Can hunting and killing an animal improve the health and sustainability of that wildlife species?

Researchers from Michigan State University’s College of Agriculture & Natural Resources decided to tackle that issue. In search of both a better understanding and clarity, they studied hunting’s perceptions, pastimes, attitudes, impacts, motivations, laws and regulations, and its connection to the natural world. To do so, they analyzed data from what is called the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species – an inventory of the conservation statuses of more than 1,600 worldwide mammal species – to see if there was a connection between the type of hunting and conservation status of the species.

Results showed species hunted for sport were less likely to be threatened and more likely to have stable or even increasing populations compared to non-sport hunted species because, in part, wildlife populations were highly managed and benefitted from sport hunting revenue. The funds generated by it are used to bolster anti-poaching efforts and support large expanses of suitable habitat and other management activities, furthering wildlife conservation and preventing habitat loss for wildlife and humans alike.

Other results found that species hunted for food were not more likely to have decreasing populations or be classified as threatened, a surprising result as household consumption and commercial benefits were more likely the reason for illegal wildlife killings. However, in some regions, habitat loss is the primary driver of species loss.

“These results suggest that sport hunting is linked with more favorable conservation status of mammal species and can be a component of sustainable wildlife management,” according to the study authors.

To view a list of 25 reasons how hunting supports conservation for hunted and non-hunted species alike in North America, click here.

About Hunt 2 Conserve

Hunt 2 Conserve is a 501(c)4 nonprofit organization affiliated with the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation. Its mission is to advance a legacy of hunting and conservation by educating, activating and developing stewards and defenders of these fundamentally American ideals. For more information, go to hunt2conserve.org.