ProTECT Act of 2025

Stops the taking and importing of hunting trophies from species listed as “threatened” under the Endangered Species Act. It bars the Interior Department from issuing permits that would allow these trophy hunts or imports, adds a clear statutory definition of “trophy,” and updates the antiques exception so it cannot be used to bypass the new trophy restrictions.

It is based on findings that trophy hunting can harm at‑risk species by removing strong breeding animals, may spur more poaching, and that legal trade can mask illegal wildlife trade. Existing protections for endangered species remain; this expands protections specifically for threatened species when it comes to trophy hunting and trophies.