The Whitetails Unlimited Executive Board of Directors recently had its first opportunity to review and discuss the issues presented at the White House Conference on North American Wildlife Policy, and is excited about working on the innovative ideas included in the comprehensive plan that was the result of the conference.

Mike Spors, WTU's national conservation representative, attended the Conference and provided the board with a comprehensive recap of the meeting. More than 500 representative of wildlife conservation groups and wildlife agencies from around the country met to discuss the development of a comprehensive ten-year Recreational Hunting and Wildlife Conservation Plan.

"The White House Conference served as the ideal venue for organizations like Whitetails Unlimited to provide input on specific issues, and ultimately help mold the development of the final Recreational Hunting and Wildlife Conservation Plan," said WTU President Jeff Schinkten. "But the responsibility of all of us involved with conservation does not end with the end of the conference - we must continue working on the ten-year plan."

The WTU Board is evaluating ways that the organization can further the goals of the plan within the mission and operation of the 26-year-old, national, non-profit conservation group.

The plan includes three guiding principals, and a list of nine core values, all of which fit comfortably within the existing mission of Whitetails Unlimited. "One of the core value of the partnership includes supporting traditions, and the rich tradition of deer hunting ranks extremely high in the outdoors category," stated Pete Gerl, WTU executive director. "We're looking at the most effective ways that we, as an organization, can support and move forward this plan. This isn't something that we're going to let sit on a shelf until the next national meeting is slated years from now."

Both Gerl and Schinkten noted that as a single organization WTU cannot accomplish everything in this comprehensive plan, but will work to prioritize WTU programs that will advance the plan.

The Plan is the result of an Executive Order, signed by President George Bush in August 2007 directing the Department of Interior and Agriculture to facilitate the expansion and enhancement of hunting opportunities, and the management of game species and their habitat. The order directed the Chairman of the Council on Environmental Quality to work with and consult the Sporting Conservation Council, state fish and wildlife agencies and the public to facilitate the exchange of information and advice to fulfill the purposes of the Executive Order.

Media Contact:
Pete Gerl, Whitetails Unlimited (920) 743-6777, ext. 105