According to the 2001 National Survey of Fishing, Hunting and Wildlife-Associated Recreation, Michigan has the lowest hunter retention rate. The study shows that for every 100 hunters that leave the sport, only about 26 new hunters replace them. This problem stems from a growing tendency of families not passing on the tradition and people who move to the state with no hunting background.

Another danger from the steadily dropping number of hunters in the state involves animal management as well as funding. In many counties in the state, the deer population is out of control. The increased number of deer means more competition for food causing many deer to die from starvation. Also, when the deer are highly concentrated it is much easier for them to spread diseases among themselves.

The decrease in funding caused by the low number of sportsmen comes at a time when the DNR is in desperate need of funding because of the many problems that face the state. The emerald ash borer, zebra mussels, tuberculosis among deer, chronic wasting disease and Asian carp all threaten the state’s native species. No one sees the effects of these problems more than sportsman, as these invasive species and diseases kill off many native species that they hunt. The state’s small force of conservation officers cannot possibly patrol all of the land that needs protection.

Nonhunters do not have the same understanding of the woods as avid sportsmen. When people go out into the woods, they form a connection with it that lasts. For many people the woods become a sanctuary where they get away from life and lose themselves. Hunting is not just about shooting animals but getting the chance to experience wilderness by catching a glimpse of a bald eagle, fox, bobcat or any of a number of native Michigan animals and plants which gamesman protect. Nothing disturbs that sanctuary more than when humans mistreat nature and do not give it the respect it deserves. The worst thing for a hunter is to be walking through the woods and find a clearing with piles of smashed beer bottles, burned couches, refrigerators and many other kinds of discarded furniture. Hunters are usually the ones who call the authorities when they see people in cars tearing into the woods just before dusk with the intent of having a party. People who do not hunt may care about nature, but they do not treasure and know its importance like hunters do.

The state of Michigan was founded on hunting and trapping because it is what first drew people to the area. The Great Lakes and dense forest are features that made the state attractive to settlers and still draw people today. But all of these resources are at risk and hunters and fishers must do everything they can to show people the benefits of Michigan’s nature preserves. If the tradition of hunting continues to die off at the rate it is many things will suffer. The animals will lose a steadfast guardian, and nature will continue to become a junkyard and not a place of solace. Michiganians must teach their kids and bring their friends with them to hunt and help them find their own sanctuary in the woods.

By hunting and spending time in Michigan’s wilderness, it is possible to see why outdoorsmen love this state more than anywhere else. The Michigan flag says “Si Quaeris Peninsulam Amoenam Circumspice” meaning: “If you seek a pleasant peninsula, look about you” — and that is what so many people in Michigan need to do.

Gerard Ruskowski is a State News columnist and a political theory and constitutional democracy sophomore. Reach him at ruskows1@msu.edu.