Landmark Vote Restores Scientific Wildlife Management and Returns Wolf Policy to the States, the Culmination of Years of Advocacy by Hunter Nation
WASHINGTON D.C.- Hunter Nation, the nation’s grassroots voice of the American Hunter, is celebrating a major policy victory after the U.S. House passage of the Pet and Livestock Protection Act of 2025 (H.R. 845) – a historic win for hunters, ranchers, farmers, and rural communities across America.
The legislation directs the U.S. Department of the Interior to remove the gray wolf from the Endangered Species Act (ESA) and requires the agency to reissue the November 3, 2020 delisting rule, which was vacated by a federal court in 2022. This action will restore science-based wolf management and return management authority to the states where it belongs. This legislation was introduced by Congressman Tom Tiffany (WI-07) and Congresswoman Lauren Boebert (CO-04). The legislation now moves to the U.S. Senate.
For years, states like Wisconsin, Michigan, Minnesota, and others have faced skyrocketing wolf populations—far above original recovery goals—while federal agencies refused to act. H.R. 845 corrects this imbalance by returning management of the gray wolf to each state, to be managed like all other wildlife within the state. This will allow states to protect their livestock, wildlife populations, pets, and rural economies. With wolf populations exploding, game populations have plummeted below sustainable numbers. These trends were unsustainable.
Hunter Nation recognized that a refusal to delist the gray wolf posed an existential threat to rural America. So Hunter Nation responded with one of the most strategic and comprehensive advocacy efforts in the conservation community, driven by three pillars:
1. Legislative Advocacy & Federal Influence: Hunter Nation stood apart as one of the only outdoor organizations in America with a registered federal lobbyist dedicated exclusively to wolf delisting. This presence gave hunters and rural stakeholders a powerful voice in Washington.
On March 25, 2025, Hunter Nation-supported expert Dr. Nathan Roberts delivered compelling testimony before the U.S. House Natural Resources Committee, presenting irrefutable data showing:
- Great Lakes wolf populations have reached 4,000–5,000—ten times recovery goals.
- Harvest rates up to 29% show no negative long-term impact on population sustainability.
This testimony was formally entered into the congressional record and further amplified in national media, providing lawmakers the scientific justification behind H.R. 845.
2. Strategic Partnerships with Congressional Leaders: Hunter Nation built a strong alliance with Congressman Tom Tiffany (WI-07) and Congresswoman Lauren Boebert (CO-03)—two of Congress’ fiercest advocates for restoring state wildlife authority. These partnerships elevated the delisting effort from a regional concern to a national movement for rural sovereignty and science-based conservation.
3. Nationwide Grassroots Mobilization: Throughout 2024–2025, Hunter Nation launched a multi-channel campaign to mobilize hunters, ranchers, and outdoor enthusiasts across the country. Efforts included:
- Digital storytelling reaching millions.
- Email and SMS action alerts to members.
- A national petition campaign.
- Advocacy in state legislatures, including Wisconsin’s battle over CR 23-047.
- In-person events and public education initiatives.
This wave of grassroots engagement created the political pressure necessary for the U.S. House of Representatives to pass the Pet and Livestock Protection Act.
“This isn’t just about wolves — it is about freedom, fairness, and who gets to decide the future of America’s outdoors. Hunter Nation fought tirelessly to make sure the voices of hunters, ranchers, and rural Americans were heard in Washington. Today’s vote restores common sense and gets us one step closer to getting wildlife management back where it belongs—with the states and with the people who live closest to the land,” Hunter Nation CEO & Founder Keith Mark commented.
Donald Trump Jr., Hunter Nation Board Member, stated: “The passage of the Pet and Livestock Protection Act is a massive win for America’s hunters, ranchers, and every rural community that has been ignored for far too long. Wolf populations recovered years ago, yet bureaucrats and activist courts kept blocking the science and hurting hardworking families. Hunter Nation refused to back down, and today proves what happens when we stand together and fight. This is a victory for conservation, for common sense, and for every American who believes states — not Washington politicians— should manage their own wildlife.”
The passage of H.R. 845 represents a clear acknowledgment that wolf recovery has been achieved—and that blanket federal protections are no longer justified. By mandating reinstatement of the 2020 delisting rule, Congress is finally aligning federal policy with scientific reality. This law ensures:
- States can responsibly manage wolf populations.
- Livestock and pets receive necessary protection.
- Wildlife balance can be restored.
- Rural communities regain control over local resources.
“The mighty wolf is neither threatened nor endangered and with this victory in the U.S. House, the gray wolf is one U.S. Senate vote from being delisted. Thank you to all members of Congress that voted YES on the Pet and Livestock Protection Act as this was a vote to put this sacred beast back in the conservation asset column where it belongs,” Ted Nugent, Hunter Nation Board Member said in a statement. “I am proud to be part of Hunter Nation as we are the most powerful and positive force for real conservation and wildlife balance in America today!”
Hunter Nation, once again, extends its sincere gratitude and congratulations to the lawmakers who championed and passed this critical legislation. Their leadership, courage, and unwavering commitment to standing with America’s hunters, ranchers, and rural communities made today’s historic victory possible. By advancing the Pet and Livestock Protection Act, these legislators affirmed the importance of science-based wildlife management and demonstrated what it means to stand up for the American Hunter and the traditional values we hold dear. Hunter Nation is proud to stand with them in this fight — today and in the battles still ahead.
“Hunter Nation is deeply grateful to Representatives Tiffany and Boebert for their commitment and tireless efforts on behalf of hunters, ranchers, and rural communities everywhere, to ensure wildlife is managed with science, not emotion,” concluded Mark.
