World Hunting Organization

[AkHunter45]

Well guys, the WHA has updated their website with more info and explanations on their program. I've read it and in my mind, nothing has changed. They plan on airing their show on tv for the whole nation to see and in my opinion it's pretty sad that hunting is coming to this. They want to make a competition out of hunting and thats not what hunting is about. This junk is all about the money and nothing else. Read it and decide for yourself, if your against it, send them an e-mail and tell them how you feel, I did. http://worldhunt.com/

[twodux]

Here's an email I just sent David Farbman, the commisioner of the World Hunting Association. You can send him an e-mail at commisioner@worldhunt.com


Mr. Farbman,

I am writing to tell you I think that World Hunt is the worst thing that has happenned to hunting in my lifetime. It is wrong on so many levels it's hard to find a place to start.

First off, I will not "stand shoulder to shoulder" with people who call themselves hunters but have no clues as to the true "essence of hunting". In your own "words from the commissioner" you state that World Hunt is "a respectful non-fatal competitive hunting tour." There is nothing respectful of using animals for your amusement. There is nothing respectful using animals to massage your ego. There is nothing respectful in using animals for profit. That's what this is all about, profit. You looked at the professional bass tour and decided there is money to be made by copying it in a hunting format. The bass tour is wrong and so are you.

I'm also concerned that you want to "expand the next generation of hunters". While it is comendable for hunting and the skills that go with it are passed down, we don't neccesarily need more hunters. We need better and more ethical hunters. Anyone who's hunted on crowded public land, knows that more hunters is not the answer. And the answer is not more "hunting" ranches where you kill tame animals. The answer might be getting more hunters involved in protecting habitat. The answer might be older hunters mentoring youngsters who show an interest in hunting. Teach them respect for their prey, not the disrespect your organization teaches. I see your organization also promotes venison donation charities. This is a tool for trophy hunters who care nothing of eating what they shoot. They use it to get around wanton waste laws. Killing for your ego without consequences. That sounds respectful.........

This idiotic idea will give hunting the biggest black eye it's ever had. I'm a lifelong hunter, and if this is what hunting has sunk to, I'll join the PETA people attacking you, because I will not be a part of, be associated with, stand "shoulder to shoulder with", or sponser in any way this despicable organization. I will actively boycott any entity or business that in any way endorses or advertises with your organization. This includes the Outdoor Channel or any other channel that sees fit to show your program.

When I tell people I am a hunter, I do not want to be painted with the same brush as your organization. I don't want to have to appologize for the image people like you are giving hunting.

Hunting is not a game or a competition. Turning it into one does not make hunting legitimate. Hunting is already legitimate and stands on it's own. You are dragging it down.

[BHAer]

OK "Darn" good email.

This is the only way we are going to squash this thing. We also need to find out who all sponsers are and cc them the email and letters.

I am drafting mine now!!

[AKmud]

Well put twodux

I just sent my own email to the commissioner as well. One correction to the email address -

commissioner@worldhunt.com

Just forgot one of the "s". Got my email returned originally.

I encourage everyone to drop a line to this guy. It also steams me that Chuck Sykes is involved. I kind of liked his Managment advantage show even though it didn't really apply to AK. The white tail hunting situation in the lower 48 is turning into free range farming more than hunting. It will be interesting to see how far this goes.

[AkHunter45]

Giveaway

I see that they are giving away a Polaris on their website........just another reason to not buy one. I tried sending him another e-mail and it was returned but I'll keep trying.

[AKmud]

email address

This one works -


commissioner@worldhunt.com

[Anton74]

How can this even be legal?

[AkHunter45]

Legality

They are doing it on a ranch that has the animals fenced in, if you haven't read the whole thing you really need too, it explains everything. The "hunters" actually have nicnames like The Lonewolf, The Dark Archer, The Doctor, and The Machine, they sound more like video game players names than hunters names. Pretty lame in my opnion.

[bushrat]

You guys don't want to hear this...

...but I'm going to say it anyway:

High-fenced hunts and catch-and-release hunts---all recognized and supported by Safari Club International---and the "acceptance" of this among the hunting community because of the "United We Stand" philosophy are in large part responsible for what we are now seeing. Add to that the Outdoor Channel programming, Bass Pro tour, etc.

If you denounce this, then you should also denounce the dang high-fenced hunts and C&R hunts as well, and the competition now going on amongst hunters to get their names in SCI book. I see little difference really.

It's time we stood united indeed, but not to condone unethical "hunting" practices that are making great inroads with the public perception of hunting. SCI is very afraid of this...they see the parallels, even though they will have to oppose this. This brings it all home, sheds a sinister light on many things. If you oppose this competitive hunting, then I say it's time to stand up and condemn other practices as well as being bad for hunting.

Sincerely,
Mark Richards (PS...edit: Rick, great letter!)

[colodan]

Email sent from at least one of us down here in Colorado as well. We as hunters need to step up and rid ourselves of the few that continue to drag our sport down. This kind of "hunting" is what gives radical groups and politicians ammo to drive a American tradition away from the average citizen and into the arms of the power elite just like in Europe. Take a stand while we still have something to stand for.

[bushrat]

Holy Smokes!

"Now is the time for all hunters to stand together, shoulder to shoulder. While new ideas and change can sometimes be uncomfortable, this is a great opportunity for hunters to elevate the sport, clear up misconceptions, and expand the next generation of hunters."

The above quote is from the worldhunt website. It's the same "United we Stand" line I heard when high-fenced and C&R hunts were introduced, along with antlermax technology, automatic deer feeders, and allowance of these animals in certain record books.

[AkHunter45]

...but I'm going to say it anyway:

High-fenced hunts and catch-and-release hunts---all recognized and supported by Safari Club International---and the "acceptance" of this among the hunting community because of the "United We Stand" philosophy are in large part responsible for what we are now seeing. Add to that the Outdoor Channel programming, Bass Pro tour, etc.

If you denounce this, then you should also denounce the dang high-fenced hunts and C&R hunts as well, and the competition now going on amongst hunters to get their names in SCI book. I see little difference really.

It's time we stood united indeed, but not to condone unethical "hunting" practices that are making great inroads with the public perception of hunting. SCI is very afraid of this...they see the parallels, even though they will have to oppose this. This brings it all home, sheds a sinister light on many things. If you oppose this competitive hunting, then I say it's time to stand up and condemn other practices as well as being bad for hunting.

Sincerely,
Mark Richards (PS...edit: Rick, great letter!)

Why would we be afraid to hear what you had to say?? I think it's safe to say that I speak for the majority when I say that anything but fair chase hunting is not hunting. And if you were unaware of it Mark, SCI pulled their sponsorship from this program along with a few other big name organizations. I'm not a member of SCI and don't ever plan on being one as I don't condon some of their accepted methods of hunting.

[bushrat]

Holy Smokes!


Not sure how but this double posted. So I'm editing it out, but have to add a John Muir quote:
"Nothing dollarable is safe."

[Snyd]

This is crazy. Undermines the basic philosphy of hunting as I see it. Just gives the anti-hunter groups more ammo to use when painting the picture of the "bloodthirsty animal hating hunters". I will send my own email also.

Mark.
John Muir called that right didn't he...

[homerdave]

hope i made myself clear

Mark already sent a letter on behalf of AK BHA, this is the one i sent.


As a professional hunting guide and long time hunter I have to say that what you propose to do revolts me. Certainly you are taking the disgusting genre of hunting show "horn-porn" to a new level...one even lower than it currently inhabits.
I fully intend to boycott anyone and anything that is associated with your blatant commercialization and degradation of hunting, and I see that i can add Polaris to that list. I will be sure to let our local dealer know, and i can assure you that this has already been discussed on alaska atv forums.
Though your ridiculous idea is destined to fail, in part through the efforts of hunters and sportsmen who are massing against you, it is a pathetic development in the long fall that hunting has been taking in the media and public eye, and if you really are a hunter (though by your actions i would say not) you should be ashamed of yourself.