BUILDING A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE

FOSTERING ACCEPTANCE AND SUPPORT FROM THE NON-SPORTING MASSES IS KEY TO THE FUTURE OF HUNTING AND FISHING

When it comes to hunting and fishing, new approaches that generate resilient public support for these consumptive uses are needed. While strategies to enhance recruitment, retention, and reactivation of hunters—known as R3— have been (and will continue to be) important, they are not designed to engage the general, non-hunting public, nor foster a cultural Zeitgeist that supports hunting and fishing as legitimate and productive conservation strategies.

When it comes to active participation, the evidence is clear: hunting and fishing are well on their way to becoming eddies off the mainstream of our evolving culture. The explanations proffered are familiar—daily life is increasingly busy, opportunities to participate are scarce, and on and on. Yet none of these explanations explain much of anything; they’re really just descriptions encapsulating the realities of life in the twenty-first century. The more fundamental issue is that American culture is evolving away from consumptive uses like hunting and fishing. Just as cohort effects generated positive views of hunting and fishing among the baby boomer generation, so too, they’re now driving other (and frequently unflattering) conceptions of hunting and fishing today. A cursory review of the statistics is sobering. For instance, here are some numbers from a recent study in Michigan:

n 25 percent of Michiganders don’t know if hunters generally follow the regulations; another 8 percent

don’t believe that they do. n 39 percent either don’t know or don’t think hunters are responsible people. n 61 percent either don’t know or do not believe that wildlife requires management to thrive. n 45 percent believe that legal regulated hunting can lead to the extinction of species.

Borrowing from 12step ideologies, recovery depends on a clear admission of the problem. Because the most probable trajectory for hunter and angler numbers is negative, new approaches are needed to sustain hunting and fishing traditions. New perspectives, approaches, and realities need consideration. The good news is that despite naivete and general misunderstandings, public support for hunting and fishing remains strong. Nationally, approval ratings are consistently in the 70 to 80 percent range. Perhaps it’s time to augment R3 and implement strategies that take advantage of general public support and strengthen it. Organizations like the Nimrod Society and the NRA’s Hunter’s Leadership Forum are looking to expand generic support for consumptive use among the non-hunting public. The Nimrod Society aims to encourage state and federal wildlife management agencies to “adopt self-sustaining revenue models to fund ongoing and comprehensive media-based education campaigns targeted at the general public and to further public understanding of the contributions made by hunters and anglers to the protection and enhancement of fish and wildlife and their habitats.” The Society was an outgrowth of Colorado’s successful “Hug A Hunter” marketing campaign that significantly increased public support for hunting (and against anti-hunting ballot initiatives). In Michigan, they encouraged the establishment of the Wildlife Council. This citizen-based effort partnered with the Department of Natural Resources to deploy a targeted advertising campaign that has positively affected public attitudes. Using a one dollar surcharge included in the 2014 hunting license increase, their carefully crafted messaging shifted attitudes toward wildlife health, habitat management, wildlife conflict mitigation, and responsible hunting. More recently, the NRA Hunter’s Leadership Forum collaborated with polling firm Responsive Management to produce a book, How to Talk About Hunting, based on more than 30 years of survey research, focus groups, and other data that reflect American attitudes toward hunting, the use of animals, and other related topics. The text is available at no charge from the NRA. The authors

convincingly argue that the future of hunting depends on social acceptance by the non-hunting, non-shooting public and the text shows how language can be used to appeal to non-hunters. Support within the conservation institution is not assured either. A recent study being conducted at Michigan State University indicates newcomers into the wildlife profession are mixed in their support for hunting. Fortunately, a program called Conservation Leaders for Tomorrow (CLfT), is making inroads into fostering positive attitudes toward hunting among wildlife professionals. A companion program, Hunting for Conservation, is an on-line curriculum using CLfT instructors to educate university students about the history, legacy, and benefits of hunting. In the end, an enduring value of hunters is our explicit desire to assure that opportunities and traditions remain available for future generations. To assure that the legacy is sustained, our community would be well-advised to recognize that general public sentiment toward wildlife and hunting is at least as important as efforts to stimulate direct participation. n hunting and fishing are well on their way to Becoming eddies off the mainstream of our evolving culture.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES: How to Talk About Hunting: www.nrahlf.org Nimrod Society: www.nimrodsociety.org Conservation Leaders for Tomorrow: www.clft.org Read the complete study here.

The Boone and Crockett Club is accomplishing incredible things that would not be possible without your support.

We hope you have enjoyed your association with the Boone and Crockett Club and have been able to see what B&C is doing to protect hunting, promote wildlife conservation, and educate the public.

Anyone who is interested in providing greater support to B&C’s endowment and helping to further the work of our mission-based programs—like hunter ethics, conservation education, big game records keeping—should considering signing up. The cost is a one-time fee of $1,500* with $500 of that going directly into the endowment.

Please take this opportunity to join our group of dedicated, ethical hunters whose common interest and participation in their sport demands the respect of everyone who takes to the field. PLEASE WELCOME OUR NEWEST B&C LIFETIME ASSOCIATES:

1239. Jack Daniel McCarthy - New Canaan, CT

1240. J. William Hofsink - Smithers, BC

1241. Brian D. Patterson - Greig, NY

1242. Chris J. Thayse - Show Low, AZ

1243. Nicholas Cianciara - Austin, TX

BENEFITS OF THE LIFETIME ASSOCIATES PROGRAM

n Access to Big Game Records Live (one year) n Lifetime Subscription to Fair Chase magazine n Lifetime shirt with B&C logo n Hat with embroidered B&C logo n Lifetime Associate plaque n 20% discount on select books n Significant Tax deduction n Invitations to special events n Yeti Rambler (36 oz. bottle, graphite)

BIG GAME RECORDS LIVE

Every big game animal entered and accepted into the Club's Records Program from 1830 to present are available through this searchable database. Whether you are looking for a particular entry or doing your homework to find out which areas are producing trophyclass game you will find this database easy to navigate and loaded with options to find exactly the information you are looking for. Search by species, score, rank, location, date, range of dates, specific measurements, hunters name - this list of query questions is endless. Big Game Records - LIVE! also includes links to thousands of field photos, portrait photos, and vintage images from B&C's Archives. New photos are added on a regular basis.

KERSHAW COMEBACK 1887

A classic drop point blade pocket knife featuring our B&C 1887 logo laser engraved on the handle.

The Comeback’s look is so clean that, at first glance, you won’t notice how different it really is. For instance, there are no screws visible from the front. All you see is the sweep of the blade and handle, the oversized, concave pivot, and the handle insert with its subtle, debossed Kershaw logo. The knife opens smoothly with the KVT ball-bearing system. A sturdy frame lock secures the blade safely open during use. Try it once and you’ll “comeback” for more.

– 8Cr13MoV blade steel offers edge-holding capability, strength, and hardness; stonewashed finish hides use scratches – All-steel handle features oversize pivot, inset logo, decorative backspacer, and unique pocketclip – Manual opening with a flipper for easy, one-handed opening – Measurements: Blade 3 inches; Closed 4.25 inches; Overall 7.5 inches AHNEH | $85 ASSOCIATES PAY ONLY $68

NAVY ELK HUNTER CAP

Vintage brushed chino cap by Richardson, featuring front embroidery design of an elk hunter.

– High quality – Structured, six panel cap – Pre-curved visor – Low profile – Adjustable cloth hook and loop back strap. AHNEH | $35 ASSOCIATES PAY ONLY $28

NATIONAL COLLECTION OF HEADS AND HORNS T-SHIRT - CHADWICK RAM EDITION

Commemorating Boone and Crockett Club’s National Collection of Heads and Horns, as well the Chadwick Ram, harvested by L.S. Chadwick.

The Chadwick Ram represents the Holy Grail of the sporting community. Taken in 1936, it remains the number one Stone’s sheep in the Boone and Crockett Club’s record book. Its horn lengths and size, its beauty and symmetry, and its B&C measurements put it so far above any other Stone’s sheep ever collected that sportsmen and scientists both suspect another of its size and beauty may never be seen again. The Chadwick Ram is a major part of B&C’s National Collection on display at Johnny Morris’ Wonders of Wildlife National Museum and Aquarium.

– Long-sleeve heavyweight blended fabric (50/50 Cotton/Poly) – Vintage Navy Heather – Full back silkscreen art – Sizes M through 3XL

ATNNC | $30 ASSOCIATES PAY ONLY $24

OTHER B&C CLASSICS BOOKS AVAILABLE

Each title in our B&C Classics Series of hunting and adventure books was selected by a committee of vintage hunting literature experts and is authored by a Boone and Crockett Club member. Readers will be transported back to a time when hunting trips didn’t happen over a weekend, but were adventures that spanned weeks, months, or even years. All books are paperback, and also available in eBooks.

BCWUY | $24.95 ASSOCIATES PAY ONLY $19.95 BCCCR | $24.95 ASSOCIATES PAY ONLY $19.95

BCHWA | $24.95 ASSOCIATES PAY ONLY $19.95 Visit www.Boone-Crockett.org to see a complete list of the books, hats, shirts, and gifts available, or call 888/840-4868 to order over the phone.

BCAGT | $24.95 ASSOCIATES PAY ONLY $19.95

29TH AWARDS BLACK T-SHIRT

This commemorative t-shirt was featured at our 29th Big Game Awards Banquet in Springfield, Missouri, during the summer of 2016.

29APTSB | SALE PRICE $7.50 REGULAR PRICE: $20

30TH AWARDS WOMEN'S SWEATSHIRT

Designed exclusively for Boone and Crockett Club's 30th Big Game Awards Program, this relaxed fit, fleece wideneck sweatshirt is made of 8.2 oz., laundered 50/38/12 polyester/ combed ring spun cotton/ rayon tri-blend sponge fleece. Features ribbed cuffs and waistband.

30SWHB | SALE PRICE $37.50 REGULAR PRICE $62.50

FAIR CHASE HUNTER GAITER

Can be used as a bandanna wristband, scarf, face covering, neck gaiter and more!

AFHW | SALE PRICE $6 REGULAR PRICE $10

29TH AWARDS WOMEN'S T-SHIRT

– 100% Cotton – Junior sizing, runs a bit small 29TP | SALE PRICE $6 REGULAR PRICE: $20

B&C VINTAGE PHOTO BOOKS

Old hunting photos are a special window into a bygone era. Hours of research has gone into curating these collections.

VINTAGE HUNTING ALBUM

BPVFP | $29.95 ASSOCIATES PAY ONLY $23.96

HUNTING THE AMERICAN WEST

BPHAW | 49.95 ASSOCIATES PAY ONLY $39.96

A MULE DEER RETROSPECTIVE

BPMDR | $34.95 ASSOCIATES PAY ONLY $27.96

AN AMERICAN ELK RETROSPECTIVE

BPAER | $34.95 ASSOCIATES PAY ONLY $27.96

Looking back, I thought the season was a good introduction.

It was just the right amount of reality mixed with creature comforts—and many laughs. I hunted alone during the remaining few days, and I missed his company.

DIY -Video Games to Big Game pg. 50