I recently watched a video wherein the presenter was relating his opinion that planting food plots for wildlife was not really a good idea. I am, however, a strong proponent of doing just that — taking the time, energy, and money to invest in establishing food plots that not only benefit deer and turkeys, but any wildlife that frequents your property. What struck me most about the video was not the presenter’s dislike of food plots, but that it was a great example of how we, as humans, sometimes offer thoughts and ideas that are at odds with one another instead of focusing on working together toward our common goals.

These days, we are constantly flooded with divisiveness and conscious or subconscious attempts to pit one group against another. There are Republicans, and then there are Democrats. Some folks are Liberals, and some are Conservatives. There are different racial groups defined by the color of their skin — not by their character. There are numerous religions, each holding strongly to their specific beliefs. The list goes on and on. Each of these groups has their own subtle – and sometimes not-too-subtle — differences in their philosophies and approach to things. And today, there is the constant belief that if you don’t completely agree with MY opinion, then you are somehow a bad person for believing what you do. You are not part of the solution; you are the problem! Most often, these feelings and strongly held opinions are deeply rooted in politics. Unfortunately, this same divisiveness can sometimes spill over into the outdoor sports of hunting and fishing that we all enjoy.

Now, here comes my point. There are fly fishermen, bait fishermen, spinning tackle fishermen, some who only like to fish small mountain streams for trout, some who prefer fishing rivers and lakes, those who only fish the ocean, and some who will only fish out of a boat, while others prefer to wade a stream or fish from the bank. When it comes to hunting, the variety continues, from the species individuals prefer to hunt and the equipment and methods used. Realizing there are differences, we must also be aware — and focus on — the fact that we sportsmen share common interests, philosophies, and goals.

We, as sportsmen — particularly those who are hunters and fishermen — have done the lion’s share of work to enhance conservation and preservation of fish and wildlife over the decades. The work that has been accomplished, and continues to be done, through organizations such as Trout Unlimited, Ducks Unlimited, National Wild Turkey Federation, Pheasants Forever, Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation (and the list goes on and on) is the reason we all can enjoy the fish and wildlife that we have today. Wild turkeys have been brought back from an extremely low population to a thriving population of birds that can now be hunted in 49 states. From trout and salmon to quail, pheasants, mule deer, whitetail deer, and Coues deer, efforts have been ongoing to address disease problems, enhance habitat, and protect all the wildlife everyone enjoys today and for generations to come. The greatest part of all of this has been driven by sportsmen, such as you, who roll up their sleeves and work tirelessly toward our mutual goals.

We all need to be reminded of the Pittman-Robertson Federal Aid in Wildlife Act, passed in 1937. It established an 11% excise tax on all sporting arms and ammunition. Over the years, it has been revised, and today the tax is applied to all archery equipment as well. This tax, paid by sportsmen and hunters in particular, is earmarked for specific wildlife-related programs, such as wildlife research, land purchases, habitat improvement, and hunter education. As of April 1, 2019, over $1 billion has been raised through this tax and distributed to various programs that directly benefit wildlife. Sportsmen have paid for every dollar, but the benefits are for the wildlife and all people, sportsmen or not, to enjoy.

Stay focused on our accomplishments, stay focused on our mutual goals, remember the benefits, be thankful for all the hard work of the past, and recognize what still needs to be done. As sportsmen, let us not fall into the same divisive turmoil that plagues today’s politics, but instead let us embrace all the good that has been and yet will be done. Let us stand tall and let’s Stand Together as one.