“Hunting Public Land is cool” I still struggle with this narrative, and I’m not sure why the echo chamber continues… Hunting public land is convenient, and at times the easiest, cheapest and only option.
I think that many of the younger generation that have gotten into the sport in the last 5-10 years see public as the clear choice to start with. Accessing private often takes effort for someone off the street. Picking a property, the motivation to Knock on doors, and then fostering a good relationship with the landowner all the while worrying about if they will lose access next year. Not to mention competing with the landowner’s friends and family, and when they can and cannot hunt.
Leases… well that’s a whole new discussion. Out of state for the average Joe on a budget? What other option does a guy have other than public? Still not sure how that makes it “cool” The popularity of hunting out of state and traveling for a hunting vacation also likely perpetuates the narrative.
Let me drive the point home: A bowhunter has the choice between hunting:
The majority of bowhunters in their right minds are not going to choose option 2 for the sake of being “cool”. They are going with option 2 because option 1 does not exist to them.
I think that many of the younger generation that have gotten into the sport in the last 5-10 years see public as the clear choice to start with. Accessing private often takes effort for someone off the street. Picking a property, the motivation to Knock on doors, and then fostering a good relationship with the landowner all the while worrying about if they will lose access next year. Not to mention competing with the landowner’s friends and family, and when they can and cannot hunt.
Leases… well that’s a whole new discussion. Out of state for the average Joe on a budget? What other option does a guy have other than public? Still not sure how that makes it “cool” The popularity of hunting out of state and traveling for a hunting vacation also likely perpetuates the narrative.
Let me drive the point home: A bowhunter has the choice between hunting:
- A 300 acre parcel with mixed secondary growth cover, ag, and hardwoods with a history of big bucks on the property. All to him or herself for the year. Free
The majority of bowhunters in their right minds are not going to choose option 2 for the sake of being “cool”. They are going with option 2 because option 1 does not exist to them.
