Our Position on Hunting
Our organization is not opposed to hunting when the hunters eat what they kill out of necessity or because they prefer wild foods to meat sourced from industrial animal agriculture. Our coalition partners hold a diversity of positions on hunting. However, we are all pro-science, pro-democracy, pro-justice and in favor of treating wild animals with compassion and respect, which is why we believe the system of wildlife management in the U.S. must be changed.
Montana killing generates moral outrage and casts spotlight on our speciesism
From NPR
Recently in Montana, a woman posted on social media that she “smoked a wolf pup” while out hunting bear. The problem is that she didn’t – she killed a domestic husky who’d been dumped in the area earlier that week. The commentary and news stories that followed the event highlight people’s “speciesism,” or preference for one species over another. After all, wolves and dogs may share the same wolf ancestors. The story provoked an outpouring of moral outrage and renewed questions over why Montana’s wolves can be hunted at all.
Lessons of a Fish & Wildlife Commissioner
By Fred Koontz
In this article for The Wild Felid Monitor, former Washington State Fish and Wildlife Commissioner, Fred Koontz, discusses the looming issue facing wildlife commissions across the U.S.: whose values count most in determining fish and wildlife priorities, regulations, and policies?
Wildlife Conservation: Does it Have a Heart?
By Don Molde
In this opinion piece, Molde explores the definition of conservation and the importance of expanding that definition to recognize the sentient nature of wildlife. “Fish and wildlife agencies do have a challenge ahead if they want greater public involvement and financial support for their important activities. There are many ways their management techniques could be improved. It is a matter of attitude and commitment which recognizes the public’s growing recognition and appreciation of the sentient nature of wildlife.”
