A River of Statistics Runs Through It

Initial information about the 2006 Sportsmen’s Census are trickling out of the governmental vaults, Some we’ve heard about, some is just  preliminary information - as the final release is scheduled for November 2007.

Hunting - 5% of the US population, aged 16 or older hunted. 12.5 million total, a 4% decline in the last 5 years, in aggregate they spent 3% less money.

Fishing - 13% of the US population aged 16 or older spent an average of 17 days fishing. Anglers declined 12% over the last 5 years - but spent 5% more on tackle, and 7% more on fishing trips. They spent 14% less on clothing and tents, and 12% less on boats.

Wildlife Watching - 31% 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 increased 2%.

From 2001 to 2006, expenditures for wildlife-watching equipment (binoculars, cameras, etc.) increased by 20% and for wildlife-watching trips by 40%.

We reported earlier on California’s decision to charge a land use fee to bird watchers and kayakers, based on the above statistics we aren’t the only folks monitoring this change in habits.

I have no issue with this practice, but the unanswered question is will I have to pay double? Anglers and hunters both have to observe their prey, so will fishermen have to have a license to look at the trout before they release it?

The Humane Society welcomed the new federal data showing a surging number of bird watchers, wildlife photographers and other wildlife watchers. They increased from 62.8 million in 1996 to 71.1 million in 2006, spending $45 billion on their activities compared to $75 billion spent by hunters and anglers.

You know what’s coming next, bird watchers are only $30 billion behind on the political contribution and lobby effort, so are we going to see some congressional retread insist that he has been a life long lover of the Ruby Throated Warbler?

I can see the turmoil at the presidential debates; “Bob, how can you say that - I saw you shoo them pigeons off your window ledge yesterday, you’re not a bird lover - Christ, you had the Peking Duck for lunch!”

“Senator, you have 1 minute to respond…”

Technorati Tags: fishing statistics, land use fee, 2006 Sportsmen’s Census