By the turn of the century, unrestricted killing of wildlife for markets, pioneer settlement of the West, and Native American/government conflict had taken their toll on most North American big game populations, and on many species of bird and fish. At that time, a national conscience that opposed the destruction of America’s wildlife and natural resources was in its infancy.
Led by Theodore Roosevelt along with other outdoor sport enthusiasts, scientists, military and political leaders, explorers, artists, writers and industrialists, the foundation for the world’s greatest conservation system was laid – the U.S. National Park system and a national registry of game.
What began as a way to record species of North American big game thought to be “vanishing” the scientific community soon recognized that the measuring system was an effective means of tracking the success of new conservation policies. These Records of North American Big Game Program are used to communicate the basics of conservation and Fair Chase to the general hunting public. Since first published, Records of North American Big Game emphasized that a thorough and keen understanding of species biology and proper habitat management, is necessary to ensure the future of all species.
BONUS: Bring in your specimens for an official measure
$10 NHSM Members
$15 Non-Members
For more information, email bstrong@marylandnature.org
Robert Newton III is an official measurer for the Boone and Crocket Club, Pope and Young Club and Maryland’s Bucks Bears and Stags.
The Natural History Society of Maryland is a volunteer-led non-profit organization, so the fee you pay will go directly to support the programs, the nature collections, and the building that make this kind of nature education possible. Thank you for your support!