The National Survey of Fishing, Hunting, and Wildlife-Associated Recreation (Survey) has been conducted since 1955 and is one of the oldest and most comprehensive continuing recreation surveys. The Survey collects information on the number of anglers, hunters, and wildlife watchers, how often they participate, and how much they spend on their activities in the United States. The Survey reports results from interviews with U.S. residents about their fishing, hunting, and wildlife watching. While those who were interviewed revealed their affinities for the outdoors and how they spent their money on these pursuits, the Survey data demonstrate yet again that fishing, hunting, boating, and watching wildlife are part of the American lifestyle, and that these pursuits fuel economies and create enduring social and cultural bonds.
This report focuses on 2022 participation and expenditures of persons 16 years of age and older. It also provides information on participation in wildlife-related recreation in 2021, including that of persons 6 to 15 years of age. These include estimates for motorized boating, archery, and target shooting with firearms.
2022 Survey Results
The most recently conducted survey publication is the 2022 National Survey of Fishing, Hunting, & Wildlife-Associated Recreation. This survey features data on 2022 participation in fishing, hunting, and wildlife-watching. The survey also provides data on shooters, archers, and boaters. The 2022 estimates should not be directly compared with results from past surveys because of changes in methodology to improve accuracy.
2022 State Survey Results
Past surveys
- 2022 National Survey of Fishing, Hunting, & Wildlife-Associated Recreation
- 2016 National Survey of Fishing, Hunting, & Wildlife-Associated Recreation
- 2011 National Survey of Fishing, Hunting, & Wildlife-Associated Recreation
- 2006 National Survey of Fishing, Hunting, & Wildlife-Associated Recreation
- 2001 National Survey of Fishing, Hunting, & Wildlife-Associated Recreation
- 1996 National Survey of Fishing, Hunting, & Wildlife-Associated Recreation
- 1991 National Survey of Fishing, Hunting, & Wildlife-Associated Recreation
- 1975 National Survey of Hunting, Fishing, & Wildlife-Associated Recreation
- 1970 National Survey of Fishing and Hunting
- 1960 National Survey of Fishing and Hunting
- 1955 National Survey of Fishing and Hunting: A Report on the First Nationwide Economic Survey of Sport Fishing and Hunting in the United States