I've always had in my mind the decline in small game was due in a large part to farm chemicals. Their use has spiked right along with the decline of wild pheasants, rabbits, and quail in the midwest.
Part of it is fur prices as well, nobody traps anymore because the pelts are near worthless. With no trappers and no coon hunters the predator population has run wild.
Destry
__________________
I was as virtuously given as a gentleman need to be; virtuous enough; swore little; diced not above seven times a week; went to a bawdy-house once in a quarter--of an hour; paid money that I borrowed, three of four times; lived well and in good compass: and now I live out of all order, out of all compass. Falstaff - Henry IV
|