WASHINGTON – America’s passion for wildlife and the outdoors continues to be a major engine of the nation’s economy, according to preliminary survey data released by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
In 2006, more than 87 million Americans, or 38 percent of the United States’ population 16 and older hunted, fished or observed wildlife.
They spent $120 billion that year pursuing those activities – an amount roughly equal to Americans’ total spending at all spectator sports, casinos, motion pictures, golf courses and country clubs, amusement parks and arcades combined.
Economic terms. “This very important survey shows in real economic and participatory terms the impact that wildlife has on the nation’s economy, but simply talking about dollars and cents doesn’t fully capture the importance of wildlife to our nation.
“Wildlife-related recreation rejuvenates our spirit and gets us outside pursuing healthy activities,” said U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Director H. Dale Hall.
Preliminary data from the 2006 National Survey of Fishing, Hunting and Wildlife-Associated Recreation shows the importance of wildlife-related recreation to the American people.
Of all Americans 16 or older,
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