Lacking proper management , mountain lion populations have devestating effects on not only wild ungulates but also domestic livestock .
THE SEVEN PILLARS OF THE NORTH AMERICAN MODEL
1 . Wildlife is a public resource . In the United States , wildlife is considered a public resource , independent of the land or water where wildlife may live . Government at various levels have a role in managing that resource on behalf of all citizens and to ensure the long-term sustainability of wildlife populations .
2 . Markets for game are eliminated . Before wildlife protection laws were enacted , commercial operations decimated populations of many species . Making it illegal to buy and sell meat , and other parts of game and nongame species , removed a huge threat to the survival of those species . A market in furbearers continues as a highly regulated activity , often to manage invasive wildlife .
3 . Allocation of wildlife is controlled by law . Wildlife is a public resource managed by government . As a result , access to wildlife for the purpose of hunting is through legal mechanisms such as set hunting seasons , bag limits , license requirements , etc .
4 . Wildlife can only be killed for a legitimate purpose . Wildlife is a shared resource that must not be wasted . The law prohibits killing wildlife for frivolous reasons .
5 . Wildlife species are considered an international resource . Some species , such as migratory birds , cross national boundaries . Treaties such as the Migratory Bird Treaty and CITES recognize a shared responsibility to manage these species across national boundaries .
6 . Science is the proper tool for discharge of wildlife policy . In order to manage wildlife as a shared resource fairly , objectively , and knowledgeably , decisions must be based on sound science such as annual waterfowl population surveys and the work of professional wildlife biologists .
7 . Hunting is democratic . In keeping with democratic principles , government allocates access to wildlife without regard for wealth , prestige or land ownership .
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