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Number Of U.S. Hunters Greater Than Expected

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Chris Farris View Drop Down
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    Posted: October/27/2010 at 10:13
Fernandina Beach, Fla. - A new study funded by the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) and carried out by Southwick Associates has found that the pool of American hunters is much larger than previously thought. This discovery can lead to major conservation and economic benefits. If many "casual hunters" (hunters that do not purchase a hunting license on an annual basis) can be converted into annual license buyers, a major benefit would be realized.

This report estimates that 21.8 million Americans hunted at least once over the past five years. Previous estimates have shown over 14 million youth and adults hunt each year, but not all hunters take to the field every year. Conducted in partnership with 17 state wildlife agencies, the study assessed license sales patterns and found that 78 percent of the U.S. hunters who bought a license in a given year also purchased one again the following year. By examining purchasing patterns over multiple years, it was determined that for every two hunters in the field this year, one is taking the year off.

"Considering hunters' contribute over $1 billion every year to wildlife conservation via licenses and excise taxes, if half of the hunters who lapsed this year actually bought a license, conservation dollars would have increased by $97 million," reported Rob Southwick, President of Southwick Associates. "This estimate doesn't even include the extra dollars possible from increased hunters' excise taxes. Considering the limited government dollars allocated for wildlife and the tremendous impact hunters provide to rural communities, increased efforts to boost hunter numbers would make smart conservation and economic sense."

The NSSF study monitored license-buying patterns over multiple years, producing results for various segments of hunters, and described the lifestyles, habits and demographics of various segments of the hunting community. "We know there are many types of hunters with a wide range of interests. This study reveals who our hunters are beyond the usual demographic descriptions. We now have a better idea of hunters' regional purchasing habits, recreational choices and overall lifestyle preferences," said Jim Curcuruto, Director of Research and Analysis for NSSF. "The results will be used to strengthen existing hunting participation programs and develop new programs designed to convert the casual hunter into an annual license buyer. Savvy industry marketing and communications professionals will use these data to enhance their advertising efforts." said Curcuruto.

A summary of the study results can be downloaded for free at: http://www.nssf.org/PDF/HuntingLicTrends-NatlRpt.pdf.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote SVT_Tactical Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: October/27/2010 at 10:20
Cool info
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tman1965 View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote tman1965 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: October/27/2010 at 11:00
Very interesting read.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote shooter07 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: October/27/2010 at 14:00
Great to see this # on the rise indeed. I would have thought it was going the opposite direction when i look around at today's youth. 
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Chris Farris Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: October/27/2010 at 14:08
I think it is a case of true numbers being reported.
 
Once upon a time a large German optics maker decided to NOT put up the capital to design and produce a rifle scope line based on the decline of hunters.  I don't recall where they got their numbers from but I was surprised when I heard it.  They could not justify the huge on going expense to produce scopes in house if the market was slowing dissipating.  Well now (this year) they have come to market with a 100% in-house rifle scope line.  That company is Leica.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote shooter07 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: October/27/2010 at 14:13
I know people often look the other way with Pennsylvania due to the political map usually swinging slightly democratic due to the big cities, Pittsburgh, Philly and Harrisburg. What people might not realize is everything in between is back country, rural areas (like where i grew up). It's a large state and there are A TON of country-esque people living here. Big Grin


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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Chris Farris Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: October/27/2010 at 15:25
PA and NY are in our top 5 states in regards to volume of business.  Both get unfairly sterotyped because of the big cities.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote 300S&W Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: October/27/2010 at 17:15
 Really good news to hear that the #'s are up.  The # of hunters I see around here isn't even a fraction of what they were 30yrs ago.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote lucytuma Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: October/27/2010 at 18:53
Now if we could harness the power of that 21.8 million we'd have one strong organization.
 
NEA - National Education Association 2,679,396
SEIU - Service Employees International Union 1,464,007
UFCW - United Food & Commercial Workers International Union 1,380,507
IBT - International Brotherhood of Teamsters 1,350,000
AFSCME - American Federation of State, County & Municipal Employees 1,350,000
LIUNA - Laborers' International Union of North America 840,180
AFT - American Federation of Teachers 770,090
IBEW - International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers 700,548
IAM - International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers 673,095
UAW - United Automobile, Aerospace and Agricultural Implement Workers of America 638,722
"The democracy will cease to exist when you take away from those who are willing to work and give to those who would not." - Thomas Jefferson
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