|
MISSOULA, Mont. — The recently released short film titled “Rain Deer – A Sitka Blacktail Story” by Randy Newberg and Tyler Johnerson – in partnership with the Boone and Crockett Club, Leupold & Stevens, and SITKA Gear – is a must-see according to B&C.
“In today’s world where ‘social concerns’ appear to be trumping the scientific management of wildlife, it’s refreshing to see a film that demonstrates the intersection of science, conservation, and wild grown, humanely harvested food,” said Keith Balfourd, director of Marketing for Boone and Crockett. “People and communities rely on wild natural resources in many ways. Sportsmen and rural communities have been standing guard over the resources they value and depend upon longer than anyone. It’s time more people appreciated this fact.”
“Rain Deer” was filmed in southeast Alaska and documents the importance of Sitka black-tailed deer to the rural communities of the region. The story is guided by the local knowledge of one of the deer’s biggest advocates. James Baichtal is a geologist who takes a wildlife ecologist from Idaho, Dr. Sophie Gilbert, with him to a place where she has the opportunity to add to her knowledge as a researcher, through the eyes of a hunter.
The film expertly portrays what sustainable use guided by science means and looks like, including the cultural significance of these deer to the peoples of Alaska.
“No optics company does more for sportsmen's rights and conservation across the United States than Leupold & Stevens,” said Bruce Pettet, president and CEO for Leupold & Stevens, Inc. “It’s incredibly important to our team members, our core consumers and the entire Leupold family. ‘Rain Deer’ is a story worth telling. We’re proud to have supported Randy’s work to bring this important conservation story to hunting and non-hunting audiences.”
Randy Newberg is a veteran television and film producer, and spokesperson for the hunter-conservationist community. He is most noted for his popular television series, Fresh Tracks and On Your Own Adventures, as well as his Hunt Talk podcasts. Tyler Johnerson is a videographer and producer who has spent his life capturing wildlife and hunting documentary footage. Both live in Bozeman, Montana.
Jonathan Hart, founder of SITKA Gear said, “‘Rain Deer’ celebrates the inspiring relationship between hunter and scientist, leveraging the deep knowledge that is embedded in the harvester and using it to bridge the gap that many times challenges scientists and academics in making sense of the realities of nature. The ability to connect these dots to maximize impact is an incredible example of ‘ecosystem thinking.’ The breathtaking landscape and remarkable story set the bar high.”
“Today, social concern over the use and management of wildlife by a handful of vocal absentee landlords is influencing a dangerous model of non-use and no active management for the future without offering any proven long-term alternatives,” Balfourd concluded. “It’s ironic because it was social concerns of sportsmen that launched the conservation movement in the first place that literally saved many species of wildlife from certain disaster. There will be a consequence to allowing the social concerns of a few to block what we know works for all wildlife and people.”
“Rain Deer” can be viewed on YouTube at https://youtu.be/wE53BE4sEjg
About the Boone and Crockett Club
Founded by Theodore Roosevelt in 1887, the Boone and Crockett Club is the oldest conservation organization in North America, which helped to establish the principles of wildlife and habitat conservation, hunter ethics, as well as many of the institutions, expert agencies, science, and funding mechanisms for conservation. Its’ contributions include enlarging and protecting Yellowstone, and establishing Glacier and Denali national parks, founding the U.S. Forest Service, National Park Service and National Wildlife Refuge System, the Pittman-Robertson and Lacey Acts, creating the Federal Duck Stamp program, and developing the framework for modern game laws. The Club continues to be the leader in the hunter-conservationist community through its’ work in conservation policy, research and education programs at major universities, hunter ethics, and collaboration with similarly focused organizations. The Club is headquartered in Missoula, Montana. For details, visit www.boone-crockett.org.