The Role of Conservation Organizations in Big Game Hunting

The Role of Conservation Organizations in Big Game Hunting

Big game hunting in North America wouldn’t exist in its current form without the work of conservation organizations. These groups—ranging from species-specific foundations to broad-based wildlife nonprofits—invest millions of dollars and countless volunteer hours into habitat restoration, research, youth education, and hunter advocacy.

Their efforts ensure that elk bugle in the Rockies, whitetails thrive across the Midwest, and pronghorn race across the plains. Every hunter benefits from their work, whether they realize it or not. If you’re planning your next hunt or want to support reputable guides who share conservation values, you can explore trusted outfitters through Find A Hunt.

Why Conservation and Hunting Are Closely Connected

For over a century, regulated hunting and wildlife conservation have been tied together. Hunters were among the first to sound the alarm about declining wildlife populations in the late 1800s. Since then, conservation organizations—often founded by hunters—have helped build one of the world’s most successful wildlife management systems.

Their contributions include:

• Protecting and restoring habitat

• Funding research on wildlife health and populations

• Supporting science-based hunting regulations

• Working with state agencies on tag allocation and monitoring

• Expanding public access for hunting

• Educating new hunters and future conservationists

Healthy wildlife populations depend on continued investment in conservation.

Key Conservation Organizations Supporting Big Game Hunting

Many organizations contribute to big game conservation. Below are some of the most influential, along with what they do for hunters and wildlife.

1. Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation (RMEF)

Focus: Elk, elk habitat, public access

• Restores and preserves critical elk migration corridors

• Purchases land to open new public-access opportunities

• Funds research and wildfire restoration projects

• Works with state agencies on herd and tag management

2. Safari Club International (SCI)

Focus: Advocacy, wildlife science, global hunting rights

• Defends hunting access and rights at state and federal levels

• Funds conservation research around the world

• Offers youth and education programs for new hunters

3. Backcountry Hunters & Anglers (BHA)

Focus: Public lands, access, fair-chase ethics

• Advocates for keeping public lands open and undeveloped

• Leads habitat cleanup and restoration projects

• Promotes ethical hunting and responsible access

4. Mule Deer Foundation (MDF)

Focus: Mule deer and Western landscapes

• Restores sagebrush habitat

• Funds research on migration corridors and winter ranges

• Partners with agencies to improve water availability in arid states

5. National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF)

Focus: Wild turkey conservation and general habitat improvement

• Implements forestry projects that benefit deer, turkeys, and upland species

• Supports recruitment programs for new hunters

• Funds research and habitat expansion nationwide

6. Boone and Crockett Club

Focus: Conservation policy, fair-chase principles

• Established early wildlife laws and national conservation standards

• Maintains data crucial for tracking species health

• Supports science-based big game management

These groups represent just a portion of the broader conservation network working for wildlife.

How Conservation Organizations Boost Big Game Populations

1. Habitat Restoration

Healthy habitat is the foundation of thriving wildlife populations. Conservation groups regularly fund:

• Controlled burns

• Timber thinning

• Invasive species removal

• Water development in arid regions

• Aspen regeneration projects

• Meadow and wetland restoration

These projects improve forage, reduce disease risk, and stabilize long-term populations.

2. Science-Based Wildlife Management

Organizations provide funding and expertise for:

• Population studies

• Collaring and migration research

• Winter mortality monitoring

• Genetic and disease analysis

• Harvest data modeling

Accurate data supports sustainable tag allocation and hunting seasons.

3. Public Access & Land Protection

Many hunters would have nowhere to go without access programs championed by these groups.

Examples include:

• Purchasing land and donating it to public agencies

• Securing easements for hunting access

• Opening landlocked sections of public land

• Working with private landowners to create walk-in hunting areas

Access is one of the biggest challenges facing hunters—many conservation groups tackle it head-on.

4. Advocacy & Protection of Hunting Rights

Without a strong voice in legislative arenas, hunting opportunities can shrink quickly.

These organizations:

• Support science-based wildlife policy

• Challenge anti-hunting petitions unsupported by data

• Promote ethical, sustainable hunting practices

• Ensure hunters have representation in government decisions

Advocacy protects both wildlife and hunting culture.

5. Hunter Recruitment, Education & Safety

Recruiting and training new hunters is essential for the future of conservation.

Organizations run programs for:

• Youth mentorship

• Women’s hunt camps

• First-time hunter education

• Shooting and archery training

• Conservation leadership

A strong hunting community ensures ongoing funding for wildlife management.

How Hunters Benefit Directly from Conservation Groups

Even hunters who never join a conservation organization benefit from their work.

Benefits Include:

• More abundant big game populations

• Better-quality habitat

• Strong research backing tag decisions

• Improved public land access

• Clear ethical standards for modern hunting

• Long-term stability for wildlife species

Every tag filled in the West owes something to decades of conservation investment.

How Hunters Can Support Conservation

You can make a meaningful difference through:

1. Memberships

Joining even one organization provides funding and advocacy support.

2. Volunteering

Projects like habitat restoration, fence removal, and cleanups strengthen local wildlife health.

3. Donations

Targeted contributions fund specific initiatives like migration corridor research or land purchases.

4. Ethical Hunting

Fair-chase principles reflect well on the hunting community and reinforce public trust.

5. Mentorship

Bringing new hunters into the fold sustains conservation funding and advocacy for the next generation.

FAQs: Conservation Organizations & Big Game Hunting

Do conservation groups actually help increase big game populations?

Yes—habitat restoration and research-based management significantly boost population health.

Are these organizations political?

Some engage in legislative advocacy to protect wildlife and hunting opportunities.

How do conservation groups get funded?

Memberships, donations, grants, fundraising events, and partnerships with wildlife agencies.

Which group should I join?

Pick one aligned with the species or habitat you’re most passionate about—or join multiple.

Do conservation efforts benefit non-hunters?

Absolutely. Healthy ecosystems benefit hikers, wildlife watchers, and entire communities.

Protecting Big Game for the Future

Conservation organizations are the backbone of North American big game hunting. Their investments in habitat, science, advocacy, and education ensure that future generations can enjoy thriving wildlife and meaningful hunting opportunities.

If you want to support responsible, conservation-minded hunting—and find trusted outfitters who share those values—start exploring options through our hunt marketplace.