Economics of Wildlife

Total Expenditures on Wildlife in 2011

$145 billion, accounting for 1% of GDP.

Number of Hunters in 2016

184 million hunters participated in hunting activities.

Total Days Hunting

147 million hunting trips taken.

Revenue Generated from Trip Related Costs in North Carolina

$3.3 billion from expenses such as gas, food, and lodging.

Participants in Outdoor Recreation in 2011

90 million people, which is 38% of the population.

Fishing Participation Compared to Other Sports

More Americans fish than play basketball and football combined.

Economic Impact of Fishing

Supported more than 1 million jobs, exceeding employment at Home Depot, Target, and General Electric.

Pittman-Robertson Act

Established in 1937, it imposes an 11% tax on hunting equipment to support wildlife restoration.

Dingell-Johnson Act

Provides funding for fish conservation, with anglers generating $38 billion since 1950.

Teaming with Wildlife Coalition

A 1990's initiative aimed at creating funding for non-game species.

State Wildlife Grants (SWG) of 2001

Provides federal grants to state agencies for wildlife conservation programs.

Benefits of Farming Wildlife

Possible relief of pressure on wild populations, although not scientifically evaluated.

Problems with Farming Wildlife

Animal welfare issues, potential for animals to escape and become invasive.

Game Animals and Trophy Hunting

A controversial practice where trophy hunting endangered species raises ethical concerns.

North American Model of Wildlife Conservation

Emphasizes non-frivolous use of wildlife and prohibition of commerce of dead wildlife.