http://www.agfc.com/Sportsmen
have a huge impact on the Arkansas’s economy
LITTLE ROCK – A recently released report
based on a 5 year study by the US Fish and Wildlife Services demonstrates
that by any measure, Arkansas’ 551,000 hunters and anglers are among the
most prominent and influential of all demographic groups. That equates to 26% of Arkansas’s
population that hunt or fish.
Arkansas sportsmen spend more than $1.4
billion a year on hunting and fishing related recreation in the
state. These latest figures
demonstrate that season after season hunters and anglers are an economic
powerhouse, driving the economy from bit businesses to rural towns. Wildlife watchers and another
group of outdoor enthusiasts spend more that $607 million annually in the
state. Sportsmen contribute approximately $100
million in state and local taxes and directly support 17,823 jobs in
Arkansas, which is more that the University of Arkansas for Medical
Sciences.
The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission
reports that hunters and anglers are the original conservation stewards,
spending more than $21.6 million on licenses, stamps, tags and permits
annually – all of which goes to fund conservation programs run by the
Arkansas Game and Fish Commission.
“The very fiber of Arkansans is intertwined with this state’s
environment. Big-game hunters, small-game hunters, trout enthusiasts and
warm water anglers flock to this state’s natural resources to celebrate
their remarkable wealth,” AGFC Director Scott Henderson said. “By doing
so, these conservationists contribute to the economic well being of
Arkansas,” he added. “Hunting and fishing are part of our culture
and tradition here in the Natural Sate, and actually, it is an important
component of our state’s economy, “ stated State Senator Ruth Whitaker who
is the Co-Chair of the Arkansas Legislative Sportsmen’s Caucus. The Caucus
is a bi-partisan group of state Senators and Representatives who work to
protect the interests of Arkansas’s sportsmen, promote sound wildlife
management policy, and increase economic development through the sporting
industry. Arkansas hunters spend 22 days on average in
the field. “Hunting and fishing is a way of life for us here in Arkansas.
It is important that sportsmen have a voice at the State Capitol,”
Arkansas Legislative Caucus Co-Chair Representative Mike Burris.
“Sportsmen should all make an effort to share the joys of hunting and
fishing with youth to ensure that the tradition
continues.” According to the recent study, 5.3 percent
of Arkansas’s population (113,280) are migratory bird hunters, ranking
Arkansas tops in the country. Migratory bird hunters alone contribute more
than $29 million in state and local taxes. The migratory bird hunting
industry is a lifeblood for the economy in rural areas of the Grand
Prairie and Delta region of the state. A study by the Congressional Sportsmen
Foundation estimates that 8 in 10 hunters always vote in a presidential
election. It is clear that hunters and anglers are an active voting
constituency. Hunters and anglers pay attention, and take those decisions
into account when they vote. Lawmakers have a responsibility to stand as a
voice for this valid constituency. Statistics cited in this release are from
the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s 2006 National Survey of Fishing,
Hunting and Wildlife-Associated Recreation. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
- http://library.fws.gov/nat_survey2006_state.pdf |