Minnesota: Safari Club International (SCI) condemns the arbitrary action of Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Director Strommen’s order banning traditional ammunition on 56 DNR properties. The action was taken without public input or interaction with the hunting community and without consideration to the additional costs placed upon hunters by the action. Further, SCI joins partner Federal Ammunition in requesting the DNR withdraw and repeal the rule while considering future options available for recourse. “This is what happens when emotion takes the place of science in wildlife management decisions,” said Benjamin Cassidy, SCI Executive Vice President for International Government and Public Affairs.
New Jersey: The return of New Jersey’s Black Bear Hunt takes an initial step forward! The state’s Game and Fish Council approved a new Comprehensive Black Bear Management Plan (CBBMP) which recommends a managed hunt. Further administrative approval and formal signing of the Plan by the Commissioner is expected in August. Whether through the court system, grassroots advocacy, or direct engagement with decision makers, SCI and our local chapters have helped to support the active management of the black bears in New Jersey for over twenty years and we look forward to the implementation of the CBBMP.
Western Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies (WAFWA) Meeting: Wildlife directors and professionals from all across the West gathered in Santa Fe, New Mexico during the week of July 10th for the annual WAFWA Meeting, hosted by the New Mexico Department of Fish and Game in the Land of Enchantment, and Safari Club International (SCI) was in attendance to represent its membership and engage on conservation and hunting issues. SCI State and Local Liaison Chris Tymeson attended, meeting with wildlife regulators and other non-governmental organizations on topics of importance to SCI and its chapters and members. The meeting included attendance at the following presentations, reports and related gatherings: the law enforcement committee, the commissioners committee parts one and two, the executive committee, a joint directors, deputies and commissioners committee, the legal committee, a presentation on teaching wildlife law and the public affairs committee. SCI continues to lead from the front and is always first for hunters. Pictured L-R: Tim McCoy, Director, Nebraska Game and Parks Department and Chris Tymeson, SCI Western State and Local Liaison.
