Why It Matters
While the Trump administration’s push to weaken the Endangered Species Act and expand public lands hunting access creates regulatory tailwinds, the Dallas Safari Club confronts urgent operational threats. The ProTECT Act (H.R. 1934) would ban trophy imports from threatened species—directly threatening the international hunting model central to the club’s convention business. New visa bond requirements and travel suspensions targeting African nations have created barriers for international exhibitors, forcing the club to lobby on immigration issues. The club’s $50,000 engagement with experienced lobbyist Erica Tergeson reflects the need for sophisticated federal intervention across multiple fronts.
By the Numbers
The Dallas (Texas) Safari Club has filed 71 lobbying disclosures totaling $1.68 million since 2007, demonstrating sustained commitment to natural resources and conservation policy.
For the last quarter the club paid Crosswinds Solutions LLC $50,000. This continues the club’s relationship with Crosswinds since May 2022 across 17 disclosures worth $800,000, marking a shift from its previous 14-year partnership with LeMunyon Group LLC (54 filings, $880,000).
The filing registers Erica Christine Tergeson, who brings substantial strategic value with nearly 12 years on Capitol Hill as Subcommittee Staff Director for House Natural Resources and Staff Assistant for House Appropriations. Her lobbying history includes 14 years with the National Rifle Association and prior work for Safari Club International.
The Agenda
The Dallas Safari Club is lobbying on visa issues for international exhibitors and natural resources legislation, including the Endangered Species Act, public land access, federal appropriations, and wildlife management initiatives like H.R. 2608 on species delisting and the Grizzly Bear State Management Act.
However, the club faces legislative threats, particularly the ProTECT Act (H.R. 1934), which would ban trophy imports from threatened species—directly countering the international hunting interests central to the club’s mission.
The visa issue reflects operational challenges as African hunting outfitters face new bond requirements and travel suspensions, complicating the club’s annual convention logistics.
Broader Context
The club’s lobbying occurs amid significant policy shifts. The Trump administration has proposed sweeping ESA regulatory changes weakening threatened species protections, while Congress advances the ESA Amendments Act of 2025 (H.R. 1897). However, the ProTECT Act poses a direct threat to trophy hunting operations.
On public lands, the administration expanded hunting access on federal lands and Congress advanced the EXPLORE Act. The Grizzly Bear State Management Act of 2025 (H.R. 281) continues the push to transfer wildlife management from federal to state control.
New visa bond requirements affecting African nations create operational barriers for the club’s convention, which draws international exhibitors.
Between The Lines
Congress is actively reshaping the regulatory landscape affecting DSC’s interests. Trump’s proposed ESA rollbacks would narrow protections and streamline review processes, while Interior has expanded hunting opportunities at 42 new locations.
The visa challenges have intensified under Trump’s expanded bond pilot program requiring $5,000-$15,000 deposits across 38 countries, combined with broader visa suspensions.
Competitive Landscape
DSC operates within a crowded lobbying landscape alongside allied hunting and firearms organizations. Alaska Professional Hunters Association and Wrangell Outfitters pursue similar hunting regulation agendas. The Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies focuses on protecting funding mechanisms like Pittman-Robertson that underpin conservation programs.
The National Rifle Association remains significant on firearms and public lands access, while Safari Club International operates as a direct competitor on trophy hunting issues, though both share similar ESA reform goals.
The Bottom Line
The Dallas Safari Club’s $50,000 Q4 2025 engagement addresses two distinct challenges: securing visa access for convention exhibitors and advancing its conservation agenda. While the Trump administration’s ESA weakening and expanded hunting access align with DSC priorities, the organization faces direct threats from the ProTECT Act and visa complications. By retaining Tergeson—with her congressional experience on House Natural Resources and Appropriations Committees—DSC has secured representation with institutional knowledge of critical policy mechanisms.
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