The MeatEater Podcast Episode 658: Are Governor's Tags Un-American?: REDUX Release Date: February 3, 2025

Overview

In Episode 658 of The MeatEater Podcast, host Brody Henderson delves deeper into the contentious topic of Governor's tags—special hunting permits that have sparked debate within the hunting and conservation communities. Joining him is Gray Thornton, CEO of the Wild Sheep Foundation, who provides expert insights into the origins, financial implications, and social ramifications of these tags. The discussion navigates through the balance between conservation funding and ethical hunting practices, highlighting real-world examples from states like Montana and Arizona.

Understanding Governor's Tags

Governor's tags, also referred to as conservation permits, are special hunting permits that are auctioned or raffled off to raise funds for wildlife conservation. Gray Thornton explains their genesis and operational mechanics:

Gray Thornton [05:04]: "The first governor's tag was actually given to what was then the Foundation for North American Wild Sheep in 1980 by Governor Ed Herschler from Wyoming... The idea was to sell these highly coveted tags at auction and mandate that the proceeds support wild sheep conservation."

These tags are pivotal in funding conservation efforts, especially for species like bighorn sheep that do not generate sufficient revenue through traditional hunting licenses.

Origins and Financial Aspects

The inception of Governor's tags was a strategic move to bolster funding for wild sheep conservation, a priority often overlooked compared to more popular game species like elk or deer. Thornton provides a breakdown of the financial flow:

Gray Thornton [05:50]: "BOth in Montana and Arizona, 100% of the proceeds from the sale of any special tag conservation permit go back to the state... On average, we retain about 10%."

For instance, in Montana 2023, the sale of 656 bighorn sheep tags generated approximately $198,000, with additional funds from auction and raffle tags contributing further stakes. Thornton emphasizes the efficiency of auction tags in maximizing funds for conservation:

Gray Thornton [11:20]: "73% of all wild sheep agency funding came from either an auction tag, conservation permit, or a raffle tag... Fast forward 10 years later, we're still quantifying the data. Right now it's about 83% in the United States of sheep."

Social and Ethical Implications

The crux of the debate revolves around the perception of Governor's tags as being "un-American" due to their association with wealth and exclusivity. Critics argue that auctioning high-priced tags creates an uneven playing field, where only the affluent can afford to participate, leading to social discontent and envy within the hunting community.

Brody Henderson [19:54]: "There's a perception that some lucky guy got screwed out of his big horn tag... But they auctioned it off to the highest bidder."

Thornton counters by highlighting the essential role these funds play in conservation:

Gray Thornton [24:32]: "We're already managing super conservatively on bighorn sheep... these are additive. And when you look at, you know, what the Big Horns are..., it's not a money maker for us, but it is a hell of a moneymaker for the agencies."

The discussion also touches upon the societal factors influencing perceptions, including class issues and polarized views on wealth and privilege.

Case Studies: Montana and Arizona

Montana: Montana serves as a prime example of how Governor's tags function within a state. With a conservative harvest rate of 2-3% of male bighorn sheep, Montana ensures sustainable populations without overexploitation.

Gray Thornton [05:58]: "Montana sold the tag for $480,000 in 2013... By statute, Wild Sheep Foundation has to direct those monies to the agency."

Arizona: Arizona recently made headlines by abolishing auction tags in favor of raffles, a move influenced by social pressures and perceptions of equity.

Brody Henderson [40:33]: "Arizona is only conducting their... not the super tags, but in state. So now you have a... What? How are we going to handle equity?"

Thornton explains the shift and its implications:

Gray Thornton [33:09]: "Arizona got rid of Governor's tags, and they're going to raffles... $95,000 for a pronghorn tag versus $215,000 for a bighorn tag."

This transition raises concerns about maintaining adequate funding for conservation while addressing social equity.

Challenges and Potential Solutions

One significant challenge is balancing the need for substantial conservation funds with the ethical considerations of exclusivity and perceived unfairness. Thornton suggests that while auction tags are highly effective financially, there is room for improvement in how funds are allocated and ensuring transparency.

Gray Thornton [74:46]: "We need to do a better job of holding our agencies accountable... ensuring that we're doing as much as we can efficiently with that money."

The conversation also explores alternative funding mechanisms, such as raffles, but acknowledges their limitations in raising comparable funds:

Brody Henderson [92:49]: "Had that been a raffle, that tag would have brought in maybe $200,000."

Thornton emphasizes the urgency of supporting auction tags due to declining wild sheep populations and the critical need for funding conservation efforts.

Conclusion and Call to Action

The episode concludes with a reaffirmation of the importance of Governor's tags in sustaining wild sheep populations across North America. Despite the social controversies, these tags remain a vital financial tool for conservation.

Gray Thornton [97:19]: "Most of our... directed $89 million back into agencies for wild sheep conservation just on the sale of conservation permits. It's very, very effective."

Thornton urges listeners to support these conservation efforts through participation in auctions and raffles, emphasizing the collective responsibility to preserve wildlife.

For those interested in contributing or learning more, the Wild Sheep Foundation encourages visits to their website:

Gray Thornton [98:24]: "Go to wildsheepfoundation.org and see what we do."

Notable Quotes

• Gray Thornton [05:04]: "The idea from Ed's perspective was... to sell these highly coveted tags at auction and mandate that the proceeds support wild sheep conservation."

• Brody Henderson [19:54]: "There's a perception that it would have been 657 tags, so some lucky guy got screwed out of his big horn tag... but they auctioned it off to the highest bidder."

• Gray Thornton [24:32]: "We're already managing super conservatively on bighorn sheep... these are additive. And when you look at what the Big Horns are..., it's not a money maker for us, but it is a hell of a moneymaker for the agencies."

• Brody Henderson [40:33]: "Arizona is only conducting their... not the super tags, but in state. So now you have a... What? How are we going to handle equity?"

• Gray Thornton [97:19]: "Most of our... directed $89 million back into agencies for wild sheep conservation just on the sale of conservation permits. It's very, very effective."

Final Thoughts

Episode 658 of The MeatEater Podcast offers a comprehensive examination of Governor's tags, shedding light on their critical role in wildlife conservation amidst social and ethical debates. Through expert insights and candid discussions, listeners gain a nuanced understanding of the complexities surrounding these conservation tools and the ongoing efforts to balance financial efficacy with community perceptions.

For further information or to support wild sheep conservation, visit the Wild Sheep Foundation at wildsheepfoundation.org.