DALLAS, TX (July 31, 2013) – The Dallas Safari Club and its 5000 plus members world-wide want to take this opportunity to thank Congressman John “Judge” Carter (R) Roundrock, Texas, for his overwhelming and continued support of the plight of the “Three Amigos” — the Scimitar Horned Oryx, Dama Gazelle, and Addax Antelope.
This is an amendment that the DSC has been working on for several years now and this amendment represents the first step — among many — towards protecting these animals here in the United States.
Today, Congressman Carter offered, and had accepted, an amendment to the Department of Interior Appropriations bill for 2014 that will place these three species of antelope back to the exempt status from the Endangered Species Act. These three species had been exempt from 2005 until 2012 when the US Fish and Wildlife Service placed them back under the ESA restrictions. Inclusion of this amendment in the bill is the first step.
DSC will continue to fight to keep this language in the legislation as it moves forward and ultimately becomes law later this year.
DSC Executive Director Ben Carter stated that, “By removing these restrictions and placing the three species of antelope back on the exempt list, Judge Carter’s language will ensure that these antelope will continue to thrive and flourish on Ranches here in the United States.” He further stated that, “Since the onset of the USF&W ruling, the number of antelope has dropped significantly. For example, studies by the Exotic Wildlife Association state that the Scimitar Horned Oryx population has been cut in almost half since 2010.”
“It’s time for the government to step out of the way. It’s clear that the current ESA status has been deadly for the Addax, Dama Gazelle and Scimitar Horned Oryx,” said Congressman Carter, Chairman of the Homeland Security Appropriations Subcommittee.
“The farmers and ranchers who are raising these magnificent animals don’t need big brother monitoring them or telling them how to run their ranches. The animals have thrived under their care for many years while their natural populations have nearly disappeared. My hope is that with the passage of this amendment their numbers can go back up.”
The Dallas Safari Club would like to thank the Exotic Wildlife Association, and their Executive Director, Charly Seale and their Washington, D.C. team for their efforts in making this amendment a reality. DSC also thanks the National Rifle Association and the Congressional Sportsman’s Foundation who worked diligently to make this amendment a success today.
About Dallas Safari Club (DSC)
Desert bighorns on an unbroken landscape, stalking Cape buffalo in heavy brush, students discovering conservation. DSC works to guarantee a future for all these and much more. An independent organization since 1982, DSC has become an international leader in conserving wildlife and wilderness lands, educating youth and the general public, and promoting and protecting the rights and interests of hunters worldwide. Get involved at www.biggame.org.