"Just got word from EWA that the law will go into effect on April 4,2012. There should be a fire sale on these species. The rule to protect them will cause them to be slaughtered.

I wasn't sure what this meant, so below is the info witha a link. Maybe I got it wrong, but looks like US Fish and Wildlife Service got forced in to this as a result of the challenge from "Friends of the Animals" and others. (see this link from Friends of animals for their press release after "winning" their court case - read the nutty replies at the bottom of the blog!)



Service Repeals Regulatory Exclusion for Captive-Bred African Antelope Species under the Endangered Species Act

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) today announced a final rule to eliminate a regulation that authorized certain otherwise prohibited activities under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) with U.S. captive-bred animals and sport-hunted trophies of three endangered African antelope species — the scimitar-horned oryx, addax and dama gazelle. The regulation being eliminated had excluded these three species from permitting requirements as long as certain conditions were met.

The removal of this exclusion requires anyone in the United States who possesses any of these three antelope species to obtain authorization from the Service if they wish to carry out otherwise prohibited activities, including interstate or foreign commerce, import, export (including re-export), culling or other forms of take. The Service currently approves such activities for similar ESA-listed captive-bred species on ranches and in zoos under the same authorization process.

If a captive-breeding facility, such as a zoo or ranch, is legally carrying out activities that were previously authorized under the exclusion, they should be able to continue those activities with the proper permit or other authorization.

In 2005, the Service added these three antelope species with native ranges in Africa to the Federal List of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife. The species all inhabit the sparse desert regions of Northern Africa. The dama gazelle and addax are considered critically endangered, while free-ranging populations of the scimitar-horned oryx may no longer exist in the wild. However, these species, particularly the scimitar-horned oryx, breed well in captivity. There are thought to be thousands of these animals in zoos, on game ranches, and in other such facilities in the United States and elsewhere.

Captive breeding in the United States has contributed to the survival of the scimitar-horned oryx, addax and dama gazelle worldwide by rescuing these species from near extinction and providing the founder stock necessary for reintroduction. However, many U.S. game ranches offer limited hunting of these species on their lands to manage the size of their populations and remove surplus males.

In general, the ESA prohibits the import or export of any listed species, or its parts or products, as well as sale in interstate or foreign commerce, without prior authorization from the Service. However, in an effort to support captive breeding of these critically endangered species and maintain genetically viable populations, the Service granted an exclusion at the time these species were listed that allowed owners of these animals to continue carrying out breeding and other activities, including interstate commerce and hunting for herd management, without obtaining an individual permit.

The exclusion was challenged in Federal District Court by Friends of Animals and other groups. In 2009, the court remanded the regulation back to the Service, directing the agency to provide opportunities for the public to review and comment when authorizing otherwise prohibited activities — interstate or foreign commerce, import or re-import, export or re-export, or take (other than normal husbandry, breeding, and non-injurious veterinary procedures) — with these listed species, consistent with the ESA.

The Service considered whether there were alternative means to meet the Court’s ruling without requiring ranches or other facilities to obtain a permit or other authorization. However, the Service was unable to identify a viable alternative from either internal discussions or its review of public comments.

Consequently, the Service is announcing a final rule eliminating the exclusion of the three endangered African antelope species from certain prohibitions under the ESA. The final rule requires individuals to obtain an endangered species authorization under the currently established ESA regulations by applying for a permit or captive-bred wildlife registration to conduct any prohibited activities.

The final rule will become effective 90 days after its publication in the Federal Register on April 4, 2012.

The ESA provides a critical safety net for native fish, wildlife and plants and to date has prevented the extinction of hundreds of imperiled species across the nation, and foreign species in trade as well as promoted the recovery of many others. The Service is actively engaged with conservation partners and the public in the search for improved and innovative ways to conserve and recover imperiled species.

Yep, sure will! I only need the Dama.

I need another Oryx. They taste fantastic!

quote:

Originally posted by drewhenrytnt:
I need another Oryx. They taste fantastic!

+1. Just started eating mine last trip home. WOW! Cow hunts should be dirt cheap.

Off on Wed back home to TX with a group of cronies from here.. We're gonna shoot 6 oryx.

Now need to find a cheap dama.. Maybe the ranchers won't think they're made of gold now that they are on the verge of being 100% worthless.

friggin' coercive utopians.

GWB

Boy they sent all of 8 animals to senegal for reintroduction!!!!

I have probably personally spent more money on raffle tickets for RMEF, MDF and other wildlife fund rasing events then the Friends of animals spent to send 8 animals for reintroduction. These wingnuts have no concept of what wildlife management is and what it "really" takes to bring a population back from the brink.

quote:

These wingnuts have no concept of what wildlife management is and what it "really" takes to bring a population back from the brink.

WRONG!!!!!

What you and everyone else needs to stop and wrap your mind around, is that those people DO NOT CARE about wildlife or its management, they Want To Stop Hunting, PERIOD.

They do not care if every animal on the face of the planet goes extinct, their goal is to end hunting.

No matter how much actual/verifiable/physical proof they are presented with, they want hunting to die, that simple.

Crazyhorse is right. The other thing that irks me is that the "Friends" probably used the Equal Access to Justice Act to get us, the taxpayers, to pay for their actions since they are a 501c3.

quote:

Originally posted by Crazyhorseconsulting:

quote:

These wingnuts have no concept of what wildlife management is and what it "really" takes to bring a population back from the brink.

WRONG!!!!!

What you and everyone else needs to stop and wrap your mind around, is that those people DO NOT CARE about wildlife or its management, they Want To Stop Hunting, PERIOD.

They do not care if every animal on the face of the planet goes extinct, their goal is to end hunting.

No matter how much actual/verifiable/physical proof they are presented with, they want hunting to die, that simple.

Along with gun owner ship ect.

If I read this correctly, for ninety days after April 4th, 2012 we can legally hunt them. After that, we're screwed...

May, June, July... On the 4th, we can celebrate Independence Day by losing another freedom.

Dadgum! where am I going to get the funding to get one before it's too late?

Rich

quote:

Originally posted by Idaho Sharpshooter:
If I read this correctly, for ninety days after April 4th, 2012 we can legally hunt them. After that, we're screwed...

May, June, July... On the 4th, we can celebrate Independence Day by losing another freedom.

Dadgum! where am I going to get the funding to get one before it's too late?

Rich

Wrong Rich.....the end date IS April 4th (which is 90 days after the official ruling was released on January 4th). This has been confirmed by SCI and the EWA.

Thankfully, I already had a Scimitar bull and an Addax bull....and I just took a HUGE old Scimitar cow (42.5") on Wednesday this week. I wish I had the money for a Dama....but I just can't make it happen, prices for Dama Gazelle have not budged.

Wade, I have a few questions if you can answer I would be grateful. Because of the new law do you think Scimitar hunts will be discounted? If that is possible I would like to know as I have been considering an Oryx hunt and have other friends to add. thank you, RandyB.

Randy,

With the anticipation of the new regulations, Scimitar hunts have been discounted (to varying degrees) over the last two years. Now that the official regulations have been released, more ranches are liquidating their animals and I think you will see prices continue to fall until April.

I represent several ranches that have Scimitar Horned Oryx, and at least two of them are keeping their herds....in hopes of obtaining the CITES permits. However, the permitting process it believed to be the same system currently being used for Barasingha, Arabian Oryx, Red Lechwe, and Eld's Deer....which is a collosal pain in the ass....and also completely useless as far as keeping herds in check on a particular property. That is why the majority of ranchers are selling off their animals.

It really is a shame. I would suggest hunting your Oryx as soon as possible due to the herds being "picked over" the longer you wait.

I've already sold around a dozen Oryx hunts in the last six months....and I am now waiting to hear back from one of my landowners on whether or not he is keeping his herd, and may have more of the discounted Oryx hunts available soon.

As of right now, I have female Oryx hunts available for around $1,500 and bull hunts for $2,250-$2,500.

quote:

Originally posted by Eland Slayer:
Randy,

With the anticipation of the new regulations, Scimitar hunts have been discounted (to varying degrees) over the last two years. Now that the official regulations have been released, more ranches are liquidating their animals and I think you will see prices continue to fall until April.

I represent several ranches that have Scimitar Horned Oryx, and at least two of them are keeping their herds....in hopes of obtaining the CITES permits. However, the permitting process it believed to be the same system currently being used for Barasingha, Arabian Oryx, Red Lechwe, and Eld's Deer....which is a collosal pain in the ass....and also completely useless as far as keeping herds in check on a particular property. That is why the majority of ranchers are selling off their animals.

It really is a shame. I would suggest hunting your Oryx as soon as possible due to the herds being "picked over" the longer you wait.

I've already sold around a dozen Oryx hunts in the last six months....and I am now waiting to hear back from one of my landowners on whether or not he is keeping his herd, and may have more of the discounted Oryx hunts available soon.

As of right now, I have female Oryx hunts available for around $1,500 and bull hunts for $2,250-$2,500.

Wade I am still interested in an oryx hunt-never heard back from you.

SSR

Interestingly enough I received an email from an outfit pushing to hurry up because of the new reg's as the hunts will be no more. Appears his prices went up with the cost for a big bull at $3k. A couple of months ago I gave much, much less than that for this 41" bull. I do believe it is a buyers market.

quote:

Originally posted by Cross L:

quote:

Originally posted by Eland Slayer:
Randy,

With the anticipation of the new regulations, Scimitar hunts have been discounted (to varying degrees) over the last two years. Now that the official regulations have been released, more ranches are liquidating their animals and I think you will see prices continue to fall until April.

I represent several ranches that have Scimitar Horned Oryx, and at least two of them are keeping their herds....in hopes of obtaining the CITES permits. However, the permitting process it believed to be the same system currently being used for Barasingha, Arabian Oryx, Red Lechwe, and Eld's Deer....which is a collosal pain in the ass....and also completely useless as far as keeping herds in check on a particular property. That is why the majority of ranchers are selling off their animals.

It really is a shame. I would suggest hunting your Oryx as soon as possible due to the herds being "picked over" the longer you wait.

I've already sold around a dozen Oryx hunts in the last six months....and I am now waiting to hear back from one of my landowners on whether or not he is keeping his herd, and may have more of the discounted Oryx hunts available soon.

As of right now, I have female Oryx hunts available for around $1,500 and bull hunts for $2,250-$2,500.

Wade I am still interested in an oryx hunt-never heard back from you.

SSR

Cross,

I apologize. I have been absolutely SWAMPED with e-mails and phone calls for Oryx hunts lately. I must have overlooked your message. Please send me another e-mail.

quote:

Originally posted by Boxhead:
Interestingly enough I received an email from an outfit pushing to hurry up because of the new reg's as the hunts will be no more. Appears his prices went up with the cost for a big bull at $3k. A couple of months ago I gave much, much less than that for this 41" bull. I do believe it is a buyers market.

That is a beautiful bull....he has some of the thickest bases I've ever seen on an Oryx!! Congratulations.

Beautiful rifle as well....

For anyone interested....here are some new specials I have available on Scimitar Horned Oryx hunts:

http://forums.accuratereloadin...2100588/m/5201001071

High fence or low?

quote:

Originally posted by RandyB:
High fence or low?

I personally do not know of any low-fence Scimitar Horned Oryx hunts....

Mine are high fenced.