(WBZ)BOSTON Despite the popularity of outdoor shows and retail stores, fewer people in Massachusetts are hunting and fishing, costing the state millions of dollars in lost revenue.
Forty percent fewer fishing and hunting licenses are sold in Massachusetts now than in 1990, a drop from 320,000 to 190,000.
The impact on the Bay State could be long term and serious, said Wayne MacCallum, director of the Massachusetts Fisheries and Wildlife.
"Fishing and hunting generates about a billion dollars (annually) in economic activity in the state," MacCallum said.
Fishing and hunting fees pay for virtually all operations of conservation efforts in the state, including land purchases totaling 25,000 acres since 1990.
As revenue goes down, the cost of land goes up.
"It's a shame because I like to see more people out in the woods and enjoying the wildlife and the habitat," said hunter Dave Zecco.
So what's the reason for the decline in fishing and hunting?
Some outdoor enthusiasts suggest more children are spending more time on computers and with i-Pods.
"Computers, i-Pods, games. Some parents aren't into fishing," said Pete Dealmeida of Shrewsbury. "You got your yuppie type. Then you got your outdoor guys."
MacCallum said a fact rarely passed along to young people is that sportsmen have been the major source of financial and political support for environmental protection.
"It's also more challenging than a computer game," he said. "It can never be mastered."
MacCallum also said fishing and hunting generate $50 million a year in sales and income tax.
ONly going to get worse....I always take my Grandkids hunting,its the only way the sport can continue
Posted by: mpd61
What will Deval do to help out?
Posted by: pahapoika
thank the liberals for that. now we have a nation of little porkers sitting in front of a video game instead of getting outside for some exercise.
Posted by: Wolfman
It's not gun control, it's gun owner control.
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