406LIFE
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https://www.amazon.com/North-Americ...f+wildlife+conservation&qid=1570759113&sr=8-1
This is a small but heavily loaded book. It is aimed at those studying wildlife management at college level, but for those who are wanting to know more on the North American Model of Wildlife Conservation, it will become the defining work. Of course Geist defined the model and Mahoney in his words has "evangelized" it, both through various articles and lectures. Now it is contained in one volume that I think should be a must read for any conservationist who makes this a serious study.
Some pros:
-Each chapter is easily digestible but packed with a lot of thought provoking material.
-The history of the model's development and "discovery" really showcases hunting.
-The comparison of the NAMWC to other models is really good for critical thinking; the why this works, and that doesn't in different circumstances really helps you to understand what a gem the Model is.
-The last chapter: "From Proactive Leadership to Reactive Conservation" will make the average hunter think hard about how we do what we do. Some questions of consumptive vs non consumptive users comes up as you read through what challenges there are in the near future.
-The chapter on "Hunting as the Spine" of the model is helpful to help think about what would/will happen when hunting isn't part of the solution.
The Con:
-Honestly only one: the price. $70 is a lot for this. It's worth it, but that is going to price out the average guy, which admittedly isn't the primary target audience. Still, it would fly off the shelves at $20 and be a steal then.
If you have some free time this winter or a long ride somewhere, definitely pick this one up. You don't have to be an intellectual to understand it or apply it to your hunting ethos. If you want to deepen you understanding of foundational wildlife management principles and be able to articulate some fine points of how hunting is conservation, this is your ticket.
