Amidst attacks on hunting by the animal rights movement, a new report issued by the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) reveals the many benefits of hunting to America’s economy.
The report, called Hunting in America: an Economic Force for Conservation, was compiled by Southwick Associates. It focuses on the growth of hunting in America and the sizeable impact American sportsmen have on our economy.
According to the report, the number of adult hunters in the U.S. has increased over the past five years by nine percent to 13.7 million license buyers. In addition, the report estimates that there are another two million youth hunters across the country.
“We’ve always known the economic impact of the sportsmen’s community was significant,” said Evan Heusinkveld, USSA’s Director of Government Affairs. “This report shows just how staggering of an impact our community has on the economy as a whole. American hunters are spending nearly $40 billion every year—supporting nearly 700,000 jobs—and generating more than $11 billion in local, state and federal taxes.”
The hunting industries contribution does not stop there. More than $1.6 billion is pumped into wildlife conservation each year thanks to hunters, through license sales, excise tax on sporting goods, and donations to conservation organizations.
