NRA To Introduce New Program
The National Rifle Association announced last week the introduction of a new philosophy for hunters. Former NRA president and current NRA Executive Council member Charlton Heston introduced the newest hunting practice of “Shoot-and-Release” to cheering NRA members. The “Shoot-and-Release” program was developed in response to protest by animal rights activists.
“Hunters have been criticized in the past because killing animals has always been an integral part of hunting,” said Heston. “We developed the Shoot-and-Release philosophy so that our members can continue to enjoy the sport of hunting while remaining sensitive to the Animal Rights critics.”
Hunting is so popular that demand often exceeds the capabilities of hunting areas to produce sufficient numbers of animals according to Heston. “Where animals’ mortality must be kept low to sustain and recover animals’ populations, the release of animals is an important tool to allow hunters to hunt — yet minimize the impact on animal populations. Shoot-and-Release hunting is to be part of the solution. By releasing animals, hunters allow a single animal to be “recycled” to provide recreation for others. Shoot-and-Release hunting will result in greater numbers of larger animals.”
“We applaud the NRA’s initial efforts, but we’re going to have to see some results,” said PETA spokesperson Julie Brown. “Large numbers of hunters are going to have to adopt Shoot-and-Release for the program to be effective. PETA sincerely hopes that there are sufficient numbers of sportsman out there who care enough to release animals they’ve shot.”
Stumble it!