Gator Posted February 7, 2006 Report Share Posted February 7, 2006 I found this on Jimmy Houston.com, thought I would share it here During the first week of February, we received a message from Kyle Crawford about a vicious attack against Mothwing and me by the National Wildlife Federation, PETA and "concerned" hunters. I asked Kyle to get me the numbers of those who sent e-mails and I would call them. I called every number he gave me on Friday, February 3. Naturally several of the numbers were probably PETA affiliated, some were not available or didn't answer, but I did get to talk to eight or ten actual hunters. I didn't ask these guys to alter their opinion or their passion. I simply wanted them to know the facts from me. First, I want to apologize to any hunter or non-hunter who has been personally hurt or damaged by my deer hunt at Bellars. The primary inference on the video produced by the National Wildlife Federation is that I shot or was hunting drugged deer and that I was doing it in a 3-6 acre pen. 1. The Federal Drug Administration asked me for three packages of the meat to test for drugs. I had no idea what drugs they were testing for - I actually thought they might be looking for a steroid maybe used in raising big deer. They tested the meat and found no drugs. Then they asked me if I would give them the rest of the meat. I voluntarily did this and this meat was also tested. I specifically asked the FDA agent at the trial if any drugs were found in my meat and he told me NO-there was none. By the way, we had already eaten some of the meat and it was perfectly ok. 2. I was not hunting in a 3-6 acre pen. We were hunting in a high-fenced area and the stand that they had me in was within 10 yards of a fence. This fence went over the hill and we could not see how far it went. As I testified in the trial, we went over the hill and never did reach the other end of the high fence. There is no way I could estimate the size of the area. It could be 50 acres, it could be 500 acres. The entire high fence area, as I was told was 1200 acres, but, yes, there were section fences. The fence that is seen on the video is the same fence we were beside. There is video shot in one direction and video shot in the other direction of the same fence. Bear in mind that the camera was in a different stand than the one I was in. I got in this tree stand at 7AM on this morning and shot the deer at 11:10. That is over 4 hours. It was 20 degrees. 3. Russ Bellar did come out and check on us around 9:00AM. We saw several deer; we even saw a deer go under the fence. The buck I shot was a 6 ½ or 7 ½ year old buck and was chasing a doe. There were literally hundreds of deer on Bellars place. At the time, nothing seemed unusual other than it was really cold. I completely agree with all hunters about shooting drugged deer in pens. This is wrong. I share your same passion and have spent my entire life hunting and have worked diligently to promote, protect and preserve this great heritage. Have I ever broken a law or been put in an awkward position? Of course. Should I be singled out and crucified for hunting at Bellars where hundreds of others have hunted? I don't believe so. From the very first day I was contacted by the Federal Wildlife Department, I have cooperated fully and truthfully. I was always called "a witness and or a victim" by the prosecution and I did testify for the state. This is indeed very hurtful when you have given your entire life to the promotion and betterment of hunting and fishing. We see on television every day where individuals attack, blow up, kill and maim people all over the world. We call these folks terrorists and wonder how anyone could develop that much hate. Yet with a few seconds of produced video, hate has welled up so much in some as to want to destroy me, our television show, and any company we are involved with. Again, if I have hurt anyone, I apologize and ask your forgiveness. By the way, we did not air that hunt on television and never portrayed any pictures to anyone as fair chase, high fence or otherwise. I just learned this week that the picture was on some websites and asked that it be removed. We decided not air the hunt when we learned there was some controversy surrounding Bellars Place. Yes, had we known then what we know not, we would not have hunted there but that's why hindsight is 20-20. Was it wrong for me to hunt there? Absolutely! Obviously this letter won't satisfy everyone, particularly those anti-hunters whose desire is to keep this on the front burners and watch Jimmy burn. They love nothing more than making hunters attack hunters. But, to the real hunters who read this, I apologize for any hurt or disappointment I have caused you. Good hunting, good fishing and May God Bless! Best Personal Regards, Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hutchies Posted February 7, 2006 Report Share Posted February 7, 2006 Re: Open Letter From Jimmy Houston I seriously have had a hard time believing the whole story. Jimmy Houston has a huge reputation and I have a hard time believing he would risk it for one show. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
too_pointer Posted February 7, 2006 Report Share Posted February 7, 2006 Re: Open Letter From Jimmy Houston I agree. Why would he knowingly do such a thing for 1 animal I'm not a big fan of his, but can see that " maybe " he could of been a victim, or should of did some research first. too_ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
oo_buck Posted February 7, 2006 Report Share Posted February 7, 2006 Re: Open Letter From Jimmy Houston [ QUOTE ] I seriously have had a hard time believing the whole story. Jimmy Houston has a huge reputation and I have a hard time believing he would risk it for one show. [/ QUOTE ] You know, after I read this, I tried to remember what my replies have been on the topic already. Then I decided that I didn't want to know exactly what they were....... I have to agree, it seems a little shady all the way around. Did he screw up? Yep. Have I screwed up? Yep. I honestly don't know what happened that day on the hunt. I do know that I judged him pretty harshly after watching the video. I just wish I'd kept my mouth shut, and waited to see how this all played out. I know that he is not the only one who has hunted high fence. I don't know for sure if he hunted a drugged deer....nobody does for sure, except Bellars. Sad all around... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ohiobucks Posted February 7, 2006 Report Share Posted February 7, 2006 Re: Open Letter From Jimmy Houston I don't have a hunting show or a huge income from the hunting industry and I wouldn't have and won't hunt a high fence property. It looks to me like Jimmy is trying to cover his rear..... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Andrea Posted February 7, 2006 Report Share Posted February 7, 2006 Re: Open Letter From Jimmy Houston I still don't see how he couldn't have known. Weren't there other people standing out there in front of him keeping the deer cornered up??? Besides, I thought it was illegal to hunt in a high fence area there anyway. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
too_pointer Posted February 7, 2006 Report Share Posted February 7, 2006 Re: Open Letter From Jimmy Houston I can't see how it can be illegal since it is privately owned property ?? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mirage Posted February 7, 2006 Report Share Posted February 7, 2006 Re: Open Letter From Jimmy Houston I think he is probably covering up something but i dont know for sure. It just looked real bad for hunters , That much i do know. And when youre a high profile hunter i would think you gotta be your best because when your not the antihunters arnt going to look the other way. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hutchies Posted February 7, 2006 Report Share Posted February 7, 2006 Re: Open Letter From Jimmy Houston [ QUOTE ] [ QUOTE ] I seriously have had a hard time believing the whole story. Jimmy Houston has a huge reputation and I have a hard time believing he would risk it for one show. [/ QUOTE ] You know, after I read this, I tried to remember what my replies have been on the topic already. Then I decided that I didn't want to know exactly what they were....... I have to agree, it seems a little shady all the way around. Did he screw up? Yep. Have I screwed up? Yep. I honestly don't know what happened that day on the hunt. I do know that I judged him pretty harshly after watching the video. I just wish I'd kept my mouth shut, and waited to see how this all played out. I know that he is not the only one who has hunted high fence. I don't know for sure if he hunted a drugged deer....nobody does for sure, except Bellars. Sad all around... [/ QUOTE ] Don't feel bad this is probably the only subject on here I have every kept my mouth shut on. LOL Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
too_pointer Posted February 7, 2006 Report Share Posted February 7, 2006 Re: Open Letter From Jimmy Houston [/ QUOTE ] Don't feel bad this is probably the only subject on here I have every kept my mouth shut on. LOL [/ QUOTE ] What, not you Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hutchies Posted February 7, 2006 Report Share Posted February 7, 2006 Re: Open Letter From Jimmy Houston LOL.....I'll admit when I am wrong though. Sometimes I am. Very rarely but sometimes.........LMAO Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gator Posted February 7, 2006 Author Report Share Posted February 7, 2006 Re: Open Letter From Jimmy Houston http://real-hunters.com/bellar-trial-video.cfm Here is a link to the video. My problem here is after reading his letter, and viewing the video again, he states he was within 10yds of A fence. From viewing the tape again, looks to me like he was in a corner, as he has a fence to his left rear, and to his right. If this is the case, and the pen was in fact 1200 acres, why didn't the deer move out of the area, instead of repeatedly going towards the fence. I dunno, something just seems fishy here. (No pun intended) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Finn Posted February 7, 2006 Report Share Posted February 7, 2006 Re: Open Letter From Jimmy Houston That letter sounds like crap to me. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
VtBowhunter Posted February 7, 2006 Report Share Posted February 7, 2006 Re: Open Letter From Jimmy Houston Sounds like a PR spin to me. I still don't like him. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hutchies Posted February 7, 2006 Report Share Posted February 7, 2006 Re: Open Letter From Jimmy Houston Many shows hunt high fence. The main difference is that you don't see the fence in their shows. I saw on Bighorn Outdoors, Brock Ray had 3 guys go on the other side of the hill and run buffalos towards him. Nobody said a thing about that. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
c_lou Posted February 7, 2006 Report Share Posted February 7, 2006 Re: Open Letter From Jimmy Houston Here is what I see between the lines. BLAH BLAH BLAH. BLAH BLAH BLAH. i hope nobody figures out i am trying to cover my butt. BLAH BLAH BLAH BLAH BLAH BLAH. He was a turd before and he is still a turd. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
popgun Posted February 7, 2006 Report Share Posted February 7, 2006 Re: Open Letter From Jimmy Houston It appears to me, by Jimmy Houston's letter, that he has started to feel the power of a few letters to his sponsors. I'm still not convinced that "He Knew not what he did". I noticed, in the last few paragraphs of his letter, that he still refers to the incident as "hunting". It was never hunting and he knew it from the beginning. I think he has dug his own grave in the outdoors. Do I forgive him? Yes, but I do not appreciate being lumped into the same group that includes the anti-hunters and PETA. I still think what he did was despicable and he did it knowingly and willingly. He will pay the price of his mistake. I'm afraid, to a certain extent, we all will. ....popgun Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
elkhntnfool Posted February 7, 2006 Report Share Posted February 7, 2006 Re: Open Letter From Jimmy Houston This whole thing has seemed kinda shady from the start. High fences is not hunting. He didn't just open the door for anti-hunters he kicked it right off the hinges. Now we will all suffer for his stupidity. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hutchies Posted February 7, 2006 Report Share Posted February 7, 2006 Re: Open Letter From Jimmy Houston Guys, I hate to tell you all but there are millions of people in the world that consider high fenced hunts to be real hunts. We know that they are not but many people don't. It's a fact of life. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dogdoc Posted February 7, 2006 Report Share Posted February 7, 2006 Re: Open Letter From Jimmy Houston Guys--I have been a HUGE Jimmy Houston fan since I was a kid. We are talking about a man that has Christian standards so high that he gave up fishing in the BASS circuit b/c he refused to wear or display a Busch beer logo on his jacket/boat. He was a very active member in the Fellowship of Christian Fishermen and if you watch his shows he is very family oriented. I have met Jimmy at several outdoor shows and he is always willing to talk and share fishing stories. I might be naive--i don't know--but for me I'm giving Jimmy the benefit of the doubt. For me--I'm believing the man that kisses the fish!!!! todd Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hutchies Posted February 7, 2006 Report Share Posted February 7, 2006 Re: Open Letter From Jimmy Houston [ QUOTE ] Guys--I have been a HUGE Jimmy Houston fan since I was a kid. We are talking about a man that has Christian standards so high that he gave up fishing in the BASS circuit b/c he refused to wear or display a Busch beer logo on his jacket/boat. He was a very active member in the Fellowship of Christian Fishermen and if you watch his shows he is very family oriented. I have met Jimmy at several outdoor shows and he is always willing to talk and share fishing stories. I might be naive--i don't know--but for me I'm giving Jimmy the benefit of the doubt. For me--I'm believing the man that kisses the fish!!!! todd [/ QUOTE ] Your not the only one. I used to watch him every saturday when I was young. I had my pole in hand and thought I was fishing right along with him. I just have a hard time believing he would stoop this low. I also think the people were just looking for a reason to take him down. Lies are fabricated everyday we are the ones that have to put up with them from the media. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
need2hunt Posted February 7, 2006 Report Share Posted February 7, 2006 Re: Open Letter From Jimmy Houston I haven't voiced an opinion on this whole thing but I think that popgun is right with that Jimmy is starting to feel the pressure from his sponsors. There are a ton of things wrong with this apology letter and I'm not going to go into all of it, but I did want to point out the following phrase... [ QUOTE ] By the way, we did not air that hunt on television and never portrayed any pictures to anyone as fair chase, high fence or otherwise. I just learned this week that the picture was on some websites and asked that it be removed [/ QUOTE ] I guess posting the picture on a website called jimmyhouston.com is NEVER potraying ANY pictures to anyone as fair chase, high fence or otherwise. In other words ya we posted the picture of me with the deer but just didn't tell you the details on how it was killed - I didn't lie to you I just didn't tell you the truth. To me this is not an apology it is an I'm the victim statement, which I don't buy. I understand "damage control" and I know how to "spin" things, this apology letter doesn't do a good job of either and may very well only turn up the heat for Jimmy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AdvantageTimberLou Posted February 7, 2006 Report Share Posted February 7, 2006 Re: Open Letter From Jimmy Houston Why hunt that close to the fence in the first place, especially with a camera rolling, this story is odd, I seen the video and its sad to see! Why would he put himself in this position? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
need2hunt Posted February 7, 2006 Report Share Posted February 7, 2006 Re: Open Letter From Jimmy Houston I see there is a letter from Christine Houston now posted on his site. While I agree with if a person feels wronged by Jimmy's actions that they have the right to boycott him and his sponsors, the people that are taking this to a point where they have a event asking them if they should provide extra security goes beyond what an ethical persons responsibilities are IMO Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
maddhunter Posted February 7, 2006 Report Share Posted February 7, 2006 Re: Open Letter From Jimmy Houston I kinda found it hard to believe that he would do something like that but I also find it hard to judge someone on something they've done when I myself have probably done much worse(in my younger days). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.