Memorial fund for Pamela Almli??

[DeKuma]

I have stressed both.  Ray is on board with the idea as well.
I have not granted the interview, as I really do not want it to be about me or anything remotely close, but want them to note that hunters are taking action to help fellow man, not just their own interests.

[jeff100]

If there is an interview, the media can and likely will cut it up and spin it any way they want.  I do not believe this is a good idea. 

IMO, a formal statement should be authored that represents the collective message we would like to make to the public and to the family of the victim.  The media would be obligated to present the statement as it's written, whether in part or in it's entirety.

My  worth...Jeff

[DeKuma]

I talked with Ray and went ahead and granted an interview.  I stressed that they needed to follow the threads on this site regarding Josh and the shooting to see what the users here feel.  They asked many question such as how a person learns what is legal and ethical, asked about the confusion with the regulations in the pamphlet and the atmosphere we as hunters have.  They asked why we are reaching out to help the families of people such as Josh and how we come together for providing aid.  They asked if I felt hunters would support a restriction on hunting near established trails as is currently being discussed in our legislature.  I explained that this would be near impossible with the amount of trails around, and that the boy in question shot from 120 yards off of the trail and most likely was unaware the trail was there.  That it all comes down to proper training and committment on the part of the hunter and that we all must share the woods.

It should be on tomorrows paper.  They will be trying to get in contact with the family of the shooting victim and also posting additional information regarding Josh that Robodad has supplied me.  I am also hoping to forward Bone the information so he can submit his article regarding Josh for inclusion in a follow up article.

[M_ray]

Well Done Dekuma ... when I read an earlier post of yours I thought of maybe nominating Pope as our spokesperson because it sounded like you didn't want to, but I can say I'm proud to have you on our behalf! Thank you. 

[robodad]

Absolutely awesome Dekuma,

We should be taking any opportunity to spread the word that hunters are not the barbaric freaks that we are portrayed to be and will stand up for a family whose loved one was killed by one of our own and lend support to them in this terrible time, Thank you very much for including Josh in your interview, only good things can come out of a fight for a young man's life !!!

Nice job !!!

[Ray]

I believe it is important to distinguish that most people here feel a geniune sorrow for someone that lost their life because of an error while hunting. I think at the same time that the publics' eye would be interested to know that people who go out and hunt are usually careful, respectful and generally responsible members of the community.

From my perspective.. having lost my father this year; who was close to me all my life I believe that I can relate to the family members of this lady. Of course my father was not taken from this earth by another human being; in the end he is gone and that is all I can relate to.

Moving forward I think the best way to portray myself to the public is exactly with some of the descriptive terms above. When I meet other people out in the woods while hunting I will try to be mindful, respectful, courteous and maybe even outgoing if they seem receptive to discussion. I would like to educate folks when they are open to hearing what I am up to and how I carry out my business. I would do this so that they don't view us all as savage animals on a rampage to kill anything that moves. It's not something I started this week though. It is an ongoing thing.

God Bless Pamela's family and may they forgive the young individuals who were on the other end.

[DeKuma]

I appreciate your kind words and appreciation for what I have tried to do, but it is not me, but all of the people on this site that I have become acquainted with.  I tried to stress to the reporter that it is not me taking a stand for these individuals, but this community.  I stressed we are not seeking any notification of our actions, but only to bring it to the attention of the public that there is a way they can help.   That we are putting things into place to help others not for our own agenda, but for the betterment of all.  Hopefully the article(s) come out that way to the public.  If not, at least we tried and we all know how we feel and where we stand.  Whatever happens, let it not taint or tarnish the way we feel and act.  As Ray said, we are all stewards of goodwill.

[griz272000]

well stated

[billythekidrock]

Yes, Dekuma, great job.
I just hope the media does us right. There are alot of people that shed a tear or two (though most won't admit it) for the victim but sometimes our words are too easily mistaken for bravado.

[billythekidrock]

Do we have someone collecting already?

[saylean]

Ya, let me know where to send the donations please. Good work DeKuma and all on here. Truly, we have a good bunch of outdoor men and women. I hope the media does this story justice...simply put, it is outdoor lovers expressing sorrow for the loss of another outdoor lover.

[scudmaster]

We should be able to open an account at a Bank of America or another area wide bank, in Trust for the Almli family.  This would allow people to deposit the money directly and not require one individual to be responsible for handling of the funds directly.

[DeKuma]

I am a Bank of America customer.  I will stop in after work and look into it, sinc eI have kind of taken a lead on this anyway.

[mtndew]

We should be able to open an account at a Bank of America or another area wide bank, in Trust for the Almli family.  This would allow people to deposit the money directly and not require one individual to be responsible for handling of the funds directly.

That is a very good idea.

[kramman]

ive been away for a couple of days i dont see were the memorial has been set up?can anyone fill me in