FYI, I have an application pending for a leopard permit for an April 2017 hunt in Zimbabwe. Upon inquiry as to its status, my agent received today the following email reply from FWS. We're trying to obtain clarification as to just what this means but no further info from FWS as yet.

"On Tue, Jan 31, 2017 at 4:11 AM, Hubbard, Rogelio <rogelio_hubbard@fws.gov> wrote:
Hello,

Your application is on hold for it needed some finding for the year of 2017.

Respectfully,
Rogelio"

This is all that was stated in the email.

I hope Rogelio goes on the cut list. He can't even write an intelligible sentence.

Hope you get it cleared up and your permit on the way.

This is the only additional info from FWS that we've so far been able to obtain; it was received late this afternoon.

"On Tue, Jan 31, 2017 at 11:36 AM, Hubbard, Rogelio <rogelio_hubbard@fws.gov> wrote:

I do not know the answer to your questions because it could be soon or longer for the findings for 2017.

Respectfully,
Rogelio"
-end-

My broker will be sending my application soon. Also for an April hunt in Zimbabwe. We shall see the response that I receive.

Has this information been forwarded to Conservation Force?

Yes as to Conservation Force.

Update. My import agent received today from USFWS my leopard import permit for a Zim hunt next month. It was initially delayed pending an additional finding by USFWS as noted above. I do not at this time have any details as to what was done for the additional finding.

quote:

Originally posted by TMZ:
Update. My import agent received today from USFWS my leopard import permit for a Zim hunt next month. It was initially delayed pending an additional finding by USFWS as noted above. I do not at this time have any details as to what was done for the additional finding.

Additional finding: The new Secretary of the Interior is not going to tolerate this shit - hopefully ....

I have a Zim hunt for kitty also, mine is May 1-14. Might you be willing to share the summary info you used in your USFWS CITES import permit app that resulted in successful approval? I want to copy your efforts if you provided data or justification for the positive economic and conservation benefit of the hunt, etc, etc.

quote:

Originally posted by Rookhawk:
I have a Zim hunt for kitty also, mine is May 1-14. Might you be willing to share the summary info you used in your USFWS CITES import permit app that resulted in successful approval? I want to copy your efforts if you provided data or justification for the positive economic and conservation benefit of the hunt, etc, etc.

My leopard application for the import permit I just received relied entirely on the recent submissions made by Conservation Force to USFWS as to why there is no justification for FWS to make a detrimental finding as to southern African leopards (it's my understanding that as to leopards there is no requirement of an enhancement finding as with lions and eles). I'm told that the FWS has, in fact, made a determination of NO detrimental finding as to leopards (other than the issue is apparently still open as to RSA), at least for 2017, thus they are again issuing import permits for areas other than RSA. I personally believe you'll be fine if you state in your app something to the effect of "Please see the information previously submitted to FWS by Conservation Force as to southern African leopards, all of which is incorporated herein by this reference." If you want to attach a copy of it to your app I'd contact CF for assistance.

You can also find the CF info here: http://media.wix.com/ugd/87ac6...9e04a36bafb467c7.pdf

The folks who are Conservation Force are doing a tremendous job, day in and day out, representing our sport and preserving our commitment to true wildlife conservation, and to our hunting rights and heritage. True warriors and heros on the wildlife conservation front.

The DSA made the necessary non-detriment finding for leopard for 2017 and for all countries except South Africa which has closed it for 2017. There should be no further delay for Southern and Eastern Africa this year. THE FWS is making an annual determination and another will have to be made for 2018. We have been tracking the closely because the antis made notice of intent to sue. We are geared up to intervene at any such suit.