July 7, 2017

San Juan County 4-H Team Receives Four Corners SCI Support

By fourcornerssci
At Four Corners SCI we are proud to host one of the largest fundraisers in the area and to give back to the community. A piece of our Mission Statement is “To educate youth, sportsmen, and the public in conservation of our wildlife and our forest, which is our natural heritage.” We’re putting forth more than one effort in this avenue and will be sharing additional works throughout the year. Please find a recap from the San Juan County 4-H Shooting Team. They recently participated in the 4-H National event, a trip for which our Chapter provided support.
The 2017 4-H National Shooting Sports Championships were held in Grand Island, Nebraska and it was a blast!! 22 teams across the country competed in .22 rifle and 26 team competed in air rifle. The competition was fierce!

The Air Rifle Team (Gabe Doherty, Racine Eavenson, Camron Martinez, and Bethany Parks) didn’t make it to the podium but there was some personal best scores shot!

The .22 team (Rashel Korte, Michaela Langlitz, Amoret McCartney, and Jeana Dolan) came in 4th in the Silhouette event with Michaela Langlitz coming 10th as an individual.
In the CMP Rimfire event the team came in 4th and Michaela Langlitz came in 7th as an individual.
In the 3P event the team placed 3rd with Amoret McCartney placing 9th with her individual score.
For the overall team award the San Juan County .22 team ranked 4th in the Nation with Rashel Korte ranking 9th overall. 

Wow, what a week! Very proud of our teams and very blessed to be part of the event and experience it with the families that we were with. Great Memories, Thanks! Thank you again for all donations and support  to make it possible for these 4-H families to go experience an event like this.
Many thanks to our members and all supporters who contribute and support our Mission. We are very proud of these youngsters and their hard work.
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June 23, 2017

SCI Applauds Long-Overdue Yellowstone Grizzly Delisting

By fourcornerssci
SCI Applauds Long-Overdue Yellowstone Grizzly Delisting

Safari Club International celebrates with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Montana, Idaho, Wyoming, and hunter-conservationists throughout the country the impending delisting of grizzly bears. The removal of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem (GYE) population of grizzlies (Ursus arctos horribilis) from the federal threatened species list means that management of this recovered population of bears will finally return to the state agencies who have worked diligently with stakeholders to conserve the population. The GYE population consists of portions of northwestern Wyoming, southwestern Montana and eastern Idaho. Biologists estimate that approximately 700 bears now live in that area.

SCI has long been involved in the grizzly bear delisting saga. The Service first listed the grizzly bears in the lower 48 states as threatened back in 1973. In 2007, the Service delisted the GYE population and were soon after sued in federal court.  SCI joined the suit as an intervenor to defend the delisting. After the district court invalidated the delisting, SCI, along with the other defendants, appealed the ruling. The appellate court affirmed only part of the ruling but the grizzly remained on the threatened species list. Although the Service predicted that it would be able to delist the bears again in 2013, the Service did not propose to remove the GYE population of bears from federal ESA protection until March of 2016. SCI filed two sets of comments in support of the proposed delisting.

The Service will publish a final delist rule in the next few days and the delisting will go into effect 30 days after publication in the Federal Register. Despite decades of recovery efforts, extensive scientific research, and demonstrated recovery, the battle over GYE grizzlies is far from over. At least one anti-hunting group has already stated that they will sue to reverse the delisting. If that happens, SCI is very likely to join that litigation and once again defend the delisting and sustainable use management of the bear.

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June 5, 2017

New Deputy Director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

By fourcornerssci

Gregory Sheehan Appointed Deputy Director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

WASHINGTON, DC—Safari Club International (SCI) today praised the appointment of Gregory Sheehan as Deputy Director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Director Sheehan has served as the Director of the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources since 2012. He is a member of SCI and has been a key participant for several years at SCI’s annual Western Directors’ Forum at the SCI Convention.

He is an avid hunter and has hunted in the U.S. and in Africa. Director Sheehan is very familiar with many of the issues that affect SCI members and their abilities to hunt and participate in sustainable use conservation in the U.S. and abroad. He has served as Chair of the Threatened and Endangered Policy Committee of the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies and has been a member of the U.S. Fish andWildlife Service Federal/State Joint ESA Task Force. He also serves on the Board of the Council to Advance Hunting and Shooting Sports.

Director Sheehan has worked for 25 years in the natural resources and wildlife management community. In Utah, he championed a proactive approach to growing and sustaining wildlife populations. During his five years as Utah’s Director, the state’s mule deer population increased by more than 100,000 animals, leading to increased hunting and viewing opportunities for the public.

He is also long-term advocate for shooting sports. Under his leadership the National Archery in the Schools program in Utah tripled its number of participants.

Director Sheehan earned his degree at Utah State University and later received a Masters in Business Administration. He and his wife have been married for 30 years and have two sons.

SCI welcomes Director Sheehan to Washington, D.C. and we look forward to working with him to address the domestic and international wildlife management and conservation concerns of SCI and the broader hunting community.

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SCI has a U.S. based-membership of approximately 38,000 but through our Affiliate Member program we represent930,414 sportsmen and women. Worldwide SCI has 51,000 members and 8,613,742 represented through our Affiliate Membership.

Safari Club International – First For Hunters is the leader in protecting the freedom to hunt and in promoting wildlife conservation worldwide. SCI’s approximately 200 Chapters represent all 50 of the United States as well as 106 other countries. SCI’s proactive leadership in a host of cooperative wildlife conservation, outdoor education and humanitarian programs, with the SCI Foundation and other conservation groups, research institutions and government agencies, empowers sportsmen to be contributing community members and participants in sound wildlife management and conservation. Visit the home page www.safariclub.org or call (520) 620-1220 for more information

Washington, District of Columbia · Tucson, Arizona
www.safariclub.org · www.safariclubfoundation.org

Safari Club International – First For Hunters is the leader in protecting the freedom to hunt and in promoting wildlife conservation worldwide. SCI’s approximately 200 Chapters represent all 50 of the United States as well as 106 other countries. SCI’s proactive leadership in a host of cooperative wildlife conservation, outdoor education and humanitarian programs, with the SCI Foundation and other conservation groups, research institutions and government agencies, empowers sportsmen to be contributing community members and participants in sound wildlife management and conservation. Visit the home page www.SafariClub.org, or call (520) 620-1220 for more information.
International Headquarters Tucson, Arizona · Washington, District of Columbia · Ottawa, Canada www.SafariClub.org

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June 1, 2017

Olivia Opre on the Anti-Hunting Movement and What We Can Do

By fourcornerssci
image

Olivia Opre on the Anti-Hunting Movement and What We Can Do…

As hunters, we face many challenges in the field: weather, migrations, moon phases, terrain and sometimes plain old bad luck. But, with the onset of social media, our challenges in protecting our hunting traditions have moved into our living rooms and increased exponentially. Social media has allowed anti-hunters to claim an identity otherwise too daunting to embrace, while hiding in the safety of their home behind a computer. As their confidence is gained and their true character is revealed, they become more brazen in making ignorant accusations and spewing vitriol that hurts us as individuals and as hunters.

Many of us fear jeopardizing the safety of ourselves, family and our careers; subsequently, we retract by becoming extremely private and oftentimes avoid engaging in any sort of communication on a social media platform. Where this is completely understandable, there are some of us willing and capable of taking on the fight. To those of you free to embrace this battle, there are things we all need to be on the same page about… starting with a similar message based in good science and facts. Hunting is conservation, and we need to be constantly driving this point home to ensure that it is heard.

As hunters, we also need to be cognizant on how we portray ourselves and the use of trigger words like ‘trophy’, ‘record’, etc., so as not to end the argument before it starts. Additionally, the tastefulness of photos we post often sets the stage for reaction. Finding common ground can be a huge help; for instance, most people appreciate the locally sourced food movement and everyone hates poachers.

The future of our traditions depends upon reaching those on the fence about hunting and in educating our youth… the same people who actively engage on social media. Together, we can share all of the facts and create a more positive public image of hunters and hunting.

I support SCI Foundation and you should too. Stand with us to support science-based conservation and education.

Yours in Conservation,
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Olivia Opre

Hunter, 2014 SCI Diana Award Recipient, Conservationist, and co-host of “Eye of the Hunter”

SCI FOUNDATION is stepping up its fight against “False News” and “Alternative Facts,” and we need your support to make a difference.
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(click above image to learn more)

DONATE TODAY AND DOUBLE YOUR IMPACT!

A generous SCI member and Foundation donor has challenged us to raise more funds for the mission by offering to match the first $25,000 raised. In turn… we are now challenging you to “Double the Impact” of your gift to support wildlife conservation by participating in this limited time charitable giving opportunity.

To learn about more giving options, contact Kimberly Byers at 520-620-1220 ext. 322 or kbyers@safariclub.org

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May 29, 2017

We Need Unity Among the Hunting Community

By fourcornerssci

SCI President Calls for Unity Among Hunting Community

WASHINGTON, DC – Larry Higgins, President of Safari Club International (SCI), noted the resignation of Stan Burger from the position of President of the Professional Hunters Association of South Africa (PHASA) earlier this week. He said that the global hunting community would miss Burger’s dedication to the cause of protecting hunting. Higgins called on the hunting community to carry on Burger’s passion for focusing on the threats to hunting.

President Higgins stressed the need for the various organizations in the hunting community to work together in order to deal with the growing threat of the anti-hunting zealots. He referred to a recent article in National Geographic written after a South African professional hunter was killed by an elephant last week while doing his duty to protect his hunting party from dangerous game. The article was callous about the hunter’s death and used it as an opportunity to slam hunting.

Higgins said, “Today we are dealing with heartless and cruel people who know nothing about wildlife conservation and seem not to care about a human death. There is something horribly wrong with this misguided approach to the values of human life and death and wildlife conservation.”

Last year, under Burger’s leadership, PHASA made a decision to distance itself from hunting lions within enclosures. SCI followed that decision by saying that it opposed hunting of any animal within an enclosure if the hunt did not meet SCI’s fair chase standards. These standards include the following requirements:

  • The animals hunted must have freely resided on the property on which they are being hunted for at least six months, or longer.
  • The hunting property shall provide escape cover that allows the animals to elude hunters for extended periods of time and multiple occurrences. Escape cover, in the form of rugged terrain or topography, and/or dense thickets or stands of woods, shall collectively comprise at least 50% of the property.
  • The animals hunted must be part of a breeding unit that is a resident on the hunted property.
  • The operators of the preserve must provide freely available and ample amounts of cover, food, and water at all times.
  • Animals that are to be hunted must exhibit their natural flight/survival instincts.

More recently, the SCI Executive Committee approved a decision by the SCI Record Book Committee that it would require an affidavit for Record Book entries of predators hunted within an enclosure. The affidavit must be signed by the hunter and the guide certifying that they have met the fair chase standards for estate animals.

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Safari Club International – First For Hunters is the leader in protecting the freedom to hunt and in promoting wildlife conservation worldwide. SCI’s proactive leadership in a host of cooperative wildlife conservation, outdoor education and humanitarian programs, with the SCI Foundation and other conservation groups, research institutions and government agencies, empowers sportsmen to be contributing community members and participants in sound wildlife management and conservation. Visitwww.safariclub.org or call (202) 543-8733 for more information.

Chapter Grants, Scholarships and Awards

CHAPTER OUTREACH

Grants

Grant requests are due April 1st and October 1st of each year. Requests are reviewed and voted upon, in May and November, unless other causes justify an urgent meeting and vote, by the acting Four Corners SCI board. All approved grants are issued within 30 days of the board meeting. CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT, AND HOW TO APPLY FOR, CHAPTER’S GRANTS.

Scholarships

The Four Corners chapter of Safari Club International (SCI), sponsors two local teachers to attend the American Wilderness Leadership School (AWLS) during the summer of each year. All interested teachers need to have applications submitted to Four Corners SCI, for grant review, by February 15th of each year. CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT, AND HOW TO APPLY FOR, AWLS SCHOLARSHIPS.

Awards

We are pleased to continue our support of the Legacy Project, a program to help and encourage youth in conservation, hunting, and education. The project helps youngsters not only get outdoors but stay out, enjoy it and then pass it on to others, thus establishing a Legacy. Each year, at our annual banquet/fundraiser we present one local youth with a new rifle. CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT, AND HOW TO NOMINATE YOUTH FOR THE, LEGACY AWARD.

Four Corners SCI
MISSION STATEMENT

To promote good fellowship among all who love the outdoors and hunting.

To promote conservation of the world’s renewable wildlife resources, recognizing hunting as one of the many management tools.

To educate youth, sportsmen, and the public in conservation of our wildlife and our forest, which is our natural heritage.

To share our knowledge and hunting experiences among all our membership.

To operate the association as a non-profit organization, consistent with its charitable purposes, while providing enjoyment for our members.  Always with the goal of helping to conserve the animals that we love to hunt today, for those who will come to love the sport tomorrow.

We support our mission through our fundraising efforts and providing grant donations. Our annual banquet/fundraiser is the primary source of funds. All monies collected go toward our efforts. The good news is 70% of all funds raised stay here. That’s right the majority of our efforts stay local. If you or someone you know have a group which would like to apply for a grant, please submit your application to the address below.

Submit all request to:

Four Corners SCI
attn: Grant Request Committee
PO Box 1401
Bayfield, CO 81122 

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April 18, 2017

Is Your State Represented in Protecting Hunting Freedoms?

By fourcornerssci

First For Hunters Blog

Thirty-OneStates Will Not Speak for SCI on Lobby Day – Unless You Register Now!

First-for-Wildlife-SCI-logo-header-9b60e0a5-7538-4c42-b4d7-a69e258e2029Apr 17, 2017

Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Utah, Vermont, and West Virginia have no SCI members registered to visit House and Senate offices on SCI’s Lobby Day on May 11, 2017.

Without representation from those states, there will be no one from SCI to inform the Congressmen and Senators from those 31 states about legislation that SCI wants to see passed this year and no one to explain about the important issues that this new Congress and new Administration should work on in the next several months.

For the first time in many years, our country has both a Congress and a President who are supportive of hunting.  This provides us with an excellent opportunity to educate our government leaders and policy makers about changes we would like to see made in legislation and rules affecting hunting, wildlife management and conservation, and access.  Now is the time to take advantage of this invaluable access to supportive leadership and to meet with the officials who can make the changes for which we have waited so long and worked so hard.  This is not a Lobby Day to miss!

SCI’s Lobby Day will take place on May 11, 2017.  It is the largest annual lobbying event in Washington, D.C. that focuses solely on hunting and conservation.  SCI’s Washington D.C. Hunter Advocacy Department will organize meetings so that you, as a hunter-conservationist, can speak with your members of Congress and legislative staffs about the issues that are important to SCI and to you!  SCI’s Hunter Advocacy staff will also prepare you with briefings and documents, so that you can provide your Congressmen and Senators with important information about our issues and with contact information so that they can continue to work with SCI, long after Lobby Day, to get favorable legislation passed.

If you are a resident of one of the 31 states listed above – your Congressmen and Senators won’t hear SCI’s message; won’t learn about legislation important to SCI and the hunting community; and won’t understand that SCI can provide them with background and resources to help develop and support laws favorable to hunting.  SCI’s voice will be absent and a tremendous opportunity will slip away.

It will soon be too late to register for Lobby Day.  The deadline to register is Thursday, April 20 by clicking here.  Make your plans to come.  Encourage your friends to register.  Don’t let your state go silent on Lobby Day.

SCI has always been a leader in advocating on behalf of the hunting community and the 15.5 million hunters in the United States.  As an SCI member, you have an invaluable opportunity to be part of that advocacy effort and to make certain that Congress hears what is important to hunters, hunting, and conservation.  Don’t miss this excellent opportunity to take an active role on May 11 in the changes taking place in Washington, D.C. and throughout the country.

If you are interested in participating in SCI’s efforts to protect the freedom to hunt, please register for SCI’s Lobby Day immediately by clicking here.

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April 18, 2017

Using Form 4457s for Traveling With Firearms

By fourcornerssci

First For Hunters Blog

Latest Update on Using Form 4457s for Traveling With Firearms

Apr 17, 2017

SCI has contacted U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) for assistance in dealing with South Africa’s decision to accept only 1) Form 4457s with expiration dates that follow the date of travel or 2) Form 4457s without expiration dates that show proof of being issued in 2017.  Please see this previous article for more background information.

CBP acknowledges that some local port of entry offices around the country have been issuing forms with expiration dates that have already passed or with no expiration dates at all.  CBP’s Washington, D.C. office is communicating with branch offices to try to remedy this problem.  Although all CBP offices should be using the newest version of Form 4457, some local offices may not yet be aware that the form has been updated.

The current Form 4457 is now available from the agency’s website, located here:  https://www.cbp.gov/sites/default/files/assets/documents/2016-Aug/CBP%20Form%204457.pdf.  The expiration date on that form is 08/31/2019.

According to CBP, individuals who are planning to travel with their firearms outside of the United States, including to South Africa, should obtain and travel with the newest version of the form.  To best ensure that the CBP office signs and verifies the correct version of the Form 4457, CBP encourages hunters to download their own blank form/forms from the CBP website and take the blank forms with them to the CBP port of entry office for processing.

CBP personnel at local offices should sign and verify the new forms, even if the traveler already has a Form 4457 for the firearm(s) with which they intend to travel.  If hunters encounter CBP personnel who have questions about obtaining and/or signing and verifying the latest version of Form 4457s, hunters are directed to inform those personnel to contact Carrie Ehrgott, International Trade Specialist, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Office of Trade, Washington, D.C., (202) 863-6508.

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