Has interest in duck hunting peaked?

[JDgator]

Unrelated to the slowdown on this forum and other duck hunting forums, I wonder if interest in duck hunting has hit a temporary peak. I figure the recession, lack of disposal income, late migrations/poor hunting, relative costs, and end of duck dynasty have slowed new interest down to a trickle.

[teul2]

God I hope so.

[peewee]

Interest in hunting in general has peaked in my opinion. Prices haven driven many to other hobbies. Look at stores like BPS, Dicks and Academy. Most offer more sports driven stuff or fishing than they do hunting. Many of your small hunting stores have moved into the sports side also. As leases and land ownership increase less people will hunt, or hunt for only 1 or 2 species and for a shorter limited time.

I also believe we will see in our lifetime the federal government shift towards selling land. With dept. budgets decreasing and entitlements increasing something will have to fold.

[eSJay]

We can only hope, but just curious whether you have seen a slow down or just wondering if the things you mentioned have actually caused a slow down.
wait...what? Duck Dynasty is over?

[deltadukman]

God I hope so.

Me too, however it could be attributed to summer upon us and most normal folks are thinking about cold drinks, hot booty, beaches, fishing, t&a, anything but flying liver.

[the tree]

Believe it has! Might be a generational issue. Im 50+ and it seems that during the past 25 years the emphasis shifted from purity of the hunt, (scouting, teaching) to leases, gear, equipment and yeti stickers. Expense has limited my ability to hunt, and my younger buddies cant get their teenage boys away from X box.

[4dawgma]

[4dawgma]

God I hope so.

Me too, however it could be attributed to summer upon us and most normal folks are thinking about cold drinks, hot booty, beaches, fishing, t&a, anything but flying liver.

agreed on all

[cupnglide]

Based on last season, I'd say I hope it has peaked. It was obvious there were lots of folks trying duck hunting who'd never been and really didn't know much more than what they'd picked up off youtube.

Honestly, if shows on Sportsman and Pursuit channels drive interest and involvement, the two "next big things" will both involve ARs. Competitive shooting and hunting hogs / predators have all the markers for huge popularity. Cool gear, adrenaline, camaraderie. Let's hope so.

[yankee]

I am hoping the "johnny-come-lately," flat brim and face paint crowd will move on to greener pastures. Hog hunting would be a perfect place for them. Lord knows there are plenty.

[Dux Be Us]

I doubt it...ive been set up on every year since 1976

[Caveman]

With the teens and college kids it is cooler than ever. I don't see any slacking up, and the last 2 years we have had lots of ducks also. Cant see it letting up until we go a few years with low duck numbers.

[slim jim]

I called in more idiots than turkeys so i dont so. They just change with the seasons

[jdbuckshot]

Killers are far and few between anymore.

turkey hunting seems to be go to sport - doesn't take as much work as duck hunting.

[Hambone]

I understand the desire for lighter crowds, lower leases and fewer flatbills. But on the other hand, if interest in hunting wanes, the sport will die a slow death.