WHEREAS, most hunters and many outdoor enthusiasts have traditionally been recruited to the ranks of conservationists through time spent afield in pursuit of small game like rabbits and squirrels, and
WHEREAS, small game hunting is less arduous, expensive, tedious, and is generally more productive and fun than deer hunting; it is participated in together by extended families and provides a prime opportunity to mentor new hunters in woodsmanship, ethical outdoor behavior, conservation and wildlife observation skills, and
WHEREAS, participation in small game hunting has diminished, due in part to diminishing access to hunting opportunities as deer seasons have been extended (hunting club rules often preclude small game hunting during deer season), and
WHEREAS, the reduction of small game hunting opportunities presents an impediment to the recruitment and retention of hunters and the mentoring of conservationists, and
WHEREAS, the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries is making an effort to increase availability of small game hunting opportunities on Wildlife Management Areas, and
WHEREAS, more consideration should be given to strategies to increase small game hunting opportunities and decrease their loss in the face of extended deer hunting seasons.
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Louisiana Wildlife Federation urges all those interested in preserving Louisiana’s hunting heritage and the recruitment and retention of hunters and conservationists to contemplate and propose strategies to sustain small game hunting opportunities in the state.
Adopted by the Louisiana Wildlife Federation in Convention Assembled, March 20, 2011 in Alexandria, Louisiana