Hunters, anglers spending the same for their outdoors toys

Southwick and Associates out of Florida has completed a survey of hunters and anglers that indicate unchanged buying habits.

In its latest polling of hunters and anglers, Southwick looked at the buying habits of sportsmen in 2011 compared to the previous year. The study reveals that 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 persons responding they were buying more accounted for 24.7 percent of the responses, a 4.9 percent increase over the previous year.

Meanwhile those hunters 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 anglers buying the same increased 4.4 percent, while those anglers indicating they had bought less dropped 3.6 percent.

To help 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.

- Jeffrey L. FRischkorn
JFRischkorn@News-Herald.com