I think that the USFWS chose the wrong exception to try and prevent the dissemination of our information. I believe that it will be next to impossible to meet the standard required to prevent the information from being released.

If I recall correctly sir, you are a lawyer. Your opinion means we are in trouble.

That is correct, and it appears that unless SCI and the NRA have something up their sleeves to share with us that would help us to successfully claim an applicable FOIA exemption, the information will be subject to dissemination. So far, SCI and the NRA have only provided us with the notice and information, and have suggested that hunters might want to seek legal counsel regarding the same. They had earlier promised us that they would provide us with sample language to file our objections to the release of the information. They have not done so. Both the NRA and SCI have had their lawyers looking at this. Please note that even if you could claim an applicable FOIA exemption, it does not mean that the information would not be disseminated. We, as typical hunters, are not in a good position from my reading of the documentation. It also appears that attorney Mike Jines agrees with this assessment as well.

Just got of the phone with USFWS to claim an exemption under 7C of the Freedom of Information Act. I was informed that they will NOT release "private citizens" names both under sections 6C and 7C. So unless you are Coppersmith, or SSI, etc. your private information will not be released.

Folks, USFWS position is your information will be private under Exemption 6C, it least that what Michael Jenkins, Management Analyst Specialist, USFWS, Office of Law Enforcement, 5275 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church, VA 22041; telephone (703) 358-1949 told me.

If you imported or exported wildlife into or from the United States in 2002-2010, 2013, and/or 2014, you need to decide whether to take action to help prevent potential disclosure of certain personal and financial information to Humane Society International (HSI). This alert applies to individuals and business in the United States and in foreign countries that provided information to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) concerning the import/export of wildlife into or out of the United States. The information would have been provided on FWS forms, including Form 3-177, by you, or someone acting on your behalf. The FWS is determining whether to disclose the names of the importers/exporters and the value of the wildlife imported or exported to HSI in response to several Freedom of Information Act requests. The FWS is providing importers and exporters with the opportunity to object to the disclosure. If you wish to object, you must do so by November 22, 2016. Information posted on SCI’s website explains the issue, describes the action you should consider taking, and provides sample language for use by individuals and businesses. Please find that information here: https://www.safariclub.org/wha...ning-foia-disclosure

Per the excellent SCI sample objection letter received via email, I have prepared and sent my objection letter to the USFWS, via certified mail.

Sent my slightly modified SCI example letter today as well. Did so via email, but may do so via certified mail as well just to be an ass ....