Be A Hunting Ambassador

When you think of an ambassador you think of someone in a foreign country representing their country’s interests in that country.  Being a hunting ambassador is similar in that every hunter has an ability to either turn on to hunting or off of hunting.  Less than 6% of the population of the United States hunts but that doesn’t mean everyone else is against hunting.  In fact, the majority of people are on the fence about hunting and have a pretty open mind about it.  That is unless a hunter does something to turn them against hunting.

That’s where being a hunting ambassador comes in.  This means you conduct yourself respectfully when around others.  When you encounter a curious person educate them on the need for hunting.  That hunting has funded wildlife reintroduction and is the main reason we have the abundance of species across the United State today.  The North American Wildlife Managment Model has been used for the last century and a key part of that is regulated hunting.

Things to consider.

• Neighbors and friends may not know anything about hunting so share you experiences with them.  Explain to them how you, your friends, and your family have bonded over hunting trips.
• If they are open to it share you harvest with them.  Eating is a great way to educate the public that hunters in most cases eat what they harvest, or they donate to the food programs like Farmers and Hunter Feeding the Hungry (FHFH).  Processing your own animal also educates children about wildlife biology and the responsibility to use as much of the animal as possible.
• Each year hunters have an economic impact of over 55 billion dollars to the economy by buying supplies or going to local restaurants when they are away from home.  That a big number in any economy and makes a big difference in the rural communities where many hunters go to hunt their favorite animals.

Keep this in mind the people you are an ambassador to may not become hunters (although some will) at least they will be educated why hunting is vital to wildlife, economy, and the environment.