King’s Outdoor World Blog

44 Comments Add your own

• 1. Casey Huxoll  |  February 22nd, 2007 at 6:25 pm

  I know that i am canceling my subscription to outdoor life as of today. i hope that anyone else that supports Jim Zumbo does the same. Since when is it wrong to voice an oppinion. this is straight up ridiculous and i am embarrassed for the hunting community that has taken it this far.

• 2. mikem  |  February 23rd, 2007 at 1:17 am

  It’s not as if the guy made a flippant remark. He wants to throw guns rights supporters to the wolves so he can continue to hunt, as if hunting is the purpose of our right to bear arms.
  I feel sorry for him that he was stupid enough to try to use his employer’s magazine to express his distaste for guns rights supporters (duh), but he did the right thing in resigning.

• 3. Kristine Shreve  |  February 23rd, 2007 at 9:16 am

  It is a bit scary how fast all of Jim Zumbo’s sponsors and his employer distanced themselves from him. Yes he expressed an unpopular opinion, and perhaps an ill-advised one, but it was his blog and he had the right to do that.

  It is a good, if sad, object lesson for those of us who write for a living. It is also a rather unsettling lesson in how fast the mood of the crowd can turn.

• 4. Ronald Hollowell  |  February 23rd, 2007 at 5:52 pm

  It doesn’t matter if I or anyone else accepts his apology.
  The damage he has done to the firearms industry is irreversible and therefore of no consequence.

• 5. Cathy Angus  |  February 24th, 2007 at 12:06 pm

  I dont’ think he has anything to apologize about. He was offering an opinion about using an assault weapon as a hunting tool. To me that is like using a stick of dynamite to fish with, it is way on the side of overkill. My husband used to own an assault rifle and used to shoot targets with it, not hunt, because there is nothing in our little piece of the world that was large enough to justify hunting with it. In my opinion, owning a gun means practicing responsible ownership, which includes being aware of what a particular firearm is intended for and respecting it as such. Just because a gun goes “Boom” and shoots a projectile does not make it an appropriate hunting weapon. I did not see one reference to banning the ability to own an assault rifle in Mr. Zumbo’s comments of the 16th. I saw an OPINION on using an ASSAULT rifle, which was developed specifically for military or tactical applications, in the sport of hunting. Personally, I think that Mr. Zumbo’s constitutional rights have been trampled by people that want to pick and choose which amendments they want to support. FYI, I support the ENTIRE constitution, but especially the right to bear arms and the right to free speech.

• 6. Ron Arnold  |  February 24th, 2007 at 11:28 pm

  To bad we live in a country with freedom of speech that can comes with a heavy price,I’ve had a hatred of assult rifles since Viet Nam.They have absolutely no businessin the hunting areana.When the N.R.A zealots,who remind me of Liberal zealots,supported those pieces of crap, I severed ties with them,and will never again or give them one more penny.Not all guns are sacred.Bottom line in this saga is not the Second Amendment rights, but good ol’ American dollar greed.

• 7. Bob Porter  |  February 24th, 2007 at 11:56 pm

  If a person is denied the freedom of speech, how long will the other freedoms guaranteed under the Constitution survive? What rights will we then be be defending with our firearms? I’m 60 years old, own multiple firearms, and have hunted since I was a youth. Mr. Zumbo stated an opinion. Opinions are like faces, almost everyone has one and some are more attractive than others. Mr. Zumbo’s opinion was apparently offensive to a great number of people. So what? He nonetheless has an inalienable right to that opinion irrespective of whether anyone agrees with it. Those who so vehemently attacked him probably think their brand of political correctness is justified because of its purpose. They would probably also be among the first to disparage what they view as mere political correctness in other subject areas. My subscription to Outdoor Life is about to end and I will not renew it.

• 8. Mike  |  February 25th, 2007 at 12:28 am

  I have just cancelled his membership to outdoor life magazine in light of their support of their actions with regards to Jim Zumbo. If they favor retribution, rather than dialouge, then I want nothing to do with them either. Just to clarify: my decison to cancell my subscription has nothing to do with Zumbo’s viewpoint; it is because of OLM’s actions.

  If OLM acknowledges their error, and rectifies it, I will consider renewing my subscription.

• 9. Marylyn  |  February 25th, 2007 at 12:35 am

  Kristine:
  I am new to this. (1)Never heard of the man until today. (2)Believe in right to bear arms. (3)Very dismayed at lack of loyalty by employer and sponsors.(4)Never take it seriously when people say “you’re great…they turn on you in an instant. You have expressed yourself well.

• 10. DT  |  February 25th, 2007 at 12:40 am

  “In announcing that it was suspending its professional ties with Zumbo, the NRA — a well-financed gun lobby that for decades has fought attempts to regulate assault weapons — noted that the new Congress should pay careful attention to the outdoors writer’s fate.”

  I am a gun owner (security only) and not opposed to hunting. What struck me most about this story was the severity and sudden required departure of this man - and mostly the above statement issued by the NRA. HOW DARE THE NRA THREATEN OUR GOVERNMENT - PERIOD. Darn straight the “new Congress” should pay close attention - close attention to CORPORATIONS that PAY OFF THE GOVERNEMENT to service themselves. The CONSTITUTION was written BY THE PEOPLE, FOR THE PEOPLE - something we everyday Americans seem to have forgotten.

  Consider placing your votes with that “new Congress” who will not be BOUGHT OFF or THREATENED by any special interest group or corporation. VOTE to represent AMERICANS.

  Thank you and KUDOS to Mr. Zumbo for stating his opinion.

• 11. Ray Cross  |  February 25th, 2007 at 9:51 am

  I think that it is really bad that those who support the right to bear arms are fighting to make this right all or none. I personally think that if you are a hunter and you need assult weapons perhaps you need to find something else to do. The NRA and all of the sponsers need to take a look at what Jim was looking at. Hunters don’t need assult weapons. These guns were made to give soldiers a better chance at survival when fighting for their life against other humans trying to kill them. If you can’t use a shotgun, rifle, handgun, or bow to hunt then you shouldn’t be in the woods. What’s next rocket launchers, mortars, or maybe landmines? To the NRA and manufacturers please help our cause to protect our right and don’t continue to present arguements that hurt our cause.

• 12. Idaho Matt  |  February 25th, 2007 at 11:11 am

  Bazookas and Uzi’s for All. So what you all are saying is that ANY question of gun rights equates to violating the second amendment? The constitution is consistently interpreted and allows for interpretation. I cannot and will not believe that automatic weapons, RPG’s, and any number of violent unnecessary weapons should be allowed in every home in this country. While AR-15’s clearly are much closer to those “reasonable” weapons that we should all be allowed to “bear,” intelligent discussion on these matters should be encouraged and not be grounds for dismissal by the whole community. Jim Zumbo is a staunch supporter of gun rights, but that doesn’t mean he thinks we should all be packing RPG’s to hunt Elk. Please see some reasonableness in this argument, looking the other way from strong supporters only ostracizes the non-hunting/shooting public even more.

• 13. w. a bouldin  |  February 25th, 2007 at 11:14 am

  What he said is wrong , but he has been such a good represenative of the outdoor life and hunting community should it ruin his carier?I was amazed at the speed at which the gun community turned on him.

• 14. Kristine Shreve  |  February 26th, 2007 at 5:20 pm

  Marilyn,

  Thank you.

  DT,

  I saw that same quote. What saddens me about this whole thing is that the pro-hunting community has a great opportunity to teach people about ARs and how and why they are used in hunting and no one seems to be taking the opportunity to do that. Hunting stories are running in the mainstream media. THe NRA and other organizations should be educating the non-hunting public, when and while they have the opportunity. This interest will not be around forever, so we need to capitalize on it while we can.

  I thought that quote was unfortunate. In my opinion it just reinforced the stereotype of hunters as thugs with guns.

• 15. Jim A  |  February 26th, 2007 at 9:10 pm

  What a tragadey to loose a writer such as Mr. Zumbo.Having met him several times at sporting shows I feel that you have lost a great part of OLM. It is his 1st admenment right to say what he did reguardless of the editors openion. Like the one gentleman aid said everyone has a behind and I think OLM’S is the biggest.

• 16. paguy  |  February 27th, 2007 at 1:56 pm

  this whole thing reminds me of the inquisition. Believe excatly as we do and dont question or be burned at the stake as a heritic. Truth is firearms are designed for specific purposes, huning big game, hunting small game, personal protection, ect. Jim did not say to ban this type of weapon he said it had no place in hunting. It is the same as if a wrter expressed his opinion that nothing less than a 30-06 shold be used for whitetail. What OLN, Rmington, the NRA and other sponser did is far more damaging and devisive.

• 17. Ellen  |  February 28th, 2007 at 3:37 am

  My family owns many guns and we are all avid hunters. There is a time and a place for AR and hunting rabbits with an AK-47 is overkill. I want to know if Jim’s article was submitted to his editor prior to press time. If so, then shouldn’t that person be forced to ” resign” as well? If OL is going to be so quick to stab a long time, well respected employee in the back then they sure as heck should fire the person who let the article go to print. It sickens me how fast OL and Jim’s sponsors turned on Jim. This should be a huge red flag to all OL employees. Don’t ever say anything that might cause some controversy or make people stop and think because OL cannot tolerate it. Big brother is watching and will turn on you faster than a speeding bullet.

• 18. shane  |  February 28th, 2007 at 10:36 am

  it was a blog article! he wrote it himself! its his own fault he is where he is. i am from wy. now i cant wait to see him in the supermarket, to give him some guff!

• 19. tyson  |  February 28th, 2007 at 3:37 pm

  i,am 40 yrs old i have been hunting for over twenty years and in that time i have never thought to by an assult rifle to hunt with. i,am an avid gun supporter but i have to agree with mr. zumbo there is a place for these guns and its not hunting

• 20. Matt J  |  February 28th, 2007 at 4:39 pm

  Just what exactly did Jim Zumbo say …lets see.

  He may have offended those who hunt with “the black guns” cause he associated you with terrorists. But you know what? I have been in the field for over 45 years, and do not recall one time I ran across someone in the field big game hunting, Not once. Lets face it, these guns in their current form were developed for one reason, and in addition to arming our armed forces, have become the arms of our enemies. I think that was minor, and arguably offensive, but…get over it. His comments will in my view fade faster than we will as gun owner get over it. His demise will hurt us all as hunters and gun enthusiasts, time will tell.

  Nothing he said was anti-gun. Nothing. He did call for FISH AND GAME department to restrict assault rifle use for hunting. Why…image, nothing else, and arguably a real issue. Just walk the street in main street USA, and ask Joe on the street what they think about the “black gun”. Even the manufactures do not include hunting in their advertisements. They focus on target and defense games and training, where IN MY OPINION, they have a place.

  Game departments have restricted many gun types, so what is the “new issue.”? NOTHING, only that everyone got hyped up and had to beat up on a guy that has done more to promote hunting and the use of guns in that pursuit than any other LIVING writer. I say the “black gun” hunter is a very very small number, and they have only displayed their poor self image…nuff said.

  Oh how we eat our own. Shame on us, all of us for this overblown and quite frankly misunderstood blog. You want to get hyped up, argue something real.

  The guys who should really be spanked are those that call themselves CEO, President, etc of those companies who totally misread the blog, or were pressured by the NRA (I am a life member, but am discusted in their over zealous approach here.) The NRA can not survive in the long run through intolerance, especially when they accuse others of intolerance when their views differ. No kidding, I have had the thought to resign my endowment life membership, but will keep up the fight so long as it is ethical. There have been times….

  I think his apology errs on the back peddle too much, but he tried very hard to make it right, so lets get Jim Zumbo back in the ranks.

  Also, If truth be known, my bet is that most of you are not committed supporters of those organizations the fight the fight. Just a hunch, and do not respond to me, cause if you are…my hats off to you. If you are not…well I can not say what I am thinking on this blog, cause the rules require us to be gentlemen and ladies.

• 21. Garrett  |  February 28th, 2007 at 9:43 pm

  I am a proud gun owner and an avid hunter and I fully support Jim Zumbo and his comments about automatic weapons being used hunting. His comment in no way should have had this harsh of reprocutions. You do not need an automatic weapon to kill any animal, if you can nock down an elk with a bow, using an assault rifle is pathetic. Hunting is a sport, not a shooting fest. People that just let lead fly and shoot often not strait with these kind of weapons are what give hunting and gun owners alike a bad name. Only people that are certified sould own weapons like these.

• 22. John  |  February 28th, 2007 at 11:10 pm

  The only thing Jim Zumbo did wrong was apologize. The disturbing part is how fast Outdoor Life and sponsors left him hanging to save themselves when the going got tough. I can expect nothing better from them when it comes to supporting our hunting heritage. When harvesting an animal, we all have a responsibility to do the best we can and put the animal down as quickly as possible. This means that a perfectly placed shot is better than 20 random hits. If you cannot afford a proper hunting rifle and are trying to provide for yourself and family, by all means, use what you can. Otherwise, show some pride and respect for our heritage and leave the jackrabbit gun at home. I for one, am standing behind Zumbo.

• 23. CAMOBUBBA  |  March 1st, 2007 at 11:04 am

  I AM AND HAVE BEEN A FAN OF ZUMBO FOR YEARS, BE IT TELEVISION OR MAGAZINES. HE IS A VERY RESPECTED MEMBER OF THE HUNTING COMUNITY AND ALL IT STANDS FOR. I HAVE TO AGREE, ASSULT RIFLES ARE UNSPORTSMAN LIKE. HUNTERS ARE SUPOSED TO SET AN EXAMPLE, WELL PLACE CLEAN SHOTS, NOT FLAILING BULLETS THROUGH THE TREES LIKE A MAD MAN. THE MAN JUST STATED HIS MIND, AND ALL THOSE THAT TURNED THER BACKS ON HIM SHOULD BE ASHAMED

• 24. Rob E  |  March 1st, 2007 at 5:55 pm

  As a business owner, I can see both sides. It was only one man’s opinion. However, it was a bad decision to print anything that he should know would seriously offend many of his sponsors’ subscribers/customers. The sponsors are stuck at this point. Let him go-lose some business because of it. Keep him-lose some business AND take the chance that he might do it again later. I feel sorry for Zumbo since it was just a mistake, which we all make some. His opinions are just noticed a lot more. I feel sure if he could do it again, it would all be different.

• 25. Jay Davis  |  March 1st, 2007 at 10:07 pm

  Zumbo is gone and good riddance! As an outdoor writer he should have known better, and I don’t know why anyone should question the right of his sponsors to terminate his contracts when he writes something that goes against their policies. His ignorance of the capabilities and accuracy of AR’s amazed me. Hunting and target shooting competition can be done with a wide variety of firearms, many of them dual use. If a firearm is used legally, it shouldn’t matter what that firearm is. The anti-gun crowd don’t want anyone to have one, and Zumbo’s stupid blog just gives them encouragement. I stand behind Outdoor Life, Remington and all the others that have given Zumbo the boot.

• 26. Dennis  |  March 6th, 2007 at 12:14 pm

  Boy, I’ve read the above comments and have seen a lot of terms thrown out there for folks to digest. Assualt rifle. Hmmmm! Could that have been an .06 Springfield a while back. Ron Arnold hates them since Viet Nam. Maybe he just wasn’t real fond of that war. In Garrett’s blog he seems to associate automatic weapons with the type of gun Mr. Zumbo was refering too, being a proud gun owner and an avid hunter he should know the difference. No, I don’t own a AR-15 or AK-47 type weapon, but based on my daugther’s experience in the High Power game, I think one would be a nice addition in the prairie dog towns. Let’s all do what we can to preserve any and all gun rights.

• 27. Matt J  |  March 6th, 2007 at 4:28 pm

  Image was the message. Heed it or you will suffer because of it.

  Zumbo did NOT say anything about legal ownership (2nd amendment, he only said they have no place in hunting, which is an opinion shared by many) he did say something about them being “Tackdrivers” as he understood (Jim, D. your point is quite off base, he made no negative point about accuracy or capabilities), he was saying we hunters do not need the image of a bunch of wanna be’s.

  Hey most of you guys use them because they are military, you think it is cool, period.

  Hey, I was reading a hunting article in the recent Guns and Ammo, and those guys in camo with a “blackgun” look military. They look military right down to the near issue camo. Give me a break.

  I agree with the statement above, he apologized too soon, and for the wrong reason.

• 28. Mike Berels  |  March 8th, 2007 at 11:46 am

  In this country speaking your opinion is a right. People may or may not agree with Mr. Zumbo’s opinion but he has a right to his as we all have to our own opinion. Personally he should not have lost his job over this, nor should this even be an issue.

• 29. Matt J  |  March 9th, 2007 at 11:48 am

  The comment above saying lets do all that we can to preserve gun rights. In so much as JZ’s comments were not anti gun in any, I repeat any way shape of form, only the use (which is not a “rights” issue), JZ’s probably done more to do that than any of us could even dream of doing, let alone have done.

  Get Zumbo back in the positive influence role he had. The sooner the better.

• 30. Tim  |  March 9th, 2007 at 3:03 pm

  United we stand, divided we fall. Any attack against any sector of gun owners is an attack on all of us. I personally don’t use an AR for hunting, but I do enjoy shooting them. If my neighbor wants to use his AR for hunting, he has my blessing. If Mr. Zumbo doesn’t like “black rifles” for hunting, he shopuld just say so, not equate them with terrorists. Equating “assault rifles” with terrorists makes a mockery of our fighting men and women currently engaging same in the middle east. Are our soldiers terrorists? They use assault rifles every day.
  Mr. Zumbo is entitled to his opinion, and must bear the consequenses of same.

• 31. Earl Wood  |  March 11th, 2007 at 8:52 am

  As a lifelong hunter I am not only disappointed in the backlash at Mr. Zumbo, whose articles I have read and appreciated for many years. For almost a half century I have been a reader of Outdoor Life and consider it the best of the hunting and fishing magazines. Admittedly I haven’t been a reader the last few years but I’ve recently restarted a subscription.
  To me the rifle or shotgun becomes part of me when in the field or mountain, always respectful and careful with its use. The use of automatic weapons makes me nervous and uncomfortable in this environment, and using an AR is unthinkable. To think that the average person can walk in off the street and purchase one of these weapons is unbelievable.
  Perhaps Mr. Zumbo’s remarks were a bit strong but I totally support his right to say it and stand behind him 100%. Its sad to see a long and successful career severed by companies sa. OL, Remington, etc. It appears that by abandoning him they are running scared. It’s a sad commentary on our society.

• 32. Mike  |  March 12th, 2007 at 2:22 pm

  I’ll be joining the folks above whom are pulling their subscriptions from OutDoor Life. I’ll miss it but I stand with Mr. Zumbo on this one. An admonishment for Mr. Zumbo - “Never apologize it’s a sign of weakness” John Wayne / Yellow Ribbon.

• 33. Dennis M Carpenter  |  March 12th, 2007 at 2:32 pm

  Jim has many more supporters than OutdoorLife, Remington, or any of his other ex-sponsors will ever know. I hope all of them like myself write their concerns. As I told Outdoor Life, I’m a 50 years ex-reader, and a 45 year life member to NRA. I don’t agree with many NRA supported projects, but most of the time, God forgive me, I just sit on my hands and not express my desent.

  This time I’m expressing my view, and I agree with every word Jim wrote. Seeing those guns in the field kiling at 500 yards or better is the BEST way to get every non-hunter to hate us.
  We are killing our sport from within.
  Dennis M Carpenter

• 34. Michael Shannon  |  March 16th, 2007 at 11:01 pm

  Mr. Zumbo has tread on sacred ground. for years legitimate firearms owners have been donating their hard earned dollars supporting pro gun candidates.donating time and endless hours on the campaign trail.collecting petitions at gun shows. etc. etc .etc.I am sure you remember political drools like Kennedy. schumar. lautenberg.feinstein. kerry .metzenbaum. there are only a few of these dinosaurs left. but. a new batch is about to be hatched with the help of bella polosi.pro gunners kicked the anti gunners rear end in the 1994 elections. but we still had to deal with “SLICK WILLY” remember him? I bet old willy just loves Mr Zumbo”s remarks about so called assault weapons. as do the above mentioned drools. I almost forgot our most “DIED IN THE WOOL” anti gunners. none other than sarah and jim. yes the last name is “BRADY” they both admitted that they wanted to ban all guns.period. hey guys remember the 1994 feinstein amendmet to house bill 1607. it wanted to ban 184 so called assault weapons.. some of the companies they were trying to put out of business were COLT.SPRING FIELDARMORY.SIG.COBRAY. EAGLE ARMS.FN. BARRET.VALMET.OLYMPIC ARMS.HECKLER @KOCH. just to name a few. the antis did a number on these companies and tried to do a number on us for the last 75 to 100 years. remember how they wanted to ban magazines. certain stocks. ammunition . how many guns you could buy per month. how many you could have in your own home. wanted to ban pistol grips. bayonet studs. flash hiders. the list would put you in the nut house remember how they foamed at the mouth about randy weaver at ruby ridge idaho. or how about “WACO'’ remember anti gun dan rather. ted koppel. tom brokaw. this has always been about guns. your gun. my gun his gun. her gun. everybodys gun . everybodys business but their own. about shotguns. pistols. rifles. hunting guns. target guns. but we have continued to beat them back .some times winning and sometime taking a hit . ZIM ZUMBO WITH HIS CARELESS AND ELITIST COMMENTS HAS GIVEN THE ANTI GUNNERS NEW ENCOURAGEMENT AND BREATHED NEW LIFE INTO A DESPICABLE MOVEMENt. I wonder if sarah and jim brady have contacted him and ask him if they can use his quote in their next “HANDGUN CONTROL” mailer.Zumbo is done in this PRO GUN household and so are his sponsors.and those who mealy mouth about this mans comments. zumbo has become a liability for gunowners.we have gone through helll to protect our precious gun rights . zumbo man had better be on guard because his high priced elitist stocked. elitist barreled.. elitist scoped bolt action rifle. elitist ammunition may not meet the requirements of some of the anti gun crowd . THEY WILL COME FOR IT. almost forgot gentleman and ladies. zumbo said that only terrorists use assault weapons” I wonder if he includes our men and women in IRAQ AND AFGHANISTAN WHO ARE PUMPING HOT LEAD INTO THE CARCASSES OF THE ENEMY INTO THAT SAME GROUP.HIS WORDS IMPLY JUST THAT TO ME. AND AS FAR AS ALL THAT DROOLING ABOUT FIRST AMENDMENT RIGHTS. “MEALY MOUTHS” nor “ELITISTS”NEED NOT RESPOND TO THESE REMARKS. BECAUSE YOU NEED TO REMEMBER THAT WITHOUT THE SECOND AMENDMENT YOU HAVE NO FIRST AMENDMENT RIGHTS. sorry but I have to go .need to load my 90 round drum on my maadi ak. headed for wyoming to hunt poodle as well as midget pomeranian.dreaming about hunting rabbit with a barret light fifty.is this elitism or ZUMBOISM? ADIOS MUCHACHOS.

• 35. Michael Shannon  |  March 17th, 2007 at 12:47 am

  to mr dennis carpenter. what are you talking about. you say that seeing these guns killing in the field at 500 yards or better is the best way to get every non-hunter to hate us.we are killing our sport from within.I was wondering if you are dillusional? do you think Zumbos bolt action rifle will kill at 500 yards? I will guarantee that it will. I would hate to be on the receiving end at 500 yards.I own a browning semi automatic “SPORTING RIFLE” 30-06 caliber and I will guarantee you that it will kill at 500 yards on most game.antelope.deer. black bear.moose.elk etc. as it was meant to do. so mr zumbos bolt action is in that group of guns which you are describing as terrorists weapons as well as my 30.06 browning and numerous other sporting rifles of bolt action design or semi auto design.how about shooting big game with an m1 garand with a 5 round clip? this is a lega lhunting gun in a lot of states. not the ideal hunting weapon for a lot of people but the choice of world war 2 veterans who used them for hunting deer after they returned home after defending our freedoms.were they terrorists in your or mr zumbos eyes? i would hate to think so. they also used the m1 carbine for hunting. rather light for deer but they were and are still used for hunting .usually with a 5 round. clip. a semi auto is a semi auto no matter if it be a sporting model or a .military model.as you should know the difference is in the appearance. I personally do not hunt with ak semi autos. but I do not have a problem with people who do. THEY ARE LEGAL HUNTING FIREARMS. respectfully . Michael.

• 36. Michael Shannon  |  March 17th, 2007 at 4:31 am

  Response:various opinions listed on this site which I have read as well as some of my own. “VERY INTERESTING” . goes like this .NRA member but does not like their policies. Next. thinks black rifles are BAD. next .SEmi autos are really bad.Zumbo is right he likes bolt actions .so do I. next.you could be a terrorist if.you hunt with a ak or an ar or a ? next. cannot make up my mind . next. support jim beacause he is a nice guy. next a great writer. next. an asset to hunting. next. got a bum rap.next. he has apologized. next.forgive him.next. ted nugent says forgive him and I like ted . next.one guy says you should not be allowed to buy one of these rifles. a disgrace to hunters. next.stuck his big foot in his mouth. next.II have first amendment rights. next.should not be allowed in the woods with one of these guns. next.will killl animals at 500 yards. really bad guns. kill at 500 yards.next. sorta agree with zumbo man. next.this man is an elitist. next.will cancel my subscription. next. i do not like ar rifles. next.hunt with an m1 garand. maybe an m1 carbine. next.Jim has lots of sponsors. shot his mouth off. next.accused segments of the gun community that we could be terrorists. next. how did that elitist thought come between those large ears? next.leave the guy alone. next. poor guy could lose his job. next. probably will lose cabellas as a sponsor. next.angered die hard gun dudes. next. N.R.A.. members may boil him in oil. next.one hell of a conversation around the deer camp. next. how about a father and son conversation. next.what does wayne lapierre think? next. charleton heston would say”FROM MY COLD DEAD HANDS’ next.will they discount zumbos books? how about his videos? next.cannot make up my mind. next. how about a jury trial. guilty or not guilty. next.can he still say THIS IS MY WORLD”?how will he be judged? made a big mistake. next.give him another chance. next.do not forget what he said. next. thinks bolt actions are the only type of gun to hunt with? next. I CANNOT.MAKE UP MY MIND .ZUMBO BELONGS TO THEM NOW. not by his own choice but by bad judgement. next.ANTI GUNNERS FOAMING AT THE MOUTh. next.will they use his quote. he is sweating blood.but ted says he is forgiven. next.engaged typewriter before brain. next.mind stuck in elitist mode. next.nobody could have guessed this opinion . next.son of a gun what a predicamint. next.now i can really get my opinion out on the N.R.A.. lifetime member but really have an axe to grind. next.have always disliked some of those guns except”REAL SPORTING GUNS”I next.willl voice my opinion this time. next.Gerber knife says good bye. next.amazing how many N.R.A. members are “WISHY WASHY” next.some body said one perfectly placed shot is better than 20 random hits. who uses a 20 rond clip for hunting.? illegal. I think so. next.one says he is disgusted with the N.R.A. overzealous approach.said he has thought to resign his endowment membership. next.that should help the pro gun movement. next.how do you calculate that thinking next..amazing.all those thoughts over zumbo.but dont you know he is the only true “SPORTSMAN” next. poor zumbo.relegated to hunting with a bolt action “FOREVER” next. possibly shot an ak with a banana clip. and just smirked? next. killing game at 500 yards.with one of these weapons will make non-hunters hate us. next.someone said “no one needs these guns”was it kennedy?. schumer? Feinstein?Lautenberg? sarah or Jim Brady?AN N.R.A. member. I think so.Yes all of the above. next. personal LEGAL firearms ownership and legal use is a constitutional right as well as a matter of choice or do we need to be ” CATEGORIZED” by the elitist minority few such as Jim Zumbo. respectfully. Michael.

• 37. Marlin  |  March 22nd, 2007 at 8:30 pm

  First, I am a supporter of Zumbo. I’ve identified with him several times throughout his columns. I also appreciate his views. I too am shocked by how fast the wolves turned on him, makes me think that they wanted him gone for other reasons and simply took advantage of this opportunity.

  That being said, it really ticks me off at how people misquote the First Amendment. NOWHERE does it say that you have a right to say anything you want. It simply states that “Congress shall make no law…” READ IT!! You have responsibility for what you say, and in my opinion you should also have accountability for what you say. Don’t whine about “freedom of speech” when you say something stupid and are held accountable for it. Not even CLOSE to what the First Amendment says.

  I appreciated Zumbo’s apology and believe that it was heartfelt. I’m willing to give him grace for what he feels is a mistake.

  I still have a lot of respect for the man.

• 38. Chris N.  |  March 22nd, 2007 at 10:42 pm

  People, read the article a little closer.

  “In light of comments made by Jim Zumbo in his February 16, 2007 blog posting on the magazine’s website, Mr. Zumbo has offered to terminate his association with Outdoor Life, and the magazine has accepted his offer. ”

  OL accepted his resignation. They did not fire him. As for Zumbo, I met him at a fair booth and quite frankly, this incident does not suprise me.

  Should he be persecuted to the degree we are seeing?????? I think not. However, he exhibited VERY poor judgement in my opinion.

• 39. Frank Barking  |  March 26th, 2007 at 11:01 pm

  I have been a reader of OL since about the time that Jack O’Connor became the hunting editor.
  For me Zumbo had become one of the main reasons I continued to read (and subscribe) to the magazine. Zumbo is entitled to an opinion as we all are. I am offended by Outdoor Life’s dismissal(forced resignation) of him and will have serious reservations about renewing when my present subscription expires.

• 40. Kevin M  |  March 30th, 2007 at 10:03 am

  Outdoor Life has shown blatant cowardice and a contempt, not for the right to free speech, but for free speech itself. If longtime readers of OL are so offended by his comments, then they should tune into The View or some other brainless medium of intellectual cowardice. As a gun owner, I found nothing so opprobrious in Mr. Zumbo’s remarks, and clearly see that OL is ditching a longtime contributor to the magazine’s reputation. What a lousy employer! What a pathetic abandonment of journalistic ethics! What a blatant example of money-hungry media moguls quaking in fear of losing advertising money because someone on the staff actually had the temerity to express a personal opinion. You just lost another reader!

• 41. Matt J  |  April 24th, 2007 at 7:57 am

  Chris, Chris, Chris, you do not really believe OL “accepted” his resignation? Now having said that, I am with you, bring Zumbo back.

  Michael, …IT IS IMAGE. Can you say IMAGE. It was not ever about “can an assault rifle kill in the field”, or that they are “fun to shoot. ” It is IMAGE, and I agree!

  I for one will not watch the Outdoor Channel until Zumbo is back on the air.

• 42. jay gould  |  June 14th, 2007 at 8:48 pm

  i find it incredible in this day & time, this country is still debating the “right to bear arms” as per the 2nd amendment. the amendment, for the mentally impaired, came into being in an entirely different period, & no longer applies. however, its equally incredulous, in this day & time, those who hide behind outmoded arguments have such ability to sway equally backward denizens of our society, included the most spineless body in the world, Congress!! i was not surprised OL terminated zumbo, but saddened by HIS pandering to the very same people who decided his services were no longer needed. to lay claim that “black rifles” are for sport is just as asinine as saying we should remain in Iraq. i know this is a useless, but after reading the article in the nytimes (6/3/07), & having to read what ted nugent had the nerve to say, i realize there is a contingent in this country that will never change, never grow up, never acknowledge they are the ones to blame each time a wayward bullet from anyone, needlessly kills someone, whether accidental or in the process of committing a crime. it’s pretty simple - guns kill!!! and clearly, guns don’t shoot themselves. but the NRA, the right-wingers, etc… who hide behind the Constitution will never understand, nor see reason. so be it. in an open society, we will always have those who claim to be real Americans, but in fact, are the worse kind. i assume OL won’t print this, so i imagine this will be for the moderator to delete. i just hope he can read, as well as “THINK”, but i assume THAT would be asking too much!!! God forbid, the OL people would listen to dissent to their own very narrow propaganda.

• 43. John Scoggins  |  July 8th, 2007 at 11:13 pm

  Oh, you can bet you’ll see copy here. You’re comments get the saliva glands flowing and cause the heart to race in the numbers of affectionados of both camps. In defense of the 2nd Amendment…….there is no real argument, only attempts to frame it as such. The real debate is whether or not we as the legal gun owning public, who are also hunters, can both come to understand one anothers concerns of image and sense of fair chase hunting balanced against continued technilogical advances being used in the gamefields and the use of modern firearms that the general public, quite frankly, associates with danger. Certainly, the masses,…the great unwashed,….the teeming unlearned before us needs to be educated and properly sheperded to an much greater acceptance and trust, but that’s a PR problem. A huge one, no doubt, and, being some pretty tough ole bark to chew, the cause will need every possible new ambassador it can recruit. Unfornunately, the issue cannot even be discussed between brothers-in-arms without being shouted down, ostrasized, or in some cases exciled. Disagreement being viewed as anything less than an opportunity to enlighten is an opportunity lost. It is likewise necessary to maintain an open mind to compiment newly opened eyes. However, the ideal forum to reach an audience, other than just preaching to the choir, is thru ed ops, ” letters to” sections, and two sided articles meant to promote understanding, smooth transitions, and insure sportsmanship and continued conservation. But alas, corporate driven decisions via advertising determine what we shall or shall not be given a chance to close ranks on. You see thats not important….and neither is this commentary, so don’t look for this long. It ain’t sellin nothin!!

  acceptance

• 44. Marlin  |  August 30th, 2007 at 5:06 pm

  Outdoor life has indeed shown great cowardice. I am greatly disappointed in a magazine that I read often and respect. I too would consider my renewal carefully.

  Here’s an interesting comment on Zumbo’s “resignation”. I thought the circumstances of his “resignation” was really suspect, and really figured that OL was already looking for a reason to get rid of Zumbo.

  Here’s what Zumbo’s website says:

  “On February 16, I wrote a blog about assault rifles on Outdoor Life magazine’s website, and caused an immediate controversy among America’s gun owners. I apologized several times, but was quickly terminated as Outdoor Life’s Hunting Editor.”

  “Resignation”, huh? Hmmmmm.

  I did catch an episode of Zumbo’s show back on the Outdoor Life channel a couple of days ago. Did he get another sponsor?

  Marlin

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