In 2001, 39 percent of all U.S. residents 16 years old and older participated in activities such as hunting, fishing and birdwatching according to the comprehensive "2001 National Survey of Fishing, Hunting, and Wildlife-Associated Recreation."
"This National Survey is created in a partnership effort with the U.S. Bureau of Census, and State fish and wildlife agencies, and has become one of the most important sources of information on fish and wildlife recreation in the United States," said Service Director Steve Williams. "It is a useful tool that quantifies the human economic impact generated by wildlife-based recreation. Federal, State, and private organizations use this detailed information to manage wildlife, market products, and look for trends." The 2001 Survey is the tenth in a series that began in 1955.
The Survey reports that more than 34 million Americans fished, 13 million hunted and 66 million observed wildlife. These recreationists spent more than $108 billion pursuing their activities. This expenditure accounted for 1.1% of the gross domestic product. Of the total amount spent, $28.1 billion was trip-related, $64.5 billion was spent on equipment and $15.8 billion was spent on other items.
America
