California statistics show hunting decline

PASADENA, Calif. (KABC) -- Johnny's Sports Shop in Pasadena used to sell hunting rifles. But today, fishing tackle has replaced every scope and shotgun.

"I think the attitude of the general public started to look kind of down on hunters," said shop owner Robert Ota.

From ammo to shoot waterfowl to the crossbows that target game, demand is falling to new depths, according to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. One of the many factors contributing to the drop in popularity are rising fees.

"It's about $46 just to purchase a hunting license, and then if you want to duck hunt, which just finished up, that costs you another $25 to $40 just for the stamps," said Harry Morse of the California Department of Fish and Game.

State figures show the drop. In 1970, there were 700,000 hunters. Last year, there were 250,000, about a 70 percent decline.

Another factor, public opinion. The Texas Tech University cheerleader who posted pictures of the big game she shot in Africa triggered a backlash.

In California, hunting advocates say sportsmen are being driven out of the state because of mounting gun laws, like the one that requires steel bullets instead of lead.

"Steel does not have the heating power so it, more or less, injures the animal and doesn't put it down," Ota said.

What the public does not understand, Ota says, is how hunters respect the environment.

"We pack the trash out. We don't pack it in," he said.

Then there is the debate about how much wildlife exists for hunters in California. Regulators say fire, drought and new housing tracts have depleted populations. The hunting industry wants a survey, an actual count to gauge the health of wildlife and their habitat.