State Issues
Sunday Hunting Expand- Pennsylvania SB 607: Senators Robinson, Brewster, and 2019 State Legislator of the Year Dan Laughlin introduced legislation to remove the remaining prohibitions in place regarding Sunday hunting in Pennsylvania Read more here.
- North Carolina: Expansion of Sunday hunting on public lands in the state through a rule, which was submitted to the North Carolina legislature for review and enacted. After spending months involved in the public stakeholder process with the agency, SCI staff submitted comments in support of the proposed rules and urged North Carolina members to do the same. Read more here.
- Virginia HB 1799: Legislation to ban the prohibition on Sunday hunting on public lands in Virginia. Despite the bill being moved quickly on the first day, our team was able to coordinate grassroots efforts in less than 72 hours. Over 250 advocates emailed their House of Delegates members urging them to support this bill. SCI staff was also able to coordinate over 50 people to sign up to give written and verbal testimony in support during the House Agriculture, Chesapeake and Natural Resources Committee, including from partner groups like Delta Waterfowl, National Shooting Sports Foundation and the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation. Unfortunately, the bill failed to make it out of committee, and committee chairman, Delegate Plum (D) refused to let all but one person who had been preapproved to testify to actually testify.
- Maine: Three pieces of legislation, HB 783, SB 325 (Senate complement to 783), and HB 887, to expand Sunday hunting opportunities. SB325 enacted, allows Sunday hunting on private lands with permission of the landowner; HB 887 failed. SCI is Involved in efforts around the country to repeal antiquated blue laws prohibiting hunting on Sundays. Read more here.
- Connecticut SB 925: The original bill text sought to restrict the legal importation and possession of several commonly hunted species in Africa, but was amended to specifically exempt possession of these species when expressly authorized by federal law or permit, and for licensed taxidermists and signed into law. SCI argued strongly against the legislation to the CT legislature, provided legal testimony to the legislature, HAAC campaign. Read more here.
Hunting Access Expand
- California SB 252: The Bear Protection Act sought to ban black bear hunting in California by repealing section 302 and 303 of the California Fish and Game Code. After strong opposition from the hunting community, CA Senator Scott Wiener pulled the bill. SCI ran “Protect the Freedom to Hunt” HAAC, SCIF provided conservation data on bear demographics in northern California. Read more here.
- Alabama SB 264: This legislation allows feral hog and coyote hunting at night and was signed into law. Read more here.
- Texas HB 2213: Allows hunters to donate legally harvested exotic animals to food banks across the state, was signed into law. Read more here about SCI’s involvement.
- California AB 702: Focused on animal breeding permits in the state, would have prohibited any individual or business from maintaining a dog kennel, or other place, for breeding purposes without first obtaining a breeder permit. Created red tape, unnecessary restrictions and costs. The bill was withdrawn from consideration, in part thanks to direct efforts from SCI. Read more here.
- Colorado HB 1243: About: Prohibits the use of hunting license fee funds for the wolf introduction process. Brought on by Proposition 114, a 2020 ballot initiative which passed with only 50.58% and which authorizes the wolf reintroduction process. The bill was signed into law, thanks in part to direct efforts and grassroots advocacy from SCI. Read more here.
- California AB 1237: Would mandate the California Department of Justice to release an individual’s personal information to the California Firearm Violence Research Center at UC Davis when providing data for firearm violence research in specified subject areas. The bill was held in committee for the remainder of the year. SCI led on the ground lobbying and grassroots efforts – read more here.
Federal Issues
No Net Loss Expand- Our petition demands that the Biden Administration commits to a no-net-loss policy for hunting and fishing access on America’s public lands – meaning the Administration pledges to preserve current access to public lands for hunters and anglers around the country. Of particular concern is the 30×30 Initiative. Learn more at safariclub.org/no-net-loss and Sign the petition here.
- A longtime gun control lobbyist, Chipman has expressly stated his support for banning the most popular rifle in the U.S., owned by tens of millions of law-abiding Americans, as well as the benefits to conservation provided by recreational firearm sales. The ATF should not be politicized, instate anti-gun policies, and have no respect for wildlife or conservation. SCI joined a letter of opposition with 21 other organizations. Read more here and join our campaign.
- Section 436 of the Interior Appropriations Bill effectively would ban the import of sport hunted elephants or lions from Tanzania, Zimbabwe, or Zambia. There is no question that this ban will have detrimental impacts on species conservation and the livelihoods of rural African communities. Read more here.
International Issues
International Hunting Expand- SCI’s International Hunting webpage combats misconceptions about international hunting through presenting data and scientific research, and sharing African perspectives. Visit the site here.
The UK has released an Animal Welfare Action Plan which includes sentience and enforcement, international trade and advocacy, farm animals, pets and sporting animals, and wild animals. The most harmful proposal is a trophy import ban, although there may be exemptions for hunts proven to benefit conservation. Read more about the issue and SCI’s efforts here.
EU Biodiversity Expand- The European Parliament was considering a resolution to ban trade in ivory at the European level, as well as export and or re-export. It also asked “for similar restrictions for other endangered species,” which could have detrimentally impacted sustainable use conservation programs throughout southern Africa. The EP adopted Amendment No. 24 to the resolution, which inserts the word “commercial” to the text, meaning it will not restrict legal and sustainable wildlife trade. SCI provided direct advocacy efforts – read more here.
Legal Issues
Lead Ammo in Kaibab National Forest Expand- The plaintiffs claimed that the U.S. Forest Service is obligated to prohibit the use of lead ammunition within the forest under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA), a law that regulates disposal of hazardous waste. A federal district court in Arizona dismissed for a third time, although the issue is far from over.
- SCI Actions: SCI intervened in the case jointly with the NRA to defend the ability of hunters to use their preferred ammo and continue to hunt in the forest
- Three lawsuits challenging the removal of gray wolves from the US Endangered Species Act (ESA) lists were brought in the Northern District of California, an area with no current wolf population and where the delisting has no impact on habitat, other species, or human communities in the area. A successful outcome for anti-hunting groups would significantly inhibit hunting and conservation efforts for both wolves and their prey. The judge allowed SCI, alongside the NRA, to intervene as a matter of right, recognizing SCI and the NRA’s strong interests in defending the delisting and protecting the states’ authority to sustainably manage wolf populations. SCI also filed motions to dismiss the lawsuits. Briefing on the merits of the Service’s decision is ongoing. Read more here.
Other Issues
Big Tech Expand- We’ve received countless stories from hunters, guides, outfitters, and more, of their accounts being locked or even taken down entirely with little to no warning or justification – potentially impacting their business and livelihoods. Facebook, Instagram, and other social media platforms are perpetuating stigmas against hunters, and it is vital for everyday Americans to understand the value of the contributions from our community. Read more here and sign our petition.