Outdoor commentary and legislative issues.
Washington, DC – Today, experts on the status of the African lion explained to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) that the African lion is not on the brink of extinction. Their testimony contradicts the claims in a petition filed by several anti-rights groups asking the service to list the African lion as endangered under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). Read more
A pet deer kept illegally can stay with its adoptive family. Under the conditions set by the DNR, the family has to register its home as a privately-owned cervidae (deer/elk) facility; get the deer tested for bovine tuberculosis by an accredited state-approved vet; erect a suitable fence; submit a report on the deer’s health every year; agree never to house other deer and to never take this one off-site; and admit that possessing wildlife with a permit is illegal under Michigan law. Details here…
MISSOULA, Mont.–Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks (FWP) accepted a $25,000 donation from the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation this week to assist with its state wolf management efforts. Read more
Washington, DC – Safari Club International (SCI) thanks the 28 members of the U.S. House Committee on Natural Resources for their bipartisan vote to pass H.R. 1825, the Recreational Fishing and Hunting Heritage and Opportunities Act of 2013, today. Further, SCI commends Congressman Dan Benishek (MI) for his leadership to advance H.R. 1825. SCI respectfully requests that this important legislation be brought to the House of Representatives for a floor vote soon. Read more
When predators are taking food from the mouths of Alaskans, officials step up. A total of 89 black bears and grizzlies were killed to provide 2 tons of meat to residents, while attempting to give young moose a chance to grow up. It’s called wildlife management and it benefits humans. Details here…
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) today advised the public that an organization will hold informational meetings regarding deer antler point restriction (APR) proposals at a number of locations in June 2013. Individuals are invited to attend a local event to learn more about the APR process and the specific proposals currently under consideration. Read more
Washington, DC – June 7, 2013, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) formally announced its proposal to remove the gray wolf from the endangered species list throughout the lower 48 states (with the exception of the Mexican wolf population). The FWS’s monumental decision recognizes the gray wolf’s recovery resulting from state wildlife management and the participation of the hunting community. This achievement in conservation demonstrates the impact of successful science based efforts across the country. Read more
Hunters, anglers and trappers are the original conservationists. We fund Michigan’s conservation efforts through license fees and excise taxes on sporting equipment. Governor Snyder’s proposed license package would simplify the license system and raise over $18 million per year for the habitat and enforcement work that supports our outdoor activities.
As part of the Governor’s license package, the DNR released a list of outcomes from increasing hunting and fishing license revenue, with the bulk going toward additional fish and wildlife habitat work, fish stocking, and more conservation officers. They’re asking for a strategic investment in our state’s fish and wildlife by hunters,anglers and trappers and they’re being open and transparent with how they’ll invest it.
We have an opportunity to maintain, improve and provide more great opportunities to hunt, fish and trap. The bill containing the license structure changes passed the House of Representatives yesterday by an overwhelming bipartisan 77-32 vote. The bill now goes to the Senate. Read more
GW: …the Court found that the groups merely disagreed with the legislature’s policy of allowing wolf harvests…And, that’s what happens when you come to conclusions based on feelings.
Washington, D.C. – Based on arguments presented by Safari Club International (SCI) the Minnesota Court of Appeals has dismissed a legal challenge to Minnesota’s wolf harvest. The Court ruled that the Center for Biological Diversity (CBD) and Howling for Wolves failed to show their members were harmed by the process used by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources to establish the state’s wolf season. Read more
A publication of the U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance 05-25-2013
The ongoing IRS scandal that is hitting Washington has yet another twist with new questions surrounding the number one group on our Dirty Dozen List, the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS). The latest twist comes after the person at the heart of the IRS scandal, Lois Lerner, was found to have ties to this anti-hunting organization.
Lerner is the Director of the IRS’s tax-exempt organizations division, which has come under investigation for improperly targeting conservative groups. Lerner’s involvement might not stop there, however. Now questions are being raised as to whether the IRS ignored accusations regarding HSUS’s tax exempt status because of Lerner’s active membership with HSUS. Read more