Number: 1997-05
WHEREAS, many Americans and members of the National Wildlife Federation and its affiliates enjoy hunting, fishing and trapping and wildlife viewing and desire to protect and preserve their ability to engage in these recreational activities; and
WHEREAS, the National Wildlife Federation has long recognized the vital role that sportsmen and sportswomen play in conserving and protecting fish and wildlife habitat upon which they may hunt, fish and trap; and
WHEREAS, the National Wildlife Federation has long endorsed the sound scientific and sustainable management of fish and wildlife and supported legitimate hunting, fishing and trapping as a wildlife management technique; and
WHEREAS, in recent years, in many states, various special interest groups have pursued ballot initiatives and referenda and legislation which either intentionally or unintentionally have diminished the ability of the average citizen to hunt, trap and fish; and
WHEREAS, in the public debates over these recent ballot initiatives and referenda and legislation, hunters, anglers and trappers and other consumptive users of the fish and wildlife resources have often been pitted against nonconsumptive users and others;
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the National Wildlife Federation in its Annual Meeting assembled April 3-6, 1997 in Tucson, Arizona, reiterates its support for the sound scientific and sustainable management of fish and wildlife by responsible state and federal fish and wildlife professionals and rejects all attempts to politicize fish and wildlife management through unscientific appeals at the ballot box or through legislation; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the National Wildlife Federation and its affiliates may support ballot initiatives and referenda and legislation based on scientific and sustainable principles and professional fish and wildlife management techniques that enhance and perpetually maintain fish and wildlife resources and high standards of ethical hunting, fishing and trapping; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the National Wildlife Federation reiterates its support of hunting, fishing and trapping as part of our national heritage and as a part of the sound scientific management of fish and wildlife populations; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the National Wildlife Federation urges all persons engaged in hunting, fishing and trapping and other forms of outdoor recreation to adhere to the highest standards of ethical conduct and to conform with all laws and regulations; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the National Wildlife Federation supports educational efforts which inform the public of the scientific principles of fish and wildlife management and the vital role that hunting, fishing and trapping and sportsmen and sportswomen play in preserving and enhancing fish, wildlife and their habitats for all Americans.