By MATT PIKE
St. Joseph Post
A national trend shows a decline in the number of people going out to fish and hunt.
However, Deputy Director at the Missouri Department of Conservation Aaron Jeffries, says Missouri hasn’t really seen that decline.
"We don't have lotteries or any stuff like that, I mean you look at western states and it's getting ridiculous on how much their permits cost and they're prohibiting nonresidents or limiting nonresidents," Jeffries tells KFEQ Hotline host Barry Birr and guest Kyle Carroll. "So, I think you have to look at the regulations we have, what is the programs we can offer to start up a new hunter."
Jeffries, says though while the state has not seen much of a decline, it is evident that times are changing
"Younger generations, they may not be interested in hunting and fishing, we need to work to find ways to engage them in there, but then also look at things beyond that," Jeffries explains. "Some of our more popular educational programs are native plants, kayaking, and bird watching."
Jeffries says that the trend is an outgrowth of a changing society.
"To say folks aren't interested in the outdoors, I would say they may not be interested in hunting and fishing, but our surveys have shown they still have a lot of interest in nature," Jeffries says. "So, all state fishing and wildlife agencies are really trying to adapt and change right now to look beyond just hunters and anglers."
Jeffries says Missouri has always focused on conservation from every angle which is why there are many nature centers and other programs outside of hunting and fishing.
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