SCI Joins the Wolf Fray - Again
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 26, 2007
WASHINGTON, D.C., April 26, 2007 – Safari Club International, Safari Club International Foundation and the National Rifle Association seek to join the federal government in a lawsuit over the status of wolves. On April 24, 2007, SCI, SCIF and the NRA, asked a D.C. federal district court to grant the three organizations intervenor status in the latest round of gray wolf litigation.
Armed with declarations from SCI members, SCI explained how the delisting of wolves enables the states of Minnesota, Michigan and Wisconsin to manage their wolf populations. In doing so, the states can protect their game populations, as well as the safety and recreational opportunities of SCI and NRA members, all members of the general hunting community, and other residents of these states. SCI detailed stories of how SCI members are increasingly affected by the growing wolf population, including being stalked by wolves and losing prey to wolves.
This is the fourth time in four years that SCI has participated in litigation concerning gray wolf classification, management and conservation under the Endangered Species Act. In this latest suit, SCI, SCIF and the NRA seek to defeat the claims of Plaintiffs HSUS, Animal Protection Institute and Help Our Wolves Live. These groups are asking the court to return the Western Great Lakes wolf population to the “endangered” species list.
SCI President Ralph Cunningham reacted to SCI’s latest legal pursuit: “Through litigation efforts such as this one, SCI supports the wolf recovery efforts of the FWS and the states of Minnesota, Michigan and Wisconsin and endorses the states’ authority to manage their own wildlife. It is time for animal rights groups to acknowledge that the ESA was never intended to be a tool for permanently listing species. Gray wolf recovery is a tremendous success story, but the latest chapter of that story involves proper management and control by the states of this predator species.”
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Safari Club International is the leader in protecting the freedom to hunt and promoting wildlife conservation worldwide. SCI effectively represents hunters’ interests in legislative bodies at every level, the legal arena and international diplomatic forums. SCI’s sister organization, Safari Club International Foundation (SCIF), funds programs worldwide in wildlife conservation, outdoor education and humanitarian services in cooperation with various conservation groups and government agencies. SCI has 178 Chapters in the United States and around the world and has over 50,000 members. Visit www.scifirstforhunters.org or call (888) HUNT-SCI for more information.
SCI’s record-breaking 35th Annual Hunters’ Convention in January 2007 hosted more than 21,000 sportsmen from 47 countries around the world and over 1,100 top exhibitors. To register to attend SCI’s 36th Annual Hunters’ Convention, in Reno Jan. 23-26, 2008, call (888) 746-9724 toll-free or visit www.scifirstforhunters.org.
Contact:
Anna Seidman
Litigation Counsel
202-542-8733
aseidman@sci-dc.org