INTERNATIONAL GOVERNMENT & PUBLIC AFFAIRS

June 25, 2024 Washington, D.C. _____________________________ CONGRESS The U.S. House is in Session and the U.S. Senate is in Recess this week.  WHAT WE’RE READING USA Shooting: Meet Your Paris Olympic Shotgun Team   Colorado Wolves: Colorado Confirms First Wolf Pups From Reintroduced Wolves  Louisiana: LDWF Reminds Public About Illegally Imported/Owned Venomous or Non-Indigenous Constricting Snakes Explore Act: SCI Signs Onto AWCP Explore Act Letter To The U.S. Senate Michigan: Latest DNR Survey Shows Stable Wolf Population   Louisiana Alligators: Three Men Cited For Illegal Possession of Live Alligator in New Orleans

1. Big Thing: SCI Supports the Outdoor Recreational Outfitting and Guiding Act A Department of Labor (DOL) regulation went into effect last week for seasonal recreational outfitters which requires a $15 minimum wage and overtime for employees at 40 hours. While it sounds good in theory, this regulation ignores the realities of the outfitter economy. Multi-day trips, whether river rafting or big game hunting, quickly exceed a 40-hour work week, but employees of these outfitters do not consider themselves to be working overtime. The regulation will put outfitting businesses out of business, shutting down public access to federal lands and costing thousands of employment opportunities, especially in Western states. This is why SCI strongly supports H.R. 6128 and S. 2914, the “Outdoor Recreational Outfitting and Guiding Act.” These bills would exempt employees engaged in seasonal outdoor recreational outfitting or guiding services from minimum wage and overtime requirements. They would fix the problems with the DOL regulation, and appropriately group these employees with other seasonal industries like amusement parks, agriculture, and fisheries. Without this exemption, most Americans will no longer have access to guided recreation on federal lands, especially guided hunting. Protect public access to federal lands and protect outfitter businesses from federal agency overreach with the link below!Learn More Here 2. Ninth Circuit Affirms Use of Bait for Black Bear Hunting  Last week, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals affirmed a lower court’s decision that allows states to continue to authorize the use of bait for black bear hunting in grizzly bear range. In the case, anti-hunting groups challenged the use of bait on National Forests in Idaho and Wyoming, asserting that the U.S. Forest Service should prohibit its use as harmful to grizzlies. SCI defended the use of bait in the district court, explaining that many states allow the use of bait, it does not create food-conditioned bears, and its use is critical for states’ black bear management objectives.  Both the district court and Ninth Circuit rejected the plaintiffs’ arguments, which allows the Forest Service to continue to defer to state policy. This is a win for all hunters! No matter what you hunt, where you hunt, or how you hunt, SCI is first for hunters!   3. Around The States: California, Nevada, Pennsylvania, Texas, Washington California: The California SCI Chapter Coalition and SCI submitted comments to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife in opposition to the proposed eradication of mule deer on Santa Catalina Island. Read the letter here. The SCI Chapter Coalition also joined a letter with other conservation organizations to the Commission requesting that the Commission pull the request to double the deer tags issued for Catalina Island without any scientific support from the consent calendar. Read the letter here.  Nevada: The Coalition for Nevada’s Wildlife, in which SCI participates as a member, filed comments on the Public Draft Amendment to Land Use Plans regarding Greater Sage Grouse Conservation and Associated Environmental Impact Statements, due to the significant amount of sage grouse habitat that is contained within the state’s borders and the potential impact on the state. Read the letter here. Pennsylvania: SCI signed onto a letter of opposition opposing HB2314. This bill, if passed, would require the Pennsylvania Game Commission (PGC) to seek authorization from the General Assembly for any use of the Game Fund, a move that we believe could significantly impact the Commission’s ability to manage wildlife and their habitats effectively. Read the letter here.  Texas: SCI Western State and Local Liaison Chris Tymeson travelled to Pearsall, Texas to participate in SCI’s Chapter Leadership Training 2024, held at the G2 Ranch. While there, Tymeson taught a session on legal, federal and state advocacy and interacted with current and future leaders from chapters all over the country. Washington: SCI CEO Laird Hamberlin submitted comments in opposition to the proposed Department of Fish and Wildlife’s 2024 Cougar Rule, which could significantly reduce hunter opportunity. Read the letter here.   Ben Cassidy, SCI Executive Vice-President of International, Government and Public Affairs, submitted comments in opposition to the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife Commission’s ill-advised attempt to justify their own poor behavior and “junk science” in a formal Commission policy. Read the letter here. 4. Louisiana Black Bear Hunting Bill Signed Into Law  Last week, Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry held a ceremonial bill signing for LA House Bill 684 which will help promote Louisiana’s new black bear hunting season. SCI Acadiana Chapter President Richard Kennedy was there for the signing. SCI thanks the Louisiana Legislature and the Governor for this historic bill, which helps pave the way for Louisiana’s first bear season since the 1980s.   SCI has supported Louisiana throughout their success story of recovering the black bear, getting it delisted from the ESA, and opening a new season to properly manage the expanding population. SCI congratulates Louisiana and the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries—and all hunters, for supporting the recovery of these bears. 5. SCI Federal Advocacy Update On Thursday, the House Federal Lands Subcommittee will hold a legislative hearing on several bills, including H.R. 8206 which would ensure that Big Cypress National Preserve may not be designated as wilderness or as a component of the National Wilderness Preservation System, sponsored by Congressman Scott Franklin (R-FL-18). Watch the full hearing here. On Thursday, SCI will host Congressman Rob Wittman (R-VA-01) at the Hunters’ Embassy for a fundraising lunch, joined by Congressman Brad Finstad (R-MN-01). 6. Women Go Hunting: Ladies, We Want To Hear From You! Send your hunting story and photos! Ladies, share your hunting lifestyle stories as an SCI member, or your favorite hunting adventure. Whether you’re a lifelong hunter or are just getting started, submit your stories for a chance to be featured on SCI socials and publications! Share as much or as little as you like in the prompts at the link below. Submissions from nonmembers welcome! Learn More Here 7. Post of the Week @official_sci BOOM!  Yesterday, Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry held a ceremonial bill signing for LA House Bill 684, which will help promote Louisiana’s new black bear hunting season.  @sciacadiana Chapter President Richard Kennedy was there for the signing. SCI thanks the Louisiana Legislature and the Governor for this historic bill, which helps pave the way for Louisiana’s first bear season since the 1980s.   SCI has supported Louisiana throughout their success story of recovering the black bear, getting it delisted from the Endangered Species Act, and opening a new season to properly manage the expanding population.  SCI congratulates Louisiana and the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries—and all hunters, for supporting the recovery of these bears! #FirstForHunters #FirstForWildlife