Presidents Corner

The New Mexico Shooting Sports Association (NMSSA) is the state association of the NRA.  It serves members, shooters, hunters and gun owners of New Mexico.  Members are kept informed by a network of legislators and public officials that are also made aware of the interests and needs of the fraternity of firearms enthusiasts.  Our state organization maintains preparations to react with NRA-ILA (Institute for Legislative Action) on any legislation impacting firearms and owner enthusiasts.

NMSSA promotes awareness of the need for public safety, law and order and the National Defense providing speakers and maintaining a visible presence.  Through affiliated clubs and special statewide programs conduct training in safe handling, marksmanship and associated topics.  Organizing and conducting state matches and other events to promote the shooting sports and help advance safe shooting ranges and hunting lands.  In addition the organization helps promote Hunter Safety training and safety training through the Eddie Eagle program for youngsters.

Recent activities in the area of treaties and agreements with other countries and international bodies, such as the UN is cause for the organization to keep track of the potential impacts concerning firearms, ownership and usage.  Also issues  we will track and  report on are those that not only affect gun rights but also the “shooting sports” such as adverse public land acquisition, land use restrictions, access issues and the like.  We also track “NM Values” that oftentimes conflict with Washington activities.  These conflicts or lack of rural/sporting values will be addressed to NM legislators including those holding national positions.

 NMSSA holds annual meetings in January and they are typically well attended by in-office political, legislative and law enforcement persons as well as candidates for elections in certain years.  Other discussions, demonstrations and so forth are provided.  It is through these interactions and others of a lobbying nature that make the attendants aware of our concerns and conversely they bring  information on legislative, law enforcement, current law and other topics of interest to the shooting community.

During the year we provide information through a newsletter that goes not only to members, but to attendees at gun shows and other outdoor and sport venues.  Newsletters may include articles, notifications and such from members, executive position holders, associated clubs and organizations as well as general interest items from many sources.  Additionally it contains advertising from both members and commercial sources the later typically providing incentives such as discounts.  Newsletter inclusions have been expanded to provide reporting of other  organizations such as the National Association for Gun Rights, a Political Forum to present and discuss firearms and shooting related legislative or regulatory issues, a Political Watch to inform members concerning activities and philosophies of elected and appointed persons,  Special Events that we may hold or that other organizations are planning and Advertising as a means of funding for the newsletter and a means to acquire discounts for our members.

We have 33 Executive Board Members and Officers.  A complete listing can be found in our newsletter, which is available on this website.  Currently we have several openings including Black Powder Target Rifle Director, Cowboy Action and Legislative Affairs.  Any member can request assignment to a position that will be voted on at the next member meeting.  Prior to voting the position would be interim.

During election years, especially during 2010 the NRA and NMSSA will provide the results of questionnaire that are sent to political office candidates requesting their response to topics related to firearms, shooting and in general their support of the Second Amendment.  The results in terms of grades, A to F gives our membership and newsletter recipients the insight to judge a particular candidates philosophy and potential to support our objectives