S2:E33 A Difference of Opinio…..Fact

On this week’s episode of the Nada Grande Outdoors Podcast, we sat down with DeeDon Bates and Ty Jackson, to discuss an article released by the New Mexico Wildlife Federation. I want to make clear that the issue we take with the article is that we believe it was written with misleading and outright incorrect information with the intent to divide and create mistrust of the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish. The NMWF published the article without any information to back their claims. Additionally, we believe that articles such as this provide no value to the outdoor community and only serve to further divide sportsmen and women against each other.

Here at Nada Grande Outdoors, we have been on a mission to get sportsmen and women to unite on common ground and stand up for each other to help preserve the past-time that we all enjoy. There is often those within the hunting, angling and outdoor community that have a “my way, or the highway” viewpoint. This elitist mentality manifests itself in the outdoor community from the implementation of regulations such as special waters for fly-fishing only, to the divisive rhetoric from special interest “conservation” groups and outdoor companies. The outdoor world is abuzz right now with phrases and verbiage that was likely coined to be inspiring, but often carries with it some level of exclusivity. While I do not personally believe that these groups or individuals using such rhetoric have a specific intent to exclude others, that is sometimes the impression that is given.

I believe that, for the most part, groups and individuals believe passionately about the topics they are fighting for. That is to be commended, and I encourage people to follow their passions and get involved in worthwhile conservation efforts. However, as you do so, my only advise (for what it’s worth) would be to make sure those group affiliations align with your core principles. No man can tell another what he ought to believe. That being said, in my estimation, a true sportsman is one who’s self-interests take a back seat to the conservation of the resource.  Also remember, while many of these sporting groups provide valuable resources that help conservation efforts, the vast majority of quality conservation work is done by agencies funded through hunting, fishing, and trapping license sales and federal dollars from Pitman/Robertson and Dingle/Johnson taxes. So while you may not personally agree with a certain method of taking game animals, birds, or fish, as long as the sportsman is doing it legally with a valid license, that person is doing his part in the conservation of wildlife the same as you. Why not stand together on the common ground of conservation?

If you are in one of those groups, make sure that you are actively involved and that the leadership of the group(s) is representing your values. Likewise, if you have been given the opportunity to represent the members of your group as a leader, you have the responsibility to do so with integrity and respect. On the flip side of that, it is absolutely our responsibility, as sportsmen and women, to stand against those who would take advantage of our passion and use lies and misinformation to push a selfish agenda. If we do not speak up, who will? The hunting community is under siege from all sides and the loss of our time-honored traditions and values will be the cost of complacency and indifference. Science and fact are on our side, we have the high ground. As Lincoln said, “a house divided against itself cannot stand.”  Come join us as we set the record straight.

Show Notes:

New Mexico Wildlife Federation News Article

Please email us at nadagrandeoutdoors@gmail.com to request Rodney’s analysis, we would be happy to provide it to you.

New Mexico State Statute 17-3-16; special drawings for licenses

New Mexico Department of Game and Fish Rules and Statutes

New Mexico Game Comission Meeting Webcast from July 24, 2019 (includes Wildlife Management Division Chief Stewart Liley’s explaination of special draw license allocations. Stewart’s presentation starts at 2:33:23)

Please follow and like us: