DSC Objects to USFWS Order 219

DALLAS – For his last hurrah before departing office, outgoing U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) Director Daniel Ashe released USFWS Director’s Order 219, expanding the use of nontoxic ammunition and fishing tackle. Dallas Safari Club (DSC) objects to the Order, and condemns the decision as it targets our hunting and fishing heritage.

“This action flies squarely in the face of long and constructive tradition of states working in partnership with the Service to effectively manage fish and wildlife resources,” stated Nick Wiley, president of the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies. “The Association views this Order as a breach of trust and deeply disappointing.”

“We agree wholeheartedly with Mr. Wiley and consider the surprising, last minute actions of Mr. Ashe to be totally politically motivated,” said Ben Carter, DSC executive director. “We will implore the new administration to swiftly abolish Order 219 and return to joint decision making based on scientific merit.”

DSC will appeal to the new leadership at the Service and support the states’ joint jurisdiction and control of wildlife management.

About DSC
A member of IUCN, DSC is a mission-focused conservation organization, funded by hunters from around the world. With an administrative staff of less than 15 and a volunteer army of 500, DSC hosts the Greatest Hunters Convention on the Planet™ that raises funds for grants in conservation, outdoor education and hunter advocacy. In the past five years, more than $5 million has been channeled to qualified projects, organizations and programs in support of that mission. Get involved with DSC at www.biggame.org.