Hunters Are Conservationists. We Play an Important Role in Preserving the Land and the Habitat for Wildlife

By Max Trujillo, HECHO’s NM Senior Field Coordinator and hunter.

Since I was a little kid, I've enjoyed nature. The first outing that had a profound impact on me was a hunting trip with my dad over 50 years ago, and from that moment, I have felt the need to be in the outdoors all the time. Being in wild places allows me to disconnect from the busy day-to-day, the hustle and bustle, work, and technology. It is where I can be myself, get back to my roots, and feel the closest to nature.

Fishing, hiking, camping, and hunting gives me so much joy and makes me feel grounded. My love for the outdoors has been shared with my children and now with my grandchildren.  Protecting public land and ensuring that future generations enjoy wild places has become somewhat of a legacy not only for my family but for all families.    

Although hunting is frowned upon by some, I make no apologies for practicing this centuries old tradition.  It isn’t all about killing animals, it’s about preparation, it’s about the chase and becoming so in touch with your surroundings that all else in the world is set aside for a brief moment in time.  It is a time when I can be my primordial self and just experience the world without artificial influences.  The sights, the smell of moist soil under foot, the sensation that I am completely self-sufficient in a world where I am only a visitor is the greatest feeling ever.

Hunting is part of my culture and is deeply engrained in my being.  When I am lucky enough to harvest an animal, the meat is shared with family and friends.  Sharing resources is also part of the culture and is appreciated by all who partake in the bounty.  Yes, it’s easier to buy meat at a grocery store, but if you think hunting is inhumane, think of a poultry farm or a beef processing establishment.  I know where this deer ate and drank, I know what went into the preservation and preparation of the meat.  I’m not too sure about how my chicken or beef was preserved and prepared for market. 

The opportunity to harvest an animal does not come easy, a hunter must make a clean and humane shot, process the animal in the field and take the edible parts and make sure all rules are followed while doing so.  Some hunters can go for years without even getting drawn for a tag, and drawing a tag is certainly not a guaranty that he or she will harvest an animal.

Hunters are conservationists. We care about animals, and we play an important role in preserving the land and the habitat for wildlife. We spend a lot of the money on hunting, fishing, and outdoor camping that goes to conservation efforts. We do support wildlife conservation and land stewardship.  We are witness to changes in climate and the rhythms in nature that are interrupted by our fast-changing world. 

I believe hunting is a tradition that needs to be preserved and passed down to future generations.  Evolution in my humble opinion is overrated and it is separating us from what is important.  Humanity should not and must not compromise survival skills and the love for nature for some twisted ideal we call progress.