To protect and conserve

By CONNIE MERTZ

Hunters get the applause for contributing more to conservation efforts than non-hunters, according to a study done by Ducks Unlimited (DU). In a recent telephone poll, questions were asked about participation and support in wildlife, and contributions to non-governmental conservation groups. Those who claimed they were hunters supported organized wildlife conservation efforts three times more than those who were non-hunters.

“There’s no doubt that people who enjoy the outdoors are more committed to taking care of our natural resources, and this is evidenced that hunters are the most passionate and sincere about putting their money and time in to conservation efforts,” said Don Young, Executive Vice President of DU.

Hunters identified the need for sustaining wildlife habitat, including wetlands which are vital to most, if not all, wildlife species. The survey indicated the need to protect lands from development and, most importantly, hunters are willing to put their money where their mouth is.

Do you know that 136 million pounds of pesticide are used on homes, lawns and gardens every year? Three commonly used chemicals, diazinon, chlorpyifos and brodifacoum, have been documented to kill thousands of birds each year.