A hunter's stance on the WHA
Greg, before you direct me to the thread you made regarding new posts about the WHA, I want you to know that this post will contain no new information about the organization. In fact, it contains a lot of what we already know, things that have already been discussed. However, I feel that after reading this post, you'll feel that it is worth leaving open for discussion, as I hope that the majority of our board's members feel the way I do.
With that out of the way:
The WHA has on its website and open letter to all hunters in which it states;
"...The World Hunt Association intends to expand the next generation of hunters and hunting fans by showcasing the true essence of hunting..."
I know that I am not the only one who feels that this organization will be doing the complete opposite of its intended goal. To me, hunting has always been about the things that can't be explained or "showcased" on any television program. Hunting has always been about something so deep and so primal that it can only be understood and fully embraced through experience. It is about being a part of a tradition that my ancestors participated in for centuries before I was born. It is the feeling that I am walking some sort of predetermined path that was instilled in me when these ancients first picked up a bow and arrow and used them to feed their families.
David Farbman, Commissioner and CEO of the World Hunt Association has been quoted as saying;
"...Are we here to make a profit? Yes—shoot me. But that’s not the objective. This is to build the whole industry and to raise the image of hunters.”
How can someone who so openly admits toestablishing this program as ameansof gainingwealth even begin to explain to the hunting community,and more importantlythe non-hunting community, why we do what we do? In short, I don't have faith that he can. Money tends to have a way ofblinding people, and while his intentions may be good, I feel that in the long run Mr. Farbman will lose track of what hunting is really about, if he hasn't already.
The opposition the the WHA has beenso strong that because ofour concerns, the organization has switched from its original plan of non-lethal darting to the more permanent"harvest hunting." While this may appease some hunters' concern about the organization and it's overallintentions, it does nothing to ease my mind.
Farbman has also been quoted as saying;
“I know hunting very well, I know passion very well and I know not quitting very well, I think you’re going to see real changes in the way the world will look at hunting because of the WHA."
I'm sorry, but when did we as a hunting community elect David Farbman and his organization to represent us? This is the last thing I would ever even consider doing in an attempt to get the world more involved in hunting. Did he even consider how we as a community would feel about this? I don't think so. Mr. Farbman saw fame and he sawfortune, he saw money to be made and popularity to be gained,and because of that he decided it was his duty to represent us alland give thehunting industry"a shot in the arm."
But wait, there's more! This isn't Mr. Farbman's idea, this is his calling! He was also quoted as saying;
“I didn’t come to do this as a venture, I did it because I believe it’s God’s vision, and we’re going to carry it out.”
Now I've never been a devoutly religious man, but I do attend church regularly, and I have read the bible. AmI the only one who is offended by this comment? How exactly isestablishing an organization who will be offering $500,000 in cash prizessomehow God's vision? Rather than start a religious debate, I would just like to say that personally I find it offensive.
The open letter to hunters that I spoke of earlier closes by saying;
"Now is the time for all hunters to stand together, shoulder to shoulder... Let usunite together to growthe sport..."
This is probably the only time you'll ever find me agreeing with anything regarding the WHA. Now is the time to stand together, shoulder to shoulder. Not in support of this organization, but rather as a community, concerned about the future of our beloved tradition. While I am completely behind the promotion of hunting and our beliefs and ideals, I feel that the World Hunt Organization will be doing nothing in the way of allowing the world to understand why we do what we do. So again I say, now is the time to stand together, shoulder to shoulder and denounce the World Hunt Organization. Now is the time to unite, as a community, and let the world know that we do not support David Farbman and his vision.
One hunter's thoughts. One hunter's hopes. Don't let the WHA ruin what we love.