by Ace Luciano - Friday, April 11, 2025
Hunting is often viewed through the lens of tradition and sport, but its impact reaches far beyond that. In truth, hunters have long been stewards of the land, playing a pivotal role in conserving wildlife and ecosystems. Their dedication to preserving huntable species through sustainable practices also extends to protecting the broader environment, benefiting non-game species as well. From national conservation programs like the Federal Duck Stamp program to individual efforts on private lands, hunters contribute significantly to the health and diversity of our natural world.
Hunters and the Conservation of Game Species
Hunters have a vested interest in maintaining healthy populations of game species. Since the early 20th century, conservation-minded hunters have recognized that without sustainable practices, overhunting could decimate populations. This understanding has led to the creation of numerous regulations and conservation efforts to ensure that wildlife populations remain robust for future generations. The Pittman-Robertson Act of 1937, for instance, was one of the earliest legislative efforts to tie hunting directly to wildlife conservation. Signed into law nearly 90 years ago, the act imposes an excise tax on firearms, ammunition and archery gear, with the revenue allocated to state wildlife agencies for habitat restoration, wildlife research and education programs. Hunters, through their purchases, directly fund the conservation of wild game species, ensuring that they have not only the opportunity to hunt but also contribute to maintaining a sustainable balance in wildlife populations.
Benefits to Non-Game Species
While much of the focus in hunting-related conservation efforts is on game species, these initiatives often benefit a wide range of non-game species as well. When habitats are preserved, restored or enhanced to support huntable species like deer, elk or waterfowl, non-game species—such as songbirds, small mammals and pollinators—also thrive. Wetlands that are managed for ducks, for example, are also critical for countless amphibians, insects and shorebirds. Take the Federal Duck Stamp program, established in 1934, as a prime example. Every waterfowl hunter in the United States is required to purchase a Federal Duck Stamp annually if he/she intends to hunt waterfowl. The funds generated are used to acquire and protect wetlands and other critical habitats. While the initial goal was to preserve environments for waterfowl, these protected areas are now home to a wide variety of non-game species. To date, the program has conserved more than 6 million acres of habitat, benefiting not just ducks but also countless species that rely on these ecosystems for survival.
The Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) is another legislative initiative that highlights the role hunters play as environmental stewards. Originally introduced as part of the 1985 Farm Bill, CRP provides financial incentives for farmers and landowners to remove environmentally sensitive land from agricultural production and in its place plant species that improve the health and quality of the environment. In return for not farming certain lands, participants receive annual rental payments from the federal government. Hunters have long been advocates for CRP because of its significant impact on wildlife populations. By restoring grasslands and wetlands, the program provides critical habitat not only for game species such as pheasants, quail and deer, but also for a variety of non-game species including the previously mentioned songbirds, small mammals and pollinators. As these ecosystems recover and thrive, biodiversity flourishes.
Individual Landowner Contributions
While national programs like CRP and the Federal Duck Stamp program are essential, individual hunters and landowners also make substantial contributions to conservation. Many hunters take it upon themselves to improve their private lands for the benefit of wildlife, creating a ripple effect that impacts both game and non-game species.
One of the most common ways hunters enhance their land is by planting food plots. These managed areas are designed to provide supplemental food for game species, such as deer or turkeys, but they also attract and sustain other wildlife. Food plots often consist of a mix of plants like clover, alfalfa or brassicas, which offer year-round nutrition. Songbirds, small mammals and even insects benefit from the increased food availability and habitat structure. Additionally, the health of game populations improves, leading to better outcomes for predators and scavengers that rely on those animals.
Hunters also recognize the importance of providing adequate cover for wildlife. By planting native grasses, shrubs and trees, they create protective environments where animals can nest, hide from predators or escape harsh weather conditions. This is particularly important in regions where human development has fragmented natural habitats. Native plantings not only benefit game species but also provide crucial shelter for non-game species like rabbits, foxes and songbirds. By restoring cover, hunters actively combat habitat loss and fragmentation—some of the greatest threats to biodiversity.
Invasive Species Control
Non-native or invasive plant and animal species pose a significant threat to native ecosystems. Hunters often take proactive measures to control or eliminate invasive species from their land. Invasive plants like kudzu, autumn olive or multiflora rose can choke out native vegetation, reducing biodiversity and negatively impacting wildlife. Hunters and landowners work to eradicate these species and reintroduce native plants that are more beneficial to wildlife. Additionally, hunters contribute to predator management, especially when invasive or overabundant predators threaten the balance of ecosystems. In some areas, species like coyotes, feral hogs or non-native fish have caused significant damage to wildlife populations. By managing these predators, hunters help ensure the survival of both game and non-game species that would otherwise suffer from increased predation or competition.
Hunters’ Role in Land Stewardship
I recently spoke with Bobby Cole, the head of Mossy Oak’s Gamekeepers program, to discuss the role of hunters as land stewards. Following are some highlights from our conversation.
How do you view hunters as “Land Stewards?
“We think of hunters as being the ultimate conservationists,” said Cole. “If you care about something you will take care of it. That’s the heart of a Gamekeeper. It’s really that simple.”
One of Mossy Oak's businesses is Mossy Oak BioLogic, a company that sells seeds and technologies for growing crops and improving land. Where did you come up with the idea for it, and how does it relate to hunters as land stewards?
“Toxey [Toxey Haas, founder of Mossy Oak] has always been fascinated by improving habitat and creating an abundance—ideally an abundance of wildlife. Nourishing wildlife is so important and we learned that the forages from New Zealand were capable of outperforming the domestic forages … it made sense to us to get into the business and help folks. The forage brassicas from NZ were off-the-chart nutritious for fall plantings … people historically didn’t care about fall nutrition—just attraction.
Through Biologic and its many blends, we were shown how having quality nutritious food plots in the fall helped carry your whole herd through the rut and winter in better shape and gave everything a leg up for the next year. Healthier does had healthier fawns, and bucks could recoup lost weight in the rut when they had access to good groceries. It’s not for everybody. If you just want to kill deer, go buy something cheap. But if you want to improve your deer herd and potentially grow larger bucks, you should pay attention. It’s a commitment, but we have seen it work time and time again. BioLogic has the best brassicas, radishes and clovers you can buy—and we are proud of that. The average guy who understands that he needs to help the wildlife on his property is helping more than just his deer or turkeys. Rabbits, songbirds, etc.—all benefit … that guy is a steward, a Gamekeeper.
Mossy Oak’s Gamekeepers focuses not just on hunting, but on fishing, food plots and conservation. Where did the idea come from for this project?
“We care about it all—deer, ducks, turkeys, quail, doves, songbirds, etc., and it [Gamekeepers] just manifested itself. Being a Gamekeeper makes sense. Through our TV show on the Outdoor Channel and the weekly Gamekeeper podcast, we talk about hunting but also managing all these ‘critters.’ We have a lot of expert guests and ask a lot of questions. The podcast is a great way to learn more.
What kind of impact do you think the program has made for hunting and conservation?
“From the comments and reviews we receive, we know people are enjoying learning and getting much satisfaction from seeing their deer herd or waterfowl or whatever respond.”
How do you think non-landowners, a large portion of the hunting community, can be the best stewards of the land?”
“It’s easy. You can participate in some level at your hunting club or if you lease land. You may not want to invest as much time and money but you still can improve it and leave it better than you found it. It can be as simple as picking up trash in the woods.”
Is there a political aspect to hunters being stewards of the land?
“I don’t think of it as political but I am learning everything seems to be politically charged. We have to pay attention to what our state agencies are doing and let them manage. Biologists need to manage our resources, not politicians.”
It’s easy to see that the efforts of hunters go far beyond just the pursuit of game. Hunters understand that their role as sportsmen and women comes with the responsibility of being stewards of the land. Whether through the purchase of hunting licenses, participation in conservation programs or individual land management efforts, hunters actively contribute to the preservation and restoration of our nation’s wildlife and ecosystems. Hunters are uniquely positioned to champion the cause of conservation because they are directly connected to the land. Their success in the field is intrinsically tied to the health of the ecosystems they hunt, which makes them some of the most dedicated advocates for environmental stewardship, whether that’s in the field, on their own land or as members of hunt clubs or one of America’s many conservation organizations.
About the Author
Ace Luciano is a sales and marketing executive, hunter, fisherman, outdoorsman, best-selling author, entrepreneur, seminar speaker and fundraising professional who most enjoys his role as a youth mentor as he works to pass down our hunting heritage to the next generation. A dynamic outdoor personality and all around "good guy,” Luciano is a self-described outdoor generalist who is a jack of many trades, and a master of several. To order a copy of his book, Guns the Right Way: Introducing Kids to Firearm Safety and Shooting, click here.