Small game hunting may be in decline, but it still has its fans.
Photo courtesy huntingpa.com.
Might this be a victim of changing times?
Organizers hope not.
For 23 years, California Hill Gun Club has run a “small game hunting classic” contest each winter. It allows rabbit and grouse hunters to get afield on a particular day, then check in later that evening and enter their game into a contest. Some hunters walk away with prizes and the club makes a little money, too.
The point of it all, though, is more than that.
“Anyone can go small game hunting any time,” said club spokesman Jon Difilippo. “The social aspect of all this is what we’re trying to perpetuate. We’re trying to get guys to come back to the club, sit around, have some food, have some drinks and share some stories.”
That, he said, is small game hunting.
Fewer and fewer hunters understand that.
Participation in hunting species like rabbits, grouse, pheasants and squirrels has declined by about 80 percent over the last two decades. That’s reflective of a national trend.
California Hill Gun Club’s small game classic tells the tale, too.
In its heyday, it attracted 160 or so hunters, Defilippo said. Last year it drew only about 30.
If that doesn’t turn around this year, the club may have to try changing the event or even cancel it altogether, Defilippo added. Organizers hope to avoid that.
“We are hoping to have a strong enough showing of hunters to continue this dying tradition,” Defilippo said.
This year’s classic is set for Jan. 21. Cost to enter is $25 per two-person grouse team or $35 per three-person rabbit team.
The top grouse team with its limit of four birds wins cash, while the second- and third-place teams with limits get other prizes. One team with between one and three birds will also get a prize.
The same is true for rabbit hunters, with the top team with a limit of 12 getting cash, the next two teams with limits getting other prizes and the top team among those with between one and 11 rabbits winning a prize.
All hunters also get a raffle ticket good for a chance to win $100. There will be free food, as well.
Hunters can hunt anywhere, but everyone has to check in at the club by 7 p.m.
For information or to register, contact J.R. Anderson at 724-938-3480 after 3 p.m.
