No, I’m not making a political statement.

In the “just for fun” department, I wanted to share a picture of my successful archery turkey hunt this year.

I am sure this will offend some people… those who think hunting is abhorrent.

It brings to mind a response I got when I shared this picture of an Elk hunt several years ago.

The response was “Did you thank the elk for giving his life so you could have this ‘experience’?” Wow!

Hunting is an essential and beneficial tool in the management of wildlife. It is also a tradition that runs deep in families in America. In my home state, South Dakota, I am proud to be one of the many people who are engaged in agriculture. Farmers and Ranchers are the most significant conservation group, when it comes to protecting wildlife. They provide, at their own expense, habitat and feed for wildlife. Farmers intentionally leave crops standing and ranchers set aside habitat.

Several years ago, my wife and I planted about 40,000 trees on our ranch. Every year since, we have planted more. Our objective is to provide feed and habitat for wildlife. That doesn’t make us particularly unique. I know others who have similar practices. We do it because of our love for wildlife. We do wish, however, that the Game, Fish and Parks department would treat us more like a partner, and less like an adversary.

Throughout history, private landowners have been responsible for the saving of species, and hunting has been instrumental in that process. The American Buffalo and the African Elephant are a couple of great examples.

The state of Texas has a friendly policy toward landowners and game ranching. They know that when they engage farmers and ranchers, wildlife prospers and hunting opportunities increase for everyone.

I have had the privilege of observing these benefits and enjoying hunts around the world. If you are a hunter, you might enjoy my hunting video.

Happy hunting!!

***Gordon Howie is an author and CEO of Life and Liberty Media***

     “It’s not about right or left, it’s about Right or Wrong.”

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