Part 3/8:
The decline is attributed to several factors. A major issue is restricted access to private lands; as fewer landowners allow hunting, opportunities shrink. Additionally, societal and economic changes mean that many young people prioritize school, work, or other commitments over hunting trips. Mobility also plays a role—modern youths often move away for college or employment, reducing their connection to local hunting traditions.
A survey conducted by the DNR highlights age as a main barrier, alongside limited land access and shifting priorities. The result is a shrinking and aging hunting demographic, which has serious ecological consequences.