Evaluating the foundational elements of wildlife conservation requires understanding our history. Charlie Booher with Watershed Results offered the first presentation in a special session at the 90th North American Wildlife and Natural Resources Conference on the foundations of conservation. This is a summary of Booher’s comments outlining how the actions of Theodore Roosevelt in forming the Boone and Crockett Club and advancing the principles of Fair Chase, along with increasing public awareness, provided the first conservation leap.