Archives: SFW News
U.S Secretary Zinke Reaffirms States Wildlife Management Authority on Public Lands and Waters
A letter from U.S. Secretary of the Interior Ryan Zinke.
State Fish and Wildlife Management Authority on Department of the Interior Lands and Waters
In 1983, the Department codified in the United States Code of Federal Regulations, 43 C.F.R. Part 24, establishing a policy that Federal authority exists for specified purposes while State authority regarding fish and resident wildlife remains the comprehensive backdrop applicable in the absence of specific, overriding Federal law. This 35-year-old rule is more relevant today than ever.
Therefore, I reaffirm the authority of the States to exercise their broad trustee and police powers as stewards of the Nation’s fish and wildlife species on public lands and waters under the jurisdiction of the Department. Each of us must recognize the fundamental role of the States in fish and wildlife management, especially where States have primary authority and responsibility, foster improved conservation of fish and wildlife, and encourage a good neighbor policy with the States.
Because fish and wildlife are fundamentally dependent upon habitats on private and public lands managed or subject to administration by many Federal and State agencies, and because provisions for the protection, maintenance, and enhancement of fish and wildlife and the regulation for their use are established in many laws and regulations involving a multitude of Federal and State administrative structures, the effective stewardship of fish and wildlife requires the cooperation of the various States and the Federal Government.
The 50 State governments have extensive capacities and competencies to exercise their responsibilities to serve as trustees for fish and wildlife species resident in the respective States. These capacities and competencies are grounded in State constitutional and statutory laws, as well as an extensive body of administrative rules that collectively form a comprehensive legal underpinning to ensure that State governments effectively function as trustees of fish and wildlife resources with broad police powers to enforce those laws and regulations.
State governments have established fish and wildlife agencies that are charged with the responsibility and mandate to implement those statutes ensuring effective, appropriate, and efficient conservation and management of fish and resident wildlife species, including providing citizens with the opportunity to enjoy those fish and wildlife species through regulated hunting, fishing, and trapping. Moreover, State governments have consistently demonstrated their commitment to sustaining fish and wildlife resources in perpetuity for the benefit of both current and future citizens. To that end, State governments have taken extensive measures to protect and conserve rare fish and wildlife species, including invertebrate species, and through the actions of State governments, they have sought additional funding to strengthen their capacity to implement management strategies at a landscape level. State governments practice sound fish and wildlife conservation and management focused on sustainable practices that protect the Nation’s natural heritage, while providing for appropriate and highly regulated opportunities for citizens to enjoy fish and wildlife resources.
The States’ fundamental responsibility for fish and wildlife management includes responsibility for appropriate regulation of public use and enjoyment of fish and wildlife species. The Department recognizes States as the first-line authorities for fish and wildlife management and hereby expresses its commitment to defer to the States in this regard except as otherwise required by Federal law.
In full recognition of the authority of the State fish and wildlife agencies to regulate fish and resident wildlife within their respective boundaries and jurisdiction, I request the following:
➢ Within 45 days of this Memorandum, all Bureaus and Offices complete a review of all regulations, policies, and guidance that pertains to the conservation and management of fish and wildlife species on lands and waters under their jurisdiction that are more restrictive than otherwise applicable State provisions for the management of fish and wildlife, including all such regulations, policies, and guidance that pertain to public recreational use and enjoyment of fish and wildlife species;
➢ Within 90 days, each Bureau and Office referenced provide the Deputy Secretary a report containing detailed recommendations for the respective Bureau or Office to better align its regulations, policies, and guidance with State provisions.
➢ After receiving the reports containing detailed recommendations, the Deputy Secretary shall appropriately consult with the State fish and wildlife agencies regarding the recommendations and deliver an implementation plan to me within 120 days of this Memorandum.
– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –
“This is a game changer for hunting and conservation nationwide – restoring power back to the states and state game agencies, taking it away from Washington elitists and the federal government,” said Don Peay, SFW Founder and sportsmen’s advocate.
“This is one of Greg Sheehan’s last major initiatives before leaving Washington DC. He knows who can best manage our herds, flocks and fisheries. This is just one of many of the huge changes President Trump, Sec. Zinke and their team are doing for hunters.
“In Greg’s (Sheehan) closing meeting, Sec. Zinke credited Greg and his team with opening access to nearly five million acres of land that had been previously closed to hunting, and with reducing more than 2,000 regulations that hamstring hunters.”
SFW expresses great thanks to Greg and Charlie Sheehan for serving our country, and our hunting heritage.
Park City Couple Faces Criminal Charges
Early this fall, a Park City couple was caught steeling 2 tree stands and a trail camera that were placed in the Wasatch Mountains by a hunter. The hunting equipment was valued at more than $1,500.
Their actions have the couple facing felony charge, which are aggravated by the fact that the woman is the Park City Assistant City Attorney, Polly Samuels McLean, and the man is a well-known local skier named Andrew McLean. Both were arrested shortly after the event and face felony theft charges as well as misdemeanor charges for criminal mischief.
SFW is a strong advocate for hunter rights and multiple use on public lands.
“We believe the actions of this couple in taking hunters’ personal property is behavior unbecoming representatives of Park City and Utah’s ski industry and should bot be tolerated,” said Troy Justensen, President of SFW. “Such prominent community figures as this couple ought to be held to a higher standard. We hope an example can be made of them in this case.”
Both tree stands and the trail camera have been recovered.
KUIU Founder Jason Hairston Has Died
Former NFL player and founder of KUIU Jason Hairston has died tragically at the young age of 47. KUIU, the innovative hunting gear company that Hairston founded, announced Wednesday: “We are shocked and saddened to announce the tragic passing of KUIU founder Jason Hairston. His legacy lives on in KUIU’s spirit of relentless innovation.”
Jason and KUIU were strong supports of both the Western Hunting and Conservation Expo and the Full Curl Society. “The passion and innovation that Jason and KUIU brought to the North American hunting industry has been nothing less than inspirational,” said SFW Founder Don Peay. “His passing is more than a tragedy, but his influence among sportsmen will last for decades.”
Kelly Kreis Joins SFW as Office Administrator and Accountant
SFW has brought Kelly Kreis on board as Office Manager and Accountant. She will oversee all office administration and accounting functions in SFW’s headquarters at 215 North Redwood Road in North Salt Lake, Utah.
Kelly will manage office operations and procedures, coordinate correspondence among SFW chapters, monitor warehouse orders and other functions. She will also manage AR/AP and payroll functions and assist with tax preparation.
Most recently credit manager with Buehner Block in Salt Lake City, Utah, Kelly brings 25 years’ of experience to SFW. She has worked as an office manager, recruiter, investment portfolio assistant with Fidelity Investments and a trade banking coordinator with E-Trade. She is an experienced bookkeeper and skilled project manager with several years’ experience in construction accounting. Kelly attended the Art Institute of Pittsburgh and studied Interior Design and Drafting.
“Kelly is going to be a great fit with SFW,” said Troy Justensen, SFW President. “Our members, sponsors and chapter heads are already benefiting from her expertise.”
Non-profit fundraising is not new to Kelly. She has also been a volunteer for eight years with the annual SFW Salt lake Chapter Banquet and with Hunts for the Brave for several years helping the group identify veterans in need and assisting with fundraising events and activities.
“I’ve learned a lot about wildlife conservation from my years of volunteering with SFW and Hunts for the Brave,” Kelly said. “It takes a lot of dedication to achieve what SFW has, and I’m very proud to be a part of the work we do here. I couldn’t ask for a better team of people to work with. This is so much more than a job; it’s a passion for all of us.”
When she’s not in the office, Kelly enjoys camping, riding motorcycles, shooting and traveling with her four sons and six grandchildren.
John Bair Named SFW Vice President and Appointed to SFW Board of Directors
John Bair has been named Vice President of Sportsmen for Fish & Wildlife (SFW) and has been appointed a member of SFW’s Board of Directors. He brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to his positions at SFW.
Most recently Chairman of the Governor-appointed Utah Wildlife Board of Directors, Bair has served the needs of Utah wildlife and hunters in multiple ways throughout his career. He served on the Utah Central Region Advisory Council for eight years, on the Utah Elk Management Committee, on the Utah Black Bear Management Committee and on the Utah CWMU committee. He is a Life Member of the Utah-based wildlife conservation organization.
As an auctioneer, John has helped SFW raise over $100 million for wildlife conservation and hunter advocacy issues. His skills as an auctioneer have been particularly beneficial in helping build SFW’s annual Western Hunting and Conservation Expo.
Through his involvement with SFW and wildlife conservation issues, Bair has played a critical role in improving and reclaiming more than 1.5 million acres of critical big game habitat in Utah. He is frequently heard proudly touting the fact that, “Utah does more habitat work than all other 49 states combined!”
SFW Board Chairman Dave Woodhouse said, “John Bair has been an important part of SFW’s make-up from its beginning. He has always played a major role in the successes of our organization. As vice president and our newest board member, we all look forward to an even greater amount of his effective influence that will certainly lead to SFW continuing its leading position in wildlife conservation.”
SFW President Troy Justensen commented, “SFW has built North America’s premier wildlife conservation fundraising model, and no small amount of credit goes directly to Mr. Bair. I’ve known John, worked with him and hunted with him for two decades. He’s a true friend to all hunters and all wildlife, but most especially to Utah’s big game. We’re so happy to have him on board in an official and even more involved capacity.”
Bair has been closely affiliated with SFW for more than 20 years. He currently serves as SFW Auctioneer hosting and emceeing 17 chapter fundraising banquets held each year.
As an SFW board member, Bair joins a team of Utah businessmen, entrepreneurs, sportsmen and wildlife conservationists who share the responsibility of steering the organization in paths that will enable SFW to continue fulfilling its mission: promoting the protection and enhancement of wildlife habitat and assist in providing quality wildlife management programs.
Mr. Bair will also work to ensure the success and growth of SFW and it’s various programs, subsidiaries and conservation ventures, including 17 Utah chapters, the annual Western Hunting and Conservation Expo, Arctic Red River Outfitters in the Northwest Territories of British Columbia and the Full Curl Society.
John is an electrician by trade and a custom knife maker. But his passion has always been hunting. He is a FoxPro Game Calls Field Staff member and enjoys hunting coyotes year round with the hunting dogs he trains personally.
––– • –––
U.S. Secretary Zinke Appoints SFW Founder Don Peay to the Hunting and Shooting Sports Conservation Council
WASHINGTON – U.S. Secretary of the Interior Ryan Zinke announced the appointment of Don Peay to the Hunting and Shooting Sports Conservation Council. The Council was established on January 9, 2018, and is intended to provide the Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Agriculture with advice regarding the establishment and implementation of existing and proposed policies and authorities with regard to wildlife and habitat conservation.
The Council will begin examining ways to benefit wildlife resources; encourage partnership among the public, the sporting conservation organizations, state, tribal, territorial, and federal government; and benefit recreational hunting and recreational shooting sports.
“We have assembled here some of the best conservationists in America,” Secretary Zinke said. “Over a century ago, Teddy Roosevelt established the American conservation ethic — best science, best practices, greatest good, longest term. These sportsmen carry on the American conservation ethic in the modern day. Bringing these experts together will be key to ensuring the American tradition of hunting and shooting, as well as the conservation benefits of these practices, carries on.”
Don Peay commented, “President Trump and Sec Zinke continue to make major positive structural changes to America’s land and wildlife conservation systems. This new Council made up of the most accomplished hunter/conservationists in North America will assist in revitalizing conservation of our nation’s natural treasures for generations!”
Mr. Peay joins a noteworthy list of national leaders newly appointed to the Council, including:
– Chris W. Cox, Executive Director of the National Rifle Association’s Institute for Legislative Action
– Jeff Crane, President of the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation
– Lawrence G. Keane, Senior Vice President and General Counsel for the National Shooting Sports Foundation
– Dan Forster, Vice President & Chief Conservation Officer, Archery Trade Associations
– Dale Hall, CEO of Ducks Unlimited
– And others
The Council is strictly advisory and the duties will consist of providing recommendations for implementation of Executive Order No. 13443 (E.O.): Facilitation of Hunting Heritage and Wildlife Conservation, Secretarial Order No. 3347: Conservation Stewardship and Outdoor Recreation, and Secretarial Order No. 3356 (S.O.): Hunting, Fishing, Recreational Shooting, and Wildlife Conservation Opportunities and Coordination with States, Tribes, and Territories.
Recommendations from the Council to the Secretary of the Interior and Secretary of Agriculture shall include, but not be limited to policies and programs that: conserve and restore wetlands, agricultural lands, grasslands, forests and rangeland habitats; promote opportunities and expand access to hunting and shooting sports on public and private lands; encourages hunting and shooting safety by developing ranges on public lands; recruit and retain new shooters and hunters; increase public awareness of the importance of wildlife conservation and the social and economic benefits of hunting and shooting; encourage coordination among the public, hunting and shooting sports community, wildlife conservation groups, state, tribal, territorial, and federal government.
# # #
SFW Names Kevin Norman Fundraising Director
SFW has named Kevin Norman as Fundraising Director and Vice Chairman of the non-profit wildlife conservation organization’s Mission Fulfillment Committee.
Norman begins immediately spearheading efforts to raise money for the benefit of wildlife and the hunting public through annual fundraising banquets held throughout the state of Utah. Working under the direction of SFW President Troy Justensen, he is also assisting in management of the Fulfillment Committee, a group consisting of SFW’s chapter chairs and lead wildlife conservationists representing SFW’s 17 chapters throughout the state of Utah.
“SFW has experienced significant growth as we have directed more and more funds into local and regional wildlife management, conservation and habitat projects in recent years,” Justensen said. “This expansion of efforts and fulfillment of SFW’s mission has brought a need for additional human resources to manage the growth. I’ve known and worked with Kevin for several years, and he is a perfect fit for the role and responsibilities he now has with SFW.”
Kevin Norman is an avid hunter and wildlife conservationist who has been an active part of the SFW-Cache chapter for many years.
As the newest member of the SFW management team, Norman shares the collective responsibility to deliver the organization’s mission to protect and enhance wildlife habitat and provide quality wildlife management programs. He will also be responsible for managing SFW chapter relations, identifying new potential fundraising streams and sponsorships, and directing special wildlife research and habitat improvement projects in conjunction with the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources.
“I guess you can call this a job, but I’m having the time of my life here,” Norman said. “I’ve already met with most of our state chapter committees and enjoyed the full experience of the Western Hunting and Conservation Expo from the operational end with the hundreds of SFW volunteers who make wildlife conservation so effective in Utah. From what I can see, when SFW thrives, Utah wildlife thrives. This is an exciting opportunity for me to work with a very unique organization. This is going to be an adventure and one I can honestly say I look forward to every day.”
Norman brings 10 years’ of experience to his position. Most recently a field host and sales representative with Best of the West, his skills and passion for hunting will compliment SFW’s management and work to continue the ongoing and successful business of wildlife conservation in the state of Utah.
When he’s not in the office, Norman might be found hitting a six-inch grouping at 1,200 yards, hunting Northern Utah or enjoying time with his wife and three young children.
Accurate, long-range shooting is one of Kevin Norman’s passions
SFW Cache Chapter Dives In to Help Cache Deer Herd
Despite this year’s mild winter, SFW and the DWR are concerned about the health and declining numbers of mule deer on the Cache unit. Yesterday, the DWR and SFW captured a dozen does at Hardware Ranch and another dozen at Bear Lake using GPS tracking collars paid for by SFW. All of the does were then implanted with special devices that will later determine when those deer give birth this spring. SFW Cache chapter has also planned several habitat improvement projects on summer and winter range that will be aided by the use of a $120 thousand D5 Bulldozer modified specifically for wildlife habitat restoration, which SFW purchased and donated to the DWR. The news media turned out in force to cover this important wildlife capture and research project. Kevin Norman, SFW’s new Fundraising and Special Project Manager, was on hand to field media questions.
$8 Million Raised for Wildlife Conservation at 2018 Hunting Expo in Salt Lake City
Salt Lake City, Utah: The 2018 Western Hunting & Conservation Expo (Hunting Expo) closed on Sunday February 11, but all who attended will agree that the show continues to get bigger and better. Over 50,000 attendees passed through the halls of Hunt Expo and the auctions, tag sales and other fundraisers combined to raise over $8 million for conservation efforts conducted by host organizations Sportsmen for Fish and Wildlife and the Mule Deer Foundation. In addition, the show was selected by US Secretary of the Interior Ryan Zinke as the venue to sign a new Secretarial Order prioritizing big game migratory corridors and winter range. The 2018 Hunting Expo was sponsored by Ammo & More and ACI and was held in the Salt Palace Convention Center in Salt Lake City, Utah.
“This show has grown to become one of the most recognizable and important events in the hunting industry,” said Troy Justensen, SFW President and CEO. “The biggest brand names and celebrities in the business rub shoulders with everyday sportsmen and women from nearly every state. Everything about our show is geared for conservation and working to improve conditions for wildlife and hunters.”
The exhibit hall was busy throughout the show with more than 50,000 attendees touring 500,000 square feet of exhibit space. Manufacturers and vendors at the event had brisk sales and most have already reserved their booth space for next year’s show. In addition, the Youth Wildlife Conservation Experience kept the kids busy at the indoor pellet gun range and with other hands-on activities. The evening events once again paired important conservation messages through the keynote speakers, Secretary of the Interior Ryan Zinke and Bass Pro Shops Founder Johnny Morris, with the fast-paced auctions raising millions of dollars for conservation efforts. Evening entertainment at the ticketed banquets was headlined by country musicians Ned Ledoux, Marty Stuart and His Fabulous Superlatives, and Sara Evans.
“Each year I don’t know how Hunt Expo could get any better and every year we exceed even our own high expectations. This year was no different setting new records for attendance and money raised to fulfill our conservation mission,” said Mule Deer Foundation President/CEO, Miles Moretti. “There were a lot of great activities during this year’s Hunt Expo, but the true testament to the importance of the show to the region’s sportsmen and women was having Secretary of the Interior Ryan Zinke there to launch his department’s new initiative for big game corridors and winter range.”
Evening events at the Western Hunting & Conservation Expo
Hunting Expo offers something for everyone
New in 2018 was the Great Salt Lake Waterfowl Calling Championships held throughout Saturday during the show. Duck and goose calls filled the halls of the Salt Palace Convention Center as 76 competitors from Utah, California and nearly every other western state and from as far away as Nebraska, Minnesota and Kansas competed for more than $10 thousand in cash and prizes.
“It’s always bittersweet when Hunt Expo closes; our staff and partners have worked so hard to make the show a success and we know everyone who came through the doors enjoyed themselves,” Justensen commented. “Our team is already working to put together next year’s show, so if you haven’t come to Hunt Expo yet, you need to make it a top priority for 2019!”
Next year’s Western Hunting & Conservation Expo will be held February 14-17, 2019 in the Salt Palace Convention Center in Salt Lake City, Utah. Information about this year’s Hunt Expo and details about next year’s show will be posted on the WHCE website at www.huntexpo.com.
Secretary Zinke Announces Creation of International Wildlife Conservation Council
WASHINGTON – Nov. 8, 2017 –– U.S. Secretary of the Interior Ryan Zinke announced the creation of the International Wildlife Conservation Council. The Council will provide advice and recommendations to the Secretary of the Interior. It will focus on increased public awareness domestically regarding conservation, wildlife law enforcement, and economic benefits that result from U.S. citizens traveling abroad to hunt.
“Built on the backs of hunters and anglers, the American conservation model proves to be the example for all nations to follow for wildlife and habitat conservation,” Secretary Zinke said. “The conservation and long-term health of big game crosses international boundaries. This council will provide important insight into the ways that American sportsmen and women benefit international conservation from boosting economies and creating hundreds of jobs to enhancing wildlife conservation.”
The Council will advise the Secretary of the Interior on the benefits that international recreational hunting has on foreign wildlife and habitat conservation, anti-poaching and illegal wildlife trafficking programs, and other ways in which international hunting benefits human populations in these areas.
The duties of the Council will be solely advisory and will include, but not be limited to:
• Develop a plan for public engagement and education on the benefits of international hunting.
• Review and make recommendations for changes, when needed, on all Federal programs, and/or regulations, to ensure support of hunting as:
– An enhancement to foreign wildlife conservation and survival;
– An effective tool to combat illegal trafficking and poaching;
– An economic engine and job-creating force for local communities.
• Develop strategies to benefit the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s permit office in receiving timely country data and information so as to remove barriers that impact consulting with range states.
• Recommend removal of barriers to the importation into the United States of legally hunted wildlife.
• Ongoing review of import suspension/bans and provide recommendations that seek to resume the legal trade of those items, where appropriate.
• Review seizure and forfeiture actions/practices and provide recommendations to regulations that will lead to a reduction of unwarranted actions.
• Review the Endangered Species Act’s foreign listed species and interaction with the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Flora and Fauna, with the goal of eliminating regulatory duplications.
• Recommend streamlining/expedite process of import permits.
You may submit comments and/or nominations by any of the following methods:
• Mail or hand-carry nominations to Joshua Winchell, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, National Wildlife Refuge System, 5275 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church, VA 22041-3803; or Email nominations to: [email protected]; or submit them online.
This link to the Federal Register explains how people can apply: https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2017/11/08/2017-24328/international-wildlife-conservation-council-establishment-request-for-nominations
The Council will meet approximately two times annually, and at such other times as designated by the Designated Federal Officer. The Council will terminate 2 years from the date the Charter is filed, unless, prior to that date, it is renewed in accordance with the provisions of Section 14 of the Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA).
The Council will not meet or take any action without a valid current charter. The Council is established in furtherance of 43 U.S.C. 1457, the Fish and Wildlife Act of 1956 (16 U.S.C. §§ 742a-742j), and other Acts applicable to specific bureaus. This Council is regulated by the FACA, as amended, 5 U.S.C. Appendix 2.
