New Polar Bear Area in Line for Approval

The Gulf of Boothia polar bear population has been found to be twice what it was thought to be. Upon learning of this, Conservation Force filed a petition with the US Fish & Wildlife Service asking them to review and approve polar bear imports from the area. The area had been “deferred” from approval pending the outcome of the survey, as the service did not believe that the prior estimate was reliable enough to permit any imports. Though their caution may have been scientifically justified, we have urged them to now expedite the approval. They have responded that the process can’t be expedited and that it will have to take the normal course of approval. Nevertheless, the process is in motion.

Important People in the News: Doug Pointer was elected President of the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) effective March 1. The NSSF hosts the SHOT Show. He will also head the Sporting Arms and Ammunition Manufacturers’ Institute (SAAMI) and the Hunting and Shooting Sports Heritage Foundation (HSSHF). He has been with the NSSF for 29 years and replaces Bob Delfray who is retiring after 30 years.

Now that Steve Williams has become the director of the USF&WS, others have fallen into position. Marshal Jones who had been acting director while the selection and confirmation of a new director took place, has become the deputy director. Kenneth Stansell, who was acting deputy director, has become the assistant director. Teiko Saito, who was chief of the Division of Management Authority, has moved up to an assistant position in the International Affairs Division. The new chief of the Division of Management Authority is Peter Thomas. - John J. Jackson, III, Chairman, Conservation Force.