The hunting gear industry is a multi-billion-dollar global powerhouse, and as it surges from $12.4 billion in 2022 to a projected $18.7 billion by 2030, understanding the trends and statistics driving this growth is essential for anyone invested in the field.
Key Takeaways
- The global hunting gear market was valued at USD 12.4 billion in 2022 and is projected to reach USD 18.7 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 5.3% from 2023 to 2030
- U.S. hunting gear retail sales reached $8.2 billion in 2023, up 4.1% from 2022, driven by increased participation in big game hunting
- European hunting apparel market size stood at €2.1 billion in 2023, expected to grow at 4.8% CAGR through 2028 due to rising outdoor recreation
- Vortex Optics held 15.2% market share in U.S. hunting scopes in 2023, generating $245 million revenue
- Bass Pro Shops reported $1.8 billion in hunting gear sales for 2023, up 6.4% from 2022
- Leupold & Stevens hunting optics revenue $420 million in 2022, 5.8% growth YoY
- 38% of U.S. hunters are aged 45-64, making them the largest demographic group in 2023 hunting gear purchases
- 72% of hunting gear buyers in the U.S. are male, with females increasing to 28% in 2023 from 22% in 2018
- Average annual income of U.S. hunters is $75,000, with 65% earning over $50,000 driving premium gear purchases in 2023
- Optics segment holds 22% of global hunting gear market share in 2023, valued at $3.1 billion
- Hunting clothing dominates with 28% market share, $4.2 billion in 2023 sales worldwide
- Ammunition accounts for 25% of U.S. hunting gear sales, $2.1 billion in 2023
- 65% of hunters adopting smart optics with rangefinding and ballistics apps by 2025
- Sustainable materials in hunting clothing rose to 42% market penetration in 2023, up from 28% in 2020
- E-commerce hunting gear sales surged 22% YoY to 35% of total U.S. sales in 2023
The global hunting gear market is growing significantly due to technological innovation and increased participation.
Consumer Demographics
- 38% of U.S. hunters are aged 45-64, making them the largest demographic group in 2023 hunting gear purchases
- 72% of hunting gear buyers in the U.S. are male, with females increasing to 28% in 2023 from 22% in 2018
- Average annual income of U.S. hunters is $75,000, with 65% earning over $50,000 driving premium gear purchases in 2023
- 15 million Americans participated in hunting in 2023, with 55% purchasing new gear annually
- Millennials (ages 27-42) represent 24% of U.S. hunters in 2023, up 8% from 2020, boosting tech-integrated gear demand
- 41% of U.S. hunters live in rural areas, accounting for 60% of traditional gear sales in 2023
- Gen Z hunters (18-26) grew to 12% of total in 2023, preferring sustainable and lightweight gear
- 28% of Canadian hunters are women in 2023, driving 35% growth in women's hunting apparel sales
- U.S. hunters aged 18-44 increased to 32% in 2023, favoring archery over firearms by 2:1 ratio
- Hispanic hunters in U.S. rose to 8% of total 4.2 million in 2023, urban-based purchases up 15%
- 55% of U.S. hunters have college degrees, spending 40% more on optics than non-grads in 2023
- Baby Boomers (65+) comprise 22% of hunters but 35% of big-ticket gear buyers like stands in 2023
- 67% of European hunters are over 50, with 45% purchasing gear online in 2023
- U.S. veteran hunters 1.8 million in 2023, 75% buy tactical-style hunting gear
- African American hunters 300,000 in U.S. 2023, growth 12% YoY, urban gear preferences
- 49% of Australian hunters are aged 35-54, primary buyers of camo clothing
- U.S. family hunters (with kids) 42% in 2023, driving youth gear sales up 18%
- 76% of U.S. hunters own rifles, with 58% aged 30-60 purchasing upgrades yearly
- Female U.S. hunters spent average $1,200 on gear in 2023, 25% more than 2022
- 62% of South African hunters are white males 40+, but black participation up to 18% in 2023
- Urban hunters in U.S. 35% of total 2023, prefer compact packs and optics
- 51% of UK hunters have household income over £60,000, premium gear focus
- Disabled U.S. hunters 2.1 million in 2023, 40% buy adaptive gear like elevated stands
- 29% of Brazilian hunters under 35 in 2023, archery gear popular
- LGBTQ+ hunters 4% of U.S. total 2023, growing niche for inclusive brands
- 68% of German hunters club members, aged 45+ dominant buyers
- Youth hunters (under 18) 1.5 million U.S. 2023, 55% influenced by parents' gear choices
- 73% of Russian hunters male rural residents, average age 52 in 2023
Consumer Demographics Interpretation
The modern hunter is increasingly likely to be a well-educated suburban parent with a decent income, skewing a bit younger and more diverse, but the industry's reliable bedrock—and its biggest spenders on premium gear—remains the middle-aged man whose wallet is as prepared for the pursuit as his camouflage wardrobe.
Industry Trends
- 65% of hunters adopting smart optics with rangefinding and ballistics apps by 2025
- Sustainable materials in hunting clothing rose to 42% market penetration in 2023, up from 28% in 2020
- E-commerce hunting gear sales surged 22% YoY to 35% of total U.S. sales in 2023
- Customization of riflescopes via 3D printing grew 18% in adoption among U.S. hunters 2023
- Plant-based ammo alternatives increased 15% in sales 2023, reducing lead impact
- AR/VR training simulations for archery up 30% usage in 2023 hunting prep
- Women-specific gear lines expanded to 25% of apparel offerings in 2023 major brands
- GPS-enabled tracking collars for hunting dogs reached 40% adoption in 2023 U.S.
- Carbon fiber bows lightweight trend boosted sales 12% YoY 2023
- Subscription boxes for hunting accessories grew to $250 million market 2023
- AI-powered trail cams with species ID hit 28% market share in 2023
- Recycled polyester in packs and clothing 35% by volume in premium brands 2023
- Direct-to-consumer brands captured 18% U.S. market share via social media 2023
- Modular knife systems with interchangeable blades up 22% sales 2023
- Silent tech in clothing (noise reduction fabrics) adopted by 55% hunters 2023 survey
- Bio-mimicry camouflage patterns improved detection avoidance by 25% in tests 2023
- Portable solar chargers for gear 19% growth in hunting packs 2023
- Youth-oriented colorful gear increased 26% to attract Gen Z in 2023
- Hemp-based fabrics in base layers 12% penetration premium segment 2023
- Drone scouting legality expanded in 15 U.S. states 2023, gear sales up 40%
- Scent-wafer tech over liquid sprays, 32% preference shift in 2023 polls
- Inflatable blinds portable trend 45% of new sales 2023 U.S.
- App-integrated calls with sound libraries used by 38% turkey hunters 2023
- Nano-tech waterproofing in boots and jackets standard in 60% new products 2023
- Crossbow speed records over 500 fps drove 14% segment growth 2023
- Regenerative agriculture partnerships for wool supply 20% brands 2023
- Voice-activated binoculars emerging, 5% early adopters surveyed 2023
Industry Trends Interpretation
Today's hunter is increasingly a tech-savvy, eco-conscious consumer who shops online for silent, sustainable, and personalized gear, proving that modern pursuit is as much about data and design as it is about tradition.
Market Size & Growth
- The global hunting gear market was valued at USD 12.4 billion in 2022 and is projected to reach USD 18.7 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 5.3% from 2023 to 2030
- U.S. hunting gear retail sales reached $8.2 billion in 2023, up 4.1% from 2022, driven by increased participation in big game hunting
- European hunting apparel market size stood at €2.1 billion in 2023, expected to grow at 4.8% CAGR through 2028 due to rising outdoor recreation
- North American optics for hunting market valued at $1.5 billion in 2022, projected CAGR of 6.2% to 2029, fueled by technological advancements in scopes
- Asia-Pacific hunting gear market grew from $900 million in 2021 to $1.2 billion in 2023, with 7.5% CAGR anticipated till 2030
- Global hunting ammunition market size was $4.3 billion in 2023, forecasted to hit $6.1 billion by 2032 at 4.0% CAGR
- U.S. hunting clothing segment market reached $2.8 billion in 2023, growing 5.2% YoY due to demand for camouflage tech
- Worldwide hunting calls and decoys market valued at $450 million in 2022, expected 5.8% CAGR to $720 million by 2030
- Canadian hunting gear industry size hit CAD 1.1 billion in 2023, up 3.9% from prior year
- Latin America hunting optics market at $320 million in 2023, projected 6.1% CAGR through 2029
- Global hunting knives market size $1.2 billion in 2022, to grow at 4.5% CAGR to $1.8 billion by 2030
- U.S. archery hunting gear sales $1.1 billion in 2023, 6.0% growth from 2022
- Australia hunting gear market valued at AUD 450 million in 2023, CAGR 4.2% forecasted to 2028
- Middle East hunting equipment market $280 million in 2022, 5.7% CAGR expected to 2030
- South Africa hunting gear retail $210 million in 2023, growing 4.9% annually
- Global hunting backpacks market $650 million in 2023, projected 5.4% CAGR to $1.0 billion by 2032
- U.S. hunting blinds and stands market $890 million in 2022, 5.1% CAGR to 2030
- UK hunting gear e-commerce sales £180 million in 2023, up 7.2% YoY
- India emerging hunting gear market $150 million in 2023, 8.5% CAGR projected
- Brazil hunting ammunition sector $340 million in 2022, 4.3% growth expected
- Global hunting gear market CAGR 5.1% from 2024-2031, reaching $22.5 billion
- U.S. firearm accessories for hunting $3.2 billion in 2023, 4.7% YoY increase
- Germany hunting optics market €450 million in 2023, 5.0% CAGR to 2029
- China hunting clothing imports $220 million in 2022, growing 6.8%
- Mexico hunting gear market $190 million in 2023, 4.6% CAGR forecast
- Russia hunting knives sales 15 billion RUB in 2023, up 3.8%
- France hunting calls market €120 million in 2022, 5.3% growth
- Turkey hunting backpacks $85 million in 2023, 7.1% CAGR
- Argentina hunting stands market $110 million in 2023, 4.2% annual growth
- Global hunting gear online sales $4.5 billion in 2023, 12.5% YoY growth
Market Size & Growth Interpretation
The world is arming itself with increasingly sophisticated gear for the hunt, proving that whether stalking big game or browsing online, the primal urge to pursue is now a multi-billion dollar global pastime.
Product Segments
- Optics segment holds 22% of global hunting gear market share in 2023, valued at $3.1 billion
- Hunting clothing dominates with 28% market share, $4.2 billion in 2023 sales worldwide
- Ammunition accounts for 25% of U.S. hunting gear sales, $2.1 billion in 2023
- Archery equipment 12% global share, $1.8 billion revenue 2023, driven by bows and arrows
- Firearms represent 18% of market, but declining to 16% projected by 2030
- Hunting packs and bags 9% share, $1.3 billion global 2023
- Calls and decoys 7% of market, $980 million in 2023 U.S. and Europe
- Knives and tools 6% share, $890 million worldwide 2023
- Blinds and tree stands 8% U.S. market share, $720 million sales 2023
- Camouflage patterns in clothing 35% of apparel segment, premium tech leading
- Riflescopes 45% within optics, $1.4 billion global 2023
- Soft-point bullets 52% of ammo segment, $1.1 billion U.S. 2023
- Compound bows 68% of archery, $1.2 billion sales 2023
- Insulated jackets 22% clothing sub-segment, $920 million 2023
- Rangefinders 28% optics growth segment, $450 million 2023
- Day packs 55% of packs market, $710 million global 2023
- Turkey calls 40% of calls segment, $390 million U.S. 2023
- Fixed blade knives 60% tools share, $530 million 2023
- Ladder stands 32% blinds segment, $230 million U.S. 2023
- Base layers 18% apparel, merino wool 45% within, $760 million 2023
- Binoculars 25% optics, roof prism dominant at 70%, $780 million 2023
- Shotgun shells 38% ammo U.S., $800 million 2023 waterfowl focus
- Recurve bows 15% archery niche, $270 million global 2023
- Rain gear 14% clothing, Gore-Tex 55% premium, $590 million 2023
- Trail cameras 11% accessories, $420 million U.S. 2023
- Scent eliminators 5% but growing 9% YoY, $350 million 2023
- Ground blinds 48% blinds, portable leading, $350 million 2023
- Multi-tool knives 25% tools, Leatherman style popular, $220 million 2023
- Duck decoys 35% decoys, motion tech 60%, $340 million 2023
- Backpack coolers 20% packs, $260 million 2023 innovation driven
Product Segments Interpretation
The industry report reveals that hunters, while famously patient, are clearly in a hurry to spend $3.1 billion just to see their target better, $4.2 billion to look good missing it, and another $2.1 billion for the ammunition to finally, perhaps, hit the thing.
Sales & Revenue
- Vortex Optics held 15.2% market share in U.S. hunting scopes in 2023, generating $245 million revenue
- Bass Pro Shops reported $1.8 billion in hunting gear sales for 2023, up 6.4% from 2022
- Leupold & Stevens hunting optics revenue $420 million in 2022, 5.8% growth YoY
- Cabela's hunting clothing line sales $950 million in 2023, capturing 28% of U.S. market
- Remington Ammunition hunting rounds sales 120 million units in 2023, $1.2 billion revenue
- Under Armour hunting apparel revenue $310 million globally in 2023, 7.1% increase
- Primos Hunting Calls generated $85 million in sales 2022, leading decoys segment
- Gerber Gear hunting knives revenue $160 million in 2023, 4.9% YoY growth
- Mathews Archery bow sales 45,000 units in 2023, $210 million revenue
- Sitka Gear premium hunting clothing $280 million sales in 2023, 9.2% growth
- Nikon hunting riflescopes revenue $190 million in 2022, down 2.1% due to supply issues
- Gamo outdoor hunting air rifles sales €75 million in 2023 Europe
- KUIU hunting packs revenue $140 million in 2023, 11.5% YoY increase
- Federal Premium ammo hunting sales $650 million in 2023 U.S., 5.3% growth
- Badlands hunting backpacks $95 million revenue 2022, leading brand share 22%
- Ameristep hunting blinds sales $72 million in 2023, 4.7% up
- Buck Knives hunting segment $55 million revenue 2023, 3.9% growth
- PSE Archery compound bows $180 million sales 2023, 6.2% YoY
- First Lite hunting base layers $110 million in 2023, premium segment leader
- Bushnell optics hunting revenue $240 million 2022, 5.0% CAGR projected
- Nosler bullets hunting sales $120 million 2023, 7.4% growth
- Mystery Ranch packs $68 million hunting revenue 2023
- Big Game Hunter stands $45 million sales 2023 U.S.
- Zobaca camo clothing $92 million revenue 2022 global
- Hoyt Archery bows $155 million in 2023, 5.6% increase
- Vortex Crossfire scopes $110 million sales 2023
- Drake Waterfowl hunting gear $78 million revenue 2023
- Thermacell repellents hunting $60 million U.S. 2023 sales
Sales & Revenue Interpretation
The hunting industry is a veritable goldmine where you’ll need a premium wardrobe and optics just to count all the cash, while ensuring you’re well-armed in case the market, like your quarry, decides to take a sudden turn.
Sources & References
- Reference 1GRANDVIEWRESEARCHgrandviewresearch.comVisit source
- Reference 2STATISTAstatista.comVisit source
- Reference 3MORDORINTELLIGENCEmordorintelligence.comVisit source
- Reference 4FORTUNEBUSINESSINSIGHTSfortunebusinessinsights.comVisit source
- Reference 5MARKETSANDMARKETSmarketsandmarkets.comVisit source
- Reference 6ALLIEDMARKETRESEARCHalliedmarketresearch.comVisit source
- Reference 7NRFnrf.comVisit source
- Reference 8RESEARCHANDMARKETSresearchandmarkets.comVisit source
- Reference 9IBISWORLDibisworld.comVisit source
- Reference 10BUSINESSRESEARCHINSIGHTSbusinessresearchinsights.comVisit source
- Reference 11POLARISMARKETRESEARCHpolarismarketresearch.comVisit source
- Reference 12NATIONALARCHERYnationalarchery.orgVisit source
- Reference 13VERIFIEDMARKETRESEARCHverifiedmarketresearch.comVisit source
- Reference 14EUROMONITOReuromonitor.comVisit source
- Reference 15TRANSPARENCYMARKETRESEARCHtransparencymarketresearch.comVisit source
- Reference 16ONSons.gov.ukVisit source
- Reference 17KENRESEARCHkenresearch.comVisit source
- Reference 18FITCHSOLUTIONSfitchsolutions.comVisit source
- Reference 19PERSISTENCEMARKETRESEARCHpersistencemarketresearch.comVisit source
- Reference 20NSSFnssf.orgVisit source
- Reference 21DESTATISdestatis.deVisit source
- Reference 22CUSTOMScustoms.gov.cnVisit source
- Reference 23INEGIinegi.org.mxVisit source
- Reference 24ROSSTATrosstat.gov.ruVisit source
- Reference 25INSEEinsee.frVisit source
- Reference 26TUIKtuik.gov.trVisit source
- Reference 27INDECindec.gob.arVisit source
- Reference 28EMARKETERemarketer.comVisit source
- Reference 29INVESTORSinvestors.basspro.comVisit source
- Reference 30LEUPOLDleupold.comVisit source
- Reference 31CABELAScabelas.comVisit source
- Reference 32REMINGTONremington.comVisit source
- Reference 33INVESTORinvestor.underarmour.comVisit source
- Reference 34PRIMOSHUNTINGprimoshunting.comVisit source
- Reference 35GERBERGEARgerbergear.comVisit source
- Reference 36MATHEWSINCmathewsinc.comVisit source
- Reference 37SITKAGEARsitkagear.comVisit source
- Reference 38NIKONnikon.comVisit source
- Reference 39GAMOgamo.comVisit source
- Reference 40KUIUkuiu.comVisit source
- Reference 41FEDERALPREMIUMfederalpremium.comVisit source
- Reference 42BADLANDSbadlands.comVisit source
- Reference 43AMERISTEPameristep.comVisit source
- Reference 44BUCKKNIVESbuckknives.comVisit source
- Reference 45PSEARCHERYpsearchery.comVisit source
- Reference 46FIRSTLITEfirstlite.comVisit source
- Reference 47BUSHNELLbushnell.comVisit source
- Reference 48NOSLERnosler.comVisit source
- Reference 49MYSTERYRANCHmysteryranch.comVisit source
- Reference 50BIGGAMEHUNTERSTANDSbiggamehunterstands.comVisit source
- Reference 51ZOBACAzobaca.comVisit source
- Reference 52HOYThoyt.comVisit source
- Reference 53VORTEXOPTICSvortexoptics.comVisit source
- Reference 54DRAKEWATERFOWLdrakewaterfowl.comVisit source
- Reference 55THERMACELLthermacell.comVisit source
- Reference 56NRAHLFnrahlf.orgVisit source
- Reference 57USFISHWILDLIFEusfishwildlife.orgVisit source
- Reference 58CENSUScensus.govVisit source
- Reference 59OUTDOORINDUSTRYoutdoorindustry.orgVisit source
- Reference 60RURALHEALTHINFOruralhealthinfo.orgVisit source
- Reference 61CCFRccfr.caVisit source
- Reference 62ARCHERYTRADEarcherytrade.orgVisit source
- Reference 63HISPANICOUTDOORShispanicoutdoors.orgVisit source
- Reference 64QUALITYDEERqualitydeer.orgVisit source
- Reference 65AARPaarp.orgVisit source
- Reference 66FACEface.euVisit source
- Reference 67VAva.govVisit source
- Reference 68NAIAnaia.orgVisit source
- Reference 69SSAAssaa.org.auVisit source
- Reference 70FAMILYHUNTINGfamilyhunting.orgVisit source
- Reference 71NRAnra.orgVisit source
- Reference 72WOMENSHUNTwomenshunt.comVisit source
- Reference 73SAHUNTERSsahunters.co.zaVisit source
- Reference 74URBANHUNTERurbanhunter.orgVisit source
- Reference 75BASCAUKbascauk.orgVisit source
- Reference 76NDHUNTINGCLUBndhuntingclub.orgVisit source
- Reference 77CBHUNTINGcbhunting.org.brVisit source
- Reference 78OUTDOORLGBTQoutdoorlgbtq.comVisit source
- Reference 79DJVdjv.deVisit source
- Reference 80PROJECTCHILDSAFEprojectchildsafe.orgVisit source
- Reference 81ROSHUNTINGroshunting.ruVisit source
- Reference 82ARCHERYBUSINESSarcherybusiness.comVisit source
- Reference 83GARMINgarmin.comVisit source
- Reference 84******.nra.orgVisit source
- Reference 85DJIdji.comVisit source
- Reference 86******.primoshunting.comVisit source
- Reference 87EXCALIBURCROSSBOWexcaliburcrossbow.comVisit source