Survey: Sportsmen Purchases Remain Steady
OutdoorHub 10.17.11
Fernandina Beach, Fla. — A look at the buying habits of sportsmen in 2011 compared to the previous year reveals purchases of hunting and fishing equipment have remained steady in the current year, and in fact, even slightly improved.
In the most recent survey at HunterSurvey.com, participants were asked if they were buying more, less or the same amount of hunting equipment so far this year compared to 2010. Those responding they were buying more accounted for 24.7 percent of the responses, a 4.9 percent increase over the previous year. Meanwhile those purchasing the same amount dropped one point to 39 percent as those reporting they were buying less dropped 3.1 percent.
Asked the same question except as it relates to the purchase of fishing equipment, AnglerSurvey.com respondents saying they were buying more jumped a statistically insignificant 1.5 percent from 16.2 to 17.7 percent. Those buying the same increased 4.4 percent, while those indicating they had bought less dropped 3.6.
“While everyone in the hunting and fishing industry would love to see the ‘buying more’ responses make a significant jump, at least some of the fears of a so-called double dip recession, at least where these markets are concerned, does not appear to be on its way. Sportsmen are pretty much buying the same amount of gear,” said Rob Southwick, president of Southwick Associates, which designs and conducts the surveys at HunterSurvey.com, ShooterSurvey.com and AnglerSurvey.com.
To help continually improve, protect and advance the shooting sports and outdoor recreation, all sportsmen and sportswomen are encouraged to participate in the surveys at HunterSurvey.com, ShooterSurvey.com and AnglerSurvey.com. Each month, participants who complete the survey are entered into a drawing for one of five $100 gift certificates to the sporting goods retailer of their choice.
About AnglerSurvey.com, HunterSurvey.com and ShooterSurvey.com: Launched in 2006, AnglerSurvey.com, ShooterSurvey.com and HunterSurvey.com help the outdoor equipment industry, government fisheries and wildlife officials and conservation organizations track consumer activities and expenditure trends. The information above represents only a small sample of the vast amount of data collected from the complete survey results and available to government agencies, businesses, the media and other interested parties. Results are scientifically analyzed to reflect the attitudes and habits of anglers and hunters across the United States. Find them on Facebook at http://facebook.com/huntersurvey and http://facebook.com/anglersurvey.
