Sports Publications

Americans spent $20 billion on hunting in 2001 - Industry News

Shooting Industry, July, 2002 by Russ Thurman

According to preliminary results of a new survey by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, in 2001 American hunters spent $20 billion on equipment, licenses and hunting trips. The National Fish and Wildlife Survey of Fishing, Hunting, and Wildlife-Associated Recreation released in late May also reports that American anglers spent $35 billion in 2001.

The survey, which is conducted every 5 years, shows that 13 million Americans, ages 16 and older, each hunted an average of 17.5 days last year. The $20 billion they spent averages $1,581 apiece.

Nearly 11 million hunters sought big game such as deer and elk on 153 million hunting days. Roughly five million hunters pursued small game, including squirrels and rabbits, on 60 million days. Three million migratory bird hunters spent 29 million days hunting for birds such as doves and ducks. In addition, one million hunters spent 19 million days hunting other animals such as raccoons and woodchucks.

Although the number of all hunters declined by 7 percent from 1996 to 2001, the number of big-game and migratory hunters held steady. The declines were in small game (-22%) and other animal hunting (-31%). Despite the declines, hunters' expenditures did not change significantly between 1996 and 2001.

According to the survey, fishing is one of the nation's favorite outdoor pastimes. In 2001, 34 million anglers, ages 16 and older, each spent an average of 16 days fishing. The $35 billion spent on fishing trips, equipment, and other items averages more than $1,046 apiece.

The survey also included data on birdwatchers and other outdoor participants. The U.S. Bureau of Census interviewed 80,000 households in the United States to determine how many participated in wildlife-associated activities. From this initial phase, 30,000 sportsmen and sportswomen and 15,000 wildlife watchers were selected for detailed interviews about their participation and expenditures in 2001.

In all, during 2001 more than 82 million Americans engaged in wildlife-related recreation in the U.S. -- an increase of five million since the last survey conducted in 1996. They spent more than $110 billion pursuing their activities. This accounted for 1.1 percent of the gross domestic product.

"Wildlife is an American icon," said Steve Williams, director, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. "Wildlife-related recreationists have always been staunch supporters of wildlife conservation in America. Wildlife recreation significantly benefits our economy, creates jobs, and enhances our standard of living."

According to U.S. Fish and Wildlife officials, the service's final national report will be released in October. State reports will be released in November. The entire survey is available on the Web at: www.federalaid.fws.gov/surveys/surveys.html.>

2001 Hunter Spending


Equipment           50%
Food                10%
Lodging              2%
Transportation       9%
Other Trip Costs     5%
Licences and Fees    3%

Other Expenditures  21%

Note: Table made from pie chart