2001 National Survey of Fishing, Hunting, and Wildlife-Associated Recreation National Overview

              U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
2001 National Survey of
Fishing, Hunting, and
Wildlife-Associated
Recreation
National Overview
Issued May 2002
Preliminary Findings
Director’s
Message
Our fish and wildlife resources are part of the American
tradition. Whether we are fishing, hunting, watching wildlife
or feeding backyard birds, Americans derive many hours of
enjoyment from wildlife related recreation. Perhaps even more
important, wildlife recreation is a cornerstone of our Nation’s
great conservation ethic. Whenever a grandfather shows a
young hunter how to set decoys early in the morning, or a
teacher helps students focus binoculars to find a rare bird,
a new generation is learning to appreciate our Nation’s
wildlife heritage.
We conduct the National Survey of Fishing, Hunting, and
Wildlife-Associated Recreation every five years to measure
the importance of fish and wildlife recreation to the American
people. The 2001 Survey is the tenth in a series that began in
1955. It is a partnership effort with the States and national
conservation organizations, and has become one of the most
important sources of information on fish and wildlife recreation
in the United States.
With great pleasure we report the preliminary results of the
2001 Survey, which show the remarkable impact of wildlife-related
recreation on our Nation’s economy. Americans spent
more than $110 billion in 2001 on those recreational activities,
contributing to hundreds of thousands of jobs in industries and
businesses that support wildlife-related recreation.
I appreciate the willingness of those who took time to
participate in this valuable survey. We all can be gratified
America’s great tradition of wildlife-related recreation
remains strong.
Steve Williams
Director, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
U.S. Department of the Interior
Tami Heilemann/DOI
U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
2001 National Survey of
Fishing, Hunting, and
Wildlife-Associated
Recreation
National Overview
Issued May 2002
Preliminary Findings
Preface This report provides preliminary
information from the 2001 National
Survey of Fishing, Hunting, and Wildlife-
Associated Recreation (FHWAR). The
final National Report will be available in
November 2002.
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.
2
Doug Canfield/USFWS
Foreword The 2001 National Survey of Fishing,
Hunting, and Wildlife-Associated
Recreation is the tenth in a series of
surveys conducted for the U.S. Fish &
Wildlife Service since 1955. The Survey,
developed with assistance from
representatives of State agencies,
national conservation organizations, and
related industries, was requested
through the International Association of
Fish and Wildlife Agencies.
Results are based on data collected by
the U.S. Bureau of the Census. The
Census Bureau began by interviewing
80,000 households in April 2001. Samples
of 30,000 potential anglers and hunters
and 15,000 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
2001 and January of 2002. Interviews
were completed in March 2002.
The survey methodology used in 2001 was
similar to that used for the 1996 and 1991
Surveys so the estimates are comparable.
3
USFWS
Preliminary
Report
In 2001 over 80 million Americans 16
years old and older, 39% of the U.S.
population, enjoyed some recreational
activity relating to fish and wildlife.
Expenditures by this group were $110
billion, which was about 1.1% of the
nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
Almost 38 million people fished and
hunted in 2001. They spent $70 billion on
their activities, including $20 billion on
trip expenses, nearly $41 billion on
equipment, and $9 billion on licenses and
fees, magazines, membership dues and
contributions, and land leasing and
ownership. On average, each
sportsperson spent $1,851 in 2001.
Fishing
Fishing continues to be a favorite pastime
in the United States. In 2001, 16% of the
U.S. population 16 years old and older,
34 million anglers, spent an average of 16
days fishing. Freshwater fishing was the
most popular type of fishing with over
28 million anglers devoting nearly
467 million angler-days to the sport. Of
that total, 1.8 million anglers fished the
Great Lakes. Saltwater fishing attracted
9 million anglers. Anglers spent more
than $35 billion on trips, equipment,
licenses, and other items to support their
fishing activities in 2001. The average
expenditure per angler was $1,046.
Comparing results from the 2001
FHWAR Survey with those of the 1996
Survey reveals the number of anglers
was about the same1 for those years but
expenditures significantly dropped. The
17% drop in overall expenditures
consisted of a 16% drop in trip-related
expenditures and a 22% drop in
equipment expenditures. However,
special equipment (“big ticket” purchases
4
1The change was not statistically different
from zero at the 5% level. This means that
for 95% of all possible samples, the survey
estimate for one survey year is not
statistically different from the estimate
for the other survey year.
Over 34 million anglers spent
$35.6 billion in 2001. Each angler
spent an average of $1,046.
Equipment: 48%
Transportation: 10%
Food: 12%
Lodging: 5%
Other Trip Costs: 15%
Licences and Fees: 2%
Other Expenditures: 9%
Fishing
Total Anglers: 34 million anglers
Freshwater, except Great Lakes: 28 million anglers
Great Lakes: 2 million anglers
Saltwater: 9 million anglers
such as off-road vehicles and boats) and
other purchases such as land leasing and
ownership did not experience statistically
significant declines. All expenditure
comparisons were adjusted to be in
2001 dollars.
Looking at the 1991 and 2001 Surveys
reveals a statistically insignificant
drop in participation and increase in
expenditures. Saltwater fishing
participation was statistically the same
in 2001 as in 1991, but freshwater fishing
declined by 8%. 2001 trip-related
expenditures were not significantly
different from 1991 trip-related
expenditures, corrected for inflation.
However, equipment expenditures were
39% higher, due to a 79% increase in
special equipment’s big-ticket items.
Hunting
In 2001 over 13 million people 16 years
old and older enjoyed hunting. They
spent an average of 17.5 days hunting.
Big game, such as deer and elk, attracted
10.9 million hunters (84%) who spent 153
million days in the field. Over 5 million
(42%) pursued small game including
squirrels, rabbits, quail, and pheasant on
60 million days. Migratory birds—doves,
waterfowl, and woodcock—attracted
nearly 3 million hunters (23%) who spent
29 million days hunting. And 1 million
hunters (8%) spent 19 million days
hunting other animals such as raccoons
and woodchucks. Hunters spent over
$20 billion on trips, equipment, licenses,
and other items to support their hunting
activities in 2001. The average
expenditure per hunter was $1,581.
5
13 million hunters spent
$20.6 billion in 2001. Each hunter
spent an average of $1,581.
Hunting
Total Hunters: 13 million hunters
Big Game: 11 million hunters
Small Game: 5 million hunters
Migratory Birds: 3 million hunters
Other Animals: 1 million hunters
Equipment: 50%
Transportation: 9%
Food: 10%
Lodging: 2%
Other Trip Costs: 5%
Licences and Fees: 3%
Other Expenditures: 21%
(e.g., rifles, archery equipment, and
decoys) did fall by 27%.
The 10-year comparison of the 1991 and
2001 Surveys shows a significant drop in
the total number of hunters, but a
significant increase in the total amount
spent by hunters. Although the drop in
overall hunters was 7%, the number of
big game and migratory bird hunters
remained constant. The increase in
overall expenditures, corrected for
inflation, was 29%. This increase was due
to increases in equipment purchases,
specifically “auxiliary” (primarily
camping equipment) and special
equipment (high-cost items such as
recreational vehicles and boats), 46% and
183% respectively.
Wildlife Watching
Wildlife watching is a popular outdoor
recreation activity. More than 66 million
people 16 years old and older—31% of all
Americans—fed, photographed, and
observed wildlife in 2001 and spent
$40 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 66 million people who enjoyed
wildlife watching in 2001, almost 22
million (33%) pursued their activities on
trips away from home (nonresidential
participants) while nearly 63 million—a
whopping 95%—enjoyed their activity
around their home (residential
participants). Nearly 46 million of all
wildlife watchers (69%) were wild bird
observers.
Among the 63 million residential
participants, feeding wildlife was the
most popular activity. It was enjoyed by
nearly 54 million enthusiasts, 82% of the
participants. Over 42 million people (64%)
enjoyed observing wildlife, while 14
million (21%) enjoyed photographing
wildlife. Another 11 million (17%) visited
public parks or natural areas to enjoy
wildlife while 13 million recreationists
(20%) maintained plantings or natural
areas for the benefit of wildlife.
Comparing the 2001 Survey with the
two previous surveys shows a 5%
increase from 1996 to 2001, and a 13%
decrease from 1991 to 2001 in overall
6
Anglers 1991-2001
Fishing Expenditures 1991-2001
Average Angler Expenditures
0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40
Millions
1991
1996
2001
0 10 20 30 40 50
Billions
1991
1996
2001
$876
$1,212
$1,046
0 200 400 600 800 1,000 1,200 1,400
Dollars
1991
1996
2001
Hunters 1991-2001
Hunting Expenditures 1991-2001
Average Hunter Expenditures
0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16
Millions
1991
1996
2001
0 5 10 15 20 25
Billions
1991
1996
2001
$1,140
$1,667
$1,581
0 500 1,000 1,500 2,000
Dollars
1991
1996
2001
Overall hunting participation dropped
7% from 1996 to 2001, but the decline in
hunting expenditures was not statistically
significant.2 The number of small game
hunters went down 22% and other animal
hunting dropped 31%, but big game and
migratory bird hunting remained steady.
Both trip-related and overall equipment
expenditures did not have a statistically
significant change, although the
subcategory hunting equipment
2The change was not statistically different
from zero at the 5% level. This means that
for 95% of all possible samples, the survey
estimate for one survey year is not
statistically different from the estimate
for the other survey year.
7
Over 66 million people spent
$40 billion observing, feeding and
photographing wildlife.
Wildlife-Watching Participants
Total Wildlife-Watching Participants: 66 million
Total Nonresidential: 22 million
Observe Wildlife: 20 million
Photograph Wildlife: 9 million
Feed Birds or Other Wildlife: 7 million
Total Residential: 63 million
Observe Wildlife: 42 million
Photograph Wildlife: 14 million
Feed Birds or Other Wildlife: 54 million
Visit Public Parks or Areas: 11 million
Maintain Plantings or Natural Areas: 13 million
Equipment: 63%
Transportation: 6%
Food: 7%
Lodging: 5%
Other Trip Costs: 2%
Other Expenditures: 17%
8 Nan Rollison/USFWS
wildlife watching. From 1996 to 2001 the
changes in both nonresidential and
residential wildlife-watching participation
were statistically insignificant.3 Total
wildlife-watching expenditures showed
no statistically significant difference from
1996 to 2001, but increased 41% from 1991
to 2001. Trip-related expenditures have
remained constant for all three Surveys,
while equipment purchases increased
33% from 1996 to 2001 and 90% from 1991
to 2001. The 1996 and 2001 averages are
not statistically different.
In Summary
The findings of the National Surveys of
1991, 1996, and 2001 need to be taken into
consideration with the economic and
social conditions of their times. 1991 was a
year of an economic recession, increasing
gas prices, and the Gulf War. 1996 saw a
prosperous and peacetime economy, low
unemployment, and high consumer
confidence. 2001 experienced an economic
recession, terrorist attacks, and a
military reaction. Throughout these
social and economic vicissitudes,
Americans remained involved with
wildlife recreation. Wildlife recreation
was not a fad that came and went but
instead called to people no matter what
else was going on in their lives. Whether
noticing the v-shaped flock of geese flying
south, the splash of a well-cast lure in a
mountain lake, or the early morning
pleasures of a deer stand, enjoying
wildlife still has an important place in
modern life.
The next report of preliminary findings
will contain State data and will be
available by July 2002. This and future
survey reports also will be available on
our web page at the following address:
http://fa.r9.fws.gov/surveys/surveys.html
3Not statistically different from zero at the
5% level. This means that for 95% of all
possible samples, the survey estimate for one
survey year is not statistically different from
the estimate for the other survey year.
Wildlife Watchers 1991-2001
Wildlife-Watching Expenditures 1991-2001
Average Wildlife-Watching Expenditures
0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80
Millions
1991
1996
2001
0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35
Billions
1991
1996
2001
$315
$483
$510
0 100 200 300 400 500 600
Dollars
1991
1996
2001
Bird Observers in the U.S.
Total Bird Observers: 46 million
Residential (around the house) Observers: 40 million
Nonresidential (away from home) Observers: 18 million
9
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.: 2001
2. Summary of Expenditures in the
U.S. for Fishing and Hunting: 2001
3. Expenditures in the U.S. for
Fishing: 2001
4. Expenditures in the U.S. for
Hunting: 2001
5. Wildlife-Watching Participants
16 Years Old and Older, by Primary
Activity: 2001
6. Primary Nonresidential Participants
by Wildlife Observed, Photographed,
or Fed and Place in the U.S.: 2001
7. Wild Bird Observers and Days of
Observation: 2001
8. Expenditures in the U.S. for
Wildlife-Watching Participation: 2001
9. Comparison of Wildlife-Related
Recreation Participation, 1996 and
2001
10. Comparison of Wildlife-Related
Recreation Participation, 1991 and
2001
11. Comparison of Wildlife-Related
Recreation Expenditures, 1996 and
2001
12. Comparison of Wildlife-Related
Recreation Expenditures, 1991 and
2001
Tami Heilemann/USFWS
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.: 2001
(U.S. population 16 years old and older. Numbers in thousands)
Days of
Participation Participation Trips
Number Percent Number Percent Number Percent
Total Sportspersons 37,805 100 785,762 100 636,787 100
FISHING
Total, All Fishing 34,067 100 557,394 100 436,662 100
Total, all freshwater 28,439 83 466,984 84 365,076 84
Freshwater, except Great Lakes 27,913 82 443,247 80 349,188 80
Great Lakes 1,847 5 23,138 4 15,888 4
Saltwater 9,051 27 90,838 16 71,586 16
HUNTING
Total, All Hunting 13,034 100 228,368 100 200,125 100
Big game 10,911 84 153,191 67 114,445 57
Small game 5,434 42 60,142 26 46,450 23
Migratory bird 2,956 23 29,310 13 24,155 12
Other animals 1,047 8 19,207 8 15,074 8
Note: Detail does not add to total because of multiple responses and nonresponse.
10
Table 2. Summary of Expenditures in the U.S. for Fishing and Hunting: 2001
(U.S. population 16 years old and older)
Expenditures Spenders
Average Average
Amount per Number Percent per
(Thousands Sportsperson of Spenders of Spender
of Dollars) (Dollars) (Thousands) Sportspersons (Dollars)
Expenditure Item
Total, all items 69,976,330 1,851 35,919 95 1,948
TRIP-RELATED EXPENDITURES
Total trip-related 19,908,391 527 33,338 88 597
Food and lodging, total 8,330,938 220 29,380 78 284
Food 6,121,645 162 29,180 77 210
Lodging 2,209,293 58 7,778 21 284
Transportation, total 5,305,076 140 29,234 77 181
Public 586,422 16 1,651 4 355
Private 4,718,654 125 28,888 76 163
Other trip costs (1) 6,272,377 166 26,802 71 234
EQUIPMENT EXPENDITURES
Fishing equipment 4,640,715 123 21,493 57 216
Hunting equipment 4,866,399 129 10,579 28 460
Auxiliary equipment (2) 2,627,686 70 10,866 29 242
Special equipment (3) 28,819,402 762 3,947 10 7,302
OTHER EXPENDITURES
Books, magazines 307,981 8 7,628 20 40
Membership dues and contributions 515,282 14 5,220 14 99
Land leasing and ownership 7,128,486 189 2,329 6 3,061
Licenses, stamps tags, and permits 1,161,988 31 24,201 64 48
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.
11
Table 3. Expenditures in the U.S. for Fishing: 2001
(U.S. population 16 years old and older)
Expenditures Spenders
Amount Avg per Number Percent Avg per
(Thousands Angler of Spenders of Spender
Expenditure Item of Dollars) (Dollars) (Thousands) Anglers (Dollars)
Total, All Items 35,632,132 1,046 31,946 94 1,115
TRIP-RELATED EXPENDITURES
Total Trip-Related 14,656,001 430 29,645 87 494
Food and Lodging, Total 5,880,997 173 25,603 75 230
Food 4,141,250 122 25,406 75 163
Lodging 1,739,747 51 6,473 19 269
Transportation, Total 3,515,757 103 25,146 74 140
Public 400,429 12 1,254 4 319
Private 3,115,328 91 24,816 73 126
Other Trip Costs, Total 5,259,247 154 25,658 75 205
Guide fees, pack trip or package fees 686,903 20 2,587 8 266
Public land use fees 121,274 4 3,565 10 34
Private land use fees 92,961 3 1,283 4 72
Equipment rental 253,514 7 1,992 6 127
Boating costs (1) 2,630,429 77 8,265 24 318
Bait 1,105,350 32 21,757 64 51
Ice 290,917 9 12,481 37 23
Heating and cooking fuel 77,899 2 3,334 10 23
EQUIPMENT EXPENDITURES
Fishing Equipment, Total 4,617,488 136 21,224 62 218
Rods, reels, poles, and rodmaking components 1,900,343 56 11,712 34 162
Lines and leaders 460,079 14 13,647 40 34
Artificial lures, flies, baits, and dressing for flies or lines 800,342 23 14,961 44 53
Hooks, sinkers, swivels, 343,525 10 15,497 45 22
Tackle boxes 133,093 4 4,169 12 32
Creels, stringers, fish bags, landing nets, and gaff hooks 101,937 3 3,480 10 29
Minnow traps, seines, and bait containers 52,816 2 3,031 9 17
Depth finders, fish finders 457,054 13 1,098 3 416
Ice fishing equipment 82,876 2 644 2 129
Other fishing equipment 285,423 8 2,990 9 95
Auxiliary Equipment, Total 721,048 21 4,347 13 166
Camping equipment 340,382 10 2,054 6 166
Binoculars, field glasses, telescopes, etc. 30,050 1 367 1 82
Special fishing clothing, rubber boots, waders 243,608 7 2,248 7 108
Processing and taxidermy costs 34,992 1 151 (Z) 232
Other 72,016 2 551 2 131
Special Equipment (2) 11,624,862 341 2,319 7 5,013
OTHER EXPENDITURES
Magazines, books 117,501 3 3,437 10 34
Membership dues and contributions 102,762 3 1,614 5 64
Land leasing and ownership 3,152,594 93 794 2 3,971
Licenses, stamps, tags, and permits, total 639,876 19 20,184 59 32
Licenses 597,210 18 19,972 59 30
Stamps, tags, and permits 42,666 1 3,588 11 12
Note: Detail does not add to total because of multiple responses and nonresponse.
(Z) Less than .5 percent
(1) Boating costs include launching, mooring, storage, maintenance, insurance, pumpout fees, and fuel.
(2) Special equipment includes boats, campers, cabins, trail bikes, etc.
12
Table 4. Expenditures in the U.S. for Hunting: 2001
(U.S. population 16 years old and older)
Expenditures Spenders
Amount Avg per Number Percent Avg per
(Thousands Hunter of Spenders of Spender
of Dollars) (Dollars) (Thousands) Hunters (Dollars)
Total, All Items 20,611,025 1,581 12,585 97 1,638
TRIP-RELATED EXPENDITURES
Total Trip-Related 5,252,391 403 11,280 87 466
Food and Lodging, Total 2,449,942 188 10,073 77 243
Food 1,980,395 152 10,057 77 197
Lodging 469,547 36 1,701 13 276
Transportation, Total 1,789,320 137 10,502 81 170
Public 185,994 14 452 3 411
Private 1,603,326 123 10,421 80 154
Other Trip Costs, Total 1,013,129 78 3,479 27 291
Guide fees, pack trip, or package fees 377,233 29 573 4 658
Public land use fees 53,499 4 630 5 85
Private land use fees 370,858 28 919 7 404
Equipment rental 36,395 3 262 2 139
Boating costs (1) 85,912 7 556 4 155
Heating and cooking fuel 89,232 7 1,930 15 46
EQUIPMENT EXPENDITURES
Hunting Equipment, Total 4,561,708 350 9,516 73 479
Guns and rifles 1,966,866 151 2,888 22 681
Rifles 907,470 70 1,579 12 575
Shotguns 676,619 52 1,262 10 536
Muzzleloaders, primitive firearms 105,507 8 390 3 271
Pistols, handguns 277,270 21 567 4 489
Bows, arrows, archery equipment 462,097 35 1,892 15 244
Telescopic sights 307,033 24 1,272 10 241
Decoys and game calls 139,686 11 2,168 17 64
Ammunition 651,896 50 8,451 65 77
Hand loading equipment 139,919 11 945 7 148
Hunting dogs and associated costs 604,616 46 892 7 678
Other 289,595 22 2,201 17 132
Auxiliary Equipment, Total 1,202,845 92 4,584 35 262
Camping equipment 113,661 9 638 5 178
Binoculars, field glasses, telescopes, etc. 153,862 12 1,168 9 132
Special hunting clothing, rubber boots, waders 463,990 36 2,977 23 156
Processing and taxidermy costs 385,947 30 1,470 11 263
Other 85,385 7 310 2 275
Special Equipment (2) 4,596,942 353 573 4 8,023
OTHER EXPENDITURES
Magazines, books 84,530 6 1,835 14 46
Membership dues and contributions 243,678 19 2,054 16 119
Land leasing and ownership 3,975,892 305 1,680 13 2,367
Licenses, stamps, tags, and permits, total 693,039 53 10,403 80 67
Licenses 572,242 44 9,985 77 57
Federal duck stamps 29,524 2 1,968 15 15
Other stamps, tags, and permits 91,273 7 2,868 22 32
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.
13
Table 5. Wildlife-Watching Participants 16 Years Old and Older, by Primary Activity: 2001
(U.S. population 16 years old and older. Numbers in thousands)
Number Percent
Total participants 66,105 100
Nonresidential (away from home) 21,823 33
Observe wildlife 20,080 30
Photograph wildlife 9,427 14
Feed wildlife 7,077 11
Residential (around the home) 62,928 95
Observe wildlife 42,111 64
Photograph wildlife 13,937 21
Feed wildlife 53,988 82
Visit public parks or areas (1) 10,981 17
Maintain plantings or natural areas 13,072 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 one mile of home.
14
Ted Heuer/USFWS
Table 6. Primary Nonresidential Participants by Wildlife Observed, Photographed, or Fed and Place in the U.S.: 2001
(U.S. population 16 years old and older. Numbers in thousands)
Participation by Place
In state In other
Total participants Total in U.S. of residence states
Number Percent Number Percent Number Percent Number Percent
Total, All Wildlife 21,823 100 21,823 100 18,041 83 6,570 30
Total Birds 18,580 85 18,580 100 16,150 87 5,855 32
Songbirds 12,878 59 12,878 100 11,182 87 3,860 30
Birds of prey 12,495 57 12,495 100 10,596 85 4,060 32
Waterfowl 14,432 66 14,432 100 12,384 86 4,258 30
Other water birds (shorebirds, herons, etc.) 10,314 47 10,314 100 8,474 82 3,229 31
Other birds (pheasants, turkeys, etc.) 7,907 36 7,907 100 6,640 84 2,248 28
Total Land Mammals 15,506 71 15,506 100 13,207 85 4,844 31
Large land mammals (deer, bear, etc.) 12,226 56 12,226 100 10,047 82 3,784 31
Small land mammals (squirrels, prairie dogs, etc.) 12,958 59 12,958 100 10,911 84 4,200 32
Fish 6,330 29 6,330 100 5,019 79 2,000 32
Marine mammals 3,013 14 3,013 100 1,982 66 1,233 41
Other wildlife (turtles, butterflies, etc.) 9,409 43 9,409 100 7,929 84 3,071 33
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.
15
Table 7. Wild Bird Observers and Days of Observation: 2001
(U.S. population 16 years old and older. Numbers in thousands)
Number Percent
OBSERVERS
Total Bird Observers 45,951 100
Residential (around the home) observers 40,306 88
Nonresidential (away from home) observers 18,342 40
DAYS
Total Days Observing Birds 5,467,841 100
Residential (around the home) 5,159,259 94
Nonresidential (away from home) 308,583 6
Note: Detail does not add to total because of multiple responses and nonresponse.
Table 8. Expenditures in the U.S. for Wildlife-Watching Participation: 2001
(U.S. population 16 years old and older)
Expenditures Spenders
Percent of Average
Expenditures Number Wildlife- Per
(Thousands) of Spenders Watching Spender
of Dollars) (Thousands) Participants (1) (Dollars)
Total, all items (2) 39,991,347 52,083 79 768
TRIP-RELATED EXPENDITURES
Total Trip-Related 8,162,439 18,224 84 448
Food and Lodging, Total 4,818,843 15,365 70 314
Food 2,835,868 15,263 70 186
Lodging 1,982,975 5,648 26 351
Transportation, Total 2,595,542 17,091 78 152
Public 702,231 1,986 9 354
Private 1,893,311 16,495 76 115
Other Trip Costs, Total 748,054 6,350 29 118
Guide fees, pack trip or package fees 113,034 1,209 6 94
Public land use fees 114,813 3,879 18 30
Private land use fees 50,430 869 4 58
Equipment rental 105,198 1,156 5 91
Boating costs (3) 326,461 1,056 5 309
Heating and cooking fuel 38,118 1,586 7 24
EQUIPMENT AND OTHER EXPENSES
Total Equipment and Others 31,828,907 47,939 73 664
Wildlife-Watching Equipment, Total 7,353,977 45,802 69 161
Binoculars, spotting scopes 507,387 4,683 7 108
Cameras, video cameras, special lenses, and other equip. 1,656,755 4,454 7 372
Film and developing 910,423 13,528 20 67
Bird food, total 2,604,692 38,435 58 68
Commercially prepared and packaged wild bird food 2,034,825 35,738 54 57
Other bulk foods used to feed wild birds 569,867 12,742 19 45
Feed for other wildlife 503,006 9,595 15 52
Nest boxes, bird houses, feeders, baths 732,671 15,888 24 46
Day packs, carrying cases, and special clothing 323,043 2,949 4 110
Other wildlife-watching equip (such as field guides & maps) 116,000 3,688 6 31
Auxiliary Equipment, Total 716,900 3,807 6 188
Tents, tarps 185,552 1,956 3 95
Frame packs and backpacking equipment 129,382 1,091 2 119
Other camping equipment 266,382 1,966 3 136
Other auxiliary equipment (such as blinds) 135,583 308 (Z) 441
Special Equipment, Total 17,045,574 1,410 2 12,089
OTHER EXPENDITURES
Magazines, books 331,955 8,297 13 40
Land leasing and ownership 4,761,010 555 1 8,585
Membership dues and contributions 920,183 7,746 12 119
Plantings 699,309 5,649 9 124
Note: Detail does not add to total because of multiple responses and nonresponse.
(Z) Less than .5 percent
(1) Percent of wildlife-watching participants is based on nonresidential 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 nonresidential participants only. Equipment and other
expenditures are based on information collected from both nonresidential and residential participants.
(3) Boating costs include launching, mooring, storage, maintenance, insurance, pumpout fees, and fuel.
16
Table 9. Comparison of Wildlife-Related Recreation Participation, 1996 and 2001
(U.S. population 16 years old and older. Numbers in thousands)
1996 2001 1996-2001
Type of Participation Number Percent Number Percent % Change
Total Sportspersons 39,694 100 37,805 100 –5*
Anglers, Total 35,246 100 34,067 100 –3*
All freshwater 29,734 84 28,439 83 ���4*
Freshwater, except GL 28,921 82 27,913 82 –3*
Great Lakes 2,039 6 1,847 5 –9*
Saltwater 9,438 27 9,051 26 –4*
Hunters, Total 13,975 100 13,034 100 –7
Big game 11,288 81 10,911 84 –3*
Small game 6,945 50 5,434 42 –22
Migratory bird 3,073 22 2,956 23 –4*
Other animal 1,521 11 1,047 8 –31
Wildlife-Watching Participants, Total 62,868 100 66,105 100 5
Residential 60,751 97 62,928 95 4*
Nonresidential 23,652 38 21,823 33 –8*
Note: Detail does not add to total because of multiple responses and nonresponse.
* Not different from zero at the 5% level. This means that for 95% of all possible samples, the estimate for 1996 is not
different from the estimate for 2001.
17
Table 10. Comparison of Wildlife-Related Recreation Participation, 1991 and 2001
(U.S. population 16 years old and older. Numbers in thousands)
1991 2001 1991-2001
Type of Participation Number Percent Number Percent % Change
Total Sportspersons 39,979 100 37,805 100 –5
Anglers, Total 35,578 100 34,067 100 –4*
All freshwater 31,041 87 28,439 83 –8
Freshwater, except GL 30,186 85 27,913 82 –8
Great Lakes 2,552 7 1,847 5 –28
Saltwater 8,885 25 9,051 26 2*
Hunters, Total 14,063 100 13,034 100 –7
Big game 10,745 76 10,911 84 2*
Small game 7,642 54 5,434 42 –29
Migratory bird 3,009 21 2,956 23 –2*
Other animal 1,411 10 1,047 8 –26
Wildlife-Watching Participants, Total 76,111 100 66,105 100 –13
Residential 73,904 97 62,928 95 –15
Nonresidential 29,999 39 21,823 33 –27
Note: Detail does not add to total because of multiple responses and nonresponse.
*Not different from zero at the 5% level. This means that for 95 percent of all possible samples, the estimate for 1991 is not
different from the estimate for 2001.
18
Table 11. Comparison of Wildlife-Related Recreation Expenditures, 1996 and 2001
(U.S. population 16 years old and older. Dollars in thousands. All dollars in 2001 dollars.)
1996 2001 1996-2001
Activity and Type of Expenditure Dollars Percent Dollars Percent % Change
Total Sportspersons 81,285,693 100 69,976,330 100 –14
Fishing, Total 42,710,679 100 35,632,132 100 –17
Trip-Related 17,380,775 41 14,656,001 41 –16
Equipment 21,666,341 51 16,963,398 48 –22
Fishing equipment 5,998,802 14 4,617,488 13 –23
Auxiliary equipment 1,171,540 3 721,048 2 –38
Special equipment 14,495,999 34 11,624,862 33 –20*
Other 3,663,563 9 4,012,733 11 10*
Hunting, Total 23,293,156 100 20,611,025 100 –12*
Trip-Related 5,825,510 25 5,252,391 25 –10*
Equipment 12,738,229 55 10,361,495 50 –19*
Hunting equipment 6,236,625 27 4,561,708 22 –27
Auxiliary equipment 1,393,423 6 1,202,845 6 –14*
Special equipment 5,108,181 22 4,596,942 22 –10*
Other 4,729,416 20 4,997,139 24 6*
Wildlife-Watching, Total 30,392,338 (1) 100 33,730,868 (1) 100 11*
Trip-Related 10,671,503 35 8,162,439 24 –24*
Equipment 17,694,355 58 23,616,982 70 33
Wildlife-Watching equipment 8,783,405 29 6,850,971 20 –22*
Auxiliary equipment 969,933 3 716,900 2 –26*
Special equipment 7,941,016 26 16,049,111 48 102
Other 2,026,480 7 1,951,447 6 –4*
*Not different from zero at the 5% level. This means that for 95% of all possible samples, the estimate for 1996 is not
different from the estimate for 2001.
(1) Adjusted to make comparable.
19
Table 12. Comparison of Wildlife-Related Recreation Expenditures, 1991 and 2001
(U.S. population 16 years old and older. Dollars in thousands. All dollars in 2001 dollars.)
1991 2001 1991-2001
Activity and Type of Expenditure Dollars Percent Dollars Percent % Change
Total Sportspersons 53,179,996 100 69,976,330 100 32
Fishing, Total 31,175,168 100 35,632,132 100 14*
Trip-Related 15,396,151 49 14,656,001 41 –5*
Equipment 12,170,062 39 16,963,398 48 39
Fishing equipment 4,860,266 16 4,617,488 13 –5*
Auxiliary equipment 804,953 3 721,048 2 –10*
Special equipment 6,504,844 21 11,624,862 33 79
Other 3,608,953 12 4,012,733 11 11*
Hunting, Total 16,031,197 100 20,611,025 100 29
Trip-Related 4,471,065 28 5,252,391 25 17*
Equipment 6,716,497 42 10,361,495 50 54
Hunting equipment 4,266,795 27 4,561,708 22 7*
Auxiliary equipment 825,616 5 1,202,845 6 46
Special equipment 1,624,086 10 4,596,942 22 183
Other 4,843,635 30 4,997,139 24 3*
Wildlife-Watching, Total 24,002,990 100 33,730,868 (1) 100 41
Trip-Related 9,722,954 41 8,162,439 24 –16*
Equipment 12,422,925 52 23,616,982 70 90
Wildlife-Watching equipment 7,411,773 31 6,850,971 20 –8*
Auxiliary equipment 454,807 2 716,900 2 58*
Special equipment 4,556,348 19 16,049,111 48 252
Other 1,857,110 8 1,951,447 6 5*
*Not different from zero at the 5% level. This means that for 95% of all possible samples, the estimate for 1991 is not
different from the estimate for 2001.
(1) Adjusted to make it comparable with the 1991 survey.
U.S. Department of the Interior
U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
http://www.fws.gov
Cover photo: PhotoDisc