[Dragthor]

NJ is towards the bottom with a terrible .55 hunter replacement ratio. What does this mean? It means that for every 100 hunters lost... only 55 take their place. The future of hunting in NJ does not look good.

Adobe Acrobat .PDF (566 kb)

http://www.newjerseyhunter.com/documents/FamiliesAfield.pdf

 

[tommy]

Man it seem's like in south jersey there's double the people every year...

 

[Geneo]

When I first moved to Vernon 14 yrs. ago the N.J. Herald used to post the front page with hunters who shot Bucks on opening day. Then about 6 or 7 yrs ago everything was Taken off the front PAGE. To many none hunters coming north!!!!!!! [down][down][down]

 

[drome]

I started hunting last season because I always wanted to and finally could afford it. I have a 3 year old son, another son due in august and my wife wants 3 more. Boys or girls I plan on bringing them up enjoying hunting and fishing.

The number one problem I saw with hunting is that veteran hunters that I crossed paths with did zero to teach or encourage the sport. Thankfully I logged onto here and changed my opinion.

And I know the idea is to get kids involved so they grow up enjoying the sport but maybe a better strategy would be to also extend to first time adult hunters a day just like youth day, where veterans could assist them in learning the sport the right way rather than just sending people into the woods with no knowledge. A yound adult (18-28) thats never hunted before will eventually have children and teaching that young adult may bring in more than one person to the ratio.

Just my opinion. And dont get me wrong there isnt enough the state can do to bring in more youths to the sport.

Dennis

 

[JerseyJim]

I have my 5th kid on the way but I can't keep up this pace! You guy's and gals are gonna have to do your share as well out here!

 

[nightstalker911]

Reminds me of a bumper sticker I saw once:
HUNT WITH YOUR KIDS
NOT FOR THEM

 

[hkdonfishn]

I have all three of my kids into Hunting and they will be out there. My son is 6 my step son is 5 and my Daughter is 4 and they love to get into the woods and sit with me while I hunt. I have shot Deer with all 3 three of them with me at different times of course. Bring them kids up hunting it is good for them and will keep them out of trouble. [up]

 

[mcfvpgpn]

You guys and ladies need to join and participate in the NJ State Federation of Sportman's Clubs via your local county chapters. They are hugh supporters in getting kids involved in hunting,fishing and shooting sports. Check them out at www.njsfsc.org

 

[Duckmastor2]

Man it seem's like in south jersey there's double the people every year...

Thats because of people losing there hunting grounds due to development I think.

The number one problem I saw with hunting is that veteran hunters that I crossed paths with did zero to teach or encourage the sport.

I hear that. I dont know about Jersey, but here in DE if you arent A) over 50 years old, B) Have a real old sh*tty pick up covered with NASCAR stickers, or C) have antiquated gear, people treat you like you don't know what the hell your doing. Im 35 and been hunting since I was 10. I cant tell you how many times I've been at check stations, lottery shack, etc and have people just look at me like I'm fresh outta Hunters Ed.

It just gets on my nerves sometimes,,,

 

[drome]

I am fresh out of hunters ed, ive never hunted before, always wanted to but no one in my family was into it.

Ill tell you the 100% truth, with the costs of living in new jersey, people my age, especially if they just got married and are starting a family, can barely afford a roof and food for their family. And to start in hunting maybe just in archery can cost about $1000 for your bow, basic gear and a basic tree stand. IF I didnt have the bug since I was little theres no way in hell I'd take $1,000 out of my familys pockets, go hunting on public land and be harassed by some old hunter that thinks anything within a 50 mile radius of his treestand is his territory. The same old hunter that will complain the sport is dying out and can't understand why.

Im not saying anyone on here is like that but thats what I encountered on many occassions my first season in the woods.

Hunting as an organized sport is just like any organization, business or team, the group is only as wise / strong as its weakest member.

Dennis

 

[Duckmastor2]

And to start in hunting maybe just in archery can cost about $1000 for your bow, basic gear and a basic tree stand.

Did you buy everything new? I bought my 1st bow, a Hoyt, used in Glassboro loaded for less than $200. I bought my stands used off EBAY. A climber and a ladder for under $100 each and they are in good shape. Arrows arent cheap though.

 

[bgood]

I didn't start hunting until a few years ago. When I was a kid (grew up in NJ) my dad died and there was nobody to help me get started. My dad did some limited duck hunting while he was alive but I was too young to ever join him. It was always frustrating as a kid because I had an uncle and cousin who hunted regularly but never asked me if I was interested (I should have spoke up - they would have brought me along in a minute). I finally decided when my son was born that I was going to just get going and learn on my own so that when he's ready, I can get him going. It's a shame that people don't think to get others involved. The anti hunters have created such a social stigma against hunting. It's become so socially unacceptable to tell people you hunt let alone ask someone if they might be interested in giving it a try or offering to get their kids involved. What they have done to demonize hunting and hunters is insidious and will kill the sport in a couple more generations if we are not careful. I for one (and I'm sure you all agree) am not embarassed or intimidated to tell anyone that I hunt. I don't care what they think. I will offer hunting as an experience to both my kids and if they enjoy it and want to stay will it - I will enable it to the hilt. If not, that's Ok too. I personally know many hunters and actually didn't know they were until I became one. Most of these folks surprised me when I found out. A good surprise.

 

[raptor]

I have brought 4 new hunters to thier hunter ed courses and started them hunting in the last 2 years. New hunters will only go hunting if someone will take the time to help them and introduce it to them.

 

[mcfvpgpn]

I just got back from taking my daughter to her college introduction seminar, and met a women who lives in my county. When I told her that my daughter and i hunt, she replied that her 14 year old son wants to learn but no one in the family hunts. She was thrilled when i volunteered my services.This is something we all must do to preserve the sport.