INTERNATIONAL GOVERNMENT & PUBLIC AFFAIRS
September 3, 2025
Washington, D.C.
Congress
The House and Senate are in Session this week
WHAT WE’RE READING
WHAT WE’RE READING
Delaware: Judge strikes down hunting supervision rule for young adults in Delaware
Arkansas: ‘It’s just unheard of.’ Arkansas just had its first black bear attack in decades
South Dakota: Commission expands Black Hills area where hunters can use dogs to chase mountain lions
Pennsylvania: Elk shot in Clearfield County, Pa., goes in Boone and Crockett record book
Southwest: Mexican gray wolf protections challenged in Congress
Florida: DeSantis unveils ‘Second Amendment’ tax holiday
United States: Natural Resources tackles Outdoors Act reauthorization
United States: Pintail numbers increase, Mallards are stable, and other takeaways from this year’s duck survey
Pakistan: Gilgit-Baltistan increases Markhor trophy hunting permit fee to $200,000
Japan: Japan eases bear hunting rules in populated areas
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1. SCI at the White House
SCI CEO W. Laird Hamberlin was invited to and attended the exclusive Outdoor & Recreation Conservation Roundtable at the White House, hosted by Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum and attended by CEOs from across the outdoor industry.
Representing hunters nationwide, Laird was recognized among this small group of leaders to discuss SCI’s top legislative priorities, including:
• Endangered Species Act reform to enable science-based management
• Public land access for hunters, anglers, and outdoor recreationists
• Addressing frivolous lawsuits from anti-hunting groups that slow down common-sense conservation efforts
SCI continues to ensure your voice is heard where it matters most—at the highest levels of government.
2. Argentine Chapter Promotes SCI at Buenos Aires Game Fair
Buenos Aires hosts the annual Arms, Hunting and Fishing Fair, one of the most important events of its kind in South America. The fair attracts thousands of visitors, both enthusiasts and professionals, who come to discover the latest innovations in hunting, sport shooting, fishing and outdoor activities. SCI’s Argentina Chapter participates in this event every year, taking advantage of the opportunity to promote SCI’s principles and its ongoing work defending hunters’ rights and supporting wildlife conservation. This year, SCI welcomed two special guests, SCI Corporate Treasurer Joe Pedersen and Director of Member and Chapter Services Jason St. Michael. While in Argentina, they taught a measuring class for official measurers. And along with Emilio Paris, SCI Regional Representative, they also had several meetings with government officials and representatives from FLUAA, Argentina’s equivalent of the NRA. These meetings and SCI’s participation in the annual Fair continue SCI’s efforts to increase engagement in South America.
3. European Parliament Event on CITES CoP20 ObjectivesHappenings
SCI and FACE, together with other organizations, recently supported an event in the European Parliament: “Wildlife Trade and Conservation: The EU’s objectives for CITES CoP20.” The high-level debate at the European Parliament gathered European decision-makers, delegations from several African countries, and experts in the European Parliament to discuss the EU’s priorities for the upcoming CITES Conference of the Parties (CoP20) and global conservation challenges at an international level. Hosted by MEP Pietro Fiocchi, Vice-President of the “Biodiversity, Hunting, Countryside” Intergroup, the event placed a strong emphasis on the EU’s strategic priorities for CITES CoP20, highlighting how sustainable wildlife trade and management can secure long-term wildlife conservation.
To read the official FACE press release, click here.
4. Happening on the Hill
Last week, the House Subcommittee on Water, Wildlife and Fisheries held a subcommittee hearing to consider several bills, including H.R. 4255, the Enhancing Safety for Animals (ESA) Act. This bill would remove the Mexican wolf from Endangered Species Act listing. Watch the full hearing here.
Also last week, the House Natural Resources Committee held a field oversight hearing in Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming, to examine opportunities to reauthorize and reform the Great American Outdoors Act to enhance public access, improve infrastructure, and create new outdoor recreation opportunities at our national parks. Watch here.
And SCI also joined a thank you letter to President Trump for signing the Make America Beautiful Again Executive Order. The MABA Executive Order contains pro-hunting provisions.
Read the letter here.
5. Hunters’ Embassy™ Happenings
On Tuesday, SCI hosted Senator Markwayne Mullin (R-OK) for a fundraising lunch at the SCI Hunters’ Embassy with over 30 attendees. SCI thanks the Senator for his friendship and his commitment to protecting hunting freedoms and our 2nd Amendment rights.
Join us for an SCI Hunters’ Embassy Lunch and Learn! On Tuesday, September 16th, Kurt Thiede of the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies will discuss state wildlife management and the impact of federal wildlife policy. If you would like to attend or would like more information, please contact Nick Uberti at nuberti@scifirstforhunters.org.
6. Around the States
Washington: Deputy Director of Advocacy Chris Tymeson traveled to Ridgefield, Washington to participate in a joint Oregon-Washington Sportsmen’s Legislative Caucus event organized by the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation. The event was well attended by legislators and staff from both states and fish and wildlife department officials from both states as well as conservation partners.
Pictured above (L-R): SCI Deputy Director of Advocacy Chris Tymeson and State Senator Phil Fortunato, R-31st Legislative District.
Georgia: Last week, SCI’s Louis Cole and Bee Frederick attended the National Hunting and Fishing Day Proclamation signing ceremony with Governor Brian Kemp in Georgia. SCI joined Georgia DNR’s leadership and various other conservation organizations in supporting hunting and angling in the Peach State. SCI would like to thank Governor Kemp for his unwavering support of sportsmen and women!
7. Around the States
Colorado: SCI joined a coalition letter commenting on the Draft Colorado Parks and Wildlife Beaver Management plan.
Delaware: SCI filed comments in the First State in support of a year-round coyote season as well as expanded youth hunting opportunities. Read the full letter here.
8. Women go Hunting
My husband and I went on our first hunting safari in April this year. Neither of us come from hunting families. After having spoken to several outfitters at different hunting fairs, we decided on going with Pete Safaris to Eastern Cape, South Africa.
Ever since I received my hunting permit two years ago, I had said that if I went hunting in Africa, I would want to shoot an impala. On our very first day of hunting, our PH Peter Olesen took us to farm to look for an impala for me. It did not take long for him and our tracker, Dixie, to spot a fine one, which we stalked for a while. Peter set up the shooting sticks and placed the rifle for me. I was nervous alright, but I did not realize how nervous until I held the rifle. I could not get a good fix on the animal in the scope, and my legs and arms were shaking. I had a very bad case of buck fever. I managed to fire one shot, which was a clean miss. I honestly started to lose a bit of faith in my own abilities right there.
To read more of Dorte’s story click here.
9. 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!
