What they Say About Hunting
"American Forests believes that wildlife and fisheries are a critical component of healthy forest ecosystems. Hunting and fishing under proper regulation are valuable tools in the professional management of forest ecosystems." "North American sportsmen have been the vanguard of conservation efforts across the United States and Canada with their support of government programs such as the Federal Duck Stamp, the Pittman Robertson Act, contributions to non-profit organizations and their tireless support for wildlife and their habitats. There is no other group who has labored harder or invested more in the support of our wildlife resources". "America’s hunters have always been the first to step forward and put their money into conservation. Through the prudent and wise use of these contributions, DU has been able to conserve over 10 million acres of wetlands and related habitats in North America." "The Association recognizes the role of hunting, fishing and trapping as important activities in the development of our conservation heritage and hunters and anglers as important leaders in the conservation movement. The Association supports ethical and safe hunting, fishing and trapping which respects wildlife and their habitat as important components of our legacy as wildlife enthusiasts and conservationists." "The Izaak Walton League of America believes hunting should be considered a valuable management tool where it is compatible with other resource uses and purposes. "The National Audubon Society has never been opposed to the hunting of game species if that hunting is done ethically and in accordance with laws and regulations designed to prevent depletion of the wildlife resource. We have made this clear repeatedly in official statements of policy, and it remains Audubon policy." " Hunters were the first conservationists. Their work and support is responsible for the comeback of the wild turkey and many other wildlife species. The sportsmen and women of this country have done more for wildlife and their habitat than any other outdoor group." "We support hunting because, under professional regulation, wildlife populations are a renewable natural resource that can safely sustain taking. Although we understand the moral philosophy of those who feel that hunting is wrong and that wildlife populations should be protected completely, the real and fundamental problem facing wildlife is not hunting but, instead, is habitat degradation and destruction." "OWAA recognizes legal hunting as an appropriate use of natural resources. Many OWAA members cover and promote hunting." "The Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation strongly supports hunting practiced in a legal, responsible and ethical manner as a legitimate, outdoor recreational activity, and believes that the hunting of game animals is a long-standing tradition and part of our cultural heritage. Hunting is a sound wildlife management tool that can help regulate wildlife numbers on a sustainable basis within the carrying capacity of their habitats and should be practiced with respect for the individual animal, the species and the land." "The Wilderness Society views hunting as a legitimate use in wilderness areas, national forests, lands managed by the Bureau of Land Management and certain wildlife areas, subject to appropriate regulation for species protection. Because they provide such strong protection for wildlife habitat, wilderness areas offer some of the highest quality hunting experiences found anywhere. "Hunting designated wildlife populations is a legitimate, healthful and worthwhile recreational activity. Hunting also supports and reinforces important family, social and cultural traditions and values. Recreational hunting serves as an important link to improve participants’ understanding and appreciation of natural resources and the critical needs for stewardship and management of those resources. " Professional wildlife managers are charged with the responsibility of managing wildlife populations in an ecologically sound and socially acceptable manner. Hunting, when based on biological information and properly regulated, can be used effectively to satisfy this responsibility. In addition, hunting, through licenses and taxes, provides the major source of financing for habitat acquisition, law enforcement, research and management programs for wildlife, both game and nongame species." *Source: "What They Say About Hunting", National Shooting Sports Foundation. For full quotes and text go here.
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