Author: HoustonSafari

Digital Hunting Tags In Texas

Recently passed HB 3081 allows the Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission to develop a program for the use of digital hunting tags for animals, including birds, to holders of hunting licenses authorizing the taking of those animals. The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department is currently exploring a pilot program to allow for the issuance of a digital license that would have digital tags. An individual who chooses this license would tag animals or fish such as deer, turkeys, or red drum with an app on a mobile device.

Section 436 of H.R. 4372; Department of the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2022

Section 436 seeks to ban outright the import of legally hunted trophies from Tanzania, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. Amendment number 148, offered by Representatives Jeff Duncan (SC-03) to strike section 436 failed 1952-232. The U.S. Senate has not begun consideration of their Interior Appropriations bill. With an August recess that may extend into September, it is Congress will revert to passing a Continuing Resolution to fund the government past September 30th.

The Recovering America’s Wildlife Act (RAWA) Introduced into U.S. Senate

Its passage can help state agencies and tribes reverse population declines for at-risk wildlife species before they become endangered, will invest more than $50 million per year in Texas for wildlife recovery and related public education and recreation and is expected to create 30,000 new jobs. It was drafted with input from hunters and anglers across the nation, to help both game and nongame species thrive, and it would mean more funds for habitat projects, population monitoring, and other initiatives that benefit sportsmen and women, as well as the species we pursue.

U.S. Senate Conservation Infrastructure Proposal

Supports the inclusion of critical conservation measures in the Senate’s bipartisan infrastructure proposal. Specifically, the inclusion of funds for active forest management and wildlife crossings, as well as support inclusion of the REGROW Act (orphan wells) and reauthorization of the Abandoned Mine Land (AML) program with additional appropriated funding. This will facilitate and grow necessary investments in wildlife habitat, migration corridors, clean water and air, and provide employment opportunities in rural communities.

Houston Safari Club (HSC) is a 501(c)(4) non-profit organization dedicated to legislative and policy initiatives that may affect the future of hunting. HSC supports initiatives that protect the tradition of hunting and hunters’ rights. We take an active role in efforts to effect policy, protocols, and legislation. Our mission is to protect the rights of hunters and the hunting heritage through advocacy, policy, and legislation. Houston Safari Club (HSC) is a non-profit organization, exempt from federal income tax, under section 501(c)(4) of the United States Internal Revenue Code. Payments to HSC are not deductible as charitable contributions for federal income tax purposes. Please contact your tax advisor concerning deductibility of any payments as business deductions. HSC EIN: 76-0082197. HSC is an independent organization, is not affiliated with Safari Club International (SCI) or its affiliates and is not a chapter or affiliate of any other organization.

Texas HB 2213 – Relating to the slaughter and processing of exotic animals for donation to a nonprofit food bank: UPDATE!

Effective September 1, 2021, hunters in Texas will now be allowed to donate harvested exotic animals to nonprofit food banks. The bill has been approved by the Governor.

Texas HB 2757 – Relating to the eligibility of certain nonprofit wildlife conservation associations to conduct charitable raffles: UPDATE!

Effective immediately, these organizations may now conduct four (4) raffles per year vs. the previous restriction of two (2) per year and the value of a prize offered or awarded at a raffle that is purchased by the organization or for which the organization provides is increased from $50,000 to $75,000. The bill has been approved by the Governor.

Texas: Emergency order issued to restrict movement of deer from breeding facilities where CWD has been detected

The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) has issued an “emergency order” to impose additional movement and testing restrictions on deer breeding facilities that are affiliated with six deer breeding facilities where Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) has been positively detected. Click here for more information.

HSC opposes the nomination of David Chipman to be Director of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF)

HSC expressed strong opposition to the nomination of David Chipman to be Director of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). In a letter to Charles E. Schumer, Majority Leader and Mitch McConnell, Republican Leader, Mr. Chipman’s longstanding public activism against Second Amendment freedoms and hunting heritage were noted. There is a genuine concern that Mr. Chipman’s appointment would lead to the undermining of our Second Amendment rights through punitive administrative actions. Mr. Chipman has demonstrated a long record of radical anti-firearm statements and actions. These give rise to our concern that, if confirmed, Mr. Chipman will take proactive steps to impede gun ownership, and hunting and recreational shooting in a manner that detrimentally impacts wildlife conservation and management.

Houston Safari Club (HSC) is a 501(c)(4) non-profit organization dedicated to legislative and policy initiatives that may affect the future of hunting. HSC supports initiatives that protect the tradition of hunting and hunters’ rights. We take an active role in efforts to effect policy, protocols, and legislation. Our mission is to protect the rights of hunters and the hunting heritage through advocacy, policy, and legislation. Houston Safari Club (HSC) is a non-profit organization, exempt from federal income tax, under section 501(c)(4) of the United States Internal Revenue Code. Payments to HSC are not deductible as charitable contributions for federal income tax purposes. Please contact your tax advisor concerning deductibility of any payments as business deductions. HSC EIN: 76-0082197. HSC is an independent organization, is not affiliated with Safari Club International (SCI) or its affiliates and is not a chapter or affiliate of any other organization.

(Houston, TX- June 23, 2021) Houston Safari Club Foundation (HSCF) and WildLife Partners, LLC announce their continued partnership efforts to support youth education, scholarships, and conservation.

2021-2022 will see the ongoing partnership of WildLife Partners and HSCF to support HSCF’s mission to preserve the sport of hunting through education, conservation, and the promotion of our hunting heritage. Wildlife Partners has been an avid supporter of conservation and education since its beginning.

Chris Gilroy​, WildLife Partners Co‑Founder and CCO, stated, “For the 5th straight year, we are very excited to renew our partnership with the Houston Safari Club Foundation. It’s been a great relationship and only gets better each and every year.  Not only does the financial commitment provide a great ROI, but we’ve also developed friendships that will last a lifetime.”

“WildLife Partners once again demonstrates their commitment to conservation. HSCF is grateful to continue our partnership with Wildlife Partners to help secure the future of hunting,” stated Joe Betar, Executive Director, Houston Safari Club Foundation.

About WildLife Partners, LLC
WildLife Partners has developed the most innovative conservation program to have ever been implemented. By marrying conservation with a capitalistic approach, we have attracted millions of dollars of investment capital. The investment is directed specifically towards breeding sustainable populations of threatened and endangered wildlife from all over the world. Because these animals have value as living creatures and can easily be sold to other conservation minded people, there is a seeming unending market for them. Breeding these animals can be highly profitable while simultaneously giving participants an emotional gratification that they are protecting wildlife that likely won’t exist in the future without programs like ours. For more information, visit our website at wildlifepartners.com or call 1-866-377-3000.

About Houston Safari Club Foundation
Houston Safari Club Foundation (HSCF) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization whose mission is to preserve the sport of hunting through education, conservation, and the promotion of our hunting heritage. HSCF has awarded 550 scholarships totaling $2.5 million dollars. HSCF conducts youth outdoor education programs, career training, hunter education and field experiences throughout the year. HSCF has provided over $4 million in grants for hunter-funded wildlife, habitat, and various conservation initiatives. HSCF is an independent organization, is not affiliated with Safari Club International (SCI) or its affiliates and is not a chapter or affiliate of any other organization. Visit our website at wehuntwegive.org or call 713.623.8844 for more information. HSCF. We Hunt. We Give.

####

Texas HB 2213 – Relating to the slaughter and processing of exotic animals for donation to a nonprofit food bank: UPDATE!

Texas Representative John Frullo (R-District 84) introduced legislation (H.B. No. 2213) to allow for the donation of exotic animals to nonprofit food banks. Hunters donate thousands of pounds of white-tailed deer meat to nonprofits each year, to be used as a protein source for food banks, which feed thousands of people. The donation of exotic animals (Axis deer for example) is not currently allowed in the state of Texas. The amount of donated meat would greatly increase if the donation of exotics would be allowed. Please ask your Texas Representatives and Senators to co-sponsor this bill and to vote in favor of passage. HSC provided testimony in favor of the bill before the House Public Health Committee on 03/24/21. The bill was approved in the House and the Senate and has been sent to the Governor for signature. Learn more HERE

Texas HB 2757 – Relating to the eligibility of certain nonprofit wildlife conservation associations to conduct charitable raffles: UPDATE!

This piece of legislation has been revised to allow for four (4) raffles per year vs. the current restriction of two (2) per year and to increase value of a prize offered or awarded at a raffle that is purchased by the organization or for which the organization provides from $50,000 to $75,000. The bill has been approved in the House and Senate and has been sent to the Governor for signature. HSC had requested the bill markup include provisions to allow nonprofits the ability to sell raffle tickets beyond an organization’s previously identified supporters, market a raffle statewide to the general public via mass communication and sell raffle tickets online. The bill was approved in the House and has been received in the Senate. HSC is currently evaluating options to introduce language via a Senate companion bill that is more beneficial to nonprofit fundraising efforts and feels the language in the current bill is more limiting than helpful. Learn more HERE

HSC joins in support of purchase of new helicopter for TPWD

HSCF joined forces with several other groups to ask the Texas legislature to support a much-needed purchase of a new helicopter for the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. The aircraft will be used for various purposes, from wildlife surveys to law enforcement and search and rescue duties. TPWD requested to fund the $6.5 million purchase price from Fund 9. Read letter HERE

HSC requests support for wildlife crossing measures advanced by the Environment and Public Works Committee during the 116th Congress

HSC, in tandem with other wildlife conservation groups, expressed their support for the bipartisan wildlife crossing measures advanced by the Environment and Public Works Committee during the 116th Congress. These wildlife crossings will be crucial to help reduce wildlife-vehicle collisions and enhance fish and wildlife habitat connectivity. Read letter HERE

HSC supports passage of Texas Sunset bill to support TPWD

HSC, in association with several other conservation groups, expressed their support to the Texas legislature to pass the Sunset bill (SB 700) in support of funding and the continuation of operations for the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department. For more information go HERE

Houston Safari Club (HSC) is a 501(c)(4) non-profit organization dedicated to legislative and policy initiatives that may affect the future of hunting. HSC supports initiatives that protect the tradition of hunting and hunters’ rights. We take an active role in efforts to effect policy, protocols, and legislation. Our mission is to protect the rights of hunters and the hunting heritage through advocacy, policy, and legislation. Houston Safari Club (HSC) is a non-profit organization, exempt from federal income tax, under section 501(c)(4) of the United States Internal Revenue Code. Payments to HSC are not deductible as charitable contributions for federal income tax purposes. Please contact your tax advisor concerning deductibility of any payments as business deductions. HSC EIN: 76-0082197. HSC is an independent organization, is not affiliated with Safari Club International (SCI) or its affiliates and is not a chapter or affiliate of any other organization.

Houston, TX – Houston Safari Club Foundation (HSCF) is proud to announce Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks as a Platinum Sponsor of its 2022 Worldwide Hunting Expo & Convention.

HSCF’s annual convention is a 3-day gathering of HSCF members and outdoor enthusiasts from around the world. Hundreds of exhibits, fundraising banquets, auctions, raffles, and entertainment complete the weekend. Celebrities, dignitaries, and policy makers from the outdoor world are often in attendance. HSCF’s Worldwide Hunting Expo & Convention is their largest fundraiser each year. Proceeds go towards fulfilling HSCF’s mission of preserving hunting through education, conservation, and the protection of hunters’ rights. The funds raised are used for scholarships, youth outdoor education, youth fishing and hunting trips and conservation grants to protect wildlife and habitat.

“Boyds Gunstocks feels privileged to be in support of a foundation that plays such an important role in education, conservation, and hunting in our beautiful world. We just want to do our part in being good stewards of people and resources around us; to encourage the growth within our communities so that our outdoor traditions are available for generations to come.” states Dustin Knutson, co-owner of Boyds Gunstocks.

“HSCF is proud to partner with Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks as a Platinum Sponsor for our 2022 annual convention. For 40 years, Boyds has exemplified an organization that pays special attention to craftmanship and detail. Boyds support of our fundraising efforts demonstrates their commitment to the future of hunting, conservation and shooting sports,” said Joe Betar, HSCF Executive Director.

The 2022 event will be held February 4-6, 2022, at the George R. Brown Convention Center, Hall A. For more information, visit hscfdn.org/convention/, or contact Nancy Oka CMP, CPCE, HSCF Director of Events & Membership at 832.804.8959 or [email protected].

About Boyds Hardwood Gunstocks
Boyds offers upgraded gunstocks for over 1200 makes and models, offered in over 24 stock shapes in over 15 different colors, along with several grades of solid Walnut. Upgrading your firearm is as simple as going to boydsgunstocks.com and entering your gun’s Make, Model, and Action. A mass array of customizing options populate, giving customers options to make unique and even personalized gunstocks. Boyds has something for everyone and something that fits perfectly to you

About Houston Safari Club Foundation
Houston Safari Club Foundation (HSCF) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization whose mission is to preserve the sport of hunting through education, conservation, and the promotion of our hunting heritage. HSCF has awarded 625 scholarships totaling $2.8 million dollars. HSCF conducts youth outdoor education programs, career training, hunter education and field experiences throughout the year. HSCF has provided over $4 million in grants for hunter-funded wildlife, habitat and various conservation initiatives. HSCF is an independent organization, is not affiliated with Safari Club International (SCI) or its affiliates and is not a chapter or affiliate of any other organization. Visit our website at wehuntwegive.org or call 713.623.8844 for more information. HSCF. We Hunt. We Give.

####

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) has received Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests for information related to the import and export of wildlife specimens and flora into and out of the United States contained in the Law Enforcement Management Information System(LEMIS) database. Information contained in LEMIS comes from data collected on the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Declaration for Importation or Exportation of Fish and Wildlife (Form 3-177). The Service has prepared a notice to provide businesses (submitters) who have submitted information on Form 3-177 with an opportunity to review the information subject to potential disclosure under the FOIA and object to such disclosure. Click the below link to review the Notice and read instructions on how to object. All objections are due by June 11, 2021 (extended due date).

Notice link https://www.fws.gov/irm/bpim/foia.html