By Mike Roche

Earlier this week an email from MassWildlife Director Mark Tisa shared with me a thoughtful article from the Boone and Crockett Club which put into focus some realities of today relating to conservation. For my entire life, this writer has proudly related to many during conversations about conservation that “hunters were the first conservationists.” That is as true today as it ever was, but what is dramatically changing the landscape is the fact that now, there are many more groups actively involved in the conservation arena.

It is fair to say that the 50 years following the passage of the Pitman/Robertson Act was the most dynamic period in this country’s history of the conservation of our wildlife, fishery and forestry resources. The wildlife and fisheries resources were bolstered like never before in American history by funding provided for wildlife by the Pittman/Robertson Act and fishery resources by the Wallop/Breaux Act. Both used federal excise taxes on sporting gear to provide funding to the 50 states to support conservation programs.

At this time, however, hunters and fishermen are no longer the only players on the conservation field. An article in the latest publication from The Boone and Crockett Club informs its membership that there is a new reality. It started by listing challenges to hunter/conservationists today.

“Among the biggest challenges: hunters are now a minority in conversation; environmentalism has blurred its meaning; wolves and grizzly bears have changed ecosystems and distorted (wildlife) agency roles; and the horror of gun crimes threatens legitimate gun use.”

Here in the northeast and across the United States, it is time to realize that we are part of a society-wide conservation movement and what has happened in the past is history and it really does not mean anything as we move forward. Also noted was the fact that hunting and hunters are no longer the biggest and most effective drivers of conservation. Conservation is confused with environmentalism and critics of state agencies see them as “captured” by hunters and unwilling or unable to care for non-game species. As a member of the Massachusetts Fisheries and Wildlife Board who served for 35 years, I can say unequivocally that during that time Massachusetts became a national leader in non-game management, but even that is only a start as the future of fish, wildlife, forest, plant and invertebrates (insects) management must be more than “hook and bullet” in the minds of everyone who cares about the environment, and that is a growing segment of the population in Massachusetts and every other state.

There is clearly a divide and the future of all groups, and the resources they all claim to love, is the willingness to work together, realize and accept the different goals and interest they have, and see that the ability to “agree to disagree” is the way for everyone to make the difference needed in our future managing collectively “owned” resources.

A section of the Boone & Crockett Club article focuses on guns: “Gun crime is a horrific blight on society and a looming risk for our association with guns.” This writer could not agree more! The author refers to the B&C Club’s long-established Fair Chase ethics and respect for law and honor. Reference is made to honor in using, supporting and promoting guns. This is in dramatic contrast to the symbolism of vengeance and power that movies, video games and even gun advertising present. B&C members are challenged to model safety and promote conservation.

Clearly hunters and shooters need to continue to make every effort to be viewed positively as society and lawmakers struggle to deal with gun violence. It is clear from the lawn signs that are appearing locally that many in the North Quabbin region have concluded that H4420, a bill proposed to deal with gun violence, is not the answer but instead an unreasonable proposal which will negatively impact hunters, shooters and limit (among other things) the education of young people interested in hunting. Please learn as much as you can about this bill and communicate with your representative how you feel.

Last Sunday, there was finally a chance to do some shooting and a round of sporting clays at the Petersham Gun Club. The newly acquired used Franchi Veloce 20-gauge was a great pick-up! Shooting with longtime friend Mike Beaudry, an avid shooter and hunter, we cherry-picked targets that simulated upland hunting and had a great time. There was no score sheet but it broke targets really well for this shooter.

This week’s session at Hedgerow included Laney, and the veteran has not lost a step. Two birds were shot over her and she retrieved to hand and hunted well in very warm conditions. Tessie continues to perform beyond what one would expect for a dog only 16 months old. The two dogs are getting more exercise and our first hunting trip is one month away! Bring it on!

Mike Roche is a retired teacher who has been involved in conservation and wildlife issues his entire life. He has written the Sportsman’s Corner since 1984 and has served as advisor to the MaharFish’N Game Club, Counselor and Director of the Massachusetts Conservation Camp, former Connecticut Valley District representative on the Massachusetts Fisheries and Wildlife Board, has been a Massachusetts Hunter Education Instructor and is a licensed New York hunting guide. He can be reached at mikeroche3@msn.com.

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