Maryland Sportsmen’s Association responds to anti-hunting protest outside Governor Ehrlich’s home.

Sportsmen recognize the close relationships they have with their environment and natural resources, as well as their heritage.

White Marsh, MD, July 25, 2004: The rally sponsored by the Fund (Fund for Animals) and the HSUS (Humane Society of the United States – not to be confused with our local Humane Societies) held Saturday in front of the Governor’s home was not about saving 30 bears. It was a protest against hunting. They would have still held a rally if 13 or even just 3 bears were targeted for elimination by hunters.

These groups have every right to have a rally, protest or whatever they billed this event as, but as a news agency I feel you have an obligation to tell your readers and the general public the whole truth. That truth is, they want to bring an end to hunting, trapping, eating meat, wearing fur or leather, or any use of animals in medical research or commercially grown for food.

They claim they want to continue the “tradition” of bear conservation of the past 50+ years. Sportsmen also want to continue that tradition, only in a responsible manner. For the past 50+ years money for the conservation of black bears and their habitat has been funded from revenues garnered from the sale of hunting licenses, stamps, fees, and Federal tax dollars resulting from the sale of hunting equipment . Their attempt to support black bear conservation through the “Black Bear Stamp” program has been a miserable failure. Money from the sale of these Stamps has failed to reimburse farmers for anywhere near their actual loses due to black bears damaging crops, bee hives or killing livestock, which means that nothing went to the conservation of black bear habitat. Their offer of $75,000 was not an offer but more a bribe to prevent hunting. Where was their offer 5 years ago or even 2 years ago when hunting was not yet an option? Now that hunting is an option they bring forth their bribe.

These groups also claim they want to protect all animals. If this were true then where are the rallies for saving the snakehead fish, nutria or even the prolific whitetail deer? Attempts are being made to completely exterminate the snakehead and nutria from Maryland but not even a word has been offered by these groups in defense of them. As for the whitetail deer, these groups did not find it objectionable (during House & Senate Hearings) to kill more deer by increasing the numbers taken during hunting season. Why, because the deer population is out of control and they are eating many of these groups’ well maintained landscapes. Yet, they came unglued when discussing the option of allowing hunting on just 2 Sundays a year! Why, because it was an expansion of the opportunity to give hunters an extra day of hunting. The snakehead and nutria are invasive non-native species, as is the mute swan. The black bear and whitetail deer are native to Maryland. So the idea they are protecting native versus non-native species cannot be offered.

So, why have they made the mute swan and black bear their poster children for saving animals in Maryland? Why, because they can portray them as elegant and majestic or cute and cuddly. This portrayal misleads people into sending in contributions to “help them save the animals”. These groups’ coffers are valued in the tens of millions of dollars yet the amount of money they spend for wildlife management or habitat conservation is infinitesimal compared to the amount they spend on fund raising, lobbying, litigation or salaries.

On the other side of the coin, what animal has either of these organizations really protected or even reintroduced to Maryland? Hunting organizations have historically contributed to the preservation, management and reintroduction of many native and compatible non-native species in Maryland, for all Marylanders to enjoy. Examples are Ducks Unlimited, National Wild Turkey Federation, Quail Unlimited, Pheasants Forever, Delta Waterfowl, and now even the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation is trying to bring elk back to Maryland. Maryland’s wildlife biologists have also trapped and released river otter back into their native habitat in Maryland. Hunters work with Maryland’s DNR (Department of Natural Resources) in providing sound wildlife management solutions. The DNR does not rubber stamp hunters suggestions, just as hunters do not rubber stamp DNR suggestions. Wildlife management in Maryland is a success story we all should be proud of.

Finally, Maryland Sportsmen’s Association supports Governor Ehrlich’s decision to honor the will of the General Assembly, accept advice from wildlife professionals within DNR, and continue with sound wildlife management techniques for Maryland’s black bear population.

Sincerely,
Steven Christian
President
Maryland Sportsmen’s Association

 

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