The property owner where the Kuna Stampede Rodeo is taking place is addressing criticism for restricting firearms at the event.
Idaho Dispatch received several tips about the firearm restriction. One individual linked to the Kuna Stampede Rodeo Facebook page, where a post discussed the firearm restriction. Part of the post said,
“Lady’s and gentleman here are our rules for our 2024 KSR. A few things before you read them. They’re non negotiable. Under no circ*mstances will there be exceptions and we don’t want to hear the complaining. If they’re really that big of an issue for you our rodeo might not be your fit. The firearm policy is from a liability and insurance stance. Please don’t flood the comment section or our dm’s with ridiculous comments. We’re as red blooded as you are and support our rights as Americans but you cant have them at the majority of rodeos in the valley and we’re not going to change our policy. Other than that please read carefully if you’re attending and we’ll see you August 30-31”
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The Kuna Stampede Rodeo will take place on August 30 and 31. While most rodeos in Idaho occur on city or county property, the Kuna Stampede Rodeo is being held on private property.
Crooked 8, established in 2020, is a privately owned venue on a farm in Kuna. It is hosting the event for the second year in a row under the establishment of a non-profit called the Kuna Stampede Rodeo.
Crooked 8 is owned by Lini Chytka and her husband, Cody Chytka. Idaho Dispatch spoke with Lini about the firearms restriction at the event and the criticism they have faced as a result.
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Chytka told Idaho Dispatch that she wanted to let firearms into the event, but the insurance costs were too high. When asked what the cost of the insurance was, Chytka told Idaho Dispatch,
“The cost of the exclusionary insurance is more than that of a non-profit board, and Crooked 8 is willing to pay for in the infancy of our rodeo. We don’t have a lot of money in our business or our rodeo because it is brand new. It takes hundreds of thousands of dollars to produce this rodeo. We hate that we are forced to pay astronomical amounts of money to have the exclusionary policy which would let folks exercise their 2nd Amendment rights. We hope to be able to do it in the future and if the legislature can figure out a way to provide immunity for these types of events, that would be great.”
Chytka said she and her husband are big supporters of the Second Amendment and that if someone wanted to step up and cover the exclusionary policy, they would happily accept the donation. She also noted that most Kuna Stampede Rodeo board members are farmers, housewives, ex-military, and ex-police.
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In her statement, Chytka also told Idaho Dispatch,
“Please know that this in no way reflects the views of the Crooked 8 or the Kuna Stampede board. We are all red-blooded gun-toting Americans and support the 2nd amendment.”
Finally, Chytka told Idaho Dispatch that they wished it did not have to be rodeo or no rodeo based on the exclusionary policy. She encouraged everyone to come out to the rodeo, stating,
“The Crooked 8 and the Kuna Stampede are super excited to put on another amazing rodeo for the community. We encourage everyone to come to support our local cowboys, cowgirls, and small business vendors! The BIG Flag rodeo is as American as it gets.”
The Kuna rodeo differs from most in Idaho, which usually takes place on city or county property. When a rodeo or country fair takes place on public property and is run by the cities/counties, Idaho’s firearm preemption law (18-3302J) comes into play. Cities and counties are prohibited from restricting firearm possession on public property.
Because the Kuna Stampede Rodeo is on private grounds, Idaho’s firearm preemption law does not apply.
Idaho Dispatch spoke with Alexandria Kincaid of Alex Kincaid Law about the Kuna rodeo firearm restriction and the insurance exclusionary policy required by most insurance companies. Kincaid works with the Idaho Second Amendment Alliance, a non-profit organization that deals with 2nd Amendment issues.
Kincaid told Idaho Dispatch that gun owners need to be protected and said in her statement,
“I worked on this issue with the Idaho Second Amendment Alliance during the 2024 legislative session. The tables need to be turned to hold landowners accountable when rendering gun owners defenseless. Insurance policies should be the highest in gun free zones, not lower, if we want to coincide rates with facts and reality.”
Christy Zito, a state senate candidate in District 8 and Political Advisor for the ISAA, agreed with Kincaid and said the ISAA would continue to push for changes at the capitol. Zito told Idaho Dispatch,
“This is why the ISAA has been fighting hard to help our state with firearm preemption reform. If insurance companies know that Idaho protects the right to keep and bear arms at public events, whether on private or public land, they will be much less likely to charge these astronomical amounts of money to be insured.
I look forward to carrying legislation to fix this issue if elected in November. This is a big deal for gun owners, and we don’t want to do this after tragedy has happened. Let’s prevent tragedy and not turn our state into a place where “gun-free zones” are rampant.”
What do you think of the restriction of firearms at the Kuna Stampede Rodeo?
Let us know in the comments below.
Note: Greg Pruett serves as the President and Founder of the Idaho Second Amendment Alliance.
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Tags: Alex Kincaid Law, Alexandria Kincaid, Christy Zito, Cody Chytka, Crooked 8, District 8, Idaho Second Amendment Alliance, Kuna, Kuna Stampede Rodeo, Lini Chytka
No real need for a gun, no sh*tskins at a rodeo in Idaho to defend yourself from.
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Perhaps not while “at” the rodeo, but…on the way and then home again afterwards is another story entirely. And locking it in the vehicle while there is not a comforting thought, either.
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That is your opinion, the fact is, it infringes on our constitutional rights, period. And everyone should be concerned about that.
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You are exactly right!
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Who are you to decide?
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He isn’t, it’s a God-given right. You right shouldn’t be limited by the fear of a possible incident. Which is made even more probable because now the people who actually would be responsible won’t be able to stop the crazies. It’s like they WANT something bad to happen.
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Insurance rates should be lower, not higher, when peeps’ rights to defend themselves are protected. Less mayhem ensues. Just sayin’.
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It is the same as saying no Mexicans allowed. No guns for what ever reason is the same as no Mexicans.
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No one will know whether or not I have a firearm on me. No matter where I go No one knows.
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I think the tone of their message is an issue as well. Just on the attitude and tone of the message I would not support or attend one of their rodeos.
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100% agree…I felt the same way while reading it.
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Shall not be infringed is not something I negotiate. If my arms are not welcomed, neither am I or my greenbacks.
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As a private property owner, it is your right to say how the property is used. If you disagree with the owner, don’t go to the event. It’s nice to see the rule put out before you get there and have to make a decision. I personally would not attend.
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Posting a gun free zone is more dangerous! No one can protect themselves. Makes it easy for the person with malice intent. Just like posting a gun free zones on school grounds. So let there be armed guards around the rodeo area. Would the insurance allow that?
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We have to remember this is Private Property. Do we want to tell people what they can and cannot do on their own property especially when they are opening their land to a community event. Contact your legislature with your concerns, not the land owner.
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I agree.
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Thanks for your report on this Greg. Part of freedom is being able to say yay or nay to whatever on your own property. I think the issue becomes when you open it to the public and sell tickets. And yes, the Legislature needs to help here.
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Agreed, 100%
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In light of the recent terrorist events happening at large gatherings, I prefer to stay home if being forced to go unarmed. 9 million unvetted illegals have been flown all over the country with known terrorists released as well. Don’t think because you live in Idaho, you are immune from terror attacks. Terrorists don’t care if you are on public or private lands, how large or small events are, or where you live and they prefer no gun zones. No thanks.
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This is a violation of our second amendment rights as stated in the Constitution. Idaho is also a constitutional carry state The attitude of these two landowners needs to be addressed. Boycott this farce and spread the word. We don’t need or want this second rate rodeo.
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This is an example of corporations pushing gun control through higher insurance rates. I wonder how many more people would attend the rodeo if guns were allowed? It might compensate for the higher rate.
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Is this rodeo sponsored by Ada County GOP?
Sounds like it.
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I have an Enhanced Weapons Permit. My firearm is my best friend. It’s like my wallet, I never leave home without it. I rather have it and not need it than , need it and not have it. My best friend goes to church with me, to Doctor appointments, to the Mall. My best friend has been with me for over 30 years. I will be at the rodeo and so will my best friend. MAGA
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No guns allowed! Won’t be going this year.
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Public events are not private even on private property. The Public’s constitutional rights should not be infringed at Public events even if it is held on private property. If the landowner agrees to allow a public event to happen on their property they should allow the public’s rights aswell.
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A gun free zone in Idaho? And advertised? You just invited every mentally ill active shooter leftist antifa-trans type out there to the event. They know there will be no one to stop them. Good luck with all that.
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The Chytka’s are full of schiff! Their lip service for their reason is full of the horse manure that will be left inside the rodeo grounds. The Chytka’s could have garnered donations to pay for the higher insurance. But. I don’t believe their story in tge 1st place.
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