Statement From NRA-ILA Executive Director Chris W. Cox On Wolf Delisting Efforts

The National Rifle Association (NRA) is pleased with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's (FWS) science-based proposal to remove gray wolves in Minnesota, Michigan and Wisconsin from the Endangered Species Act, citing recovered populations that far exceed original delisting goals across the Western Great Lakes area. This sends an important message to anti-hunting extremists who have blocked previous delisting attempts of these populations through litigation. Decisions on wildlife management issues ought to be based on science and not on politics or emotion. Hunters are the true conservationists and managing wolf population through regulated hunting, as we do with other species, is the best course for everyone and every creature concerned. In addition to this week’s congressional action of delisting certain recovered wolf populations across the West, this FWS proposal is another positive development. NRA has worked for years to ensure these science-based delistings occur and is resolutely focused on more comprehensive solutions moving forward.