Washington, DC - Safari Club International Foundation (SCI Foundation) and the Wild Sheep Foundation (WSF) announce their new partnership to cooperatively address high priority conservation needs of thinhorn sheep. To stimulate progress, the SCI Foundation Hunter Legacy Fund recently awarded a six-figure grant to contribute to WSF's efforts.

The majority of this grant will be used to update Alaska's management plan for Dall's sheep, but it will also be used to meet other conservation needs throughout thinhorn range.

Updating Alaska's management plan will provide consistent guidance to wildlife managers and operational criteria to Alaska's Board of Game and Advisory Committees.

"Partnership with the WSF is a great example of how conservation organizations can work together on common goals," said SCI Foundation President Joseph Hosmer. "We'll accomplish far more for sheep and goats with a methodical, collaborative approach, and SCI Foundation and WSF hope to lead the way to success."

In addition, funds granted to the Alaska Department of Fish and Game will receive a 3:1 match from Pittman Robertson dollars, a federal fund annually replenished by U.S. hunters from excise taxes paid on hunting equipment. These matching funds multiply the influence hunters have on wildlife conservation, proving that sustainable use organizations like SCI Foundation and WSF can truly make an impact.

"As the premier conservation organization advocating to "Put and Keep (wild) Sheep on the Mountain™," the WSF is grateful for SCI Foundation's recognition of our comprehensive conservation strategy for thinhorn sheep and their very generous financial support," WSF President & CEO Gray N. Thornton stated. "We are proud to work hand in hand with SCI Foundation as conservation partners and teammates to conserve these iconic species not only in North America but around the globe."

This is just the beginning of a long cooperative approach to wild sheep conservation. SCI Foundation hopes this partnership provides a model for future cooperative programs that SCI Foundation plans to pursue with other big game conservation groups.

Media Contact: Caroline Jaeger; cjaeger@safariclub.org

Safari Club International Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that funds and directs worldwide programs dedicated to wildlife conservation and outdoor education. Any contribution may be tax deductible under Internal Revenue Code section 170(c) as a charitable contribution to the extent permitted by law. Tax deductible amount of gift is reduced by the "Fair market Value" of any goods, services, or advantages that a sponsor receives for the donation. EIN #86-0292099