Benefits Of Federal Aid In Wildlife Conservation And Hunting

Wildlife conservation and hunting has been a national pastime for Americans for hundreds of years. For generations, hunters and wildlife conservationists have endeavored to protect our hunting heritage by preserving the well-being and longevity of the wild regions while still providing the opportunity for future generations to hunting and enjoy the outdoors. By engaging in hunting, many individuals find that it provides a chance to connect with others who also enjoy the sport, ensure wilderness lands are available to our children, and a hope that others may benefit from current conservation projects. For the past century, there has been a drastic change to the way that people live their lives. Generations of people who were raised in rural

CWD is a neurological disease that causes lesions on the brains of elk and deer, as well as causing degeneration of physical attributes. This disease is transmitted between the animals through physical contact, and efforts are being made to ensure healthy animals are not affected. Through designated hunts and federally funded scientific studies to identify infected animals, conservationists are working to stop the spread of this debilitating disease. In states such as Tennessee, lawmakers are also looking at another way to provide healthy deer

Today 39 states host a program developed by the University of Wisconsin‘s College of Natural Resources called “Becoming an Outdoors-Woman.” According to the university “ The ‘Original BOW’ workshop format is a 3-day, multi-course event with more than 20 classes to choose from including fly fishing, archery, shotgun and rifle shooting, wildlife habitat, canoeing, kayaking, hiking, camping, nature photography, basic fishing, boat and trailer and more” (UWSP 1). This program is a fantastic start for women that would like to begin hunting but don’t know where to begin, as it teaches many of the basic skills necessary to be an effective hunter. In addition to BOW, since 2004, 30 states have passed youth friendly legislation aimed at designating a specific timeframe that is wholly designated to apprentice hunters looking to enjoy the outdoors. North Dakota’s Wildlife Division Chief, Randy Kreil states “[t]he goal of [their] program was to introduce young people into the sport of deer hunting in a non-competitive and relaxed situation where the adult mentor isn’t hunting and can focus their full attention on helping the young person learn” (Adams 1). This is encouraging, as the first experience of prospective hunters is often the most vital to determine if they want to return. These programs are just some of the programs that contribute to the development of future hunters. As current hunters and