Hunting And Conservation Organization Survey Results
A survey conducted by University of Wisconsin researchers finds that the most frequently cited motivation for hunters in Wisconsin are spending time outdoors (98%) and being close to nature (92%), which represents a shift away from the achievement-oriented motivations identified in previous surveys.
The motivations cited by Wisconsin hunters for this activity include:
- Spending time outdoors (98%)
- Being close to nature (92%)
- Opportunities to use skills and knowledge (89%)
- Spending time with friends (86%)
- Spending time with family (81%)
- Obtaining meat (60%)
- Getting trophy animals (19%)
Compared to previous research, these findings indicate that hunter motivations have shifted away from achievement-oriented reasons toward others, such as enjoying nature. Hunting is a significant factor in Wisconsin’s economy; about 700,000 hunters spend nearly $1.4 billion within the state, supporting more than 25,000 jobs and contributing more than $197 million in state and local taxes.
The percentage of the population that hunts in Wisconsin and nationally has declined over the past few decades, at least in part due to broad societal changes like urbanization and competing time commitments.