But, do we want just one spokesman? Charlton Heston has been the voice and standard-bearer for the NRA seemingly, forever. Whenever there’s an issue concerning the rights of firearm owners you can count on hearing him publicly give the NRA’s position. Agree with the organization’s stand or not, they are strong, united and leave no doubt in their opinion. Is this what the hunters and fishermen in Michigan need?

As much as we wish it could be so, the DNR will never be our spokesman. In being an arm of the State government it must answer to the general public and try to satisfy the majority of the citizens. That’s just how democracy works. Their intentions are good, but often compromises are the rule. The Michigan DNR is our willing and best partner in the outdoors. What we need to realize is the Department has limits as to what they can do for sportsmen and we need to find new ways to be heard instead of bashing the DNR in public.

The argument that sportsmen help fund the DNR thru license fees and sporting goods purchases is a valid one. And they do listen carefully to what we have to say. But, they have to listen just as intently to issues from the Farm Bureau, insurance companies, the Federal Government’s Fish & Wildlife Service, environmentalists, and on and on. The DNR is responsible for managing ALL of Michigan’s natural resources for the entire State and not just for hunters and fishermen. When we buy a license, we are simply paying a fee to harvest a natural resource. You would think in all fairness that paying our dues would give us more of a say in where that money is spent and how the resources are managed, but it doesn’t. Bottom line is they have more than one master to please.

So, is our spokesman going to have to be a well-known public figure in charge of a big time organization? Do we all have to pay dues to a giant war chest to fight for what we think is right and should be done? Nope, in my opinion it all has to start with individuals like you and I doing the simple things together

The first simple thing we have to do is vote. To make changes in government you have to vote for candidates that are sympathetic to hunting and fishing issues, period. Don’t try to pin them down with specific items like deer quotas and Indian fishing rights, all we need to know is are they for or against our hunting and fishing rights. And when one does claim to be with us in these matters, hold them to their word.

If we’re sincere in wanting to have more say in these things it’ll mean we have to forget about political parties and become united independents. If it was known that the 750,000 firearm deer hunters would vote as one, that would draw some attention. We need to ask even the local government candidates, too. How many of our Townships have taken bow hunting rights away when safe distances from people and homes could still be kept? It’s a simple question, “Are you with us or against us”.

Political changes are what will help sportsmen make the biggest impact on hunting and fishing rights. A Mourning Dove season would be in place right now if we would have had a few more knowledgeable Congressmen and Senators in Lansing sympathetic to hunting rights. All of the logic and biological facts in the world on this topic didn’t get the job done. Emotions and ties to the opposition put this issue down before it had a chance. Are you with us or against us?

Hunting and fishing are, for the most part, a personal endeavor. The preservation of these activities will be ensured thru many like-minded people pulling in the same direction. Popular figures and large groups can accomplish many great things. But, it’s the loud voices of many individuals in unison that will ultimately be heard.