January 30, 2003

Study Estimates the Effects of Hunting and Fishing on State’s Economy

Total spending by hunters and anglers in North Dakota during the 2001-2002 season was estimated at $468.5 million, excluding purchases of licenses, according to Dean Bangsund, North Dakota State University research scientist for Agribusiness and Applied Economics, and Larry Leistritz, NDSU agricultural economist. The aforementioned figure is indicative of a 29 percent increase since 1996-1997.

This figure was announced as part of the Resident and Nonresident Hunter and Angler Expenditures, Characteristics, and Economic Effects study. The study was conducted to estimate the effects of hunting and fishing during the 2001-2002 season on the North Dakota economy. It also facilitates the comparison of current information to previous studies to identify trends in hunting and angling activities.

The 29 percent increase in total spending resulted from increased participation and spending in most hunting and fishing activities. Resident hunters and anglers spent 22 percent more than they did in 1996-1997, whereas nonresident spending jumped by an incredible 101 percent. Gross business volume from all hunting and fishing activities increased by $233.9 million (30 percent) over the period.

"The economic importance of hunting and fishing in North Dakota has continued to increase throughout the 1990’s, and continues to be an important source of economic activity in the state," Bangsund and Leistritz note. However, they also comment that wildlife management should not be based solely on economic information, but must balance demand for wildlife-related recreation with the supply of resources. This is the only way to ensure continued economic benefits that abundant hunting and fishing opportunities provide to the state.

For more hunting and angling information on the 2001-2002 season, visit http://agecon.lib.umn.edu/cgi-bin/detailview.pl?paperid=6719 for the 24-page summary or http://agecon.lib.umn.edu/cgi-bin/detailview.pl?paperid=6654 for the 116-page full report.

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Sources: Dean A. Bangsund, (701) 231-7471, bangsund@ndsuext.nodak.edu
F. Larry Leistritz, (701) 231-7455, lleistri@ndsuext.nodak.edu
Writer: Teresa Oe, (701) 231-8371, teresa.oe@ndsu.nodak.edu
Editor: Rich Mattern, (701) 231-6136, richard.mattern@ndsu.nodak.edu