States See Drop in Hunting License Sales, Increase in Deer Harvesting

Officials in Oregon and South Dakota are expressing concern about the decline in the number of people buying fish and hunting licenses from the states.

Scott Simpson, an administrator with the Game, Fish and Parks Department of South Dakota, vented his concerns to the state game commission. According to the Rapid City Journal, he cited a plateau of hunting license sales among young people over the past decade.

While Simpson expressed worry for waning turnout for hunting and fishing season, officials in Oregon are airing the same concerns. The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife shows a drop in the number of hunters statewide.

According to The Bulletin, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife rely on the purchase of hunting and fishing licenses to fund their operations so they are trying to find ways to increase the number of hunting participants.

While Oregon and South Dakota officials may see a decline in hunting and fishing, other states are reporting an increase in their deer harvest.

A report from the MilleLacs Messenger found that Minnesota saw an increase of almost 20,000 deer harvested during the hunting season. The Daily Journal in Illinois reported a 7% hike in the number of deer killed by hunters while the News Center of West Virginia reported a 32% increase in white-tailed deer harvest since 2014.

With the spring fast approaching, it’s time for hunting season to end and camping season to begin. Skilled campers and novice outdoor enthusiasts should be sure to adhere to the basic rules of surviving outdoors.

Those who find themselves headed out for a camping or hunting trip this season should take care to keep themselves and their companions safe. Having proper safety gear, hooking up the right RV water hose to a recreational vehicle, and using precautions around wild animals are must-follow rules, no matter what the season.