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THE HUNTER'S IMAGE
Our hunting heritage is under attack by uninformed, misguided people who wish to impose their values on society by any means possible. Anti-hunting activists attack hunting through deceptive publicity campaigns, disguised educational programs in schools, physical harassment of law-abiding sportsmen and women, vandalism of personal property. The NRA's efforts to protect hunting and to combat hunter harassment has led to the establishment of hunter protection legislation in all fifty states, as well as legislation to protect hunters on federal lands.
Why Hunt?
The reason people hunt are just as varied as the millions of people who participate. Whether it's for companionship or solitude, to commune or participate with nature, the challenge or tradition, or perhaps just a fondness for wild meat, hunting remains as it should always remain, a personal choice.
| "In a civilized and cultivated country, wild animals only continue to exist at all when preserved by sportsmen." |
| -President Theodore Roosevelt |
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| "The point is that ... Americans like to hunt and fish, that hunting fever is endemic in the race, and that the race is benefited by any incentive to get out in the open, and is being injured by the destruction of the incentive in this case. To combat this destruction is therefore a social issue." |
| -Aldo Leopold, premier conservationist and father of wildlife management |
Hunting on Private Property
Each year thousands of acres of private land are closed to hunting. Unfortunately, it's because someone treated the land or its owners with disrespect. You can improve hunter/landowner relations by getting permission before hunting on any property. Approach the landowner with courtesy; you'll have a better chance of getting permission and you can promote the image of the responsible hunter. Use a written permission form when seeking access to hunt.
Why turn in poachers?
It's simple -- they are not hunters, and they are criminals. Poachers are unlawful and portray a bad image of hunting to the public. They must always be reported to law enforcement officials. Always take precautions and follow these steps:
- Observe from a distance.
- Do not try to confront or apprehend suspects.
- Record a detailed description of people, vehicles and activities.
- Report the incident to your Wildlife agency, local or state police.
Every state now has an anti-poaching program. For information on the program in your state contact the NRA Hunter Services Department at (800) 492-HUNT.
The Importance of Hunter Ethics
All sportsmen and women have a responsibility to other hunters and landowners, the public, wildlife, and above all, to themselves. It is essential that all hunters abide by a code of ethics.
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