Number: 1991-21
WHEREAS, the National Wildlife Federation is the nation’s largest conservation/education organization and is dedicated to protecting our environment and conserving and restoring fish and wildlife species; and
WHEREAS, members of the National Wildlife Federation have broad and diverse opinions on the consumptive use of fish and wildlife, yet are united in their dedication to the conservation of fish and wildlife and their habitats; and
WHEREAS, hunting, fishing and trapping have long been recognized by the National Wildlife Federation and its affiliates as legitimate recreational pursuits and important to the conservation and management of our nation’s fish and wildlife resources; and
WHEREAS, properly regulated hunting, fishing and trapping have never caused the extinction of a species or caused any species to become threatened or endangered; and
WHEREAS, hunters, anglers and trappers make significant contributions to the protection, habitat improvement, restoration and management of fish and wildlife through the payment of license fees, excise taxes on certain outdoor equipment, conservation stamps, private contributions and cooperation with law enforcement agencies; and
WHEREAS, efforts to curtail and/or eliminate scientifically-regulated hunting, fishing, and trapping on lands of the National Wildlife Refuge System and the National Park Service continue to be promoted by a number of animal welfare and other organizations; and
WHEREAS, certain anti-hunting, anti-trapping and anti-fishing groups have engaged and continue to engage in activities that disrupt hunters, anglers and trappers from engaging in legally-sanctioned hunting, fishing and trapping which, in turn, limit the ability of natural resource agencies to effectively manage fish and wildlife resources; and
WHEREAS, certain anti-hunting, anti-trapping and anti-fishing groups have mounted nationwide publicity campaigns which inaccurately depict activities regarding the consumptive use of wildlife;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the National Wildlife Federation in annual meeting assembled March 21-24, 1991, in Memphis, Tennessee, reiterates its dedication to the conservation of fish and wildlife and their habitats; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the National Wildlife Federation supports hunting, fishing and trapping on lands of the National Wildlife Refuge System and the National Park Service when such activities are scientifically-regulated and are shown to be compatible with the primary purpose of these lands; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the National Wildlife Federation reiterates its support of all interested citizens to lawfully engage in hunting, trapping, fishing and other outdoor activities without unlawful interference from anti-hunting, anti-trapping and anti-fishing groups; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the National Wildlife Federation endorses adoption of appropriate statutes and/or regulations which establish penalties for any person or persons who unlawfully impede or attempt to impede any persons from lawfully engaging in hunting, trapping and fishing; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the National Wildlife Federation will play a greater role in providing educational programs to inform the general public about the importance of professional wildlife management, the sound scientific basis for properly managed consumptive use of fish and wildlife, and the important role of hunters, anglers and trappers in the restoration, maintenance and well-being of the nation’s fish and wildlife resources and to encourage greater general public support for wildlife management activities.