JohnMichigan whitetail deer hunting season is coming upon us. With the early antlerless deer hunt open to most public land, I’d guess the archery season is going to be more difficult than usual. That’s just one prediction that isn’t a part of the five below, but something that literally just popped in my head. Anyway, here are five of my predictions about the future of archery hunting.
Archery Hunters Will Use Cheaper Gear
It’s no secret, hunting gear (clothes included) seem to rise every year. Is it inflation? Is it greed? Just how it is? Regardless, gear is now becoming a luxury. With the U.S. average salary around $63,000, you can see how buying four climbing steps for $500 just isn’t going to fit the budget. The reality here is that you don’t need expensive gear to kill deer. And because of that reason, I believe hunters are going to use what they have already or buy cheaper gear for the field.
Archery Hunters Will Hunt Lower
I don’t think anyone knows where the true legend of why you need be 20 feet in the air while bowhunting. However, I think it’s safe to say the real answer to “how high” is “it depends”. I’ve been a long believer that you always need to be higher than 20 feet to not be in a whitetail’s vision, but I’m rethinking that. Especially since last year when I harvested 8-point 5 feet off the ground (see video below). So maybe it’s more so how do you blend in versus being out of view completely.
Another perspective is that hunting low reduces the risk of serious injury, setup and take down time. This allows one to be more mobile in my opinion. Having said that, hunting low also poses a completely new challenge of hunting as well. If you’re interested in hunting lower, there are popular hunters such as Cody D’Acquisto that explain well why you don’t need to be two stories high all the time.
Also, climbing low means less steps you need to buy to climb – so it’s a money saver too.
Archery Hunters Will Dabble in Traditional Bows
Like hunting low, traditional bows have started to become popular as well. I think the challenge of killing a deer with one of these weapons, like a triad, will be the next step in many matured hunting careers. Full transparency, I do believe that once people realize how difficult it is, the trend will soon shift back to compound and crossbows; thus the “dabble” in the headline.
Killing Bucks without Tech Is the New Brag
As the hunting sector become flooded with technology such as cell cameras and drones, it has made hunting big bucks somewhat easier. With that being said, I think the new brag will be people saying they killed their buck without such technology. In tandem with reducing tech use in the woods, I believe woodsmanship will start to creep back into today’s hunters’ skillsets as well. In short, I think more people will be analyzing deer droppings and tracks than waiting at home for pictures on their phone.
Next 6-7 Years is Prime Time for Killing Big Bucks
This prediction is a little out there and quite honestly just a personal life anecdote. I believe that if you want to kill a big buck, especially on public land, the next 6-7 years are going to be a good time. Why? Because there are going to be less hunters out there.
Don’t get it twisted though. The drop in hunters is not because of loss or lack of interest; it revolves around the fact that millennials are starting to have families, new babies, work, and careers. These individuals do have a passion for hunting but will prioritize life – again – for the next few years until they have less responsibilities. On top of that, the boomers are getting older. So, hunting pressure in theory, would decrease, leaving you with more land to hunt.
And there you have it, five predictions about the future of archery hunting. Hopefully you enjoyed it!
