My father was an avid hunter, he hunted on both and private lands, but my trips with him made me keenly aware of the value of our public lands. A private entity cannot sustain the balance of vision that preservation of large swaths of land requires. I agree with the sentiment that these places can have a profound and positive influence on people that visit them. Also, hunters are some of the best protectors of them, and often those that understand them the best.
It was through hunting and fishing that I first took the time to sit and observe nature. For me it was fascinating, but also really therapeutic to have nothing to do but look for animals or wet the line - just slow down and be patient (patience is not something I'm known for). We need more sportsmen to support conservation measures on public lands today. Too many hunters never leave their ATVs and access to public lands is now being defined by laziness. The incessant need for "access" is degrading public lands hunting opportunities. The expansion of roads fragments habitat and disturbs animal migration, which is having profound impacts on wildlife and the primitive recreation experience. Support Backcountry Hunters and Anglers to preserve the sprit of true outdoors sportsmanship. More info: http://www.backcountryhunters.org/