USA National Hunting Survey 2011

Hunting in the USA increased dramatically from 2006 to 2011, according to a recent study by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

The 2011 National Survey of Fishing, Hunting, and Wildlife Associated Recreation Final National Report was released in December by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

The Final Report, which follows the August 2012 Preliminary Review and the September 2012 State Overview, provides extensive information on the types of activities and money spent for fishing, hunting, and wildlife watching.

Hunting Statistics

In 2011, 13.7 million hunters entered the field to hunt. During that period, 11.6 million hunted big game, 4.5 million hunted small game, 2.6 million hunted migratory birds, and 2.2 million other animals.
   
80% of all hunters were metropolitan residents.

89% (12.2 million) of all hunters were males and 11% (1.5 million) were females.

More than 90 million U.S. residents 16 years old and older participated in some form of wildlife-related recreation in 2011.  The increase was primarily among those who fished and hunted.
   
Wildlife recreationists spent $144.7 billion in 2011 on their activities; $49.5 billion was trip-related, $70.4 billion was spent on equipment, and $24.8 billion was spent on other items such as licenses and land leasing and ownership.

The number of sportspersons rose from 33.9 million in 2006 to 37.4 million in 2011. Approximately 33.1 million people fished, 13.7 million hunted, and 71.8 million participated in at least one type of wildlife-watching activity such as observing, feeding and photographing wildlife.

source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

Deer Hunting Gadgets

An incredible array of gadgets are available for deer hunters. Hunting equipment is used to improve efficiency, accuracy, and safety. Equipment for deer hunting includes navigational aids, optics, cameras, lights, processing equipment, and more.

Navigation

Navigational equipment is essential for hunters. The most common items are compasses, portable GPS units, tracking devices, maps, digital mapping software, and accessories.

Optics

Optical equipment is especially useful in many hunting situations. Optical devices include binoculars, night vision equipment, spotting scopes, rifle scopes, eyewear, and other items.

Cameras

A variety of digital equipment is used for hunting. Scouting cameras have revolutionized big game hunting. These discrete units are mounted along known deer trails. Triggered by movement, these specialized cameras capture images of deer and other wildlife.

Lighting

Lights are essential accessories for deer hunters. Battery powered headlamps are extremely popular among deer hunters. These simple devices strap on to the hunter's head, leaving both hands free. Flashlights in a variety of sizes are also useful when hunting.

Processing

A variety of equipment is available to help hunters process, store, and cook venison. For field processing, knives, racks, winches, and other items are useful.

Once deer carcasses have been field dressed and transported back home, final processing can begin. Some venison needs only to be cleaned, cut, and packaged for freezing.

In addition to freezing cut venison, many hunters elect to further process their kill. Useful equipment for venison processing include sausage grinders, meat slicers, jerky ovens, smokers, and other devices.