MEC supports ANTI-hunting groups
- Thread starter bufalobill
- Start date
I went into MEC to buy a new backpack a couple of days ago. I know, I know... if Eberlestock could have shipped to me in time for my short-notice trip I wouldn't have gone in. At any rate, my conversation with one of their sales people went like this:
"So what's the weight limit for this thing?"
"Let's just say it's strong enough to hold anything you would want to carry."
"Okay, lets say a 100lb load?"
"What would you be carrying that would weigh that much?"
"Like a moose quarter or something."
A blank look. "A what?"
"A moose quarter." Still just a blank expression. "The rear haunch off a moose."
Blank look replaced by a crushed one. "Oh.... I didn't know you could hunt moose."
To give the guy credit, he knew his stuff and helped me choose and fit a pretty good pack that was dirt cheap, but you would have thought I'd just run over his puppy from the look on his face.
"So what's the weight limit for this thing?"
"Let's just say it's strong enough to hold anything you would want to carry."
"Okay, lets say a 100lb load?"
"What would you be carrying that would weigh that much?"
"Like a moose quarter or something."
A blank look. "A what?"
"A moose quarter." Still just a blank expression. "The rear haunch off a moose."
Blank look replaced by a crushed one. "Oh.... I didn't know you could hunt moose."
To give the guy credit, he knew his stuff and helped me choose and fit a pretty good pack that was dirt cheap, but you would have thought I'd just run over his puppy from the look on his face.
Ok, I found the ref to the group that MEC gave money to that was lobbying to suspend the griz hunt.
But... I just wanted to get one last thought out there, before I move on to other threads...
The thing I saw more than anything else in this thread was stereotypes being thrown left and right.
I mean... its not all "hemp and patchouli" is it?
Mostly, they are just people that work there and run the place.
I have talked with a lot of them, and while shooting and hunting may be outside their experience, almost without exception they were interested and willing to give it a try.
In Canada's current culture, if you were not born into a family that had guns, then it is highly unlikely that you will ever get exposed to them.
I consider it more of an "outreach" program, and still the best place to get my paddling and climbing gear.
"take a hippie hunting"
But... I just wanted to get one last thought out there, before I move on to other threads...
The thing I saw more than anything else in this thread was stereotypes being thrown left and right.
I mean... its not all "hemp and patchouli" is it?
Mostly, they are just people that work there and run the place.
I have talked with a lot of them, and while shooting and hunting may be outside their experience, almost without exception they were interested and willing to give it a try.
In Canada's current culture, if you were not born into a family that had guns, then it is highly unlikely that you will ever get exposed to them.
I consider it more of an "outreach" program, and still the best place to get my paddling and climbing gear.
"take a hippie hunting"
i was in the calgary location buying a tent and a new sleeping bag for a goat hunt and it didn't faze the salesgirl in any way, she actually seemed very interested. the old lady and i had a good laugh afterwards because i sought out the cute salesgirl, while ignoring the offers of assistence from the dress/komodo/wrap wearing guy that was also working there.
- Location
- Lloydminster SK
Sorry for the late detailed reply.
As reported in the Fall 2007 Special Hunting Edition by David Webb.
Here's the Reader's Digest version, with anything in quotes being verbatim to the publication.
" I (the author) contacted Tim Southam, communications manager for MEC, to find out more."
" 'We do not support fishing or hunting per se,' ... '[Our] board-level product design policy specifically states that we do not develop or sell products that kill animals.' "
" 'From time to time, we have opposed hunting - notably the grizzly bear hunt in Alberta - through alignment with and support of select environmental organizations.' "
The author asks the question as to which other types of outdoor organizations his company will promote, to which Southam replied:
" 'We would not accept a posting from BCWF or the AFGA on our website.' "
I have tried to leave you with only the factual context of this editorial, but there are other postings around the web that echo some of the policy flaws that MEC flaunts.
If you are not for us, you are against us.
These misinformed folks are definately against us.
Bil
As reported in the Fall 2007 Special Hunting Edition by David Webb.
Here's the Reader's Digest version, with anything in quotes being verbatim to the publication.
" I (the author) contacted Tim Southam, communications manager for MEC, to find out more."
" 'We do not support fishing or hunting per se,' ... '[Our] board-level product design policy specifically states that we do not develop or sell products that kill animals.' "
" 'From time to time, we have opposed hunting - notably the grizzly bear hunt in Alberta - through alignment with and support of select environmental organizations.' "
The author asks the question as to which other types of outdoor organizations his company will promote, to which Southam replied:
" 'We would not accept a posting from BCWF or the AFGA on our website.' "
I have tried to leave you with only the factual context of this editorial, but there are other postings around the web that echo some of the policy flaws that MEC flaunts.
If you are not for us, you are against us.
These misinformed folks are definately against us.
Bil
I respectfully disagree, and believe that is one of the worst policies of all time.
(without meaning to spin this out into other subjects)
Do what you've got to do, but I plan on sticking with them, just not ONLY with them.
So Mountain Equipment Co-Op will not align themselves or allow postings from the Alberta Fish & Game Association (among others). Let’s see what those evil AFGA members are all about (taken from their website):
The AFGA is a founding member of the Canadian Wildlife Federation and maintains a fraternal relationship with all provincial affiliates.
Objectives:
It is the objective of the Alberta Fish and Game Association to:
1. Promote conservation of our natural resources;
2. Foster and promote the non-commercial harvest of fish and game as a legitimate part of an overall wildlife management program;
3. Develop and promote educational and recreational programs and activities;
4. Promote and assist in the sound long term management of Alberta’s fish and wildlife in the best interest of all Albertans including future generations;
5. Insist on continued public ownership of all public lands and wildlife;
6. Obtain and maintain access to public lands;
7. Publicize the importance of fish and wildlife and proper resource management;
8. Work with government, industry, and other organizations in local programs, supporting the enhancement, development and maintenance of habitat for all species of fish and wildlife and other natural resources;
9. Promote outdoor ethics and safety; and
10. Make Albertans aware of the dangers of all forms of pollution, to prevent pollution, and to co-operate with all groups with similar objectives.
I cannot see how MEC could have any problem with promoting the conservation of Alberta’s natural resources. Foster and promote the non-commercial harvest of fish and game... hmmmm, could be an issue. Develop and promote educational and recreational activities – who would have a problem with that? Promote and assist in the sound long term management of Alberta’s fish and wildlife in the best interest of all Albertans - sounds great... for all Albertans! Insist on continued public ownership of all public lands and wildlife – isn’t this almost the exact mandate for any cooperative, like, for example MEC? Obtain and maintain access to public lands – I suspect that all MEC members are VERY supportive of this initiative. Publicize the importance of fish and wildlife and proper resource management – well I can see the latter part of this being somewhat an issue based on interpretation. Work with government, industry, and other organizations in local programs, supporting the enhancement, development and maintenance for all species of fish and wildlife... – another great initiative.. Promote outdoor ethics and safety – how could this possible be an issue? Make Albertans aware of the dangers of all forms of pollution, and to co-operate with all groups with similar objectives – Could this possibly be a “deal breaker” for MEC?
So let’s separate the wheat from the chaff: clearly, there are a lot of common goals between the AFGA and the MEC. Obviously, the differences in policy are found in “non commercial harvest of fish and game species” and resource management of the same. If you are not paying attention, that means lawful fishing and hunting.
What does this mean to you? Well, it appears the MEC will take your money if you decide to purchase your hunting and/or fishing gear at one of their stores. They will not however, support, promote or encourage your lawful activity and they will not call it “hunting and/or fishing gear”. They will not promote or market “hunting-specific” products even with consumer demand. In fact, as evidenced in the past, they will use money made on sales from those that love to hunt and fish to promote or assist groups that would like to see your activities stopped or severely limited. What a tangled web we weave.
The AFGA is a founding member of the Canadian Wildlife Federation and maintains a fraternal relationship with all provincial affiliates.
Objectives:
It is the objective of the Alberta Fish and Game Association to:
1. Promote conservation of our natural resources;
2. Foster and promote the non-commercial harvest of fish and game as a legitimate part of an overall wildlife management program;
3. Develop and promote educational and recreational programs and activities;
4. Promote and assist in the sound long term management of Alberta’s fish and wildlife in the best interest of all Albertans including future generations;
5. Insist on continued public ownership of all public lands and wildlife;
6. Obtain and maintain access to public lands;
7. Publicize the importance of fish and wildlife and proper resource management;
8. Work with government, industry, and other organizations in local programs, supporting the enhancement, development and maintenance of habitat for all species of fish and wildlife and other natural resources;
9. Promote outdoor ethics and safety; and
10. Make Albertans aware of the dangers of all forms of pollution, to prevent pollution, and to co-operate with all groups with similar objectives.
I cannot see how MEC could have any problem with promoting the conservation of Alberta’s natural resources. Foster and promote the non-commercial harvest of fish and game... hmmmm, could be an issue. Develop and promote educational and recreational activities – who would have a problem with that? Promote and assist in the sound long term management of Alberta’s fish and wildlife in the best interest of all Albertans - sounds great... for all Albertans! Insist on continued public ownership of all public lands and wildlife – isn’t this almost the exact mandate for any cooperative, like, for example MEC? Obtain and maintain access to public lands – I suspect that all MEC members are VERY supportive of this initiative. Publicize the importance of fish and wildlife and proper resource management – well I can see the latter part of this being somewhat an issue based on interpretation. Work with government, industry, and other organizations in local programs, supporting the enhancement, development and maintenance for all species of fish and wildlife... – another great initiative.. Promote outdoor ethics and safety – how could this possible be an issue? Make Albertans aware of the dangers of all forms of pollution, and to co-operate with all groups with similar objectives – Could this possibly be a “deal breaker” for MEC?
So let’s separate the wheat from the chaff: clearly, there are a lot of common goals between the AFGA and the MEC. Obviously, the differences in policy are found in “non commercial harvest of fish and game species” and resource management of the same. If you are not paying attention, that means lawful fishing and hunting.
What does this mean to you? Well, it appears the MEC will take your money if you decide to purchase your hunting and/or fishing gear at one of their stores. They will not however, support, promote or encourage your lawful activity and they will not call it “hunting and/or fishing gear”. They will not promote or market “hunting-specific” products even with consumer demand. In fact, as evidenced in the past, they will use money made on sales from those that love to hunt and fish to promote or assist groups that would like to see your activities stopped or severely limited. What a tangled web we weave.
I consider it more of an "outreach" program, and still the best place to get my paddling and climbing gear.
"take a hippie hunting"
I've actually done that! and while I didn't convert the son of a gun (my brother in law) I did get him to be alot more open minded. Remember hippies hate gun toting, flag waving rednecks, hippies love self reliant, anti mass production, live off the land people, ie hunters. You just have to emphasize the clean meat and total use thing, they'll get on board. It's the down town, latte drinkin', hemp pant sportin', criminals have rights too, self righteous mother f@#@ers that I strongly dislike and those type are generally beyond reach.
"take a hippie hunting"
I've actually done that! and while I didn't convert the son of a gun (my brother in law) I did get him to be alot more open minded. Remember hippies hate gun toting, flag waving rednecks, hippies love self reliant, anti mass production, live off the land people, ie hunters. You just have to emphasize the clean meat and total use thing, they'll get on board. It's the down town, latte drinkin', hemp pant sportin', criminals have rights too, self righteous mother f@#@ers that I strongly dislike and those type are generally beyond reach.
Hannibal, good try and keep working on him. I have had had four converts over the past two years and got an unexpected e-mail yesterday from another friend who asked if he could tag along for the full experience. All of these guys are between the ages of 39 and 45 (Doctor, Financier, Teacher, and an Engineer) so I am pretty proud of my accomplishment. As a welcome to the sport, I gave two of these guys rifles under the condition that they continue to promote the hunting and shooting sports in a positive way.
It's a real rush to feed off of a new hunter's enthusiasm... and they understand and appreciate that the sport is a lot more than harvesting an animal.
My issue with MEC comes down to their honesty and integrity. I am confident, that at the corporate level, they are indeed anti-hunting. They market some excellent products that are used by hunters and anglers, but I think we should understand that they will not support or promote our sport with corporate dollars or influence. I'm not going to tell anybody what they should or shouldn't do, I just personally prefer to patronize like-minded businesses.
It's a real rush to feed off of a new hunter's enthusiasm... and they understand and appreciate that the sport is a lot more than harvesting an animal.
My issue with MEC comes down to their honesty and integrity. I am confident, that at the corporate level, they are indeed anti-hunting. They market some excellent products that are used by hunters and anglers, but I think we should understand that they will not support or promote our sport with corporate dollars or influence. I'm not going to tell anybody what they should or shouldn't do, I just personally prefer to patronize like-minded businesses.
BigUglyMan
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- New Scotland
They always have. This isn't anything new.
Anyone who knows the origins of MEC (UBC students wanting affordable gear in the 70's) knows that MEC is not a hunting store. Go to the MEC in Vancouver and look at the clientel, all YUP'ies and DINK's (double income no kids). Speak with your wallet.
