PRESERVING OUR HERITAGE
The North American Model of Wildlife Conservation
The North American Model of Wildlife Conservation is unique. No where else in the world have hunters and anglers coalesced and become a sufficiently powerful political force to save fish, wildlife, and their habitats from ruin beyond recovery.
It’s a story that everyone should know, not just consumptive users of the resource, but the public as well. And yet, most Americans (including a fair percentage of the hunting and angling communities) don’t.
The Nimrod Society and its partners understand and advocate for the North American Model as one of the most durable and proven ways to perpetuate fish and wildlife
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.
How Sportsmen Saved the World, by E. Donnall Thomas, explains how hunters and anglers have been the leaders in conservation, policy development, habitat betterment and wildlife protection.
Since the early 1900s, the North American Model of Conservation has been the cornerstone of wildlife management and conservation efforts across the continent. This model, championed by visionaries like Teddy Roosevelt, emphasizes sustainable use, science-based management, and the public trust doctrine. It has evolved to address the changing needs of wildlife and habitats, ensuring that future generations can enjoy the natural bounty of North America. The Nimrod Society is dedicated to educating the public about this vital model and the crucial role that hunters and anglers play in conservation.
A Century of Conservation Milestones
Trace the pivotal moments and influential figures that have shaped the North American Model of Conservation over the past century.
1905
Establishment of the U.S. Forest Service
Under the leadership of Gifford Pinchot, the U.S. Forest Service was created to manage and protect national forests, marking a significant step in federal conservation efforts.
1937
Pittman-Robertson Act
This landmark legislation provided funding for wildlife conservation through an excise tax on firearms and ammunition, ensuring that hunters contributed directly to the preservation of wildlife habitats.
1964
Wilderness Act
Signed into law by President Lyndon B. Johnson, the Wilderness Act established the National Wilderness Preservation System, protecting millions of acres of pristine wilderness from development.
2003
Formation of the Nimrod Society
Founded to promote the principles of the North American Model of Conservation, the Nimrod Society has been instrumental in educating the public about the vital role of hunters and anglers in wildlife conservation.
Principles of the North American Model of Conservation
Wildlife as Public Trust Resources
Wildlife is held in trust by the government for the benefit of the public, ensuring that all citizens have the opportunity to enjoy and conserve wildlife.
Elimination of Markets for Game
Regulations were established to eliminate the commercial hunting and sale of wildlife, protecting species from overexploitation.
Allocation of Wildlife by Law
Wildlife is allocated for use by law, providing a framework for sustainable management and conservation efforts.
Wildlife Can Only Be Killed for a Legitimate Purpose
Hunting and fishing are regulated to ensure that wildlife is only taken for food, fur, self-defense, or property protection.
Conservation Leaders
Theodore Roosevelt
26th President of the United States
Theodore Roosevelt was a pioneering conservationist who established the U.S. Forest Service and numerous national parks, forests, and monuments.
Aldo Leopold
Ecologist and Author
Aldo Leopold was a renowned ecologist and author of ‘A Sand County Almanac,’ advocating for a land ethic and responsible stewardship of natural resources.
Gifford Pinchot
First Chief of the U.S. Forest Service
Gifford Pinchot was instrumental in promoting sustainable forestry practices and the conservation of America’s forests.
John Muir
Naturalist and Conservationist
John Muir was a passionate advocate for the preservation of wilderness areas, leading to the establishment of several national parks.
Endorsements
‘The North American Model of Conservation has been a cornerstone in preserving our natural heritage for future generations.’
Jane Goodall
‘Thanks to the principles of this model, we have seen remarkable recoveries in wildlife populations across the continent.’
David Attenborough
‘The dedication of hunters and anglers to conservation efforts is truly inspiring and essential for sustainable wildlife management.’
Steven Rinella
Stay in Touch
Learn more about wildlife councils and how you can help perpetuate the role hunters and anglers play in conservation!