Texas Hunter Education Certification Practice Exam

According to the North American Model of Wildlife Conservation, who owns the wildlife?

1. The federal government

2. State governments

3. Private landowners

4. The public

The correct answer is: The public

The principle that "the public" owns wildlife is a fundamental tenet of the North American Model of Wildlife Conservation. This model emphasizes that wildlife is a shared resource, and it is managed by government entities on behalf of all citizens. This approach recognizes that wildlife does not belong to any single individual or entity, but rather it is held in trust by governments for the benefit of everyone. This public trust doctrine ensures that wildlife populations are conserved and managed sustainably so that future generations can also enjoy these natural resources. It promotes the idea that all people have an equal opportunity to harvest and enjoy wildlife, which aligns with concepts of equal access and stewardship. The other options would imply ownership by specific groups or individuals, which contradicts the essence of the public ownership model in wildlife conservation.