"When some of my friends have asked me anxiously about their boys, whether they should let them hunt, I have answered, yes - remembering that it was one of the best parts of my education - make them hunters."

Henry David Thoreau, 1854


“A citizen who shirks his duty to contribute to the security of his community is little better than the criminal who threatens it.” - Robert Boatman


Friday, November 28, 2008

MESA COUNTY RANCH QUARANTINED FOLLOWING DISCOVERY OF SWINE DISEASE



News from the Colorado Division of Wildlife


Media Contacts:
DOW Randy Hampton (970) 255-6162
CDA Christi Lightcap (303) 239-4190


GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. - A Mesa County ranch has been quarantined by the Colorado Division of Wildlife and the Colorado Department of Agriculture following the discovery of a serious and contagious disease that poses risks to wildlife and livestock.

The quarantine order follows the Nov. 17 seizure by state wildlife and agriculture officials of a livestock trailer containing 20 exotic sheep and 16 feral hogs as it was about to enter the Little Creek Ranch in Collbran. The exotic hogs are illegal to transport in Colorado and the driver did not possess required permits for importation or transportation of any of the animals.


Fourteen of the 16 hogs tested positive for pseudorabies, a disease that poses threats to livestock, wildlife and pets. All of the seized animals are being held by the state at a secure location.

Pseudorabies is a contagious viral disease of animals that primarily affects pigs. However, the disease is also a threat to domestic pets and to wildlife, such as raccoons, opossums, fox, skunks and small rodents, which can contract the disease by coming in contact with infected swine.

“This is the first case of pseudorabies discovered in feral hogs in Colorado and it’s important to stress that our livestock industry is not at risk,” said Dr. Keith Roehr, the Assistant State Veterinarian, “Our department is working quickly and cooperatively with the Division of Wildlife to ensure that this virus is not allowed to spread.”

Currently, all 50 states are considered free of the pseudorabies virus in commercial production swine herds. This detection in feral hogs does not jeopardize that status. Colorado and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) have pseudorabies eradication programs in place. The Department of Agriculture, the Division of Wildlife and USDA Veterinary Services are working cooperatively on a timely response.

The DOW quarantine order for the Little Creek Ranch specifies that no animals, alive or dead, may be removed from or enter the ranch until further notice. The Little Creek Ranch is a licensed DOW commercial wildlife park subject to strict rules for the importation of exotic wildlife species. Because the ranch's wild boar hunting operation existed prior to state regulations banning importation or possession of wild boar and feral hogs, it was 'grandfathered in' with an exemption allowing for a limited number of wild boars on the property. Strict animal health and fencing requirements were dictated as part of the licensing process.

The quarantine orders also require veterinary inspection of all animals currently being held at the ranch. At this time, the investigation of the incident is continuing.

The establishment of feral hog populations has become a major concern for state wildlife agencies across the country. Packs of these hogs can devastate wildlife habitat by rooting up areas of ground and destroying native vegetation. Diseases from the wild hogs can also be passed to wildlife species, impacting populations and spreading throughout an area. In Colorado, feral hogs have been confirmed in the southeastern part of the state. Feral hogs have also been killed by landowners and wildlife officers on the Grand Mesa, near Collbran.

In response, the Division of Wildlife and the Colorado Department of Agriculture have signed a memorandum of understanding to coordinate efforts to eradicate these populations.

The Division of Wildlife considers feral hogs to be an invasive pest. State wildlife regulations allow the killing of feral hogs at any time of year and without need of a hunting license.

###

For additional information on Pseudorabies, a USDA fact sheet is available at: http://www.aphis.usda.gov/animal_health/animal_dis_spec/swine/f_a_q.shtml


For more news about Division of Wildlife go to: http://wildlife.state.co.us/news/index.asp?DivisionID=3

For more information about Division of Wildlife go to: http://wildlife.state.co.us.


For more information about Pseudorabies go to Pseudorabies

S.C. firearm purchases are tax-free today

Gun bargains this weekend S.C. firearm purchases are tax-free today, Saturday in recognition of Second Amendment

- joconnor@thestate.com

Hunters and collectors can save some money on gun purchases today and Saturday as the state waives sales taxes on firearms.

The tax-free weekend is likely the first of its kind in the country.

State Rep. Mike Pitts, R-Greenwood, said he proposed the tax-free sales to celebrate the Second Amendment and respond to a then-pending U.S. Supreme Court decision on a Washington, D.C., handgun ban, which the court overturned.

Complete article here!!

Tuesday, November 25, 2008

Grand Valley Training Club 2009 Schedule Set

NRA Basic Firearms Courses (Basic Pistol--Basic Personal Protection in the Home)

Grand Valley Training Club, the only firearms training club in the Grand
Valley that adheres to NRA training standards.


Many years ago, a number of Grand Valley residents worked diligently
with the then Mesa County Sheriff to establish a concealed weapons
program for residents of Mesa County, Colorado. I was not a part of that
negotiation or privy to the intricacies involved in the outcome of it.
However I do know that through these discussions Mesa County, Colorado
established a comprehensive program that would allow the Mesa County
Sheriff to issue a permit for an individual to carry concealed firearms
in the State of Colorado. This program included several training
requirements. One was the completion of the NRA Basic Personal
Protection Course. Also required in this training was a three hour
lecture on the Colorado Revised Statutes pertaining to firearms.

Since that time the Colorado Legislature adopted a "SHALL ISSUE" stance
and law providing the citizens of Colorado who meet the requirements of
the law (noted is paragraph VI).

18-12-203. Criteria for obtaining a permit
(VI) A training certificate from a handgun training class obtained
within the ten years preceding submittal of the application. The
applicant shall submit the original training certificate or a photocopy
thereof that includes the original signature of the class instructor. In
obtaining a training certificate from a handgun training class, the
applicant shall have discretion in selecting which handgun training
class to complete.


What the law requires is much less than what is sensibly important for
an individual to be prepared to responsibly carry a concealed handgun.

Grand Valley Training club offers the sensible training and a reasonable
cost. One of their volunteer instructors, a retired law enforcement
officer and explosives expert, worries that, without adequate training,
some with concealed-carry permits may lapse in safe, effective
practices.

To register for a Grand Valley Training Club NRA Basic Pistol & NRA
Basic Personal Protection in the Home course, call Sharon Armstrong at 464-5177.

Other Links pertaining to CCW permiting



18-12-201. Legislative declaration.


18-12-203 Criteria for obtaining a permit

Article 12
OFFENSES RELATING TO FIREARMS AND WEAPONS


Grand Valley Training Club BLOG






Monday, November 24, 2008

IF you buy a gun...car...truck...skis...ATV...

I am convinced that the principles that Linn points out in he and Ari's article today in the FREE PRESS (excerpt below) apply to nearly everything we use in our lives....(Get some instructions on how to use your spa). Yet firearms training for some gun owners seems to be the last consideration when it should be the first!!

The media have reported a spike in the sale of firearms. The number of people signing up for classes to qualify for concealed carry also has increased. Firearms instructors have seen more interest since 9/11. Local instructors also have seen the fraction of women in class rise from a quarter to half.

Your elder author Linn serves as an instructor for the National Rifle Association’s Basic Pistol and Personal Protection classes. In a recent class, a student asked what the difference is between NRA classes and ones lasting only three or four hours. Linn offered to take up the question at the end of class. We’ll start to answer it here.

Before carrying a gun for defensive purposes, one must answer a crucial question: Am I prepared the take the life of another human being to save my own life or the life of a family member? Do my religious and philosophical beliefs allow me to potentially take a life in self defense? Am I prepared to accept or tolerate the judgment of my family, friends and neighbors if I must defend myself with lethal force?


Click anywhere in the article above to be transported to the entire article at the FREE PRESS.

Saturday, November 22, 2008

Local News (the Grand Valley of Colorado)

Run on guns driving up prices at stores and pawn shops alike

LINK

Monday, November 17, 2008

' Battle Hymn Of The Republic.'

Get a load of these high school kids singing.
At the conclusion listen to the high notes on the trumpet, played by a high school kid! One of the fathers recorded it, added some graphic enhancements to the recording, and posted it on the web. The song, of course, is the ' Battle Hymn Of The Republic.' Be prepared - it could send a few shivers up your spine. CLICK HERE

Friday, November 14, 2008

From USCCA Newsletter



If You Bought a Gun This Week ...
If you bought a gun this week, you're not alone. While exact figures aren't yet available, gun stores across the nation reported record-breaking sales in the days following the national election.
[snip]
Admit the Truth. The truth is that there's a gun-grabber in the White House. And the party most traditionally associated with the loss of firearms rights is most definitely and assuredly in complete control of both the House and the Senate. And the majority of the voting population put them there.

LINK: http://www.usconcealedcarry.com/

Some additional links for fun and for useful information :

http://www.corneredcat.com/TOC.aspx

http://wethearmed.com/index.php?PHPSESSID=66fd7e18433893406cf6454938d2b612&

Tuesday, November 11, 2008

NRA Instructor Course (Basic Pistol--Personal Protection in the Home)


Grand Valley Training Club
839 Rapid Creek Rd.
Palisade, CO 81526
(970) 464-5177
linnarmstrong@gmail.com

Class Dates: December 19, 20,21


The NRA Basic Pistol and Personal Protection Course provides the necessary knowledge, skills, and attitude for safe firearm handling. The continued success of these classes depends on the participation of instructors. You are invited to attend the next NRA Basic Pistol and Personal Protection Instructor Class, which will be held at the Division of Wildlife Hunter Education Building at 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Friday, December 19, 2007 and will continue all day Saturday and Sunday, December 20 and 21 starting at 7:30 a.m. both days. The fee is $225.00 per person.

Teaching experience of instructors:
· Extensive training in U.S. military in both firearms and tactics.
· Professional teachers.
· NRA Certified Training Counselors.

Why you need this class: Grand Valley Training Club is one of the oldest and most professional in Colorado. You will have the opportunity to team teach with those with high teaching standards and are serious about your training environment.

Please call me at 464-5177 for more information. To sign up, send a check for $225.00 by December 12, 2008 to confirm your class seat:

Grand Valley Training Club
839 Rapid Creek Rd.
Palisade, CO 81526

Sincerely,
Linn Armstrong, NRA Senior Training Counselor

Alon Stivi’s Phase One Shooting Course


D M I
Direct Measures International, Inc.
The New Security Standard


Alon Stivi’s Phase One Shooting Course in Grand Junction
Save time, travel, and money.

In today’s increasingly violent world, safety is a priority. All of us are exposed to the possibility of facing a life-threatening confrontation.

These courses are especially suited for individual personal protection, employing safety with efficiency, and have a proven track record of effectiveness. These courses will benefit all men and women looking to enhance their firearm survival skills. Alon Stivi is a master teacher who has taught thousands of students.

Make your reservation now for Alon Stivi’s Phase I Instinctive Shooting Survival Course

Phase I Instinctive Shooting Survival Course: November 16th, 2008.

Fee: $350.00 per person. Make check out to DMI and mail to 839 Rapid Creek Road, Palisade CO. 81526. Must be received by November 12, 2008.

Call Linn Armstrong at (970) 464-5177 or (970) 234-0444 for registration information.

Friday, November 7, 2008

Obama's record on firearms triggers run on sales in state

By Jason Blevins and Nancy Lofholm The Denver Post


Chris Walker, left, an employee at Jerry's Outdoor Sports in Grand Junction, shows an AR-15 assault rifle to Chuck Porter of Fruita. Porter and other gun enthusiasts have concerns about President-elect Barack Obama's record on firearms. (Photo by Barton Glasser, Special to The Denver Post )





GRAND JUNCTION — John Faulkner and his wife, Brenda, thought Wednesday was a good day to buy a handgun.

[Snip]

By midday Wednesday, the Colorado Bureau of Investigation's "Insta- Check" background check — required for the sale of a firearm and typically about 8 minutes long — was jammed with waits lasting more than two hours.
Gun-shop owners and buyers said the urgency was fueled by Barack Obama's presidential win and Democrats' increasing their majority in Congress.
"I'm here because of Obama," Wickham said. "I think he's misinterpreted the Second Amendment. It's not about the right to hunt. It's about the right to defend yourself."

The Grand Junction pawnshop is decorated with bumper stickers: "Obama 08" with hammers and sickles on each end, "Obama for President of Afghanistan" and "Don't Be a Victim. Buy a Gun."

Complete Article Here

Tuesday, November 4, 2008

A Short Video About A Woman Who Defended Herself!!

"This Woman was Prepared when the Rapist Returned..."


watch