Hunters: Strike Back at COVID-Emboldened Poachers

The COVID-19 pandemic is resulting in all kinds of unforeseen consequences that we hunters and conservationists will be chasing down for several months if not years...and meanwhile, the poachers are out there illegally and unethically tearing up our conservation strategies and game animals. It's happening because poaching syndicates as well as individual poachers have gotten especially bold while the rest of the world is focused on staying safe and healthy. But it doesn't have to keep happening, and that's why as part of the DSC / DSC Foundation's Hunters CARE (COVID Anti-poaching Relief Effort) initiative, the Dallas Safari Club Foundation (DSC Foundation) has unveiled plans for the creation of the DSCF COVID-19 Relief Fund.

If you don't understand the need for a relief fund, here's what's going on. Under normal circumstances, hunters themselves fund anti-poaching efforts through the purchase of the licenses they need to hunt legally. But these aren't normal circumstances. Due to the devastating financial impact of the Coronavirus pandemic and the resulting loss of hunting revenue used to fund those efforts, the need for anti-poaching assistance has never been greater.

The coronavirus phenomenon hasn't reduced poaching...in fact, reports suggest it, along with habitat degradation, is on the increase as poaching syndicates take advantage of the turmoil. Wildlife law enforcement has been stretched thinner than ever, and with many wild spaces open but unmanned by park staff, the poachers are going buck-wild (sorry about that pun). 

Just like your NRA, the DSC Foundation has a long history of supporting anti-poaching measures. To address this urgent need, the DSCF COVID-19 Relief Fund has been established to receive donations specifically ear­marked for anti-poaching efforts. In addition, DSC Foundation announced its intention to accept directed donations for specific anti-poaching projects designated by the donor. Donations to the DSCF COVID-19 Relief Fund, including directed donations, will be applied strictly to approved and fully vetted anti-poaching projects without reduction for overhead or operating expenses. Donors are thus assured that their donations will have maximum impact.

To learn more about the DSCF COVID-19 Relief Fund and how you can support the efforts of DSC Foundation, please visit www.dscf.org and click on the DSCF Hunters CARE graphic.