WASHINGTON, D.C. – Last week, House Committee on Natural Resources Chairman Bruce Westerman (R-Ark.) introduced the Endangered Species Act Amendments of 2025.

 

“On behalf of the Alliance of Marine Mammal Parks and Aquariums (AMMPA), I want to express our appreciation for your efforts to review and update the Endangered Species Act (ESA). The legislation is an important first step to ensuring that the ESA as it applies to the work of zoos and aquariums helps rather than hinders the critical conservation work and scientific research done by accredited aquariums, marine parks, and zoos in the U.S.” – Kathleen Dezio, president and CEO, Alliance of Marine Mammal Parks and Aquariums

“Farmers and ranchers play an important role in conservation, and they have long called for a modernized ESA which encourages voluntary programs that focus on species recovery and respects landowners as partners in conservation. We appreciate Chairman Westerman’s work on the Endangered Species Act of 2025, which accommodates both endangered and threatened species protection and human needs.” – Sam Kieffer, vice president of public policy, American Farm Bureau Federation

“The Center for Sportfishing Policy thanks Chairman Westerman for his visionary leadership in advancing much-needed reforms to the Endangered Species Act. For too long, vague and outdated statutes have allowed agencies and courts to impose policies that defy common sense and Congressional intent, creating uncertainty for conservation efforts and industries that rely on responsible resource management. This legislation brings much-needed reforms that prioritize wildlife conservation while ensuring that sound science and local expertise guide the decision-making process. We appreciate Chairman Westerman’s commitment to balancing conservation with responsible access to our natural resources.” – Jeff Angers, president, Center for Sportfishing Policy 

 

“We applaud our former DSC Bull Elephant Legislator of the Year Award recipient Chairman Bruce Westerman for his work on the ESA Amendments Act of 2025. This bill would fix several problems with the Endangered Species Act including recovery of threatened species and the conservation of species abroad while ending unnecessary red tape that has hampered DSC’s efforts to help wildlife.” – Rob McCanna, CEO, Dallas Safari Club

 

“The Endangered Species Act has been weaponized into a costly barrier for U.S. industry while also having little success in recovering species. The minerals industry firmly supports conservation and protection measures; however, it’s clear that stringent regulations don’t promote species recovery. It’s time for commonsense reform that implements practical protections while promoting greater transparency and accountability in recovering listed species. This bill seeks to do just that, and we look forward to working with Congress to ensure this bill is passed into law.” – Chris Greissing, president, Essential Minerals Association 

“The federal government’s significant presence in the Western U.S. presents unique challenges for farmers, ranchers and water managers. This is particularly true with respect to the implementation of the ESA, which impacts the management of land and water throughout the West. The Family Farm Alliance strongly supports the “ESA Amendments Act of 2025”, which modernizes the ESA and its implementing regulations to provide clearer direction to the federal agencies in applying and enforcing the law. We thank Chairman Westerman for his leadership on this important bill.” – Dan Keppen, executive director, Family Farm Alliance

 

“The Forest Landowners Association commends Chairman Westerman for introducing the ESA Amendments Act of 2025. Regulatory certainty and flexibility is critical for landowners to keep their working forests working, and the Endangered Species Act often presents a road block for beneficial forest management. This bill would provide much needed modernization to the ESA to incentivize species recovery and collaborative conservation on private lands while recognizing the host of environmental and economic benefits that working forests provide. We look forward to working with Congressional leadership to streamline the ESA in a way that increases transparency and helps to achieve meaningful conservation outcomes on the ground.” – Scott Jones, CEO, Forest Landowners Association

 

“NAHB commends Chairman Westerman for introducing the ESA Amendments of 2025, legislation that would modernize, clarify and reorient the Endangered Species Act (ESA) closer towards Congress’s original intent. Specifically, the bill would conserve endangered and threatened species, including areas designated as critical habitat, while ensuring that federal regulators who implement the ESA work together with states, local governments and private landowners to resolve land use and or natural resources issues in a collaborative manner. While NAHB members support the goals of the ESA, Westerman’s bill will improve the act by helping to reduce ESA’s unnecessarily burdensome regulatory process, lower the threat of third-party procedural litigation, and ease barriers to constructing new housing for American families.” – Buddy Hughes, chairman, National Association of Home Builders

 

“The ESA was created with the best of intentions but over the years it has morphed into a draconian law that is used to punish ranchers more than it is used for recovering listed species. This has allowed frivolous litigation to skyrocket and politically motivated species listings of recovered predator species to run rampant. The ESA Amendments Act will help bring the ESA back to its original goal of wildlife conservation and will encourage agencies to increase partnerships with producers, not punishments. Currently, the regulatory burden caused by ESA red tape is preventing cattle producers from carrying out voluntary conservation work needed to maintain America’s rangelands and create robust habitat for wildlife. This bill will streamline ESA processes and have them work at the speed of commerce once again. NCBA thanks Chairman Westerman for championing this bill to make commonsense changes to burdensome ESA regulations that will greatly benefit U.S. cattle producers.” – Garrett Edmonds, director of government affairs, National Cattleman’s Beef Association 

 

“The National Endangered Species Act Reform Coalition (NESARC) applauds the introduction of the ESA Amendments Act of 2025 and expresses gratitude to House Natural Resources Committee Chairman Westerman for developing legislation that will offer overdue improvements to the Endangered Species Act (ESA). For over 50 years, the ESA has been one of our nation’s strongest environmental laws. While the original intent of the ESA was to conserve and protect American species of plants and wildlife that are threatened with extinction, the law has been increasingly used to block projects and to deter the legal use of privately owned land. NESARC and its members are committed to promoting effective and balanced legislative and regulatory improvements to the ESA that support the protection of fish, wildlife, and plant populations as well as responsible land, water, and resource management. NESARC looks forward to continuing to work with the champions of this measure as it moves through the legislative process.” – National Endangered Species Act Reform Coalition

 

“Thank you, Chairman Westerman, for addressing the concerns of NHA’s members with the introduction of this bill — one that enshrines long-overdue fixes to the Endangered Species Act (ESA). While this landmark law performs a critical role in protecting our environment, the ESA has been utilized in bad faith to ignore congressional intent while creating detrimental and unnecessary delays in the relicensing of existing hydro facilities, as well as the licensing of new facilities needed to meet growing energy demand. Hydropower is defined by innovations like species passage through-and-around facilities and its ability to provide reliable electricity for all Americans; the resource’s role in environmental stewardship is critical, and it is why NHA applauds this legislation. We urge Congress to pass it quickly.” – Michael Purdie, director or regulatory affairs and markets, National Hydropower Association 

 

“Species protection and habitat recovery can advance alongside responsible resource development. The ESA Amendments Act of 2025 strikes a balance between the increasing need for transparency and accountability of recovery programs, all while providing a pathway to prioritize conservation activities, including those on private lands. This legislation is the result of valuable work by Chairman Bruce Westerman (R-Ark.) and his continued engagement with a broad range of interested stakeholders.” – Richard M. Russell, senior vice president of government and political affairs, National Mining Association

“NRECA applauds the introduction of the ESA Amendments Act of 2025, which takes significant steps in modernizing endangered species protection by improving certainty, transparency, and accountability in the ESA regulatory process. Electric cooperatives are dedicated stewards of their environments, but bear the brunt of expanding agency overreach and navigating a complex regulatory landscape. We appreciate Chairman Westerman’s commitment to ensuring electric co-ops can protect the nation’s natural resources while providing responsible, reliable, and affordable power to America’s rural communities.” – Louis Finkel, Senior Vice President of Government Relations, National Rural Electric Cooperative Association

 

“The National Water Resources Association (NWRA) supports Chairman Bruce Westerman’s ESA Amendments Act of 2025 and believes it is a common-sense approach to balancing species protection with responsible water management. By cutting red tape, improving accountability, and encouraging local solutions, it enhances both conservation and water reliability.” – Greg Morrison, executive vice president, National Water Resources Association

 

“Our members pride themselves on being good stewards of the waterfront and believe species can coexist with navigation infrastructure. This legislation will clarify the environmental baseline and address mitigation issues that have been challenging for permitting vital port maintenance and other economic development projects in our region.” – Neil Maunu, executive director, Pacific Northwest Waterways Association 

 

“Since it was passed into law over 50 years ago, the ESA has become a tool to block conservation on working lands, putting livestock producers’ personal safety and economic stability at risk. The ESA Amendments Act of 2025 will help protect the efficient operation of farms and ranches across the country and restore the ESA’s place as an effective conservation tool, once again that empowers states and land managers to lead balanced wildlife management efforts. The Public Lands Council and ranchers across the West thank Representative Bruce Westerman and all the lawmakers supportive of this legislation to deliver significant regulatory relief to livestock producers.” – Tim Canterbury, president, Public Lands Council

 

“The ESA Amendment Act of 2025 introduces needed reforms to enhance species recovery. By giving greater flexibility to the Fish and Wildlife Service in listing decisions, streamlining permitting, and de-weaponizing litigation, we can transform the ESA into a more effective tool for protecting America’s wildlife. With only 3% of listed species recovered in 50 years, it’s time for a new approach—one that works for both wildlife and people.” – Jonathan Wood, vice president of law and policy, Policy and Environmental Research Center

 

“Five decades of case law informed by radical environmental activists has transformed the Endangered Species Act into a purgatory for wildlife. As sportsmen and women, the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation takes seriously our commitment to wildlife conservation and believes we can and should do better. The ESA Amendments Act represents a positive step towards returning the ESA to its original mission, ensuring already limited resources go towards species recovery, not fighting endless court battles. RMEF thanks Chairman Westerman for his leadership on this bill.” – Kyle Weaver, president and CEO, Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation 

 

“SCI commends Chair Bruce Westerman for introducing the Endangered Species Act (ESA) Amendments Act of 2025. This much-needed legislation will bring the ESA into the 21st century and simultaneously enable Congress’ original intent, especially with respect to flexibility for recovering and recovered species and encouraging foreign conservation. We strongly support the bill’s comprehensive, science-based approach to ESA reform, which aligns U.S. import-export regulations with proven conservation practices.” – Laird Hamberlin, CEO, Safari Club International

 

“The ESA has been broken for decades, hurting landowners and producers while activist lawyers profit from sue-and-settle lawsuits. Real species recovery happens when landowners, conservationists, stakeholders, and state governments collaborate. We appreciate Chairman Westerman for advancing reforms that balance conservation with productive land use.” – Aaron Johnson, vice president of public and legislative affairs, Western Energy Alliance

 

“The Zoological Association of America (ZAA) thanks Chairman Bruce Westerman for his recent proposed ESA Amendments Act of 2025. ZAA is one of the nation’s largest nonprofit zoological and wildlife organizations and our members provide millions of visitors with rewarding educational, conservation, and entertaining experiences. ZAA and its members also contribute millions of dollars to conservation efforts worldwide. Chairman Westerman understands that the primary intent of the ESA was to protect and conserve native species and not to create bureaucratic obstacles to conservation efforts of non-native species. Chairman Westerman’s amendments will restore the ESA to its original purpose and create more opportunities for zoos and aquariums to engage in their valuable ex-situ conservation efforts.” – Dr. Kelly George, executive director, Zoological Association of America

Recently Chris Dorsey interviewed Alaska’s Congressman Nick Begich about his role on the Committee for Natural resources, conservation, and his hunting experiences with his Uncle.

SCI celebrated our annual Hunters’ Convention in Nashville, Tennessee from January 22 to 25, marking our 53rd year. The Convention supports our mission to defend the freedom to hunt and promote wildlife conservation worldwide. We extend a sincere thank you to all members, exhibitors, and donors for making this possible. We also thank the dignitaries and legislators who champion hunting and conservation issues around the world. This year marked true dedication to hunting advocacy, as showcased in these events throughout the week:

Ribbon Cutting: The official opening of the show floor on Wednesday morning was led by SCI leaders and Tennessee Wildlife Director Jason Maxedon. We are proud to call Director Maxedon a champion for hunters’ rights and thank him for his support for our annual Convention. 

Europe Committee: After the board meeting on Thursday, the Europe Committee members gathered for a reception. An invitation was extended to the SCI Board and advocacy invitees. CIC President Harmer addressed the participants regarding future ways to engage more with SCI. Guests also included a member of the European Parliament and a member of the Slovenian Parliament. Finally, the Danish chapter presented their program “Kids in Nature.”

Legal Advocacy: Safari Club International Hosts Two Successful Legal Education Programs in Nashville:

SCI celebrates another successful year of hosting legal education programs at the annual Convention. This year, SCI presented two separate programs, updating more than 80 attorneys and guests from around the country on hot issues in wildlife law and firearms law.

In partnership with the Nashville Bar Association, SCI hosted its 17th Continuing Legal Education program on Current Issues in Wildlife and Hunting Law. The annual CLE provides a unique opportunity for attorneys to fulfill continuing legal education requirements with a program that focuses on the law surrounding sustainable use of wildlife. Topics this year included Marine Mammal Protection Act permitting, predictions for wildlife issues facing the new Trump Administration, and legal challenges to predator control and hunting. The course also offered an ethics hour about the use of AI. About 40 attorneys tuned in online and in-person to engage in conversation on these topics.

As the second program of the week, SCI and the Second Amendment Foundation co-hosted the first Firearms Law CLE, providing two credit hours about the Second Amendment. Presenters from the Second Amendment Foundation, Sportsmen’s Alliance, and the law firm of Snell & Wilmer discussed the use of state law to limit the freedom of speech of firearms manufacturers and sellers; the Supreme Court’s treatment of Second Amendment issues; and the Second Amendment rights of 18- to 20-year-olds. More than 45 attorneys and guests participated.

California Coalition Meeting: On Friday, January 24, the coalition of California Chapters met to discuss issues pertinent to legislative and administrative efforts within the state. California Fish and Game Commissioner Darius Anderson, also the Chapter President of the SCI Wine Country Chapter, attended to discuss ways to engage in sportsmen and women in participating in state wildlife Commission.

Government Affairs Committee Meeting: On Friday, January 24, the Government Affairs Committee (GAC) met, with participants including GAC members, SCI staff, industry partners, and five state and provincial wildlife directors as well as Canadian MP and former SCI International Legislator of the Year award recipient Blaine Calkins. The GAC drives SCI advocacy, discussing key accomplishments and strategies for past, present, and future legislation concerning our hunting rights and responsibilities. Staff also rolled out and explained the SCI Priorities for the Trump Administration to support and advance hunting and sustainable-use conservation.

Hunter Action Fund Luncheon: The Hunter Action Fund (HAF) is SCI’s super PAC and the only super PAC in the country wholly dedicated to supporting congressional champions for hunting and activating pro-hunting voters. This year’s luncheon and auction, HAF’s annual fundraiser, raised significant funding to protect the freedom to hunt. It was hosted at Martins Bar-B-Que, a new venue for the event, and included live music from country music star Chase Rice. And for the first time, SCI auctioned an additional item in the Friday evening auction for HAF, placing HAF fundraising before a larger crowd. SCI’s advocacy team thanks all of the donors and sponsors for their support.

State Wildlife Agencies Directors’ Forum: On Friday afternoon, SCI hosted a State Wildlife Agency Director’s Forum. The forum’s main focus was on elections and transitioning to a new federal administration. Seven state and provincial wildlife directors and assistant directors, covering the continent from Alaska to Alabama, attended the forum in front of a packed room that was moderated by Chris Tymeson, SCI’s Deputy Director of Advocacy. The directors answered questions related to possible federal congressional and administration changes and the impacts on hunters and hunting. The directors also identified areas where hunters can assist their agencies, and concerns moving into the future. SCI thanks the state and provincial directors and assistant directors from Alabama, Alaska, Alberta, Louisiana, Michigan, Missouri, and Virginia for participating in the forum. Also in attendance was Congressman Troy Downing (R-MT 02).

 

CSF Reception: SCI thanks the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation for once again hosting a reception at Convention and for their longstanding partnership in protecting hunters’ rights. 

SCI-PAC: On Friday, SCI hosted a reception to celebrate the success and ongoing work of SCI-PAC, the largest sportsmen-led political action committee in America. Joined by a group of federal legislators, attendees heard about the work of SCI-PAC from SCI Federal Liaison Nick Uberti, and the importance of political involvement directly from our champions in Congress. SCI thanks Congressmen Troy Downing (R-MT 02), John Rose (R-TN 06), and Nick Begich (R-AK) for their remarks at the reception.

Friday Awards Night: Zoltán Kovács, Hungary’s state secretary for international communications and relations at the Prime Minister’s Office, received SCI’s International Legislator of the Year award. Kovács paid tribute to Hungarian professionals, foresters, hunters and nature conservationists who ensure that “Hungary remains a stronghold of common-sense nature conservation and the preservation of traditional hunting values in Europe.” In addition, SCI’s entire Advocacy Team was presented with the President’s Award for their outstanding efforts this past year.

Alaska Meeting: On Saturday morning, SCI members and exhibitors from Alaska gathered to discuss key issues of hunting and fishing access. This annual forum allows members to raise concerns and to hear about what SCI and their Congressional leadership are doing. The meeting was moderated by SCI Deputy President-Elect Mike Crawford and moderated by SCI Alaska Chapter President John Sturgeon. SCI Kenai Chapter President Ted Spraker also presented, as did SCI Litigation Associate Madie Demaske. Senator Dan Sullivan (R-AK) opened the meeting by calling in from DC, where the Senate was still in session. Representative Nick Begich (R-AK) closed out the meeting with a presentation and by taking questions from the constituents.

Women Go Hunting: Several hundred women participated in SCI’s Women Go Hunting (WGH) program this year, visiting the WGH booth to participate in the free sweepstakes and attending the annual “Ladies Mix & Mingle” event. This year, Legends Ranch supported the WGH initiative by donating three Women’s Learn-to-Hunt packages, giving six women the opportunity to learn hunting basics and a complete “field to table” experience at the Ranch. For the first time, WGH conducted a silent auction raising $8,850 thanks to Jorrie Jewelry, the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, and Kristie Titus and Western Sky Outfitters for their generous donations. This year’s “Mix & Mingle” brought several hundred women to the Omni Hotel to listen to Secretary of the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Madison Sheahan speak on the role of women in hunting and conservation and to network with other women. Enthusiastic feedback onsite and in social media indicate positive engagement with women of all experience levels and a desire to participate in SCI programs. Special thanks to Secretary Sheahan and to our generous donors!

International Range States Representation: Representatives from six range states and Canada met with U.S. Representative Troy Downing (R-MT 02) and staff from the office of Representative Mike Rulli (R-OH) to discuss international wildlife conservation issues. Federal laws can damage range state reliance on sustainable-use conservation to fund wildlife management and ensure the support of local stakeholders for large wildlife populations. This meeting allows for dialogue and coalition-building between these countries and the U.S. Congress.

SCI Celebrates Another Year of Partnership with Federal Agencies at Convention

SCI thanks the federal agency representatives who attended and educated SCI members at this year’s Convention in Nashville, Tennessee. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) attended and staffed a booth to answer the questions of SCI members who hunt internationally and seek permits to import trophies. FWS staff included representatives from the divisions that review permit applications and the Office of Law Enforcement, which inspects animal imports at U.S. ports. For the first time this year, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) also staffed a booth. CBP also inspects shipments under the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) regulations. Representatives from the USDA’s Veterinary Services program also attended. Hunters, taxidermists, and many others spent a significant amount of time visiting these booths and resolving their concerns! FWS and CBP staff also hosted a seminar on import permit regulations, further educating SCI members. An audience of more than 30 people engaged in a conversation that will make importing hunting trophies more efficient for all involved.

Finally, representatives from the USDA National Feral Swine Damage Management Program presented on how that program helps control feral swine around the country with the overarching goal to protect agricultural, natural resources, property, animal health, and human health and safety by managing damage caused by feral swine in the United States and its territories. More than 20 SCI members and private property owners attended the seminar to learn and offer feedback to improve the program’s administration.

SCI thanks all the federal agencies that made time in their packed schedules to participate in Convention. We look forward to continuing these partnerships!

Saturday Night Banquet: On Saturday, January 25, SCI hosted a sold-out celebration honoring some of the most distinguished names in the hunting community. The evening kicked off with the prestigious “Grand Slam Club/Ovis Pantheon Award” presented to Al Maki, Larry Higgins, and Craig Willis, followed by the “Young Hunter Award” to Lea Lindsay, the “Diana Award” to Claudia Tagiaferri, and the “Hall of Fame Award” to Miguel Estade. Following the awards, SCI’s thrilling auction captivated the crowd with exclusive hunts, fine jewelry, and breathtaking artwork. One of the night’s showstoppers? A ten-day Alaskan brown and black bear hunt that was auctioned off to help SCI’s Advocacy efforts around the world. A big thank you to everyone who participated as well as to Senator Dan Sullivan (R-AK) and Representative Troy Downing (R-MT 02) who were also in attendance.

Advocacy Awards: SCI is proud to announce the SCI International Legislator of the Year, Federal Legislator of the Year, State Legislator of the Year, and Governor of the Year. These recipients were chosen to receive these prestigious awards for the work they have done protecting hunting opportunities and in promoting hunting’s role in wildlife management and conservation.

• International Legislator of the Year: Zoltán Kovács, Secretary of State of International Communication and Relations. Dr. Zoltan is a devoted hunter and supporter of the hunting industry. From 2020 to 2022, he was commissioner of FeHoVa, the largest Carpathian hunting fair. In 2021, he was the governmental commissioner for hosting the World Hunting and Nature Expo. During the Hungarian EU presidency (July-December 2024) he managed not to highlight the negative aspects of hunting in the political agenda and to push the pro-hunting legislation.
• Federal Legislator of the Year: Senator John Curtis (UT) has represented Utah’s 3rd Congressional District since 2017 and is now answering the call to become Utah’s next U.S. Senator. John is a true outdoorsman who has been a dedicated steward of Utah’s public lands in Congress, consistently defending public land for recreation and multiple use as Vice Chair of the Federal Lands Subcommittee. Prior to his election to federal government, John designed and built shooting ranges around the world for law enforcement training and ran a lean, effective, and wildly popular government as Mayor of Provo, Utah where he enjoyed a 94% approval rating and was named the “Top Elected Official on Social Media” in 2015. During his time as mayor John was recognized as Silicon Slopes Community Hero, UVU’s Civic Innovator Award and Person of the Year by Utah Valley Magazine. John is an avid outdoorsman and a former exhibitor at SCI’s Convention. He has been married to his wife Sue for 41 years and together they have 6 children and 16 grandchildren.
• State Legislator of the Year: Representative Lauren Melo (R-FL-80) is the SCI 2024 State Legislator of the Year. As a legislator, Representative Melo has consistently championed the protection of fundamental rights, including the right to hunt and fish and the Second Amendment, while prioritizing the reduction of red tape to enhance economic growth in Florida. Representative Melo introduced HJR 1157 (also known as Amendment 2 on the 2024 general election ballot) to protect Floridians’ right to hunt and fish and designate hunting and fishing as the preferred means of wildlife management in the state. Despite early challenges and discouragement from other political forces, Representative Melo’s tireless advocacy and determination resulted in overwhelming bipartisan support for HJR 1157 and its companion Senate bill, which respectively passed both chambers with only one dissenting vote and was affirmed by the voters in November.
• Governor of the Year and Courage Under Fire Award: Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry. Safari Club International thanks Governor Landry for his dedication in preserving the rights and interests of sportsmen, defending Louisiana’s traditions and values, and enhancing conservation in his state. In 2024, Governor Landry signed several pivotal pieces of legislation benefiting Louisiana’s outdoorsmen and firearms owners, cementing his legacy as a leader in protecting the freedom to hunt, including HB 684, marking a major victory for the state’s hunters and conservationists by preventing the unnecessary relisting of the Louisiana Black Bear on the Federal Endangered Species list and establishing a black bear hunting season—the first in over 40 years. The Louisiana Black Bear stands as a prime example of how legislative, legal, and scientific efforts can come together to conserve wildlife, all due to Governor Landry’s leadership. Additionally, Governor Landry’s distinguished career of public service is underscored by his deep patriotism and dedication to the people of Louisiana. His military service in the Louisiana National Guard, his tenure as both a sheriff’s deputy and police officer, and his time as a U.S. Representative and Louisiana Attorney General reflect his unwavering commitment to public safety and the preservation of American liberties.

Recognizing our State and Federal Champions: SCI would like to recognize and thank the various state elected officials who attended the SCI Convention for their continual support of hunting on the state level. These champions, and many others, are crucial in the effort to protect the freedom to hunt in the states. From Tennessee: U.S. Representative John Rose, State Rep. Chris Todd, State Rep. Chris Hunt, State Rep. Tandy Darby, State Rep. Rusty Grills, State Rep. Kip Capley, State Rep. Jeremy Faison. From Arkansas: U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan, U.S. Rep. Nick Begich. From Montana: U.S. Rep. Troy Downing. From North Carolina State Rep. Jay Adams.

Be sure to catch the full recap video here – and we’ll see you at next year’s Convention from February 18 to 21, 2026!

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Safari Club International (SCI) congratulates former Governor Doug Burgum (R-ND) on his confirmation as U.S. Secretary of the Interior. With a strong record of executive leadership and a deep appreciation for America’s hunting heritage, Secretary Burgum is the ideal champion for the rights of sportsmen and women across the country and a trustworthy steward of sound conservation policies rooted in science and sustainable use principles.

 

As the leading voice for hunters and anglers on Capitol Hill and the nation at large, SCI looks forward to working with Secretary Burgum and the Trump administration to ensure the Department of the Interior implements critical reforms that will enhance access to public lands, modernize wildlife conservation policies, and strengthen partnerships at the federal, state, and international levels. SCI’s key policy priorities include:

 

• Protecting public access to hunting, fishing, and recreational shooting on federal lands while ensuring guided opportunities on public lands remain available.
• Modernizing the Endangered Species Act by delisting recovered species like gray wolves and grizzly bears, allowing federal resources to focus on genuinely at-risk species.
• Defending hunters’ rights by maintaining access to traditional ammunition and fishing tackle.
• Strengthening state-federal collaboration in wildlife management by improving intergovernmental consultation processes and reducing unnecessary litigation.
• Supporting global conservation efforts by engaging with international partners, particularly in regions like Southern Africa, to enhance sustainable-use programs that benefit local communities and wildlife.

 

“With Secretary Burgum at the helm of the Department of the Interior, we have a leader who understands the importance of protecting America’s hunting traditions while advancing science-based conservation,” said SCI CEO W. Laird Hamberlin. “SCI is eager to partner with President Trump and his administration to expand hunting access, reform outdated regulations, and defend the rights of sportsmen and women across the country.”

 

“Secretary Burgum’s confirmation is a win for every hunter and angler who values access to our public lands and responsible wildlife management,” said SCI President John McLaurin. “We look forward to working with the Department of the Interior to safeguard America’s outdoor heritage and ensure all citizens can go afield free from the kind of crippling regulations that were commonplace with the previous White House.”

Background:

For over 50 years, SCI has been the leader in defending the freedom to hunt and promoting wildlife conservation worldwide. SCI is unique in the scope of its ability to defend and advance the 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.

SCI’s Hunters’ Embassy, located just steps from Capitol Hill, is the nerve center for pro-hunting advocacy in Washington, D.C. SCI’s federal team engages directly with lawmakers, federal agencies, and key decision-makers to influence policies that protect hunting access, strengthen conservation efforts, and defend the rights of sportsmen and women. Through SCI-PAC and the Hunter Action Fund, SCI supports elected officials who champion pro-hunting legislation, ensuring that the voices of millions of hunters are heard at the highest echelons of government.