Putting Your Money Where Your Birds Aren't
Emily Ann Bosler for SPLIT REED
Four Conservation Contributions to Make Today
Often, the waterfowl off-season poses a depressing lull for most of us. Some pass the months chasing those elusive bearded birds, while others, like our trusted outfitters, are already preparing for the season ahead. However distant the 2022-2023 season may seem, there are things we can do today from the comfort of our couches to make us feel as if we’re just a bit closer to opening morning. We can all pause for a few brief moments from scrolling through pile pics of years past to contribute something towards worthwhile conservation efforts. As hunters, we often hear the phrase “hunters are the best conservationists,” so we might as well put our money where the birds aren’t.
I have compiled a list of four profound ways you can impact waterfowl, turkey, and upland hunting conservation efforts so that the generations to come may someday enjoy the same traditions we do today.
The Mossy Oak Inaugural Turkey Stamp
Whether you only wear OG Mossy Oak bottomland in flooded timber, or you are an avid turkey hunter, this one is an absolute must to jump behind. A brand whose mission has always been to ensure that their children and grandchildren are able to experience thriving wildlife populations has now introduced a wild turkey conservation stamp to help directly fund wild turkey research. Mossy Oak will donate 100% of the money to conservation efforts, and utilize their advisory board of gamekeepers to ensure that every penny goes towards these research projects. In the words of Toxey Haas, “without wild turkeys, there would be no Mossy Oak,” so for the love of the brand or the love of the birds- click here and purchase your stamp now.
The Delta Waterfowl Foundation Membership
If you follow Delta Waterfowl on Instagram, you have probably seen their remarkable nesting and predator management efforts. From hen houses to university hunting programs, the future of waterfowl populations and waterfowl hunters both have a brighter future because of this foundation’s efforts. Delta Waterfowl is literally producing ducks with hunters like you and me in mind, so the least we can do is support their tireless work. While you can give through donations and recurrent planned payments, their membership options ensure you’ll be up to date on all things waterfowl and waterfowl conservation.
Pheasants and Quail Forever
Through their first-ever comprehensive, national campaign, Call Of The Uplands- Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever aim to cherish and protect the wildlife habitats that are so rapidly disappearing. Since 1970, Northern bobwhite quail populations have seen an 83% decline, and the pheasant population has declined by 70%. Whether you are an avid upland hunter yourself, or someone who merely holds the same belief that “every wild place holds a promise- a chance to escape, to reconnect, to come alive” as this organization does, these numbers should cause alarm in every sportsman’s eyes. To contribute directly to the protection and restoration of these threatened habitats, click here.
Sportsmen’s Alliance Foundation
The reason I began to write for Split Reed was simple, I had a passion for getting children involved in the outdoors. The first article I ever submitted was entitled simply, “Take a Kid Hunting.” The Sportsmen’s Alliance and I align fully on this matter. Their Trailblazer Adventure Program has exposed more than 1.7 million youth and their families to an outdoor lifestyle since its inception. While that speaks volumes to the impact this foundation has had all on its own, the foundation also provides legal defense in outdoor-related lawsuits, and continually researches and monitors every bill, law, and rule that may someday infringe upon our rights as hunters. In today’s cancel-culture and social media’s censorship of outdoor activities, the Sportsmen’s Alliance Foundation aims to protect and promote our outdoor heritage. To ensure the next generation of sportsmen and women are left with a legacy, become a member today.
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