First of all let me say that I'm not looking for peoples opinions on the good/bad doc, the legality of the hunt or what your take on "trophy" hunting is. Instead I'm looking for reasonable answers that we, as hunters, can do to help prevent or properly combat some of the fallout from this debacle.
The fallout I'm referring to centers around both legislative action and private company responses. We already know that a bill to prevent the import of some animals has been introduced by the, previously indicted on corruption charges, Senator Bob Menendez. As we know once a law is in place it never goes away and typically only encourages further and more intrusive action. Where does this one end if it passes?
We also already know that Delta, United and American Airlines have banned flying with parts of certain animals on their planes. Where does this end? Can it be turned around and if so how?
I also get email notifications of petitions filed on change.org that center around animal rights activities, which is a good way to keep an eye on the enemy, and in the last week several new petitions targeting UPS and FedEX have originated. While the airline bans may not cause much pain for big game hunters, especially those coming from Africa, it could be a serious problem with waterfowl collectors. If FedEx and UPS follow suit, both have released official statements saying they are considering it based on public opinion, there will be serious implications for most all hunters who use out of state taxidermist or who ship back meat, skins/capes and/or antlers from various hunts.
Given the current climate surrounding hunting and what seems like years of somewhat positive opinion wiped out in mere moments by the social media lynchmob what can we do? Who do we contact? Do we start out own petitions?
Here are some of my thoughts...admittedly most are very obvious.
* Contact your local, state and federal level legislatures via email, written letter and phone to let them know that you are a hunter, that you do not support legislation against hunting, that you pay attention to current events and most importantly that you vote. In future elections vote for candidates that support hunting, fishing and outdoor pursuits.
* Contact the leaders of your local chapter of conservation organizations (Ducks Unlimited, RMEF, NWTF, Pheasants Forever, etc) and urge them to organize local events NOW to help mobilize their members. Perhaps even create town hall style events with their members in order to encourage participation and share ideas. If you are associated with any of these organizations then initiate communications and events NOW. I'm not referring to contribution banquets or the like but a call to arms for all members, young, old, current and former, spouses, etc to help educate them so they can provide a positive message into their communities.
* Contact National level clubs (Dallas Safari Club, Boone and Crockette Club, Safari Club International, etc) and ask them what you can do in your area. Ask them what they are doing to help fight legislative action?
* If your state is currently not one of the 18 states with a Right to Hunt & Fish amendment to their state constitution then start petitioning your legislators NOW. It works and could be what preserves the pursuits we all enjoy for future generations. More INFO.
* Reach out and educate those around you who are being swayed constantly by the lies, half truths and sensationalism that is our main stream media. Show them what hunting is and what it means to you. Do this in a positive and constructive manner. Do your best to separate traditional stereotypes from the actual truth.
* Contact national organizations that may not be hunting specific in their support but are pro hunting (NRA, etc) and ask them to help make a stand.
* Take out an ad in your local newspaper that is pro hunting but respectful. Contact a local sports talk radio program and, in a polite, respectful and professional manner, promote our pursuits.
I've no doubt missed a lot of great ideas on what to do. That is the point of this thread to help unify and build our ranks so that we can, together, ensure our heritage lives well on into the future.
The fallout I'm referring to centers around both legislative action and private company responses. We already know that a bill to prevent the import of some animals has been introduced by the, previously indicted on corruption charges, Senator Bob Menendez. As we know once a law is in place it never goes away and typically only encourages further and more intrusive action. Where does this one end if it passes?
We also already know that Delta, United and American Airlines have banned flying with parts of certain animals on their planes. Where does this end? Can it be turned around and if so how?
I also get email notifications of petitions filed on change.org that center around animal rights activities, which is a good way to keep an eye on the enemy, and in the last week several new petitions targeting UPS and FedEX have originated. While the airline bans may not cause much pain for big game hunters, especially those coming from Africa, it could be a serious problem with waterfowl collectors. If FedEx and UPS follow suit, both have released official statements saying they are considering it based on public opinion, there will be serious implications for most all hunters who use out of state taxidermist or who ship back meat, skins/capes and/or antlers from various hunts.
Given the current climate surrounding hunting and what seems like years of somewhat positive opinion wiped out in mere moments by the social media lynchmob what can we do? Who do we contact? Do we start out own petitions?
Here are some of my thoughts...admittedly most are very obvious.
* Contact your local, state and federal level legislatures via email, written letter and phone to let them know that you are a hunter, that you do not support legislation against hunting, that you pay attention to current events and most importantly that you vote. In future elections vote for candidates that support hunting, fishing and outdoor pursuits.
* Contact the leaders of your local chapter of conservation organizations (Ducks Unlimited, RMEF, NWTF, Pheasants Forever, etc) and urge them to organize local events NOW to help mobilize their members. Perhaps even create town hall style events with their members in order to encourage participation and share ideas. If you are associated with any of these organizations then initiate communications and events NOW. I'm not referring to contribution banquets or the like but a call to arms for all members, young, old, current and former, spouses, etc to help educate them so they can provide a positive message into their communities.
* Contact National level clubs (Dallas Safari Club, Boone and Crockette Club, Safari Club International, etc) and ask them what you can do in your area. Ask them what they are doing to help fight legislative action?
* If your state is currently not one of the 18 states with a Right to Hunt & Fish amendment to their state constitution then start petitioning your legislators NOW. It works and could be what preserves the pursuits we all enjoy for future generations. More INFO.
* Reach out and educate those around you who are being swayed constantly by the lies, half truths and sensationalism that is our main stream media. Show them what hunting is and what it means to you. Do this in a positive and constructive manner. Do your best to separate traditional stereotypes from the actual truth.
* Contact national organizations that may not be hunting specific in their support but are pro hunting (NRA, etc) and ask them to help make a stand.
* Take out an ad in your local newspaper that is pro hunting but respectful. Contact a local sports talk radio program and, in a polite, respectful and professional manner, promote our pursuits.
I've no doubt missed a lot of great ideas on what to do. That is the point of this thread to help unify and build our ranks so that we can, together, ensure our heritage lives well on into the future.
