Hunting and fishing down, watching up big.

[Tom]

http://www.fws.gov/news/NewsReleases/showNews.cfm?newsId=3FCF5C3E-9D8A-682C-8154BFD40A3656AF

According to the national survey. This is not good, hunting and fishing down, whew. Most people just watch animals now, it looks like.

 

[ELKCHSR]

Some on here would like there to be even less buying tags, it makes for less pressure when they go out

Then complain because the game departments funding isn't meeting objectives

It's a vicious cyle

 

[BuzzH]

I dont think fewer people is a problem...its better.

If they want more funding...increase my tag fees...or better yet, sell me a second permit for big-game...let me keep more fish.

No problem.

 

[Tom]

Better for fewer and fewer. Maybe hunting will become like gladiators, a barbaric thing of the past, that's the problem, isn't it? I'd rather hunting grow with the times so more could understand more about where our food comes from. More and more people thinking animals are just there to look at, doesn't seem to good. Less people would be better overall, but more of us be hunter/gatherers, that would be higher quality of life and better connected to nature and good future.

You really think more animal watchers and less hunters is the right direction? Too many people, its a sign of that and the wrong direction, I think.

 

[noharleyyet]

Tom, 28.5 million fewer hunter/fishermen than 'watchers' account for 19 billion more $$$revenue. Could be that many hunt/fish census pay in to the 'watch' revenue column also.

The article did cite some demograpic changes (baby boomer shrinkage...etc) affecting hunter census. Good article I thought.

 

[1_pointer]

I'd be interested in their definition of a 'wildlife watcher'. I'd bet most that were considered this by the survey enjoy seeing wildlife, but don't go out too often with the goal of seeing it being their reason for going.

Glad to see the amount of money going into the P-R Fund!!!

PS- Anyone know of another group that has asked to be taxed to pursue their activities?