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Recent surveys have revealed that 15% of the population opposes all hunting, and 15% of the population supports legal hunting. The 70% in the middle neither support nor oppose hunting, but care about wildlife and are susceptible to the loud and emotional messaging from anti-hunters.

Our 15% has been fragmented; we have not been active enough in communicating the fact that hunting is sustainable, ethical and responsible. Hunters have an amazing legacy of conservation that many people are unaware of.

The North American Wildlife Conservation Model outlined principles for sustainable use and was responsible for bringing many wildlife populations back from the brink of extinction. This model is one of the greatest environmental success stories of our century, and it was developed through the collaboration of government and passionate sportsmen and women.

Hunters need to become stronger and more united. Our 15% must be more active in advocating for wildlife to help formulate sound management policies.

If you are a hunter, you have a vested interest in seeing wildlife populations healthy and thriving, and you probably want your kids and grandkids to have the same opportunities to hunt and fish that you did.

The GOABC has established the Sustaining Membership to help advocate for wildlife and maintain our hunting traditions. Your contribution allows GOABC to:

• Advocate for science-based wildlife management
• Further its efforts in wildlife stewardship
• Professionally respond to anti-hunting pressure
• Undertake humanitarian initiatives

THE TOUGH QUESTIONS

Chances are your friends have asked you some tough questions about your hobby. Anti-hunters have the answers to why they don’t hunt on the tips of their tongues. Our answers to the tough questions should come just as quickly.

Why should hunting be allowed?

Sustainable use of wildlife is practical for human life, but it also benefits wildlife by keeping populations in balance with their environment. A large wildlife population does not necessary mean a healthy population. In North America, hunting is limited to the surplus of the wildlife population. This is typically a small percentage of the population and generally targets the older males in the species who are past their prime.

Hunting gives wildlife value. The level of affection a non-hunter has for an animal because it is iconic or beautiful does not create a vested interest. Licences, royalties and tags help fund conservation and habitat rehabilitation efforts in many places, but many hunters also go above and beyond this to commit time and funds to stewardship.

Why should conservation matter to hunters?

Many hunters will transition through a variety of stages as they mature, refining both their skill and perspective. In the early stages they will be focused on shooting, filling tags, trophies and methods. They may be very passionate about these things, but ardor does not make a man a steward.

In the later stages, a hunter will become focused on the total outdoor experience. When reflecting on his trip, he will remember the scenery, companionship, challenge and adventure. This experience is so deeply valued that it pushes him to give back; he feels a sense of responsibility for wildlife and an obligation to pass knowledge and passion on to younger generations.

The GOABC wants to see a greater number of hunters mature into the giving back stage. We anticipate that our society will soon demand that hunters are dedicated to conservation. Non-hunters will not necessarily understand trophies or weapons, but they can relate to a hunter who genuinely loves the outdoors and gives to support the resources he loves.

BENEFITS OF MEMBERSHIP

Members of the Sustaining Membership will receive:

• A 1–year subscription to Mountain Hunter™ (3 issues)
• Stewardship publications (Wildlife Stewardship Series, Conservation Matters™ etc.)
• A membership certificate
• Discounts to:
  • GOABC clothing
  • GOABC Symposium and Convention registration
  • Associate Membership in Boone and Crockett
  • Game Trails Magazine (Dallas Safari Club)
  • Wild Sheep Magazine (Wild Sheep Foundation)

Become A Member: Sustaining Membership Application Form