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

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. Learn more HERE


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

Texas Representative John P. Cyrier (R-District 17) introduced legislation to update the law to allow nonprofits to conduct one (1) raffle per month 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. 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. HSC is currently evaluating options to introduce the desired language via a Senate companion bill. Learn more HERE


Increased Land Access

HSC was part of an effort to petition Candace Vahlsing, Program Associate Director for Natural Resources, Office of Management & Budget to include budget provision to improve public land access. This effort would include the standardization, digitization and to make publicly available Geographic Information System (GIS) layers for boundaries of areas where hunting or recreational shooting is regulated or closed; the dates on which roads and trails on the federal lands are seasonally open or closed, and the types of vehicles that are allowed on each segment of the roads and trails; and for boundaries of any portion of a body of water on federal lands that are closed to entry or watercraft or have gasoline motor or horsepower limitations. Read letter HERE


Petition to Ban Traps in Colorado

HSC, in association with several other conservation groups, expressed opposition to a call to ban cage/box traps in the state of Colorado. Read letter HERE


Connecticut Again Seeks to Ban Possession of African Species

HSC, in conjunction with other organizations, expressed opposition to Connecticut SB 925 – An Act Prohibiting the Import, Sale and Possession of African Elephants, Lions, Leopards, Black Rhinoceros, White Rhinoceros and Giraffes. HSC opposes any legislation that discourages hunting, ignores scientific research, conservation efforts and that which may lead to increased poaching and a negative financial impact on local communities. Read letter 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- February 23, 2021) The Houston Safari Club Foundation (HSCF) Live, Virtual Online Auction is this Saturday, February 27, 2021, beginning at 7:00pm CST!  

Join HSCF for this exciting auction! Bid online from the comfort of your home! There are two different auctions to choose from! Sign up now to start bidding on hunting trips, fishing trips, firearms, jewelry, art, sports and music memorabilia, and more! Then, join our auctioneer live on Saturday, February 27, 2021 beginning at 7:00pm CST to be part of the live, virtual auction. The auction will feature a live stream to HSCF’s Facebook and YouTube and auction pages. Host a safe, socially distanced watch party! Contests and prizes, including hundreds of dollars in gift cards, will be featured throughout the evening. An online-only auction is also being offered.

Sign up today to preview the auction items and to begin your pre-bidding. Funds raised from this auction will be used to support HSCF’s mission and outreach efforts in education and conservation. Full instructions, including a video tutorial, may be found here: https://hscfdn.org/auction/. Join us for this fun event and help to protect the future of hunting! HSCF thanks all of its donors and sponsors, including Capital Farm Credit, Wildlife Partners and FORLOH.

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 600 scholarships totaling $2.7 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.

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(Houston, TX- February 16, 2021) Houston Safari Club Foundation (HSCF) proudly announces their continued relationship with Capital Farm Credit.

Through the continued support of Capital Farm Credit, HSCF will be able to continue its efforts in scholarship, youth education programs, youth shooting sports, wildlife and habitat conservation, research and more.

“Many of the members of our cooperative are active hunters and anglers,” said Jeff Moder, Director of Marketing and Communications for Capital Farm Credit. “They are the backbone of the conservation movement and we are proud to support the causes that support Texas’ long history of advocacy and outdoor heritage.”

HSCF Executive Director Joe Betar states, “Capital Farm Credit has been a long-standing partner and supporter of HSCF and the HSCF mission to promote the future of hunting and conservation. We are so very appreciative of their continued support. In a year in which fundraising has been challenging, live fundraising events have not been possible. Capital Farm Credit’s support helps us to continue our outreach efforts!”

About Capital Farm Credit
For more than 100 years, Capital Farm Credit has supported rural communities and agriculture with reliable, consistent credit and financial services. Capital Farm Credit is a proud member of the Farm Credit system and serves more than 21,500 members, with loans outstanding totaling more than $8 billion. Headquartered in Bryan, Texas, Capital Farm Credit has offices serving 192 of Texas’ 254 counties.

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 600 scholarships totaling $2.7 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.

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(Houston, TX- February 4, 2021) Houston Safari Club Foundation (HSCF) is pleased to announce their upcoming Live, Virtual Online Auction on Saturday, February 27, 2021, beginning at 7:00pm CST!  

Join HSCF for this exciting auction! Bid online from the comfort of your home! There are two different auctions to choose from! Sign up now to start bidding on hunting trips, fishing trips, firearms, jewelry, art, and more! Then, join our auctioneer live on Saturday, February 27, 2021 beginning at 7:00pm CST to be part of the live, virtual auction. The auction will feature a live stream to HSCF’s Facebook and YouTube pages. Host a safe, socially distanced watch party! Contests and prizes, including hundreds of dollars in gift cards, will be featured throughout the evening.

Sign up today to preview the auction items and to begin your pre-bidding. Funds raised from this auction will be used to support HSCF’s mission and outreach efforts in education and conservation. Full instructions, including a video tutorial, may be found here: https://hscfdn.org/auction/. Join us for this fun event and help to protect the future of hunting!

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 600 scholarships totaling $2.7 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.

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The maze of planning travel to and from foreign countries is a daunting task. To help with your planning, HSCF would like to provide a travel update on a few frequented countries. Please keep in mind that conditions change frequently, country to country. It is recommended you check for the latest updates before embarking on travel.

Australia
US citizens are not allowed entry. For more information: https://au.usembassy.gov/covid-19-information/; https://covid19.homeaffairs.gov.au/coming-australia.

Botswana
US citizens may enter with a negative Covid-19 PCR test result taken no more than 72 hours before departure. If you fail to provide test results or show coronavirus symptoms, you will have to quarantine for 14 days at your own expense. Another test will be given on the 10th day. For more details: https://bw.usembassy.gov/covid-19-information/.

Kenya
Kenya is open to US travelers with a negative Covid-19 test result taken 96 hours or less upon arrival and who pass a strict health screening. No quarantine. Outgoing visitors must comply with the Trusted Travel initiative: https://africacdc.org/trusted-travel/.

Mexico
The land border between the United States and Mexico remains closed through at least February 21, US travelers can still fly to Mexico. No testing requirements are in place. You can expect temperature checks and other screenings upon arrival. https://mx.usembassy.gov/u-s-citizen-services/covid-19-information/.

Namibia
Requires a negative Covid-19 PCR test result that’s not older than seven days. If the test is older than seven days, you will be tested and placed in quarantine at your own expense pending results. https://na.usembassy.gov/covid-19-information/.

New Zealand
US citizens are not allowed entry. For more information: https://nz.usembassy.gov/covid-19-information/; https://covid19.govt.nz/travel-and-the-border/travel-to-new-zealand/.

South Africa
South Africa requires a negative Covid-19 PCR and/or serology test result taken within 72 hours of departure. If you do not have a test, you will be required to quarantine at your own cost. Travelers will also be asked to install the COVID Alert South Africa mobile app. https://za.usembassy.gov/covid-19-information-2/.

Spain
US citizens cannot enter Spain unless they meet specific requirements or have already obtained special permission from the Government of Spain.  Additionally, US citizens travelling from the United States will need to show a negative PCR test result taken within 72 hours prior to arrival and complete a Health Control Form. For more information: https://es.usembassy.gov/covid-19-information/.

Tanzania
Open to tourists. Incoming passengers are required to fill out a health surveillance form and have a health screening. You might also have to take a Covid-19 test if the airline you are flying with requires it. https://tz.usembassy.gov/covid-19-information/.

Turkey
Requires US citizens to have a negative Covid-19 test result taken 72 hours or less before their flight to enter. This will be in effect until March 1. Passengers must fill out an information form and prepare to be checked for coronavirus symptoms. https://tr.usembassy.gov/covid-19-information-2/.

Uganda
Open to US tourists who have a negative Covid-19 test result taken no more than 120 hours before departure. https://ug.usembassy.gov/covid-19-information-page/.

United Kingdom
Technically, US travelers may still travel to the United Kingdom. Travel for leisure is being discouraged because of the new coronavirus variant. Requires a negative Covid-19 test result taken 72 hours before departure to enter and quarantine for 10 days. Also note that rules may vary between England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. https://uk.usembassy.gov/covid-19-coronavirus-information/; https://www.gov.uk/government/news/mandatory-covid-19-testing-introduced-to-bolster-border-measures.

Zambia
Is allowing all international travelers to enter. Requires a negative Covid-19 test result taken at least 14 days before arrival. Also requires a mandatory 14-day quarantine. https://zm.usembassy.gov/covid-19-information/.

Air Travel Notice
Effective January 26, the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) will require all air passengers entering the United States (including U.S. citizens and Legal Permanent Residents) to present a negative COVID-19 test, taken within three calendar days of departure or proof of recovery from the virus within the last 90 days​. Airlines must confirm the negative test result or proof of recovery for all passengers two years of age and over prior to boarding. ​Airlines must deny boarding of passengers who do not provide documentation of a negative test or recovery.

Before scheduling travel, it is recommended you consult country-specific travel advisories and requirements.  For the latest information from the U.S. Department of State:  https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/ea/covid-19-information.html
or  https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel.html

“Social-distancing” is a term most hope disappears from the lexicon soon.

While the concept of keeping a safe distance during the COVID-19 pandemic is wisdom, losing the connection to others is challenging for humanity.

For wild sheep, social-distancing is essential.

Domestic sheep and goats can transmit a form of pneumonia to bighorn and thinhorn sheep that is devastating to herds. It is so devastating that more than two million that existed at the time of Lewis & Clark’s expedition declined to around 25,000 by the early 1900s.

“Wildlife agencies and conservation groups have done a remarkable job of bringing them back to around the 150-175,000 range, but there is still a major problem with exposure to domestic sheep. Die-offs are occurring in pockets right now in states like Oregon and Utah,” said Chester Moore, an award-winning wildlife journalist, member of the Houston Safari Club Foundation and founder of Higher Calling Wildlife.

Higher Calling Wildlife seeks to raise awareness of mountain and forest wildlife conservation. It also mentors young people dealing with critical illness and traumatic loss to use media for conservation purposes.

One of those young people is Reannah Hollaway, who, through the program and the generosity of the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department, got to take

part in a desert bighorn capture and relocation in 2019.

“I have cystic fibrosis, which affects the lungs, and have had to take special precautions during COVID-19. This gives me a unique understanding of the need for keeping wild sheep and domestic sheep apart. This kind of social-distancing can save bighorns,” she said.

Hollaway is a student at Texas Tech and studying to work in the field of wildlife management.

She chose this degree after a wildlife encounter through Higher Calling Wildlife’s mothership, Wild Wishes. This outreach grants wildlife encounters to young people with a critical illness or the loss of a parent or sibling.

To raise awareness of the need for sheep social distancing, Higher Calling WIldlife has begun the Sheep Scrapbook project, which seeks photos taken of wild sheep throughout North America.

Anyone who submits a wild sheep photo to [email protected] gets a Sheep Scrapbook Project collector’s coin and a Higher Calling Wildlife decal. Pictures are posted in a gallery at highercallingwildlife.com.

“It’s our way to get people of all backgrounds to think about wild sheep, and the response has been tremendous,” Moore said.

“We’re hoping that when people focus their cameras on sheep, whether in one of our national parks or a hunting or fishing expedition, they can take time to realize these animals are facing a real problem with pneumonia. It’s time all of us who love wild sheep do more to support organizations and agencies searching for ways to keep wild sheep social-distanced from their domestic cousins.”