So Great Was the Slaughter: Market Hunters, Sportsmen, and Wildlife Conservation in Arkansas

[Quillback]

Just published in March 2025.  I want to get a copy, but $35 for the paperback at Amazon is a bit steep IMO.  I'll keep an eye on it looking for a sale.

An account of the rise of sportsmen and conservation groups in Arkansas who made common cause to save the state’s wildlife resources

So Great Was the Slaughter reveals the untold story of Arkansas conservation pioneers who saved the state’s game and fish populations. As Arkansas entered the twentieth century, the national demand for meat combined with the ability to ship millions of animals to hungry cities like New Orleans, Memphis, and Chicago had driven many species, including bison and passenger pigeons, to extinction in Arkansas. Many others, including deer, bear, turkey, quail, and fish, were in danger of disappearing.

In response, an unlikely coalition of Arkansas sportsmen, hunters, and conservationists created a vision for conservation legislation, game laws, and the establishment of fish hatcheries and wildlife refuges. With support from influential outsiders like E. A. McIlhenny and the United States Biological Survey, they waged a long battle against entrenched political and commercial interests.

[ollie]

According to my family tree I had an uncle or grandfather than came to settle in Reeds Spring before the civil war broke out. According to the letters he was a "big" game hunter. It is fact he never went overseas so it is assumed they meant deer, bear, and maybe mountain lions or bison. He apparently shot whatever he could to make a living. Seems like a lot of states saw the same thing happen. With no rules to abide by many just choose to rape the resources thinking it would never diminish and there would be plenty for all. Glad some kind of science was introduced to get to where we are today. I was amazed when I was younger and found out they used a punt gun to kill so many birds just so they could use the feathers for lady's hats back then.   

[Flysmallie]

On 7/8/2025 at 6:43 AM, ollie said:

 With no rules to abide by many just choose to rape the resources thinking it would never diminish and there would be plenty for all. Glad some kind of science was introduced to get to where we are today. 

Unfortunately there are still people out there that choose to rape our resourses and the science doesn't matter to them. I actually think they aren't smart enough to understand so they discard it or they do understand it but would rather have dollars in their pockets. It's sad what this country has done to it's resources and continues to do.