Number: 1998-09
WHEREAS, the harvest of game through regulated hunting has provided humans with wholesome recreation as well as a source of quality food; and
WHEREAS, throughout the nation, populations of whitetail deer have increased to the point where there are estimated to be over 18 million whitetail deer; and
WHEREAS, this growth in the whitetail deer herd has caused many state wildlife agencies to increase the seasons and number of deer taken in order to maintain a healthy balance between wildlife, people and habitat; and
WHEREAS, the nutritional and health benefits of eating wild game are a matter of record with various national health organizations; and
WHEREAS, millions of Americans, including children and elderly, are without a reliable source of food and nourishment; and
WHEREAS, there are food banks in most metropolitan areas of the fifty states that provide food for hungry Americans; and
WHEREAS, meat is the rarest and most expensive item in food banks around the country; and
WHEREAS, there are national, state and local sporting, hunting and outdoors organizations, associations and clubs working in partnership with area food banks and state fish and wildlife agencies, to obtain and to donate legally obtained fresh, processed and frozen wild game and domestic meat that complies with state health standards to feed fellow Americans;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the National Wildlife Federation in its Annual Meeting assembled March 19-22, 1998, in Alexandria, Virginia, applauds and supports providing healthy and nutritious wild game and domestic meat to Americans in need of food; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the National Wildlife Federation encourages its members and affiliates to participate in and support appropriate programs in their state providing these services.