Facts about Hunting and Conservation

By Jason Reid

United States -(AmmoLand.com)- We as hunters are well aware what happens in the field reaches far beyond the field. 

The impact of hunting isn’t just pulling the trigger but benefits wildlife and people around the globe. The Safari Club Foundation is at the front lines of hunting and conservation education and humanitarian efforts. But we are in an age where these efforts are smeared by the anti-hunting campaign. Like I said yesterday, the long list of science and economic based facts are like eating a healthy meal vs an unhealthy but easier digested snack like ice-cream. 

I’m not sure if enough hunters are equipped with go-to basic key facts they can present when faced with an anti hunting attack, which unfortunately is becoming more and more prevalent. So to help sportsmen and women everywhere be prepared, here are a few facts of hunting and conservation as provided by the Safari Club Foundation.

1. Start with the Pittman Robertson Act of 1939 which was pushed for by hunters. Yes, hunters pushed to have a tax placed on their own purchases to directly benefit the conservation of animals and habitat. Make note since 1939 approximately 7 billion dollars has been generated for conservation. And through license sales and taxes on gear, we pay for most fish and wildlife programs.
2. The economics of hunting impacts everyone. The hunting industry employs more people than some major retail franchises in the United States.  We also spend a ton of money. The average hunter spends around $1,600 on trips, tags, gear and all related hunting expenses. In 2011 we spent around 90 billion dollars, which was more than the combined sales of the iPhone and iPad in that year.
3. Donated meat from hunts are utilized by local food pantries. For instance, just yesterday 500 people were fed in the Las Vegas area on meat donated from hunters. Last year about 65,000 lbs of meat was donated. 
4. When money is spent on hunting in places like Africa, it creates a local economy and helps alleviate the pressure on the local animals form poachers. In places like South Africa and North America, the model of sustainable use and regulated take of wild game has helped bring back animal populations from the brink of extinction.
5. Hunting also reaches much further than pulling the trigger and providing a serious economic engine. The Safari Club Foundation has lead the way in humanitarian efforts even before there was social pressure. The Safari Club Blue Bag Program was started over 30 years ago an provide a way for hunters to directly impact communities around the world by filling Blue Bags full of needed supplies and bringing it with them on their hunts to distribute. This program was never about reacting to bad press on hunting. It just has always been a part of hunting and our heritage of making things better than where we left them.

Facts will beat emotions in the end. Being knowledgeable and being able to clearly articulate the facts is vital to our survival as a hunting and shooting culture. Especially with our youth hunters, we need to make sure they are equipped with easy facts to remember for when they interact with friends and even teachers they will have throughout their impressionable years.

Hunting is not simply pulling the trigger, it is an intrinsic and science based lifestyle which exposes one to clean and organic meat, thrilling adventures, and will push you to limits your never knew about yourself.

About Jason Reid:

Jason Reid is a writer and business professional from upstate New York. After deciding to pursue his dream of becoming an outdoor writer, Jason started a blog from his dorm room at Houghton College, growing it and working hard to earn opportunities. While bowhunting big game is his ultimate passion, Jason welcomes all outdoor challenges which force him to push his limits.

Jason’s work can be viewed on his website Pushingthewildlimits.com.