INTERNATIONAL GOVERNMENT & PUBLIC AFFAIRS
November 18, 2025
Washington, D.C.
Congress
The House is in Session this week
The Senate is in Session this week
WHAT WE’RE READING
Ohio: Ohioans could vote on ‘a constitutional right to hunt and fish’ in 2026
Montana: District Court hears arguments over wolf hunting regulations
Wyoming: Drilling lease slated 2 miles from world’s largest sage grouse lek, center punching planet’s longest mule deer migration
Michigan: U.P. lawmaker pushes for ‘backup’ bear hunting licenses
Wisconsin: Wisconsin’s premier conservation tool victim of ‘partisan warfare’
Wisconsin: Wisconsin deer population swells to record level as current regulations, declining hunting pressure fail to control herd
Nevada: Nevada moves to regulate controversial coyote killing contests
Alaska: Alaska sued over hunting of bears from the air to protect caribou
Colorado: CPW seeks tips related to bighorn ram poaching case near Saguache
United States: Senators want public lands rule revoked
Canada: Bloodvein First Nation’s hunting checkstop may be ‘1st of many’ without court intervention, lawyer argues
Four Corners SCI is not responsible for links that take you to away from our website.
WHAT WE’RE LISTENING TO
American Outdoor News Podcast – Chris Tymeson on Conservation & Advocacy
1. SCI Acquires Outdoors Tomorrow Foundation
On November 17th, Safari Club International (SCI) announced the acquisition of the Outdoors Tomorrow Foundation (OTF), a national leader in outdoor education for students in grades K–12. This latest acquisition marks a major step forward in SCI’s mission to secure the future of hunting through education, advocacy, and hands-on experience.
For more than 40 years, OTF has worked to expand youth outdoor education and championing wildlife conservation efforts through its Outdoor Adventures curriculum, now taught in thousands of schools across fifty states. By joining forces, SCI and OTF ensures that the next generation of hunters, anglers, and conservation advocates are educated, engaged, and inspired to carry forward America’s outdoor hunting heritage.
To read more, click here.
2. New Zealand Minister of Hunting and Fishing Protects Tahr and Wapiti
While at the Sika Show in Auckland, New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Minister of Hunting and Fishing James Meager announced support for “Herds of Special interest” with the formation of the first two designations. Prime Minister Luxon recognized the grassroots effort that has sustained this decade-old campaign and his pride that the industry and sportsmen groups work for the betterment of their environment. He also pointed out the thousands of kilograms of venison hunters donate each year to Hunters for Hope, feeding the people of New Zealand.
Herds of Special Interest is an effort from sportsmen conservation groups to have certain herds of tahr, chamois, and wapiti granted upgraded status from “pest.” Since the 1930’s control plans for these species have essentially been an eradication from public land with no recognition of the value they add to New Zealand. That sentiment is outdated and most Kiwis (60%+) support keeping them on the mountain. To do this requires significant legislative change as well as mindsets within the Department of Conservation.
Hunters are the champions of wildlife in New Zealand. Minister Meager is keen to bring awareness of the need to protect these species and use hunting as a management tool. His remarks spoke to the critical role that hunters have in the conservation space. Tahr and chamois are part of the culture and carry social value. Cooperation among all stakeholders is vital in such a small country and New Zealand is the only country with a cabinet-level official dedicated to hunting.
Pictured above L-R: SCI Guide and Outfitter Liaison Everett Headley and the Honorable James Meager, New Zealand’s Minister of Hunting and Fishing.
3. SCI Supports the BLM’s Decision to Rescind Landscape Health Rulee
Last week, SCI filed a comment supporting the Bureau of Land Management’s proposed rescission of the “Conservation and Landscape Health Rule,” which was finalized last year and promotes the use of “conservation leases” on BLM lands. SCI’s comment points out that the rule conflicts with the Federal Land Policy and Management Act’s multiple-use mandate, lacks clarity on how conservation leases would work, and risks restricting hunting access. The rule also fails to account for hunting’s significant economic impact. SCI urged the BLM to guarantee hunting access while promoting balanced conservation in future policies, and offered to work with the BLM to develop a policy that achieves this goal. SCI remains committed to partnering with the BLM to ensure conservation and public access coexist for the benefit of hunters, communities, and wildlife species.
4. SCI Attends the Kansas Governor’s Ringneck Classic
SCI took western Kansas by storm, attending the 15th annual Kansas Governor’s Ringneck Classic, held in Colby, Kansas during the weekend of November 15th. The Classic is a conservation fundraiser for upland habitat in northwest Kansas and raises awareness of upland hunting challenges and victories, attracting local, regional and national conservation leaders, government officials and outdoor champions.
Pictured above L-R: SCI Director-at-Large Brandon Bredemeyer, Vice President of Government Affairs Chris Tymeson, Eastern Senior State and Local Liaison Bee Frederick, and SCI Director-at-Large Richard Kennedy.
Tymeson also attended the Kansas City SCI Chapter meeting, held at Cascones in Kansas City, Missouri that same week.
5. SCI Congratulates Minister Aucamp on Appointment
In a widely anticipated move, last week, South African President Ramaphosa removed Dion George from his position as Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment. In his place, President Ramaphosa appointed Willie Aucamp as the new Minister. SCI congratulates Minister Aucamp on his appointment, recognizing his leadership and commitment to policies that support wildlife conservation and sustainable hunting practices. His appointment signals a promising future for conservation initiatives that balance ecological stewardship with the cultural and economic importance of hunting. Minister Aucamp’s understanding of these interconnected priorities ensures that wildlife resources will be managed responsibly for generations to come.
SCI looks forward to collaborating with Minister Aucamp to advance programs that protect habitats, strengthen anti-poaching measures, and promote ethical hunting as a cornerstone of conservation funding. Together, we can champion science-based wildlife management that benefits local communities and preserves biodiversity worldwide. Congratulations once again to Minister Aucamp—SCI is eager to support his vision for a thriving future for wildlife and hunters alike.
6. Belgium Import Ban Litigation Update
Last week a hearing was held at the Constitutional Court in Belgium regarding the case SCI’s Benelux Chapter and CIC’s Belgian delegation brought to challenge a law that prohibits the importation of hunting trophies into Belgium. The trophy ban has been in place since early 2024. At the hearing, the Benelux Chapter’s attorneys explained the benefits of hunting to habitat conservation, biodiversity, and local livelihoods and described the negative economic, social, and biological consequences import bans can cause. SCI and the Benelux Chapter hope for a positive result and to set an example for other European countries that such import bans are bad policy, illogical, and potentially illegal. Belgium, as the capital of many European Union institutions, is very often an example for legislation. Stay tuned for future updates as we await the judges’ decision in this important litigation.
7. Happening on the Hill
Last Wednesday, the federal government reopened after 43 days, the longest shutdown in U.S. history. The House passed a continuing resolution (CR) and a three-bill “minibus” to fund the government through January 30, and certain agencies through September 30, including Military Construction–Veterans Affairs, Agriculture, the Food and Drug Administration, and the Legislative Branch. With both chambers back in session, leadership is now focused on the remaining nine appropriations bills that still require passage. Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) has indicated interest in moving forward with a minibus including the Defense, Labor-HHS, Commerce-Justice-Science, and Transportation-HUD bills. The Interior bill may also be included. The Senate could hold an initial procedural vote on the package as soon as this week, possibly using last month’s failed procedural vote on the FY 2026 Defense appropriations bill as the vehicle. These measures have yet to be reconciled with House-passed versions.
8. Hunters’ Embassy™ Happenings
Join SCI for a Hunters’ Embassy™ Lunch and Learn! On Wednesday, SCI’s Regina Lennox and Jeremy Clare will lead a course on international wildlife management and the global impact of U.S. wildlife policy. If you are interested in attending, please contact Nick Uberti at nuberti@scifirstforhunters.org.
9. Around the States
Alaska: SCI President-Elect Mike Crawford met with Senator Dan Sullivan (R-AK) at the Kenai River Sportfishing Association annual fundraiser in Soldotna, Alaska, where they had the opportunity to discuss hunting and access issues affecting SCI members.
Colorado: SCI joined a coalition letter to the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife Commission requesting the Commission deny the request of Governor Polis to translocate wolves from Washington state to Colorado. On November 15th, the Commission ultimately denied the request by a vote of 8-1. Read the letter here.
Also in the Centennial State, the Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) Commission unanimously approved new regulations on wild bison management during their November 13-14 meeting. These regulations follow the 2025 Protect Wild Bison Act (SB25-053), signed in May 2025. Prior to the meeting, SCI signed on to a letter from the Colorado Wildlife Conservation Project supporting the regulations and encouraging the Commissioners to adopt the proposed regulation package as presented. Read the letter here.
10. Women Go Hunting
It was my first deer hunt. We woke up early in the morning and headed out to the Book Cliffs in Eastern Utah. It was finally opening day, the day I had been anticipating for months. I was both excited and nervous. I had hunted the Book Cliffs before. It was where I harvested my very first animal, a mountain lion, after putting in weeks of hard work in snowy conditions and tough terrain. I had spent over a month here bear hunting and camping with my Dad. The Book Cliffs has always had a special place in my heart, and now I had the chance to go on my first deer hunt there.
To read more of Keely’s story, click here.
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!
