SCI Intervenes In An Attempt To Derail Bear Hunt In Sunshine State
The Battle for Bear Hunting in Florida Continues
Anti-hunters are attempting to stop the newly approved Florida bear hunt—but SCI anticipated this move and is taking action.
Florida: The Fight for Bear Season
As expected, the anti-hunting organization Bear Warriors United has filed a legal challenge to the upcoming Florida bear hunt, aiming to derail the recently approved sustainable hunt.
- The Lawsuit: Filed in Tallahassee/Leon County, the civil complaint alleges that the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) relied on outdated population data and violated the state constitution in its vote.
- SCI’s Response: SCI has moved to intervene in the case, defending responsible black bear management through regulated hunting. SCI represents hunters, guides, landowners, and communities impacted by growing bear populations.
This is just the beginning. If Bear Warriors succeed:
- Black bear hunting in Florida will be closed again.
- Populations will continue to grow unchecked.
- Human-bear conflicts will remain unmanaged.
SCI’s involvement is critical to uphold science-based wildlife management.
Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies Annual Meeting
SCI joined wildlife directors and professionals from across North America in Tucson, Arizona, for the 115th AFWA Annual Meeting, hosted by the Arizona Game and Fish Department.
SCI Representatives:
- Bee Frederick (State & Local Liaison)
- Keely Hopkins (State & Local Liaison)
- Chris Tymeson (Vice President of Government Affairs)
Key Activities:
- Engaged with elected officials, regulators, and NGOs on conservation and hunting issues.
- Presented at Legal and Sustainable Use committees.
- Participated in discussions on lead ammunition and other topics.
SCI continues to lead from the front—always First for Hunters.
Wisconsin: Legislative Sportsmen’s Caucus Event
Eastern Liaison Bee Frederick and Southeast Wisconsin Bow Chapter President Dan Trawicki joined nearly 20 legislators at a sporting clays event near Madison.
Topics Discussed:
- Reauthorization of the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Project
- Efforts to establish a Sandhill Crane hunting season
Pennsylvania: National Hunting and Fishing Day
Bee Frederick met with local SCI chapter leaders in Harrisburg for a State Capitol event.
Highlights:
- Met with Sen. Dan Laughlin and Sen. Greg Rothman to discuss SCI priorities.
- Engaged with the Pennsylvania Game Commission and other organizations to promote hunting and fishing.
Alabama: Proclamation Signed
SCI thanks Governor Kay Ivey for signing the National Hunting and Fishing Day Proclamation! Bee Frederick attended alongside state conservation leaders and partners.
Michigan: Senate Bill 276
Bipartisan SB 276, restructuring license fees for hunters, trappers, and anglers, passed committee review.
Impact:
- Creates new revenue for the Department of Natural Resources.
- A priority for SCI and the sporting conservation community.
Oregon: Coalition Letter to Governor’s Staff
SCI joined the Oregon Sportsmen’s Conservation Partnership in urging the governor’s office to prioritize qualified candidates for the Oregon Fish and Wildlife Commission vacancy.
By:
VP of Government Affairs Chris Tymeson,
SCI State Liaisons Bee Frederick and Keely Hopkins