INTERNATIONAL GOVERNMENT & PUBLIC AFFAIRS
June 10, 2025
Washington, D.C.
WHAT WE’RE READING
Connecticut: CT Senate Passes Sunday Hunting on Private Land Bill
Colorado: CO Ranchers Claim Nearly $658k in Wolf Attacks
Michigan: Lansing Judge Rules in Coyote Lawsuit
Wisconsin: Wisconsin Reauthorize Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program
National: NRA Praises Supreme Court Decision in Smith & Wesson Case
International:
Study Finds Dehorning Rhinos Reducing Poaching
Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife to Cull 50 Elephants and Distribute Meat to Locals
Washington D.C. The House and Senate are in session this week
Four Corners SCI is not responsible for links that take you to away from our website.
WHAT WE’RE LISTENING TO
The Financial Outfitter – Season Two
1. Historic Sunday Hunting Bill Passed in Connecticut
Thanks to the efforts of Connecticut sportsmen and women hunting is now legal seven days a week in the Nutmeg State. Final approval was given to Senate Bill 7231 with a 32-4 vote in the State Senate. The bill now awaits Governor Ned Lamont’s signature which he has signaled he will sign. It previously passed the House by a vote of 101-45. SCI supported the effort with a formal letter as well as an opinion editorial from Central Connecticut Chapter President Brandon Gleason.
In passing the bill, legislators not only removed one of the last remaining “blue laws” in the state but also specifically allowed for private land Sunday hunting, except for migratory birds. Additionally, the bill gives the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection the authority to implement various changes related to Sunday hunting.
SCI thanks our members who supported this measure and Connecticut legislators who voted to remove this outdated prohibition to allow for increased hunting access in the state!
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. Responsible Bear Management Bill Falls Victim to Politics in Connecticut |
Despite an increasing bear population, high human-wildlife conflict, strong science from the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, and support from the Governor, a bill that would have authorized the Department to allow for a highly regulated bear hunt failed to advance last week before the Connecticut state legislature adjourned.
Senate Bill 1523 ultimately passed the Senate in mid-May and would have allowed the Department to establish a lottery-based bear harvest. Although watered-down in the House, the amended bill would have assessed the bear population as well as commissioned a study of potential management strategies – which included studying a hunt as well as non-lethal methods. While an agreement seemed imminent, the black bear bill was used as a bargaining chip during the final hours of the legislative session and legislators eventually ran out of time to take on any action on the bill.
SCI is disappointed that the Connecticut legislature chose politics over science-based wildlife management. Expansion of Connecticut’s bear population is a public safety issue. Regulated bear hunting remains the only way to control growing bear populations, and SCI will continue to support and promote science-based, active management of black bears where growing populations continue to expand in unsuitable habitat, including in Connecticut and around the world.
3. Join Us in New Jersey!
On June 12, SCI Eastern State and Local Liaison Bee Frederick and Sr. Litigation Counsel Regina Lennox will headline a membership meet and greet for one of SCI’s newest Chapters—the Garden State Chapter!
The event will be held at the beautiful Griffin & Howe facility in Andover. Come hear about SCI’s efforts to be First for Hunters, and tour a facility that used to make firearms for Teddy Roosevelt and many other famous hunters.
More information and registration available at www.gardenstatesci.org.
4. Happening at the Hunters’ Embassy
On Tuesday, SCI held a Lunch and Learn at the Hunters’ Embassy. James Cummins of Wildlife Mississippi and the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation held a course for Congressional staffers, briefing them on the Endangered Species Act and the Wildlife Habitat Recovery Credit. SCI thanks Mr. Cummins and all attendees for a great event!
5. Happening Around the Hill
SCI joined an American Wildlife Conservation Partners coalition letter supporting a proposed wildlife habitat recovery tax credit. The tax credit will incentivize private landowners to restore habitat and steward their lands through voluntary agreements, while removing the regulatory uncertainty facing private landowners.
Reconciliation update – following the passage of the “One Big Beautiful Bill” budget reconciliation package through the House of Representatives, the Senate has been in negotiations to pass a bill of their own. Several SCI priorities passed with the House version, including the treatment of suppressors like any other. SCI is working closely with our champions in the Senate to see these friendly provisions included in a final bill, as well as to make sure that no provisions limiting hunting freedoms make it through. Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) has indicated he aims to put the bill on the floor during the final week of June.
On Thursday, the House Natural Resources Committee will hold an Oversight hearing to examine the President’s FY 2026 Budget Request for the Department of the Interior. Interior Secretary Doug Burgum will testify at the hearing. Watch the full hearing HERE
6. Happening Around the Globe
Last weekend, the Europe Committee convened in Milano Marittima, Italy, coinciding with the Italian Chapter’s annual convention. All committee members were in attendance with Dr. Miguel Estade presiding. SCI President John McLaurin also attended to demonstrate SCI’s commitment to the Europe Committee’s important work.
The agenda focused on the committee’s ongoing growth and conservation initiatives, with particular emphasis on the increasing number of European chapters investing in conservation and education projects.
Among a full calendar of activities, the “Kids in Nature” educational project—scheduled for August 22–24 in Brahetrolleborg, Denmark—will be a standout highlight of the year.
7. Around the States
Kansas
SCI Deputy Director for Advocacy Chris Tymeson attended the summer picnic event of the Kansas City SCI Chapter, held at Powder Creek Shooting Park in the Sunflower State, on June 8th.
Nevada
Governor Lombardo vetoed Assembly Bill 245, a bill that SCI vigorously opposed. SCI recently joined coalition letters sent to the Assembly, the Senate and the Governor himself in opposition to the bill. AB 245 would have restricted the possession and acquisition of centerfire firearms by 18–21-year-olds, among other anti-Second Amendment items.
Pennsylvania
Legislation to expand Sunday hunting in the Keystone State passed out of the initial House committee last week by a vote of 18-8 and was then referred to the House Rules Committee for further consideration. The bill (House Bill 1431), sponsored by Representative Mandy Steele, is identical to the Senate version in Senate Bill 67 and is a major priority for SCI, SCI chapters, and our conservation partners in the state. SCI joined a group action-alert in support of these bills. Additionally, all Pennsylvania advocates are highly encouraged to further support these measures by contacting your legislators!
Utah
SCI Deputy Director for Advocacy Chris Tymeson traveled to the Beehive State during the week of June 2nd to attend the annual meeting of the Western Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies in Provo. While there, Tymeson met with government and non-government officials from across the western United States and Canada on the business of SCI, including engagement with the legal, commissioners and law enforcement committees, among other events. Pictured (L-R): SCI Deputy Director for Advocacy Chris Tymeson and Emerick Cross, Commissioner, Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks Commission.
Wisconsin
Legislation to formally reauthorize an updated Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program was recently introduced in Wisconsin. SCI, our in-state chapters, and coalition of sporting groups recently submitted a joint letter in support of LRB-0036/LRB-3557 which are sponsored by Representative Tony Kurtz and Senator Pat Testin.
For more than thirty years, the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program has helped provide more public access and opportunities for Wisconsin’s hunters, anglers, and trappers. Now this proposed legislation will allow for much needed improvements to be made to Wisconsin’s existing public lands, while also ensuring that a useable program will continue with input from both the legislative and executive branches.
8. Women Go Hunting
When Kirstie Pike drew an archery elk tag for her first hunt in Colorado, she went straight to Denver’s biggest sporting goods store to get geared up. The only camo clothing she found were capri pants and baby doll t-shirts. That was 2008 and the year she created Próis Hunting, a line of women’s hunting apparel and gear designed to fit the full range of women’s body types and to meet their special needs in the field.
9. Picture of the Week
Deputy Director for Advocacy Chris Tymeson traveled to Puerto Rico with his family recently and hunted iguanas on his birthday.
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!
