Fueled by more money than sense, the anti-hunters shifted into high gear when they invaded the Safari Club International Convention in Reno this year pointed their undercover cameras specifically at people and activities that they then used to make questionable allegations, all in their endless attempts to stop all hunting everywhere in the world.
Specifically, the antis alleged that there were violations of a new Nevada law and that there were sales of captive bred lions at the SCI Convention. SCI disputes the antis' allegations out of hand and currently is investigating the entire matter. SCI has done nothing wrong.
As a few handfuls of protesters milled outside the Convention Center in Reno, operatives from the Humane Society of the United States and Humane Society International went through the process of registering and entering the members-only SCI Convention. That's right, the antis joined SCI in order to pervert circumstances as part of their ongoing efforts to put SCI out of business and to end all hunting worldwide.
"That's the price we pay for being open and inclusive," said SCI President Paul Babaz. "We represent all hunters. Anytime any organization is open and transparent, it is possible that enemies of hunting will use that openness to their advantage. This, of course, leaves us open to such scurrilous attacks."
Once inside the Convention Center, anti-hunters used hidden cameras to record items on the floor and exhibitors at the Convention. Naturally, the antis focused only on things that they intended to distort to the benefit of their perverted worldview.
The antis' media blitz last Friday found its way into the mainstream media as well as the social media. That same day, SCI issued a statement to the Associated Press news service: "SCI has been made aware of HSUS/HSI's allegations based on what appears to be an unauthorized visit by representatives of HSUS/HSI to an SCI Convention.? We are investigating those allegations, including what may be HSUS/HSI's?erroneous interpretation of Nevada law. ?SCI will address any concerns related to the allegations at the close of its investigation."
SCI's internal investigation progresses in parallel with an investigation launched by Nevada authorities. SCI is working with Nevada authorities in our respective investigations.
In a note to AP reporter Scott Sonner, Tyler Turnispeed, Chief Game Warden, Nevada Department of Wildlife – Law Enforcement, wrote: "We are aware of this and worked on it last weekend with the leadership from SCI.? Of course, I can't get into specific investigation details, but we are looking into it.? It's a new law that went into effect about a year ago, so it's a process of getting everyone educated about it and learning how to interpret it ourselves.? Traditionally, trade in these international species has fallen more under the authority of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, but this new state law deals with intrastate trade, rather than interstate trade and import/export laws so there's a learning curve for everyone involved.? In the meantime, we'll keep working with SCI to try and prevent unlawful sales in future years."
"I can state categorically that SCI has done nothing wrong," SCI President Paul Babaz stated. "However, we are looking into whether SCI's policies related to captive bred lions might have been violated."
President Babaz also issued a statement to the anti-hunters who joined SCI so they could attack both SCI in particular and hunters in general.
"Now that you are members, maybe you can learn something about real conservation. All of you talk and talk but you do nothing except attack other people. That is misguided. Sustainable use of wildlife as supported by hunters is the real conservation. If you truly care about animals, you will join us in fact -- not just to do a sneaky underhanded torpedo attack," President Babaz stressed.
This is proof, if we needed it, that hunting, trophy hunting and SCI are all under attack and that the antis will go to all lengths to put us out of business and out of the outdoors.
The antis are extremely well funded with hundreds of millions of dollars to spread their venom and lies to the world. If hunters and hunting are to keep the misguided efforts of the antis at bay, it is critical that we fight back everyday in every way.
Members are encouraged to do all they can in this fight. To that end, donate now to help save hunting.
The future is in our hands. How effective we are right now will determine whether the future is bright for hunting, or whether the antis will win. Losing hunting is not an option. ACT NOW! Donate now.
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