HUNTING IN THE EARLY 20TH CENTURY
The first European settlers in Michigan hunted for food and traded for furs from animals hunted by native people. Later, settlers hunted for food, furs and sport.
Hunting wasn’t regulated, and too many animals were killed. By the late 19th century, some animals started to disappear. Something had to be done.
Game laws, which put a limit on how many animals can be killed and when animals can be hunted, started to be enforced in the late 19th century. These laws helped to protect animals from extinction.
By connecting hunting and conservation, many wildlife species are healthier today than they were 100 years ago. For that, we can all thank a hunter!
Hunting wasn’t regulated, and too many animals were killed. By the late 19th century, some animals started to disappear. Something had to be done.
Game laws, which put a limit on how many animals can be killed and when animals can be hunted, started to be enforced in the late 19th century. These laws helped to protect animals from extinction.
By connecting hunting and conservation, many wildlife species are healthier today than they were 100 years ago. For that, we can all thank a hunter!
The Pittman-Robertson Act: How Hunters Fund Conservation
The Pittman-Robertson (PR) Wildlife Restoration Act of 1937 was another important step in protecting wildlife and enhancing habitats. PR taxes the manufacturing of firearms, bows, crossbows, ammunition and accessories. The money from the tax is given to state wildlife agencies.
Governor Chase Samuel Osborn: Hunter and Conservationist. 1860-1949.
Before becoming Michigan’s 27th governor in 1911, Chase Samuel Osborn was the state’s fish and game warden from 1895 to 1899. A journalist, iron ore prospector and outdoorsman, he said of his first encounters with the Upper Peninsula and Wisconsin, “I loved the new wild country. It brought into play everything that a soul and mind and body possess.
Osborn was a leader in making Isle Royale a National Park. Although he traveled the world, one of his favorite spots was his camp on Duck Island, where he slept outdoors on a bed of balsam boughs.
How Hunters Fund Conservation
1. The tax money goes to state wildlife agencies.
2. State wildlife agencies have projects and programs that protect wildlife.
3. There are more opportunities to enjoy wildlife.
4. Hunters buy firearms, ammunition and hunting equipment.
5. When firearms, bows, arrows, ammunition and hunting equipment are made, they are taxed.
