Conservation Conversation: Wildlife as “Resources” under the North American Model

Unregulated hunting in the early history of the United States resulted in the total decimation of wildlife populations, and even entire species. The overexploitation of game was a tragedy of the commons, for which conservation policy was the only means of mitigation. At this time, few thought of animals as sentient beings worthy of protection, an arguably valid philosophy given the dependency on animals for basic sustenance. As a result, early conservation policy sought to regulate the taking of animals in a way similar to other renewable resources: via best management practices that would produce a steady supply of harvestable goods/resources. Read More…