I Believe in Hunting by Derek Jones

As soon as fall hits, you're guaranteed to hear about one subject-that subject is hunting! Fall is the main season for hunters to go into the fields and talk about their success in the woods. Other times you may also hear about, "The buck of a lifetime" that got away. Whatever stories you may hear, when fall comes around, you will hear many hunting stories. I believe in hunting.

Hunting is a major contributor to the economy. According to www.womensoutdoorwire.com, hunters in Virginia alone spent over $480 million just in hunting alone. That would include the costs of guns, ammo, proper camo clothing, gas money spent driving, dog supplies, and permits. It is estimated that it supports 24,000 jobs in the Commonwealth. It is also estimated that it gerates over $128 million in taxes alone in the fishing and hunting industry. They also put millions and millions of dollars into non-profit organizations such as Pheasants Forever, Ducks Unlimited, ROcky Mountain Elk Foundation and many many more organizations that protect and preserve vital habitat to the animals that they most enjoy hunting.

Hunting has helped maintain a healthy animal population. Hunters have always done their part in properly managing the wildlife population of different species by following regulated hunting rules set by the National Wildlife and Fishing Services. In Virginia alone there are about one million deer and hunters annually harvest approimately 250,000 of them each year. They are a renewable source, so they reproduce and increase their population yearly. Hunting also helps farmers. Many farmers for years have complained about deer and other species harming their crops and farmlands. Therefore, many farmers wecome hunters to hunt their land, in hopes that it will help them have more successful crops and less crop loss and damage.

Lastly, hunting gives people a sense of independence. It makes them feel like they can survive on their own, as their ancestors did before them, meaning that they didn't have to go to Wal Mart to have a supply of food. It is also a great way to clear your mind and relieve the daily stress from the office or work place. It can also serve as a great bonding tool between family and friends.

In conclusion I have discussed with you how hunting benefits the economy, the habitat, and your overall well-being. So it is my hope that you too support hunting. For these reasons, I believe in hunting.