Bozeman, Montana- The Wild Sheep Foundation (WSF) was recently accepted as an Associate Member of the European Federation for Hunting and Conservation (FACE).

FACE is an international non-profit, non-governmental organization (INGO) representing the interests of Europe’s 7 million hunters. It is the largest democratically representative body for hunters in the world and one of the largest European civil society organizations.

“We are delighted to become an Associate Member of FACE, said Gray N. Thornton, president and CEO of the Wild Sheep Foundation. “With the threats to hunting, sustainable use, and trophy export and importation, it is more important today than ever as hunters and conservationists to join together in advocating for science-based sustainable use wildlife management on both sides of the Atlantic. FACE is the tip of the spear in Europe. Many of our issues are the same. WSF is proud to be welcomed into FACE to stand shoulder with them to further our collective interests and support for science-based management and policy development.”

Established in 1977, FACE upholds the principle of sustainable use and has been a member of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) since 1987. It is currently comprised of Member Associations in 36 countries, including the EU-27. The organization works with its partners on a range of hunting-related matters, from international conservation agreements to local implementation issues, with the aim of sustaining hunting across Europe.

FACE Secretary General, Dr. David Scallan, commented, “We are delighted to welcome the Wild Sheep Foundation as an Associate Member of FACE during our membership meeting and our European Hunters Conference in Bulgaria, and look forward to working closely with WSF on issues common to our collective community of sustainable use hunters.”

FACE is an evidence-based organization focused on Nature & Wildlife Conservation, Animal Health & Welfare, Hunting Methods & Culture, Firearms & Ammunition, and International Agreements.

“We are energized to combine our voices with the largest community of European hunters, who share common views of science-based sustainable use management and the importance of hunting as a primary conservation tool,” added Kurt Alt, WSF’s Conservation Director, Montana & International Sheep and Goat Programs.

To learn more, visit the FACE website at this link.