Something i found today.

President Donald Trump's government on wildlife conservation is made up of big game hunters and professional hunting guides. — Reuters

WASHINGTON: A new high-level council advising President Donald Trump's government on wildlife conservation is made up of big game hunters and professional hunting guides.

The Interior Department's International Wildlife Conservation Council had its first meeting in Washington Friday.

But it was already having an impact since the end of last year when the department moved to allow the importation of lion and elephant safari trophies from certain African countries, which sparked outrage among conservationist groups.

The bans were set years ago to protect the species, and hunting groups have been pushing hard for the government to lift them and allow hunters to bring back the heads and pelts of game animals.

The panel, created and chosen by Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke, a hunter himself, is chaired by Steven Chancellor.

The coal mining tycoon and top Republican donor are known for his Indiana home which is jammed full of hundreds of stuffed animals -- lions, bears, leopards, antelope and others, attesting to his love for hunting.

Online photographs at an Argentina hunt show him dressed like an old-west gunslinger, in a black leather hat, black shirt, and black leather chaps, with a six-gun and bullets around his waist.

The board also sports Paul Babaz, president of Safari Club International, and John Jackson, a former president of the pro-hunting group.

Zimbabwe native Ivan Carter, one of Africa's leading hunting guides, is a board member, as well as two other American guides.

Of four women on the board, one, Olivia Opre, has her own cable television reality show where she is known as the "Extreme Huntress". Another, Denise Welker, was recently named the Houston Safari Club's "Huntress of the Year 2018".

A photograph on Safari Club International's website from 2013 shows Welker in front of a massive, felled African elephant, with a text from her businessman husband describing how she downed it from five paces.

Zinke announced the formation of the International Wildlife Conservation Council in August, to provide him advice and recommendations.

"This council will provide important insight into the ways that American sportsmen and women benefit international conservation from boosting economies and creating hundreds of jobs to enhancing wildlife conservation," Zinke said.

The tilt of the Trump administration toward big game hunters is not totally surprising: his sons Eric Trump and Donald Trump Jr are hunters. Pictures published in 2012 showed Eric Trump holding the tail cut from a dead elephant, a knife in his other hand.

But the International Wildlife Conservation Council has no representatives from the non-hunting conservation community.

It does include, however, the gun community. It includes two former lobbyists of the powerful National Rifle Association. Babaz was recently nominated to the NRA board. Another board member is an executive of gunmaker Beretta USA. — AFP

Sounds very promising.

I wish them the best of luck.

Extremely tainted statement.

Does anyone know how the meeting went on Friday?

quote:

Originally posted by fairgame:
Extremely tainted statement.

remember who wrote the article, and you come up with your statement.

AFP is a you tube news agency.

Yes, Hunters Should Serve on Trump's Wildlife Council

Trump wildlife protection board defends trophy hunting

Get breaking national and world news, broadcast video coverage, and exclusive interviews. Find the top news online at ABC news.
abcnews.go.com

Trump wildlife protection board defends trophy hunting
Gabriella Hoffman
by Gabriella Hoffman
7 hrs
-edited

The outrage over the IWCC's pro-hunting members is misplaced thanks to anti-hunters and preservationists.

There has been a lot of misinformation surrounding the selection of hunters to serve on the Department of Interior's newly-formed International Wildlife Conservation Council (IWCC). The council was established last November to be under the purview of the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service.

The Council was created with the following goals in mind: to increase "public awareness domestically regarding the conservation, wildlife law enforcement, and economic benefits that result from U.S. citizens traveling to foreign nations to engage in hunting." Moreover, members of the IWCC will advise Interior Secretary Zinke "on the benefits international hunting has on foreign wildlife and habitat conservation, anti-poaching and illegal wildlife trafficking programs, and other ways in which international hunting benefits human populations in these areas." More goals are listed here.

Prominent members of this newly established council include Safari Club International (SCI) president Paul Babaz, professional bowhunter Cameron Hanes, lobbyist and NRA director of hunting Erica Rhoad, Congressional Sportsman Foundation vice president Gary Kania, former Congressman Bill Brewster (D-OK), and others. Two non-hunters who'll serve on the IWCC include former Atlanta zoo director and co-author of “A Contract with the Earth” (with Newt Gingrich) Terry Maple and zoo/wildlife veterinarian professor Jenifer Chatfield. All council members will serve three-year terms.

The council won't compensate its members, but will have a budget of $250,000 in taxpayer funds to be disbursed for "travel expenses, staff time and other costs."

Following the establishment of this council, various so-called conservation groups railed against the IWCC. One group, the Africa Wildlife Foundation, issued this troubling statement objecting to the council's creation citing the presence of trophy hunters.

The Natural Resources Defense Fund (NRDF) falsely suggested the IWCC exists to exclusively promote "the killing of more imperiled species, like elephants and lions, for sport." (Leo DiCaprio is one of their Board of Trustees, so take their statement with a grain of salt.)

The Humane Society called the IWCC a "trophy hunting trade association masquerading as a public panel." This is the same Humane Society that deliberately deceives its donors into thinking they are supporting animal welfare, when in fact, the opposite is true.

To add insult to injury, these various so-called conservation groups either receive huge financial backing from Democrats or oppose hunting altogether. They aren't exactly helping their cause with this fierce opposition to the IWCC.

The Associated Press, for example, had to issue a correction regarding one appointee to the council. It reads as follows:

In a March 15 story about a new U.S. advisory board created to help rewrite federal rules for importing body parts of certain animals killed in Africa, The Associated Press reported erroneously that appointee Olivia Opre had previously killed a black rhino and was a Miss America contestant. Opre says she shot a white rhino with a non-lethal tranquilizer dart, but has not killed a black rhino, and says she competed in the Mrs. America pageant, not the Miss America pageant.

Here's council member Paul Babaz's account of the IWCC's first meeting from March 16th, which he describes in the following Facebook post:

Paul Babaz
It's time to expose the Anti-Hunting organizations for what they really are, because they aren't doing ANYTHING at all for wildlife conservation!...
www.facebook.com
Paul Babaz
​

Hunting—including "trophy hunting"— is grossly misunderstood by those in media, government, and entertainment. The early conservation movement established by Theodore Roosevelt and other American conservationists has sadly been co-opted by radical environmentalist groups who generally refuse to meet anglers and hunters at the table to discuss ways to work together. Granted there are few exceptions, but our way of life is generally met with hostility by those involved in the aforementioned groups.

Arguably, the attacks on hunting and the hunting lifestyle have led many Americans to forgo or abandon hunting altogether, which is a big concern for those of us involved in the outdoor industry. The loss of two million hunters since 2011 is alarming, which is why this council and a similar council — Council for Hunting and Shooting Sports Conservation — were created. It's also why R3—Recruitment, Retention, and Reactivation—initiatives have been developed to directly address the issue of participation in hunting and shooting sports.

Hunting and shooting sports bolster the economy, which then bolsters wildlife

As recent as February 2018, outdoor recreation—including fishing and hunting activities—accounted for $373 billion (or two percent of the GDP) of the American economy.

For example, hunting and shooting sports activities pump back billions into the economy each year through the Pittman-Robertson Act (hopefully to be modernized by passing HR 2591). Here are the conditions for which PR funds are dispersed:

The Secretary of the Interior is authorized to cooperate with the States, through their respective State fish and game departments, in wildlife- restoration projects as hereinafter in this chapter set forth; but no money apportioned under this chapter to any State shall be expended therein until its legislature, or other State agency authorized by the State constitution to make laws governing the conservation of wildlife, shall have assented to the provision of this chapter and shall have passed laws for the conservation of wildlife which shall include a prohibition against the diversion of license fees paid by hunters for any other purpose than the administration of said State fish and game department, except that, until the final adjournment of the first regular session of the legislature held after September 2, 1937, the assent of the Governor of the State shall be sufficient. The Secretary of the Interior and the State fish and game department of each State accepting the benefits of this chapter, shall agree upon the wildlife-restoration projects to be aided in such State under the terms of this chapter and all projects shall conform to the standards fixed by the Secretary of the Interior.

Since the introduction of this law, an 11 percent excise tax is imposed on purchases related to licenses, firearms, and ammunition to be circled back to the Department of Interior. Then the DOI allocates funds to pay for state-sponsored wildlife restoration projects.

As the Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership (TRCP) notes, wildlife like wild turkey, white-tailed deer, wood duck, and black bear were able to repopulate "through wildlife restoration projects mostly paid for through Pittman-Robertson and state hunting license funds." Groups like Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, Mule Deer Foundation, Ducks Unlimited, Pheasants Forever, and a whole host of other conservation groups directly support sustainable efforts to bolster wildlife all the while supporting legal hunting. To deny their contributions to wildlife and habitat restoration efforts is an affront to true conservation efforts—a fact many of these so-called conservation groups deny.

According to the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF), firearms and ammunition industry pumped back $51.3 billion into the economy in 2016. ​

The same applies when hunters and anglers pay for trips abroad. While the species usually entailed are more exotic and controversial different conditions, circumstances, and environmental factors impact locals differently than they do in the United States. If Americans support local African economies and help combat poaching efforts, shouldn't the other conservation groups applaud their efforts? Sadly, they won't.

Hunting as conservation here and abroad.

The IWCC argues the principles established by the North American Conservation Model in America can similarly be applied in Africa.

The North American Conservation Model has led to "the form, function, and successes of wildlife conservation and management" in the United States and Canada. It boasts the following tenets:

1. Wildlife resources are a public trust*. Challenges include (1) inappropriate claims of ownership of wildlife; (2) unregulated commercial sale of live wildlife; (3) prohibitions or unreasonable restrictions on access to and use of wildlife; and (4) a value system endorsing an animal-rights doctrine and consequently antithetical to the premise of public ownership of wildlife.​*

2. Markets for game are eliminated*. Commercial trade exists for reptiles, amphibians, and fish. In addition, some game species are actively traded. A robust market for access to wildlife occurring across the country exists in the form of leases, reserved permits, and shooting preserves.*

3. Allocation of wildlife is by law*. Application and enforcement of laws to all taxa are inconsistent. Although state authority over the allocation of the take of resident game species is well defined, county, local, or housing development ordinances may effectively supersede state authority. Decisions on land use, even on public lands, indirectly impact allocation of wildlife due to land use changes associated with land development.*

4. Wildlife can be killed only for a legitimate purpose*. Take of certain species of mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians does not correspond to traditionally accepted notions of legitimate use.*

5. Wildlife is considered an international resource. Many positive agreements and cooperative efforts have been established among the U.S., Canada, Mexico, and other nations for conserving wildlife. Many more species need consideration. Restrictive permitting procedures, although designed to protect wildlife resources, inhibit trans-border collaborations. Construction of a wall to prevent illegal immigration from Mexico to the U.S. will have negative effects on trans-border wildlife movements and interactions.

6. Science is the proper tool to discharge wildlife policy*. Wildlife management appears to be increasingly politicized. The rapid turnover rate of state agency directors, the makeup of boards and commissions, the organizational structure of some agencies, and examples of politics meddling in science have challenged the science foundation.*

7. Democracy of hunting is standard*. Reduction in, and access to, huntable lands compromise the principle of egalitarianism in hunting opportunity. Restrictive firearms legislation can act as a barrier hindering participation.*

Without a doubt, the discussion of "trophy hunting" in Africa can cause great anger and confusion among Americans. As I wrote before here at The Resurgent, what constitutes a "trophy" varies from hunter to hunter. Moreover, conversations about conservation gloss over hunting's big impact on it—due to the influence of preservationist attitudes inset in the conservation movement. Additionally, Africa boasts different threats and challenges from poaching, threats, and corrupt governments, which is why controlled legal hunts of certain "Big Five" animals happen despite its controversial nature.

For example, the "Trophy" filmmakers conceded in their film that controlled trophy hunting in Africa will led to a regeneration of threatened species. Even Huffington Post writer and anti-hunter Yashar Ali conceded that the legal, controlled killing of elephants in Africa is more preferable to poachers exterminating elephants en masse.

​


Yashar Ali

From Paul Babaz’s FB page

It's time to expose the Anti-Hunting organizations for what they really are, because they aren't doing ANYTHING at all for wildlife conservation!
Yesterday, I participated in the first International Wildlife Conservation Council as a member of the council appointed by Secretary of the Interior Ryan Zinke. What struck me first was how humbling it was to be amongst an incredible group of hunters, sportsmen and sportswomen who have all contributed so much to wildlife conservation.
Principal Deputy DIrector Greg Sheehan, and his team went through various presentations illustrating the positive affects that hunters have on wildlife conservation. The presentations outlined the enormous amount of money raised via Pittman Robertson (over $1,2 billion annually). The economic benefit that international hunters bring to foreign countries was expalained, especially the African range nations where the money spend by foreign hunters support the local economies, and fund the anti-poaching efforts. The benefits of feeding the local people, supporting local schools, and other humanitarian benefits were outlined. Conversely, the devastating effects on the wildlife when hunting ceases in those countries was thoroughly explained. Kenya being the best example of what happens to the wildlife population when hunting stops, the poachers move into the area and wipe out the wildlife. Several first hand accounts of the poaching was discussed, and it always occurs when hunters leave an area or are prohibited from hunting in those areas. If hunters aren't in the area, it is easy for the poachers to move in.
It was abundantly clear to anyone present that it is hunters who are footing the bill for wildlife conservation! Every hunter around the world knows this. Hunters in the U.S. understand the North American Conservation Model, and how it restored the wildlife in the U.S. thanks to great leaders like Theodore Roosevelt!
BUT the anti-hunting groups that were present, ie: the Human Society of the U.S., Center for Biological Society, Born Free, Defenders of Wildlife, and others simply chose to ignore the facts and figures provided by the USFWS and other experts, and instead simply read their prepared statements which was filled with the usual lack of facts. One individual even even resorted to profanity and name calling in regards to President Trump's son and President Trump himself. These anti-hunting organizations personify the old adage... "Don't confuse me with the facts, because my mind is already made up!"
It is time the public took notice of these groups as they do NOTHING for wildlife conservation as they raise funds under the guise of running animal shelters for cats and dogs, yet they simply take in these pets and euthanize them rather then spend the $ to take care of them. It is time that these groups are truthful to their members and supporters as they spend little to zero for on the ground wildlife conservation and anti poaching programs. It's time for the public to realize that these so called "Animal Welfare" groups are only concerned with raising funds to support themselves while doing nothing for wildlife conservation.
Thankfully we have organizations like SCI, SCIF, WSF, PF, DSC, HSC, NTWF, and others to support wildlife conservation and habitat protection for the wildlife! Thanks to leaders like Secretary Zinke and Principal Deputy Director Sheehan for bring sound conservation principals based on science rather then emotion to the forefront! The North American Conservation Model is proven to be successful and it basic concept can be used throughout the world!

Gosh and some of us have been fighting this war for years.

Hillary or Bernie would not have formed this council, or have staffed it with these true conservationists. Thank you President Trump and Interior Secretary Zinke!

Do you think Drumph started a "council"? He has other issues to deal with. He is so concerned with himself that Africa's problems are , well Africa's.

Hunters hitching their wagon to the Trump regime will meet his inevitable fate.

Reason, facts, and evidence will be the only way to save hunting. Arrogance and lies will never prevail.

Trump has never hunted a day in his life, he doesn't get it. Just because his privileged kids have certainly doesn't make him understand what hunting is.

Trump does not care about hunting in Africa, or anywhere else, that is reality. There is no evidence that he does.

But keep blaming Hillary and Bernie, that will make it better.

Slim,
My, but you seem grumpy today!

Get up on the wrong side of the bed?

They only need Darin on that board now!!!

Sure beats the hell out of being packed with anti's and hus a/h's like most have been for years.

Hope they get the import bans pulled before it's too late for the wild life.

George

quote:

Originally posted by slim buttes:
Do you think Drumph started a "council"? He has other issues to deal with. He is so concerned with himself that Africa's problems are , well Africa's.

Hunters hitching their wagon to the Trump regime will meet his inevitable fate.

Reason, facts, and evidence will be the only way to save hunting. Arrogance and lies will never prevail.

Trump has never hunted a day in his life, he doesn't get it. Just because his privileged kids have certainly doesn't make him understand what hunting is.

Trump does not care about hunting in Africa, or anywhere else, that is reality. There is no evidence that he does.

But keep blaming Hillary and Bernie, that will make it better.

No! President Trump didn't start this council...........HE appointed the man that did!

That's better than we have gotten in the last 6 or 8 administrations.

He isn't my kind of guy, but for the most part, he is doing my kind of things. I'll take it.

Congressman Bill Brewster is the Chairman, not Steve Chancellor. It is an advisory body to Secretary Zinke, not President Trump. It is an advisory body about International hunting-based conservation so that advised the 16 individuals selected, of course. The anti-hunting extremist would like to wish away the achievements of traditional conservationist, but the fact remains that regulated safari hunting plays a primary role in securing most habitat, control of poaching, budget revenue, and community incentives. As a member of the Council, I assure you it was a long time coming.

Thanks,

John

Well said.


.

quote:

Originally posted by Conservation Force:
Congressman Bill Brewster is the Chairman, not Steve Chancellor. It is an advisory body to Secretary Zinke, not President Trump. It is an advisory body about International hunting-based conservation so that advised the 16 individuals selected, of course. The anti-hunting extremist would like to wish away the achievements of traditional conservationist, but the fact remains that regulated safari hunting plays a primary role in securing most habitat, control of poaching, budget revenue, and community incentives. As a member of the Council, I assure you it was a long time coming.

Thanks,

John

Keep up the good work John!

quote:

Originally posted by Conservation Force:
Congressman Bill Brewster is the Chairman, not Steve Chancellor. It is an advisory body to Secretary Zinke, not President Trump. It is an advisory body about International hunting-based conservation so that advised the 16 individuals selected, of course. The anti-hunting extremist would like to wish away the achievements of traditional conservationist, but the fact remains that regulated safari hunting plays a primary role in securing most habitat, control of poaching, budget revenue, and community incentives. As a member of the Council, I assure you it was a long time coming.

Thanks,

John

Good stuff and let us know how we can be of assistance. Give Bill my regards.

I see some good decisions coming from Trump lately.Hopefully that can translate over to wildlife.

Know Bill Brewster. Avid world wide hunter. Could not have a better person to lead this Council.