My family always hunted. They came over from Germany in the early 1800's and were farmers and tavern owners. We had great small game hunting but not much big game. Eventually, market hunting all but ended big game hunting in southern PA. Through their travels they met some northern PA men who never hunted small game before. So they invited them down, and in turn got invited to come north for deer and bear. Been going north for big game ever since. When I was about 6 most of the older guys from up north quit coming down for small game. Couple years later, farming practices totally changed how you hunt small game and the amount of available game. I can honestly say I dont know anyone in my family that hunts small game today. Big game, well, still a strong family tradition.
