Conservation Force and Partners Sue Delta over "Big Five" Trophy Embargo

by
posted on October 20, 2015
ahwire_ah2015_fs.jpg (3)

Conservation Force, the Dallas Safari Club and others filed suit last week against Delta Air Lines, Inc., demanding an end to Delta's embargo on the transport of "Big Five" hunting trophies (lion, elephant, leopard, rhino and cape buffalo) from Africa. The plaintiffs allege that the embargo on the transport of a specific class of non-dangerous cargo violates Delta's duty as a common carrier not to discriminate against passengers or cargo.

Houston Safari Club, the CAMPFIRE Association, the Tanzania Hunting Operators Association and Corey Knowlton—the hunter that won Dallas Safari Club's black rhino auction last year—make up the remainder of the group suing the airline.

Delta originally announced it would no longer transport "Big Five" trophies in early August 2015, in the aftermath of the "Cecil the Lion" controversy.

Among the plaintiff's arguments is the case that "Big Five" hunting in southern and eastern Africa is responsible for protecting wildlife habitat, and provides a large share of operating revenue for local wildlife departments.

Without hunting most wildlife and habitat will disappear," John J. Jackson III, President of Conservation Force, said. "Above all, the attitudes of local people ultimately determine the survival of these species. Hunting provides the incentives for local people to tolerate dangerous wildlife."

The plaintiffs also argue that Delta's embargo threatens the African hunting industry by making it more difficult for hunters to bring home the fruit of the hunt, and stigmatizes America's business and civic leaders as traffickers of illicit cargo. The suit notes that international trade and transport of "Big Five" trophies is not just legal, but encouraged by resolutions of the Parties to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), except for trade in the embargoed buffalo, which is not protected under CITES (or the U.S. ESA). Jackson, a prominent lawyer, also noted that the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has issued import permits for rhino, leopard, and elephant.

"Delta is a common carrier," Jackson said. "It cannot discriminate against cargo, the African people, or game—much less to further the agenda of extremist animal rights organizations. Its embargo threatens the programs responsible for most of the habitat and anti-poaching in Africa." 

The suit was filed in the Northern District of Texas.

Latest

Logolead Photo 7Mm RM And 7STW
Logolead Photo 7Mm RM And 7STW

Head to Head: 7mm Remington Magnum vs. 7mm STW

We recently ran a battle between the two newest 7mms—7mm PRC vs. 7mm Backcountry. In the comments, we noticed quite a few folks having an entirely different debate about two older stalwarts—7mm Rem. Mag. vs. 7mm STW. Read on to find out which of these classic cartridges comes out on top.

First Look: JK Armament 195 SGX 20GA Shotgun Suppressor

The JK Armament 195 SGX 20GA (available in black and FDE) is a fully modular shotgun suppressor designed for 20 gauges. Its fully configurable design means that you can modify the suppressor for optimal performance whether you’re engaged in hunting, fun on the range or competition.

Wyoming Program Generates $1.5 Million for Conservation

Funds generated through the sale of the Wyoming Governor’s complimentary big-game licenses in 2024 will soon benefit sportsmen, photographers, campers and others who enjoy the state’s outdoors.

HS Strut Debuts New Turkey Chokes and Calls for 2025

HS Strut, the brand of turkey calls and hunting accessories founded by Hunters Specialties more than three decades ago, recently introduced a new choke tube lineup and double-tone box call for this year's turkey season.

When and How to Cut Hunting Costs

With the prices of hunting-related gear at near-ludicrous levels, one must question the necessity of much of it. Simply stated, what’s necessary and what isn’t? Here is what you need to know to shop smartly.

Must-Have Turkey Gear for 2025

Check out some of the best turkey hunting gear we could put our hands on during the 2025 season.



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.