LAST UPDATED: May 1st, 2015
By now we are sure almost everyone involved in the outdoors is aware of the 2013 Eastern Sports and Outdoor Show and the consequences that followed show organizer Reed Promotions decision to ban the sale of assault rifles and high-volume ammunition magazines at the show. As a result, that single decision set in motion a reaction, a “movement” if you will the likes of which we have never seen.
Within days of the announcement, sportsmen from all over the country denounced the actions of Reed Promotions and together voiced their collective outrage. It was a clear message. Simply put, it does not matter if we hunt with a bow, a rifle, a crossbow or a sling shot, or we shoot rifles, shotguns, pistols, or assault rifles for pleasure or competition, we will not stand by silently as our 2nd Amendment right is inexcusably attacked.
The Bowhunting.com crew is always eager to meet the folks that makeup the eyes and ears of today’s media force.
It wasn’t long until this outrage reached a fever-pitch that ultimately ended when Reed Promotions’ was forced to cancel the show “indefinitely”. This came as a result of so many vendors and celebrities standing together and pulling out of the event. And while this action, standing up for our 2nd Amendment right, is without question the most important facet in this entire spectacle, something else has become crystal clear…..the face of today’s “media” and it’s strength have forever changed.
Imagine if Reed Promotions had made this decision 10 years ago. One can only imagine the snail’s pace in which word would have spread through the hunting/shooting community. Who knows, perhaps “the show would still have gone on”; as they say. One thing is for certain, the Vendor list of those choosing to boycott or participate in the event would likely have been seen by far less eyes than the innumerable amount who mulled over the one that circulated on the internet within days of Reed’s costly decision. Also contributing to this firestorm were various talk forums, Twitter, Face Book, and internet sites like Bowhunting.com; each of which undoubtedly enhanced the speed and swiftness in which opinions and reactions spread across the country.
This is all a far cry from the impact that regular news outlets would have had on the subject. The local newspaper or hometown news anchors can no longer compete with today’s “new media” which can reach thousands, sometimes millions of eyes and ears…. all with the push of a single button. And it never stops. The 24 hour, 7 days a week, never sleep pace is hard to keep up with. How often have you been surfing on your phone while going to the bathroom? We all do it!
When it comes to magazine coverage….you can forget about it. This will all be old news before the first word goes to print – for some that sounds scary but generally speaking it puts all of us in the driver’s seat. In other words, armed with today’s technology, all of us have a tremendous amount of control over the news and how quickly it spreads.
Yes, today’s media is a powerful tool; that’s no surprise. However, until just a few days ago, it’s safe to say one particular promotional group underestimated that power. Perhaps they simply underestimated the backbone of today’s American bow hunter, hunter, shooter, or firearms owner. Most likely, it was a stunning combination of both. Either way, the Internet and social media outlets has become the most powerful tool on earth for which to spread information or acquire it. And with that power comes even more powerful consequences; some good, some bad.
Bowhunting.com and its platform are proud to be a part of today’s new media force. It is our desire to bring our readers the most up-to-date news and useful information possible so that they can make informed decisions about the things that impact their hunting lives the most. In some cases, like the events surrounding the cancelation of the Eastern Sports & Outdoor Show in P.A, this information can also impact their everyday lives as well.
Bowhunting.com wishes that the entire event was a bad dream that never happened and the rash decisions by Reed Promotions was never made. Our team was really looking forward to meeting the sportsmen of Pennsylvania and the surrounding area. But again, our 2nd Amendment right was under fire.
In an effort to make up for the canceled show in PA and connect with more of our loyal followers, we have decided to attend the Deer & Turkey Expo in Ohio. Event dates are March 15th – March 17th. This has always been a great show and we are looking forward to attending it. For a special offer on the cover charge click here http://www.deerinfo.com/files/2013_Ohio_Flyer_0.pdf.
We want to know how you feel about the subject. Voice your opinion.
