by Richard Pearson
It is with great regret that I must inform you the Grand American Trapshooting has been moved to Missouri for this year. The Grand American is one of the greatest events in the world. The fact that it was forced out of the State of Illinois is a travesty. It is time this ridiculous shutdown is over.
by Richard Pearson
Gun sales are breaking records month after month. The number of new firearm owners grows by the thousands not only in Illinois, but everywhere. These new gun owners understand that what we are seeing in the streets may soon come to their front door. Everyone needs to get their head out of the sand and get ready. The new gun owners need training and so do a lot of the old gun owners, by the way. Every instructor, NRA, USCCA, and Concealed Carry, needs to be offering and advertising classes right now. These people need your help and you need to be stepping up to the plate. The ISRA is developing a list of instructors throughout the state. If you are an instructor and want to be on that list, please get you credentials together. We will be calling for them around July 1, 2020.
by Richard Pearson
The Minneapolis City Council is leading the way on defunding the Minneapolis Police Department. There are a few other cities following behind. These police departments will be replaced by some form of community public safety committee which will reflect the values of the community. What does that mean? That means the mob will run the show and, so far, they have only shown the willingness to destroy, not build. They shout and complain but with no experience or even desire to maintain order. This idea and these people are trouble and they want to be trouble; if they succeed we are headed for a dark future. What will happen if the police are defunded is that a vacuum will be created. The mob says the police roll will be filled by the so called Public Safety Committees and Social Workers. What that means is that if you or someone in your family is robbed, beaten, raped, or murdered, the social worker will commiserate with you or tell you how sorry everyone is and the perpetrators will get a good talking to if they are ever caught.
6/4/2020
At this time, the Illinois State Police (ISP) is not accepting ICCL renewal certificates. Please do not try to submit them. When the Governor’s Executive Order is lifted and the 12 month clock starts, you will be able to upload your renewal certificate. We will keep you posted.
by Richard Pearson
Last Saturday morning I began hearing about violent protests that would occur later in the day. There had been peaceful protests earlier on Saturday afternoon but they turned ugly Saturday night. That pattern has now become familiar in only a few days when peaceful protests would be followed by violence, looting and marauding arsonists. Police were standing by simply watching lawlessness, looting and arson. All this had been confined to cities but rumors indicated that small towns would be next. The police everywhere were overwhelmed. This means that you are on your own to protect your property as well as yourself and family. This is exactly what I described a couple of weeks ago. I admit I thought I was ready, but quickly realized I was kidding myself. I was ready for one or two intruders in my house, not dozens. By Sunday afternoon and evening I quickly adjusted my plans and added two more escape routes in case of fire and made sure my fire extinguishers were ready. I loaded all my magazines and every firearm had a backup firearm. Sunday night passed without incident. On Monday I spent part of the day making sure my friends were also prepared. Monday night also passed without incident but while waiting, I realized how unprepared most people are. I am now going to invite them to a short training course using whatever firearm they have. Will it be enough? No, but it will still be better than no training and it might encourage them to get more training. You should get more training also.
by Richard Pearson
The arrival of June brings with it the summer shooting season although it is somewhat curtailed this year. We will get through this exercise of Executive Power but it will take determination. June also means the first hunting season is only two months away and upland game and certain waterfowl season is only three months away. It is time to start making your plans.
by Richard Pearson
While we may be seeing the light at the end of the tunnel when it comes to reopening Illinois, we still are going to have to deal with some terrible decisions that have been made by those in power. One of those decisions is the release of 4828 felons back in to Illinois communities to prevent them from getting the Coronavirus. As I always say, “What about us, are we chopped liver?” Apparently, that answer is yes. To get into prison these days you a really have to work at it. Felons have more protection than law-abiding citizens it seems.