“The establishment of such an advisory council speaks volumes for how far the sporting community has come as a key constituent in the decision-making process. This bodes well for us not only in this Administration, but will ensure that sportsmen have a seat at the table in future Administrations as well.” Jeff Crane, President of CSF

The Sporting Conservation Council (SCC) was established in 2006 to provide a formal mechanism to allow for communication and interaction  between the Secretary of the Department of Interior and from representatives of nationally recognized hunting organizations.  The Sporting Conservation Council also serves as a means for expressing the concerns of hunters as federal policies are developed.

Members of the SCC are appointed by the Secretary and serve two-year terms without compensation.  Key issues of focus include but are not limited to:

• Access to hunting and recreation on federal lands
• Maintaining and/or restoring wetlands
• Forest and rangeland habitats
• Wildlife conservation
• Partnerships between the public, sportsmen-conservation community, state and federal governments

The mission of the SCC is to provide advice and guidance to the Federal Government through the Department of the Interior and the Department of Agriculture on how to increase public awareness of:

1. The importance of wildlife resources,
2. The social and economic benefits of recreational hunting, and 
3. Wildlife conservation efforts that benefit recreational hunting and wildlife resources.

The primary focus of the SCC for 2008 is the planning and coordination of a White House Conference, marking the 100th anniversary of the North American Model of Wildlife.  The Conference is scheduled to take place during the fall of 2008.

Currently CSF has 3 Board Members who serve on the Council, along with CSF President Jeff Crane.

SCC Members

Chairman
Robert Model - Chairman; Boone and Crockett Club of America and CSF Board Member

Vice-Chairman
Jeff Crane - President; Congressional Sportsmen Foundation

J. Dart

Dan Dessecker - Senior Wildlife Biologist; Ruffed Grouse Society

Matt Hogan - Executive Director; Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies

Rob Keck, CEO; National Wild Turkey Federation and CSF Board Member

Steve Mealey - former forest supervisor and Boone and Crockett Club member

Jim Mosher - Executive Director; North American Grouse Partnership

Susan Recce - Director, Conservation, Wildlife and Natural Resources; National Rifle Association

Christine Thomas, Dean and Professor of Resource Management; University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point College of Natural Resources

John Tomke – Chairman; Ducks Unlimited

Merle Shepard - President; Safari Club International