The results of the 2022 National Survey of Fishing, Hunting and Wildlife – Associated Recreation were released today by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service and the relationship of fish and wildlife companies. According to the poll, which was organized by the Service, Americans over the age of 16 traveled more than 1.7 billion times in 2022 to take part in outdoor activities like fishing, hunting, wildlife viewing, pleasure boating, and target shooting. In doing so, outdoor enthusiasts spent an estimated$ 394 billion last year alone on tools, transportation, permits, and fees.
“Time spent in nature is an important part of the human experience and can provide lifelong memories, connections to others, healthy activities, and a sense of rest and healing,” said Service Director Martha Williams. “These numbers demonstrate how important our public lands and wild places are not just for the well-being of people who enjoy them, but as an economic engine that provides thousands of jobs and sustains businesses, economies and communities throughout the nation. The stewardship of our natural resources and access for fishing, hunting, and other wildlife-related activities are enhanced by the Biden-Harris Administration’s work under the America the Beautiful initiative.”
The NORC at the University of Chicago conducted the 2022 Survey, which provides a snapshot of membership levels, and found that 40 million Americans went fishing and 14.4 million went hunting, while 148 million watched animals. As a result, last year, 57 % of Americans aged 16 or older watched wildlife, 15 % went fishing, and 6 % went hunting. These journeys amounted to an all-time deep of 14 billion time spent in the field, on the water, and close to home observing animals.
Individuals in these pursuits collectively spent$ 394 billion in 2022, the highest amount actually recorded in a National Survey after accounting for inflation.
Since 1955, the Survey has been conducted roughly every 5 times. The 2022 Survey uses a” force to online” methodology for the first time, allowing respondents to complete the survey online. Respondents could also visit in, complete their quiz, and mail it in. Participants had more options and the survey was easier to complete than it had been in previous years thanks to these choices and a new, shorter questionnaire, but because of the methodology changes, 2022 results shouldn’t be immediately compared to those of any prior surveys. Data collection for outdoor motorized boating and recreational shooting sports is one of the 2022 Survey’s other changes.
Director Williams added,” We are grateful to the more than 100,000 survey respondents from homes across America who participated in the 2022 Survey. The National Survey continues to be the country’s most comprehensive dataset on wildlife-related entertainment and a key source of data on participation rates and the financial effects of outdoor activities across the board because of this participation. The survey’s style for this year acknowledges that recreational fishing and target shooting are also significant nature-dependent hobbies that connect people to animals and wild areas, in addition to activities that depend on animals, such as hunting, fishing, and wildlife watching. Some people use these pastimes as a way of life, their entryway into the outside, and their connection to nature, which leaves them with lasting memories.
Partners, researchers, and company partners can analyze alterations in recruitment, participation, or engagement in outdoor activities over time using the wealth of data provided by each National Survey of Fishing, Hunting and Wildlife-Associated Recreation. For both recent and previous surveys, locate further study resources.
The comprehensive 2022 Survey results are currently available online, and additional addenda information will be created in the upcoming month.
