The reality is that hunting has been on a rapid decrease. Many people seem to point the blame on technology. And yes, that is a massive part of it. Definitely the biggest part of it. Phones and computers are all just comfortable. It is a major component as to why the current generations have had a distance from hunting.
I seem to believe the lower numbers stem from quite a few factors.
The first would be access. Having a quality hunting ground is truly something people struggle with. I am blessed to have so many hunting spots, and it has led to much of my successes. Gaining access can be incredibly difficult to many. I never realized until I made a few trips to Ohio and door knocked. No after no. This can definitely get discouraging, especially with how much time you can dump into knocking on some doors.
I think if people were able to just go hunting and not having to worry about a crazy neighbor, that it would drastically change the landscape of hunting. It seems as though people say that this current generation “should go outside more,” but I believe that many kids now a days are like, what is the point if I can’t just go fish (or hunt) and have fun, without a Karen coming and causing chaos.
The Selfishness of the Modern Day Hunter
Back to hunting though, the selfishness of the modern day hunter is causing the death of it. That, in my opinion, is the reality of it. Everyone wants to kill a big buck, especially me. I believe that this mindset is ruining it for so many. Because it is an all about me me me industry.
Think about if a young kid went and asked you,
“Hey sir, would you mind if I archery hunt on your property?”
Chances are, especially if it is an amazing hunting spot, the answer will almost always be no. Now tell me about what that kid would rather do, play a video game or hunt?
The answer to the problem should be that we can just go hunting like our ancestors did before us. I think this would make hunting fun again.
Building off of access, the urbanization of our country has also led to less and less hunting. Where and how should someone from the city learn how to hunt? Ask yourself that.
The Cost of Licensing and Gear
Now to my next point, the cost of licensing and gear. Evidently, I have went to Ohio as a non resident, and when I bought it, it cost 260 dollars. Now it is over 400 dollars. Tell me how a young person in today’s world can afford that? With the cost of everything, this can make it only an uphill battle when it does not need to be.
Also, many people seeing their favorite outdoor personality wearing 1,000 dollars in camo and thinking that they need that is not good for the industry, in my opinion. I am an avid hunter, and just want what is best for hunting. I believe that the hunting industry needs to change or else it could go extinct. We need to change as a community in order to keep our lifestyle for generations to come.
Not Enough Mentors for Kids
Now the final point, not enough mentors for kids. Guess where this stems from… Technology, land access, and cost. Now tell me, what can we do to change this?
Give people a place to hunt and they will make memories that will last a lifetime. Then this will get passed on for so many generations. We all need to quit being so selfish and just go have fun with the people we love.
I just want to say that this is my opinion, and I believe that we all need to take a step back and realize. It’s only a deer at the end of the day. If it makes someone happy, then that, in my opinion, is worth it. We all need to stick together and change the Hunting Industry forever!