INTERNATIONAL GOVERNMENT & PUBLIC AFFAIRS
December 23, 2025
Washington, D.C.
Congress
The House is in Recess this week
The Senate is in Recess this week
WHAT WE’RE READING
Delaware: Delaware lawmakers introduce bill to protect hunting, fishing, trapping rights
Montana: Judge declines to halt Montana wolf hunting, trapping seasons
Missouri: Missouri to require new nonresident migratory bird hunting permit in 2026
Oklahoma: OK Attorney General Opinion prohibits prosecution of tribal members hunting, fishing on own land
Wisconsin: Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Conservation fund set to expire
United States: The House just voted to delist gray wolves. Now the bill heads to the Senate
United States: Natural Resources Committee approves ESA overhaul
United States: New wildlife chief Brian Nesvik says grizzly delisting could be two years away
United States: Federal wildlife agency loses 18% of staff, many biologists, after Trump cuts
United States: The Trump administration says it will ‘review’ the nation’s wildlife refuges
Sweden: Court stops Swedish wolf hunt in 2026 – had been criticized by the EU
United Kingdom: Trail hunting to be banned as part of new animal welfare strategy
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1. Gray Wolf ESA Delisting Passes House
Safari Club International applauds the U.S. House of Representatives for passing H.R. 845, the Pet and Livestock Protection Act of 2025. Delisting of gray wolves is one of SCI’s legislative priorities, and this resolution is a step in the right direction in a data driven decision.
Gray wolves in many areas have far exceeded ESA recovery goals, with more than 4,000 wolves in the Great Lakes states alone as of 2020. Returning wolf management to the states is critical to addressing impacts on wildlife populations, livestock producers, family pets, and rural communities.
H.R. 845 requires the Secretary of the Interior to reissue the 2020 U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service rule removing gray wolves from the Endangered Species Act and the bill mirrors a successful 2011 law that restored state management of wolves in Idaho and Montana.
SCI thanks the House and the bill’s co-sponsors for advancing science-based wildlife management and urges the Senate to act swiftly to pass this common-sense legislation.
2. SCI Seeks Removal of Bontebok from ESA List
SCI submitted a petition to delist bontebok to the Department of the Interior and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service on December 17. Bontebok have made a remarkable recovery from a population size of around 17 individuals in the 1930s to an estimated 9,819 – 11,069 individuals today, and the species no longer meets the criteria for listing under the Endangered Species Act. This conservation success story is due entirely to hunting-based conservation in South Africa, where management of bontebok is highly regulated. The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species recently removed the species from its lists of protected species after unanimous agreement that international regulation is no longer needed; SCI is asking the U.S. to do the same. To read the petition, click here.
3. Happening on the Hill
Big news for conservation and collaboration! The ESA Amendments Act of 2025, introduced by House Natural Resources Chair Bruce Westerman, is a major step toward modernizing the Endangered Species Act. This bill ensures the ESA works as intended—recovering species and fostering partnerships with landowners, conservationists, and the sporting community—rather than fueling endless litigation and bureaucratic overreach. Among many other provisions, this bill reduces burdens on U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and foreign conservation programs, and restores ESA to Congress’ original intent, especially through Title VI provisions.
4. Belgium Trophy Ban Remains in Place
Last week, the Constitutional Court in Belgium has ruled to maintain the prohibition on importing trophies into the country. SCI Europe and the BENELUX chapter are disappointed with the ruling and regrets the Court decision as there is no option for further appeal. Belgium will now join the few European countries to have such a ban. We would like to appreciate the hard work of the Belgian legal team in coordination with the BENELUX chapter, SCI, and CIC. Their emphasis on scientific evidence and testimonies proved SCI’s commitment to science and advocating for hunting as a scientifically proven means of wildlife management. We will continue to defend hunters and their right to hunt by continuing to fight against the further spread of trophy bans across Europe.
5. Botswana Recognizes the Growing Need for Pro-Sustainable Use Management
SCI’s Africa Liaison Mpho Tjiane and Guide & Outfitters Liaison Everett Headley recently met with several officials across Botswana, including members of the Department of Wildlife, University of Botswana, National Council of NGOs, Botswana Wildlife Producers Association, and Community Trust leadership. Across these meetings, the overall theme was an abundance of wildlife (mainly elephants, lions, and leopards) and the need for better management. Government officials are increasingly embracing pro-sustainable use policies, but currently lack the infrastructure, resources, and personnel to fully implement them. This is pivotal as Botswana continues to emerge and develop this industry following the removal of the country’s hunting ban. The Guide Outfitter Grant Program has helped to fund community trust hunting guides that will continue to document and prove the benefit of hunting to each area. Pictured above: SCI Africa Liaison Mpho Tjiane and SCI Guides & Outfitters Liaison accompanied by Community Trust board members visiting areas north of Maun, Botswana.
6. Advocacy Team Hiring Spring Government Affairs Interns
SCI’s Advocacy Team is hiring two Government Affairs Interns to join the leading hunting advocacy organization in the world! Based in our nation’s capital, this internship offers a glimpse into the world of government affairs and conservation advocacy. From interacting with members of Congress to familiarizing themselves with the many intricacies of conservation law, these interns will be able to learn valuable skills applicable beyond the conservation field.
We invite all current students or recent graduates to apply for this spring internship and join SCI! If you are interested or have any questions, please contact Christopher Gomes at cgomes@scifirstforhunters.org or apply by clicking here.
7. Around the States
California: Last week, SCI Western State and Local Liaison Keely Hopkins represented California SCI members and hunters at the California Department of Fish and Wildlife Advisory Committee meetings in Sacramento. As an official member of the Big Game Management Account Advisory Committee and Upland Game Advisory Committee, SCI represents the interests of licensed hunters from across the state by reviewing and providing comments to CDFW on all proposed projects funded through the Big Game and Upland Game Management Accounts. In this role, SCI will help to ensure that funds generated through these accounts are used for acquiring land, implementing programs to benefit these species, expanding public hunting opportunities, and related public outreach and enforcement costs. Pictured above (L-R): SCI Western State and Local Liaison Keely Hopkins and SCI California Coalition Lobbyist Greg Hurner.
Michigan: Last week, legislation that would allow firearm safety courses, and include hunter education certification, to be taught in Michigan schools passed the final legislative hurdle. Michigan House Bill 4285, sponsored by Rep. Curt VanderWall, now awaits the Governor’s signature before becoming law. The bill is similar to the Senate version, Senate Bill 58, authored by hunting champion Sen. Jon Bumstead. Once enacted, it will allow for optional firearms safety instruction to be offered as part of an existing class or as a stand-alone course that would offer credit towards graduation. The bill would require firearms safety classes to be taught by certified hunter education instructors. Students would learn about the different types of firearms, their proper usage and handling, safe cleaning and maintenance, and safe hunting practices. Real firearms or ammunition would not be allowed in schools as part of the instruction. SCI previously submitted letters of support for these bills.
Nevada: On December 17th, the Nevada Legislative Commission voted to approve state regulations on coyote contests. The regulations, which were passed by the Nevada Department of Wildlife Commission last month, will set a season for hunting tournaments and will now require individuals participating in a contest to obtain a hunting license, even though one is not otherwise required to hunt coyotes in Nevada. SCI opposed the increased regulations when they were being considered by the Wildlife Commission. To read SCI’s opposition letter click here.
8. Women Go Hunting
Making the Connection with Women Go Hunting
I have always admired hunters. After years working for a law enforcement association and moving to Texas, SCI was an intriguing new chapter in my career. However, I felt like I was missing a connection with our Corporate Sponsors, members, and advertisers I worked with because I did not have any hunting experience of my own. I started looking into beginner hunting options but couldn’t seem to connect with something that felt like I would fit in. That changed this past summer when I met Denise Welker, Chair of Women Go Hunting (WGH) and began working with her team to help secure sponsorships for the 2026 WGH Mix ‘N Mingle event held at the SCI Convention in Nashville, TN.
During my first meeting I confessed to Denise and her sub-chair, Barbara Crown, that I had never been hunting and didn’t know where to start. They both grinned and said, “Hang on… we are working on something.” A few weeks later I received an email regarding the WGH scholarship hunting program to Legends Ranch!! I threw my phone up in the air and jumped with excitement. I think I told anyone who would listen. I was so excited to finally experience my first hunt and top it off by making some new friends with the other women that were going.
To read more of Lisa’s story, click here.
9. Happy Holidays from SCI’s Advocacy Team
SCI’s Advocacy Team would like to wish everyone a safe and happy holidays! Whether you be traveling or taking advantage of some late season hunting, we hope your holiday season is warm as you surround yourself with family and friends. From lighting to candles to opening gifts under the tree, may your holidays be filled with peace, love, and relaxation. As this year comes to a close, we appreciate each and every one of you for standing with us in our fight to protect the right to hunt. From our family to yours, Happy Holidays!!!
10. 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!
