As the weekend approaches, many Americans are eagerly anticipating the start of hunting season. While some states permit hunting of certain game species during late summer, the real excitement begins with dove season. This weekend, a large portion of the nearly one million Americans who hunt doves each fall will head out into the fields in search of these migratory birds.
Hunting is typically a solitary activity, but dove shoots are unique social events. Men, women, and children from all walks of life will gather around sunflower fields, perched on upturned buckets, patiently waiting for the gray birds to arrive in search of food and water during the early mornings and late evenings. Personally, I am looking forward to opening the dove season in South Texas with my friends, with whom I have been hunting for years.
Unfortunately, hunting doves is not as popular among the general American population as it is among hunters. A recent study by the Outdoor Stewards of Conservation Foundation, which tracks American attitudes towards hunting, revealed that only 38 percent of Americans approve of hunting doves, while 42 percent oppose or strongly oppose it.
Public approval for all forms of hunting has declined in the past two years alone. In fact, the current survey indicates that more Americans disapprove of hunting now than at any point in the past two decades. This poses a problem because hunting is actually more important for America than most people realize.
But why has hunting become increasingly unpopular? Several factors seem to be at play. First, Americans have varying opinions on which species are acceptable to hunt. Hunting deer, for example, is widely accepted due to their overpopulation and their involvement in numerous car accidents each year. On the other hand, hunting bears, wolves, and especially African lions and elephants generates significant opposition. Second, as Americans associate firearms with violence, there has been a decline in approval for any firearms-related activities, including hunting and sport shooting. Surprisingly, more Americans approve of hunting with a bow and arrow, despite firearms offering a more humane way to kill animals. The survey also reveals an increase in disapproval of all legal recreational shooting, including shotgun games seen at the Olympics.
Despite declining approval rates, hunting is a vital component of the conservation model that has served America well for over a century. The unsustainable market hunting practices of the 19th century nearly wiped out species like deer, bison, and turkey. Since then, careful conservation efforts have helped restore these populations, with hunters playing a crucial role in wildlife management under government regulations.
Ironically, self-proclaimed conservatives and libertarians, who typically resent government regulation, willingly participate in one of the most heavily regulated activities in America: hunting. These same individuals, who tend to distrust government bureaucrats, hold state game wardens and wildlife biologists in high regard for their role in setting and enforcing hunting limits each season. It is interesting to note that despite the post-pandemic surge in distrust of science and government mandates, wildlife biology and fish-and-game associations have remained mostly unaffected.
Conversely, many left-leaning Americans, who often place emphasis on science and environmentalism, exhibit ambivalence towards long-standing, scientifically-grounded government programs. Certain states, such as Connecticut, resist authorizing bear hunts, despite recommendations from their own wildlife biologists. Animal-rights activists aim to have a greater influence on state fish-and-game commissions, disregarding the contributions of hunters and the insights of wildlife biologists.
Red-state conservatives readily exploit any anti-hunting measures associated with Democrats, yet fail to address the fact that conservation remains a truly bipartisan issue. Ironically, the only votes against conservation legislation during the Trump and Biden years have come from a significant anti-conservation wing within the Republican Party. Furthermore, decisions from conservative judiciary pose a threat to wildlife habitat.
The Biden administration and Democrats, in general, should do a better job highlighting the importance of hunting. With the Democratic Party being primarily urban-centric, it is essential to engage rural voters, who are crucial for maintaining Senate control. Rarely do Democrats discuss how hunting aligns with their conservation goals, and this omission creates a gap between the party and rural voters.
Personally, I began hunting as an adult when my wife questioned why I wasn’t utilizing the marksmanship skills I acquired as a child. With four children to feed, my wife calculated that I needed to hunt and butcher several deer each year to sustain us. I also enjoy hunting upland birds with my dog, relishing the time spent in the woods during fall weekends rather than watching football.
Living in a left-leaning neighborhood in Washington, D.C., we explain to our neighbors that hunting is similar to growing our fruits and vegetables – it connects us to our food chain, reducing our dependence on supermarkets and allowing us to consume food in a conscientious and sustainable manner. I intend to use any doves I shoot this fall in my wife’s adobo recipe.
Aldo Leopold’s words resonate with us and our neighbors, emphasizing the dangers of disconnect from our food sources. Involvement in hunting grounds individuals in their food consumption and enables society to be more mindful of land stewardship. It is vital that we express this sentiment more frequently and vocally to ensure we do not lose something we unknowingly depend on.
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