NRA-ILA is Front and Center in the Ivory Ban Debate

by
posted on March 31, 2015
** 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. **
hlf_ivory_update_f.jpg

NRA-ILA is making headway for American hunters on three key fronts when it comes to overturning the ban on the sale and trade of legally owned ivory.

Proposed Regulation Update
Currently, NRA-ILA staff is meeting with Administration Officials to voice opposition to the proposed regulations that would ban the domestic sale and trade of legally owned ivory. The proposed regulation is now at the Office of Budget and Management, which is the last step in the rule-making process before it is published for comment. NRA-ILA will file its comment once the rule is published.

Legislation Update
Since the last report regarding ivory, U.S. Representative Don Young (R-Alaska-At Large) introduced H.R. 697, a bill that would prevent the Obama Administration from banning the U.S. sale and trade of legally-owned ivory, as well as ensure that sport-hunted elephant trophies can be imported from countries with sustainable elephant populations.  NRA-ILA staff is working with the U.S. House to gain support for H.R. 697.

Sport Hunted Trophy Update
The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (USFWS) intends to limit sport-hunted elephant trophy imports to two per hunter per year. It also will extend a ban on the importation of sport-hunted elephant trophies from Zimbabwe for the 2015 calendar year. NRA-ILA opposes these restrictions and is working with other interested groups to prevent their implementation.

NRA-ILA State and Local Update
Thus far in 2015, 16 states have introduced ivory ban legislation to prohibit the intrastate sale of ivory. Bills in five states—Iowa, Oklahoma, Maryland, Washington and Virginia—have already failed in the legislative process. NRA-ILA will remain vigilant in opposing such legislation and in educating policy makers on the inefficiencies and misguided approach of banning lawfully acquired ivory.

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.