Hunter’s Ed

CHAPTER 2

Objectives:

1. To give a historical view on hunting.2. Review values on hunting.3. Explore current attitudes associated with hunting.

ERA OF ABUNDANCE 1600-1849

Settlers harvested game in excess

First bounty offered on wolves

1646 closed hunting season for white tail deer

Aldo Leopold

• In the 1930’s he saw that wildlife In the 1930’s he saw that wildlife was disappearing.was disappearing.

• Author of “Game Management” Author of “Game Management” • Became the 1Became the 1stst step toward wildlife step toward wildlife

managementmanagement

ERA OF EXPLOITATION1850-1899

Destruction of the buffalo

First salaried game warden

First hunting license

First national park - Yellowstone

ERA OF PROTECTION1900-1929

Lacey Act- prohibited game taken illegally in one state to be shipped across state boundaries contrary to the laws of the state where taken.

Pelican Island Florida - Federal bird reserve

Weeks-McLean Act- stopped the commercial hunting of migratory birds and the illegal shipment from state to state.

ERA OF GAME MANAGEMENT

1930-1965Wilderness Act of 1964:Provided for

public lands to be set aside for the protection of wildlife.

There was an increase in public funding and effective conservation admin.

1934- Duck Stamp Act, Proceeds secure wetlands for breeding, migration stopover, and wintering of waterfowl

ERA OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 1966-

PRESENTEndangered Species Act, 1966 -

authorized listing native endangered species and limited the importation of endangered species

National Environmental Policy Act, 1969- required Environmental Impact statements

ERA OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 1966-

PRESENTEnvironmental Protection Agency

1970- founded

Nongame Wildlife Act, 1980- prohibited the taking of nongame species without permit or permission.

Conservation Funding

• Been provided mainly through legislation

• Congress passed an Excise tax on the sale of firearms, known as the Pittman- Robertson Act.

Hunting Traditions and Values

• Poaching - taking wildlife illegally. Caused more gaming laws to be strictly enforced.

• Market hunting- shooting animals to support a growing demand for them

• Values:– Economic Values- hunting provides a

base for many rural towns

Values cont.

– Aesthetic Value- relating to beauty and appreciation.

– Recreation- hunting offers physical exercise, excitement, fun, and a chance to escape.

– Ecological- man is atop the food chain. Hunting is apart of the basic principals of ecology.

– Management- hunting is the primary tool of wildlife management.

Average TX Hunter, ‘82

– Average Hunter, age 15– Father introduced Hunting– Hunted for about 26 yrs– Seldom hunted outside of TX– Hunted Deer and dove– Had higher educational levels than

hunters in other states

PHASES OF HUNTING

Phase 1- SHOOTER PHASEDescription- hunter in this stage talks about the satisfaction of just getting shots. Usually young or 1st time hunter.Problem- lack of knowledge and skills with a strong desire to shoot.Solution- concentrate on where the muzzle of the gun is. Be sure of the target, backstop or background. Know the safe zone.

PHASE 2

Phase 2- LIMITING OUT PHASEDescription- hunters in this stage are happy just to shoot their limit. Family and friends take a big role in this stage.Problem- Attitude. Considered a “game hog.” overly concerned about getting the limit and bragging about it later.Solution- game hog forgets about common courtesy, and may shoot other hunter’s game illegally. Responsible hunters do well to stay away from phase 2 hunters.

PHASE 3

Phase 3- TROPHY or SELECTIVE PHASEDescription- hunters in this stage express satisfaction in killing a wood duck or big buck. They pass up many chances to wait for “the big one” to come out.Problem- money and ego. Sometimes the value or reward is so great, hunters act irresponsibly, sometimes illegally.Solution- at this stage it is very important to demonstrate responsibility and restraint.

PHASE 4

Phase 4 METHOD PHASEDescription- specialized equipment is brought out. Decoys, boats, dogs, bow, etc. A lot of time in preparing to hunt.Problem- Hunters in this stage should be especially concerned with their image toward non-hunters.Solution- do not dominate conversations with hunting. Try not to intimidate non-hunters

PHASE 5

Phase 5 -SPORTSMAN PHASEDescription- hunter in this stage mellows out. They find satisfaction just being outdoors. Seasoned hunter.

Problem- concerned with habitat, ecosystem and loss of quality. Solution- educate, not over educate

PHASE 6

Phase 6- GIVE BACK PHASEDescription- hunter in this stage wants to pass on the value of hunting, introducing others into hunting.Problem- none

ASSIGNMENT

Answer the following questions:1. Why do you hunt? If not, why don’t you hunt? List the reasons.

2. From #1, which reasons are real reasons, AND which are benefits of hunting.

3. What stage are you at in hunting? Explain your theory.