The United Nations is at it again. Every two years, this self-important body meets to vent about the evils of gun ownership through its “Programme [sic] Of Action To Prevent, Combat And Eradicate The Illicit Trade In Small Arms And Light Weapons In All Its Aspects.” How’s that for a succinct title?

This year, however, a voice for reason spoke to their Esteemed Excellencies. The president of Safari Club International (SCI), Dr. Lawrence Rudolph, addressed the Fourth Biennial Meeting Of States to advocate a reasoned approach to this anti-gun Programme, which is a thinly disguised attempt at a world-wide gun control.

Rudolph’s message focused on the benefits of sport hunting in developing countries, noting that firearms are a necessary part of hunting.

“Hunting is vital to the economies of developing nations because it results in high revenues, most of which remain in the local economy," Rudolph said. "The United Nations has stated that economic stability is vital to reducing violence in developing countries. Hunting helps build that economic stability."

Rudolph added: “To continue this important work, the hunting community needs your help. Although the implements of hunting are weapons, the delegates must separate the illicit weapons trade from the trade required to serve the millions of legitimate firearms users worldwide.  It is very well documented that when regulatory mechanisms become barriers to carriage, hunters are much less likely to travel to hunt."

SCI represents approximately 53,000 members, Dr. Rudolph told the UN gathering, from 106 countries as well as the interests of millions of other hunters around the world. He noted that SCI has contributed more than $47 million for conservation, wildlife education and humanitarian programs over the past decade.

Hunters provide jobs in the safari industry in Africa, Rudolph noted, where about $200 million a year is spent by hunters on African safaris.

By speaking to the U.N., Dr. Rudolph’s message of the importance of hunting—and the need for hunters to transport firearms—has been entered into the official record. SCI has long been a leading voice of hunters’ rights world-wide. I’m a life member of SCI myself and urge anyone who enjoys the outdoor sports to join.