The state of hunting in America

[vermonster13]

Our population is affected by more than birth rates though

[JStark]

That is absolutely true; I just wanted to offer a little hope for the whole world, in time, for what it's worth.

[Notso]

I agree that we have some problems. They are as I see them:

1. Hunting is NOT a sport. Basketball and baseball are. Nothing dies in a sport. We need to move away from terms like Sport Hunting. Unfortunately, the TV shows push the sport aspect-the competition to see who can shoot the deer with the biggest rack. We are a competitive society and all too often put competition where there should be none.

2. The quest for a competitive edge (and TV shows)sells equipment. Most in our society are real suckers for shortcuts to success. We can buy all sorts of gadgets - or we can use primitive equipment and develop the skill required to use it (which takes sustained effort). This has really changed both bowhunting and muzzleloader hunting to the point that they are unrecognizable from what they were in the recent past.

3. If you are not part of the solution - you are part of the problem !  We all need to get involved in teaching the next generation of hunters. I assist with both Hunter Education and Bowhunter Education Classes. Longbows, recurves and flintlocks shown in these classes draw lots of attention and show young hunters (and their parents) that there is an alternate trail in hunting. If they do not know that it exists - it will take them longer to find it.

Those of us that have chosen the primitive trail need to get involved - and get our message out.

Just my $.02

[Sawtooth]

Just my .02 worth...here goes...

I pick my battles.  And I tend to dwell on the positive side, not the negative.  Having said that, here's what I've gotten involved in.  

First, my wife and I are raising our daughters to understand, appreciate, and become involved in the outdoors and all it includes.  That includes hunting and fishing ethically.  That includes minimal impact on wild lands.  That includes knowing how to be safe.

Second, a number of years ago I became a hunter education instructor.  Today's children and youth are the future of hunting.  If we teach them to be safe, ethical hunters, our future stands a much better chance of being secured.  As adults they will be in a position to swing the non-hunting public to our side.  They may not influence more non-hunters to become hunters, instead they can get the respect and understanding of non-hunters.  This matters at the poll.

Third, I support organizations that are proactive in support of hunters.  I can't afford to support every organization out there, either with my time or my money, so I pick wisely.  Personally, I support Backcountry Hunters and Anglers, the Rocky Mountain Bighorn Society, and the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation.

These are the things I've done or am currently doing to make a difference.  I don't expect everyone to do these, but these are examples of some POSITIVE things that can be done.  We can sit all day long and identify things that we're "against", but I personally feel it's time better spent when we look for "positive" actions and then get involved to the best of our ability.

Just my .02 worth.

[vermonster13]

I agree with you 100% on the getting involved. I teach hunters safety, bowhunters and also do the state fishing program as well as train volunteers for the fishing program. I participate in the stocking program. This forum keeps me a little busy too. Being informed is half the battle.