Trophy Hunting

[MikePal]

You don't have to go to Africa, just look North...

Big game hunting is a part of Nunavut's tourism industry, for good reason. Nunavut features some of the most exotic and highly prized big game animals on Earth, including extremely dangerous polar bears, numerous herds of muskoxen, abundant barren-ground caribou, a sustainable harvest of walrus, plus the healthiest and least threatened population of wolves in the world. In addition, there are plenty of small game animals, such as arctic hares, ground squirrels and ptarmigan. Detailed knowledge of native wildlife species and proper survival techniques in the arctic, combined with the incredible patience, tracking skill, physical strength, stamina and courage required to become an effective hunter-provider are fundamental values in traditional Inuit culture.

http://www.nunavuttourism.com/things-to-see-do/hunting



http://www.polarbearhunting.net/

Canada's management system is designed to respond to the full suite of threats to polar bears and their conservation, including climate change. A sustainable harvest implemented through agreements and quotas involving local people and governments, has been in place in Canada since the 1970's. Harvest quotas are based on the principles of conservation and aboriginal subsistence hunting, and are not market-driven.

http://www.canadanorthoutfitting.com/polar_bear.shtml

[rfb]

That's simply not true. The hunting bans enacted had to do with preserving game animals, not a concern for foreigners safety.

And as I've said ad nauseum, the science of using trophy hunting as a means of conservation (fees etc being used to fund conservation) hasn't been proven and is still very controversial.

And for the love of all that's holy, please let's not bring zoo management practices into this as a way to defend trophy hunting. Peta will show up then.

[rfb]

You don't have to go to Africa, just look North...



http://www.nunavuttourism.com/things-to-see-do/hunting



http://www.polarbearhunting.net/

Really, you're using a hunting camps promotional brochure to justify trophy hunting as an aid to conservation?

[MikePal]

Really, you're using a hunting camps promotional brochure to justify trophy hunting as an aid to conservation?

Yup...because that's the reality of it.

Just because it ruffles your feathers doesn't mean it's wrong .

[werner.reiche]

Are you aware that in most parts of Africa where big game hunting is allowed , the game animals are managed and controlled to the extent that "cull hunts " are being done .
Animals, when there are more than a concession is capable of handling or when there are more aggressive males that the territory can handle , are culled [shot ] for which the hunter also pays for the privilege , this is also done on game ranches through out the U.S.

A cull hunt is a little cheaper in cost than a so called Trophy Hunt , but the animal shot is still a Trophy to the hunter as it is shot/ hunted under the same type of conditions.

Now can you say for certain that the giraffe that was shot was not a cull giraffe that had to be taken out of the heard? no you cannot.

Even Zoo's have to cull some of their animals, not too long ago this exact issue came up where a Zoo had to kill off one of their giraffes because of aggressiveness and age , and that meat did not feed any natives in Africa.

Big Game Hunting , is thriving and doing well in most parts of Africa ie; South Africa , Botswana , Namibia , Cameroun to name a few, the only countries there that have stopped it are the ones where there is a lot of political unrest and it is not safe for foreigners to travel .

The giraffe that started this whole thing was an older male that was to be culled. But lets not let the truth about this ruin rfb's thread.

"When I was in Africa five years ago I was of the mindset that I would never shoot a giraffe. I was approached toward the end of my hunt with a unique circumstance. They showed me this beautiful old bull giraffe that was wandering all alone. He had been kicked out of the herd by a younger and stronger bull. He was past his breeding years and very close to death. They asked me if I would preserve this giraffe by providing all the locals with food and other means of survival. He was inevitably going to die soon and he could either be wasted or utilized by the local people. I chose to honor his life by providing others with his uses and I do not regret it for one second. Once he was down there were people waiting to take his meat. They also took his tail to make jewelry, his bones to make other things, and did not waste a single part of him. I am grateful to be a part of something so good.

Read more: http://www.businessinsider.com/hunte...#ixzz3YAMuh2du

[rfb]

The giraffe that started this whole thing was an older male that was to be culled. But lets not let the truth about this ruin rfb's thread.

"When I was in Africa five years ago I was of the mindset that I would never shoot a giraffe. I was approached toward the end of my hunt with a unique circumstance. They showed me this beautiful old bull giraffe that was wandering all alone. He had been kicked out of the herd by a younger and stronger bull. He was past his breeding years and very close to death. They asked me if I would preserve this giraffe by providing all the locals with food and other means of survival. He was inevitably going to die soon and he could either be wasted or utilized by the local people. I chose to honor his life by providing others with his uses and I do not regret it for one second. Once he was down there were people waiting to take his meat. They also took his tail to make jewelry, his bones to make other things, and did not waste a single part of him. I am grateful to be a part of something so good.

Read more: http://www.businessinsider.com/hunte...#ixzz3YAMuh2du

Now there's an impeccable source, the woman at the center of the controversy. Gee, I wonder if she has any incentive to bend the truth

[werner.reiche]

Now there's an impeccable source, the woman at the center of the controversy. Gee, I wonder if she has any incentive to bend the truth

Well, it's her story and she gets to tell it. Were you there? What basis do you have to contradict her?

You are aware that there are many, many cull hunts sold. One outfitter I talked to complained that Canadian's are cheap and he sells more cull hunts than trophys. He was comparing his business to an European counterparts who sold almost exclusively trophy hunts.

[KMG Canada]

RFB, This was posted by Aaron Neilson in regards to Ricky Gervais Facebook Rant. Thought you might find it interesting. As someone who hunts and makes a partial living off of Trophy Hunting in South Africa I would love to hear why you think conservation through hunting does not work. On the concessions in RSA that we are responsible for there are numerous species of wild game now roaming as freely reproducing herds where there once was nothing but cattle. Why? Simple hunters dollars. If it pays it stays, otherwise you can be sure that the indigeneous species will be cleared quickly out in order to make way for progress. All you have to do to see the decline in wildlife is look at the countries where it has been stopped and the hunter's dollars have gone away. Botswana should be enough to rest my case. Anyways enjoy the read below and remember that when the antis obtain one victory they will be back for more. Don't look far ... the spring bear hunt right here at home should be enough proof of their lobbying power. When it was reinstated the first thing I went out and did was book a bear hunt, because that's what legal law abiding hunters do ... they support each other!




"Ricky, I see you are "sticking your neck out" for wildlife? It appears African wildlife in particular? That's really great Ricky!! Knowing your dedication to the preservation of Africa's wildlife, maybe you can share with your 2.7 million followers all that you have done to "stick your neck out" as you claim?

Surely you wouldn't mind then disclosing the exact amount of money you have contributed to "on the ground" wildlife protection projects throughout the Dark Continent? Remember to be specific as to who/when/where your money was sent, thus we can collaborate your story? Of which, I am sure there is many!

No doubt you can also tell us, and show us (a guy like you would never miss out on a photo op) all the places you've been across the continent of Africa - actively protecting wildlife, providing support (both financially and emotionally) to actual anti-poaching units who really are "sticking their neck out" for wildlife. And I'm not referring to some game park in South Africa 30 minutes from Joberg that needs little to no protection in the first place, or the Serengeti National Park. I'm talking about Africa's truly wild places - where the game you seek to protect are desperately in need. Like most of Tanzania's wild game reserves, or Zambia's Game Management Areas, or Zimbabwe's National Parks Safari areas, or Mozambique's numerous Coutada's - all of which are constantly under attack from illegal poaching activities.

Surely you've been to some of these places, stepped foot on the ground, shared a campfire or two with the game scouts / anti poachers who work tirelessly - day in and day out, sometimes paying the "ultimate price" all in the name of wildlife protection? Please tell me you have shared their sacrifice, if only for a few days? Please tell me you have seen the struggles they face, and participated in their never ending search for the those who are really out to decimate the game we all so love?

Interestingly enough, I already know the answers to my questions....and so do you! I know, because unlike you and the many talking heads of the anti-hunting movement - I have in fact seen, experienced and participated in all of the above. I have been shot at by poachers, I have raided poachers camps, I've seen hundreds of animals killed by their indiscriminate snaring, poisoning, and so on - but more shocking than all of what I have experienced over the past 20 years in the wilds of Africa, is what I have never experienced! I've never one single time seen a representative from any "animal rights / welfare" organization, or "individual", in any of these wild places, trying to help the wildlife or the people, NEVER!! What I have seen in over 500 days of personal time spent in the African bush is the sole support of the wildlife departments / anti-poaching units solely supported by hunters, and the companies (outfitters) that lead their expeditions.

The hunters/outfitters are supplying the anti-poaching units with money, fuel, vehicles, clothes, camping gear, supplies, and the list goes on. Where are you, your money, your help/support - where are any of you? No where to be seen, that's where - other than ranting via social media in hopes of gaining a few more inexperienced followers! Hunters dollars almost solely fund Tanzania's Wildlife Authority, certainly its not coming out of your pocket. Outfitters are employing local villagers as camp staff, trackers, anti-poachers, and hunting license/game fee dollars allow game departments to employ locals as game scouts, wardens, etc. Again, why are you and your cronies not stepping up to the plate and covering these costs? After all, you are "sticking your neck out" for wildlife, correct???

Rather than truly supporting the wildlife you claim to love, you lower yourself to vile name calling, and the use of foul language on a public/social media site (one visited by children as well) to attack and defame a legal, ethical, conservation minded hunter, Mrs. Rebecca Francis. You and your followers do so out of ignorance, poor judgment and lack of knowledge/experience because its the only counter argument you have. Those of us who have "been there, done that" know the truth and know the harsh reality that is the African bush, and what it takes to protect its precious Flora & Fauna. You sir, most certainly do not! You sir have not the fortitude or vigor to see and experience for yourself what reality is like in some of Africa's most remote and wild places.

Mr. Gervais, in the name of fair play - I here on your own FB page challenge you to a public debate on the subject of international / conservation minded hunting. I'll do so at any time, and any place! You name it, and I'll be there. Do as one of your followers has already suggested. Host a 2-hour tv special, air it in the UK, the USA and anywhere else you deem necessary. Lets see who is really educated, experienced and knowledgeable on the subject of legal hunting, and the role it plays in wildlife conservation. There's no reason you shouldn't accept the challenge. I'm no one special, I have no special wildlife degrees, or extended education in wildlife management. I'm just a normal guy, from a modest background who speaks only from "on the ground" experience. Certainly I couldn't possibly be more knowledgeable than someone as famous, wealthy and experienced as you, could I??

I'll be waiting for your reply, I'm not hard to find."

Regards,
Aaron Neilson

[trimmer21]

RFB, This was posted by Aaron Neilson in regards to Ricky Gervais Facebook Rant. Thought you might find it interesting. As someone who hunts and makes a partial living off of Trophy Hunting in South Africa I would love to hear why you think conservation through hunting does not work. On the concessions in RSA that we are responsible for there are numerous species of wild game now roaming as freely reproducing herds where there once was nothing but cattle. Why? Simple hunters dollars. If it pays it stays, otherwise you can be sure that the indigeneous species will be cleared quickly out in order to make way for progress. All you have to do to see the decline in wildlife is look at the countries where it has been stopped and the hunter's dollars have gone away. Botswana should be enough to rest my case. Anyways enjoy the read below and remember that when the antis obtain one victory they will be back for more. Don't look far ... the spring bear hunt right here at home should be enough proof of their lobbying power. When it was reinstated the first thing I went out and did was book a bear hunt, because that's what legal law abiding hunters do ... they support each other!




"Ricky, I see you are "sticking your neck out" for wildlife? It appears African wildlife in particular? That's really great Ricky!! Knowing your dedication to the preservation of Africa's wildlife, maybe you can share with your 2.7 million followers all that you have done to "stick your neck out" as you claim?

Surely you wouldn't mind then disclosing the exact amount of money you have contributed to "on the ground" wildlife protection projects throughout the Dark Continent? Remember to be specific as to who/when/where your money was sent, thus we can collaborate your story? Of which, I am sure there is many!

No doubt you can also tell us, and show us (a guy like you would never miss out on a photo op) all the places you've been across the continent of Africa - actively protecting wildlife, providing support (both financially and emotionally) to actual anti-poaching units who really are "sticking their neck out" for wildlife. And I'm not referring to some game park in South Africa 30 minutes from Joberg that needs little to no protection in the first place, or the Serengeti National Park. I'm talking about Africa's truly wild places - where the game you seek to protect are desperately in need. Like most of Tanzania's wild game reserves, or Zambia's Game Management Areas, or Zimbabwe's National Parks Safari areas, or Mozambique's numerous Coutada's - all of which are constantly under attack from illegal poaching activities.

Surely you've been to some of these places, stepped foot on the ground, shared a campfire or two with the game scouts / anti poachers who work tirelessly - day in and day out, sometimes paying the "ultimate price" all in the name of wildlife protection? Please tell me you have shared their sacrifice, if only for a few days? Please tell me you have seen the struggles they face, and participated in their never ending search for the those who are really out to decimate the game we all so love?

Interestingly enough, I already know the answers to my questions....and so do you! I know, because unlike you and the many talking heads of the anti-hunting movement - I have in fact seen, experienced and participated in all of the above. I have been shot at by poachers, I have raided poachers camps, I've seen hundreds of animals killed by their indiscriminate snaring, poisoning, and so on - but more shocking than all of what I have experienced over the past 20 years in the wilds of Africa, is what I have never experienced! I've never one single time seen a representative from any "animal rights / welfare" organization, or "individual", in any of these wild places, trying to help the wildlife or the people, NEVER!! What I have seen in over 500 days of personal time spent in the African bush is the sole support of the wildlife departments / anti-poaching units solely supported by hunters, and the companies (outfitters) that lead their expeditions.

The hunters/outfitters are supplying the anti-poaching units with money, fuel, vehicles, clothes, camping gear, supplies, and the list goes on. Where are you, your money, your help/support - where are any of you? No where to be seen, that's where - other than ranting via social media in hopes of gaining a few more inexperienced followers! Hunters dollars almost solely fund Tanzania's Wildlife Authority, certainly its not coming out of your pocket. Outfitters are employing local villagers as camp staff, trackers, anti-poachers, and hunting license/game fee dollars allow game departments to employ locals as game scouts, wardens, etc. Again, why are you and your cronies not stepping up to the plate and covering these costs? After all, you are "sticking your neck out" for wildlife, correct???

Rather than truly supporting the wildlife you claim to love, you lower yourself to vile name calling, and the use of foul language on a public/social media site (one visited by children as well) to attack and defame a legal, ethical, conservation minded hunter, Mrs. Rebecca Francis. You and your followers do so out of ignorance, poor judgment and lack of knowledge/experience because its the only counter argument you have. Those of us who have "been there, done that" know the truth and know the harsh reality that is the African bush, and what it takes to protect its precious Flora & Fauna. You sir, most certainly do not! You sir have not the fortitude or vigor to see and experience for yourself what reality is like in some of Africa's most remote and wild places.

Mr. Gervais, in the name of fair play - I here on your own FB page challenge you to a public debate on the subject of international / conservation minded hunting. I'll do so at any time, and any place! You name it, and I'll be there. Do as one of your followers has already suggested. Host a 2-hour tv special, air it in the UK, the USA and anywhere else you deem necessary. Lets see who is really educated, experienced and knowledgeable on the subject of legal hunting, and the role it plays in wildlife conservation. There's no reason you shouldn't accept the challenge. I'm no one special, I have no special wildlife degrees, or extended education in wildlife management. I'm just a normal guy, from a modest background who speaks only from "on the ground" experience. Certainly I couldn't possibly be more knowledgeable than someone as famous, wealthy and experienced as you, could I??

I'll be waiting for your reply, I'm not hard to find."

Regards,
Aaron Neilson

Beautiful!! This is,without doubt,the best post I've ever seen. Some people around here of late need to get down off their high horse and pay attention. ​It seems they have a lot to learn about hunting.

[GW11]

Facebook... I can't hate it enough. I know there's a certain amount of hypocrisy in bashing social media when I am in fact participating in a form of it right now, but I'd rather talk hunting with a bunch of people I don't know then read absolute nonsense from a bunch of people that I quit talking to 15 years ago for a reason.

Personally, I am a meat hunter first and foremost. I've had my fair share of squabbles with trophy hunters on here over the years, usually after an unfair comment is made to a meat hunter about what or how many animals they took in a season, but I've also changed my views quite a bit about who these folks are and how much they really do put forth for the hunting community. I have no numbers to back it up, but I would bet that as a rule, trophy hunters put far more of their free time, energy and money into conservation efforts than the average meat hunter. I remember having words with one fellow in particular on here about his attitude towards meat hunters, only to end up sending him a PM him a couple of years later to thank him for everything he's done for us as hunters. A couple of years of reading his posts and realizing that although he might come off a certain way some of the time, his heart and dedication worked to the benefit of us all.

Take the blinders off and learn to see that we're all in this together, whether you agree with certain types of hunting or not. Jumping on the bandwagon to "ban trophy hunting" is a really good way to shoot yourself in the foot as a hunter. No pun intended.