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.


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[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.


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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.

 

[Rich M]

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.

People want it handed to them. Then they don’t respect the journey or other hunters.

It really is that simple. If you earn it you appreciate it. If someone gives you a hand up you don’t appreciate the effort involved and are more likely to be a hindrance to others.

There are folks leaving the sport cause of the bs caused by others on public land. Hunters really are our own worst enemies.

 

[MTBackroads]

The only barrier to hunting as an adult in the US exists between your ears.
If more hunters make better hunting, why is hunting getting worse?

 

[crazygrizz]

People want it handed to them. Then they don’t respect the journey or other hunters.

It really is that simple. If you earn it you appreciate it. If someone gives you a hand up you don’t appreciate the effort involved and are more likely to be a hindrance to others.

There are folks leaving the sport cause of the bs caused by others on public land. Hunters really are our own worst enemies.

What do you mean by handed to them? There's levels to it. Do you mean delivering them a bull on a silver platter the first hour of the hunt? Giving them advice on what units they should apply for as a new hunter with 0 points? Even just letting them hangout at your camp?

I get earning it = appreciating to a point. But not every aspect of hunting needs to be earned. Like if a new hunter asked you what rifle/bullets they should buy are you going to tell them to go online and read a thousand internet arguments and earn that knowledge themselves? Or just tell them to get a tikka in 6.5cm and a couple boxes of eld-m's?

 

[Mike D Texas]

The only barrier to hunting as an adult in the US exists between your ears.
If more hunters make better hunting, why is hunting getting worse?

How is hunting getting worse?


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[MTBackroads]

How is hunting getting worse?


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Probably not getting crowded on high fence private in Texas.

 

[FirstGenHunts]

As a 2 year old hunter myself with no hunters in my family I'd say the biggest hurdle is knowing what hunting options there are and what to focus on. Once I figured out OTC elk tags in Colorado I was able to figure out a plan around that but understanding part was the hardest. I asked a bunch of people where to start and they gave me a response of "well it depends" rather than "buy an OTC tag, choose a unit, and go hunt."

 

[Blacktail_]

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.

Well said!!

 

[Blacktail_]

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?

This just factually isn’t true there are not that many new hunters today compared to 40 years ago. The number is staying the same and the percentage of the population relative to overall population is shrinking, not great for the future of conservation!

 

[Marble]

I think the biggest hurdle for most people is just taking the leap/chance and going. Timing is never perfect, you will always be chasing the right gear and you will learn something new each trip.

There isn't always a next time, so if you want to go, just go. Screw it all up and you'll have some lessons learned to apply for the next trip.

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[Steve300xcw]

This just factually isn’t true there are not that many new hunters today compared to 40 years ago. The number is staying the same and the percentage of the population relative to overall population is shrinking, not great for the future of conservation!

I see folks saying this. Yet every year I see more and more people out there..

 

[Q_Sertorius]

I see folks saying this. Yet every year I see more and more people out there..

That shows the value of your anecdotal experience.

Realistically, however, both things can be true. Due to losing land access and increasing popularity of certain kinds of hunting, one person might see more hunters in their area, even though the number of hunters is going down.

 

[philos]

You know there’s a steep irony in this thread that tells the story of barriers to get into hunting along with issues that causes folks to stop hunting.

You can see that there is a problem with cohesion with the hook and bullet crowd. As a community, we need to be more supportive of one another and get past the differences in opinion and the difference is in philosophy that aren’t truly relevant in keeping the sport alive and the resource readily available.

Is hunting better than it used to be, yes. Is hunting worse than it used to be, yes.

There are changes in our world that cannot be undone. There are more people with easier access to public lands and there are more people starving for some type of adventure or hobby that can be fulfilled by hunting.

What we do now determines the plight of hunters in the next 10 to 20 years and beyond. Some of the problems that the outdoor crowd have to contend with today are based upon our inability to get things done in the past that would provide benefit today.

Our ability in the US to get outdoors and chase critters with a firearm or bow or rocks and sticks is something that is fairly unique over the world.

You don’t have to be a wealthy land owner or possess a regal title to get out and hunt. You should however be a good steward of the land and treat it like you own it-which we really do if it’s public land. We should help one another and understand times
change and people change and there there’s nothing you can do about it.

I could get carried away and wax philosophical about this all day and night. The reality is, we’ve got it good and we just don’t know it.

 

[wapitibob]

I see folks saying this. Yet every year I see more and more people out there..

All the areas I hunt across multiple states are now limited quota draw tags. That in itself limits the number of hunters where I draw. I do sometimes see more forest activity from non hunters but that's mostly in AZ.