|
|
The number of hunters in New York has been falling, particularly in the southeastern
part of the state, while the rest of NY appears to have been holding
onto its hunting population. That partly hides the fact that one
reason for this is that the hunting population is staying in the
woods longer than we used to -- our average age is increasing one
year with the passage of each year. That further implies we are not
replacing our younger hunters. Reasons we are loosing population:
The southeastern part of the state is among the more challenging. Some reasons for problems:
|
 |
|
The problem with land access is significant. It takes longer to get to huntable lands. This makes it less likely that a father will take his child out of the city to hunt small game. The most popular season remains big game during gun season, and younger hunters are currently not allowed to participate. The number of junior hunting licenses held by New York City residents has recently been reported to be 121. Around half of New York State lives in and around NYC. But around 95% of NY State residents reported in a poll a few years ago that they considered themselves urban. These problems are showing up early and most in the NYC area, but are likely to characterize the whole state.
|
|
 |
Land access changes are especially challenging. On the surface, greenspace acquisition by conservancies looks like a good idea. Yet, much of those acquired lands are being taken as parklands under local control, or into the State Parks, Recreation, and Historical Sites department which drastically restricts hunting or excludes it altogether. More, many of these lands are so assigned without any opportunity for public comment, since they are mediated by privately incorporated conservancies. While it was in private hands, much of it was accessible to hunters. Not all of that is a loss. Conservation groups such as the Audubon Society have acquired some properties included in the greenway. Local chapters have found that the overpopulation of deer on their properties have resulted in the destruction of the understory of their forestlands, resulting in loss of habitat for birds. Since then, they have reopened some of their land to some hunting clubs. The positive economic contributions of hunting and hunters, as well as some legislative goals were explored by the Republican Assembly Hunting and Fishing Task Force. |
|
The following are good ways to build a future:
Our clubs is where much of our tradition lives. Recruitment programs, including family shooting days, hunter safety courses, and other activities can be held at and sponsored by clubs. Practice with our firearms happens every day in our clubs. Sharing our traditions occurs in our clubs. Keeping our clubs in good operating order with good programs in place is one way to ensure the continuation of our traditions. Clubs also provide a way to pool resources and influence. One person cannot do everything. Some people are better at working with kids. Some people are good at organizing events. Some people are good at political involvement.
|
|
|
Participation in the Sportsman Education Program provides a direct way to participate in the education of another generation of hunters. It is a chance to help make the activity attractive to another generation. Involvement in the "Adapt-a-Natural Resource" and Unit Management Plan processes is another way to increase club impact and community presence and participation in assisting in making local hunting lands more accessible to new hunters. One of the campaigns by anti-hunting groups is to claim non-consumptive wildlife users (birdwatchers and wildlife watchers, hikers, etc) as anti-hunters. Their idea is that, according to a USFWS Report there are now many more non-consumptive users than consumptive users, and that these people do not support hunting. That is not necessarily so. Wildlife watchers and those concerned with the health of wildlife and the ability of the habitat to sustain wildlife is important to them. Hunting is a necessary part of that effort. A way to get more involved is to open relationships with other groups, offering to assist in establishing relationships between your club and the organization's property, posting land, ensuring it is not trespassed and kept secure, and removing enough deer to restore the health of the forest. Responsible involvement in other organizations can broaden their perspective and your perspective in finding ways to open doors.
|
 |
|
Political involvement is another important activity. For hunting, this includes both legislative activity, and watching the DEC's activities. A great way to get involved is through the New York State Rifle and Pistol Association.
| |