You have been specially selected to take part in a survey that could have a positive impact on the future of upland hunting in America. Please return the enclosed survey today so we may have additional ammunition in the fight for our rights to hunt.
As you read this letter, numerous anti-hunting/animal rights forces across the country are meeting to discuss ways in which they can work both individually and collectively to ban all hunting in America. We've all seen the anti-hunting propaganda and tactics over the past few years, but the pressure on state and federal lawmakers, and now the general public, is increasing daily. The anti-hunting movement has taken a serious turn for the worse and is steadily evolving into an animal rights extremism movement. They've been quiet for awhile, but now they're on the move again.
Consider for a moment:
Anti-hunting activists almost halted this year's dove, duck and goose seasons in at least six states and did halt a dove season in Michigan up until this year. Thanks to funding from our last campaign, we were able to work with other wildlife groups involved to beat the anti-hunters at their own game in this state. However, they don't intend to give up!
Anti-hunters closed down the mountain lion season in California and now are working in Arizona. They have stated that they plan to do the same for bear and deer hunting throughout the country.
Quail Unlimited has been informed that we can expect the same tactics that closed dove season, mountain lion season and other hunting seasons to be used to close quail seasons in a number of states within the next three years, and they will do it unless we come up with the money to stop them.
As you read this, anti-hunters are attempting to halt bear hunting in Michigan, Idaho and New Jersey.
Anti's have attempted to halt the transplanting of ruffed grouse in Colorado; now they are on an anti-meat campaign.
Animal rights activists have sabotaged numerous medical research labs that were seeking cures for cancer, AIDS, SIDS and drug/alcohol dependency and have caused damage well into the millions. Some medical researchers say that their efforts have been set back 10 years or more.
One of the largest anti-hunting groups has proposed an actual ban on the specific breeding of dogs and cats (consider what that type of legislation would do to maintaining bird dog lines, field trialing, etc.).
Some animal rights groups are even proposing that all cattle, poultry and farm animals be "released from captivity" immediately. These same groups are calling for a ban on any and all uses of animals for food, clothing, hunting, fishing and trapping.
A proposed ban on lead shot for upland hunting (including quail) appeared in a recent issue of the Federal Register. This is backed by anti-hunting groups.
The anti-hunting group, Fund for Animals, has launched a national campaign to stop state-sponsored youth hunter training courses.
That's why we must fight them at all levels immediately if we are to insure a future for our great hunting tradition. Quail Unlimited has been working diligently with leaders of other conservation groups, manufacturers of hunting equipment, outdoor related media and others to help build a coalition that will represent all of us in the eyes of the general public. It is working and the results are showing up in Michigan, Wisconsin and Minnesota. They now have dove seasons. Our battle has been an extensive one, both in time and financial resources. We have not, however, utilized any funds from our wildlife habitat project funding. You see, projects such as this, however critical, must still be fought with funds raised from additional sources.
We have estimated the combined financial strength of the anti-hunting groups at over $300 million annually! Yes, these groups are well-financed, well-organized, effectively networked and emotionally charged. They are both patient and persistent, and their one common goal is to halt all hunting in this decade.
We need your help right now!! It really can't wait until tomorrow or next week. Our rights as upland quail enthusiasts are at stake and are threatened now more than ever before. We must also continue our involvement and support of the national coalition of sportsmen, and we must continue to make our voice heard on the state and federal levels. We all will be forced to dig a little deeper if we are to enjoy these rights and privileges tomorrow or next year. Think for a moment, how much would you pay to regain your rights to hunt if they were ever lost? We know that you'll want to do your part now to save this tradition. What would just one more good quail hunt be worth to you? Please send at least that much today.
Your donation of $30, $150, $1,500 or even $2,500 will help us continue our fight, and you can rest assured that we are doing everything in our power to combat the anti-hunters and the next move of animal rights terrorists.
If you donate $30 to this special cause now, we will send you our special edition poster print by Herb Booth, world-renowned wildlife artist. This beautiful rendition of flushing quail and majestic pointing dogs measures 22 inches by 25 inches and would make a truly splendid presentation in your office or den.
When you donate $50 to save your right to hunt, you will receive the special edition poster print plus the Maxam® Liner Lock sporting lockback knife. This great product features a laminated wood handle, stainless steel bolsters with a QU logo etching, a thumb stud for easy, one-hand opening and a 420 surgical stainless steel blade. The knife measures 4 inches closed and comes with a lifetime warranty.
For a contribution to this cause of $150, you will receive the print, the special knife and an all-purpose stainless, insulated thermos and carrying case. Even if you're not out in the field a lot, this attractive thermos can be used for work, road trips or just about anything where you want to have hot or cold beverages available.
When you donate $375 to protect your hunting rights, we'll send you an elegant handmade, hardwood curio chest that sets on its own wrought iron stand with a lower hardwood shelf. The top of the chest features the image, "Hedgerow Bobwhites" by world-famous artist, Maynard Reece. The chest is 6 inches tall and 18 inches across. The wrought iron stand is 22 inches and contains a lower hardwood shelf that is 18 inches across. It is a beautiful, yet practical piece of furniture to add to your current decor. And don't forget, the print, knife and special thermos are also yours at this level.
Look at the items we're holding for you with a contribution of $750 toward this crucial issue. We are going to send you our founders' choice, 12-gauge semi-automatic Venus shotgun. This fine European made gun comes complete with select Turkish walnut and five screw-in choke tubes. It would be a quality addition to your hunting outfit. Plus, you'll get everything mentioned to this point.
If your generosity is $1,500 or more, you'll receive our founder's choice 16 gauge over/under shotgun. Only 40 of these fine European shotguns were produced, and they are not available from any other source. This firearm is not only beautiful, it is also a workhorse in function and reliability. Features include laser checkering on nicely figured walnut and Schnabel forearm, 2.75 inches and 3 inches chamber, case colored English-style engraved receiver, single selective trigger, auto ejectors, jeweled breach block, chrome-lined bores, vent rib and a quick mount recoil pad. You'll also receive the poster print, knife, sporty thermos and hardwood chest.
When you donate $2,500 to this cause, you're going to get the print, the knife, the thermos, a handcrafted piece of furniture, the founders' choice semi-auto shotgun and our new 28 gauge Franchi 23rd anniversary gun. This 48AL (the original Browning long recoil design) is limited to just 150 pieces and 15 of them have been reserved for this program. Top grade select walnut and special gold engravings on a highly polished black receiver define the grace and beauty of this fine offering from Franchi. Individually numbered and fully outfitted in its own custom case, this is a true collectable.
A $5,000 commitment will get you not only the special 23rd anniversary Franchi 28 gauge, but the special Heritage III Browning 16 gauge Citori over/under. This gun has not yet been introduced to the public and only 100 have been made especially for Quail Unlimited. High grade, hand-selected walnut is beautifully set off by an elegantly engraved, nickel plated receiver with real gold enhancements. Each gun is individually numbered and has special serial numbers created specifically for Quail Unlimited. In addition to these two fine firearms, you will also receive the poster print, the Maxam¨ knife, the stainless thermos and a high quality, handmade chest.
Some of our members have repeatedly asked, "Why do you even offer incentives for donations for such a worthy cause?" It's simple. We don't like to ask our members for money without offering them something of value in return. You may prefer to simply donate to this worthy cause. In that case, simply enclose your contribution with a note for us to keep the incentives. Every little bit helps us fight the anti-hunters and continue our work with habitat.
If you'd like to send a generous donation from the heart to help us save our favorite sport, we'd certainly appreciate your help with raising the money. You are truly a dedicated sportsman. We need your help, and you can greatly assist us with your best contribution today.
Jerry Allen
Administrative Vice President
Director of National Operations
| Rocky Evans
Executive Vice President |
P.S.:
We only mentioned a few of the anti-hunter activities, and some will be voted on this month. You have to decide for yourself just how serious and how immediate this problem really is in your state. These are but a few examples of problems facing all states. If the anti-hunters have their way, they will shut down every hunting preserve and stop the training of bird dogs in your state as well. Please be as generous as you can!
P.S.S.:
On a more positive note, the latest projections from quail/small game biologists are brimming with good news and excitement. Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Tennessee, Georgia, Florida and South Carolina are all projecting stable quail populations, with the majority citing increases some as much as 20 percent!
Although we can't claim credit for nature's rebound, we can firmly state that the efforts of Quail Unlimited chapters in these states have more than just a little to do with these projections. The diligence, persistence and commitment of members like you over the past 20 years have helped turned dreams into reality. Think what we can accomplish in another 15 to 20 years!
Please be as generous as you can so Quail Unlimited can continue to "fight the good fight" for all sportsmen and conservationists, so we can all continue to enjoy our natural, renewable resources.
