NDA Members are Finding Useful, Unique and Fun Ways to Weather the Pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic has altered nearly every aspect of our daily lives. While what our new ‘normal’ will look like is uncertain, one thing is certain: hunters are finding useful, unique and fun ways to weather the viral storm. We were interested in knowing how National Deer Alliance (NDA) members are adjusting to this new way of life, so we asked a few questions via our weekly Hunter’s Voice Survey in an April edition of our On Watch Newsletter. Here’s what members had to say.

First, we asked if members found themselves having more or less free time to engage in outdoor-related hobbies based on altered daily schedules. Nearly half (48%) of the members who responded said they currently have about the same amount of free time to engage in outdoor-related hobbies as they did before the pandemic. Many respondents noted that they work in jobs that are considered essential, so their daily schedules haven’t changed that much. Many more are retired, so they already have abundant free time to enjoy the outdoors.

For instance, David from Tennessee said “Life has changed little for me other than having to watch replayed, rather than live, sports.”

“Being retired, I have all the time in the world,” said Roger from West Virginia. Alternatively, Charles from Texas said, “I have been considering retirement at the end of this year. Having to stay at home most days during this period, I now know that I am not ready to retire.”

Still, 35% said they now have more free time for outdoor activities or interests. Over 45% of respondents are spending that free-time reading, watching or daydreaming about hunting or fishing. 42% are organizing and/or preparing hunting and fishing gear. Another 42% are hitting the woods in search of spring turkeys, and about 30% have gone fishing.

Greg from Illinois said he’s been watching a lot of hunting and fishing TV and practicing shooting his bow. Similarly, Michael from New Jersey said “I was able to spend extra time tuning my bow. I read a number of articles on the topic and was able to really get it dialed in.”

“I’m going through my collection of hunting apparel to try and get it down to a manageable size,” said Dean from Michigan. “I used to say that ‘You can never have too many pairs of socks!’ Now, I’m not so sure.”

Others are hitting the spring woods in search of gobbling Toms, including some first-timers. “The suspension of all sports, kids’ programs, etc., has left our weekends wide-open,” said Ed from Minnesota. “I would never have had enough time for a spring turkey hunt in the past.”

For some, more free time for some folks has resulted in more hunting competition. “I have seen a lot more turkey hunters since the stay-at-home order gives more people free time,” Eddie from North Carolina said. But, some aren’t able to partake in their typical spring hunts. “Unfortunately, I've lost some out-of-state turkey hunting opportunities after decisions were made to suspend non-resident license sales,” said Jake from Ohio.

Ted from Florida has enjoyed more time chasing turkeys this spring. “In years past, I averaged 4-5 mornings turkey hunting.  So far this season I have turkey hunted 7 mornings and still have 10 days left in this spring season,” he said. “And, I have caught more freshwater fish in the last three weeks than I have in the last three years!”

Speaking of fishing, many NDA members are also hitting the water. “As a volunteer for the state fish and game department I have been laid off from trout stocking duties due to the virus,” said Allen from Virginia. “Instead of putting fish in the water, I'm taking a lot more time taking them out of the water!”

Others have been tackling habitat and home-improvement projects. Johnny from Alabama has been spending his time on land management, including habitat management, timber management, and food plot monitoring. David from South Carolina is getting ahead on his honey-do list to free up more time for fall hunting seasons, while Tom from Pennsylvania cleaned all his mounts and set up a trophy room in what used to be a guest bedroom.

Some NDA members have more free time on their hands these days than others, but one thing seems universal: members are turning their bodies and minds towards their passions in an effort to stay safe and healthy during these challenging times. For many, the outdoors and outdoor-related hobbies provide an escape, and an escape is exactly what many of us need right now.