Getting more people Involved
Hunting season is here and Opening day of Waterfowl is right around the corner. It is this time that many of you are anticipating that first shot and watching the look in your dogs eyes as they go out for that retrieve. But, what got you into hunting in the first place? Was it your love for the outdoors, a tradition passed on through generations or something else? It doesn't matter why you joined in on the sport of hunting, but now is the time that you should look back on how the sport is changing and what we as hunters and outdoorsmen and women can do about it.
According to the USFWS Poll from 2011 the numbers of hunters and people enjoying other outdoor related activities is on the rise. However, the younger generation and women seem to be a left out demographic when looking at this poll. "Males continue to dominate the sport of hunting: 89 percent of all hunters were males; 11 percent were females. The largest percentage of hunters were age 45 to 54 (23 percent), followed by those 55 to 64 (21 percent)."
Don't let these numbers fool you...
Although every year we see Hunter Education classes fill up with new youngsters and some adults. There are some factors that probably are not being included in those numbers. With 'Duck Dynasty' being the number one show on cable with over 9.6 million people, it may seem that some are getting involved in the sport just to see what it's about. They may only go once or twice and it becomes just a fad for them.
The fact is the number of hunters is on the decline! Why? Society is changing, according to the the U.S. Census Bureau more people now live in urban settings rather than rural areas. This means that people are living farther away from hunting areas, making it harder for them to get to their hunting spot. Also, it takes the brave and determined to wake up on those cold mornings and go hunting. Yes, we understand that this is what hunting is about, this is why you join the sport, this is what gets you up in the morning. The drive and desire to get to your blind. However, some people don't have that same determination and drive that you do. Not yet anyway!
Although right now many of you are sitting there thinking, who cares if there are less hunters because that means more land for me. But, hunters and fisherman pump billions into the economy each year. If the number of hunters/fisherman decrease, the number of people putting money into the economy decreases.
For example, the license and fees we all pay to hunt or fish allows the government to operate state parks. Without this income the state won’t be able to continue to maintain these facilities. If there is a decrease in hunters or fisherman in your state, they might need to find income in other places or close some state parks. Here in Illinois we have already experienced a threat to shut down multiple parks across the state. Thankfully that all was avoided, but it was only avoided by increasing the money we pay to register our cars. You see, it is an evolving circle; the more people that are involved with outdoor related recreational activities means that more people go into your local stores to purchase their sports equipment and the more people pumping money into the economy will help with your community and ultimately keep the cost of hunting/fishing at a minimum.
During the next upcoming season, we have a challenge for all of you hunters out there. Introduce two people to the outdoors. Whether it be fishing, hunting or another outdoor activity. Get someone to enjoy what you enjoy about the outdoors. Teach them the basics, that's all it takes. We need to pass on the traditions that we have acquired from our friends and family so that more people can enjoy what we enjoy!
Remember enjoy the Outdoors, Good Luck & Stay Safe
Capitol Outdoors
