7 Components of Conservation
For decades the people of the united states were hunting
game in an unregulated manner. This led to millions of animals to lose significant
numbers in their population. Fearing that this may be detrimental to the
longevity of these animal species, men like Theodore Roosevelt, George Armstrong
Custer, and George Bird Grinnell all realized that conservation efforts needed to
be implemented before it was too late and the animals became gravely endangered
or even worse, extinct. Over time, these conservation efforts turned into the
formal model of conservation that we know today. Although we are all familiar
with at least some aspects of this conservation model, what are the components
of the conservation model?
1. Wildlife Resources are Public Trusts
Okay, but what does this mean? In short, it
means that wildlife is not and cannot ever be owned by a private entity. It is held
in trust for the benefit of the present and future generations by government.
This is the legal foundation by which federal, provincial, and state wildlife
agencies.
2. Markets for Game Are Eliminated
3. Allocation of Wildlife is by Law
Access to wildlife has been an inherent
part of the North American experience, unlike many other nations where access
is reserved for those with special privilege (e.g., aristocracy; Manning 1993).
Wildlife is allocated to the public by law, as opposed to market principles,
land ownership, or other status. Democratic processes and public input into
law-making help ensure access is equitable
4. Wildlife Can Be Killed Only for a Legitimate Purpose
Many conservationists were concerned with
the purpose for which people were killing animals. They stressed that people
should have a legitimate reason to kill an animal other than the fun of doing
it. So they came up with these concepts of a good sportsman:
• does so primarily for the pursuit or
chase;
• affords game a “sporting” chance (fair
chase);
• seeks knowledge of nature and the habits
of animals;
• derives no financial profit from game
killed;
• will inflict no unnecessary pain or
suffering on game; and
• will not waste any game that is killed.
Following these guidelines is a sure-fire
way to keep you hunting ethically and respectfully on all of your trips.
5. Wildlife Is Considered an International Resource
One of the greatest milestones in the
history of wildlife conservation was the signing of the Migratory Bird Treaty
Convention in 1916. This was the first significant treaty that provided for the international management of wildlife resources. It brought light to the fact
that the way we manage and regulate wildlife on our side of the border also has
consequences for those on the other side of the border. These consequences
cross borders so it is important for neighboring countries to work together to
preserve these resources
6. Science is the Proper to Discharge Wildlife Policy
Science as a base for informed decision
making in wildlife management has become standard in Canada and the U.S.
Nevertheless, funding has been largely inadequate to meet the research needs of
management agencies, and a trend toward greater political influence in decision-making threatens this principle. To find ways to donate check out our Which Wildlife
Conservation Organization Should You Donate To? Article.
7. Democracy of Hunting Is Standard
Theodore Roosevelt believed that access for
all to have the opportunity to hunt would result in many societal benefits this
concept was named “Democracy of Sport”. This sets Canada and The U.S. apart
from many other nations where the opportunity to hunt is restricted to those
who have special status, such as land ownership, wealth, or other privileges. The
opportunity for citizens in good standing to hunt in Canada and the U.S. is a
hallmark of our democracy.
If you are interested in learning more about the model of conservation and how you can help please visit Fish and Wildlife Service do get a more in depth look at the conservation model.
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