I have heard that only 5% of the US population still hunts and that number is declining. I guess it is from our nation becoming an urban society and the cost of it becoming a rich mans sport. Unfortunately, I feel this decline has also had an impact on the support for the second amendment. On the bright side, Duck Dynasty could bring a lot more people into the sport, and teach a lot of people about family values.
Why so little interest in hunting on the forum?
- Thread starter fat tom
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fat tom
Absent Comrade
I would like to say thanks for all of the participation in this thread. I've been enlightened,to a degree,and have really enjoyed reading the posts and seeing all of the "dead animal pics". 
f.t.
f.t.
smithman 10
US Veteran
Don't hunt no more
Mainly because I like to sleep late. Seems like every time my deer hunting brother-in-law mentions hunting it involves getting up at 4 a.m.
I'm not up for that anymore. I like to stay up late and watch old movies. Get up late on the weekend and go to the range in the afternoon.
I've forgotten how to field dress a deer anyhow.
Mainly because I like to sleep late. Seems like every time my deer hunting brother-in-law mentions hunting it involves getting up at 4 a.m.
I'm not up for that anymore. I like to stay up late and watch old movies. Get up late on the weekend and go to the range in the afternoon.
I've forgotten how to field dress a deer anyhow.
I'll be hunting for bear (with a S&W handgun) 4/15/13. Love it. My favorite hunting is probably antelope because I enjoy the spot and stalk as well as being my favorite tasting meat out of my freezer. Elk hunting is lots of hard work. Moose hunting is a rare tag around these parts. Deer are great fun - both mulie and whitetail. But antelope is my favorite.
As far as varmint hunting - yoddle dogs are my favorite. Wolf hunt is always fun too as they are bigger and harder to bag. Canine in the crosshairs is hard to beat.
I love bird hunting too. Fly fishing, bass fishing, deep sea fishing...
If more people hunted for their meat instead of buying it at the store, we'd be a lot better off today as a society. Huge premium in my book for being self-sufficient.
While I don't think the focus of the group is hunting, I think that plenty of us here represent those 5% or whatever of hunters left in our blessed country.
As far as varmint hunting - yoddle dogs are my favorite. Wolf hunt is always fun too as they are bigger and harder to bag. Canine in the crosshairs is hard to beat.
I love bird hunting too. Fly fishing, bass fishing, deep sea fishing...
If more people hunted for their meat instead of buying it at the store, we'd be a lot better off today as a society. Huge premium in my book for being self-sufficient.
While I don't think the focus of the group is hunting, I think that plenty of us here represent those 5% or whatever of hunters left in our blessed country.
lol! actually it's mispelled. macerated is correct, not mascerated. Do forgive me. I would have you believe it is the result of careless typing and fat fingers. The truth is: I'm about 2/3 way through a 12 pack of Miller High Life (heretofore known as tall blondes).
Tall blonde = 16oz?
Texas Star
US Veteran
Well, he's married to a short brunette. This is the only way for him to get tall blondes in his life.
Intheshop
Member
Don't build as many as we used to but........we build high performance recurves/longbows.Split between hunting and tourney use(3D),prolly 50/50.
Bow below is not for sale,it was an R/D bow on why a particular co didn't make an SA one piece.Which we figured out.Will say that wherever this bow goes,it garners quite a bit of interest in the parent co's products.To the point of promoting that co's wares.......
Still Bow hunt,still build them.But reason for response is that I find handgun hunting to be very near the "effort" required for traditional archery.To the point that I hunted with handgun's for a period of about 10 years exclusively,when using a firearm.A Colt Python loaded with lead .38 sp SWC was the prime small game setup.And can't begin to count the Deer that have hit the dining rm table harvested with a 4" old #,629.Probably around 20 or so?Either 180 XTP's,at book max for dbl lung'n Does and smallish bucks.....which rarely require any lookin for.To classic Keith/Lyman 429421 full tilt,2400 loads....for pinning both shoulders when stalking the big boys.
Bow below is not for sale,it was an R/D bow on why a particular co didn't make an SA one piece.Which we figured out.Will say that wherever this bow goes,it garners quite a bit of interest in the parent co's products.To the point of promoting that co's wares.......
Still Bow hunt,still build them.But reason for response is that I find handgun hunting to be very near the "effort" required for traditional archery.To the point that I hunted with handgun's for a period of about 10 years exclusively,when using a firearm.A Colt Python loaded with lead .38 sp SWC was the prime small game setup.And can't begin to count the Deer that have hit the dining rm table harvested with a 4" old #,629.Probably around 20 or so?Either 180 XTP's,at book max for dbl lung'n Does and smallish bucks.....which rarely require any lookin for.To classic Keith/Lyman 429421 full tilt,2400 loads....for pinning both shoulders when stalking the big boys.
Attachments
Too had more people dont hunt with handguns, i find it very rewarding!! I have a .44 i use for deer... Not smith but...i do have a pic of my bro in laws hog shot with a s&w460
I do, mostly with my FA 454
Though we Creeks prefer Indigenous Pre-Columbian Early Mississippian Mound Builders, or IPCEMMB's.........
Necessity, being the mother of invention dictated the harvesting of wildlife for survival. A practice engaged by our cousins to the north and west for generations, I do see the confusion.
Gunner
IPCEMMB
Then the Creeks gave up trying to build mounds in Oklahoma and switched to building Turnpikes.
CAJUNLAWYER
Member
Honestly, I'm just not as mad at them as I used to be. 
kisportolt
Member
I enjoy hunting, mostly hunt deer though I will hunt turkey and have been wanting to get into bird hunting. Hunting is what first got my into guns, and the main reason for most of mine.
Hunting is more than just killing an animal. It's the companionship with your buddies, preparing your gear/spot for weeks before the season starts, the excitement of opening morning, spending time outdoors, and the rush when you hear a twig snap or see horns moving between some trees.
And there's a sense of pride in providing food for your family and eating something that took more effort than driving to the corner store. I feel this goes on the same line as having your own garden, even when it's just a few veggies, it's still more fulfilling.
As for the "meats cheaper at the grocery store" argument...I personally enjoy knowing exactly where my meat came from, what it has eaten, and that it's been handled properly. Local, land-raised venison, or mass-produced who knows where beef? I'll take the venison please.
And I'd like to see stats for those saying only 5% of the US hunts. According to the US Fish and Wildlife Service, 13.7 million people hunted in 2011. The Census Bureau estimates that currently there are 315.6 million people in the US (probably less in 2011). That's about 23%... Here in Michigan we had almost 650,000 people hunt whitetail deer alone in 2011.
USFWS-WSFR National Survey
http://www.michigan.gov/documents/dnr/WLD_report3548_2011_deer_harvest_survey_report_390798_7.pdf
Hunting is more than just killing an animal. It's the companionship with your buddies, preparing your gear/spot for weeks before the season starts, the excitement of opening morning, spending time outdoors, and the rush when you hear a twig snap or see horns moving between some trees.
And there's a sense of pride in providing food for your family and eating something that took more effort than driving to the corner store. I feel this goes on the same line as having your own garden, even when it's just a few veggies, it's still more fulfilling.
As for the "meats cheaper at the grocery store" argument...I personally enjoy knowing exactly where my meat came from, what it has eaten, and that it's been handled properly. Local, land-raised venison, or mass-produced who knows where beef? I'll take the venison please.
And I'd like to see stats for those saying only 5% of the US hunts. According to the US Fish and Wildlife Service, 13.7 million people hunted in 2011. The Census Bureau estimates that currently there are 315.6 million people in the US (probably less in 2011). That's about 23%... Here in Michigan we had almost 650,000 people hunt whitetail deer alone in 2011.
USFWS-WSFR National Survey
http://www.michigan.gov/documents/dnr/WLD_report3548_2011_deer_harvest_survey_report_390798_7.pdf
Brian41
Member
I often participate in hunting threads here but I find it more of a handgun board and I do most of my hunting talk elsewhere.
I've done a lot of upland and waterfowl hunting over the years but my hunting buddies have died or moved away and I lost my Brittany over a year ago. My Golden too died several years ago now.
I still bow hunt but now with a crossbow due to health problems and gun hunt in our shotgun zone with one and a Model 657 in 8 3/8. I've not taken a deer with it yet but have with my Ruger Super Blackhawk. I find handgun hunting as challenging as bow but take my Browning Gold Deer Hunter along for longer shots.
I've not taken any deer the past couple years as I've been letting the does I normally take for the freezer pass waiting for Mr. Big Buck.
I've come to the point in my life I don't enjoy the killing so much but the watching is still fun.
I only have ten acres but am surrounded by farm land and get corn fed deer which taste just dandy. I do miss the days when I hunted with friends and my brother in Michigan's north lower and the UP. We can use rifles there and had some good times in deer camp which was taken seriously as we were all there for the hunting and not partying.
I've done a lot of upland and waterfowl hunting over the years but my hunting buddies have died or moved away and I lost my Brittany over a year ago. My Golden too died several years ago now.
I still bow hunt but now with a crossbow due to health problems and gun hunt in our shotgun zone with one and a Model 657 in 8 3/8. I've not taken a deer with it yet but have with my Ruger Super Blackhawk. I find handgun hunting as challenging as bow but take my Browning Gold Deer Hunter along for longer shots.
I've not taken any deer the past couple years as I've been letting the does I normally take for the freezer pass waiting for Mr. Big Buck.
I've come to the point in my life I don't enjoy the killing so much but the watching is still fun.
I only have ten acres but am surrounded by farm land and get corn fed deer which taste just dandy. I do miss the days when I hunted with friends and my brother in Michigan's north lower and the UP. We can use rifles there and had some good times in deer camp which was taken seriously as we were all there for the hunting and not partying.
dougb1946
Member
There is nothing quit as fun as making a drive for pheasants with a small crew and a few good dogs, and having another group drive right across in front of you. Opening day gets a little exciting, so I avoid the opener. Hunting is much more fun latter in the season with snow on the ground, and much less crowded.
DNR has been doing habitat improvement in Minnesota. A lot of the WMAs are old farmsteads, being turned back into prairie. Not great for pheasants. One area by the Mississippi that was great for deer-you could by extra tags and farmers really liked hunters- was thinned out to make a good environment for the threatened (?) Timber Rattler, which tends to discourage hunting.
Hunting is really not what it was 10 years ago. A lot of the good spots are now housing developments. Farmers have gotten tired of cattle being shot and trespassers acting like they have a right to be there. And more kids are growing up thinking shooting involves a joy stick and a computer. Too many people too far from the farm.
DNR has been doing habitat improvement in Minnesota. A lot of the WMAs are old farmsteads, being turned back into prairie. Not great for pheasants. One area by the Mississippi that was great for deer-you could by extra tags and farmers really liked hunters- was thinned out to make a good environment for the threatened (?) Timber Rattler, which tends to discourage hunting.
Hunting is really not what it was 10 years ago. A lot of the good spots are now housing developments. Farmers have gotten tired of cattle being shot and trespassers acting like they have a right to be there. And more kids are growing up thinking shooting involves a joy stick and a computer. Too many people too far from the farm.
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I participate in my own personal Feral Swine Eradication Program, year round, in order to "Save the Baby Trees" on private timber property. The timber company wants our hunt club to kill every one of them.
Some health food stores sell the "wild hog" meat as Free Ranging, Organically Grown Pork and sell it for $7 a pound.
My main source of protein is white-tail deer and wild hog and have been eating wildgame for many years.
"I hunt, therefore I am."
I only talk about hunting when asked about it and live in a area where hunting and fishing is a way of life and popular.
Some health food stores sell the "wild hog" meat as Free Ranging, Organically Grown Pork and sell it for $7 a pound.
My main source of protein is white-tail deer and wild hog and have been eating wildgame for many years.
"I hunt, therefore I am."
I only talk about hunting when asked about it and live in a area where hunting and fishing is a way of life and popular.
kamloops67
Member
what kind of distances are we talking, on average ,when youre shooting feral hogs? are they an elusive target, or do they just stand there?
are they hunted or just shot like a gopher? excuse my ignorance im just interested in these potentially tasty critters.
are they hunted or just shot like a gopher? excuse my ignorance im just interested in these potentially tasty critters.
kwselke
Member
Feral hogs are elusive and will go nocturnal when under hunting pressure. They have poor eyesight but an excellent sense of smell. I hunt them on a friend's 200 acres of river bottom land outside of College Station, TX, mostly stalking them on foot using .44 Magnums. Most of my shots with my Model 629 have been in the 25 to 35 yard range. I once had a small 35 pounder run straight at me, my first shot hit its front leg and broke it. It veered slightly to my left and as it went by I put a second 240 grain JHP in its chest. My longest shot was about 75 yards with a Chinese SKS. My buddy has taken many that wonder into the hay fields outside his home, for those he will use a rifle. They can be dangerous if injured or cornered.
Kelly Green
Member
I've shot them close-up in the brush and out to a 150 yards: standing still, walking and running. I own a large farm in central Texas and we have a big problem with hogs destroying crops.
If you want to take one for the meat, the best way is to trap a young one, put it in a pen and feed it up on corn. After that, butcher it like any other hog.
The rest are shot on site and left for the buzzards and coyotes.
MH8675309
Member
Just my 2 cents,, I do live in the country and know where the deer are and I can tell you as someone who has slaughtered cattle and hogs - theres a big difference to plinking livestock standing in front of you on the forehead with a 22 and getting close enough to a deer to make a killing shot with a shotgun. Have you ever snuck up on a deer that was grazing out in a field? 100 yards aint nothing when youre out in a field and trying to get within 60 yards. Id tell you that its as easy as it looks but it aint. When the kids were little and times were tougher it was too about the meat.
InfantryWeaponsOfficer
Member
Far less than 100 yds in most cases, here in NW Alabama. My property is adjacent to the National Forrest and part of a Wildlife Management Area and we're practically overrun with the things. As someone mentioned above they are highly destructive, so much so that year round hunting is encouraged by Fish and Game.
How you hunt them depends on your preference. Tree stands are common and stalk hunting is nearly a popular. My preference is to stalk, for the same reason I gave up White Tail hunting, I just can't stand to sit in a stand (no pun intended) for more than about 20 minutes.
Equipment, again is varied depending on your personal preference. Deer rifles, archery and to a lesser degree handguns. I've more or less settled into a lever action .357 mag. iron sights and a tang. I shoot hard cast bullets exclusively. For a while I experimented with the Hornady Leverevolution bullets and they performed amazingly well, but no better than the cast.
Like any other game animal, if you a shot while they're unaware is fairly easy to drop one in it's tracks. They are not armor plated as some might suggest. The anatomy is just different. The lungs and heart are located farther forward and lower in the chest cavity, protected by the shoulder with a thick layer of sinew and cartelege. To get a clean humane kill you need to drive through the shoulder into the pump house or angle a shot down through the neck. A broad side shot through the rib cage will kill him but not quickly. Obviously if you find the spine or otherwise detonate the central nervous system you're in business.
There are countless memes about how mean and vicious hogs can be. Honestly, I've not experienced it. Treat them as you would any wounded or frightened animal
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