Heated debates are a given in an election year, but the one to watch this week is the "Hunters Conserve Wildlife" live debate at New York City's Kauffman Center on Wednesday, May 4, from 6:45-8 p.m. Hosted by the nationally-syndicated radio program Intelligence Squared U.S. (IQ2US), the event showcases Anthony Licata, editor-in-chief of Field and Stream, and Catherine Semcer, COO of Humanitarian Operations Protecting Elephants (H.O.P.E.) arguing for the motion as they pit themselves against animal rights extremists Wayne Pacelle, president and CEO of the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS), and Adam M. Roberts, CEO of Born Free USA and the Born Free Foundation.
In providing pre-event coverage, NRA Publications talked with both Semcer and Licata. In emphasizing the need for hunters worldwide to tune in, Semcer says the duo is eager to put the extremists on defense with the facts and provide non-hunters with a better understanding of hunting's critical ecological benefits. Licata points out how hunters often don't get a fair shake because the story of hunting is a more in-depth story to tell in an era when the public works off sound bites and social media posts. "Regulated sport hunting manages wildlife populations and raises a vast amount of revenue to support wildlife and wild places," he stresses, "which simply would not happen without hunters." While we hunters already know this, isn't it past time we start doing a better job of telling our story? Here's how to use the debate to step up our campaign.
Vote in the Online Pre-Event Poll Today!
As previously reported, the IQ2US is conducting a pre-event “Hunters Conserve Wildlife” poll that will be included in the program. If you haven't voted, click here to vote NOW to stand up for hunting.
Look and Listen Live!
Just before the "Hunters Conserve Wildlife” debate kicks off, the audience will register its opinion electronically with results announced later in the program. After closing arguments, the audience will vote again. The two sets of results will be compared, with the winning side being the one that sways the most people in between the two votes.
For tickets to the event, click here.
If you can't attend, click here to watch it live. You can also catch it via webcast or podcast or tune into one of 200 public radio stations carrying the debate as Licada and Semcer present the truth we've known all along: Hunters are the world's No. 1 conservationists.
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