Angling and the North American Model of Wildlife Conservation

The North American Model of Wildlife Conservation is a conceptualization of the unique strategies and approaches to conservation and management of fish and wildlife resources in the United States and Canada. Because the model evolved from the passions of hunters and anglers, today’s conservation is largely funded by consumptive users. Although wildlife professionals recognize the importance of the Model to the past, present, and future of wildlife conservation and management, this framework has not become as entrenched in the fisheries profession. This presentation explores the role of anglers in fish conservation via political support, stewardship, and funding mechanisms as they pertain to the North American Model. Further, the consequences of a declining angler base and the need for recruitment, retention, and reactivation of anglers are discussed. Finally, although many of the early issues that led to the Model’s development are no longer relevant, the Model’s underlying principles can still serve as conservation’s foundation and be adapted or expanded to emerging societal needs. For this to be successful, significant changes will be required, particularly the inclusion of alternative user groups, increasing the scale of conservation activities, and adopting multidisciplinary approaches to fish and wildlife management.