I have learned from my travels that hunters in a State, Province, Country are very proud of their local hunting traditions and hunting opportunities. They are very proud of their role in conserving and restoring wildlife and habitat. They are proud of the fact that their license revenue goes to science based management, education and enforcement. |
At times the best way to learn about the system/culture/land ethic/wildlife ethic where you were born and raised, Montana in my case, is to try to describe and explain its nuances to someone who is alien to your culture and country. While spending time in Europe trying to understand how conservation works and the role that hunting plays there, i.e. contributes to conservation, I have been asked to explain and share our approach in Montana.
I have been asked by incredulous voices from abroad the following questions:
What do you mean, “a hunting license for Montana is not valid in other states?” “Why don’t you have a US hunting license that is valid for all States?”
“What do you mean the landowner doesn't own the hunting rights? Who does?”
“What do you mean you just get to keep the meat from the animal you just harvested at no extra charge.?” “What?, I can’t sell wild game harvested in Montana”?
“I have to ask for permission to walk on a road or trail across private land?”
“What do you mean, you don’t feed big game in winter?”
“You have to have a public process with meetings where all information from your biologists is presented prior to making changes in harvest regulations? How do you get anything done?”
“I have heard that you are all trophy hunters in NA?”
The Montana answers to these questions reflect basic tenants to our conservation culture. Taking a minute to explore your own answers will lead you to greater insight into how you may describe your role as a hunter conservationist.
I will share my answers to these and other questions in future posts.
What do you mean, “a hunting license for Montana is not valid in other states?” “Why don’t you have a US hunting license that is valid for all States?”
“What do you mean the landowner doesn't own the hunting rights? Who does?”
“What do you mean you just get to keep the meat from the animal you just harvested at no extra charge.?” “What?, I can’t sell wild game harvested in Montana”?
“I have to ask for permission to walk on a road or trail across private land?”
“What do you mean, you don’t feed big game in winter?”
“You have to have a public process with meetings where all information from your biologists is presented prior to making changes in harvest regulations? How do you get anything done?”
“I have heard that you are all trophy hunters in NA?”
The Montana answers to these questions reflect basic tenants to our conservation culture. Taking a minute to explore your own answers will lead you to greater insight into how you may describe your role as a hunter conservationist.
I will share my answers to these and other questions in future posts.