ANDRAS – STOCK.ADOBE.COM PHOTOThe U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Association of Fish & Wildlife Agencies have released the results of the 2022 National Survey of Fishing, Hunting and Wildlife-Associated Recreation.
The survey showed that U.S. residents older than 16 took 1.7 billion trips to participate in such outdoor activities as boating, fishing, hunting, wildlife watching and target shooting. It’s estimated that they spent $394 billion on equipment, travel, licenses and fees.
The survey, conducted by the National Opinion Research Center at the University of Chicago, found that 40 million people went fishing last year, or 15% of Americans 16 years and older.
“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,” U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service director Martha Williams said in a statement. “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.”
