Often times we think there is more pressure than ever on our lakes and fields. Take the following information to process. This is a significant trend, one that will strap our game & fish agency budgets, outdoor companies, etc. Much less worry about political pressures.
I’ve heard though I can’t confirm that there wasn’t much of a rush in Nebraska for hunting license sales this fall. Many attribute it to the loss of pheasant habitat and late fall (Waterfowl).
Just wondered what you’re guys thoughts were. It scares me in a lot of ways.
The previous survey was conducted in 2001. Since then in Nebraska:
* The number of anglers declined by 68,000. In 2006, a total of 197,000 Nebraskans reported they fished in the previous year, compared with 265,000 in 2001. That’s a 26 percent drop.
* The number of hunters declined by 9,000. In 2006, there were 119,000 Nebraskans who hunted, compared with 128,000 in 2001. That’s a 7 percent drop.
* The number of people who fed, observed or photographed wildlife increased by 115,000, from 469,000 in 2001 to 584,000 in 2006. That’s an increase of nearly 25 percent.
Nebraska’s percentage declines were larger than national figures, as was its percentage increase in wildlife watchers. National angler numbers dropped by 12 percent between the two surveys and hunters declined by 4 percent. National wildlife watching numbers are up 8 percent.
http://www.journalstar.com/articles/2007/08/30/sports/outdoors/doc46d08e30ab86e569332885.txt