Post by: SnakeEyes on March 16, 2012, 03:49:17 PM
http://www.nrahuntersrights.org/Article.aspx?id=6266
The ABCNews.com headline burst across the screen as if to announce some vital, breaking news story:
“Donald Trump’s Sons Photographed with Dead Animals in Africa.”
Wow. This is headline news?
Accompanying the story was a photo of Donald Trump Jr. posed with a fine Cape buffalo any hunter would be proud of. The popup caption read: “Trump’s sons with mutilated animals.” (Actually, there were NO signs of “mutilation.”)
That was one of the milder headlines—others used terms like “Animal Butchery.”
Mainstream media, PETA and The Huffington Post are all taking turns in a feeding frenzy of personal attacks on Donald Trump Jr. and his brother, Eric, over a safari they took two summers ago in Zimbabwe, and photos from the trip that have surfaced online. The pair killed an elephant, crocodile, kudu, civet, waterbuck, leopard and Cape buffalo.
Granted, the name Trump might draw some media attention no matter what you do, but the firestorm of attacks the brothers are drawing is hardly journalism. It is simply more proof of mainstream media’s eagerness to give animal rights’ groups the headlines they crave. These groups contribute absolutely nothing for wildlife management, here or in Africa, yet multiple new sources have picked up their statements maligning the Trumps.
PETA, for example, said, “Like all animals, elephants, buffalo, and crocodiles deserve better than to be killed and hacked apart for two young millionaires’ grisly photo opportunity.” The “hacked apart” reference seems directed at a photo of Donald Jr. holding an elephant’s tail and a knife. Donald says it was actually local villagers who did the cutting, following a tradition that dates back to ivory hunters of a century ago—but what does it matter, anyway? Is it really any different than a kid plucking tail feathers from his first pheasant? We take tails, feathers, horns, hides and antlers as a matter of respect and reverence, and for the memories they give us. Anti-hunters malign all of these objects as “trophies” and seem incapable of understanding how profoundly meaningful they are.
Indeed, The Huffington Post used the term “trophy” or “trophy hunting” as if there is something wrong with it no less than four times, along with the words “killing spree in Zimbabwe” in the headline of their story. And, as has become usual with anti-hunting groups, they took a perfectly legal and legitimate hunt and did their best to link it with poaching, stating, in one example: “According to Time magazine’s reports, ‘Killing Fields,’ Asian poachers and smugglers have posed as trophy hunters to access Africa’s rare rhino horn.”
In truth, neither The Huffington Post nor PETA nor mainstream media do anything about poaching in Africa—but hunters do.
In a phone conversation with Eric Trump, he pointed out that most poaching in Zimbabwe is done by people trying to feed their families. “They essentially live on cornmeal and very little of it,” Eric said. “They’re totally malnourished. If you shoot a buffalo, the whole village comes out, and they celebrate and they take every morsel.” The meat provided by legitimate hunters reduces the need for locals to take game illegally—something the media and animal rights’ groups have failed to mention.
NRA Board Member Todd Rathner, who has run African safaris for years (www.TJSafari.com), explained something else the media and antis left out. The economy in Zimbabwe is a disaster. Inflation is at unprecedented highs and, according to Rathner, “It takes a wheelbarrow full of money to buy a loaf of bread. The only income Zimbabwe has right now is from sport hunting.
“A percentage of the fees that hunters pay their PH and outfitters goes into the local communities,” Rathner said. “The outfitter has to pay for the hunting rights, and in Zimbabwe, it can be as much as 50 percent. That money is being used in many areas to build schools, improve housing and create community centers.
“When you monetize the game in a country where people can’t afford to feed themselves,” Rather continued, “then the locals have an incentive to protect the game herds. If they banned hunting, then people would be forced to go out and kill animals to feed their families.”
Another false notion PETA and others want perpetuated is that much African game, particularly elephants, are endangered. In fact, there are so many elephants in Botswana the military has to cull them. In Zimbabwe, the country has about 100,000 elephants, yet the carrying capacity is estimated to support only 40,000. Habitat destruction is widespread and managed hunting is critical to the survival of the species.
Despite the public attacks, Donald Jr. and Eric—both NRA life members—have stood their ground admirably and represented hunting well. “We are hunters,” Eric told us with pride. “We are outdoorsmen.” Eric particularly bridled at accusations that his hunt was “canned” or took place in pens. “The area we hunted was twice as big as Rhode Island,” he said. “There was no possibility of a fence.” Donald stated, “I’m a hunter, and for that I make no apologies. The villagers were so happy for the meat, which they don’t often get to eat.” He added on Twitter, “And btw, I bet the money I spend on license fees that goes back to the animals is a lot more than the antis give for sure.”
Post by: Special T on March 16, 2012, 10:10:38 PM
Post by: sled on March 16, 2012, 11:46:39 PM
Post by: YellowDog on March 17, 2012, 09:48:45 PM
Post by: SnakeEyes on March 17, 2012, 09:55:33 PM
Post by: Jerbear on March 19, 2012, 03:59:40 AM
Post by: Skyvalhunter on March 19, 2012, 05:40:53 AM
Post by: SnakeEyes on March 19, 2012, 09:49:46 AM
"To clarify our position, Camping World as America’s Largest Outdoor company, believes in personal freedom. In this country, people are free to choose. This issue at hand is not about whether people should be able to hunt or not. Our company is neither for nor against hunting. We are for personal choice and having people enjoy the outdoors in whatever fashion they choose. However, if and when the hunting of endangered species occurs, whether in the United States or abroad, it is not acceptable to even the most avid of hunters. We remain strong in our conviction of preserving the outdoors, protecting our great country's lands and the freedom to choose.
Marcus"
"I will say this for the final time. Cut it, paste it, copy it etc
I am not opposed to legal hunting. The company has no position for or against it
People have the right to choose.
We will never delete posts as long as they contain no vulgarity, no personal attacks or threats and add value to the forum. People are entitled to their own opinion.
How we advertise or why we do certain things are related to business. If you study our historical affiliations all would know that we don't take a position on this issue. Those affiliations in the pad have always been my decision.
Our episode will still air since it was filmed last year.
It's time to move on and enjoy the outdoors. I hope that is with us."
Here is a link to Camping World if you want to let them know how you feel.
http://www.campingworld.com/contactUsForm.cfm?&contactValue=General%20Questions
I posted this topic in SYM but wondering is this should be moved to a different area so more people can read it. I think it is something the hunting community should know about.
Post by: bearpaw on March 19, 2012, 10:07:33 AM
There's nothing at all endangered with the animals that they hunted. I also have a little higher regard for "Trump", I wondered how he felt about guns. He must not be too opposed if two sons are hunting around the world. :)
Post by: pianoman9701 on March 19, 2012, 10:19:03 AM
Post by: bobcat on March 19, 2012, 10:32:05 AM
There's nothing at all endangered with the animals that they hunted. I also have a little higher regard for "Trump", I wondered how he felt about guns. He must not be too opposed if two sons are hunting around the world. :)
Maybe not "too opposed" but also definitely not a proponent of hunting either:
Quote
Trump was quick to defend his sons, telling TMZ, "My sons love hunting. They're hunters and they've become good at it. I know that anything they did was 100% OK in terms of the hunting community." However, Trump was equally quick to note that he himself does not share in the sport, saying, "I am not a believer in hunting and I'm surprised they like it."
Post by: Curly on March 19, 2012, 11:29:24 AM
Post by: bobcat on March 19, 2012, 11:30:44 AM
I wonder what he means by "not a believer in hunting"? ???
I guess he'd rather buy his meat at a store than have to kill it and butcher it himself. :dunno:
Post by: pianoman9701 on March 19, 2012, 11:51:55 AM
I wonder what he means by "not a believer in hunting"? ???
Who cares? He stands behind his sons' right to do it, so he's not an anti. Lots of people don't understand the pull of hunting. As long as they don't stand in my way, I don't mind.
Post by: Curly on March 19, 2012, 11:54:07 AM
I wonder what he means by "not a believer in hunting"? ???
Who cares? He stands behind his sons' right to do it, so he's not an anti. Lots of people don't understand the pull of hunting. As long as they don't stand in my way, I don't mind.
Obviously I care since I asked the question.
Post by: pianoman9701 on March 19, 2012, 11:56:43 AM
Post by: bobcat on March 19, 2012, 11:57:25 AM
I had to laugh at the part where he said he was surprised that his sons liked hunting. :chuckle:
Post by: Skyvalhunter on March 19, 2012, 11:58:06 AM
Dear Sir;
To clarify our position, Camping World as America’s Largest Outdoor company, believes in personal freedom. In this country, people are free to choose. This issue at hand is not about whether people should be able to hunt or not. Our company is neither for nor against hunting. We are for personal choice and having people enjoy the outdoors in whatever fashion they choose. However, in our opinion, if and when the hunting of endangered species occurs, whether in the United States or abroad, it is not acceptable to even the most avid of hunters. We remain strong in our conviction of preserving the outdoors, protecting our great country's lands and the freedom to choose.
Thank you,
Camping World Customer Care
Post by: bobcat on March 19, 2012, 11:59:09 AM
Post by: pianoman9701 on March 19, 2012, 12:00:00 PM
I wonder what he means by "not a believer in hunting"? ???
Who cares? He stands behind his sons' right to do it, so he's not an anti. Lots of people don't understand the pull of hunting. As long as they don't stand in my way, I don't mind.
Obviously I care since I asked the question.
Ooh, touchy today Curly? I was just making the point that I don't care if he likes to hunt himself or not, just that he isn't an anti-hunter. Why would you care as long as he isn't an anti-hunter?
Post by: Curly on March 19, 2012, 12:10:03 PM
I wonder what he means by "not a believer in hunting"? ???
Who cares? He stands behind his sons' right to do it, so he's not an anti. Lots of people don't understand the pull of hunting. As long as they don't stand in my way, I don't mind.
Obviously I care since I asked the question.
Ooh, touchy today Curly? I was just making the point that I don't care if he likes to hunt himself or not, just that he isn't an anti-hunter. Why would you care as long as he isn't an anti-hunter?
I care because he is always threatening to get into politics and I'd like to know how he feels about hunting.
From the quote, I can't really tell what he meant. It just seemed like an odd statement to me to say he isn't a believer in hunting. If he means that he doesn't personally believe in going hunting, then I can understand that. But if he doesn't think his sons (or anyone else) should be out hunting, then I'd have serious doubt about anything he has to say.
I guess I was a little touchy. You said "Who cares", and I was the one who asked the question. :sry: I should not have taken it the way I did.
Post by: Curly on March 19, 2012, 12:10:30 PM
Post by: bobcat on March 19, 2012, 12:14:10 PM
It almost makes it sound like he'd be against hunting if it weren't for his sons being hunters. Or is it just that he "doesn't believe" in getting his hands dirty so he doesn't want to be a hunter himself?
Post by: Skyvalhunter on March 19, 2012, 12:29:46 PM
Post by: bearpaw on March 19, 2012, 12:44:06 PM
Post by: YellowDog on March 19, 2012, 12:44:56 PM
He didnt' need to say anything about his "not believing in hunting" to me that stinks of someone who doesn't support hunting. Not quite as bad as not believing in private gun ownership but its a short leap from where he seems to stand now.
Post by: pianoman9701 on March 19, 2012, 02:46:46 PM
I wonder what he means by "not a believer in hunting"? ???
Who cares? He stands behind his sons' right to do it, so he's not an anti. Lots of people don't understand the pull of hunting. As long as they don't stand in my way, I don't mind.
Obviously I care since I asked the question.
Ooh, touchy today Curly? I was just making the point that I don't care if he likes to hunt himself or not, just that he isn't an anti-hunter. Why would you care as long as he isn't an anti-hunter?
I care because he is always threatening to get into politics and I'd like to know how he feels about hunting.
From the quote, I can't really tell what he meant. It just seemed like an odd statement to me to say he isn't a believer in hunting. If he means that he doesn't personally believe in going hunting, then I can understand that. But if he doesn't think his sons (or anyone else) should be out hunting, then I'd have serious doubt about anything he has to say.
I guess I was a little touchy. You said "Who cares", and I was the one who asked the question. :sry: I should not have taken it the way I did.
I'm not bothered. :tup: :sry:
Let's hope he never gets any real support to run. He'd be the first to launch since WWII. His head is that big.
Post by: pianoman9701 on March 21, 2012, 09:06:04 AM
Post by: Knocker of rocks on March 21, 2012, 04:58:19 PM
One of the biggest anti hunting company's is Quaker Oats. How m,any of you pack Quaker Oats granole bars out in the field with you. another in Hallmark Cards. When I get a H/M card, I accept it with no problem. But I do call the sender and thank them for the card, but in the future please choose another brand. Most don't know that H/M is anti hunting.
Quaker oats is solely owned by Pepsi. Did you know that? Probably not.
The Hall family has supported a number of Republican political candidates including John McCain and Pat Robertson, not stereotypical actions of the hard left wing politicos who wish to end hunting and the Second Addmenmant.
http://www.campaignmoney.com/political/contributions/donald-hall.asp?cycle=08
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Donald_J._Hall,_Sr.
It would appear that your claims are poorly researched and are merely a tired recitation of baseless hysteria you read on the internet
If you care about the truth, I suggest that you do more fact checking on your posts, because what you puport here is completely false
Post by: Curly on March 21, 2012, 05:07:32 PM
Post by: SnakeEyes on March 22, 2012, 01:58:26 PM
https://www.change.org/petitions/camping-world-boycott#