Why it matters: Federal Advisory Councils serve as unique consortiums to provide direct recommendations and advice to various federal agencies, often at the Secretarial level. The Hunting and Wildlife Conservation Council will report directly to the Secretaries of the Interior and Agriculture to promote and advance conservation efforts as well as hunting and recreational shooting access opportunities. Previous versions of the Hunting and Wildlife Conservation Council have proven extremely beneficial and valuable to advancing the interests of sportsmen and women.
On March 7, the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation and more than 30 of the leading hunting, wildlife professional, and other conservation organizations sent a letter to the Secretaries of the Interior and Agriculture expressing appreciation and support for the establishment of the Hunting and Wildlife Conservation Council.
The Hunting and Wildlife Conservation Council has existed in various forms for well over a decade and across numerous Administrations, including both political parties. During the same time, CSF President and CEO Jeff Crane has served on every version of the Hunting and Wildlife Conservation, maintaining CSF’s position as a leading organization in the hunting and shooting sports policy arena. From 2018 to 2022, Crane served as the Chairman of the Hunting and Shooting Sports Conservation Council, further solidifying CSF’s authority in the sporting-conservation space.
First announced in late December, the Hunting and Wildlife Conservation Council is currently seeking applications, which are due by March 21. Individuals interested in applying for the Council should follow directions contained in the Federal Register notice.
CSF applauds the Biden-Harris Administration and the Departments of the Interior and Agriculture for reestablishing the Hunting and Wildlife Conservation Council.
Studies conducted at both the state and federal level have found that the number of hunters and trappers have been on a generally declining trend over the past several decades. To increase recruitment, retention, and reactivation (R3) of hunters and trappers, which initiative do you think would have the greatest impact?
