Thursday, May 15, 2008

SCI Condemns U.S. Fish and Wildlife Decision to List Polar Bear as Threatened Under ESA

Washington, D.C. - Safari Club International President Dennis Anderson today condemned the decision of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) to list all populations of the polar bear as “threatened” under the Endangered Species Act (ESA).   “Because of the uncertainty surrounding the extent of climate change and its impact on the polar bear, the listing was not warranted under ESA standards,” said Anderson.

Currently, polar bear population numbers are at or near all-time highs. Most populations in Canada are either stable or increasing. The FWS is relying on speculative computer modeling and limited professional judgment to conclude nonetheless that the polar bear will be threatened with extinction 45 years in the future.    

The listing means that imports into the United States of polar bear trophies legally hunted in Canada will no longer be allowed as of the effective date of the listing, which will be the date that the rule is published in the Federal Register. Before the listing, the law permitted imports from six populations of polar bears in Canada. The FWS previously had determined that the sport hunting programs for each of these six populations is “based on scientifically sound quotas ensuring the maintenance of the affected population stock at a sustainable level.”  The new listing rule recognizes the conservation benefits of sport hunting and importation, but claims the Marine Mammal Protection Act bars imports once a species is listed under the ESA.

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 10:33 AM 0 COMMENTREAD MORE »

Thursday, May 15, 2008

New Safari Collection Unveiled By She Safari

SHIRTS

The safari shirt is tailored to fit with hidden front button closure, double safari style pockets and darted back, available in short or long sleeve.

PANTS

A variety of pant designs complete each outfit. Zip-off styles include a zipper and Velcro bellows on the back of the lower leg which expands allowing you to remove boots in the field.

SKORTS & SHORTS

The Wrap Skort looks like a stylish wrap skirt from the front but with durable and comfortable shorts underneath..

JACKETS

Safari Fleece Zip-Jackets are made with wind resistant fleece and lined with soft twill for added comfort on cold mornings. 

For more styles and product information log on to www.shesafari.com.

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 10:23 AM 0 COMMENTREAD MORE »

Thursday, May 15, 2008

ATA's Michelle Doerr Graduates From Groundbreaking New Effort To Train Next Generation Of Conservation Leaders

Washington, D.C. - Michelle Doerr, ATA's director of archery and bowhunting programs, recently graduated from the National Conservation Leadership Institute, an intense seven-month experience to address one of the nation's most significant conservation challenges-preparing and retaining leaders. Doerr is one of 36 chosen for the second class that culminated in April 2008.

In the next 10 years, nearly one-third of today's natural resource leaders will retire. According to research conducted in 2004, about 77 percent of state fish and wildlife agency senior leadership will retire by 2015, and more than half of federal conservation leaders would have retired by the end of 2007.

"It is a huge honor to be part of this outstanding leadership program, especially to be chosen among the nation's top conservation professionals," said Doerr. "With the help of the Institute, it is possible that the conservation legacy created by many of today's leaders will continue."

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 10:21 AM 0 COMMENTREAD MORE »

Thursday, May 15, 2008

Public Land Access Improved Thanks to Iowa NWTF

IOWA - The National Wild Turkey Federation's Iowa State Chapter continues to make public hunting access a priority, having already contributed $72,000 toward the purchase of 812 acres of land in the Hawkeye State in 2008.

The land purchases are part of a new NWTF initiative called More Places to Hunt, a program designed to help provide more hunting land on both public and private property. Nationwide, the NWTF already has spent nearly $9 million and obtained more than 400,000 acres for hunting since 1987.

Most recently in Iowa, NWTF volunteers helped purchase land that will be used for public hunting as part of four existing conservation areas in Allamakee, Buchanan, Woodbury and Webster counties.

"Public access to hunting is a major concern for many hunters, especially in Iowa where only about two percent of land is publicly owned," said Dave Whittlesey, NWTF regional biologist for Iowa. "Investing in hunting areas that are open to the public will benefit all wildlife and everyone who enjoys the public lands."

POSTED BY KEVIN C PAULSON AT 10:15 AM 0 COMMENTREAD MORE »

Texas Elk to Benefit from Elk Foundation Research Grant (Thursday, May 15, 2008)

Secretary Kempthorne Announces Decision to Protect Polar Bears under Endangered Species Act (Wednesday, May 14, 2008)

Fund Launched to Combat Largest Anti-Hunting Group (Wednesday, May 14, 2008)

Mule Deer Foundation Kemmerer Chapter Hosts an Outstanding Inaugural Event (Wednesday, May 14, 2008)

Western Slopers Form New Pheasants Forever Chapter (Wednesday, May 14, 2008)

NWTF Preparing for Wild Turkey's Future with Management Plan (Wednesday, May 14, 2008)

SCI and NRA Will Defend Rocky Mountain Wolf Delisting (Tuesday, May 13, 2008)

Tall Timbers Researcher Leading Florida's Second Quail Forever Chapter (Tuesday, May 13, 2008)

Pheasants Forever's Farm Bill Biologist Program Lands in North Dakota (Tuesday, May 13, 2008)

Paulson Named PF/QF Regional Wildlife Biologist in Washington and Oregon (Monday, May 12, 2008)