If you imported trophies in the last couple of years, you might want to read this. This is good info and SCI did damned good making us aware.



Important Notice for All Who Imported And Exported Trophies Into or From the U.S.


If you imported or exported a hunting trophy into the U.S. in 2013 and 2014, and possibly earlier, you will soon be given an opportunity to tell the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service whether you want the FWS to disclose your identity to an international anti-hunting organization.

On August 19, 2016, a D.C. federal court granted SCI the right to intervene in a lawsuit filed by Humane Society International. HSI filed suit against the FWS to challenge the FWS’s decision to withhold information about the identities of individuals who imported and exported animals into and from the U.S. in 2013 and 2014 and possibly earlier. Some of those individuals are SCI members and other international hunters who imported or exported legally hunted animals into or from the U.S. SCI has joined the lawsuit to defend the FWS’s decision not to provide that and other information in response to Freedom of Information Act Requests submitted by HSI to the FWS. SCI is very concerned that HSI wants to use the information once again to attack hunters, hunting and SCI.

HSI’s requests for the information and its decision to file a lawsuit mean that the FWS now has an obligation to notify all individuals who imported or exported animals into or from the U.S. The notice will inform importers and exporters that they should contact the FWS to state whether or not they want their identities disclosed to HSI. Instead of sending an individual letter to each of the thousands of individuals involved, the FWS has decided to publish the required notice in the Federal Register and on the FWS’s website. Once the notice appears in the Federal Register and on the FWS’s website, importers and exporters will have 20 days to respond to the notice. Unfortunately, it appears that the FWS has decided that if a person does not respond, the FWS will assume that person does not object to disclosure. In other words, it may be that if you do not expressly inform the FWS not to disclose your identity, the FWS will take your silence as an authorization to give out your name.

SCI is fully aware that the majority of SCI members (and others in the international hunting community) do not read the Federal Register or regularly visit the FWS’s website. However, SCI’s Litigation Department will be checking both sources daily. As soon as we see the FWS’s notice, we will send out an alert to all SCI members through our electronic publications. Our alert will explain how to inform the FWS whether you want your identity as a hunter/importer/exporter disclosed to HSI.

Please spread the word. If you know others who imported or exported legally hunted animals into or from the U.S., let them know that they too will have a limited opportunity to let the FWS know whether they want their identities disclosed to HSI. Encourage them to consult SCI’s publications and website for further information.

Thanks for the heads up.

Thanks for the info, and good work on this.

Thanks for posting Karl.

Make sure you're signed up for our advocacy alerts to keep up to date on a number of topics - including this one. If you aren't signed up please visit https://www.safariclub.org/wha...nter-advocacy-alerts and submit your email.

Unbelievable.

Thanks for posting. I actually talked to SCI's legislative folks and contemplated submitting a statement in the lawsuit as I had imported trophies in 2013. Ultimately I did not for fear of where it might end up if the court decided not to keep those submissions confidential and potential repercussions on my business. I shouldn't have to worry about that but, unfortunately, I do.

First off, thanks for the info. Just a couple of questions.

First, it seems as if the HSUS lawsuit hasn't be settled so the court could still rule in FWS and SCI's favor denying the release of information. If this is the case when would we expect the notice? After HSUS won?

Second, can we, through SCI or some other organization petition the FWS to require positive consent for the release of information rather than assuming no response to a notification that many may not even know about implies consent to the release of information?

I'm not a lawyer and the questions are asked to better understand the situation.

Also, 20 days seems like an extremely short time frame particularly when looking at the government's response times for other Freedom of Information requests (think emails).

If you weren't convinced that these people are terrorists before...how about now.

This is domestic terrorism.

Yup. You should have seen what happened if you bought a bear license here in FL last year. We were bombarded by these jackasses.

Can you post original links? I couldn't find the specifics. Thanks.

https://www.safariclub.org/wha...gation-wants-to-know



Have You Been Targeted? SCI Litigation Wants To Know

May 31, 2016


Animal rights and anti-hunting groups have made public records requests of state and federal agencies to get personal information about hunters. On some occasions, the groups used the information to harass hunters – sending ugly and even threatening e-mails and letters, and sometimes worse. For example, in Florida last year, after the state announced its first black bear hunt in many years, anti-hunters requested and obtained from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission a list of all individuals who had received permits to hunt bears. After receiving the names, the anti-hunters sent e-mails to all permit holders, comparing them to Nazis and attempting to shame them into not participating in the hunt.

Last year, anti-hunting organizations like the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) and Humane Society International (HSI) published, in their anti-hunting publications, information about hunters obtained from internet resources, including Facebook and the SCI Record Book. Other organizations and individuals have utilized the internet both to obtain information about hunters and to harass or threaten hunters.

Recently, HSI filed a lawsuit against the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) challenging the FWS’s refusal to release the names of all individuals who have imported hunting trophies into the United States. In the complaint they filed in federal court in D.C., HSI offered no direct explanation as to why they needed the names or what they would do with that personal information upon receiving it. SCI has serious concerns about this inquiry and the outcome of this lawsuit.

SCI’s Litigation staff needs your help. Are you an SCI member whose name or personal information was released or published by a federal or state agency in response to a records request or other inquiry about hunters or hunting? Were you contacted by an individual or organization that requested and/or received your information? Did they annoy, harass or threaten you in any way? If so, we want to hear from you. Please contact Anna Seidman, Director of Litigation, at aseidman@safariclub.org and tell us about it.

http://www.courthousenews.com/...WS/Story/Index/89075



Humane Society Seeks Info on Ivory & Fur
4/20/2016 7:03:00 AM, Lorraine Bailey

WASHINGTON (CN) — The Humane Society sued the Fish and Wildlife Service for information on the amount and value of imported ivory, furs, and wildlife trophies.
Humane Society International sued the Fish and Wildlife and the Department of the Interior on Monday in a Freedom of Information Act complaint.
"Our planet is on the brink of a sixth mass extinction, with wildlife populations suffering catastrophic declines because of human actions, including unsustainable international trade in animals and their parts," the federal complaint states.
"The United States is one of the largest consumers of wildlife products, in part due to American trophy hunters who travel the globe to kill exotic species and legally import their heads and hides for personal fancy. To evaluate the conservation and animal welfare impacts of the wildlife trade for trophy hunting and other purposes, issues which are of significant interest to the public, it is imperative that basic data pertaining to such transactions is transparent."
The Fish and Wildlife Service maintains a database of imported and exported wildlife specimens, including ivory, fur, and taxidermied specimens.
Until 2014, Fish and Wildlife would release the identity of importers and exporters of animals and animal parts, and the value of these items, in response to FOIA requests, the Humane Society says.
But in the past two years, the agency has said that certain data categories are exempt from disclosure.
The Humane Society calls that arbitrary and capricious, and wants to see the records.
The data "provide key information that quantifies the role the United States plays in the trade in wild animal products. For example, HSI [Human Society International] uses LEMIS [Law Enforcement Management Information System] data to identify the most common species and countries targeted for trophy hunting, to determine the value of ivory products being imported into the United States during a certain time period, and to determine the United States' role in the international trade of pangolin scales. This information is used to advocate for listing species under the ESA [Endangered Species Act] or CITES [Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora] as well as to inform the public," the complaint states.
The Humane Society is represented by house counsel Laura Friend and Anna Frostic.
Fish and Wildlife Service chief of public affairs Gavin Shire said the agency does not comment on active litigation. Attachment

"Information about the identification of Individuals who ..........."

Any thoughts regarding the information that they are seeking?

Will the FWS documentation requested by the HSI bunny huggers be limited to the name of the hunter along with a description/quantity of big game imported or will it also include personal info including, but not limited to, hunter's name, address, contact information, etc.

If I recall correctly, the import permits include more info than just name and description/quantity of big game imported.

If the FWS does release copies of the import permits, I sure hope that the documents are redacted!

In the opening paragraph this contemplates the release of records for 2013 and 2014 . .

"If you imported or exported a hunting trophy into the U.S. in 2013 and 2014, and possibly earlier,"

And possibly earlier. Hmmm.

My question is what is the proposed situation regarding 2015 and 2016, and forward.

And secondly what is earlier as no definition of that is stated.

Finally you mean to tell me that a person stopped by a law enforcement officer doesn't have to produce identification and yet this proposed BS is even going on. To heck with the nasty letters - When does the harsh physical action begin??

Can you imagine what will happen? So, if people like many of us ( myself for sure) that have, for example, imported Rhino or Ivory legally and properly taken and stamped....
What IF..crime syndicates targeted us for robbery as a result!!!
They would have our names and address!!!!!
There could be very disturbing ramifications far worse than simple harassment and privacy concerns

I realize that this is "pie-in-the-sky", but what if an anonymous hunter or hunting organization was to research and post personal information associated with HSI's and HSUS's management (both local, national, and international). Personal information could include, but not limited to, name, business address, personal address, phone numbers, email accounts, arrest records, credit reports, divorce proceedings, photo of his/her spouse, photo of home (using Google Earth), etc. They could be forewarned in advance (via HSI's and HSUS's Facebook page): "Every time you compromise a hunter's personal information, we will compromise one of your executive's/manager's personal information."

Poyntman, you got it right
Good point in court
Anyway,what a fucked up world
No privacy anymore

This is not some random event.

This is a strategic and hate to say it very well planned attack by anti-hunting forces.

They have figured out the weak points in the african and international trophy hunting industry and are strategically targeting it.

Trophy import - ban and/or information disclosure

Firearms export for hunting

Targeting of individuals for who a disclosed/public information on a hunting hobby has negative economic consequences. Doctors, public corporate officers, celebrities, politicians

Transporting trophies

Only way to fight this strategic long term attack is with our own strategic long term plan. Time to tie hunting into property rights, gun rights and state constitutions for US/NA hunting. International hunting is much tougher.

Mike

quote:

Originally posted by Beretta682E:

Only way to fight this strategic long term attack is with our own strategic long term plan. Time to tie hunting into property rights, gun rights and state constitutions for US/NA hunting. International hunting is much tougher.

Mike

Agree with this.

All hunters whether you belong to a group, society, club or any hunting organization need to contact the USF&W and express your concern over this blatant attempt to gain access to your private information. Just look at their actions against the 12 year old girl recently or Kendall Jones. There is a long list of vile, vulgar and criminal threats made against hunters both male and female. Wouldn't hurt to contact SCI, DSC, NRA and all organizations to combat this suit, furthermore, take a step further and request a counter suit filed on these anti groups. In my State, we have a Right to Hunt as well as a Hunter Harassment law. This crap has begun to gain momentum and the anti crowd is only getting started. I've seen their proposals for CITES next month and it's not good for hunting or conservation. LDK

Anybody heard about updates and when commentary starts?

The latest info went out yesterday in our Crosshairs eblast. Make sure you've signed up for Crosshairs to stay informed on the issues. You can also find the article on our blog: https://www.safariclub.org/wha...rst-for-hunters-blog
-----

Provides Update on Publication of Notice Regarding Release of Names of Exporters/Importers of Animals: The FWS has indicated that it will publish a notice, on or before October 15, 2016, on its website and in the Federal Register notifying exporters and importers of animals of their opportunity to inform the FWS as to whether they want their identities disclosed to Humane Society International. The FWS made this statement in a recent status report filed with the D.C. federal district court. SCI filed its own status report, explaining to the court that, if the FWS intended to disclose the identities, SCI would consider legal actions to stop the disclosure. Please continue to monitor your e-mails from SCI and all SCI publications for updates on responding to the FWS’s notice.

Any updates? Don't see anything on SCI

quote:

Originally posted by Cajun1956:
"Information about the identification of Individuals who ..........."

Any thoughts regarding the information that they are seeking?

Will the FWS documentation requested by the HSI bunny huggers be limited to the name of the hunter along with a description/quantity of big game imported or will it also include personal info including, but not limited to, hunter's name, address, contact information, etc.

If I recall correctly, the import permits include more info than just name and description/quantity of big game imported.

If the FWS does release copies of the import permits, I sure hope that the documents are redacted!

I am not a terrorist nor a criminal. That said, I get tired of fighting with one arm behind my back. We hunters and law abiding gun owners are always on the defensive and constantly targeted by these groups. I recall a couple years ago when a group of anti's started publishing maps/addresses of people who had been issued handgun permits. Then to counter that, addresses and maps of the anti's group leaders addresses and personal info was published on social media. Including where they and their spouses worked. Suddenly they backed off.

And the media types that camp out on people's front lawns for some sensational news story sure don't like it when a group comes along and camps out on their front lawn taking pictures of their spouses/kids.

They apparently feel their privacy is more important that other's. That somehow the meat they eat that was bought on a piece of styrafoam is better than a piece of meat I go get on my own. Or the internal organ stuff they feed their cat grew on a plant.

Again, I'm not advocating anything illegal. But perhaps these anti-groups have to register their board members/addresses and we should have access to that information. Wonder how much chest thumping they will do when they are no longer behind the shadows. Social media attention can go in both directions.

quote:

Originally posted by Cajun1956:
I realize that this is "pie-in-the-sky", but what if an anonymous hunter or hunting organization was to research and post personal information associated with HSI's and HSUS's management (both local, national, and international). Personal information could include, but not limited to, name, business address, personal address, phone numbers, email accounts, arrest records, credit reports, divorce proceedings, photo of his/her spouse, photo of home (using Google Earth), etc. They could be forewarned in advance (via HSI's and HSUS's Facebook page): "Every time you compromise a hunter's personal information, we will compromise one of your executive's/manager's personal information."

This is Cajun 1956's post that I wanted to quote in the above

I did a search of the Federal Register and can not find anything showing it has been posted by the Fish and Wildlife Service. I want to reply during the comment period. Has anyone seen whether the notice has been posted?

SCI has promised to notify us when anything is posted by the USFWS. So far, there has been no notification.

I would have thought that the FWS would recognize that the Privacy Act could be used to reject any such requests for names....

Regards

As of today the clock starts running to appeal having import info released by FWS under FOIA. The process is not clear but check SCI website above.

Folks,

We typed in everything from the SCI site notification and can't find anything on the US,F&W website that addresses this issue or anything to do with FOIA. Any help out there? Is "in writing" include an e-mail?

Mark

All:

Please see the announcement we posted on our blog outlining the steps you need to take. Submitters will have 21 days (11/22/2016) to send their written responses to the FWS’s Office of Law Enforcement Freedom of Information office.

https://www.safariclub.org/wha...e-into-out-of-the-us

The link below will take you directly to the Federal Register where you can see the details that submitters will need to include in their written objections.

https://www.federalregister.go...ct-notice-of-lawsuit

All comments must be submitted to FWS by 11/22/2016. Comments may be submitted by email, fax, or mail/ hand delivery.

Email: lawenforcement@fws.gov.
Fax: (703) 358-2271.
U.S. mail or hand-delivery: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Office of Law Enforcement (FOIA), 5275 Leesburg Pike (MS: OLE), Falls Church, VA 22041.

Folks,

In reading through the links the impression I have is that you are writing a justification for not releasing your info not just to tell US, F&G that you do not want your info released. WTF?????????

Mark

This &*&%^$^** country. What's next?

SCI had previously agreed to provide us with suggested sample language to consider in preparing any objections sent to the USFWS. I am waiting for the sample language from SCI, as it appears that in order to object to the issues, the Department's own FOIA regulations require that you submit a 'detailed written statement' setting forth the justification for withholding any portion of the information under any exemption of the FOIA (Freedom of Information Act). I am not sure what exemptions would even be applicable to us, since none of our information involves trade secrets or commercial information that must be protected from commercial competition, and thus from dissemination as an exemption. I would suppose that a majority of us would use the same language to file an objection, thus the need for SCI to propose such language to us.

https://www.nrahlf.org/article...er&utm_campaign=1116


This provides a little bit of additional information.

quote:

Originally posted by Navaluk:
This &*&%^$^** country. What's next?

Trump

Larry: Your cited information is nothing more than what SCI has stated. However, both SCI and the NRA have promised to provide us with sample objection outlines/information in order to help us file objections. The problem is that time is running out and we need their proposed sample objection outlines/information sooner than later. I have looked at the exemptions and quite frankly, think that all of us have an uphill battle to prevent the information from being disseminated. Most of the exemptions that the USFWS relied upon apply to trade secrets and commercial business information, which does not affect the vast majority of us, unless someone like Life Form Taxidermy, etc filed an objection to stop the dissemination of their trophy client's information. But that still might not be enough. Someone want to chime in on this as well?

Vaughn,

I looked this over also. I see nothing addressing just not wanting HSI to have our info to prevent harassment which I have to think is on HSI's agenda.

Mark