I was watching a PBS documentary on the Alaska Lands Act and how the concept of protecting the wilderness was met with opposition by local resource extractors who had the patrician perception that the land was theirs and theirs alone and who wanted no part of any new ideas such as land preservation for the sake of the wildlife and nature itself.
The resident’s closed minded stance was reminiscent of that taken by the owner of a bookstore in Lincoln City on the Oregon Coast who refused to carry my book, Exposing the Big Game: Living Targets of a Dying Sport, on the grounds that there’s “no market for an anti-hunting book” around there.
While I do not doubt there are a higher percentage of hunters in that smallish tourist town compared to the national average, I don’t buy that no one living there or travelling through would be interested in expanding their knowledge on the subject of animal protection. There are certainly plenty of new pro-hunting books and magazines out these days, some of which were for sale in that very shop.
Based on what she told me, it’s clear that the bookstore owners’ snubbing of Exposing the Big Game was due to there being hunters among her family and friends and thus she did not want anything in the store that might expose the dark underbelly of sport hunting. It was just another case of someone doing their part to suppress the truth about the myriad of malicious ways that the animals of the Earth are being exploited for the benefit of just one narcissistic, overly-acquisitive species.
Text and Wildlife Photography ©Jim Robertson
Exposing the Big Game 
Yes, isn’t it amazing how afraid of the truth so very many are about hunting? Why indeed are they so concerned about exposing the suffering, not only to the animals who are killed at the the hands of the “sportsmen” (and women), but the untold suffering , and no doubt, starvation of all the young left orphaned and abandoned. Humans are the indeed narcissistic, overly-acquisitive species, who exploit, maim and kill just because they can.
Yep, they don’t want anyone to know the gory, sad details.
They would just prefer to whitewash hunting and withhold the truth from the public. Clearly the bookstore owner, instead of presenting two sides, would prefer to simply align herself with hunters. Not exactly fair and balanced for her customers, is it! I think I’d call it “censorship”.
That’s the word for it!
This makes me think of those kill videos that you can find on Youtube. Animal rights activists sometimes seek them out and gather them up into playlists that expose the ugly truth. Then inevitably someone wil come along playing the “if you don’t like it then don’t look at it” card. there are those who would like to see such videos banned from Youtube but I say the hunters should keep putting them out there and serving as their own self indictment
I don’t need to see anymore to know the truth behind what they do, but I suppose for those who’ve never thought about it, those videos and photos give them a glimpse into the uglyness of hunting and help to incite the outrage they should be feeling.
I know what you’re saying. At the same time, it appears nearly impossible to get even illegal hunting videos banned from YouTube. And, of course, wildlife officials are so understaffed, that even if they were inclined to prosecute for these “small” offenses (which they often aren’t) they wouldn’t have the manpower to do so. A number of us wildlife advocates tried for some time to draw attention to and ban users who were posting videos of illegally shooting songbirds, and so forth, but no action was ever taken. It’s a travesty how accepted this form of violence is.
Here’s a “delightful” read from US NEWS. They must have tripped over themselves attempting to find a snarling coyote photo. Consider leaving a comment if you have a minute.
http://www.usnews.com/news/offbeat/articles/2012/10/18/shoot-coyotes-in-nm-win-assault-rifle-as-prize
Does anyone have HSUS or other advocacy connections to forward this to?
I have a quick break. How about this for Truth. This is why I have turned down trips to the Caymans. These Turtles are Endangered, yet people are farming and consuming the meat 😦
http://www.thepetitionsite.com/takeaction/553/308/735/?z00m=20430344
Good for you to boycott the Caymans for the turtles!
I think Earth Justice is doing some work with Coyotes. I know the Center for Biodiversity is. I will forward the article now. After my class I’ll send YET another email to the parties involved (including our Villain Kennyboy).
Reblogged this on Animal Connection.
Good News! The Coyote kill-all-you-can-in-2-days hunt in New Mexico has been CANCELLED!!
That is great news!
So happy to read that last night it was difficult to fall asleep 🙂
To the best of my knowledge this is the first hunt cancelled due to public pressure. Of course, it was sponsored by a local business who probably can’t claim empathy as their reasons. Well, whatever. It’s not going to happen and that’s the important thing.
EXCELLENT!!! Good 4 the coyotes.. 🙂
I personally like to read & hear the TRUTH. Actually, if it’s okay with you Jim I would love to get the book for our library @ the school I work @. I’ll talk to the librarian who I am good friends with
& send her to this site. We NEED books like yours in schools.
As for the douche who wouldn’t carry it in his store – wow that’s all I have to say. There sure are a lot of closed minded folks out in this big ol’ country of ours, who want to run things their way or NO way @ all.
That would be great Sandra if you got your library and school to get the book. Thanks, I’m sure you’ll enjoy it!
Jim, there is a market for the truth, and it’s opening up more and more now thanks to social media. A year ago I knew nothing about hunting. Now I know it to be the domain of a very sick element of our society, and it’s all because of FB and blogs like yours. Keep on preachin’ the truth, brutha!
Amen, good to hear the word’s getting out–thanks for your help in spreading it!
Earth.
There were days when I thought I would give up.
Never.
Penny (avatar) would not allow 🙂
So sorry to say that the coyote hunt that was cancelled in New Mexico is on again 😦 I just copied/pasted this from facebook if you want to add your voice in opposition to this slaughter:
>>We know some of you don’t like confrontation and are a little shy but you feel outrage about the looming NM coyote-kill body count contest. Do us a favor, call NM Governor Martinez’s office and state your opinion. It takes 30 seconds and there is no confrontation. The guy just jots down your opinion. Don’t be scared….do it for the song dogs! 505-476-2200 <<<
Bad news, thanks for the contact info Gail
Gail, I have tears in my eyes. Your information is A1. I have spoken, and emailed, Mr. Martinez.
Keep up the Good Fight 🙂