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Discussion Topic: Will Gas Prices Have You Hunting Near Home?
From a National Shooting Sports Foundation Press Release:
For many hunters, that 300-mile drive to deer camp may be put on hold this year. Unwilling -- or unable -- to spend more on gasoline than licenses and lodging, many hunters are checking out their options closer to home.
Recent surveys have shown that this is a national trend among American hunters. According to research conducted by Southwick Associates' HunterSurvey.com, "40 percent of hunters indicated that rising gas prices will cause them to reduce their outdoor activities or reduce their travel distance."
Will you reduce yours this fall?
I moved from suburban Minneapolis to a lake in Northern Minnesota 7 years ago. Most years I go on a trophy deer bow hunt to Houston County, MN. The trip is over 300 miles one way. I first thought about not going this year because of high gas prices. My hunting urge is getting the better of me so I am making the trip this year.
Posted by: Up North Doug | September 12, 2008 at 11:12 AM
I drive back and forth to the family farm during bow season (friday night for saturday hunt) and for 3 or 4 days during rifle season. It's only 45 miles one way, but I think gas prices will probably interrupt this.
yrs-
Evan!
Posted by: Evan! | September 12, 2008 at 12:40 PM
Considering that I spent $110 for a non-resident license to hunt the old farm, $25 for gas to get there and back ain't gonna kill me.
Besides, what else would I spend it on? Food? Healthcare premiums?
Posted by: Gman | September 12, 2008 at 01:06 PM
I might limit my trips a bit, but while I'm there I plan on staying all day instead of only driving up for solely morning or evening hunts.
Less driving, less gas, as much or more time in the woods.
Jim
Posted by: jstreet | September 12, 2008 at 01:08 PM
Yep, instead of driving the 300 yards to my deer stand, I am going to harvest the deer in the yard. Preferably from my kid's treehouse.
Posted by: Ironsights- Sasakwa, ok | September 12, 2008 at 05:28 PM
I hunt about 20 minutes from home, but if the gas prices don't go down from the hurricane (Ike) I don't know. It is almost $5 a gallon this evening, freakin gas companies.
Posted by: JohnR | September 12, 2008 at 05:50 PM
i will be making the 450 mile trip (one way) to new york but i dont know if i will be able to do so every season after this year.
Posted by: emn | September 13, 2008 at 01:03 PM
Well since gas prices went up i decided to spend the hundred or so dollars and get an ohio license, so instead of driving home every weekend to PA i will hunt up here at school with my buds. Except when rifle season roles around ill be making my trip to deer camp 300 so miles away.
Posted by: Jimmy | September 14, 2008 at 03:42 PM
Try and stop me.
Posted by: William | September 15, 2008 at 12:28 AM