2006 National Survey of Fishing, Hunting, and Wildlife-Associated Recreation National Overview

              Preliminary Findings
U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
2006 National Survey of
Fishing, Hunting, and Wildlife-Associated Recreation
National Overview
Issued May 2007A parent shows a child how to wet a line in a Pennsylvania trout stream. A group of old friends calls in mallards in a Louisiana bayou. A school group watches shorebirds on the Oregon Coast. These outdoor traditions connect people with nature and lie at the heart of our Nation’s conservation ethic.
Wildlife-associated recreation not only sustains our spirit and connects us to each other and the natural world, but also provides significant financial support for wildlife conservation in our nation’s economy. According to preliminary information from the newest National Survey of Fishing, Hunting, and Wildlife-Associated Recreation, more than 87 million Americans spent more than $120 billion in 2006 on wildlife-related recreation. This spending supports hundreds of thousands of jobs in industries and businesses connected to fishing, hunting and observing wildlife.
The survey is conducted every five years at the request of State fish and wildlife agencies to measure the importance of wildlife-based recreation to the American people. The 2006 Survey represents the 11th in a series that began in 1955. Developed in collaboration with the States, the National Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies, and national conservation organizations, the Survey has become one of the most important sources of information on fish and wildlife recreation in the United States.
In the 75-year history of the Sport Fish and Wildlife Restoration Programs, excise taxes on firearms, ammunition, archery and angling equipment have generated a cumulative total of more than $10 billion for wildlife conservation efforts by State and Territorial wildlife agencies for fish and wildlife management.
My thanks go to the men and women who took time to participate in the survey, as well as to the State fish and wildlife agencies for their financial support through the Multistate Conservation Grant Programs. Without that support, the 2006 Survey would not have been possible.
It is gratifying to know that as record numbers of Americans continue to enjoy wildlife, they are also laying the foundation for conservation’s future.
H. Dale Hall
Director, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Director’s Message2006 National Survey of
Fishing, Hunting, and Wildlife-Associated Recreation
National Overview
Issued May 2007
U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
Preliminary Findings2 2006 National Survey of Fishing, Hunting, and Wildlife-Associated Recreation: National Overview
This report provides preliminary information from the 2006 National Survey of Fishing, Hunting, and Wildlife-Associated Recreation (FHWAR). The final National Report will be available in November 2007.
The Survey collects information on U.S. residents’ participation in and expenditures for hunting, fishing, and wildlife-watching activities such as observing, feeding, and photographing wildlife. Natural resource agencies, conservation organizations, researchers, and related industries use this information to estimate demands for wildlife-related recreation, evaluate the impacts of expenditures on state and national economies, and identify trends in wildlife recreation.
The advance release of preliminary survey results is an effort to make the data available as soon as possible. Please note that the data are subject to revision.
Preface
Luther Goldman/USFWS2006 National Survey of Fishing, Hunting, and Wildlife-Associated Recreation: National Overview 3
The 2006 National Survey of Fishing, Hunting, and Wildlife-Associated Recreation is the eleventh in a series of surveys that have been conducted every five years since 1955. The purpose of the survey is to collect and report information on the number of people who fished, hunted, and wildlife watched, the activities they engaged in, and the money they spent on their activities in 2006.
The Survey is conducted at the request of State agencies through the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies, and is managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Funding comes from the Multistate Conservation Grant Programs authorized by the Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration Programs Improvement Act of 2000. The Survey was developed with assistance from representatives of State agencies, national conservation organizations, and related industries.
Results are based on data collected by the U.S. Bureau of the Census. The Census Bureau began by interviewing 85,000 households in April 2006. Samples of 31,500 potential anglers and hunters and 24,300 potential wildlife watchers were selected from those households to be interviewed in detail about their participation and expenditures. The Census Bureau conducted detailed interviews in three different waves, which began in April and September of 2006 and January of 2007. Interviews were completed in April 2007.
The survey methodology used in 2006 was similar to that used for the 2001,1996, and 1991 Surveys, so the estimates are comparable.
Foreword
©iStockphoto.com/Birthe Lunau4 2006 National Survey of Fishing, Hunting, and Wildlife-Associated Recreation: National Overview
In 2006 over 87 million Americans 16 years old and older, 38% of the U.S. population, enjoyed some recreational activity relating to fish and wildlife. Expenditures by this group pursuant to wildlife-related recreation were $120.1 billion. This spending equates to about 1% of gross domestic product, which means that one out of every one hundred dollars of all goods and services produced in the U.S. is associated with wildlife recreation.
Almost 34 million people fished and hunted in 2006. They spent $75.4 billion on their activities, including $40.3 billion on equipment, nearly $25 billion on trip expenses, and $10.6 billion on licenses and fees, magazines, membership dues and contributions, and land leasing and ownership. On average, each sportsperson spent $2,225 in 2006.
Although the Survey’s focus was on collecting information on the number of people 16 years of age and older who participated in wildlife-related recreation in 2006, it does include some information on 6 to 15 year olds. Data available from the survey screen reveals that 1.6 million 6 to 15 year olds hunted, 8.4 million fished, and 11.5 million wildlife watched.
Additionally, since the focus of the Survey is the number of participants in wildlife recreation in 2006 and their expenditures, it is not intended to reflect the total number wildlife-related recreationists in the U.S. since many individuals can be considered anglers and hunters even though they may not have participated in 2006.
Preliminary Report
Using information on historical participation contained in the survey screen permits estimates of the number of anglers and hunters who were inactive in 2006 but were active in prior years. 44.4 million individuals fished and 18.6 million hunted in the U.S. over the five years from 2002 to 2006. The number of people fishing and hunting over a five year period could be considered a more accurate representation of the number of anglers and hunters in the U.S.
©iStockphoto.com/Lawrence Sawyer2006 National Survey of Fishing, Hunting, and Wildlife-Associated Recreation: National Overview 5
Nearly 30 million anglers spent $40.6 billion in 2006. Each angler spent an average of $1,357.
Equipment: 44%
Transportation: 12%
Food: 11%
Lodging: 5%
Other Trip Costs: 16%
Licences and Fees: 2%
Other Expenditures: 12%
Fishing
Total Anglers: 29.9 million anglers
Freshwater, except Great Lakes: 25.0 million anglers
Great Lakes: 1.4 million anglers
Saltwater: 7.7 million anglers
Fishing
Fishing continues to be a favorite recreational activity in the United States. In 2006, 13% of the U.S. population 16 years old and older, 29.9 million anglers, spent an average of 17 days fishing. Freshwater fishing was the most popular type of fishing with over 25.4 million anglers devoting 434 million angler-days to the sport. Great Lakes and saltwater fishing were also popular with 1.4 million and 7.7 million anglers respectively.
Anglers spent more than $40 billion on trips, equipment, licenses, and other items to support their fishing activities in 2006. The average expenditure per angler was $1,357. Total trip related spending on food, lodging, transportation and other trip costs totaled 17.8 billion, which is 44% of all angler spending. Spending on fishing equipment comprised 14% of spending or 5.5 billion. Spending on transportation accounted for 12% at 4.9 billion.
Comparing results from the 2006 FHWAR Survey with those of the 2001 Survey reveals the number of anglers declined about 12% over the period. The decline was sharpest among Great Lakes anglers, which declined 23%. The declines among freshwater other than Great Lakes and saltwater anglers were 10% and 15% respectively.
While overall participation in fishing declined from 2001 to 2006, total fishing-related expenditures were flat. Dollars for expenditure comparisons were adjusted to be in 2006 dollars.
Comparing the 1996 and 2006 Surveys reveals a decline in both the number of anglers and their spending. Total anglers declined 15% over the period, and once again, the greatest decline was among Great Lakes anglers at 30%. Fishing-related spending was down 16% over the period. The category of spending that experienced the greatest decline was auxiliary equipment, which is equipment 6 2006 National Survey of Fishing, Hunting, and Wildlife-Associated Recreation: National Overview
that could be used for both hunting and fishing activities such as camping equipment, binoculars, or special clothing.
Hunting
In 2006 over 12.5 million people 16 years old and older enjoyed hunting. They spent an average of 18 days hunting. Big game, such as deer and elk, attracted 10.7 million hunters (85%) who spent 164 million days afield. Nearly 5 million (38%) pursued small game including squirrels, rabbits, quail, and pheasant on 53 million days. Migratory birds—doves, waterfowl, and woodcock—attracted 2.3 million hunters (18%) who spent 20 million days hunting. Hunting of other animals such, as coyote, fox, prairie dogs and raccoons attracted 1.1 million hunters (9%) who spent 15.2 million days afield.
Hunters spent nearly $23 billion on trips, equipment, licenses, and other items to support their hunting activities in 2006. The average expenditure per hunter was $1,814. Total trip-related expenditures comprised 30% of all spending at $6.7 billion. Other Expenditures totaled $5.6 billion or 25% of all spending. Other Expenditures includes spending on land leases and land ownership, spending on licenses, tags, and permits, and spending on memberships dues and contributions. Spending on hunting equipment comprised 24% of spending or $5.4 billion.
Overall hunting participation dropped 4% from 2001 to 2006. The number of big game hunters was relatively stable falling only 2%, but the number of migratory bird hunters declined 22%. The decline among small game hunters was between these two extremes at 12%. Lastly, the hunters seeking other animals increased by 8%.
12.5 million hunters spent $22.7 billion in 2006. Each hunter spent an average of $1,814.
Hunting
Total Hunters: 12.5 million ­hunters
Big Game: 10.7 million ­hunters
Small Game: 4.8 million ­hunters
Migratory Birds: 2.3 million ­hunters
Other Animals: 1.1 million ­hunters
Equipment: 45%
Transportation: 12%
Food: 10%
Lodging: 3%
Other Trip Costs: 5%
Licences and Fees: 3%
Other Expenditures: 25%2006 National Survey of Fishing, Hunting, and Wildlife-Associated Recreation: National Overview 7
Total hunting-related spending was similar between 2001 and 2006. It declined only 3% over the period. The category with the greatest decline was special equipment at 30%. A few categories did increase such as spending on hunting equipment like guns, ammunition, bows and arrows, which increased by 3%. Trip related spending was up 13% over the period.
The 10-year comparison of the 1996 and 2006 Surveys shows a decline in both the total number of hunters and the total amount spent by hunters. Overall participation was down 10% over the period. However, big game hunting remained relatively consistent with a decline of 5%. The declines for small game, migratory birds, and other animals were all noticeably greater at 31%, 25%, and 26% respectively.
Wildlife Watching
Wildlife watching is a popular outdoor recreation activity. More than 71 million people 16 years old and older (31% of all Americans) fed, photographed, and observed wildlife in 2006 and spent nearly $45 billion on their activities. The Survey uses a strict definition of wildlife watching. Participants must either take a “special interest” in wildlife around their homes or take a trip for the “primary purpose” of wildlife watching. Secondary wildlife-watching activities such as incidentally observing wildlife while pleasure driving are not included.
Of the 71 million people who enjoyed wildlife watching in 2006, almost 23 million (32%) participated in taking trips away from home and nearly 68 million (95%) participated around their home. Away-from-home participants are defined as those who travel more than a mile from home to engage in wildlife watching, and around-the-home participants are those who engage in wildlife watching within a mile of home.
Nearly all 71 million who participated in wildlife watching participated around-the-home. Among the 67.8 million around-the-home participants, feeding wildlife was the most popular activity. It was enjoyed by nearly 56 million individuals, 78% of all wildlife watchers. Nearly 45 million people (63%) enjoyed observing wildlife, while 18.8 million (26%) enjoyed photographing wildlife. Another 13.3 million (19%) visited public parks or natural areas to enjoy wildlife, and 14.5 million recreationists (20%) maintained plantings or natural areas for the benefit of wildlife.
Anglers 1996–2006
Fishing Expenditures 1996–2006
Average Angler Expenditures
0
5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40Millions1996200120060 10 20 30 40 50Billions1996200120060 500 1,000 1,500 2,000Dollars$1,357$1,223$1,191199620012006
Hunters 1996–2006
Hunting Expenditures 1996–2006
Average Hunter Expenditures
0
2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16Millions1996200120060 5 10 15 20 25Billions199620012006$1,814$1,895$1,8000 500 1,000 1,500 2,000Dollars199620012006
About a third of all wildlife watchers took trips more than a mile from home to observe, photograph, or feed wildlife. Observing wildlife was the most popular activity at 21.5 million participants, which is 30 percent of all wildlife watchers. 11.7 million people (16%) enjoyed photographing wildlife, while 7.1 million (10%) enjoyed feeding wildlife.
Comparing the 2006 Survey with the two previous surveys shows an 8% increase from 2001 to 2006 and a 13% increase from 1996 to 2006 in overall wildlife watching. From 2001 to 2006 the increase in both around-the-home and away-from-home wildlife watching were comparable at 8% and 5% respectively. However, from 1996 to 2006 there was a downturn in away-from-home wildlife watching of 3%.8 2006 National Survey of Fishing, Hunting, and Wildlife-Associated Recreation: National Overview
Over 71 million people spent nearly $45 billion observing, feeding and
photographing wildlife in 2006.
Wildlife-Watching Participants
Total Wildlife-Watching Participants: 77.1 million
Total Away-from-home Participants: 22.9 million
Observe Wildlife: 21.5 million
Photograph Wildlife: 11.7 million
Feed Birds or Other Wildlife: 7.1 million
Total Around-the-home Participants: 67.8 million
Observe Wildlife: 44.5 million
Photograph Wildlife: 18.8 million
Feed Birds or Other Wildlife: 55.5 million
Visit Public Parks or Areas: 13.3 million
Maintain Plantings or Natural Areas: 14.5 million
Equipment: 53%
Transportation: 10%
Food: 10%
Lodging: 7%
Other Trip Costs: 2%
Other Expenditures: 18%2006 National Survey of Fishing, Hunting, and Wildlife-Associated Recreation: National Overview 9
Overall expenditures pursuant to wildlife watching increased 2% from 2001 to 2006 and increased 19% from 1996 to 2006. Trip-related expenditures were up 40% from 2001 to 2006, but were similar in 1996 and 2006. From 2001 to 2006 spending for wildlife-watching equipment and auxiliary equipment were up 20% and 34% respectively, while that for special equipment was down 29%.
In Summary
With more than 87 million people 16 years of age and older participating in 2006, wildlife-related recreation is clearly an important leisure activity in the U.S. This equates to an average of nearly four out of every 10 people you meet at work, at school, in a restaurant, or while strolling down a sidewalk will participate in some type of wildlife recreation. To put the 87 million people who participate in wildlife recreation into context, consider that the Census Bureau’s estimate of the number of mothers in the U.S is 82.5 million. To get a good understanding of how many wildlife recreationists there are, just ask yourself, how many mothers do I know?
Wildlife recreation is not only important as a leisure activity but also as a catalyst of economic growth. Hunters, anglers, and wildlife-watchers spent $120.1 billion on wildlife recreation spending in 2006. This spending contributed to local economies throughout the country, which undoubtedly improved employment, raised economic output, and generated tax revenue.
The next report of preliminary findings will contain State data and will be available by July 2007. This and future survey reports also will be available on our web page at the following address: http://federalasst.fws.gov/surveys/surveys.html
Wildlife Watchers 1996–2006
Wildlife-Watching Expenditures 1996–2006
Average Wildlife-Watching Expenditures
0
10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80Millions1996200120061996200120060 10 20 30 40 50Billions$628$597$6610 150 300 450 600 750 900Dollars199620012006
Bird Observers in the U.S.
Total Bird Observers: 47.8 million
Around-the-home Observers: 41.9 million
Away-from-home Observers: 19.8 million10 2006 National Survey of Fishing, Hunting, and Wildlife-Associated Recreation: National Overview
List of Tables
1. Anglers and Hunters 16 Years Old and Older, Days of Participation
and Trips, by Type of Fishing and Hunting in the U.S.: 2006
2. Summary of Expenditures in the
U.S. for Fishing and Hunting: 2006
3. Expenditures in the U.S. for Fishing: 2006
4. Expenditures in the U.S. for Hunting: 2006
5. Wildlife-Watching Participants 16 Years Old and Older, by Primary Activity: 2006
6. Away-from-Home Participants by Wildlife Observed, Photographed, or Fed and Place in the U.S.: 2006
7. Wild Bird Observers and Days of Observation: 2006
8. Expenditures in the U.S. for Wildlife-Watching Participation: 2006
9. Comparison of Wildlife-Related Recreation Participation: 2001 and 2006
10. Comparison of Wildlife-Related Recreation Participation: 1996 and 2006
11. Comparison of Wildlife-Related Recreation Expenditures: 2001 and 2006
12. Comparision of Wildlife-Related Recreation Expenditures: 1996 and 2006
Dave Menke/USFWS2006 National Survey of Fishing, Hunting, and Wildlife-Associated Recreation: National Overview 11
Table 1. Anglers and Hunters 16 Years Old and Older, Days of Participation and Trips, by Type of Fishing and Hunting in the U.S.: 2006
(U.S. population 16 years old and older. Numbers in thousands.)
Participation
Days of Participation
Trips
Number
Percent
Number
Percent
Number
Percent
Total Sportspersons
33,916
100
736,707
100
588,891
100
Fishing
Total, All Fishing
29,952
100
516,781
100
403,492
100
Total, all freshwater
25,431
85
433,820
84
336,528
83
F
reshwater, except Great Lakes
25,035
84
420,705
81
323,265
80
Great
Lakes
1,420
5
18,060
3
13,264
3
Saltwater
7,717
26
85,895
17
66,963
17
Hunting
Total, All Hunting
12,510
100
219,925
100
185,399
100
Big game
10,682
85
164,372
75
115,255
62
Small game
4,797
38
52,539
24
40,856
22
Migratory bird
2,293
18
19,807
9
16,390
9
Other animals
1,128
9
15,219
7
12,898
7
Note: Detail for participants does not add to total because of multiple responses and nonresponse.12 2006 National Survey of Fishing, Hunting, and Wildlife-Associated Recreation: National Overview
Table 2. Summary of Expenditures in the U.S. for Fishing and Hunting: 2006
(U.S. population 16 years old and older.)
Expenditures
Spenders
Expenditure Item
Amount (Thousands of Dollars)
Average per Sportsperson (Dollars)
Number (Thousands)
Percent of Sportsperson
Average per Spender (Dollars)
Total, All Items
75,448,793
2,225
32,524
96
2,320
Trip-Related Expenditures
Total trip-related
24,569,863
724
30,201
89
814
Food and lodging, total
9,134,526
269
26,381
78
346
F
ood
6,526,699
192
26,242
77
249
Lodging
2,607,827
77
6,465
19
403
Transportation, total
7,662,775
226
26,611
78
288
Public
736,471
22
1,509
4
488
Private
6,926,304
204
26,239
77
264
Other trip costs (1)
7,772,563
229
23,416
69
332
Equipment Expenditures
Fishing equipment
5,556,477
164
19,337
57
287
Hunting equipment
5,715,631
169
10,107
30
566
Auxiliary equipment (2)
2,875,376
85
9,750
29
295
Special equipment (3)
26,113,947
770
3,205
9
8,148
Other Expenditures
Books, magazines
313,638
9
6,759
20
46
Membership dues and contributions
631,672
19
4,481
13
141
Land leasing and ownership
8,459,253
249
2,226
7
3,801
Licenses, stamps tags, and permits
1,212,935
36
22,010
65
55
Note: Detail does not add to total because of multiple responses. Detail in Tables 3 and 4 may not add to total shown here because of nonresponse to individual questions.
(1) Other trip costs include guide fees, pack trip or package fees, public and private land use fees, equipment rental, boating costs (which include launching, mooring, storage, maintenance, insurance, pumpout fee, and fuel), bait, ice, and heating and cooking fuel.
(2) Auxiliary equipment includes camping equipment, binoculars, special fishing and hunting clothing, etc.
(3) Special equipment includes boats, campers, cabins, trail bikes, etc.2006 National Survey of Fishing, Hunting, and Wildlife-Associated Recreation: National Overview 13
Table 3. Expenditures in the U.S. for Fishing: 2006
(U.S. population 16 years old and older.)
Expenditures
Spenders
Expenditure Item
Amount (Thousands of Dollars)
Average per Angler (Dollars)
Number (Thousands)
Percent of Anglers
Average per Spender (Dollars)
Total, All Items
40,640,921
1,357
28,401
95
1,431
Trip-Related Expenditures
Total Trip-Related
17,838,484
596
26,318
88
678
Food and Lodging, Total
6,349,615
212
22,572
75
281
F
ood
4,344,341
145
22,415
75
194
Lodging
2,005,274
67
5,304
18
378
Transportation, Total
4,906,807
164
22,361
75
219
Public
509,258
17
1,163
4
438
Private
4,397,549
147
21,979
73
200
Other Trip Costs, Total
6,582,062
220
22,275
74
295
Guide
fees, pack trip or package fees
886,571
30
2,307
8
384
Public
land use fees
174,843
6
3,339
11
52
Private
land use fees
144,696
5
1,041
3
139
Equipment
rental
353,655
12
1,645
5
215
Boating
costs (1)
3,351,260
112
7,405
25
453
Bait
1,179,018
39
18,224
61
65
Ice
378,763
13
11,168
37
34
Heating
and cooking fuel
113,257
4
3,195
11
35
Equipment Expenditures
Fishing equipment, total
5,525,187
184
19,082
64
290
Rods, reels, poles, and rodmaking components
2,356,874
79
10,666
36
221
Lines and leaders
540,827
18
11,886
40
46
Artificial lures, flies, baits, and dressing for flies or lines
905,152
30
13,624
45
66
Hooks, sinkers, swivels,
399,525
13
13,885
46
29
Tackle boxes
129,775
4
3,819
13
34
Creels, stringers, fish bags, landing nets, and gaff hooks
108,094
4
3,154
11
34
Minnow traps, seines, and bait containers
64,800
2
2,481
8
26
Depth finders, fish finders
502,172
17
1,140
4
440
Ice fishing equipment
104,229
3
663
2
157
Other fishing equipment
413,740
14
3,073
10
135
Auxiliary Equipment, Total
702,745
23
3,837
13
183
Camping equipmentw
318,280
11
1,756
6
181
Binoculars, field glasses, telescopes, etc.
39,950
1
414
1
97
Special fishing clothing, rubber boots, waders
236,231
8
1,971
7
120
Processing and taxidermy costs
42,183
1
188
1
225
Other
66,102
2
392
1
168
Special Equipment (2)
11,698,360
391
1,818
6
6,436
Other Expenditures
Magazines, books
130,395
4
2,944
10
44
Membership dues and contributions
184,385
6
1,423
5
130
Land leasing and ownership
3,916,433
131
768
3
5,098
Licenses, stamps, tags, and permits, total
644,931
22
17,995
60
36
Licenses
602,408
20
17,660
59
34
Stamps, tags, and permits
42,524
1
3,011
10
14
Note: Detail does not add to total because of multiple responses and nonresponse.
(1) Boating costs include launching, mooring, storage, maintenance, insurance, pumpout fees, and fuel.
(2) Special equipment includes boats, campers, cabins, trail bikes, etc.14 2006 National Survey of Fishing, Hunting, and Wildlife-Associated Recreation: National Overview
Table 4. Expenditures in the U.S. for Hunting: 2006
(U.S. population 16 years old and older.)
Expenditures
Spenders
Amount (Thousands of Dollars)
Average per Hunter (Dollars)
Number (Thousands)
Percent of Hunters
Average per Spender (Dollars)
Total, All Items
22,691,144
1,814
12,153
97
1,867
Trip-Related Expenditures
Total Trip-Related
6,731,379
538
10,828
87
622
Food and Lodging, Total
2,784,911
223
9,567
76
291
F
ood
2,182,358
174
9,533
76
229
Lodging
602,553
48
1,599
13
377
Transportation, Total
2,755,967
220
10,064
80
274
Public
227,213
18
401
3
567
Private
2,528,755
202
9,982
80
253
Other Trip Costs, Total
1,190,500
95
3,416
27
348
Guide
fees, pack trip, or package fees
409,858
33
557
4
736
Public
land use fees
46,716
4
564
5
83
Private
land use fees
415,976
33
711
6
585
Equipment
rental
78,157
6
313
2
250
Boating
costs (1)
93,756
7
459
4
204
Heating
and cooking fuel
146,038
12
2,132
17
68
Equipment Expenditures
Hunting Equipment, Total
5,355,861
428
9,287
74
577
Guns and rifles
2,463,152
197
2,992
24
823
Rifles
1,139,053
91
1,625
13
701
Shotguns
759,500
61
1,320
11
575
Muzzleloaders,
primitive firearms
181,955
15
531
4
343
Pistols,
handguns
382,643
31
636
5
602
Bows, arrows, archery equipment
668,875
53
1,940
16
345
Telescopic sights
393,149
31
1,471
12
267
Decoys and game calls
165,904
13
2,074
17
80
Ammunition
692,811
55
7,995
64
87
Hand loading equipment
160,229
13
929
7
172
Hunting dogs and associated costs
488,948
39
780
6
627
Other
322,793
26
2,312
18
140
Auxiliary Equipment, Total
1,298,309
104
4,196
34
309
Camping equipment
131,228
10
538
4
244
Binoculars, field glasses, telescopes, etc.
207,630
17
968
8
214
Special hunting clothing, rubber boots, waders
464,802
37
2,743
22
169
Processing and taxidermy costs
452,377
36
1,496
12
302
Other
42,272
3
291
2
145
Special Equipment (2)
3,656,981
292
505
4
7,244
Other Expenditures
Magazines, books
81,261
6
1,767
14
46
Membership dues and contributions
280,867
22
1,707
14
165
Land leasing and ownership
4,542,820
363
1,606
13
2,829
Licenses, stamps, tags, and permits, total
743,665
59
9,862
79
75
Licenses
617,833
49
9,506
76
65
Federal duck stamps
22,934
2
1,529
12
15
Other stamps, tags, and permits
102,898
8
2,689
21
38
Note: Detail does not add to total because of multiple responses and nonresponse.
(1) Boating costs include launching, mooring, storage, maintenance, insurance, pumpout fees, and fuel.
(2) Special equipment includes boats, campers, cabins, trail bikes, etc.2006 National Survey of Fishing, Hunting, and Wildlife-Associated Recreation: National Overview 15
Table 5. Wildlife-Watching Participants 16 Years Old and Older, by Primary Activity: 2006
(U.S. population 16 years old and older. Numbers in thousands.)
Number
Percent
Total Participants
71,132
100
Away-from-Home
22,977
32
Obser
ve wildlife
21,546
30
Photograph
wildlife
11,708
16
F
eed wildlife
7,084
10
Around-the-Home
67,756
95
Obser
ve wildlife
44,467
63
Photograph
wildlife
18,763
26
F
eed wildlife
55,512
78
V
isit public parks or areas (1)
13,271
19
Maintain
plantings or natural areas
14,508
20
Note: Detail does not add to total because of multiple responses and nonresponse.
(1) Includes visits only to parks or publicly held areas within on mile of home.
Table 6. Away-from-Home Participants by Wildlife Observed, Photographed, or Fed and Place in the U.S.: 2006
(U.S. population 16 years old and older. Numbers in thousands.)
Participation by Place
Total participants
Total in U.S.
In state of residence
In other states
Number
Percent
Number
Percent
Number
Percent
Number
Percent
Total, All Wildlife
22,903
100
22,903
100
19,101
83
7,367
32
Total Birds
19,995
87
19,995
100
17,106
86
6,777
34
Songbirds (cardinals, robins, etc.)
13,591
59
13,591
100
11,783
87
4,372
32
Birds of prey (hawks, eagles, etc.)
14,043
61
14,043
100
11,603
83
5,047
36
Waterfowl (ducks, geese, etc.)
15,338
67
15,338
100
13,149
86
4,962
32
Other water birds (shorebirds, herons, etc.)
11,448
50
11,448
100
9,055
79
4,137
36
Other birds (pheasants, turkeys, etc.)
8,853
39
8,853
100
7,398
84
2,599
29
Total Land Mammals
16,225
71
16,225
100
13,698
84
5,486
34
Large land mammals (deer, bear, etc.)
12,776
56
12,776
100
10,522
82
4,258
33
Small land mammals (squirrel, rabbit, etc.)
13,435
59
13,435
100
11,319
84
4,551
34
Fish (salmon, shark, etc.)
6,577
29
6,577
100
5,118
78
2,281
35
Marine mammals (whales, seals, etc.)
3,320
14
3,320
100
2,142
64
1,377
41
Other wildlife (turtles, butterflies, etc.)
10,313
45
10,313
100
8,644
84
3,333
32
Note: Detail does not add to total because of multiple responses. Columns showing percent of total participants are based on the “Total, All Wildlife” row. Participation by place percent columns are based on the total number of participants in the U.S. for each type of wildlife.
Table 7. Wild Bird Observers and Days of Observation: 2006
(U.S. population 16 years old and older. Numbers in thousands.)
Number
Percent
Observers
Total Bird Observers
47,788
100
Around-the-Home
observers
41,913
88
A
way-from-Home observes
19,849
42
Days
Total Days Observing Birds
5,407,925
100
Around-the-Home
5,141,756
95
A
way-from-Home
266,169
5
Note: Detail does not add to total because of multiple responses and nonresponse.16 2006 National Survey of Fishing, Hunting, and Wildlife-Associated Recreation: National Overview
Table 8. Expenditures in the U.S. for Wildlife-Watching Participation: 2006
(U.S. population 16 years old and older. Numbers in thousands.)
Expenditures
Spenders
Expenditures (Thousands of Dollars)
Number (Thousands)
Percent of Wildlife-Watching Participants (1)
Average Per Spender (Dollars)
Total, All Items (2)
44,694,768
55,979
79
798
Trip-Related Expenditures
Total Trip-Related
12,971,087
19,443
85
667
Food and Lodging, Total
7,645,827
16,415
71
466
F
ood
4,355,923
16,261
71
268
Lodging
3,289,903
6,624
29
497
Transportation, Total
4,472,020
18,329
80
244
Public
1,531,052
2,902
13
528
Private
2,940,968
17,447
76
169
Other Trip Costs, Total
853,240
7,681
33
111
Guide
fees, pack trip or package fees
208,744
1,570
7
133
Public
land use fees
140,289
4,331
19
32
Private
land use fees
68,135
1,173
5
58
Equipment
rental
140,547
1,274
6
110
Boating
costs (3)
224,152
1,474
6
152
Heating
and cooking fuel
71,373
1,885
8
38
Equipment and Other Expenses
Total Equipment and Others
31,723,681
52,178
73
608
Wildlife-Watching Equipment, Total
10,076,100
49,040
69
205
Binoculars,
spotting scopes
704,036
5,269
7
134
Cameras,
video cameras, special lenses, and other equip.
3,165,862
6,832
10
463
F
ilm and developing
788,835
9,842
14
80
Bird
food, total
3,451,785
39,944
56
86
Commercially prepared and packaged wild bird food
2,785,742
37,332
52
75
Other bulk foods used to feed wild birds
666,043
11,448
16
58
Feed for other wildlife
650,491
10,341
15
63
Nest boxes, bird houses, feeders, baths
800,979
16,481
23
49
Day packs, carrying cases, and special clothing
403,433
3,388
5
119
Other wildlife-watching equip (such as field guides & maps)
110,680
3,755
5
29
Auxiliary Equipment, Total
1,096,409
4,848
7
226
T
ents, tarps
242,507
2,336
3
104
F
rame packs and backpacking equipment
155,188
1,138
2
136
Other
camping equipment
358,126
2,298
3
156
Other
auxiliary equipment (such as blinds)
340,589
801
1
425
Special Equipment, Total
12,421,217
1,914
3
6,490
Other Expenditures
Magazines, books
371,164
9,490
13
39
Land leasing and ownership
5,145,834
871
1
5,910
Membership dues and contributions
977,395
7,932
11
123
Plantings
1,635,561
6,543
9
250
Note: Detail does not add to total because of multiple responses and nonresponse.
(1) Percent of wildlife-watching participants is based on away-from-home participants for trip-related expenditures. For equipment and other expenditures the percent of wildlife-watching participants is based on total participants.
(2) Information on trip-related expenditures was collected for away-from-home participants only. Equipment and other expenditures are based on information collected from both away-from-home and around-the-home participants.
(3) Boating costs include launching, mooring, storage, maintenance, insurance, pumpout fees, and fuel.2006 National Survey of Fishing, Hunting, and Wildlife-Associated Recreation: National Overview 17
Table 9. Comparison of Wildlife-Related Recreation Participation: 2001 and 2006
(U.S. population 16 years old and older. Numbers in thousands.)
2001
2006
2001–2006 % Change*
Type of Participation
Number
Percent
Number
Percent
Total Sportspersons
37,805
100
33,916
100
–10%
Anglers, Total
34,067
100
29,952
100
–12%
All freshwater
28,439
83
25,431
85
–11%
Freshwater, except GL
27,913
82
25,035
84
–10%
Great Lakes
1,847
5
1,420
5
–23%
Saltwater
9,051
26
7,717
26
–15%
Hunters, Total
13,034
100
12,510
100
–4%
Big game
10,911
84
10,682
85
–2%
Small game
5,434
42
4,797
38
–12%
Migratory bird
2,956
23
2,293
18
–22%
Other animal
1,047
8
1,128
9
8%
Wildlife-Watching Participants, Total
66,105
100
71,132
100
8%
Around-the-Home
62,928
95
67,756
95
8%
Away-from-Home
21,823
33
22,977
32
5%
Note: Detail does not add to total because of multiple responses and nonresponse.
*Not tested for significance level. Standard errors were not available at the time of printing.
Table 10. Comparison of Wildlife-Related Recreation Participation: 1996 and 2006
(U.S. population 16 years old and older. Numbers in thousands.)
1996
2006
1996–2006 % Change*
Type of Participation
Number
Percent
Number
Percent
Total Sportspersons
39,694
100
33,916
100
–15%
Anglers, Total
35,246
100
29,952
100
–15%
All freshwater
29,734
87
25,431
85
–14%
Freshwater, except GL
28,921
85
25,035
84
–13%
Great Lakes
2,039
7
1,420
5
–30%
Saltwater
9,438
25
7,717
26
–18%
Hunters, Total
13,975
100
12,510
100
–10%
Big game
11,288
76
10,682
85
–5%
Small game
6,945
54
4,797
38
–31%
Migratory bird
3,073
21
2,293
18
–25%
Other animal
1,521
10
1,128
9
–26%
Wildlife-Watching Participants, Total
62,868
100
71,132
100
13%
Around-the-Home
60,751
97
67,756
95
12%
Away-from-Home
23,652
39
22,977
32
–3%
*Not tested for significance level. Standard errors were not available at the time of printing. 18 2006 National Survey of Fishing, Hunting, and Wildlife-Associated Recreation: National Overview
Table 11. Comparison of Wildlife-Related Recreation Expenditures: 2001 and 2006
(U.S. population 16 years old and older. 2006 dollars in thousands.)
2001
2006
2001-2006 % Change*
Activity and Type of Expenditure
Dollars
Percent
Dollars
Percent
Total Sportsperson
79,654,056
100
75,448,793
100
–5%
Fishing, Total
40,560,198
100
40,640,921
100
(Z)
Trip-Related
16,682,925
41
17,838,484
44
7%
Equipment
19,309,578
48
17,926,292
44
–7%
Fishing equipment
5,256,228
13
5,525,187
14
5%
Auxiliary equipment
820,770
2
702,745
2
–14%
Special equipment
13,232,580
33
11,698,360
29
–12%
Other
4,567,694
11
4,876,144
12
7%
Hunting, Total
23,461,530
100
22,691,144
100
–3%
Trip-Related
5,978,797
25
6,731,379
30
13%
Equipment
11,794,490
50
10,311,151
45
–13%
Hunting equipment
5,192,593
22
5,355,861
24
3%
Auxiliary equipment
1,369,198
6
1,298,309
6
–5%
Special equipment
5,232,699
22
3,656,981
16
–30%
Other
5,688,242
24
5,648,613
25
–1%
Wildlife-Watching, Total
43,727,212
100
44,694,768
100
2%
Trip-Related
9,291,304
21
12,971,087
29
40%
Equipment
26,795,119
61
23,593,726
53
–12%
Wildlife-Watching equipment
8,371,032
19
10,076,100
23
20%
Auxiliary equipment
816,047
2
1,096,409
2
34%
Special equipment
17,608,039
40
12,421,217
28
–29%
Other
7,640,790
17
8,129,954
18
6%
(Z) Less than 0.5 percent
*Not tested for significance level. Standard errors were not available at the time of printing. 2006 National Survey of Fishing, Hunting, and Wildlife-Associated Recreation: National Overview 19
Table 12. Comparision of Wildlife-Related Recreation Expenditures: 1996 and 2006
(U.S. population 16 years old and older. 2006 dollars in thousands.)
1996
2006
1996–2006 % Change*
Activity and Type of Expenditure
Dollars
Percent
Dollars
Percent
Total Sportsperson
92,428,308
100
75,448,793
100
–18%
Fishing, Total
48,565,444
100
40,640,921
100
–16%
Trip-Related
19,763,326
41
17,838,484
44
–10%
Equipment
24,636,355
51
17,926,292
44
–27%
Fishing equipment
6,821,115
14
5,525,187
14
–19%
Auxiliary equipment
1,332,134
3
702,745
2
–47%
Special equipment
16,483,106
34
11,698,360
29
–29%
Other
4,165,763
9
4,876,144
12
17%
Hunting, Total
26,486,173
100
22,691,144
100
–14%
Trip-Related
6,624,069
25
6,731,379
30
2%
Equipment
14,484,381
55
10,311,151
45
–29%
Hunting equipment
7,091,539
27
5,355,861
24
–24%
Auxiliary equipment
1,584,433
6
1,298,309
6
–18%
Special equipment
5,808,408
22
3,656,981
16
–37%
Other
5,377,723
20
5,648,613
25
5%
Wildlife-Watching, Total
37,554,913
100
44,694,768
100
19%
Trip-Related
12,134,349
32
12,971,087
29
7%
Equipment
21,396,888
57
23,593,726
53
10%
Wildlife-Watching equipment
10,574,388
28
10,076,100
23
–5%
Auxiliary equipment
1,102,891
3
1,096,409
2
–1%
Special equipment
9,719,609
26
12,421,217
28
28%
Other
4,023,676
11
8,129,954
18
102%
*Not tested for significance level. Standard errors were not available at the time of printing. 20 2006 National Survey of Fishing, Hunting, and Wildlife-Associated Recreation: National Overview
U.S. Department of the Interior
U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
http://federalasst.fws.gov/surveys/surveys.html
Cover photo: ©iStockphoto.com/DIGIcal