Delaware State Sportsmen's Association (DSSA)

Delaware State Sportsmen's Association (DSSA) was formed in 1968 to serve as Delaware's official state affiliate within the NRA's system. They're the primary organization protecting gun owners' rights across Delaware, handling legislative advocacy, political defense, and coordination with the NRA Institute for Legislative Action (NRA-ILA).

DSSA serves as the umbrella organization through which the NRA's constituent clubs and associations operate within Delaware. They're responsible for:

• •Overseeing delivery of NRA programs and services statewide
• •Serving as the official NRA representative for legislative and political matters
• •Defending hunting, conservation, and competitive shooting rights
• •Protecting Second Amendment rights under the U.S. Constitution and Delaware Constitution

Over 50+ years, DSSA has notched major victories:

Constitutional & Statutory Protections: - Secured Article I Section 20 of the Delaware Constitution guaranteeing the right to keep and bear arms for defense, family, home, state, hunting, and recreation - Passed statewide preemption laws preventing cities and counties from passing anti-gun measures—only Delaware General Assembly can regulate firearms - Defeated multiple "one-gun-per-month" proposals from three separate governors - Blocked licensing and registration schemes proposed by multiple administrations

Hunting & Sport Shooting: - Legalized handgun hunting in Delaware - Legalized Sunday hunting in Delaware - Established coyote hunting seasons - Won range protection legislation shielding ranges from closure attempts - Defeated firearms bans in Delaware State Parks and Forests through lawsuit (DSSA v. DNREC) - Won Delaware Supreme Court reversal of unconstitutional firearms bans in Doe v. Wilmington Housing Authority

Concealed Carry & Law Enforcement: - Secured concealed carry reciprocity for Delaware permit holders traveling out-of-state - Strengthened concealed carry laws for fairness and non-discrimination - Added right to appeal adverse concealed carry decisions to Delaware Supreme Court - Implemented federal LEOSA (HB 218) concealed carry rights for current and retired law enforcement

Active Defense Against Gun Control: - Defeated two attempts to ban modern sporting and defensive arms (semi-automatic "assault weapons") - Blocked multiple attempts to repeal preemption laws or carve out exceptions - Participated as amicus curiae (friend of the court) in landmark U.S. Supreme Court cases: Heller and McDonald - Defeated ivory bans that would have criminalized legal firearm components - Blocked ill-advised gun buyback programs that would have wasted taxpayer money - Defeated proposals for impossible-to-enforce gun-free zones that would have criminalized law-abiding citizens

DSSA maintains an active Second Amendment Action Alert Network to mobilize members on threats to gun rights. Recent actions include commenting on ATF pistol brace regulations and coordinating responses to anti-gun legislation.

Current Legal Battle: DSSA filed a 2019 lawsuit against DNREC (Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control) over the agency's overreach in regulating pistol caliber rifles and semi-automatic platforms for hunting—regulations the agency wrote on its own authority without legal basis.

DSSA welcomes: - Gun owners and collectors - Hunters and trappers - Competitive shooters - Anyone who believes in private firearm ownership

Members receive access to the DSSA Newsletter (published bi-monthly since at least 2010), legislative updates, action alerts, and connection to Delaware's network of gun clubs and sporting organizations.

DSSA publishes content on: - Firearm maintenance and safety - Second Amendment news and federal developments - Delaware-specific gun legislation - NRA program information

Contact: Delaware State Sportsmen's Association P.O. Box 94 Lincoln, DE 19960

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