The North American Model of Wildlife Management depends on hunters. This model incorporates principles of conservation from the past 100 years and was formally adopted in 2002. Over the years the number of hunters has decreased. Fish and Wildlife agencies from across the nation view this as a major problem. Many factors contribute to this decline, including habitat loss, a growing urban population, and increased competition for leisure time. We do have one key element upon which we can rely: the people who enjoy the opportunity to step outside and enjoy shooting and hunting.

Kentucky’s Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources has worked for several decades to give the shooter and hunter every possible opportunity. We have developed shooting ranges, assisted landowners in improving habitat, and enhanced the quality of the hunt for numerous species. In addition, we strive to provide Wildlife Management Areas for public use. In fact, the amount of land the department manages has more than doubled in the last 10 years.

You and your family and friends are essential to the future of hunting. Each new hunter must have consistent support to continueto grow and expand his or her interest. I think you will find this experience extremely rewarding for everyone involved. In a tribute to his father, Alan Jackson stated in a song about boating that it was “…a piece of my childhood that will never be forgotten.” I feel your involvement in hunting with your friends and family will fall in that “special memory” category.