I used to be a climbing guide and grew up hunting, my dad was a game warden. I think BD makes good gear, and some at a reasonable price, most BD employees and athletes that I know don't dislike hunting, but don't think about it anymore than they think about the folks who want to do endurance horse races on public lands. There are so many user groups out there, it's hard to expect them to strongly support something that isn't their focus.
I know lots of climbers who are taking up western hunting, and while there is a sharp learning curve, their fitness, backcountry experience, and time spent suffering and failing usually make them great learners and hunters. Especially when you can convince them to slow down, take off their boots for a stalk, and not talk so loud....
Dropping a skiing athlete seems like a pretty clear message, and I like their support of public lands. Sitting at a table ranting about how we (hunters) want public lands run our way only will quickly leave us as the only people at our table. I think when other public land users realize what backcountry hunting is like compared with truck hunting beer drinking stereotypes they are almost always respectful. Especially when you bring something for the grill!
I think there are tons of good questions that need deep consideration, like the thread here about Mountain bikes in wild places that aren't wilderness, but I think Brad Brooks explanation of cooperation between groups in his Meateater podcast interview was very matter of fact and true, he used to work or does work for the Wilderness Society. The bigger the table and more people we have, the more effective we will be. I'm transitioning from being a climber as my main life focus to being a hunter for a renewed sense of adventure and challenge, and I want to teach my son about the world in multiple ways. But climbing is an amazing way to stay fit, challenge myself, and continue developing mental fitness and focus.
