President Theodore Roosevelt was not only an avid hunter, but America’s best known conservationist. Roosevelt knew that hunting and conservation were passions that were not separate from one another. He said, “Encouragement of a proper hunting spirit, a proper love of sport, instead of being incompatible with the love of nature and wild things, offers the best guarantee for the preservation of wild things.”

 

In Roosevelt’s day over-hunting of animals because of the unregulated fur and meat markets threatened to make some animals nearly extinct. Many of his efforts as President have lead to the increase in America’s game population over the last century.

 

Today, it is hunters and sportsmen who are leaders in conservation. Groups like the National Rifle Association, Ducks Unlimited, Safari Club International, National Wild Turkey Federation, Quail Unlimited and many more contribute volunteer hours and funds to wildlife conservation efforts. Those efforts have saved wildlife habitat and helped keep game populations at healthy levels.

 

In the House passed Farm Bill there were several important wildlife conservation measures. Both Wetlands and Grasslands Reserve programs were funded to provide incentives for landowners to protect these important native areas and their ecosystem.

 

These programs along with the Conservation Reserve Program and the Sodsaver Program help ensure the conservation of America’s treasures for the next generation. I have and will continue to support conservation programs as a part of the overall Farm Bill.

 

Sportsmen are conservationists. They understand the importance of making sure that America’s natural resources will be there for the next generation to enjoy.

 

 

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