Thursday, September 27, 2018

The Huntervationist

What does it mean to be a Huntervationist? It’s a very simple question with a complex answer. First, you have to reflect upon what it means to be hunter, then what it means to be a conservationist, and finally, determine how those two words relate to you. After your self-reflection, the real challenge is articulating everything you know and understand in a relatable manner to those with little-to-no hunting or conservation perspective. So, what does it mean to be a hunter, a conservationist, a Huntervationist?


One of the first questions you will ask, is hunting a component of conservation or is conservation a byproduct of hunting? The short answer is yes, to both. The long answer could fill library shelves, so let's begin with a really broad overview of wildlife management funding. Through the principles established in the North American Model of Wildlife Conservation, hunting and conservation walk hand-in-hand. In the United States, hunting, fishing and trapping license dollars are specifically directed to fund wildlife agencies and wildlife programs at the state level. These state agencies are the departments responsible for managing the fish, wildlife and natural resources at the state level.

Other laws, such as The Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration Act of 1937, often called the Pittman-Robertson Act, provide additional funding for state's to utilize for wildlife management. Pittman-Robertson collects an 11% excise tax from the sale of guns, ammunition, bows, arrows and archery accessories. Since its inception, Pittman-Robertson has pumped billions of dollars in excise tax revenue back into state wildlife conservation programs that benefit our entire society, not just hunters. These funding models were designed by hunters to conserve wildlife and the wild places they call home. The success of these programs combined with the principles in the North American Model of Wildlife Conservation have been wildly successful. Elk, antelope, whitetail deer, wolves, turkeys and so many other animals once on the verge of extinction, have flourishing populations today due to hunters creating a system to give back. But would hunters give back if the system wasn’t designed this way?



Without a doubt, hunters would give back. Each year, hunters volunteer countless hours for projects including habitat improvement, fence removals, litter clean ups, youth events, wildlife relocation efforts, hunter education courses and much more. Hunters voluntarily form local affiliate chapters of national organizations to advocate for wildlife, raise funds for causes they believe in and represent their organizations at a grassroots level. They willingly give of their time for the betterment of wildlife without asking anything in return. None of these activities are mandated, yet the same group paying an 11% excise tax on guns, ammunition and archery equipment willingly roll up their sleeves, put boots on the ground and open their wallets for the love of wildlife and in the name of conservation. Huntervationists give unconditionally of their time, talent and treasure. Not for immediate gratification, but for the unforeseeable future.

Conservation is defined as 1. a careful preservation as protection of something; especially: planned management of a natural resource to prevent exploitation, destruction, or neglect. (water conservation, wildlife conservation) 2. the preservation of the physical quantity during transformations or reactions.

So, how can hunting and conservation be linked when the very definition of conservation is a careful preservation as protection of something? Isn't it counter-intuitive that taking an animal's life actually preserves and protects the rest of the species?

Regulated hunting is managed by state wildlife agencies, and in some cases, the Federal government. Scientific data is used to establish management plans on the various game species harvested each year. Hunters report wild game harvested, results are analyzed, management goals are adjusted according to harvest results and other data collected, then our state agencies adjust plans in order to provide careful preservation and protection of something. In this case, it is to maintain an acceptable balance of wild game and wildlife that occupy the available habitat. Through scientific wildlife management and regulated hunting, wildlife rebounded from scarcity in the early 1900's to abundance today. Keeping and maintaining a balanced ecosystem is something all of society should celebrate. Yes, Huntervationists care about habitat, the ecosystem and the environment too.

What about killing animals? How can you kill animals yet claim to care about them? It is true, taking an animal’s life is part of hunting, but it is a disproportionately small part of the entire experience considering the complete timeline leading up to, and after, you squeeze the trigger. Still, it is this precise instant that receives the lion’s share of attention. Perhaps this is because killing is interpreted as the crescendo of the hunting experience. After all, isn’t this the point of hunting? Isn’t this the photo that non-hunters see flooding social media every fall? We all post our grip and grin pictures with deer, elk, ducks and every other wild game species out there. How can you claim to love animals in one breathe then extinguish their breathe in the next? It’s an uncomfortable question every hunter struggles with.


Taking an animal’s life is not comfortable. Despite the way hunters have been portrayed in the media, I don’t know anybody who hunts because they lust for the kill. In fact, every hunter I have encountered has great reverence for the animals they pursue. They are students of the pursuit, constantly working on ways to hone their skills. They self-restrict their opportunities in order to ensure a clean, ethical shot is taken when it is presented. If they choose to release an arrow and an animal’s life is taken, there are somber moments that follow. There will be words, either silent or aloud, paying respect to the animal, showing gratitude for the experience and giving thanks for the food providing nourishment for the mind, body and soul. Huntervationists have a deep connection with their food. When was the last time you witnessed somebody giving thanks for a cellophane wrapped package of meat as they placed it into their shopping cart?



Walking the path of a Huntervationist means many things, to many people. Discovering your own
meaning comes through questioning everything you know to search for concise answers to complex questions. It means raising the expectations for yourself and those around you to aspire for more than just status-quo. It means ensuring the same outdoor world you have had the privilege to experience is available to future generations.

Being a Huntervationist is engaging in wildlife matters within your state by getting to know your state agencies and your elected officials. They need to hear from you, on matters both good and bad. It’s alright to disagree, but do so with dignity and respect even when you feel compelled otherwise. Become connected with other like-minded people through sportsmen’s clubs, conservation chapters
and social media communities. Work together, make plans, carry them out and tell the story. Shine a bright light on the good work Huntervationists do.
Huntervationists use their words to advocate for conservation, then einforce those words with action to make a difference. Big things grow from small things that are nurtured. Small things, like adding conservation-based context to your social media posts, can grow into a meaningful discussion with a non-hunting friend. Become a resource for wildlife, conservation and outdoor information. You can
have a profound impact. Huntervationists engage in a positive way, guided by knowledge and fueled by passion for the outdoors. 
There are many attributes aligning with the Huntervationist movement, all of which advance the role of the modern hunter. The link connecting hunting and conservation is undeniable, but for far too long hunters have not told their story. If we want wildlife and wild places to continue to exist for future generations, every person identifying as a hunter must be engaged. We have to tell our story. We need to share our experiences, the food and the connection between them. We are obligated to care for the resources and are morally responsible for giving back more of our time, talent and treasure than ever before. This is a calling. This is what it means to be a Huntervationist.



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