U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service - Thomas Decker | SHOT Show TV Interviews | 2024

Published on February 1, 2024
Duration: 4:51

The 2022 National Survey on Angling, Hunting, and Wildlife Watching reveals that approximately 5% of Americans hunt, while 16% participate in target shooting, with around 49 million Americans engaging in target shooting. A surprising finding is that more anglers participate in target shooting than hunters. The survey highlights the significant economic and social importance of these activities, emphasizing how excise taxes on firearms, ammunition, and archery equipment fund conservation efforts, shooting ranges, and access areas.

Quick Summary

The 2022 National Survey on Angling, Hunting, and Wildlife Watching found that 5% of Americans hunt and 16% participate in target shooting (49 million people). Surprisingly, more anglers engage in target shooting than hunters. This data is vital for demonstrating the economic and social value of these activities to stakeholders and securing funding for conservation.

Chapters

  1. 00:06Introduction with Tom Decker
  2. 00:15The National Survey on Angling, Hunting, and Wildlife Watching
  3. 00:35Survey History and Frequency
  4. 00:46Activities Included: Hunting, Angling, Boating, Target Shooting
  5. 00:59Participation Rates: Hunting vs. Target Shooting
  6. 01:16Demographic and Economic Data Collection
  7. 01:44Surprising Survey Results: Anglers and Target Shooting
  8. 02:21Importance of the Survey
  9. 02:30Communicating Value to Stakeholders
  10. 02:41Benefits: Health, Well-being, Food Security
  11. 02:52Funding Mechanisms: Excise Taxes
  12. 03:01Impact of Funding: Shooting Ranges and Wildlife Restoration
  13. 03:12Boating Access and Funding
  14. 03:28Industry Understanding and Support
  15. 03:41Delivered Opportunities: Public Hunting Lands
  16. 03:53Affording Opportunities in Wild Places
  17. 04:04Impact on NSSF Members
  18. 04:10How Excise Tax Money is Used
  19. 04:23Areas Funded: Conservation, Education, Populations
  20. 04:36Making Connections and Memories
  21. 04:41Conclusion and Thanks

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the key findings of the 2022 National Survey on Angling, Hunting, and Wildlife Watching?

The 2022 survey revealed that approximately 5% of Americans hunt, while 16% participate in target shooting, with 49 million Americans engaging in this activity. A notable finding was that more anglers participate in target shooting than hunters, highlighting a potential area for outreach.

How is outdoor recreation like hunting and fishing funded in the US?

A significant portion of funding for wildlife management, shooting ranges, and conservation efforts comes from excise taxes on firearms, ammunition, and archery equipment. This funding supports numerous programs and infrastructure, including public hunting lands and boating access areas.

Why is the National Survey on Angling, Hunting, and Wildlife Watching important?

The survey is crucial for demonstrating the economic and social importance of these activities to legislators, Chambers of Commerce, and state wildlife agencies. It helps justify funding for conservation, outdoor recreation infrastructure, and highlights the benefits to public health and well-being.

What surprising trend did the 2022 survey reveal about target shooters?

The survey found that more individuals who participate in angling also participate in target shooting compared to those who primarily hunt. This suggests that outreach efforts for target shooting could be effectively directed towards the angling community.

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