House Committee Advances H.R. 845 for Pet and Livestock Protection to Foster Local Wildlife Management
On April 9, 2025, H.R. 845, the "Pet and Livestock Protection Act of 2025," successfully navigated the House Committee on Natural Resources, marking a significant development in wildlife management legislation. Initially introduced in January 2025 by Representatives Tom Tiffany (WI-7) and Lauren Boebert (CO-4), this bill aims to provide states with the authority to manage recovered gray wolf populations without fear of judicial review.
Hunter Nation, a leading advocacy organization for hunters, expressed its satisfaction with this legislative advancement. President Keith Mark commended the Committee's decision, asserting that this act aligns closely with scientific conservation principles and local governance. Mark highlighted the importance of allowing states to manage wildlife populations effectively, noting that the successful recovery of the gray wolf is a testament to effective conservation efforts.
The legislation not only facilitates the management of wolf populations at the state level but also prevents judicial interventions that could potentially hinder sound wildlife management practices. This has been a long-standing goal for Hunter Nation since its inception, and the passage of H.R. 845 represents a hard-won battle for those advocating for a science-based approach to wildlife policies.
Biologist Dr. Nathan M. Roberts, an expert in wildlife management, provided testimony during a recent Congressional hearing, highlighting the significant growth of the gray wolf population in the Great Lakes region. He reported that the current estimate of 4,000 to 5,000 wolves far exceeds the original recovery goals set in the 1990s. This successful population increase underscores the argument for delisting the gray wolf from the endangered species list, a key objective of H.R. 845.
Despite achieving these recovery goals, the gray wolf remains under federal protection, limiting the regulatory capacity of state wildlife managers. Dr. Roberts pointed out that studies have demonstrated sustainable harvest rates of nearly 29% of a state's wolf population, indicating that responsible management would not adversely affect population growth.
Hunter Nation is now urging Congress to act swiftly on this matter. They are advocating for the passage of the Senate counterpart bills introduced by Senators Johnson, Lee, and Barrasso, alongside the House's H.R. 845. The organization emphasizes the necessity of restoring management authority to states, encouraging collaboration among local hunters, ranchers, and wildlife managers. Such reforms are believed to enhance wildlife management practices while honoring the principles of conservation that benefit both wildlife populations and local communities.
The organization stands firm on its commitment to ensuring that policies governing wildlife management in America are informed by scientific evidence and driven by practical conservation needs rather than radical activism. In doing so, Hunter Nation aims to protect the rights of hunters while promoting responsible wildlife stewardship, ultimately benefiting the ecosystems and communities they inhabit. This legislation represents not just a victory for hunters but a broader success for science and conservation in America. As H.R. 845 advances, the collective advocacy for local control and scientifically sound approaches to wildlife management promises a brighter future for all stakeholders involved in the conservation of America's wildlife resources.
Hunter Nation, a leading advocacy organization for hunters, expressed its satisfaction with this legislative advancement. President Keith Mark commended the Committee's decision, asserting that this act aligns closely with scientific conservation principles and local governance. Mark highlighted the importance of allowing states to manage wildlife populations effectively, noting that the successful recovery of the gray wolf is a testament to effective conservation efforts.
The legislation not only facilitates the management of wolf populations at the state level but also prevents judicial interventions that could potentially hinder sound wildlife management practices. This has been a long-standing goal for Hunter Nation since its inception, and the passage of H.R. 845 represents a hard-won battle for those advocating for a science-based approach to wildlife policies.
Biologist Dr. Nathan M. Roberts, an expert in wildlife management, provided testimony during a recent Congressional hearing, highlighting the significant growth of the gray wolf population in the Great Lakes region. He reported that the current estimate of 4,000 to 5,000 wolves far exceeds the original recovery goals set in the 1990s. This successful population increase underscores the argument for delisting the gray wolf from the endangered species list, a key objective of H.R. 845.
Despite achieving these recovery goals, the gray wolf remains under federal protection, limiting the regulatory capacity of state wildlife managers. Dr. Roberts pointed out that studies have demonstrated sustainable harvest rates of nearly 29% of a state's wolf population, indicating that responsible management would not adversely affect population growth.
Hunter Nation is now urging Congress to act swiftly on this matter. They are advocating for the passage of the Senate counterpart bills introduced by Senators Johnson, Lee, and Barrasso, alongside the House's H.R. 845. The organization emphasizes the necessity of restoring management authority to states, encouraging collaboration among local hunters, ranchers, and wildlife managers. Such reforms are believed to enhance wildlife management practices while honoring the principles of conservation that benefit both wildlife populations and local communities.
The organization stands firm on its commitment to ensuring that policies governing wildlife management in America are informed by scientific evidence and driven by practical conservation needs rather than radical activism. In doing so, Hunter Nation aims to protect the rights of hunters while promoting responsible wildlife stewardship, ultimately benefiting the ecosystems and communities they inhabit. This legislation represents not just a victory for hunters but a broader success for science and conservation in America. As H.R. 845 advances, the collective advocacy for local control and scientifically sound approaches to wildlife management promises a brighter future for all stakeholders involved in the conservation of America's wildlife resources.
Topics Policy & Public Interest）
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