Camping World CEO Addresses Hunting Media
In response to a firestorm of stern commentary from hunters, who claimed mega outdoor retailer Camping World and its CEO Marcus Lemonis were anti-hunting position, Lemonis faced the hunting industry media on March 21, during a press conference facilitated by POMA. Read the report on Lemonis’ comments and listen to the full audio of the press conference.
In response to a firestorm of stern commentary from hunters, who claimed mega outdoor retailer Camping World and its CEO Marcus Lemonis were anti-hunting position, Lemonis faced the hunting industry media on March 21, during a press conference facilitated by POMA. Read the report on Lemonis’ comments and listen to the full audio of the press conference.
• Audio of Full Press Conference • Background Information
• Complete Nugent Statement Regarding Camping World
Report on Press Conference
Allegations of Lemonis/Camping World being anti-hunting came as a result of comments made by Lemonis to gossip website TMZ.com — and follow-up stories run up by Huffington Post and others. The comments centered on safari hunting images of Donald Trump Jr. and Eric Trump (Donald Trump’s sons), which surfaced on the Internet in mid-March, along with blistering anti-hunting headlines and erroneous reports the Trumps hunted and killed endangered species.
Lemonis’ statements were tough and appeared to condemn the Trumps for (legally) hunting and mentioned a decision by Lemonis to discontinue sponsoring The Apprentice television show after the 2012 season. The gossip and mainstream media circus was every bit a three-ring big top event.
Lemonis admitted to hunting industry journalists he made a huge mistake in how, when, where and why he made his comments. He also sincerely apologized to all hunters during the press conference. But, he did even more, by offering a detailed explanations of the many layers that accompany wild, tabloid-style stories.
Lemonis admitted his reaction to the images and thus comments were those of an uneducated non-hunter. He spouted in the heat of the moment and out of deep frustration at the poor communications by Burnett Productions, which produces and owns The Apprentice, with Lemonis. He also vowed to learn about the hunting culture and work with industry mentors to learn about hunter-based wildlife conservation and ethics. Lemonis even opened the door to the possibility of participating in his first ever hunt.
Certainly Lemonis wanted to let hunters know he and Camping World are not anti-hunting, to quell any potential loss of customers. But, big names in the hunting industry are standing by Lemonis. After a lengthy conversation with Lemonis, Ted Nugent acknowledged Lemonis is now educating himself about hunting and calls Lemonis “a good man and (who) totally supports hunting and fishing as the wonderful lifestyle that it is.” Nugent went on to pledge his support to Lemonis and Camping World.
Lemonis also has pledged to have Camping World become a POMA member, so he can interact with those who are the foundation of the hunting industry – corporate leaders and the traditional outdoor sports communicators.
Burt Carey, editorial director of the National Wild Turkey Federation aptly summed up the current situation in a post he made on Camping World’s Facebook page. Carey highlighted the situation as a great opportunity for hunters to reach out and connect to Camping World, educate and connect. During the press conference, Carey even offered to help Lemonis make his first hunting adventure one in pursuit of the wild turkey.
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Nugent’s Full Facebook Page Statement
After the controversy surrounding the xposure of the Trump boys safari photos of African game, CEO of Camping World Marcus Lemonis was contacted and educated by your fearless SpiritWild leader Uncle Ted & he upgraded his awareness to the reality of the pureness of hunting as the ultimate and only honest conservation tool to keep wildlife flourishing. Marcus is a goodman and totally supports hunting and fishing as the wonderful lifestyle that it is. We support Camping World and recommend it to all our fellow sporters.
Spread it far & wide-polite activism/education/upgrade works! Godspeed all!
Recorded Press Conference – Depending on Internet Connection Speed, the player may time a few moments to appear. If you’re unable to see the player here, access the press conference on POMA’s VideoBam Channel. Direct Link: http://videobam.com/UNOmJ