Lecture 11: Role of Hunting in Wildlife Management

Question 1

1. Describe the 7 principles of the North American model of wildlife conservation.

Answer 1

The seven principles of the North American model of wildlife conservation, simplified, are:

1. Wildlife as a Public Resource: Wildlife belongs to all citizens.
2. Elimination of Markets for Game: Prevents commercial exploitation of wildlife.
3. Wildlife Allocation by Law: Laws regulate wildlife use.
4. Wildlife Can Only Be Killed for Legitimate Reasons: For food, fur, self-defense, or protection of property.
5. Wildlife is Considered an International Resource: Recognizes cross-border wildlife needs.
6. Science as the Basis for Wildlife Policy: Decisions made on scientific research.
7. Democracy of Hunting: Everyone has the right under law to hunt and fish.

Question 2

Describe the 3 main avenues in which hunters contribute to wildlife conservation.

Answer 2

Hunters contribute to wildlife conservation through three main avenues:

1. Monetary Contribution: By purchasing hunting and angling licenses, which generate significant funds earmarked for fish and wildlife conservation and management.
2. Education: Through completing mandatory hunter education courses that cover biology, hunting ethics, firearms certification, and relations with landowners.
3. Community Engagement: By donating to conservation causes, participating in community wildlife events, and helping to maintain the balance between wildlife numbers and habitat.

Question 3

Identify key components of the hunter’s education course in Ontario and explain the benefits
of teaching ecological concepts throughout this course.

Answer 3

Key components of the hunter’s education course in Ontario include:

Ecology, Ecosystems, & Wildlife Management:
Understanding habitat requirements of wildlife.
Learning about factors that influence wildlife populations.
Recognizing the impacts of human activities on wildlife populations.
Studying wildlife reproduction and mortality (birth rate, death rate, carrying capacity).
Hunting Laws and Regulations:
Familiarizing with the legal aspects of hunting.
Hunter Responsibilities:
Emphasizing ethical hunting practices and landowner relations.
Hunting Safety and Equipment:
Ensuring safe hunting practices and proper use of equipment.
Hunting Techniques:
Techniques for effective and ethical hunting.
Wildlife Identification:
Identifying big game (deer, moose, bear), small game (hare, rabbit, squirrel, wolf), upland game birds (grouse, wild turkey), and migratory birds – Waterfowl (ducks, geese).
Teaching ecological concepts throughout this course benefits hunters and wildlife conservation by:

Enhancing understanding of the interconnectedness of ecosystems, leading to more sustainable hunting practices.
Promoting ethical behavior and respect for wildlife and their habitats, ensuring populations remain healthy and balanced.
Encouraging responsible land stewardship and conservation efforts, helping to preserve biodiversity for future generations.
Providing hunters with the knowledge to make informed decisions that support wildlife management objectives and conservation goals.

Question 4

Explain how hunters monetarily contribute to wildlife conservation.

Answer 4

Hunters monetarily contribute to wildlife conservation through several key methods, including:

• License and Tag Fees: Hunters must purchase an Outdoors Card, hunting licenses, and species-specific tags, with fees varying based on the type and species targeted. These fees are dedicated to conservation efforts.
• Excise Taxes: Through acts like the Pittman-Robertson Act in the United States, an 11% tax on firearms, ammunition, and archery equipment is imposed, with proceeds distributed to state governments for wildlife conservation projects.
• Conservation Funding: Funds generated from hunting-related expenditures are also directed toward conservation projects, such as those under the North American Wetlands Conservation Act, which has allocated billions to conservation since 1991.

These financial contributions are vital for funding wildlife management, habitat preservation, and conservation education programs, ensuring sustainable wildlife populations and habitats.

Question 5

Describe the Pittman–Robertson Act of 1937 and its outcome.

Answer 5

The Pittman-Robertson Act of 1937, also known as the Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration Act, imposes an 11% excise tax on firearms, ammunition, and archery equipment. The proceeds from this tax are distributed to state governments for wildlife conservation projects. This act has been pivotal in funding wildlife conservation efforts across the United States, providing a steady stream of financial support for habitat preservation, wildlife research, public education on hunting, and the restoration of various wildlife populations.

Question 6

Describe the factors that deer managers in Ontario consider when determining the quota of
deer tags for upcoming seasons.

Answer 6

Deer managers in Ontario consider scientific information and planning strategies when determining deer tag quotas. This approach ensures that deer populations are managed sustainably, balancing ecological health with recreational hunting opportunities.