Previously, we wrote a news brief on settlement talks between the Center for Biological Diversity (CBD), an extreme environmental and animal-rights organization, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service over a lawsuit that could take away hunting opportunities on nearly 100 National Wildlife Refuges (NWRs) nationwide. In November, the CBD filed a lawsuit over the 2020 expansion of hunting and fishing opportunities on 2.2 million acres of refuge land. The CBD claims that hunting on refuges threatens endangered species due to hunters trampling critical habitat, through lead poisoning from spent ammunition and because grizzly bears are mistakenly shot by hunters believing them to be black bears or in self-defense. Settlement talks include banning lead ammunition and fishing tackle throughout NWRs. Today we are giving an update on this story.
On April 6, U.S. District Court Judge Donald Molloy in Missoula, Montana, denied the Sportsmen’s Alliance Foundation, Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, Safari Club International and National Rifle Association the right to intervene or file legal comment through an amicus brief in this lawsuit.
“Essentially, sportsmen were just told to sit down, be quiet and trust the government,” said Evan Heusinkveld, president and CEO of Sportsmen’s Alliance. “The fact that a diverse coalition representing the very people most impacted by this case aren’t allowed to even file a brief is unthinkable.”
Hunters and anglers have massively funded the expansion and upkeep of the National Wildlife Refuge System for decades through the federal Duck Stamp, which allows the purchase of vital habitat or acquisition of conservation easements within the National Wildlife Refuge System. Since 1934, almost 6 million acres of habitat have been conserved using Duck Stamp funds.
Molloy said that if the CBD is successful in revoking the 2020 expansion in court, sportsmen can file their comments during any new rulemaking process in the future. In his opinion, the above hunting organizations (NRA, SCI, etc.) do not provide any arguments or expertise that the government can’t make. He further stated that no proof was given that the government doesn’t have the best interest of hunters, anglers, sport shooters and other outdoorsmen in mind when arguing the case or making settlement offers.
In response to Judge Molloy’s ruling barring intervenor status, the alliance of hunting organizations consisting of the Sportsmen’s Alliance Foundation, Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, Safari Club International and National Rifle Association has announced a decision to appeal.
“There is a lot at stake in this appeal. This suit is nothing more than a baseless attack on hunting, fishing and outdoor recreation at a time when we have seen unprecedented growth in participation by Americans across our great nation,” said Kyle Weaver, president and CEO of Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation. “Ensuring quality hunting opportunities exist is core to RMEF’s mission and we will vehemently defend commonsense rules that allow our members those opportunities.”
A prohibition on the use of any lead would impact millions of hunters and anglers across the country. Sinkers, jigs or other lures containing lead could be banned for fishing, while expensive and hard-to-find alternative ammunition would be the only option for hunters who are already experiencing an ammo shortage.
