European Hunters Score Victory in EU

by
posted on June 18, 2021
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
maineu-parliament.jpg
Our name might be American Hunter, but that doesn't mean we can't cheer on our European brethren! 

The European Parliament voted favorably on Amendment 24 to the EU Biodiversity Strategy for 2030, modifying language that could have been used to ban the trade and import of wildlife species legally hunted in Africa and elsewhere outside of the EU. With the successful passage of the amendment, the existing framework allowing for the import of hunted wildlife can remain in place, and hunters’ irreplaceable roles in conservation science, education, and research can continue undiminished.

Torbjörn Larsson, the President of the European Federation for Hunting and Conservation (FACE)thanked Safari Club International for its assistance and support in the passage of the amendment and also said, “The European Parliament has sent a strong signal that there should be no unjustified restrictions on wildlife trade, including on the movement of hunting trophies.”

Meanwhile, the SCI is continuing its campaign in the UK, as the country continues to push unscientific and harmful bans on wildlife imports. SCI explicitly opposes the UK’s initiative to ban the import of legally hunted wildlife abroad as proposed in the Action Plan for Animal Welfare.

In response, SCI sent a letter to the UK Parliament urging members to reject the import ban language as part of the Action Plan for Animal Welfare, noting that such a ban will hamstring the successful conservation efforts of African nations that rely on sustainable use programs.

Upon the release of SCI’s letter to Parliament and the EU’s vote on Amendment 24, SCI CEO W. Laird Hamberlin commented, “it is a relief to see members of the European Parliament vote to uphold hunting and the ability to import hunted wildlife as crucial components of conservation efforts by range countries, but SCI must also encourage the UK’s Parliament to see this issue as their neighbors in the EU do. The British have a rich hunting heritage, and many range countries in Africa will be worse off if British hunters can no longer bring home the wildlife which they hunt legally and as part of Africa’s carefully monitored and scientifically driven sustainable use conservation.”

Countries around the world, and many in Africa specifically, rely on hunting as part of their conservation strategies. Regulated hunting funds crucial conservation incentives, while trade restrictions often have the unintended consequence of harming wildlife conservation efforts.

Latest

LEDE Chest Pack Hoodie Pants
LEDE Chest Pack Hoodie Pants

First Look: Blocker Outdoors Finisher Series

Blocker Outdoors' Finisher Series is a one stop shop for turkey hunters looking to streamline their clothing and gear in the field. Read on for some of the top pieces in this lineup, designed to keep hunters cool and comfortable, while maintaining easy access to essentials.

Know How: Shed Hunting Hellholes

Mark Kayser's fascination with shed antler hellholes kicked off and continues today in whitetail country. Not satisfied with the occasional shed antler found in stubble fields, hay grounds and open pastures, he turned his attention to the thickest, steepest and nastiest geography in the whitetail woods. Here’s why you should consider putting on your big boy pants for a deep dive into the extremes for shed antler rewards.

New for 2026: Federal X Henry Birthday Boy Collector's Edition Ammo

For 2026, Federal Ammunition has partnered with Henry Repeating Arms to produce a collector's series ammunition. This limited-edition load was developed for Henry's commemorative .45-70 Government Golden Boy lever-action rifle, touted as the Birthday Boy.

New for 2026: Badlands Mag Turkey Vest

Badlands has released its Mag Turkey Vest, purpose-built for run-and-gun turkey hunters.

#SundayGunday: Spartan Vidarr Disc-Lok Bipod

On this week's #SundayGunday, we’re checking out a new entry from Spartan Precision Equipment that heralds a whole new line of gear from the innovative brand. The Vidarr bipod utilizes a brand new attachment system called Disc-Lok. Why create a whole new system, you ask? Well, if Spartan's MagnaSwitch is the ultralight QD system for hunters looking to travel light, the Disc-Lok adds a few more ounces in pursuit of extreme stability. Learn more about it in this exclusive video.

Public Opportunity on Private Land: Walk-in Access Programs

State game managers have come up with an array of walk-in access programs for private lands. These state-led initiatives partner with willing landowners to open thousands—sometimes millions—of acres of land to the public at little or no extra cost. Read on for some of the best options in the country.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.