It has been a busy summer for SCI Advocacy and, as always, we’ve risen to meet the challenges; we’re everywhere we need to be and first in the hunting community to take the attacks head on.
Right before school started, the U.S. Department of Education pulled funding for archery, shooting sports, and outdoor education in schools. This blatant attack on the hunting community was hidden behind a faulty interpretation of the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, and SCI responded by filing suit against the department and encouraging a legislative fix from Congress. SCI worked diligently on this issue, and at the time of this writing the Protecting Hunting Heritage and Education Act has passed Congress near-unanimously and been sent to President Biden’s desk for signature. Our members and advocates – old and new – have sent thousands of messages and again have made the difference for hunters across the country.
There is no better example of our dedication to the Future of Hunting than this defense of hunter education in schools. In fact, this is our theme for our 52nd Annual Convention in Nashville, TN: The Future of Hunting. This annual celebration will live up to its name of “the Super Bowl of Hunting Shows” and you won’t want to miss an exclusive concert at the Bridgestone Arena. Each year, we bring together the world’s premier outfitters, guides, hunters, and entertainment for an unforgettable event. Most importantly, we showcase just how we fight for your right to hunt each and every day.
As we defend our freedom to hunt, we recognize the incomparable contributions that hunters make to conservation. That is why SCI was the first hunting organization to support the U.S. Foundation for International Conservation, a bill that brings big solutions to big problems. This act will encourage sustainable use, local community leadership, and long-term conservation in Africa and many other parts of the world. Our leadership on this in Washington has brought in 16 other hunting and conservation groups, representing millions of hunters, anglers, conservationists, and outdoor professionals across the country.
While we would rather be in the field, we are in Washington, D.C. so you don’t have to be. Our headquarters on Capitol Hill has recently been purchased thanks to the generous donation of Armand and Mary Brachman. This Hunters’ Embassy brings together Members of Congress, hunters and conservationists, and foreign dignitaries to work towards our mission: defending the freedom to hunt and promoting wildlife conservation worldwide.
Without you, none of our work would be possible. Thank you for your support and dedication to hunting advocacy!
