JACKSON HOLE, WYO – An anti-grizzly hunting movement is claiming a victory of sorts today with the announcement that one of its members has been drawn for a griz hunting tag with no intention of harvesting a bear.
Shoot ‘em With a Camera (Not a Gun) is a loosely-formed organization that sprouted recently through the efforts of Lisa Robertson (Wyoming Untrapped) and others. The main thrust of the campaign was to educate and encourage those opposed to Wyoming’s scheduled 2018 grizzly bear hunt to apply for a limited 22 tags and then not use the permit.
“We are saying to the Game and Fish: ‘Here we are, what are you going to do with us?’” Robertson told Buckrail. “We are putting our money where our mouth is and they are afraid of us non-consumptives taking up a tag.”
Robertson stressed that Shoot ‘em With a Camera is not anti-hunting. Their membership includes hunters. It is trophy hunting of grizzlies for sport that has the group, and others in the state, taking drastic but legal measures such as flooding the lottery with tag applications for ‘hunters’ who do not intend to kill a bear in their allotted 10-day hunt.
One of those self-enlisted in the cause learned today that he was drawn #8 overall, meaning he will for sure receive a tag for the grizzly hunt. And, as far as Shoot ‘em is concerned, it couldn’t have gone to a more appropriate person.
Noted nature photographer and Jackson resident Tom Mangelsen announced on his Facebook page he has drawn a tag.
“Serendipity! This morning I was absolutely floored to learn that I drew #8 in Wyoming’s grizzly bear hunt ‘Issuance List,’ in all likelihood getting a tag,” Mangelsen posted. “The odds of winning a tag were extremely low considering over 7,000 people applied. There are certain circumstances that would keep me from getting in the field, but if given the opportunity, you can be sure that I will be buying the $600 license and spending all of the allotted ten days hunting with a camera. With only one person allowed in the field at one time, hopefully the ten days I take up will save the lives of some of these amazing animals.”
Mangelsen and all others drawn will be required to take and pass a mandatory training course to receive a Hunter’s Education Certificate.
Jane Goodall and Cynthia Moss, two of the most respected animal advocates/scientists on the planet, announced recently they too would support the cause of Shoot ‘em With a Camera.
Game and Fish began releasing the results of the draw on its website this morning.
UPDATE (July 27): Shoot ‘Em with a Camera is reporting a second person drawing within the top 22 has vowed not to shoot a bear. Kelly Mayor of Jackson was drawn #2 for Hunt Area 1-6. She says she will get out in the field with no intent to hunt a grizzly.
