Memphis, TN, February 9, 2004---Ducks Unlimited (DU) continues to work toward the preservation of recreational hunting as a compatible use of National Wildlife Refuges. The Fund for Animals (Plaintiff) filed a lawsuit against the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Defendant) on March 13, 2003 and continues to seek elimination of hunting opportunities on 39 wildlife refuges located throughout the United States. DU and several other conservation-sportsmen organizations remain steadfast in opposition to the lawsuit. The groups are official "intervenors" in the case and have offered support to the government's case.
In January, the Judge in the case established a briefing schedule said, Anna Seidman, Litigation Counsel for Safari Club International, " The government has delivered the Administrative Record upon which they based their decision to allow and/or expand hunting on the 39 refuges at issue. This group of documents will also be the materials upon which we and the government will base our summary judgment arguments."
Before establishing a briefing schedule, the Judge requested the parties to confer in order to try to settle the matter without resort of further litigation. While these discussions are ongoing, the Judge has required the parties to move forward with briefing the case.

I sure hope we keep the right judges in place....