SCI to Hunters: If You Imported or Exported Wildlife Into or Out of the United States, Take Action Now

by
posted on November 2, 2016
sci_hsus_f.jpg

Safari Club International has issued a warning to hunters: If you've ever imported or exported wildlife into or out of the United States, you need to be on guard.

On Nov. 1, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service published a notice in the Federal Register announcing that information related to records for the import and export of all wildlife specimens to and from the United States may be disclosed to Humane Society International (HSI), based on Freedom of Information Act requests. The information potentially includes the identify of any U.S. and foreign importers and exporters of hunting trophies for the years 2002 through 2010, 2013, and 2014, and the declared value of the trophy.

What's important to note, though, is that the official Notice also informs submitters of such information of their ability to object to disclosure. Hence SCI's call for hunters to take action.

HSI had previously made four FOIA requests in 2014 and 2015, and FWS released some information but refused to disclose other facts. Earlier this year, HSI sued to obtain the withheld information. SCI intervened in the lawsuit to help defend the FWS's decision to withhold the information. Subsequently, the FWS informed the court that it is obligated to notify the submitters of the requested information of the fact that their information is the subject of a FOIA request and that the FWS may decide to release the information.

The more recent Notice informs those who are the subject of HSI's request that the FWS will presume that anyone who does not object within the time-period allotted for responses has no objection to the disclosure of his or her information. Submitters will have 21 days from the date of the publication of the notice in the Federal Register to send their written responses to the FWS's Office of Law Enforcement Freedom of Information office. 

SCI is preparing some suggested sample language for its members and others to consider including in any objections sent to the FWS. The organization will disseminate that sample language on its website and through its social media platforms as soon as it is ready.

For more information, go to SafariClub.org.

Latest

LEDE Barnesharvest
LEDE Barnesharvest

First Look: Barnes Harvest Collection Ammunition

Barnes has debuted its Harvest Collection line of ammunition, targeted squarely at American whitetail hunters. Topped with the venerable Sierra Tipped GameKing (TGK) bullet, Barnes Harvest Collection is designed for maximal lethality on thin-skinned game, combining near match-grade accuracy with impressive terminal performance.

First Look: BANISH 30-V2

New from Banish Suppressors, the Banish 30-V2 is an upgraded version of the company’s popular Banish 30 suppressor that is shorter, lighter, quieter and more versatile than ever.

First Look: Hornady 3-in-1 High Speed Power Case Trimmer

The ideal tool for high-volume handloaders, the new Hornady 3-in-1 High Speed Power Case Trimmer brings three case preparation steps into one space-saving tool.

First Look: Kifaru New 44 Mag Pack

Kifaru has announced the highly anticipated relaunch of the 44 Mag pack. First introduced in 2019, the original pack was popular for its versatility and size. While it was still a traditional top-loading pack, the capacity and organization made it a great option for single- or multi-day trips. 

First Look: Trijicon New MRO SD

The next generation of Trijicon’s Miniature Rifle Optic is optimized for use with a magnifier.

Revolver Build: Fink's Custom Taurus Raging Hunter .44 Magnum

This big bore revolver is tricked out for handgun hunting, defense against dangerous game and personal protection. 

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.