Constitutional porting increases the demand for proper training
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WBRC) – Alabama’s new constitutional portage law goes into effect Jan. 1, 2023.
The law eliminates the requirement for a state license to carry a concealed handgun.
The state’s constitutional carry law was among the topics of discussion last week at the Shooting Sports Showcase at CMP Talladega Marksmanship Park. POMA (Professional Outdoor Media Association) and SEOPA (Southeastern Outdoor Press Association) organized the event, according to the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.
Capt. Marisa Futral, hunter education coordinator for the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (ADCNR) Freshwater Wildlife and Fisheries Division (WFF), helped organize the shooting event with numerous gun manufacturers, distributors, tourism representatives and outdoor media.
“More and more people are buying guns for self-defense, and they need a place to shoot, a place where they feel comfortable,” Futral said. “They’re also getting to a place where they can come back to shoot in the future.”
One way to do this is to take the WFF’s Firearms 101 – Introduction to Handguns courses held at public shooting ranges across the state.
At Guns 101 events, certified firearms instructors teach students the basics of gun safety:
- Always treat all firearms as if they were loaded.
- Never let the gun muzzle cover anything you don’t want to hurt.
- Always keep your finger on the trigger until your sight is on target and you have made a conscious decision to shoot.
- Always be sure of your target and what lies beyond.
The next Firearms 101 courses will be held at Cahaba River WMA Range near Helena on Saturday April 16, 2022, and at Swan Creek WMA Range in Limestone County on April 23, 2022. Visit www.outdooralabama.com/programs/firearms-101-introduction-handguns for more information.
To use WFF public shooting ranges, the ADCNR says Alabama residents must have a valid hunting, wildlife heritage, fishing, or WMA license for all shooting range users between the ages of 16 and 64. . For non-residents, a valid WMA license or non-resident hunting license is required for all range users 16 years of age or older.
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