LA Acadiana SCI Chapter On Front Line Against Bear Poachers

Hunters help fight wildlife crime, both at home and around the world, as was evidenced recently in Louisiana.

When state wildlife officials told SCI’s Acadiana Chapter about two black bears that had been killed illegally in early February, the chapter immediately kicked in $1,000 in reward money to help bring criminals to justice. That amount quickly was matched by SCI Foundation.

From early on, the young chapter has been involved with LDWF’s Black Bear Management Plan. The chapter hosted Maria Davidson, the lead for the Louisiana black bear plan and the Large Carnivore Program Manager, at two of its meetings to present information regarding the project and then for a follow-up presentation on the status of the project and her findings.

When Ms. Davidson told Chapter President Greg Elliott of the two illegally killed Louisiana black bears in St. Mary Parish, located in south Louisiana, the chapter reacted. Chapter Board Chairman Richard Kennedy III asked the Board to support a $1,000 donation to be used as a reward for the capture and conviction of the criminals who killed these two protected animals. Without hesitation, the vote was unanimous in favor of donating chapter funds for this purpose. As the news spread, SCI Foundation agreed to provide matching funds.

Since 2015, the LA Acadiana SCI chapter has supported local food banks, flood victims, Hurricane Harvey victims, wounded soldiers and injured game wardens. The chapter donated nearly $25,000 and hundreds of pounds of food to help needy members of its community. Additionally, LA Acadiana SCI has donated almost $10,000 to support conservation efforts.

To learn more about SCI and the LA Acadiana SCI Chapter, visit www.safariclub.org and www.laacadianasci.org. Follow the chapter on its Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/sciacadianachapter.