Oxford University’s Lion Efforts Supported by DSC

DALLAS – DSC is a financial supporter of lion conservation efforts by Oxford University, the prestigious institution responsible for collaring and studying the lion infamously poached near Hwange National Park in Zimbabwe. In 2013-14, DSC awarded $20,000 in grants to Oxford for lion initiatives in and around Ruaha National Park in Tanzania. In a grant request to DSC, Oxford researchers said the Ruaha area supports over 10 percent of the world’s remaining lions. However, populations are threatened by intensifying conflicts with livestock owners. Local hostility toward lions and other large carnivores results in the highest depredation mortality rates in East Africa, usually via spears or poisons. Over 30 lions were killed near one village in 2011 – truly a major conservation issue. Researchers from Oxford launched the Ruaha Carnivore Project. Granted funds from DSC were used to build predator proof enclosures for holding livestock overnight, provide veterinary medicines to reduce additional livestock losses from diseases, and educate communities about the value of lions. Joining DSC in support for this effort were British Airways, National Geographic and several zoos and foundations. Since launching in 2009, the Ruaha Carnivore Project has used these and other strategies to help reduce indiscriminate lion killing by 75 percent in the core study area. Researchers say over 70 percent of villagers now see benefit from the project’s activities. Over the past five years, DSC has granted more than $5 million for various conservation, education and hunter advocacy efforts worldwide. Many of these grants were awarded for lion research and conservation initiatives.

About Dallas Safari Club (DSC) Formally introduced in 2015 as an official member of the IUCN, the United Nations’ International Union for the Conservation of Nature, DSC is increasingly recognized as an international leader in conservation. DSC’s mission is conserving wildlife and wilderness lands, educating youth and the general public, and promoting and protecting the rights and interests of hunters worldwide. Get involved at www.biggame.org.

Texas Right-to-Hunt Bill Clears Senate

DALLAS – A bill offering constitutional protections for hunting and fishing in Texas has passed the state Senate by a vote of 27-3 – well above the two-thirds majority required for passage. DSC is toasting the landslide as a strong step toward ensuring Texans’ right to hunt and fish as the preferred method of managing and conserving wildlife. The measure now moves to the House of Representatives. A vote is expected within the next few weeks. A two-thirds majority vote in the House would place the question on the November ballot. Sen. Brandon Creighton (R-Conroe), who authored SJR 22, announced Senate passage shortly after the April 1 vote. The announcement explained: “The ‘Right to Hunt & Fish’ proposed constitutional amendment does not affect the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department’s ability to collect hunting and fishing license fees and is strongly endorsed and supported by the National Rifle Association, Dallas Safari Club and over 60 sportsmen’s organizations representing 3.3 million avid outdoorsmen.”  Ben Carter, DSC executive director, added, “This measure protects hunting and fishing, but it’s more than that. Because hunters and anglers contribute more to conservation than any other group of Texans, this legislation also extends benefits to wildlife, wild places, aquatic habitats and species of all kinds – even those not pursued by hunters and anglers. Everyone who appreciates wildlife should be supportive.” Rep. Trent Ashby (R-Lufkin) introduced a companion measure, HJR 61, in the House. Carter wrote a newspaper opinion-editorial about the economic and other benefits that could stem from Creighton and Ashby’s legislative efforts. The op-ed appeared in the Ft. Worth Star-Telegram,Corpus Christi Caller-Times and Tyler Morning Telegraph. Eighteen states have added similar versions of this amendment to their constitutions. New Rules for Traveling with Firearms U.S. hunters and sport shooters who travel abroad could be impacted by newly implemented rules on temporary export of firearms and ammunition. DSC members first encountered and reported the change in mid-March. Previously, an individual traveling internationally with a firearm was required to visit a Customs office and complete a Customs Form 4457. This process proved that the individual owned the firearm prior to going abroad. The form was presented upon return to the U.S., thus protecting the individual from paying import duties. In 2012, the State Department quietly changed the rule and is now, apparently, beginning to enforce it. Individuals now are required to declare firearms through an online process designed for use by businesses. DSC is working with the National Rifle Association and other concerned groups to sort out the new procedures. More info is posted here. The Bipartisan Sportsmen’s Act of 2015 Along with a large coalition of sporting and conservation organizations, DSC continues to actively support the Bipartisan Sportsmen’s Act of 2015 (S. 405). Introduced by Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Jim Risch (R-Idaho), Joe Manchin III (D-W.Va.), Deb Fischer (R-Neb.) and Heidi Heitkamp (D-N.D.), S. 405 is a package of measures that will expand, enhance and protect America’s hunting, fishing and conservation heritage. In mid-March, committees heard supportive testimony from Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation President Jeff Crane, as well as opposition from Humane Society of the United States President and CEO Wayne Pacelle. About Dallas Safari Club (DSC) Desert bighorns on an unbroken landscape, stalking Cape buffalo in heavy brush, students discovering conservation. DSC works to guarantee a future for all these and much more. An independent organization since 1982, DSC has become an international leader in conserving wildlife and wilderness lands, educating youth and the general public, and promoting and protecting the rights and interests of hunters worldwide. Get involved at www.biggame.org.

Feds Approve Rhino Permit

DALLAS – A Texas hunter has received from the U.S. government a permit to bring home the taxidermy from a planned hunt for a black rhino in Namibia. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service – which administers the Endangered Species Act and regulates Americans’ associated activities – approved the import permit based on the scientific and financial validity of the rhino hunt. Read the agency’s announcement. DSC, the conservation organization that auctioned the hunt in early 2014, says the federal approval is vindication for biologists in Africa who prescribed the hunt as way to grow rhino populations. Aged, non-breeding male rhinos are known to charge and kill younger bulls, cows and even calves. This behavior, well documented in scientific literature, jeopardizes the future of a herd. Removing these animals enhances herd productivity. DSC auctioned the permit for $350,000 – reportedly the highest price ever paid for a big-game hunting permit in Africa – with 100 percent of proceeds going to Namibia for rhino conservation, habitat and anti-poaching initiatives. “Animal rights extremists bashed the scientists, threatened the buyer and harassed DSC. Now that the world’s leading conservation agency has approved the hunt as a way to help rhino populations, and issued an import permit, I hope some of the naysayers will make an effort to actually understand what they were protesting,” said Ben Carter, DSC executive director. To help, DSC has posted some myths and facts about “trophy hunting.” Namibia is authorized to sell up to five rhino hunting licenses a year. With hunting as part of its management plan, and with associated funds to fuel conservation and law enforcement programs, Namibia’s black rhino population has grown from 60 animals in 1966 to about 1,500 today. The rhino hunt may be scheduled for later this year or even 2016. Carter commended the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for its professionalism throughout the permitting process and public comment period. About Dallas Safari Club (DSC) Desert bighorns on an unbroken landscape, stalking Cape buffalo in heavy brush, students discovering conservation. DSC works to guarantee a future for all these and much more. An independent nonprofit organization since 1982, DSC has become an international leader in conserving wildlife and wilderness lands, educating youth and the general public, and promoting and protecting the rights and interests of hunters worldwide. Get involved at www.biggame.org.

DSC Backs Sportsman’s Act, Texas Right-to-Hunt Bill

DALLAS – Two legislative measures – one federal, one state – are at the center of DSC’s legislative activities in March. The Bipartisan Sportsmen’s Act of 2015 A coalition of 47 sporting and conservation organizations, including DSC, is actively supporting the Bipartisan Sportsmen’s Act of 2015 (S.405). Recently introduced by Congressional Sportsmen’s Caucus members Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Jim Risch (R-Idaho), Joe Manchin III (D-W.Va.), Deb Fischer (R-Neb.) and Heidi Heitkamp (D-N.D.), S.405 is a package of measures that will expand, enhance and protect America’s hunting, fishing and conservation heritage. “DSC helped shape several of the Act’s provisions, especially the Polar Bear Conservation and Fairness Act, which would correct unjust government takings of legally acquired property,” said Ben Carter, DSC executive director. He explained, “Forty-one bears were taken in 2008 immediately prior to the species being listed under the Endangered Species Act. Listing meant the hides could not be imported to the U.S. This provision would allow the hides to be released to those 41 hunters.” Although similar packages of measures have failed to advance in the previous two Congresses, Carter hopes the renewed, broad showing of support from organizations representing millions of hunters and anglers will lead to expeditious committee and floor consideration of S.405.   Texas Right to Hunt & Fish Constitutional Amendment Support continues to grow for DSC-backed bills (HJR61/SJR22) proposing constitutional protections for hunting and fishing in Texas. Last week, the bills were discussed without opposition at a meeting of state-based outdoor groups. A sign-on letter is now circulating. Currently, 18 states have similar amendments in their constitutions. The measures, authored by Rep. Trent Ashby (R-Lufkin) in the Texas House of Representatives and Sen. Brandon Creighton (R-Conroe) in the Texas State Senate, would put the amendment question before Texas voters on the November ballot. The bill could advance to the House and Senate floors within the next month and passage will require a two-thirds majority in both chambers. Ashby said, “I was pleased to work with DSC and other stakeholders on this important piece of legislation. Hunting and fishing is a fundamental right which Texans hold dear, and ensuring our future generations of Texans access to this tradition is essential.” “We applaud Rep. Ashby for introducing this important bill,” said Carter. “Our club was proud to help with the development of the language, and we’re anxious to do everything we can to help it move forward. This is a measure to help ensure the future of Texas’ rich sporting traditions, outdoor heritage and effective fish and wildlife conservation.” Carter thanked DSC lobbyists Glenn LeMunyon, Walt Smith and Milam Mabry for their continued efforts on these and other measures of importance to DSC members.   About Dallas Safari Club (DSC) Desert bighorns on an unbroken landscape, stalking Cape buffalo in heavy brush, students discovering conservation. DSC works to guarantee a future for all these and much more. An independent organization since 1982, DSC has become an international leader in conserving wildlife and wilderness lands, educating youth and the general public, and promoting and protecting the rights and interests of hunters worldwide. Get involved at www.biggame.org.

DSC Finds Outstanding Hunter on Staff

DALLAS – A committee of DSC volunteers selected DSC Executive Director Ben Carter as the 2015 recipient of the organization’s Outstanding Hunting Achievement Award. Carter, at the helm of DSC since 2007, recently completed a 30-year quest to collect in fair chase all 28 species of North American big game. Twenty-four of these specimens are record-class. Carter also has hunted in Africa numerous times, South America, Asia and New Zealand. “We’re fortunate to have a leader with that kind of indelible, personal connection to hunting and conservation – because preserving that lifestyle is what DSC is really all about,” said Chris Hudson, DSC president. During Carter’s tenure, DSC’s annual convention and expo has seen major growth in fundraising for wildlife, habitat, research, anti-poaching initiatives, youth education and defending hunters’ rights worldwide. Since 2009, net funding for grants has grown 870 percent. Carter graduated from the University of Texas at Austin with a degree in marketing. He owned and operated a successful home construction company, and volunteered for DSC, for many years before accepting the top staff position. Since then, Carter also has served as a director, committee member or professional member of the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation, Wild Sheep Foundation, Texas Bighorn Society, Boone and Crockett Club, Texas Outdoor Partners, American Wildlife Conservation Partners and Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership. DSC has presented the Outstanding Hunting Achievement Award annually since 1981. The award recognizes special accomplishments in big game hunting. Numerous honorees, like Carter, were selected for collecting the “Super Slam of North American Big Game.” Dr. Robert Speegle presented a bronze sculpture to Carter during the DSC convention in January.   About Dallas Safari Club (DSC) Desert bighorns on an unbroken landscape, stalking Cape buffalo in heavy brush, students discovering conservation. DSC works to guarantee a future for all these and much more. An independent organization since 1982, DSC has become an international leader in conserving wildlife and wilderness lands, educating youth and the general public, and promoting and protecting the rights and interests of hunters worldwide. Get involved at www.biggame.org.

DSC Convention Hits Trophy Scores

DALLAS – Receipts are counted, gate figures tallied. By every metric used to score events, the 2015 DSC convention and expo is going into the books as a record-setter. And it’s all translating to record funding for conservation, education and hunters’ rights worldwide.The event netted $1.4 million for this year’s DSC grants, to be announced soon, plus $1 million especially for the groundbreaking youth education program, Outdoor Adventures. DSC’s mission-related fundraising and effectiveness have been steadily rising: 2015 – $1,400,000 + $1 million for youth education 2014 – $1,256,000 + $350,000 for black rhino conservation 2013 – $1,010,000 2012 – $998,000 2011 – $702,000 2010 – $577,000 2009 – $247,000 “We’re pleased with our growth, grateful to our supporters and determined to keep making our show better than the one before,” said Ben Carter, DSC executive director. “Over the past five years, we’ve raised more than $6.7 million to benefit wildlife and preserve traditional sporting lifestyles. That’s an amazing figure. And it’s a powerful statement about the passion of our members, supporters and volunteers.” Other interesting figures from the 2015 DSC convention and expo: Total attendance over the four days was just over 45,000, a new record. Record DSC membership sales with nearly 800 newcomers, bringing the club’s total membership to 6,300 (about 60 percent of DSC members are from outside of Texas). Record 1,000-plus exhibitors, who rented 1,730 booth spaces filling 850,000 square feet. Most-ever on-site booth renewals for next year’s show, with 60 percent of 2015 exhibitors signing contracts and paying in advance for 2016. More than 600 companies now on a waiting list to exhibit at future DSC expos. About 150 booth spaces will be added for the 2016 event. Most have already been acquired by existing exhibitors. Record number of tickets sold (1,400) for DSC’s final night banquet and auction. Record attendance at the prestigious Weatherby Award banquet hosted by Weatherby Foundation International. One of the most memorable highlights of the DSC convention was raising $1 million in one minute for Outdoor Adventures, a Texas-borne program that introduces students to traditional outdoor activities. The curriculum is now being taught in more than 170 secondary schools – many of them public – across Texas and in a growing number of other states. DSC is a longtime sponsor of the program, administered by the Dallas Ecological Foundation. Convention sponsors for 2015 include Sports Afield, Shikar Safaris, Trijicon, EuroOptic, Boyt Harness Co., Yamaha Motor Corp. USA, Hornady, The Hunting Consortium, Bass Pro Shops, Carl Zeiss Sports Optics, The Wildlife Gallery, Capital Farm Credit, Rungwa Game Safaris, Blaser USA, Legendary Consortium, Sovereign Bank, Global Rescue, David R. Oakes CIMA, Ruger, Capt. Peacock Yachts and Expeditions, and many others. The 2016 DSC convention and expo will be Jan. 7-10 at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center and Omni Dallas Hotel. More info is available at www.biggame.org.

About Dallas Safari Club (DSC) Desert bighorns on an unbroken landscape, stalking Cape buffalo in heavy brush, students discovering conservation. DSC works to guarantee a future for all these and much more. An independent nonprofit organization since 1982, DSC has become an international leader in conserving wildlife and wilderness lands, educating youth and the general public, and promoting and protecting the rights and interests of hunters worldwide. Get involved at www.biggame.org.

Texas’ Biggest Showcase of Hunting, Conservation: Jan. 15-18

DALLAS – The Dallas Safari Club (DSC) convention and expo – Texas’ biggest showcase of hunting, sporting and outdoor adventure – is set for Jan. 15-18.

The public-welcome event, set in downtown Dallas at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center and Omni Hotel Dallas, also is one of America’s premier fundraisers for conservation. Over the past five years, it has generated more than $4.5 million for wildlife programs, public education and hunter advocacy worldwide.

In the Dallas region, it trails only the HP Byron Nelson Golf Championship in raising funds for worthy causes, according to the Dallas Business Journal.

“Last year we hosted a record 43,000 people. Together, we raised more than $1 million for wildlife, plus another $350,000 specifically for black rhino populations in Namibia,” said DSC Executive Director Ben Carter. “We’re thinking even bigger for 2015 because all attendance predictors, including advance sales of registrations and room blocks, are up from last year.”

The expo (daily admission $20 per person, with multi-day and family discount packages available) offers 2015’s first opportunity to shop for hunts with top outfitters from around the globe. Displays also include world-class sporting gear, firearms, art, collectibles, entertainment, seminars, auctions and more. Together, attractions cover the space of nearly nine football fields.

For registered attendees, additional events, galas, awards and fundraisers are available. See details at www.biggame.org.

Other highlights:

• Returning from its inaugural year in conjunction with the DSC convention and expo, Weatherby Foundation International will present its prestigious Weatherby Award.

• Presentations of the esteemed Conklin Award, Capstick Award and others.

• Exhibits from top conservation organizations, outfitter associations and Texas Parks and Wildlife Dept.

• Daily seminars by authorities in hunting, conservation, wildlife management and more.

• American Custom Gunmakers Guild exhibits, demonstrations and member events.

• Special attractions in a section of the show called “Wingshooter’s World” with Quail Coalition.

• Unique taxidermy exhibits throughout the expo hall.

• Public-welcome, volunteer-driven, family-friendly atmosphere—all for a great cause.

Sponsors include Sports Afield, Shikar Safaris, Trijicon, EuroOptic, Boyt Harness Co., Yamaha Motor Corp. USA, Hornady, The Hunting Consortium, Bass Pro Shops, Carl Zeiss Sports Optics, The Wildlife Gallery, Capital Farm Credit, Rungwa Game Safaris, Blaser USA, Legendary Consortium, Sovereign Bank, Global Rescue, David R. Oakes CIMA, Ruger, Capt. Peacock Yachts and Expeditions, and many others.

 

About Dallas Safari Club (DSC)

Desert bighorns on an unbroken landscape, stalking Cape buffalo in heavy brush, students discovering conservation. DSC works to guarantee a future for all these and much more. An independent nonprofit organization since 1982, DSC has become an international leader in conserving wildlife and wilderness lands, educating youth and the general public, and promoting and protecting the rights and interests of hunters worldwide. Get involved at http://www.biggame.org.

U.S. Officials: Trophy Hunting Can Help Save African Lions

DALLAS – In a new proposal to list the African lion as a threatened species, U.S. officials acknowledge that lawful hunting is a tool that can help save the species from extinction. Dallas Safari Club (DSC) is encouraging its members to keep hunting lions, but be selective.

Science shows that hunting older male lions has no long-term effect on the sustainability of lion populations.

Meanwhile, the money spent by lion hunters – $50,000 is common for a single hunt – buoys many local conservation efforts as well as economies in Africa. Without paying hunters, lions often are seen merely as cattle killers to be shot on sight.

“As with many species in Africa, hunting gives lions a tangible value that is irreplaceable in impoverished communities,” said Ben Carter, DSC executive director. “The precedent is clear: In Africa, when hunting goes away, so does the wildlife. We’re pleased that the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has recognized that fact.”

The agency identified three main threats currently facing African lions: habitat loss, loss of prey base and increased human-lion conflicts.

In its proposal to list the African lion as a threatened species, which could take effect by 2016, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service also is proposing a permitting process for the importation of sport-hunted lion trophies, provided they originate from countries with scientifically sound management plans. That’s an incentive for hunters that allows the U.S. to “leverage a greater level of conservation than may otherwise be available,” said agency director Dan Ashe.

In a press conference, Ashe added, “…I want to be clear that lions are not in trouble because of responsible sport hunting. In fact, the evidence shows that scientifically sound conservation programs that include limited well-managed sport hunting can and do contribute to the long-term survival of the species. U.S. hunters, the majority of whom strongly support sustainable game management, make up a disproportionately large share of foreign hunters who book trophy hunts in Africa. And that gives us a powerful tool to support countries managing their lion populations in a sustainable manner. And a strong incentive for other nations to strengthen their management programs.”

But revenue is only part of the picture. Lion populations themselves also must be sustained for the future, and trophy hunting can help with that, too.

To help implement best practices urged by the agency, DSC in 2015 is launching a series of special seminars to teach how to field-judge and age African lions. The first seminar, to be held in partnership with Tanzanian wildlife officials, will be in Arusha before next hunting season.

Carter said, “Our goal is teaching DSC members, other hunters, guides and professional hunters across Africa to better recognize age characteristics of lions, which can differ by region and even by habitat type. Better-informed guides means better compliance with science-based regulations that promote harvest of older, fully mature, non-pride lions.”

In 2013, DSC began promoting the ideal huntable male lion as “at least six years of age and not known to head a pride or be part of a coalition heading a pride with dependent cubs.” More than 70 major safari operators and industry leaders pledged support. So did the International Council for Game and Wildlife Conservation.

DSC for years has funded scientific research on African lions. Understanding population dynamics is one of many projects supported by DSC grants to advance conservation, education and hunter advocacy worldwide.

African lions could be officially listed as a threatened species by 2016. Between now and then, Carter says, good conservation depends on lawful lion hunters remaining active yet selective.

 

About Dallas Safari Club (DSC)

Desert bighorns on an unbroken landscape, stalking Cape buffalo in heavy brush, students discovering conservation. DSC works to guarantee a future for all these and much more. An independent organization since 1982, DSC has become an international leader in conserving wildlife and wilderness lands, educating youth and the general public, and promoting and protecting the rights and interests of hunters worldwide. Get involved at www.biggame.org.

 

 

Registrations Up for DSC Convention, Jan. 15-18

DALLAS – In a fast four-day run, Dallas Safari Club (DSC) raised more than $1 million earmarked for conservation causes worldwide – plus another $350,000 specifically for black rhinos in Namibia – in January. Now DSC is ramping up for the 2015 edition of its annual convention and expo. Organizers say event registrations and hotel reservations are moving ahead of last year’s record pace.

The event is Jan. 15-18 in downtown Dallas at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center and Omni Hotel Dallas.

“We had 43,000 people in 2014 – the biggest event in our 34-year history,” said DSC Executive Director Ben Carter. “But we’re thinking even bigger for 2015, because all of the attendance predictors, including advance sales of registrations and room blocks, are up from this time last year.”

The prestigious Weatherby Award again will be presented in conjunction with the DSC event, on Jan. 14 in Dallas.

Over the next four days, convention registrants can look forward to presentations of the esteemed Conklin and Capstick awards, gala banquets, auctions, entertainment and more.

The public-welcome, family-friendly DSC expo will fill a record 800,000 square feet. Over 1,000 exhibitors will feature outfitted hunts, guns, gear and much more. Live seminars, the American Custom Gunmakers Guild exposition, Wingshooter’s World section hosted by Quail Coalition, plus food and attractions, are among the highlights.

The DSC convention and expo is one of the biggest fundraising events in Texas. In the Dallas region it trails only the HP Byron Nelson Golf Championship, according to the Dallas Business Journal. The event generates funding for DSC conservation, education and hunter advocacy initiatives around the world.

Sponsors include Sports Afield, Midway USA, Shikar Safaris, Trijicon, EuroOptic, Boyt Harness Co., Yamaha Motor Corp. USA, Hornady, The Hunting Consortium, Bass Pro Shops, Carl Zeiss Sports Optics, The Wildlife Gallery, Capital Farm Credit, Rungwa Game Safaris, Blaser USA, Legendary Consortium, Sovereign Bank, Shoppas Golf Cars, David R. Oakes CIMA, Ruger, Capt. Peacock Yachts and Expeditions, and many others.

 

About Dallas Safari Club (DSC)

Desert bighorns on an unbroken landscape, stalking Cape buffalo in heavy brush, students discovering conservation. DSC works to guarantee a future for all these and much more. An independent nonprofit organization since 1982, DSC has become an international leader in conserving wildlife and wilderness lands, educating youth and the general public, and promoting and protecting the rights and interests of hunters worldwide. Get involved at www.biggame.org.

Feds to ‘Re-evaluate’ Elephant Policy After Mid-Term Elections

DALLAS (July 24, 2014) – The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service says it will wait until after mid-term elections to “re-evaluate” a controversial new policy on elephant hunting. But conservation groups including Dallas Safari Club (DSC) worry that political gamesmanship in America is already compromising sustainable elephant management in Africa.

Yesterday, the agency promised a December review of a suddenly announced ban on importing elephants lawfully hunted in Zimbabwe (and Tanzania) in 2014.

Since the April announcement, DSC has criticized the ban as a politically motivated stunt that would only hinder wildlife conservation and rural communities in Africa. Seeking a reversal, DSC and its partners began providing data and info to help the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service fully understand the situation on the ground in the affected countries.

But the agency on July 23 confirmed the ban and, in the next-to-last paragraph, the suspicious timeline for revisiting it – adding to concerns that politics are trumping science, according to DSC Executive Director Ben Carter.

“Basically, this agency is taking a timeout from science-based conservation policy,” he said.

“All signs point to politics, because science, facts, on-the-ground expertise and even common sense aren’t moving the needle with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service,” said Carter. “By effectually banning lawful hunters, this administration is de-funding a system proven to protect elephants where they are threatened, and manage elephants where they are overpopulated.”

He added, “This agency has offered nothing to replace the lost revenue, knowledge or leadership that hunters provided for elephant conservation in Zimbabwe and Tanzania. It has opened a gate for poachers because now there is less stewardship of a valuable resource.”

Carter said the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service also ignored the Wildlife and Hunting Heritage Conservation Council, a federally recognized advisory body of respected conservation organizations such as Ducks Unlimited, The Nature Conservancy, National Wildlife Federation, Wildlife Management Institute and other groups, universities and agencies. The council had identified flawed processes, logic and data used to formulate the ban.

 

About Dallas Safari Club (DSC)

Desert bighorns on an unbroken landscape, stalking Cape buffalo in heavy brush, students discovering conservation. DSC works to guarantee a future for all these and much more. An independent nonprofit organization since 1982, DSC has become an international leader in conserving wildlife and wilderness lands, educating youth and the general public, and promoting and protecting the rights and interests of hunters worldwide. Get involved at www.biggame.org.