A Closer Look at the 2022 National Recreation Trends

In 2022, U.S. residents over the age of 16 embarked on more than 1.7 billion trips to engage in various outdoor pursuits, such as fishing, hunting, wildlife watching, recreational boating and target shooting. The collective expenditure associated with these activities surpassed $394 billion, marking the highest ever recorded in any National Survey when adjusted for inflation.

The 2022 National Survey, which builds upon a tradition of data collection every five years since 1955, adopted a modern "push to web" approach, allowing respondents to complete the survey online in addition to calling in or mailing in their questionnaires. This methodology increased accessibility and convenience for participants.

The National Wild Turkey Federation is dedicated to preserving the conservation legacy and hunting heritage of the United States. Its work extends beyond wildlife management and land conservation to advocacy for policies and regulations that safeguard the rights of American hunters and ensure efficient and effective conservation efforts.

In its mission to conserve the wild turkey and preserve our hunting heritage, the NWTF emphasizes the interconnectedness of each component. The results of the 2022 National Survey showcase the widespread appreciation for outdoor activities, and it is evident that many Americans hold outdoor recreation in high regard. This underscores the NWTF's dedication to both cultivating the next generation of hunters and educating the public about the integral role hunting plays in conservation. These efforts are crucial for preserving our rich hunting heritage and ensuring a sustainable future for our natural environment.

The implications of these figures extend beyond economics. Outdoor enthusiasts, especially hunters and recreational shooters, have a crucial role to play in advancing conservation efforts in the United States. The connection between outdoor recreation and conservation has a rich history, exemplified by the Pittman-Robertson Wildlife Restoration Act of 1937, where hunters committed to an excise tax on firearms, ammunition and archery equipment sales. This tax has been a cornerstone of conservation funding, supporting vital initiatives such as wildlife restoration, hunter education, safety programs and multistate conservation grants.

Hunters and anglers also contribute significantly to conservation through the purchase of licenses and tags, generating hundreds of millions of dollars for state natural resource agencies annually. The NWTF recognizes the critical importance of recruiting, retaining and reactivating new hunters to sustain these conservation efforts into the future.

“Our volunteers across the country host hunter Recruitment, Retention and Reactivation programs in order to share their passion for habitat, wildlife and conservation,” said Mandy Harling, NWTF national director of Education and Outreach Programs. “They have not only made a tremendous impact in passing on our hunting heritage but also in ensuring funding for critical conservation efforts.”

The advantages of hunting extend beyond wildlife and ecosystems; they encompass communities, outdoor recreation, lifestyles, education and much more. Examples of this include scientific research on many species of wildlife as well as the positive impact on local economies through job creation, revenue generation for local businesses and increased tourism. Hunting's wide-ranging effects impact us in various ways, and the NWTF is dedicated to spreading awareness of its far-reaching benefits.

For more information on the 2022 National Survey of Fishing, Hunting and Wildlife-Associated Recreation, visit their website, here.

About the National Wild Turkey Federation

Since 1973, the National Wild Turkey Federation has invested over half a billion dollars into wildlife conservation and has conserved or enhanced over 22 million acres of critical wildlife habitat. The organization continues to drive wildlife conservation, forest resiliency and robust recreational opportunities throughout the U.S. by working across boundaries on a landscape scale.

2023 is the NWTF's 50^th Anniversary and an opportunity to propel the organization's mission into the future while honoring its rich history. For its 50^th Anniversary, the NWTF has set six ambitious goals: positively impact 1 million acres of wildlife habitat; raise $500,000 for wild turkey research; increase membership to 250,000 members; dedicate $1 million to education and outreach programs; raise $5 million to invest in technology and NWTF's people; and raise $5 million to build toward a $50 million endowment for the future. Learn how you can help us reach these lofty goals.