An Ode to Forest Defense

Midterms loom. The US Military tests soldier testosterone levels. Spotted lanternfly devours. On and on and on. It is time to focus on some good news.

Forest Defense: Hunting for a Better Future.

I envision their marketing in the future to read… For over 30 years we have provided one commonsense solution to two seemingly intractable issues.

Intractable problem number one. There are too many white-tailed deer browsing on baby trees in New York forests. Or as this report from New York State Parkers, Recreation and Historic Preservation puts it: “Effects of more than 100 years of chronic deer browsing manifested in low herbaceous ground cover and little to no tree recruitment (saplings) on lands without deer management… Without an abundant layer of young trees in the subcanopy, a forest cannot be sustained over time.” Without baby trees growing, the long term health of the forest is in peril.

Intractable problem number two. People are hungry. Or as this report from Feeding America states: “12% (or 1 in 8 people) are food insecure and 1 in 6 kids are hungry…as costs for groceries, housing, transportation, healthcare, and childcare continue to climb, many households struggle to make ends meet.”

Put the two intractable puzzle pieces together…

switch the edges so they match up…

find the right color matchings.

And boom!

Forest Defense engages novice hunters, matching them to environmentally aware landowners, to hunt does* using non lead shot - ultimately donating the protein to soup kitchens. “We’re a group of hunters, landowners, environmentalists, and community members who want to protect our dying forests from deer overgrazing and close the loop of food security with local, sustainable protein.” Add into the puzzle mentorship of inexperienced hunters, community engagement, firearm safety, rituals of gratitude, and venison feasting for a beautifully complete vision.

Some good news.

As Mr Rodgers says… “always look for the people who are trying to help.”

*female deer. I always have to pause when reading that word - it is not “does he want water” but “does vs bucks.” English spelling is so insane.