1. History of Wildlife Management in America

2. Wildlife Management Has evolved during the past 75 to 100 years
In the past, wildlife management was pushed aside in the rush to settle America.
This resulted in the loss of wildlife habitat, loss of entire species, and endangerment of other species.
Management attempts began in the early 1800’s.

3. New settlers almost died of starvation and malnourishment.
They quickly learned to hunt, fish, and exploit the abundant wildlife.
More settlers came and the pressure on America’s wild FAUNA increased.

4. Due to different climate and soils, it took almost 200 years for agriculture to get a firm grip.
Therefore, American wildlife fed, clothed, and made money for settlers.
: The greatest abuse of wildlife.

5. Seasons were largely ingnored
Millions of acres of habitat were destroyed for homes, towns, and farms.
Deer were hunted 365 d. of the year- by 1776 all southeastern states (except Georgia) had a closed deer season.
Seasons were largely ingnored
Why do you think they were ignored?

6. Rural families = more that 90% of the population
Shot anything they could eat or that threatened them.
Some practices were beneficial to some species.
Ex: Clearing land for crops benefited white-tailed deer, and their predators were being systematically destroyed.

7. Forests were cut and burned, leading to turkeys and passenger pigeons losing their reproduction grounds.
The English settlers began to pave, build, and create over the wilderness.
The large number of wild creatures vastly diminished.

8. Bison and pronghorns were threatened as well.
Early conservationists ensured that they still exist today, unlike the passenger pigeon.
Due to sport hunters and conservationists, many species are still abundant today.

9. Exploitation This would forever alter North America and its wildlife
From the earliest beginnings, English settlers had no intention of adapting to the wilderness. Unlike the French to the north.
Set out to clear forest and build towns, cities, and roads.
This would forever alter North America and its wildlife
The French became bounty hunters, trappers, and gatherers of the wilderness.

10. Some thought is being given today to the damage our construction is having on wildlife.
Once a piece of land is paved, its use as a source of wildlife habitat is ended!

11. Conservation Begins
Early 1870’s: Serious effort to protect and preserve America’s wild FAUNA.
They worked to change the views on the commercialization of wild game.
Market hunters played a huge role in eliminating much of America’s wildlife.
What are market hunters?

12. SPORT HUNTING HAS NEVER ENDANGERED A SINGLE SPECIES!

13. Market hunters: kill for money, kill the surplus and cut into the breeding stock.
Sport hunters: Use sporting methods and regulate their harvest Wildlife are vulnerable when unsporting tactics are used.
For example: Ducks, geese, and wild turkeys are relatively easy to bait with corn.

14. Sport hunters were interested in the protection of game animals.
Trends in fashion led to large concentrations of birds being harmed and exploited.
Sport hunters used the Boone and Crockett Club and publications to change views on market hunting.

15. Progress is FINALLY made!!!!

16. The Lacey Act The Lacey Act of 1900:
Ended market hunting
Ended interstate shipment of wildlife and wildlife products
Work of John F. Lacey, an avid hunter and fisherman.

17. Theodore Roosevelt Deep love of big game hunting.
Strong responsibility to preserve remaining wildlife.
Created more than 50 refuges, 5 national parks, and 17 national monuments.
However, he could not openly establish them – it would have been political suicide.

18. Aldo Leopold “First” Professional Wildlife Manager
First book, Game Management, advanced many new concepts.
Taking a census of the wildlife populations.
“Home range” theory
Management plans based on: reproduction, predators, food, water, shelter, etc

19. Yellowstone Yellowstone National Park was the first national park.
Founded in 1872
Established through the efforts of sport hunters to preserve a unique piece of the west.
Took more that 20 years to get the protection it now has.

20. National Parks Weren’t always protected from poachers.
Today they are wildlife and wilderness sanctuaries.
Restocking efforts were possible because of national parks and other sanctuaries.
National parks and forests practically ensure the existence of some wildlife as long as the refuges remain.

21. Migratory Birds Migratory Bird Conservation Act of 1929
Important to the recovery of waterfowl populations.
Cooperative Agreement between U.S., Canada, and Mexico.

22. Migratory Bird Hunting Stamp Act of 1934
Migratory Birds
Migratory Bird Hunting Stamp Act of 1934
Often called the Duck Stamp Act
Provides millions of dollars for waterfowl management through the sale of stamps to hunters.

23. Federal Aid
1937: The Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration Act was passed.
Commonly referred to as the Pittman-Robertson Act.
Called for a 10% excise tax on firearms and ammunition.
Collected directly from the manufacturers and provides most of the funding for wildlife departments in all 50 states.
Video

24. Pittman Robertson Act The excise tax was raised to 11% in 1941
1970: 10% tax on handguns
1971: 11% tax on archery equipment
There is a similar tax on fishing equipment
These taxes helped:
Wildlife management, research, and protection.
Acquire millions of acres of habitat.