What was Jim Zumbo thinking???

[fatfootdoc]

Has anyone seen the article about Jim Zumbo on msn. He is an editor for Outdoor life and a well respected columnist(well was is the proper term now I guess) He lectured for the NRA and was a remington test shooter. Well he made a comment about prairie dog hunting with assault rifles and then said they were actually terrorist rifles!! He has come out and apologized ad nauseum but he "Resigned" from OUTDOOR LIFE, and was fired by all of his other corporate interests, (the official word is they cut any and all ties with him). This is a man who wrote one of the first ever columns in Outdoor life? What was he thinking? I feel like the reaction has been overkill, everyone makes mistakes, but he wrote his opinion and now has been crucified. Was the reaction to strong, was it the NRA's response to election year politics to send a strong message to anti gun politicians, or did he just get hammered? He definitely should have known better to label them as terrorist rifles especially since he WAS working for the NRA.

I would be interested in Mr. Quimby's or T. Mandiles thoughts on the subject as they are writers.

I dont think I would use one for hunting but killing coyotes or prairie dogs, give me the ammo box and get out of the way

AG

[billrquimby]

"I would be interested in Mr. Quimby's or T. Mandiles thoughts on the subject as they are writers. I dont think I would use one for hunting but killing coyotes or prairie dogs, give me the ammo box and get out of the way"

 

I think there was a feeding frenzy and Zumbo got eaten by a bunch of fanatical sharks. It's a sad day when someone can't have an opinion that differs from others.

 

Bill Quimby

[Outdoor Writer]

"I would be interested in Mr. Quimby's or T. Mandiles thoughts on the subject as they are writers. I dont think I would use one for hunting but killing coyotes or prairie dogs, give me the ammo box and get out of the way"

 

Since you asked, here are my thoughts on it, as I posted on two other chat boards yesterday. The one below is from Monster Muleys. -TONY

 

********

 

Despite the risk of vilification, I'll repost a message I put on another board a while ago. Ignore the part between the **s since it's an answer to another message about an elk permit Jim received in AZ during and BECAUSE of the USO fiasco. Rather than use it, he ate it and disengaged himself from any dealings with USO. -TONY

 

**

Doc,

 

Great. Glad you found it. Jim told me much the same during an unrelated phone conversation right after he had received the AZ permit.**

 

Jim and I have been good friends ever since we were introduced to each other by a peer in Yellowstone NP. I believe that was in 1975. We're both dagos, the same age, and if I recall we also share the same BD! How time flies when you're getting old.

 

Through the years, we've spent many days together and shared meals and toddies. We've served on the board of directors together of at least two organizations, and most recently Jim, myself and eight others were put in charge to start a new media organization that supported the traditional shooting, hunting, fishing and trapping sports. The 10 of us met in Alabama for three days, and the result was the Professional Outdoor Media Association (POMA)

 

The impetus for this happened because the board of another writers' organization came down on the NRA president for comments he made at a banquet in regards to the Sierra Club.

 

As members of that organization for more than 30 years, both Jim and I were two of the most vehement detractors of that board's action. As a result, 500 or so members followed us as we resigned our long-standing memberships. The NRA, Remington, The Outdoor Channel and many other corporations who supported that group also resigned their affiliations and helped start POMA in 2005.

 

The mission and charter of POMA, which Jim helped craft, read:

 

MISSION STATEMENT

 

The Professional Outdoor Media Association, Inc. is a group of individual communicators and Corporate Partners who believe in, defend, support and promote the heritage of hunting, fishing, shooting and traditional outdoor sports through writing, photography and other means. By doing so, members hope to educate the general public about these sports and encourage more participation in them. The organization serves the membership by helping members grow professionally, improve their skills, better their working environments and enhance their businesses.

 

 

****

 

IRREVOCABLE CHARTER

 

In January 2005, at a combined meeting during the Safari Club International (SCI) convention and the Shooting, Hunting, Outdoor Trade (SHOT) show, outdoor communicators elected a steering committee of their peers for the purpose of creating a new national outdoor media organization. The committee met in May 2005 at White Oak Plantation near Tuskegee, Alabama and formed the Professional Outdoor Media Association (POMA).

 

The organization offers a congenial, collegial atmosphere to its members and provides them meaningful services including education in craft, improvement in business practices, tools to enhance efficiency and profits along with extensive networking opportunities. Members are committed to preserving the sanctity of freedom of speech and the right of individuals to keep and bear arms; fostering ethical standards in business dealings, communications and the codes by which they personally abide when afield; maintaining the integrity, understanding and enjoyment of traditional hunting, fishing, trapping and shooting activities.

 

POMA recognizes the important role that industry and members of the conservation community play in the perpetuation of outdoor sports. The organization acknowledges the mutually beneficial relationship individual and Corporate Partners enjoy as members

 

Finally, we honor the memory of the great hunting, fishing, trapping and shooting communicators from the past and pledge to perpetuate the heritage of our profession.

 

****

 

Unfortunately, in this fiasco, the almighty $$$$ ruled. Sadly, the same folks Jim stood behind decided to make him the sacrificial lamb, or perhaps roadkill would be more apropos.

 

Despite the outcry over the ignorance Jim showed, he ain't the enemy of the 2nd amendment or any other thing that entails shooting, guns and hunting. I no way condone or support what he said. In fact, we have corresponded since this started, so I know what he MEANT to say. Plus, I know the man and his principles. Some here and on the other chat boards could learn a lot from him.

 

No doubt right now Sarah's minions are perusing this and other boards and selecting some of the messages (and boy, are there some doozies from some foul-mouthed slobs), so the REAL enemies can stand up during the debate about the present AR ban bill and read them. Of course, they will probably do so only so they can say, "See what we mean? Are these really the type of people who should own these types of destructive weapons?"

 

Lastly, some think this event will unite ALL gun owners, hunters included. Guess what? I'd bet the divide will widen even more over it. In fact, it's already showing up all over the Web.

 

It's a sad day for all sportsmen when the ruination of the life of a friend of hunters, shooters and ALL FIREARMS OWNERS is applauded with glee and touted as the best thing since the invention of smokeless powder. And don't think the real enemy isn't watching that either and laughing out loud about the cannabilistic "assault rifle nuts."

 

Frankly, I'm rather ashamed by it; no, make that appalled by it. But heck, what do I know. I'm just another know-nothing outdoor writer who has now opened himself up for the same venom and vulgar comments Zumbo received. Have fun, but don't expect me to respond to any of it. -TONY

[fatfootdoc]

When I read about what he wrote I figured he had to have meant something less vilifying about the assault rifles, I feel sorry for the guy because the impression that I got was that he was indeed a sacrificial lamb and was jumped on from every corner to be made an example of for what many thought was opposing assault rifles. One of the main reasons that I never really wanted to join the NRA was that I felt that in some things they were almost fanatical and that it was not really appropriate, dont get me wrong, I feel the whole message that they are about is appropriate, they like other things I support have some ideals that are slightly different than mine. I finally joined up again a few months ago and then someone who I respect in the Outdoor lit. gets crucified by them. A better reaction would have been to let him retract what he said and then restate it so it was what he meant to say. He even said on the post I read that what he wrote did not come across like he meant it. The thing that really kills me is how quick he was thrown to the wolves by EVERYBODY!!

Compare this to Hollyweird, Mel Gibson gets pulled over for drunk driving and blames all the worlds problems on the Jews and gets nailed, but then apologizes and things start to right themselves again. Micheal Richards using the N word in a comedy show, what happens, he goes on TV to apologize and is sincere and away we go.

Mr. Zumbo was never even given the chance to apologize and had everyone he had supported turn on him. Sure he made a mistake, but haven't we all? Was it bad enough that his livelihood is now gone and he will probably have a bitter taste in his mouth about the rest of his life? I dont think so, this could have really brought the support for assaut rifles to light in a positive way and instead will probably cause a divisive rift in gun owners, I share Mr. Mandile's opinion on this, it will not be galvanizing in any way. I for one will still continue to read Mr. Zumbo's columns if and when I find them, I am willing to forgive a slip of the keyboard and forget about it!! AG

[Lance]

I have had the oppertunity to share a couple of elk camps with Jim. He seems to be a good, honest man who obviously cares for the 2nd admendment. I won't hold this one thing against him. No one derserves to be judged by one thing. NO ONE is perfect.

 

Lance

[dcarrot]

We have become a country that doesn't tolerate people with a different opinion. It's the "Rush" way now in our country. You are either with us or against us!

[crotalus]

Well, my two cents worth... Mr. Zumbo appears to be a stand up guy. I've never had the opportunity to personally meet him but from what I read and watch I cannot form a bad opinion about him. He expressed his opinion and that was that. I have no idea why it has turned into such a brewhaha. Heck I cannot even understand why anyone would want to hunt with an AR or AK. Own one, heck yes but hunt with one heck no. Feel threatened by his comments, no. Couldn't agree with you all more. I really hate the way things are right now. The "If you don't agree with me then you must be evil" attitude comes from all sides. What a shame it has boiled down to this. Wishing the best for Mr. Zumbo.

[Outdoor Writer]

I have no idea why it has turned into such a brewhaha.

 

Can you say $$$$$$$$$$?

 

Now....

 

What Jim said and the words he used were wrong! I've corresponded with him this week, and he knows he was wrong in how he expressed his thoughts in calling for a BAN of ARs for hunting because of the image they represent even though they are little different than any semi-auto hunting rifle such as the 7400 Rem.

 

He also now knows he deserved to be called on the carpet for his unfortunate, hasty words, but even after he apologized, he never thought Zumbogate would result in the devastation of his life. He was especially concerned with the zealots who posted personal information such as his phone and address all over the web, considering some of his detractors went so far as to issue death threats.

 

In reality, if we list the negatives and positives that resulted from this sordid affair in two columns, the positive side wouldn't be a very long list. In fact, I can't think of one item to put there. -TONY

[Rembrant]

Polarization is the work of the Devil. Devide and conquer is the strategy. Keep this in mind as you live out your days in this time in history - you'll see it everywhere. Especially with things that are righteous and good you will see this polarization working for its demise. America, politics, church, education, national defense, hunting, everything, everywhere. Don't get caught up in it. Don't be played like a puppet on a string. Use your head.

Zumbo screwed up. Zumbo apologized. I forgive him. He is still one of our leading ethical hunting heros. He is not a poacher; he let his tongue fly off disconnected from his brain. Haven't we all done that? The second ammendment still stands. And it will always stand as lond as we do - together.

Read Tony's posts again.

Mike

[parothead]

Jim Zumbo is a leader in our hunting community. As a TV personality, feature outdoor writer for a leading hunting magazine, representative for Remington Arms (and other sporting good manufacturers), NRA host and speaker, he knows first hand what speaking out of context means. He does not have the liberty to speak his opinion because he represents so many enties of of this great sport. He knew he must beware of anything he might say or do that could be conscrewed as negative to the sport at all times.

 

What he says to his friends and colleages is one thing but to voice his opinion in an published interview is suicide. He was so fortunate to a life we all dream of having. He deserves excactly what has happened. He did not take care of his oppurtunity nor our sport. He has gave the anti-hunter, and anti-gun owner groups another chance to use one of our own against us. I wish him the best and know he will return a smarter Jim Zumbo.

 

Travis Roberts

Tucson, AZ

[fatfootdoc]

Travis,

The infighting that has resulted and will continue result from this statement , among hunters at least, will be much more damaging to us as a whole than what the anti's will come up with. Rembrant was completely right about polarization. In another context look at what comments you get from someone who spots and stalks makes about someone who sits in a stand over a corn feeder in Texas. On this site even there have been many derogatory remarks made about this type of hunting. However, according to TX state law it is a legal method and therefore we should not argue and call names, we should appreciate the fact that they are out there hunting and we can quietly keep hunting the way we prefer.

When we weaken from within, that is when the sport of hunting is truly endangered and unfortunately this has happened to a certain extent in this case, rather than let Mr. Zumbo apologize he was crucified, granted he made a misstep but he immediately tried to correct it.

I in particular don't feel that he did deserve what he got , and neither would you if you were in his position, and if you deny that I would unfortunately have to say you were full of it. Nobody wants to see their livelihood go up in smoke. AG

[hawkeye]

I hate to say it but, this is a typical reaction by people who don't know the full details and want to pass judgement on someone just because he stated his point of view. This is a typical reaction in the hunting community. Any time someone states an opinion that differs from their own, they are branded a traitor, or ignorant. It would be nice if we lived in a society where we had free speech, and free ideas. I am sure Jim wishes he hadn't made the statements he did, but even if he actually belives in the statements why should we tar and feather him? My self I am sick of belonging to organizations that tell me how to vote, how to act, and how to think. I don't know Mr. Zumbo, but I will boycot all of the companies, and organizations that came down on him just because he stated his opinion. I am tired of living life the way others dictate. I am a hard core hunter and outdoorsman, I live and breath hunting. That being said, I will no longer belong to any organization that prevents people from free will and speech. I also will not patronize any company who treated Mr. Zumbo like they did.

[.270]

if you're gonna live in a glass house, don't throw rocks. and dang sure don't give anyone else rocks to throw. i've never met zumbo, but at the same time, wouldn't walk across a small room to say howdy either. i've never been a fan of his writing, at all. and that is basically what he is, or was, a writer, not a hunter. he might not be either one any longer. he's never impressed me as any kind of wildlife expert or master hunter, but rather someone who relies on a lot of money to hire his way into some really great hunting. but at the same time, he's got to do a lot more of that than i have, and mostly on someone else's dime. seems like good work if you can get it. people say stupid things every day. most of the time, it's stupid people that say stupid things. for him to be in the position he is in (or was) and say anything about any kind of gun control is what ya call professional suicide. the people that read his books, watch his shows, pay his wages, sponsor his very way of life, take a very dim view on this kinda thing and as far as i'm concerned whatever happens to him is his fault and i don't have a lot of compassion for him, one way or the other. he's gonna pay a big price, but i'd imagine he's well enough off that he can still do ok. but if he wants to hunt, he's gonna have to pay for it himself. as far as folks saying that he should be able to have his own opinion, sure he can. but if it is contrary to the opinion that folks are paying him to have, then he $h!t in his own sleepin' bag and doesn't have anyone to blame but himself and has no recourse other than to try and overcome it. like i say, i've never been impressed with his writing or exploits and always felt he was a little on the phoney side, but i don't know him at all. that's just MY opinion. hunting is a very fickle mistress. there are a lot of intertwined personalities, opinions, styles, egos, etc. all stirred together. think about everything and everyone involved in hunting. and all off that stuff is villified to heck by those that disagree with it. but with all this stuff mixed together, there are still a few theorems and postulates that you don't try to disprove, and if it ain't #1, any kinda gun control is one of the very first few. you can think of endless ways to compare it. Lark.

[DesertBull]

I didn't see too many bashing him when he drew his unit 10 Elk tag, the same year the USO debacle hit, then decided to eat the tag because he disagreed with the USO lawsuit.

 

I don't think a man should lose his livelyhood over a few poorly chosen words and especially when he almost immediatly appologized and admitted his error.

 

He has a long history of supporting the 2nd Ammendment and hunter's rights. We have few of those types left, shame to throw one of them out over a web blog paragraph.

[hawkeye]

Like 270 said I don't care about Jim Zumbo himself. I don't know the man, and I haven't read many of his writings. But what bugs me is that we are becoming just as bad as the anti hunters and tree huggers. They take any opening and blow it way out of proportion to suit their needs. What the heck did the NRA and the other organizations that Zumbo worked for do? Just like the gun control fanatics, they took one statement and blew it all out of proportion. We are our worst enemy. Why would you want to cut off your nose to spite your face? There is only one line, and be damned if you take one step in any other direction. Well screw that. I don't need any organization or company to tell me how to think or act. I don't know Jim personally but I wish him the best and hope he doesn't kiss any butt. I hope he does well in spite of his set back.