U.S. rhino hunt auction winner fears for his safety

[The Straight Story]

DALLAS (AP) — A U.S. man who paid $350,000 for the right to hunt an endangered African black rhino says he fears for his safety.

Corey Knowlton says that after being revealed as the winner of a controversial Dallas Safari Club auction, he's received death threats and has hired full-time security. He told Dallas television station KTVT that some people "are wanting to burn my house down."

The Safari Club auctioned the permit to raise money for efforts to protect the black rhino.

The club says the Namibian rhino in question is older, male and nonbreeding, and that the animal was likely to be targeted for removal anyway because it was becoming aggressive.

http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2014/01/16/us-rhino-hunt-auction-winner-fears-for-his-safety/4517427/

[CBGLuthier]

1. why would anyone pay that much to slaughter an old nearly dead animal?

Wonder how he treats his lovers and family. Guess some guys need to do a lot to get the lead in their pencil. Poor bastard.

[RebelOne]

19. To kill an old and nearly dead rhino would be just like a canned hunt. n/t

[NightWatcher]

2. how ya think that rhino feels?

If you want to hunt and feel a rush, go hunt people. Become a bounty hunter. Go track criminals who will shoot back at you.

Dipshitz

[Coyotl]

95. I checked this thread to see how far down this comment was,

cuz that was my exact thought.

[geek tragedy]

3. distasteful but from a utilitarian perspective this looks positive.

still, blech

[mokawanis]

4. I'm rooting for the rhino

Hope he runs Knowlton down and gores him.

[BuelahWitch]

8. Me too!

Throw the whole fucking lot of the Dallas Safari Club in to boot!

[Doremus]

13. Me three. n/t

[Arugula Latte]

38. Yep. He should be kept alive and speared on his horn for a good amount of time.

[Larsonb]

41. You want someone to be mutilated simply because they're going to hunt an animal?

[mokawanis]

43. In this case, yes

He who hunts the rhino (for sport) deserves the horn.

[Larsonb]

47. That's sickening. Hunting a game animal is a perfectly moral and honorable activity.

Wishing for someone to be mutilated for engaging in such an activity...not so much. Shame on you.

[Gidney N Cloyd]

50. "perfectly moral and honorable" WTF?

[mokawanis]

51. You have it all wrong, but that's ok

I'm not here to change your frame of mind, but you aren't going to get me to feel shame for my long-held belief that hunting for sport is immoral and unethical. Killing an animal because it's "fun" is twisted. Nothing moral or honorable about it.

[Larsonb]

53. I suppose the difference between myself and some on this thread is that I don't wish harm on those

who disagree with me about hunting, but many here do.

[LeftyMom]

63. You don't wish harm on anyone but you think killing is an acceptable hobby.

Okay then.

[Larsonb]

64. News flash: rhinos aren't people, and we treat them differently than we do humans.

Is that really such a hard concept to grasp?

[LeftyMom]

65. Nobody's trying to give them the right to vote. But killing them means you're a terrible person.

They're an endangered species and there is absolutely nothing to be gained but "entertainment" and if you kill something for no reason but because you enjoy it then you're a sociopath.

[Larsonb]

68. A sociopath? Really?

I can guarantee you that the man pictured here didn't need to kill that duck for food. He did it for one reason, and one reason only: because it was, for him at least, fun.

Is he a sociopath?

[LeftyMom]

70. You have to go out and kill something to get the gun humper vote.

You have to threaten to bomb a few countries too (to impress the same people, which should tell you something.) The system demands you do five immoral things before breakfast.

edit: By the way, your mom should have told you this before you were out of short pants: "He did it too!" is not an excuse. Be an adult, justify your own actions and don't deflect blame onto others.

[Larsonb]

72. What actions have I taken that need to be justified?

Enquiring minds want to know!

You have to go out and kill something to get the gun humper vote. You have to threaten to bomb a few countries too (to impress the same people, which should tell you something.)

So when President Clinton was hunting, he was committing what is normally, by your definition, a sociopathic act...but because he did it for crass political reasons he was simply being...practical?

[flvegan]

52. LOL!

Your stay should be enjoyed.

[kwassa]

61. Hunting an endangered species is moral? In what universe?

I think you have no moral sense.

[Larsonb]

66. The one is which the particular member being hunted is older, male, nonbreeding, and likely to

attack other rhinos. It was going to be targeted to be killed in any case.

Did you not read the OP?

[kwassa]

67. I read the OP.

Being older, male, and non-breeding doesn't create a moral case for murder. It doesn't create a case for anything at all.

The "becoming aggressive" part is questionable, and even if true, is natural.

[Larsonb]

69. Oh, for the love of God. You can't "murder" a rhino, any more than you can "murder" a sardine.

The "becoming aggressive" part is questionable, and even if true, is natural.

So if a rhino kills another rhino, that's just peachy...because it's "natural"...but if we intervene and kill the older rhino, making the species as a whole more likely to thrive, that's murder!



And on that note, I'm calling it a night.

[kwassa]

71. Call it killing, then. It makes no difference. Killing an endangered species for sport. How moral.

Sounds like murder to me.

You have a very skewed sense of values and morals, to consider this a moral activity.

What makes something a game animal? Because you want to kill it? Are you a hunter, too?

[Larsonb]

73. Yes, I'm a hunter. So what?

What makes something a game animal?

From Webster's: An animal made legitimate quarry by state or other law

Do you wish to contest the definition?

[kwassa]

75. So you just kill things because it is fun?

Sounds very moral.

[Larsonb]

78. Yes, hunting is fun. If you don't enjoy it, I suggest you don't hunt. Problem solved, yes?

[kwassa]

82. So, animals are supposed to die for your entertainment? Sounds pretty sick to me.

I suggest you don't hunt, and leave the animals alone.

As I've said repeatedly, your sense of morals and values is quite skewed.

[Larsonb]

84. So don't hunt. Ain't choice grand?

I suggest you don't hunt, and leave the animals alone.

I am now going to take your suggestion under advisement. Let me think...

No.

As I've said repeatedly, your sense of morals and values is quite skewed.

From your point of view, that certainly seems to be the case...but then, morals and values aren't exactly objective, are they? From my point of view, there's nothing wrong with recreational hunting, and anyone who wants to prevent others from participating in it is a moralistic busybody who needs to mind their own business.

Mind you, if you're simply ranting that you don't like it and don't want to take any steps to prevent others from engaging in recreational hunting, I don't have the slightest problem with you...I just disagree with you, and that's fine.

[kwassa]

88. I disapprove of your choice, of course. That is why we root for the rhino.

A choice you found abhorrent, but perfectly rational from those of us who value endangered species over the emotional needs of people who need to kill animals for fun.

[Larsonb]

89. It appears our fundamental difference is that I don't hope for the maiming of those with whom I

disagree, whereas you (apparently) do.

And in any case, I am valuing the endangered species as a whole, since controlled hunting has been to shown time and again to help game animals prosper.

[kwassa]

90. This isn't controlled hunting. This is a psychologically warped publicity stunt.

The antithesis of what it claims to represent. Hence, the blow back.

[Larsonb]

91. "This isn't controlled hunting." How is it not?

He's going to shoot one specific rhino, at a specified time and place. Frankly, it's hard to imagine a hunt that would be more controlled.

[nadinbrzezinski]

96. Actually, yes it is

and the rhino would (will be) removed by Namibian authorities regardless since the rhino is an older adult, who has killed breeding bulls, and is not a breeding bull. In this situation they are getting money that funds further conservation efforts.

There is SCIENCE behind this.

Oh and before you attack me, I don't hunt, it is not something that is attractive to me, but IF I DID, I would consume the whole animal.

Seriously, are you a vegetarian? If you are not, inform yourself in our animal raising methods.

Oh and by the way, hunting is ESSENTIAL to managing what otherwise would be out of control white deer populations. There are days I wonder about some folks here.

Emotion is not ecology 101

[Arugula Latte]

93. I'm rooting for all the animals the poster hunts down.

Oooh, big man. How macho.

[Larsonb]

102. I never claimed that hunting made one "big" or "macho".

You don't like hunting? Don't hunt.

Choice. It's a good thing.

[Paladin]

77. Enjoy your stay. (nt)

[LeftyMom]

62. Of course. Unless somebody auctions off the rights and transfers them to the rhino,

because apparently money makes otherwise unacceptable things okay.

If 300K is enough to kill a member of a highly endangered species maiming an especially douchetastic example of an overpopulated one has to be what, pocket change?

[Arugula Latte]

92. What a disgusting post.

Can't type what I'm thinking about you ...

[Larsonb]

99. "Can't type what I'm thinking about you ..." Who's stopping you?

Please don't hold back for fear of hurting my delicate feelings...!

[Arugula Latte]

100. Yeah, I don't feel like getting banned over your bloodlust issues, thanks anyway.

[Larsonb]

103. Again illustrating the difference between myself and some on this thread.

I don't think ban-worthy thoughts about those with whom I disagree about the pros and cons of hunting. You do.

I think that says a lot more about you than it does me...

[flvegan]

106. The best hunt, is a troll hunt.

[Codeine]

46. Unashamedly.

[Politicalboi]

55. Me too

Especially when the dog does it. I have no sympathy for this asshole who feels like a big man to shoot an innocent animal just living it's life. I would laugh if him and his whole crew got creamed by a wild stampede.

[Raine]

79. Absolutely! t

[TBF]

5. Does he now?

Good.

[Earth_First]

6. Couldn't 300K had been donated directly to conservation effort?

Seems that the attention this has garnered could have been prevented.

I fail to see how the benevolence of this 'donation' needs to be rewarded by killing something...

There's a bit of irony to this that's exquisite.

[BuelahWitch]

10. These rich people don't care about conservation

They want the trophy on their wall. They WANT to kill the animals.

[Drahthaardogs]

20. That may be the case, but auctioning this hunt off is smart

The bull is old and aggressive. He cannot breed but he will likely prevent other younger bulls from breeding. He is also a danger to calves and cows. There is limited habitat, the old bull is going one way or another. Why not auction it off and get a million dollars to help other rhinos?

Not to sound Machiavellian, but this old bull has lived a long life and no longer benefits the herd. The last thing he can do as an individual is provide much needed money (from someone stupid enough to pay for it) that helps his species. Maybe even his offspring. I see it kind of like selling your body for science.

[hunter]

22. It would be sporting to capture the old dude alive and relocate him...

... to someplace he can stay out of trouble.

Maybe put some of his DNA on ice while they are at it.

If this species survives they'll need all the genetic input they can get.

A big animal species is rarer than a lighthouse and we've relocated those...



http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cape_Hatteras_Light

[angstlessk]

25. I am a TOTAL bleeding heart liberal..but I agree...

This Rhino will be put down no matter who does it...and that the price to put him down contributes to the well being of the rest of the Rhinos...I have no problem with...

[joeybee12]

32. Where did you get that the "rhino will be put down no matter what" WHERE???

The article attributes the rhino in question's description and traits to the hunting club...the assholes who are doing this, not some legitimate source.

[nadinbrzezinski]

97. I posted a LINKED ARTICLE from CNN

citing Namibian authorities. You might want to go search that now. I did that AFTER a post of yours.

[joeybee12]

28. Apologist BS...Nature does a much better job of culling than phucked up

assholes with too much money.

[joeybee12]

31. You do realize that what you're saying about this rhino is what the Hunting Club is saying...

Not some conservation group...they even used the word "likely" to be removed...they ahve no fucking clue...they're making shit up to mkae themselves out to be victims and do-good-ers.

[Drahthaardogs]

34. I have enough ecology courses to know the loss of one

Old male in a breeding population is likely irrelevant. The park has limited resources. This is basic ecology.

[nadinbrzezinski]

60. And in this case add the old male

is killing breeding bulls.

Yup, ecology 101.

[The Straight Story]

11. I think the thought process is that they were going to kill it anyway

and auctioned off who got to do it (if they did it themselves it would net them nothing as far as funds).

The end result is the same and probably wouldn't have gotten any press had they simply performed the action (ie, no one would probably have cared or known, let alone be discussing the whole issue).

Would I do it? No. But I can see their reasoning.

[joeybee12]

30. It's NOT a thought process or reasoning...The Hunting club is the group

saying the rhino would LIKELY have been removed anyway...they're pulling that out of their asses to justify this...they're making shit up.

[nadinbrzezinski]

59. No, the government is saying that, as well as scientists

Knowlton's supporters say this conservation strategy is based in smart science. The International Union for Conservation of Nature supported the Dallas Safari Club's black rhino hunting permit auction.

The union says its mission is to work with governments and conservation groups around the world to find "practical solutions" to conservation efforts around the world.

It also says "trophy hunting is a fundamental pillar of Namibia's conservation approach and instrumental in its success." And that "well-managed recreational hunting and trophy hunting" have had a positive impact in "stimulating population increases for rhino."

http://www.cnn.com/2014/01/20/us/omaha-plant-fire/index.html?iref=allsearch

Believe this or not, but we do this as well in the US with far from threatened species such as the white tail deer. You want to tell me where the population would be right now if we did not hunt it? (Hint, there are no natural hunters of the species in the environment right now in sufficient numbers, such as wolves)

I would not engage in hunting. It is not something I would like to do or appeals to me, but godamit, there is solid science to this idea of population management. So you would rather leave a non breeding bull in the wild that is killing BREEDING BULLS? How is that going help the population to recover exactly? I will be over there in the corner, sitting down, waiting for THAT ANSWER.

[Iggo]

7. Aw, poor baby.

[Paladin]

9. Boo-fucking-hoo, safari boy.

Gotta love the new detail about the targeted rhino: not only is he older, male and non-breeding, which we already heard about---in addition to all that, he's supposedly "becoming aggressive"! I mean, that rhino is just ASKING FOR IT! The Republican Party better pray that those same criteria are never utilized against their membership---talk about thinning a herd.....

[get the red out]

12. So do the Rinos

I feel so sorry for the rich dumbass.

[Doremus]

14. Besides the 'thrill' of the hunt, I'm sure there are dollar signs involved.

How much could someone sell a rare endangered rhino head mount for these days? I'm going to guess that if he finds the right buyer, this fucker might actually walk away with a profit.

[elfin]

15. Oh dear, does he feel "hunted?" Eom

[hamsterjill]

16. Well what do these idiots expect?

Just reaffirms to me that rich does not mean intelligent.

[KamaAina]

17. Better call the

[tkmorris]

18. "You're looking for a Rhino you say?"

"A black one? Nah, haven't seen him."

[Nye Bevan]

21. I'm against vigilantism.

Having said that, if you don't want many, many people to hate you, don't do stuff like shooting rhinos.

[Shandris]

23. An older song about this kind of thing

From 1992's Symphony of Destruction. One of the better quasi-political metal albums of its time. Check out 'Foreclosure of a Dream' for another good sample. But back on-topic...

[Lancero]

24. Other threats include...

I'm going to murder your children.

Many more of similar kind, and some that are worse.

Pretty sad that we are willing to defend the people who are saying "we're going to kill your children".

[LanternWaste]

36. Who specifically, and without chance of misinterpretation, is defending

Who specifically, and without chance of misinterpretation, is defending those allegedly posting threats?

[Iggo]

45. You should probably stop defending them then.

[Baitball Blogger]

26. Sounds like he may get a chance to wrongly kill someone based on SYG before he has a chance to kill

the rhino.

[DragonBorn]

27. I'm going to piss everyone off in this thread

but .....

This guy has done more for conservation in Africa than probably all of you combined. Where do you think the 350K is going? Its used to pay for park rangers, and maintain the habitats for these animals. That one hunt alone probably paid the entire operating budget for a year for a conservation area.

I don't like the fact that the only way to raise this money is to auction off hunting passes. I think endangered animals should be able to live our their natural lives unless its a unusual situation and the animal is a direct threat to human life but unless you're donating 300k dollars to conservation efforts you should probably stop talking trash about this hunter.

[joeybee12]

29. Hey, you're right...re-read the article THE HUNTING CLUB says the rhino would LIKELY

to be removed anyway...THE HUNTING CLUB said this, not some conservation agency, and they used the word LIKELY...they have no fucking clue whether that would have happened.

[The Straight Story]

33. From a Nambian news paper:

This was reiterated by Deputy Minister of Environment and Tourism, Pohamba Shifeta, this week who said that the government was not violating any laws.

He also said government would stick to its programme because it is being done in a sustainable manner, which brings money for future conservation initiatives.

“Rhinos are our resources and we not violating any laws. They must just understand that we will continue doing what we are doing and they should also know that with our rhino population growing, harvesting is part of our programme,” he said.

...

The Ministry of Environment and Tourism announced last year that they obtained a five-year approval from Cabinet to sell five black rhinoceros yearly for trophy hunting.

http://www.namibian.com.na/indexx.php?id=7843&page_type=story_detail#sthash.w5ZI2RDP.dpuf

[LanternWaste]

37. Much as the Koch brothers are above criticism as they've given more than $600 million in pledged or

"unless you're donating 300k dollars to conservation efforts you should probably stop talking trash about this hunter..."

Much as the Koch brothers are above criticism as they've given more than $600 million in pledged or donated money to arts, education, and medical research?

(Insert distinction without a difference here)




"I don't like the fact that the only way to raise this money is to auction off hunting passes..."

What specifically leads you to believe this is the only way to raise money?

[LanternWaste]

35. Maybe know he's beginning to understand the position

Maybe know he's beginning to understand the position that many people won't really give trust to anyone who kills for entertainment.

Although I certainly don't agree with alleged death threats, neither do I agree with killing for joy and fun...

[Ellipsis]

39. ...

[Taitertots]

40. Managed hunting is probably the best chance these animals have to avoid extinction

It is almost ironic that the vast majority of the people complaining on the internet about this haven't donated $350,000 combined.

[Lizzie Poppet]

81. True. Poaching, on the other hand...

[Larsonb]

86. No argument whatsoever.

[TheKentuckian]

42. Instant karma, bitch! He probably should be more afraid than he is.

[spanone]

44. The Safari Club auctioned the permit to raise money for efforts to protect the black rhino. wtf?

you can kill a black rhino to protect them??? some fucked up logic there.

[nadinbrzezinski]

49. And the rhino is now a problem

I know.

I read this thread and I went. are people that ignorant of science? This is done every year regardless and the population is starting to bounce back.

[Larsonb]

54. Those wishing harm on someone for hunting an animal are reacting emotionally, not rationally.

[kwassa]

83. Hunting animals for sport is a rational activity? Or an emotional activity?

I think you are on thin, or no, ice here.

[Larsonb]

85. Of course it's rational. Taking pleasure from an activity is a perfectly rational act.

Would you argue that because people listen to music for pleasure, that it's an emotional activity without a rational basis? Please....

[kwassa]

87. Taking pleasure from killing is a perfectly rational act?

How interesting. By the way, pleasure is an emotion, not a thought.

Are you sure you are in the right discussion group?

[Larsonb]

98. From killing a game animal? Certainly, for some. "Some" meaning "tens of millions" in this case.

And that's just in the good 'ole USA.

By the way, pleasure is an emotion, not a thought.

When did I say otherwise?

Are you sure you are in the right discussion group?

I like guys like this, all of whom kill animals for pleasure:







If they posted here, would they be in the wrong group?

[Kingofalldems]

101. Oh I get it! Democrats who hunt.

[kwassa]

105. "Taking pleasure from an activity is a perfectly rational act."

No, it is a perfectly emotional act.

You confuse the words "rational" and "emotional" rather easily. Over and over.

And I don't care if any famous Democrat hunts. Most show up in camouflage to get the good ol' boy vote, and don't hunt on any regular basis. I wonder if either Bill or Jimmy ever fired a shot at an animal. Looks like photo-op time.

I think killing animals for pleasure is sick. You clearly don't.

If a rhino runs you down, I will not mourn. You are not more important.

[flvegan]

108. What of the other 4 that will be killed?

Nobody's talking about THAT science, ignorance be damned.

The western black is recently EXTINCT. Fuckofa bounce back, I tell you. 8 million years and then along came morons needing help in bed, among other things.

But hey, so long as we kill a few each year, regardless of the number, they'll be fine soon. I swear.

Right, science.

[Vashta Nerada]

48. I have no pity for Mr. Knowlton.

[liberalmuse]

56. What a pathetic excuse for a human being.

As are all people who hunt endangered animals for whatever stupid excuse. What is the glory in shooting such a creature? People like this deserve nothing but contempt and derision. Fuck him. And I'm not talking about impoverished people who hunt to survive. I'm talking about rich assholes who pay to hunt down endangered, aged and even penned animals for sport or a skin trophy so they can pretend they are "real men" or "real women". Again, fuck them!

[democratisphere]

57. Corey Knowlton's $350,000.00 Target for Practice.

Interesting how the rich twist the truth to suit their needs.

[Lunacee_2013]

58. He could always not kill the animal, but still give the money.

Not saying that threatening him is right either, just saying.

[Myrina]

74. Good. Now he knows how the animals feel.

Fucker.

[CreekDog]

76. feedback for the alerter

On Tue Jan 21, 2014, 01:08 PM an alert was sent on the following post:

Good. Now he knows how the animals feel.
http://www.democraticunderground.com/?com=view_post&forum=1002&pid=4366974

REASON FOR ALERT

This post is disruptive, hurtful, rude, insensitive, over-the-top, or otherwise inappropriate.

ALERTER'S COMMENTS

This poster just endorsed a death threat.

You served on a randomly-selected Jury of DU members which reviewed this post. The review was completed at Tue Jan 21, 2014, 01:14 PM, and the Jury voted 1-5 to LEAVE IT.

Juror #1 voted to LEAVE IT ALONE
Explanation: No explanation given
Juror #2 voted to LEAVE IT ALONE
Explanation: Unjustified alert. The poster is merely expressing anger at the hunter's willingness to slaughter a rare beast of the wild, not "endorsing a death threat." It's no different than "Serves him right," or "As you sow, so shall you reap." I really think this is a chickenshit alert. SAY something to the poster if you think the comment was OTT. Don't hit the alert button for shit like this. No difference between this comment and the one in post 4.
Juror #3 voted to LEAVE IT ALONE
Explanation: there's nothing here to complain about, lol
Juror #4 voted to LEAVE IT ALONE
Explanation: And?
Juror #5 voted to LEAVE IT ALONE
Explanation: I don't think the post is endorsing a death threat, but is making a generic statement that his fears are warranted given his actions.
Juror #6 voted to HIDE IT
Explanation: No explanation given

Thank you very much for participating in our Jury system, and we hope you will be able to participate again in the future.

[Arugula Latte]

94. What a ridiculous alert.

Glad the jurors saw through it except for numero 6.

[NCTraveler]

80. It would seem...

It would seem the people in charge of maintaining the Namibian rhino have a problem on their hands and need a rhino killed. Instead of killing it and dumping it in a hole or burning it they found an American with more money than sense. Win win all the way around.

[oldandhappy]

104. Announce the money as a donation,

which it is anyway, take the tax deduction, take a team of videographers to Africa with you, shoot an educational film on the rhino, and come back in glory.

[Rex]

107. Well then he was very stupid or naive about the world.

What a moran.