For love of the game

For love of the game

Hunting respect shines at wildlife conservation banquets

By Tyler Frantz

            One of the growing tragedies in our day and age is that hunters occasionally get a bad rap. Now, I’m not naïve enough to expect everyone to participate, support or even appreciate hunting, but I would hope that most rational minds can at least understand the importance of it and have enough sense to acknowledge we’re not all heartless bumbling “rednecks” as we’re sometimes portrayed.

            Yes, there is a small minority of individuals who unlawfully take game out of regulated season, disrespect landowners’ properties and wantonly waste our precious wild resources. But these low-life criminals are no more a hunter than would be a soggy pile of garbage, rotting away in the corner of an old dumpster. The terms “poacher” and “hunter” have two vastly different meanings.  

            On the whole, most true hunters genuinely care about the game species they pursue and overwhelmingly do more to conserve wildlife and natural habitats than any other subgroup of people I know. Many are animal lovers themselves, and they make it a moral and financial priority to preserve and respect our state’s wild resources.

            Take for example last weekend’s fundraising banquet hosted at the Schaefferstown Fire Hall by the National Wild Turkey Federation’s Blue Mountain Chapter. I was fortunate to attend this incredible event where I witnessed nearly two hundred hunting enthusiasts coming together in the name of wildlife conservation.

            Following the NWTF’s motto of “Save the Habitat- Save the Hunt,” events such as these are organized by a handful of committee volunteers (virtually all of whom are hunters themselves) to help raise critical funds for supporting wild turkey populations and other species around the country.

            Through dinner ticket proceeds, various hunting gear raffles and wildlife art auctions, the non-profit organization is able to secure precious financial support for conservation at the local, state and national level, while simultaneously sharing the NWTF’s mission of preserving the sport, appreciating the species and passing on the hunting heritage by recruiting new hunters, such as women and youth.

            Last year, the Blue Mountain Chapter earned the “2014 Golden Gobbler Award” for exceeding a 50% return profit for the NWTF through their fundraising efforts. What is even more admirable, however, is how much the banquet demonstrated a sincere love for nature, God and country- all three genuine sentiments shared by many hunters.

            The evening began with a welcome, a Pledge of Allegiance to Old Glory and a prayer of thanks for all the great blessings we enjoy in the outdoors. Military veterans were called to the front of the room and honored with a commemorative pin, and chief sponsors were recognized for their charitable contributions to the event.

            An incredible meal was served by Heisey’s Catering, and then the bidding, raffles and games began. Precious tales of hunts gone by bolstered conversations, and perhaps, even a few new friends made future hunting plans as well. The majority of attendees ended the night with pockets a few hundred dollars lighter, but their pain was eased by the knowledge of it going to a great cause- and if luck was on their side- some terrific prizes.

            It’s always great to see so many people turn out for the common purpose of supporting issues near and dear to their hearts, celebrating hunting heritage and simply enjoying the company of fellow sportsmen who understand the importance of giving back to the outdoors.

            The proceeds raised by these organizations- be it NWTF, Ducks Unlimited, Pheasants Forever, Trout Unlimited, or the host of other incredible sportsmen-led conservation groups helping to preserve all that is wild in this great nation of ours – are used to fund various conservation efforts, which inevitably benefit all wildlife species – not just game species.

            By and large, hunters try to maintain a healthy balance between what we take from nature and what we give back to it. It is our obligation to do so- because everyone dreams of days when wildlife abounds in plentiful numbers, if nothing else, so that our descendants can reap the benefits of clean water and flourishing fauna for future generations.

            Groups like the NWTF do much to ensure we’ll continue enjoying our simple outdoor pleasures for many years to come, and it’s reassuring to know that hunters are leading the charge. From attending banquets to lending a hand with field projects, I encourage everyone to get involved and show your support. Every bit of effort makes a difference!

For more great writing and video work by outdoor freelancer, Tyler Frantz, visit www.naturalpursuitoutdoors.com. Also, please LIKE US ON FACEBOOK!   

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