MISSION, Kan., Sept. 4, 2026 – Today, Hunter Nation, Inc., the nation’s leading grassroots advocacy organization dedicated to preserving America’s hunting heritage, celebrated President Donald J. Trump’s landmark Executive Order taking the first step towards delisting the Gray and Mexican wolf from the Endangered Species Act (ESA).
The Executive Order recognizes the biological reality that gray wolf populations have far exceeded all federal recovery thresholds. It directs the Department of the Interior to determine whether gray wolves or Mexican wolves meet the criteria for delisting or downlisting under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) and begin the process of delisting or downlisting.
The order also directs the Department of the Interior and the Department of Agriculture to update their standards for compensating ranchers for losses due to predators and ease authorization for lethal removal when necessary.
In regions across the Great Lakes and the American West, gray wolf populations have surged well past initial targets—exceeding historical recovery goals by more than tenfold in key areas—while devastating elk and deer herds, slaughtering livestock, and threatening family pets and rural livelihoods. Today’s action puts in motion an end to decades of federal overreach and aligns federal policy with sound biological data.
Keith Mark, Founder and CEO of Hunter Nation, issued the following statement:
“President Donald J. Trump has, once again, proven that he stands shoulder-to-shoulder with America’s hunters, ranchers, farmers, and rural communities. The recovery of the Gray and Mexican wolf is one of the greatest conservation success stories in American history, and today’s Executive Order is the first step to restore common sense, respect for real science, and return wildlife management back where it belongs—to each state and the people who live closest to the land. This is the biggest policy win for hunters in decades. President Trump had the courage to cut through the red tape, uphold the North American Model of Wildlife Conservation, and deliver a historic victory for sportsmen and rural America. On behalf of Hunter Nation and hunters all across America, thank you, President Trump, for your bold, unwavering leadership.”
Ted Nugent, Hunter Nation Board Member, National Spokesperson, and Lifelong Conservationist, added:
“As the modern world returns to their honest relationship with nature, President Donald Trump has heard the conservation battle cry thanks to Keith Mark and our Hunter Nation families and took the first step to put the magnificent Gray Wolf back in the asset column where it belongs. All rejoice and celebrate that the recovery of the Gray Wolf is on the path to be managed respectfully based on the true nature lovers that actually live with and respect the mighty beast! Thank you President Trump!”
This has been the number one policy priority for Hunter Nation since its founding.
What the Executive Order Does:
Combat Predation – Wolf Predation
American farmers and ranchers deserve the protection this Executive Order will provide:
- The Executive Order directs the Department of the Interior to determine whether gray wolves or Mexican wolves meet the criteria for delisting or downlisting under the Endangered Species Act (ESA),and begin the process of delisting or downlisting.
- The Department of the Interior and the Department of Agriculture are also directed to update their standards for compensating ranchers for losses due to predators, and to ease authorization for lethal removal when necessary.
Hunter Nation encourages all sportsmen, ranchers, and rural Americans to join Hunter Nation to protect this victory as legal and regulatory battles move forward.
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