Hunting Tags: Why are They Important?

The sport of hunting animals isn’t one that hunters take lightly. The use of hunting tags controls the number of animals killed each year.

Many might not think of hunters as being conservation-minded, but nothing could be farther from the truth. Although some hunters will display their prizes on the wall, mantle, table, or window, they want to have animals available to hunt all their lives and be able to pass on the skills and joy of the hunt to future generations.

Regulations, Regulations, and More Regulations

Owning firearms is serious business, and being an active hunter is also something that should not be taken lightly at all. Gun owners are required to register all of their weapons and explain their use. Hunters have to take an additional few steps to stay within the limits of the law. They much not only purchase a hunting license for either small or large game and may have to purchase hunting tags as well.

There are many regulations that must be followed when hunting, and it’s the responsibility of the hunter to be familiar with these laws before heading out to kill their prey. The time of wild hunting wherever you go has been long gone, and responsible hunters work to ensure the population of their chosen prey will continue to be available.

What Are Hunting Tags?

Hunting is an expensive activity, but those that enjoy it find it to be worth the cost. Once a hunter obtains a license, they must also purchase hunting tags. The rules are different from state to state, but most of the time, small game hunters don’t need tags, while large game hunters do. These tags are limited in number and are an added measure of assurance that only the allowed animals will be hunted.

The tags purchased are typically only offered at the time that a specified hunting season begins. These tags can limit the dates when an animal can be hunted and may even limit the sex, the firearms allowed to be used, and the size of the animal required. Using these tags properly will help to ensure the continued population of a species that is often the target of hunters.

Are Hunters Truly Conservationists?

Those who enjoy hunting might find it a bit insulting for you to call them conservationists, but the fact is, they are. The money spent for hunting tags and licenses is sent to conservation organizations to help study and ensure the continued health of many species. The taxes paid for guns, ammunition, and archery equipment also aids in the funding of conservation activities around the country.

Hunters Actively Help Restore Species

The early 1900s was a time when many species were on the brink of elimination from America due to commercial harvesting of the animals. Both hunters and conservationists lobbied to end this harvesting and implement strict regulations to ensure the continued growth and success of many of the species that might have disappeared by now. This action allowed these species to thrive and continue to be alive today.

Wildlife Management is Done Through Hunting

How are the hunting seasons determined? Many of the dates, quotas, and regulations for hunting species are created by biologists. These scientists understand how many of each species is needed to keep balance in the world and turn to hunters to help manage the numbers at a healthy level.

Hunters are Key in Studying Wildlife Diseases

Many hunters have specific animals they want to target each year, but some are asked to participate in special hunts to gather animal samples to study diseases. Game managers rely on hunters for this activity, and the samples help to allow these experts to understand the disease outbreaks.

Hunting Properly is a Way to Combat Poaching

Those that spend the money to follow the rules aren’t going to be appreciative of others illegally killing animals. This unlawful activity is often wasteful and something that hunters work to stop when they encounter it. Hunters will be the first to report illegal poaching to game wardens and authorities.

Hunting is Good for the Planet

The next time you sit down with your hunter friends and family, think about all they do to help ensure the health and growth of the species they enjoy hunting. They pay for hunting tags, the weaponry used and follow the specific regulations that are put in place. You might not think of the hunters in your life as conservation-minded people, but they certainly are.