Darryl Walter Lead Ammunition California Condor

According to a recent article in the Los Angles Times, two endangered California condors (Gymnogyps californianus) were killed in the past week after being hit by lead shotgun pellets.  Such illegal activities involving one of our nation’s most endangered birds has the unfortunate potential to incite public opposition to hunting.  It should be understood, however, that the vast majority of hunters–at least the ones I know– follow all the rules and care deeply about wildlife and wildlife conservation. In fact, hunters initiated the conservation movement in North America and have also supported most state and federal conservation activities for the past 70+ years through license fees and excise taxes on equipment.

It is unfortunate when one or a few individuals decides to “hunt” irresponsibly, unethically, or illegally.  Ethical hunters need to speak up when these kinds of incidents happen.  The Wildlife Society (TWS) has a strong policy on hunting , which recognizes it as a traditional form of outdoor recreation and sustenance, as well as an important source of financial support for wildlife conservation, particularly at the state level.  However, this policy also recognizes the importance of hunter education and ethics, which directly oppose the kinds of illegal activities described above.  The Society’s equally strong policy on threatened and endangered species opposes any activity that interferes with species’ survival or restroration.

As an organization that embraces, represents and supports the entire spectrum of wildlife professionals, including those that work on both game and non-game and common and endangered species, TWS’ policies clearly support ethical and legal hunting, while at the same time, strongly condemn actions that threaten our nation’s and the world’s ability to conserve biodiversity.

When everyone follows the rules, these two goals are entirely complementary and supportive of one another.  When caught, let’s hope that California and federal authorities “throw the book” at the perpetrator (s), fine them and put them away for a long time.  I’d be interested in hearing the views of others about hunter ethics and responsibilities.

Michael Hutchins Policy, Uncategorized, hunting, wildlife conservation California Condor, hunting

Darryl Walter wildlife conservation bird research, California Condor, wildlife conservation