quote:

Originally posted by Steve Ahrenberg:

quote:

Originally posted by Cougarz:
Sounds like a time for citizens from both states to get involved with those that represent hunters and work to get this off the books.

Conceptually, I agree with you. Problem is, politicians care about only one thing; getting re-elected.

There is no politician that will go against these type laws. They stick their finger into the wind, check out public opinion, then make a policy decision.

There isn't a single demographic anywhere in America that those that agree with us/you are enough to get a guy re-elected. However, if he/she were to agree with us, there are plenty of votes to get he/she voted out of office.

Politicians are a parasitic, repugnant bunch.

quote:

Originally posted by Cougarz:
Not money to politicians, money to organizations that represent hunters or wildlife.

quote:

Originally posted by Saeed:

quote:

Originally posted by Cougarz:
Not money to politicians, money to organizations that represent hunters or wildlife.

Same thing.

Bribes in American politics are the cause of all evil!

$500,000 to sit in the same table with Trump?!

$250,000 to be in the same room?

$100,000 a seat for dinner?

I am using Trump as an example, it applies to crooks at the top!

The money given to hunting friendly organizations is to bribes politicians to do what those organizations support.

Corruption.

quote:

Originally posted by Jefffive:
I would have guessed that folks here would be nearly unanimously in favor of shutting down, in any way possible, the markets for poached ivory or leopard skins or hippo teeth.

If you shoot a poacher another will take his place as long as there is a lucrative market. Take away the market and you take away the incentive to poach.

quote:

Originally posted by Saeed:

quote:

Originally posted by Jefffive:
I would have guessed that folks here would be nearly unanimously in favor of shutting down, in any way possible, the markets for poached ivory or leopard skins or hippo teeth.

If you shoot a poacher another will take his place as long as there is a lucrative market. Take away the market and you take away the incentive to poach.

You cannot do this.

As long as there are Chines on this earth!

quote:

Originally posted by Cougarz:

quote:

Originally posted by Steve Ahrenberg:

quote:

Originally posted by Cougarz:
Sounds like a time for citizens from both states to get involved with those that represent hunters and work to get this off the books.

Conceptually, I agree with you. Problem is, politicians care about only one thing; getting re-elected.

There is no politician that will go against these type laws. They stick their finger into the wind, check out public opinion, then make a policy decision.

There isn't a single demographic anywhere in America that those that agree with us/you are enough to get a guy re-elected. However, if he/she were to agree with us, there are plenty of votes to get he/she voted out of office.

Politicians are a parasitic, repugnant bunch.

If you want to fall back on "all politicians are bad so we can't do anything about it or as some here have said all democrats hate us" you have lost before you even got started. It's also a convient excuse.

Years back I was one of the directors for our states bowhunting organization. We very actively stayed in touch and when necessary in the face of the elected (from both parties), appointed and professional people that effected our ability to hunt. We accumulated a sizable number of key allies that allowed us an insight into what was coming up. As is often the case in governmental affairs more is accomplished in the hallway then in the meeting.

Even though we were one of the smallest user groups we pretty much had the majority say during season stating time. The largest group once commented the problem with our group is "you're too dammed effective".

We fought many battles, as often for things outside just bowhunting including hunters rights, wildlife science and even turning a large piece of former timberland into a state park for all to enjoy. We won some and lost some but we always had those within the state who would help us because we never lost their respect even if they didn't always agree. I should mention here we were all volunteers an received nothing for our efforts other than countless weekends and sometimes lost days at work to go see those make the decisions. We also had a lobbyist to help us which is pretty much a necessity in today's world.

Unfortunately more than ever today people love to spout off that's it's some bodies else's fault for not getting personally involved and helping out. It's easy to sit at home on your computer making enemies of the decision makers. It's much harder to work with people and make allies or at least make them better informed.

Yes sending money helps but standing up and being counted helps a lot more. A politician or wildlife professional can't make an informed decision until YOU let them know all sides of the story in a calm rational manner. Yup some folks we will never be able to sway but I can guarantee there is a hunters group in your state that would love to have your help to try.

quote:

Originally posted by Steve Ahrenberg:

That said, the father of enthusiastic African hunters, DJT, Stated "Elephant hunting is a horror show".

As far as working for conservation, I spent 11 years on the BOD of the Phoenix Chapter SCI. We were a very active and successful chapter. We always were in the top echelon of monies back to national through our activities.

There is a huge delta in the rank and file Americans attitude towards hunting for Deer, Elk etc. as opposed to hunting in Africa for iconic species that most of our discussions revolve around.

In my opinion, trying to change the average Americans attitude towards importing Lions and Elephants won't help. Again, my opinion only. Educating them seems to only drive others to enthusiastically oppose it.

It is also my opinion and mine alone it seems, that the posting of pictures with dead animals is harmful to the seamless continuation of our ability to: travel with guns, have access to these animals, import them legally once hunted and getting them on an airplane home.

We all have our opinions. This is just mine and I'm not afraid to share it.