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Post by Woody Williams on Oct 24, 2006 13:54:25 GMT -5
Here is some interesting data from Georgia.....
Looks like they are losing a LOT of hunters.." John Bowers is an assistant chief of Georgia’s Wildlife Resources Division’s Game Management Section. According to John, a significant portion of the drop in harvest can be attributed simply to fewer hunters in the woods. “Harvest is a function of hunter numbers,” said John. “Hunter numbers have been dropping as older hunters die and aren’t being replaced. It’s a trend that we have seen coming as the hunter population ages.” The average age of a hunter in Georgia has moved continually upward into the 45- to 50-year-old bracket, said John. Roughly 25 percent of Georgia’s hunting population is above 55 years old. That segment of the population is beginning to die off. At the other end of the scale, hunters under 35 comprise less than 22 percent of the hunting population; and hunters under the age of 18 comprise less than 2 percent of hunters. The new generation of hunters simply isn’t there."
Gator and OLEROD - What do you guys think? www.gon.com/article.php?id=881&cid=26.
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Post by Decatur on Oct 24, 2006 14:15:07 GMT -5
That is scary!
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Post by hornharvester on Oct 24, 2006 15:27:54 GMT -5
You think maybe younger hunters cant afford the high price of leasing so they lose interest or quit all together? h.h.
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Post by hoyt1166 on Oct 24, 2006 15:37:10 GMT -5
I don't think it has to do with leasing. Not saying unavailability of hunting land may be a problem but I see it more as a societal shift. The tradition is just not being passed on as it used to. There are many factors, I believe as to why that is. I'd bet everyone could come up with one or two on their own. Additionally, I think that hunter education has something to do with it, or rather, the unavailability and length of it. Not saying I agree with the reasoning, but I think it may have something to do with it. However, I think the majority has to do with the tradition simply just not being passed on. I represent a small minority of hunters in that I did not grow up hunting. I'm the first hunter in my family that I know of (I'm sure there were some way back when people absolutely had to hunt but no one in my family remembers any family member hunting). I took up hunting at the age of 18 (don't ask how old that makes me  ) and then taught my younger brother how to hunt. Additionally, the modern age just doesn't really promote outdoor activities anymore. That coupled with the suburban sprawl has really done damage to our ranks. Just MHO. |
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Gator
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Post by Gator on Oct 24, 2006 17:38:39 GMT -5
Yeah like someone else said, i think its more of a priority thing, and the fact that the tradition just isnt being passed down like it was when i was a kid...My 5 year old boy loves to hunt, and helped pull the trigger on a 4 pointer this past weekend...It's his second buck. I'll post a pic....
But we live in a very rural area of Georgia and hunting is still popular among even young kids. Not maybe as much as before but still kids around here go.
A lot of dads dont seem to have time to take thier kids, and a lot of kids live with thier moms so that has a lot to do with it too Im sure...
Lease prices down here are getting high as well. Heck I am leasing a large tract in Indiana for way less than I can down here.
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Gator
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Post by Gator on Oct 24, 2006 17:42:21 GMT -5
Here is a present and future Georgia deer hunter....  There are still a few left. |
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Post by hunter480 on Oct 24, 2006 17:50:16 GMT -5
Here is a present and future Georgia deer hunter.... There are still a few left. Congratulations to you for taking the time, concern and interest in getting your son hooked on hunting. Congratulations to your son on the deer-he looks like an ol` pro. ;D |
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Gator
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Post by Gator on Oct 24, 2006 17:51:20 GMT -5
He is an old pro, but aint too good at dragging one out yet!
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Post by dbd870 on Oct 25, 2006 4:39:02 GMT -5
I wonder if the anti hunting/anti gun media has hurt as well. I think hoyt is correct though. I've tried with my 2 daughters, the older has gone from not liking it to understanding the need for it but isn't at all interested in participating. The younger is a little interested but having to take the class was more trouble or energy than she was willing to invest; she said she wasn't sure she could drop the hammer when the moment came anyway. If she could go with me without taking the class, MAYBE she might take it up. I'd like to kids under 18 be able to hunt with parental supervision without the class; it might generate some interest and then they would have some motivation to attend.
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Post by wolfhound on Oct 25, 2006 6:58:21 GMT -5
I wonder if the anti hunting/anti gun media has hurt as well. I think hoyt is correct though. I've tried with my 2 daughters, the older has gone from not liking it to understanding the need for it but isn't at all interested in participating. The younger is a little interested but having to take the class was more trouble or energy than she was willing to invest; she said she wasn't sure she could drop the hammer when the moment came anyway. If she could go with me without taking the class, MAYBE she might take it up. I'd like to kids under 18 be able to hunt with parental supervision without the class; it might generate some interest and then they would have some motivation to attend. You don't need a class to take them hunting. Just take them with you, they don't have to hunt. I'm having trouble getting someone to watch my 7 yr old son this year for IL firearm season. If I can't find someone I'll take him with me. My father in law said he'd loan me his blind. I'm just hoping I get a shot on a buck opening day which is the only day I won't need a sitter (IL season is mostly on weekends  ). My wife's working on the weekends of the firearm seasons.  |
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Post by DEERTRACKS on Oct 25, 2006 12:55:41 GMT -5
Great pic. Congrats to you both!!!!!!!!!
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Post by indianahick on Oct 25, 2006 16:39:56 GMT -5
I think we are looking at a number of reasons, one cost of leases, two-anti hunting and firearms being pushed in the schools, three it is so much easier to sit in a nice warm room and play with the playstation. Not necessarily in the order listed but I believe that those are probably the first three, with others following.
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Post by indianahick on Oct 25, 2006 16:41:48 GMT -5
I think we are looking at a number of reasons, one cost of leases, two-anti hunting and firearms being pushed in the schools, three it is so much easier to sit in a nice warm room and play with the playstation. Not necessarily in the order listed but I believe that those are probably the first three, with others following.
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) and then taught my younger brother how to hunt. Additionally, the modern age just doesn't really promote outdoor activities anymore. That coupled with the suburban sprawl has really done damage to our ranks. Just MHO.
