WOW!!! From reading this, I guess, I must have to go clear to the other side of the coin! I guess if those who lease are ruining hunting, then I guess those who own land are doing the same?
If I don't have 600,000 to by land, but want the right to manage and hunt private ground I have no option but to lease. Yes, there are places where you can talk to people and get on for free, and trust me I tried. But sorry folks, I work 7 days a week and have about 10 hours of free time(besides sleeping)in the "Off season". Guess I would rather spend 1500 bucks and have my security then to spend that time begging for a place to hunt!
May of the people who say they would never lease, are the same that think the ground the hunt for free(public or Private) is their own ground. Well guess what it is not! I have been burned many times by doing a ton of work and then having a farmer let a bunch of people on to thin out deer!
Hey wait, isn't labor a form of payment? Guess everyone who is helping out around the farm is basically leasing as well!!! SHAME ON ALL OF YOU TOO!!!!!
Not to take a shot at you Hardcore, but I don't have the money to Buy big diamonds, or expensive beds, or expensive land, but I do have a passion for hunting, and I choose to lease so that my passion can remain! I will have to disagree with you 100 % on the fact that leasing is what is ruining hunting! Want to know what is ruining hunting in my opinion? Trophies!!!! Guess what, if know one got on a website and bragged about their kills then maybe it wouldn't be so bad! Maybe everyone wouldn't be leasing or buying up ground!
Maybe hunting shows, promoting products, states and animals, are killing hunting!
Here it is plain and simple(IMO) hunting is a huge industry and it moving a certain way! You can do what you can to be a part, or turn in your cards! Hunting is becoming no different than farming! Think of the number of people who used to make a living off farming 40, 80, 240, 400 acres! How many of those people are still making it today!
Well bash if you want, I respect others opinions, and I apologize for evening commenting, although, I am aware that no of this was a personal attack on me, I took it that way! I guess from reading all this, I took it as, I lease, therefore, I am a part of the problem, and that, my friends, is Horse $&*^!!!!
Okay, sorry again, I am out of this one!