BANGOR DAILY NEWS • February 13, 2024
All of us who care about and place value on the hunting legacy, wonder about the future of recreational hunting. We glance at the statistics every once in a while looking for a glimpse into the future. In 2002, there were 211,238 licensed hunters in Maine; 20 years later, in 2022, Maine reported 233,443 licensed hunters. Despite the national downward trend in hunting license sales, Maine has the highest number of licensed hunters since 1982. On the national level an increasing number of women have taken up recreational hunting. Here in Maine some rod and gun clubs have programs to introduce youngsters to the challenges and enjoyment of recreational hunting. When it comes to safeguarding, and even nurturing, Maine’s hunting legacy, we in the Pine Tree State are doing something right. ~ V. Paul Reynolds