Houston Safari Club Takes On HBO’s ‘Real Sports’

by
posted on March 28, 2016
massaro_hbo_real_sports_elephants.jpg

HBO’s “Real Sports with Bryant Gumbel” aired a report Nov. 24, 2015, that focused on dwindling numbers of the African elephant. The episode focused needed attention on poaching as a primary cause of the animal’s decline, but in doing so also linked regulated hunting with poaching, confusing viewers who otherwise are ignorant of the issues.

In response, Houston Safari Club (HSC) pointed to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), which on Sept. 28, 2015, published a report indicating African elephant numbers decreased from approximately 550,000 to 470,000 from 2006-2013, primarily as a result of “increased ivory poaching pressure,” according to HSC. “Habitat loss and fragmentation due to landscape-level land use changes also pose significant immediate long-term challenges to elephant conservation,” said the group.

HSC also took issue with a reference in the episode to an “HBO Real Sports”/Marist poll, and responded as follows:

Poll Statement: “A majority of Americans, 56 percent, oppose hunting animals for sport; most Americans, 86 percent, consider big-game hunting to be especially distasteful; 65 percent of hunters disapprove of big-game hunting.” HSC Response: “Of the 1,095 adults surveyed, only 11 percent were actually hunters or had hunted within the past two years.”

Poll Statement: “Seventy-five percent of gun owners disapprove of big-game hunting.” HSC Response: “The survey question was posed as follows: ‘What about big game hunting, do you think hunting big game such as lions and elephants for sport is wrong and should be prohibited by law, is something you personally disapprove of but don’t feel it should be illegal, or it is acceptable to hunt big game for sport?’

“The ’65 percent’ was derived by combining responses from two separate questions: ‘Wrong, should be prohibited by law (34 percent)’ and ‘Disapprove but don’t think it should be illegal (31 percent).’ To classify and represent big-game hunting by two species (lion; elephant) is not an accurate representation of the category. Also, not all gun owners participate in hunting. HSC adamantly objects to any inferred connection of regulated, ethical hunting with poaching.”

Latest

Trijicon New MRO SD Lead
Trijicon New MRO SD Lead

First Look: Trijicon New MRO SD

The next generation of Trijicon’s Miniature Rifle Optic is optimized for use with a magnifier.

Revolver Build: Fink's Custom Taurus Raging Hunter .44 Magnum

This big bore revolver is tricked out for handgun hunting, defense against dangerous game and personal protection. 

First Look: JK Armament RPX .30Cal Suppressor

JK Armament is proud to announce its all-purpose .30-caliber suppressor, the JK 155 RPX .30CAL.

Behind the Bullet: 6.5-300 Weatherby Magnum

Curious about the 6.5-300 Weatherby Magnum? Learn about the history and performance of this storied cartridge in Phil Massaro's latest Behind the Bullet.

First Look: Rossi LWC Folding Stock

Rossi's Lightweight Carbine (LWC) has been a favorite truck gun and scouting rifle for hunters since its introduction. Now, Rossi USA is taking it a step further with the launch of the Rossi LWC Folding Stock—available both as a complete rifle and as an easy-to-install accessory for current LWC owners.

Safe Gun Storage After Hunting Season

With the close of deer seasons, many hunters have stored their firearms. While the basics of gun safety are covered in hunter education programs, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (MDNR) recently issued a reminder that storage out of season should be reviewed by sportsmen.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.