It is, of course, true that hunters are compelled to purchase licenses in order to pursue their sport legally, and it is true that those revenues contribute to the support of state conservation agencies. This is not, however, an example of gratuitous public service. It is manifest self-interest. License funds support a corps of researchers and technicians who work indefatigably to maximize the availability of game animals for subsequent harvest, often at the expense of other species less prized by hunters, and not infrequently at some environmental cost. Hunters, it must never be forgot, go armed when they go in search of pleasure, and, unlike the citizen who reluctantly clips a revolver to his belt for self-protection, hunters are eager to use their weapons to deadly effect.
Hunters hold the power of life and death in their hands.
The responsibility for the consequences of their actions is, therefore, always theirs and theirs alone. Non-hunters have no obligation to shoulder this burden, nor should they feel that they must avoid using public lands during certain times of the year for safety's sake. Furbearer hunters are permitted to hunt at night. A number of non-protected species, including porcupine, red squirrel, woodchuck, and wild pigeon, may be 'hunted and taken at any time without limit'. In short, if non-hunters are to refrain from using open public lands while hunters are afield, there will never come a time when they dare venture from their yards or other protected enclaves.