• Righting Wrongs: EAJA ensures that an individual or small nonprofit with limited funds can still hold agencies accountable if they act improperly.
• Preventing Government Overreach: By reimbursing successful plaintiffs, EAJA discourages agencies from ignoring citizens’ rights or breaking procedural rules.

• Resources Drained: Instead of going to habitat restoration or research, tax dollars and agency time vanish into legal battles.
• Delayed Decisions: State agencies spend years fighting lawsuits rather than implementing next steps (like controlled hunting seasons or specific conservation measures).
• Discouraging Innovation: Facing endless legal threats, agencies might opt for minimal action, fearing more lawsuits if they propose proactive wildlife solutions.

• Sustainable Use: Many hunters look forward to responsibly managed seasons once a species has recovered. Hunting remains one of the key funding sources for ongoing conservation.
• Real Conservation Wins: It’s no secret that regulated hunting has helped restore populations like whitetail deer, wild turkey, and waterfowl over the decades—backed by science-based harvest limits.

• Anti-Hunting Rhetoric: Some organizations that use EAJA lawsuits regularly campaign against hunting in general. They frame all forms of hunting—no matter how regulated—as trophy-driven or cruel, undermining public trust in wildlife agencies.
• Little to No Local Engagement: Instead of consulting the communities that share the land with these species, or working with state agencies, they take the battle to federal court. As a result, local voices—including rural residents and wildlife professionals—get drowned out.

1. Unintended Ecological Consequences
   • Overabundant predators can deplete prey populations, cause livestock damage, or invade suburban areas.
   • Overpopulation of once-endangered species might spark disease outbreaks or strain habitats.
2. Reduced Local and Conservation Funding
   • If species remain artificially “protected,” agencies can’t implement carefully designed hunting seasons that generate crucial conservation dollars.
   • Taxpayer money flows into legal fees instead of into programs for wetlands, pollinators, or at-risk species restoration.
3. Erosion of Trust in Conservation Institutions
   • When people see decisions made by lawsuit settlements rather than transparent, science-based processes, they lose faith in wildlife agencies and democracy itself.
   • Local stakeholders—farmers, ranchers, tribal communities—may feel sidelined as outside groups override carefully negotiated plans.

Hunting: A Deeper Look into an Ancient Practice, Modernized by Science and Stewardship

When many people think of hunting, they picture a lone figure in camouflage, quietly pursuing an animal through the woods. Others imagine something more dramatic—sensational headlines, heated debates, and controversies stoked by misinformation. In truth, hunting is far more complex, nuanced, and grounded in ethics and science than these surface-level impressions suggest. Whether you’ve never held a hunting license or have always been curious, it’s worth exploring the full story behind this ancient human tradition.

A Human Heritage and Cultural Continuity
Hunting is deeply woven into our collective past. Long before supermarkets, our ancestors relied on hunting for food, clothing, tools, and survival. This fundamental connection to the land helped shape human cultures across the globe. Today, many hunters still embrace this heritage, seeking a deeper understanding of nature’s rhythms. They learn to read landscapes, recognize animal behaviors, and understand the delicate interplay of predator and prey. By doing so, they honor traditions passed down through generations, reminding us that humanity and nature share a timeless relationship.

Science at the Core of Modern Hunting
Modern hunting is a far cry from random pursuit. Each state across the United States has its own wildlife agency, staffed by biologists, ecologists, and other experts who study animal populations and habitats year-round. Their research forms the basis of regulated hunting seasons, harvest limits, and management plans. This data-driven approach ensures that wildlife populations remain stable or even grow over time. When a certain animal’s population becomes too large, these experts may recommend a carefully controlled harvest to prevent overgrazing, habitat degradation, or disease outbreaks. Conversely, if a population struggles, managers adjust regulations to allow for recovery.

The North American Model of Wildlife Conservation—an internationally acclaimed framework—was built largely through efforts supported by hunters. This model has helped restore once-declining species like deer, elk, and wild turkey to healthy numbers. It’s a system that recognizes hunting as both a tool and a funding mechanism for conservation, driven by scientists who put wildlife health first.

Funding for Conservation and Public Lands
One of the best-kept secrets about hunting is the enormous financial contribution hunters make to wildlife conservation. By purchasing licenses, tags, and equipment, hunters contribute millions of dollars annually toward habitat restoration, wildlife research, and the maintenance of public lands. Taxes on firearms, ammunition, bows, and arrows—through measures like the Pittman-Robertson Act—channel funds directly into conservation programs. This money benefits everyone who loves the outdoors, from hikers and birdwatchers to photographers and campers. In fact, without these dedicated funds, many of the public lands we enjoy and the wildlife we treasure might not thrive as they do today.

Sustainable Food and Ethical Use of Resources
Far from the stereotype of wastefully pursuing “trophies,” modern hunters often prioritize ethical harvest and full use of the animal. Many view hunting as a source of organic, locally sourced protein—an alternative to industrial agriculture. When a hunter harvests a deer or an elk, for example, they’re providing healthy meat for their family and often their community. Similarly, bear or mountain lion meat, though less commonly considered, can be prepared into delicious meals. Even rendered fats have traditional and modern uses, turning a once-misunderstood resource into something practical and valued. This field-to-table connection fosters respect and gratitude for the life taken, reinforcing a cycle of responsibility.

Supporting Biodiversity Beyond Game Species
Wildlife management doesn’t end with commonly hunted animals. Non-game species—songbirds, pollinators, amphibians, and predators—benefit indirectly from habitats maintained and monitored for overall ecological health. When predators or certain furbearers become too numerous, they can threaten ground-nesting bird populations by consuming eggs and chicks. Regulated trapping and hunting help keep these populations in check, allowing entire ecosystems to remain balanced. The scientific oversight ensures that one group of animals doesn’t dominate at the expense of others, preserving biodiversity and the intricate relationships that make ecosystems resilient.

Countering Misinformation and Simplistic Narratives
There’s no shortage of misinformation from groups that paint hunting as purely destructive. While their messaging may garner emotional responses, it often sidesteps the complexity and proven successes of science-driven wildlife management. These organizations might call themselves “conservationists,” but their efforts rarely match the on-the-ground, data-backed work that hunters and wildlife agencies perform every day. Understanding this difference is crucial. True conservation involves dedicated professionals, long-term strategies, habitat improvements, and measurable outcomes—not just feel-good slogans.

A Role for Everyone
Hunting isn’t just for hunters. Even if you never pick up a bow or rifle, appreciating the thought and care that go into regulated, science-based hunting can help you understand its broader role. Hunters, wildlife managers, and conservation-minded citizens all want thriving ecosystems and stable wildlife populations. Recognizing how hunting contributes to that goal helps unify us, whether we’re enjoying nature through binoculars, a camera lens, a fishing rod, or on a quiet hike in the woods.

Looking to the Future
As landscapes change, climates shift, and human populations grow, the challenges facing wildlife are greater than ever. Fortunately, we already have a time-tested framework and dedicated experts working in every state to address these challenges. Responsible hunting, guided by science and ethical principles, provides a means to adjust as needed—ensuring that wildlife can adapt, survive, and flourish in the decades ahead.

By understanding the full story of hunting—its cultural roots, scientific foundations, conservation funding, sustainable harvest, and respect for all life—we see that it’s not just about pursuing animals. It’s about participating in the natural world in a thoughtful, informed way. In doing so, we safeguard wildlife, habitats, and traditions for generations to come.

READ MORE BELOW: Just Click A Topic Or Return To Education

Predator Hunting | Bear Hunting | Lion Hunting | Hound Hunting | Trapping | Hunting Is Human | Who Manages Wildlife In the U.S. | Humans And Nature | Anti-Hunting | Predator Reintroduction | A Deeper Look At Hunting

The below commentary was shared with the California Fish & Game Commission, during public comments (Agenda Item 2) of their 12/11/24 meeting in Sacramento CA. Mike Costello is a HOWL contributor who lives in California, and is intent on bringing stakeholders together for the uncomfortable but necessary process of getting ahead of an impending crisis, where wolf, bear and mountain lion population far exceed the available carrying capacity that current prey species populations support.

Join HOWL for Wildlife... to support sustainable hunting, conservation, and ecosystem health. 

https://nwsportsmanmag.com/op-ed-the-changing-landscape-of-language-in-washington-game-management/

May roundup: Even when we hit a wall, we’re still winning

Advocating for fish, wildlife, and habitat conservation as well as hunters’ rights is an all-in proposition. A vocal, united, and persistent hunting community is the single best defense against anti-hunting interests that would love nothing more than for our sporting heritage to simply disappear. 

The month of May is a perfect example of just how important our Howls were in the outcome of a number of issues across the country. While we didn’t win on every front, our voice was heard and taken to heart at some of the highest levels in state and federal offices. 

Two examples would be the veto of an important Colorado wolf reintroduction bill and the narrowly defeated effort to lift the Maine Sunday hunting ban. 

Colorado bills SB23-256 and SB23-255 were both approved by large margins by the state legislature and sent to Gov. Jared Polis’ desk to be signed into law. SB23-256 would mandate a 10(j) waiver, identifying the reintroduced wolves as an experimental population without Endangered Species protections and moving management of the wolves to the state. 

We knew it would be an extremely heavy lift to get the Governor to sign since it was well-known he was against the bill. In spite of thousands of emails in support of the bill, and the overwhelming support of both chambers of the state legislature, Gov. Polis vetoed the bill. 

But the fight isn’t over yet. Stay tuned for more information as it becomes available. 

In Maine, our push to lift the state’s Sunday hunting ban fell just short in the state legislature. LD 1241 would’ve allowed for Sunday hunting with a bow or crossbow only and with a $31 fee returning to conservation and youth hunter education. 

Similar bills have been introduced and voted down over the last few decades. None of them had the element of compromise, as this bill does — nor did they have the same level of public support.

With 48 percent of the state in support of the bill, 25 percent neutral on the issue, and only 27 percent opposed — and the resounding support of thousands in the hunting community — it’s a complete head-scratcher why legislators ultimately failed to lift the ban.

Again, the fight isn’t over here either. Be on the lookout for more information. 

On the big win front, Nevada Bill SB90 is dead.

Nevada has long suffered from the overpopulation of feral horses on its landscape.  Populations continue to rise unchecked and are now at several times the carrying capacity of the habitat.  With nearly 60,000 in “off-range” care at BLM corrals, the situation continues to degrade every year, with a lasting drought, increasing horse numbers, and more horses than adoptions can accommodate. 

Adding another spark to the tinderbox, SB90, which would designate the “wild mustang as the official state horse of Nevada,” was introduced in the state legislature. Thankfully, our overwhelming opposition to the bill made a strong impression, and the “state horse” designation died a quick and decisive death. 

International Impacts

Our friends in South Australia, who are facing a ban on bowhunting, are seeing some significant support from our community and the state’s elected officials. While the ban has been approved, it has not been implemented, and, if the legislative response is any indication, it may simply be left on the books to gather dust. 

Our partner organization in Australia forwarded this email response from Hon. Heidi Girolamo, MLC, Member of the Legislative Council: 

“In terms of our understanding around community pushback, I can let you know that our inbox has been inundated with correspondence on this. Probably 1,500 people have written to us, as you initially did, far outweighing any other issue that has been brought to our attention thus far.”

Our Howls are making a difference. 

Likewise, support for predator management in B.C. is receiving a great deal of attention. There is a growing body of science showing that the reduction in wolf density in British Columbia’s caribou recovery areas is helping endangered caribou recover. 

Mike Bernier, Member of the Legislative Assembly for Peace River South, replied directly to one of our staff’s emails: 

This is something that I am very supportive of, understanding the balance that we need to achieve to protect our wildlife at all levels in the backcountry. We have seen huge success in managing the wolf population around rural British Columbia and helping grow and sustain our ungulate populations. We must continue to make science-based decisions on a land base, rather than emotional or political ones. I will continue advocating for this in my role as MLA.

Current actions 

Visit our Action Den to stay up on any additional actions where your voice is needed.

HOWL needs you — become a member today

The amount of time and energy we put into advocating for hunters, wildlife, and habitat is well beyond a full-time effort. The hours spent by our small team and the cost of running HOWLl’s unique platform, are funded solely by memberships and donations.  

Our individual memberships come with fantastic benefits like access to OnX and MTNTOUGH+, and discounts from partner brands like Protekt, Black Rifle Coffee Company, and Eastman’s Tag Hub. There are also reciprocal memberships with Pope & Young, American Bear Foundation, and GOHUNT available.

We also have some cool merch and our own extra dark roast coffee in super-convenient single-serve packs and by the bag thanks to a partnership with Bear Beans. 

Make your voice heard on issues that are important to sportsmen and women in your state and beyond — join Howl for Wildlife today.