There are many folks that work in the field of conservation who face a similar conundrum. They enjoy hunting which typically means owning and appreciating firearms but also believe in preservation and protection of natural resources which doesn't quite fit the narrative of the typical gun owning spectrum.
As for the masks I wouldn't expect anything less from this politically toxic environment we're living in. If one political party identified a cure for cancer the other party would do everything in their power to make sure it never reached the people that needed it because their party didn't discover it.
I believe politics is our own worst enemy. We need to get out of our own way to improve this country. I suppose this post falls in the political territory and I apologize. Just trying to get the conversation back on track.