The “Donor Spotlight” series by SCI Foundation is dedicated to recognizing the invaluable supporters and contributors of SCIF. Today, we are excited to feature Dana Peterson, a true advocate for our mission. Dana serves on the Board of Directors for the Missouri Conservation Heritage Foundation and plays a key role in organizing the MoNASP State Archery Tournament. This remarkable program has introduced archery as a competitive sport in local schools. Dana’s efforts are helping bring up the next generation of hunter-conservationists! We asked Dana some questions about his background, his passion for hunting, and his involvement with SCIF. Here are his responses:
Who introduced you to hunting or was it a path of self-discovery? I was introduced to hunting in my youth by an elderly gentleman from our church. He became a 3rd Grandpa in my life. My Dad and Grandpa were not hunters, however, I grew up on a multi generational family farm in Iowa, so my ability to and access to land to hunt was literally right out the back door.
Why do you hunt? There are many reasons why I hunt. First is my personal connection with nature and my role in the circle of life. Hunting sustains my life. Likewise, it is my responsibility to manage via conservation through utilization of the very animals that sustain me and others. I love the personal challenge of harvesting an animal in fair chase.
Who do you like to hunt with? I primarily hunt with personal friends. My family are not hunters, however I have introduced hunting to two nephews and my Grandson.
What does the term hunter/conservationist mean to you? Being a hunter/conservationist comes with great responsibility. In this role, I feel passionate about enhancing entire ecosystems for the benefit of all wildlife. I accomplish this by providing for proper habitat for nesting, regular food and sustainable water sources to maintain healthy and growing populations. This is secured by my own physical efforts as well supporting these efforts through financial donations as well as donation of my time in these endeavors.
How did you get involved with SCIF? I initially got involved through the recommendation from a personal friend, Dr. Stanley Frye. I stay involved because my personal goals are consistent with those of the Foundation.
What keeps you involved? As human populations grow further away from rural settings towards greater urbanization, there becomes a massive disconnect between mankind and the natural world. I believe that our primary role with our communities is to educate these people about sound, science based wildlife management practices which involves utilization. Additionally, we must protect hunting and sound wildlife management through proper course of law.
When I bring up the idea of hunters giving back, what comes to mind? To me, giving back means doing something for someone else that has no way of ever giving back to you in return. I immediately think of the Bell Family Blue Bag program that I participate in whenever I travel to areas of the world that desperately need assistance. Through the Hunters Care program in place at Quagga Safaris in South Africa, as an example, numerous times I have had the opportunity to visit an orphanage/school to donate the meat from our hunts, along with medical, education, hygiene, and clothing supplies. Giving to those less fortunate in these remote areas not only helps with their personal needs, but it also exposes hunters in a positive light whereby these local citizens support our efforts, knowing and seeing firsthand the wildlife and human benefits provided by our involvement in their geographic area.
What do you wish other people knew or understood about SCIF? I wish that the general public could comprehend that hunters at large do in fact care about the wildlife while at the same time enjoy the benefits of our selective harvest of the very animals we are protecting.
Tell us why you would encourage others to become involved with SCIF? I believe that every hunter has a duty to be involved to the greatest extent possible individually in conserving the world’s wildlife and protecting our rights to hunt. This can be done on any level and those who financially have the ability to contribute monetarily, should do so almost out of a sense of duty. I encourage everyone to follow these simple economic concepts; “vote with your feet,” and “put your money where your mouth is.”
