By Matt Hogan

CSF Conservation Policy Director

With a chill in the air and the leaves beginning to turn, the thoughts of hunters have turned to opening day. But another day this fall is equally if not more important to the future of hunting in America – that day is Election Day.

With the White House, the U.S. House of Representatives, and 1/3rd of the Senate up for grabs, as well as a host of state and local elections and various ballot initiatives dealing with hunting and trapping (see box), this election is one of the most important the history of hunting and conservation in America. Not only do the 14 million hunters of America have a great deal at stake, they have a great ability to influence the outcome of the elections.

Consider this -- in the last presidential election (1996), there were 197 million American’s eligible to vote. However, only 96 million Americans, less than half of those eligible, took the time to exercise this greatest of all freedoms. The important thing to note is that although there were 96 million votes cast, the margin of victory was only 8 million votes. Yet that margin was substantially higher than the two previous presidential elections – 1988 = 7 million votes; 1992 = 5.8 million votes.

What does this mean? While hunters number only 5% of overall population of the U.S., we represent 15% of all people who vote and about 30% of the votes needed to be elected president. Now, if each hunter talked to and influenced two or three other people in any election, you can quickly envision how this small minority has the potential to influence the direction of this great nation.

Now the hard part. We need to approach our participation in elections with the same intensity we approach hunting. In order to hunt, you must buy a hunting license -- to vote, you have to register to vote. Registering to vote is now easier than ever. Call your local election officials and find out how you can register. Be aware that most states require you to be registered 30 days prior to the election so don’t delay. The good news is according to a survey done by Mark Duda of Responsive Management, approximately 84% of hunters are already registered to vote. Make sure you and everyone you hunt with is also registered to vote.

Prior to hunting, most successful hunters spend a great deal of time scouting the places they will be hunting and the critters they will pursue. Your participation in an election is no different. You, too, have to “scout” the candidates and find out how they stand on issues of concern.

Most Americans don’t get the opportunity to ask presidential candidates questions directly but there are plenty of ways to find out how candidates stand on issues. Read interviews done with the candidates, especially ones that focus on their positions on hunting and the outdoors. Watch the debates and read what other American’s, whose opinions you trust, have to say about the candidates.

In elections for the U.S. Congress, you have a much greater opportunity to meet with the candidate or at least talk directly to someone who works for them on the campaign. For instance, ask your Congressman and Senator if he or she is a member of the Congressional Sportsmen’s Caucus. If they are not, ask them why not and tell them why they should be a member. If they are not a current Congressman or Senator, ask them their position on hunting and find out if they will join the Sportsmen’s Caucus if elected.

Finally and most importantly, in order to have a successful hunt, you need to get out there and put in your time. Remember, no one can do it for you. You can’t hunt successfully from home. The same holds true for elections. Without active participation, you won’t be heard – so put in your time and vote.

A wise man once said, “decisions are made by those who show up.” Those who show up and vote this fall will decide the future of our country. Let’s work together to ensure that the 14 million hunters in America do just that on November 7th.