In a couple of days this part of Kansas will be inundated with deer hunters from all over the country. Southeast Kansas has become nationally known for its trophy deer population and hunters from far and wide will gather to test their skill, and luck, in taking home that perfect buck. Not so good for the deer, but a real economic boon for my neighboring farmers and ranchers.
For years Chautauqua County has ranked near the bottom of the list when ranking the prosperity of the 105 counties in Kansas. We have very little in the way of industry or other major employment possibilities. Most of the 3000+ population survive by being entrepreneurs, and working a variety of jobs while striving to maintain a quality life in a beautiful area of rural Kansas.
The abundant deer population used to be nothing more than a nuisance to the farmers, then voila, supply met demand and a new industry was born. For many years this resource was overlooked as a viable business opportunity, as landowners simply granted permission for folks to hunt on their land....no charge. Now it's a thriving segment of our rural economy and brings in a significant number of dollars.
Already this week I've visited with hunters from Arkansas, Delaware, South Carolina and Florida. All of them require lodging, food, equipment, and places to hunt. These are outside dollars being spent with our local merchants, landowners, and outfitters. Some people have coined the word "agri-tourism" to describe these new income producing opportunities, but it's basically entrepreneurs doing what entrepreneurs do, providing customers with what they want.
So what about the deer? How do they feel about this whole "agri-tourism" idea? I'm guessing they never had the opportunity to voice their opinion, and I suspect most would not have concurred. I've seen a few majestic bucks this year, and I can only offer this advice......Run Bambi run...
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