June 16, 2011 "In The Crosshairs"
June 16, 2011
The battle over the delisting of the grey wolf in Western
states rages on. In a decision made by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife
Service on May 4th, 2011, the 2009 decision to delist
biologically recovered wolf populations in the Northern Rocky
Mountains was reinstated. Although the language in this decision
stated that it could not be challenged in court, a coalition of four
environmental groups did just that, and filed lawsuits against the
decision. The National Rifle Association and SCI fired back
immediately by filling intervenor status in the challenges. If the
decision is not overturned, Montana and Idaho could allow management
hunts and have wolf tags available as early as this fall.
SCI and NRA Continue Fight to Intervene in Wolf
Lawsuit
"The National Rifle Association (NRA) and Safari Club
International (SCI) will move for reconsideration after being denied
intervenor status June 1 by the Montana Federal District Court in a
new challenge to the wolf delisting contained in the continuing
resolution for FY 2011 by the Alliance for the Rocky Mountains. That
court decision was based on the notion that the federal government
would adequately represent SCI and NRA’s interests in the
litigation. The NRA and SCI contend they have a right and indeed a
responsibility to defend the interests of their members and the
hunting community in general." (Source: nrahuntersrights.org)
Virginia Board of Game and
Inland Fisheries Throws Support Behind Sunday Hunting
“At its June 7 meeting, the Board of Game and Inland
Fisheries passed a resolution supporting Sunday hunting in Virginia.
For years, the board has maintained a neutral stance on this issue.
The ban on Sunday hunting is set in the Code of Virginia by the
Virginia General Assembly, and repealing it would take legislative
action. If the ban on Sunday hunting is repealed, the responsibility
for determining hunting dates and times will rest entirely with the
Board of Game and Inland Fisheries.” (Source: delmarvanow.com)
SCI is a founding member of the Sunday hunting coalition
and has been a leader on ending Sunday hunting bans in the 11 states
where it still exists, including Virginia.
Obama Administration Announces Federal Council Dedicated to
Promoting Outdoor Recreation
The Obama Administration announced on Monday the creation
of a new federal interagency council to coordinate and promote
outdoor recreation opportunities on public lands in partnership with
federal, state, and tribal agencies. The Federal Interagency Council
on Outdoor Recreation (FICOR) is part of the presidents America’s
Great Outdoors Initiative.
USDA Announces New Recreational, Fishing and Hunting
Opportunities in Rural Areas
"Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced
developments in two popular USDA programs that will support
conservation of working lands for the benefit of wildlife, water
quality, and recreation. The Secretary announced that USDA will
accept 2.8 million acres offered by landowners under the 41st
Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) general sign-up. The selections
preserve and enhance environmentally sensitive lands while providing
payments to property owners. Additionally, USDA has approved eight
additional states and one tribal government to participate in the
Voluntary Public Access and Habitat Incentive Program (VPA-HIP),
which encourages private landowners to provide public access to
their lands for wildlife-dependent recreational opportunities,
including fishing and hunting." (Source: usda.gov)
Four ATF Agents Working on Controversial Operation ‘Fast and
Furious’ Tell their Story
"Oversight and Government Reform Committee Chairman Darrell
Issa (R-CA) and Senate Judiciary Committee Ranking Member Senator
Chuck Grassley (R-IA) released the report, “The Department of
Justice’s Operation Fast and Furious: Accounts of ATF Agents.” The
report includes testimony from four Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco,
Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) agents offering firsthand accounts
about the controversial Operation Fast and Furious that allowed
suspects to walk away with illegally purchased guns." (Source:
usda.gov)
Florida Black Bear Removed from Threatened List
The iconic Florida black bear, considered threatened since
1974, and 15 other species are no longer considered threatened now
that new studies have shown they are no longer at high risk of
extinction. This could open the door to bear hunting in Florida,
which has been banned since 1994.
Move Now to be Fit for Fall Hunting
Fall hunting season is just around the corner. Make a few
changes now to ensure you are ready to find your trophy this season.
Your Investment in SCIF will make a difference
Our Annual SCIF Fund Drive is about to close for 2011. This
is your Foundation's most important fund drive of the year. Your
generosity will help us carry out numerous wildlife conservation
efforts at home and around the world. To make your donation today,
please click on the following link:
Tickets are now available online for the 2011
EPIC Outdoor Game Fair
The EPIC Outdoor Game Fair is being held from September 23
- 25, 2011 at the Foxhall Resort & Sporting Club in Atlanta,
Georgia. This is a great opportunity for sportsmen, women, and youth
to engage in outdoor sporting activities that promote education,
participation, instruction, and competition.