The Future of Hunting and the Shooting Sports: Research-Based Recruitment and Retention Strategies (2008)

Data suggest that the future of hunting and the shooting sports is precarious. The number of active hunters and sport shooters has decreased in the U.S., and fewer young people are entering these sports. However, while data indicate that participation in the U.S. has been declining, there are strategies that fish and wildlife agencies, non-governmental organizations, and industry can pursue to retain hunters and shooters in these sports, to get them to hunt and shoot more often, to recruit new hunters and shooters into these sports, and to gain wider public acceptance of these activities among non-participants.

The purpose of the research detailed in this book is to better understand the factors related to hunting and sport shooting participation, identify strategies to better meet the needs of current and potential participants, and more effectively communicate to the public about these activities.

The study included a comprehensive literature review of past research; focus groups in diverse geographic areas of active hunters and shooters, lapsed hunters and shooters, non-hunters and non-shooters, and anti-hunters and anti-shooters; two nationwide telephone surveys with hunters and shooters and the general population; and final report, including actionable recommendation strategies. Responsive Management then worked with the National Shooting Sports Foundation, numerous state fish and wildlife agencies, conservation organizations, and industry groups to implement the recommendations in the report.