Decline in hunting may hurt Texas economy
By Anita Chang
The Associated Press
An aging population, urbanization and expense are contributing to a decline in the sport of hunting in Texas, which experts say could result in serious effects on the state's economy, wildlife management efforts and ecological conservation programs.
The number of hunting licenses sold in Texas has held steady since 1970, at about 1 million each year, but sales are not keeping pace with the population growth, said Kirby Brown, executive vice president of the Texas Wildlife Association.
In 1970, there were 11.2 million Texans. In 2000, there were nearly 21 million, with explosive growth among Hispanics. But the average Texas hunter, Brown noted, is a 42-year-old white male.
"Currently, 5.6 percent of the citizens of Texas go hunting, and that's expected to decline, because urban people hunt less than rural people do, and in Texas, Hispanics make up a small percentage of the hunting population," said Dr. Bob Brown, head of the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Sciences at Texas A&M University.
Shane Smith, a taxidermist at Freer Deer Camp, recalls that he and his brother began hunting with their father when Smith was 5. Today, kids have other interests, such as video games, he said.
"Some of the kids getting started in it are older, 12, 15, 16 years old," he said. "Their daddies are just starting to afford it."
At the other end of the spectrum, aging baby boomers are beginning to drop out. "We're anticipating a loss over the next decade of 100,000 to 200,000 hunters," said Gary Graham, director of the wildlife division of the Texas Department of Parks and Wildlife.
Some hunters say high costs prevent people from getting or staying involved.
"I went out on a hunt on opening day dove season. I spent $250 for the guide service, $100 for gas, case shells was $35, miscellaneous expenses were another $100," said Joey Banes, webmaster of Texas' Ducks Unlimited site. "So if you can't afford to keep the lights on at home, that's lot of money."
Hunting is a major boost to the state's economy, estimated at $1.5 billion to $3.6 billion annually. That includes money spent on lodging, equipment such as ammunition, guns and tents, hunting leases and access to land.
Hunters in Texas also generate $43.5 million for state wildlife agencies through the sale of licenses and matching funds from the federal government, Kirby Brown said.
Experts agree that hunters are key to controlling the deer population.
"It's absolutely essential for wildlife population management. Many states are overrun with deer now. Deer can have twins or triplets, and the population can explode," Bob Brown said.
http://www.dfw.com/mld/startelegram/news/state/4218516.htm
By Anita Chang
The Associated Press
An aging population, urbanization and expense are contributing to a decline in the sport of hunting in Texas, which experts say could result in serious effects on the state's economy, wildlife management efforts and ecological conservation programs.
The number of hunting licenses sold in Texas has held steady since 1970, at about 1 million each year, but sales are not keeping pace with the population growth, said Kirby Brown, executive vice president of the Texas Wildlife Association.
In 1970, there were 11.2 million Texans. In 2000, there were nearly 21 million, with explosive growth among Hispanics. But the average Texas hunter, Brown noted, is a 42-year-old white male.
"Currently, 5.6 percent of the citizens of Texas go hunting, and that's expected to decline, because urban people hunt less than rural people do, and in Texas, Hispanics make up a small percentage of the hunting population," said Dr. Bob Brown, head of the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Sciences at Texas A&M University.
Shane Smith, a taxidermist at Freer Deer Camp, recalls that he and his brother began hunting with their father when Smith was 5. Today, kids have other interests, such as video games, he said.
"Some of the kids getting started in it are older, 12, 15, 16 years old," he said. "Their daddies are just starting to afford it."
At the other end of the spectrum, aging baby boomers are beginning to drop out. "We're anticipating a loss over the next decade of 100,000 to 200,000 hunters," said Gary Graham, director of the wildlife division of the Texas Department of Parks and Wildlife.
Some hunters say high costs prevent people from getting or staying involved.
"I went out on a hunt on opening day dove season. I spent $250 for the guide service, $100 for gas, case shells was $35, miscellaneous expenses were another $100," said Joey Banes, webmaster of Texas' Ducks Unlimited site. "So if you can't afford to keep the lights on at home, that's lot of money."
Hunting is a major boost to the state's economy, estimated at $1.5 billion to $3.6 billion annually. That includes money spent on lodging, equipment such as ammunition, guns and tents, hunting leases and access to land.
Hunters in Texas also generate $43.5 million for state wildlife agencies through the sale of licenses and matching funds from the federal government, Kirby Brown said.
Experts agree that hunters are key to controlling the deer population.
"It's absolutely essential for wildlife population management. Many states are overrun with deer now. Deer can have twins or triplets, and the population can explode," Bob Brown said.
http://www.dfw.com/mld/startelegram/news/state/4218516.htm
, Art