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Hunting and trapping are allowed only to harvest animals that are abundant.
Hunting and trapping do not cause wildlife to become endangered.
Since the advent of modern wildlife management, hunting and trapping never have
caused a single animal population to become endangered or extinct.
Modern management ensures abundant wildlife
Modern wildlife management began in the early 20th century, when
state and federal wildlife agencies came into being.
Early in the nation’s history, few if any hunting and trapping regulations
existed. Americans commonly believed that wildlife were in unending supply.
The decline of the buffalo and extinction of the passenger pigeon in the 1800s
awakened Americans to reality: All resources have limits if not managed
properly.
Today’s hunters, trappers and biologists work together to conserve and wisely
use wildlife resources.
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Illinois biologists safely trap and tranquilize a bobcat for radio-collaring and
extended study. License fees and special taxes from trappers and hunters further
Illinois conservation efforts.
Photo by Alan Woolf |
All species that are harvested by hunting and trapping in Illinois are abundant. But how do
biologists know this? Click here to learn how
biologists monitor wildlife populations such as raccoons.
Management amidst habitat loss and degradation
In Illinois and throughout the nation, habitat loss is the biggest challenge
facing wildlife populations. Homes, businesses and industry are expanding
into places where wildlife once lived.
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Homes, businesses and
industry are expanding into places where wildlife once lived. In Illinois,
habitat loss is the biggest challenge facing wildlife populations.
Photo by Palma Allen/Painet Inc. |
As a result, wildlife must adapt, move on or die out. The fate of each
species depends on its adaptability, as well as careful wildlife management.
Some animals are more adaptable than others.
Many kinds of wildlife--such as skunks, opossums and raccoons--are very good at
adapting to habitat changes. They often are culprits that cause property
damage or pose health risks to humans.
Hunting and trapping are regulated tools that can manage plentiful wildlife
in a variety of settings. |
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Hunting and Trapping Furbearers
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