Press Releases – Safari Club https://safariclub.org Wed, 16 Apr 2025 10:22:55 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.7.1 https://safariclub.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/SCI-Block-Red-Black-150x150.png Press Releases – Safari Club https://safariclub.org 32 32 Safari Club International and Wildlife Networks Launch Exclusive SCI-Branded Streaming Service https://safariclub.org/safari-club-international-and-wildlife-networks-launch-exclusive-sci-branded-streaming-service/ Wed, 16 Apr 2025 09:31:11 +0000 https://safariclub.org/?p=122528

San Antonio and Carrollton, TX

Safari Club International (SCI), the leader in protecting the freedom to hunt and promoting wildlife conservation worldwide, has partnered with Wildlife Networks (WLN) to launch an exclusive SCI-branded streaming entertainment service dedicated to hunters, outdoorsmen, and conservationists across the globe.

The new digital hunting television platform will offer premium, on-demand access to original series, hunting and educational content, and advocacy updates — all under the SCI brand. The streaming service will be available across multiple devices.

“This is more than just content — We’re bringing the mission of SCI directly into the living rooms, camps, and hands of sportsmen and women everywhere. With WLN’s media expertise, we’re taking our message further and louder than ever before.” Said W. Laird Hamberlin, CEO of Safari Club International.

Key Features of the SCI Streaming Service Include:

  • Programming Delivery: Digital video content that celebrates ethical hunting, big-game adventure, and conservation success stories.
  • Global Access: Stream from anywhere in the world, on any device.
  • Educational and Advocacy Content: Learn about the latest conservation policies, wildlife research, and how SCI is leading the charge to defend hunting rights worldwide.
  • Member Highlights: Real stories from SCI members and chapters around the globe.

WLN Founder and CEO Manuel Mateos added, “We’re honored to partner with SCI to help tell the stories that matter — stories of stewardship, adventure, and the deep connection between hunters and the natural world. This platform is built to engage, inspire, and inform.”

The SCI streaming service will launch in October of 2025 with a full content slate and exclusive behind-the-scenes access to SCI’s biggest initiatives, including the annual SCI Convention, international hunts, and conservation fieldwork.

About Safari Club International

Safari Club International is the leading organization protecting the freedom to hunt and promoting wildlife conservation worldwide. For over 50 years, SCI has been the voice for hunters, working on the front lines of advocacy, education, and conservation.

About Wildlife Network

WLN is a next-generation content and media company focused on storytelling that celebrates tradition, outdoor heritage, and legacy. From original programming to platform development, WLN partners with top-tier organizations to bring meaningful stories to life.

The post Safari Club International and Wildlife Networks Launch Exclusive SCI-Branded Streaming Service appeared first on Safari Club.

]]>
Safari Club International Expands Global Presence with New Office in South Africa https://safariclub.org/safari-club-international-expands-global-presence-with-new-office-in-south-africa/ Wed, 16 Apr 2025 09:27:39 +0000 https://safariclub.org/?p=122526

Pretoria, South Africa
April 10, 2025

Safari Club International (SCI), the global leader in defending the freedom to hunt and promoting wildlife conservation, is proud to announce the official opening of its newest international office in South Africa — a global hub for hunting and biodiversity.

This strategic expansion underscores SCI’s long-standing commitment to science-based conservation, sustainable hunting, and international advocacy. Opening an office offers a unique opportunity to further engage with African leaders, local partners, outfitters, and conservation agencies to advance the shared mission of protecting wildlife and preserving hunting heritage.

“The opening of this office is more than symbolic — it’s strategic,” said W. Laird Hamberlin, CEO of Safari Club International and Safari Club International Foundation. “By being on the ground in South Africa, we’re deepening our partnerships with governments and communities who depend on sustainable use and ensuring SCI is present where critical conservation decisions are made. SCI is the only American organization on the ground in Africa committed to the protecting our combined hunting heritage.”

John McLaurin, President of SCI went on to say, “We strive to ensure the perpetuation of wildlife for today and the future.  Sustainable use is the only studied and proven successful way of accomplishing that vision.  The cornerstone of sustainable use is hunters and hunting.”

In attendance were members and representatives from the Professional Hunters Association of South Africa, Gauteng and Northwest Members of the Executive Council, South African Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, and officials from SANBI.

The new office will serve as a regional base for SCI’s operations that fund and support projects across the African continent through the SCI Foundation — including wildlife surveys, anti-poaching programs, and support for rural communities that coexist with all game species. The South Africa office represents a significant step in formalizing SCI’s presence and leadership in the region.

The post Safari Club International Expands Global Presence with New Office in South Africa appeared first on Safari Club.

]]>
SCI 2024 Election Analysis https://safariclub.org/sci-2024-election-analysis/ Wed, 13 Nov 2024 19:55:19 +0000 https://safariclub.org/?p=98633

2024 ELECTIONS ANALYSIS

The results of the 2024 general election are clear: President-elect Trump will be sworn in on January 20 with an electoral mandate, Republican Senate control, and a Republican House of Representatives majority. These sweeping results mean the years ahead present a massive opportunity to press our advantage and make substantial pro-hunter, pro-conservation policy gains for hunters and anglers like never before.

SCI, SCI-PAC, and the Hunter Action Fund (HAF) were heavily involved in races and ballot initiatives in competitive contests across the nation, spending more than $1.3 million nationally.

SCI’s impact during this past election cycle yielded unprecedented success and positively influenced the election’s outcome on behalf of SCI members and sportsmen and women coast to coast.

It’s a great time to be FIRST FOR HUNTERS!

page1image44862512 page1image44860640

Top line Results

  • President Donald J. Trump (R) defeated Vice President Kamala Harris (D), receiving 312 electoral votes and 74.8 million popular votes to her 226 electoral votes and 71.2 million popular votes.
  • Republicans took control of the U.S. Senate by a 53 – 47 margin, with Republican candidates picking up Democrat-held seats across the nation: Dave McCormick (R-PA), Tim Sheehy (R-MT), Jim Justice (R-WV), and Bernie Moreno (R-OH).
  • Republicans have held control of the U.S. House of Representatives by claiming over 218 seats, though results for some races are still pending amid ongoing vote counts.
  • FL & CO Ballot Initiatives: SCI supported Amendment 2 (Right to Fish and Hunt) in Florida, which passed with 67% of the vote. SCI opposed Proposition 127 (Mountain Lion, Bobcat, and Lynx Hunting Ban) in Colorado, which 55% of voters rejected.
  • SCI utilized SCI-PAC, the Hunters’ Action Fund, and SCI digital communications and publications, coupled with earned media responses and editorial engagement, to motivate hunters’ engagement with and participation in this election, plus supplied the membership with a one-stop-shop election center on our site, including: voting information, SCI-PAC endorsements, and a social media took kit.
  • HAF ran statewide radio ads in Pennsylvania and Michigan and targeted digital ads for presidential and House races in MT-01, MI-10, WI-03, and PA-08. We also reached low- propensity GOP voters in Montana with several rounds of pro-Tim Sheehy direct mail. Bumper stickers were distributed to 29 races through SCI’s chapter network.

page1image44862928

Presidential Race

SCI supported President Trump throughout the election due to his outspoken and loyal defense of hunters, anglers, and responsible conservation policies while serving in office and on the campaign trail.

SCI-PAC endorsed him for President, raised donations, and welcomed him to the Hunters’ Embassy on June 13, 2024, to discuss hunting-related issues and the importance of the 2024 election for the outdoor sporting community.

SCI also sponsored a Ruthless Podcast episode and fishing outing in Michigan with then-vice-presidential nominee (now VP-elect) Senator JD Vance (R-OH).

 

U.S. Senate Races

SCI endorsed 15 candidates for the U.S. Senate who have consistently stood up for the rights of hunters and anglers in office, in public life, and on the campaign trail. Only a single SCI-endorsed Senate candidate lost: Mike Rogers, in a very tight race against Elissa Slotkin in Michigan.

SCI hosted a First for Hunters podcast episode with Senator-elect John Curtis (R-UT) and former Secretary of the Interior David Bernhardt to highlight the choice hunters faced in the 2024 election.

Thanks to SCI’s issue and election advocacy and SCI-PAC’s fundraising prowess, Republicans control the Senate chamber 53-47.

 

U.S. House of Representatives Races

SCI endorsed 84 candidates for the U.S. House of Representatives who have consistently supported the rights of hunters and anglers in office, in public life, and on the campaign trail. Of these 84 candidates, an incredible 74 candidates have secured victory in their races. While several races are still counting votes, these results reflect an incredible 90 percent win record for SCI’s endorsement list.

Thanks to SCI’s issue and election advocacy and SCI-PAC’s fundraising prowess, Republicans are poised to control the House as they approach the 218-vote threshold to claim the majority.

 

Ballot Initiatives

SCI successfully engaged in issue advocacy on two high-profile hunting-related ballot initiatives:

 

The post SCI 2024 Election Analysis appeared first on Safari Club.

]]>
Safari Club International Celebrates President Donald Trump’s Victory as a Win for Hunters, Anglers, and Conservation https://safariclub.org/safari-club-international-celebrates-president-donald-trumps-victory-as-a-win-for-hunters-anglers-and-conservation/ Wed, 06 Nov 2024 13:16:57 +0000 https://safariclub.org/?p=97798 Washington, D.C. — Safari Club International (SCI) congratulates President Donald J. Trump on his victory in the 2024 presidential election, marking a crucial win for America’s hunters, anglers, and conservationists.

After the most consequential election in recent memory, SCI is now proud to stand alongside the incoming Trump administration, which will respect America’s outdoor heritage and uphold the principles of responsible wildlife management as President Trump did from 2017 to 2021.

Thank you to all the hunters who went to the polls and voted yesterday! SCI is proud to continue its tireless leadership of always being FIRST FOR HUNTERS.

“This monumental election represents a victory for anyone who believes in conserving our natural resources through sustainable-use practices,” said SCI CEO W. Laird Hamberlin. “With President Trump, we again have a leader in the White House who appreciates the role of hunters and anglers in funding conservation and ensuring the health of wildlife habitats. We look forward to continuing our shared efforts to safeguard access to public lands and uphold America’s hunting legacy.”

“President Trump will listen to hunters’ and anglers’ voices and recognize their contributions to wildlife conservation,” said SCI President John McLaurin. “His administration respects our outdoor heritage, and together, we’ll be able to further pro-hunting and pro-conservation initiatives that benefit not only SCI members but every American who values our nation’s natural landscapes.”

Under President Trump’s leadership, SCI is ready and eager to champion the rights of hunters, anglers, and conservationists, paving the way for continued progress in conservation and responsible land management.

The post Safari Club International Celebrates President Donald Trump’s Victory as a Win for Hunters, Anglers, and Conservation appeared first on Safari Club.

]]>
SCI and Professional Guides & Outfitters Association of Zambia Announce Partnership for Conservation, Ethical Hunting https://safariclub.org/sci-and-professional-guides-outfitters-association-of-zambia-announce-partnership-for-conservation-ethical-hunting/ Mon, 04 Nov 2024 19:36:19 +0000 https://safariclub.org/?p=97676 Washington, D.C.Safari Club International (SCI) and the Professional Guides & Outfitters Association of Zambia (PGOAZ) are pleased to announce a strategic partnership to advance shared objectives in ethical hunting, conservation, and sustainable community engagement for the mutual benefit of both organizations. Through this alliance, SCI and PGOAZ will serve as each other’s “Preferred Conservation Partners,” working together to expand membership, streamline communications, and raise brand awareness.

The partnership’s goals include joint marketing campaigns and educational initiatives to elevate brand recognition and communicate a unified message on hunting and conservation ethics. SCI and PGOAZ will also feature each other in their respective magazines, newsletters, and websites, with logo placements to reinforce this alliance in both organizations’ public profiles.

To strengthen internal collaboration, SCI and PGOAZ will share resources, provide in-service training opportunities for staff development, and offer expertise to support each other’s goals. The partnership also includes initiatives to increase hunting and conservation awareness and engage in policy advocacy where necessary to protect lawful hunting practices and support scientific understanding.

An annual meeting each January between SCI and PGOAZ will provide a dedicated forum for reviewing progress and setting strategic priorities for the year ahead.

“This partnership provides exceptional business, marketing, and membership advantages to both SCI and PGOAZ,” said SCI President John McLaurin. “By combining resources and amplifying our reach, we are not only strengthening our brands but also maximizing our ability to promote ethical hunting and conservation to an even broader audience worldwide.”

“Our partnership with PGOAZ enhances the mission and impact of both organizations,” said SCI CEO W. Laird Hamberlin. “SCI and PGOAZ will jointly amplify each other’s conservation efforts, expand hunter advocacy, and further demonstrate the integral role of ethical hunting in supporting wildlife conservation and communities in the U.S. and around the world.”

“PGOAZ is committed to preserving the integrity of, and respect for, our shared hunting heritage,” said PGOAZ chairperson Sylvia van Staden. “We look forward to joining SCI in this strategic partnership, which will elevate and strengthen our advocacy of sustainable hunting as a highly effective conservation tool.”

Background

For over 50 years, SCI has led the fight to defend the freedom to hunt and promote wildlife conservation worldwide. Based in Washington, D.C., SCI is the only hunting rights organization with a comprehensive national and international advocacy team that represents hunters in U.S. state legislatures, Congress, and on the global stage. SCI’s political and legal advocacy includes supporting pro-hunting legislation, opposing trophy import bans, and leading legal cases defending hunters’ rights, all powered by SCI’s vast grassroots network, political action committees, and international chapter network.

Founded as a non-political, non-racial organization, PGOAZ represents Zambia’s ethical and professional hunting guides and outfitters. PGOAZ is committed to maintaining the highest standards of professionalism, supporting ethical hunting practices, and advocating for the conservation of Zambia’s rich flora and fauna to ensure sustainable hunting for generations to come.

The post SCI and Professional Guides & Outfitters Association of Zambia Announce Partnership for Conservation, Ethical Hunting appeared first on Safari Club.

]]>
Safari Club International Names Adventure Permits International as Preferred CITES Permit Service Provider https://safariclub.org/safari-club-international-names-adventure-permits-international-as-preferred-cites-permit-service-provider/ Fri, 01 Nov 2024 14:36:21 +0000 https://safariclub.org/?p=97392 November 1, 2024, Washington, D.C.Safari Club International (SCI), the leader in advocacy for wildlife conservation and sustainable use hunting, has named Adventure Permits International as its preferred CITES permit service provider. This strategic partnership enhances SCI’s commitment to simplifying the often-complex permitting process for international hunters and conservationists.

Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) permits are crucial for individuals involved in the import or export of wildlife, ensuring compliance with international wildlife trade regulations. Adventure Permits International navigates the intricacies of CITES permits for hunters with a focus on personalized service and compliance with international standards, ensuring a seamless experience for clients looking to transport trophies and other wildlife-related items across borders.

“Adventure Permits International has earned a reputation for providing efficient, reliable, and knowledgeable services to assist in securing these permits,” said John McLaurin, President of Safari Club International. “I look forward to a productive partnership between our two organizations, which will only enhance SCI members’ experience with all wildlife import and export-related matters when traveling abroad.”

“SCI is excited to partner with Adventure Permits International to ensure our members and supporters have access to a trusted service provider for their CITES permit needs,” said W. Laird Hamberlin, CEO offari Club International.“Their expertise will help streamline the process, allowing our community to focus on wildlife conservation and sustainable hunting efforts.”

“We are honored to be named SCI’s preferred CITES permit provider,” said Jerad Dabney, Founder at Adventure Permits International. “API is dedicated to providing top-tier service, and this partnership further strengthens our commitment to the hunting and conservation communities worldwide.”

About Safari Club International:
Safari Club International (SCI) is a global leader in protecting the freedom to hunt and promoting wildlife conservation worldwide. SCI’s members are dedicated to protecting the future of wildlife through responsible management, sustainable use, and public education on the role of hunters in conservation.

About Adventure Permits International:
Adventure Permits International specializes in obtaining CITES permits and other necessary legal documentation for the international transportation of wildlife. The company offers hassle-free solutions for hunters, conservationists, and wildlife enthusiasts.

The post Safari Club International Names Adventure Permits International as Preferred CITES Permit Service Provider appeared first on Safari Club.

]]>
Safari Club International Sponsors ‘Ruthless Podcast’ Fishing Outing and Interview with J.D. Vance https://safariclub.org/safari-club-international-sponsors-ruthless-podcast-fishing-outing-and-interview-with-j-d-vance/ Fri, 11 Oct 2024 18:09:54 +0000 https://safariclub.org/?p=86132 Washington, D.C.—On Thursday, October 3, Safari Club International (SCI) proudly sponsored a Ruthless Podcast fishing outing in Saugatuck, Michigan, with Republican vice-presidential nominee Senator J.D. Vance (R-OH), and son Vivek. The great day out on the water was, of course, followed by an in-depth interview with Senator Vance. 

Attendees representing SCI, including Treasurer Joe Pedersen, Federal Liaison Nick Uberti, and Digital Marketing Specialist Chris LaCivita Jr., facilitated the important discussion during the fishing trip with Senator Vance about the future of conservation, the role of hunting and fishing in public policy, and the significance of sportsmen and women’s involvement in this critical election year.

At the heart of the conversation with Senator Vance on the water and during the interview was a crucial issue on the ballot this year: protecting the rights of sportsmen and women. Senator Vance stressed the need for hunters and anglers to understand the stakes in this election and emphasized how former President Donald Trump expanded hunting and fishing access during his presidency. Senator Vance alsowarned that current Democratic leadership, specifically Vice President Kamala Harris, rolled back those gains.

“People who hunt and fish care the most about conservation – they care about the balance more than people who never spend any real time in the environment,” said Senator Vance. “We want to create the kind of administration that listens to the people most connected to these wildlife management problems and has a pragmatic approach.” 

“I would like to thank Senator Vance for his time and for advocating for pro-hunting, pro-conservation policies in our nation” said SCI Treasurer Joe Pedersen. “Michigan’s 660,000 hunters will play an important role in deciding which candidate wins this November, so make sure to remind your hunting, fishing, and shooting friends to vote or even go together to the polls.” 

“Senator Vance is a steadfast partner of the outdoor sporting community, and we are grateful that he took time out of a busy election season to discuss the issues most important to sportsmen and women across the country,” said SCI CEO W. Laird Hamberlin. “Make no mistake – the right to hunt and fish is on the ballot this year. Sportsmen and women will make the difference in battleground states like Michigan, Pennsylvania, Arizona, and Georgia. We need every hunter and angler to vote on or before November 5th to protect the freedoms we hold dear.”

“SCI has an incredible history of promoting the interests of American sportsmen and women, and we’re so grateful for their sponsorship of the Ruthless variety program with Senator Vance,” said John Ashbrook, co-host of the Ruthless Podcast.

Links:

Ruthless Competition, JD Vance Goes Fishing: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tDalucFrvLg&t=1s

EXCLUSIVE: JD Vance FIRST Post-Debate Interview: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fi3Z6tqVrNw

Background:

For more than 50 years, Safari Club International (SCI) has led efforts to defend the freedom to hunt and promote wildlife conservation worldwide. With a global network of more than 150 chapters, SCI advocates for sportsmen’s rights and sustainable-use wildlife conservation at the national, state, and local levels. SCI’s “Hunters’ Embassy” headquarters in Washington, D.C. serves as a hub for its legislative, legal, and advocacy operations, ensuring the freedom to hunt remains protected for future generations.

For more information, visit www.safariclub.org.

The post Safari Club International Sponsors ‘Ruthless Podcast’ Fishing Outing and Interview with J.D. Vance appeared first on Safari Club.

]]>
Ruthless Competition, JD Vance Goes Fishing nonadult
Safari Club International Forms “Sporting Conservation International” to Unite Outdoor Advocacy Community https://safariclub.org/safari-club-international-forms-sporting-conservation-international-to-unite-outdoor-advocacy-community/ Tue, 08 Oct 2024 13:03:53 +0000 https://safariclub.org/?p=85748 SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS – Today, October 8, Safari Club International is proud to announce the launch of Sporting Conservation International, an inclusive, forward-thinking parent corporation that will protect and advance the conservation of wildlife and wild places by unifying conservation’s most active and passionate stakeholders – hunters, anglers, wildlife scientists, and the men and women around the world who make up the outdoor sporting community – under one roof.

As threats against science-backed conservation and the right to hunt and fish become more severe and global than ever before, Sporting Conservation International will allow affiliate organizations aligned with this critical mission to coalesce under a single corporate entity. In doing so, Sporting Conservation International will be a global powerhouse for advocacy and wildlife conservation, creating a cohesive outdoor sporting community that is better equipped and more resourceful than our opponents.

Sporting Conservation International’s member and affiliated organizations boast an audience of millions of individuals among Safari Club International, Safari Club International Foundation, Texas Trophy Hunters Association, Cinegética, and other aligned entities and companies operating in the U.S. and internationally. Moving forward, any entities that are similarly focused on hunting, angling, shooting sports, conservation, or the outdoor lifestyle are also eligible to become part of Sporting Conservation International. 

Organizations that become part of Sporting Conservation International will retain their brand identity while securing significant operational cost savings and access to additional marketing and sales opportunities at other affiliate organizations’ dozens of conventions and events. For example, one of the first affiliate organizations saved $180,000 in printing and publication costs during its first year after acquisition. 

Importantly, members of Safari Club International will see no changes to the facets of the organization they know and love. For example, Safari Club International’s infrastructure, including the national organization’s relationship with its local chapters and members, will remain unchanged. They will still be part of Safari Club International and enjoy the same autonomy in operations as in the past. Moreover, Safari Club International’s Annual Hunters’ Convention and Ultimate Sportsmen’s Market will remain under the direct control of Safari Club International and will be unchanged by the formation of Sporting Conservation International. 

“United we stand, and divided we fall,” said Safari Club International and Safari Club International Foundation CEO W. Laird Hamberlin. “The formation of Sporting Conservation International is a landmark development for the hunting, shooting, angling, and outdoor life advocacy community. As we converge and build under this new banner, I am thrilled about the victories that lie ahead in the battle to safeguard our rights and ensure responsible wildlife and habitat conservation in the U.S. and around the world.” 

Background:

Sporting Conservation International’s headquarters is co-located with Safari Club International’s office in San Antonio, Texas. Sporting Conservation International is an LLC incorporated in Texas.

For more information, please visit www.sportingconservation.com

The post Safari Club International Forms “Sporting Conservation International” to Unite Outdoor Advocacy Community appeared first on Safari Club.

]]>
Safari Club International, Cinegética Finalize Partnership Agreement https://safariclub.org/safari-club-international-cinegetica-finalize-partnership-agreement/ Mon, 29 Jul 2024 16:27:01 +0000 https://safariclub.org/?p=78904 On July 23, Safari Club International (SCI) and Cinegética, Spain’s largest and most prominent hunting and conservation fair, finalized a new partnership agreement. This critical alliance will expand both SCI and Cinegética’s abilities to promote and defend hunting, the hunting culture, and conservation under the motto, “United for Conservation.”

This agreement marks a momentous step by SCI and Cinegética to join forces as hosts of the preeminent hunting events on both sides of the Atlantic: SCI’s Annual Hunters’ Convention and Ultimate Sportsman’s Market, dubbed the “Super Bowl of the Hunting World,” and Cinegética’s premier hunting and conservation convention.

SCI’s 53rd Annual Hunters’ Convention and Ultimate Sportsman’s Market will take place from January 22 – 25, 2025, in Nashville, Tennessee. Cinegética will hold its 2025 convention from March 20 – 23, 2025, in Ifema (Madrid), Spain.

The SCI–Cinegética partnership is the product of discussions that began more than five years ago. As a result, SCI and Cinegética are joining forces to promote conservation, the hunting lifestyle, and the many additional benefits generated by hunting activities. Both organizations recognized that societal understanding of hunting’s contributions to the conservation of wildlife habitats has rapidly declined, resulting in detrimental short-, medium-, and long-term consequences for responsible management and maintenance of ecosystems and habitats of countless species. 

Background

For over 50 years, Safari Club International (SCI) has been the leader in defending the freedom to hunt and promoting wildlife conservation worldwide. SCI is unique in the scope of our ability to defend and advance our freedom to hunt. SCI is the only hunting rights organization with a Washington, D.C.-based national and international advocacy team and an all-species focus. SCI also mobilizes more than 150 chapters and affiliate networks representing millions of hunters around the world.


The post Safari Club International, Cinegética Finalize Partnership Agreement appeared first on Safari Club.

]]>
SCI Holds May 2024 Board Meeting in Washington, D.C. https://safariclub.org/sci-holds-may-2024-board-meeting-in-washington-d-c/ Thu, 23 May 2024 15:36:12 +0000 https://safariclub.org/?p=75297 Washington, D.C. – Safari Club International (SCI) recently hosted its May 2024 Board of Directors Meeting in Washington, D.C., providing a unique opportunity for SCI Board Members to discuss legislative and regulatory issues affecting hunting and wildlife conservation around the world.  

From May 9 – May 11, SCI Board Members participated in a productive Lobby Day and attended the Board of Directors Reception at The Hunters’ Embassy on Capitol Hill, where they could thank their representatives for supporting hunting rights and brief them on hunting issues in their states. There was also a President’s Dinner on Friday night, which featured remarks by Chris LaCivita, senior advisor to President Donald Trump’s 2024 presidential campaign, on the importance of this year’s election to SCI’s policy priorities.

As SCI enters its 53rd year of being “FIRST FOR HUNTERS,” the organization continues to monitor and lobby on behalf of sportsmen worldwide at every level of government. This Lobby Day, more than 80 SCI Board Members met with 106 Congressional offices on Lobby Day. These meetings proved effective, once again, at educating lawmakers on the issues, and we are immensely grateful for their support.

“This year’s Board of Director’s Meeting was a reflection of the critical role SCI’s staff and membership play in moving the needle on pro-conservation and hunting policies,” said SCI CEO W. Laird Hamberlin. “I want to thank all who were able to join us in our nation’s capital and our allies in Congress committed to protecting wildlife and hunters’ rights. We cannot win these battles without you, and for that, we are grateful.”

During SCI’s May Board Meeting, our leadership confirmed that the issues below are critical to protecting the freedom to hunt and continuing proven sustainable-use conservation policies here and around the world:

  • Supporting a No-Net-Loss policy to maintain or increase hunting and fishing access nationwide, encompassing physical, economic, and informational access to foster responsible stewardship of natural resources.
  • Reform of the Endangered Species Act to better incorporate the vital role of state wildlife management and conservation as well as to allow for better implementation and recognition of successful international conservation efforts.
  • Sustainable conservation funding generated by proven strategies like the Pittman-Robertson model.

In addition, SCI Board Members lobbied in support of the following legislative priorities in the 118th Congress:

  • H.R. 7408: The America’s Wildlife Habitat Conservation Act, introduced by House Resources Chair and former SCI Federal Legislator of the Year Bruce Westerman, would modernize the Endangered Species Act to promote recovery of listed species and invest in state-led wildlife management, empowering states to control management policy for the wildlife within their borders.
  • H.R. 764: The Trust the Science Act requires reissuance of regulations removing the gray wolf from the list of endangered and threatened wildlife under the Endangered Species Act, completing over 20 years of bipartisan efforts to delist recovery wolves. This bill has passed the House, and we encourage the Senate to take up and pass H.R. 764 as soon as possible.
  • H.R. 615/S. 1185: The Protecting Access for Hunters and Anglers Act would prohibit the banning of lead ammunition on public lands without sufficient scientific justification. This bill protects hunter choice and recognizes the lack of scientific evidence to support a broad ban or phaseout of lead ammunition and tackle. This bill has passed the House, and we encourage the Senate to take up and pass S. 1185 as soon as possible.
  • H.R. 6727/S. 618: The US Foundation for International Conservation Act would establish the U.S. Foundation for International Conservation, a public/private funded effort to drive $1 billion towards international conservation over the next five years. The funds are to be directed to nations who, among other stability requirements, direct the money towards improvement efforts such as sustainable use hunting conservation.
  • H.R. 6492/S. 873: The bipartisan Expanding Public Lands Outdoor Recreation Experiences (EXPLORE) Act works to make it easier for disabled hunters to go afield, improve and build public shooting ranges, and reduce barriers for America’s hunters to access public land. This bill has passed the House, and we encourage the Senate to take up and pass its Senate companion, S.873, the America’s Outdoor Recreation Act (AORA).

Lastly, May’s Board Meeting solidified a 5 percent increase in the size of SCI’s chapter network this year. This was celebrated as the board voted to incorporate three brand new chapters:

  1. The SCI Coastal Empire Chapter: A regional chapter in the Savannah, Georgia and Bluffton, South Carolina area with Mr. Tom Potere as the inaugural President.
  2. The SCI Mid-South Chapter: A new chapter representing the Memphis, Tennessee area with Mr. Brent Marcum as the inaugural President.
  3. The SCI Lubbock Sportsman’s Club: A chapter based out of Lubbock, Texas with Mr. Roger Key as the inaugural President.

The post SCI Holds May 2024 Board Meeting in Washington, D.C. appeared first on Safari Club.

]]>