2002-9-24 19:34:00
Blayne writes:
Interesting chapter. I would like to point out that wild animal populations are at their highest levels in North America since the 1920's mainly do to hunting conservation.
This goes along with the value of them being higher. Since hunters place value on them they have preserved and improved ranges and management of their habitats for nearly a century. The money from licenses and tag fees etc. has more then anything else been the main reason for the preservation of habitat and their inhabitants. Several hunting conservation groups have been instrumental in bringing this about.
Hunting actually helps manage populations at their optimum levels and helps avoid scenarios like the starving Elk scene mentioned in this chapter.
Many animals have made tremendous comebacks the Bison (Buffalo) for example. While some animals are still considered low in numbers, herds and populations continue to increase and prosper across the board do to such conservation.
Good point Blayne.
Note that the three animals mentioned in the chapter, as dangerously decreasing in numbers were the wolf, the cougar and the eagle. These are three animals we do not eat. But when humans either hunt or raise the animals to eat they go out of their way to make sure they multiply and are preserved.
Because of rising consciousness we are becoming more concerned about preserving animals we do not eat and these too are beginning to be cherished by humanity. However, those animals which are eaten have extra insurance that they will be preserved in the western world.
If the Arabs put down their weapons today, there would be no more violence. If the Jews put down their weapons today, there would be no more Israel.
Copyright 2002 by J.J. Dewey, All Rights Reserved