I saw this on Facebook this morning. Has anyone else heard of this?

https://www.nrahlf.org/article...lowing-foia-lawsuit/

. . . good luck to anyone thinking they can make the required demonstration to prevent disclosure.

My thoughts too, Mike. I'm personally not concerned about it because I live in Wyoming and work in the construction industry, which is going to make it pretty hard to demonize me for being a hunter. I could see this being damaging to others though.

I would definitely prefer not to have it happen, I just do not see how the typical hunter would ever meet the standard for the FOIA exception.

The way I read it, the deck is stacked against us.

Dave

Still, again, some more, yada, yada, yada...........

I've been saying all along that the typical hunter cannot meet the FOIA exception that the USFWS relied upon. We'll see if SCI or the NRA can provide us with any assistance by way of suggested language to file an objection. My review of it all says that it will be difficult if not impossible to meet the standard for filing an objection.

Fuck 'em. Let them contact me...

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 the USFWS won't release the names of private citizens, it will ruin the day for the Humane Society. Unfortunately this is only the beginning.

Dave

I have some information which may help. Emphasis on may. I am in a tree stand. When I get down I will digest it and post it if it is helpful.

I received an email from SCI yesterday with a set of sample language to use. Here's the article they linked to: https://www.safariclub.org/wha....-in-2002-10-2013-14

Hopefully this will help some!

Done ! Great support from SCI on this issue. Even if you don't especially care (which I DO!!) if your information is shared with HSI, it is still important to let USFWS know that this kind of tactic will be opposed every time.

So let's get those letters going.....

Somehow the the regional anti/animal rights activist get my info every year and send me stuff, flyers, phone calls, and etc. I have to things going for me. It really never gets to me, but I am not important.

It was worse when I was a POW in Cinncinati, OH.

There's an answer for all those letters whining for a contribution. A friend worked at a steel plant. We would take a scrap piece of 1/4" or thicker and cut it to fit in a small Priority Box; and stick the return address, the one that says "Postage will be paid by addressee if mailed in the US" on it, and drop it off at the PO.

Per the suggested SCI sample objection letter, my written response, sent certified mail, went into the mail today.

My lawyers checked today with FWS and individual names will not be released but if you submit an objection or comment then that is available. They advised me not to challenge as an individual.

Until they specifically state in writing that individual names will not be released, I followed the recommendations of SCI and filed a written objection. Please note that in the objection language there is a demand that if the objection letter is published that all personal references must be redacted. Better to be safe than sorry at this juncture.

There is an excellent article written by Barbara Crown in The Hunting Report and a suggested email response created by John Jackson III, attorney, of the Conservation Force.

I have sent my email based on that recommendation.

I have also asked Barbara to cut and past that article here for everyone, or for permission for me to cut and paste it here.... obviously with a plug for THR and CF....I participate in BOTH!!

With note to above comment about not responding individually, JJIII only suggests you give your name, NOT contact information!! Gives them a huge task in finding all those John Does all over the US....

Cheers,

Trump Jr to the rescue??

I have spoken with Barbara Crown at The Hunting Report this morning- here is a copy of the latest issue recommendations regarding HSUS pursuit for Hunters Personal Information-
Cut and Paste from The Hunting Report-

How to Protect Your Privacy Against Humane Society International's FOIA

The private information of hunters who have imported trophies into or out of the United States may be released to Humane Society International (HSI), the international wing of Humane Society of the United States (HSUS). Using the Freedom of Information Act, HSI has requested information from most US Fish & Wildlife Service 3-177 forms (Declaration for Importation or Exportation of Fish or Wildlife) submitted in 11 of the past 14 years. All animal parts trade must be declared on these forms. HSI has asked for all information in block 13a of the form. That block includes your "Complete name/U.S. address/telephone number/e-mail address." HSI and USFWS are in litigation, and HSI is asking for this particular information (and more, but that is less relevant to recreational hunters).

The Hunting Report is indebted to John J. Jackson, III, of Conservation Force for this explanation of the HSI FOIA and how it affects hunters. He suggests animal part importers (hunters) send the following simple comment email to USFWS on or before November 22:

Address to: lawenforcement@fws.gov
Re: HSI v. USFWS, No. 16-720, Ref. No. 7202.4-OS-2-16-00042.

Dear Sir,

This comment responds to the notice published in the Federal Register at 81 Fed. Reg. 75838 (Nov 1, 2016). I am a recreational hunter who has imported wildlife parts over the years in issue (2002-2010, 2013 and 2014). I object to the release under the Freedom of Information Act of any of my personal identification or contact information, which I was mandated to provide in block 13a. of form 3-177. HSI may use that private personal information or distribute it to other anti-hunters to harass me, my family, friends or business customers and partners alike. They are already doing this as a regular part of their anti-hunting strategy.

Please do not release this personal identification and contact information. It is protected under exemptions 4, 6, and 7(C) of FOIA and the Privacy Act. Of course, my identity and contact information on this email is also exempted from disclosure.

Thank you.

Your complete name.

Commentary- note John Jackson states "complete name"...NOT your complete name and contact information" keep it simple and more difficult to find you.

I have subscribed to THR for years and I find it extremely valuable in World Hunting developments and in selecting guide/outfitters and more specifically who the bad players are NOT TO BOOK WITH....with a forum to vent bad experience. There are over 20-30,000 subscribers to this newsletter, I believe, and well worth the price.

If you don't know John Jackson III, of Conservation Force in New Orleans, he is probably the foremost wildlife attorney who is working FOR INTERNATIONAL Hunting Rights and has been instrumental in fighting the USF&W on many fronts....and down to State issues, for instance recently turning over the ban on import of Big Five trophies into some states. I contribute to this The Conservation Force generously every year.

I personally cut and pasted the above message into an email and sent it yesterday. This is the easiest and quickest way I know if fighting this insidious pursuit of HSUS. You MUST respond by NOVEMBER 22 to protect yourself.

Cheers,

Eddy - If it wasn't for SCI we wouldn't have known about the HSI lawsuit. Even DSC credited SCI with being the first group to alert everyone about this impending doom.

Myself and many others have sent emails, calls or letters to the USF&W. Just to let them know we disapprove of HSI's BS attempt to attack us. All the USF&W would need to do is look on social media to see how these domestic terrorist attack law abiding hunters; worldwide.

This information is not going to be released. I will post information shortly.

https://www.safariclub.org/wha...-t-disclose-my-data!



SCI Members Tell FWS – Don’t Disclose My Data!

Dec 27, 2016 Leave a comment


A few weeks ago, SCI’s Litigation Department informed SCI members that the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service had posted a notice to individuals who have previously imported or exported wildlife. The notice explained that Humane Society International (HSI) had requested data, including the identity of the importers and exporters. The FWS gave submitters of information the opportunity to object to the release of that data. SCI’s Litigation Department provided SCI members with information about how to communicate their objections to the FWS.

Thanks in part to the diligent efforts of SCI members, the FWS received an overwhelming response to the notice – written responses from 181 companies and 1,429 individuals. Joining the voices of the many SCI members who informed the FWS – “Don’t disclose my data” – SCI’s Litigation Department sent a detailed written objection to the proposed disclosure.

The FWS is now deciding whether to continue to withhold the information or to disclose it to HSI. The FWS estimates that it will finalize its determination regarding all potential information releases to HSI by the end of January, 2017.

If the FWS does decide to release data over the objections of those who submitted written responses, the FWS is required to first provide advance notice to those who objected. The FWS has informed SCI that if this step becomes necessary, the FWS expects to complete it by the end of February, 2017.

If you or anyone you know receives a notice from the FWS about the disclosure of information to HSI, please notify SCI’s Litigation Department as soon as possible by e-mailing aseidman@safariclub.org. We will continue to keep you informed about this case. Please continue to monitor Crosshairs and other SCI publications for updates.

Just Received Notice from USFWS that my name will be released. I have til June 23 to protest. Looks impossible to stop.

Jeff

I am all for freedom of information to check on the crooked ways the politicians run the country.

But, what has that got to do with normal people going about normal, legal activities??

As we all know all these crooked idiots want to do with it is using it in nefarious ways to annoy others just to satisfy their convoluted sense of right and wrong??

quote:

Originally posted by Bwana Bunduki:
Just Received Notice from USFWS that my name will be released. I have til June 23 to protest. Looks impossible to stop.

Jeff

Jeff, I have spoken to both John Jackson of Conservation Force and Anna Seidman, chief counsel at SCI. Both urge you and any other hunter who has received such a letter to forward a copy to them. They will help you provide a proper response and they are working on interceding for hunters. Below is their contact information. - Barbara Crown, The Hunting Report

John Jackson, Conservation Force
Tel. 504-837-1233 (located in Louisiana)
jjj@conservationforce.org

Anna Seidman
Director of Litigation, SCI
Washington, D.C. 20002
202-543-8733 (tel)
aseidman@safariclub.org

. . . nice to see the impact of the new Administration being felt at USFWS.

quote:

Originally posted by Barbara Crown:

quote:

Originally posted by Bwana Bunduki:
Just Received Notice from USFWS that my name will be released. I have til June 23 to protest. Looks impossible to stop.

Jeff

Jeff, I have spoken to both John Jackson of Conservation Force and Anna Seidman, chief counsel at SCI. Both urge you and any other hunter who has received such a letter to forward a copy to them. They will help you provide a proper response and they are working on interceding for hunters. Below is their contact information. - Barbara Crown, The Hunting Report

John Jackson, Conservation Force
Tel. 504-837-1233 (located in Louisiana)
jjj@conservationforce.org

Anna Seidman
Director of Litigation, SCI
Washington, D.C. 20002
202-543-8733 (tel)
aseidman@safariclub.org

I faxed everything to John Jackson yesterday. Also thanks to Larry Shores the NRA-ILF is looking at it. I will pass to Anna. Thank You

I emailed you a copy.

Jeff

quote:

Originally posted by MJines:
. . . nice to see the impact of the new Administration being felt at USFWS.

I spoke with Regina Lennox in John's office last week.

They are very encouraged by their interactions with Ryan Zinke.

I am not very damn encouraged at the moment.

Jeff

Others have received this as well.

Tighten up folks.

Jeff

Did we not have the same type of warning sent out about five or six years ago?

quote:

Originally posted by Bwana Bunduki:
I am not very damn encouraged at the moment.

Jeff

Zinke is a good guy. But damn guys...with all the f@(king Democrats and RINOs sucking the air out of everything there is to do with this administration...what can you expect??? The legal wheels were already set in motion...and as you can see from the "Russian thing"...that can be hard to stop.

Get behind Trump. Call your legislators. And contact Zinke's office directly.

I got the letter as well.

I have read the letter that I received. Then I noticed something interesting. The person making the FOIA request is copied on the letter to me. I would have to assume that they have effectively made the disclosure of who made the imports by copying this guy.

I have been traveling since Friday. I am picking up bits and pieces of this as I go.

It appears that this is a new FOIA request. It is not the old FOIA request that many of us objected to. I do not think we can just blame USFWS. They have to respond one way or another to all requests.

It does appear that the USFWS left out some other reasons to object in their letter.

This applies to only MA and FL. No other state.