Consumptive Utilization of Wildlife

Number: 1990-26

 

WHEREAS, hunting, fishing and trapping have long been recognized by the National Wildlife Federation and its affiliates as legitimate recreational pursuits and useful wildlife management tools; and

WHEREAS, hunting, fishing, and trapping are integral parts of the very fabric of our national heritage; and

WHEREAS, legislation, which created certain kinds of national monuments, lakeshores, refuges, wilderness areas, parks, etc., provided for state management of resident fishery and wildlife populations; and

WHEREAS, the federal government in some instances has arbitrarily preempted established state management prerogatives; and

WHEREAS, it has become necessary to litigate and/or seek legislation to restore the right of the people to their lawful pursuit and taking of fish and wildlife and to the right of the several states to manage these populations;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the National Wildlife Federation in annual meeting assembled March 15-18, 1990, in Denver, Colorado, reaffirm hunting, fishing, and trapping to be legitimate recreational pursuits and useful wildlife management practices as generally carried on in the several states; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the National Wildlife Federation reaffirms that these pursuits should continue to be enjoyed by the citizenry whenever and wherever sufficient populations make these activities biologically acceptable and these pursuits not be affected by arbitrary and unreviewed policy changes.