As much as it is widely acknowledged that it is the license revenues attributed to the sale of individual hunting, fishing and trapping licenses that fund the majority of most Ministry Of Natural Resources activities—it is also the hard work, conservation efforts and investments of hunter-funded organizations like The Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters, Delta Waterfowl, Pheasants Forever, Safari Club International and a host of others that provide opportunities for user groups to view and appreciate wildlife and conservation (consumptive and non-consumptive groups).
And as much as we believe that we have a god-given "right" to hunt, the reality is that it is the court of public opinion that permits us the freedom to do what we love to do.
And while we are softly walking in the woods in the footsteps of our forefathers, it is the political arena where battles regarding our hunting heritage are fought.
At times, these battles have been mediocre skirmishes won by the well-meaning—but misdirected—lobbying efforts of the animal rights community because, quite simply, we are outdoors doing what we love best (hunting) and they are in the urban centres lobbying for what they like best (the abolition of hunting).
It is a complex but worthy battle.
You have it within your power to protect your family's hunting, fishing and trapping heritage.
Sit idly by and you have the privilege of telling your children or grandchildren that you (Dad or Granddad) sat idly by when it was within your power to make a difference.
However, you have it within your grasp to alter the history books of what will be written about hunting. You have the power to say to your kids "I spoke my mind, I did my part, and I stood shoulder to shoulder with other like-minded Canadians and expressed my pride in my hunting heritage. I did my part so that we all can share in the bounty of this great country. I helped ensure a political party, and indeed a man was put in the decision making seat that believed in what we do and vowed to stand up for what our family believes in."
Thomas Pigeon greets Ontario Progressive leadership candidate MPP Frank Klees at Thomas' home farm in southern Ontario.
Every now and then you have the privilege of meeting a person in the political arena who is both believable and compelling. From my perspective, our interview with MPP Frank Klees presented an interesting perspective in a very forthright interview from a politician that is prepared to offer the outdoors community a high degree of respect. If you haven't seen the show click on the play button below and you can watch the entire episode. It's an eye-opener. If you have seen the show (or once you've looked at our online version below) I suspect you'll want to get involved in the process. You can click on the link to the Frank Klees website, below, and go to his site and consider getting involved.
But whatever you do, it is not just your right, it is your obligation to get engaged in the political process. Review candidates in provincial and federal elections. Assess their values and beliefs vis-à-vis our hunting heritage. Walk to the polling booths or, as in this case of choosing a leadership candidate, sign up online.
Your family's hunting heritage depends on it.
God bless and good hunting.
Thomas Pigeon,