I think it's a few things that, together, are the biggest threat. To me, land access and lower participation rates are my biggest concerns.
Oh there is no question there is a compounding factor. And some of those even relate to one another. Like if there isn't quality habitat then the predators can have their way with the fawns. If there is quality habitat then it will be much tougher to make a big impact on fawn survival.
Even worse where I am. I live in the 4th biggest county in Illinois per land. Iroquois County only features 2,500 acres of public ground. BTW, great poll. Can't wait to see the numbers.
Recruitment--- is my number one.. Land not being available to hunt is my number two... Just my opinion now... Some guys spend hundreds of dollars every year buying the latest and greatest hunting tools and clothes to hunt with, but won't spend a penny to have ground to hunt on. If they have public ground or access to private ground available that's great.... But some of those same dollars might open up hunting opportunities for them. I know a local guy that is always complaining about over crowded public ground and how it sucks to try and get a decent buck. I invited him to join our lease, but he said he couldn't afford it... Now mind you this is the same guys that buys on average 6-10 bows a year just to play with.. He shoots 3 -D and has been state champ in his division a couple of times now. I always remind him when he beeatches that he should invest in hunting ground instead of toys to play with and proving he is the best shot around for his age and class...
Habitat quality/reduction... Around here all the timber ground is being cleared off so people can plant corn... It pisses me off.
It's no doubt that the world has become more removed from our once "frontiered" ways. We are catering to an emotionally and physically detached society in terms of the nitty gritty. Like it or not, we HAVE to cater to these pretty people. They are the majority. The only way to win continued rights and allowances in hunting is to carry ourselves in a well educated and behaved demeanor. Wearing camo coveralls, throwing beer cans willy nilly, and shooting trees down does not win this fight. It's no wonder people look down on hunters as a whole. Hell, I do. To make things worse, these hunters believe it to be cool to post some of their more atrocious acts of stupidity and debauchery all over the net.
I guess its a little different in different areas.Access is not a big deal in Cal.at all.But say Texas,almost every friggin acre is owed privately. The biggest concern in California is definitely the gun haters and hunter haters.These organizations are huge and have alot of$$$.
I'm surprised at how many people are blaming Anti hunters.... Think about it, where do they get there perceptions? Bwwwad, where you at?