Reknowned Conservationist Says Trophy Hunting Has Value

Well-known wildlife conservationist Shane Mahoney touts the necessity of well-regulated trophy hunting.

Trophy hunting has value for both wildlife and the communities that depend on this resource. Shane Mahoney says that's not a mere opinion, but a verifiable fact.

With the USFWS potential decision to allow the import of elephant and lion trophies from Zimbabwe and Zambia, big-game hunting—and trophy hunting—is back in the public spotlight. With this public scrutiny inevitably comes the debate surrounding trophy hunting. Mahoney has a logical, well-considered point of view concerning the practice.

Many support his contention that trophy hunting is a beneficial, and sometimes necessary, component of a sound wildlife conservation program. In fact, some of his biggest supporters are some of the most credible scientific and conservation organizations in the world.

"The statistics, the peer reviewed scientific analyses and the case studies exist to prove it," Mahoney declares.

The decision on whether or not to allow import of trophies from African countries is a lengthy and multi-faceted process, according to Mahoney.

"These decisions are not made on a whim," he says. "But involve lengthy engagements with foreign governments and extensive analyses by real wildlife experts."

Most hunters appear to understand the benefits of trophy hunting, but unfortunately, many have bought into the oft-repeated negative criticism promulgated by anti-hunting forces.

We would all do well to keep Mahoney's analysis in mind.

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NEXT: IN A MAJOR BLOW TO ANTI-HUNTING ORGANIZATIONS, USFWS DECIDES TO ALLOW SOME IMPORTED LION TROPHIES