Natural Resources

1. Natural Resources History of Hunting Part 1 Section 1 AHE

2. History of Hunting • Many game species were decimated because they were needed for food. • Other species destroyed out of fear and they competed with humans. • By 1900’s the last large concentrations of grizzlies and wolves were being eliminated in the west • The federal government was attempting to exterminate coyotes, cougars, prairie dogs, and other varmints for domestic, commercial, and political reasons.

3. History of Hunting • President Theodore Roosevelt, and his chief forester Gillord Pinchot led a fight to set aside land for refuges. (Created 51 in 1904) • He also promoted the idea of harvesting only surplus game animals for sport and food. • Marked the beginning of recreational hunting and the end of the market shooting.

4. History of Hunting • Throughout history hunting has been a tradition. • Until recent times hunting was done out of necessity for food • The Lacey Act of 1900 and the migratory bird act of 1918 were both landmarks in the new conservation movement • Lacey Act stopped illegal game transportation across state lines

5. History of Hunting • The conservation era was so successful that it lead to an overprotection era. • 1900 3,000 mule deer • 1906 1,000,000 acre sanctuary • In 25 years government hunters killed 781 mountain lions, 5,000 coyotes and exterminated the gray wolf. • Deer pop. Rose to 100,000 • 1930 only 30,000 left and fell to 15,000 a couple yrs later

6. History of Hunting • Aldo Leopold was regarded as the father of wildlife management in the late 20’s and early 30’s. • He led the move to manage wild lands and wild creatures not just protect them. • What is conservation? • The wise use of natural resources whereas preservation is the non use of natural resources.

7. History of Hunting • Pittman Robertson Act • In 1937 a federal law took on monumental task. • To restore wildlife populations throughout America. • Pittman-Robertson has probably been responsible for the restoration of more wildlife species than any other legislation in the history of wildlife conservation.

8. History of Hunting • The act was financed by hunters who paid a 10% (later 11%) tax on sporting arms and ammunition. • In 1970 a 10% tax on guns and in 1972 and 11% tax on archery equipment.

9. History of Hunting • The Law • Federal firearms and ammunition taxes to the states in a matching basis up to $3 federal for every $1 state. • Prohibited the use of these federal revenues for any purpose other than wildlife conservation. • Prohibited states from using hunters license fees for any purpose other than supporting the state fish and game agency.

10. History of Hunting • Three types of state projects that are eligible for funds. • Purchase of land for wildlife rehabilitation • Development of land to make it more suitable for mammals and birds. • Research to solve problems that stand in the way of wildlife restoration.

11. History of Hunting • In the first half century the program provided more than $1.5 billion to states for wildlife restoration. • States have added $500 million in matching funds. • The money has: • Enabled states to purchase about four million acres for wildlife habitat and • Supported hunter education programs to reduce firearms accidents and teach outdoor ethics.