Number: 1991-23
WHEREAS, there are currently many state legislative proposals and requests for changes to state wildlife agency regulations that would permit the private ownership of big and trophy game species for commercial purposes; and
WHEREAS, our nation’s wildlife belongs to its citizens and is held for them, in trust, by the state and federal governments; and
WHEREAS, many big and trophy game herds seasonally occupy lands administered by state and federal land management agencies, especially in the western states, as well as privately held lands; and
WHEREAS, the ability to migrate to and from winter, summer and parturition (birthing) ranges is essential to the long-term health and well-being of big and trophy game wildlife; and
WHEREAS, the privatization and commercialization of big and trophy game species greatly increases the opportunities and incentives for illegal activities, increases the risk of wildlife disease transmission, increases the construction of game-proof fences which restrict movement of free-ranging wildlife, increases the economic burden on state wildlife management agencies, and increases the problems of public access to public lands; and
WHEREAS, the privatization and commercialization of big and trophy game species abrogates the longstanding authority of state and federal agencies to hold and manage these resources in the public trust;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the National Wildlife Federation in annual meeting assembled March 21-24, 1991, in Memphis, Tennessee, is opposed to the private ownership and commercialization of free-roaming, big and trophy game animals.