Below is the blog post:

Sitting down to write this article, especially when I am citing a VERY well-written article by Gabriella Hoffman on the Townhall website, makes it tough to offer a deep perspective of my own on her subject matter. She nailed the complexities of what is going on, and I won’t try to rehash her article, as it stands for itself and is worth your time to read. What I will offer are a few thoughts on some of the crazy that stuck out from her opinion piece and encourage you as a reader to make your voice heard to your reps.  

The opposition to hunting is creative, I will give them that. They have actually been very creative for a long time and as part of that creativity, weaponized the court system in their favor. The part that really struck me as creative in this go-around was an initiative to deny Pittman Robertson dollars to Idaho and Montana because…they are hunting wolves. Creative, yes; a good argument, no. Those dollars work to keep habitat open for all species, including their beloved apex predators that are politically polarizing and tough to manage on top of that. Removing that money would be to the detriment of their cause as well.  

What really concerns me, though, is that there is an effort supported by some Republicans, the party that tends to hold 2A close to the heart, who are okay with getting rid of Pittman Robertson under the misinformed idea that it is “anti 2A.” Pittman Robertson fuels hunting, which in turn fuels shooting, which in turn brings more people to the gun store. That one is a head-scratcher, and if you live in one of the places that elected these legislators, I would really encourage you to let them know this is a BAD idea.    

Gabriella also nailed another thought—preservationist lines of thinking vs. conservationist lines of thinking. As a conservationist, I choose where to send my dollars. For instance, I know that we will never tear up the highways that run through some of my favorite mule deer migration routes. Where those two intersect is where I want to see fewer dead deer, antelope and elk on the side of the highway. The easiest way to do this is to fund more overpasses and underpasses with high fences directing the animals to use them. Wyoming has a place where I can put my money where my mouth is and donate to the cause every year. I can even get a cool license plate to match if I choose to go so far. My money, my choice, and we are conserving what we have and hopefully growing over time the mule deer population that has been hammered. 

A preservationist would argue that the road should be torn up, all mineral exploration should cease and humans banned from the landscape to live in our concrete jungles with our solar panels reflecting brightly into the distance. If you can’t see the irony and sarcasm in the previous sentence, please re-read, as the rare earth metals in solar panels can’t exist without exploration. The point is that we will never revert back to the years before our technology; however, we can do our best to conserve what we have and grow the populations through smart management.    

Bottom line is that we need to be as informed as possible and let our representatives know how we feel on these issues. Pittman Robertson repealed by misinformed “leadership” on either side of the aisle will be devastating for sportsmen and recreational shooters. 

Originally posted at Eastman’s Journal.

The post Media Mention: Eastman’s Hunting Journal + Pittman Robertson appeared first on Gabriella Hoffman.

Here’s more about the partnership between WSI Sports and SCI:

Your purchase of any SCI item helps secure wildlife conservation and our privilege to hunt. We are honored to be working with such an influential organization and creating high quality sportswear for avid outdoorsman and women. SCI is a pro-hunting and conservative group located in Washington D.C. who advocates for legal, regulated, and sustainable hunting. SCI has over 45,000 chapters and holds an annual fundraiser where 70% of the funds are kept in their local communities to use as projects that reflect their core values of Conservation, Outdoor Education, and Humanitarian Aid. Help us keep hunting and fishing alive!

Learn more about the collaboration here: https://safariclub.org/shop/

Join SCI: https://safariclub.org/

Get some commemorative gear using my code: https://wsisports.com/?utm_source=GHVA10

The post VIDEO: WSI Sports X SCI Team Up for Conservation Partnership appeared first on Gabriella Hoffman.

On Dec. 11, the Missouri Conservation Commission greenlighted the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC)’s plan to allow a highly-regulated, limited black bear hunt next fall. This victory came in wake of a highly-coordinated, online smear campaign by the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS). 

HSUS grossly attacked MDC and its partners as proponents of so-called  “trophy hunting” and bear cub killers. Adding insult to injury, this group deceived Missourians by floating unsubstantiated claims about management efforts, suggesting the hunt will “decimate nearly all the black bears in the state.” The special interest group conveniently ignored well-documented recovery efforts of the ubiquitous American black bear (Ursus americanus). Nor did they acknowledge the role hunters and similar conservationists have played in their recovery.  

Continue reading at Missouri Times.

The post Missouri Times: Science prevails in black bear hunt saga appeared first on Gabriella Hoffman.

I’ve always been curious about the sport and its resurgence in our country following diminished levels of participation.

I embedded myself in the industry several years ago. I made it my mission to speak to experts and thought leaders who shape it. And I’ve been privileged to interview some of the Who’s Who in hunting and shooting sports in the last 5-6 years.

Why hunting, you ask?

Hunting always interested me but was personally out of reach. Growing up in Southern California, I didn’t have access to hunting land nor did I know any avowed hunters my age. Or so I thought. It took moving to Virginia, funny enough, to follow through and get involved.

I formally picked up hunting in fall 2017. What did it for me was harvesting my first rooster (male) pheasant in December 2017. Since then, I’ve pursued waterfowl, upland birds, and big game (deer, boar). I’ve had plenty of misses and successes—more of the former—but learned many valuable lessons.

Whitetail deer is the most challenging species I’ve encountered so far.

The first whitetail deer I had in my crosshairs, in fall 2018, was perfectly broadside. And I took a clean miss with the muzzleloader I was using. (Never again.) Last December, I healed my wounds and returned to the field in pursuit of late-season rifle deer near King’s Dominion. No deer in sight, but sat in a tree-stand for long periods of time. A few weeks ago, my luck changed: I successfully harvested my first-ever whitetail doe in the Black Hills of Wyoming.

Third time’s the charm, indeed.

Below, you can watch my new vlog on the experience.

WATCH below or on my YouTube Channel

The post VLOG: My First Deer EVER + The Wyoming Hunt That Changed It All appeared first on Gabriella Hoffman.

Throughout the weekend, volunteers helped paint gates, construct elk sanctuaries, built viewing stations, and improved habitat. Lots of good times were had, new friendships were forged, and lasting memories were made.

There were roughly 124 volunteers for the work weekend—up from 28 last year. How awesome is that? Seems like more conservation-minded Virginians care about seeing this herd grow to great heights.

Here are some pictures from the weekend. (Note: unless you get explicit permission from me, please don’t share this photos.)

To book me for event photography sessions, please contact me here.

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The post [PHOTOS] VA RMEF Elk Rendezvous Weekend — 03/29-31/2019 appeared first on Gabriella Hoffman.

We talked about how conservatives and Republicans must partake in the conversation about true conservation while still advancing our political goals and how to find coexistence. We also discussed the importance of hunters looking to gun owners for inspiration as it relates to fending off dangerous legislation that subtracts from the hunting lifestyle.

LISTEN HERE. The appearance starts at the 18:28 mark. Here’s more on Stacy Washington:

Stacy Washington is the host of the nationally syndicated Stacy on the Right Show, broadcast on Urban Family Talk and American Family Radio weekdays from 2 – 4pm Central out of St. Louis Missouri.  Stacy is the co-chairwoman of the Project 21 National Advisory Council of the National Center for Public Policy Research.  Stacy is an Emmy Nominated TV personality and Air Force Veteran.

Follow Stacy on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

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What did you think of this piece? Am I on-target or off-mark?

As always, I recommend you follow me on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube to stay in the loop with my musings. Subscribe to my newsletter–now LIVE. Chime in below with your comments!

The post [MEDIA APPEARANCE] Stacy on the Right Show — March 13, 2019 appeared first on Gabriella Hoffman.

Nearly 200 folks from central and Northern Virginia descended to Warrenton on a dreary wet day to raise money for elk restoration efforts here in the Commonwealth.

As a new volunteer committee member, I donated my photography services for the event. Below are some photos from the event for your viewing pleasure:

Photos: © 2019 — Gabriella Hoffman

*Photos cannot be used or printed without requesting permission from me.*

If your organization or group is interested in hiring me for future outdoor banquets or events, please inquire here about pricing and availability here. I hope we can collaborate!

What did you think of this piece? Am I on-target or off-mark?

As always, I recommend you follow me on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube to stay in the loop with my musings. Subscribe to my newsletter–now LIVE. Chime in below with your comments!

The post [PHOTOS] VA Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation—29th Annual Bull Run Chapter Banquet | March 9, 2019 appeared first on Gabriella Hoffman.

He has a great column in Fredericksburg Free Lance Star, which he publishes the outdoor column. This week’s edition is called “Despite missed shot, hunter still fawning over experience.” Here’s an excerpt:

After the hunt, she explained that she wants to learn all she can about hunting and appreciates people willing to invest time in her and other young, inexperienced hunters. She knows she needs to practice.

“I just started hunting fall 2017,” she said, “and I’ve got many years ahead of me and experiences to be had. I’m not doing this for kicks or fame. I like organic meat and enjoy testing my endurance to an extent.

“Admittedly, I was nervous taking that shot. Not because of impending or supposedly impending guilt, but I’ve never pursued animals like this. It’s a conflicting feeling. Hunters care deeply about the wildlife they pursue. Alternatively, they enjoy fair chase and free-range meat.”

She wrapped up her thoughts with, “Hunting is NOT just the harvest; it’s an all-encompassing experience. The mistakes, the surroundings, the lessons, the little instances of hope—that’s what matters. The harvest is a bonus.”

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What did you think of this piece? Am I on-target or off-mark?

As always, I recommend you follow me on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube to stay in the loop with my musings. Subscribe to my newsletter–now LIVE. Chime in below with your comments!

The post Free Lance-Star Outdoor Column Plug on First Whitetail Deer Hunt appeared first on Gabriella Hoffman.

Below is EP 8:

Here’s the gist:

• Erin discussed being a Virginia transplant and the challenges that arise with finding sporting opportunities
• Erin discussed the rapid growth of Raise ‘Em Outdoors and previewed what’s to come in 2019
• Erin discussed the importance of getting more kids, especially newbies, fishing, hunting, archery, crafts, and more
• Erin told the tale of her son being ostracized by his kindergarten teacher for liking hunting and the conservation that’ll likely come out of that
• Erin and I discussed social media influencing the outdoor industry and why we love apps like GoWild
• Erin discussed some upcoming hunting opportunities coming up

Learn more at www.RaiseEmOutdoors.com

Donate gear/tackle/apparel to REO here: www.raiseemoutdoors.com/checkout/donate?donatePageId=58c1ba2c20099ecd41e1175f

Follow Erin on Instagram: www.instagram.com/erin_crooks_/

Follow REO on social media: 

Facebook: www.facebook.com/raiseemoutdoors/

Twitter: twitter.com/RaiseEmOutdoors

Instagram: www.instagram.com/raiseemoutdoors/

Follow District of Conservation on the following social media platforms: 

Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube

Hear District of Conservation on the following platforms: 

Anchor | Apple iTunes | Breaker | CastBox | Google Podcasts |

Overcast |Pocket Casts | Radio Public | Spotify | Stitcher |

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What did you think of this piece? Am I on-target or off-mark?

As always, I recommend you follow me on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube to stay in the loop with my musings. Subscribe to my newsletter–now LIVE. Chime in below with your comments!

The post EP8 | District Of Conservation: Erin Crooks of Raise ‘Em Outdoors appeared first on Gabriella Hoffman.

The post EP4 | District Of Conservation: NRATV Host Cam Edwards Joins the Podcast appeared first on Gabriella Hoffman.