Responsible hunting and fishing is a safe and healthy activity that millions of Americans enjoy with their families each year. Hunting and fishing generates over 70 billion dollars annually and benefits all wildlife at every level. Revenue generated from hunting and fishing not only contributes to our nations economy, but to habitat acquisition, habitat protection, habitat improvement, wildlife research, refuge management, winter feeding programs, trap and transplant, clean water and much more. Approximately 40 million Americans participate in hunting and fishing. The men, women and children who belong to credible conservation organizations and participate in hunting and fishing activities should be commended because they make the largest contributions to wildlife and habitat in America.
Wildlife management practices that utilize regulated hunting seasons with conservative bag limits are the sole reason we have healthy, plentiful wildlife populations in the United States today. The U.S. is a conservation role model recognized throughout the world. Hunters, fishers and conservation groups across America such as the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, Ducks Unlimited, National Wild Turkey Federation, Pheasants Forever and all of their volunteers contribute far more money, resources and on the ground labor for fish, wildlife and habitat than the anti hunting groups such as the HSUS, or PETA ever have, or ever will. Not just game birds and game mammals benefit from these efforts; all living creatures including humans benefit from the work and dedication that our Nation’s conservation community provides.
We need to be very cautious not to make poor decisions regarding wildlife, farming, or pet ownership issues based on unscientific propaganda campaigns. The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS), PETA and other similar groups want to end all responsible hunting and animal use in America. These extreme animal rights groups are against all animal use including hunting, fishing, trapping, farming, rodeo, pet breeding, riding horses, medical research, eating meat and more. They routinely use grotesque, disrespectful pictures and extreme verbiage such as “slaughter”, “blood sport”, “mutilation” and more for shock value and to grab attention. Since their mission is purely emotional and lacks scientific credibility, these groups are forced to stage scenes, play to children, wear costumes, protest aggressively, twist the truth and exploit rare and unfortunate mishaps in a disingenuous attempt to legitimize their cause.
Hunters, fishers, campers, birdwatchers, photographers and many others cherish wildlife and understand the importance of conservation and responsible animal use. In America, this should always be a free choice and should not be decided through legislation, or ballot initiatives. We need to be good stewards of the land and be free to take care of our valuable resources in the manner they deserve. Our wildlife depends on all of us to make good decisions based on science and leaving wildlife management in the hands of the professionals; not to a group of extremists with an agenda. Together, if we use teamwork and common sense we will continue to foster healthy, plentiful and well balanced fish and wildlife populations for our future generations to enjoy and be proud of.