INTERNATIONAL GOVERNMENT & PUBLIC AFFAIRS
June 3, 2025
Washington, D.C.
WHAT WE’RE READING
Arizona: Mexican Wolf Fostering Complete for 2025
Colorado
- Addressing Predation CPW Lethally Removes Gray Wolf in Pitkin County
- CPW Warns of Potentially Aggressive Cow-Moose
Florida: Restoring Balance – Conservation Through Black Bear Hunting
National: Bring back the Wild Horse Adoption Incentive Program
Tennessee: 2025 Legislative Outcomes
Washington: WA Wildlife Director Declines use of Lethal Removal in Sherman Wolf Pack
Wyoming: WY Fish and Game Seeks Information on Illegally Killed Pronghorn
The House and Senate are in session this week
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1. Announcing the SCI Center for Conservation Law and Education
SCI is proud to announce the creation of the SCI Center for Conservation Law and Education. This new 501(c)(3) organization will house SCI’s legal and educational activities, including mission-critical litigation and the education of state wildlife commissions as well as state and federal lawmakers and staff about issues of importance to hunting and wildlife conservation.
Litigation: SCI has litigated more than 60 cases in the last decade, involving species from elk to elephants. SCI’s attorneys are foremost experts and educators on the Endangered Species Act, National Wildlife Refuge System Improvement Act, ANILCA, and many other laws relevant to wildlife conservation and hunting.
State Education: SCI works across the country to educate state wildlife commissions and elected officials on the role of hunting as a wildlife management tool and source for funding state wildlife conservation efforts. SCI’s state liaisons write countless letters and provide critical information on proposals affecting hunting access and sustainable-use conservation.
Hunters’ Embassy: SCI’s Washington, DC headquarters provides a welcome center for hunters from around the world. In addition to an educational exhibit on Teddy Roosevelt, the Embassy hosts monthly “Lunch and Learns” and other periodic events to educate Congressional staff and partner organizations about issues of importance to hunters.
The SCI Center for Conservation Law and Education provides a tax-deductible platform for SCI members and supporters to join our efforts through donations or other contributions. The Center also allows for the expansion of educational efforts that demonstrate the conservation and heritage value of hunting.
| 2. Litigation Quarterly Update SCI’s Legal team works on cases around the country, protecting the right to hunt everywhere and for any species that is challenged. Our cases have taken us to the Supreme Court 12 times. We have challenged hunting closures, argued in favor of lawful means of harvest, and protected hunters’ Second Amendment rights. Read on for an update on our current case load. |
3. Happening at the Hunters’ Embassy
Join SCI on June 10th for a Lunch and Learn at the Hunters’ Embassy! James Cummins, Executive Director of Wildlife Mississippi and Vice-Chair of the Congressional Sportsmen’s’ Foundation will be leading a course on the Endangered Species Act and the Wildlife Habitat Recovery Credit.
Please RSVP with Nick Uberti at nuberti@scifirstforhunters.org if you’d like to attend!
4. Florida Black Bear Hunting
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission held hearings to reinstate bear hunting based on sound scientifically based management principles, not emotionally driven decision making. SCI’s Bee Frederick provided testimony and SCIF’s Maria Davidson’s op-ed was recently published in the Orlando Sentinel.
5. Around the States: CT and NV
Connecticut
Last week, House Bill 7231 – which would allow for expanded Sunday hunting in the state – passed the full House 101-45-5. The bill was amended during the legislative process to allow for private land Sunday hunting of all animals, except migratory birds, using all legal implements. SCI previously supported the legislation with a letter of support. The bill now awaits further action in the Senate; the legislature adjourns on Wednesday June 4th.
Nevada: SCI joined a coalition letter to Governor Lombardo in opposition to AB 245, an anti-gun measure in the Silver State, requesting he veto the measure as he did last session. Read the Letter Here
6. In Memory of Scott Talbott
On Friday, May 30, the family of Scott Wiley Talbott, SCI’s Guides and Outfitters Liaison, held a memorial service. Over 500 people attended to honor Scott as a father, brother, colleague, and friend.
Pastor Nathan Keith emphasized one of Scott’s mantras during his battle with cancer: “Look up.” We all looked up to Scott, and we will continue to look up to him, to help guide our steps.
Hunting Heals is a humanitarian project offered by Four Corners SCI. We’re dedicated to empowering individuals with disabilities by offering them transformative hunting experiences. CLICK TO LEARN MORE!
