New OSCF Research Shows Decline in Gen Pop Support of Fishing, Target Shooting, and Hunting

Middlebury, CT – A comprehensive research study conducted by Responsive Management for Outdoor Stewards of Conservation Foundation (OSCF) looked to gain insights into the current attitudes of adult Americans regarding fishing, target shooting, hunting, and trapping.

The project was a continuation of similar studies conducted by Responsive Management and provides trend data dating as far back as 1995. As the longest running study on Americans’ attitudes toward these activities, it is a useful tool for understanding both historical trends as well as the current sentiments of Americans.

Report results paint an ominous picture for those that work within the outdoor industry. General population support for fishing, target shooting, and hunting has declined since the study was last conducted. For example, approval of both legal recreational fishing and recreational target shooting declined by three percent (3%) while approval of legal hunting went down by four percent (4%).

“The percentages may seem small at first glance, but this study is representative of 253 million adult Americans (ages 18 and older), so four percentage points equates to more than 10.1 million Americans,” noted Mark Damian Duda, who has been the Executive Director of Responsive Management since 1985. Mark continued: “The findings are worrisome, but having this knowledge will allow the industry to make changes to stem or reverse the loss of support. The most important thing we can do next is learn the specific reasons why Americans no longer approve of these activities at the rates they used to.”

Outdoor Stewards of Conservation Foundation Vice-Chair, Jenifer Wisniewski, who is also the Director of Marketing for the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA), said about the findings, “It was a shock to see such large-scale loss of support but it certainly acts as a wakeup call for the entire outdoor industry to do better. For our part, TWRA has been working closer with industry partners on promoting positive contributions of outdoorsmen and outdoorswomen. With the release of this report, I believe this not only needs to continue, but be scaled nationwide.”

The research project was funded through a Multistate Conservation Grant administered through the USFWS and the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies. Top line and full reports entitled “Americans’ Attitudes Towards Legal, Regulated Fishing, Target/Sport Shooting, Hunting and Fishing” are available, free of charge, at https://www.outdoorstewards.org/americans-attitudes-towards-fishing-target-shooting-hunting-and-trapping/ .

About:

Outdoor Stewards of Conservation Foundation (OSCF) is a 501c3 nonprofit organization that uses research-based communication and engagement programs to recruit the next generation of HATS (Hunters, Anglers, Trappers and Shooters) and promotes the fact that HATS are primary funders and stewards of land and fish and wildlife conservation in America. Learn more about OSCF programs such as “Fill A Bag While Filling Your Tag,” “Come With!” and “Connecting with Conservation” by visiting www.OutdoorStewards.org and following on Instagram @OutdoorStewards. Contact Jim Curcuruto jim@stewardsofconservation.org (203) 450-7202 for additional information.

Responsive Management is an internationally recognized survey research firm specializing in attitudes toward natural resource and outdoor recreation issues. The firm’s mission is to help natural resource and outdoor recreation agencies, businesses, and organizations better understand and work with their constituents, customers, and the public. For more information visit www.ResponsiveManagement.com.