While thumbing through the latest edition of the Mississippi Outdoor Digest — the official publication of the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks — I came upon the amazing facts and rewards of conservation.
We take our natural resources for granted, just like we do our freedom, but after reading the report I am thankful for all the efforts of our game wardens and the entire conservation family.
The article compared game numbers nationwide from the early 1900s to today, and they are staggering.
Whitetail deer numbers soared from 500,000 to 32 million today.
Ducks and other waterfowl from only a few to 44 million.
Rocky Mountain elk increased from 41,000 to 1 million.
Pronghorn antelope went from 100,000 to 1.1 million.
Ready for this one? Wild turkeys went from only 100,000 to a whopping 7 million!
All because some pioneers of conservation like the late great President Teddy Roosevelt and Aldo Leopold, Key Pittman and Willis Roberson got involved many years ago and followed through.
All this proves guns and hunting are the reason wildlife is thriving.
Sadly, some politicians are frowning on the NRA and other gun lobbyists, and the trend is to remove our Second Amendment rights to bear arms.
The article went on to show how conservation works.
Hunters and target shooters purchase guns and ammo. Manufacturers pay federal excise taxes on guns and ammo sold. Revenues from these excise taxes are returned to state wildlife agencies like our own.
In turn, millions of acres of important habitats have been set aside to help ensure future wildlife generations and abundance.
Wildlife agencies use these funds to purchase land for the preservation of all game to flourish and be managed.
Along with our brave, faithful game wardens who keep a check on all hunting and fishing activities, we have a tremendous resource, all because of the efforts of conservation.
Next time you are out enjoying the great outdoors, take a moment to reflect on the gallant efforts spent by the true conservationists down through time. It is because of them and our diligent conservation officers we have what we have.
God bless you and God bless America.
