INTERNATIONAL GOVERNMENT & PUBLIC AFFAIRS
August 26, 2025
Washington, D.C.
Congress
The House and Senate are in Recess this week
WHAT WE’RE READING
WHAT WE’RE READING
United States: Feds to restore targeted, science-based endangered species policy
Florida: Under new bill, Ocala National Forest would someday become
Florida Springs National Park
Nebraska: Nebraska Game and Parks approves 2026 mountain lion hunting season
Washington: Governor orders Fish and Wildlife Commission investigation; group calls for removal of WDFW director
Wyoming: Wyoming lawmakers advance bill decriminalizing corner crossing
Montana: Montana increases wolf hunting quotas and tags per person
Illinois: One Midwest state is making ‘rewilding’ an official conservation strategy
Four Corners SCI is not responsible for links that take you to away from our website.
WHAT WE’RE LISTENING TO
August 13, 2025 Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission Testimony, Part 1
Keep your Weekends Wild: Sunday Hunting is History in the Making
1. SCI, SCIF, SADC Align Ahead of CITES CoP20
SCI and SCI Foundation, in partnership with the Southern African Development Community (SADC), successfully convened a Working Group meeting last week in Johannesburg to prepare for the upcoming Conference of the Parties to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES). The meeting brought together key regional stakeholders to ensure a unified approach from southern Africa in advance of the upcoming CITES meeting (CoP20). SCI is proud to work alongside SADC to support regional cooperation on issues that directly affect conservation, sustainable use, and the livelihoods of communities coexisting with wildlife. By fostering consensus and alignment within the region, SCI, SCI Foundation, and SADC aim to strengthen southern Africa’s collective voice on the global stage.
CITES CoP20 will deliberate on a range of important proposals, including the potential delisting of bontebok and southern giraffe. These proposals carry significant implications for conservation strategies, sustainable use policies, and the management of wildlife resources across the region. SCI is committed to advancing science-based decision-making, supporting regional priorities, and advocating for policies that recognize the conservation successes achieved through sustainable use practices in southern Africa.
2. News From the Capitol
Director Brian Nesvik took the helm of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service this week. SCI supported Director Nesvik’s confirmation because he brings experience as a seasoned conservationist, decorated military leader, and proven wildlife manager to one of the most important conservation roles in the federal government. SCI remains committed to supporting leaders like Director Nesvik who understand that ethical hunting, sustainable-use policy, and conservation go hand in hand. In addition, we look forward to working with Director Nesvik, who is an avid hunter and friend of SCI, having attended the Convention many times in the past.
Additionally, in a court filing this week, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announced it will pause use of the controversial “blanket 4(d) rule” and initiate steps to rescind it over the next 14 months. The blanket 4(d) rule automatically applies endangered-level protections to threatened-listed species while ignoring the specific needs or conditions of each species. This one-size-fits-all approach discourages conservation efforts and undermines species recovery. SCI has previously submitted comments in opposition to the blanket 4(d) rule and applauds its withdrawal for the benefit of the conservation of threatened-listed species.
3. Zinke Summer Camp in Montana
Representative Ryan Zinke (R-MT) hosted his Summer Camp Retreat in Whitefish, Montana late last week. Everett Headley and Bee Frederick attended on SCI’s behalf spending two days with Representative Zinke, Senator Tim Sheehy (R-MT), House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-LA), and other Members of Congress. This relaxed event showcased Montana’s summer recreation and allowed for informal conversations with elected officials and staff on SCI’s priority issues including public lands access, gray wolf and grizzly bear delisting, and ESA reform, among others. Support for SCI and conservation in general was very clear from those in attendance. Congressman Zinke’s remarks focused on the path forward for the country requiring continued persistence and balanced use, especially when it comes to public land use and management.
4. Kids in Nature Conference a Success
The Kids in Nature Conference was held last week in conjunction with a hunting fair at Brahetrolleborg Castle in Denmark. This year’s event took place in cooperation with the SCI’s Europe Committee, the Danish Hunting Association, SCI Foundation, and the Sables, among others. The conference focused on the need to take children out of the classroom and teach them about the benefits of being in nature. Attendees from 15 countries engaged in lively presentations, panels, and discussions. Among other presenters, Laurine Wolf, SCI Foundation’s Director of Education and Humanitarian Services, shared the American experience and the emphasis many Americans place on children being in nature. SCI and SCI Foundation are committed to teaching children the benefits of nature and fostering the next generation of hunters. SCI specifically thanks SCI International Director Carsten Ottesen for his dedication to this successful event.
At the hunting fair, which is one of the biggest in northern Europe, SCI’s Kingdom of Denmark Chapter, led by Chapter President Henning Olsen, was an exhibitor, and the Chapter held a successful auction. SCI looks forward to seeing this conference and fair grow for years to come!
5. Grand Weekend in Gstaad
On August 22-23, the SCI Helvetia Chapter held a weekend full of fun and successful activities. The chapter, led by Chapter President Alexandre Col, gathered for a spirited shooting competition, followed by a memorable gala dinner in the heart of Gstaad. The evening was highlighted by a lively auction, which raised significant support for SCI’s conservation and chapter initiatives. A warm thank you to all participants for their enthusiasm and generosity, which made this event truly exceptional. Among other initiatives, the funds raised will financially support a black grouse recovery project in the Swiss Alps.
6. Around the States
Colorado: SCI joined a Colorado Wildlife Conservation Project coalition letter ahead of the August meeting of the Colorado Parks and Wildlife Commission meeting requesting improvements to the public interaction process at future Commission meetings. Read the letter here.
Also in the Centennial State, Deputy Director of Advocacy Chris Tymeson travelled to Pueblo during the week of August 19th to attend the annual planning meeting of the Colorado Wildlife Conservation Project. Colorado SCI Chapter President Brett Axton also attended and after the meeting, the group hosted a reception for CPW Commissioners, CPW staff, and state and local elected officials.
Nebraska: SCI filed comments in the Cornhusker State in support of the proposed mountain lion hunting season regulation and the proposed mountain sheep hunting season order. Read the letter on mountain lions here and read the letter on mountain sheep hunting here. At the public hearing, the Commission voted in favor of both proposals.
Montana: Last week, the Montana Fish and Wildlife Commission met to discuss wolf hunting and trapping regulations, among other things. After six hours of debate and impassioned public comment, the Commission voted to increase the number of wolves that can be harvested statewide from 334 to 458, with specific quotas in place for Region 3 and Wolf Management Units 313 and 316 (adjacent to Yellowstone National Park). SCI strongly supports responsible management of game populations including at levels that promote balance among predators and prey, maintain harvest opportunities, and reduce conflicts between humans and wildlife. The increased harvest opportunity will provide Montana the ability to more effectively manage the wolf population across the state, consistent with State law and the Commission’s mission.
Florida: On August 13, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission approved the first black bear hunt in a decade by a 5-0 vote. The hunt will proceed in four Bear Management Units and is limited to 189 tags. Bear Warriors United, a Florida-based group, immediately challenged the hunt, filing a petition before the Florida Division of Administrative Hearings. The Commission moved to dismiss the petition because the Division of Administrative Appeals does not have jurisdiction over Bear Warriors’ claims. The case was closed at the administrative level. It is expected that Bear Warriors will subsequently refile in circuit court, and SCI anticipates being ready to defend the hunt on behalf of our members and in support of science-based wildlife management.
7. Women Go Hunting
Sue Zimmerman hunted this black bear on Vancouver Island, British Columbia, this past April with Frazier River Outfitters. She describes herself as “a retired grandma who loves hunting,” and is one of dozens of women taking part in SCI’s Women Go Hunting Awards Challenge. To learn more about the challenge and Women Go Hunting, click here.
8. Picture of the Week
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!
