Hunting Tidbits
Hunting has been around with us since the earliest days of man because, hey, you had to eat. These days, it is still done to put food on the table, but is also a popular sport.
It is estimated that some 77 million Americans, 16 years of age and older participate in hunting, fishing, or wildlife observation activities. This figure would represent about 38% of the population in that age bracket. Any look at hunting statistics quickly reveals the popularity of the sport and its economic impact on the country. This 38% of people who enjoy the outdoor sports spend over $100 billion dollar annually on their activities.
Hunting accounts for a large portion of the outdoor activity expenditure. It is estimated that at least $5.2 billion dollars is spent annually on hunting trips alone. Another $11.8 billion dollars is spent on hunting related equipment. $4.8 billion dollars is spent on hunting permits, licenses, and game stamps. This last figure provides funds for the management of wildlife areas and national forests.
The hunting of deer, bear, elk, and other big game is the most popular form of hunting. At least 11.3 million hunters go after these targets. Small game like squirrels and rabbits attracts another 6.9 million hunters. 3.1 million hunters pursue migratory birds and another 1.5 million hunt other unusual game such as raccoons and woodchucks.
One hunting tidbit that cannot escape mention is the wide spread opposition to it by a large percentage of the non-hunting population. No other sport is the target of such an organized and emotional campaign to abolish it. The opponents of hunting refuse to accept any type of argument about the wildlife management aspects of hunting or of its close regulation. They flatly oppose it and are unwilling to listen to any type of reason.
It is necessary for those who love hunting to be aware of this challenge to the enjoyment of their sport. Hunters must be as vocal and as organized as their opponents in protecting their right to hunt. The opposition is not content with verbal and written debate, but seeks to influence the passing of laws restricting the right to hunt. Too often the hunting community is satisfied to let anti-hunting types have their own opinions, but when it comes to the legal restrictions, the community must make a stand to defend hunting. Hunting is more than a sport or hobby. It is an activity that connects us to our very roots as human beings. The skills of the hunter were passed from father to son for countless generations since the dawn of time. It would be wrong to see this tradition made illegal in our time.
It is estimated that some 77 million Americans, 16 years of age and older participate in hunting, fishing, or wildlife observation activities. This figure would represent about 38% of the population in that age bracket. Any look at hunting statistics quickly reveals the popularity of the sport and its economic impact on the country. This 38% of people who enjoy the outdoor sports spend over $100 billion dollar annually on their activities.
Hunting accounts for a large portion of the outdoor activity expenditure. It is estimated that at least $5.2 billion dollars is spent annually on hunting trips alone. Another $11.8 billion dollars is spent on hunting related equipment. $4.8 billion dollars is spent on hunting permits, licenses, and game stamps. This last figure provides funds for the management of wildlife areas and national forests.
The hunting of deer, bear, elk, and other big game is the most popular form of hunting. At least 11.3 million hunters go after these targets. Small game like squirrels and rabbits attracts another 6.9 million hunters. 3.1 million hunters pursue migratory birds and another 1.5 million hunt other unusual game such as raccoons and woodchucks.
One hunting tidbit that cannot escape mention is the wide spread opposition to it by a large percentage of the non-hunting population. No other sport is the target of such an organized and emotional campaign to abolish it. The opponents of hunting refuse to accept any type of argument about the wildlife management aspects of hunting or of its close regulation. They flatly oppose it and are unwilling to listen to any type of reason.
It is necessary for those who love hunting to be aware of this challenge to the enjoyment of their sport. Hunters must be as vocal and as organized as their opponents in protecting their right to hunt. The opposition is not content with verbal and written debate, but seeks to influence the passing of laws restricting the right to hunt. Too often the hunting community is satisfied to let anti-hunting types have their own opinions, but when it comes to the legal restrictions, the community must make a stand to defend hunting. Hunting is more than a sport or hobby. It is an activity that connects us to our very roots as human beings. The skills of the hunter were passed from father to son for countless generations since the dawn of time. It would be wrong to see this tradition made illegal in our time.
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