At first glance, there seems to be little connection between the principles of fair chase hunting and the philosophies of competitive sports. But at a time when the very act of hunting and wildlife management is in the crosshairs on the international stage, we may be well served to take some inspiration from one of sports’ most familiar adages.
“The best defense is a good offense” means, of course, that the most effective way to defend your interests is to keep your opponents on their heels via a strong and consistent offense. In this age of social media and instant outrage, the primary enemies of fair chase and science-based wildlife management are twofold: “hunters” who ignore fair chase ethics and the anti-hunting groups who use their transgressions as public-relation weapons.
When hunting and wildlife management come under fire over moral objections, the natural response has been to assume a defensive posture. To date, fair chase and science-based wildlife management are the only responses that have consistently shielded the act of hunting from such attacks, and the Boone and Crockett Club sits on the vanguard of the fair chase counterpoint.
While it’s comforting to know that fair chase and management will always be there as a shield, we believe it can also be used as a spear. We know, as you do, that fair chase hunting and science-based wildlife management are not just acceptable practices in a society that seems determined to forget its place in the food chain—they are necessary ones. But those who oppose hunting will not learn this on their own, and neither will those who ignore fair chase ethics yet still call what they do “hunting.” It is up to the Club and fair chase hunters like you, to stand up for what is right and be on the forefront of spreading the message of fair chase.
As a primary architect of the North American Model of Wildlife Conservation, the Boone and Crockett Club is uniquely positioned to lead the charge against those who would strip us of our hunting heritage.
By contributing to the Boone and Crockett Club, you play a crucial role in the task of enlightening those who need it most and setting the standard for fair chase hunting and wildlife management in North America. Please help us teach them.
