Archived Posts » 59,789,155
Explosion in wild game population after SHTF.
11/5/2011 4:19:17 PM
Last year alone in Wisconsin 218,144 deer where shot and registered, in a 9 day firearm season. God knows how many are hit by cars last year. Do you think that deer and some wild game population would expand with out the same amount of people to hunt them or get hit buy cars in a SHTF environment?
11/5/2011 4:23:05 PM
On the contrary, when people get hungry enough to disregard game laws, everything larger than a squirrel will become very scarce. Big game east of the Mississippi was essentially extinct by the end of the depression.
11/5/2011 4:25:01 PM
Unless there is a huge human die off real fast the game die off will be even faster due to over hunting
11/5/2011 4:32:09 PM
If you mean SHTF as in almost NO people, like the area around Chernobyl since the meltdown, then yes, nature will make a comeback.
If you mean SHTF as in a significant number of desperate, hungry, unemployed people, then count on hunting more chipmunks and pigeons than deer and moose.
If you mean SHTF as in a significant number of desperate, hungry, unemployed people, then count on hunting more chipmunks and pigeons than deer and moose.
11/5/2011 4:43:31 PM
Originally Posted By Rodent:
If you mean SHTF as in almost NO people, like the area around Chernobyl since the meltdown, then yes, nature will make a comeback.
If you mean SHTF as in a significant number of desperate, hungry, unemployed people, then count on hunting more chipmunks and pigeons than deer and moose.
If you mean SHTF as in almost NO people, like the area around Chernobyl since the meltdown, then yes, nature will make a comeback.
If you mean SHTF as in a significant number of desperate, hungry, unemployed people, then count on hunting more chipmunks and pigeons than deer and moose.
And long pig.
11/5/2011 4:44:40 PM
Originally Posted By Jakemen234:
Do you think that deer and some wild game population would expand with out the same amount of people to hunt them or get hit buy cars in a SHTF environment?
Do you think that deer and some wild game population would expand with out the same amount of people to hunt them or get hit buy cars in a SHTF environment?
There are no native deer in Georgia.
By the mid 1930s they were all completely wiped out by hungry people. This was with a population of less than 4 million people. There are now 5.5 million people in Atlanta alone.
As late as the late 1970s it was considered to be a big deal if you saw a deer in Georgia. All of them were transplants from other states.
What makes you think that hungry people would ignore wild game as a food source, OP?
11/5/2011 4:50:42 PM
The population of wild game currently is the result of management.
It's actually an over abundance in most places.
It's actually an over abundance in most places.
11/5/2011 5:02:44 PM
Some say the opposite is likely. Many people how have prepared own homes/cabins in more remote areas. Many who plan to bug out, plan to drag trailer into a park, forest, or area of the BLM. Those are areas where game live, not cities and towns. In addition, without regular transportation and shipping, the supply chain with break down. It is speculated that traditional retail outlets will not be operational. Moreover, many will have no way to store food that is gathered. As a result, it is hypothesized that wild game may be decimated by the encroachment of inexperienced hunters/survivalist.
The opening scene from pop culture movies, such as “I am Legend” are, as is generally the case, ill informed make-believe. If you look back into recent history, in the early twentieth century, game such as whitetail deer, turkeys, elk and others where almost wiped out. It is has only been through modern restoration program that these animals have recovered.
The opening scene from pop culture movies, such as “I am Legend” are, as is generally the case, ill informed make-believe. If you look back into recent history, in the early twentieth century, game such as whitetail deer, turkeys, elk and others where almost wiped out. It is has only been through modern restoration program that these animals have recovered.
11/5/2011 6:31:14 PM
I did happen to pick up some good recipe ideas for squirrel from arfcom, either here in SFs, or in Team. IIRC from those threads, at least a few posters felt that if things break down, in more populated areas at least, squirrels would become scarce fairly quickly.
And BTW, their meat is supposed to be kind of tough- similar to pork.
And BTW, their meat is supposed to be kind of tough- similar to pork.
11/5/2011 7:21:06 PM
Originally Posted By Rodent:
On the contrary, when people get hungry enough to disregard game laws, everything larger than a squirrel will become very scarce. Big game east of the Mississippi was essentially extinct by the end of the depression.
On the contrary, when people get hungry enough to disregard game laws, everything larger than a squirrel will become very scarce. Big game east of the Mississippi was essentially extinct by the end of the depression.
LOL, my Dad is in his mid 80s-
Said you never saw so much as a track around here when he was a boy.
Now, covered up with them:no limit on does in much of the state, and 6 bucks/30 doe limit in most.
When I started deer hunting here in the '70s, about 10,000 deer killed per year.
Now, at 100,000 per year, with a LOT less hunters.
As a trapper, I can say, things get bad, I'll still eat: may eat weird, but I'll eat.
11/5/2011 8:07:05 PM
Originally Posted By Dave15:
LOL, my Dad is in his mid 80s-
Said you never saw so much as a track around here when he was a boy.
Now, covered up with them:no limit on does in much of the state, and 6 bucks/30 doe limit in most.
When I started deer hunting here in the '70s, about 10,000 deer killed per year.
Now, at 100,000 per year, with a LOT less hunters.
As a trapper, I can say, things get bad, I'll still eat: may eat weird, but I'll eat.
Originally Posted By Rodent:
On the contrary, when people get hungry enough to disregard game laws, everything larger than a squirrel will become very scarce. Big game east of the Mississippi was essentially extinct by the end of the depression.
On the contrary, when people get hungry enough to disregard game laws, everything larger than a squirrel will become very scarce. Big game east of the Mississippi was essentially extinct by the end of the depression.
LOL, my Dad is in his mid 80s-
Said you never saw so much as a track around here when he was a boy.
Now, covered up with them:no limit on does in much of the state, and 6 bucks/30 doe limit in most.
When I started deer hunting here in the '70s, about 10,000 deer killed per year.
Now, at 100,000 per year, with a LOT less hunters.
As a trapper, I can say, things get bad, I'll still eat: may eat weird, but I'll eat.
Good way to phrase it, I'm going to plagiarize you. Yer talkin' to a guy who loves fresh, organic, free-range, hormone-free road kill.
11/5/2011 8:42:39 PM
I've traveled in Russia, Kenya, Congo, Burundi, Rwanda, Lybia, and a few other places where everyday is SHTFday and there is no wild game to speak of. What you will see an explosion in is feral cats and dogs and mice and rats.
11/5/2011 8:50:53 PM
Originally Posted By Rodent:
Good way to phrase it, I'm going to plagiarize you. Yer talkin' to a guy who loves fresh, organic, free-range, hormone-free road kill.
Good way to phrase it, I'm going to plagiarize you. Yer talkin' to a guy who loves fresh, organic, free-range, hormone-free road kill.
LOL, feel free: I stole it my own self from an older trapper I know.
11/5/2011 11:01:38 PM
Originally Posted By HubMcCaan:
What you will see an explosion in is feral cats and dogs and mice and rats.
What you will see an explosion in is feral cats and dogs and mice and rats.
Hence, the "eat weird" part...
11/5/2011 11:08:32 PM
Originally Posted By psgt2:
Unless there is a huge human die off real fast the game die off will be even faster due to over hunting
Unless there is a huge human die off real fast the game die off will be even faster due to over hunting
I agree! Unless there is a Pandemic,War the wild game will be killed off faster then it can repopulate.
The human race will not be so lucky. We will breed like rats! Unprotected sex, rape!
PITA45
11/6/2011 12:00:27 AM
Folks will gain a taste for cat.
11/6/2011 5:42:49 AM
Isn't some of it also due to large-scale commercial agriculture? I recall reading that some of the highest deer populations were correlated to corn/wheat/soy crop farming. If that is a contributor, I would expect that in a human population reduction such as has been outlined, the commercial agriculture would fail very shortly. The large populations may continue for a couple of years, but without ready access to large quantities of food, the herds will decline.
11/6/2011 1:40:07 PM
Originally Posted By GreatDane:
And long pig.
Originally Posted By Rodent:
If you mean SHTF as in almost NO people, like the area around Chernobyl since the meltdown, then yes, nature will make a comeback.
If you mean SHTF as in a significant number of desperate, hungry, unemployed people, then count on hunting more chipmunks and pigeons than deer and moose.
If you mean SHTF as in almost NO people, like the area around Chernobyl since the meltdown, then yes, nature will make a comeback.
If you mean SHTF as in a significant number of desperate, hungry, unemployed people, then count on hunting more chipmunks and pigeons than deer and moose.
And long pig.
I would venture to say that anyone found eating "long pork" would be frowned upon.
edited to add that the reason I have preps is to avoid this.
11/6/2011 3:55:35 PM
I'm curious about the game populations as well. People were different during the depression, practicaly everyone knew how to make a meal out of an animal back then, now, not so much. There are also less natural predators around these days. I figure herds of cattle will be decimated before people go after wild animals.
Posted Via AR15.Com Mobile
Posted Via AR15.Com Mobile
11/6/2011 6:11:59 PM
Originally Posted By okent:
I would venture to say that anyone found eating "long pork" would be frowned upon.
edited to add that the reason I have preps is to avoid this.
Originally Posted By GreatDane:
And long pig.
Originally Posted By Rodent:
If you mean SHTF as in almost NO people, like the area around Chernobyl since the meltdown, then yes, nature will make a comeback.
If you mean SHTF as in a significant number of desperate, hungry, unemployed people, then count on hunting more chipmunks and pigeons than deer and moose.
If you mean SHTF as in almost NO people, like the area around Chernobyl since the meltdown, then yes, nature will make a comeback.
If you mean SHTF as in a significant number of desperate, hungry, unemployed people, then count on hunting more chipmunks and pigeons than deer and moose.
And long pig.
I would venture to say that anyone found eating "long pork" would be frowned upon.
edited to add that the reason I have preps is to avoid this.
I should clarify: I was not advocating cannibalism, just saying that I don't think it would take long before it began.
11/6/2011 6:20:51 PM
Originally Posted By psgt2:
Unless there is a huge human die off real fast the game die off will be even faster due to over hunting
Unless there is a huge human die off real fast the game die off will be even faster due to over hunting
this
J-
11/6/2011 6:29:21 PM
when SHTF or worse happens every Tom, Dick and Harry will be hunting, there will be lots of animals killed but also lots of hunters as well. Given the lack of skills of most modern day hunters and the ones who don't regularly hunt lots of people will be shot....
The wild animal population will be decimated pretty quickly...
The wild animal population will be decimated pretty quickly...
11/6/2011 7:11:16 PM
It depends on the level of decline. It would probably surprise people how quickly our so called hunters stop hunting when they look at the $500 to $1,000 they spend to go out for a week in the hopes of shooting one deer. Its that get to the poaching level that would see rapid declines in animal populations and then maybe at best but then this isn't the 1930s and landowners won't be as understanding about you poaching either. Our land is a lot more developed now. Its hard enough to find private property that allows hunting. Poaching picks up, it will be harder and land owners a lot harder.
I just don't see an animal kill off like then today. That doesn't change my opinion that hunting gathering even in best of times would be a supplement, just this idea people will simply ignore seasons and nobody reacts to that I don't believe anymore. The true right to hunt mentality died in the 1930s along with the animal populations. Today hunting is more a sport and not a way of life, necessary for life. You'd have to have one hell of a loss of society for it ever to be so again.
People may try but I think just as quickly "Posted" signs will go up and farmer Bob has a gun holding the poacher for the sheriff.
What killed the game off in the 1930s wasn't just people but a society where hunting was extremely common, a much lower population, and land not developed. There's just no places hardly left where someone can walk around with a gun shooting up the forest and nobody cares. They do care.
Tj
I just don't see an animal kill off like then today. That doesn't change my opinion that hunting gathering even in best of times would be a supplement, just this idea people will simply ignore seasons and nobody reacts to that I don't believe anymore. The true right to hunt mentality died in the 1930s along with the animal populations. Today hunting is more a sport and not a way of life, necessary for life. You'd have to have one hell of a loss of society for it ever to be so again.
People may try but I think just as quickly "Posted" signs will go up and farmer Bob has a gun holding the poacher for the sheriff.
What killed the game off in the 1930s wasn't just people but a society where hunting was extremely common, a much lower population, and land not developed. There's just no places hardly left where someone can walk around with a gun shooting up the forest and nobody cares. They do care.
Tj
11/6/2011 10:01:48 PM
Originally Posted By TomJefferson:
It depends on the level of decline. It would probably surprise people how quickly our so called hunters stop hunting when they look at the $500 to $1,000 they spend to go out for a week in the hopes of shooting one deer. Its that get to the poaching level that would see rapid declines in animal populations and then maybe at best but then this isn't the 1930s and landowners won't be as understanding about you poaching either. Our land is a lot more developed now. Its hard enough to find private property that allows hunting. Poaching picks up, it will be harder and land owners a lot harder.
I just don't see an animal kill off like then today. That doesn't change my opinion that hunting gathering even in best of times would be a supplement, just this idea people will simply ignore seasons and nobody reacts to that I don't believe anymore. The true right to hunt mentality died in the 1930s along with the animal populations. Today hunting is more a sport and not a way of life, necessary for life. You'd have to have one hell of a loss of society for it ever to be so again.
People may try but I think just as quickly "Posted" signs will go up and farmer Bob has a gun holding the poacher for the sheriff.
What killed the game off in the 1930s wasn't just people but a society where hunting was extremely common, a much lower population, and land not developed. There's just no places hardly left where someone can walk around with a gun shooting up the forest and nobody cares. They do care.
Tj
It depends on the level of decline. It would probably surprise people how quickly our so called hunters stop hunting when they look at the $500 to $1,000 they spend to go out for a week in the hopes of shooting one deer. Its that get to the poaching level that would see rapid declines in animal populations and then maybe at best but then this isn't the 1930s and landowners won't be as understanding about you poaching either. Our land is a lot more developed now. Its hard enough to find private property that allows hunting. Poaching picks up, it will be harder and land owners a lot harder.
I just don't see an animal kill off like then today. That doesn't change my opinion that hunting gathering even in best of times would be a supplement, just this idea people will simply ignore seasons and nobody reacts to that I don't believe anymore. The true right to hunt mentality died in the 1930s along with the animal populations. Today hunting is more a sport and not a way of life, necessary for life. You'd have to have one hell of a loss of society for it ever to be so again.
People may try but I think just as quickly "Posted" signs will go up and farmer Bob has a gun holding the poacher for the sheriff.
What killed the game off in the 1930s wasn't just people but a society where hunting was extremely common, a much lower population, and land not developed. There's just no places hardly left where someone can walk around with a gun shooting up the forest and nobody cares. They do care.
Tj
1) I wouldn’t consider it much of a “SHTF” if there is working law enforcement with a court system behind them. I think there may be challenging times, like Katrina was. But was not much of an issue for those prepared, and life has returned to normal for the most part.
2) Take a good look at the maps for Eastern TN, Eastern KY, Ohio, and Indiana. There is a lot of National forest land and some sizeable state park land that is currently open to hunting. Once you cross the Mississippi, the size of the National forest goes up, as do the National Parks, and the areas under the BLM.
I would hope that most of the people who don’t have good skills and preparations would die off as apposed to negatively affecting wildlife, those who have prepared, and drawing out the recovery time of a significant “SHTF” event.
11/6/2011 10:27:23 PM
Originally Posted By Jakemen234:
Last year alone in Wisconsin 218,144 deer where shot and registered, in a 9 day firearm season. God knows how many are hit by cars last year. Do you think that deer and some wild game population would expand with out the same amount of people to hunt them or get hit buy cars in a SHTF environment?
Last year alone in Wisconsin 218,144 deer where shot and registered, in a 9 day firearm season. God knows how many are hit by cars last year. Do you think that deer and some wild game population would expand with out the same amount of people to hunt them or get hit buy cars in a SHTF environment?
You answered your own question. Nearly a quarter million deer are harvested in less than two weeks. If that 9 day season is gone and it's hunting season for 365 days...it's obvious...
Also, since less people know how to properly quarter and butcher a deer most of the carcass will probably be wasted.
11/6/2011 10:41:53 PM
Originally Posted By citifiguy:
1) I wouldn’t consider it much of a “SHTF” if there is working law enforcement with a court system behind them. I think there may be challenging times, like Katrina was. But was not much of an issue for those prepared, and life has returned to normal for the most part.
2) Take a good look at the maps for Eastern TN, Eastern KY, Ohio, and Indiana. There is a lot of National forest land and some sizeable state park land that is currently open to hunting. Once you cross the Mississippi, the size of the National forest goes up, as do the National Parks, and the areas under the BLM.
I would hope that most of the people who don’t have good skills and preparations would die off as apposed to negatively affecting wildlife, those who have prepared, and drawing out the recovery time of a significant “SHTF” event.
Originally Posted By TomJefferson:
It depends on the level of decline. It would probably surprise people how quickly our so called hunters stop hunting when they look at the $500 to $1,000 they spend to go out for a week in the hopes of shooting one deer. Its that get to the poaching level that would see rapid declines in animal populations and then maybe at best but then this isn't the 1930s and landowners won't be as understanding about you poaching either. Our land is a lot more developed now. Its hard enough to find private property that allows hunting. Poaching picks up, it will be harder and land owners a lot harder.
I just don't see an animal kill off like then today. That doesn't change my opinion that hunting gathering even in best of times would be a supplement, just this idea people will simply ignore seasons and nobody reacts to that I don't believe anymore. The true right to hunt mentality died in the 1930s along with the animal populations. Today hunting is more a sport and not a way of life, necessary for life. You'd have to have one hell of a loss of society for it ever to be so again.
People may try but I think just as quickly "Posted" signs will go up and farmer Bob has a gun holding the poacher for the sheriff.
What killed the game off in the 1930s wasn't just people but a society where hunting was extremely common, a much lower population, and land not developed. There's just no places hardly left where someone can walk around with a gun shooting up the forest and nobody cares. They do care.
Tj
It depends on the level of decline. It would probably surprise people how quickly our so called hunters stop hunting when they look at the $500 to $1,000 they spend to go out for a week in the hopes of shooting one deer. Its that get to the poaching level that would see rapid declines in animal populations and then maybe at best but then this isn't the 1930s and landowners won't be as understanding about you poaching either. Our land is a lot more developed now. Its hard enough to find private property that allows hunting. Poaching picks up, it will be harder and land owners a lot harder.
I just don't see an animal kill off like then today. That doesn't change my opinion that hunting gathering even in best of times would be a supplement, just this idea people will simply ignore seasons and nobody reacts to that I don't believe anymore. The true right to hunt mentality died in the 1930s along with the animal populations. Today hunting is more a sport and not a way of life, necessary for life. You'd have to have one hell of a loss of society for it ever to be so again.
People may try but I think just as quickly "Posted" signs will go up and farmer Bob has a gun holding the poacher for the sheriff.
What killed the game off in the 1930s wasn't just people but a society where hunting was extremely common, a much lower population, and land not developed. There's just no places hardly left where someone can walk around with a gun shooting up the forest and nobody cares. They do care.
Tj
1) I wouldn’t consider it much of a “SHTF” if there is working law enforcement with a court system behind them. I think there may be challenging times, like Katrina was. But was not much of an issue for those prepared, and life has returned to normal for the most part.
2) Take a good look at the maps for Eastern TN, Eastern KY, Ohio, and Indiana. There is a lot of National forest land and some sizeable state park land that is currently open to hunting. Once you cross the Mississippi, the size of the National forest goes up, as do the National Parks, and the areas under the BLM.
I would hope that most of the people who don’t have good skills and preparations would die off as apposed to negatively affecting wildlife, those who have prepared, and drawing out the recovery time of a significant “SHTF” event.
Its all subjective to timing and perspective. There simply is no SHTF scenario that does not include a working law enforcement or court system. Though its an attractive fiction setting, history shows us that people always have and always will band together and re-establish order. There's always some guy willing to step up and replace the fallen.
It may be a hell of a ride to get there, but get there they will and hard times beget hard people making hard decisions.
Tj
11/6/2011 11:28:23 PM
Originally Posted By Dave15:
LOL, my Dad is in his mid 80s-
Said you never saw so much as a track around here when he was a boy.
Now, covered up with them:no limit on does in much of the state, and 6 bucks/30 doe limit in most.
When I started deer hunting here in the '70s, about 10,000 deer killed per year.
Now, at 100,000 per year, with a LOT less hunters.
As a trapper, I can say, things get bad, I'll still eat: may eat weird, but I'll eat.
Originally Posted By Rodent:
On the contrary, when people get hungry enough to disregard game laws, everything larger than a squirrel will become very scarce. Big game east of the Mississippi was essentially extinct by the end of the depression.
On the contrary, when people get hungry enough to disregard game laws, everything larger than a squirrel will become very scarce. Big game east of the Mississippi was essentially extinct by the end of the depression.
LOL, my Dad is in his mid 80s-
Said you never saw so much as a track around here when he was a boy.
Now, covered up with them:no limit on does in much of the state, and 6 bucks/30 doe limit in most.
When I started deer hunting here in the '70s, about 10,000 deer killed per year.
Now, at 100,000 per year, with a LOT less hunters.
As a trapper, I can say, things get bad, I'll still eat: may eat weird, but I'll eat.
You should get to know some Cajuns. Those folks will eat ANYTHING.
Most times, they'll actually make it taste good too.
11/7/2011 12:58:06 AM
Never hunted, but what about wild pigs?
11/7/2011 1:48:57 AM
Originally Posted By TomJefferson:
Its all subjective to timing and perspective. There simply is no SHTF scenario that does not include a working law enforcement or court system. Though its an attractive fiction setting, history shows us that people always have and always will band together and re-establish order. There's always some guy willing to step up and replace the fallen.
It may be a hell of a ride to get there, but get there they will and hard times beget hard people making hard decisions.
Tj
Originally Posted By citifiguy:
1) I wouldn’t consider it much of a “SHTF” if there is working law enforcement with a court system behind them. I think there may be challenging times, like Katrina was. But was not much of an issue for those prepared, and life has returned to normal for the most part.
2) Take a good look at the maps for Eastern TN, Eastern KY, Ohio, and Indiana. There is a lot of National forest land and some sizeable state park land that is currently open to hunting. Once you cross the Mississippi, the size of the National forest goes up, as do the National Parks, and the areas under the BLM.
I would hope that most of the people who don’t have good skills and preparations would die off as apposed to negatively affecting wildlife, those who have prepared, and drawing out the recovery time of a significant “SHTF” event.
Originally Posted By TomJefferson:
It depends on the level of decline. It would probably surprise people how quickly our so called hunters stop hunting when they look at the $500 to $1,000 they spend to go out for a week in the hopes of shooting one deer. Its that get to the poaching level that would see rapid declines in animal populations and then maybe at best but then this isn't the 1930s and landowners won't be as understanding about you poaching either. Our land is a lot more developed now. Its hard enough to find private property that allows hunting. Poaching picks up, it will be harder and land owners a lot harder.
I just don't see an animal kill off like then today. That doesn't change my opinion that hunting gathering even in best of times would be a supplement, just this idea people will simply ignore seasons and nobody reacts to that I don't believe anymore. The true right to hunt mentality died in the 1930s along with the animal populations. Today hunting is more a sport and not a way of life, necessary for life. You'd have to have one hell of a loss of society for it ever to be so again.
People may try but I think just as quickly "Posted" signs will go up and farmer Bob has a gun holding the poacher for the sheriff.
What killed the game off in the 1930s wasn't just people but a society where hunting was extremely common, a much lower population, and land not developed. There's just no places hardly left where someone can walk around with a gun shooting up the forest and nobody cares. They do care.
Tj
It depends on the level of decline. It would probably surprise people how quickly our so called hunters stop hunting when they look at the $500 to $1,000 they spend to go out for a week in the hopes of shooting one deer. Its that get to the poaching level that would see rapid declines in animal populations and then maybe at best but then this isn't the 1930s and landowners won't be as understanding about you poaching either. Our land is a lot more developed now. Its hard enough to find private property that allows hunting. Poaching picks up, it will be harder and land owners a lot harder.
I just don't see an animal kill off like then today. That doesn't change my opinion that hunting gathering even in best of times would be a supplement, just this idea people will simply ignore seasons and nobody reacts to that I don't believe anymore. The true right to hunt mentality died in the 1930s along with the animal populations. Today hunting is more a sport and not a way of life, necessary for life. You'd have to have one hell of a loss of society for it ever to be so again.
People may try but I think just as quickly "Posted" signs will go up and farmer Bob has a gun holding the poacher for the sheriff.
What killed the game off in the 1930s wasn't just people but a society where hunting was extremely common, a much lower population, and land not developed. There's just no places hardly left where someone can walk around with a gun shooting up the forest and nobody cares. They do care.
Tj
1) I wouldn’t consider it much of a “SHTF” if there is working law enforcement with a court system behind them. I think there may be challenging times, like Katrina was. But was not much of an issue for those prepared, and life has returned to normal for the most part.
2) Take a good look at the maps for Eastern TN, Eastern KY, Ohio, and Indiana. There is a lot of National forest land and some sizeable state park land that is currently open to hunting. Once you cross the Mississippi, the size of the National forest goes up, as do the National Parks, and the areas under the BLM.
I would hope that most of the people who don’t have good skills and preparations would die off as apposed to negatively affecting wildlife, those who have prepared, and drawing out the recovery time of a significant “SHTF” event.
Its all subjective to timing and perspective. There simply is no SHTF scenario that does not include a working law enforcement or court system. Though its an attractive fiction setting, history shows us that people always have and always will band together and re-establish order. There's always some guy willing to step up and replace the fallen.
It may be a hell of a ride to get there, but get there they will and hard times beget hard people making hard decisions.
Tj
That may be, but I do doubt it. Heck, even in “little Katrina”, LE was less than available. The area around my retreat/BOL is not an area I expect the .gov to sticking its unwelcome nose especially during a SHTF event. I do understand that communities will rebuild. However, get through an event, well, I just the .gov types as less than productive or valuable to those prepared and trying to stay away from those less than prepared.
Fact is, LE already treads very lightly in the region and always has.
In short, I guess the .gov types will try to cling to power to the bitter end. I expect that to be mostly around cities and towns. I very seriously doubt that game wardens will be trying to pass out citations in the wilderness. I suspect that in the type of event of which I speak, a game warden would do well to keep his own family alive.
Again, I do not mean to imply that Katrina was a serious SHTF event, or any other single event in modern times in the US. Japan did have something that was closer to what I would see as a modern SHTF event with volcanoes , earthquakes, and tsunami ALL at the same time in about the same region. However, they lacked a prior economic collapse. I would see a serious SHTF event as an economic collapse, social upheaval, and infrastructure failure, possibly by natural disaster or war.
11/7/2011 5:11:03 AM
Originally Posted By TomJefferson:
. It would probably surprise people how quickly our so called hunters stop hunting when they look at the $500 to $1,000 they spend to go out for a week in the hopes of shooting one deer. Tj
. It would probably surprise people how quickly our so called hunters stop hunting when they look at the $500 to $1,000 they spend to go out for a week in the hopes of shooting one deer. Tj
Have to disagree with you here.
MANY states have actually had hunting license sales INCREASE since the economy took a slide.
Couple factors:
Folks need/want the meat, and many simply have TIME to hunt now that they are unemployed.
And most folks I know don't spend near that, in a year.
Sure, we all occasionally buy a new toy or two,
We usually kill 3-6 deer per year, and stop cause that's PLENTY for us.
Also, look at land use patterns,farming practices, etc from the '30s and now.
There is a reason some game pops, esp WT deer, are at all time highs.
11/7/2011 2:11:00 PM
Originally Posted By citifiguy:
That may be, but I do doubt it. Heck, even in “little Katrina”, LE was less than available. The area around my retreat/BOL is not an area I expect the .gov to sticking its unwelcome nose especially during a SHTF event. I do understand that communities will rebuild. However, get through an event, well, I just the .gov types as less than productive or valuable to those prepared and trying to stay away from those less than prepared.
Fact is, LE already treads very lightly in the region and always has.
In short, I guess the .gov types will try to cling to power to the bitter end. I expect that to be mostly around cities and towns. I very seriously doubt that game wardens will be trying to pass out citations in the wilderness. I suspect that in the type of event of which I speak, a game warden would do well to keep his own family alive.
Again, I do not mean to imply that Katrina was a serious SHTF event, or any other single event in modern times in the US. Japan did have something that was closer to what I would see as a modern SHTF event with volcanoes , earthquakes, and tsunami ALL at the same time in about the same region. However, they lacked a prior economic collapse. I would see a serious SHTF event as an economic collapse, social upheaval, and infrastructure failure, possibly by natural disaster or war.
Originally Posted By TomJefferson:
Its all subjective to timing and perspective. There simply is no SHTF scenario that does not include a working law enforcement or court system. Though its an attractive fiction setting, history shows us that people always have and always will band together and re-establish order. There's always some guy willing to step up and replace the fallen.
It may be a hell of a ride to get there, but get there they will and hard times beget hard people making hard decisions.
Tj
Originally Posted By citifiguy:
1) I wouldn’t consider it much of a “SHTF” if there is working law enforcement with a court system behind them. I think there may be challenging times, like Katrina was. But was not much of an issue for those prepared, and life has returned to normal for the most part.
2) Take a good look at the maps for Eastern TN, Eastern KY, Ohio, and Indiana. There is a lot of National forest land and some sizeable state park land that is currently open to hunting. Once you cross the Mississippi, the size of the National forest goes up, as do the National Parks, and the areas under the BLM.
I would hope that most of the people who don’t have good skills and preparations would die off as apposed to negatively affecting wildlife, those who have prepared, and drawing out the recovery time of a significant “SHTF” event.
Originally Posted By TomJefferson:
It depends on the level of decline. It would probably surprise people how quickly our so called hunters stop hunting when they look at the $500 to $1,000 they spend to go out for a week in the hopes of shooting one deer. Its that get to the poaching level that would see rapid declines in animal populations and then maybe at best but then this isn't the 1930s and landowners won't be as understanding about you poaching either. Our land is a lot more developed now. Its hard enough to find private property that allows hunting. Poaching picks up, it will be harder and land owners a lot harder.
I just don't see an animal kill off like then today. That doesn't change my opinion that hunting gathering even in best of times would be a supplement, just this idea people will simply ignore seasons and nobody reacts to that I don't believe anymore. The true right to hunt mentality died in the 1930s along with the animal populations. Today hunting is more a sport and not a way of life, necessary for life. You'd have to have one hell of a loss of society for it ever to be so again.
People may try but I think just as quickly "Posted" signs will go up and farmer Bob has a gun holding the poacher for the sheriff.
What killed the game off in the 1930s wasn't just people but a society where hunting was extremely common, a much lower population, and land not developed. There's just no places hardly left where someone can walk around with a gun shooting up the forest and nobody cares. They do care.
Tj
It depends on the level of decline. It would probably surprise people how quickly our so called hunters stop hunting when they look at the $500 to $1,000 they spend to go out for a week in the hopes of shooting one deer. Its that get to the poaching level that would see rapid declines in animal populations and then maybe at best but then this isn't the 1930s and landowners won't be as understanding about you poaching either. Our land is a lot more developed now. Its hard enough to find private property that allows hunting. Poaching picks up, it will be harder and land owners a lot harder.
I just don't see an animal kill off like then today. That doesn't change my opinion that hunting gathering even in best of times would be a supplement, just this idea people will simply ignore seasons and nobody reacts to that I don't believe anymore. The true right to hunt mentality died in the 1930s along with the animal populations. Today hunting is more a sport and not a way of life, necessary for life. You'd have to have one hell of a loss of society for it ever to be so again.
People may try but I think just as quickly "Posted" signs will go up and farmer Bob has a gun holding the poacher for the sheriff.
What killed the game off in the 1930s wasn't just people but a society where hunting was extremely common, a much lower population, and land not developed. There's just no places hardly left where someone can walk around with a gun shooting up the forest and nobody cares. They do care.
Tj
1) I wouldn’t consider it much of a “SHTF” if there is working law enforcement with a court system behind them. I think there may be challenging times, like Katrina was. But was not much of an issue for those prepared, and life has returned to normal for the most part.
2) Take a good look at the maps for Eastern TN, Eastern KY, Ohio, and Indiana. There is a lot of National forest land and some sizeable state park land that is currently open to hunting. Once you cross the Mississippi, the size of the National forest goes up, as do the National Parks, and the areas under the BLM.
I would hope that most of the people who don’t have good skills and preparations would die off as apposed to negatively affecting wildlife, those who have prepared, and drawing out the recovery time of a significant “SHTF” event.
Its all subjective to timing and perspective. There simply is no SHTF scenario that does not include a working law enforcement or court system. Though its an attractive fiction setting, history shows us that people always have and always will band together and re-establish order. There's always some guy willing to step up and replace the fallen.
It may be a hell of a ride to get there, but get there they will and hard times beget hard people making hard decisions.
Tj
That may be, but I do doubt it. Heck, even in “little Katrina”, LE was less than available. The area around my retreat/BOL is not an area I expect the .gov to sticking its unwelcome nose especially during a SHTF event. I do understand that communities will rebuild. However, get through an event, well, I just the .gov types as less than productive or valuable to those prepared and trying to stay away from those less than prepared.
Fact is, LE already treads very lightly in the region and always has.
In short, I guess the .gov types will try to cling to power to the bitter end. I expect that to be mostly around cities and towns. I very seriously doubt that game wardens will be trying to pass out citations in the wilderness. I suspect that in the type of event of which I speak, a game warden would do well to keep his own family alive.
Again, I do not mean to imply that Katrina was a serious SHTF event, or any other single event in modern times in the US. Japan did have something that was closer to what I would see as a modern SHTF event with volcanoes , earthquakes, and tsunami ALL at the same time in about the same region. However, they lacked a prior economic collapse. I would see a serious SHTF event as an economic collapse, social upheaval, and infrastructure failure, possibly by natural disaster or war.
If you think I was implying "Game wardens" I apologize. There were plenty of game wardens during the Great Depression. They were just avoided. What I'm saying is the people who own land now days don't look at hunting in the same light. Its shifted quite a bit, even in my lifetime, from the "Right" to hunt to a privilege.
Take your state, its where all my family is from right there in the Daniel Boone, almost 500 acres, just one uncle. If you count my cousins, let's just say a lot. They've seen the game disappear and how many decades it took for it to come back. I can tell you they won't again.
They're not far from the Earth and times gets hard enough hunting on their land is the same as taking food from their gardens. The days when everyone knew everyone, felt a kinship, and looked to help their neighbors is over. Welfare put an end to that destroying families at its core. Rural America just isn't the same anymore. There's always been outlaws and saints just now nobody cares anymore especially the outlaws. Sunday meeting, dinner on the ground, that stuff is all gone replaced by I heard those guys down the road are on drugs, growing pot, or making meth and those people, we just don't know them.
Tj
11/8/2011 1:45:23 AM
Most of the hunters in upper SC drive a 60-70 mile round trip for a deer hunt. So basically the supply of gasoline will dictate how the hunt goes as people in urban/suburban areas are likely to exhaust game locally but not in rural areas.
RS
RS
11/8/2011 7:44:37 AM
I think people re-learn primal skills when they get hungry enough.
11/8/2011 10:50:07 AM
I have a feeling that the opposite is going to be the case, at least after the 'never been out of the city' folk have died off or found a way to hole up and survive off of what is left.
Honestly, rural guys are going to rely more on farming etc than tracking and hunting big game. You can't live off of just meat, at least long term and they know that.
What I DO see happening is COWS being a large target initially as they are easier to kill and everyone is used to the idea.
Honestly, rural guys are going to rely more on farming etc than tracking and hunting big game. You can't live off of just meat, at least long term and they know that.
What I DO see happening is COWS being a large target initially as they are easier to kill and everyone is used to the idea.
11/8/2011 10:54:16 AM
Originally Posted By citifiguy:
Some say the opposite is likely. Many people how have prepared own homes/cabins in more remote areas. Many who plan to bug out, plan to drag trailer into a park, forest, or area of the BLM. Those are areas where game live, not cities and towns. In addition, without regular transportation and shipping, the supply chain with break down. It is speculated that traditional retail outlets will not be operational. Moreover, many will have no way to store food that is gathered. As a result, it is hypothesized that wild game may be decimated by the encroachment of inexperienced hunters/survivalist.
The opening scene from pop culture movies, such as “I am Legend” are, as is generally the case, ill informed make-believe. If you look back into recent history, in the early twentieth century, game such as whitetail deer, turkeys, elk and others where almost wiped out. It is has only been through modern restoration program that these animals have recovered.
Some say the opposite is likely. Many people how have prepared own homes/cabins in more remote areas. Many who plan to bug out, plan to drag trailer into a park, forest, or area of the BLM. Those are areas where game live, not cities and towns. In addition, without regular transportation and shipping, the supply chain with break down. It is speculated that traditional retail outlets will not be operational. Moreover, many will have no way to store food that is gathered. As a result, it is hypothesized that wild game may be decimated by the encroachment of inexperienced hunters/survivalist.
The opening scene from pop culture movies, such as “I am Legend” are, as is generally the case, ill informed make-believe. If you look back into recent history, in the early twentieth century, game such as whitetail deer, turkeys, elk and others where almost wiped out. It is has only been through modern restoration program that these animals have recovered.
However, you have to keep in mind that the odds of that many people surviving SHTF is low, and grows lower every day.
Those people who know how to live in nature, rather than live off of it will be the survivors. The HIGH numbers of people in the world are exactly WHY it is likely that if you can survive 2 weeks, you will probably make it longer than 90% of the rest of the people that either can't make it out or wouldn't be able to survive if they did.
11/8/2011 11:06:16 AM
Originally Posted By fla556guy:... However, you have to keep in mind that the odds of that many people surviving SHTF is low...
On the contrary. There hasn't been a SHTF situation on the continent that has significantly depopulated it since small pox infected the Indians before colonization. Almost all SHTF scenarios are very local, even personal.
11/8/2011 11:52:01 AM
If any species can out survive the initial massive hunting the general populous will do then yes. Once the massive death of humans happens either from violence, disaster, or starvation, I think any remaining animal populations will be given the opportunity to grow. Problem is getting through that first phase.
11/8/2011 1:28:39 PM
There are plenty of deer around here and since no one else here has a gun I should be all set. Plus, since the only legal hunting method here is Ford, they should be easy to hunt.
11/9/2011 2:58:22 PM
Originally Posted By TheGrayMan:
You should get to know some Cajuns. Those folks will eat ANYTHING.
Most times, they'll actually make it taste good too.
Originally Posted By Dave15:
LOL, my Dad is in his mid 80s-
Said you never saw so much as a track around here when he was a boy.
Now, covered up with them:no limit on does in much of the state, and 6 bucks/30 doe limit in most.
When I started deer hunting here in the '70s, about 10,000 deer killed per year.
Now, at 100,000 per year, with a LOT less hunters.
As a trapper, I can say, things get bad, I'll still eat: may eat weird, but I'll eat.
Originally Posted By Rodent:
On the contrary, when people get hungry enough to disregard game laws, everything larger than a squirrel will become very scarce. Big game east of the Mississippi was essentially extinct by the end of the depression.
On the contrary, when people get hungry enough to disregard game laws, everything larger than a squirrel will become very scarce. Big game east of the Mississippi was essentially extinct by the end of the depression.
LOL, my Dad is in his mid 80s-
Said you never saw so much as a track around here when he was a boy.
Now, covered up with them:no limit on does in much of the state, and 6 bucks/30 doe limit in most.
When I started deer hunting here in the '70s, about 10,000 deer killed per year.
Now, at 100,000 per year, with a LOT less hunters.
As a trapper, I can say, things get bad, I'll still eat: may eat weird, but I'll eat.
You should get to know some Cajuns. Those folks will eat ANYTHING.
Most times, they'll actually make it taste good too.
You got that right. Not Cajun myself but they do eat some interesting things out in the boonies. Nutria for one. A big ass rat. No thanks, I'll go munch on some twigs or something.
11/9/2011 4:46:14 PM
Originally Posted By BlazerGuy:
You answered your own question. Nearly a quarter million deer are harvested in less than two weeks. If that 9 day season is gone and it's hunting season for 365 days...it's obvious...
Also, since less people know how to properly quarter and butcher a deer most of the carcass will probably be wasted.
Originally Posted By Jakemen234:
Last year alone in Wisconsin 218,144 deer where shot and registered, in a 9 day firearm season. God knows how many are hit by cars last year. Do you think that deer and some wild game population would expand with out the same amount of people to hunt them or get hit buy cars in a SHTF environment?
Last year alone in Wisconsin 218,144 deer where shot and registered, in a 9 day firearm season. God knows how many are hit by cars last year. Do you think that deer and some wild game population would expand with out the same amount of people to hunt them or get hit buy cars in a SHTF environment?
You answered your own question. Nearly a quarter million deer are harvested in less than two weeks. If that 9 day season is gone and it's hunting season for 365 days...it's obvious...
Also, since less people know how to properly quarter and butcher a deer most of the carcass will probably be wasted.
Add too that all the domesticated dogs that people can't feed....forming packs
that feed on all the left over butchered deer...competition will get fierce for food !
11/9/2011 6:23:49 PM
Originally Posted By PraesulPresul1:
You got that right. Not Cajun myself but they do eat some interesting things out in the boonies. Nutria for one. A big ass rat. No thanks, I'll go munch on some twigs or something.
Originally Posted By TheGrayMan:
You should get to know some Cajuns. Those folks will eat ANYTHING.
Most times, they'll actually make it taste good too.
Originally Posted By Dave15:
LOL, my Dad is in his mid 80s-
Said you never saw so much as a track around here when he was a boy.
Now, covered up with them:no limit on does in much of the state, and 6 bucks/30 doe limit in most.
When I started deer hunting here in the '70s, about 10,000 deer killed per year.
Now, at 100,000 per year, with a LOT less hunters.
As a trapper, I can say, things get bad, I'll still eat: may eat weird, but I'll eat.
Originally Posted By Rodent:
On the contrary, when people get hungry enough to disregard game laws, everything larger than a squirrel will become very scarce. Big game east of the Mississippi was essentially extinct by the end of the depression.
On the contrary, when people get hungry enough to disregard game laws, everything larger than a squirrel will become very scarce. Big game east of the Mississippi was essentially extinct by the end of the depression.
LOL, my Dad is in his mid 80s-
Said you never saw so much as a track around here when he was a boy.
Now, covered up with them:no limit on does in much of the state, and 6 bucks/30 doe limit in most.
When I started deer hunting here in the '70s, about 10,000 deer killed per year.
Now, at 100,000 per year, with a LOT less hunters.
As a trapper, I can say, things get bad, I'll still eat: may eat weird, but I'll eat.
You should get to know some Cajuns. Those folks will eat ANYTHING.
Most times, they'll actually make it taste good too.
You got that right. Not Cajun myself but they do eat some interesting things out in the boonies. Nutria for one. A big ass rat. No thanks, I'll go munch on some twigs or something.
LOL, I don't have to go that far.
Folks here eat coon, muskrats, even nutes (yes, they're here too, have been for 75 years!
Been known to partake my own self.
Course, my dad did spend a little time in La right after he got back from WWII, so maybe I come by it honest........
Heck, a buddy takes orders for POSSUM from folks for the holidays!
11/9/2011 8:42:05 PM
When we were kids there was this old Mexican guy that worked and lived on the ranch. This old guy got a kick out of us boys because we would eat just about anything he would cook.
I can tell you first hand that ground squirrel and feral cat are not too bad with enough garlic salt and hot sauce.
The one thing I would not try was a bat he bbq’d. That thing just looked like all kinds of wrong on the grill.
I can tell you first hand that ground squirrel and feral cat are not too bad with enough garlic salt and hot sauce.
The one thing I would not try was a bat he bbq’d. That thing just looked like all kinds of wrong on the grill.
11/9/2011 8:50:37 PM
Critters I've eaten (I'm sure I'm missing a few):
Squirrel
Raccoon
Bear
Dear
Caribou
Moose
Elk
Horse
Crow
Warthog
Impala
Elephant
Crocodile
Alligator
Zebra
Kudu
Wildebeast
Rattlesnake
Beaver
Sable
Antelope
Tadpoles
Frog
Squirrel
Raccoon
Bear
Dear
Caribou
Moose
Elk
Horse
Crow
Warthog
Impala
Elephant
Crocodile
Alligator
Zebra
Kudu
Wildebeast
Rattlesnake
Beaver
Sable
Antelope
Tadpoles
Frog
11/10/2011 1:52:38 AM
Originally Posted By Dave15:
LOL, I don't have to go that far.
Folks here eat coon, muskrats, even nutes (yes, they're here too, have been for 75 years!
Been known to partake my own self.
Course, my dad did spend a little time in La right after he got back from WWII, so maybe I come by it honest........
Heck, a buddy takes orders for POSSUM from folks for the holidays!
LOL, I don't have to go that far.
Folks here eat coon, muskrats, even nutes (yes, they're here too, have been for 75 years!
Been known to partake my own self.
Course, my dad did spend a little time in La right after he got back from WWII, so maybe I come by it honest........
Heck, a buddy takes orders for POSSUM from folks for the holidays!
Heh... I have one entire branch of my family from bayou country. Good people.
And eating weird beats not eating at all... by far.
11/10/2011 2:01:15 PM
I think prairie dog might have a big boom in population without farm equipment and poisoning. I have seen eight hundred acres of prairie dogs decimated by some sort of plague and then rebound in only a couple of years. Without man to keep them down and few natural predators left I think that will be food source to tap post SHTF.
11/12/2011 12:37:54 AM
Originally Posted By Rodent:
I think people re-learn primal skills when they get hungry enough.
I think people re-learn primal skills when they get hungry enough.
Gas will be a factor as many will try to conserve fuel, some would rather use it in the Generator, also depending on where you live.Some will be afraid to leave there homes or wouldn't know what to do hunting, process, storing game, hides.
Another thing it the time of year, winter time would play hell on most people. Moose, Bou, Deer, Elk, and other game some of them die off, other are hunted by wolves, yotes
11/12/2011 12:40:18 AM
Originally Posted By Rodent:
I think people re-learn primal skills when they get hungry enough.
I think people re-learn primal skills when they get hungry enough.
It seems you are starting to see more folks getting into homesteading these day, more conservative with money also.
11/12/2011 12:48:01 AM
Originally Posted By Benjamin-Linus:
I think prairie dog might have a big boom in population without farm equipment and poisoning. I have seen eight hundred acres of prairie dogs decimated by some sort of plague and then rebound in only a couple of years. Without man to keep them down and few natural predators left I think that will be food source to tap post SHTF.
I think prairie dog might have a big boom in population without farm equipment and poisoning. I have seen eight hundred acres of prairie dogs decimated by some sort of plague and then rebound in only a couple of years. Without man to keep them down and few natural predators left I think that will be food source to tap post SHTF.
Don't PD's have some funky disease? We hunted down in South Dakota, at the Lower Brule and Rose Bud Indian reservations and they told us to try not to touch the PD's.
Many were just Pink Mist anyway.
11/12/2011 2:47:16 PM
Originally Posted By THE_BUSHMAN:
Don't PD's have some funky disease? We hunted down in South Dakota, at the Lower Brule and Rose Bud Indian reservations and they told us to try not to touch the PD's.
Many were just Pink Mist anyway.
Originally Posted By Benjamin-Linus:
I think prairie dog might have a big boom in population without farm equipment and poisoning. I have seen eight hundred acres of prairie dogs decimated by some sort of plague and then rebound in only a couple of years. Without man to keep them down and few natural predators left I think that will be food source to tap post SHTF.
I think prairie dog might have a big boom in population without farm equipment and poisoning. I have seen eight hundred acres of prairie dogs decimated by some sort of plague and then rebound in only a couple of years. Without man to keep them down and few natural predators left I think that will be food source to tap post SHTF.
Don't PD's have some funky disease? We hunted down in South Dakota, at the Lower Brule and Rose Bud Indian reservations and they told us to try not to touch the PD's.
Many were just Pink Mist anyway.
PDs sometime carry The Plague. I'm not sure I'd want to eat that.
11/13/2011 10:15:29 AM
Hope to never see a large scale SHTF in our area. Has occurred to me if that did happen, our community would be well served to cut off easy vehicluar access by setting up blockades with massive boulders or blow a few bridges. Most of those inside would still have a sense of caring for those in need, and would share wild game with those less able to fend for themselves. There would also be a conservation ethic, as I'd expect us to maintain law enforcement in some fashion, and make sure we take limited numbers of deer and elk. Salmon, on the other hand, are abundant, and trading canned or fresh caught salmon could be arranged with those on the outside for needed supplies such as fuel, grains, sugar, and medical supplies.Once law and order on the outside was restored, access to and from the community could be opened up again.
11/13/2011 11:02:49 AM
Originally Posted By Dave15:
Have to disagree with you here.
MANY states have actually had hunting license sales INCREASE since the economy took a slide.
Couple factors:
Folks need/want the meat, and many simply have TIME to hunt now that they are unemployed.
And most folks I know don't spend near that, in a year.
Sure, we all occasionally buy a new toy or two,
We usually kill 3-6 deer per year, and stop cause that's PLENTY for us.
Also, look at land use patterns,farming practices, etc from the '30s and now.
There is a reason some game pops, esp WT deer, are at all time highs.
Originally Posted By TomJefferson:
. It would probably surprise people how quickly our so called hunters stop hunting when they look at the $500 to $1,000 they spend to go out for a week in the hopes of shooting one deer. Tj
. It would probably surprise people how quickly our so called hunters stop hunting when they look at the $500 to $1,000 they spend to go out for a week in the hopes of shooting one deer. Tj
Have to disagree with you here.
MANY states have actually had hunting license sales INCREASE since the economy took a slide.
Couple factors:
Folks need/want the meat, and many simply have TIME to hunt now that they are unemployed.
And most folks I know don't spend near that, in a year.
Sure, we all occasionally buy a new toy or two,
We usually kill 3-6 deer per year, and stop cause that's PLENTY for us.
Also, look at land use patterns,farming practices, etc from the '30s and now.
There is a reason some game pops, esp WT deer, are at all time highs.
I don’t know . Go look around a Dick’s and check out the clothing, boots, underwear, stands, blinds, guns, scopes, and so on. If that does not convince you that $1,000 is a drop in the bucket, head on over to Bass Pro Shops and check out the $10,000 plus ATVs set up for deer hunting. Someone is buying that stuff, and from the looks of the stores, it appears there are a lot of those “someones” out there.
Do I buy all that every year? No. But, a grand a year on hunting gear on average? Easy.
