Bowhunting, loss of interest?

[moleman]

Being one who hunts public ground, ive noticed that ive pretty much had the run of the mill in my area, seeing only 3 other bowhunters all season!
Maybe its timing, as far as my coming and going, but it sure is odd not seeing more folks bowhunting, even with the new xbow legislation.
Im not complaining, but im wondering if any others have seen a decline in there areas?  

[huntnmuleys]

i see more bowhunters out here now for sure.  seems theyre everywhere somedays...

[jsweka]

I've seen fewer people this year on the public land I hunt in PA. (I've also had one of my better years in terms of seeing deer.)

[Mojostick]

I'd assume combo of the economy and gas prices is limiting many guys to a few weekends.

[anchorman]

wish we could say that here. I have seen more people on public hunting than any other time I can remember. Have friends tell me the same thing here..

[Shinken]

No shortage of bowhunters here in Washington state - at least in the roaded areas that I occasionally like to hunt...keeps me returning to wilderness areas that are more difficult to access....

Shoot straight, Shinken

 

[ron w]

I have hunted local State land 6 or 8 times this year and have yet to see another bow hunter. No cars parked at pull offs, I also have not see any upland game hunters this year either......not sure why! I have been near a few swamps and have heard them hammering the ducks and geese.

[Stumpkiller]

They're out there.  At least hereabouts.  Drive in with ATVs in the dark and then sit in stands, so you don't run across them on the ground.

[glass76]

This past week I saw trucks around the public ground I hunt from seven different states. No shortage of bowhunters around here.

[Bjorn]

If I saw fewer bowhunters I would regard that as a resurgence!        

[Shedrock]

Originally posted by huntnmuleys:
i see more bowhunters out here now for sure.  seems theyre everywhere somedays...

X2

I liked bowhunting 25 years ago. People thought I was crazy to hunt with a bow. I was alone out there.

[Stumpkiller]

25 years ago I was hunting with a Dick Palmer longbow and a back quiver.  You can just imagine the stares and chuckles I got.

[ripforce56]

I hunt on 600 arces of state land havn't see any one hunting anything here in Northern Mi, a few 4wheelers runnning up and down the road! Firearm season starts Thurs that may change!

[lpcjon2]

All my friends say the same as me, cant afford the time off to hunt at the moment(economy). and for them(the other bow hunting type) they say prices of their equipment went up with the economy going down.

[hitman]

I don't see a lot of bowhunting around here.

[toddster]

I have noticed a slight drop where I hunt in illinois, I believe it has alot to do with economy and prices than anything.  not only do people believe they need to spend alot of money to get into it, but the price of gas has hurt too, I feel it, and alot of local business feel it too.

[uglyjake]

I have not been at all this year.  I have a new job and I am in training/school.  Try to pass on the tradition and take a child or friend hunting.

[southernarcher]

Depends on the area here. Archery only area's, I tend to see less. In the areas that have multi weapon seasons, they are out there as much as ever.

[Ric O'Shay]

I thought that when I retired there would be plenty of time to hunt....boy was I wrong. Busier now than before. Have had the opportunity to go twice though.
Danny

[Buffalo Two Fletch]

Shortage of time and the price of fuel has effected the amount of days hunted for many folks I believe.