Posts Tagged ‘Exotic Wildlife Association’

DSC Hosts Permitting Seminar w/ USFW

The Dallas Safari Club will be hosting representative Timothy Van Norman, Chief of Permitting for the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service.  He will be conducting a 1-day seminar on the proper way to fill out the Captive Breeders Permit and the “Cull and Take” Permit for any of the Endangered Species you may have on your ranch. This seminar will be presented by officials from the permit office in Washington D.C.

Date: Thursday, January 26th
Location: Y.O. Hotel in Kerrville, TX (Spanish Oak Room)

This FREE seminar will begin at 9:00 A.M. and will conclude at 2:00 P.M. Lunch will be from 12:00-1:00 P.M. This meal is not provided but there is an excellent buffet at the hotel should attendees choose to eat there.

This seminar comes on the heels of the USFW’s ruling earlier this month concerning the scimitar-horned oryx, addax antelope & dama gazelle.  These 3 species will soon be subject to special permitting in order to hunt as well as buy, sell & transport them across state lines as of April 4, 2012.  There was some discussion as to whether or not organizations like the Dallas Safari Club, Exotic Wildlife Association and others would support such a seminar, as they did not wish the USFW to perceive this “open door” as complete acceptance and compliance to this controversial ruling.

Latest News on ‘Three Species’ Ruling

via the Exotic Wildlife Association (EWA) newsletter 12/16/11

“[EWA Executive Director Charly Seale] has learned today that the USFWS intends to publish the final version of the new rule governing the “Three Species” (Addax, Scimitar Horned Oryx and Dama Gazelle) within the next few weeks. According to our sources there will be some type of permitting system but what and how it will be implemented is not certain at this time. Our sources also indicate that this final version has been somewhat overhauled to make it more breeder friendly but we cannot confirm that at this time.

We also believe that the new rule will not become effective for 30-90 days once it is publicized. The Exotic Wildlife Association is involved in litigation against the USFWS. We have filed a lawsuit on behalf of 13 EWA members in Federal court to challenge the endangered species classification and listing of these three species. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has failed to consider the Exotic Wildlife Association’s petition for delisting these animals and if it weren’t for their endangered status, the USFWS would have no jurisdiction over them thus no permits would be necessary.

[The EWA] is still fighting and is committed to stopping the FWS from implementing this new rule. There are still several avenues of remedy and we will not give up those potential remedies until we have exhausted every possible source. The success story of U.S. breeders, concerning these three species and others on the endangered list, is phenomenal and we will not simply give up and go away without a tremendous fight.

The EWA along with other associations have contacted our congressional members asking them to direct the USFWS to postpone any changes in the regulations governing these three species. Regardless, we are not giving up so we sincerely hope our members will stay vigilant and optimistic. Just because they have given notice of the final version of this rule’s publication does not mean it cannot be stopped.”

–Charly Seale, EWA Executive Director

For additional information please contact the Exotic Wildlife Association office in Kerrville, Texas @ (830) 367-7761.

EWA Files Suit Against USFWS

The Exotic Wildlife Association filed a civil action in the U.S. District Court in San Angelo, Texas against the USFWS on behalf of 13 EWA members.  This court action was taken in response to the USFWS refusal to acknowledge the EWA’s petition for delisting of the Scimitar Horned Oryx, Dama Gazelle, and Addax from the restrictions of the Endangered Species Act.  “This federal agency failed to act on our petition as required by law to delist these animals born in the United States from the ESA restrictions”, says Charly Seale, Executive Director of the Exotic Wildlife Association.  We do agree that these animals are endangered and on the brink of extinction in their native lands but thrive by the thousands on private ranches here in the United States.  Seale further stated that “if they want to see these animals truly become endangered then keep the cumbersome and archaic rules in place that currently exist under the Endangered Species Act of 1973. The current administration that occupies the Department of Interior in general and more specifically the United States Fish and Wildlife Service live in a sterile environment and do not have a clue what U.S. ranchers have done to preserve these endangered and threatened species.”

The EWA’s mission is to encourage and expand the conservation of indigenous and non-indigenous hoofstock animals, and to help their Members develop and strengthen the markets for their animals. To learn more about the EWA or to find out how to join, visit www.exoticwildlifeassociation.com

Combat Marine Outdoors Leaves a Mark at the EWA

Combat Marine Outdoors (CMO) and several United States Marines were guests of honor at the Annual EWA membership conference this past weekend in Kerrville, Texas.  Without a doubt, their presence there left a long-lasting impression for a great many in attendance.

During the EWA membership meeting Saturday morning, attendees had a chance to hear President, Rusty Hicks, speak on the great things that this non-profit organization is doing in the field for our retuning & wounded Marines and service members of our country.  Simply affording them the chance to leave the hospitals and begin the recovery process amongst friends and fellow Marines in the great outdoors.  From it’s inception in 2005, Combat Marine Outdoors, in conjunction with over 50 ranches, has helped take more than 200 combat wounded on adventures of a lifetime.

Kevin Reed accepts the U.S. flag from the Marines

Saturday night, nearing the end of the grand auction, the “Combat Marine Outdoors Package” was auctioned off, with proceeds benefiting CMO.  All auction participants took notice as a group of 3 Marines, introduced by Col. Alan Orr, performed the “Sacred Ground” and flag ceremony.  The room watched in “pin-drop” silence.  As the flag ceremony ended, the entire banquet hall stood in quiet reverence as the normally, lightning fast auctioneer, Tooter Trees, began the auction by quietly asking, “who will give $100…?”

Unlike the 100′s of auction items before it throughout the day, where the bids generally increased in increments of $100 or less, this item’s bidding  jumped immediately to $1,000…then to $5,000.  A few moments and bids later, the gavel struck at a whopping $10,000!  The auction winner/donor was Kevin Reid, owner of Morani River Ranch.  After a loud, standing ovation, he was presented with the perfectly folded American flag & a Ka-Bar knife/plaque, that is soon be inscribed, marking the occasion.  Asked to say a few words, Mr. Reid took his opportunity to address the Marines, personally thanking them for what they do for us.  It was a pride-filled and emotional experience for everyone in attendance and not one to be soon forgetten.  A fitting end to a great, eventful weekend at the EWA conference.

As stated by the CMO, their primary goal is “to allow these heroic warriors the opportunity to have an outdoor adventure of a lifetime. Also, to make sure that they understand that their service and sacrifice to our country are deeply appreciated. It is our hope that our outdoor fellowship will aid in their vision for an exciting future.”

For more information on Combat Marine Outdoors, visit their website @ www.CombatMarineOutdoors.org or contact them @ 713-419-6023.