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“Experience the Cabela’s Adventure Today”  -Cabela’s website

A new Cabela’s store opened April 19, 2012 in Tulalip, Washington.  “Hunting. Fishing. Outdoor Gear. World’s Foremost Outfitter.”  Oh, joy.  Exactly what the world needs more of:  glorification of animal killing.

“Walk through the main door and look up to see two mounted Orcas chasing a school of Chinook.”  -HeraldNet

Since opening day, the parking lot’s been constantly packed.  I know this because I drive past the place every time I drive to and from work.  (Between the Tulalip Tribe Resort/Casino, the new Cabela’s and the adjacent Seattle Premium Outlets (outlet mall), there is no evidence that I can see of our “down economy.”  But, I digress.)

“Displays will feature 200 animal mounts, including bears, elk, grouse and otters.”  -HeraldNet

There is a banner displayed on the outside of the store:  “Personal Defense & Home Protection.”

Let me see if I’ve got this straight:  You’re the quintessential Cabela’s customer.  You enter the store to buy items that are specifically designed to– track, sight, call, bait, lure, decoy, catch, shoot, target, kill, gut, skin, butcher, season, cure, brine, grill, dehydrate, smoke, grind, slice, and vacuum seal– living, breathing, sentient animals who are simply minding their own business, trying to survive and thrive.  Right so far?

You– Mr. Average Joe Hunter & Mr Average Bob Fisherman– go out in nature with all of your Cabela’s “goods” with the hope that something– someone— will die at your hands.  If the purchased items fulfill their intended purposes, then lives will be taken.

You want to take the life of an animal.  It’s not your life, it’s his life (or hers).  But you want it for yourself.  His body belongs to him, but you don’t care.  You feel entitled to it.  You don’t consider his needs, only your own wants.  You don’t empathize with the animal, despite the fact that he will fight to survive in whatever situation becomes threatening to him.

How ironic that…

When you navigate the world, you want to remain comfortable.  You seek contentment.  You know that your life is your own.  Your body belongs to you.  You withdraw from pain.  You don’t want to be hurt, and you don’t want to be killed.  You will defend yourself against threats to your safety and the safety of your family.  Maintain “PERSONAL DEFENSE.”

When you come home, you expect that your shelter will be undisturbed.  You don’t want others to take that which does not belong to them.  You assume that your belongings are secure because “what’s yours is yours.”  Maintain “HOME PROTECTION.”

Sorry, I don’t get it.

You want to take the life of another, but you don’t want to have the same circumstance visited upon yourself?  It makes no sense to me whatsoever.  Can’t you see the contradiction?  Can’t you choose to live in a better way?  If you think you have the courage to do so, then I can help show you how.  Let me help you.

“This is freaking impressive,” said Tyler Schmidt, a 16-year-old from Arlington making his first visit to a Cabela’s store. “When I die, this is where I want to go.”  -Marysville Globe

I like this comedy bit from Ellen Degeneres about hunting:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8DB4KtOmFok

http://www.heraldnet.com/article/20120328/BIZ/703289893

http://www.heraldnet.com/article/20120412/SPORTS/704129877

http://www.marysvilleglobe.com/business/148172445.html

http://www.cabelas.com/browse.cmd?categoryId=112426380#feature