U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
Wildlife & Sport Fish Restoration Program

National Survey - 15 Year Trend Information

A comparison of estimates from the 1991, 1996, 2001, and 2006 Surveys reveals that millions of Americans continue to enjoy wildlife recreation. While the number of sportspersons fell from 40 million in 1991 to 34 million in 2006, their expenditures increased from $60.6 billion (adjusted for inflation) in 1991 to $76.6 billion in 2006.

Fishing - Fishing continues to be a favorite pastime in the United States. In 2006, 13% of the U.S. population 16 years old and older spent an average of 17 days fishing. Comparing results of the 2001 and 2006 Surveys finds that the number of anglers declined 12% and overall fishing expenditures stayed about level - the 4% increase was not statistically significant at the 5 percent level.

From 1991 to 2006, the number of all anglers declined 16% and expenditures increased 18%. The number of saltwater anglers decreased 15% and the number of freshwater anglers declined 18%.

Hunting - Five percent of the U.S. population 16 years old and older, 12.5 million people, hunted in 2006. They spent an average of 18 days pursuing their sport. The 4% decline in the number of all hunters from 2001 to 2006 is not statistically significant. Similarly, the 2% drop in expenditures was not a statistically significant change.

Comparing 1991 to 2006 estimates, the number of all hunters declined by 11%. Although the number of all hunters fell, the number of big game hunters was about the same in the 1991 and 2006. Hunting expenditures increased 24% from 1991 to 2006.

Wildlife Watching - Thirty-one percent of the U.S. population 16 years old and older fed, observed, or photographed wildlife in 2006. These wildlife watchers increased in number by 8% from 2001 to 2006. Their expenditures for trips, equipment, and other items did not change at the 5% level of significance.

From 1991 to 2006 the total number of wildlife watchers decreased 7%. The number of those participating around their home fell 8%; while those taking trips to wildlife watch decreased 23%. In spite of the decline in participation, expenditures increased by 31% primarily due to equipment purchases.

Due to changes in methodology, the estimates from the 1991, 1996, 2001, and 2006 Surveys cannot be compared with estimates from previous surveys.