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From the Brink

Louisiana's Black Bear Recovery

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Once thriving in the cypress swamps and winding bayous of Louisiana, the Louisiana black bear faced a harsh reality. Decades of habitat loss and overharvest pushed this iconic species to the brink of extinction. What was once a symbol of the Deep South nearly disappeared.

But the story didn't end there.

Recognizing the urgency, state and federal agencies, wildlife organizations, and private landowners joined forces to restore habitat and support science-based management tools. Thanks to their tireless efforts, the Louisiana black bear has made a remarkable comeback. This is a true conservation success- but the next chapter is just beginning.

Watch to learn more about what happened to the black bear, the efforts for recovery and how Louisiana continues to blend conservation and hunting into a lasting win for wildlife, people, and the future of the Louisiana black bear.

About

Safari Club International Foundation

Safari Club International Foundation (SCIF) is dedicated to securing the future of wildlife through science-based conservation, education, and sustainable hunting practices. SCIF conducts and supports global wildlife scientific research to enhance wildlife management strategies, ensuring that conservation decisions are based on the best scientific evidence. By collaborating with governments, communities, conservation organizations, and SCI Chapters, SCIF actively supports wildlife research, habitat conservation, and anti-poaching initiatives. SCIF works to enhance conservation projects on local, regional, and global scales, promoting effective wildlife management and sustainable hunting practices.

Safari Club International

For over 50 years, Safari Club International (SCI) has been the leader in defending the freedom to hunt and promoting wildlife conservation worldwide. SCI is the only hunting rights organization with a Washington, D.C. based national and international advocacy team and an all-species focus. SCI also mobilizes more than 150 chapters and affiliate networks representing millions of hunters around the world.

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Film Appearances

Maria Davidson

Maria Davidson is a dedicated wildlife professional with a remarkable story and a deep commitment to the Louisiana black bear. Maria spent over 30 years with the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries as the large carnivore manager, working closely with landowners and partners to aid the bear's recovery through practical fieldwork. Now with the SCI Foundation, Maria brings her expertise and unique perspective to ongoing conservation efforts, continuing her work in bear recovery and management.

Kristy Titus

Kristy is a dedicated advocate for wildlife and habitat conservation, with a deep commitment to preserving hunting traditions. She is the producer and host of "Pursue the Wild," a lifestyle series that airs on Pursuit Channel, Pursuit Up, WildTV, CarbonTV, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. Additionally, Kristy hosts the "Wild & Uncut Podcast," where she shares behind-the-scenes insights with guests from around the world. In this film, Kristy mentors young hunter Fisher Charles, teaching him proper gun use and technique, preparing him for the hunt, and guiding him through the experience.

Fisher Brown

Twelve-year-old Fisher Brown from Louisiana was one of the ten recipients of a black bear tag for the 2024 season. Fisher and his family have been pivotal in bear conservation for many years, providing access to their land for essential research efforts that have significantly contributed to the species' recovery.

Debbie Fuller – United States Fish and Wildlife Services Biologists
Brian Welker – SCI Foundation Board President
Denise Welker - Women go Hunting Founder
Kaitlin O’Connell – University of Tennessee Student
Richard Kennedy – SCI Acadiana Chapter President
Chris Landreneau – Prejean’s Executive Chef
Fisher Brown – Louisiana Black Bear Hunter
Cody Brown –Louisiana Private Land Owner and Father to Fisher Brown
Charles Brown – Land Owner and Grandfather to Fisher Brown