Federal Workers Face Shutdown, But Hunting Continues

While many federal workers are experiencing furloughs due to the government shutdown, hunters in America won’t be affected, thanks to actions taken by the Trump administration.

President Donald Trump has instructed the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to permit hunting across roughly 600 National Wildlife Refuges. As reported by The Washington Post, many employees are on furlough, yet hunting remains allowed.

The current plan states that law enforcement officers at these sites will not be furloughed, nor will at least one staff member who will stay on site for safety purposes. Though the visitor centers will be closed for the time being, hunting activities will proceed as planned.

The Washington Post, however, has portrayed this situation as an example of the chaotic and unfair aspects of the Trump administration’s handling of the shutdown. They point out the contrast between military service members continuing to receive paychecks while EPA permit approvals are on hold. To the Post, this appears politically motivated. Yet, to many across the country, it seems quite reasonable.

Desiree Sorenson Groves, president of the National Wildlife Refuge Association, expressed concerns that Trump’s hunting policy could promote irresponsible actions. She suggests that hunters will not properly report their activities, akin to how shoppers don’t always check out at the grocery store.

“People will hunt illegally. They will trespass,” she claimed. “We don’t let people enforce the rules themselves. We wouldn’t say, ‘Here’s a tag for your deer. We trust you to take just one.’”

But isn’t it worth questioning? Shouldn’t Americans be able to hunt without overly stringent federal oversight?

Hunters, after all, often demonstrate responsibility and respect for both wildlife and the environment. They are, in many ways, more diligent custodians of nature than the bureaucrats in Washington.