Retailer Meijer Aligns Itself With Anti-Hunting HSUS

Meijer, a Michigan-based regional chain of retail superstores, has aligned itself with the anti-hunting group, The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS), in an online pet photo contest, according to U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance (USSA)

USSA says it requested that Meijer abandon the partnership. According to information on the Meijer website, for each person that enters the contest, Meijer will donate $1, up to a maximum of $5,000, to the HSUS Foreclosure Pets Fund. The money donated to HSUS through this promotion, while not going directly to its anti-hunting campaign, will free up money from the organization’s general fund that can be used to attack the rights of sportsmen.

The U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance, the nation’s leading sportsmen’s advocacy organization, has urged Meijer to end its support of HSUS, but the company refused, according to USSA.

“While my answer probably isn’t going to completely satisfy you, it is important that you (USSA) and your members understand that we understand what you are saying. We believe that we have funneled this money away from the Humane Society and instead put it to use where we really wanted it, which is helping families and helping rescued animals,” said Meijer vice president of corporate communications and public affairs, Stacie Behler. “Our goal here was not to provide funding for the Humane Society of the United States, but instead for a fund that would be funneled out nationally.”

Nice words, true, but USSA's position is correct. HSUS' general fund now will have far more dollars available to push its anti hunting agenda, which in reality is anti wildlife management. Hunting and trapping are not just effective tools, but among the best tools for managing America's wildlife population, according to the wildlife biologist community. Meijer makes a lot of money selling hunting gear, and I patronize a store near me frequently for outdoor wear and gear, plus I usually pick up my hunting license there each year. It's sad that the Meijer organization has been sucked in to this "wolf in sheep's clothing" approach to helping fund HSUS.

Operating 184 locations throughout Michigan, Illinois, Ohio, Indiana and Kentucky, Meijer needs to hear from sports people. USSA says companies such as Iams, General Mills, Accor Hotels, Pet Safe, Sears and Ace Hardware ended relationships with HSUS after thousands of sportsmen levied strong protest.

It would be a shame if people had to boycott this fine company.