We have just received word that the U.S. Supreme Court will hear another case on the individual rights of gun owners.

A group of Chicago gun owners is challenging a lower appeals court ruling that while the Second Amendment guarantees individual rights on the federal level, it does not bar state or city governments from passing restrictions or outright bans on guns.

Chicago imposes a handgun ban similar to the one the Supreme Court struck down last year for Washington D.C. In that case, District of Columbia v. Heller, the court declared what we have all known: that the Second Amendment guarantees an individual right to firearms for self-defense and does not merely refer to a state "militia."

However, the 5-4 decision did not address one important question:
Does the Second Amendment also apply to states and municipalities?

By Chad D. Baus

Coming off of the blast of consumers that bought into the government's Cash for Clunkers ruse, car dealers across the country knew that September was going to hit them hard. Traditionally, short term incentive programs result in "borrowing from tomorrow's sales," and dealers anticipated a return to the dismal sales numbers that have marked the rest of 2009 as soon as the government ran out of cash.

One dealer in Delaware, Ohio chose to try and ease the pain with a promotion that may have been the first of its kind in Ohio:

Modern Sporting Rifles -- based on the AR-15 platform -- Are Widely Owned by Hunters and Target Shooters and Are Not 'Assault Weapons'

The National Shooting Sports Foundation has launched a national media campaign designed to correct widespread misperceptions among gun owners and non-gun owners about AR-15-style rifles, also known as modern sporting rifles.

"The best-selling rifles in America today are those based on the AR-15 platform -- they are today's modern sporting rifles -- yet they remain America's most misunderstood firearm because of confusion caused by their cosmetic features," said Steve Sanetti, president of the National Shooting Sports Foundation, trade association for the firearms industry.

Several members of Buckeye Firearms joined hunters, anglers and trappers from across that state at the recent United States Sportsman's Alliance's 13th Annual "Save Our Heritage" Rally held at the Aladdin Shrine Temple on September 26th.

The event, as always, was well organized and guns, hunting trips and other outdoors accessories were given away by the truckload.

Ohio Governor Ted Strickland was the keynote speaker, making a return from his first speaking appearance at the event as governor in 2007.

Governor Strickland's remarks were a highlight of the evening, and he got a rousing ovation when he stated that while governor he will veto any anti-hunting or anti-gun bill that reaches his desk.

By Gerard Valentino

Sunday night was the annual United States Sportsmen's Alliance dinner held at the Aladdin Shrine Temple in Columbus. Governor Ted Strickland made his second appearance as key-note speaker.

Also for the second time at the USSA event, Governor Strickland said the words conservative gun owners are dying to hear from John Kasich.

"While I am Governor, no anti-gun bill will ever pass in Ohio."

By Clint Lake

This year's Buckeye Firearms Gun Skills Challenge at the Pickaway Sportsmans Club went above and beyond all expectations!

Located halfway between Circleville and Lancaster on Rt-22, Pickaway Sportsmans Club boasts no less that five pistol bays, a large rifle range, fishing, and primitive camping for its members.

Needless to say, we were there for the pistol shooting, the great food, and fellowship with our dear BFA friends, supporters, and family!

Michael, James and crew started us out with some basic pistol handling drills then moved us up to shooting some steel targets. Everybody loved hearing those plinks! And everybody learned a lot about trigger management!

Next came lunchtime and what a lunchtime it was. Codi and Scott Strauss cooked us up some real good BBQ pulled pork, pasta/sauce, cheesy taters, and brownies.

By Jim Shepherd

[Recently], several readers asked if I hadn't "given up the fight a little early" when it came to opposition of the nomination of Cass Sunstein to the position of head of the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs.

Actually, it was not premature to take the confirmation of the avowed animal rights advocate, anti-hunter and opponent to individual firearms rights as a foregone conclusion. When the hold on the nomination proposed by Georgia Senator Johnny Isakson was overridden, it meant 40 votes would have been necessary in the Senate to block the nomination. Only 35 opposition votes were there, and the remainder of the so-called supporters of hunting and outdoor issues voted in favor of Sunstein.

Effectively, once the vote was taken Wednesday night, the final approval vote, was nothing but a formality.

From my chair, the vote did accomplish one thing: it clarified the real positions of 22 of the 53 Senators who are members of the Congressional Sportsmen's Caucus.

Ohio Governor Ted Strickland will make a special appearance at the U.S. Sportsmen's Alliance Foundation's (USSAF) 13th Annual "Save Our Heritage" Rally, sponsored by Gander Mountain. The rally will be held on Saturday, September 26, 2009 at the Aladdin Shrine Temple in Columbus, Ohio. Doors open at 3:00 p.m. In addition to Governor Strickland, special guests for the Rally include Ray Scott, the founder of Bass Anglers Sportsman Society (B.A.S.S.) and U.S. Senate candidate Rob Portman.

"Governor Strickland has long been a friend to sportsmen," said USSAF President and CEO Bud Pidgeon. "We're extremely pleased that the Governor will be joining Mr. Scott and Mr. Portman to help Ohio sportsmen and women celebrate and defend their outdoor heritage."

Additionally, everyone in attendance will be entered into the Grand Prize drawing for 20 acres of their very own hunting paradise!

Tickets are still available, but seating is limited so make your reservations today!

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. -- National Hunting and Fishing Day is set for Sept. 26, 2009. Congress formalized the annual celebration 37 years ago but organizers say hunters and anglers deserve America's respect now more than ever.

"Recent-year surveys show nearly 8 in 10 Americans approve of hunting and more than 9 in 10 approve of fishing. That's strong support. But, when viewed in the context of a recession and other modern headlines, our sporting traditions look even better today," said Denise Wagner of Wonders of Wildlife museum in Springfield, Mo., the official home of NHF Day.

She added, "On NHF Day, I hope people will pause to reflect on hunter and angler contributions to society. And for those of us who've long understood and enjoyed these passions, share the pride by introducing someone new to hunting, fishing or shooting."
Here are three reasons for the American public to value hunting and fishing today:

By David Johnson

Academia is not generally considered to be friendly to firearms and the Second Amendment. This is why it is particularly important that we strongly support any legal and safe firearms-related activities on the campuses of our colleges and universities.

A good opportunity for doing just that is coming up soon. Many people are unaware that collegiate shooting is alive and well in the U.S. Ohio is privileged in having two NCAA Rifle teams, at the University of Akron and at The Ohio State University. The coach of Akron's team, Newt Engle, was recently named chair of the NCAA Men's and Women's Rifle Committee.

Unfortunately, you can't support Rifle Teams by buying season tickets or cheering them on at the matches, but you will soon have an opportunity to show your support for the OSU Rifle Team, meet the 2009-2010 team members, and hear an Olympic Gold Medalist speak. This event is on Sunday, October 4th. The following are the planned events: