This is the first article in a four-part series from AWA .50 Cal Sponsor, Ruger
By Krisy Titus
There are so many beautiful places in this great nation of ours, landscapes that are sacred to the heart of our great nation and iconic wildlife that some only experience on television or while scrolling through social media.
In recent years, the relevance of hunting in our society has become increasingly challenging for the non-hunting community to understand. Our country is diverse, with many citizens in urban areas who have never witnessed the stars in the night sky or the breathtaking beauty of dawn as the sun rises over mighty mountain peaks. The joyful laughter of a child on their first hunt and the captivating sights and sounds of wildlife all contribute to a deep commitment to our nation, its natural resources and the purpose of conserving them for future generations.
With that said, willingness to conserve wildlife and wild places is directly tied to our personal connection to these landscapes. We protect what we love, and we love what we know.
There is a growing disconnect in our culture between people and the land, as well as the wildlife that inhabits it. Many Americans rely on pre-packaged, processed meat from grocery stores, leading to questions about the relevance of hunting today. It is up to hunters to educate the non-hunting community that hunting serves not only as a source of meat for our tables but also plays a crucial role in global conservation efforts.
With 100 million legal firearm owners, it’s crucial for us to change the conversations surrounding gun ownership and hunting. The reality is that firearms and hunting are integral to the most successful wildlife conservation model, as well as to some of the most effective free-market conservation efforts.
Some of you may be familiar with the North American Model of Wildlife Conservation, while others might not. Let me provide a brief overview. In the late 1930s, President Theodore Roosevelt acknowledged the deep passion that hunters have for wildlife and their habitats, realizing that this connection could drive meaningful change.
Declining wildlife populations led him to understand that hunters could help restore these populations and ensure they became more abundant and healthier than ever. Thus, the North American Model of Wildlife Conservation was established.
Target shooters, hunters, and the firearms industry implemented a self-imposed excise tax also known as the Pittman-Robertson Act, that provides funds that are used to support management of wildlife populations, habitat, education and safety. To date, over $17 billion dollars have been contributed to conservation efforts through these excise taxes alone.
It is due to responsible gun ownership that sustainable wildlife harvesting has been established, giving Americans a voice in wildlife management. There are as many wild animals as there are armed citizens, but because these citizens adhere to conservation laws and hunt in ways that benefit wildlife populations, the North American Model of Wildlife Conservation has been successful.
For nearly 100 years, gun owners and hunters have been actively transforming wildlife populations and the wild landscapes of our great nation for the better. The reality is that the firearm and hunting industry have been the nation’s largest contributors to conservation efforts, funding programs that benefit both America’s wildlife and those who enjoy the outdoors.
Anyone that spends time outdoors on our public lands, is directly benefiting from the conservation initiatives funded by PR dollar excise taxes. Everyone in America benefits from the contributions made through the legal sale of firearms and ammunition.
But the positive impact of gun owners and hunters on conservation goes even further. Out of the 100-million-gun owners in America, 16 million are also hunters. By purchasing licenses and permits, hunters contribute over 75% of state conservation budgets that goes to work towards conservation efforts, funding habitat restoration, wildlife research, and educational programs.
Defending the Second Amendment and supporting hunting are both essential efforts in the context of wildlife conservation. Conservation relies on science-based wildlife management, and the North American Model remains the only successful framework for conservation to date.
Empowering Women in the Hunting Community
The rise of women in hunting has been a game-changer. Women are now one of the fastest-growing demographics in outdoor sports, challenging stereotypes and reshaping the narrative around hunting. Organizations like the Armed Women of America and local hunting clubs have been instrumental in providing resources, training, and mentorship for women looking to enter the hunting world. Non-profit organizations like Safari Club International harness the passion and dedication of women hunters to further conservation goals while creating a supportive community of hunters.
Armed with the right tools, including reliable firearms from brands like Ruger, women can feel empowered by their commitment to quality and safety that ensures women can focus on the experience itself.
If we don’t advocate for our Second Amendment rights and defend hunting, who will? Right here and right now, I urge you to pledge to reach out and educate those who may not understand the positive contributions of firearms and hunting in society today. Let’s be the voices that highlight how gun owners and hunters are at the forefront of the conservation movement for both wildlife and wild places across America.
Commit to taking someone shooting or hunting this year who has never been or that has interest in getting more involved. Learning how to handle firearms safely and effectively is not only empowering but also essential in fostering a culture of responsible hunting. Providing women with the tools and knowledge they need plays a significant role in shaping a more inclusive hunting community.
We are in a crucial fight to ensure the future of hunting and shooting sports, and it’s vital to educate the nation that without guns and hunting, there is no conservation.
The Future of Women in Hunting and Conservation
As more women embrace hunting, the potential for conservation efforts grows exponentially. Women hunters are not just participants; they are advocates for change, often leading initiatives that address critical conservation issues.
Hunting serves not only as a means of connecting with nature but also as a powerful tool for empowerment, providing for our family and conservation of the wildlife and wild places that we cherish. Today, women hunters are not just participants in the sport; they are crucial stakeholders in the mission to conserve our natural resources and hunting heritage.
A Call to Action
Armed with the right tools and knowledge, women hunters are uniquely positioned to make significant contributions to wildlife management and habitat conservation. If you’re a woman interested in hunting, consider exploring local organizations, attending workshops, or even just reaching out to experienced hunters for mentorship.
Together, we can continue to redefine the narrative around hunting, proving that it is not just a pastime but a crucial aspect of conservation that benefits us all. Through the empowerment of women and the responsible use of firearms, we can forge a path towards a sustainable future for wildlife and our wildlife and wild places.
About the Author
Kristy grew up packing and riding mules into the backcountry experiencing the beauty and thrill of hunting our public lands. She is a strong voice of American values and traditions.
As a Second Amendment advocate and shooting sports enthusiast, she is a certified firearms instructor, Refuse To Be A Victim Instructor, Range Safety Officer, competitive long-range shooter and avid archer.
Kristy is passionate in the support of wildlife and habitat conservation and is dedicated to preserving our hunting traditions.
She produces and hosts Pursue the Wild, a lifestyle series now airing on Pursuit Channel, Pursuit Up, WildTV, the WildTV App, CarbonTV, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and X.
Kristy also hosts the Wild & Uncut Podcast, giving listeners access to behind-the-scenes conversations and unique perspectives with exciting guest appearances recorded during Kristy’s travels and adventures from around the world.
In all areas of her life, Kristy advocates for adventure, wildlife and land stewardship, conservation through hunting, the Second Amendment, shooting sports and our time-honored hunting traditions.
Thank you, AWA .50 Cal Sponsor, Ruger!