Author: HoustonSafari

BRI research technician Nicole Dickan sits with an anaesthetized black bear that was recently outfitted with a tracking collar.
Photo Credit: Borderlands Research Institute

(Houston, TX- April 25, 2023) Houston Safari Club Foundation (HSCF) has provided funding to Texas Parks and Wildlife Foundation (TPWF) in support of a research program investigating the natural repopulation of black bears in West Texas

TPWF is partnering with the Borderlands Research Institute (BRI) at Sul Ross State University on a research program investigating the natural repopulation of black bears in West Texas. This research project seeks to understand the region’s current black bear population and habitat needs, monitor their range expansion in West Texas, and foster that expansion through science-based management strategies.

“We are grateful to Houston Safari Club Foundation (HSCF) for its decades-long partnership protecting the wild things and wild places of Texas. In addition to supporting training and equipment for Texas Game Wardens, Trans-Pecos pronghorn restoration, and mentored hunting experiences for the next generation of conservation stewards, we’re excited for HSCF’s most recent gift for research on the black bear population now returning to West Texas. Thanks to generous donors, this research project will help us better understand the ecology of this iconic species to minimize human-bear conflicts and inform management decisions,” said Anne Brown, Executive Director of Texas Parks and Wildlife Foundation.

“Conservation of wildlife and habitat is an integral part of our mission at HSCF. Texas Parks and Wildlife Foundation has been a valued, long-time partner of HSCF and we are honored to be part of this critical research study,” stated Joe Betar, HSCF Executive Director.

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 646 scholarships totaling $2.92 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.

Elephant Import Permit Rule Revision

HSC, along with Conservation Force and Dallas Safari Club, requested that the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service provide a 60-day extension of a comment period for its proposed revisions to its elephant regulation entitled Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Revision to the Section 4(d) Rule for African Elephant and requested inclusion of the petition for revision of 50 CFR 17.40(e)(6)(E) jointly filed by Conservation Force, Dallas Safari Club and Houston Safari Club on September 28, 2022 to revise section (6)(E) of the same special 4(d) rule that limits trophy imports to two elephant per annum regardless of the period taken.

2023 Farm Bill Development

Houston Safari Club aligned with several NGO’s, to submit an offer of assistance for development of the 2023 Farm Bill, to the House Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition & Forestry and Senate Agriculture Committee. The offer requested the prioritization of fish and wildlife related to enhancing, restoring, and conserving natural resources on private lands to provide broad ecosystem services, including providing fish and wildlife habitat, improving water quality and quantity, and promoting landscape resilience.

Professional Hunters Association of South Africa (PHASA) Endorsement of updated MTPA Bowhunting Policy

Houston Safari Club is part of an effort, in support of the Ashby Bowhunting Foundation, expressed their endorsement and support of PHASA’s recommended changes and updates to the Mpumalanga Nature Conservation Act Bowhunting Policy. PHASA is lobbying for updates to the Bowhunting Policy to bring the policy current, including the legalization of bowhunting pachyderms. In PHASA’s effort to bring this policy current, PHASA has requested assistance from the Ashby Bowhunting Foundation, a non-profit organization that is the leading global authority on arrow lethality with a cumulative of nearly fifty years of research and data that shows these animals can be ethically and humanely harvested with bowhunting equipment if specific guidelines are followed.

Tajikistan Argali (Marco Polo) Imports

HSC, in partnership with Wild Sheep Foundation (WSF), Safari Club International (SCI), Safari Club International Foundation

(SCIF), Dallas Safari Club (DSC), Dallas Safari Club Foundation (DSCF), Grand Slam Club/Ovis (GSCO), International Council for Game and Wildlife Conservation (CIC), Conservation Force (CF), and IUCN SSC CEESP Sustainable Use & Livelihoods Specialist Group (IUCN SULi), provided a letter to the U.S. Secretary of the Interior support the methodology, repeatability, and reliability of a 2021 Tajikistan Marco Polo survey. The reason for the correspondence is based on concern regarding the continued denial of 2021 import permit applications and the failure to process any Tajikistan import permit applications since the 2021 period denials. The letter stated that this delay is unacceptable to the sustainable use conservation community, and most alarming, is now jeopardizing the most successful argali conservation and restoration program in Central Asia. USFWS preciously stated that the delay and denials are because information the USFWS has requested from the Tajikistan CITES authority has not yet been provided by said authority. The task force issuing the letter saw no justification for the lack of movement other than vague references to the above and request the Department provide the specific information that the Tajikistan CITES authority has not yet provided with a commitment to work with both the USFWS and the Tajikistan CITES authority to bridge what may be a communication gap and help assure that necessary information is provided.

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.

HSC Part Of Request To U.S. Bureau of Land Management (BLM) For Shooting Range Projects in New Mexico

HSC expressed its willingness to work in partnership as part of a plan to develop and expand a framework of cooperation among groups at the national, regional, and local levels for planning and implementing mutually beneficial projects and activities related to hunting, fishing, and shooting sports conducted on federal lands. Specifically, comments were provided in regard to BLM’s Notice of Intent (NOI) To Amend the Taos Resource Management Plan and Prepare an Environmental Assessment for the Proposed Recreational Shooting Range Project on Public Lands in Santa Fe County. One concern was that the shooting ranges under consideration for lands managed by the Field Office will result in the premature closure of surrounding public lands currently open to dispersed recreational shooting. The preliminary planning criteria identified in the NOI for the plan amendment includes several important considerations including: the closure to a public land use will be applied to the smallest area necessary to provide for public safety, sustainable resource management, and the protection of important resource values, consistent with the Dingell Act of 2019.

HSC Petitions Climate, Energy, Environment, and Science Office of Management & Budget For Migration Corridors 

Houston Safari Club aligned with several NGO’s to encourage the Department of the Interior (DOI) and the Department of Agriculture (USDA) to implement administration priorities to maintain, conserve, and enhance wildlife migration corridors and seasonal ranges, especially for big game species. To successfully implement these priorities, specific and sufficient funding is necessary. Historically, funding for these efforts has been redirected from existing agency budgets and programs, competing for limited agency resources. This uncertain and underfunded approach has created challenges for consistent implementation by the agencies and their partners from year to year. The request to OMB is to work with the agencies as they develop the President’s Fiscal Year 2024 budget to consolidate and target sufficient funding to address the needs of conserving wildlife migration corridors and ranges.

HSC Opposes Michigan House Bill 6192

Houston Safari Club expressed opposition in a letter to the Michigan Senate Oversight Committee in regard to HB 6192. This proposed legislation would strip the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) of its ability to make necessary and informed decisions to suspend or regulate the open seasons of fish, fur-bearing wildlife, and waterfowl species when those species are in danger of depletion or extermination. The legislation removes the Michigan DNR’s authority to suspend open seasons of certain species without an alternative plan of wildlife management being provided. 

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- October 25, 2022) The Houston Safari Club Foundation (HSCF) is pleased to announce that its “Hunting Matters” radio program/podcast has been awarded a 2022 Gold MARCOM award.  

MarCom Awards is an international creative competition that recognizes outstanding achievement by marketing and communication professionals. Entries come from corporate marketing and communication departments, advertising agencies, public relations firms, design shops, production companies, and freelancers. MarCom Awards is administered and judged by the Association of Marketing and Communication Professionals. The international organization consists of several thousand creative professionals. The Association oversees awards and recognition programs, provides judges, and sets standards for excellence.

“HSCF and the Hunting Matters production and marketing team is honored to be recognized by MARCOM. We greatly appreciate our program sponsors-Wildlife Partners, Gunwerks, FORLOH, Capital Farm Credit, MidwayUSA Foundation, U.S. LawShield, Silencer Central, Bass Pro Shops/Cabela’s, and Boyds Gunstocks,” stated Joe Betar, program co-host and Houston Safari Club Foundation’s Executive Director. 

About Hunting Matters
Tune in to “Hunting Matters” with Houston Safari Club Foundation Executive Director Joe Betar as he engages in conversations with guests, from various backgrounds, who have a passion for hunting and conservation. Great discussions, news, hunting legislation updates and more! “Hunting Matters” airs each Saturday, 6am-7am CDT on KPRC AM 950 – Real Texas, Real Talk, a Houston iHeartMedia station, and Houston’s longest running radio station. “Hunting Matters” is also available via podcast on Apple/iTunes, iHeartMedia, Google, Overcast, PodBean and Spreaker. Subscribe, listen and provide a review and rating. Hunting Matters is a 2022 Gold AVA Digital Awards and a 2022 MARCOM Gold winner!

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 638 scholarships totaling $2.77 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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STAG & DOVE SOCIETY SPOTLIGHT: KYLE FRITZ

How long have you been a member of HSCF?

I have been a member for nearly a year and half

Why did you become involved in SDS?

I saw an opportunity to connect with like-minded young professionals who had a passion for the outdoors and conservation that could help further my own knowledge and make a long-term impact on the rights of hunters and conservationists. 

What is your favorite part about being an HSCF and/or SDS member?

I love getting to connect with older, more experienced, members who can give insight and advice about all things, not just hunting. I believe there Is so much the older generation can teach us about conservation and life in general and are a resource for the next generation. 

What is your goal as an SDS leader?

I hope to continue to bridge the gap between the older generation of HSCF and SDS. There is a wealth of knowledge and experience that we as the younger generation need to be looking to for guidance.  

What is your career field?

Finance

Preferred hunting weapon-rifle, shotgun, or bow?

Rifle 

What is the one item you would have if you were shipwrecked on an island?

Satellite phone

What was your most challenging hunting experience?

Growing up we would hunt deer in 16-24 inches of snow. It made it extremely difficult to get to and from our spots as well as not to make too much noise.

What has been your favorite hunt trip so far and why?

I recently returned from a 7-day hunt in Patagonia Argentina for Red Stag during the rut (or the roar as they call it). It was an amazing and primal experience to hear and see these animals during their mating season and is something I will always recommend someone to do. 

Do you have a bucket list hunt you are working towards?

I’ve always dreamed of hunting Red Stag in New Zealand, specifically the South Island. Also, on my bucket list is Northern Arizona elk!

If you could have one superpower, what would it be?

Gotta be to fly!

Why should young professionals join the Stag and Dove Society?

Joining SDS will allow young professionals to expand their network with individuals who share like-minded values and initiatives while also working towards a common goal of preserving the sport of hunting through education, conservation, and the promotion of our hunting heritage.

ABOUT THE STAG & DOVE SOCIETY

Stag & Dove Society (SDS) is a leadership group made up of young professionals, between the ages of 21 and 39 years old, who are rising leaders across a range of industries. Members, through their time, talent and resources, help expand the capacity and advance the mission of HSCF. Stag & Dove Society helps cultivate the next generation of leaders and supporters of HSCF.

Stag & Dove Society is a gateway to engage talented volunteers, connect with other young professionals and other HSCF members, and raise awareness among a younger generation to ensure the longevity and support of our organization.

Learn More HERE

(Houston, TX- August 2, 2022): Houston Safari Club Foundation (HSCF) recently awarded its annual Dan L Duncan scholarships. Houston Safari Club Foundation is committed to furthering the education of students pursuing careers in the outdoors, supporting the future of tomorrow’s conservation leaders and protecting the future of hunting.

HSCF’s Dan L Duncan Scholarship Program annually awards scholarships to students involved in the study of Wildlife Management, Range Management, Biology and Wildlife and Fisheries Science. This year, twenty-one scholarships were awarded. Since the program’s inception in 1999, 646 scholarships have been awarded, totaling over $2.92 million dollars. Most of this year’s recipients were at the PhD and Graduate level of study.

HSCF proudly recognizes and encourages students, who have exhibited academic excellence and exemplary character, through its prestigious scholarship program. HSCF understands the future of conservation depends on the education of bright and gifted scholars who will work to protect hunter’s rights and wildlife conservation for decades to come. Many past HSCF scholarship recipients have become some of the top thought leaders, decision makers, educators, and research scientists in the conservation world.

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 646 scholarships totaling $2.92 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.