According to the latest census data, 72 million Americans participated in wildlife viewing, adding $55 billion to the US economy.  About 14 million Americans hunted, adding $34 billion.  Anglers totaled 33 million people and added $48 billion.   Click here for the report.

If one looks to see who stands up and asserts that sportsmen “pay for wildlife”, it turns out to be persons who buy a hunting or trapping license and tags, and who hunt or trap wildlife as a primary focus of his/her outdoor activities. These folks are not 16 year-old kids with a fishing license, or some guy who has a boat registered through the agency. These sportsmen are hunters or trappers and that is why, for purposes of this discussion, I have defined a sportsman who claims to “pay” for wildlife as someone who purchases a hunting or trapping … continue reading here