.....
I still contend that if only a handful of hunters showed up its because they are content with status quo...although, the much easier method of commenting online may also reduce attendance. But if people are really mad about something, you will see and hear them at public meetings. 
Some mostly rely on electronic means. The closest meeting they ever have for me is four hours one way. Can get a lot more done electronically in that time frame. Lots of people are really mad about the ongoing clown circus in DC, but very few people are capable of attending anything there.