The U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Department of the Interior confirmed membership of the Hunting and Wildlife Conservation Council.

The Hunting and Wildlife Conservation Council was chartered in February 2022. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service will manage the council, according to the charter. It will build on the foundation started by the Wildlife Hunting and Heritage Conservation Council, which was established in 2010. Members will meet at least two times per year, and members will fill as much as a three-year term.

“This group of sportsmen and women will provide USDA and DOI vital insight in how we can strengthen wildlife conservation, expand recreational access and promote rural economic development," Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack said. "They are a critical partner in preserving America’s wildlife and hunting heritage and advancing our work to protect our nation’s precious lands and waters. The Biden-Harris administration is committed to conserving, connecting and restoring America’s lands, waters and wildlife, and I look forward to working with members of the council to help achieve these objectives.”

The list of council members and alternative members is available on the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service website. The membership includes representatives of Native Tribes, hunters, conservation districts, state wildlife agencies and others. 

The Interior and Agriculture departments solicited nominations for the HWCC during February 2022, according to a news release.