The number of hunters in the US continues to grow, which is not at all surprising considering the fact that hunting is deemed a noble and cultural tradition that is rooted deep in American culture. It has become, for many, a rite of passage, and continues to be an active part of many families’ way of living.
The most popular states for hunting, as reported by US hunters, have been revealed in a new study by premium rifle accessories manufacturer, Tier One.
The top states for hunting
The report shows that there are 10 states that hunters enjoy hunting in, which include:
- Texas
- NY
- California
- Michigan
- Ohio
- Pennsylvania
- Georgia
- Wisconsin
- Alabama
- Florida
The list is varied and includes states from all over the nation, from the West Coast (California) to the East Coast (New York, Pennsylvania). You also have states from the south of the US (Texas, Georgia, Alabama, Florida) and the midwest (Michigan, Ohio, Wisconsin).
The most loved hunting state: Texas
The most favored state to hunt in, according to hunters themselves, appears to be Texas. This state in particular is home to a bountiful population of game animals, including white-tailed and mule deer, pronghorn antelope, bighorn sheep, javelina, and more.
Texas is certainly the favorite state for hunters, and this does not come as a surprise since there is ample opportunity to engage in big and small game hunting throughout the year. Hunting in Texas is a tradition that can be traced back to the 1800s, with settlers choosing to hunt for meat and hides, usually hunting deer.
This motivation exists to this day, with 62% of hunters also citing meat as their primary purpose for participating in hunts, according to the same Tier One study. 17% report that they enjoy hunting as a form of adventure sport, while 5% engage in hunts to control pests and predators that affect livestock and other species.
Without a doubt, Texas is a prime location for hunting, especially when it comes to exotic hunting. You will find an array of exotic species, such as the axis deer, aoudad sheep, oryx, fallow buck, and more.
Why hunt?
Hunting is not always for everyone, but as a heavily regulated and controlled activity within the US, you can rest assured that many measures are in place to ensure that hunting in America is safe, enjoyable, and ethical. This takes the welfare of not only hunters but also the animals, into consideration as well.
Plus, let’s not forget how hunting contributes to wildlife management, particularly in terms of controlling certain wildlife populations. Hunting also has numerous economic benefits, with the hunting and trapping industry forecasted to reach $869.5 million this year. In 2022, the market size amounted to $848.3 million, showing how the industry is expected to grow.
The hunting culture in America is prominent, and although there are often stereotypes and misconceptions that are spewed by others regarding hunters and the act of hunting, it seems like hunting in the US is not disappearing anytime soon.
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