INTERNATIONAL GOVERNMENT & PUBLIC AFFAIRS
September 23, 2025
Washington, D.C.
Congress
The House and Senate are in Recess this week
WHAT WE’RE READING
Louisiana:LDWF agents cite three subjects for deer hunting violations in St. Landry Parish
Florida:Florida bear hunt challenged by lawsuit over outdated data
Florida:FWC lowers the number of bear hunting permits to be issued
Connecticut: Hunting on Sundays in Connecticut will soon be legal under new law
Minnesota:Minnesota’s James Hautman wins 2025 Federal Duck Stamp Art Contest for a record seventh time
United States:Hunters and anglers plan ahead to leave a legacy for wildlife conservation
United States:Burgum ‘all in’ on renewal of Great American Outdoors Act
Canada:Hunting buffer zone near Bloodvein First Nation a ‘terrible precedent’: Manitoba Wildlife Federation
Four Corners SCI is not responsible for links that take you to away from our website.
WHAT WE’RE LISTENING TO
Stories & Laughs with Tony Roettger (Minnesota SCI) – Down the Barrel Podcast
Protecting Your Freedom to Hunt – American Outdoor News
Juggernaut In The Making || Ep. 151 – Wild Origins Canada
1. Louisiana Bear Documentary
SCI Foundation and Safari Club International are proud to announce the premiere of a powerful new documentary chronicling one of America’s greatest wildlife recoveries: the return of the Louisiana black bear.
From the brink of extinction to a triumphant conservation success, this film explores the collaborative efforts that recovered this iconic species and highlights the crucial roles of conservation and hunting in this achievement.
SCI/F, SCI and our chapters were instrumental in the scientifically-based species recovery, defending the delisting in federal court twice, advocating for legislative and regulatory season setting, and educating hunters and the public by focusing our chapter membership, legal team, government affairs advocates and conservation staff on a single mission to bring a species off the threatened and endangered species list and establish sustainable use conservation through hunting for that species.
Watch the documentary here: From the Brink: Louisiana’s Black Bear Recovery
2. SCI Welcomes Keely Hopkins as the New Western Local & State Liaison
Safari Club International (SCI) proudly announces the appointment of Keely M. Hopkins, a seasoned government relations professional and licensed attorney with over a decade of experience in wildlife management, conservation, and firearm policy, as its new State and Local Liaison for the West.
Hopkins brings a wealth of expertise gained from leadership roles at the National Rifle Association–Institute for Legislative Action (NRA-ILA) and the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation, where she directed legislative, regulatory, and political strategies across multiple states.
A graduate of Willamette University College of Law with a Juris Doctorate in Government and International Law, Hopkins has studied abroad in Spain, Tanzania, and China, gaining unique insights into global conservation and legal frameworks. She has testified before legislatures, built bipartisan coalitions, and collaborated with federal agencies on landmark initiatives.
An avid hunter herself, Hopkins has pursued game species across North America and recently completed her first South African hunt this year.
3. SCI Middle East Chapter’s Inaugural Gala
This spectacular two-day celebration, held on September 12th and 13th, 2025, at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel in Doha, Qatar, brought together guests from around the world to champion wildlife conservation and the rich traditions of hunting.
The conception of our Middle East Chapter was driven by an enthusiastic group dedicated to preserving these vital traditions. The Gala was a remarkable occasion that featured inspiring conversations, meaningful connections, and a shared commitment to SCI’s mission. The Chapter was honored to welcome Ambassadors, SCI members and esteemed guests to the two-day event.
A highlight of the event was the comprehensive awards and recognition program, designed to honor the achievements of hunters worldwide. This robust program is truly one of a kind, celebrating a legacy of conservation and significant contributions to the natural world.
President H.E. Sheikh Abdulla bin Faisal Al Thani expressed his gratitude for the global participation from the SCI community and his pride in the team for organizing such a memorable, historic inaugural event. He eagerly anticipates building a strong chapter and advancing SCI’s missions both in the Middle East and worldwide.
For more information about the Middle East Chapter, please visit www.scimiddleeast.org
4. SCI’s Growing Footprint in South Africa
Earlier this month, Jason St. Michael, Director of SCI Membership and Chapter Services, traveled to the SCI office in South Africa where he was hosted by Mpho Tjiane, SCI Africa Liaison. Jason and Mpho met with various groups to work on partnerships and ways to further promote hunting and conservation as well as development of chapters and membership growth in Africa.
Meetings with key organizations representing hunters, sport shooters, and outfitters from across South Africa included the Professional Hunters of South Africa (PHASA), South Africa Field Sport (SA Field Sport), National Hunting and Shooting Association (Natshoot), South African Black Hunters & Sport Shooting Association, South African Hunters and Game Conservation Association, and Custodians of Professional Hunting and Conservation. Discussions centered on how SCI and these organizations can work together to promote hunting and wildlife conservation throughout South Africa.
Thank you to all of SCI’s partners in South Africa for their continued support and dedication to sustainable wildlife management.
5. SCI Asks Forest Service to Consider Conservation and Hunting in Potentially Revoking Roadless Requirements
Last week, SCI submitted a comment asking the U.S. Forest Service to consider the conservation of wildlife populations and habitat and promotion of hunting access in its decision-making on whether to prepare an Environmental Impact Statement on a proposed rule to rescind the 2001 Roadless Area Conservation Rule. The comment notes that potentially rescinding the 2001 “Roadless Rule” is a complex question. It will affect wildlife habitat, abundance, and hunting opportunities, potentially in positive ways (like wildfire management) and negative ways (possible habitat fragmentation). The specific effects will depend on the location and how any rescission and future decision-making is handled. SCI’s comment highlights some of the potential positive and negative effects, for the Service’s consideration if it moves forward. Read SCI’s comment here
6. SCI – Canada Helps Found New Organization to Defend Hunting Across the Great White North
On Canada’s National Hunting, Trapping and Fishing Heritage Day, Saturday, September 20th, SCI – Canada helped launch the Canada Wildlife Conservation Partners (CWCP), a coalition designed to unite conservation-focused organizations across the country in defending the rights and traditions of hunters, trappers, and outdoor enthusiasts. SCI Canada is one of four founding members, working alongside Delta Waterfowl, Fur Institute of Canada, and the Wild Sheep Society of British Columbia.
Recognizing the need to bring conservation organizations in Canada together, former SCI President John McLaurin tasked SCI Canada with exploring ways to unite Canadian outdoor organizations and leverage their collective strength. Under the leadership of Membership and Chapter Services Director Jason St. Michael and Chapter/Advocacy Services Specialist – Canada Chris Everett, SCI Canada collaborated with other dedicated individuals and key organizations in sustainable-use conservation to create the CWCP. More like-minded organizations across Canada are expected to join, increasing the organization’s voice and power to defend the rights of all outdoor enthusiasts.
Similar to the American Wildlife Conservation Partners (AWCP), the CWCP unifies the voices of organizations committed to advancing science-based wildlife management, safeguarding biodiversity, defending the North American Model of Wildlife Conservation and promoting public understanding of the value of sustainable use. Policy makers will not only hear the collective voice of 100,000’s of hunters and trappers across Canada but will also be held accountable to them.
To learn more about the CWCP, click here
7. Happening on the Hill
SCI continues to monitor the status of Appropriations bills in Congress with the upcoming government funding deadline of September 30th. Congress is yet to pass any of the 12 full-year appropriations bills, and with both chambers in recess, it will require a last-minute deal to avoid a shutdown.
We continue to encourage Congress to pass the Interior Appropriations bill, which contains several provisions important for all hunters, including access to lead ammunition, Endangered Species Act Reform, and increased public land access.
8. Hunters’ Embassy™ Happenings
Last week at the Hunters’ Embassy, SCI hosted several events:
SCI hosted a Hunters’ Embassy™ Hunt Club Roundtable, led by Congressman Rob Wittman (R-VA-01). Joined by industry partners and D.C. professionals with a passion for hunting and conservation, Rep. Wittman discussed his work in Congress and relevant policy updates. We thank Rep. Wittman for his time and his leadership in championing these issues in Congress!
SCI hosted Senator John Curtis (R-UT), our 2025 Federal Legislator of the Year, for a fundraising luncheon with over 30 attendees.
SCI hosted Senator Jim Bank (R-IN) with special guest Senator Tom Cotton (R-AR) for a fundraising reception with 50 attendees.
SCI held an SCI Hunters’ Embassy™ Lunch and Learn with special guest Kurt Thiede of the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies. Kurt led a course for 15 Congressional staffers discussing state wildlife management and the impact of federal policymaking. Thank you to Kurt and AFWA for their enormous impact on advancing common-sense wildlife policy nationwide!
SCI hosted a roundtable discussion with several of our partners across multiple industries related to wildlife, conservation, and international policy.
9. Around the States
Alabama: SCI thanks Alabama Governor Kay Ivey for signing the National Hunting and Fishing Day Proclamation last week! SCI’s Bee Frederick attended the event along with Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) leadership and various partners in support of Alabama’s sporting traditions.
Florida: As expected, anti-hunting organization Bear Warriors United has filed a legal challenge to the upcoming Florida bear hunt in hopes of derailing the recently approved sustainable hunt. The lawsuit, a civil complaint filed in Tallahassee/Leon County, alleges that the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s (FWC) decision was based on old population data and that the FWC’s vote violated the state’s constitution. SCI is preparing to move to intervene in defense of the hunt
Wisconsin: Last week, SCI’s Bee Frederick and Dan Trawicki, President of the Southeast Wisconsin Bow Chapter, attended the Wisconsin Legislative Sportsmen’s Caucus sporting clays event near Madison, WI. Nearly 20 members of the Wisconsin legislature along with over a dozen legislative staff joined various sporting conservation partners at the event to celebrate the rich sporting heritage in Wisconsin and also discuss important policy issues such as the reauthorization of the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Project and the effort to establish a sandhill crane hunting season. Pictured below (L-R), Representative Chanz Green, Dan Trawicki, President of SCI Southeast Wisconsin Bow Chapter, Representative Treig Pronschinske, SCI State and Local Liaison Bee Frederick.
11. Women Go Hunting
SCI member Jodi Marie Cook recommends an exceptional hunting experience in Australia’s Northern Territory where she hunted banteng and water buffalo. These are wild bovines native to Asia and introduced to Australia in the first half of the 1800s. Ranging freely for more than 100 years, their thriving populations are sustainably hunted by Aboriginals and outfitters contracted to bring hunting clients.
“The quality and quantity of animals was outstanding,” says Jodi. “The outfitter has access to a tremendous amount of basically untouched bush. Many of the areas he had not even hunted for several years.”
Despite the remoteness of the area, Jodi says the camps were clean and comfortable, while providing a rustic outback feel.
She describes the outfitter as exceptional, giving him an overall 10 rating and recommending him to women hunters looking for a true Australian outback experience. Read more about Jodi’s hunt at SCI’s Women Go Hunting.
11. 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!
