Meet Marcus Anderson, one of SCI foundation’s champions and a valued donor whose support fuels our mission. His backing contributes to a hopeful future for wildlife, made possible through conservation, education, and hunting efforts.
Who introduced you to hunting or was it a path of self-discovery?
I began hunting as early as I can remember following my father through the woods of NE Washington State and North Idaho. My father was a Vietnam veteran, having served in the Marine Corps. He mostly chose actions over words and taught me how to safely handle firearms, navigate with a compass, identify sign, locate animals and process the meat afterward. We utilized every part of the animal and lived primarily off venison most of my youth. I can actually remember “beef” tasting strange to me when I visited friends. Although a man that didn’t discuss feelings much, it was obvious to me he enjoyed my company and teaching me how to hunt. My first whitetail doe was a special memory. He passed in 2010 and I have continued the tradition with my 3 sons and daughter.
Why do you hunt?
Having grown up in NE Washington/North Idaho, hunting was a way of life and sustenance. I don’t even remember the “why” in hunting as a youth. It was a necessity. Now, I hunt to reinvigorate my soul and reconnect with nature. I spent 32 years in a very fast paced, stressful corporate environment with heavy international travel. Hunting allowed me to recharge my batteries, reassess priorities in life and connect more deeply with those closest to me.
Who do you like to hunt with? Who have you introduced to/mentored in hunting?
Our hunting camp in North Idaho is a 25 years old tradition with closest families and friends. My children, cousins and best friends all share a special spot around our campfire. I have proudly guided my son, daughter and 3 other close friends on their first elk. Watching someone harvest their first animal has become just as satisfying as taking an animal myself.
What does the term hunter/conservationist mean to you?
The term hunter/conservationist in my mind is someone who understands the delicate balance between natural selection and the need for healthy management of wildlife and natural resources. As an Idahoan, I know far too well the effects of overpopulation of predators and their impact on big game. It is my belief that all animals have the right to thrive, but not with an unfair advantage of other game animals as prey. There must be data driven, calculated, biological solutions developed to prevent any one animal from dominating another into extinction.
How did you get involved with SCIF? What keeps you involved?
I am actually new to SCI Foundation and SCI, but have been a lifetime member of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation for over a decade. I have always wanted to play a larger role in protecting our traditions and right to hunt. After being contacted by my local representative (Martin Fox), he showed me how SCI Foundation could help me achieve the goal of playing a larger role in conservation. Although I have never hunted outside the United States, I am excited to experience my first safari!
What do you see as SCI/SCIF’s primary roles in the community at large?
In my opinion, education, communication, conservation and participation are the keys roles of the SCI Foundation board. I plan to do my best support all four.
When I bring up the idea of hunters giving back, what comes to mind?
Nonprofit organizations that focus on needs at the local level are key in my mind. Our foundation recently was the title sponsor to HuntFest in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. The entire focus of the weekend was to introduce youth to the sport of hunting and the need for future conservationists. I believe supporting and promoting events like this are a critical part of SCI Foundation’s mission.
What do you wish other people knew or understood about SCIF?
I wish people would look beyond the image of a trophy hunting organization and truly understand the need for science driven strategies to protect hunter’s rights and manage game populations. This is all critical to prevent disease and depredation, as well as to prevent extinction of any species. Eliminating hunting is not the answer to healthy game populations
Tell us why you would encourage others to become involved with SCIF?
In my opinion, the time for words is at an end in the hunting community. Now is the time for action. Our rights and responsibilities are under attack from an enemy that appears to have no interest in truly protecting animal populations and their right to thrive. We must do better at educating and communicating with non-hunters to ensure the success of the SCI Foundation mission and vision.
