How can we as hunters save the Midwest deer hunting from becoming a rich man/woman's sport?

[Rugar007]

How can we as hunters save the Midwest deer hunting from becoming a rich man/woman's sport?

[JM]

There will always be opportunities for those who are not rich to hunt in the midwest =]. Just keep filling your tags and doing your best to introduce more people to hunting.

[huntfishtrap]

Two words: DON'T LEASE

[Blue Ox]

2 more words: TOO LATE

[buckhunter]

We have very good public land in Ohio, and it's free.

[Treestand]

Here in Florida it's Becoming Lease Land Club Hunting more and more our State Lands With all its Rules and Regs by Quota Hunts and with Bad Tempred Slob Hunters? the only way to go is with a Lease Clubs here. you are not alone Rugar007!

[charlie elk]

What is your definition of rich?
Are you referring to equipment prices or land availability?
If land I admit I am a bit confused because there is high quality public land all over the Midwest much is under used.
There are major efforts going on now a days to make anyone who might have more than another out to be "rich" and therefore- somehow bad. I trust this is not the goal of your question.
later,
charlie

[sangcoacc]

Hunting doesn't have to be expensive. Availability of hunting land can be, which I am assuming is the crux of the question. The fear of losing private land to a lease seems to be partially driving more hunters to seek a land lease for otherwise freely available private property. I'm not a fan of the lease but I understand both sides of the financial equation. The alternative is to work hard to develop a relationship with a land owner who may ultimately be loyal to you when a lease offer is presented by another. I hunt next to a lease on ground owned by my family and I also hunt on the farm that borders the lease. When the leasees tried to lease the neighbors farm, the owner declined, thus preserving our long standing relationship....for now.

[Trapper Vic]

Public land is available, but travel time can be a problem. Especially if you like to scout or put a stand (which may or may not be there when you return!)Private land is still the best hunting but hardest to access. Sometimes it's more about who you know than how much you got to spend!

[6phunter]

I've always kept an ear open 365 days a year for places to hunt,I lose property and pick up property and never lacked from having a fair number to hunt.SOME i bowhunt only, and some are not much more than 5 or ten acres.I trade with friends on take me alongs and have had success on public ground.

[6phunter]

ALSO ALWAYS SHARE YOUR HUNTS AND PROCESSED MEAT WITH LAND OWNERS,AND FRIENDS, TAKE PICTURES AND SHARE THEM AS WELL.I have a friend that denied me access for years and when he finally said yes ,I said I didn't really want to hunt I was just checking where is heart was at,when asking for permission don't make it seem like it's the end.

[RES1956]

When you figure it out let me know so we can implement it in the south,,,