EPISODE 160: Under Armour; Not So Cut & Dry with Aron Snyder

On this episode of Gritty Bowmen we talk about the perception of Hunters on Social Media and the Bowmar / Under Armour debacle.

[@andrewgagliardi8475]

The more I listen to Aron the more I like him. Hilarious dude with a great perspective on hunting and the industry as a whole.

[@merrellligons]

There's a distinct difference between what's Legal and what's Right. We as hunters need to do a better job of showing that what we're doing is humane, it's right, and not about satisfying the ego. If we don't the majority (non-hunters) will make sure it's no longer Legal.

[@Tekdvr911]

Well said, guys! Thank you for having the courage to speak out.

[@richardfiske6311]

Good job guys on putting together a balanced discussion of a very touchy subject.

[@aclawrence]

Hey guys thanks for tackling a tough topic , being vulnerable, and sharing your thoughts and opinions. I hear words of wisdom from you both. The more educated we as a hunters become in sharing our passion with the non-hunters the better.

[@WhitetailFit]

as always. another amazing podcast guys!! I love the way you guys have put this situation into perspective. I couldn't agree more with everything covered. #staygritty

[@steelrain202]

its great that we get to here so many perspectives on this, thanks for bring a clear and concise version

[@pahuntnut]

Confused about your Nikon comment that they dont support hunting? They make rifle scopes?

[@09oconnorr]

Your comments about how the perception of the video being posted is of the utmost importance, and you are 100% correct. I am a diehard hunter, have only eaten wild game for a few years now, and will never look back. I am able to have good discussions with non hunters about hunting and most go away with a different point of view because I don't talk about the thrill of the kill, or show gory kill shots to them. I've watched tons of hunting videos on KZbin and the respectful, thoughtfully produced videos have a much better dialogue in the comments than the kill shot videos. People ask questions and get well thought out answers, where as the kill shot videos get tons of name calling and trash talking on both sides.

[@jasonvulk4731]

Great info on what's happening in the hunting apparel world. I feel informed and feel I need to look into who supports my hobbies and where I stand on some of these killing methods and how I am portrayed to my fellow hunters and non hunters.

[@pizzahunter808]

lots of solid points great pod

[@keithprice644]

I think people like you guys and Cam and Rinella are good knowledgeable people who are very good representatives and spokespeople for hunting. Keep up the good work and stay honest and gritty.

[@welpro21]

Great podcast guys, I didn't even know this was going on. Hopefully someone up high at Under Armour is watching this, so we don't loose a supporter.

[@michaelcollins826]

Aron, not only are you wise about hunting but also about life!!!!!!!

[@3tTeam]

Well done guys! 👊

[@wk3561]

This was a great podcast on this issue. One thing I believe most hunters miss is the fact that we have a responsibility with hunting that antis and non-hunters do not have. We're responsible for the future of wildlife and habitat. We donate and do more for wildlife than they ever will. In this respect, we must present ourselves in a more responsible and professional manner than anti-hunters. There are more non-hunters than antis and hunters combined, and when we conduct ourselves in a way that appears irresponsible, laws will be changed to reduce our ability to hunt. I for one would like to pass my hunting heritage onto my children and their children.

[@BCencounters]

We as hunters need to band together and stand up for our rights. If it's a legal method of take, with proper preparation, then forget the haters. When we back off, while we are within our rights, we open the flood gates for protesting in many areas. But there is a smart way to stand for ones beliefs. All I have to say is "Spear+Bear=Balls of steal". Great podcast guys.

[@martinhebert1774]

Love your podcast...Aaron really adds something originality to the show

[@wyopobo5339]

I agree. i'm impressed with Aaron. btw...my name is martin hebert also....

[@captcj747]

Great job on a touchy issue. Stay Gritty

[@heathbell5270]

I liked this podcast a lot.

[@rbljackson]

Great podcast. Lots of opinions on both sides of the fence, but I think what yall had to say in this one was SPOT ON . As you said in a previous podcast, "the struggle IS real" and as hunters we will always struggle to maintain our point of view. We are grossly outnumbered. Good luck on this upcoming hunting season to everyone! Stay gritty!

[@north61]

Damn....you guys are pretty deep! Thought provoking, and balanced. Nice Job.

[@rsa9082]

Ive been hunting for more that forty years. Ive seen things change in the field How perception of hunters have changed drastically with everyone making videos nowadays. From what I can remember about under armor. They got started mainly on the backs of hunters. To all the new people in this community and wanting/needing “sponsors “ you may want to really read that contract as to how much control they have over your videos. I also had no idea this had happened.

[@maguelsommer8404]

I really like your guys common sense approach to this situation. Often things are not quite as black and white as we like to believe them to be, and it is nice to see people who are understanding and try to actually consider all the facts.

[@SuperToehead]

Finally! Some reasonable response to UA. Like I've said before when you align with a corporate sponsor that has a customer base broader than just hunting you have to consider how you represent them. We are getting OVER EXPOSED!

[@JaredFrasier]

+1

[@Smitty_76]

If I had to bet I'd say more people think along the same lines as you guys do than you might think. To be perfectly honest I don't have enough dedication to go around boycotting places that do not support hunting or even other values I support for that matter. I do however make it a priority to support small businesses and made in the USA whenever possible. I own a couple of UA garments, but I prefer to support smaller companies and especially those focused on hunting like you guys had mentioned. Good podcast fellas.

[@tysoncurtis1455]

good points.

[@brandonguitierez3821]

Very good insight from some of the best from our community. Honestly I won't be buying any UA anymore, but burning and acting a fool is stupid. Then again I love First Lite lol. Hunters need to chill and listen to this podcast.

[@christopherbenfield7848]

One thought crossed my mind during this.... Brian and Aaron are learning and trying to teach the hunting community how not to be politically correct, but how to respect the general public. Then how to influence their decisions.

[@the45er]

I LOVE to bowhunt! It is one of the few things that at 68 years old, remains a passion. I've taken thousands of doves, ducks, quail, deer, elk, hogs, squirrels, etc. BUT, I never want to see bloody, gory "hero shots" in public forums. The MOST aggravating are those prairie dog hunts when they disintegrate these rodents and everyone laughs and high-fives! That's disgusting to me and yet I've done it myself! It's just not something that needs to be advertised to the public. These guys are spot on in their assessment of this issue.

[@peterhansen2781]

Around the 24:00 mark when Aron is talking about companies that hate hunting, can we get some more insight, maybe another podcast about this? Did a company rep come out and say that, or is a random employee that got a matching donation from the company?

[@quinlansee1]

Does someone have a link to the Nike supporting anti hunting claim? Couldn’t find anything

[@CourtneyRasbach]

I dont think the general public realize how gruesome or inhumane the slaughter houses can and do operate most of the time for the processing of pigs, cows, or chickens. So what people are inherently saying is that slaughter houses techniques are good, hunting is bad. In my personal registered vet nurse opinion, hunting techniques are more humane and efficient then what occurs in slaughter houses these days. Thanks for some good words for thought in this podcast!

[@TheShane209]

Man is that your home if so its beautiful man.

[@devoncrady4507]

What boots is Aron wearing in this video?

[@robf8023]

Anyone know what kind of pants those are? (Arons)

[@euklides68april]

👍👍

[@jefflee3642]

"Blind hate" again this week with people blowing up their Yeti coolers. NRA is even throwing shade claiming Yeti is anti-youth. When I saw all the Yeti stuff and NRA's flames, I immediately thought of this podcast from a couple years ago. It's a different story with similar reactions from social media. -Thanks for your thoughts and calm perspectives.

[@tufrthnails]

Great podcast guys. I agree with some points and not others. Here's the deal UA made a bad choice in how they dealt with the situation. Personally I own one piece of UA. It is not a hunting piece. The simple fact is there hunting line doesn't cut the mustard when stacked up against other hunting specific apparel. I received an email just yesterday with a discount code for UA. I replied that I thought they dropped the ball with the way they handled the bear issue and directly related to there decision I will not be purchasing any UA gear in the future. I feel that they need to hear from the hunting community that they were dead wrong in how they handled it. I'm not burning the workout shirt I have, but they don't get a free pass either.

[@ElkArrow]

Aaron is right. Perception counts

[@kylewalker4054]

speaking of Grizzly Bear hunting there is a group on Facebook called The Grizzly Truth trying to shut it down me and a few others have been arguing against it (in a respectful manner ofc) and we would appreciate the support of others!!

[@itsmisterbojangles]

not bad, but maybe we could figure out a "wise" way to put some subtile pressure on UA

[@joelane6783]

Yep. Help them want to become hunters. Show them how legitimate the need for hunting is. Smaller footprint on the earth, healthy organic food, humane treatment of animals, exercise and enjoyment of the outdoors, bonding of friends and family that hunt together, proficiency at a skill like archery, Then hunt ethically, and don't spread blood on your skin.

[@hitmc6327]

I get what you guys are saying, and i realize we all have to do what is best for hunting, but the whole PC nonsense still pisses me off. What has the world come to? I'll also admit that you put this event in a new light for me.

[@Nightmarehc130]

Ok Brain and A-ARON...you pulled episode 161 and I think I know why....I reckon someone my have gotten in a little trouble......How can I get that NEW piece of hunting gear..I reckon it might be available soon......please please pretty please can I buy one????

[@pizzahunter808]

what was it? I missed it

[@patrilr]

Guys, I appreciate the podcasts and what you do for hunting more than you know, and I agree with most of your podcasts. I am mature enough to listen to and respect you when your opinion differs than mine, and hope you grant me the same with this soap box! I am a little bit curious on your stance on animal agriculture. It seems to me like you are completely anti-ag? I hope I am not off base, but would like to add my 2 cents here, as I'm a veterinarian in NM, TX, and OK and deal with "Ag" producers daily. The vast majority of farmers and ranchers absolutely care for their livestock. I have clients that spend more money on a sick or injured animal than most would imagine. Animal cruelty or whatever Aron eluded to is an almost non-existent part of modern agriculture. By the way, the videos that you see on GOOGLE, are by in large filmed by a large anti-ag group (HSUS/PETA/etc.) as pure propaganda, or are filmed in developing countries, or are 50 years old. Also, I would estimate that agriculture as an occupational demographic probably has the highest percentage of HUNTERS in it than ANY OTHER occupation (besides the hunting industry of course). Of course there are bad apples that give agriculture a bad image at times, but the same can be said of hunters as well. Keep up the good work with the podcasts.

[@jarrodbrown1228]

Patrilr, I dont think that either Brian or Aron has ever anything "anit-Ag". Rather they have identified an issue with the harvesting method of the said animals. My family owns a large cattle ranch in Texas and haven't taken any offense to anything that has been mentioned. The agriculture side of the equation is not the side that usually catches heat, like you said this would be mostly hot air right? Rather after you take the animals off to auction, what happens from there? I may be misspeaking for the Gritty hosts, but this is what I interpreted. Thanks for your opinion!

[@patrilr]

Good point Jarrod, I never took offense either, just standing up for the other group of people I support as much as hunters!

[@baronstoke1717]

First off, I love the podcast and the youtube versions even more, I also understand and respect the difference of opinions and examination of differing ones. That being said I feel the opposite about UA and their actions than you gentlemen do. I am of the opinion that the video is a less than ideal representation of hunters and used a method of take that is visually more graphic than most common methods, but UA has really put it to us by not going to bat for the Bowmars like they did for Phil Robertson. But what's more egregious is their PR statements before and after the backlash of the video, the fact that you recognize UA as a platform with world wide capabilities and influence and didn't bring a certain angle of presentation is disconcerting. So now UA has gone and basically taken an unofficial position as the defacto enforcer of ethics, and without doubt can cause a diminishing return on our "investment" into a pro hunting corporation, in that they will not stand up for legal methods of take shows other methods could be outlawed due to another brash and graphic kill shot. This is my main thought on this crap cake, they stood up to the LBGT community but not up to anti hunters. I'm not saying completely boycott UA but at least make it known we want them to stand up for the regular hunter like they do for the Duck Commander. And another thing about the constant legitimizing of UA is a little old and feels like you may be just spouting talking points, no offense just a perception of mine. So you both talked about how UA has done so much and helped showcase hunting in a positive light to non hunters, and I just have to elaborate on my experience with that is the extreme opposite. I am from SoCal and grew up in a non hunting house, but I was an athlete competing in multiple sports, baseball, basketball, football, track and field, etc, not once before I was 28 years old had I seen any UA hunting gear, apparel, athletes, or even advertisements. My high school football team was sponsored by UA and never knew they had a hunting line. As for advertising and promoting their hunting athletes, they don't outside of the hunting community, ask a true non hunter who that picture of their athletes are and none of them will be able to tell you who anyone is. Cameron Hanes is probably the most well known bow hunter UA sponsors and also one of their longest held pros, well I only came to know who Cam was by looking up Hoyt Nitrum and Spyder reviews on youtube last year and came across one of his shooting videos. Someone as inspirational and positive as Cam had never ever been presented to me by UA or any other mainstream media, or even in BassPro which I frequented almost once a week. So I think because of where you two are from and the fact you've been in this lifestyle for so long, certain things you see as obvious aren't outside of that lifestyle and culture. In closing I just want to reiterate I'm not here hating or bashing you guys in fact its the opposite I love you guys, I'm just merely bringing up something I think you guys may have overlooked or just may not be so privy too, I mean come on Oregon and Colorado kinda have bigger hunting communities than SoCal, anyways I digress, I think what Gritty Bowmen does is great and definitely helps portray hunters in a light antis or non hunters can stomach a little better, at the same time guys I'm from So Cal I know what happens firsthand when you giveway to the crazies, they take every conceivable piece they can and then go on with their lives like nothing happened. I agree we need to be more appealing to non and antis but we also have to stand up strong enough to say, no you're not taking that from me just because it makes you uncomfortable. We as hunters and far reaching companies like UA need to educate more and patronize less if we want to stop this diminishing return for hunting. Again not hate just offering another opinion, keep up the good work and stay gritty!

[@joelane6783]

Brian and Aaron are not UA sponsored.

[@TexGrebnerOutdoors]

Well Brian, I do have plenty of Spear Videos.

[@kene3431]

You need to make up T-shirts of "Aaron says" 1. Sometimes you need to kill a hostage. 2. When there is carbon is the air (eh, you all know that one) 3. Someone has to get paid. 4. Is the juice worth the squeeze?

[@latorgator23]

I Beam 5. Harder than woodpecker lips 6. Softer than baby 💩

[@ketjuariittaa]

If i was sponsor. I would incist to pretzek video's from sponsories.

[@ketjuariittaa]

Ewerybody on hunting comunity. Remember that antihunting comunity have allso trolls that wand just to Shake and Sterw to make fights in fomums

[@kene3431]

As for bear hunting, people just like bears. Even people that hunt. It's almost as bad if not worse in some eyes than killing a dog. People grow up cuddling stuffed bears, bears are mascots and spokesmen for fire fighters, lovable cartoon characters. Deer, they are just a nuisance to most people, more people see them as such. Even if they like deer they are less likely to throw a fit because they understand why the numbers have to be culled. Everybody sees them lying on the sides of roads. Hunting bears, that's a tougher sell. It is, what it is.

[@davidlong1969]

I'm upset that the cave man pictures on the wall don't depict him killing it with a spear. for gosh sakes give that man a high five

[@Drivingtacks]

Aron, how do you know if a company is for hunting or not? It might not be so obvious if you're not close to the industry. Could you guys make a list? I don't want to support companies who don't support hunters.

[@GrittyGearAndPodcast]

Thanks for the feedback. We've had this request a couple of times. I will put together a list. Thanks, Katie

[@iddddaduncan]

Now that we know UA's stance on hunting how many UA sponsored hunters have walked? Oh,you mean geed about profits isn't only a corporate vice?

[@joelane6783]

Would you quit your job and put your family's welfare at stake because your co-worker had a fight with your boss.

[@iddddaduncan]

When you put it like that I guess you're right,Principals and ethics go "bye bye" the minute money is involved. The hunting industry really brings that out in people.

[@joelane6783]

Major principles and ethics, like supporting your family come before minor principles and ethics such as this. In my experience people in the hunting industry are patriotic and principled, with a few exceptions. How does one tell his spouse, "Sorry we can't make our mortgage payments because I have to show my support to my coworker". I am sure that within reason all UA sponsored hunters are giving the Bowmar's as much support as they can.

[@iddddaduncan]

Joe,We'll just have to agree to disagree because from my experience out west when hunting and money are tied together,ethics go out the window and ego and greed take their place.I can name many "so called" ethical hunters that were collecting paychecks from their exploits only to be busted for breaking game laws,happens all the time. anyway, I've gone off topic,I'll just say goodbye and good luck hunting this season.

[@madman432000]

Hmmm...Nike, Reebok, etc. why don't they support hunting? Better question maybe is why did they go the complete opposite direction and support anti-hunting? Why not stay neutral and just sell their respective products in the markets they target?

[@1lonecrow]

Where do you fellas draw the line ? Please tell...What's the difference between TROPHY COLLECTING and hunting ? And why the NEED to post it on YT for the whole wide world ? What the hell is that about ?

[@GrittyGearAndPodcast]

You're preaching to the choir.

[@1lonecrow]

Thnx...

[@Blingem14]

As long as you know what your doing with the spear and you make a clean ethical kill who cares. I'm tired of this candy crush generation. I get the perception but man... those idiots are just always looking for something to complain about. And, I've tried a lot of UA hunting gear. Not a fan. It's mid road performance.

[@ThomasShue]

boo under Armour

[@chrissourban7170]

what a joke man has klled 1000's of bears have been killed by spears and all of the Australian natives would have starved

[@brandonguitierez3821]

Very good insight from some of the best from our community. Honestly I won't be buying any UA anymore, but burning and acting a fool is stupid. Then again I love First Lite lol. Hunters need to chill and listen to this podcast.