Pavel Prikhodko, Ph.D. Machine Learning
Many years ago, hunting was a necessity for survival. In current times, hunting has developed into a form of sport and recreation in Western countries. In the U.S., hunting is generally regulated on a state-by-state basis, but hunters nationwide are required to hold a hunting license regardless of state. In 2013, about 14 million people participated in hunting in the U.S.
In 2011, American hunters spent an average of $2,484 on hunting, a significant increase from 2006, when the average hunter spent approximately $2,050. In 2001, the average hunter’s expenditures in the U.S. amounted to $2,001.
Let’s analyze the data on paid hunting license holders in the U.S. from 2004 to 2013. As you can see, there were 14.97 million paid hunting license holders in the U.S. back in 2004. In 2005 and 2006, the numbers approximated to 14.68 million and 14.73 million license holders. The numbers were nearly equal in 2007 and 2008: 14.58 million and 14.62 million respectively. In both 2009 and 2010, 14.45 million hunters held licenses in the U.S. This number increased to 14.97 million in 2011. The number of license holders in 2012 decreased slightly from the 2011 values: 14.96 million licenses. In 2013, there were 14.63 million paid hunting license holders in the country.
Wildlife viewing in general is also a popular hobby for Americans. In the linked survey, a participant was defined as an individual who took part in the activity at least once in the given year. In 2010, approximately 21.03 million people participated in wildlife viewing in the U.S. In 2012, the number of people who participated in wildlife viewing amounted to 23 million, a notable increase from the 21.96 million participants in the previous year. In 2013 and 2014, the numbers of wildlife viewing participants were 21.36 million and 21.11 million accordingly. In 2015, approximately 20.72 million Americans participated in wildlife viewing.
About Pavel Prikhodko
Pavel Prikhodko, Ph.D. Machine Learning
Pavel has worked for many years as a researcher and developer on a wide range of applications (varying from mechanics and manufacturing to social data, finance and advertising), building predictive systems and trying to find stories that data can tell.
In his free time, he enjoys being with his family.
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Good article. Down here in south Texas, hunting is more of a “sit and wait” sport than actual tracking and hunting. There are a ton of bird watchers however. I wonder what the stats are on pest control done with rifles?