Even during a pandemic, hunters have not stopped caring about and working for wildlife.

Photo above by Vic Schendel

As hunters, we know how crucial wildlife and natural habitats are to the human condition, perhaps now more than ever. And while it’s understandable that wildlife conservation may take a back seat to other concerns during a health and economic crisis, it’s important that this work continues. Unfortunately, funding for conservation is not immune to the economic carnage that is taking place as a result of the current pandemic. The work of hunter-funded conservation organizations is crucial to these efforts, but 2020 is shaping up to be a challenging year for these groups.

Dozens of chapters of Ducks Unlimited, Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, DSC, Safari Club International, Mule Deer Foundation, and Wild Sheep Foundation, among many others, hold their fundraisers and banquets in the spring. This year, many were forced to cancel the events that raise the majority of their funding. As a result, some have had to cut costs and re-examine their budgets.