Despite Focus on Big Game by Media, Many Hunters Still Enjoy Small Game and Upland Hunting

 FERNANDINA BEACH, Fla. — With more than 10 million hunters pursuing the white-tailed deer in the United States, according to the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, this iconic creature reigns supreme as the most hunted species of game animal in North America. Walk by the newsstand in the fall and glance at the covers of outdoor magazines and it would seem deer and other big game are virtually all that is of interest. But that perception would be wrong.  In fact, according to a recent study by HunterSurvey.com, about half of sportsmen surveyed said they had hunted small or upland game in the past year.

Species such as squirrels, rabbits, quail, pheasants and similar furred and feathered game still draw hunters into our nation’s fields and forests by the millions every year.

“Small game and upland hunting often served as a hunter’s first experiences pursuing game before deer, turkey and elk populations became so plentiful; and for many hunters, they still are. With abundant opportunities available to hunt various small game and birds, it would seem interest among many sportsmen is still there,” says Rob Southwick, president of Southwick Associates, who designs and conducts the surveys at HunterSurvey.com, ShooterSurvey.com and AnglerSurvey.com. “For those not pursuing small game, by promoting such hunting we may be able to help expand their hunting opportunities and fun, and thereby increase overall hunting activity.”

And what is the type of firearm of choice for these small game hunters? HunterSurvey.com found the low-recoiling rimfire in either .22 caliber or .17 caliber remains a favorite among these sportsmen with 67 percent of those surveyed reporting they used them when hunting. Shotguns remain tops for bird hunting, to no surprise.

To help continually improve, protect and advance hunting, shooting and other outdoor recreation, all sportsmen and sportswomen are encouraged to participate in the bi-monthly surveys at HunterSurvey.com, ShooterSurvey.com and/or AnglerSurvey.com. Every other month, participants who complete the surveys are entered into a drawing for one of five $100 gift certificates to the sporting goods retailer of their choice.

About AnglerSurvey.com, HunterSurvey.com and ShooterSurvey.com: Launched in 2006, AnglerSurvey.com, HunterSurvey.com and ShooterSurvey.com help the outdoor equipment industry, government fisheries and wildlife officials and conservation organizations track consumer activities and expenditure trends. Survey results are scientifically analyzed to reflect the attitudes and habits of anglers and hunters across the United States. Follow them on Facebook at https://facebook.com/huntersurvey and https://facebook.com/anglersurvey or on Twitter at https://twitter.com/#!/AnglerSurvey and https://twitter.com/#!/HunterSurvey.

About Southwick Associates:  Southwick Associates is a market research and economics firm specializing in the hunting, shooting, sportfishing, and outdoor recreation markets.  Founded in 1989, Southwick Associates is renowned for delivering comprehensive insights and statistics assisting business and strategic decisions across the entire outdoor industry; from government agencies, industry associations and non-profit organizations, to affiliated businesses and manufacturers.  Aside from custom market research, and economic impact studies, Southwick also provides syndicated participation, media consumption, and equipment purchase tracking studies utilizing their three proprietary sportsmen panels.  Visit www.southwickassociates.com for more information.

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