SCI Supports H.R. 281 Delisting Grizzly Bears From ESA, H.R. 556 Prohibiting Sec. of Agriculture From Banning Use of Lead Ammo
Safari Club International (SCI) has long supported science-based wildlife management and have repeatedly litigated against anti-hunting groups that ignore the science in favor of emotional ploys that drive their fundraising.
During our Lobby Day in May, SCI supported modernization of the Endangered Species Act and protecting access to traditional ammunition and fishing tackle for sportsmen and women. This week, the House Natural Resources Committee will vote on removing the Yellowstone grizzly bear population from the ESA and preventing unsupported restrictions on the use of lead ammunition or tackle on federal lands. SCI is proud to stand in support of H.R. 281 and H.R. 556 that call for science and fact based conservation that impacts hunters across the U.S.
H.R. 281, the Grizzly Bear State Management Act of 2025
The Act would require the Interior Department to reinstate a 2017 rule delisting the grizzly bear in the Greater Yellowstone area of Idaho, Montana, and Wyoming. Rep. Harriet Hageman, along with Sen. Cynthia Lummis, has led the charge in Congress to delist this iconic species. SCI has defended the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s science-based delisting—twice—but anti-hunting groups have obstructed the delisting process with court rulings. The Act reinstates this rule and prevents further judicial activism.
According to Rep. Hageman, “With the grizzly population exploding, we’ve seen a troubling uptick in attacks on people, livestock, and property. Families shouldn’t have to live in fear of grizzly bears rummaging through their trash or endangering their children.” SCI agrees and supports state management of recovered grizzly bears.
H.R. 556, the Protecting Access for Hunters and Anglers Act of 2025
This bill would prevent federal agencies from prohibiting the use of lead ammunition or tackle on certain federal lands without adequate scientific justification. SCI has strongly supported hunter choice and voluntary programs that recognize limitations on access to non-lead ammunition and tackle and limitations on the science showing negative impacts from exposure to traditional ammunition and tackle.
Rep. Rob Wittman,the bill’s primary sponsor, said that “affordable lead ammunition and tackle are crucial to reducing financial barriers that limit accessibility for sportsmen and women.”
Hunters as conservationists have a vested interest in protecting wildlife for future generations and should be trusted to make the right choice. The science does not support a wide-spread ban outside of limited localized cases.
SCI applauds the House Natural Resources Committee for bringing these bills to a vote, and encourages swift passage, both in the Committee and in Congress.
