Who's carrying the load?

[elkoholic]

This post is a result of two things. First there is the post here about purchasing a duck stamp, and secondly this is the time of year for wildlife/hunting benefits. There is the RMEF, DU, SCI, and NRA along with many others. All of these organizations are working to protect gun rights, hunting, wildlife and habitat conservation and the future of the lifestyles we all enjoy. It absolutely amazes me how someone who benefits from the work done to preserve our heritage can be so unwilling to contribute either money or time to the cause. Many look at entitlement programs with disgust but still feel entitled themselves when it comes to enjoying their own pursuits that are supported by others. While it is not possible to agree with everything that these organizations do or say, if not for them we would not have the opportunities available that we do now. You may feel that it's a right, but rights can be taken away. Never happen you say. Probably, it already would have if not for these organizations. If you own a gun, hunt, fish, or just spend time in the outdoors are you helping to carry the load? Can't afford the money you say, then how about donating time, because to maintain our wildlife heritage we can not just sit idly watching the world go by.

[wtnhunt]

Good post Dave. I buy my license from time to time even though i usually only hunt my own property. So much of license sales goes towards conservation. Not required for me to buy my license at all when i hunt my farm. I primarily deer hunt. Never contributed to rmef or du, guessing the majority of monies raised by them actually goes to conservation. Quail restoration efforts seem to be working somewhat here but unfortunately habitat is an issue. One of the professors/dept directors at ut Knoxville i met when i took my daughter for her initial meeting there was pretty heavily involved in quail unlimited. I could realistically committ some good habitat if i could get a little help drying out the ground i own but no-one from our state or local river basin authority is willing to do anything to help.

Wish i could afford to give to all of them, right now i have a hard enough time paying my property taxes and keeping my own property managed.

[fly]

Easier to fight for the rights we have now than fight to get them back. I am a life member of the North American hunting club and renew my NRA membership each year.

I will say this - some states would be in a world of hurt without the hunting industry. Brings in a significant amount of revenue. Personally I feel that in many states the economic impact is what saves hunting rights just as much as organizations. This is why I feel strongly about getting more people involved in the sport. Makes me sick every time I hear a hunter vote against the use of crossbows or criticize a hunter for using any form of legal weapon. The more people that hunt the more money goes into the industry and the more legislators will vote to preserve it.

[Ravin R10 man]

Like many on here, I do step up where my interests are...and thankfully many are able to contribute to many Org., As far as banquets and such I pick and choose which ones I go to.