Wingshooting USA TV Survey: Hunters Are Optimistic about 2014
Scott Linden 02.21.14
If you ask bird hunters, some talk about an economic recovery might actually be true. According to Wingshooting USA TV’s Scott Linden, upland hunters are bullish on 2014, based on response to his annual “Upland Nation Index,” survey.
Linden groups key product categories into an “Optimism Quotient,” and said according to that metric, 16 percent more Wingshooting USA viewers plan purchases in those categories than did last year. Among those categories, 59 percent plan to buy a new shotgun soon, 60 percent new boots, 47 percent will buy a new set of truck tires, and 35 percent are shopping for a new truck or SUV. Even with availability problems, a record number of my viewers plan to purchase more ammo than in 2013; the number planning to buy two or more cases rose 38 percent.
Linden says participation should also see a big bump. While most hunters will spend about the same number of days in the field, he noted an increase of 31 percent in the number who plan to roam the prairies and forests more often next season. Just as telling is the shrinking number of bird hunters who anticipate hunting less frequently next season, 13 percent versus 27 percent last year.
“I’m also proud of my fans’ generosity,” Linden noted. “A key objective of the show is to encourage hunters to recruit a newcomer, and in 2013 they responded in record numbers. The number of viewers who brought a “newbie” along three or more times skyrocketed 83 percent over last year.” According to the survey, Wingshooting USA viewers hosted almost a million introductory hunting trips last season.
The Upland Nation Index surveyed 1,700 viewers of the Wingshooting USA television program in early January, 2013. The margin for error is plus or minus five percent. Wingshooting USA is the most-watched upland bird hunting show in the U.S., airing on seven networks including a debut on Discovery Channel’s Destination America this summer. It is the official TV series of the National Shooting Sports Foundation.
Host and creator of the award-winning TV series Wingshooting USA, Scott Linden has learned a lot ... about upland hunting and bird dogs. But what's the point in learning, if it's not FUN? That's Scott's second objective. His job is to help you become a better shooter, dog owner and hunter, and enjoy the camaraderie and beauty of the hunt. Through video, articles, and seminars, Scott helps millions of beginning and seasoned bird hunters learn how their dog thinks - and acts - and how they can best utilize that information to shoot straighter, get the best performance from their dog, and put more birds in the bag.
