Companies that are Non-Supportive of Hunting

[johnnyblues]

reads the same,means the same.BUDDY

You tell him Ed!

 

[tigris115]

Why don't we all just chill?

 

[BWH]

Who's hot?

 

[Baldi59]

Cape Union Mart in South Africa.

They are rip offs anyway.

 

[salesman]

The sad truth of all this is it is almost impossible to not do business with companies that are philosophically opposed to hunting/2nd Amendment rights.

For the most part I do not have to spend any money with large corporations that would support something I am opposed to. However, there are some things I have to buy where my choices are limited, and I cannot be certain that a percentage of the profit they make on me does not go to causes I would not knowingly support.

Verizon was mentioned earlier in this thread. I would love to drop them as they are my mobile phone provider, simply because I do not care for their spokesman. However, where I live, there is not another provider that has coverage close to Verizon. So if I want good mobile service I am stuck with them.

Let us take bottled beverages as another example; whether or not the label says it, Coke or Pepsi own most of the market. Neither are very hunter friendly based on their donations such as HSUS.

Another great example is cable TV in general. Whether you watch them or not, if you have ESPN, MSNBC, CNN and many more as part of your programming you are paying royalties that are actively against hunting/2nd Amendment rights.

What about the search engine/homepage you use, most are run by people that would take your hunting privileges and right to own a gun tomorrow if they could. The more times you use them or click on something they advertise or report on you are helping fill the coffers.

So how do we as hunters/gun owners mount opposition to those that would take our sport and rights away?

1. Take the fight to them, but do it with facts and with class if at all possible. The really fanatical anti-hunter/anti-gun folks are a minority, just like us. Nothing we say is going to matter to them, they are lost and will not change their opinion if your hit them with a hammer. The ones we need and can get are the reasonable, uninformed and uneducated about hunting/guns. They are the ones that will ultimately decide our fate with the politicians and in voters box. They may not be hunting or shooting with us, but they don't have to be against us.

2. We need a united front and quality leadership in the national organizations most of us support like the NRA, SCI, DSC and all the rest. If these organizations could get on the same page and work to show hunters/gun owners in a positive light and educate the uninformed/uneducated masses that we are not the bad people the antis potray us as.

3. Take a kid hunting/fishing/shooting. They are the future, if we are to have one. Take every opportunity to educate them in reality and ethics. Part of the problem with the current perception of hunters/gun owners is that we have missed most of the younger generations to soccer and video games. Add in the educational system we have now and it is no wonder that hunters/gun owners are becoming an endangered species. This is something that does not take a national organization, but each of us can do individually. Get those kids out of the house.

4. Be personally active in your community and never miss a chance to promote hunting/gun ownership in a positive light. Get to know your local, state and federal representatives/senators. Let them know your positions. They may disagree with your positions and they may lie to your face, but get to know them if you can. People usually try to look out for people that they know, and generally don't want to disappoint constituents that they actually know. Bottom line is they don't want to have to look you in eye if they vote for something you are strongly against.

5. Try to take care of and support those that support your views. How many of you take the time to call and thank the politicians that represent you when they vote your way? Politicians are people too, they like a pat on the back. And they are much more likely to remember it, versus some no name calling in and ranting against them.

i know I got off topic, but I think all of this goes hand in hand. We as hunters/gun owners need the support of the majority. Many in that majority are the decision makers in the companies that are against us, however they really don't know why except for their own ignorance and howls of the antis. If we as community can inform them, maybe they won't spend their resources with, nor cow down to the antis.

As usual just my 2 cents.

 

[Shootist43]

Salesmen, I couldn't agree more. I've been a Hunter Education Instructor since 1987 and have helped introduce thousands of kids to firearms, bows and hunting. Every once in a while I'll meet someone in Cabela's or Gander Mountain that says
"you were or were one of my Hunter Education Instructors. I know I reached some of them.

 

[Longwalker]

I generally agree with the soft persuasion approach, but I do express an opinion by withholding my money on occasion. I won't ever do business with the Saskatoon Inn after they cancelled their contract with the Africa Hunting show a couple years ago. And I won't do business with Mountain Equipment Coop after they lobbied for complete closure of the grizzly bear hunt in British Columbia. I just wish I had more opportunities to remind them why they won't see any more of my money.

 

[ThomasBeaham]

It has just been brought to my attention that GANDER MOUNTAIN is being run by CEO...
...wait for it....
Marcus Lemonis of Camping World fame!

From what I can gather, G.M. has filed bankruptcy , but will be consolidating with a few branches remaining open.

These two companies have definitely seen the last red cent from me.

 

[Paul Homsy]

I'm curious about Target also.

Jerome, about Target.

https://www.targetsportsusa.com/

It seems they're separating the general store from the "sports" store, which may strictly be a web store. I'm not sure. It wouldn't make sense for them to drop all ammunition sales. The markets they thrive in are in most "hunting states". They are in Bend, Oregon for example, where Nosler is HQed. They'd be shooting themselves in the foot if they get out of the ammunition sales. The neighbouring states and a little beyond, i,e. Montana where you couldn't find a dentist or a plumber on opening day of elk season represent a small percentage of mid to small markets where Target is the "go to" place for a lot of shopping. They may have separated pots and pans from guns and ammunition but I doubt they'll ever be out of the business altogether.

 

[johnnyblues]

Sad truth is as said some companies either we can't avoid or we just don't know the stance on hunting and shooting. Again as I ve said numerous time here we need a completely different approach to promoting our sport and hunters in general. Here AGAIN is where I say a high powered PR firm needs to be hired and paid for in part by everyone possibly thru a tax on goods or higher membership fees.

 

[AfricaHunting.com]

Jerome, about Target.

https://www.targetsportsusa.com/

It seems they're separating the general store from the "sports" store, which may strictly be a web store. I'm not sure. It wouldn't make sense for them to drop all ammunition sales. The markets they thrive in are in most "hunting states". They are in Bend, Oregon for example, where Nosler is HQed. They'd be shooting themselves in the foot if they get out of the ammunition sales. The neighbouring states and a little beyond, i,e. Montana where you couldn't find a dentist or a plumber on opening day of elk season represent a small percentage of mid to small markets where Target is the "go to" place for a lot of shopping. They may have separated pots and pans from guns and ammunition but I doubt they'll ever be out of the business altogether.

Where did you find this information as I do not believe that Target Sports USA is either affiliated or associated with the Target Corporation or Target Brands (https://www.target.com)?

 

[sierraone]

Where did you find this information as I do not believe that Target Sports USA is either affiliated or associated with the Target Corporation or Target Brands (https://www.target.com)?

Agree with you Jerome, not the same!

 

[Paul Homsy]

Where did you find this information as I do not believe that Target Sports USA is either affiliated or associated with the Target Corporation or Target Brands (https://www.target.com)?

You may be right but I'd be a bit surprised. Most companies in the U.S. have registered names. I did a search online.

 

[wesheltonj]

Group 1 Automotive. They block out Wi-Fi access for hunting sites (including this one) and the NRA, but you can look at HSUS all you want.

 

[Saul]

It has just been brought to my attention that GANDER MOUNTAIN is being run by CEO...
...wait for it....
Marcus Lemonis of Camping World fame!

From what I can gather, G.M. has filed bankruptcy , but will be consolidating with a few branches remaining open.

These two companies have definitely seen the last red cent from me.

Marcus Lemonis is a good, honest guy and an even better businessman. I was unaware that he was an anti-hunter, but I have been fortunate enough to run into him a few times in the business world and he is one of the best people I have ever had to deal with. I think you should give him another chance.

Edit: I just read an article about where the reputation of him being anti-hunting comes from. I found some of his comments on it and I think he does a good job explaining himself.
https://www.outdoorhub.com/pr/2012/...nds-himself-against-anti-hunting-accusations/

Camping World CEO Defends Himself Against Anti-Hunting Accusations

The companies Camping World and Good Sam have recently come under fire for being “anti-hunting” after they
terminated their advertising relationship with Donald Trump’s show, “Celebrity Apprentice” after trophy hunting photos of Trump’s sons hit the spotlight.

The catch is that Good Sam is sponsoring an episode that is set to air in April 2012. Would the episode still air with their sponsorship? Good Sam and Camping World CEO Marcus Lemonis said that the money on the episode has already been spent, but there will be no further advertising with the show continuing after the episode airs, although it’s not because Lemonis nor his companies take an anti-hunting stance.

Rather, Lemonis said in a webinar hosted by the Professional Outdoor Media Association (POMA) that it is because of a poor relationship and poor communication over a couple of years with the show’s producers that he won’t be sponsoring “Celebrity Apprentice” any longer.

Lemonis also apologized about his comments published by TMZ which ignited the controversy surrounding the company’s alleged anti-hunting stance. Previously, Lemonis was quoted by TMZ as saying, “I am totally disgusted by the [hunting] pics I have seen and was surprised to see them … Money is spent but wow I’m really shocked.” Then, the report goes on to say that he insisted he “wouldn’t spend another nickel” with “Celebrity Apprentice”.

Lemonis told POMA journalists that he apologized for his comments made in haste and that they came from a lack of understanding or education on hunting. He first saw the photos when TMZ sent them to ask him for his comment on the pictures. At first he was shocked, but after he had time to think and educate himself on hunting he felt his chose his words poorly. “I never had a position on anti-hunting, I had a reaction,” Lemonis said. “This is an apology. I wasn’t making anti-hunting statements, but I was misquoted. I am 100 percent okay and in favor of legal hunting and fishing.”

While Lemonis has never been hunting, he sees himself as an outdoor enthusiast who mostly camps and has been fishing a few times. “I want to celebrate all outdoors recreational experiences. I realize my reaction created a divide…. As a non-hunter, I could be caught off-guard.” Lemonis said his immediate reaction was to be upset by the pictures because as a non-hunter, he is not aware what happens in the sport and in the lifestyle. “I was nervous about how other people, who are uneducated or informed, would react if they got caught off guard.

Lemonis even went on to express his interest in learning to hunt, but said that it would have to be in a safe, well-controlled environment. He turned down an offer to go hunting for the first time from his hunting-advocate friend Ted Nugent as he jokingly said he wants to learn to hunt in a “quieter” environment.

 

[Timbo]

Perhaps AH site administrators could set up an accessible directory listing antis for us members? The listing could be set up in alphabetical order, with a search tool to list them by country as part og a member's research and preparation for a hunt?

In a recent post I put up, I suggested that such a unified approach by us - as contemplated here - is somthing that we as a single group must (or soon) consider. In it I opined whether we - irresective of our nationality or residence in the world - each notify governments and organisations of their anti-based decisions. By so doing, they are put on notice, through their inundation by a ton of members' notices from around the world that such decisions are NOT universally popular: and that such decisions will only hurt their tourist/safari industries and economies - resulting in furthering their domestic unemployment problems.

These anti influenced businesses use the argument of suffering financial losses in business from antis boycotting their services. As identified here, I agree that we should now use that very same arguement back at them - that they'll lose even more business by us boycotting them too!

As more individual companies now withdraw services that are associated with our legal and legitimate sport, I wonder - thinking further - on the basis that we're doing nothing illegal, it gives rise for legal action upon the grounds of their personal prejudices against us as individuals? Because one surprising voice of support for sport hunting comes from James Leape - the Director General of the World Wildlife Fund - who is quoted (in the BBC Worldwide DVD episode "Living together" of the DVD "Planet Earth" Series) as stating: "hunting species in a sustainable way will continue to be part of conservation - and should be!" So the anti influenced businesses withdrawing services to us, are therefore working against this accepted principle!

Again, that WWF quote recognising the direct positive effect sport hunters have - comes from the DG of probably the largest, and most respected international animal conservation organisation in the world!! Food for thought.

 

[Timbo]

This was the reply.

"We feel that this discussion has been blown out of context. I will be the
first to admit that my choice of words was too strong. Instead of saying
that I was "unwilling," perhaps I should have said that I was "unable" to
create an association between Cape Union Mart and KZN Hunting and
Conservation Association. Everyone knows that hunting is a sensitive
subject, and as the marketing department we are in the difficult position of
trying to bear all of our varied customers in mind. This responsibility
results in us frequently declining requests for sponsorship and discounts.
This includes many conservation associations and environmental trusts. We
support organizations based on our marketing endeavors of that time. When I
refer to "potential negative exposure" this is not to say that Cape Union
Mart feels that hunting is a bad thing. What it means is that we have to
consider those customers who are strongly against hunting.

If you examine my original email, I make no reference to Cape Union Mart
considering hunting as an inappropriate activity. Some members of the
hunting community have voiced their unwillingness to shop at our stores
"until Cape Union Mart realises you can have a positive involvement with the
hunting / outdoors people." We feel this is unfair. We in no way indicated
that we did not appreciate the patronage of hunters and outdoor lovers. The
Outdoors is our business, and the outdoor community is one that we respect
greatly. If every single outdoor organization that we declined sponsorship
to threatened to stop visiting our stores, we would all be out of work! It
is a great pity that we cannot support every single sponsorship/discount
request, but it is even more of a pity when a misunderstanding such as this
is created as a result.

I really hope that you will understand our position. I have received many
angry emails asking whether I am an "anti-hunting vegetarian." I assure you
that I enjoy my meat.

I wish to apologise to all members of the hunting community who have been
led to believe that Cape Union Mart does not support hunting. As I said
before, this is not the case. "

In his quote: James

This was the reply.

"We feel that this discussion has been blown out of context. I will be the
first to admit that my choice of words was too strong. Instead of saying
that I was "unwilling," perhaps I should have said that I was "unable" to
create an association between Cape Union Mart and KZN Hunting and
Conservation Association. Everyone knows that hunting is a sensitive
subject, and as the marketing department we are in the difficult position of
trying to bear all of our varied customers in mind. This responsibility
results in us frequently declining requests for sponsorship and discounts.
This includes many conservation associations and environmental trusts. We
support organizations based on our marketing endeavors of that time. When I
refer to "potential negative exposure" this is not to say that Cape Union
Mart feels that hunting is a bad thing. What it means is that we have to
consider those customers who are strongly against hunting.

If you examine my original email, I make no reference to Cape Union Mart
considering hunting as an inappropriate activity. Some members of the
hunting community have voiced their unwillingness to shop at our stores
"until Cape Union Mart realises you can have a positive involvement with the
hunting / outdoors people." We feel this is unfair. We in no way indicated
that we did not appreciate the patronage of hunters and outdoor lovers. The
Outdoors is our business, and the outdoor community is one that we respect
greatly. If every single outdoor organization that we declined sponsorship
to threatened to stop visiting our stores, we would all be out of work! It
is a great pity that we cannot support every single sponsorship/discount
request, but it is even more of a pity when a misunderstanding such as this
is created as a result.

I really hope that you will understand our position. I have received many
angry emails asking whether I am an "anti-hunting vegetarian." I assure you
that I enjoy my meat.

I wish to apologise to all members of the hunting community who have been
led to believe that Cape Union Mart does not support hunting. As I said
before, this is not the case. "

So taking the crucial quote from his letter: "When I refer to "potential negative exposure" this is not to say that Cape Union Mart feels that hunting is a bad thing. What it means is that we have to consider those customers who are strongly against hunting." - all he is basically saying is: "But yeah, you're right, consideration for our anti-hunting customers takes precedence over you hunters". QED.

 

[thriller]

Also since YouTube has demonetized hunting a fishing channels you should probably install an ad blocker so they are not making money off of any videos you watch.(you can white list AH like I have so you can still see our sponsors)

 

[Timbo]

Also since YouTube has demonetized hunting a fishing channels you should probably install an ad blocker so they are not making money off of any videos you watch.(you can white list AH like I have so you can still see our sponsors)

Ad blocker? Didn't know you could do this. The ads are so F×#kING annoying!! Any suggestions on a package?

 

[thriller]

Use google chrome and ad block pro is what I use (google it) after their install it shows an icon on the top right if you are on a site you like it is important to make sure you allow the ads through or (white list/ trust them) they depend on these ads to stay in business