Are Duck Hunters Getting Soft?

This week on the Midwest Flyways Podcast, Cal and Carter are joined by Gavin for a shorter episode after wrapping up two weekends at Game Fair. With duck season right around the corner, the guys get into a debate about why waterfowl hunter numbers are declining and whether duck hunters simply aren’t as hardcore as they used to be.  The conversation covers everything from declining Minnesota waterfowl stamp sales and habitat loss to drain tile, public land access, and the changing effort hunters are willing to put in. Are fewer people hunting because there are fewer ducks and fewer places to hunt, or have modern hunters become less willing to walk into a field, knock on doors, battle bad weather, and put in the work? That leads into a bigger discussion about how technology has changed the outdoors. OnX has made finding landowners easier, modern hunting gear is better than ever, and tools like LiveScope have completely changed fishing. The guys debate whether technology is lowering the barrier to entry or simply changing what it means to be a hardcore outdoorsman. Plus, the crew recaps Game Fair, talks about the excitement of early goose season getting closer, and Gavin explains why he still keeps detailed notes on everything from weather and wind to the exact conditions surrounding a successful hunt. Topics Covered: •Why waterfowl hunter numbers are declining •Are today's duck hunters getting soft? •Drain tile and waterfowl habitat loss •Knocking on doors vs. paying an outfitter •How hunting technology has changed •Getting ready for early goose season Thanks for listening to the Midwest Flyways Podcast! Be sure to check out the Flyways Hunt Club for even more exclusive content every week.
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