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Conservation First


This editorial highlights the “trial by ordeal” that hunting is now being subjected to and asks some questions of those who engineer global anti-hunting campaigns. What will happen to biodiversity and rural communities if hunting is consigned to the dustbin of history? The hunting community also faces stark choices. Hunters not conforming to long-term sustainability objectives—those who do not put conservation first, and who fail to convey a convincing message—will self-destruct. Malan Lindeque and Rosalia Iileka suggest solutions.READ MORE

Propaganda in the Trophy Hunting Debate – Card-Stacking, Cherry-Picking, Name-Calling & KISS


Keith Somerville examines a lengthy and ostensibly scientific, but unattributed pamphlet called ‘Trophy Hunting & Conservation”. It was distributed at a discussion with UK Environment Minister Michael Gove and attacks the proposition that regulated, fee-paid hunting can benefit conservation and rural communities. The pamphlet’s authors twist statements; take data out of context, and cite broad, factual-sounding ‘evidence’ that is unsupportable or false. Somerville concludes that this is a prime example of anti-hunting propaganda meant to stir emotions and influence opinions on the complex issues of conservation.READ MORE

Changing Public Perceptions of Hunting Around the World


Hunters in Colorado and Michigan, and the Wildlife Councils in the two states, teamed up with the Nimrod Society to develop successful pro-hunting public relation programs. Compelling messages and arguments on shared values resonated best with nonhunters. This initiative provides a model for hunters throughout the world to successfully encourage a positive view of hunting in public opinion.READ MORE

APHA’s President Weighs in on Hunting and Conservation in Africa


APHA President Jason Roussos stipulates that successful conservation efforts must not be judged by the fate of individual animals but by the species’ overall population trends. Trophy hunting should be assessed in the light of demonstrable results on wildlife populations. Roussos criticizes lobby groups and governments from developed nations for making decisions that restrict what Africans can and cannot do with their wildlife. He urges that the debate look past emotions and focus on best practices and conservation outcomes.READ MORE

Are There Species We Shouldn’t Hunt?


Paul McCarney’s personal exploration of this controversial question is an examination of utilitarian and technical issues, individual moral decision-making, and the emotional element to hunting. His conclusions may not sit well with all readers, but it is worthwhile to explore the gut feelings that might sometimes give us an aversion to pursuing certain species. Even if we are rationally uncomfortable with these feelings.READ MORE

Hunt It To Save It – Many think species protection requires the ending of hunting and protection by the government. Neither are true.


Many think species protection requires the ending of hunting and protection by the government. Neither are true, says Tom McIntyre. The complex situation around the sage grouse provides the frame of the article, but McIntyre spans the storyline from the tigers of Imperial India, to the elephants of Botswana, to the wolves and grizzlies of the western United States.READ MORE

Challenging Mainstream Stereotypes of Hunting – The ‘Left Coast’ of the United States has many stereotypes, but we can set the hunting one straight.


Misconceptions about hunting – both deserved and undeserved – lead to misunderstandings and stereotypes. Jennifer Wapenski explores a different perspective to the traditional hunting narrative. She shows a logical path toward encouraging outdoor recreationists and sustainable food enthusiasts to investigate new viewpoints thereby reaching an entirely new population of future hunters.  READ MORE

The Yellowstone Bison Range War – As the Old West collides with the New, America’s icon, the bison, is caught in the middle


The American bison’s near-miraculous revival sprang from handfuls of animals in ranches, zoos and national parks. Yellowstone National Park today holds several thousand bison, but neighboring states do not allow them entry for fear of spreading disease to domestic cattle. In response, excess bison are slaughtered—a practice that is being called the “second persecution of the American bison.” Allowing bison to repopulate the West is a complex and challenging issue that involves many stakeholders. African nations such as Botswana and Namibia can show the US how to accomplish this.READ MORE