ORIGINAL: LBR
I know we have gobs of bowhunters in the area--but turnout at shoots is very low, and sales for archery equipment is next to nothing until September (season opens in Oct.). Look at Wal-Mart--they are in it for the money, period--if archery equipment made money year-round, the equipment would be out year round. Good luck trying to findanything archery at your local Wal-Martright now. No doubt whatsoever the vast majority are just looking to extend the season, and most would happily gun hunt.
I don't go to tournaments or any organized shoots but I practice constantly and am always trying to learn how to be better at maintaining and using my gear. I buy just about everything online because the "archery shop" here is run by thieves. Also the selection online is unlimited. Just look at the "buying feathers" thread in this forum. I am not saying that there aren't bowhunters that are in it just to extend their season but it seems feasible to me that there are a great many like me, and many others in this forum and the bowhunting forum, that practice quite a bit and buy a lot of archery equipment but never go to tournaments and go to real archery shops (the only real one is 60 miles form me) very infrequently. I bought my last 2 bows online (used from a couple of guys). Perhaps the availability of online merchandise has hurt local shops more than anything.
ORIGINAL: LBR
MS has an exceptional deer population--the problem, like most anywhere else I've heard of, is finding a place to hunt. Not everyone can afford to buy up 50-100+ acres (if you can even find land for sale), not everyone can afford to pay for a lease, and you have to wait for years and/or know the right people to get into a lot of clubs. Pulblic land can be a nightmare, but I've found out about a few spots that, if you don't mind a lot of travelling and a lot of walking, maybe you won't be set up within 50 yds of someone else.
I don't know MS but I wonder if limiting hunting opportunities for other huntersis the right solution for hunting as a sport in MS(not that that is what you are advocating)or anywhere else. I don't think that is the way to go here in MD. As you stated, ifa personis willing to put forth the effort then good opportunities can be found and I think that is where efforts should be directed, not at limiting hunting opportunities for other hunters.
As was pointed out earlier, if we keep arguing and limiting opportunities amongst ourselves the DNR depts will deal with the "too many deer" in a way that none of us may like.