What They Say About Hunting

WWW.NSSF.ORG

National ShootingSports Foundation®

In publishing this booklet,the National Shooting SportsFoundation has assembled,without editorial comment,those varied attitudes towardhunting that are part of thecharter, bylaws or self-professed policies of majorU.S. associations significantlyconcerned with theconservation or preservationof our natural resources.They are by no means all theorganizations so concerned.

Further, we offer noexplanation of anomaliesthat are perhaps inevitablein such large groups, wherethe written policy says onething and either executiveaction or the activities ofmember individuals wouldseem to suggest another.These brief statements may,however, clear up certainmisapprehensions in relationto the true policies orattitudes, as written down,of nationally regardedorganizations.

Steve Sanetti, PresidentNational Shooting SportsFoundation, Inc.

AMERICAN FORESTS

American Forests believes that wildlife and fisheriesare a critical component of healthy forest ecosystems.Hunting and fishing under proper regulation arevaluable tools in the professional management of forestecosystems.

Recreation on our forests is an important and growinguse of the resource on both public and private lands.Hunting and fishing under appropriate regulation arelegitimate forms of forest recreation.

American Forests, the nation’s oldest citizens non-profit conservation organization and a world leader intree planting for environmental restoration, helpspeople, corporations, governments and organizationsunderstand the critical role played by trees and forestsin a wide range of environmental issues including soilconservation, water quality,air quality and wildlife habi-tat. American Forests pro-vides action opportunitiesto improve the environmentthrough the Global ReLeaftree planting program.Founded 1875.

American Forests734 15th Street, NWSuite 800Washington, DC 20005(202) 955-4500www.americanforests.org

American Forests

American Humane Association

Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies

Defenders of Wildlife

Delta Waterfowl Foundation

Ducks Unlimited, Inc.

Friends of Animals, Inc.

The Fund for Animals

The Humane Society of the United States

The Izaak Walton Leagueof America

National Audubon Society

The National Rifle Association

National Shooting Spor tsFoundation

National Wild Turkey Federation

National Wildlife Federation

Outdoor Writers Associationof America

Professional Outdoor MediaAssociation (POMA)

Quality Deer Management

Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation

Safari Club International

The Sierra Club

The U.S. Spor tsmen’s Allianceand U.S. Sportsmen’sAlliance Foundation

The Wilderness Society

The Wildlife Management Institute

The Wildlife Society

World Wildlife Fund

FEATURED ORGANIZATIONS

AMERICAN HUMANE ASSOCIATION

The American Humane Association is opposed to thehunting of any living creature for fun, a trophy or for simplesport. The AHA believes that sport hunting is a form ofexploitation of animals for the entertainment of the hunterand is contrary to the values of compassion and respect forall life that inform American Humane’s mission.

American Humane finds that wildlife managementoften consists of creating habitat that favors “game”species, which creates an overpopulation available forthe purpose of sport hunting. We oppose these practicesand favor wildlife “management” requiring the leasthuman manipulation, favoring all wildlife in an ecosystemequally. On occasions when all other avenues have beenexhausted and there remains a demonstrable necessity tokill some wildlife, it should be performed by responsibleofficials and methods utilized must result in instantaneousand humane death.

American Humane considers sport hunting a violation ofthe inherent integrity of animals and disruptive of thenatural balance of the environment through humanmanipulation, and calls for positive action to prevent suchcruelties.

A national federation ofindividuals and agenciesfor the prevention ofcruelty, especially tochildren and animals.Organized: 1877

American Humane Association63 Inverness Drive EastEnglewood, CO 80112-5117(303) 792-9900www.americanhumane.org

ASSOCIATION OF FISH AND WILDLIFE AGENCIES

The Association of Fish and W ildlife Agencies recog-nizes and supports properly regulated and managed hunt -ing, fishing and trapping as appropriate managementtechniques for fish and wildlife and their habitat, which, inturn, provides recreational opportunities for everyone toenjoy.

The Association recognizes the role of hunting, fishingand trapping as important activities in the development ofour conservation heritage and hunters and anglers asimportant leaders in the conservation movement. TheAssociation supports ethical and safe hunting, fishing andtrapping, which respects wildlife and their habitat asimportant components of our legacy as wildlife enthusiastsand conservationists.

We support cooperation with public and privateorganizations to further professional wildlife managementboth in North America and throughout the world. TheAssociation supports the management of wildlife habitatand related decisions, such as the establishment ofhunting and fishing seasons, based on the best availablescientific and biological data. The Association recognizesthat hunters, anglers and trappers, as well as many othermembers of the public who may or may not be involvedin these activities, should, and do, cooperate to ensurehealthy fish and wildlife populations and adequate habitatfor their well being.

The Association supports wildlife-related conservationeducation, which includes an understanding of the man -agement and use of natural resources and the impor-tance of conserving forests, fields, waters and soils forthe benefit of this and future generations.

We support law enforcement as essential to thesuccessful implementation of wildlife management plansand programs within a framework that recognizes boththe rights and responsibilities of users. The Associationsupports complete protection of specific fish and wildlifespecies when necessary to preserve breeding stocks orwhen species are threatened or in danger of extinction.

Finally, the Association supports the need for publicoutreach and education so that informed decisions canbe made concerning the sustainable use andmanagement of natural resources.

The Association of Fish and W ildlife Agencies (AFWA)represents the government agencies responsible for NorthAmerica’s fish and wildlife resources. AFWA appliesexpertise in science,policy, economics andcoalition-building toserve its members as avoice on a broad arrayof wildlife and conserva-tion issues.Founded: 1902

DEFENDERS OF WILDLIFE

Defenders of Wildlife is neither an anti-hunting nor apro-hunting organization, but most of its 430,000 membersare non-hunters and their concern is with the restoration

Association of Fish andWildlife Agencies444 North Capitol Street, NWSuite 725Washington, DC 20001(202) 624-7890www.fishwildlife.org

and protection of all species of wildlife and their habitats.Defenders’ goal is to win permanent protection for thehomes of every native plant and animal species throughpolitical action to save representative examples of all plantand animal communities and wildlife dispersal corridorsbetween them.

Defenders’ traditional special campaigns includerestoration and protection of the mammalian predators—the wolf, the mountain lion, the coyote and others—andreduction in the use of the leghold trap and wildlife-killingagricultural chemicals. It views the National W ildlifeRefuge Systems as the core of a national network ofdiversity maintenance areas where wildlife reproductionsuccess is given top priority over human uses of allkinds—consumptive and nonconsumptive. It hasopposed hunting of some species—sandhill cranes(where they could be confused with whooping cranes),tundra swans (where they could be confused with trum -peter swans), mountain lions (with dogs, in California’sfragmented habitats)—and proposed reductions in baglimits to leave more prey for the wild predators (e.g. toleave more deer for Florida panthers in the Big CypressPreserve).

Its “bottom line” goal issustained populations of allnative wildlife species for theenjoyment of all and for theirintrinsic value.

Defenders of Wildlife1130 17th Street, NWWashington, DC 20036(800) 385-9712www.defenders.org

DELTA WATERFOWL FOUNDATION

The Delta Waterfowl Foundation is North America’soldest waterfowl conservation organization with a focuson research, education and advocacy in support of thecontinent’s diverse waterfowl and their habitats.Throughout our history, Delta has strongly supportedhunting.

North American sportsmen have been the vanguard ofconservation efforts across the United States and Canadawith their support of government programs such as theFederal Duck Stamp, the Pittman Robertson Act,contributions to non-profit organizations and their tirelesssupport for wildlife and their habitats. There is no othergroup who has labored harder or invested more in thesupport of our wildlife resources.

Delta recognizes these contributions, and believesthat sportsmen deserve the appropriate credit for theirefforts and deserve the same level of commitment fromorganizations and agencies whose work is made possible

from their monetary and moral support. It is for this reasonthat Delta Waterfowl openly and proudly supports huntingand other consumptive uses.

Delta Waterfowl is committed to preserving the legacyof waterfowl hunting and supporting and promoting it asa fundamental component of our role and mission as anorganization.

Delta Waterfowl is currently involved in a variety ofinitiatives that will have long-term benefits for waterfowlhunting. Delta has recently widely promoted a youth water-fowl season in Canada in an effort to reverse the decline inwaterfowlers. In addition Delta’s Voluntary RestraintProgram is an effort to promote and foster a quality ethicin waterfowl hunting. These efforts coupled with a strongdialog with duck and goose hunters across the U .S. andCanada will lead to a strong future of waterfowling.

Helps to sponsor wildlife research through cooperatingorganizations andpromotes conservation,restoration andmanagement of allnatural resources,especially aquatic areas.

Delta Waterfowl FoundationPO Box 3128Bismarck, ND 58502(888) 987-3695www.deltawaterfowl.com

DUCKS UNLIMITED, INC.

The mission of Ducks Unlimited, Inc. is to fulfill theannual life cycle needs of North American waterfowl byprotecting, enhancing, restoring and managing importantwetlands and associated uplands.

Most of DU’s 750,000 members are outdoorsmen whocelebrate the traditions and the heritage of sport huntingas an integral part of sound wildlife management. Whilewaterfowl hunters are the cornerstone of DU’s habitatprograms, we welcome others who wish to conserveimportant wetland habitats. These hunters as well asmany others provide the volunteer support and dollarsthat enable us to conserve habitat.

America’s hunters have always been the first to stepforward and put their money into conservation. Throughthe prudent and wise use of these contributions, DU hasbeen able to conserve over 10 million acres of wetlandsand related habitats in North America. DU also has activeconservation programs in progress in all the states of theU.S. and Mexico and the Canadian provinces with targetedprojects in Latin America and the Caribbean. While ourprograms and projects are designed to benefit waterfowl

they also provide essential habitat for 900 other speciesof vertebrates.

DU celebrates the traditions of hunting in our award-winning DU Magazine, Ducks Unlimited TV, the DU RadioShow “The World of Ducks Unlimited,” our fund-raisingevents and other day-to-day activities. In addition, manyDU volunteers and members are active in training futuresportsmen in hunter ethics, firearms safety andconservation through our Greenwing program that hasover 70,000 youth members.

DU will continue to support hunting as an importantrecreational activity, a tool of wildlife management, and awholesome family activity, and we encourage all whoenjoy the outdoors to adhere to the highest standards ofethical conduct.

Ducks Unlimited conserves, restores and manageswetlands and associatedhabitats for NorthAmerica’s waterfowl.These habitats also benefitother wildlife and people. Founded: 1937

Ducks Unlimited, Inc.One Waterfowl WayMemphis, Tennessee 38120(901) 758-3825www.ducksunlimited.org

FRIENDS OF ANIMALS, INC.

Hunting is cruel. It is deceitful. It is socially unjustifiable.It is ecologically disruptive. Friends of Animals opposeshunting in all its forms.

The cruelty of hunting involves the gratuitous paincaused wild animals. True, wild predators also hunt, buttheir killing is not gratuitous. Only humans kill for pleasure.

Hunting is deceitful because it claims to be something itisn’t. Hunting tries to cover truth with an enormous glossaryof euphemisms. Even scientific literature refers to “harvests”and “culls” and “bag limits.” Hunters hardly ever like toacknowledge that they actually “kill.” Beyond this, huntersare fond of portraying themselves as conservationists,benefactors of wilderness and practitioners of “sustainableutilization of species.” Hunters hardly ever acknowledgethey actually like to deprive an animal of its life— althoughthis is the whole intent of hunting. Anything else would justbe a walk in the woods.

Hunters often portray themselves as “sportsmen” andthe animals they kill as “game.” But sportsmanshipsuggests an able conduct marked by generosity for fairplay. Where is the fair play in a grown man or womanusing a modern firearm to kill an inoffensive animal?

Hunting is socially unjustifiable because it is anunnecessary waste of life and of resources. In developedcountries such as the United States, most of the land hasalready been taken from Nature. There is a question ofsocial ethics involving the presumed “right” of hunters toturn what little wild areas are left into seasonal shootinggalleries.

Hunting is ecologically disruptive. The hunter, carryingweapons with which his prey did not co-evolve, becomesa super-predator that disrupts natural ecological dynam-ics. The concept of “natural selection” becomes mean-ingless among heavily hunted wildlife populations, andhence evolution itself—the very foundation of life in all itsdiversity—is undermined.

This disruption is exacerbated by hunter-controlledgovernmental agencies that manipulate wild areas tostimulate ever-greater populations of hunted animals. Thewhole philosophy of deer management is a paradox: themore you hunt, the more deer you get.

An international organization that works to protect animalsfrom cruelty, abuse andinstitutionalized exploitation.FoA’s efforts protect andpreserve animals and theirhabitats around the world.Established: 1957.Membership: 200,000

Friends of AnimalsNational Headquarters777 Post Road, Suite 205Darien, CT 06820(203) 656-1522www.friendsofanimals.org

THE FUND FOR ANIMALS

The Fund for Animals is unalterably opposed to therecreational killing of wildlife. Besides being a piteouslyunfair and cruel slaughter of innocent animals, sporthunting is also ecologically destructive. Despite claims tothe contrary, hunters take a heavy toll on endangeredand threatened animals. Last year alone, they killeddozens of bald and golden eagles and grizzly bears andeven such extremely rare animals as Florida panthersand whooping cranes. Despite dire warnings about thefuture of duck populations, hunters annually positionthemselves along the migratory flyways and massacre,often indiscriminately, millions of ducks. And while theblack bear cannot yet be considered endangered,hunting is leading to regional scarcity of the bears inmany parts of its range. In addition, hunters have littered

the environment with toxic lead shot, which animals willbe living and dying with for decades.

There are also more subtle ecological processes thathunting disrupts such as natural selection. Hunting byhumans does not ensure the survival of the fittestanimals, but precisely the opposite — individuals whowould not normally have reproductive success will have itbecause hunters do not select the weakest animals asnature does. By often killing the ablest, hunters down-grade the quality of the gene pool. It’s no surprise thatsome ecologists refer to hunting as “evolution in reverse.”

Much of the problem is a consequence of how ourgovernment wildlife agencies operate. Rather than beingconcerned about the needs of wildlife, they cater to thedesires of hunters.

It’s a fact that the prime function of the state wildlifeagencies is not to protect individual animals or biologicaldiversity, but to propagate “game” species populationsfor hunters to shoot. The agencies’ expendituresdemonstrate the bias. On average, they spend well morethan 90 percent of their funds on game species projects,even though non-game animals constitute the vastmajority of each state’s fauna. State agencies spendmillions manipulating habitat for “game” species by burn -ing and clearcutting forests. They pen-rear and stock“game” animals to increase “shooting opportunities.”And they pour millions of dollars into law enforcement ofgame regulations and into hunter education, whichincludes the construction of target-shooting ranges. Thefact is they’re out to conserve hunting, not wildlife.

And it’s not just an issue of animals’ rights, but one ofthe public’s rights as well. As a consequence of wide-spread hunting, non-consumptive wildlife enthusiastscannot safely walk in the woods during hunting season.They get fewer opportunities to view wild animals, whichbecome skittish or nocturnal for fear of being shot byhumans. And most importantly, they are denied an equalvoice in determining how our wildlife is treated. A mereseven percent minority of the public—the hunters—has 100percent control of our wildlife.

For these reasons and others, The Fund for Animalsopposes sport hunting andseeks a restructuring of statewildlife boards and commissionsto ensure that all parties legiti -mately concerned about wildlifeare proportionately represented.

The Fund For Animals519 C Street NENewWashington, DC 20002(202) 676-2314www.fund.org

THE HUMANE SOCIETY OF THE UNITED STATES

The Humane Society of the United States is stronglyopposed to the hunting of any living creature for funtrophy or for sport, because of the trauma, suffering anddeath to the animals that results. The HSUS also oppos-es such killing because of the negative effect upon theyoung who may learn to accept and live with needlesssuffering and killing. The HSUS believes that a civilizedsociety should not condone the killing of any sentientcreature as sport.

The HSUS believes that the characterization of wildanimals as “game” denies their intrinsic value andbelittles their ecological importance. The Society findsthat a great deal of wildlife allegedly killed for manage-ment reasons actually is killed as “game” for “sporting”purposes. In such cases, we oppose both the killing andthe duplicity. It is the goal of The HSUS to ensure ethicalstewardship of wildlife and its environment.

The HSUS recognizes that the welfare and responsiblemanagement of animals may, on occasion, necessitatethe killing of wildlife. When such killing is permitted, itmust be used as a last resort, be demonstrably necessary ,be conducted by responsible officials, and methods uti-lized must result in an instantaneous and humane death.

The HSUS also recognizes that the legitimate needsfor human subsistence may necessitate the killing ofwildlife. In such cases, killing must be accomplished in ahumane and non-wasteful manner and must not involveendangered or threatened animals.

The HSUS is dedicated to creating a world where ourrelationship with animals is guided by compassion. Weseek a truly humanesociety in which animalsare respected for theirintrinsic value, and wherethe human-animal bond isstrong.Founded: 1954

THE IZAAK WALTON LEAGUE OF AMERICA

The Izaak Walton League of America believes huntingshould be considered a valuable management tool whereit is compatible with other resource uses and purposes.

Establishment of hunting and fishing seasons shouldbe based upon the best scientific and biological data that

The Humane Society of theUnited States2100 L Street NWWashington, DC 20037(202) 452-1100 www.hsus.org

can be obtained. These decisions should not be forcedby political pressures and should be calculated to assurehealthy, reproducing populations of game species and abalance of predacious animals and birds.

All hunting and fishing license revenues, and taxes onsporting arms and ammunition, should be utilized toenhance wildlife and to protect and restore habitat.Hunting should be characterized by the highest order ofhumaneness, sportsmanship and respect for species hunted.

Promotes means and opportunities for educating thepublic to conserve, maintain, protect and restore the soilforest, water and othernatural resources of the U.S.and promotes the enjoymentand wholesome utilization ofthose resources. Membersand Supporters: 50,000

The Izaak Walton Leagueof America707 Conservation LaneGaithersburg, MD 20878(301) 548-0150www.iwla.org

THE NATIONAL RIFLE ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA

Well-regulated hunting is a beneficial use of renewablewildlife resources that, when left to nature, are finally lost topredators, disease and, often, starvation and old age.

NATIONAL AUDUBON SOCIETY

The National Audubon Society has never beenopposed to the hunting of game species if that hunting isdone ethically and in accordance with laws andregulations designed to prevent depletion of the wildliferesource. We have made this clear repeatedly in officialstatements of policy, and it remains Audubon policy.

Audubon will advocate restrictions on hunting,including the complete closure of a hunting season,whenever we are convinced that the welfare of thespecies involved requires it. However, we insist on soundscientific information before deciding these issues.

Among the oldest and largest conservation organizationsin North America. Its purposes are (1) to promote theconservation of wildlife and the natural environment and (2)to educate man regardinghis relationship with, and hisplace within, the naturalenvironment as anecological system.Founded: 1905

National Audubon Society700 BroadwayNew York, NY 10003(212) 979-3000www.audubon.org

NATIONAL SHOOTING SPORTS FOUNDATION, INC.

Since the National Shooting Sports Foundation wascreated “to foster in the American public a betterunderstanding of and more active participation in theshooting sports,” its position on hunting is one of strongsupport. NSSF believes that hunting is a desirable part ofmodern recreational patterns. NSSF feels that Americanshave a right to hunt but to do so on private land is a privi-lege extended by the landowner.

Proper hunting is in complete accord with the moral tenetsof man and the historical facts of his existence. Man’s hunt-ing heritage predates recorded history for hundreds ofthousands, perhaps millions, of years. This reenactment ofthe chase today is a healthy recreational exercise andincludes both physical and spiritual components.

The hunter’s interest in pursuing his sport has beenthe principal factor in fostering sound wildlife manage-ment and conservation practices. Provision for thehunter’s harvest provides the incentive for the hunter’scontribution, a contribution without which all else wouldbe lost. The commitment of the hunter’s contributions ofvoluntary taxing, licensing and regulation assure thepropagation of all wildlife.

Hunting is dominant among American traditions, and ithas contributed substantially to our sound nationalcharacter. Its future is a primary concern of theAssociation.

The NRA protects and defends the Constitution of theUnited States, especially with reference to the inalienableright of the individual American citizen to enjoy the use offirearms and to provide for the defense of self , family, prop-erty and the Republic; promotes public safety, law andorder and the national defense; trains members of lawenforcement agencies, the armed forces, the militia andpeople of good repute in marksmanship and in the safehandling and efficient use of small arms; fosters and pro -motes the shooting sports; and promotes and defends safehunting as a shooting sport and as a viable and necessarymethod of fostering thepropagation, growth,conservation and wiseuse of our renewablewildlife resources.Membership: 4 million.Organized: 1871

The National Rifle Associationof America11250 Waples Mill RdFairfax, VA 22030(703) 267-1000www.nrahq.org

NATIONAL WILD TURKEY FEDERATION

You’ll see the National Wild Turkey Federation’scommitment to hunting through everything they do. NorthAmerica’s hunting heritage is such an important aspect ofthe NWTF that it’s part of their mission statement:“Conservation of the wild turkey and preservation of thehunting tradition.”

The NWTF believes that hunting is an honorable pursuitthat has been passed on from one generation to the next.It brings families and friends together and links our pastand future.

Hunters were the first conservationists. Their work andsupport is responsible for the comeback of the wild turkeyand many other wildlife species. The sportsmen a ndwomen of this country have done more for wildlife andtheir habitat than any other outdoor group.

Because of this fact, NWTF is more than a conservationorganization. They’re also a driving force in protecting thehunting heritage for this simple reason:

Hunting with proper controls is an effective and neededtool of game management that is the responsibility ofmodern man. It is important for hunters to transfer theirknowledge and their understanding of the hunting ethicto the next generation and to finance the conservation ofboth game and non-game wildlife. Over recent decades,such support, public and private, has amounted to some14 billion dollars, with another 1.5 billion dollars beingadded every year.

No game species has been moved toward seriousthreat of extinction by hunting alone. O n the contrary,numerous species have been returned to healthynumbers through hunter-sponsored, hunter-financedhabitat management. NSSF believes that, in theecological and environmental future of this nation,hunting has an important role, just as the hunter himselfhas played a vital part in its past.

Non-profit educational trade-sponsored associationintended to foster in thepublic mind a betterunderstanding of and moreactive participation in theshooting sports and inpractical conservation.Founded: 1961

National ShootingSports Foundation, Inc.11 Mile Hill RoadNewtown, CT 06470-2359(203) 426-1320www.nssf.org

Without shooting,you wouldn’t have hunting.

Without hunting,you wouldn’t have conservation.

Without conservation,you wouldn’t have wildlife.

The NWTF also believes there’s a place for everyone

to enjoy the outdoors. NWTF outreach programs such as

JAKES for children, Women in the Outdoors and Wheelin’

Sportsmen for the disabled allow the sharing of our

hunting traditions with an ever-growing audience.

The NWTF is working hard to make sure that hunting

continues as a tradition in this country because it’s the

right thing to do.

The NWTF is a non-profit conservation organizationfounded in 1973 with a mission dedicated to conservingwild turkeys and preserving hunting traditions.

The NWTF is a grassroots volunteer organization withnearly a half million members organized in state and localchapters stretching across North America.

Growth and progress define the NWTF and have resultedin impressive strides in wildlife management on public,private and corporate lands as the NWTF has forgeddynamic partnerships throughout the nation.

The numbers tell the story about the accomplishmentsof the NWTF, its corporate sponsors and wildlife agencypartners. In 1973, there were an estimated 1.3 million wildturkeys in this country. Today there are close to 7 million.

The NWTF celebrates its hunting heritage through itsfive national publications (Turkey Call, The Caller, WomenIn The Outdoors, JAKES and Wheelin’ Sportsmen) ande-newsletter, News from the Roost,as well as Turkey Call and TurkeyCountry, its nationally syndicatedtelevision shows, Web sites, W ildTurkey fundraising banquets,state and national conventionsand more.

National WildTurkey Federation770 Augusta RoadEdgefield, SC 298241-800-THE-NWTFwww.nwtf.org

THE NATIONAL WILDLIFE FEDERATION

The National Wildlife Federation represents millions of

members and supporters whose primary interest is in the

OUTDOOR WRITERS ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA

An organization of professional communicators, the

Outdoor Writers Association of America (OWAA) avoids

advocacy within issues not related to journalism. Our

mission is to improve the communication and

managerial skills of members, set high standards for

communicating outdoor subjects, promote outdoor

communications in all media and encourage

appropriate natural resource use and conservation.

conservation of our nation’s renewable resources. Although

our members and affiliates have many and varied opinions

on how these resources might be best utilized, hunters and

non-hunters alike support our broad conservation objectives.

We support hunting because, under professional

regulation, wildlife populations are a renewable natural

resource that can safely sustain taking. Although we

understand the moral philosophy of those who feel that

hunting is wrong and that wildlife populations should be

protected completely, the real and fundamental problem

facing wildlife is not hunting but, instead is habitat

degradation and destruction. The National W ildlife

Federation, therefore, is committed to conserving

wildlife habitat.

To accomplish this objective, hunters and non-hunters

should unite efforts to preserve wildlife habitat, the key to

wildlife variety and abundance. We are hopeful that

those having a true interest in meeting this objective, like

millions already, will continue to support the National

Wildlife Federation and its efforts.

The nation’s largest member-supported conservationgroup, the National Wildlife Federation unites people fromall walks of life to protect nature, wildlife and the world weall share. NWF has educated and inspired families touphold America’s conservation tradition since 1936. Itscommon-sense approach to environmental protectionbrings individuals,organizations andgovernments togetherto ensure a brighterfuture for people andwildlife.

The National Wildlife Federation11100 Wildlife Center DriveReston, VA 20190(800) 822-9919www.nwf.org

QUALITY DEER MANAGEMENT ASSOCIATION

Since its founding in 1988, the Quality DeerManagement Association has supported legal, ethicalhunting as an integral component of sustainable wildlifemanagement and conservation. Hunting is the mosteffective tool to manage wild white-tailed deer, a keystonespecies which, left unmanaged, can significantly degradeecosystem integrity, thereby negatively impacting wildlifeand human health.

Hunters have a long and illustrious history of providingbillions of dollars to purchase, restore and managemillions of acres of wildlife habitat throughout NorthAmerica on which many game and nongame speciesnow depend. Protection of the rich hunting tradition is akey component of QDMA’s mission and an essentialelement of the North American model of wildlifemanagement, the most successful conservation model inworld history.

The QDMA and its nearly50,000 members throughoutNorth America and aroundthe world are dedicated toethical hunting, sound deermanagement andpreservation of thedeer-hunting heritage.

Quality Deer ManagementAssociation170 Whitetail WayP.O. Box 160Bogart, GA 30622(800) 209-3337www.QDMA.com

PROFESSIONAL OUTDOOR MEDIA ASSOCIATION (POMA)

POMA is a group of individual communicators andcorporate partners who believe in, defend, support andpromote the heritage of hunting, fishing, shooting, trap-ping and other traditionaloutdoor sports through writing,photography and other means.By doing so, members hope toeducate the general public aboutthese sports and encouragemore participation in them.

POMAP.O. Box 1569Johnstown, PA 15907(678) 201-8129www.professionaloutdoormedia.org

OWAA recognizes legal

hunting as an appropriate

use of natural resources.

Many OWAA members

cover and promote

hunting.

Outdoor Writers Associationof America121 Hickory Street, Suite 1Missoula, MT 59801(406) 728-7434www.owaa.org

ROCKY MOUNTAIN ELK FOUNDATION

The Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation strongly supportshunting practiced in a legal, responsible and ethical manneras a legitimate, outdoor recreational activity, and believesthat the hunting of game animals is a long-standing traditionand part of our cultural heritage. Hunting is a sound wildlifemanagement tool that can help regulate wildlife numbers ona sustainable basis within the carrying capacity of their habi-tats and should be practiced with respect for the individualanimal, the species and the land.

The Foundation upholds the hunting tradition by protectingplaces where animals will continue to thrive and people willcontinue to hunt, and encourages the highest standards ofethical conduct among all who hunt. It is our desire to fostera deep love and respect for the land, the wildlife it supports,and the outdoor experience.

The Foundation’s mission is to ensure the future of elk,other wildlife, and their habitat.Projects funded by RMEFinclude: land protection, habitatenhancement, management,research, conservationeducation, and huntingheritage. Membership: 110,000Founded: 1984

Rocky Mountain ElkFoundation5705 Grant Creek RoadP.O. Box 8249Missoula, MT 59801(800) 225-5355www.rmef.org

SAFARI CLUB INTERNATIONAL

Safari Club International (SCI) is dedicated toprotecting the hunting heritage worldwide and to theconservation of wildlife. SCI believes that hunting playsan important role in wildlife conservation. Along with itssister organization, the SCI Foundation, SCI carries outmany activities to demonstrate the role of hunting inconservation, to educate the public on the role ofhunting, and to engage in humanitarian services, such asproviding game meat to feed the hungry, that show thevaluable role that hunters play in today’s society .

SCI, with more than 50,000 members worldwide andwith chapters in over 15 countries, is the leader inprotecting the freedom to hunt and in promoting theconservation of wildlife. In addition to its annualConvention that makes worldwide hunting opportunitiesand accessories available to tens of thousands of hunters

THE SIERRA CLUB

For more than 100 years, the Sierra Club’s policy hasbeen that responsible use of the earth’s resources caninclude hunting and fishing, appropriately regulated.

The Sierra Club seeks whenever possible to work sideby side with hunters to protect natural habitats. P ollutionof land and waters, draining and development of wetlandsand loss of woodlands, are all reasons for hunters andSierra Club members to work together.

There are exceptional specific instances, though,when the Sierra Club does oppose hunting in certainareas or in the case of specific species. F or example,federal law prohibits most hunting in national parks andnational monuments managed by the National ParkService. These are lands that are protected in trust for allAmericans to come and visit and be inspired by theunique beauty and life of the place. The Sierra Clubsupports this prohibition.

The Sierra Club also opposes hunting of animals thatare endangered or threatened with extinction. And theSierra Club may oppose hunting in specific cases wherescientific evidence indicates that a species needsprotection, even if that species has not been formally listedas threatened or endangered. Sometimes, for financial orpolitical reasons, a formal listing is delayed for years eventhough there is reasonable scientific evidence that thespecies and its habitats need protection.

The Sierra Club has thousands of members who huntand fish as they explore, enjoy and work to protect ourcountry’s great natural lands. We have found we have alot in common with hunters and anglers. Our commonexperience and values involve spending time outdoors inwild and natural places and being intensely aware andobservant of natural life around us.

Together we form a powerful alliance for conservingour fish and wildlife resources and the natural habitatsthey depend upon.

every year, SCI is

active at all levels

(state, national

and international)

to advocate the

cause of hunting.

Safari Club InternationalSafari Club International Foundation4800 West Gates Pass RoadTucson, AZ 85745-9490(800) 711-8314www.safariclub.org

THE U.S. SPORTSMEN’S ALLIANCE AND U.S.SPORTSMEN’S ALLIANCE FOUNDATION

The U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance and the U.S.Sportsmen’s Alliance Foundation believe that regulatedhunting, fishing and trapping are wholesome recreationexperiences and reliable wildlife management tools. Theydeserve to be defended from the attacks of the animalrights movement.

The U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance and the U.S.Sportsmen’s Alliance Foundation protect and advanceAmerica’s heritage of hunting, fishing and trapping. Theydefend these outdoor pursuits in the courts, in legislativebodies and in public education forums. Through theirassociation with local, state and national conservationorganization, the U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance and the U.S.Sportsmen’s Alliance Foundation represent 1.5 millionsportsmen and sportswomen in all 50 states and inWashington, D.C. When sportsmen come under attack,the organizations provide money and manpower todefend America’s outdoor heritage.

Sportsmen and sportswomen are the greatestconservationists in the United States. Thanks to theirdedication to conservation and the support of thenation’s wildlife managers, America’s wildlife is thriving.

The U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance Foundation, partneringwith the Boy Scouts of America and the InternationalAssociation of Fish and Wildlife Agencies, has developedthe Trailblazer Adventure Program to recruit families totake part in outdoor sports. All who participate in theprogram are afforded the opportunity to participate in theyear-long Trailmaster mentoring program. It allows youthand their parents to learn more about outdoor sportsfrom a seasoned sportsman mentor.

The mission of the Sierra Club is: To explore, enjoy andprotect the wild places of the earth; to practice and promotethe responsible use of the earth’s ecosystems andresources; to educate and enlist humanity to protect andrestore the quality of the natural and human environment;and to use all lawfulmeans to carry outthese objectives.

The Sierra Clubwas founded in 1892by John Muir.

The Sierra Club85 Second Street, 2nd FloorSan Francisco, CA 94105-3441(415) 977-5500www.sierraclub.org

THE WILDERNESS SOCIETY

The Wilderness Society views hunting as a legitimateuse in wilderness areas, national forests, lands managedby the Bureau of Land Management and certain wildlifeareas, subject to appropriate regulation for speciesprotection. Because they provide such strong protectionfor wildlife habitat, wilderness areas offer some of thehighest quality hunting experiences found anywhere. TheWilderness Society recognizes that hunters have made astrong contribution to the protection of these lands and

Sportsmen’s Alliance Foundation represent 1.5 millionsportsmen and sportswomen in all 50 states and inWashington, D.C. When sportsmen come under attack,the organizations provide money and manpower todefend America’s outdoor heritage.

Sportsmen and sportswomen are the greatestconservationists in the United States. Thanks to theirdedication to conservation and the support of thenation’s wildlife managers, America’s wildlife is thriving.

The U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance Foundation, partneringwith the Boy Scouts of America and the InternationalAssociation of Fish and Wildlife Agencies, has developedthe Trailblazer Adventure Program to recruit families totake part in outdoor sports. All who participate in theprogram are afforded the opportunity to participate in theyear-long Trailmaster mentoring program. It allows youthand their parents to learn more about outdoor sportsfrom a seasoned sportsman mentor.

U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance Foundation’s Sportsmen’sLegal Defense Fund is the nation’s only national legaldefense capability established exclusively to representhunter, angler, trappers and wildlife managementagencies in defense of their activities.

The U.S.Sportsmen’s Allianceprotects the rights ofhunter, anglers andtrappers nationally inthe courts, legislatures,at the ballot, inCongress and throughpublic educationprograms.

U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance andU.S. Sportsmen’s AllianceFoundation801 Kingsmill ParkwayColumbus, OH 43229-1137Phone: (614) 888-4868Fax: (614) 888-0326E-mail: info@ussportsmen.orgwww.ussportsmen.org

THE WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT INSTITUTE

The Wildlife Management Institute supports andencourages recreational hunting that is conducted legally,safely and ethically. The Wildlife Management Institutedoes not recognize any pursuit or taking of wildlife outsideprescribed laws and regulations established and enforcedby state, provincial and federal wildlife managementagencies as recreational hunting.

Violations of hunting laws, regulations and ethicaltenets seriously undermine the quality of the huntingexperience and the public and political support of huntingtraditions. Violators of hunting laws and regulationsshould be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law .

Hunting designated wildlife populations is a legitimate,healthful and worthwhile recreational activity. Huntingalso supports and reinforces important family, socialand cultural traditions and values. Recreational huntingserves as an important link to improve participants’understanding and appreciation of natural resourcesand the critical needs for stewardship and managementof those resources.

Recreational hunting also helps regulate some wildlifenumbers and reduces wildlife conflicts with people, suchas minimizing crop depredations, highway accidents, etc.Revenues from the sale of licenses and permits alsoprovide significant economic support for protectinghabitat and managing all forms of wildlife. Recreationalhunting provides significant economic benefits to manylocal and state economies, as well as the nation. In someareas, hunting appropriately provides subsistence fornative people.

waters, and we are pleased to have worked often aspartners in these efforts.

National conservation organization formed to securepreservation of wilderness and proper management of allfederal lands, carry on an education program concerningthe value of wilderness and how it may best be used andpreserved in the public interest,make and encourage scientificstudies of wilderness, andmobilize cooperation inresisting degradation of federallands. Membership: 175,000.Organized: 1935

The Wilderness Society1615 M Street, NWWashington, DC 20036(800) 843-9453www.wilderness.org

THE WILDLIFE SOCIETY

Hunting has co-evolved with the needs and culturesof mankind. Archaeological evidence indicates that earlycultures were dependent upon wild animals forsubsistence. As skills in animal husbandry and agriculturewere acquired, dependence on hunting for subsistencedecreased. Today hunting is principally useful forrecreational purposes, for utilization of harvestablesurplus to benefit man and for controlling populations.

Most wild animal populations produce more animalsthan their habitats can support. These surplus animalsare removed by mortality factors that regulate populationnumbers within the limits of the habitat. Hunting can beused to remove a portion of these excess animals thatwould otherwise be lost to natural mortality.

Professional wildlife managers are charged with theresponsibility of managing wildlife populations in anecologically sound and socially acceptable manner.Hunting, when based on biological information andproperly regulated, can be used effectively to satisfy thisresponsibility. In addition, hunting, through licenses andtaxes, provides the major source of financing for habitatacquisition, law enforcement, research and managementprograms for wildlife, both game and nongame species.

The policy of The Wildlife Society, in regard to hunting,is to:

1. Assist decision-makers so that judgements onhunting and the welfare of wildlife are guided byboth biological and societal consideration.

2. Endorse the principle that hunting, when properlyregulated, is a biologically sound means ofmanaging wildlife populations.

A private, non-profit, scientific and educationalorganization, supported by corporations, groups andindividuals, to advance professional management ofnaturalresources inthe interest ofconservationand for thebenefit ofpeople.

The Wildlife Management Institute1146 19th Street, NWSuite 700Washington, DC 20036(202) 371-1808www.wildlifemanagementinstitute.org

WORLD WILDLIFE FUND

The mission of WWF is to protect rare and endangeredspecies and habitats all over the world. W e thereforeexplicitly object to any activity that threatens the survival ofany species or the conservation of wilderness areas thatsupport these species. But, WWF does not, for example,oppose hunting by indigenous peoples to meet their basicneeds for food and shelter. We do insist that hunting andtrapping be regulated so that the survival of any speciesnot be threatened, and we vigorously oppose any huntingor trapping activities that violate international, national orstate law, which includes illegal poaching.

Private, tax-exempt international conservationorganization. Makes grants to qualified scientists,government agencies and other organizations based on aset of global priorities established in cooperation with theInternational Union for Conservation of Nature and NaturalResources. Funds are used for research, for habitatmanagement and protection, to encourage soundenvironmental policy, administration and law and to providetraining and grassroots conservation education. One of 27independent nationalaffiliates of WorldWildlife Fund—International, Gland,Switzerland.Established: 1961

World Wildlife Fund1250 Twenty-Fourth St. NWWashington, DC 20090-7180(202) 293-4800www.worldwildlife.org

3. Encourage expansion of programs for hunters toincrease their knowledge of wildlife ecology andmanagement and to emphasize hunter ethics andresponsibilities.

Association for those professionally employed in thebiological or related fields of wildlife conservation. A ims toestablish and maintain the highest possible professionalstandards; to develop wildlifeconservation and managementalong sound biological lines;and to prepare and disseminateinformation to effect theseends. Membership: 9,100.Organized: 1937.

The Wildlife Society5410 Grosvenor LaneSuite 200Bethesda, MD 20814(301) 897-9770www.wildlife.org

The National Shooting SportsFoundation provides a varietyof safety and conservationeducational materials to stateagencies, manufacturers,retailers, hunter educationand firearms safety programsand other groups orindividuals involved in theshooting sports, hunting andfirearms industry. Find outmore at the Safety &Education section ofwww.nssf.org or contactNSSF's Safety & EducationServices Department, 11 MileHill Rd., Newtown, CT 06470

T: 203-426-1320F: 203-426-1087E-mail: literature@nssf.org

P r o m o t e P r o t e c t P r e s e r v e

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www.nssf.org©2009 National Shooting Sports Foundation, Inc. All Rights Reserved. This brochure may be reproduced for legitimate

educational purposes provided 1.) the pamphlet is reprinted in its entirety, including this paragraph, and 2.) no fee is charged.

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