Participation numbers for hunting are trending downward. And that does not bode well for the future of hunting or conservation. After all, through the purchase of licenses and fees as well as excise taxes on guns and ammunition, hunters provide vital funding for conservation efforts from coast-to-coast.
So what is the biggest obstacle that keeps youngsters from picking up hunting? According to data gathered by the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation, it’s because they don’t have people to take them out and show them what it’s all about.
Here is the statistical breakdown:
- Lack of a mentor or instructor to take them (29.47%)
- Technology (social media, phones, computers) (19.30%)
- Perceived negative public or peer-group opinions (18.95%)
- Lack of access to hunting areas (16.49%)
- Lack of time or competing interests (14.74%)
- Age limit restrictions on when they can purchase a license (1.05%)
Remember that Hunting Is Conservation. And for conservation funding to be healthy, there is an absolute need to have more members of the next generation embrace hunting and our hunting heritage. So as you plan your next hunt, be a mentor and take a youngster along with you.
(Photo source: Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation)