Wildlife/outdoors groups to avoid, and to support

0
12

(Submitted photo)

Twelve names to remember when it comes to those who would rather all hunting, trapping and for that matter, sound wildlife management strategies, be stopped, include the Humane Society of the United States and People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA).

Both groups hide true intentions under their sympathy-based flags, but according to the U.S. Sportsman Alliance, watchdogs of the rights of outdoorsmen and proven wildlife management, they are just two of a dozen hunter-hating groups.

Others on the list are the Center of Biological Diversity, Defenders of Wildlife, American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, the Sierra Club, Friends of Animals, Wild Earth Guardians, and the Animal Welfare Institute, the Animal Legal Defense Fund, In Defense of Animals, and the International Fund for Animal Welfare.

Politically savvy

Make no mistake, these groups are well funded and politically savvy. It’s a strong likelihood that many hunters and trappers have contributed to one or more of the above dozen thinking they would be directing their dollars to animal shelters and similar much needed operations.

According to the U.S. Sportsman Alliance a good example of what really happens is what the HSUS does with donations. It has been reported that just one percent of the funds raised by that group in 2010 ($187,515,301) was shared with shelters. One percent!

Be an informed outdoorsman, learn about groups who are determined to end your outdoor pursuits.

* * *

Striped bass demise

From the East Coast come reports of the continued demise of the striped bass fishing industry, a wonderful story just a few years ago when several years of protection revitalized a troubled striper fishery.

Now, however, it appears that stripers are again in big trouble.

Stripers Forever, a grass roots conservation organization, has compiled a far reaching survey of 1,000 striper anglers who reported their fishing successes, or lack of, during the 2011.

According to the survey, strip fishing pretty much stinks. Fewer fish, fewer catches, a noticeable lack of young stripers, guides leaving the business, etc.

Reminds one of the Lake Erie walleye fishing industry, a sad story indeed.

East Coast stripers have not had a good spawn since 2003 resulting in a serious and growing deficit in the overall number of fish but there seems to be no action to protect the remaining fish taken by recreational and commercial fishermen. Another statement that could be mirrored by Lake Erie’s walleye fishery.

* * *

Happy birthday!

On Jan. 14, the Izaak Walton League, one of the nation’s longest lasting organizations still doing what it was created to do, will celebrate 90 years of conservation efforts.

The League boasts more than 250 chapters nationally doing everything from building trails and introducing youngsters to the outdoors to sponsoring how-to clinics and fighting environmental battles.

The Izaak Walton League was spawned in Chicago in 1922 when 54 sportsmen recognized the need to protect deteriorating fish habitat. Now, there are 39,000 members actively involved in conservation minded projects and issues.

These folks deserve a vote of confidence and thanks.

Get our Top Stories in Your Inbox

Next step: Check your inbox to confirm your subscription.
SHARE
Previous articleTime for reminiscing and relaxing
Next articleGeotextile fabric great for heavy-use
Mike Tontimonia has been writing weekly columns and magazine features about the outdoors for over 25 years, a career that continues to hold the same excitement for him as it did at the beginning. Mike is a retired educator, a licensed auctioneer and marketing consultant. He lives in Ravenna, Ohio and enjoys spending time at his Carroll County cabin. Mike has hunted and fished in several states and Canada from the Carolinas to Alaska and from Idaho to Delaware. His readers have often commented that the stories about his adventures are about as close to being there as possible. He is past president of the Outdoor Writers of Ohio and a member of the Outdoor Writers Association of America. Mike is also very involved in his community as a school board member and a Rotarian.

NO COMMENTS

LEAVE A REPLY

We are glad you have chosen to leave a comment. Please keep in mind that comments are moderated according to our comment policy.

Receive emails as this discussion progresses.