Fee Increases-unhappy new year to sportsmen in Illinois.

With the beginning of a new year the cost to hunt and fish gets higher

SB1846
10/30/2009 Senate Passed Both Houses
11/25/2009 Senate Sent to the Governor
12/4/2009 Senate Governor Approved
12/4/2009 Senate Effective Date January 1, 2010
12/4/2009 Senate Public Act . . . . . . . . . 96-0831

Public Act 096-0831


(515 ILCS 5/20-45) (from Ch. 56, par. 20-45)
Sec. 20-45. License fees for residents.
Fees for licenses for residents of the State of Illinois shall be as follows:

(a) Except as otherwise provided in this Section, for sport fishing devices as defined in Section 10-95 or
spearing devices as defined in Section 10-110 the fee is $14.50 $12.50 for individuals 16 to 64 years old, and one-half of the current fishing license fee for individuals age 65 or older, commencing with the 1994 license year.

The sportsmen's combination license fee shall be $25.50 $18.50.

The fee for a Deer Hunting Permit to take deer with either bow and arrow or gun shall not exceed $25.00 $15.00 for residents of the State.

(The fee has not changed for non-residents.)

The fee for a hunting license to hunt all species for a resident of Illinois is $12 $7. For residents age 65 or older, the fee is one-half of the fee charged for a hunting license to hunt all species for a resident of Illinois. Nonresidents shall be charged $57 $50 for a hunting license.

Each applicant for a State Migratory Waterfowl Stamp, regardless of his residence or other condition, shall pay a fee of $15 $10 and shall receive a stamp.

(No increase in the Habitat Stamp)

Section 99-99. Effective date. This Act takes effect on January 1, 2010.

IL Gubernatorial Race 2010 and Your Gun Rights

This blog post from The Liberals Bane is a good insight in to the race.

Depressing First Season

Did your opening weekend look like this?

I didn't see a deer all weekend.  To much of this stuff!

I also feel that EHD may have had some impact in my area. We had an outbreak in '07 that seemed to take quite a few  deer.  I don't know if there is an accurate way to determine how many died of EHD or not.  I haven't seen any numbers from the IDNR on this.  One guy I talked with said he had observed several deer around a pond near his property in '07.  Most of the deer he observed appeared to be mature deer found dead or showing signs of illness.

Most hunters I talked with have seen fewer deer this season, but it is likely because of more corn to hide in this year.  Yet, I can't help but think the EHD in '07 killed several of the deer that would have had fawns that would have been at the age class we would be seeing the most of this year while hunting.

I am hoping many acres of corn are harvested before the next season.

So, I thought I would clean my .22 rifle.

I have been shooting more now that the beans are out and the fields are open.  I was out today shooting with my middle child, who is about to go on her first deer hunt.  We were having a nice time punching paper at 50yd.  I started thinking the gun was rather dirty, so I should clean it.  Then it occurred to me that I should shoot a group dirty, clean the gun and shoot another group.

And so I did, I printed off a target, then I shot a 10rnd. group at 50yd.  I then took the rifle in, cleaned the bore, and brought it out for another 10 rnd. group with a clean bore.  The results surprised me!

To my shock, the second group, the one from a clean bore, was worse than the first.

Left: group from dirty bore     Right: group from clean bore

I fired these groups from bags at 50yds. with my Marlin 881 w/scope.  The ammunition was the Federal 550 Round Value Pack ammo.  This also points out the consistency of this particular ammunition or maybe the lack of.  I shoot way better groups with CCI.

I will have to try this again with different ammunition and see how that turns out.

Maybe I should stop cleaning this one or change ammo?

Here comes Gun Season

The 2009 firearm season is on us.  I hope everyone is ready!
I have been trying to bow hunt, that has not been going well.  I think all the corn that is still in is hurting deer movement.  I haven't seen many deer at all this year.  I haven't even noticed much rut activity.  I hope the farmers get a bunch of corn out before the coming rain.  If they don't it will be some time before they get in the fields again.  And I think that could make the first firearm weekend a frustrating hunt.

My middle girl is gun hunting for the first time this year.  I am excited about this.  She shoots well so I have a good feeling about her getting her first deer.  My youngest wants to hunt like her bigger sister but she is still to young to hunt.

Don't forget the late winter season has changed.  It is now two weekends instead of the one it used to be.

Firearm Season Information
November 20, 21, 22 (first season)
December 3, 4, 5, 6 (second season)

Muzzle Loader Season Information
Dec 11, 12, 13 and Dec 3, 4, 5, 6 (second firearm season)

Late Winter Season Information
December 31 - January 3 and January 15-17, 2010

Remember, any unfilled tag from firearm, youth, or muzzle loader is valid for the late winter season if that county is open for late winter hunting.

Good Luck!

IDNR Police still going to ticket hunters for uncased weapons.

The question I asked the IDNR:

"To: DNR, Lawreception
Subject: IL vs Diggins clarification.


With the recent IL Supreme Court decision in Diggins, in wich the Court's opinion declared the center console of a vehicle a case, is the Illinois Wildlife code 520 ILCS 5/2.33(n) affected by this ruling?"

The response from IDNR:

"David,


The Diggins case only affects the Unlawful Use of Weapon section in the criminal code. It does not affect the wildlife code. The definition of a case is well defined in the wildlife code, so hunters must still abide by the firearm/bow casing law under the wildlife code. The definition of a case under the wildlife code can be seen on page 6 of the following link; http://dnr.state.il.us/admin/pdf/season_dates.pdf The case law under the wildlife code can be read on page 9 & 41 of the same link.


Let me know if you have any more questions.




Officer Roy Maul
IDNR Law Enforcement
Springfield, Illinois"

Now the question is, when does a person go from a hunter to a non-hunter?

If I choose to keep a pistol in the console when I drive to and from the area I hunt, will I be charged under Wildlife code?

What now?

With the Illinois Supreme Court ruling that the center console of a car is a legal enclosure to transport a firearm, how long will it take the Illinois General Assembly to pass legislation to tighten what is defined as a case. The Illinois Wildlife code already specifically defines what a case is. Will the General Assembly adopt this definition or will they drop the definition altogether?

If I know anything about Illinois politicians, they will prefer to make a more restrictive definition.

Is a vehicle console a case?

The IL Supreme Court says yes!

THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, Appellant, v.
MICHAEL DIGGINS, Appellee.
Opinion filed October 8, 2009.

This opinion is based on criminal law, Aggravated unlawful use of a weapon.-720 ILCS 5/24‑1.6(c)(iii) of the Criminal Code of 1961.

The section states,"(c) This Section does not apply to or affect the transportation or possession of weapons that:
(i) are broken down in a non‑functioning state;
or
(ii) are not immediately accessible; or
(iii) are unloaded and enclosed in a case, firearm carrying box, shipping box, or other container by a person who has been issued a currently valid Firearm Owner's Identification Card."-720 ILCS 5/24-1.6

The wildlife code has this:
"520 ILCS 5/2.33(n)It is unlawful for any person, except persons who possess a permit to hunt from a vehicle as provided in this Section and persons otherwise permitted by law, to have or carry any gun in or on any vehicle, conveyance or aircraft, unless such gun is unloaded and enclosed in a case, except that at field trials authorized by Section 2.34 of this Act, unloaded guns or guns loaded with blank cartridges only, may be carried on horseback while not contained in a case, or to have or carry any bow or arrow device in or on any vehicle unless such bow or arrow device is unstrung or enclosed in a case, or otherwise made inoperable. "-520 ILCS 5/2.33

The wildlife code defines case this way,"(520 ILCS 5/1.2b‑1) (from Ch. 61, par. 1.2b‑1)Sec. 1.2b‑1. Case. Case means a container specifically designed for the purpose of housing a gun or bow and arrow device which completely encloses such gun or bow and arrow device by being zipped, snapped, buckled, tied or otherwise fastened with no portion of the gun or bow and arrow device exposed.
(Source: P.A. 84‑150.)"-520 ILCS 5

So can we transport a revolver in the console when going handgun hunting?

I wouldn't try it. It seems lawful to transport a firearm in the console, as long as it is not for hunting purposes. Just another example of the law contradicting itself.

Broken Minds

I was reading through some of the hunting forums this morning and have come to a startling conclusion. We have among us, and by us I mean sportsman, hunters and shooters, those who do not understand what the anti-hunting and anti-gun movement is doing.

In one forum a member asked a simple question, "Who on the forum is an NRA member?". What ensued was nothing less than startling. Out of many who proudly claimed NRA membership a couple people attacked the NRA as being on the far right extreme fringe. Now, I understand these could have beeen anti's who joined just to attack, but they have other posts on the forum talking about their hunts. The conversation that came about went right back to the Jim Zumbo incident. Do you remember when Jim Zumbo said on his show that the black rifles has no purpose in sporting use and called them a "terrorist weapon"? Not long after this happened, I sat front row and listened to Ted Nugent talk about gun ownership and freedom. (If you ever get the chance, he is a powerful speaker.) Ted told the story of calling Jim Zumbo and talked to him about it. The entire community of competition shooters were ready to hang Zumbo. Ted Nugent told us how he "fixed" Jim by explaining that if we allow the anti's to define firearms by an operating characteristic, look, range, accuracy, or any other trait, they would define, categorize and ban them all. After the conversation Ted invited Zumbo to come to his ranch and go on a hunt with a black rifle. Zumbo accepted and after the hunt decided black rifles are usable for sporting purposes among other things and told Ted he enjoyed the hunt with it.

That is the simple and quick just of the events.

We still have people with a mindset that conforms to the anti's propaganda in our ranks. I don't want to kick them out, I want to help them understand. If the anti's can define and outlaw one class of firearm, they will define and outlaw all of them.

Is it time to give up on the Blog?

I haven't posted in many months. I have been busy trying to work around the house and finish some remodeling. I am also in the process of starting a small business and that requires a great deal of effort and time.

So, is it time to retire the blog?

Here is the way the anti-freedom, anti-gun politicians in Illinois greet over 5000 Illinois gun owners...

HB 12 - One Gun a Month
3/11/2009 House Added Co-Sponsor Rep. Susana A Mendoza
3/11/2009 House Added Co-Sponsor Rep. Elizabeth Hernandez
3/11/2009 House Added Co-Sponsor Rep. Cynthia Soto
3/11/2009 House Added Co-Sponsor Rep. William Davis
3/11/2009 House Added Co-Sponsor Rep. Marlow H. Colvin

This is how they responded to over 5000 gun owners coming to Springfield, IL on March 11, 2009.

If any of these freedom hating politicians is your State Representative, please vote them out of office.

IGOLD 2009

I attended the Illinois Gun Owner Lobby Day (IGOLD) today. With about 2500 people last year, we doubled attendance. Richard Pearson, Executive Director of the ISRA, told me the attendance estimates for this year are over 5000. What an impact on the legislators that makes.

$1 Million Insurance Bill Gets Tabled!

Rep. Kenneth Dunkin, who sponsored HB 687, has talked with Illinois gun owners and agreed to table the bill.

Now, that is a result from the IGOLD.

Rep. Dunkin, thank you for listening to reason and talking with gun owners.

HB 2257 Passes out of Committee with an Amendment

HB 2257 creates a carry licensing system for the State of Illinois.

The bill was passed out of committee today with an amendment adding a requirement for fingerprinting and a fee. Also added was a requirement to file the application for a carry license with your local sheriff's department.

The Gun Ban Mentality

This is the mindset:


Sure, let's pass another law and make murder more illegal, that will stop it. Why don't we outlaw automobiles too, that way we can stop drunk driving as well. And when the guns and cars are gone and people are still dieing, maybe we can outlaw knives, baseball bats, sticks, rocks, rope, pantyhose, hammers, fire pokers, pipe, wrenches, screwdrivers, knitting needles....I may have missed a couple other items that someone could get killed with, we can add those too.

Glenn Beck on the $1Million Liability

From You Tube-Glenn Beck on Fox

Anti Firearm Legislation in the Illinois General Assembly

Some of these are silly, some are blatant attacks on the right to keep and bear arms.

HB 0012 CRIM CD-ONE GUN PER MONTH
HB 0048 FOID CARD ACT-PRIVATE SALE
HB 0165 CRIM CD-ASSAULT WEAPONS
HB 0179 CRIM CD-STORE FIREARM-MINOR
HB 0180 HANDGUN DEALER LICENSING ACT
HB 0199 CRIM CD-ONE GUN PER MONTH
HB 0687 FIREARM OWNERS ID-INSURANCE
HB 0845 CRIMINAL LAW-FOID CARD
HB 0867 * CRIM CD&CD CORR-AGG BATTERY
HB 1032 CRIM CD-USE STOLEN FIREARMS
HB 2389 CRIM CD-FIREARM SAFETY
HB 2390 CRIM CD-HANDGUN SAFETY LOCKS
HB 3791 CRIM CD-FIREARM AMNESTY
HB 4243 FIREARM OWNERS ID-DATABASE

SB0085 FIREARM LIABILITY ACT
SB0031 FIREARM OWNERS ID-REVOCATION
SB1848 HANDGUN DEALER LICENSING ACT
SB1275 CRIM CD-ONE GUN PER MONTH
SB1721 CRIM CD-ASSAULT WEAPONS

* At first glance this bill seems like it isn't a problem until you get to this part:

Provides for enhanced penalties for carrying or possessing firearms or other dangerous weapons in a conveyance owned, leased, or contracted by a public transportation agency or on a public way within 1,000 feet of the real property comprising a public transportation facility.

I believe this would make possessing a firearm in your car and driving by such a facility would be in violation. If it passes plan your driving carefully.

Illinois Firearm Database

HB 4243 - Amends the Firearm Owners Identification Card Act. Provides that the information contained in the record of transfer of firearms, stun guns, and tasers shall be forwarded to the Department of State Police, which shall create a database containing all such information in the record.

"Any person within this State who transfers or causes to be transferred any firearm, stun gun, or taser shall keep record of such transfer for a period of 10 years from the date of transfer. Such record shall contain the date of the transfer; the description, serial number or other information identifying the firearm, stun gun, or taser if no serial number is available; and, if the transfer as completed within this State, the transferee's Firearm Owner's Identification Card number. On or after January 1, 2006, the record shall contain the date of application for transfer of the firearm. Additionally, such record shall be forwarded to the Department of State Police, which shall create a database containing all such information in the record. On demand of a peace officer such transferor shall produce for inspection such record of transfer. If the transfer or sale took place at a gun show, the record shall include the unique identification number. Failure to record the unique identification number is a petty offense. Failure to forward information contained in the record to the Department of State Police within 10 days after the transfer of the firearm, stun gun, or taser is a petty offense."
-HB 4243

This would require all private transactions to be forwarded to the Illinois State Police.

Illinois SB 1976 may be dead!

SB 1976 has been assigned to the Public Health Committee, three Chicago lawmakers sit on that committee. I believe several others are from the Chicago area. So this one is likely dead.

Open Carry for Illinois

In this article I mentioned a carry bill that has no mention of a requirement to carry concealed. Please call your legislators in support of HB 2257.

Another Carry Bill

HB 2257 - Creates the Citizen's Self-Defense Act. Authorizes the Department of Natural Resources to issue a license to carry a defensive firearm ("LTC") to individuals who meet, among other things, certain training and education requirements. Authorizes the holder of an LTC to carry a defensive firearm, except in an area prohibited under the Act. Requires any LTC issued by another state or municipality to be honored in Illinois. Sets out other provisions related to reciprocity. Authorizes persons who have been issued an order of protection to seek an emergency LTC. Authorizes the Department to deny an application for or revoke an LTC under certain circumstances. Sets out provisions regarding the renewal of an LTC and other administrative matters. Sets forth the penalties for certain violations of the Act. Amends the State Finance Act. Creates the Citizen Safety and Self-Defense Trust Fund as a special fund in the State treasury. Amends the Firearm Owners Identification Card Act. Provides that an ordinance of a unit of local government is invalid if inconsistent with the Citizen's Self-Defense Act. Amends the Criminal Code of 1961. Provides that persons who carry or possess a defensive firearm in accordance with the Citizen's Self-Defense Act are exempt from conviction for unlawful use of weapons and aggravated unlawful use of weapons. Provides that a firearm is not subject to confiscation solely because it is carried in violation of the Citizen's Self-Defense Act. Effective January 1, 2010.

Family Deer Hunting Permits

HB 0674 - Amends the Wildlife Code. Requires the Department of Natural Resources to issue deer permits without charge to the immediate family of an Illinois landowner who resides in Illinois, owns at least 40 acres of Illinois land, and wishes to hunt his or her land; however, those permits are valid for hunting only on that landowner's land. Members of a landowner's immediate family who do not wish to hunt only on land owned by their immediate family member shall be charged the same fee as the landowner. Defines "immediate family". Effective immediately.

I call it the Safe Passage Bill!

HB 0173 - Limits restrictions on transportation of firearms and ammunition by local governments.

Hunter and Fisherman Interference Bill

HB 2546 - Amends the Department of Natural Resources (Conservation) Law of the Civil Administrative Code of Illinois and the Hunter Interference Prohibition Act. Changes the name of the Hunter Interference Prohibition Act to the Hunter and Fishermen Interference Prohibition Act. Clarifies that the renamed Act applies to the taking of aquatic life as well as wildlife.


In the past the laws only effected interference of hunting activities, this bill would change that to include fishing as well. It also provides that a court can award damages to include punitive, and also award repayment of travel, license, and other fees related to a hunt or fishing activity that was interfered with.

License waiver for deployed military.

HB 0998 - Amends the Department of Natural Resources (Conservation) Law of the Civil Administrative Code of Illinois, the Fish and Aquatic Life Code, and the Wildlife Code to allow a serviceman or servicewoman who is returning from service abroad or mobilization to camp, fish, and hunt in the State without fee for as long as he or she maintains residency in Illinois.

This would allow a person who served outside the US under federal orders to apply to the DNR for a waiver of the hunting and fishing license fees. It looks like they would still be required to purchase all other stamps and permits. i.e.-Habitat Stamp, Deer Permits, Turkey Permits, Waterfowl Stamp...

Lead fishing weight ban, could this mean a lead ammo ban as well?

SB 1269 - Creates the Lead Sinker Act. Prohibits any person from selling, supplying, distributing or offering to sell, supply, or distribute lead sinkers and lead jigs. Prohibits the use of lead sinkers and lead jigs to take fish in freshwater lakes, ponds, rivers, streams, brooks, and similar bodies of water over which the Department of Natural Resources ("the Department") has jurisdiction under the Rivers, Lakes, and Streams Act. Requires the Department, after consulting with the Illinois State Board of Education, to institute an educational program that meets certain requirements. Requires the Department to (i) notify the public about the Act's prohibitions; (ii) enforce the Act; (iii) confiscate, under certain circumstances, lead jigs or lead sinkers that it finds in the course of enforcing the Act; and (iv) suspend, for not more than 6 months, the hunting and fishing privileges of a person who uses a lead sinker or lead jig to take fish in violation of the Act.

Common Sense Gun Laws

Now this is a "common sense" gun law!

HB 0171 by Rep. David Reis

"Amends the Criminal Code of 1961. Provides that the waiting period for withholding delivery of a firearm after application for its purchase has been made does not apply to the transfer of an operable firearm in exchange for another operable firearm. Effective immediately."

Finally, a bill that makes good sense.

Now, how about a bill that says if you already own a firearm you don't have to undergo the waiting period to purchase another. Doesn't it stand to reason? The whole reason touted for the waiting period is to prevent a person who gets angry at someone from stopping by a store, purchasing a gun, and then shooting who they are mad at, right?

KSPD Story on Illinois' Concealed Carry Laws

Noah Bond, of KSPD channel 6, has this story about carry in Illinois.

I'm not sure, but I think he believes we already have carry laws. Someone should tell him we don't.

"A large crowd gathered at the Vienna, IL Public Library to learn more about concealed carry laws."

Perhaps, "...learn that concealed carry does not exist in Illinois.", would be more accurate.

More Support for Right to Carry

The Quincy Herald-Whig has this:

"Mark Mountain, a Pike County Board member and a leader in the Pro 2A effort that has won support in 88 counties, plans to develop a resolution of support for concealed carry for the county, which finds economic benefit and enjoyment from firearms recreation, hunting and shooting.

"The citizens are requesting it," Mountain said. "That's why I'm pushing it so hard." "

Full Story

Gander Mountain in Springfield, IL

The State Journal-Register has this:

"Outdoors equipment retailer Gander Mountain will let its central Illinois fans go inside its new store in less than a month.

The retailer’s new Springfield store in Prairie Crossing is expected to open March 27.

Company spokesman David Ewald said Friday Gander Mountain plans a “soft opening” on that date and a grand opening to start April 3."

Full Story

Saying "YES" to carry!

The Quad City Times has this letter, by Rita Coyne of Moline, IL, about carry in Illinois.

"We have enough problems with gun violence without adding permits to carry concealed weapons. This bill is opposed by the Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police who have firsthand experience with weapons and violence.

You might also register your opinion against such legislation to Sen. Mike Jacobs, for he, too, is in favor of allowing people to carry concealed weapons, and because the Senate will also have to vote on further legislation."

I suggest letting these legislators know we support their decision to support this issue.

Rep. Patrick J Verschoore (D)
72nd District

Springfield Office:
259-S Stratton Office Building
Springfield, IL 62706
(217) 782-5970
(217) 558-1253 FAX

District Office:
Cnty Off Bldg-1504 3rd Ave.
2nd Floor
Rock Island, IL 61201
(309) 558-3612
(309) 793-4764 FAX
Rock Island County

Senator Mike Jacobs (D)
36th District

Springfield Office:
Senator 36th District
127 Capitol Building
Springfield, IL 62706
(217) 782-5957

District Office:
606 19th Street
Moline, IL 61265
(309) 797-0001
(309) 797-0003 FAX

SECOND AMENDMENT TASK FORCE RESPONDS TO ATTORNEY GENERAL’S COMMENTS ON ASSAULT WEAPONS

http://www.house.gov/list/press/ok02_boren/2009_02_26_assault_weapons.html

Pelosi and the NRA agree?

In this article at TheHill.com, Nancy Pelosi says what many of us have been saying for years.

“On that score, I think we need to enforce the laws we have right now,” Pelosi said at her weekly news conference.-TheHill.com

February 26 , 2009 Governor Quinn Calls on IDNR to Reopen State Parks Action fully reopens seven state sites closed last year; restores 12 full time

More information at the IDNR website.

Thanks you Governor Quinn, it's nice to see we are allowed to use what our tax dollars payed for. Blago didn't seem to think we needed the privilege.

$1million Insurance=less gun ownership?

I think the anti-gun politicians in Illinois are trying to offset the Obama effect on firearm sales!

"One bill that is getting a lot of attention is HB 687, which would be a $1,000,000 insurance policy required of FOID card holders. Outrageous? You bet. One can only wonder at the motivations for introducing legislation like that."-from the ISRA website.

Let's face it, Obama and the liberal majority in D.C. have prompted the highest sales volume of firearms and ammunition we have seen in a long time. The retailer I work for had a stack of 4473's for December that was larger than the stack for the rest of '08. I know Christmas has some effect, but I haven't seen that big of a difference before.

Maybe I give the anti's too much credit, maybe they just want to make gun ownership expensive here in Illinois. Either way, the cost of a $1million policy would make many of us cringe.

Another Thought on Carry

Here is what I have been thinking, why have another ID to carry around?

We have the FOID, why not establish a "carry endorsement" that can be on the FOID?
I think this would lighten the burden on the State and make providing proof of a license to carry easier, we all know the police are going to ask for an FOID if you have a firearm with you.

Illinois Gun Owner Lobby Day - IGOLD

This years Illinois Gun Owner Lobby Day is scheduled for Wednesday, March 11, 2009. I have attended in the past and saw a huge turnout. Be ready to search the Capital and locate your representatives' offices. If you don't know your districts, you will want to look them up before you go. Just remember to be courteous to those conducting the business of our State, we want to make a positive impression not be a nuisance.

I think we have a chance at seeing a carry bill pass into law this year. Let's make certain our lawmakers know how the people feel. Even if your representatives already support firearm rights and carry, other lawmakers will notice the support.

Help support firearm ownership and carry!

For more information and details visit the ISRA IGOLD page.

Obamasiah lied???

Obama hasn't met an anti-gun bill, scheme, or tax he didn't like!

Why would this surprise anyone?

John Lott's Website: Obama to push for new "assault weapons ban"

More thoughts on Carry in Illinois

I was reading HB 2257 and I realized there was no mention of "concealed" being a requirement.

"...qualified to carry firearms on or about their persons..."-HB 2257 Section 5.

The bill simply establishes a system to determine persons eligible to acquire a "LTC" or "License To Carry". There is no mention of the requirement to conceal the firearm. I have always felt that concealed carry would invite charges for brandishing a weapon or something to that effect if your jacket fell open or the wind blew your shirt and exposed the weapon.

The bill also establishes a means for municipalities and businesses to post "No Carry Zones" by posting their property, yet does restrict them from prohibiting carry in ones vehicle on a parking area of that property.

I like this bill. No, I don't favor the municipalities being able to restrict carry, but it may be what is needed to get it passed. This creates the problem of plotting a driving route through Illinois so as to miss all the No Carry municipalities. I think after the leaders of those municipalities that would restrict carry see the resultant decrease in crime, they will change their minds or the voters will change them.

Illinois Concealed Carry is on the move!

I have a feeling Illinois is going to see some form of concealed carry soon. Maybe the Chicago machine can take a hint. All of these are bills for concealed carry in Illinois.

HB 0367 Passed out of committee.
HB 0245 Passed out of committee.
HB 0462 Passed out of committee.
SB 1976
HB 2257


Now, I am honored you are reading my blog, but go to the Illinois General Assembly page and find your reps phone number and call in support of these bills!

Illinois Legislation a.k.a. "Stupid laws"

These are all bills currently in the Illinois General assembly:

HB 2389-Requires anyone selling a firearm to ask the recipient if they have previously owned a firearm, and if not provide them a firearm safety brochure. I'm not sure who prints or pays for the brochure.

HB 0179-Changes the current storage laws that require a person to keep a firearm locked or otherwise inaccessible from a person 14 years of age or younger to a person 18 years or younger.

HB 0045-Requires anyone selling a firearm to do so at the business premises of a licensed firearm dealer, and requires that dealer to conduct the sale as if the firearm was in their inventory, this requires the NICS background check for all firearm sales.

SB 0085-Holds firearm owners liable for actions of a person they sell a firearm to.

SB 1875-Don't know why, but strikes the word "the" and replaces the same word with "the". I think they wanted to waste some time.

And on the topic of stupid laws......

HB0687

Introduced 2/6/2009, by Rep. Kenneth Dunkin

SYNOPSIS AS INTRODUCED:
430 ILCS 65/4.5 new
430 ILCS 65/8 from Ch. 38, par. 83-8

Amends the Firearm Owners Identification Card Act.

"Provides that any person who owns a firearm in this State shall maintain a policy of liability insurance in the amount of at least $1,000,000 specifically covering any damages resulting from negligent or willful acts involving the use of such firearm while it is owned by such person. Provides that a person shall be deemed the owner of a firearm after the firearm is lost or stolen until such loss or theft is reported to the police department or sheriff of the jurisdiction in which the owner resides. Provides that the Department of State Police shall revoke and seize a Firearm Owner's Identification Card previously issued under this Act if the Department finds that the person to whom such card was issued possesses or acquires a firearm and does not submit evidence to the Department of State Police that he or she has been issued in his or her name a liability insurance policy in the amount of at least $1,000,000 specifically covering any damages resulting from negligent or willful acts involving the use of such firearm while it is owned by such person. Effective January 1, 2010."


Rep. Dunkin, would a person who commits "willful acts" not already be liable for those actions?

Why do we need to force a $1,000,000 insurance policy on every gun owner in Illinois?

Why not a $1,000,000 policy for car owners, more people are hurt by cars than by firearms?
(Look at the CDC statistics, I did.)

Do you own or have relations with someone who owns an insurance company?

I guess if they can't figure out a way to make guns illegal, they will just try everything they can to make firearm ownership too expensive for most people.

Ignoring the Constitution of the United States of America

What follows is an excerpt from Article I of the U.S. Constitution:

"Section 8 - Powers of Congress

The Congress shall have Power To lay and collect Taxes, Duties, Imposts and Excises, to pay the Debts and provide for the common Defence and general Welfare of the United States; but all Duties, Imposts and Excises shall be uniform throughout the United States;

To borrow money on the credit of the United States;

To regulate Commerce with foreign Nations, and among the several States, and with the Indian Tribes;

To establish an uniform Rule of Naturalization, and uniform Laws on the subject of Bankruptcies throughout the United States;

To coin Money, regulate the Value thereof, and of foreign Coin, and fix the Standard of Weights and Measures;

To provide for the Punishment of counterfeiting the Securities and current Coin of the United States;

To establish Post Offices and Post Roads;

To promote the Progress of Science and useful Arts, by securing for limited Times to Authors and Inventors the exclusive Right to their respective Writings and Discoveries;

To constitute Tribunals inferior to the supreme Court;

To define and punish Piracies and Felonies committed on the high Seas, and Offenses against the Law of Nations;

To declare War, grant Letters of Marque and Reprisal, and make Rules concerning Captures on Land and Water;

To raise and support Armies, but no Appropriation of Money to that Use shall be for a longer Term than two Years;

To provide and maintain a Navy;

To make Rules for the Government and Regulation of the land and naval Forces;

To provide for calling forth the Militia to execute the Laws of the Union, suppress Insurrections and repel Invasions;

To provide for organizing, arming, and disciplining the Militia, and for governing such Part of them as may be employed in the Service of the United States, reserving to the States respectively, the Appointment of the Officers, and the Authority of training the Militia according to the discipline prescribed by Congress;

To exercise exclusive Legislation in all Cases whatsoever, over such District (not exceeding ten Miles square) as may, by Cession of particular States, and the acceptance of Congress, become the Seat of the Government of the United States, and to exercise like Authority over all Places purchased by the Consent of the Legislature of the State in which the Same shall be, for the Erection of Forts, Magazines, Arsenals, dock-Yards, and other needful Buildings; And

To make all Laws which shall be necessary and proper for carrying into Execution the foregoing Powers, and all other Powers vested by this Constitution in the Government of the United States, or in any Department or Officer thereof.

Section 9 - Limits on Congress

The Migration or Importation of such Persons as any of the States now existing shall think proper to admit, shall not be prohibited by the Congress prior to the Year one thousand eight hundred and eight, but a tax or duty may be imposed on such Importation, not exceeding ten dollars for each Person.

The privilege of the Writ of Habeas Corpus shall not be suspended, unless when in Cases of Rebellion or Invasion the public Safety may require it.

No Bill of Attainder or ex post facto Law shall be passed.

(No capitation, or other direct, Tax shall be laid, unless in Proportion to the Census or Enumeration herein before directed to be taken.) (Section in parentheses clarified by the 16th Amendment.)

No Tax or Duty shall be laid on Articles exported from any State.

No Preference shall be given by any Regulation of Commerce or Revenue to the Ports of one State over those of another: nor shall Vessels bound to, or from, one State, be obliged to enter, clear, or pay Duties in another.

No Money shall be drawn from the Treasury, but in Consequence of Appropriations made by Law; and a regular Statement and Account of the Receipts and Expenditures of all public Money shall be published from time to time.

No Title of Nobility shall be granted by the United States: And no Person holding any Office of Profit or Trust under them, shall, without the Consent of the Congress, accept of any present, Emolument, Office, or Title, of any kind whatever, from any King, Prince or foreign State.

Section 10 - Powers prohibited of States

No State shall enter into any Treaty, Alliance, or Confederation; grant Letters of Marque and Reprisal; coin Money; emit Bills of Credit; make any Thing but gold and silver Coin a Tender in Payment of Debts; pass any Bill of Attainder, ex post facto Law, or Law impairing the Obligation of Contracts, or grant any Title of Nobility.

No State shall, without the Consent of the Congress, lay any Imposts or Duties on Imports or Exports, except what may be absolutely necessary for executing it's inspection Laws: and the net Produce of all Duties and Imposts, laid by any State on Imports or Exports, shall be for the Use of the Treasury of the United States; and all such Laws shall be subject to the Revision and Controul of the Congress.

No State shall, without the Consent of Congress, lay any duty of Tonnage, keep Troops, or Ships of War in time of Peace, enter into any Agreement or Compact with another State, or with a foreign Power, or engage in War, unless actually invaded, or in such imminent Danger as will not admit of delay."

Can anyone tell me where the Constitution allows our government the authority to appropriate money of the public trust to "stimulate" the economy?

"The Congress shall have Power To lay and collect Taxes, Duties, Imposts and Excises, to pay the Debts and provide for the common Defence and general Welfare of the United States", this first sentence seems to disagree with what Barack Hussein Obama is doing!

Legislation

Some legislation fellows hunters may want to contact their representatives about. Some is legislation to allow carry in Illinois!

From IllinoisCarry.org

Current Legislation

What is the need for the FOID?

JG-TC.com has a letter from Brad Metcalf of Mattoon, IL that suggests dropping the FOID Act.

While I am prone to dislike the FOID I think it has some use. When the Brady law that required the NICS background check and waiting periods was enacted, it allowed for exemption if a state had a screening and ID system in place for legal gun ownership. The reason we have the waiting periods in Illinois is because the Illinois General Assembly passed a law requiring the wait. Under Brady an Illinois resident with a valid FOID would only have to fill out the Federal 4473, undergo the NICS background check, pay, and take the weapon home that day. The Illinois General Assembly, our own state legislators, are the people who have mandated the waiting periods in Illinois. With the current laws of Illinois, the FOID is redundant. If the Illinois law requiring the waiting period were repealed the FOID is a pre-approval system that exempts Illinois residents from the Brady required waiting periods.

Now, lets imagine a retailer of ammunition....

A customer enters the store, asks the clerk about some ammunition, and decides he would like to purchase some .45auto ammunition.

With the FOID-

The clerk would ask the customer for their FOID, check that it is valid and the customer is of legal age for that ammunition and proceed with the sale with a reasonable assurance the customer is able to legally posses that ammunition.

Without the FOID-

The clerk would ask for ID and check that the customer is of legal age for that ammunition. The clerk would have no idea if that person was a felon or otherwise prohibited from possessing that ammunition.


If the laws allowed an Illinois resident to go to an FFL and purchase a firearm and take it home at that time the FOID would be a welcome thing to most people. I think if a dealer receives an approval from the NICS to transfer a firearm, the transferee should be allowed to take the firearm at that time, yet should have to wait for a proceed response.

Each time a NICS background check is performed the State of Illinois charges the dealer $2, because the State Police is the point of contact for NICS in Illinois. This may be to satisfy Brady when the Illinois General Assembly passed legislation requiring the waiting periods in Illinois.

If used as Brady would allow, I don't mind the FOID. I also would like to see an endorsement on the FOID for CARRY!

What should be required for a person to be permitted to carry?......that's a topic for another article....