Zumbo: Gun rag writer trashes "Assault Weapons"

[Derby FALs]

The last few days have been an educational experience, to say the least. My ill-conceived inflammatory blog, as all of you now know, set off a firestorm that, I’m told, has never before been equaled. I’m not proud of that.

Let me say this at the outset. My words here are from the heart, and all mine. No one can censor me, and I answer to no one but myself. And I have no one to blame but myself. Outdoor Life, a magazine that I worked for full-time as Hunting Editor for almost 30 years, fired me yesterday. My TV show was cancelled yesterday. Many of my sponsors have issued statements on their website to sever all relationships. This may cause many of you to do backflips and dance in the streets, but, of course, I’m not laughing, nor am I looking for sympathy. I don’t want a pity party.

They say hindsight is golden. Looking back, I can’t believe I said the words “ban” and “terrorist” in the context that I did. I don’t know what I was thinking when I wrote that. I can explain this as sheer ignorance and an irresponsible use of words. What I’ve learned over the last few days has enlightened and amazed me. As a guy who hunts 200 days a year, does seminars on hunting, wrote for six hunting magazines, had a hunting TV show, and wrote 20 books on hunting, how could I have been so ignorant and out of touch with reality in the world of hunting and shooting?

But I was. I really can’t explain it, maybe because I just summarily dismissed the firearms in question in my mind when I saw them in magazines and catalogs. I saw one “black” firearm in a hunting camp in all my 50 years of hunting, and I shot one last year off a boat when fishing in Alaska. To tell the truth, it was fun and I enjoyed it immensely, but I never considered one for use in hunting. I have to tell you that I have had a revelation. I’m learning that many of my pals own AR-15’s and similar firearms and indeed use them for hunting. I was totally unaware that they were being used for legitimate hunting purposes. That is the absolute truth.

My biggest regret is not the financial impact of all this. I’m almost 67 and retirement is an option. The dreadful impact here is that I inadvertently struck a spear into the hearts of the people I love most…America’s gun owners. And, even though this huge cadre of dedicated people have succeeded in stripping me of my career, I hold no grudges. I will continue to stand as firm on pro hunting as I’ve ever done. But what’s different now is that I’ll do all I can to educate others who are, or were, as ignorant as I was about “black” rifles and the controversy that surrounds them. My promise to you is that I’ll learn all I can about these firearms, and by the time this week is out, I’ll order one. The NUGE has invited me to hunt with him using AR-15’s, and I’m eager to go, and learn. I’ll do all I can to spread the word.

I understand that many of you will not accept this apology, believing that the damage has been done and there’s no way to repair it. You have that right. But let me say this. I mentioned this above, and I’ll repeat it. I’m willing to seize this opportunity to educate hunters and shooters who shared my ignorance. If you’re willing to allow me to do that, we can indeed, in my mind, form a stronger bond within our ranks. Maybe in a roundabout way we can bring something good out of this.

Jim Zumbo

 

[bamawrx]

This is just great! I didn't know he was on the BOD for NRA, so we need to work that angle too.

 

[Eagle103]

Thanks for the link Striker. IMO it was a much better apology than the first one but "Huntindude" on Nuges forum sums it up nicely:

I for one accept your apology. It seems heartfelt and we all make mistakes.
One thing I'd like to add, though. While "black" rifles are indeed used for hunting as you've come to realize, it doesn't really matter

The 2nd Amendment is not about hunting.

If no one ever used one for hunting, I believe that all law-abiding Americans have an absolute right to own any firearm, regardless of appearance, action, etc.

Godspeed to you, Mr Zumbo.

He still doesn't seem to understand that.

 

[Lupinus]

but I never considered one for use in hunting. I have to tell you that I have had a revelation. I’m learning that many of my pals own AR-15’s and similar firearms and indeed use them for hunting. I was totally unaware that they were being used for legitimate hunting purposes. That is the absolute truth.

He still doesn't get it. He is trying to keep what sponsors he has left, plain and simple.

You don't change your views overnight and his wording shows that. He still believes the same, he is just trying to spin it differently to say "oh ok so these things can be used for hunting, ok then" Problem is it isn't about hunting. It is about a fundamental freedom that he has no sense of.

 

[Dave Markowitz]

Reply from NRA

I emailed [email protected] on Sunday about this whole mess, and got the following reply today:

Dear Mr. Markowitz:

Everyone at NRA Publications is angered and confused by the thoughts expressed by Jim Zumbo. We all know him well; he has been a periodic contributor to our magazines and a staunch supporter of the NRA for many years. But we cannot understand what led him to believe or write such things. Of course he's entitled to his opinion, but his opinion is certainly not one shared by the NRA staff. All semi-automatic firearms are just that: semi-automatic. There can be no differentiation between them simply based on external appearance. Mr. Zumbo has never been an employee of the NRA, and we have no plans to publish any articles by him in the future. Contributions by him to NRA media are hereby suspended, effective immediately.

Please know that your support and interest in our publications are deeply appreciated.

Sincerely,

John Zent

Editorial Director

NRA Publications

Emphasis added by me.

 

[ryoushi]

I have to tell you that I have had a revelation. I’m learning that many of my pals own AR-15’s and similar firearms and indeed use them for hunting. I was totally unaware that they were being used for legitimate hunting purposes. That is the absolute truth.

The guy still has no clue. He's still relegating the legitimacty of firearms to the hunting fields. Not one word about the 2nd Amendment and the absolute right for citezens to keep and bear arms. I was willing to listen but he's had days to sort ths stuff out and still.....Glad to hear Outdoor Life has fired him and the TV show is history.

 

[JWarren]

Can someone who is actually registered there and able to make a post ask him to respond to:


1. The 2nd Amendment IS NOT in the Constitution for hunting purposes

2. His position of restricting the use of or banning any EBRs.

3. His position regarding the use of his words in the anti-firearms movement





I personally believe this appology is far closer to the mark. I'd be willing to give him more benefit of the doubt with those points addressed by him.

If someone does ask, they are free to attribute the questions to me.


While he is NOW making SOME effort, he is almost getting another free pass on Nuge's site. They say that takes "balls?" Nah... it would take balls to post this on AR15.com or THR.org. I'm not saying we would brutalize him, but I am saying he'd get a more representative discussion of the real offenses.


John

 

[Trebor]

38Special said:

And, like it or not, the image of a guy in the woods with a "terrorist" rifle -- and yes, that is exactly what an awful lot of Americans think of the AK-47 -- doesn't mesh with the clean and wholesome image we want associated with hunting.

Here's where I think you, "don't get it," 38Special.

As *Shooters* we need to come together to protect *ALL* shooting sports.

When you, as a *hunter* say something like "the AK-47--doesn't mesh with the clean and wholesome image we want associated with hunting," that tells me that you are MORE concerned with the image of *hunting* then you are with protecting the larger 2A rights of ALL shooters.

More bluntly: It's NOT about protecting the "clean and wholesome image of hunters," it's about protecting the rights of all types of shooters.

It's when those hunters who just don't understand that, and put their desire to protect hunting over the rest of the shooting sports, say things like what Zumbo said, that the rest of us "Shooters" get pissed off!

That's why there was such a vehement response to Zumob's words.

How would you, as a hunter feel, if I said, for example:

"Because there is such a strong anti-hunting movement in this country, I think target shooters should disassociate themselves from hunters. The "Blood sports" are barbiac and cruel. I'll go as far to say that "hunting rifles" are no more than "tools for cruelty." We shooters should stick to target shooting and should ban hunting rifles from out target ranges."

Oh, and don't forget, to really compare that to what Zumbo said, assume I was someone who worked in the industry and could be seen as a representive of the shooting sports, like Zumbo was for hunting. Someone who works in the industry needs to be held to a higher standard.

Would that piss you off? Now you know how the rest of us felt.

The 2A is not about hunting. If hunting is all anyone is concerned with, then to Hell with them.

 

[taliv]

this apology isn't any closer to the mark. as you point out, he doesn't address the 2A, which is really the only point.

 

[Lupinus]

I am also beginning to get the prepared statement vibe. It was a long spinned appology, also notice in three pages he hasn't been back.

 

[JWarren]

...the 2A, which is really the only point.

+10,000,000



John

 

[Dr. Dickie]

this apology isn't any closer to the mark. as you point out, he doesn't address the 2A, which is really the only point.

Yup, he still has no clue as to what he did wrong. He is so stuck in his "hunting" is the only valid use of firearms, he cannot think beyond that.
No surprise to me he was on the BOD of NRA. The one problem I have with the NRA is their "hunter's rights" slant to their 2nd Amendment support (although they are very subtle about it).

 

[emitt1]

I think he needs to show us how he is now fighting the Brady Bunch in order to stop them from using his words against the fight for RKBA. Until then, well...

 

[fspitzdorf]

With that statement, he would be right at home in Congress or the White House... a very political type of statement... I read it like a squirrel staring at a jar of nuts... waiting for the lid to pop off and dinner to come... but alas i never got to the meat that i so desired (to read in this case)...

 

[Striker]

Hmmm...as of 1240 Hrs EST, neither Ted Nugent nor Jim Zumbo have posted after their initial posts at at 1149 Hrs EST.

Initial response from board members were running 10 to 1 in support of Jim Zumbo. The natives are now getting a bit restless and asking some pretty tough questions and not getting any responses...

I'm not a member, so can't see if either are still logged in.

 

[Eleven Mike]

Can NRA legally remove him from their board right now, or do they have to wait for an election? As an incorporated organization, don't they have to follow certain procedures?

It was a long spinned appology, also notice in three pages he hasn't been back.

This guy's life just came crashing down around his ears, so I wouldn't doubt he's on the phone right now trying to get some things worked out to keep the bills paid. Or something like that.

 

[emitt1]

And, Striker, I've noticed they're treating him like some long lost child come home after stealing a candy bar, tender little kisses.

 

[Mongo the Mutterer]

Yep read his statement and the posts.

My thought is ....

He was under the bus, now BACK IT UP!!

Prepared statement disrespects us once again...

 

[Mongo the Mutterer]

And this is number 1000 for Mongo the Mutterer.... what a blowhard...

 

[Trebor]

Here's my response to Zumbo. I'm waiting for my registration to be approved at Nuge's board so I can post it over there.

Jim,

You still DONT GET IT!

It's NOT ABOUT HUNTING.

This sentence you just posted, "I was totally unaware they were used for legitimate hunting purposes," is the most eloquent statement you could make. In your own words, it shows that you still miss the point.

Who cares if AR rifles are "suitable for the game fields" or not.

It doesn't matter if they are commonly used for hunting or not.

Hunting is NOT the only reason for firearms ownership. Hunting firearms are no more "sacred" than any other firearms.

All shooters, including hunters, need to support ALL shooting activies and all types of firearms.

The anti-gunners want them all. My AR-15, your Remington 700, my wife's S&W revolver for home defense. It doesn't matter what purpose they serve, in the hunting fields or out, they want to make them all go away.

If you are still getting caught up on "what's appropriate for hunting" that shows that you just still don't get it.

The hunting community in the past has shown they were willing to throw the rest of the gun owners to the wolves in order to protect their cherised hunting rifles. Your blog comments were just the latest example of that.

Right now you seem to think that, "Gee, since there are legimate HUNTING purposes for an AR-15, they most be OK after all."

You need to get past that thought.

It doesn't matter if we hunt with them or not! It doesn't matter if they have a "legimate" hunting use in the field or not!

As gun owners, we either "all hang together" or we will "All hang separately."

The 2A is not about hunting and to prove you suppor the 2A, you need to show us you care about more than just hunting.

Let's see you show your support for firearms that are used OUTSIDE of the game fields.

 

[Mongo the Mutterer]

Trebor,

Great response, but I wouldn't wait for Zumbo's reaction on Nuge's board. He seems to have left the building. (If he was even there in the first place)

 

[bsf]

This is posted for those calling for Mr. Jim Zumbo to be removed from the NRA Board of Directors.

Mr. Jim Zumbo is not on the NRA Board of Directors.

I posted calling for his removal also, after someone posted he was a director. We should do our homework first. The BOD list may be found in NRA publication American Rifleman, ’06 August issue. It is probably in the August issues of the NRA’s other monthly publications, also. It does not appear to be available on any official NRA websites.

 

[Lupinus]

Still no answers, some Q&A eh?

He made himself look like an even bigger jackass by issuing a waterdown statement that shows he still doesn't get it and then not answering anything and instead running off to hide till someone reviews it and tells him what to say.

Shame he pulled The Nudge into looking bad with him. I've had people I have tried to help make me look stupid too by trying to help them. It is not a good way to keep friends and allies. Does it make the Nudge look anywhere near as bad? No, he's still the man. But he tried to help someone that made him look bad.

 

[Striker]

Update:

JimZumbo
Junior Member posted 02-22-2007 01:18 PM
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I want to thank those of you who understand and accept my enlighted position. Give me a chance to sift through all the comments, and I'll get into specifics one by one. I'm reading, I'm reading.

 

[Lupinus]

yeah reading reading

reading reading is maybe a page or two. Not six or seven