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century untouched nature does not exist anymore; untold generations have
altered natural patterns. A burgeoning African population has high demands
for arable land and the remaining havens of wilderness are surrounded by a
human sea, often enclosed by high fences. Soil, plants and wildlife in
finite protected areas and on private land cannot survive without human
management; any other notion will not hold up to scientific evidence and
must be relegated into the realm of utopian dreams. Conservation
organizations like WWF-SA and EWT, and most of the sovereign states have
recognized this fact years ago. The World Conservation Union (IUCN)
and its Policy Statement on Sustainable Use of Wild Living Resources
provided the blueprint. Based on these premises, the sustainable
consumptive and non-consumptive utilisation of nature has found entrance in
our South African Constitution. Hunters should be proud in the knowledge
that they recognized the importance of sustainable utilisation and wildlife
management resources much earlier
The hunters’ competent interactions (see box 5) with
conservation organizations are of critical importance and will serve to
measure the acceptance of hunting in society. There is no better way to
convince the non-hunters, than to interact with them, showing commitment,
dedication and competence. Hunters, as partners in wildlife conservation,
can indeed contribute to the sustainable and ethical use of natural
resources.
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Box 5
The Basis for Hunting is Conservation
- Hunters harvest those species which permit sustainable utilisation
- Hunters strive for an equilibrium between wildlife and habitat
- Hunters accept responsibility for non-game animals and their habitat
- Hunters are actively engaged in nature conservation and if necessary,
the protection of species
Hunters Observe a Code of Ethics
- Hunters respect the Rules of Fair Chase
- Hunters respect and obey all laws of the land
- Hunters set high ethical parameters and strive for excellence in the
field
- Hunters ensure humane practises in the harvesting of wildlife
- Hunters constantly hone their skills
Hunters & Hunting Project a Positive Image
- Hunters are reliable and competent partners of the public and
conservation organisations
- Hunters respect the needs and requirements of other citizens for
enjoyment of nature
- Hunters cooperate with indigenous rural communities and support their
right to the sustainable use of nature
- Hunters inform the public and the media of their objectives and about
their problems, solutions and achievements
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