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I'll bet that hugger broad that got this whole thing changed a couple years is pissed now that it has been reversed

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Originally posted by Stonecreek:
Since the new rule was adopted pursuant to a provision of the general appropriations bill and not an amendment to the Endangered Species Act it is on somewhat shaky ground, but it will stand unless and until overturned. Although the merit of the case to overturn the rule will be strictly one of legal technicality, the ensuing litigation will provide both sides some further opportunity to make their respective cases as to what is in the interest of the species in question.

As I recall, the pro-hunting side "won" the original case in terms of what is most beneficial to the species, but the judge felt that there was no legal grounds in statute on which to deny the plaintiff. The fact that Congress has now acted, even if in a technically deficient manner, to reinforce the pro-hunting argument makes the plaintiff's burden somewhat heavier. And the fact that the agency responded to Congressional direction without questioning its legal authenticity arguably also indicates that the agency's view favors hunting as a management tool which is in the interest of propagating the species. Taken together, Congress' view along with the agency view will make a plaintiff's argument on technical legal issues much less persuasive.

But there is a worst case scenario for the endangered animals: 1. Their populations have fallen significantly since the 2012 rule due to ranchers simply turning them loose and animals falling prey to various hazards outside of their previously restricted habitat (auto collisions, illicit shooters, etc.) 2. Ranchers with remaining populations may react by selling all they possibly can to shooters "while it's still legal", thus making for even smaller herds. 3. The plaintiffs subsequently prevail and reverse the legal hunting, at which time the decimated herds are once again "persona non gratia" with the landowners and many are once again turned out to perish. Not a pretty scene. Let's hope for better.