The recently released U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s (FWS) Director’s Order 219, which has drawn sharp criticism, was published on January 19 during the last day of the previous Administration. The order seeks to establish procedures and a timeline for banning the use of lead ammunition and fishing tackle on lands and waters managed by the FWS, and would also extend to the types of hunting and angling FWS regulates (such as dove hunting) regardless of whether it takes place on FWS lands.
The measure was opposed by many hunting and angling conservation groups and others, including the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies (AFWA), which serves as the collective voice for North America’s state, provincial, and territorial fish and wildlife agencies. AFWA President Nick Wiley stated, “the Association views this Order as a breach of trust and deeply disappointing given that it was a complete surprise and there was no current dialogue or input from state fish and wildlife agencies prior to issuance. It does a disservice to hunters and anglers, the firearms and angling industries, and the many professionals on staff with the USFWS who desire a trusting and transparent relationship with their state partners.”
This decision also undermines a sound fish and wildlife management principle from over the past century, which focuses on managing at the population rather than the individual level.
Studies conducted at both the state and federal level have found that the number of hunters and trappers have been on a generally declining trend over the past several decades. To increase recruitment, retention, and reactivation (R3) of hunters and trappers, which initiative do you think would have the greatest impact?
