Why It Matters: Poaching – the illegal take of game animals – stands as one of the greatest threats to the societal acceptance of hunting. Additionally, poaching is a major hurdle for professional, science-based wildlife management. Hunters and non-hunters alike should unite to enact proactive measures that strengthen punishments and incentivize reporting of those engaged…
Why It Matters: State fish and wildlife management agencies are charged with collecting data and using what has been collected to carry out science-based management decisions in the best interest of the resource. Because hunting is the preferred management tool for white-tailed deer, this can mean expanded hunting opportunities in areas with larger deer populations:…
Why it Matters: The use of ballot initiatives, like Proposition 127, to ban hunting circumvents the legislative and regulatory process that provides the opportunity for input by professionals, for revisions, and considerations of broader impacts within Colorado’s overall science-based management plan. These initiatives can allow wildlife management decisions to be made based on emotion rather…
Why It Matters: Voters in Florida spoke loud and clear – hunting, fishing, and the harvesting of wildlife are rights that need to be protected within the Constitution of Florida. Nearly 7 million Floridians took a massive step and voted favorably on Amendment 2 to ensure that the time-honored sporting traditions of Floridians as well…
Why It Matters: Veteran’s Day celebrates and acknowledges our active duty, retired, and separated Veterans for their service to our great country. As an Active-Duty Veteran, the outdoors does play an important role in my life, and the lives of many of my fellow Veterans. One way our state legislatures and agencies show their appreciation…
Why It Matters: With the deer hunting season in full swing across the Great Plains, states like Iowa, Nebraska, and North Dakota are urging deer hunters to have their deer tested for Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD). Occurring in deer, elk, caribou, and moose, CWD is an always fatal, degenerative neurological disease. Because the disease has…
Why It Matters: Tomorrow, November 5, those who haven’t voted early or by mail will flock to the polls to have their voice heard on Election Day. As we have reported previously, Floridians can enshrine the right to hunt and fish within their state constitution by voting “yes” on Amendment 2. If Amendment 2 receives…
Why It Matters: With white-tailed deer hunters around the country already enjoying, or looking forward to the fast approaching, rut, now is an excellent time to celebrate the role of hunters as some of America’s most passionate conservationists. However, the contributions of sportsmen and sportswomen do not end with conservation funding and wildlife population management….
Why It Matters: If they are left unmanaged, axis deer populations can grow to unsustainable rates on Maui Nui, harming the local watersheds and native wildlife and their habitat. Maui Nui, consisting of the Maui County islands of Maui, Lana’l, Moloka’I and Kaho’olawe, has experienced large populations of axis deer leading to several emergency proclamations…
Why It Matters: Rallies bring sportspeople together with legislators and other members of the public to celebrate our hunting, fishing, trapping, and shooting traditions in a positive environment, while talking to people about important policies affecting us. This specific rally was also an effective way to educate, raise the energy level around Proposition 127, and…
Why It Matters: With fall hunting seasons in full swing, many state youth seasons are on the calendar with young hunters giddy with excitement. While many children who were born into generational traditions of hunting have quick access to exciting experiences in the field, there are others with a hunger and a passionate interest in…
Why It Matters: As hunters of all ages begin or continue their outdoor adventures, ensuring they have a safe and enjoyable experience is critical to hunter recruitment, retention, and reactivation (R3) efforts. Whether it is guidance on how to properly handle a firearm or how to safely ascend a tree stand, hunter safety takes many…