Presenters: Mike Berger, John Kelsey

Commission Agenda Item No. 5
Briefing
The Future of Hunting
May 2003

I. Discussion: In 1998 a group of forward-looking Texans became concerned that changing demographics might negatively impact future hunting opportunities. They cooperated in raising funds and began to identify problems and develop solutions. Last year those cooperative efforts accelerated with meetings all across the state and a statewide gathering of concerned hunters last June. The resultant future of hunting in Texas document identifies current hunter perceptions and lists goals of stabilizing hunting license sales at 1 million annually, creating more hunting opportunities for Texans, creating public awareness of the importance of hunting, and organizing for success. Strategies for achieving each goal are stated as well. Hunting is an important social activity and economic engine in Texas, and these goals and strategies must be achieved to ensure a future for hunting.