As we all probably know by now the world is going through a pandemic. There are people fighting over a roll of toilet paper, and those same people are flocking to the meat department for every last piece of meat. Hunters and anglers being the resilient and resourceful group that we are, find ourselves looking at all this in almost a comical fashion. We all feel comforted in that we have full freezes of the year’s bounty at home. Also confidence in not being afraid to improvise when nature calls. Plus it’s now government mandated that we get to keep doing something they have always enjoyed. Hunters and anglers basically invented social distancing. I know I have taken advantage of this time off by spending more time outdoors. However, with all these people off from work and this extra free time on our hands, once you have binged watched tv till your eyes fall out. You can turn your mind to conservation and what you could do to help out. Especially with spring right around the corner now would be a great time to do your part.
Hunters and anglers probably aren’t doing much sitting around during this time. Most likely you find yourself trying to get a head start on some projects around the house, completing something you have been meaning to do for a while. Also I don’t think it has to be said that you’re probably hitting up the trailhead or boat ramp. If this sounds like you, here are some things that you can do to help conservation from the safety of your home.
Small things make a big difference
- Reduce, reuse, recycle
- Save water
- Don’t leave the water running if you’re not using it.
- Properly dispose of waste (ex. Motor oil, paint, chemicals, etc…)
- Don’t pour that shit down the drain that’s gonna affect groundwater and aquifers for years to come. There’s going to be people that need that once you’re long gone.
- Save energy (turn off the lights/tv when your not using them)
- Keep your cats inside (save songbirds)
- Don’t Liter
- Don’t feed or touch wildlife
- Carry out what you carry in
- Especially during times like these it is important that you pack out what you bring in. Garbage cans at boat ramps or trail heads could easily spread disease. Make sure you bring a garbage bag with you wherever you head.
- Pick up trash
- Bring a trash bag with you when you hit the lake, trailhead, etc… Make sure you do it safely though bring gloves and hand sanitizer and make sure you are taking extra precautions. Then take ten minutes to pick up some trash.
- Hold It!
- If you do hit the trail head or boat launch don’t use the public restrooms, these could be sources for spreading the virus. Also don’t use the outside of the restroom to go these could be sources of human waste hazards.
Somethings to consider for your land
- Plant native fauna (for food and shelter for animals)
- Check your local department of conservation website and see what native fauna is best for your local native wildlife.
- Plant fauna that supports bees or better yet get a bee hive.
- Whether honey bees or on the decline or not it couldn’t hurt to have a few more pollinators in the air helping the fauna that feeds wildlife.
- Research landowner incentive programs
- Your state’s department of environment conservation may offer technical advice or incentive programs to help protect at-risk species.
- Citizen Science
- Many states are looking for feedback and data on wildlife resources. So now would be a great time to look at your state’s fish and game department and see what you have to offer.
Getting Involved
- Do some research on conservation organizations and join one. If you’re really passionate about hunting or fishing one species in particular, I would start there. Here are a few that you need to check out. (Ex. Ducks Unlimited, National Turkey Wildlife Federation, Trout Unlimited, Backcountry Hunters and Anglers, Pheasants Forever, Whitetails Unlimited, Mule Deer Foundation, Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, etc…)
- While researching these organizations see if there are any volunteer opportunities you can sign up for when this pandemic is over. Don’t forget to look on your state’s fish and wildlife website as well.
- Research who your local government officials are and see what they are and aren’t doing to support conservation. Also if you have an opinion or see something that needs to be done make sure you let them know.
With stressful times on our hands it’s important that we don’t forget about what’s really important. That’s the beautiful wildlife and land that gets us in the outdoors. Make sure you keep conservation in mind and during these next couple of weeks. We can all find time to do our own part even if it is something small.
Stay safe and stay healthy.
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Leaky Waders 