The state’s wildlife magazine reports that although the number of hunters and anglers is in decline, interest in hunting and fishing among youngsters is high. A 2003 nationwide survey of youngsters ages 6-15 found that 85 percent had moderate to great interest in fishing, and 44 percent were interested, either a little or a lot, in hunting.

Adult mentors, especially family, are key to maintaining interest. “Having a close family member who hunts or fishes is nearly a prerequisite for young people to take up those pursuits,” reports Jim Wilson, associate editor of the magazine. The 2003 survey found that 91 percent of young hunters and 89 percent of young anglers were introduced to those activities by a father, grandfather or uncle.

Yet both participation and interest tend to decline as children reach adulthood. A 2001 federal study found that numbers of hunters and anglers nationwide had dropped by 7 and 4 percent, respectively, over 10 years. In North Carolina, the same study found, the declines were even steeper — 22 percent for hunters and 15 percent for anglers.

Reasons for waning interest include competing recreational activities, personal pursuits such as grades, jobs or the opposite sex, as well as a range of societal trends — shrinking rural populations, dwindling access to private hunting lands and increasing mobility of families. Lack of reinforcement also plays a role, as busy adults have trouble finding time to take kids into the woods or onto the water.

The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission tries to knock down barriers to hunting and fishing. The Wildlife Commission maintains more than 2 million acres of public game lands and hundreds of boat ramps and bankside fishing facilities. Partnering with other organizations, the Commission offers youth-only hunts, youth fishing events and tackle loaner programs.

View the complete magazine article here.

Wildlife in North Carolina is published monthly by the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission. For subscription information, call toll-free (866) 945-3746, or subscribe online through the Wild Store.
 

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