But why should that matter to all of us here in Oklahoma? Many of us may never hunt in Africa or have
any desire to do so. I can think of two reasons why all of us should care. The first reason is to protect this
majestic species. If we stand by and let them close lion hunting we could be passing a death sentence on this
amazing creature and an Africa without lions is one I do not wish to imagine. But probably the scariest reason
of all is that if we let them win here how long will it be before they launch a full scale assault on us here? The
momentum they could gain from this may lead them to stop Oklahoma’s recently started black bear season or
maybe even carry them to victory in the ongoing battle over wolves. As members of the hunting community is
our responsibility to fight for conservation on all battle fronts, not just those that affect us directly. In the words
of Theodore Roosevelt, “In any moment of decision, the best thing you can do is the right thing… and the worst
thing you can do is nothing.”
Page 19