Are These Legal? 

 

Recently here at Sportsmans Elite we have become a "class three" dealer. For those of you who don't know what that means, we are now carrying a variety of items that require a federal tax stamp to purchase. For example, sound suppressors (silencers), short barreled rifles (SBR's), and fully automatic weapons.

 

Being the guy that's in the store all day every day the number one question I here is "Are these legal?" The answer is yes they are. The difference is they won't be leaving the store with you on the same day that you purchase them. These items are subject to a different background check than your usual weapon purchases.

 

The first order of business is a Form #4. It will have the stores info, the weapon info, and your info. Once this is filled out completely, the customer will take it to the Chief of Police, or the Sheriff. No matter what background check you pass, if local law enforcement doesn't want it in their county you are not going to get it! If they sign off on the request it then needs to be sent to the BATF along with a check for $200.00 to perform an extensive background check. As far as our short and limited experience has shown so far, approximately sixty days from the time you send it to the BATF we should receive your tax stamp and call you immediately to come pick up your weapon.

 

It sounds like a headache but you are not asking for a toy. Your asking for something that most people think is illegal, and is above and beyond the usual standard of danger. So be patient, cross your i's and dot your t's, and soon enough you will be a class three weapons owner.

 

One last thing to consider if you are thinking about making this commitment is that class three weapons are not family heirlooms. Should you pass away suddenly without a plan, someone will be coming for your weapon. Consult your attorney about an NFA trust. They cost around $500 and set up your class three items to be left to a qualified trustee. These weapons are expensive investments and you do not want to lose them when you pass away.

 

As always, if you have any questions call myself or one of my staff. We will be glad to answer any questions you may have.

 

Thanks

Shane

Buck Fever 

 

Happy month of April! This month I want to talk about "buck fever" since turkey season is about to begin. For you hunters out there that don't know what "buck fever" is, I am sure you have experienced it at one time or another. "Buck fever" is the feeling you get when you draw back your bow on that trophy of a lifetime and all of sudden your heart starts to race, your hands can't stop shaking and you can't wait to release that first arrow. Every bow hunter has experienced this feeling and it does not matter if you are just beginning or having been hunting for a long time. This is the fun that comes from being a hunter. Having "buck fever" is normal and okay but I want to share some tips to help you control this feeling and the effects that come with it. That way when the moment comes and there in front of you is that beautiful turkey, you will be ready to make the shot that you have been waiting for all season and walk away with the best trophy ever.

      

 

Step One: Always think to yourself that you are better than you think you are. Confidence is always an important key to hunting.

 

Step Two: Establish a pre-shot routine. For example, if you are going to hunt from a blind then practice from a blind. This way you get to that point where you feel comfortable shooting from any angle.

 

Step Three: Use a range-finder. A range-finder is any hunter's best friend. Once you are out on the field, mark every spot where you think you can make a shot, so when that animal gets there you don't lose time trying to range him.

 

Step Four: Decide when you are going to draw your bow. This step is important due to the fact that you need to decide when it's a good time for you to draw your bow. If you are not patient you may rush the draw and it can cost you the hunt or the trophy you have been waiting for. You never know, so make sure you time yourself with the animal that you may be hunting at the time.

 

Step Five: Pick the spot you will shoot from. Always pick the spot that you will feel the most comfortable shooting from. Doing this will increase your chances of hitting that animal because you will know the distance. It will also help you feel relaxed, comfortable and confident when you do take that shot.

 

Step Six: The release. The release is the most important step of all. Concentrate on squeezing off a slow surprise release. It is the single best step you can take to assure that you remain in control of this overwhelming moment. Never second guess a decision once you've made it. Unless the situation changes, don't rethink a decision you have already made. Move on to the next one.

If you practice these six steps or at least have them in mind this hunting season, believe me they will help, just like they have helped me in the past when I have experienced "buck fever". One thing that I am NOT saying is that by practicing these steps you will never get "buck fever" because you still will. These steps are just going to help you be ready when you do get it. I believe that if you don't feel that adrenaline rush, you are not truly hunting. I have been hunting for more than 15 years now and I still get that feeling of "buck fever" that is what hunting is all about. I hope these steps help prepare you even if you just put them to practice to see what happens. Good Hunting!

 

Tips For April

 

Spring is here and the warmer weather brings out the urge to get out and fish. Many people have been coming into the shop in order to gear up for the season. New Mexico starts their new season April 1^st and many areas that were closed for the winter will be open (ex. Bonito Lake and upper Bonito Creeks). The run off has ended in most areas due to light snow pack and a current drought has begun. There has been no measurable precipitation in South New Mexico in weeks and the weather service issue drought warnings for most of the state.

     

So what does this mean for us fisherman? Tougher fishing conditions as there will be less water in the rivers and streams to fish. I having been speaking to guides and fishermen through out New Mexico and Colorado and it looks like things might get tough this year. Snow pack in southern Colorado was very light this year and this affects the amount of water to supply the reservoirs and rivers. There is talk of foregoing the simulated runoff on the San Juan below the Navajo Dam because of this. There is even talk of cutting the flows back down to around 300cfs to 275cfs to conserve water in Navajo Dam Lake this summer.

     

Rivers and streams that are affected will be tough to fish. Fish will seek out the deeper pools with the cooler water. People will crowd in causing more pressure on these fish. The water will be shallow and clear, and the fish will see every fly and line going by. Fluorocarbon will be a must as it is almost invisible in the water. You will have to down size your flies. The clear water will magnify the size of the fly so your most common size flies will look enormous. On the San Juan when it is very clear we will use flies down to a size 24 and 26. The fish will also see more types of flies as the number of fisherman increase in the tight confines on the river. Keying in on the natural insects will be more important. Getting the right color, shape and size then presenting the fly properly will be the key.

     

When the fish are concentrated in small areas, they become more stressed than when conditions are normal. The fish will compete for the best feeding lanes, bumping and pushing each around. They will expend more energy fighting each and you will see thinner fish, they will not be putting on the weight like normal. Be sure you fight the fish as fast as possible and make sure the fish are completely revived before you release them. Take extra time if the fish seems not to want to swim off or turns on its side. If possible do not net the fish, just use your hemostats to remove the fly while keeping the fish in the water.

    

We will do our best to keep updates current and keep track of the current conditions. Let's hope for some spring showers to bring some relief to our region.

 

Private Fly Tying - $45/hour
6 Weeks Beginner Session $240

Basic Casting Classes $40/hour
7 Weeks Advanced Session $280 

 

 

Contact 587-4867 for more info...

About Us

At Sportsman's Elite Hunting, Fly Fishing and Gun Pro Shop, we are dedicated to providing quality name brand products in a comfortable and professional atmosphere with exceptional customer service. We look forward to being able to serve you!

Sportsman's Elite
7500 N. Mesa, Suite 105
El Paso, Texas 79912

 Phone: 915-587-4867
Fax: 915-584-7599  
www.sportsmanselite.com
info@sportsmanselite.com