North Carolina

Uncategorized

GRNC Alert: Help Develop NC’s School Safety Plan

March 13, 2018 by

The North Carolina General Assembly’s Joint Committee on Emergency Management Oversight will be meeting on Thursday, March 15th, to discuss school security issues. It is essential that they hear from those of us who have real and actionable suggestions and not merely those with ineffective, looks good on paper, feel good schemes.

I sent my message to the Republicans on the committee and I hope you will as well.

From GRNC:

HELP DEVELOP NC’s
SCHOOL SAFETY PLAN
Thursday, state legislators are hearing arguments that will inform life-and-death decisions regarding school security. Please be there … 
This Meeting Needs Your Voice
At the state legislature, there are two committee meetings in March which revolve around school security. The first is this Thursday (March 15), the Joint Committee on Emergency Management Oversight. There will likely be opportunities for public comments, and it is critical that this not be a one-sided discussion. We all know that the anti-gun-rights crowd will have people there to demand policies that will only make things worse. Due to the deadly serious nature of this topic, ineffective, feel-good schemes cannot be allowed to take hold. Please make every effort to attend these meetings. Below, find details on the upcoming meetings.

Gun-free Zones: the Psychotic-Killer Loophole
The most effective way to reduce mass public shootings is for our elected officials to wise up and eliminate dangerous gun-free zones (GFZs). Documented evidence tells us that criminals and psychotics carefully choose GFZs to commit their heinous acts, because they know they will not be met with timely armed resistance.

All but two of U.S. mass shootings since 1950
have occurred in so-called
“gun-free” zones.
That’s 98%!
Along with improved security provisions, such as fewer unlocked entrances and generally beefed up security, the most effective way to protect school children is to proclaim that any attack will likely be met with rapid armed resistance from an unpredictable source; that source would be teachers and other school personnel. 

Remove the Shackles
Of course, teachers who do not want to carry defensive weapons should not be required to. However, the shackles must be removed from those willing to mount effective resistance if the worst should occur. Some seem very concerned about teachers using weapons during a dire emergency. But consider the alterative: bullets flying in only one direction and resulting in the deaths of many innocent and helpless people. Any objection to evening those odds seems entirely unreasonable. Let’s demand that legislators close the psychotic-killer loophole!



IMMEDIATE ACTION REQUIRED!
  • EMAIL THE REPUBLICAN COMMITTEE MEMBERS: CLICK HERE to generate an email message. After you click, check your email program. An email should have been generated for you. Simply add you name to the bottom and hit ‘send.’ 

    If an email was not generated automatically, or wasn’t generated properly, send the email using the copy/paste email list and the copy/paste text provided below, under ‘Deliver This Message.’
  • ATTEND THE JOINT COMMITTEE MEETING: It’s critical that the public be involved in these meetings, especially because it’s the safety of the citizenry’s own children that is being debated. Practical and effective solutions from concerned citizens like you must be discussed, and ought to dominate the conversation. But without you there to speak, or at least to support the speakers by your presence, that may not happen. Please attend. Find the meeting details below.  
    • SAVE THE DATE TO ATTEND A SECOND COMMITTEE MEETING: The ‘House Select Committee on School Safety’ will be meeting on Wednesday, March 21, at 9:00 AM to discuss the same issues. Please mark your calendar and watch for an upcoming GRNC reminder about that meeting. This meeting will also be in the Legislative Office Building, Rm. 643.  Please plan to attend.
MEETING DETAILS:
WHAT: Joint Committee on Emergency Management Oversight Meeting
WHEN: Thursday, March 15, 9:00 AM (arrive an hour early if possible)
WHERE:
Legislative Office Building, Rm. 544
300 N. Salisbury Street
Raleigh, NC
(directions: https://www.ncleg.net/help/directions.html)
   
NOTES: Dress for the press. Please dress professionally with no inflammatory slogans or the like on clothing.
  Arrive early. To deal with any parking issues, and to make sure you get a seat. Arriving at least one hour early is recommended.



DELIVER THIS MESSAGE
Copy/Paste email List: 
John.Faircloth@ncleg.net; Ron.Rabin@ncleg.net; Jamie.Boles@ncleg.net; Brenden.Jones@ncleg.net; Michael.Speciale@ncleg.net; John.Alexander@ncleg.net; Danny.Britt@ncleg.net; Norman.Sanderson@ncleg.net; Jeff.Tarte@ncleg.net; Mike.Clampitt@ncleg.net; Larry.Pittman@ncleg.net; Jason.Saine@ncleg.net; Jerry.Tillman@ncleg.net
Suggested Subject: 
“For School Safety: End Gun-Free Zones”  
Dear Committee Member:

I am writing today in reference to your service on the Joint Committee on Emergency Management Oversight.

Since the recent disturbing events in Florida, all the usual gun-control voices have called for all the usual ineffective and unconstitutional schemes. None of these useless and ominous notions are acceptable, and I insist that you not lend them credence during your upcoming committee meetings. I do expect you to discuss school security concepts that are actually effective and will truly result in the protection of school children.

Removing the shackles from school employees who have concealed handgun permits would be the simplest and most effective solution. The legislature could do this almost immediately by removing the dangerous gun-free zone (GFZ) status from school buildings and grounds. Teachers and other school staff are no danger to students. If they were, we wouldn’t allow them unfettered, daily access to our children. Yet, the threat of swift armed resistance from an unpredictable source is a highly effective deterrent. This is why a full 98% of all mass public shooting since 1950 have occurred in so-called “gun-free” zones. Should the worst occur, teachers defending their students with deadly force is not such a terrible thing when you imagine the alternative. Indeed, no imagination is necessary, as recent events have shown us exactly what the alternative looks like.

A large number of teachers are already willing and ready for classroom carry. A recent Elon University Poll of North Carolina teachers (which skewed heavily Democrat) revealed that roughly 20% of teachers are open to the idea of concealed handguns in the classroom. Consider that the number of every day citizens who legally carry a gun in our state is something less than 10%. This means the number of teachers willing to consider classroom carry is at least twice the number in the general population who already carry a handgun. This is great news, and further evidence that dangerous GFZs have run their course. 

Our children’s very lives are at stake. I demand that your time on the School Safety committee be used to consider and implement only practical and effective policies. I will be monitoring your actions on this matter through Grass Roots North Carolina legislative alerts.

Respectfully, 

Uncategorized

NC Wildlife Resources Commission Seeks Comments On 5 Game Lands

February 16, 2018 by 1 Comment

The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission is seeking comments on the development of management plans for five of their game lands. Closest to me is the Cold Mountain Game Lands in Haywood County. Yes, it is the same Cold Mountain as in the book and movie. The four other game lands mentioned are way the hell and gone from me down in the eastern North Carolina.

Of particular interest about the Cold Mountain Game Lands is the Wayne Smith Shooting Range which is a free and open to the public range. It is also the closest range of its sort to the Asheville area. If you follow the links below, the draft management plan for Cold Mountain discusses the range in detail including potential plans for a 25-yard pistol range and a trap range. Among the concerns are noise mitigation and degradation of the facility from overuse. There is discussion of adding a fee for its use or limiting the amount of time one can stay and shoot at the range.

Wildlife Commission Invites Public to Comment on Five Game Land Plans
 
RALEIGH, NC —  After conducting a series of public meetings to gather input on developing management plans for game lands across the state, the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission has posted draft plans for five game lands on its website for additional public comment. 
The Commission is accepting comments through March 15 for the following game lands:
·         Bertie County, comprising 3,884 acres in Bertie County
·         Cape Fear River Wetlands, comprising 7,191 acres in New Hanover and Pender counties
·         Cold Mountain, comprising 3,631 acres in Haywood County
·         Neuse River, comprising 4,900 acres in Craven County
·         Van Swamp, comprising 5,505 acres in Beaufort and Washington counties
Comments can be e-mailed, with the game land name in the subject line and the individual tract within in the body of the email, to gamelandplan@ncwildlife.org. For more information on game lands, go to www.ncwildlife.org/gamelands.
About the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission
Since 1947, the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission has been dedicated to the conservation and sustainability of the state’s fish and wildlife resources through research, scientific management, wise use and public input. The Commission is the state regulatory agency responsible for the enforcement of fishing, hunting, trapping and boating laws and provides programs and opportunities for wildlife-related educational, recreational and sporting activities.
Get N.C. Wildlife Update — news including season dates, bag limits, legislative updates and more — delivered free to your Inbox from the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission.
Uncategorized

GRNC Reminds Us What Could Have Been

January 18, 2018 by

North Carolina is under a declared state of emergency due to snow, ice, and extreme cold. I know those living in the upper Midwest are probably scratching their heads over this but remember North Carolina doesn’t have the infrastructure – plows, etc. – to deal with this as a regular occurrence.

I bring this up as a reminder that before McDonald v. Chicago brought Second Amendment rights to the states it was state law in NC that no one could be armed outside the home during a state of emergency. Moreover, firearm and alcohol sales were also suspended. The win in the case of Bateman v. Perdue changed this as the US District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina found this to be unconstitutional. Thanks needs to go to Grass Roots North Carolina, the Second Amendment Foundation, and attorney Alan Gura for bringing the case. It was the first case filed after the win in the McDonald case. If you search this blog using “Bateman” or “emergency”, you will find numerous blog posts about the case.

Grass Roots North Carolina sent out a reminder yesterday about the win in Bateman yesterday.

‘STATE OF EMERGENCY’ &

YOUR RIGHTS
Thanks to
GRNC: Your Gun Rights are Recognized and Protected During this Snowstorm. . . 

Due to winter weather, on Tuesday, Jaunary 16th, North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper declared a “state of
emergency.” What does that mean to you today, and what could it have meant? Find out below. 

As you may recall, Grass Roots
North Carolina was a plaintiff in Bateman v. Perdue, when we sued
Governor
Beverly Perdue over the State of Emergency gun ban, a ban on law-abiding
citizens carrying guns during a declared state of emergency.

GRNC argued that the ban
constituted an unconstitutional violation of the Second Amendment. We
did so after
the town of King, NC posted the entire town against firearms in advance
of a pending snowstorm, and after Gov. Perdue declared a statewide State
of
Emergency, in response to an advancing hurricane, on the opening day of
dove season, making criminals of thousands of dove hunters. GRNC and
other
plaintiffs won the lawsuit, and the law was struck down as
unconstitutional under the Second Amendment.

Like Our Work?
Thanks to the GRNC, and gun owners like you who support GRNC, law-abiding North
Carolina gun-carriers have not been rendered criminals today just because a little snow fell.

So . . . rest easy, and enjoy your hot chocolate! And if you
care to contribute to our all-volunteer organization so we can continue
to
protect and expand gun laws in our state, please 
(or go to: https://www.grnc.org/join-grnc/contribute) 
Uncategorized

The BBC Discovers North Carolina Kids Who Shoot

December 23, 2017 by 5 Comments

As part of a story about gun sales in the United States during the holiday season, the BBC included the following kids in North Carolina. These kids tell why they enjoy shooting guns. In this case, the video appears to have been taken at a Scholastic Clays shooting event.

Surprising perhaps, given the anti-gun sentiment in the UK, but the BBC seems to do a better job covering the American gun culture than the American mainstream media.

Uncategorized

For North Carolinians

December 6, 2017 by

The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission has published their proposed changes to fish, wildlife, and game lands regulations. The comment period is open through February 1, 2018. These comments can by made in writing, by email, or by attending one of the nine public meetings held across the state beginning in January 2018.

Links to the changes and to the meeting schedule are embedded in the release below:

Public
Comment Period Regarding Proposed Regulations Open through Feb. 1,
2018 
Public comment is sought on proposed
changes to agency regulations related to wildlife management,
fisheries and game lands for the 2018-19 seasons. The Wildlife
Commission will conduct nine
public hearings in January across the state to discuss these proposed
regulations changes, including changes to deer and bear seasons.
The public is encouraged to
submit comments, opinions and suggestions by Feb. 1, 2018. Comments can be
submitted in-person at one of the hearings, by e-mail, (please include your
name and address) online or by
mail (Rule-making Coordinator, 1701 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC
27699-1701).
Uncategorized

Happy Free Fishing In North Carolina Day

July 4, 2017 by 2 Comments

The North Carolina General Assembly authorizes one day a year as “free fishing day”. That day is always July 4th. It allows residents and non-residents alike to fish anywhere in the state without a fishing license or trout license for free.

From the NC Wildlife Resource Commission:

RALEIGH, N.C. (June 20, 2017) — July 4 is “free fishing day” in North Carolina where everyone — residents and non-residents alike — can fish in any public body of water from 12:01 a.m. to 11: 59 p.m., without having to purchase a fishing license or additional trout privilege license.

While anyone 16 years and older can fish recreationally in all public waters, including saltwater, without a license on July 4, all other fishing regulations, such as length and daily possession limits, as well as bait and tackle restrictions, apply.

To make “free fishing day” more enjoyable, the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission stocks a variety of fish in public, inland waters across the state throughout the year to give anglers a better chance of catching fish. Cool mountain waters are stocked with brook, brown and rainbow trout, as well as walleye and muskellunge. In warm waters, Commission staff stocks largemouth bass, American shad, striped bass, channel catfish and sunfishes.

In addition to stocking fish, the Commission has interactive fishing and boating maps on its website to make finding a spot to fish easier.

Authorized by the N.C. General Assembly and enacted in 1994, North Carolina’s annual free fishing day always falls on July 4. On all other days of the year, a fishing license is not required for anglers 15 years and younger, but anyone age 16 and older must have a fishing license to fish in any public water in North Carolina, including coastal waters.

Uncategorized

Now We Have To Get HR 746 Through The NC Senate

June 19, 2017 by 1 Comment

Now that HR 746 – the Omnibus Gun Bill – has passed the North Carolina House we need to get it moving through the State Senate. Grass Roots North Carolina issued an alert aimed at getting the bill to the floor of the Senate. As a reminder, the Omnibus Gun Bill includes permitless concealed carry or constitutional carry.

The sooner we can get it through the Senate, the sooner we can get it to Gov. Roy Cooper’s desk. Assuming the likely veto, the key to its passage will be convincing six of the eight House Republicans to stand with their party and not with Michael Bloomberg.

TELL YOUR SENATORS THAT

H746 NEEDS TO BE PASSED UNAMENDED!

The Senate Needs Your Support

As
H746 moves through the
North Carolina Senate, it’s critical that we keep telling our elected
representatives that H746 is a good bill that will help law-abiding
North
Carolinas stay safe, and that the bill needs to be passed by the Senate
without crippling amendments. This is especially important with
well-heeled
special interest groups opposing the lawful exercise of your
fundamental, Constitutionally-protected freedoms.

IMMEDIATE ACTION REQUIRED!
  • CALL KEY SENATORS: use the phone numbers provided below to phone these key players in the
    NC Senate. You can use the text directly below to deliver a message of encouragement regarding HB 746. Please add your Senator to this list as
    well!

    Hello,
    I am personally contacting Senator [name] to
    encourage [him/her] to pass H746, the Omnibus Gun Bill, to pass it
    quickly, and to pass it without amendments. This bill has the full
    support of the
    people. Thank you.

    • Phone Numbers for Key Senators: 


    Sen. Tamara Barringer – (919) 733-5653

    Sen. Danny Britt – (919) 733-5651

    Sen. Ron Rabin – (919) 733-5748

    Sen. Norman Sanderson – (919) 733-5706

    Sen. Tommy Tucker – (919) 733-7659
  • EMAIL SENATE REPUBLICANS: use the copy/paste email address list below, and the
    copy/paste text provided under ‘Deliver This Message.’

     
    • Copy/Paste Email Address List for Senate Republicans:

    John.Alexander@ncleg.net;
    Deanna.Ballard@ncleg.net; Chad.Barefoot@ncleg.net;
    Tamara.Barringer@ncleg.net; Phil.Berger@ncleg.net; Dan.Bishop@ncleg.net;
    Danny.Britt@ncleg.net; Andrew.Brock@ncleg.net; Harry.Brown@ncleg.net;
    Bill.Cook@ncleg.net; David.Curtis@ncleg.net; Warren.Daniel@ncleg.net;
    Jim.Davis@ncleg.net; Cathy.Dunn@ncleg.net; Chuck.Edwards@ncleg.net;
    Rick.Gunn@ncleg.net; Kathy.Harrington@ncleg.net; Ralph.Hise@ncleg.net;
    Rick.Horner@ncleg.net; Brent.Jackson@ncleg.net; Joyce.Krawiec@ncleg.net;
    Michael.Lee@ncleg.net; Tom.McInnis@ncleg.net; Wesley.Meredith@ncleg.net;
    Paul.Newton@ncleg.net; Louis.Pate@ncleg.net; Ron.Rabin@ncleg.net;
    Bill.Rabon@ncleg.net; Shirley.Randleman@ncleg.net;
    Norman.Sanderson@ncleg.net; Jeff.Tarte@ncleg.net;
    Jerry.Tillman@ncleg.net; Tommy.Tucker@ncleg.net;
    Trudy.Wade@ncleg.net; Andy.Wells@ncleg.net

DELIVER THIS
MESSAGE

Suggested Subject:

“Voters Support H746, the Omnibus
Gun Bill. Pass it Quickly!“

Dear Senator:

I am writing this
brief note today to encourage you to move H746 to the Senate floor and
pass
it without changes. This bill has the full support of the people.

I will
continue to monitor your actions on this matter through alerts from
Grass
Roots North Carolina.

Respectfully,
Uncategorized

Omnibus Gun Bill Finally Moving In NC General Assembly

June 1, 2017 by 1 Comment

HB 746 is finally moving forward in the North Carolina House of Representatives. This bill, the Omnibus Gun Changes, favorably passed out of the House Judiciary IV Committee yesterday. It will now go to the House Finance Committee for review. The most important feature of this bill is that it provides for constitutional carry or permitless carry of concealed handguns. Open carry without a permit has been the law in North Carolina since 1922 thanks to the NC Supreme Court’s ruling in State v. Kerner.

Grass Roots North Carolina has issued an alert thanking those on the House Judiciary IV Committee who voted in favor of sending this bill forward. They also note that Rep. Sam Watford (R-Davidson) has said he has plans to introduce weakening provisions to this bill even though constitutional carry is part of the 2016 NC Republican Platform.

From GRNC:

ONE STEP CLOSER
Good news! Today, freedom lovers scored a big victory in the
House Judiciary IV Committee …

Your efforts are paying off! Due to the hard
work of gun rights supporters like you over the last several weeks, the
omnibus gun bill, which includes constitutional carry, has cleared its
first major hurdle. It is exciting to report that this evening, the
House Judicial IV Committee voted 9 to 6 to move the bill to the next step, and all weakening amendments were defeated. Kudos to the
‘Critical Nine!’


Thanks to Sponsors &
Outspoken Supporters
Many, many thanks to the bill’s
courageous sponsors and other representatives who actively supported this bill. The sponsors are: Rep. Jay Adams, Rep. Beverly Boswell, Rep. Chris Millis, Rep. Larry Pittman, and Rep. Michael Speciale. We can also thank Rep. George Cleveland and Rep. Bert Jones for their outspoken support during
the committee meeting. Well done, all!


A Couple More Hurdles

On Thursday (6/1), the bill will be
shuttled to the Finance Committee. Once it’s through Finance, it’s off
to
the House floor. It’s possible that this important bill could land on
the House floor for a vote as early as Thursday afternoon, so kindly
follow up with the ‘Immediate Action’ below as soon as possible. 


One Republican Plans Unforced
Error

The hurdles mentioned above may be set relatively low, as
long as Republicans live up to their party’s platform, which has a very
strong stance on gun rights, and specifically supports constitutional
carry. Unfortunately, there is one hurdle that may come in the form of
an “unforced error” by one or more Republicans. It sounds
as though, in defiance of Republican and Second Amendment principles, Rep. Sam Watford (Davidson County)
is planning to offer weakening amendments in an attempt to water down this omnibus bill.

Make
no mistake, GRNC will oppose ANY weakening amendments to this gun bill,
whether they come from Rep. Watford, or anyone else. We will
oppose these amendments, insist that other House members vote against
them, and we’ll be keeping tabs on who does what. In fact, we
encourage you to phone Rep. Watford right now, and politely insist that he not propose anything that would weaken the right of the people to
keep and bear arms. His legislative office phone number is 919-715-2526. You can politely remind him of the strong, pro-gun stance
taken in the 2016 Republican Platform.


The Next Step

The victory
in
committee is great news, but we need to keep reminding legislators that
voters are serious about their right to keep and bear arms. Let’s keep
the pressure on, and make sure everyone in Raleigh knows what the people
expect. Below, see how you can easily email House Republicans to do
just
that. Before you know it we’ll have constitutional carry here in North
Carolina!



IMMEDIATE ACTION
REQUIRED!

  • EMAIL NC HOUSE
    REPUBLICANS    :  Use the
    copy/paste email list(s) below, and the copy/paste text under ‘Deliver This Message.’

  • PHONE REP. SAM WATFORD: Politely tell him that gun voters
    are watching and we will not accept weakening amendments to the omnibus
    gun
    bill. Remind him of the very strong, pro-gun stance spelled out in the
    2016 Republican Platform, and ask him to live up to that platform. His
    legislative office number is: 919-715-2526.

CONTACT INFO
NC House Republicans Email *List(s):

Dean.Arp@ncleg.net; John.Bell@ncleg.net; Hugh.Blackwell@ncleg.net;
John.Blust@ncleg.net;
Jamie.Boles@ncleg.net; John.Bradford@ncleg.net; Bill.Brawley@ncleg.net;
Mark.Brody@ncleg.net; Dana.Bumgardner@ncleg.net; Justin.Burr@ncleg.net;
Mike.Clampitt@ncleg.net; George.Cleveland@ncleg.net;
Jeff.Collins@ncleg.net; Debra.Conrad@ncleg.net; Kevin.Corbin@ncleg.net;
Ted.Davis@ncleg.net;
Jimmy.Dixon@ncleg.net; Josh.Dobson@ncleg.net; Nelson.Dollar@ncleg.net;
Andy.Dulin@ncleg.net; Jeffrey.Elmore@ncleg.net;
John.Faircloth@ncleg.net;
Carl.Ford@ncleg.net; John.Fraley@ncleg.net;

Holly.Grange@ncleg.net;
Destin.Hall@ncleg.net; Kyle.Hall@ncleg.net; Jon.Hardister@ncleg.net;
Kelly.Hastings@ncleg.net; Cody.Henson@ncleg.net; Craig.Horn@ncleg.net;
Julia.Howard@ncleg.net; Pat.Hurley@ncleg.net; Frank.Iler@ncleg.net;
Linda.Johnson2@ncleg.net; Bert.Jones@ncleg.net; Brenden.Jones@ncleg.net;
Jonathan.Jordan@ncleg.net; Donny.Lambeth@ncleg.net;
David.Lewis@ncleg.net;
Chris.Malone@ncleg.net; Susan.Martin@ncleg.net; Pat.McElraft@ncleg.net;
Chuck.McGrady@ncleg.net; Allen.McNeill@ncleg.net; Tim.Moore@ncleg.net;
Gregory.Murphy@ncleg.net;

Larry.Potts@ncleg.net;
Michele.Presnell@ncleg.net; Dennis.Riddell@ncleg.net;
David.Rogers@ncleg.net; Stephen.Ross@ncleg.net;
Jason.Saine@ncleg.net; John.Sauls@ncleg.net; Mitchell.Setzer@ncleg.net;
Phil.Shepard@ncleg.net; Bob.Steinburg@ncleg.net;
Sarah.Stevens@ncleg.net;
Scott.Stone@ncleg.net; Larry.Strickland@ncleg.net; John.Szoka@ncleg.net;
John.Torbett@ncleg.net; Rena.Turner@ncleg.net; Harry.Warren@ncleg.net;
Sam.Watford@ncleg.net; Donna.White@ncleg.net; Linda.Williams@ncleg.net;
Larry.Yarborough@ncleg.net; Lee.Zachary@ncleg.net

*Spam filters or email program limitations may cause the need to
send more than one email, to cover the entire list of representatives.
If so,
the list above is split into three pieces, for your convenience.

DELIVER THIS
MESSAGE

Suggested Subject:

“Vote ‘YES’ on Omnibus Gun Bill without Weakening”  

Dear Representative:

I understand
that the omnibus gun bill has cleared the House Judicial IV committee
(J4), and
is on its way to the Finance Committee. I also understand the bill
passed though J4 without any weakening amendments. This is fantastic
news! A big
‘thank you’ to the sponsors of this bill and to others who actively
supported it.


I
am writing today
to ask you to vote ‘Yes’ on this bill if you happen to be on the Finance
Committee, to vote ‘Yes’ on this bill on the House
floor, and to vote ‘No’ on any weakening amendments. The right to keep
and bear arms is a fundamental human right, and North Carolinians
are finally making headway in rolling back the oppressive erosion of
this right that has taken place in recent decades. Let’s keep that
freedom
trend going!

On that same note, I would
also remind you that strong support for “constitutional carry” is an
explicit part of the Republican Party’s 2016 platform (see page 12),
just as gun rights in general are. With this fact at the forefront, I
can
see no reason for any Republican to shy away from supporting this
gun-rights legislation. In fact, among other things, pro-Second
Amendment policy is
precisely what voters had in mind when they chose you as their
representative.


For reasons that are quite clear,
voters expect you to support this bill in committee, on the House floor, and without weakening amendments. Please do so.


I’ll be eagerly awaiting more news on this topic from Grass Roots North Carolina legislative alerts.

Respectfully,  
Uncategorized

GRNC: HB 69 – Constitutional Carry – Needs Your Help

February 20, 2017 by

HB 69 was introduced in the North Carolina House of Representatives earlier this month. It provides for permitless concealed carry just as we have permitless or constitutional open carry in the state. It was introduced by Rep. Larry Pittman (R-Cabarrus) and has been referred to the Judiciary I Committee. That last part is not good for the bill’s chances of success and Grass Roots North Carolina has issued an alert requesting it be moved to the Judiciary II Committee where it will receive a fair hearing.

11 states now have constitutional carry and it looks like New Hampshire will be joining the list if Gov. Chris Sununu (R-NH) keeps his promise to sign the bill which has passed both houses of the legislature. That would make the three northern New England states bastions of freedom unlike the southern three.

GIVE HB 69 A FAIR HEARING!


As you know, Representative LARRY PITTMAN
(R-Cabarrus) 
introduced House Bill 69 (with GRNC’s feedback and support) to restore
our rights to constitutional (permitless) carry. The primary sponsors
of the
bill include Reps. MICHAEL
SPECIALE (R-Beaufort, Craven, Pamlico), BEVERLY BOSWELL (R-Beaufort, Dare, Hyde, Washington),  and JAY ADAMS (R-Catawba).

Since its introduction, HP 69 currently resides in House Judiciary I which is chaired
by Representative TED DAVIS,
JR.  We have reported his
actions in previous GRNC Alerts and feel strongly that HB 69, if it stays in House Judiciary I under Rep. Davis, will be in danger of being
stopped.

GRNC
feels strongly that the seriousness of this bill deserves a fair hearing
and is asking everyone to contact your representatives to urge them to
move
HB 69 to House Judiciary II,
chaired by Representative JOHN M.
BLUST.

To
recap the details of HB 69
(“Constitutional Carry Act”) and the reasons for GRNC’s support:
  • Establishes a new Article 54C, under which handguns may be carried concealed without
    permits;
  • Removes the need
    to have a concealed handgun permit to carry a concealed handgun in
    restaurants, public assemblies, parades and funerals, and (with the same
    limitations as currently in law) onto educational properties;
  • and Retains the current CHP system for purposes of reciprocity with other states.
HB
69 is designed to be a “clean”
reciprocity bill (i.e. without other measures) in order to draw fewer
objections from potential supporters. GRNC will shepherd the
introduction of
additional legislative initiatives in other bills.

IMMEDIATE ACTION REQUIRED!
  • CONTACT SPEAKER TIM MOORE and CHAIRMAN DAVID LEWIS at:

    919-733-3451, Tim.Moore@ncleg.net
    919-715-3015, David.Lewis@ncleg.net


    Tell them to move HB 69 from House Judiciary I to House Judiciary
    II
    in order for it to receive the fair hearing it deserves. You can use the
    copy/paste text below, under ‘Deliver This Message,’ to send an email
    message
    to Speaker Moore and Chairman Lewis.

  • CONTACT CHAIRMAN JOHN M. BLUST at:
    919-733-5781,
    John.Blust@ncleg.net

    Urge him to work with Speaker Moore to take the HB 69 into his
    committee
    and give it the fair hearing it deserves.  You can use the copy/paste text below, under ‘Deliver This Message,’ to send an email message to Representative
    Blust.     

DELIVER THIS MESSAGE

Here are two suggested messages to deliver:
Suggested Subject: “Give HB 69 a fair hearing and move
to House Judiciary II”  
Dear [Speaker Moore or Chairman Lewis]:
House
Bill 69, sponsored by Reps. Larry Pittman, Michael Speciale, Beverly
Boswell, and Jay
Adams, has been introduced and currently resides in House Judiciary I,
chaired by Rep. Ted David, Jr. I feel that Rep. Davis will not give
the bill
the fair hearing it deserves and urge you to please move it to House
Judiciary II chaired by Rep. John M. Blust.

A powerful trend is sweeping across
the
United States in which eleven states have now adopted (or previously
had) statutes under which lawful citizens could carry firearms for
self-protection without obtaining burdensome permits.

The states with
permitless concealed carry now include Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Idaho,
Kansas,
Maine, Mississippi, Missouri, Vermont, West Virginia, and Wyoming.
Indeed, Missouri’s law went into effect on January 1, and West
Virginia’s went into effect in May. Additionally, more limited versions
of permitless carry exist in Montana, New Hampshire, New Mexico, and
Oklahoma.

It is high time North Carolina joined those enlightened states
by relieving lawful North Carolinians from expensive and burdensome
permit
requirements which discriminate against people with lesser means.
Accordingly, I ask you to give a prompt hearing to HB 69
(“Constitutional
Carry Act”).

Each time we have expanded concealed carry – whether
into parks, restaurants, educational property or elsewhere –
naysayers have predicted gloom and doom. Each time, they have been
wrong. In fact, I am aware of no instance in any of the states which
have adopted
constitutional carry in which it has caused problems.

Again, I urge you to
give HB 69 a fair hearing and move it from Rep. Davis and House
Judiciary I
to House Judiciary II and Rep. Blust. I will be monitoring this issue
through Grass Roots North Carolina legislative alerts.

Respectfully,

Suggested Subject: “Please work with Speaker Moore and give HB 69 a fair
hearing in House House Judiciary II”

Dear House Chairman Blust:

House Bill 69, sponsored by Reps. Larry Pittman, Michael
Speciale,
Beverly Boswell, and Jay Adams, has been introduced and currently
resides in House Judiciary I, chaired by Rep. Ted David, Jr. I feel
that Rep.
Davis will not give the bill the fair hearing it deserves and urge you
to please work with Speaker Moore to move it to House Judiciary II under
your
leadership.

As you know, Rep. Blust, a powerful trend is sweeping across
the United States in which eleven states have now adopted (or previously
had)
statutes under which lawful citizens could carry firearms for
self-protection without obtaining burdensome permits.

The states with permitless
concealed
carry now include Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Idaho, Kansas, Maine,
Mississippi, Missouri, Vermont, West Virginia, and Wyoming. Indeed,
Missouri’s law went into effect on January 1, and West Virginia’s went
into effect in May. Additionally, more limited versions of
permitless carry exist in Montana, New Hampshire, New Mexico, and
Oklahoma.

It is high time North Carolina joined those enlightened states by
relieving
lawful North Carolinians from expensive and burdensome permit
requirements which discriminate against people with lesser means.

Each time we have
expanded concealed carry – whether into parks, restaurants, educational
property or elsewhere – naysayers have predicted gloom and doom.
Each time, they have been wrong. In fact, I am aware of no instance in
any of the states which have adopted constitutional carry in which it
has
caused problems.

Again, I urge you to work with Speaker Moore to move HB
69 to your House Judiciary Committee, House Judiciary II, to give it the
fair
hearing it deserves. I will be monitoring this issue through Grass
Roots North Carolina legislative alerts.

Respectfully,

Sincerely,
Uncategorized

North Carolina Offers Turkey Hunting Seminars

January 31, 2017 by

The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission in conjunction with the National Wild Turkey Federation will be offering free turkey hunting seminars across the state in March. It is intended for both beginners and advanced hunters in advance of the spring turkey season.

As an aside, have you ever noticed how many turkeys you see within urban areas and in the city limits when turkey season starts?

More details and locations from the NCWRC below:

RALEIGH, N.C. (Jan. 30, 2017) — The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission, along with the National Wild Turkey Federation, is offering 14 free turkey hunting seminars across the state in March.

The seminars, which will be held from 6 to 9 p.m., are open on a first-come, first-serve basis to all ages and skill levels, although participants 16 years and younger will need parental permission to register. Pre-registration is required and participants must register online.

Among the topics that will be covered during the seminars are biology, hunting methods, calls and decoys, firearms and ammo tips, camouflage clothing, and turkey processing and cooking techniques. A question-and-answer session, along with a brief overview of hunter recruitment, retention and re-activation (R3) initiatives, will conclude each seminar.

Dates and locations are:

March 1

Pitt County Extension Center, Pitt County
403 Government Circle, Suite 2, Greenville, NC 27834
GPS Coordinates: (35.638284, -77.360689)

March 2

N.C. State University Engineering Building II (EBII), Wake County
Classroom 1025
3114 Engineering Building II
890 Oval Drive, Raleigh, NC 27606
GPS coordinates: (35.772173, -78.674353)

March 7

Pasquotank County Extension Center, Pasquotank County
1209 McPherson Street, Elizabeth City, NC 27909
GPS Coordinates: (36.298477, -76.235738)

March 8

Onslow County Extension Center, Onslow County
4024 Richlands Hwy., Jacksonville, NC 28540
GPS Coordinates: (34.781641, -77.494023)

March 9

Craven County Extension Center, Craven County
300 Industrial Drive, New Bern, NC 28562
GPS Coordinates: (35.142969, -77.158907)

March 14

Mountain Horticulture Crops Research and Extension Center, Buncombe County
455 Research Drive, Mills River, NC 28759
GPS Coordinates: (35.424879, -82.560748)

March 15

Cumberland County Extension Center, Cumberland County
301 East Mountain Drive, Fayetteville, NC 28306
GPS Coordinates: (35.012639, -78.893928)

March 16

Bass Pro Shops, Cabarrus County
8181 Concord Mills Blvd., Concord, NC 28027
GPS Coordinates: (35.367147, -80.718964)

March 21

Brunswick County Extension Center, BLDG. N, Brunswick County
25 Referendum Drive, Bolivia, NC 28422
GPS Coordinates: (34.056713, -78.165797)

March 22

Haywood Community College, Haywood County
185 Freedlander Drive, Clyde, NC 28721
GPS Coordinates: (35.525949, -82.927936)

March 23

Caldwell County Extension Center, Caldwell County
120 Hospital Avenue NE/Suite 1, Lenoir NC 28645
GPS Coordinates: (35.922477, -81.523500)

March 28

Catawba County Extension Center, Catawba County
1175 South Brady Avenue, Newton NC 28658
GPS Coordinates: (35.647028, -81.223360)

March 29

Forsyth County Extension Center, Forsyth County
1450 Fairchild Road, Winston-Salem, NC 27105
GPS Coordinates: (36.128816, -80.225864)

March 30

Guilford County Extension Center, Guilford County
3309 Burlington Road, Greensboro, NC 27405
GPS coordinates: (36.084624, -79.738867)

“This is the third year the Wildlife Commission and the National Wild Turkey Federation have offered these expanded, statewide seminars prior to the start of the spring gobbler season and they have been very popular with both novice and experienced turkey hunters,” said Walter “Deet” James, the Wildlife Commission’s hunting heritage biologist. “New for 2017, we have combined both introduction and advanced segments into one seminar thereby eliminating redundancy and the need to attend multiple seminars. In short, we will continue to improve the cooperative seminar series based on conservation partner and attendee feedback.”

The statewide season for male or bearded turkey only is April 8 through May 6, with a youth-only week from April 1-7. Regulations and restrictions on turkey hunting, including information on youth season, are available in the 2016-17 Inland Fishing, Hunting and Trapping Regulations Digest.

For additional information, contact James at 919-707-0059; mobile, 984-202-1387 or hunting.heritage@ncwildlife.org.

Visit www.ncwildlife.org/hunting and click on the “What to Hunt” link for information about wild turkeys in North Carolina.