NORTH DAKOTA — US Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland announced the re-election of John Devney, policy director for Delta Waterfowl, to the Game and Wildlife Conservation Council. Spanning multiple presidential administrations, the Council advises the Secretary of the Interior and Secretary of Agriculture on critical policies affecting public lands, wildlife and habitat conservation.
“This appointment provides Delta with an opportunity to give duck hunters a seat at the table with leadership from the Department of the Interior and the Department of Agriculture,” Devney said. “Both agencies have a disproportionate impact on ducks, duck habitat and duck hunters.”
Administered by the USFWS, the Game and Wildlife Conservation Council is an advisory committee of subject matter experts working to benefit wildlife and habitat conservation; expand fair game hunting, recreational shooting sports, and recreational opportunities associated with wildlife; and policies that benefit national and local economies.
“This group of athletes will provide USDA and DOI with vital information on how we can strengthen wildlife conservation, expand recreational access and promote rural economic development,” said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. “They are a critical partner in preserving America’s wildlife and game heritage and advancing our work to protect our nation’s precious lands and waters.”
Devney was first appointed to the Council in 2018, serving as chair of the hunting committee.
“Delta sincerely appreciates the opportunities provided by Secretaries Haaland and Vilsack to participate in the Council and continue to work toward good results for hunters, wildlife and habitat across the country,” Devney said.
A lifelong duck hunter raised in a small community northeast of St. Paul, Minnesota, Devney has been at the forefront of Delta Waterfowl’s mission since November 1998. As Policy Director, he works to ensure positive outcomes for ducks. and local duck hunters. , state and federal. In particular, he advocated for greater access for waterfowl hunters in national wildlife refuges and partnered with members of the agricultural community to design Delta’s Working Wetlands program, an innovative incentive-based habitat initiative that protects best duck-producing wetlands.
“I am extremely honored to work on behalf of all Delta members to ensure that your voice as duck hunters is amplified to the highest legislators in the country,” Devney said.
In addition to duck hunting, Devney enjoys fishing, training his black lab, and trial hunting. He lives in Bismarck, North Dakota, with his wife Carmen and his three children.
For more information, contact John Devney at (701) 471-4235 or [email protected].
The Delta Waterfowl Foundation is The Duck Hunters Organization, a leading conservation group working to produce ducks and ensure the tradition of duck hunting in North America. Visit deltawaterfowl.org.