Should We Import Exotic Species to Hunt?
America has a new Secretary of the Interior … what does this mean for “safari” hunters?
The Senate recently voted to confirm Rep. Deb Haaland as our new Secretary of the Interior. Haaland, the first Native American woman to hold a White House Cabinet secretary position, is a Pueblo woman who has publicly stated her support for hunting. The Dallas Safari Club (DSC) has some questions, however…and those questions are ones that many Americans didn’t know needed to be asked. Will Haaland limit or allow the hunting of non-native (“exotic”) species here in America?
The background
One of the very first things that happened when the very first European settlers came to America was they released non-native species into the ecosystem. In most cases, these non-native species did very well in the wild here. From pheasants (which were imported from the Far East) to horses, to pigs, some of these species were released accidentally; others much more deliberately so.
These days, of course, American sportsmen are wiser than to just let exotic species out into the wilderness. Instead, these days, animals from Africa and Asia cavort and breed in high-fenced ranches, usually in places like Texas. There, American hunters can (for a steep price) pay to hunt everything from oryx, to black buck, to zebras. This practice is somewhat controversial even among hunters, as many don’t consider it “fair chase.”
However, these high-fenced hunting ranches have turned out to be reservoirs for species that are disappearing in their native land. What’s more, the fees hunters pay help support conservation of our native species.
The big question
The DSC does have concerns. Their position begins with the fact that as a Representative from New Mexico, Haaland signed onto the Conserving Ecosystems by Ceasing the Importation of Large Animal Trophies Act (CECIL) in the 116th Congress. “This legislation,” they state, “based on emotion and not sound science, remains very troubling, as it acts against the will of sovereign nations and without their consultation. Further, it would eliminate some of the most successful conservation programs in Africa and does not respect the rights of those that manage and live with the species the legislation claims to protect.”
DSC Executive Director Corey Mason continued, “We remain concerned with legislation such as the CECIL Act and other anti-hunting initiatives that Secretary Haaland has supported in the past, but we look forward to working with Department of the Interior to support science-based conservation for the benefit of all wildlife and wildlife habitat.”
Whether or not high-fence hunting is something that interests you–and for many hunters, the answer is a resounding “no”–the next year will reveal much about the Biden administration’s attitude towards conservation and hunting. All we ethical hunters can do is hope that these decisions are made based solely on science, not emotion.
The Biden administration only appoints people who are gun banning and hunting banning leftists.
Their thought is, if you can ban hunting, then why should people be allowed to own hunting firearms.
As far as exotic animals, when you have free time, google up animal rescue sanctuary, you’ll find lion (in Colorado), tiger, hyena, rhino, elephant and others scattered across the USA.
Like another writer wrote, what happens when illegals cut the fence, storms knock down fencing, or animal worshippers set them free? There are hardly any laws regarding wild animals. Remember the news article years ago about some fellow who had a tiger, alligator and other animals in his apartment in new york city?
I forgot to add that there are now ‘wild’ emu and ostriches in some areas of Texas and Arizona, probably other locations also.
After the Civil War, there were many traveling circus and wild west shows. Many had an assortment of wild animals. Many animals escaped or were set loose when the company went bankrupt. So one never knows what wild animal.might be wandering in the national forests. Always bring protection with you. Don’t want to end up being a ‘meal!’
Many destructive animals like Nutria and iguana and certain snakes have been intentionally imported. However as noted beneficial animals like horses have also been imported. Some immigrants have helped build our country while others are very destructive. Key is selectivity but has not worked with recent immigration regulations and probable will not work with exotic animals. I favor importing exotic canines like Irish Wolfhounds to improve the current indigenous breed so who is to decide? Same as gun control issue. Who should decide what is beneficial to import?
The CECIL issue is about importing the trophy which/that was hunted and taken in another country where it is legal. As another said, such hunts are costly because the hunting permit, a local guide, days of remote lodging, your travel expenses etc all add up to help that nation maintain herd health and prevent over grazing the lands.
Those wealthy enough or dedicated to those efforts, are entitled to bring home their trophies.
Wow
I can’t tell whether you guys are wanna be hunters or real hunters
You guys are missing the target here all together
You just don’t get it
Appeasement Doesn’t Work
I’m not ready to give up any bit of my Right to Hunt
You also must be unaware of just how many “Exotic Imports” are now part of our natural hunting
Aoudads, Axis, Hogs
The list goes on and on
I don’t think we need to import anything from off shore just for “The Hunt”/Trophy. If you can afford a trip to their native habitat & abide by conservation rules & their not endangered, enjoy the hunt like the local natives I might add, bringing back what you can consume & donate the rest for those in need.
NO!!
Why you say…NO!!
That tells me, that you really DO NOT have a legit stance on the subject at
Hunting is Hunting, High Fence or Low Fence!
Even though all my hunting is done on low fence property, I’m not going to get all “High Brow” and get my nose all bent out shape because High Fence Hunting is not something I have done.
We aren’t talking about shooting these animals in a cage or in the Zoo.
It’s still “Hunting” man, get over it.
I don’t know much about the rest of you bumpkins, but even after I fill my tags, I still go out.
Its about being out with my sons and daughters and grandkids and buddies.
This is the 1st step in losing ground on what we enjoy.
Getting out and away to the country with the freedom to Hunt!
No!!! We already have enough diseases and viruses and insects that has been brought to our country from across the oceans in the form of imports
Like that stops China.
I agree.. but not so much diseases as of taking animals and putting them in direct contact with natural species and habitat. We have found repeatedly that our natural species constantly loose. And yes I have been a hunter for 55 years. If you can absolutely guarantee that no I’ll will come out of bringing exotic species in, than I have no issue. I am not one to ban. But I will put our native species before bringing in exotics
Hunting exotic species at a fenced-in ranch doesn’t sound very sporting to me. How large is the ranch, do the animals have vegetation and/or terrain features to provide cover, are the hunters on foot or in ATVs or other vehicles? This isn’t an activity that appeals to me.
I hunt a low fence ranch in south Texas. The exotics have escaped to the countryside thanks to hurricane/storms blowing down a high fence, illegal aliens cutting the high fence to pass through, etc. On my last hunt I observed a doe Axis deer with a tag in it’s ear. Obviously a recent high fence escapee, probably brood stock. The northern neighbor ranch is a high fence around 8,000 acres, most of which is open scrub for the animals to roam. 8,000 acres is 12.5 square miles.
Oh, also, my friend who owns the ranch is nearing 80 yrs old and told me just last week, thanks to the Biden administration, the illegal alien traffic across his low fence ranch has gotten so bad he is afraid to spend much time on his ranch by himself. ( Afraid he might have to shoot someone) He has had traffic in the past but it all ended with the Trump policies, for three years none. (He has game cameras up on his roads and trails). He sent me pictures of 10 people recently and it all started in early February.
I think I see a new hunting sport.
No only if they are human animals like Joe Biden progressive liberal socialists.