Ryan Collingwood

Springfield News-Leader

https://www.news-leader.com/story/sports/outdoors/2023/04/18/hunting-and-fishing-license-sales-continue-slow-decline-in-missouri/70115786007/

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There has been a slow but steady decline of hunting and fishing licenses purchased in Missouri.

The number of Missouri hunters and anglers has dropped by more than 4,000 over the past five years, according to the Missouri Department of Conservation, which appears to align with a national trend.

There are more than 654,500 active licenses in Missouri, roughly 5,000 fewer than 2022, according to MDC data. This year’s numbers will likely increase with spring hunting season before a July tally.

Greene County residents have purchased more than 23,000 permits so far this year.

Total licenses in Missouri exceeded well over 1 million in 2011, according to theU.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, a sizable difference from current numbers.

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Eric Edwards, a hunting and fishing marketing specialist with the MDC, cited several reasons he believes have led to a decline in purchases…