GITNUXREPORT 2026

Hunting Industry Statistics

Hunting is a major economic driver that funds conservation and supports many American jobs.

Min-ji Park

Research Analyst focused on sustainability and consumer trends.

First published: Feb 13, 2026

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Statistic 1

In 2022, hunters harvested 15 million big game animals in the U.S., aiding population management

Statistic 2

Pittman-Robertson funds restored 8 million acres of habitat since 1937, funded by hunters

Statistic 3

Duck hunters funded 6 million acres of waterfowl habitat via $30 duck stamps each

Statistic 4

Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation hunters conserved 2.2 million acres since 1984

Statistic 5

Hunter-funded programs increased pheasant populations by 40% in Midwest states since 2010

Statistic 6

90% of U.S. wildlife conservation funding comes from hunters and anglers, totaling $2.5B/year

Statistic 7

Mule deer populations stabilized in 12 western states due to hunter-funded transplants of 50,000 animals

Statistic 8

Quota hunts reduced overpopulation in 75% of monitored bear units, preventing crop damage

Statistic 9

Hunters reported 95% compliance with antlerless deer harvests for herd balance in 2022

Statistic 10

R3 initiatives (recruitment/retention/reactivation) added 1 million hunters, enhancing conservation funding

Statistic 11

Chronic Wasting Disease surveillance funded by hunters tested 1.5 million samples in 2022

Statistic 12

Upland bird habitat improved on 1 million acres via hunter donations to Quail Forever

Statistic 13

Wolf reintroduction balanced by hunter-managed harvests in 5 states, maintaining 2,500 wolves

Statistic 14

Pronghorn antelope numbers rose 25% since 1990 due to hunter-funded water developments (10,000+)

Statistic 15

75 million ducks harvested by hunters since 1961, aligning with stable populations of 45 million

Statistic 16

Invasive feral hog control by hunters removed 1 million hogs in Texas alone in 2022

Statistic 17

Bighorn sheep transplants (3,500 since 1920s) funded by hunters doubled populations to 85,000

Statistic 18

Hunter check stations processed 500,000 big game animals in 2022 for disease monitoring

Statistic 19

Grassland restoration for prairie chickens covered 500,000 acres via hunter support

Statistic 20

Moose management hunts prevented 20% overpopulation decline in Minnesota since 2010

Statistic 21

Hunter education courses trained 800,000 new hunters in 2022, promoting ethical wildlife use

Statistic 22

Elk habitat secured 7 million acres by hunters through Rocky Mtn Elk Foundation auctions

Statistic 23

CWD management zones expanded to 35 states with hunter-submitted heads (2 million+ tested)

Statistic 24

In 2022, resident hunters in the United States spent a total of $25.6 billion on hunting trips, equipment, licenses, and other related expenses, supporting over 1 million jobs nationwide

Statistic 25

The hunting industry generated $58.8 billion in total economic output in the U.S. in 2022, including multiplier effects from supply chains and induced spending

Statistic 26

Hunting licenses and permits contributed $1.1 billion in state revenue in 2022, funding 75% of state wildlife agency budgets on average

Statistic 27

Non-resident hunters spent $2.8 billion in 2022, representing 11% of total hunting expenditures and boosting rural economies

Statistic 28

The firearms and ammunition segment of the hunting industry was valued at $8.7 billion in retail sales in 2022

Statistic 29

Hunting-related retail sales supported 337,000 jobs in the U.S. in 2021, with average wages of $45,000 per employee

Statistic 30

Pittman-Robertson Act excise taxes on hunting equipment generated $1.1 billion for conservation in FY2022

Statistic 31

The U.S. hunting industry contributed $226 billion to GDP over the past decade through direct and indirect effects

Statistic 32

In 2021, hunting trips averaged 11.6 days per hunter, generating $12.4 billion in trip-related expenditures

Statistic 33

Archery equipment sales for hunting reached $1.2 billion in 2022, up 8% from 2021

Statistic 34

Big game hunting accounted for 58% of total hunting expenditures in 2022, totaling $14.9 billion

Statistic 35

Small game hunting expenditures were $3.2 billion in 2022, supporting local bait and feed stores

Statistic 36

Hunting apparel and footwear sales hit $2.5 billion in 2022, driven by camo patterns and tech fabrics

Statistic 37

Trophy hunting safaris in Africa generated $200 million annually for local economies in 2019 pre-COVID

Statistic 38

U.S. hunters donated $100 million to conservation organizations in 2022 through groups like RMEF and DU

Statistic 39

The global hunting tourism market was valued at $15.6 billion in 2023, projected to grow at 6.2% CAGR to 2030

Statistic 40

In Texas, hunting leases generated $1.8 billion in revenue for landowners in 2021

Statistic 41

Federal lands hosted 40% of U.S. hunting trips in 2022, contributing $10 billion to gateway communities

Statistic 42

Youth hunting programs led to $500 million in introductory equipment sales in 2022

Statistic 43

The muzzleloader hunting segment added $450 million to the economy in 2022 via specialized rifles and loads

Statistic 44

Waterfowl hunting expenditures reached $2.1 billion in 2022, including decoys and blinds

Statistic 45

Bowhunting trips cost an average of $1,200 per hunter annually, totaling $4.3 billion industry-wide

Statistic 46

Hunting dog training and breeding market valued at $300 million in U.S. in 2023

Statistic 47

Game processing services generated $800 million in revenue for rural businesses in 2022

Statistic 48

Taxidermy services for hunters totaled $250 million in sales in 2022

Statistic 49

In 2022, there were 15.5 million paid license hunting participants in the U.S., aged 16+, representing 5.9% of the population

Statistic 50

Youth hunters aged 6-15 numbered 2.9 million in 2022, with a 7% increase from 2016

Statistic 51

81% of hunters are male, while 19% are female in the U.S. in 2022, with female participation up 25% since 2011

Statistic 52

The average age of U.S. hunters in 2022 was 47.3 years, with 24% under 35 years old

Statistic 53

44% of hunters participated in big game hunting in 2022, the most popular type

Statistic 54

Small game hunters numbered 6.3 million in 2022, down 10% from 2016 but stable among youth

Statistic 55

4.1 million Americans took up hunting for the first time between 2020-2022

Statistic 56

Rural residents comprise 52% of hunters, urban 28%, suburban 20% in 2022 U.S. data

Statistic 57

White hunters make up 92% of participants, Hispanic 4%, Black 2% in 2022

Statistic 58

11.5 million hunters used public lands in 2022, 74% of total participants

Statistic 59

Bowhunters numbered 4.7 million in 2022, 30% of all hunters

Statistic 60

Migratory bird hunters totaled 2.8 million in 2022, requiring federal duck stamps

Statistic 61

Female hunters increased to 3 million in 2022, with highest growth in Midwest states

Statistic 62

Veterans represent 25% of active hunters, higher than general population rate, per 2021 survey

Statistic 63

65% of hunters have college degrees or higher, above national average, in 2022 data

Statistic 64

Average days afield per hunter was 20.5 in 2022, up from 18 in 2016

Statistic 65

1.2 million hunters aged 65+ participated in 2022, showing aging trend

Statistic 66

Hispanic hunter participation grew 50% from 2011-2022 to 620,000 participants

Statistic 67

22 states saw hunter increases in 2022, led by Texas with 1.1 million license holders

Statistic 68

Youth mentor hunts engaged 500,000 kids annually, boosting retention rates to 70%

Statistic 69

35% of hunters are first-generation, indicating recruitment success, per 2023 survey

Statistic 70

Urban hunters traveled average 150 miles per trip in 2022

Statistic 71

The U.S. hunting firearms market size was $7.8 billion in 2023, growing at 4.5% CAGR to 2030

Statistic 72

Archery equipment market for hunting reached $2.1 billion globally in 2023

Statistic 73

Optics and scopes for hunting sales hit $1.5 billion in U.S. 2023, up 12% YoY

Statistic 74

Camouflage apparel market valued at $3.2 billion worldwide in 2023 for hunters

Statistic 75

Ammunition sales for hunting totaled 2.1 billion rounds in U.S. 2022, $4.3B value

Statistic 76

Soft-sided coolers for game transport grew to $450 million market in 2023

Statistic 77

Trail cameras shipments reached 8 million units in 2023, $900M revenue

Statistic 78

Hunting rangefinders market expanded to $350 million in 2023, laser tech dominant

Statistic 79

Muzzleloading rifles sales increased 15% to 250,000 units in 2023 U.S.

Statistic 80

Game calls market valued at $280 million in 2023, electronic calls up 20%

Statistic 81

There were only 93 hunting-related fatalities in the U.S. in 2022, a rate of 0.5 per 100,000 hunters

Statistic 82

Hunter education certification reduced accidents by 65% since mandatory in 1972, with 99.99% safe days

Statistic 83

Firearm hunting accidents dropped to 145 non-fatal injuries in 2022 from 500 in 1990s

Statistic 84

1 in 1 million hunting shots results in unintentional injury, per IIHS data 2021

Statistic 85

All 50 states require hunter education for those born after 1960 or under 16, training 45 million since 1971

Statistic 86

Bowhunting self-reported injury rate is 0.02 per 100 participants, safer than golf

Statistic 87

Fluorescent orange requirements in 42 states prevented 80% of mistaken identity shots

Statistic 88

Lead poisoning regulations banned lead ammo in 5 states for waterfowl, reducing raptor deaths by 70%

Statistic 89

Treestand accidents fell 50% with safety harness mandates, 1,000 injuries annually now

Statistic 90

95% of hunting accidents are hunter error, preventable by 4 rules of firearm safety

Statistic 91

ATV accidents in hunting: 15% of injuries, prompting helmet laws in 30 states

Statistic 92

Federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act regulates seasons, bags limits for 2.8M hunters

Statistic 93

Chronic Wasting Disease regs require reporting in 30 states, checking 1M+ deer heads

Statistic 94

Suppressor use legalized in 42 states for hearing protection, reducing noise complaints

Statistic 95

Youth hunter minimum age averages 11 years, with parental supervision rules nationwide

Statistic 96

Baiting banned for bears/deer in 25 states to prevent disease spread and fair chase

Statistic 97

87% of states have antler point restrictions for ethical harvests

Statistic 98

Drone scouting banned for hunting in 48 states to maintain fair chase principles

Statistic 99

Crossbow regs allow in archery season in 35 states, with safety courses required

Statistic 100

Poison bait prohibitions protect non-target species under EPA FIFRA rules

Statistic 101

Global positioning collar bans for released game birds in 40 states for wild integrity

1/101

Sources

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Beyond the iconic camo patterns and quiet mornings in the woods lies an economic powerhouse, as evidenced by the staggering $25.6 billion spent by U.S. hunters in 2022 which, along with generating $58.8 billion in total economic output, fundamentally supports conservation, rural communities, and over a million American jobs.

Key Takeaways

In 2022, resident hunters in the United States spent a total of $25.6 billion on hunting trips, equipment, licenses, and other related expenses, supporting over 1 million jobs nationwide
The hunting industry generated $58.8 billion in total economic output in the U.S. in 2022, including multiplier effects from supply chains and induced spending
Hunting licenses and permits contributed $1.1 billion in state revenue in 2022, funding 75% of state wildlife agency budgets on average
In 2022, there were 15.5 million paid license hunting participants in the U.S., aged 16+, representing 5.9% of the population
Youth hunters aged 6-15 numbered 2.9 million in 2022, with a 7% increase from 2016
81% of hunters are male, while 19% are female in the U.S. in 2022, with female participation up 25% since 2011
In 2022, hunters harvested 15 million big game animals in the U.S., aiding population management
Pittman-Robertson funds restored 8 million acres of habitat since 1937, funded by hunters
Duck hunters funded 6 million acres of waterfowl habitat via $30 duck stamps each
There were only 93 hunting-related fatalities in the U.S. in 2022, a rate of 0.5 per 100,000 hunters
Hunter education certification reduced accidents by 65% since mandatory in 1972, with 99.99% safe days
Firearm hunting accidents dropped to 145 non-fatal injuries in 2022 from 500 in 1990s
The U.S. hunting firearms market size was $7.8 billion in 2023, growing at 4.5% CAGR to 2030
Archery equipment market for hunting reached $2.1 billion globally in 2023
Optics and scopes for hunting sales hit $1.5 billion in U.S. 2023, up 12% YoY

Hunting is a major economic driver that funds conservation and supports many American jobs.

Conservation and Wildlife Management

In 2022, hunters harvested 15 million big game animals in the U.S., aiding population management
Pittman-Robertson funds restored 8 million acres of habitat since 1937, funded by hunters
Duck hunters funded 6 million acres of waterfowl habitat via $30 duck stamps each
Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation hunters conserved 2.2 million acres since 1984
Hunter-funded programs increased pheasant populations by 40% in Midwest states since 2010
90% of U.S. wildlife conservation funding comes from hunters and anglers, totaling $2.5B/year
Mule deer populations stabilized in 12 western states due to hunter-funded transplants of 50,000 animals
Quota hunts reduced overpopulation in 75% of monitored bear units, preventing crop damage
Hunters reported 95% compliance with antlerless deer harvests for herd balance in 2022
R3 initiatives (recruitment/retention/reactivation) added 1 million hunters, enhancing conservation funding
Chronic Wasting Disease surveillance funded by hunters tested 1.5 million samples in 2022
Upland bird habitat improved on 1 million acres via hunter donations to Quail Forever
Wolf reintroduction balanced by hunter-managed harvests in 5 states, maintaining 2,500 wolves
Pronghorn antelope numbers rose 25% since 1990 due to hunter-funded water developments (10,000+)
75 million ducks harvested by hunters since 1961, aligning with stable populations of 45 million
Invasive feral hog control by hunters removed 1 million hogs in Texas alone in 2022
Bighorn sheep transplants (3,500 since 1920s) funded by hunters doubled populations to 85,000
Hunter check stations processed 500,000 big game animals in 2022 for disease monitoring
Grassland restoration for prairie chickens covered 500,000 acres via hunter support
Moose management hunts prevented 20% overpopulation decline in Minnesota since 2010
Hunter education courses trained 800,000 new hunters in 2022, promoting ethical wildlife use
Elk habitat secured 7 million acres by hunters through Rocky Mtn Elk Foundation auctions
CWD management zones expanded to 35 states with hunter-submitted heads (2 million+ tested)

Conservation and Wildlife Management Interpretation

It's a paradox where pulling the trigger also pulls the wallet strings, with America's hunters funding and executing a nationwide conservation effort so comprehensive that the animals they pursue often owe their thriving existence to the very tags on their hides.

Economic Impact

In 2022, resident hunters in the United States spent a total of $25.6 billion on hunting trips, equipment, licenses, and other related expenses, supporting over 1 million jobs nationwide
The hunting industry generated $58.8 billion in total economic output in the U.S. in 2022, including multiplier effects from supply chains and induced spending
Hunting licenses and permits contributed $1.1 billion in state revenue in 2022, funding 75% of state wildlife agency budgets on average
Non-resident hunters spent $2.8 billion in 2022, representing 11% of total hunting expenditures and boosting rural economies
The firearms and ammunition segment of the hunting industry was valued at $8.7 billion in retail sales in 2022
Hunting-related retail sales supported 337,000 jobs in the U.S. in 2021, with average wages of $45,000 per employee
Pittman-Robertson Act excise taxes on hunting equipment generated $1.1 billion for conservation in FY2022
The U.S. hunting industry contributed $226 billion to GDP over the past decade through direct and indirect effects
In 2021, hunting trips averaged 11.6 days per hunter, generating $12.4 billion in trip-related expenditures
Archery equipment sales for hunting reached $1.2 billion in 2022, up 8% from 2021
Big game hunting accounted for 58% of total hunting expenditures in 2022, totaling $14.9 billion
Small game hunting expenditures were $3.2 billion in 2022, supporting local bait and feed stores
Hunting apparel and footwear sales hit $2.5 billion in 2022, driven by camo patterns and tech fabrics
Trophy hunting safaris in Africa generated $200 million annually for local economies in 2019 pre-COVID
U.S. hunters donated $100 million to conservation organizations in 2022 through groups like RMEF and DU
The global hunting tourism market was valued at $15.6 billion in 2023, projected to grow at 6.2% CAGR to 2030
In Texas, hunting leases generated $1.8 billion in revenue for landowners in 2021
Federal lands hosted 40% of U.S. hunting trips in 2022, contributing $10 billion to gateway communities
Youth hunting programs led to $500 million in introductory equipment sales in 2022
The muzzleloader hunting segment added $450 million to the economy in 2022 via specialized rifles and loads
Waterfowl hunting expenditures reached $2.1 billion in 2022, including decoys and blinds
Bowhunting trips cost an average of $1,200 per hunter annually, totaling $4.3 billion industry-wide
Hunting dog training and breeding market valued at $300 million in U.S. in 2023
Game processing services generated $800 million in revenue for rural businesses in 2022
Taxidermy services for hunters totaled $250 million in sales in 2022

Economic Impact Interpretation

While the romance of hunting may be whispered in the rustle of camo and the crack of dawn, these statistics shout a more modern, muscular truth: from funding three-quarters of state wildlife agencies to supporting over a million jobs, the American hunter’s wallet has become, ironically, the ecosystem's most indispensable predator.

Hunter Participation and Demographics

In 2022, there were 15.5 million paid license hunting participants in the U.S., aged 16+, representing 5.9% of the population
Youth hunters aged 6-15 numbered 2.9 million in 2022, with a 7% increase from 2016
81% of hunters are male, while 19% are female in the U.S. in 2022, with female participation up 25% since 2011
The average age of U.S. hunters in 2022 was 47.3 years, with 24% under 35 years old
44% of hunters participated in big game hunting in 2022, the most popular type
Small game hunters numbered 6.3 million in 2022, down 10% from 2016 but stable among youth
4.1 million Americans took up hunting for the first time between 2020-2022
Rural residents comprise 52% of hunters, urban 28%, suburban 20% in 2022 U.S. data
White hunters make up 92% of participants, Hispanic 4%, Black 2% in 2022
11.5 million hunters used public lands in 2022, 74% of total participants
Bowhunters numbered 4.7 million in 2022, 30% of all hunters
Migratory bird hunters totaled 2.8 million in 2022, requiring federal duck stamps
Female hunters increased to 3 million in 2022, with highest growth in Midwest states
Veterans represent 25% of active hunters, higher than general population rate, per 2021 survey
65% of hunters have college degrees or higher, above national average, in 2022 data
Average days afield per hunter was 20.5 in 2022, up from 18 in 2016
1.2 million hunters aged 65+ participated in 2022, showing aging trend
Hispanic hunter participation grew 50% from 2011-2022 to 620,000 participants
22 states saw hunter increases in 2022, led by Texas with 1.1 million license holders
Youth mentor hunts engaged 500,000 kids annually, boosting retention rates to 70%
35% of hunters are first-generation, indicating recruitment success, per 2023 survey
Urban hunters traveled average 150 miles per trip in 2022

Hunter Participation and Demographics Interpretation

While America's hunting community is refreshingly young, female, and educated, its future depends less on stalking big game and more on recruiting from the city, the suburbs, and beyond its overwhelmingly white, rural, and aging core.

Industry Market and Equipment

The U.S. hunting firearms market size was $7.8 billion in 2023, growing at 4.5% CAGR to 2030
Archery equipment market for hunting reached $2.1 billion globally in 2023
Optics and scopes for hunting sales hit $1.5 billion in U.S. 2023, up 12% YoY
Camouflage apparel market valued at $3.2 billion worldwide in 2023 for hunters
Ammunition sales for hunting totaled 2.1 billion rounds in U.S. 2022, $4.3B value
Soft-sided coolers for game transport grew to $450 million market in 2023
Trail cameras shipments reached 8 million units in 2023, $900M revenue
Hunting rangefinders market expanded to $350 million in 2023, laser tech dominant
Muzzleloading rifles sales increased 15% to 250,000 units in 2023 U.S.
Game calls market valued at $280 million in 2023, electronic calls up 20%

Industry Market and Equipment Interpretation

It seems the modern hunter's pursuit of the perfect buck is now powered by a high-tech, multi-billion dollar arsenal where the sound of a new scope zooming into focus is almost as satisfying as the thump of a successful shot.

Safety and Regulations

There were only 93 hunting-related fatalities in the U.S. in 2022, a rate of 0.5 per 100,000 hunters
Hunter education certification reduced accidents by 65% since mandatory in 1972, with 99.99% safe days
Firearm hunting accidents dropped to 145 non-fatal injuries in 2022 from 500 in 1990s
1 in 1 million hunting shots results in unintentional injury, per IIHS data 2021
All 50 states require hunter education for those born after 1960 or under 16, training 45 million since 1971
Bowhunting self-reported injury rate is 0.02 per 100 participants, safer than golf
Fluorescent orange requirements in 42 states prevented 80% of mistaken identity shots
Lead poisoning regulations banned lead ammo in 5 states for waterfowl, reducing raptor deaths by 70%
Treestand accidents fell 50% with safety harness mandates, 1,000 injuries annually now
95% of hunting accidents are hunter error, preventable by 4 rules of firearm safety
ATV accidents in hunting: 15% of injuries, prompting helmet laws in 30 states
Federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act regulates seasons, bags limits for 2.8M hunters
Chronic Wasting Disease regs require reporting in 30 states, checking 1M+ deer heads
Suppressor use legalized in 42 states for hearing protection, reducing noise complaints
Youth hunter minimum age averages 11 years, with parental supervision rules nationwide
Baiting banned for bears/deer in 25 states to prevent disease spread and fair chase
87% of states have antler point restrictions for ethical harvests
Drone scouting banned for hunting in 48 states to maintain fair chase principles
Crossbow regs allow in archery season in 35 states, with safety courses required
Poison bait prohibitions protect non-target species under EPA FIFRA rules
Global positioning collar bans for released game birds in 40 states for wild integrity

Safety and Regulations Interpretation

While the public often imagines hunting as a chaotic free-for-all, the data paints a picture of a meticulously regulated activity where you're statistically safer in blaze orange on a stand than wearing plaid on a golf course, thanks to decades of evolving safety protocols and ethical mandates.

Sources & References

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