Despite great successes in sustaining and restoring fish and wildlife populations over the past century in Washington and across North America, anti-hunting interests are making efforts to restrict the North American Model of Wildlife Conservation, the Public Trust Doctrine, and the benefits that hunters and anglers bring to the perpetuation of wildlife and wildlife habitat conservation.
The North American Model of Wildlife Conservation is widely considered to be one of the most successful wildlife management and conservation models in the world. Because of it, families in America enjoy ample opportunities to harvest fish and wildlife. The sustainable management ethic codified by the model and employed by state fish and wildlife agencies ensures that these outdoor recreational opportunities will continue in perpetuity. The public at large, regardless of whether or not they hunt, benefit immensely from the contributions of hunters through abundant wildlife, healthy watersheds and landscapes, and public access to these amazing shared resources.
For over 85 years, sportsmen and women have played a crucial role in funding conservation efforts in the United States through the American System of Conservation Funding. The American System was established by Congress as a “user pays – public benefits” structure, with sportsmen and women providing vital funding to state fish and wildlife agencies through hunting and fishing licenses and tags, and through an excise tax paid on sporting related goods.
