The Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation is touting the results of a survey by Responsive Management that indicates 79% of Americans approve of hunting.
The approval rating was the highest for hunting since 1995, the Montana-based organization reported. According to RMEF, the survey was conducted in February among 1,306 Americans age 18 and older.
“Hunting is a way of life for many of us. Most Americans recognize and agree with that,” said David Allen, RMEF president and CEO. “Hunting is conservation. It has a tremendous positive impact on wildlife and wildlife habitat.”
According to RMEF, trends showing public support for hunting have remained steady over the past several years, but this year’s figure is the highest in recent memory, surpassing the 78% approval rating in 2006.
RMEF said in a press release that increased acceptance of hunting could be linked to a report from the US Fish & Wildlife service showing increased participation in hunting since 2006. That report also noted that participation in recreational shooting has risen 18% since 2009.
It also helps if people know someone who is a hunter, RMEF suggested.
Hunting directly accounts for more than a million jobs in the US and creates an overall economy of $67 billion per year, according to RMEF. Hunters provide the vast majority of funding that allows state wildlife agencies to successfully manage wildlife resources through license sales and excise taxes on hunting equipment.
