To say Shane Mahoney has a passion for wildlife would be like saying Babe Ruth loved hitting home runs.

Like the famous baseball legend, Mahoney has that kind of love for his specialty. The renowned biologist, conservation writer and speaker enjoys going throughout the country spreading his message about the future of the wildlife environment. His best technique for getting his point across is by using hunting and fishing as a major way of conserving the wildlife legacy.

The native from Newfoundland made a big hit with his presentation recently during the Texas Wildlife Association at the Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort and Spa.

“My first message is pretty much the same everywhere,” Mahoney said. “I am keenly interested in conservation. I am deeply concerned with what is happening in the natural world. My second message is I fundamentally believe in a sustainable use approach, not in a preservationist approach. I say that because preservation will not protect wildlife.

“The answer is to teach people to use the natural system and do it in a sustaining way. Hunting and angling are major ways for me. I love to those things, because they are clearly examples of a sustainable use approach. We are able to hunt and fish and still maintain an abundant population.”

During his messages, Mahoney often talks about the idea of forming a coalition in conservation, placing it at the same level in the public policy debate as justice, civil rights and health.

What motivates Mahoney to spread the message?

“I never planned to be a public speaker on the issues,” Mahoney said. “It just sort of happened. I’m just a very passionate individual who feels strongly about these things. I love coming to these events. I speak in different towns, different states and the people come from different backgrounds. A lot of them are highly motivated to help.

“That motivates me. It’s kind of like a recycled engine. When I am invited I am pleased to go. When I get there, I become more motivated. I’m sort of trapped in a way, but it’s a good trap.

“ I’m motivated to explain the North American model of wildlife conservation. I think it is a crucial thing the public of the United States and Canada needs to understand so they appreciate how conservation works and that wildlife does not exist by accident.”

Mahoney developed his love for wildlife long before he even thought about making speeches. While growing up in Newfoundland, he learned a great deal about the land. He saw hunters and fishermen who cared about the natural world. That inspired him to do the same.

In the meantime, Mahoney developed a fascination for wild animals. As a researcher and writer, he has written and co-written more than 120 articles and research reports on such subjects as seabird breeding behavior, population dynamics of black bears, lynx, moose and woodland caribou.

“I’ve been very blessed to have spent time in the country with wild animals,” said Mahoney, founding executive director of the Institute of Biodiversity, Ecosystem Science and Sustainability at the Memorial University. “I just love wild animals. It’s kind of a mystical experience every time. I really do believe they have made me far more understanding of what I am as a human being.