As one of the fundamental tenants of the North American Model of Wildlife Conservation, science is a crucial component of our country’s successful efforts to professionally manage wildlife in the public trust. Unfortunately, certain efforts at the state level seek to undermine the scientific evidence gathered by trained biologists by taking control away from state game and fish agencies and the Wildlife Commissioners who are entrusted to make sure we have the ability to maintain viable wildlife populations in both the near and long term.
One example of this shortsighted, emotion-driven and unscientific approach can be found in Nevada Senate Bill 82, introduced earlier this year. S.B. 82 would use legislative authority to strip the state’s Board of Wildlife Commissioners from authorizing the hunting of black bears while also reclassifying these animals from a game species to a protected species. If passed, this legislation would advance an approach to wildlife management that marginalizes the expertise of Nevada’s Wildlife Commissioners in favor of an emotionally charged, anti-hunting political agenda.
The Nevada Senate’s Committee on Natural Resources held a hearing on S.B. 82 on March 7, but no action was taken. Although a second hearing has not been scheduled at the current time, it is never too early to contact Nevada legislators and let them know that sportsmen and women support science-based wildlife management.
For more information on how to get involved and make your voice heard, please contact CSF Western States Manager Andy Treharne at andy@sportsmenslink.org.
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?
