Interior Secretary Gale Norton has named Matthew J. Hogan to be acting director of the US Fish and Wildlife Service.
And who is Matthew J. Hogan?
Hogan was formerly the chief lobbyist for Safari Club International (SCI), an extreme trophy hunting organization. Arizona-based SCI represents some 40,000 wealthy trophy collectors, promoting competitive trophy hunting of exotic animals on five continents. SCI members shoot prescribed lists of animals to win so-called Grand Slam and Inner Circle titles. There's the Africa Big Five (leopard, elephant, lion, rhino, and buffalo), the North American Twenty Nine (all species of bear, bison, sheep, moose, caribou, and deer), Big Cats of the World, Antlered Game of the Americas, and many other contests.
Well, you have to admit that he’s interested in wildlife…
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Who knew?
Yes he is interested in wildlife, and making sure that there are plenty of animals to harvest. In Africa governments have learned that if you outlaw hunting the only people that kill the animal are poachers and in large numbers. However if you allow a certain amount of permits that allow those "Rich" people to hunt and harvest a few animals per year at astronomical prices the local villagers (who recieve the money) police the poachers thus protecting the larger herds health and saftey. Sometimes rather than labeling people extreme it is better to try and get into their minds and for a second try and see their point of view. As a Hunter and Fisherman I spend alot of moiney on products which have special taxes attached to support wildlife conservation, habitat restoration, and law enforcement. Then there are the conservation groups I belong to where I freely give my money to protect the environment and wildlife in order to insure future oppritunities for my kids to hunt and fish. You might be suprised to know just how much pressure hunters have on politicians. Bush has caught hell for his crappy environmental laws. Perhaps by having someone in a position that shares a common love for the outdoors and wildlife every one will be better served.
ReplyDeleteThe Extremist Hunter-