Educate
Advocate
Protect
Educate, Advocate, Protect:
Preserve Our Hunting Heritage
The Center for Conservation Excellence distinguishes itself with a unique educational approach. Developed under the guidance of the state fish and wildlife agencies’ leadership, in collaboration with their professional organization, the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies, our program delves into the rich history of conservation in the United States through academic education, professional education, and resources for the general public on key topics of conservation history, law, and policy. It also addresses the challenges of modern conservation efforts, emphasizing the pivotal role of fish and wildlife laws via scientific management of fish, wildlife, and habitat. This distinctive curriculum, exclusive to our program, is a standout feature of our academic courses and Continuing Legal Education seminars.
The Center for Conservation Excellence is dedicated to fostering the development of skilled, informed conservation professionals. Its academic program, offered at the university and law school levels, is designed to equip the next generation of professionals with the knowledge and tools necessary to critically assess and address wildlife issues within their respective fields. Whether working directly in conservation law or in related disciplines such as environmental law, non-profit governance, or consulting, graduates are poised to make a significant impact in the preservation of natural resources.
In addition to its academic offerings, the Center also provides a robust professional program, primarily delivered through Continuing Legal Education (CLE) seminars aimed at practicing attorneys, judges, wildlife biologists, and other state agency personnel. These seminars offer critical updates on the evolving landscape of conservation law and policy, ensuring that professionals stay well-informed on developments that may affect their work.
By educating those who are engaged—either directly or indirectly—in conservation efforts, the Center plays a pivotal role in shaping the policies and practices that influence decision-makers in the United States. This commitment to professional development not only supports the protection of the nation’s fish, wildlife, and habitats, but also upholds the rights of Americans to hunt, fish, trap, and enjoy the outdoors. The achievements of those trained through these programs serve as an inspiration for continued progress in conservation, grounded in the principles of sound scientific management and stewardship.
Topics to Know in Conservation
The North American Model is a successful system of policies and laws to restore and safeguard fish, wildlife, and their habitats through sound science and active management. The Association of Fish & Wildlife Agencies formally endorsed the Model in September 2002 in Big Sky, Montana. The 7 Principles of the Model are:
(1)Wildlife resources are conserved and held in trust for all citizens.
(2)Commerce in dead wildlife is eliminated.
(3)Wildlife is allocated according to democratic rule of law.
(4)Wildlife may only be killed for a legitimate, non-frivolous purpose.
(5)Wildlife is an international resource.
(6)Every person has an equal opportunity under the law to participate in hunting and fishing.
(7)Scientific management is the proper means for wildlife conservation.
With origins in Roman civil law, the PTD is an essential element of North American wildlife law. The Public Trust Doctrine establishes a trustee relationship for the government to hold & manage wildlife, fish, and waterways for the benefit of the resources and the public.
Fundamental to the concept is the notion that natural resources are deemed universally important in the lives of people, and that the public should have an opportunity to access these resources for purposes that traditionally include fishing, hunting, and trapping.
The Animal Rights movement seeks to give animals “legal personhood,” allowing animals to sue in a court of law on behalf of their interests. The movement believes that animals are not ours to use for food, clothing, entertainment, or experimentation. However, in the United States, animals are classified as property in accordance with the law; often differing between personal property (pets & livestock) and as a public trust resource (wildlife). On the other hand, the concept of Animal Welfare is the idea that animals can be used by humans, so long as the animal does not experience undue pain or suffering.
Americans' rights to hunt, fish, and harvest wildlife are deeply rooted in heritage, predating European colonization. While the U.S. Constitution does not explicitly guarantee the right to hunt, the Tenth Amendment reserves such powers to the states or the people. As of the latest election, 24 states recognize a constitutional right to hunt and fish, and 2 states specifically protect the right to fish. Florida became the most recent state to pass a Right to Hunt constitutional amendment in 2024.
The U.S. has a unique "user pay, public benefit" approach to conservation funding, exemplified by requirements for hunters and anglers to purchase licenses. The Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration Act (Pittman-Robertson Act, 1937) and the Federal Aid in Sport Fish Restoration Act (Dingell-Johnson Act, 1950), administered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in partnership with state agencies, provide funding for conservation, wildlife restoration, and hunter education programs. The P-R Act is funded through a federal excise tax on firearms, ammunition, and archery equipment, while the D-J Act is funded through a tax on fishing gear and motorboat fuel.