Nevada Firearms Coalition Statement on Nevada Legislative Committee Rejection of Proposed Rifle Cartridge Ban

(Nevada Firearms Coalition PAC) – The Nevada Firearms Coalition issued the following statement in response to the Nevada Legislative Committee’s rejection of the Nevada Wildlife Commission’s proposed rifle cartridge ban for hunting big game.

In April and in October 2016, the Nevada Firearms Coalition on behalf of its members, filed formal letters of opposition to the rule. Despite public opposition, in September 2016, the Wildlife Commission voted to move forward with the ban. The NRA, the Fifty Caliber Association and many other hunting and gun rights groups also objected to the proposed rule. Our letter stated in part:

“Last month the Nevada Wildlife Commission approved a ban on all centerfire rifle cartridges with a case length of three inches or longer for hunting big game. This was done in spite of many letters of opposition and testimony against it.

“During the commission meeting, the chief game warden stated that he checked the complaint letters against the hunter database and discounted all input from out of state and from non-hunters. This was an interesting action because the Wildlife Commission has always considered the input of non-hunters when making rules.

“The Nevada Firearms Coalition is taking the position that the Commission exceed their authority granted it by the legislature to make rules and regulations by passing a rule prohibiting rifle calibers without any documented need, justification nor reasons for the rule.

“Their rule making authority is established per NRS 501.105 which states The Commission shall establish policies and adopt regulations necessary to the preservation, protection, management and restoration of wildlife and its habitat. They did not justify nor provide documentation on how limiting center fire rifle cartridges three inches or longer is necessary for the preservation, protection, nor management of wildlife.”

Rules promulgated by State Agencies and Commissions must be approved by the Nevada Legislative Committee. During its hearing of the rule, the committee rejected the rule. The Nevada Firearms Coalition applauds the Nevada Legislative Committee for their action in rejecting this overreaching and unjustified proposed rule.

Learn more about the Nevada Firearms Coalition and their legislative outreach at www.NVFACPAC.org.