I tend to agree Jim. Avian predators were granted 100% protection back in 1970 or 71 and all upland small game has declined since that time.
I have no real evidence to back up that theory, other than personal observations but I really have a tough time believing that it's habitat alone when the decline , at least in my hunting experiences over the years, started to become noticeable from the mid to late 70's on. I'd say we've had a leveling off but the days of finding rabbits and pheasants everywhere the habitat is good seem to be gone for good.
I do see raptors everywhere I go though
It's a rare day afieild when you don't see a Redtail or hear a Greathorned or Barred owl these days
I'm not calling for their demise but some hunting of the avian predators might benefit our small game.
And yes, I realize thats a FED thing that we can't do much about.