I noticed the same.

I went out dove hunting a few times and noticed I didn't hear very many shots, when other years there was always lots of shooting.

I think the increase in the price of gas is causing people not to go places and to cut down on driving. I've noticed myself not logging as many hours scouting for the upcoming archery season because of the price of gas. I'd burn up almost a half tank in a round trip to my hunting spot. A few trips and that adds up.

It does seem that people are losing interest in hunting, though.
I've talked to guys at work and many say they are ready to quit hunting. They say it costs so much and they aren't seeing the deer to make it worth the price. Some are talking of taking up other sports or activitys. Instead of using vacation time during hunting season, they want to just do something with the family.

Yeah, I think hunting is on a downhill slide. I've even noticed my interest fading. We all enjoy being outdoors but the main reason I hunt is to get a deer. If I just wanted to enjoy nature, I don't need a hunting llicense to do that. Since the deer population is down, I feel many hunters feel the same way. Why pay all that money just to sit in the woods and not see any deer? Bird watching is free and you don't need to purchase a hunting license to do that.