GW:  It had to happen.  What goes up must come down.  But, what are the answers to land development, diseases, predators, etc?  Time to find out…

Declining deer herds and other threats to North America’s deer-hunting heritage will be the focus of the first-ever North American Whitetail Summit being convened by QDMA, March 3-6, at Big Cedar Lodge in Branson, Missouri.

“Whitetail numbers are down throughout much of their range due to many factors including EHD, predators, and even over-harvest,” said QDMA CEO and wildlife biologist Brian Murphy.  “In some areas, herds are below what the habitat can support and what provides a quality hunting experience. This is a serious issue with significant long-term implications for the future of deer hunting.” Read more

Washington, D.C. – With the passage of the Omnibus spending package that keeps the U.S. government funded until September 30, 2014, America’s hunters and ranchers received a welcome surprise that eliminates government restrictions on the hunting of U.S. populations of scimitar-horned oryx, dama gazelle, and addax (three antelope species). The legislative fix, first written by Safari Club International’s Washington, D.C. staff, reinstates a 2005 U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service regulation that facilitates U.S. conservation of these species. Read more

By Glen Wunderlich

A paradox of good intentions is the only description that comes to mind with a story from Texas relative to the Endangered Species Act (ESA).  Although the ESA has been with us for some 40 years and is touted as having credible successes with certain species (and, rightfully so), it’s having a severe, negative impact on three antelope species:  horned oryx, Dama gazelle and addax.  These antelope species are known in Texas as the “Three Amigos.”

The U.S. House and Senate will consider Dallas Safari Club (DSC)-backed legislation that would exempt from ESA protections three antelope species nearly extinct in their native countries but thriving on ranches in Texas.  The exemptions would clear the way for ranchers to maintain their herds and to offer hunts for these game animals without government intervention.

Once again, the seemingly counter-intuitive rationale to allow hunting is being used as an argument to save the species.  Yes, they are not indigenous to Texas, but tell that to the once-thriving herd.

First, we must understand that the imposition of ESA mandates brings with it certain prohibitions Read more