People who had a passion for wildlife and wildlife conservation founded the North American Model of wildlife conservation. Those people were passionate hunters, landowners, and outdoorsman. After the idea of wildlife conservation took off, people began coming together and forming organizations to help fight for wildlife. Non-profit wildlife conservation organizations do an incredible amount of work. So much of their funding goes to research and education. That is the driving force of wildlife conservation, research and education. Research is so imperative to truly learning about wildlife and their ecosystems. We are still making discoveries about wildlife and behavior. We are still learning about their true preferred habitat. So many state and federal agencies don’t have the funding to do all these research projects. That’s why people look to the non-profit organizations to step up and do it. Education is beyond important, educating hunters and landowners on good wildlife management. All of these organizations have incredible youth initiative programs that try to get youth in the woods. They are the future of this field and it’s important we pass down our passions to them and get them interested. Here are some of the big name organizations fighting for wildlife conservation.
Quality Deer Management Association, QDMA:
QDMA was founded in 1988. Since then, QDMA has grown to 60,000+ member across all 50 states and internationally too. QDMA mission statement, “We are dedicated to ensuring the future of white-tailed deer, wildlife habitat and our hunting heritage” (QDMA 2017). Through their work and research with white-tailed deer, the model of quality deer management has been formed. QDMA has an incredible youth initiative program called, QDMA Rack Pack. They strive to help kids understand and appreciate wildlife and the hunting heritage. Consider becoming a member of QDMA to learn more about quality deer management. Visit www.qdma.com
(QDMA 2017)
Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, RMEF:
RMEF was founded in 1984. Since then, RMEF has helped with habitat restoration and creating new habitat for elk across the country. RMEF’s mission statement, “RMEF mission is to ensure the future of elk, other wildlife, their habitat and our hunting heritage” (RMEF 2107). RMEF fights hard for land rights. RMEF has volunteers and leaders of wildlife all across the country actively conducting research on elk and fighting for wildlife conservation. Consider becoming a member of RMEF and join the fight in land protection. Visit www.rmef.org
Ducks Unlimited, DU:
Ducks Unlimited was founded in 1937 during the major decline of waterfowl. DU has been fighting for the restoration of wetlands for decades. Waterfowl are an international species threw migration. DU works with neighboring countries to conserve waterfowl. Ducks Unlimited mission statement, “Ducks Unlimited covers, restores, and manages wetlands and associated habitats for North America’s waterfowl. These habitats also benefit other wildlife and people” (DU 2017). Ducks Unlimited works and fights for wetland conservation. Consider joining Ducks Unlimited and visit www.ducks.org
Pheasants Forever:
Pheasants Forever was founded in 1982. Pheasants are not native to North America but there are great wild populations across the United States thanks to Pheasants Forever Constant work. 149,000 members strong, Pheasants Forever work with many state and federal agencies to push for wildlife conservation. Pheasants Forever mission statement, “Pheasants Forever is dedicated to the conservation of pheasants, quail and other wildlife through habitat improvements, public awareness, education and land management policies and programs” (Pheasants Forever 2017). Pheasants Forever has an incredible program to get youth involved with hunting and teaching hunter safety through the experience. Consider joining Pheasants Forever and visit www.pheasantsforever.org
(Pheasants Forever 2017)
Ruffed Grouse Society, RGS:
The last 50 years, the RGS has helped restore ruffed grouse and woodcock populations. RGS mission statement, “Established in 1961, the Ruffed Grouse Society is North America’s foremost conservation organization dedicated to preserving our sporting traditions by creating healthy forest habitat for ruffed grouse, American woodcock and other wildlife. RGS works with landowners and government agencies to develop critical habitat utilizing scientific management practices” (RGS 2017). RGS believes in continuing the sport of wildlife through conservation. Consider joining RGS and visit www.ruffedgrousesociety.org
(RGS 2017)
National Wild Turkey Federation, NWTF:
NWTF was founded in 1973 when wild turkeys were experiencing a population crash across North America due to loss of habitat and poor management. NWTF has a program called, Save the Habitat. Save the Hunt. This program is to get hunters more involved in wildlife conservation. NWTF mission statement, “The mission of the National Wild Turkey Federation is no less urgent today than when it was founded in 1973. What we do in the coming decades will be instrumental in not only enhancing wild turkey populations but also in the continuation of hunting and quality wildlife habitat for countless species” (NWTF 2017). Consider joining NWTF and visit www.nwtf.org
(NWTF 2017)
Get Involved:
These non-profit organizations are so important to the future of quality wildlife. All of these organizations believe in the same principles of standing for wildlife conservation and restoring the hunting heritage. I am an active member of all of these organizations except for one. The benefits of becoming a member and getting involved are important. Thanks to the publications by all the organizations, I have learned so much about each species and different techniques to quality wildlife management. I encourage anyone who is truly passionate about wildlife conservation to become a member and get involved. These non-profit organizations are the future of this field and the future of wildlife.
Brandon Witmer
Work Cited:
Ducks unlimited (DU). 2017. About ducks unlimited. Ducks Unlimited.
<http://www.ducks.org/about-du>. Accessed 3 May 2017.
Pheasants forever. 2017. Unique model. Pheasants Forever.
<https://www.pheasantsforever.org/Unique-Model.aspx>. Accessed 3 May 2017.
Rocky mountain elk foundation (RMEF). 2017. About RMEF. Rocky Mountain Elk
Foundation. < http://www.rmef.org/NewsAndMedia/PressRoom
/AboutRMEF>. Accessed 3 May 2017.
Ruffed grouse society (RGS). 2017. About us. Ruffed Grouse Society.
<http://www.ruffedgrousesociety.org/about-us#.WQqe_lPytsM>. Accessed 3 May 2017.
Quality deer management association (QDMA). 2017. About us. Quality Deer
Management Association. < https://www.qdma.com/about/>. Accessed 3 May 2017.
National wild turkey federation (NWTF). 2017. About NWTF. National Wild Turkey
Federation. < http://www.nwtf.org/about>. Accessed 3 May 2017.
