People who have limited exposure to hunting may be unaware of why this practice plays a vital role in wildlife management. There are many advantages of this tradition for humans, animals, and the climate. Here are four reasons why hunting can be beneficial.

Why is Hunting Important?

1. Provides Unique Education Opportunities

You have to understand your prey to be a good hunter. Those interested in hunting deer must understand what foods they eat and signs that they’ve been in the area. 

People who hunt bear need to educate themselves on ursine behavior so they can decide the best place to set up a blind. Bird hunters should understand how to train their dogs to flush and retrieve the birds to improve the chances of a successful hunt. Learning about the prey provides unique education opportunities outside of school.

2. Provides Inexpensive Food

Most hunters practice the sport because they like the meat. From alligators to deer, wild species offer unique textures and flavors that are unlike store-bought meats. Plus, people can fill their freezers with one kill, and only have to pay the cost for the permits, bullets or arrows, and the firearm or bow. 

3. Improves the Economy

Communities benefit from hunting because it brings visitors to the area. Hunters may stop at the local grocery store, gas station, and ammunition shop before heading to the woods.

If they are successful, they might enjoy a meal at a local restaurant or hire a nearby meat processor to ready animals for transit. Landowners can earn money from hunting leases, and guide services often make a significant portion of their income from knowing the land and offering hunting tours.

4. Manages Local Populations

Local Departments of Natural Resources use myriad scientific data on populations and disease rates to set the maximum number of hunting permits. They choose these numbers to promote wildlife management that fosters population growth among healthy animals.

Drought years may see lower populations of deer and fewer hunting permits, while wet years might provide an abundance of hunting opportunities. Hunting can improve the relationship between wild animals and people by limiting urban interactions and preventing the species from decimating crops or becoming domesticated to gain access to food.

If you’re interested in wildlife management, contact Neeley Forestry Service in Ouachita County, AR, to learn about their more than 140 years of experience with land management. The team provides timber appraisal services, real estate brokerage, and hunting leases. Call (870) 836-5981 or visit the website for information on their wide range of offerings to promote healthy trees and wildlife.