How is your state trying to turn it around and are any of the programs working? I am told here in a Idaho numbers are staying the same.

State of Maine could care less.They just pass more stupid laws.

Similar here^^

Seems like covid lockdowns have done well for license sales...

Bruce, I think you hit the nail on the head. Passing more and more confusing hunting regulations only makes it more difficult for young hunters trying to figure out how to stay compliant and legal when they are first learning how to hunt. Look back to the 50's-60's and seventies and remember how much less regulation and rules existed for a kid to learn , and especially ones without an older generation that hunt and already has stayed abreast of seasons, dates, and laws. This is probably wishful thinking on my part because bureaucrats are justifying their overpaid and for the most part unwarranted jobs by dreaming up more regulation. Another prime example would be the "NEED" for more gun laws.

Certainly no decline in hunters in WI or SD this year...fishermen either.

There sure was a lot less deer hunters in Mi. Very few small game hunter in my area. Doing nothing, selling more State land or leasing more worthless land to hunt. JMO

In Missouri we are too worried about getting the big bucks with our antler point restrictions. Kids and locals don't have a chance. Out of state and city hunters buy and lease a lot. Hunt a few days a year.

Years ago the regs for deer hunting were pretty restrictive here...

You couldn't shoot a deer with a .30 caliber rifle on Tuesdays if it was raining. (An exaggeration, but you get my point)

Hunters/license sales declined. The deer population went up.

They have greatly relaxed the restrictions... But I don't know if the numbers have come up in response to that. I think they could change them some more and make things easier and more enjoyable while still getting their money and managing the resource.

Mike

I can partially see PA's attempt to get more youth involved with their mentored Youth Hunts. But have seen 5 yr. olds with deer posted. Will this keep them interested? I have my own ideas on this.
I can remember going to the "big" woods and the night before opener the local church having a sportsmens get together. Was special.

Not so, deer licenses were up, turkey licenes up, fishing licenses up, base licenses up...a by product of Covid. The question is, will it stay that way or fade off as Covid dissipates

Numbers were up this year with covid and no where else to go

they have mentored hunting one gun per hunter and mentor

mentored hunter can be any reasonable age.

as well as the mentor can carry a CCL but not hunt with it if they are so licensed

first time buyer is a 5 dollar license hunting , fishing , small game ect..

not much this year for hunters ed classes

Wi does not need more hunters, WDNR has wolves, heck they won't even show up a legislative meeting when called.

Minnesota has had a spike is virtually all outdoor related license sales with the exception of deer hunting for some reason. It appears to be linked directly to the pandemic though. I can tell you I've certified more young trappers this year than any other year and the firearms safety numbers for certification were up in our area in September. I know most people will just say, "oh well, it's all related to the pandemic and the spike in license sales won't sustain." Maybe, but it's better than the alternative. At least there's a chance that more young people will get hooked and stay with it in the long term.

In NY State hunting license sales were up this past fall.

I saw a lot of people hunting and fishing this past year

The GFP here just keeps raising the fees for everything they have nothing to worry about, I paid $88 for my senior combo and furbearer license no big game tags are included in that. This year we have a $10 habitat stamp that’s required since they raised the other fees in recent years the just come up with a new tax it’s that easy.

Non residents pay $25 for a habitat stamp but they extended the bird season and talked about raising the daily limit maybe the did, we don’t have any more birds it just sounds like we must. LMAO

States do not manage wildlife like they used to. They used to manage to benefit the hunters. No more. With all the protection they give predators ( Wolves, hawks, owls, etc.) there is not much game left to hunt. Hunters don't want to buy licenses just to go walk around and not see any game. And the states can't figure out why their revenue from hunting licenses is dropping.

Then they will give them a ticket for every little thing possible.

Most state wildlife agencies don't seem to understand that they themselves are turning hunting into an activity/sport that is ALL ABOUT MONEY.