Florida

Judge OKs Sportsmen's Involvement in Lawsuit to Defend Hunting- (09/08)
Florida
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A federal court judge will allow the U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance Foundation to represent hunters’ interests in a lawsuit brought by anti’s to make black bears in Florida off-limits to sportsmen. The suit also creates legal precedent that threatens hunting from coast to coast.

Judge Henry Kennedy, Jr. granted the U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance Foundation (USSAF) and its Sportsmen’s Legal Defense Fund (SLDF) permission to join the suit, which was brought by the Humane Society of the United States, Defenders of Wildlife, the Sierra Club and other anti-hunting groups. They are suing the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), contending that the black bear in Florida is a separate sub-species of the North American black bear. The groups argue that the distinction entitles Florida bears to protection under the Endangered Species Act (ESA).

A dangerous precedent will be set if the black bears in Florida are classified as a sub-species and categorized as endangered. It will allow anti-hunters to bring similar lawsuits to challenge the classification of deer, quail and other game animals that have numerous sub-species throughout the country.

Anti’s have tried for years to list Florida’s bears under the ESA, but extensive research by the USFWS has determined that the listing is not warranted. Studies show that healthy bear populations occur in secure habitats in several areas.

The USSAF will join with Safari Club International, Central Florida Bear Hunters Association, and Mark Roden of St. Augustine to intervene in the case.

The SLDF is the nation’s only litigation force that exclusively represents sportsmen’s interests in the courts. It defends wildlife management and sportsmen’s rights in local, state and federal courts, representing the interests of sportsmen. It also assists government lawyers who have little or no background in wildlife law. For more information, e-mail info@ussportsmen.org.

<font color="000000"><font face="arial,helvetica"><font size="+1">Captain’s Meeting Friday, Sept. 8th Fishing Tournament Sat. Sept. 9th, 2006 </font></font></font>

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