Hunting numbers nation wide are well below what they were in 2002. I think 2011 PA big game tags were in the 750,000 range and still one of the top states in tag sales over all. Just not as many hunters out there anymore. Harder to get access to private land for most people and as far as rifle season, unless I am wearing full body armor I wouldn't be caught anywhere near State game lands on the first few opening days. Not in PA anyway. Very few Eastern states I would hunt public land on opening day, if any. I've been shot, didn't like it much at all. I'd rather not experience it again.