ORIGINAL: Cougar Mag
I wish the number of hunters was down, but with this new brilliant[8D] check-in system a LOT of deer wont ever be counted. Did I mention that A LOT of deer wont be checked in?[8D]
You may be correct on this, but after a few seasons I believe its working almost as well.
At least those who use a processor must check them in. Those who process their own and don't check deer in, probably never did before the telecheck.
I agree with land access being the top villain. I notice that in my area at least, landowners are not nearly as receptive to bowhunting as in the past or having anybody on their land. Times sure have changed a lot in the past 10 years.
The problem is, how many small bucks are being checked in as does? Think about, all you have do is get the deer home and caped out, once that is done you can call it in as whatever you want and take to the processor. It is happening and will be one of the biggest reasons for Illinois' downfall.