MUST READ - Hunter and Angler Number Down Dramatically!!

[djkimmel]

Number of Hunters Falls, Worrying Some

By DAVID CRARY,AP
Posted: 2007-09-03 09:41:30
Filed Under: Nation News

(Sept. 2) - Hunters remain a powerful force in American society, as evidenced by the presidential candidates who routinely pay them homage, but their ranks are shrinking dramatically and wildlife agencies worry increasingly about the loss of sorely needed license-fee revenue. more>>

[Mojo]

I want to see how the DNR bill rolls out the next few years. Isolated from the MI General fund, it can not be raided (only happened once in 89 I think and only 1.6 %), but it also cannot draw from the General Fund when it is short. 

Does anyone know how many times that happened last 20 years ? Anyway, it seems MI Hunting is alive and well for those who truly want to get themselves and their family in the outdoors.

[springlakebassman]

I think one cause to the shrinking numbers in anglers and hunters would be that to many of us get caught up in our busy daily lives and forget about the youngsters who are the future policy makers for our sport.  I know personally that when work gets busy and the tourney action heats up I forget all about the fishing trips I promised to some of the young people I know.  Make it a point to take em' fishing!

[Mojo]

Jack and I co-direct a parent / child NBAA fishing league for MAcomb and Oakland County. . It is purely designed to get parents and their kids on the water together. I need help spreading the word on our Saturdays. There is no greater joy than the kids we had weighing in fish, getting raffle prizes. Greg and Stacy did a fantastic job there. Hope to see you there next year !

[1javelin]

Quit raising the prices to ridiculous amounts each year, and more people would be able to afford it.  At the bare minimum, a new bow and all the equipment you need to hunt will run you over $500, so who has that money laying around all the time just to try something out?  If everything wasn't driven by money, there would be more sportsmen willing to help more.  Just my .02

Jav