You can’t control the context around you, but you can create a certain order that‘s reassuring.
By Jay McAninch
Context. Funny how every issue you think about, every concern you address, everything it seems has to be considered in context. Better said, everything that impacts our lives does seem connected to the conditions that are layered around us. Day in and day out, all of our decisions – those that are critical to our homes and families and those that influence our work – are best made in context.
In the coming months, context is what I’d like to talk about in this space. Blog posts may consider context from within the archery and bowhunting industry, the shooting and hunting segment, the entire outdoor market, or context provided by the US or global economy. We’ll take a look at the context that surrounds the political vortex I see here in Washington, DC or the context in the states and on Main Street where many of you operate.
The problem when anyone deliberates about the context surrounding their situation is that it complicates things. Rest assured, I understand the notion that keeping things simple makes decisions, choices and, just about everything, much easier. In the beginning, God created heaven and earth … and everyone lived happily ever after, right?
Unfortunately, in our business, decisions made by state agencies about bowhunting impact you. Decisions made by the IRS or US Fish & Wildlife Service about Federal Excise Tax impact you. Decisions made by the Consumer Product Safety Commission about the acceptable lead levels in sporting equipment impact you. Decisions made by OPEC about fuel prices that change shipping costs impact you. Decisions made by Congress about healthcare, taxes and the national debt and budget impact you. Decisions made by the President’s agency staff about federal worker compensation, the extension of benefits to any American, interest rates, subsidies for grain prices, foreign aid to the Middle East and monetary fund support for European countries all impact you.
If those matters concern you and you’d like to hear my point of view, then I’m going to offer it — for better or for worse — in this space. I hope you’ll find my thoughts helpful or, at the very least, informative and stimulating. I also hope you’ll be motivated to respond by email or in the comment box below, which will create a dialogue that might help us all deal with the context that surrounds us.
Finally, you’re likely thinking, Why? Why bother with all these frustrating and complicated issues that surround us? Because context matters. Addressing context can have a calming impact on you and can reinforce the decisions you make. Considering the context around you thoughtfully is all part of going through life with your eyes wide open and living life to the fullest. Sure, you can’t control much of the context around you, but you can create a certain order that‘s reassuring. And that might just lead to a level of confidence that makes all the hard work and sacrifice worth it. I’m looking forward to it and I hope you’ll join me.
You hit the nail on the head, Jay. In 1987 a decision was made having financial consequences that just continue to spiral into the night. This decision has taken our Yellowstone Elk heard from 16,791 animals to 4635. The Lolo/Lochsa elk numbers have tumbled from 16,000 to about 2,000. This 1987 decision, on the other hand, has been a cash cow for wealthy nonprofit groups and their attorneys. Using the Equal Access to Justice Act of 1980 these groups have recouped $37 million in litigation costs from agency budgets, ie. we the taxpayers. “keeping the wolf in court enriches the people responsible for increased wolf predation on big game.” Us folks living the dream continue to pay an ever increasing tab. Every day the tentacles of that 1987 decision to reintroduce wolves grows. I have touched on only two of those tentacles. There are numerous other consequences.
I often wonder under what context this decision was made?
TJ Smith
And in the context of our persistently stagnant and frozen economy, what is the overall impact on the archery/bowhunting industry & community? From increased costs for hunting trips, to lower levels of discretionary income within family budgets, which might otherwise have been spent on someone’s first bow.
For those who own their own archery business, how best to survive this current economic downturn, and how & where to look in terms of the future? What “order” might these folks control for the sake of their own survival, as well as best prepare for an eventual upsurge in the economy?
And finally, where context includes local laws, regulations and ordnances, how might archery business owners get involved to better influence legislators toward more business-friendly environment?
I don’t own a business, but I’m curious on behalf of those who do.
Hope all is well, Jay….{{smile}}
Ralph
As an archery only pro-shop owner I can tell you things are pretty scary for the future of ALL pro-shops. My wife and I have been trying to make the industry aware of the current dangers but have caught much conflict. Two problems woven together are quickly growing and need to be addressed. M.inimum A.dvertised P.rice ensures a dealer can make a profit on goods he has “invested” in. The internet, with help from a challenging economy, has nearly destroyed “legitimate” dealers from doing business. Huge companies and DISTRIBUTORS are selling product at prices that dealers can not. At the rate this WILL grow, there simply won’t be anyone to “tie your peep” or “cut your arrows” or conduct youth leagues to grow archery in communities nationwide.
Distributors are supposed to sell to dealers, then dealers sell to the end user. Distributors are selling directly to consumers and “drop-shipping” for companies to consumers which are sold at very minor margins since the “dealer” did not “invest” and actually purchase the item. This IS the future for archery sales if we do not change things AS AN INDUSTRY TOGETHER.
GREAT STUFF JAY. Have a great weekend.