PREFERRED CONSERVATION PARTNERS
are aiming higher than ever to make the British Columbia.
GSCO will also be
Questioning authority is common-
elevating it support of national youth place, often encouraged. Bending the rules, it happens. Blurring the lines, and most meaningful yet. There can be programs. This expanded conservation program same thing. There are motives for each, no doubt that what we do in creating next convention and expo our greatest
is in addition to GSCO’s ongoing work
most of which are not all that honorable.
the mountains globally in realized in Mexico with Desert sheep and its wild sheep conservation initiatives. habitat.
But when it comes to Fair Chase,
our wildlife conservation efforts and process whereby we will examine those funding abilities. Right now, the forecast projects on a case-by-case basis that
ethical
this incredible event echoes across
what’s happening today is calculated, This represents a rather ambitious intentional, and telling all at the same This show is a funding mechanism, perhaps even a vector for awareness, departure from GSCO’s past conservation time. The elevated conversations taking but more importantly, it forecasts the funding initiatives. The GSCO board has effectiveness in the coming year of developed an in-depth and systematic place today about Fair Chase and an
is looking bright. Gray N. Thornton, President & CEO GRAND SLAM CLUB/OVIS Partnerships
approach
to
hunting
have
struck a nerve. There are folks who have a multi-year objective defined by a have clearly had enough of Fair Chase mission that fits into GSCO’s wheelhouse. and feel threatened by it. As with any It is our intention to rely on all of rules, principles or guidelines, there GSCO publications – digital and print – are inevitably some people who choose to bring even greater recognition to the to stand outside the lines and seek
progress and accomplishments of these acceptance by trying to move the line Well, 2018 was a transitional year for initiatives. We believe it is absolutely in their favor. If that’s not working, GSCO. It was a time of challenge and essential that the non-hunting public the next move is to try criticizing or unprecedented opportunity. In the last understand that without critical funding dismissing the line altogether. Like issue of Mountain Hunter, I talked about through the sale of hunting licenses and most things, if you want to know who, the importance of partnerships. Today, I permits, programs such as the Pittman- follow the money. am pleased to report that the GSCO Board Robertson Act, the Federal Duck Stamp, The deer breeding and canned of Directors, after much consideration, and wildlife conservation organizations shooting industries, their promoters in
has chosen to significantly raise the like GSCO, wildlife populations and their particular, have been ramping up their bar in its financial support of worthy natural habitat suffer. efforts to gain support for their brand It is the responsibility of every hunter conservation projects and programs. of “hunting” by placing a crosshair In 2019, GSCO will be supporting a – young and old – as a steward of the on Fair Chase. They are attempting to myriad of programs with the Nevada land and wildlife populations to ensure redefine Fair Chase to better fit their Bighorns Unlimited; the Guide Outfitters they continue to endure and thrive so business model, or pick it apart as some future generations can appreciate and Association of British Columbia loosely-defined, outdated tool that’s only enjoy their existence. (GOABC) and its ongoing challenge purpose is to divide sportsmen. You may Mark Hampton, Executive Director relating to the closing of grizzly bear have seen the “Hunt how you want to hunting,
and
other
initiatives;
the
Nebraska Game and Parks and a study already underway by the University of
BOONE & CROCKETT Redefining Fair Chase
hunt” or “We are all a band of brothers” movement. If not, keep an eye out for it, and let yourself be heard when you
South Dakota studying the DNA of wild
What do you do when a round peg do see it. sheep; the Wildlife Stewardship Council doesn’t fit into a square hole? Shave the Whether any of this will gain any real of British Columbia and its efforts to sides off the peg until it fits. This is what traction remains to be seen; however, provide valuable outdoor education to is happening to Fair Chase, but with a it is still disturbing to watch, and very the native populations; and an ungulate- band saw, not just a pocketknife, as was management
8|
program
in
northern
MOUNTAIN HUNTER - SPRING 2019
done in the past.
telling at the same time. These attempts are an affront to those who know what