SCI Congratulates Doug Burgum on his Confirmation as Secretary of the Interior

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Safari Club International (SCI) congratulates former Governor Doug Burgum (R-ND) on his confirmation as U.S. Secretary of the Interior. With a strong record of executive leadership and a deep appreciation for America’s hunting heritage, Secretary Burgum is the ideal champion for the rights of sportsmen and women across the country and a trustworthy steward of sound conservation policies rooted in science and sustainable use principles.

As the leading voice for hunters and anglers on Capitol Hill and the nation at large, SCI looks forward to working with Secretary Burgum and the Trump administration to ensure the Department of the Interior implements critical reforms that will enhance access to public lands, modernize wildlife conservation policies, and strengthen partnerships at the federal, state, and international levels. SCI’s key policy priorities include:

• Protecting public access to hunting, fishing, and recreational shooting on federal lands while ensuring guided opportunities on public lands remain available.
• Modernizing the Endangered Species Act by delisting recovered species like gray wolves and grizzly bears, allowing federal resources to focus on genuinely at-risk species.
• Defending hunters’ rights by maintaining access to traditional ammunition and fishing tackle.
• Strengthening state-federal collaboration in wildlife management by improving intergovernmental consultation processes and reducing unnecessary litigation.
• Supporting global conservation efforts by engaging with international partners, particularly in regions like Southern Africa, to enhance sustainable-use programs that benefit local communities and wildlife.

“With Secretary Burgum at the helm of the Department of the Interior, we have a leader who understands the importance of protecting America’s hunting traditions while advancing science-based conservation,” said SCI CEO W. Laird Hamberlin. “SCI is eager to partner with President Trump and his administration to expand hunting access, reform outdated regulations, and defend the rights of sportsmen and women across the country.”

“Secretary Burgum’s confirmation is a win for every hunter and angler who values access to our public lands and responsible wildlife management,” said SCI President John McLaurin. “We look forward to working with the Department of the Interior to safeguard America’s outdoor heritage and ensure all citizens can go afield free from the kind of crippling regulations that were commonplace with the previous White House.”

Background:

For over 50 years, SCI has been the leader in defending the freedom to hunt and promoting wildlife conservation worldwide. SCI is unique in the scope of its ability to defend and advance the freedom to hunt. SCI is the only hunting rights organization with a Washington, D.C.-based national and international advocacy team and an all-species focus. SCI also mobilizes more than 150 chapters and affiliate networks representing millions of hunters around the world.

SCI’s Hunters’ Embassy, located just steps from Capitol Hill, is the nerve center for pro-hunting advocacy in Washington, D.C. SCI’s federal team engages directly with lawmakers, federal agencies, and key decision-makers to influence policies that protect hunting access, strengthen conservation efforts, and defend the rights of sportsmen and women. Through SCI-PAC and the Hunter Action Fund, SCI supports elected officials who champion pro-hunting legislation, ensuring that the voices of millions of hunters are heard at the highest echelons of government.