October/November 2012 – Update.

From the President

Thank you for visiting our website or blog. Please browse our website (aahunt.com) as often and for as long as you can. We are continuing to learn more about the African American hunting community across this great land. We are also sharing our goal to increase the numbers of Black hunters and shooters, as well as encourage urban residents, people of color, particularly youth and women to consider outdoor sports. At this time we are reviewing and updating the website to make it more interesting, informative and easy to use.  Also we will be announcing how you can become a member of AAHA and support our mission, values and goals, which can be accessed by clicking those titles on this home page.

I am happy to announce that my son Donnell Chocolate Adair has increased his duties and role in the African American Hunting Association. Since the inception of AAHA in 2008, Donnell has been a pro staff hunter (14 years of experience), videographer and director (11 years of experience) and co-host of the AAHA Outdoor Show. “Duck” as we call him, started hunting when he was 12 years old. He is an excellent role model for the kids we want to recruit to become hunters and shooters. His bachelors of Science degree from the University of Oregon (Go Ducks!) will serve him well as he now takes over as our Vice President and Chief Operating Officer.

We are definitely moving forward with our vision to bring Black hunters together next spring or summer for a 2-day exposition most likely in New Orleans. If you are interested in sponsoring or participating in such a venture, please email me and I will send you an interest form to complete and return to us. We would like to link up with manufacturers, retailers, outfitters and guides, hunting and shooting clubs and hunter education programs. We want to show that there is a large untapped market of Black hunters, hunters of color, and interested people that are being overlooked by the hunting industry. We also want to provide information seminars, a place to sell products and services, and a forum for Black hunters to network and build relationships with each other and a more diverse hunting community nationwide.

We are also making progress on air the AAHA Outdoor Show to television. You can preview the first episodes on this site. We have been continuing to video our adventures for new shows. Those interested in sponsoring the show or who wish to invite us to come and hunt with and video them please contact me at donnyadair@yahoo.com.  I am looking forward to hearing from you.

…”Well see you in the field!”

Donny R. Adair

Firearms and Hearing Loss

I want to introduce John O’Connor who is doing great work on the topic of protecting your hearing when using firearms. Below is an article which gives some great advice that I want bloggers to consider. Please feel free to offer your insights or responses.

Hi my name is John O’Connor, I am a father, outdoorsman and passionate about living a healthy lifestyle.  Over the past few years I have become more and more interested in hearing loss.  My father and grandfathers, who are and were all hunters, are affected by hearing loss.  I feel that there is a general lack of understanding around the issue and it is our job to spread awareness where we can.  Check out my new blog at bloggingwjohno.blogspot.com!

Discover How to Maintain Good Hearing When You Go Hunting

Preparing to go hunting is something many people get excited about.  Searching through gun shops and browsing for the latest firearms on the market to enhance your hunting experience may be something you look forward to doing.  While you are shopping for guns or ammunition, take time to check out your hearing protection options.  Most gun supply stores sell a variety of hunting safety aids and accessories that can protect your hearing while hunting.  A lot of people take their hearing ability for granted.  My father who has been hunting since I was a child often did not pay much attention to his hearing protection when he hunted.  Now in his late 70’s he wears hearing aids in order to increase sound levels so he is able to hear better.  In order to limit yourself from hearing loss, make the right choice to protect your hearing today.

 How Can Guns Damage Your Hearing

When a gun is fired, extremely loud decibels ripple through the air and can immediately have a negative impact on a person’s ability to hear.  It only takes one shot fired in order for a person to lose a portion of his or her hearing.  Government and university studies have shown that many hunters have lost a portion of their hearing with just one single shot fired from a firearm.  Many hunters take safety precautions with their guns and by staying out of the line of fire of other hunters; yet, these same hunters often forget to protect their ears while they are hunting.

Because the loud noise that is produced from a single gunshot can damage your hearing, it is best if you invest in hearing devices to help you hunt as safely as possible.

Investing in Earmuffs and Ear Plugs Will Help to Maintain Your Hearing Health

Maintaining excellent hearing health while you go hunting can be accomplished by using earmuffs or earplugs to protect your hearing.  Earplugs are available in both rubber and foam materials, and earmuffs are available in standard issue and electronic issue.  In an online article by the University of Iowa it is stated that hunters and target shooters should take safety measures each time they fire a gun.  This also applies to anyone who is in close proximity of someone who is using a firearm.  Prolonged exposure, or a single shot, can lead to permanent hearing damage.  If you do suffer from current hearing problems, consider speaking to your doctor about recommendations for the best type of hearing protection to wear with your hearing aids so you can hunt safely.