Number of U.S. hunters dwindles

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.

New figures from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service show that the number of hunters 16 and older declined by 10 percent between 1996 and 2006 — from 14 million to about 12.5 million. The drop was most acute in New England, the Rocky Mountains, and the Pacific states, which lost 400,000 hunters in that span.

The primary reasons, experts say, are the loss of hunting land to urbanization plus a perception by many families that they can't afford the time or costs that hunting entails.

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Originally posted by Collins:
Number of U.S. hunters dwindles

.... The drop was most acute in New England, the Rocky Mountains, and the Pacific states, which lost 400,000 hunters in that span.

The primary reasons, experts say, are the loss of hunting land to urbanization plus a perception by many families that they can't afford the time or costs that hunting entails.

The real reason is the cost of licenses and the draw permit system. The draw permit system reduces the opportunities for hunting and in Az. the odds are against you getting a draw permit for any big game. This is the last season for not having a draw for archery. Next year we have to apply for a draw permit to bow hunt. In Az, you even need a draw permit for pheasant! It is rediculous!