The trip to Hawk Mountain and Cabela’s over the weekend was certainly an enlightening experience, as well as for me, my first time bird watching. From walking into the main center at Hawk Mountain, you see that there is an appreciation for nature as well as efforts from staff to try and sustain their effort through merchandise and charging to walk the trails. Nature there is both depicted as honest but also as fragile, needing assistance for preservation, and this is why you can see the staff of Hawk Mountain trying to fundraise to support their efforts.

When I walked the trail and began to speak to our host and even fellow birdwatchers, I got the sensation that there was an “us against the world” mentality, and I would believe this to be true. This small sanctuary, where vital work is being done to try and understand migration patterns and the strength of bird populations, is trying to exist in a nation and a world that is still mostly tone-deaf when it comes to issues of the environment and supporting sustainability efforts. I felt out of place at Hawk Mountain; I felt as if the fellow birdwatchers on the North Lookout were scoffing at my presence there, as if it were just another college tour, and not someone who could possibly appreciate nature as much as they could. When Erik and I tried to strike up a conversation with a fellow taking pictures of passing birds, I quickly got the feeling that he did not want to talk to us, distract him from his task at hand, and that we were taking away from his experience. This “crossroads of naturalists” was seen nearly everywhere at Hawk Mountain: the gift shop more for the casual tourist, as they tried to raise funds, versus the museums, which were more for the avid bird watcher, the raptor show, where some people could understand that the bird was in duress, but others thought it was cool how an eagle was being controlled by a human. I always loved an approach to nature that was similar to Walt Whitman’s “Learn’d Astronomer”, and one that Professor Brandes discussed at his conference in California, where everyone regardless of experience was given a seat at the table. I did not get this feeling at Hawk Mountain.

I believe that if I had to pick one lasting mental image of Hawk Mountain in my brain it would be the look on everyone face when the first eagle flew past us. Being in that space with everyone and sharing in the sense of awe and amazement was a special experience, because there is nothing better than experiencing something incredible for the first time, and a lot of our class were doing this together. None of us were that cold yet, some were wondering if we would even see a single bird, and having that Golden Eagle fly past was a truly special experience. The picture for me that i will hold onto in my head is not of the actual bird, or the scenic overlook, but rather the look of amazement that all of us had. “Oh cool!” and “wow” were popular phrases being shared amongst the class, and I am glad that I was able to be a part of this.

I enjoyed in my experience in Hawk Mountain greatly, so long as I was able to make it my own. On our first hike at Great Ledges, every group we walked past said hello, conversations were struck, and even one group took their picture with us. Unfortunately at Hawk Mountain, I felt no such camaraderie, but I was happy I was able to share the experience with the professors and the class.

Cabela’s was a fun contrast to Hawk Mountain, and I am glad that the two were paired with one another on Saturday. I believe that there is a respect for nature in Cabela’s that, though it may be different than our class’s respect for nature, is certainly still existent. If I had to sum up Cabela’s in a sentence this is my best shot: Cabela’s is a reflection of our American culture, rather than our American culture being a reflection of Cabela’s. It is a destination for such people to travel to, to shop in, to even see all the different animals and feed the fish because it is an institution in our society, as it is easy to forget that there are other places in the country besides the Northeast. The taxidermy and all of the different animal landscapes were fascinating; the attention they derived was hopefully a healthy appreciation for seeing new species and animals that a person is genuinely interested in, as I was. Most of the questions I heard kids asking their parents in these sections were anatomical questions, or just where these animals live; natural, exciting kid questions that reflected a genuine interest in the animals and nature, though they may be depicted in a much more dramatic scene than is the real world.

I almost found Cabela’s more welcoming than Hawk Mountain simply based on the people who were there. For me, there was a sense of elitism at Hawk Mountain, where some people could somehow enjoy the experience more so than I could because I was less knowledgeable about birds than they were, but there was none of this at Cabela’s. I agree with almost none of the political or social views of the people who tend to work at or frequent Cabela’s, but I felt as if it was a welcoming place that revolved around people’s love for the outdoors.

Cabela’s grew out of an appreciation for nature, for sportsmen, and although the type of person who goes there to shop has changed, the store has tried to remain true to its roots. There is no doubt that its business model has adapted to try and remain relevant with its customers, such as with the 2nd Amendment signage as well as the funny slogans, but there is certainly at its core a nod to nature in nearly every corner of the store. I would say that most of the store is designated to products that would help people out in nature, to get out into the wilderness, and experience the great outdoors. For me, Cabela’s is much better than a video game store such as Gamestop, because it promotes an active relationship with nature, even though that relationship may evolve around hunting or other activities that are frowned upon by the general naturalist community.

If I had to select a lasting image of Cabela’s it would be the welcoming man at the door. His job is to say hello to every group who walks through those doors, and to ask them if they have any questions regarding their experience at Cabela’s. I felt that at Cabela’s, there was something for everyone; it was almost a great equalizer, in the sense that everyone had their own space, and could take away from the experience whatever they wanted to. The welcoming man at the door was not only welcoming you to Cabela’s, but also welcoming you to experience nature, one product at a time.

As the name suggests, Hawk Mountain is a place where the birds rule. The now-famous destination is visited by thousands of people who come to experience nature. From the visitor center at the base to the rocky outlook at the peak, Hawk Mountain is a living memorial for the awe-inspiring eagle populations. From the moment you step foot into the Hawk Mountain Visitor Center, you know that you are there for the birds. Pictures, statues, stuffed animals, and books fill every free inch of the facility. The focus on these winged creatures is overwhelmingly informative. Educational pieces are carefully placed throughout, allowing the visitors to learn as they go. It seems almost impossible to leave Hawk Mountain without a better understanding of eagles and their migratory tendencies. A closer look, however, reveals the significance of the center’s focus. While strolling around the building, one begins to understand the “story of place” that belongs to the picturesque Pennsylvanian hill. From an environmentalist’s perspective, the history of Hawk Mountain can be seen as a place that has transformed from death and destruction into a place where the birds are celebrated and protected. The birds, which were once hunted for pleasure, are now a symbol of nature that is constantly celebrated for its profound beauty. While much of the Hawk Mountain experience is upheld by human development, the meaning of Hawk Mountain as a whole serves not only as an educational advocate for nature, but also as a memorial for uninterrupted beauty which nature provides.

Today, Hawk Mountain is a place to admire the annual migration of healthy eagle populations, however, the strength of these species has never been assured. Decades ago, the extinction of the Bald Eagle seemed imminent. In the early and mid 1990s, widespread hunting and chemical dispersion put the fate of countless eagle populations in jeopardy. During these times of struggle, Hawk Mountain became a place where scientists would develop factual evidence of the human induced threats that the birds were facing. In her book Silent Spring, famous environmentalist Rachel Carson noted that the declining counts of eagles on Hawk Mountain was a direct result of DDT use across the country. Her work helped raise awareness for the environmental harms of DDT and the threats that they posed to various bird species. Since then, annual bird counts taken from the top of Hawk Mountain have served as critical tools in monitoring the strength of the bird populations.

Beyond the scientific significance that is so central to Hawk Mountain’s story, is a place where scientists, tourists, and nature lovers alike can come together to experience the great outdoors. During peak migration season, the mountaintop can often resemble a busy Manhattan corner, with bundled up birdwatchers perched atop each and every rock. Despite the crowds, the hikers and birdwatchers remain mostly silent as the visitors admire the views with their eyes instead of their words. The occasional “bird over 5,” or “I’ve got two way up high,” makes up the majority of the conversation. As an Eagle appears on the horizon, slowly gliding towards the mountain, a sense of excitement becomes evident in the crowd. There is a shear beauty to the birds that everyone can admire. They glide back and forth upon the wind currents, twist and turning with the grace of a falling leaf. The spectators stare up in awe, as if admiring a shooting star or the famous Blue Angels in a choreographed air show.

While this is a pretty bad photo, I think it is significant to the Hawk Mountain experience. I was riveted by the gliders and the similarities that their flight patterns had with the eagles. It is a great example of man trying to be like a bird.

The birds come and go. So do the people. Filing up and down the mountain by the thousands, the people who visit Hawk Mountain leave with very little. The nature photographer leaves with some images, the family with a stuffed animal and the bird watcher with a memory. What all these visitors share, however, is a respect for the natural. Often considered as a “Crossroads of Naturalists,” Hawk Mountain offers a unique perspective of environmental conservation. On the façade, Hawk Mountain is an undeniable tourist destination. Parking lots sprawl through the woods for acres, dozens of staff roam about, and well constructed trails lead even the most fragile city-dweller to the top of the mountain. Despite all this, Hawk Mountain is a place where nature is honored. The people who visit are there to experience a phenomenon that is entirely non-human. The migration of the eagles is something that we hope to have no control over. Instead, we look on in envy as the birds soar past the mountain. At Hawk Mountain, we are celebrating the intrinsic value that nature provides.

A short trip down the road and one can leave behind the crisp mountain air for welcoming arms of consumer America. Occupying 250,000 sq. ft. of floor space, the colossal Cabela’s Retail Store can be defined as many things. Whether it’s a redneck vacation destination, the ultimate zombie-apocalypse hideout or your one-stop hunting shop, the “World’s Foremost Outfitter” offers just about anything that the avid outdoorsman could ever squeeze onto his holiday wish list. Gliding through the rows of jacked-up pickup trucks towards the immense log structure, one can’t help but curiously question the unique sense of nature that the store is attempting to provide. Step through the sliding doors and the Cabela’s greeter immediately welcomes you. “Welcome folks, only 40 days until Christmas… nothing says I love you like a brand new shotgun from Cabela’s!” Despite being momentarily thrown off by this introduction, my concentration immediately shifts to the stores cherished centerpiece. Beyond the horizon of trees (camouflaged hunting clothes) rises a towering mountain covered in… dead animals.

A closer look reveals an interesting dichotomy between man and nature. Life-like taxidermy animals are perched all around the display. A massive black bear is propped in a killing position next to a small sign that says, “taken illegally” with a disclaimer describing the shame in illegal poaching. Does it really matter how the animal was “taken?” It seems trivial for Cabela’s to make this disclaimer when many dead animals fill their store. Nonetheless, almost every shopper stops to take a look at the animals. Many are hunters, carefully examining the prized trophies. Others simply stare. I too can’t help but feel strongly about the exhibit. The animals are beautiful and I can’t help but admire the balance between power and grace that they represent. Despite my awe, the exhibit still feels wrong to me. Maybe it’s the terminology; “taken,” “his kill,” “harvested,” that seems so barbaric and unnatural.

As I stroll through the Deer Country exhibit, I continue asking myself similar questions. Why does this store need to display so many dead deer? What right do we have to take their lives? Is this really nature? In the trophy room, a sleeveless man with a buck tattooed on his bicep shoots me a dirty look. His children dart from trophy to trophy, exclaiming facts about the different types of deer that they likely learned from hunting their father. This observation is important because it reminds me that my perception of nature isn’t the only perception that exists. In Cabela’s one can find a respect for nature that relies on a healthy interaction with the natural rather than distant observation. Hunters, in essence, rely on the preservation of nature to continue practicing the skill that they cherish. In that regard, one could argue that the hunter, while different than the bird watcher on Hawk Mountain, has equal respect for a different type of nature.

Despite the family-friendly atmosphere which Cabela’s markets, the store can’t hide its overwhelmingly masculine character. Tucked away in the corners of the behemoth shopping center are home decoration and cooking sections. Distinctly separated from the hunting and fishing supplies. Hunting and fishing are largely male dominated endeavors and often provide a man with an “escape from his wife.” Thus, it seems very intentional that the hunting sections are very far away from the home departments of the store. Like the hunting and fishing departments, the home decorations section tells its own story. These areas are likely constructed to appeal or distract the female shoppers, who have likely come to the store with their husbands and families. Even in these stereotypically feminine departments, the merchandise emulates a strong sense of masculinity. Decorative signs read messages such as “shopping at Cabela’s with your wife is like hunting with the game warden,” and “If she cooks and lets me hunt, she’s a keeper.” One can’t help but wonder if the women milling about these departments actually want to be there at all.

Downstairs in the gun section, the focus on nature is all but lost. Patrons take numbered tickets and wait in line for service at the gun counter as if waiting to buy a pound of turkey at the local deli. Buzzwords like “self-defense” and “protect my rights” can be heard throughout various conversations. Shoppers grab shotguns off the racks, holding them to their shoulders and pointing them to the ceiling as if imagining a duck in their sights. Signs strictly read “18+ to handle the weapons,” while fathers guide their wide-eyed toddlers through shelves of lead and semi-automatic weapons. Pink guns for their daughters, and M16 replica pellet guns for the young men. The gun section goes beyond the hunter’s needs. Offering a myriad of handguns and assault rifles that look like they belong in a military armory, rather than a civilian shopping center. It’s off-putting, all of these weapons in one place. It was this department of the store that really through off the nature dynamic for me. The guns take away from any respect for nature and replace it with a focus on death and destruction.

To the keen observer, a visit to Cabela’s in a distinctly unique experience. First and foremost, Cabela’s is a company that seeks to profit off of the sale of outdoor supplies. When considering the store’s definition of nature, one must remember that its overarching goal is to sell product. The company is unselfishly marketing itself to a type of consumer that they are trying to sell to. Cabela’s is more than a store, however, it is also an entertainment experience. Nonetheless, one cannot forget that this experience is meant to appeal to a very narrow demographic. But, the people who shop at Cabela’s undoubtedly have some interest in or passion for the environment. While they may be unlikely to consider themselves preservation environmentalists, hunters and fishers rely on the health of the environment as much as the bird watchers atop Hawk Mountain. Within the store, one can find a constructed nature that is intended to appeal to those shopping in the store. After all, if you aren’t a hunter or fisher, you are unlikely to have much of a reason to make the trip. Thus, although they appeal to very different demographics, both Cabela’s and Hawk Mountain alike successfully provide an outlook on nature that benefits those who seek out each experience.

“A Leaf of A Stream” in front of the Tetons.

“A Leaf of A Stream” in front of Cabela’s

Extra Note: A lot of us were intrigued by the statue outside of Cabela’s at the time, it seemed out of place, extravagant, and historically inaccurate. As it turns out, the statue is actually came from one of my favorite places on earth, Jackson Hole, Wyoming. There is a interesting story behind the statue. Does it seem out of place in either of these locations?

“Since the beginning of time, men of all races and nations have sought out the far away and distant places. Legends have been born because of this ambition. Men have pushed themselves to forge oceans, climb the highest mountains and explore the bottoms of the seas. This spirit was at its highest with the settlement of the Americas and so was born the great American heroes that settled our country. 

Daniel Boone was one of these great Outdoorsmen that became famous during his life, for his exploration and brave acts. Others became American legends, not realizing they would be celebrated in history books two hundred years in the future. Some of the outdoorsmen and explorers were Lewis and Clark. Their loyal young guide and hunter, John Colter, traveled with them to the Pacific and returned almost to St. Louis. Not quite back to the boundaries of civilization, he asked for permission to leave the expedition and return to the unknown Rocky Mountains. He became the first White man to explore the Yellowstone. The human life expectancy in the wilderness was six months. If you made it that long, the mountain men would say, “That boy gets the Boone and Crocket stamp.” 

This is a small piece of our history, but it has engraved the outdoor spirit into many of us. It has molded us into people that are eager and thirsting for the outdoors. We always want to get into the big woods or just go see what is on the other side of the mountain. Daniel Boone was quoted for saying late in his life, “my life was like a leaf on a stream, twirling, drifting back and forth, but always going forward”. This sculpture is not of Daniel Boone, but rather a salute to all of the men that came before us and made the woods, mountains and rivers ours.” – (Vic Payne Studio) 

Hawk Mountain Conservatory and Cabela’s have very different views of what nature is. An evaluation of the two could not be a better comparison of the different cultures of nature. Hawk Mountain is a bird sanctuary that currently hosts thousands of visitors each fall. It is a popular tourist destination where people come from all different places to view the unique raptor migration. Cabela’s is at the completely different end of the nature spectrum, it is a created “nature” that promotes consumerism of products for hunting, fishing, and other outdoor recreational activities. The cultures of nature that are featured in both Hawk Mountain and Cabela’s challenge us to define and reshape our own relationship with nature and the outdoors.

When you first walk into the Hawk Mountain Visitor Store you see a plethora of interactive maps and modules that appeal to youth. They are not very extravagant but appeal to younger generations who are entranced by the lights and buttons you are able to press. As you travel deeper into the store you see a simple glass counter display cabinet that hosts a plethora of brochures and other little knick-knacks in stained woven baskets. Opposite to that there is a shelving unit that holds a coffee thermos with a donation jar requesting a twenty-five cent donation per shot of Java. The wall is lined with packages of coffee for sale, as well as GORP and other snacks. As you travel deeper into the small store there is a rack of wilderness puppets and songbirds that chirp when you pick them up. There is a wall of sweatshirts, t-shirts, and vests with that have the hawk mountain conservatory logo stitched into the left breast. In the back corner there is a display of hats and socks with patterns of chipmunks and eagles. The central display is made up of books. The literature is mostly centered about the conservation of birds but also “how-to” books for bringing nature home. The backside of the store is sitting area for people to watch birds as the feed on the feeders that are hung in the trees. Identification posters are hung above the windows for people who choose to sit there and watch the birds.

Nature according to the Hawk Mountain store is made up of education, conservation, and a touch of consumerism. They are selling a version of nature that is something to be preserved and admired. The historical part the visitor center is unique because it is completely devoted to the birds that migrate over Hawk Mountain. There is a human story to this site, but it is pretty much left out of the story so that the concentration is on conservation.

The top of Hawk Mountain it is quite the site. The landscape is rural, with little of pockets of villages and towns that look very small. The trees have all lost their leaves at this point and the only green left is that from the pines that don’t lose their needles. At least 50 people, including us, have gathered at its rocky face. The air is frigid, but people are bundled and sit still quietly while they observe. When we first come there are no birds around and I begin to get restless with the cold. Dr. Laurie Goodrich, the Senior Conservation Biologist, our host explains to us the different locations where people are calling out bird sightings. Just as she begins to explain, an older gentleman on top of the hill calls out “over head” and a raptor flies south, 300 feet or so above us. Everyone’s head tilts up in unison, desperate to see the beautiful creature float on by. The larger birds are more graceful, very rarely flapping their wings to stay in the air. Laurie explains to us that the birds are in essence surfing the air like humans would surf in the ocean. The wind current pushes them south with little energy exerted from the bird. It is a beautiful and majestic site, even from far away. In the distance you can see glider planes that flip in the air. They use this ridge the same way the birds do to stay a float in the sky.

After sitting on top of this mountain for a few hours, it becomes clear why this location is referred to as the “Crossroads of Naturalists.” I have no idea where any of these people are from, what they do for a living, or how they came to discover Hawk Mountain. I do know that they are all here to observe the wonder and magic of the raptors. Their definition of nature is set by the birds, by beauty, by conservation, and observation.

Cabela’s has a completely different way of defining nature. It a destination for people seeking taxidermy, gun licenses, outdoor apparel and so much more. When you first walk into Cabela’s you are astonished by the size of the store. It rivals the size of a football stadium of a small college. It is designed to have cozy cabin feel, paneled with wooden beams and painted with earthy tones. Everywhere you look there is another stuffed animal that was murdered for no other reason than to be a trophy on a wall. Each section of the store is broken down into different categories, there are also different sections of taxidermy. There is a polar scene, a safari scene, an American wilderness scene, a pond scene that included live fish, as well as an aquarium that featured live fish. The consumer sections include general apparel for the outdoors, a fishing section, home and cabin furnishings, a food court, a camping section, and of course the gun outlet. At Cabela’s, nature is defined through consumerism.

Consumerism, however, has competing narratives in the Cabela’s story. First you have the people who are there purchasing shotguns. These people have absolutely no connection to nature. Shotguns are not used for hunting; they are used for “protection” and for killing people. They have no place being in an “outdoors store” but if there is a demand by consumers, the sellers will sell. On the other side of the spectrum you have the camping section, for people who feel like they need to be in nature to experience it. It is full of hiking backpacks, tents, lanterns and other camping items.

Another way people experience nature is through the taxidermy. The animals are not alive, but they are lifelike and people come to see them. This is part of what makes Cabela’s into such destination for families to come here. I witnessed a little girl ask her father about a stuffed fawn in the “Deer Country” and he responded “Yes, that’s Bambi!” This was particularly disturbing to me because this little girls experience with nature appears like it has only ever been through a cartoon movie and a taxidermy hall of fame full of stuffed dead deer. The Taxidermy was also interactive at the central display where you could push the touch screen and hear different noises the animals made, pictures of them, and videos.

The signage in Cabela’s made for many different contradictory views of nature. In the Deer Country section above the exit there is sign that says, “Ensure the Beauty of the Outdoors- Support Wildlife Conservation.” They have this sign placed over the exit of a room filled with over 200 dead dear who are only seen as important because of how many “points” they have on their antlers. You don’t see any does hanging above anyone’s mantel because they are not considered a trophy. That exhibit does not support conservation- it supports a selfish human practice to elevate our self-esteem.

Other signs featured in Cabela’s said “Its in Your Respect for Tomorrow. Its in Your Nature.” There are many ways to interpret this sign, and it is also pretty contradictory. The first sentence implies that one should practice conservation, but the other that it’s in your nature to hunt or fish. This sign is up for interpretation, much like most of the items in Cabela’s.

Cabela’s version of nature is different for every person who walks into it. I wouldn’t be so quick to judge the people who walk into that store and say that they are hunting or killing obsessed, but rather than they view nature in a very different way than the people at Hawk Mountain viewed nature. Your interpretation of Cabela’s is based a lot on what culture of nature you grew up with. If you grew up in a household where hunting was praised, it is a seen as a mecca for all things hunting. On the other hand, if you grew up in a place where there was no guns or hunting, going into the gun section might frighten you.

One similarity I viewed at both Hawk Mountain and Cabela’s was that everyone was for the most part white and of middle to upper class. I don’t know if that is a result of the region of Pennsylvania where these two destinations are located, or is it that experiencing nature is reserved for white upper-middle class Americans. I have been to many national parks up and down the east coast, and it is very rare to see people of color interacting with nature. I would be interested to see the different demographics of people who go to national parks and people who shop at places like Cabela’s.

However at Cabela’s gender distinctions were obvious, while at Hawk Mountain there was none. Each individual section, such as fishing, hunting, and home goods had its own minimal section that was supposed to appeal to women or girls. The fishing section had pink rods, the hunting section had pink guns and pink camouflage blankets. In the home section the gender distinctions were more obvious with signs featured that said “I let her shop so I can hunt” and pink camouflage bedding for little girls.

Hawk Mountain and Cabela’s offer two different cultural interpretations of nature. Hawk Mountain promotes conservation while Cabela’s is based off of consumerism. It would be wrong to say that Hawk Mountain is only about conservation, when they are clearly making a profit off of their gift store. Cabela’s is not purely a consumer destination because it promotes conservation in its signage and outdoor recreation. The comparison of the two offers an interesting spectrum of how one can view nature- conservation, consumerism, or someplace in between.

Upon arriving to Hawk Mountain, you could tell that it is a popular tourist destination. Immediately as I stepped out of the van I was trampled over by a bunch of young Boy Scouts hastily making their way to the visitor center. By the time I made it to the visitor center it was packed with people every which way you looked. As I walked around the center I was able to learn a lot about the sanctuary, its history and its governing principles and ideals. The mountain used to be a spot where people go together and killed mass amount of raptors, as the public saw raptors as vermin and thought they would cause a great threat to their populations of livestock. In 1934, Rosalie Edge, an advocate for birds of prey bought the mountain and it became a sanctuary to conserve birds of prey. Rosalie saw the importance of raptors to the ecosystem and understood their role as indicators of ecosystem health, as they point out the underlying health of ecosystems. They also benefit farmers and their farmland because they prey on mice, voles and insects. Later, in 1962 Rachel Carson use Hawk Mountain as an example in Silent Spring to raise awareness about birds of prey. In her book she talks about how while sitting up on the North Lookout fewer and fewer eagles were being seen. She emphasized the negative impacts of DDT on the bird populations.

Today, according to the sanctuary, they feel it is important that research, education, training and environmental advocacy are emphasized. These four aspects are evident not only in the visitor center but also while at the North Lookout point. While sitting at the lookout point there was an incredible atmosphere. With everyone working together, people sharing equipment and the usuals helping the newcomers, it was a great environment to be in. There were people off all different backgrounds. One side of the mountain was occupied by clearly more experienced watchers, people from the sanctuary who were keeping the official bird count, and people who are at home citizen scientists. On the other side there was a mix but mostly everyday people taking day trips up to the mountain wanting to learn about birds of prey. While sitting on the mountain as people would see birds they would yell out the location, high or low and what type it was, allowing everyone to learn and experience. However, it was clear while up at north lookout point that Hawk Mountain is a tourist destination and it was definitely not an experience of solitude and reflection, as there were people every which way you looked.  

We ended our time at Hawk Mountain with a showing of a golden eagle from a local educational center. As soon as the bird handler removed the eagle from the van the whole crowd gasped, it was beautiful. As the handler chauffeured the eagle to the front of the crowd, every single person (except the members of our class) took out their phones and cameras to snap photos the magnificent creature. The whole time the bird was in front of the crowd, it was clear that it was anxious. As the bird was perched in front on the handler’s arm, it let out an uncomfortable groan, and it did not stop. For 20 minutes straight. As they opened the discussion up for questions, the crowd was so curious, asking so many questions that they had to cut the session off and not everyone got to ask their questions. It was really nice to see how curious all the people there are about birds of prey and educating themselves. Although the presence of the golden eagle did provide an element of education that I didn’t get from sitting on the north lookout, it was at the same time a very sad experience. It was clear that the bird was uncomfortable and had had enough. The handler noticed the bird was starting to get antsy and needed to go back in the van, but he gave us a couple more minutes to get some last minute pictures of the bird’s wing span- and not but a few minutes later did the bird jump off the arm of the handler and head straight for a woman’s head.

Fast forward just one hour and there I was standing among hundreds of animals, ranging from everyday animals like deer and raccoons to polar bears and elephants. All dead. All stuffed. It was quite the opposite experience from Hawk Mountain. As I stood next to the huge mountain in the middle of the store I examined the taxidermy. When you look at each individual animal there is a plaque in front of it that says the specie name, who ‘took’ them and where they were taken. It is an understatement to say that I felt a little bit out of place, “Hi, my name is Jackie Cirincione, I have been a vegetarian for about 5 years and grew up in a household that rehabilitated wildlife.”  

I continued walking and I arrived in a room called Deer Country where there are hundreds of deer packed into one room. Hanging on the walls are the ‘world record breaking deer.’ On each individual plaque that hang on the there is a description that glorifies the best deer that have ever been  killed and a news article about the killing and who did it. As a stand there it was very interesting to me to hear the people talking about all the different types of deer. Listening to a father explain to his son the types of deer, their defining characteristics etc. Continuing on my journey through the store, I encountered the Africa section where they have zebra, hippopotamuses, elephants etc. all displayed. Next to the elephant there is a photo of Cabela himself next to the dead elephant with the location of where in Africa he was when he killed the elephant. While I was in each of these exhibits the interactions between the consumers and the exhibits was fascinating. I saw many people taking selfies with the animals. One little girl and her mother took a selfie in front of the elephant and when the were looking at it daughter said to her mom, “It’s cool because it looks like we were in the jungle!”

Cabela’s is truly an experience, between the taxidermy displays, the interactive games, the restaurants and the gift shop. However, at the end of the day it is a retail store that sells hunting, fishing and camping supplies. There are plenty of everyday household goods to buy but almost all of them have a connection with hunting. For example you can find couches (in a camouflage design), chandeliers (made of deer antlers), seat covers for your car (in a camouflage design) etc. While browsing the racks you can see popular clothing brands like The North Face and under armor but with a Cabela’s twist. I would go as far to say that at least 80% of the apparel, gear and household items come in a green camouflage for men and a pink camouflage design for women. Whether it’s a fleece jacket, Philadelphia Eagles apparel or car mats they all have the pink option. No one who is actually going to go out to hunt is going to wear pink to camouflage themselves, perhaps Cabela’s is contributing to a whole other conversation about gender and gender roles. Additionally, they also have a bunch of products that I have never seen before, such as a game strap (which comfortably holds 23 birds).They have a product there called ‘Gulp! Alive!’ which is a mimic of an actual fish. The fish you can buy is a natural presentation of a real fish in action, scent and taste and it lives longer and is more durable than a real fish.

Like I said before, the atmosphere at Cabela’s is much more than just a store, they create an experience. Not only do they have their merchandise for sale but they also provide customers with displays, interactive games and exhibits, restaurants, a gift shop. You don’t plan to just run into Cabela’s and just grab something, you plan to stay for a few hours. Although I did not particularly enjoy my experiences at Cabela’s I did learn a lot and it did cause me to think from another perspective and think about the different cultures of nature. After my visit I concluded that I do think that there is a value in taxidermy, in the form of educational experiences. A person can learn a lot about an animal from seeing it in person and being able to visually explore.  However at Cabela’s I found the amount of taxidermy to be excessive and not used for an educational purpose. I felt like that the taxidermy and the atmosphere and experiences in the store were there to emphasize the thrill of the game and the desire to kill for the take home trophy. I felt similarly with the way in which they define nature. In Cabela’s nature can be seen as a trophy, a sport and a game. At this store man dominates nature, “it’s in your nature” is their slogan.  Many of the consumers at Cabela’s are people who are going there to buy guns which they will use to kill and catch their own food, people who find nature to be a commodity and something that they should be using. What it comes down to between me, and I can assume the people Hawk Mountain, having different values of nature than the people who shop at Cabela’s. Who is to say that my values are right and theirs aren’t? I know that I will never agree or find value in killing for the take home trophy or killing for my own food but after this field trip my eyes were opened to a different lifestyle and set of values that I can do nothing but acknowledge and understand as a reality in our country.

After spending multiple hours at both Hawk Mountain and Cabela’s this past Saturday, and after much time thinking about the relationships they have to each other, to people, and to the environment, I was able to compartmentalize each place’s role in society. Hawk Mountain Sanctuary didn’t seem like an unusual site to visit for our class (which might generalize that everyone in our class is interested in nature and its conservation) but Cabela’s was equally as important for our class to see –how the “other half lives”. My initial feeling of both places, Hawk Mountain fitting our stereotype while Cabela’s did not, was slowly broken down after the time spent at each location.

Hawk Mountain is considered a “traffic bottleneck” for birds migrating south for winter, according to Rachel Carson. At first, back in the day when conservation was a rare word to come by, hunters abused this vantage point until the 1930’s when it was converted into a sanctuary to stop the killing of raptors. This spot is very popular amongst bird watchers, students, boy scout troops, environmentalists etc. because the scene is awe-inspiring. At first I wasn’t too enthused by the bitter cold and the craggy rocks, but I was soon convinced of the beauty of the spot. This spot proves that those birds’ migration have been unaffected by humans over thousands of years, and the Sanctuary’s existence allows for them to continue on. Those of us perched on the mountainside were learning, teaching, and observing with each other, which is reminiscent of other experience’s I’ve had in nature but never in a department store. The people on the mountain were young and old, from near and far, and most had the same goal of being there- to watch the raptors drift with the exceptional winds provided by the landscape. Maybe some were forced to be there or just wanted views of the autumn landscape, but everyone was seeing and hearing the same things. No one is intentionally excluded from experiencing Hawk Mountain Sanctuary while that didn’t seem the case in Cabela’s.

The health and abundance of birds of prey in the US is a reflection of the country’s regard and regulations for human and environmental health. Herbicides and pesticides were not regulated, which means that they weren’t tested before widely implemented across massive regions. It was apparent at this time that the United States’ love for industry prevailed and the environment lost. Cabela’s reminds me of that time, it seems caught in the past while the rest of the nation is moving forward. Cabela’s average consumer would be on Hawk Mountain pre-1930’s conservation movement. Today’s Hawk Mountain sanctuary hiker would rarely be seen in a Cabela’s store. Although the stores are filled with merchandise from hunting to camping to home décor, the taxidermy and store environment cater to an audience that views nature through different lenses. The audience might not always be there for nature, which was the issue my group encountered while roaming the store. So many guns, so many people buying guns, and so little regard for who and what they’re buying. This statement is bold, but we were shocked at the quantity of handguns Cabela’s sold because they are a recreation store that promotes hunting, not defending oneself.

Both locations are considered great establishments, using nature to further their establishments. Both locations are also very dependent on the animals. If Hawk Mountain didn’t serve the birds during migration, no one would fund the organization. If hunted animals went extinct, much of Cabela’s business would flounder. I believe that Cabela’s relationship with Hawk Mountain isn’t direct, but Cabela’s supports hunters who shoot animals, which may include birds of prey. Hunting is a past time and it built this country’s industry in the 16^th and 17^th centuries, yet in today’s situation I believe that sport hunting of animals with low populations falls below the importance of animal and nature conservation.

“‘I see nothing but road’ Brad replies. Then Brad jumps in the bay and swims three miles to Lonesome Point and back. Says Brown Dog, ‘I didn’t bother asking him if he had seen any fish'” (205). 

I think this is a very common mentality of many Americans, where it becomes less about the journey but more of a focus of achieving a goal, and perhaps some sense of satisfaction by doing so. We lose something by the inability to slow down and just enjoy what is around us.

“Eating crow (boiled), like humble pie of animal innards, may have been distasteful, but eating small birds was a treat, and commonplace” (224).

I find this notion very obvious and quite laughable. I would be horrified to eat a crow or a robin per se, because it is not in the norm of our culture. However, buying packaged meat from the store, such as hamburger, can contain the DNA of over 100 different animals. That fact is so much more repulsive to me and yet this is the daily accepted practice of most Americans on the East Coast.

“Still, feeding wild birds is a form or nature management, although a lot of people who do it do not recognize their hobby as a form of nature manipulation” (237).

I certainly never realized this fact until Sterba so clearly stated it in this sentence. By feeding birds, even though it has low negative consequences, we are still manipulating nature for our own enjoyment and in a way that is unnatural.

I came across this article as I was scrolling through the Nature Conservancy’s website for internship opportunities. We have been talking a lot about the excessive deer populations throughout the country and thought this was an interesting approach to managing the populations. In the “Lawn carp” chapter of Nature Wars they even mentioned bringing geese to a slaughterhouse on Long Island where the meat was then donated to various food pantries. This article suggests a similar practice but for deer.

As we discussed in class today we saw some things in Cabella’s that may have been using hunting as a cover to just sell guns but I think that this article sheds light on the topic and that real hunting is important. There are hunters out there that are using it an art form and really care about the deer. Unlike those that shot birds at Hawk Mountain, the hunters in this article are not abusing their power just to destroy the deer without using their meat. This article gives some light that hunters can really help in the conservation of deer populations while helping the hungry as well.

http://blog.nature.org/science/2015/11/04/hungry-change-deer-management-food-security-hungry-venison/