Just a reminder, the 2016 National Survey of Fishing, Hunting, and Wildlife-Associated Recreation Report will be released by early 2018. This survey is conducted roughly every five years for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (at the request of the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies since 1955). The report consists of a wide range of hunting, fishing and watchable wildlife recreation participation, expenditures and demographic information. Currently a preliminary version of this report is currently available here (https://wsfrprograms.fws.gov/subpages/nationalsurvey/nat_survey2016.pdf).
For several years, Southwick Associates has been using the information gathered through this national survey effort to produce state-level economic impact figures. Economic impact modeling techniques are utilized to reveal a variety of insights, including the job creation, tax revenues, retail sales and other economic benefits that result from fishing, hunting or other wildlife recreation activities within each state.
For several years, Southwick Associates has been using the information gathered through this national survey effort to produce state-level economic impact figures. Economic impact modeling techniques are utilized to reveal a variety of insights, including the job creation, tax revenues, retail sales and other economic benefits that result from fishing, hunting or other wildlife recreation activities within each state.
Recently, Southwick Associates has been awarded AFWA grants to generate economic impact numbers for hunting, shooting and fishing activities in every state. Final sample sizes and data reliability will determine if results can be provided for your specific state, and efforts are now underway to validate and compile all data. The research firm is also capable of producing similar economic impact estimates for these activities on a smaller geographic scale, such as down to the county or municipal level, using additional custom surveys. It is also possible to develop economic impacts for specific species, various hunting or fishing methods and for residential and non-residential wildlife viewing. If interested in custom economic impact figures, please contact Rob Southwick at Rob@southwickassociates.com.