Biggest hurdle/barrier to entry into hunting?

[Mike D Texas]

Cost is becoming one barrier. The glued to electronics generation (facilitated by lazy parents) is another.

Another is the unwillingness, for hunters to help other hunters. People feel like the newbie is going to come in and take “their” spot, even though it may be public land.

Being from the South, I’ve never had to deal with the ridiculous games that western states play with points, applications, etc. when I decided I wanted to hunt antelope in Wyoming a few years ago, I came here looking for tips on how to navigate the draw system and you would have thought I asked for the Onx coordinates to someone’s favorite spot. Was basically told that it was all on the website, go figure it out and good luck.

Thankfully a couple of members actually PM’ed and actually offered helpful advice.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk Pro

 

[Mike D Texas]

No, we dont need any more hunters! Theres too many now. What used to be an annual trip, has now become a once in a lifetime event.

The resource isn't available to us now. If you cant draw a tag, what's the use?

That’s a fool’s attitude. If hunting doesn’t continue to be promoted and passed on to future hunters, then we will have less of a voice and it will become less of a priority and more expensive/restrictive and certainly less accessible.

 

[Taco John]

That’s a fool’s attitude. If hunting doesn’t continue to be promoted and passed on to future hunters, then we will have less of a voice and it will become less of a priority and more expensive/restrictive and certainly less accessible.

Its already all of those.

 

[Rich M]

Cost is becoming one barrier. The glued to electronics generation (facilitated by lazy parents) is another.

Another is the unwillingness, for hunters to help other hunters. People feel like the newbie is going to come in and take “their” spot, even though it may be public land.

Being from the South, I’ve never had to deal with the ridiculous games that western states play with points, applications, etc. when I decided I wanted to hunt antelope in Wyoming a few years ago, I came here looking for tips on how to navigate the draw system and you would have thought I asked for the Onx coordinates to someone’s favorite spot. Was basically told that it was all on the website, go figure it out and good luck.

Thankfully a couple of members actually PM’ed and actually offered helpful advice.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk Pro

You got on the train after those before you screwed the guys you expect to help you. That’s why the outcry.

 

[crazygrizz]

Some of you seem to think that everyone you help become hunters is going to be addicted as you are. I know plenty of people that have hunted a couple times but don't get out anymore or didn't like it. But those same people will stick up for hunters and the right to hunt. The consistent hunters I know here in CO personally are nothing like most of this forum users. They get out for 4-7 days to go fill their 1 elk/deer tag once a year and spend maybe 1-3 weekends on a turkey tag or something similar, if that.

I'm on this forum because then bug bit me good. I've spent 4 weekends turkey hunting in spring, have a couple weekends set aside for otc archery pronghorn, an 8 day black bear hunt in September, and 7 days for a 2nd rifle buck. Still debating if I want to get an OTC archery or rifle elk tag. This puts me at the top of everyone I know personally in time spent in the field and by a good margin. Now I did my very first hunt last October for 2nd rifle and had a buck/bull/bear tag because I figured something would show up and get filled. Turns out I didn't fill a single tag, I did have a cow elk at 90 feet from me oblivious I was there. Many Doe opportunities if I had a tag, and still a fun time trying something new with friends. But I still seem to be more of the exception vs the norm.

Losing my train of thought a bit, but basically don't be scared to help others out. They likely aren't going to become obsessed but will still appreciate it.

 

[Toneloc]

I don’t want to downplay skill and experience, cause those are absolutely important, but I’ve seen it so many times with my 15 yr old….participation is a huge part of success. Getting out in the woods or on the water gives yourself opportunities.

That to me that is the biggest barrier to new hunters. It’s prioritizing the time in the field. Like others have said, many people want it now and want to skip the hard work / perseverance part.

 

[Hunter_By_Name]

Man this thread kind of went all over the place. As far as I see it there's really no barrier to get into hunting. At the end of the day you're responsible for what you prioritize. With saying that I've gotta agree that tag availablity is definetly the most concerning trend.

I think something no one talks about and maybe a better way to handle the newbs is the experience. Don't get me wrong it drives me nuts when people ask "Where should I go?" But I think as a veteran as most of us are we can explain to them that they're missing out on a new experience. The first year I went Elk hunting I didn't know a single thing. It is actually commical how little I knew. If I could go back and have someone tell me go here. I would've missed out on a once in a lifetime new experience.

Not sure if any of that made sense but as someone who grew up navigating Wisconsin Cattail marshes at the age of 12 I've got a hard time believe grown men can't get over any "barriers". Just try a little.