Safari Club International Selects Louisiana’s Jeff Landry as 2025 Governor of the Year Awardee
Washington, D.C. — Safari Club International is proud to present Governor Jeff Landry its 2025 Governor of the Year and Courage Under Fire award for his dedication to 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.
Among his recent achievements, Governor Landry signed HB 684, which marked 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.
Governor Landry’s record as a staunch supporter of the Second Amendment has extended into his gubernatorial tenure. Last year, he signed SB 234, the Firearm Industry Nondiscrimination (FIND) Act, which shields the firearm industry from financial discrimination. Additionally, SB 301, the Louisiana Second Amendment Financial Privacy Act, ensures that the financial privacy of individuals purchasing firearms and ammunition is protected from intrusive merchant category codes used by credit card companies.
Perhaps most notably, Governor Landry signed Senate Bill 1 into law. This landmark bill made Louisiana the 28th state to adopt Constitutional Carry and affirmed the Second Amendment right of its citizens to carry firearms without a permit.
Governor Landry’s distinguished career in 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.
“SCI is happy to congratulate Governor Landry on his success as a pro-hunting, pro-Second Amendment, and pro-conservation leader in the state of Louisiana,” said SCI CEO W. Laird Hamberlin. “His commitment to these principles and to serving his state’s 4.6 million residents makes him the ideal recipient of this year’s Courage Under Fire and Governor of the Year award. We thank Governor Landry for his vigorous support of Louisiana’s sportsmen and women.”
“Governor Landry has proven time and again that he is a true champion for sportsmen, conservation, and the fundamental freedoms we hold dear,” said SCI President John McLaurin. “His leadership in securing Constitutional Carry, protecting the firearm industry from discrimination, and advancing policies that benefit hunters and anglers sets a gold standard for governors nationwide.”
Background:
For over 50 years, Safari Club International (SCI) has been the leader in defending the freedom to hunt and promoting wildlife conservation worldwide. SCI is unique in the scope of our ability to defend and advance our 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.