Seven sisters for conservation Set of guidelines principles for managing wildlife resources
1. Wildlife is a public resource
Wildlife belongs to everyone. Through shared ownership and responsibility, the opportunity to enjoy wildlife is provided to all.
2. Commerce in wildlife is regulated
Early laws banning commercial hunting and the sale of meat and hides ensured the sustainability of wildlife through the regulation of harvest and the sale of wildlife parts such as teeth, claws and antlers.
3. Hunting and angling laws are created through public process
Hunting seasons, harvest limits and penalties imposed for violations are established through laws and regulations. Everyone has the opportunity to shape the laws and regulations applied in wildlife conservation.
4. Hunting and angling opportunity for all
The opportunity to participate in hunting, angling and wildlife conservation is guaranteed for all in good standing, not by social status or privilege, financial capacity or land ownership. This concept ensures a broad base support for wildlife law enforcement, habitat conservation and research.
5. Hunters and anglers fund conservation
Hunting and fishing license sales and excise taxes on hunting and fishing equipment pay for management of all wildlife, including wildlife species that are not hunted.
6. Wildlife is an international resource
Proper stewardship of wildlife and habitats is both a source of national pride and an opportunity to cooperate with other nations with whom we share natural resources. Cooperative management of migrating waterfowl, songbirds and marine life is one example of successful international collaboration.
7. Science is the basis for wildlife policy
The limited use of wildlife as a renewable natural resource is based on sound science. Wildlife agency professionals adapt management strategies based on population and habitat monitoring to achieve the sustainability of wildlife populations and their habitats
