After the First Snow: Reflections on Wildlife, Ethics, Hunting and Conservation (Art and the Creek)

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First Snow UP on the Creek

The other day I went out hunting and hiking, looking for tracks and signs of animal activity. Sometimes I’m lucky enough to capture a nice photo and share it with others. If someone happens to buy a postcard or a full-length print, that’s great. If you ever want one cheaper than what’s listed on the link, just let me know—I can print and send up to a poster size for about $35. Most of the proceeds go to good causes, and occasionally I get to attend a charity dinner as part of that effort. There is a Hunter's Ball coming up.

The first snowfall is one of the best times to look for tracks because the animals leave them so clearly. I followed a creek for a while until I came across someone’s hunting blind, then looped around and followed a nearby ridge. Along the creek, I noticed a lot of tracks from different animals, which caught my attention. After following a few of them back, I discovered what appeared to be a fox den. I took a quick photo and moved on, but it gave me an idea that this could be a good area for trapping.

Keep the orange but
consider wearing a different
hat. No need for fashion statements
in the wilderness.
Deer Jokes
Eat your heart out Paris Fashion!

I’ve always supported animal welfare and believe that wildlife management is important—there’s a natural balance and order to things (I say a small prayer for the soul of the creature if I take it. Everything in this world has value.). The biggest threats to wildlife come from human encroachment: new buildings, expanding roads, and increasing development. We might want to consider expanding public woodland holdings, but that’s a broader discussion for another time. Wildlife tends to thrive best when given space away from heavy human impact. We can be wiser of our natural resources and how we develop. We have to protect what we have and grow it when possible.

Ethical hunting, in my view, isn’t a threat to animal populations (If you know the populations). Most hunters are deeply respectful of the environment (and I have friends on both sides of the issue so yes there are lots of good points). In my mind the real problem lies in pollution (..and sometimes selfish unethical hunters) and our constant need to expand outward instead of restoring and reusing what already exists (Let us learn from Mother Nature before she brings out the consequence paddle.).

Looks like a fox den.
You can track back
once you figure out direction
to and from water sources.

To make sure I’m doing everything properly, I called the DNR to confirm that my licenses and live traps were set up correctly. (For those unfamiliar, live traps allow you to release the animal if you catch the wrong one.) The representative suggested I use a sports card instead of my driver’s license for tagging traps—great idea. DNR Tags Online

In the U.P., the first snowfall is always something special. It marks the start of a new season for snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and downhill skiing—a reminder of the rhythm and renewal that come with the changing seasons.

Some conservation activities such as US Fishing & Wildlife Service do a good job with the resources they have. (It would be nice to put more away for public trust. I think it is important and from what I have read nature impacts quality of life and even national happiness. Cities should likely also have more green space and natural areas. Research has shown it improves much from education, health and even income. )

I wonder what type of
berries these are and
whether they have impact
on wildlife.

What kind of tracks are these?
I had my track app confirm.

These are a little different.
Can you guess?