A Journey into the North American Model of Conservation

Feature Story by TF&G STAFF

LISTEN: (3 minutes, 00 seconds)

THE NORTH AMERICAN MODEL OF CONSERVATION is the system that enabled the great comeback of American game species in the 20th century.

From bighorn sheep to elk and wild turkeys, the system that includes hunting, public access and science-based policy as part of its tenets has had a major impact on TF&G columnist Paul Fuzinski.

Bighorn sheep have had an uphill climb since domestic sheep and goats introduced disease into their herds in the 1800s. Hunter-conservationist groups like The Texas Bighorn Society and The Wild Sheep Foundation have literally saved these regal animals.
(Photo: Chester Moore)

“My journey as a hunter has been one of discovery and a calling to wildlife conservation,” Fuzinski said.

“Being an active participant in nature changed my views of the importance of wildlife and its habitat and that brought me to the North American Model of Conservation which is a key part of The Hunt Within, a documentary I just released through Aptitude Outdoors.”

Teddy Roosevelt and early forefathers of the hunter-conservationist movement have left a powerful legacy of conservation.
(Photo: Archives)

The Hunt Within, the latest project from the award-winning filmmaker offers an in-depth and reflective look at the pursuit of hunting and its impact on wildlife conservation.

“Paul’s journey is an inspiring one and the documentary is something you could literally show someone to explain why hunting is a viable part of wildlife conservation,” said TF&G contributor Capt. Derek York

It also destroys the notion that hunting is all about killing and ego.

“A lot of people on the outside think of hunting as only about the kill and for me that’s the worst part,” said Renee Thornton, Chair of The Wild Sheep Foundation’s Women Hunt®

“Everything about the hunt is spectacular from dreaming about it to planning for it, getting your gear ready-all of it. And that’s why even if I’m not successful sometimes I’m just as happy because of the experience and the reverence we have for the resource.”

TF&G Editor-In-Chief Chester Moore, who appears in the documentary said he believes it is a game-changer.

“It’s not a stereotypical hunting documentary and it’s certainly not the cut and paste hunting show you see on satellite networks. This is a personal journey of Paul’s that meets with the heart, passion and soul of others who love wildlife and also happen to hunt. I will be using this as a tool to show nonhunters in my life what hunting is really about. And with game species like mule deer facing myriad troubles, its arrival comes at a perfect time.”

With interviews conducted at the Hunt-Fish Podcast Summit and high-level videography by Paul Fuzinski and Seth Geib, The Hunt Within highlights nature’s beauty and a system that promotes stewardship.

“I’m excited about continuing my journey and to see how people respond to The Hunt Within. This is all about conserving wildlife, wild places and showing there is a system here in North America that is proven to save our natural heritage. And I believe that’s something we should get behind now more than ever.”

See the video below. Find more of Paul Fuzinski’s work at aptitudeoudoors.com.