The BBC World Service is reporting that the Bubye Valley Conservancy lion raffle has been cancelled. Another major victory for the rabid anti-hunters.

What a Shame !!!

http://www.thestar.com/news/wo...l-a-lion-raffle.html



Zimbabwean company cancels ‘kill-a-lion’ raffle

Martin Nel Safaris has called off a $1,500-a-ticket raffle that offered hunters the chance to kill a lion during a safari in Zimbabwe.




By: Jillian Kestler-D’Amours Staff Reporter, Published on Mon Jan 04 2016



A safari company has cancelled a controversial raffle that offered hunters the chance to kill a lion at a conservation area in Zimbabwe.
Martin Nel Safaris had been selling 100 tickets at $1,500 each for the chance to win an 18-day safari in the Bubye Valley Conservancy.
The winner would have been chosen during a draw at a Safari Club International convention in Las Vegas on Feb. 5. He or she could choose between killing a lion or taking photos as a male lion was collared for research.
“The whole idea of it was to actually raise money for conservation,” said Martin Nel, who said he decided to cancel the raffle on Sunday. “Through irresponsible reporting, it’s been blown out of proportion. That is why it’s been removed.”
“People have asked me to take it off so I’ve taken it off,” he said.
The raffle drew criticism after media reports linked it to the Wildlife Conservation Research Unit (WildCRU), an Oxford University research project.
WildCRU had collared and studied Cecil, the lion whose death at the hands of an American dentistsparked a global outcry.
The raffle “takes lion trophy hunting to a new low,” lion conservation group LionAid said.
“We do hope that Oxford University’s WildCRU will reconsider their response to this raffle and publicly condemn it as it will occur in one of WildCRU’s lion research project areas.”
For its part, WildCRU said it was “completely unaware of the initiative and are not party to it,” in a statement posted on its website.
“We have been asked whether WildCRU endorses the proposal to auction a lion hunt and whether, if it were offered, we would accept a donation arising from such an auction; the answer to both questions is no.”
Neena Gill, a member of the European Parliament for West Midlands in the U.K., also commented on the controversy: “‘win a lion’ scandalous example of how precious #wildlife squandered. #EU needs to help tackle #trophyhunting,” she wrote on Twitter.
Martin Nel Safaris said the money raised would have benefited the Bubye Valley Conservancy Zimbabwe’s lion research program. According to his website, Nel has organized safaris within the conservancy since 2010.
In a statement on its website, the conservancy said the raffle “was the sole initiative of a professional hunter who has dedicated his career to conservation and the better understanding of wildlife.”
It said the conservancy is “honoured that the professional hunters who work here would spend their personal time and effort independently attempting to raise funds that will ensure continued unbiased research.”
The group said the raffle had nothing to do with WildCRU, which was initiated in the conservancy area in 2009.
The death of Cecil the lion sparked a debate last July over regulated trophy hunting across Africa. Some argue that killing wild animals helps protect the various species’ and boosts local economies, while others dispute how much local communities truly benefit.
On its website, the conservancy said nearly 500 lion currently call the conservancy home, “which is of concern to management and conservationists alike because of the negative impact that these super predators can have on just about all other animal populations, including those of predators.”
But Johnny Rodrigues, chairman of the Zimbabwe Conservation Task Force, strongly disagrees that hunting is necessary to protect animal populations.
“It just doesn’t make sense. These animals, if they’re left alone, they will manage themselves well without human interference. They were here before humans and they should remain so,” Rodrigues told the Star in a telephone interview.
He called the raffle “disgusting” and “sick” and said he had hoped that hunting and conservation groups would have stopped killing lions for trophies after Cecil’s death.
“Why are they doing this? It’s very shocking,” Rodrigues said. “All this has to stop. We have to bring in new laws and people shouldn’t make money at the expense of the animals.”

Rodrigues is an idiot.

What a pity that money would have been well used

BVC is EXTREMELY sensitive about the lion issue. I dealt with this a couple of years ago.

This was a great opportunity for BVC to attract attention to it's conservancy as an African success story. I am a disappointed.

Bubye Valley has close on to 500 lions. Nobody wants them anywhere else these days, so what happens if they're not hunted? Very much underscores the efforts of activists who can't spell "biology" and their USF&WS minions.

My hope is that sufficient gene pool and habitat remains at the time in the future when people of influence realise it was a mistake to stand idle while hunting was forced to the wall. Sadly, I am not filled with optimism as I don't see any law-makers standing up for common sense over emotional blackmail.

Edmund Burke had it right in the 18th century.

"When the leaders choose to make themselves bidders at an auction of popularity, their talents, in the construction of the state, will be of no service. They will become flatterers instead of legislators; the instruments, not the guides, of the people."

quote:

Originally posted by Milo Shanghai:
My hope is that sufficient gene pool and habitat remains at the time in the future when people of influence realise it was a mistake to stand idle while hunting was forced to the wall. Sadly, I am not filled with optimism as I don't see any law-makers standing up for common sense over emotional blackmail .

Edmund Burke had it right in the 18th century.

"When the leaders choose to make themselves bidders at an auction of popularity, their talents, in the construction of the state, will be of no service. They will become flatterers instead of legislators; the instruments, not the guides, of the people."

There is one!

Extremely Disappointing!

Its a shame, a damn shame, when we as hunters won't stand up for not only what we believe in - but what we know is sound wildlife conservation/management. There was a real purpose to the raffle - not just a way to profit off of another dead lion! From a place where lions are (from my understanding) grossly over-populated as it is.

When faced with controversy, we should NEVER turn our backs on what we know to be sound - and the very industry/people that have supported us for years.

I would really like to know why the Bubye cancelled the raffle?

I think it is time to get Paul Trethowan and the Oxford Wildlife Research Team in general "on record" as to where they stand on hunting...especially in places like the Bubye.

quote:

Originally posted by Aaron Neilson:
Extremely Disappointing!

Its a shame, a damn shame, when we as hunters won't stand up for not only what we believe in - but what we know is sound wildlife conservation/management. There was a real purpose to the raffle - not just a way to profit off of another dead lion! From a place where lions are (from my understanding) grossly over-populated as it is.

When faced with controversy, we should NEVER turn our backs on what we know to be sound - and the very industry/people that have supported us for years.

I would really like to know why the Bubye cancelled the raffle?

+1 For the Bubye to knuckle under to ant-hunting is really the ultimate failure to stand our ground as hunters. I spend an inordinate amount of my time dueling with fuckwits about the benefits of conservation based sport hunting to wildlife. All wildlife. As much a hue and cry that Knowleton's rhino raised, it raised a lot of awareness of the positive benefits of hunting. This is an opportunity lost at a critical time.

Jeff

Is anyone else not surprised that the anti's didn't pony up the money for conservation?

I thought this was a pretty fair raffle that allowed someone that wants the hunt an opportunity and someone that wants to "save a lion" an opportunity as well.

If the incidentals of the hunt weren't so high (not out of line, just out of my budget) I was very tempted to purchase a ticket as it is the only way short of winning the lottery that I would ever be able to afford to hunt a lion

quote:

Is anyone else not surprised that the anti's didn't pony up the money for conservation?

This needs to be pointed out LOUDLY and in any venue open to us!!!!!!


.

quote:

Originally posted by ledvm:
I think it is time to get Paul Trethowan and the Oxford Wildlife Research Team in general "on record" as to where they stand on hunting...especially in places like the Bubye.

Can you follow that up?

quote:

Originally posted by Bwana Bunduki:

quote:

Originally posted by Aaron Neilson:
Extremely Disappointing!

Its a shame, a damn shame, when we as hunters won't stand up for not only what we believe in - but what we know is sound wildlife conservation/management. There was a real purpose to the raffle - not just a way to profit off of another dead lion! From a place where lions are (from my understanding) grossly over-populated as it is.

When faced with controversy, we should NEVER turn our backs on what we know to be sound - and the very industry/people that have supported us for years.

I would really like to know why the Bubye cancelled the raffle?

+1 For the Bubye to knuckle under to ant-hunting is really the ultimate failure to stand our ground as hunters. I spend an inordinate amount of my time dueling with fuckwits about the benefits of conservation based sport hunting to wildlife. All wildlife. As much a hue and cry that Knowleton's rhino raised, it raised a lot of awareness of the positive benefits of hunting. This is an opportunity lost at a critical time.

Jeff

Yeah and lets boycott BVC and Zimbabwe.

Joke.

quote:

Originally posted by fairgame:

quote:

Originally posted by ledvm:
I think it is time to get Paul Trethowan and the Oxford Wildlife Research Team in general "on record" as to where they stand on hunting...especially in places like the Bubye.

Can you follow that up?

Am working on it as type. Standing in DFW waiting to pick up a BVC PH.

The real problem here is that hunting pays a lot of Bubye's bills, as it does elsewhere. They're trying to develop a K9 unit and look after their rhinos, and who else is going to pay for that?

The choice was there for the Lion to be darted and collared and then taken off the quota. A stand should have been made.

quote:

Originally posted by ledvm:

quote:

Originally posted by Milo Shanghai:
My hope is that sufficient gene pool and habitat remains at the time in the future when people of influence realise it was a mistake to stand idle while hunting was forced to the wall. Sadly, I am not filled with optimism as I don't see any law-makers standing up for common sense over emotional blackmail .

Edmund Burke had it right in the 18th century.

"When the leaders choose to make themselves bidders at an auction of popularity, their talents, in the construction of the state, will be of no service. They will become flatterers instead of legislators; the instruments, not the guides, of the people."

There is one!

I said law-makers, Lane.

quote:

Originally posted by Milo Shanghai:

quote:

Originally posted by ledvm:

quote:

Originally posted by Milo Shanghai:
My hope is that sufficient gene pool and habitat remains at the time in the future when people of influence realise it was a mistake to stand idle while hunting was forced to the wall. Sadly, I am not filled with optimism as I don't see any law-makers standing up for common sense over emotional blackmail .

Edmund Burke had it right in the 18th century.

"When the leaders choose to make themselves bidders at an auction of popularity, their talents, in the construction of the state, will be of no service. They will become flatterers instead of legislators; the instruments, not the guides, of the people."

There is one!

I said law-makers, Lane.

Milo,
The true law-makers...ie: the "US Congress"...have almost Zero control over the USF&WS. The USF&WS is under the Secretary of the Interior which is "a right-hand" of the POTUS. Only the POTUS can reign them in...NOT law makers...ie: the US Congress.

Therefore...I posted what I did as the only policy maker that can alter the USF&WS is the POTUS and Donald Trump is likely the only candidate (besides maybe Cruz) for POTUS that would.

The BVC's response is extremely disappointing. Is there a better wildlife conservation example than the BVC? This was the perfect moment to help educate the 60% of the undecided.

BVC ownership must be running scared. Without the intestinal fortitude to proudly stand up for the great job they have done, they are forcing themselves in one of two directions. Sell out to a Paul Allen type or return to a livestock operation.

Sad reality is that this was equally a "don't kill a lion" raffle...a chance for the antis to put their money where their mouths are.

quote:

Originally posted by tendrams:
Sad reality is that this was equally a "don't kill a lion" raffle...a chance for the antis to put their money where their mouths are.

Sad reality is that the hunting community isn't supporting the BVC during this critical time (IMHO). I visited their booth yesterday afternoon to thank them for their ongoing initiatives (including the lion raffle) to fund wildlife conservation. Based on my discussion with them, I didn't get a warm and fuzzy feeling that they are receiving positive feedback and/or support from the hunting community regarding the lion raffle and resulting controversy. They didn't mention and/or share this with me, but I departed their booth with this impression none-the-less. As expected, they are being inundated with hate email (including threats). What really surprised me is that they are receiving email from hunters who are challenging ethical and sustainable lion and elephant hunting!!!!!!!! To quote the cartoon character, Pogo: "We have met the enemy and he is us".

quote:

Originally posted by tendrams:
Sad reality is that this was equally a "don't kill a lion" raffle...a chance for the antis to put their money where their mouths are.

I've said the same thing for years to the antis I know: buy elephant permits and don't hunt them. None, absolutely none, will ever do so because it is easier to bitch, piss, and moan rather than put up money.
Cal

quote:

I've said the same thing for years to the antis I know: buy elephant permits and don't hunt them. None, absolutely none, will ever do so because it is easier to bitch, piss, and moan rather than put up money.Cal

Very true.
It doesn't cost a nickel to bitch & all they are after is making themselves feel superior.

quote:

Originally posted by cal pappas:
I've said the same thing for years to the antis I know: buy elephant permits and don't hunt them. None, absolutely none, will ever do so because it is easier to bitch, piss, and moan rather than put up money.
Cal

"The loudest boos always come from the cheapest seats" -Babe Ruth

quote:

Originally posted by Cajun1956:

quote:

Originally posted by tendrams:
Sad reality is that this was equally a "don't kill a lion" raffle...a chance for the antis to put their money where their mouths are.

Sad reality is that the hunting community isn't supporting the BVC during this critical time (IMHO). I visited their booth yesterday afternoon to thank them for their ongoing initiatives (including the lion raffle) to fund wildlife conservation. Based on my discussion with them, I didn't get a warm and fuzzy feeling that they are receiving positive feedback and/or support from the hunting community regarding the lion raffle and resulting controversy. They didn't mention and/or share this with me, but I departed their booth with this impression none-the-less. As expected, they are being inundated with hate email (including threats). What really surprised me is that they are receiving email from hunters who are challenging ethical and sustainable lion and elephant hunting!!!!!!!! To quote the cartoon character, Pogo: "We have met the enemy and he is us".

Cajun,
You are correct. I book hunts for Nigel Theisen (BVC PH) and help man his booth when he needs to leave for a bit.

It is absolutely amazing to sit listen and talk there and here all the misinformation out there IN THE HUNTING COMMUNTIY.

quote:

Originally posted by Cajun1956:

quote:

Originally posted by tendrams:
Sad reality is that this was equally a "don't kill a lion" raffle...a chance for the antis to put their money where their mouths are.

Sad reality is that the hunting community isn't supporting the BVC during this critical time (IMHO). I visited their booth yesterday afternoon to thank them for their ongoing initiatives (including the lion raffle) to fund wildlife conservation. Based on my discussion with them, I didn't get a warm and fuzzy feeling that they are receiving positive feedback and/or support from the hunting community regarding the lion raffle and resulting controversy. They didn't mention and/or share this with me, but I departed their booth with this impression none-the-less. As expected, they are being inundated with hate email (including threats). What really surprised me is that they are receiving email from hunters who are challenging ethical and sustainable lion and elephant hunting!!!!!!!! To quote the cartoon character, Pogo: "We have met the enemy and he is us".

We have a few here.Some that even hang out on the African hunting forum.That is caused by jealousy.They feel that if they can't go for whatever the reason no one should go.