Hunting Controversy (Draft #2)
Blue:topic sentence Red: key terms
Billy is a 10 year old boy who lives in North Carolina. He likes to play outside and play with his friends. His really passion is wildlife. He always likes to go in the woods and watch the deer frolic through the meadows or the raccoons scurrying up the old oak trees. Billy has been raised in a hunting family background. Billy is an avid hunter who has much respect for the animals he chases. His father has taught him many valuable life lessons through hunting. Billy and his dad hunt not just the enjoyment, but for survival. The deer they harvest feeds their family for the year. Without hunting, Billy's family would be in struggle. Every fall, Billy gets excited for the upcoming hunting season. The day before deer season, Billy runs back home from school and sees a big news special on the television. The top of the TV reads, "Hunting is abolished in the United States." Billy turns to his dad and ask him, "Are we going hunting tomorrow dad?" and his dad replies, "No son, we can't hunt anymore." Billy turns away with a tear in his eye. This could be a realisitc situation. That is why Hunting needs a place in America because it is an effective wildlife-management tool, a conservation asset, and an American tradition. Hunting in America is an effective wildlife-management tool because it controls wildlife populations for a healthy, balanced environment. Controlling wildlife populations will prevent population crashes. For example, many biologists believe hunters prevent the whitetail deer populations from multiplying beyond the capacity of its habitat. The whitetail deer populations have grown out of proportions in America, and cause negative effects. For example, whitetail deer are becoming serious traffic hazards. According to the National Safety Council, motor vehicles nationwide kill more than 350,000 deer and approximately 100 drivers and passengers a year (Worsnop 8). The overpopulation of deer is becoming a threat to human lives. The anti-hunting group’s solution to this serious matter is neutering or birth control for the whitetail deer population. This solution is unnatural and ineffective. According to the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, “PETA” website, the solution would be known as TNR (Trap, Neuter, and Return) and they would also use an experimental birth-control vaccine on female deer. These tests were performed in small, isolated deer populations in Ithaca, New York and Princeton, New Jersey. The anti-group’s proposed the solution would be ineffective because the whitetail deer population in America is over 30 million and it would take an extensive amount of time to trap enough deer to make a difference. In addition, the moral issue for modifying nature would stir up another bitter debate in the public. Modifying the biology of whitetail deer goes against the laws of nature and religious views. Hunting is the only and proper means in controlling whitetail deer. More and more states are beginning to see hunting as a management tool. For example, Midwestern towns are implementing bow hunting as a safe and effective way to control skyrocketing deer herds. According to U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance, Granville, Ohio Village Council, Des Moines, Iowa, and Portage, Indiana approved bow hunting in the community and city parks to safely control the deer numbers because of extensive property damage and threatening endangered plant species (U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance). The public is starting to notice the importance of hunting and how it helps control wildlife for the benefit of society and the animal itself. Without hunting, whitetail deer populations would grow to unbelievable numbers causing catastrophic impacts. All forage would disappear because the deer would have eaten it all. Starvation would occur, killing thousands of deer. The deer population would plummet to low numbers. The decrease in the deer population would cause predators, such as coyotes and mountain lions to die off due to the scarcity of food (deer). The entire ecosystem would deteriorate. This would be the realistic scenario if hunting was not a wildlife management tool. It would be unfair for wildlife and society.
Hunters contribute a substantial amount of money to conservation for the benefit of wildlife and people. The money for conservation helps preserve land and wildlife for future hunting opportunities and healthy wildlife populations. American hunters contribute more than $1 billion a year to wildlife conservation programs (Worsnop 6). The money comes from federal taxes on hunting equipment, ammunition, fishing boats, state hunting and fishing licenses, and federal “duck stamps” (Worsnop 6). Sportsmen’s organizations contribute to conservation projects. For example, Ducks Unlimited, a national organization for wetlands and waterfowl, and 550,000 of its members raise money to protect wetlands in Canada and the United States used by migratory waterfowl, as well as other animal species (Worsnop 6). The Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation has protected over five million acres and opened 492,000 acres to public access for hunting and outdoor activities (Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation). In addition, The National Wild Turkey Federation raised over $253 million for conservation (National Wild Turkey Federation). Hunters and sportsmen’s organizations are a great benefit to conservation in America. With all the contributions from hunters, anti-hunting groups are absent, and do not play a large role in conservation. They are more concerned about hunting, and not the big picture.
Education is plays a key role in the survival of hunting because it educates the public about the importance and role of hunting in the United States. Education programs from national and state organizations will educate people about hunting and create new hunters. For example, the NRA (National Rifle Association) has a youth program for students in the United States and Canada. The program focuses on the familiarity of rifles, shotguns, archery, and wildlife (Worsnop 6). The goal of the NRA youth program is to make people aware of hunter’s role in conservation and to make new hunters. State Game and Fish Departments are beginning hunter outreach programs to introduce children to hunting. For example, the Colorado Division of Wildlife has a hunter outreach program, where DOW (Division of Wildlife) officers take children out on hunting trips for elk, deer, and turkey. The program teaches the children about hunting. As a result, these children are hooked on hunting and add numbers to the hunting community. Personal experiences of mine included being a part of the Colorado Division of Wildlife program. The group went on an elk hunting trip in Southern Colorado and was able to meet some new kids who never hunted before. It was a great learning experience and everyone learned valuable information about hunting and wanted to continue the sport. Other organizations focus hunter education on other groups of people. For example, the National Wild Turkey Federation has an education program for women called Women in the Outdoors. This program introduces women to the outdoors (hunting, fishing, etc...). The program’s goal is to have more women enjoy the outdoors as a new hobby and increase the number of hunters in the United States. Hunter education allows people to realize how special hunting really is.
Hunting is more than just a sport, it is an American Tradition. Hunting is a tradition for many families, including mine. Hunting brings families together, such as father and son bonding. Family hunting traditions teaches about hunting ethics. Hunting ethics are the moral values people have about hunting (right or wrong). This is a crucial part of keeping hunting in America because it shows people are trying to hunt properly and give hunting a positive image. Family hunting traditions are worried because of the decreasing number of hunters. Since World War II, there has been increase in fatherless families. With fatherless families, hunting traditions are not passed on. There has been a strong push to recruit new hunters and education programs are stepping up. In addition, to the family camaraderie, people can learn some valuable lessons about life. For example, many people learn patience while waiting for game, or respect, respect the animal of pursuit, and making humane kills. My family hunting tradition means a lot to me and too many others. Hopefully people will see hunting not as a blood sport, but has a quality family time in the outdoors.
Legislation has a large role in keeping hunting in America. According to the U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance, anti-hunting groups are projected to raise over $300 million in 2007 to ban hunting rights. Many pro-hunting organizations, such as the U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance, North American Hunting Club, National Rifle Association, and Safari Club International are raising money and support to defeat the anti-hunting groups attacks against hunting and help create new hunting laws to preserve hunting in the states. For example, the 3-million-member National Rifle Association (NRA) and the million-member member Wildlife Legislative Fund of America (WLFA) continue the pressure on elected officials to pass laws to protect hunting rights (Worsnop 2). One of the concerns for hunters is the harassment from anti-hunting and animal-rights groups. Every hunting season, hunters are annoyed by pesky anti-hunting and animal-rights groups. Personal experiences of mine demonstrate the conflict. For example, hunting for javelina in Arizona, we were surrounded by animal-rights group banging pots and pans scaring all the javelina near us. It was frustrating because we spent numerous hours trying to find our quarry, only to be harassed by animal-rights activists. We were only trying to help manage the javelina population in Arizona and the animal-rights group did not realized or cared. Another encountered occurred while volunteering for the Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks. We were working at the hunter check stations checking in game. During the duration of the days of work, we were harassed by an animal-rights group. We were helping out the state collect harvest data to manage the populations more effectively, and the animal-rights group did not care. Harassment by animal-rights group is frustrating and can be a scary situation. After much persuasion and support, legislators finally passed laws against harassment of hunters in the field. Since 1981, the Wildlife Legislative Fund of America has helped persuade 44 state legislatures to pass laws against hunter harassment (Worsnop 2). Hunters have pushed hard at legislation lately, and it is beginning to be successful. For example, on August 17, 2007 President George W. Bush released the order, “Facilitation of Hunting and Wildlife Conservation”. The order directs all federal agencies to facilitate the expansion and the improvement of hunting opportunities, wildlife management, and habitat (U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance). This was a great victory for hunters that will ensure more hunting opportunities in America. Even the president and CEO of the U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance had something to say about the order from President George W. Bush. “The Executive Order is a great milestone for sportsmen and wildlife conservation,” said Bud Pidgeon, president and CEO of the U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance. “It clearly demonstrates that the President understands the unbreakable bond between successful wildlife conservation and hunting - that sportsmen are the key to abundant wildlife and habitat.” The success of recent efforts of the hunting community needs to continue to keep hunting rights in America. Jim Zumbo, a famous outdoor writer for Field & Stream magazine has a guideline hunters should follow when fighting for the right to hunt. Jim Zumbo believes hunters need to be effective by exercising our right to vote, calling our elected officials, and speaking out at legislative meetings. If hunters continue the hard work of convincing people about hunting, hunting will have a permanent home in America.
With all the positives about hunting, anti-hunting groups and animal-rights activists have their reasons why hunting should be abolish in the United States. PETA and other organizations believe hunting is blood-thirsty and profit-driven. PETA states that state and federal agencies create wildlife management and conservation programs to boost the number of game species so hunters can kill and receive revenue from hunting licenses. PETA exaggerates the idea hunting is blood-thirsty and profit-driven. Hunting is more than just killing an animal. It is about being out with family and friends in the outdoors (tradition) enjoying what mother nature has given us. Killing an animal is just a bonus. State and federal agencies create conservation and management programs not to raise the number of game species, but to improve the entire ecosystem. For example, the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation (pro-hunting organization) protects land for elk, but also benefits non-game species, such as birds, raccoons, beavers, etc. The habitats they protect have many benefits excluding boosting game species. The benefits include increasing access and recreational opportunities on public lands, including hunting and fishing, increases opportunities for agricultural and ranchland families to continue working the land for generations to come, support resource-based economies of agriculture, forestry, recreation and tourism, preserve important historic, archeological, and cultural resources, and reduce tax-supported infrastructure and maintenance cost (Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, Conservation). This shows that programs are not about raising more animals to for hunters to kill, but to help out all aspects of the environment, including people. These valuable programs would not have happened without the contributions from hunters. PETA is only concerned about placing limits on the number of animals hunted.
PETA also believes hunting takes away natural predators. They believe natural predators help balance ecosystems by taking only the sick and the weak, while hunters kill any animal they want over their fireplace, including healthy animals that are needed to keep populations strong. Luke A. Dommer, Chairman, Committee to Abolish Sport Hunting (CASH), says
“Natural predators are essential to the ecosystem of wildlife because they cull and promote long-term survival potential of herbivorous species. Hunters, on the other hand, are unnatural predators, with their fluorescent caps, heating pads, electric socks, freeze-dried doe droppings, and camouflage toilet paper to keep them from being mistaken for a whitetail deer. These arrogant nincompoops of the underbrush would have us believe that highly evolved terrestrial vertebrates are crops to be harvested like corn or potatoes and that bullet holes improve the health of the animals.” (Worsnop 19)
Unfortunately, natural predators are not in high numbers like once before because of human encroachment and loss of habitat. Their dwindling numbers rarely make a difference in balancing game populations numbers to a healthy state. It is the responsibility of hunters to take action and make sure ecosystems stay as healthy as be. If there was no hunting, wildlife populations would increase and cause unbalanced ecosystems. In result, population crashes and extinction would occur and PETA and other organizations would not have any more animals to protect. The whitetail deer population in the United States is a prime example. The large numbers are becoming a danger risk for humans and causing many plant species to die off. Hunting as step to the plate to bring balance back, so everyone will live happy and be beneficial to each other. PETA, anti-hunting and animal-rights groups present false claims the public about how bad hunting really is. The public needs to know the facts and open their eyes to see the truth about hunting. Hunting is not about killing animals, but cherishing the great moments with family and friends, protecting wildlife, and land for all people.
The goal of hunters today is to protect hunting and hunting rights in America. With the support of the public, hunting will have a place in America. With hunting in America, hunters and anti-hunters can join forces to eliminate issues they agree on, such as poaching, illegal hunting, and wildlife issues. Game meat from hunters would begin to become popular for people and supermarkets. Wildlife conservation would continue to grow. More money would contribute each year with the increase of more hunters. Instead of $1 billion a year, hunters would contribute over $5 billion. With this money more land would be protected from city development and more animals would thrive. Even endangered animals would begin to cover quickly. Hunting would benefit everyone and everything in America. This goal of keeping in America is reasonable and hunters hope the future will be bright and pros porous, like explained above.
Draft #1
Across America, friends and foes of hunting are stuck in a harsh debate. Hunters are under attack from animal-rights groups and environmentalists for the inhumane killing of animals. Hunters counter by claiming hunting as a beloved American tradition and an effective wildlife-management tool. Both sides have the goal of changing the views of Americans who are neutral on the hunting subject. The stakes are high, and the opponents of hunting are determined to abolish hunting in America. The 18 million hunters of America are trying to win the battle with words and action. Hunting needs a place in America because it is an effective wildlife-management tool, a conservation asset, and an American tradition.
Hunting in America is an effective wildlife-management tool because it controls wildlife populations for a healthy, balanced environment. Controlling wildlife populations will prevent population crashes. For example, many biologists believe hunters prevent the whitetail deer populations from multiplying beyond the capacity of its habitat. The whitetail deer populations have grown out of proportions in America, and cause negative effects. For example, whitetail deer are becoming serious traffic hazards. According to the National Safety Council, motor vehicles nationwide kill more than 350,000 deer and approximately 100 drivers and passengers a year (Worsnop 8). The overpopulation of deer is becoming a threat to human lives. The anti-hunting group’s solution to this serious matter is neutering or birth control for the whitetail deer population. This solution is unnatural and ineffective. According to the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, “PETA” website, the solution would be known as TNR (Trap, Neuter, and Return) and they would also use an experimental birth-control vaccine on female deer. These tests were performed in small, isolated deer populations in Ithaca, New York and Princeton, New Jersey. The anti-group’s proposed the solution would be ineffective because the whitetail deer population in America is over 30 million and it would take an extensive amount of time to trap enough deer to make a difference. In addition, the moral issue for modifying nature would stir up another bitter debate in the public. Modifying the biology of whitetail deer goes against the laws of nature and religious views. Hunting is the only and proper means in controlling whitetail deer. More and more states are beginning to see hunting as a management tool. For example, Midwestern towns are implementing bow hunting as a safe and effective way to control skyrocketing deer herds. According to U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance, Granville, Ohio Village Council, Des Moines, Iowa, and Portage, Indiana approved bow hunting in the community and city parks to safely control the deer numbers because of extensive property damage and threatening endangered plant species (U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance). The public is starting to notice the importance of hunting and how it helps control wildlife for the benefit of society and the animal itself. Without hunting, whitetail deer populations would grow to unbelievable numbers causing catastrophic impacts. All forage would disappear because the deer would have eaten it all. Starvation would occur, killing thousands of deer. The deer population would plummet to low numbers. The decrease in the deer population would cause predators, such as coyotes and mountain lions to die off due to the scarcity of food (deer). The entire ecosystem would deteriorate. This would be the realistic scenario if hunting was not a wildlife management tool. It would be unfair for wildlife and society.
Hunters contribute a substantial amount of money to conservation for the benefit of wildlife and people. The money for conservation helps preserve land and wildlife for future hunting opportunities and healthy wildlife populations. American hunters contribute more than $1 billion a year to wildlife conservation programs (Worsnop 6). The money comes from federal taxes on hunting equipment, ammunition, fishing boats, state hunting and fishing licenses, and federal “duck stamps” (Worsnop 6). Sportsmen’s organizations contribute to conservation projects. For example, Ducks Unlimited, a national organization for wetlands and waterfowl, and 550,000 of its members raise money to protect wetlands in Canada and the United States used by migratory waterfowl, as well as other animal species (Worsnop 6). The Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation has protected over five million acres and opened 492,000 acres to public access for hunting and outdoor activities (Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation). In addition, The National Wild Turkey Federation raised over $253 million for conservation (National Wild Turkey Federation). Hunters and sportsmen’s organizations are a great benefit to conservation in America. With all the contributions from hunters, anti-hunting groups are absent, and do not play a large role in conservation. They are more concerned about hunting, and not the big picture.
Education is plays a key role in the survival of hunting because it educates the public about the importance and role of hunting in the United States. Education programs from national and state organizations will educate people about hunting and create new hunters. For example, the NRA (National Rifle Association) has a youth program for students in the United States and Canada. The program focuses on the familiarity of rifles, shotguns, archery, and wildlife (Worsnop 6). The goal of the NRA youth program is to make people aware of hunter’s role in conservation and to make new hunters. State Game and Fish Departments are beginning hunter outreach programs to introduce children to hunting. For example, the Colorado Division of Wildlife has a hunter outreach program, where DOW (Division of Wildlife) officers take children out on hunting trips for elk, deer, and turkey. The program teaches the children about hunting. As a result, these children are hooked on hunting and add numbers to the hunting community. Personal experiences of mine included being a part of the Colorado Division of Wildlife program. The group went on an elk hunting trip in Southern Colorado and was able to meet some new kids who never hunted before. It was a great learning experience and everyone learned valuable information about hunting and wanted to continue the sport. Other organizations focus hunter education on other groups of people. For example, the National Wild Turkey Federation has an education program for women called Women in the Outdoors. This program introduces women to the outdoors (hunting, fishing, etc...). The program’s goal is to have more women enjoy the outdoors as a new hobby and increase the number of hunters in the United States. Hunter education allows people to realize how special hunting really is.
Hunting is more than just a sport, it is an American Tradition. Hunting is a tradition for many families, including mine. Hunting brings families together, such as father and son bonding. Family hunting traditions teaches about hunting ethics. Hunting ethics are the moral values people have about hunting (right or wrong). This is a crucial part of keeping hunting in America because it shows people are trying to hunt properly and give hunting a positive image. Family hunting traditions are worried because of the decreasing number of hunters. Since World War II, there has been increase in fatherless families. With fatherless families, hunting traditions are not passed on. There has been a strong push to recruit new hunters and education programs are stepping up. In addition, to the family camaraderie, people can learn some valuable lessons about life. For example, many people learn patience while waiting for game, or respect, respect the animal of pursuit, and making humane kills. My family hunting tradition means a lot to me and too many others. Hopefully people will see hunting not as a blood sport, but has a quality family time in the outdoors.
Legislation has a large role in keeping hunting in America. According to the U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance, anti-hunting groups are projected to raise over $300 million in 2007 to ban hunting rights. Many pro-hunting organizations, such as the U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance, North American Hunting Club, National Rifle Association, and Safari Club International are raising money and support to defeat the anti-hunting groups attacks against hunting and help create new hunting laws to preserve hunting in the states. For example, the 3-million-member National Rifle Association (NRA) and the million-member member Wildlife Legislative Fund of America (WLFA) continue the pressure on elected officials to pass laws to protect hunting rights (Worsnop 2). One of the concerns for hunters is the harassment from anti-hunting and animal-rights groups. Every hunting season, hunters are annoyed by pesky anti-hunting and animal-rights groups. Personal experiences of mine demonstrate the conflict. For example, hunting for javelina in Arizona, we were surrounded by animal-rights group banging pots and pans scaring all the javelina near us. It was frustrating because we spent numerous hours trying to find our quarry, only to be harassed by animal-rights activists. We were only trying to help manage the javelina population in Arizona and the animal-rights group did not realized or cared. Another encountered occurred while volunteering for the Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks. We were working at the hunter check stations checking in game. During the duration of the days of work, we were harassed by an animal-rights group. We were helping out the state collect harvest data to manage the populations more effectively, and the animal-rights group did not care. Harassment by animal-rights group is frustrating and can be a scary situation. After much persuasion and support, legislators finally passed laws against harassment of hunters in the field. Since 1981, the Wildlife Legislative Fund of America has helped persuade 44 state legislatures to pass laws against hunter harassment (Worsnop 2). Hunters have pushed hard at legislation lately, and it is beginning to be successful. For example, on August 17, 2007 President George W. Bush released the order, “Facilitation of Hunting and Wildlife Conservation”. The order directs all federal agencies to facilitate the expansion and the improvement of hunting opportunities, wildlife management, and habitat (U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance). This was a great victory for hunters that will ensure more hunting opportunities in America. Even the president and CEO of the U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance had something to say about the order from President George W. Bush. “The Executive Order is a great milestone for sportsmen and wildlife conservation,” said Bud Pidgeon, president and CEO of the U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance. “It clearly demonstrates that the President understands the unbreakable bond between successful wildlife conservation and hunting - that sportsmen are the key to abundant wildlife and habitat.” The success of recent efforts of the hunting community needs to continue to keep hunting rights in America. Jim Zumbo, a famous outdoor writer for Field & Stream magazine has a guideline hunters should follow when fighting for the right to hunt. Jim Zumbo believes hunters need to be effective by exercising our right to vote, calling our elected officials, and speaking out at legislative meetings. If hunters continue the hard work of convincing people about hunting, hunting will have a permanent home in America.
With all the positives about hunting, anti-hunting groups and animal-rights activists have their reasons why hunting should be abolish in the United States. PETA and other organizations believe hunting is blood-thirsty and profit-driven. PETA states that state and federal agencies create wildlife management and conservation programs to boost the number of game species so hunters can kill and receive revenue from hunting licenses. PETA exaggerates the idea hunting is blood-thirsty and profit-driven. Hunting is more than just killing an animal. It is about being out with family and friends in the outdoors (tradition) enjoying what mother nature has given us. Killing an animal is just a bonus. State and federal agencies create conservation and management programs not to raise the number of game species, but to improve the entire ecosystem. For example, the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation (pro-hunting organization) protects land for elk, but also benefits non-game species, such as birds, raccoons, beavers, etc. The habitats they protect have many benefits excluding boosting game species. The benefits include increasing access and recreational opportunities on public lands, including hunting and fishing, increases opportunities for agricultural and ranchland families to continue working the land for generations to come, support resource-based economies of agriculture, forestry, recreation and tourism, preserve important historic, archeological, and cultural resources, and reduce tax-supported infrastructure and maintenance cost (Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, Conservation). This shows that programs are not about raising more animals to for hunters to kill, but to help out all aspects of the environment, including people. These valuable programs would not have happened without the contributions from hunters. PETA is only concerned about placing limits on the number of animals hunted.
PETA also believes hunting takes away natural predators. They believe natural predators help balance ecosystems by taking only the sick and the weak, while hunters kill any animal they want over their fireplace, including healthy animals that are needed to keep populations strong. Luke A. Dommer, Chairman, Committee to Abolish Sport Hunting (CASH), says
“Natural predators are essential to the ecosystem of wildlife because they cull and promote long-term survival potential of herbivorous species. Hunters, on the other hand, are unnatural predators, with their fluorescent caps, heating pads, electric socks, freeze-dried doe droppings, and camouflage toilet paper to keep them from being mistaken for a whitetail deer. These arrogant nincompoops of the underbrush would have us believe that highly evolved terrestrial vertebrates are crops to be harvested like corn or potatoes and that bullet holes improve the health of the animals.” (Worsnop 19)
Unfortunately, natural predators are not in high numbers like once before because of human encroachment and loss of habitat. Their dwindling numbers rarely make a difference in balancing game populations numbers to a healthy state. It is the responsibility of hunters to take action and make sure ecosystems stay as healthy as be. If there was no hunting, wildlife populations would increase and cause unbalanced ecosystems. In result, population crashes and extinction would occur and PETA and other organizations would not have any more animals to protect. The whitetail deer population in the United States is a prime example. The large numbers are becoming a danger risk for humans and causing many plant species to die off. Hunting as step to the plate to bring balance back, so everyone will live happy and be beneficial to each other. PETA, anti-hunting and animal-rights groups present false claims the public about how bad hunting really is. The public needs to know the facts and open their eyes to see the truth about hunting. Hunting is not about killing animals, but cherishing the great moments with family and friends, protecting wildlife, and land for all people.
Hunting as created a battlefield in America. There are two sides fighting either to protect or abolish this sport and this tradition (Hunters versus Anti-Hunters). Hunting will only survive with the support of the public. Hunters are trying to show the positives of hunting from wildlife-management tool, contribution to wildlife conservation, and to a cherished American tradition. The non-hunting public will see this paper and be amazed to find out the importance of hunting in America. It is the goal of hunters to win the support of non-hunters. Even though hunters and anti-hunters have a deep hatred for each other, there can be some middle ground. They both have the same shared goals, to eliminate poaching and other forms of illegal hunting. The two groups could even join up together to accomplish something. Hunting needs to stay in America because it is a sport that promotes great camaraderie with many benefits that 18 million enjoy and many more can join.
Hunting in America is an effective wildlife-management tool because it controls wildlife populations for a healthy, balanced environment. Controlling wildlife populations will prevent population crashes. For example, many biologists believe hunters prevent the whitetail deer populations from multiplying beyond the capacity of its habitat. The whitetail deer populations have grown out of proportions in America, and cause negative effects. For example, whitetail deer are becoming serious traffic hazards. According to the National Safety Council, motor vehicles nationwide kill more than 350,000 deer and approximately 100 drivers and passengers a year (Worsnop 8). The overpopulation of deer is becoming a threat to human lives. The anti-hunting group’s solution to this serious matter is neutering or birth control for the whitetail deer population. This solution is unnatural and ineffective. According to the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, “PETA” website, the solution would be known as TNR (Trap, Neuter, and Return) and they would also use an experimental birth-control vaccine on female deer. These tests were performed in small, isolated deer populations in Ithaca, New York and Princeton, New Jersey. The anti-group’s proposed the solution would be ineffective because the whitetail deer population in America is over 30 million and it would take an extensive amount of time to trap enough deer to make a difference. In addition, the moral issue for modifying nature would stir up another bitter debate in the public. Modifying the biology of whitetail deer goes against the laws of nature and religious views. Hunting is the only and proper means in controlling whitetail deer. More and more states are beginning to see hunting as a management tool. For example, Midwestern towns are implementing bow hunting as a safe and effective way to control skyrocketing deer herds. According to U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance, Granville, Ohio Village Council, Des Moines, Iowa, and Portage, Indiana approved bow hunting in the community and city parks to safely control the deer numbers because of extensive property damage and threatening endangered plant species (U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance). The public is starting to notice the importance of hunting and how it helps control wildlife for the benefit of society and the animal itself. Without hunting, whitetail deer populations would grow to unbelievable numbers causing catastrophic impacts. All forage would disappear because the deer would have eaten it all. Starvation would occur, killing thousands of deer. The deer population would plummet to low numbers. The decrease in the deer population would cause predators, such as coyotes and mountain lions to die off due to the scarcity of food (deer). The entire ecosystem would deteriorate. This would be the realistic scenario if hunting was not a wildlife management tool. It would be unfair for wildlife and society.
Hunters contribute a substantial amount of money to conservation for the benefit of wildlife and people. The money for conservation helps preserve land and wildlife for future hunting opportunities and healthy wildlife populations. American hunters contribute more than $1 billion a year to wildlife conservation programs (Worsnop 6). The money comes from federal taxes on hunting equipment, ammunition, fishing boats, state hunting and fishing licenses, and federal “duck stamps” (Worsnop 6). Sportsmen’s organizations contribute to conservation projects. For example, Ducks Unlimited, a national organization for wetlands and waterfowl, and 550,000 of its members raise money to protect wetlands in Canada and the United States used by migratory waterfowl, as well as other animal species (Worsnop 6). The Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation has protected over five million acres and opened 492,000 acres to public access for hunting and outdoor activities (Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation). In addition, The National Wild Turkey Federation raised over $253 million for conservation (National Wild Turkey Federation). Hunters and sportsmen’s organizations are a great benefit to conservation in America. With all the contributions from hunters, anti-hunting groups are absent, and do not play a large role in conservation. They are more concerned about hunting, and not the big picture.
Education is plays a key role in the survival of hunting because it educates the public about the importance and role of hunting in the United States. Education programs from national and state organizations will educate people about hunting and create new hunters. For example, the NRA (National Rifle Association) has a youth program for students in the United States and Canada. The program focuses on the familiarity of rifles, shotguns, archery, and wildlife (Worsnop 6). The goal of the NRA youth program is to make people aware of hunter’s role in conservation and to make new hunters. State Game and Fish Departments are beginning hunter outreach programs to introduce children to hunting. For example, the Colorado Division of Wildlife has a hunter outreach program, where DOW (Division of Wildlife) officers take children out on hunting trips for elk, deer, and turkey. The program teaches the children about hunting. As a result, these children are hooked on hunting and add numbers to the hunting community. Personal experiences of mine included being a part of the Colorado Division of Wildlife program. The group went on an elk hunting trip in Southern Colorado and was able to meet some new kids who never hunted before. It was a great learning experience and everyone learned valuable information about hunting and wanted to continue the sport. Other organizations focus hunter education on other groups of people. For example, the National Wild Turkey Federation has an education program for women called Women in the Outdoors. This program introduces women to the outdoors (hunting, fishing, etc...). The program’s goal is to have more women enjoy the outdoors as a new hobby and increase the number of hunters in the United States. Hunter education allows people to realize how special hunting really is.
Hunting is more than just a sport, it is an American Tradition. Hunting is a tradition for many families, including mine. Hunting brings families together, such as father and son bonding. Family hunting traditions teaches about hunting ethics. Hunting ethics are the moral values people have about hunting (right or wrong). This is a crucial part of keeping hunting in America because it shows people are trying to hunt properly and give hunting a positive image. Family hunting traditions are worried because of the decreasing number of hunters. Since World War II, there has been increase in fatherless families. With fatherless families, hunting traditions are not passed on. There has been a strong push to recruit new hunters and education programs are stepping up. In addition, to the family camaraderie, people can learn some valuable lessons about life. For example, many people learn patience while waiting for game, or respect, respect the animal of pursuit, and making humane kills. My family hunting tradition means a lot to me and too many others. Hopefully people will see hunting not as a blood sport, but has a quality family time in the outdoors.
Legislation has a large role in keeping hunting in America. According to the U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance, anti-hunting groups are projected to raise over $300 million in 2007 to ban hunting rights. Many pro-hunting organizations, such as the U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance, North American Hunting Club, National Rifle Association, and Safari Club International are raising money and support to defeat the anti-hunting groups attacks against hunting and help create new hunting laws to preserve hunting in the states. For example, the 3-million-member National Rifle Association (NRA) and the million-member member Wildlife Legislative Fund of America (WLFA) continue the pressure on elected officials to pass laws to protect hunting rights (Worsnop 2). One of the concerns for hunters is the harassment from anti-hunting and animal-rights groups. Every hunting season, hunters are annoyed by pesky anti-hunting and animal-rights groups. Personal experiences of mine demonstrate the conflict. For example, hunting for javelina in Arizona, we were surrounded by animal-rights group banging pots and pans scaring all the javelina near us. It was frustrating because we spent numerous hours trying to find our quarry, only to be harassed by animal-rights activists. We were only trying to help manage the javelina population in Arizona and the animal-rights group did not realized or cared. Another encountered occurred while volunteering for the Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks. We were working at the hunter check stations checking in game. During the duration of the days of work, we were harassed by an animal-rights group. We were helping out the state collect harvest data to manage the populations more effectively, and the animal-rights group did not care. Harassment by animal-rights group is frustrating and can be a scary situation. After much persuasion and support, legislators finally passed laws against harassment of hunters in the field. Since 1981, the Wildlife Legislative Fund of America has helped persuade 44 state legislatures to pass laws against hunter harassment (Worsnop 2). Hunters have pushed hard at legislation lately, and it is beginning to be successful. For example, on August 17, 2007 President George W. Bush released the order, “Facilitation of Hunting and Wildlife Conservation”. The order directs all federal agencies to facilitate the expansion and the improvement of hunting opportunities, wildlife management, and habitat (U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance). This was a great victory for hunters that will ensure more hunting opportunities in America. Even the president and CEO of the U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance had something to say about the order from President George W. Bush. “The Executive Order is a great milestone for sportsmen and wildlife conservation,” said Bud Pidgeon, president and CEO of the U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance. “It clearly demonstrates that the President understands the unbreakable bond between successful wildlife conservation and hunting - that sportsmen are the key to abundant wildlife and habitat.” The success of recent efforts of the hunting community needs to continue to keep hunting rights in America. Jim Zumbo, a famous outdoor writer for Field & Stream magazine has a guideline hunters should follow when fighting for the right to hunt. Jim Zumbo believes hunters need to be effective by exercising our right to vote, calling our elected officials, and speaking out at legislative meetings. If hunters continue the hard work of convincing people about hunting, hunting will have a permanent home in America.
With all the positives about hunting, anti-hunting groups and animal-rights activists have their reasons why hunting should be abolish in the United States. PETA and other organizations believe hunting is blood-thirsty and profit-driven. PETA states that state and federal agencies create wildlife management and conservation programs to boost the number of game species so hunters can kill and receive revenue from hunting licenses. PETA exaggerates the idea hunting is blood-thirsty and profit-driven. Hunting is more than just killing an animal. It is about being out with family and friends in the outdoors (tradition) enjoying what mother nature has given us. Killing an animal is just a bonus. State and federal agencies create conservation and management programs not to raise the number of game species, but to improve the entire ecosystem. For example, the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation (pro-hunting organization) protects land for elk, but also benefits non-game species, such as birds, raccoons, beavers, etc. The habitats they protect have many benefits excluding boosting game species. The benefits include increasing access and recreational opportunities on public lands, including hunting and fishing, increases opportunities for agricultural and ranchland families to continue working the land for generations to come, support resource-based economies of agriculture, forestry, recreation and tourism, preserve important historic, archeological, and cultural resources, and reduce tax-supported infrastructure and maintenance cost (Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, Conservation). This shows that programs are not about raising more animals to for hunters to kill, but to help out all aspects of the environment, including people. These valuable programs would not have happened without the contributions from hunters. PETA is only concerned about placing limits on the number of animals hunted.
PETA also believes hunting takes away natural predators. They believe natural predators help balance ecosystems by taking only the sick and the weak, while hunters kill any animal they want over their fireplace, including healthy animals that are needed to keep populations strong. Luke A. Dommer, Chairman, Committee to Abolish Sport Hunting (CASH), says
“Natural predators are essential to the ecosystem of wildlife because they cull and promote long-term survival potential of herbivorous species. Hunters, on the other hand, are unnatural predators, with their fluorescent caps, heating pads, electric socks, freeze-dried doe droppings, and camouflage toilet paper to keep them from being mistaken for a whitetail deer. These arrogant nincompoops of the underbrush would have us believe that highly evolved terrestrial vertebrates are crops to be harvested like corn or potatoes and that bullet holes improve the health of the animals.” (Worsnop 19)
Unfortunately, natural predators are not in high numbers like once before because of human encroachment and loss of habitat. Their dwindling numbers rarely make a difference in balancing game populations numbers to a healthy state. It is the responsibility of hunters to take action and make sure ecosystems stay as healthy as be. If there was no hunting, wildlife populations would increase and cause unbalanced ecosystems. In result, population crashes and extinction would occur and PETA and other organizations would not have any more animals to protect. The whitetail deer population in the United States is a prime example. The large numbers are becoming a danger risk for humans and causing many plant species to die off. Hunting as step to the plate to bring balance back, so everyone will live happy and be beneficial to each other. PETA, anti-hunting and animal-rights groups present false claims the public about how bad hunting really is. The public needs to know the facts and open their eyes to see the truth about hunting. Hunting is not about killing animals, but cherishing the great moments with family and friends, protecting wildlife, and land for all people.
Hunting as created a battlefield in America. There are two sides fighting either to protect or abolish this sport and this tradition (Hunters versus Anti-Hunters). Hunting will only survive with the support of the public. Hunters are trying to show the positives of hunting from wildlife-management tool, contribution to wildlife conservation, and to a cherished American tradition. The non-hunting public will see this paper and be amazed to find out the importance of hunting in America. It is the goal of hunters to win the support of non-hunters. Even though hunters and anti-hunters have a deep hatred for each other, there can be some middle ground. They both have the same shared goals, to eliminate poaching and other forms of illegal hunting. The two groups could even join up together to accomplish something. Hunting needs to stay in America because it is a sport that promotes great camaraderie with many benefits that 18 million enjoy and many more can join.
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