What do hunters do for conservation?

[Superfly]

<snip>

A lot. The sale of hunting licenses, tags, and stamps is a major source of funding for State wildlife conservation efforts.

Just by respecting seasons and limits, purchasing all required licences, and paying federal excise taxes on hunting equipment and ammunition, individual hunters make a big contribution towards ensuring the future of many species of wildlife and habitat for the future. By paying the Federal excise tax on hunting equipment, hunters are contributing hundreds of millions of dollars for conservation programs that benefit many wildlife species, both hunted and non- hunted.

Each year, nearly $200 million in hunters' federal excise taxes are distributed to State agencies to support wildlife management programs, the purchase of lands open to hunters, and hunter education and safety classes. Proceeds from the Federal Duck Stamp, a required purchase for migratory waterfowl hunters, have purchased more than five million acres of habitat for the refuge system lands that support waterfowl and many other wildlife species, and are often open to hunting.

Local hunting clubs and national conservation organizations protect the future of wildlife by setting aside millions of acres of habitat and speaking up for conservation in Washington and State capitals.

<snip>

Link

[MrBenchley]

1. Mostly they blow holes in animals

"Public opinion polls consistently show that the majority of Americans oppose the killing of animals for "sport" or "recreation." Fewer than 6% of Americans hunt today -- roughly half as many as in the early 1970s.
According to the World Conservation Monitoring Centre, 29% of avian species and 54% of mammalian species currently threatened or endangered are still jeopardized by hunting. The U.S. Sportsman's Alliance -- the largest sport hunting lobbying group in America, representing more than 1,000 sportsmen organizations -- has attempted to dismantle the Endangered Species Act and actively promotes polices that destroy wildlife habitat."

http://www.api4animals.org/doc.asp?ID=1277

Here's what the USFS has been up to lately....

"....the Bush administration wants to apply exactly that logic in distant, cash-strapped lands.
The proposal is for a re-interpretation of the Endangered Species Act to allow Americans to capture, hunt and import a select list, including Asian elephants, trophy game and prized blue parrots.
The argument goes that hunting and trafficking in the animals would in turn raise money to support conservation programs to protect them and their habitat.
After three decades of battle, there is no reason to invent a suspect incentive to look the other way. An uptick in officially sanctioned activity will predictably inspire illegal efforts to grab a share of the market. "

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/editorialsopinion/2001770087_endaed20.html

http://www.hsus.org/ace/Article_Printer_Friendly?Content_ID=19778

"In keeping with a recent, disturbing trend, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) wants to increase sport hunting on several national wildlife refuges (in Arkansas, Louisiana, Minnesota, Iowa, Nebraska, Mississippi, Oregon, and Virginia). The USFWS is proposing to allow hunting of upland game animals (squirrels, rabbits, coyotes, pheasants, turkeys, crows, etc.), migratory birds (ducks, geese, doves), and big game species (deer)—the very animals they are charged with protecting.
Aside from being cruel, opening refuges up to recreational hunting activities contradicts the very concept of wildlife refuges, which were originally created to protect and preserve wildlife. It also runs contrary to the interests of the majority of refuge visitors—the hikers, wildlife watchers, and photographers whose patronage provides the funds needed to keep the refuges open and accessible to all visitors. "

http://www.hsus.org/ace/19598

[el_gato]

2. more inflammatory trash talk from benchly

what a joke

[Superfly]

6. I am really astounded that he

didn't call all hunters racists! Afterall, everybody who is NOT MrBenchley, is a racist.

B

[Stuckinthebush]

3. I know hunters who are very conservation minded

In fact, this group as a whole tend to be more respectful of the environment.

Just an observation from a non-hunter.

[el_gato]

4. cattle grazing causes major deserfication across the southwest

among a host of other problems

as well cattle ranchers in montana have wanted to kill buffalo for the sake of protecting their cattle from supposed threats from wild buffalo.

enjoy your domestic beef benchley

[StClone]

5. Some change is needed

Non-consumptive wildlife "consumers" are ready and willing to pay through wild bird feed taxes, bird books taxes and through other revenue generating sources to pay to get areas made off-limits to consumptive uses.

There is a huge number of people out here who want their money channeled to non-game wildlife resource management. It really is the next big thing but there are challenges to overcome.

[CO Liberal]

7. Not Enough Good ......

....to make up for the assholes among the pro-gun crowd.

[el_gato]

8. ha ha

your not even making sense

[MrBenchley]

9. Hunters are among the biggest crybabies around

Weekend mornings on TV are filled with hours of phony tributes to these "noble" sportsmen, and every newsstand has at least four or five magazines devoted entirely to hunter porn.

"Two days later, after a fitful night below the timberline where coyotes circled my tarp, I found a string of elk filing down a rift in the cliffs. The 5-point trailing the band was heading into winter as fat as a seal, and after the shot echoed off the canyon walls I boned out the loins and stuffed them in my pack, then buried the rest in the snow and set his head in the fork of a tree until I could return. "

http://www.fieldandstream.com/fieldstream/hunting/biggame/article/0,13199,524564,00.html

And anytime any article appears even slightly critical, they scream and wail "the media is against us."

In New Jersey two years ago, there was a proposal to add an actual biologist (i.e., someone who knew how something about wildlife) to the Fish & Game Commission...and the uproar was something to see.

Incidentally, here's some of the results of hunting on conservation:
"Every year in Canada thousands of ducks and other birds die from lead poisoning. They get lead poisoning by eating lead shotgun pellets and lead fishing sinkers and jigs that have fallen into their feeding grounds."

http://www.cws-scf.ec.gc.ca/hww-fap/hww-fap.cfm?ID_species=86&lang=e

"Lead poisoning has been recognized as a mortality factor in waterfowl since the late 1800's. Lead poisoning cases today are either the result of ingestion of spent lead shot or fishing sinkers and jig heads during normal feeding activities. When the lead reaches the acidic environment of the gizzard (ducks, geese and swans) or the ventriculus (loons), it is worn down, dissolved, and absorbed into body tissues. Once the lead reaches toxic levels in the tissues, muscle paralysis and associated complications result in death.
Ducks, geese, swans and loons are the animals most commonly affected by lead ingestion, however, upland game birds including mourning doves, wild turkeys, pheasants, and quail are occasionally affected. Lead poisoning has also been noted in small mammals (raccoon) and raptors, presumably from the ingestion of lead contaminated prey. In ducks, geese and swans, lead poisoning is most commonly seen during migration in the late fall and early spring. In heavily contaminated areas, cases may be seen at any time of year."

http://www.michigan.gov/dnr/1,1607,7-153-10370_12150_12220-26676--CI,00.html

The joys of hunting go from one generation to the next.

[el_gato]

10. you constantly discredit yourself benchley

of course when i go hunting I blast ted nugent really loud from the deer stand :eyes:

btw, so now your against fishing too?

[MrBenchley]

11. Cry me a river gato

[el_gato]

12. bwahahahaha

:crazy:

[Superfly]

13. WTF does that mean?

Can you and/pr Bench reply to a thread WITHOUT turning it into a flame war? Really, can you?

[Superfly]

14. More....

Hunting Participation Improves During 2002
(From the NAHC Weekly Email Newsletter)

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Numbers recently released for 2002 from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service show an increase of 2.4 percent in the total value of hunting licenses, permits and stamps compared to 2001. While the total number of hunters remains near 115 million, hunters reportedly spent 2.6 percent more in the latest reporting year, a total of $658,993,798, in pursuit of their sport. Since 1939, because of special taxes paid by hunters and shooters, almost $4 billion has been contributed toward conservation.

[CO Liberal]

15. But In The Same Period of Time.....

...how much as gun violence cost the US taxpayer in lost productivity, insurance claims, medical expenses, etc, etc, etc??????

[Superfly]

16. Apple, meet Mr. Orange

Let's try to stay on topic, eh?

[CO Liberal]

17. I AM On Topic

You're talking about GOOD done by one group of gun owners - I'm talking about BAD done by another group of gun owners.

[Superfly]

18. No, you are not

Try to follow, OK? I know it may be difficult for some people here....

Original topic: What do hunters do for conservation? A lot.

Your post: Crime, blah, blah, blah

See? NOT ON TOPIC

[CO Liberal]

19. Yes, I Am

You mentioned a financial benefit coming from gun owners. I countered with a financial liability from gun owners.

See? ON TOPIC.

[Superfly]

20. No, you are NOT...

My post made not one mention of guns. It did, however, mention the benefit from HUNTERS. Little secret for you...not all hunters use guns.

Now, stay on topic, senor.

[CO Liberal]

21. This is Almost Humorous

Last week, you and other pro-gunners were bitching about my guidelines in the "GITN" threads, accusing me of being a dictator. Now YOU'RE trying to dictate what can and cannot be posted on THIS thread.

:-)

[Superfly]

22. Wow, you really have a hard time

staying on topic, don't you? Lose an argument, derail the entire discussion...you should run for office, you'd be a great politician.

Like I said before about your guidelines....

[Superfly]

23. Uhhh...unless you haven't noticed...

there ARE NO GUIDELINES HERE.

Unlike your dictatorial attempt at prescribing what people can post, I am just refusing to argue with you unless you STAY ON TOPIC.

Post whatever the fuck you want. If you want to post a thesis on the heather flower bloom in Scotland, go right ahead. You just won't see me discussing it with you, if it's off the topic!

Tough concept, eh?

[CO Liberal]

24. If That's The Case......

WHy are you still responding?

:-)

[Superfly]

26. Because I'm

trying to get you back on the freaking topic, man. No bounce, no play.

[CO Liberal]

31. I'll Bear That in Mind.......

....next time YOU try to change topice mid-thread.

[Superfly]

33. Why don't YOU do that.

Now, do you want to discuss the topic at hand or are we going to go around in circles until the cows come home?

[CO Liberal]

37. Too Late

They're already home......

[Name removed]

43. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[CO Liberal]

46. I Won't Grace That With a Response

Other than to say the moderators will decide whether it will remain in this thread. As someone who is active in the size acceptance movement and has a plus-size wife whom I love dearly, I consider your flippant remark highly offensive.

[Superfly]

47. Hey, I'm a big man, myself.

That picture in 1a2b3cs gallery was taken when I was a svelt 180 pounds... Oh, how times have chaged. No offense intended toward you, CO>

[MrBenchley]

25. A lot more than armed drunks in the woods contribute

that's for sure.

Let's not forget that the largest and most destructive California fire was deliberately SET by one of these imbeciles who got lost and wanted to signal for help.

[Superfly]

27. Let's see, I am willing to bet you

have absolutely no first hand experience with hunters. Am I right?

[MrBenchley]

28. Who are you trying to kid, fly?

[Superfly]

30. Typical. Canned Benchley response (TM)

When faced with what to say, just use our Benchley Trademark canned response system! It's easy to use, just pick a phrase and paste it to your subject line!

1) Who are you trying to kid, <insert name here>?
2) What a pantload!
3) <Insert special interest group here> are all a bunch of right-wing racists.
4) Cry me a river

Just be sure you don't use any actual thought, children, or the product may not work!

Buy it today!

[MrBenchley]

36. What else was needed, fly?

"Just be sure you don't use any actual thought"
You first, fly....begin by telling us no hunters evver get falldown drunk in the woods....

[Superfly]

40. Maybe an answer? Dunno, just seemed like that's

what you give when somebody asks a question.

[MrBenchley]

44. An answer to what?

Whether or not you'd bet I didn't know any hunters?

Tel us fly, even if I never met a hunter in my life (and I've met far too goddamn many of them) what does that have to do with this humhole burning down $3 billion worth of California because he gor lost?

[Superfly]

49. Now it's $3 billion?

He caused $1 billion more in damages in the last ten minutes? Man, lock that fucker up before we all get burned!

[Name removed]

51. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[MrBenchley]

29. For the record...

The fire set by that imbecile hunter in California generated about $2 billion worth of damage....

[Superfly]

32. Let's see, where did I put that original topic?

I know it's around here someplace.

Get a grip Bench.

[CO Liberal]

34. Well, THERE Was a Hunter Who Did a Lot For Conservation!!!

NOT!!!!!

[Superfly]

35. Actually, if you talk with a bunch of people in the

environmental forum, they would say he did.

[CO Liberal]

39. Talk to the Homeowners Who Lost Everything

Because of one asshole hunter.

[Superfly]

42. Ever hear of the concept of

innocent before proven guilty? This man hasn't even stood trial, but you're willing to ascribe this damage to him. Wow, some progressive...

[CO Liberal]

45. You and Your Fellow Pro-Gunners.......

....are willing to ascribe every evil in the world to Diane Feinstein, Sarah Brady, and anyone who disagrees with your agenda. Wow, some progressives.......

[MrBenchley]

48. While siding with Tom DeLay

John AshKKKroft, Trent Lott and David Duke...

[Superfly]

50. That's because they're idiots

and they deserve all the blame.

[MrBenchley]

52. Unlike the RKBA brain trust...Charlton Heston and Mary Rosh

[MrBenchley]

53. Yeah, but

I bet he bought a license...and at least 50 cents out of that fee went toward conservation....

Plus he had fun with a manly sport...and aren't we all enriched spiritually by that? (except for the few spoilsports who notice that "The fires destroyed more than 3,600 homes, blackened more than 750,000 acres and were blamed for 24 deaths. ")


http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/ap/20031117/ap_on_re_us/brf_wildfires_davis_1


"Early estimates put the cost of emergency measures such as security and rescues, plus debris removal and permanent restoration of infrastructure, at $184 million, the governor's Office of Emergency Services said Sunday. "

Good thing California wasn't having a budget crisis or anything, eh?

[MrBenchley]

41. Yeah, but thanks to the rigid enforcement

of the onerous rules under which hunters have to operate, this asswipe who caused $2 billion in damages (including incinerating anentire town) will have to pay a misdemeanor fine.

It's a wonder hunters can carry on under that sort of tyranny, isn't it?

[MrBenchley]

38. It's right here, fly...

where that hunter in California set fire to it....

[otohara]

54. Locking

This thread has quickly turned into a flame war -

Otohara - DU Moderator:tinfoilhat: