Nimrod Society

Hunting and Fishing provide benefits for all.

State Wildlife Councils promote the positive aspects of hunting and fishing to the general public. 

Outdoor sports—hunting and, to a lesser extent, angling—are receiving ever-increasing levels of criticism from other elements of the wildlife advocacy community, often based on the apparently obvious fact that these activities are harmful to wildlife. This “apparently obvious” fact is quite incorrect. The historical record shows that North American sportsmen have been at the forefront of almost every significant advance in the protection of the continent’s wildlife. These efforts have led to a system of wildlife and habitat management superior to that in any other region in the world.

E. Donnall Thomas

Author

Wildlife Councils

Wildlife councils are charged with educating general public about the positive aspects of hunting, fishing, and the preservation and protection of wildlife through accurate and factual education and marketing campaigns.

Councils are created and funded through legislation establishing a surcharge on hunting and fishing licenses. The Nimrod Society and its partners at Congressional Sportsmen Foundation will help advocates navigate establishment of a Wildlife Council.

The MODEL That Started It All

The Colorado Model was the first of its kind. Focusing on connecting hunters and anglers in a marketing campaign that would educate those outside its ranks was the goal.

Colorado’s successful Hug a Hunter campaign helped the general public relate with hunters and anglers and understand the latter’s role in conservation.

Hunters and Anglers Benefit Wildlife, Habitats & Economies.

Wildlife Management Funding

Hunting and fishing license sales and excise taxes on hunting and fishing equipment provide about 70% of state wildlife agency funding.

Anti-Hunters Utilize Ballots

Anti-hunting organizations are utilizing ballot initiatives to chip away at hunting, hunters rights and scientific wildlife management.

Education & Outreach

The Michigan Wildlife Council has shown a 24% increase in agreement that hunting and fishing are important.

Approval of Hunters & Anglers

In Michigan, 75% of the population approves of legal, regulated hunting, and 83% approve of legal, regulated fishing.

Hunter & Angler Dollars Purchase Public Lands

Millions of acres of public land throughout the United States was purchased using hunter and angler dollars and the lands primary use remains hunting or fishing.

Birdwatching, Hiking Trails Product of Hunting Dollars

Many observation towers, hiking trails and water trails are funded wholly or in part by hunter dollars. These contributions benefit consumptive and non-consumptive users, alike.

Hunting & Fishing Annual Impacts

Discover the significant positive contributions hunters make through their license purchases, equipment purchases and travel expenses.

Annual License Sales

Over $1 billion generated annually from hunting and fishing license sales.

Wildlife Restoration Projects

More than 500 projects funded each year to restore and protect wildlife habitats.

Economic Impact

Hunting and fishing activities contribute $200 billion to the U.S. economy annually.

Public Land Access

Millions of acres of public land maintained and accessible thanks to sportsmen and sportswomen.

Nimrod Society

We work to educate the general public about the positive role hunters and anglers play in conservation and economically through the establishment of state wildlife councils and other public education opportunities.

The Nimrod Society and its partners advocate for the creation of state Wildlife Councils that tell the real story about hunting and fishing and the essential revenues these activities generate to support every kind of outdoor recreational experience.

Stay in Touch

Learn more about wildlife councils and how you can help perpetuate the role hunters and anglers play in conservation!