Q: How can the act of harvesting an animal to feed oneself require a license? I am basically required to have money to eat.
This has been bothering me more lately than usual as I am now homeless and have to feed myself and my dog with no money. I just cannot see how it is a legitimate per view of government to, in essence, require an individual to have the monetary capacity to feed themselves which is a basic human right. Beyond my current circumstances i still cant understand this idea that even someone with the monetary capacity to attain a license to hunt/fish public lands and waters or buy food must use that monetary capacity to sustain their being. I am a lover of nature and I understand that humans have a track record for over indulging so I get the reasoning behind regulations such as bag limits but to necessitate that an individual possess the capability to pay for the ability to eat is beyond me. This seems to me to be an issue similar to government, in all reality, requiring people have the ability to pay for shelter. (Can't camp permanently on public lands and can't "loiter" anywhere else)
A:
The requirement for a license to hunt or fish is based on the principle of conservation and management of wildlife resources. Hunting and fishing licenses help fund wildlife management and conservation efforts, such as habitat restoration, research, and education. Without these funds, it would be difficult for wildlife agencies to carry out these important tasks.
While it is true that hunting and fishing licenses require a financial investment, there are often reduced fees or exemptions for individuals who demonstrate financial need or are experiencing hardship. Additionally, there are often alternative ways to obtain food such as through community food programs or food banks.
It is important to note that access to food is a basic human right, and governments have a responsibility to ensure that all individuals have access to adequate food. However, the specific methods of obtaining that food may be regulated for the purpose of conservation and management of natural resources.
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