Trump Abruptly Reverses Decision on Trophy Hunting Imports

This past week I told you about two decisions from the Trump administration that held so much potential for bad news.

Namely, the lifting of the ban on American big game hunters bringing home trophies from elephant or lion hunting in several African nations.

It is my belief that this opens wide the door for poachers, and apparently, I’m not alone.

President Trump has reversed his decision, in the face of intense criticism from conservationists.

Trump took to Twitter to announce his change of heart on Friday evening:

Put big game trophy decision on hold until such time as I review all conservation facts. Under study for years. Will update soon with Secretary Zinke. Thank you!

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 18, 2017

The argument behind allowing the import of elephant or lion body parts, according to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service was that these hunts would attract the wealthy big game hunters (You know, like Trump’s sons) to the game preserves in Africa, and in turn, the money paid for the hunts would help pay for conservation costs.

Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke issued his own statement, in regards to the sudden change of heart:

“President Trump and I have talked and both believe that conservation and healthy herds are critical. As a result, in a manner compliant with all applicable laws, rules and regulations, the issuing of permits is being put on hold as the decision is being reviewed,” he said.

Why the issue wasn’t reviewed before ever lifting the bans may remain a mystery, but I think it’s a better than fair bet to say in big part it was one area where Trump could overturn something put in place by his predecessor, former President Obama, with relative ease.

And while I’m apt to believe that anything Obama did needs to be overturned as swiftly and completely as possible, this is one of those issues that doesn’t need to be dabbled with, simply out of spite.

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