DOES HUNTING TRULY CONSERVE WILDLIFE IN AMERICA?
Humans have hunted for sport and survival since the beginning of time. Individual states have laws and designated hunting seasons. Animal rights groups and conservation groups fear that hunting destroys animal populations. If hunting were allowed without restrictions, then yes it is conceivable that an animal species would become extinct. The buffalo was hunted almost into extinction by hide hunters because of the money made on the hides. The buffalo was primarily hunted for food by Native Americans.
Knowing when to hunt and what to hunt can control and ultimately conserve wildlife populations.The whole story can be found at http://www.ajc.com/news/atlanta/newnan-man-sentenced-for-1137727.html?cxtyperss_news_61499 Many states have laws on how many female deer or doe can be taken during the hunting season. Obviously, over hunting the female of any species will limit births of that species. Deer can quickly become over populated and end up starving. Females have low-birth rates when food is scarce.
Hunting deer to reduce the population will increase birth rates. Selective hunting will reduce the population and increase the food supply. Greater access to food encourages higher birth rates among all wildlife. Because of over hunting and displacement by humans, many predators that once kept populations in check are gone.
Any animal species that become overpopulated will eventually starve, thus destroying the entire species. Selective hunting to reduce the population can preserve the species in the end. Hunting, on the other hand, and human intrusions on wildlife habitat have reduced the predator population. Wolves were hunted to the point of extinction to protect sheep and cattle. This over hunting of wolves allowed other non-predatory species to become overpopulated.
Hunting has created problems for American wildlife but also has helped with the conservation of wildlife in America. Wildlife that is nearing extinction can become extinct if hunting them unabated where to continue. Not hunting wildlife that has become over populated will destroy the entire species.