he looks down his nose at anyone who carries a gun for self-defense.

A common answer when asked, "why do you keep a gun in the house with those kids," is to simply answer, "I have it because I love my children and value their life." (Jim Irvine, Buckeye Firearms Association’s Chairman delivers the line better than anyone I’ve met, with equal parts sarcasm and scorn. His delivery is a joy to behold.)

Usually, that is followed by a nod as if the person asking the question understood my answer, and then a puzzled furrowing of their eyebrows.

No reason to go any further at that point since usually the morally upright antagonist walks away wondering if you’ve lost your mind.

But, the unfortunate reaction to the social crusaders who want to tell us how to keep our family safe is to react with anger.

Nobody wins if that happens since the person spewing the misguided anti-gun propaganda is probably parroting the rhetoric heard on the latest episode of Ellen, or Oprah.

It only shows a lack of willingness to investigate an issue properly as opposed to true anti-gun feeling.

Still, it is hard to be treated in such a condescending manner because you actually took the time to study the issue and realize having a gun is the best way to keep your family safe. As pro-gun advocates we have an obligation to lay out our arguments in a calculating and logical manner.

To do so isn't easy. I fail to tolerate the simple-minded nature of our anti-gun adversaries on a daily basis. Like most pro-gun advocates it is beyond my ability to comprehend that people still believe in the validity of gun control after the mounds of evidence that has disproved it over the last thirty years. Even worse is trying to educate the establishment media on how much they don’t understand about guns.

Anger is never the answer, however, since it only reinforces in the mind of the anti-gun loons that people who own guns can't be trusted. An ironic twist since it is backward anti-gun ravings that should incur the scorn of every day Americans.

In contrast to my so-called intellectual family member is a sister with an autistic son. There is true concern over keeping a gun in the house under those circumstances and I have the utmost respect for their decision to not keep one. Although my nephew is a wonderful child, it is simply impossible to adequately teach him not to touch a gun.

My sister's situation teaches me that my choice to own a gun isn't practical for everyone I come across in daily life. I actually have more respect for people who might want to keep a gun at home but have honest reasons that make it impossible compared to those who simply have their head in the sand. The same people who think their house is utterly secure scoff at the thought that keeping a gun is akin to having a smoke detector or fire extinguisher.

Some of the people who obsess the most about picking the right car seat, the safest crib and go to great lengths to baby proof their house don't take simply precautions to keep their kids from becoming the victim of a gun accident. The benefits of the NRA's Eddie the Eagle program are lost on people who refuse to look at the gun issue logically and instead react out of emotion.

A failure to teach your kids how to avoid becoming an accidental gun death is equivalent to not teaching them to be careful with strangers, look both ways before crossing the street or convince them not to wear a helmet while riding a bike.

Still, your well intentioned friends at work don't see it that way. To many of them, keeping a gun in the house is equal to child abuse because their favorite anti-gun celebrity said so.

Their gullible nature has been crafted by years of anti-gun establishment media misinformation and they are also guilty of taking political advice from the likes of Rosie O’Donnell, Sean Penn or Ellen. Only when we succeed in changing the culture will we succeed in changing the minds of those so enamored with celebrity they would vote based on their favorite actor’s political endorsement or demonstrate in front of a Marine Corp recruiting station because their favorite celebrity said it was the right thing to do.

While we have logic, statistics, facts and even moral rightness on our side, one thing pro-gun advocates can't account for is how hard people will resist changing long-held beliefs. That holds true whether those beliefs are based on emotion, faith or in the case of gun-control, poorly executed social policy. For millions of Americans who grew up in a city like Chicago, Boston, New York or Washington D.C the never ending drum beat of anti-gun propaganda wore down the citizen’s objectivity.

Now that overwhelming evidence proves that gun-control, like most liberal policies, led to the exact type of crime it was designed to stop leaves people even more confused. They rightfully have shut down on the issue and stick by their misguided values.

The simple fact is that the establishment media and media elites in our country are very good at their job. For years that included selling the value of gun-control with the all the gusto they could muster and an uncanny ability to drown out dissent.

To over come that bias will take time and dedication to the cause. It helps that we are right but that only goes so far. Unless all gun owners protect their right to bear arms with unwavering dedication they will one day be confiscated.

It's our job to keep that from happening.

Gerard Valentino is the Buckeye Firearms Association Central Ohio Chair, teaches the Ohio concealed carry class through Center Mass Ltd. and writes for www.ValentinoChronicle.com.

Buckeye Firearms Association Education Guide Lesson #3:
Know Thy Enemy: A Psychiatrist's Examination of the Anti-Gun Mentality

Meijer Ends Promotion with HSUS

cbaus — Wed, 07 May 2008 00:05:00 -0400

(Columbus, OH) - Midwest Retail Giant Meijer, Inc. has ended its promotion with the nation’s largest anti-hunting organization.

The leadership at Meijer, a Michigan-based regional chain of retail superstores, has responded to the concerns of the sportsman community and ended its partnership with the anti-hunting group, the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS), in an online pet photo contest.

Meijer initially refused a U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance (USSA) request to abandon the partnership, which according to information on the Meijer website, called for the company to donate $1 for each person that entered the contest, up to a maximum of $5,000, to the HSUS Foreclosure Pets Fund.

On Friday, April 25, the USSA sent out a call to action for sportsmen to voice their concerns over these donations to the biggest anti-hunting organization in the world. Sportsmen immediately took action, flooding the retailer with phone calls, faxes and emails.

Thanks to this action by sportsmen, Meijer has now eliminated the portion of the contest that included a donation to HSUS.

“Our program was an outgrowth of our history of supporting local humane societies. We were not aware of the concerns that exist among hunters about HSUS. As you know, we have strongly supported the hunting community over many decades,” said Meijer vice president of corporate communications and public affairs, Stacie Behler. “We have discontinued our donation program as a result of the feedback. No new funds will be collected. The funds that were collected will be used exclusively for their Foreclosure Pets Fund, which is a grants program for animal shelters, non-sheltered rescue/adoption groups and animal care and control agencies to establish, expand, or publicize services or programs that assist families caring for their pets during the current economic crisis.”

The money donated to HSUS through this promotion, while not going directly to its anti-hunting campaign, would have freed up dollars from the organization’s general fund that could have been used to continue the attack on the rights of sportsmen.

“This once again proves that the sportsman’s voice is not to be taken lightly,” said USSA senior vice president Rick Story. “We hope that in the future, companies such as Meijer will consider how partnerships will be received before launching them.”

Behler recognized that hunters and sportsmen are a huge customer base for Meijer and mentioned that the company had received messages and emails from concerned sportsmen that identified other sportsman-friendly national organizations that could be substituted for HSUS in helping pets.

The HSUS is America’s leading opponent of hunting, fishing and trapping. It led the charge in a 2006 ballot campaign to ban dove hunting in Meijer’s home state of Michigan, contributing $1.6 million to the effort. It opposes hunting on National Wildlife Refuges and other public lands. In fact, the organization is a plaintiff in an ongoing federal lawsuit to ban hunting on the refuges. HSUS does not operate or oversee animal shelters or have any legal controls over them.

Meijer is to be congratulated for quickly severing its ties to HSUS once it began hearing from sportsmen. Although the U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance is satisfied with Meijer’s decision, the fact that the partnership ever took place is still cause for concern.

Meijer is a seller of sporting goods and hunting and fishing licenses and indicates on its website that it operates 182 locations throughout Michigan, Illinois, Ohio, Indiana and Kentucky.

The end result of this campaign once again proves that sportsmen can make a difference. Companies such as Iams, General Mills, Accor Hotels, Pet Safe, Sears and Ace Hardware also ended relationships with HSUS after thousands of sportsmen levied strong protest.

The U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance is a national association of sportsmen and sportsmen’s organizations that protects the rights of hunters, anglers and trappers in the courts, legislatures, at the ballot, in Congress and through public education programs. For more information about the U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance and its work, call (614) 888-4868 or visit its website, www.ussportsmen.org.

Another Ohio journalist stands up for the Second Amendment...and you won't believe who her editor is

cbaus — Tue, 06 May 2008 00:10:00 -0400

By Chad D. Baus

Mention the words "Sandusky Register" or "Editor Matt Westerhold" to a Concealed Handgun License (CHL)-holder and the reaction will not be pleasant, even nearly a year after one newspaper editor's declaration of war on Ohio CHL-holders.

Though Westerhold refused to remove from the Register website information that is considered private under Ohio law (or even apologize for publishing it in the first place), Register Police & Courts Reporter Holly Abrams has been undergoing a conversion experience that will warm the hearts of Ohio gun owners.

On February 3, Abrams published a news story entitled "Firearms safety course aims to educate," which took a (rare for the media) fair and balanced look at the concealed carry issue.

Last week, Abrams pubished an op-ed entitled "I'm on target," in which she details her new-found love (actually, her word was addiction) for the shooting sports.

Last week I fired a gun for the second time.

The first time was back in the fall when I participated in the Sandusky police citizen's academy. I wrote a column on my overall experience and included a tidbit on an evening at the shooting range. My second time shooting was through the Erie County Sheriff's office citizen's academy, which I have been a part of for the past eight weeks.

I have to say I might be an addict now. I was so proud of my targets after going to the range I took them into the office.

My boss said, "Holly's a killer!" when he saw it. I smiled and laughed. Others were left speechless. Others, maybe afraid to ever get into a beef with me again.

Assuming her "boss" is Editor Matt Westerhold, is it any surprise that his perception is that good marksmanship makes one a "killer"?

Again, from the Abrams' column:

Guns are a huge debate for people. Just like talking about religion, money or politics -- you will get in trouble if you do. Guns are the same way. Some people love them, some people hate them.

Up until recently I honestly can say I didn't have much of an opinion either way. Growing up I came from a home where my dad would go hunting, come home and often skin the deer in the middle of the garage.

Later on my dad participated in some target shooting competitions but I knew little about the sport. My point being is all this gun-related activity seemed commonplace for me.

Last year when I started working at the Register, shortly thereafter we published a list of area conceal carry permit holders on our Web site. That's something I'm sure few readers have forgotten even a year later.

I felt the repercussions of the list as random people would often complain to me about it after discovering where I work. A few months back I wrote a story about how to obtain your conceal carry permit in Ohio, including taking the necessary training. That helped me understand the reasons why someone may desire to do so.

Personally I don't think it's necessary to have a conceal carry permit but I also don't think guns are bad. And if someone wants one I'm not going to persecute them for it. We do live in a free society.

Last summer, Westerhold (who had, in a previous job at the Elyria Chronicle-Telegram, attacked gun owners' privacy in similar fashion) kept asserting that he had published the information "as a service to our readers." It is certainly interesting to read Abrams' acknowledgment of the "repercussions" the Register received from the very readers Editor Westerhold claimed to be "servicing."

It's been said before but I do believe people kill people, guns don't kill people. What may not be so easily noted is of those deaths reported by the CDC -- more than 97 percent were intentional.

I'm not trying to be morbid here but... there are a variety of ways someone could be murdered, gunshot being only one way. You don't see many anti-knife lobbyists out there do you?

But gun-related violence is why people say firearms are bad.

Another excellent point by Abrams. I would add that we also do not see her boss publishing lists of people who own knives (or baseball bats, or sleeping pills, or any other of the hundreds of items that have been used to commit murder) in his newspaper.

After my experiences at the shooting range I've found target shooting to be an enjoyable pastime, just like someone who may enjoy shooting bow and arrow or someone who likes playing paintball.

Some may still disagree. Some may see a lethal weapon as something slightly less than a pastime and I respect those differing views.

For me, I guess this is just a story of the unexpected. Before taking part in the citizen's academies did I ever imagine shooting a gun? Heck no! But now that I have I'm pleased to have experienced a little more of what life has to offer.

On behalf of Buckeye Firearms Association, I'd like to welcome Holly Abrams to the pro-Second Amendment community. Am I the only one who thinks it's time for Gov. Ted Strickland to declare May "Take Your Boss Shooting" month in Ohio?

Chad D. Baus is the Buckeye Firearms Association Vice Chairman and Northwest Ohio Chair, and teaches the Ohio Concealed Carry class through Northwest Self Defense LLC.

A Celebration of Freedom: 1st Annual Patriots' Day Open Carry Walk

cbaus — Tue, 06 May 2008 00:05:00 -0400

Original post at PatriotsDayWalk.blogspot.com

The 1st Annual Patriots' Day Walk was held on April 19th, 2008 in Urbana, Ohio. This event was a celebration of freedom to commemorate the 233rd anniversary of "the shot heard round the world." On April 18th, 1775 Governor Gage ordered the redcoats to march into towns and seize and destroy all munitions. On April 19th, 1775 the first shots were fired that would be the beginning of our countries fight for Independence and would insure our rights to bear arms.

This local event was organized to exercise our rights and to bring awareness to the community of the legality of "open carry." The walk was held in downtown Urbana and the event participants walked about 3 miles of the downtown area. There were many people driving by and staring and a few people even pulled over and asked about the event. A number of informational flyers were handed out to all who asked about the event. All in all it was a very positive experience. The weather couldn't have cooperated any better and law enforcement was friendly and smiled when driving by.

For lots more photos and a complete recap of the event, click here.

USSA/BFA 2008 Candidates Reception a complete success

cbaus — Mon, 05 May 2008 00:15:00 -0400

By Linda Walker

Recently, Buckeye Firearms Association had the privilege to co-sponsor a Candidates Reception with the US Sportsman Alliance (USSA). This is the third year that Buckeye Firearms has played a major role in this worthy event. This was the first year that the Ohio Republican and Democrat parties also joined as co-sponsors of the event, amongst other organizations.

Candidates, senators and state representatives from across the state were invited to this reception to mix and mingle with sportsman, hunters and Second Amendment supporters. This is always a great opportunity for individuals to talk face to face with the candidates and for the candidates to hear from the people of what their concerns may be.

Many of the division chiefs from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) and the Division of Wildlife (DOW) were on hand to greet attendees as well.

A standing room only crowd filled the room. Amongst the crowd were several Buckeye Firearms Association leaders and volunteers. The impact that Buckeye Firearms has made is very apparent, as the word gets out of the good things that are happening here.

This event should be placed on any sportsmen's, hunters or gun owners must attend list. We look forward to participating in this important event for many years to come.