New Reports from the American Sportfishing Association and the Sportsmen’s Alliance Foundation Provide Insights at the Federal, State, and Local Levels

Hunting, target shooting, and recreational fishing are not only cherished American traditions but also powerful economic drivers, generating billions in retail sales, job creation, and conservation funding. A newly released series of reports from Southwick Associates provides updated insights into the economic contributions of these outdoor activities at the federal, state, and congressional district levels.

Using data in part from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s 2022 National Survey of Fishing, Hunting, and Wildlife-Associated Recreation and GIS mapping software, the studies highlight how spending by hunters, target shooters, and anglers supports jobs, wages, and local economies across the country. The research was conducted on behalf of the Sportsmen’s Alliance Foundation for hunting and target shooting and the American Sportfishing Association for sportfishing.

“Recreational fishing, hunting and target shooting are an escape for many, but are the workday for many others, collectively supporting nearly 2.5 million jobs in the U.S.,” said Rob Southwick, President of Southwick Associates. “Actions that impede Americans from enjoying these national pastimes or help to expand opportunity will be felt in all corners of the U.S. economy.”

Beyond their economic impact, these outdoor activities play a vital role in conservation funding. Through excise taxes on gear and license purchases, sportsmen and women generate billions of dollars annually to support wildlife conservation and habitat restoration, ensuring the sustainability of natural resources for future generations.

Findings are presented in a series of easy-to-use, printable infographics detailing economic contributions down to the congressional district level. These resources provide valuable tools for policymakers, industry leaders, and conservation organizations advocating for policies that support outdoor recreation, natural resource management, and economic growth. Results can be summed across the reports.

Funding for these reports was provided by a Multistate Conservation Grant from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and jointly administered with the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies.

To explore the full findings for sportfishing and download the federal, state, and congressional district-level infographics, visit the American Sportfishing Association website.

To explore the full findings for hunting and target shooting and download the federal, state, and congressional district-level infographics, visit the Sportsmen’s Alliance Foundation website.