Wildlife Management

As a tool for wildlife management of big game animals, hunting is a crucial sport for wildlife managers. Before wildlife managers were on the scene in the early 1900s, many species of game animals and waterfowl were either wiped out completely or hunted to near extinction by commercial hunters and by pioneers who needed food for their families. Ironically, it was the same hunters that took a conservation mindset and helped to bring about the first laws designed to protect wild animals, as well as game animals. These laws affected both commercial hunting and fishing, as well as private land owners, and pioneers, in need of food. Things like hunting methods, ethical hunting tactics, bag limits, limits on possession, and other types of regulations all work together to protect the animals. It was these early regulations which provided the steppingstones for future governing agencies which have helped to restore and maintain populations of elk, moose, deer, trout, turkeys, antelope, and many other game birds in game animals throughout the state.

New And Improved Technology Increases Accuracy And Data

Recently, improved modeling techniques have provided much more accurate estimations of elk, deer, and moose populations, as well as mountain lions in other game species. As technology increases, so does the ability of game and wildlife biologist to more accurately estimate populations, and develop better management programs for each species of animal. The amount of money required to provide such solid management expertise and programs, is extensive. Without the annual purchase of fishing and hunting licenses, most of these programs responsible for the upkeep of both game and non-game species would simply not be able to function due to fiscal deficiencies. Outdoorsman, outdoors woman, and you hunters and fishermen have contributed more than any other group to the overall management, and expansion of a wide variety of game and non-game species throughout the state.